Beverley best bets: Stallone looking to draw first blood in wide-open handicap sprint

16:00 Beverley: Malcolm Greenslade Doncaster LVA Stalwart Memorial Handicap  (5 furlongs)

Leading the betting is a far cry from winning the race, of course, and on this occasion it’s easy to swerve the tentative 5/1 favourite, Jack Of Clubs, who is touted to build on his most recent runner-up spot over the same distance at Musselburgh 45 days ago.

The next eight in the betting are all covered by no more than a couple of betting points, and while a case could be made for most of them, the real value in a pinsticker’s paradise such as this has to be an each-way punt on one of the equally viable outsiders, especially with four places widely available.

All of which brings us to Michael Dods’ capable journeyman Stallone, who looks as lively now as when he landed the first of his seven career wins at Nottingham back in June 2019.

Suggested best bet: Stallone each-way in the 16:00 at Beverley

In between those victories, a further 23 frame finishes indicate Stallone’s ability to put himself in the each-way mix, and he looks nicely weighted to achieve at least that here.

The eight-year-old’s last success was five outings ago on Newcastle’s stiff all-weather track in March, while he performed equally well on his season turf debut a month later, finishing a creditable third of 11 in 0-65 company on heavy ground at Nottingham.

A poor draw could help excuse last month’s mid-division finish at Musselburgh, and as his mark drops a further two pounds, the seven-pound allowance of promising claimer Rhys Elliott could prove to be a decisive factor.

• Tip advised by The EW Handicapper on Tipstrr

While our attention is down in the nether regions of the market, we couldn’t help but be drawn to the much more lightly-raced three-year-old, Ifonlytheycudtalk, whose odds have subsequently been slashed during a morning of significant market support.

Although still a maiden after 10 outings, Tim Easterby’s young gelding is trending towards his first win after a couple of decent showings this season.

Next best bet: Ifonlytheycudtalk each-way in the 16:00 at Beverley

A promising third of 12 at Doncaster in mid-June proved to be the stepping stone to an even more encouraging runner-up spot over this course and distance 10 days ago, when he came within a couple of lengths of landing a 33/1 upset.

He’s no longer anywhere near that price here, but in the capable hands of David Allan, and with cheekpieces re-applied, Ifonlytheycudtalk could well make his presence felt to justify his support here.

• Tip advised by Big Priced Winners on Tipstrr

READ MORE: Beverley racing tips: Best bets for Tuesday July 16