Past Winners » Bangkok Pete

20th-Feb-2016

I am taking a chance on Bangkok Pete here against some potentially progressive young rivals.  He may not beat them, but he shouldn’t be a 12/1 shot against them, and it is worth backing him at that.

Jamie Poulton’s horse is 11 years old now, but he proved that he was as good as ever on his debut this season at Uttoxeter in December, when he finished second to Baywing in a three-mile handicap hurdle.  He was well beaten by Baywing in the end, but he only gave best to Nicky Richards’ horse on the run to the final flight.

That is strong form.  Baywing followed up at Haydock next time and is now rated 23lb higher than he was for the Uttoxeter race.  Also, Bangkok Pete finished 28 lengths clear of Extreme Impact in third, and Extreme Impact has won his subsequent two races.

Bangkok Pete is now rated just 4lb higher than he was at Uttoxeter, which leaves him on a mark of 109, which is 18lb lower than his peak rating.  He is lightly-raced for a veteran, he has raced just 15 times under all codes in his life, and it may be that he can progress from his seasonal debut, his first run in 12 months.  He goes well on soft ground, and he could out-run his odds by a fair way.

Billy Dutton has been well backed this morning and he is interesting but, at the prices, Bangkok Pete is the bet.

BANGKOK PETE WON (ADV 12/1, SP 12/1)