9/1 Something to savour

Although there is an element of risk associated with having a punt on the Ladbrokes Bunbury Cup until the draw takes place, assuming there will be some sort of a bias, which isn't always the case, Something looks a rock-solid bet at 9/1 with William Hill in the seven-furlong event at Newmarket. In last year's renewal those drawn high were at a definite advantage on the prevailing fast ground. In the two previous runnings, low numbers were favoured on soft going. But, to confuse matters, the first four home in 2003 emerged from single-figure draws, and the going was fast that day. The opening race on the first day of the three-day July meeting may offer some clues, but there are others factors to work into the equation, such as where the pace in the race will be and, of course, the tactical nous of the jockey. Ryan Moore underlined the significance of the latter factor when winning last weekend's Eclipse aboard Notnowcato. However, all things being equal Terry Mills' Something can come out on top. Considering that the ground had turned against him at Royal Ascot, the five-year-old ran a fine race to finish just over two lengths fourth to Dark Missile in the six-furlong Wokingham, and the combination of better ground and the extra furlong will suit in this heritage handicap. Something's reappearance effort on top of the ground in a Listed heat at Windsor where he was beaten half a length into third behind Assertive was a cracking effort, especially given that he had been off the course for over a year prior. Chances are he still wasn't 100 per cent in terms of fitness going into the Wokingham, as it was just his second run back after returning from that injury-induced absence, so it's likely that there's more to come. Perhaps the biggest threat to the selection will be posed by Barry Hills' Dabbers Ridge, who was also short of optimum race fitness when third to Binanti in the Buckingham Palace Stakes at the royal meeting. Consequently, I expect the entire to reverse the placings with the latter whom he'll be meeting on 4lb better terms. The horse that split the pair that day, Fajr, is consistent and has each-way claims once again. Mine has made the race his own in recent years, and, incredibly, will be gunning for his fifth Bunbury Cup. James Bethell's charge powered home to beat Intrepid Jack by two lengths in last year's renewal and, all things considered, the 6lb higher mark he's now racing off doesn't look prohibitive. Indeed, despite now being a nine-year-old, he seems as good as ever this term. It would, however, be disappointing if there isn't at least one or two less exposed types that turn out to be better handicapped, Something being a case in point. That remark also applies to Vortex, who covered himself in glory when third in the Royal Hunt Cup, but looks weighed up to his best at present. Fantastic View, ninth in the Hunt Cup, was reappearing following a lengthy layoff that day and is an interesting contender. The Jeremy Noseda-trained entire was a smart juvenile when in the care of Richard Hannon and, although well held at Royal Ascot, he showed definite signs that the engine was still intact. Having been absent for the best part of three years prior to that outing, you would expect him to have come on a lot for the run. Furthermore, he was well backed antepost for that cavalry charge so, presumably, is showing the right signs at home. Verdict: 1pt Something @ 9/1 (William Hill)