Jack Milner: Anton Marcus has only been back riding at two race meetings following his injury, but he has already opted to make the trip to Kenilworth on Wednesday.
He only has two rides, both owned totally or in part by members of the Kieswetter family from Ridgemont Stud, who sponsor Marcus. They are both trained by Brett Crawford.
Neither stands out as a banker on this tricky eight-race card but both have undeniable winning chances based on their form. Punters will be relying on a touch of “Marcus Magic” and on that basis they need to be included in all bets.
The first, Walk Of Fame, comes up in Race 6, a MR 96 Handicap for fillies and mares over 1200m. This daughter of Dynasty has raced six times for two wins and two places.
However, she let the side down last time when unplaced behind Phil’s Dancer in a similar race over this course and distance. She showed for the first 800m but had nothing left in the closing stages and finished sixth in the seven-horse field, beaten nine lengths.
That run was on 24 April after which she has been rested 123 days so perhaps something was found to be troubling her. Crawford, though, has given her a “place chance” so in an open race that does bring her into the reckoning.
Kaptein is Marcus’ other ride, and he lines up in Race 7, a MR 76 Handicap over 1950m. His last race was over this course and distance where he faded late to end up a 5.50-length third behind Salvatore Mundi.
However, that was in far stronger company where the average merit rating was 83. This time it is 72 and that must bring him into one’s calculations.