Siding with stables in form is a sound strategy in the early weeks of the Flat. Andrew Balding and Paul Cole are two trainers who have their horses in great shape, and they can pay to follow at Brighton today. Winning Show (2.40) has his first run for Balding and looks set to take advantage of a tumbling handicap mark. Rated 73 at one stage last season, he runs off 56 here.
The handicapper has not shown much leniency to Bentong (3.10) despite the gelding's blank season in 2007. But this is a useful sprinter on his day and he has gone well fresh in the past. Though his wins have come on Polytrack and fast ground, Bentong has shown he can handle give. Captain Webb (4.10) is Mark Johnston's selected from four entries in the 10-furlongs handicap. He should retain his unbeaten record, but won't be much of a price.
At Kelso, Front Rank (3.30) is capable of popping up at rewarding odds, with the ground, track and trip in his favour. Well handicapped now, he showed signs of a return to form when fourth behind Brook No Argument at Wetherby.
