Tuesday 9th June 2026

Yesterday's 3 EW choices didn't set the world alight, sadly. 

I had to smile when my choice in the last at Pontefract, GREAT, fluffed his lines and reared from the stall. I had to think back to Benvenuto Cellini's start in the Derby, where he was declared a non-runner. 

But I'm not sour, if a horse makes a balls-up at the start, it is its own fault, and this non-runner nonsense is just that, nonsense. How many times do we back horses that mess up in running or at the start? It is part of racing - just get over it!

Today we have an afternoon flat card at Salisbury, followed by evening action at either end of the country at Carlisle and Brighton. Southwell provides NH racing also this afternoon.

In the 3.18 this afternoon at Salisbury, Distant Rumble would be a shoo-in if not for the soft going, but chances must be given to Arantes Nascimento, Invincible Speed and Pheonix Moon, though the testing ground will not help them either. THUNDEROUS LOVE and Newsreader have form with give in the ground, and I will tentatively suggest the former, who has had a more recent run under her belt.

In the 4.53 It will be interesting to watch David Pipe's French import AFFECTION, who has won 4 of her 10 starts and has form on soft ground in France. You can only assume she has been brought over with a view to future jumping. The market will be interesting.

At 5.28 BARRY THE WORM (what a cracking name), was a half decent 2yo handicapper and it will be interesting to see how he fares on turf. 

I don't think anything more than watching is in order with any of these, however.

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At Carlisle tonight, the 7.42 looks to be wide open with Trilby looking good to go well again. Chances can be given to Peter The Wolf, Station X (who drops in class) and the veteran SPOOF who can follow up his win at Doncaster back in March. Currently trading at 14s, there is value to be had.

In the lucky last at 8.42 the two I like are Edward Bethell's Clocker and Tim Easterby's HATAMOTO who gives the impression that the longer trip of 9 furlongs should really suit.

Down on the south coast at Brighton, the going (at time of writing) remains as good. In the 7.21 I have a fancy for TEA SEA, who, if the rain stays away and the ground continues to dry, could well take the prize for trainer Tony Carroll.

ARVANA BELL loves the Brighton air and may well find the frame in the 8.21 at a nice price. She has been very average (and that is being kind) in her 2 starts since returning this year, but if she is going to run well anywhere, it is here.

The evening ends with a 5 and a half furlong sprint at 8.51 and cases can be argued for Merrimack, Kento and stablemate Recon Mission. However, John Gallagher's SECRET HANDSHEIKH is another who is a Brighton course specialist and he may be the answer in a tricky handicap.