Doesn’t take a detective to work out that Ace Ventura needs a flat track

Ptarmigan Ridge
Trainer: James Fanshawe
Won, Chester, September 29
The four-year-old is developing a reputation as a 7f specialist – his form figures at this intermediate distance now read 15221 (versus figures of 2323620 at other trips). Having shown good speed to get in a handy position from a wide draw, he travelled strongly throughout and appeared to win this handicap with plenty in hand. He will be punished by the handicapper, but has scope for further improvement and given he is fully effective on the all-weather connections can explore options on an artificial surface.
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Kinks
Mick Channon
4th, Chester, September 29
What looked a plum draw in stall one in this valuable 6f nursery proved to be a hindrance. Kinks wore a blindfold in the stalls and was a bit sluggish at the start which meant he was at the back of the field against the rail at halfway. He appeared to be going well on the final bend, but then when trying to improve his position in the straight was short of room at a crucial stage – the interference probably cost him at least a place. This smart two-year-old has been on the go since April but is holding his form well.
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Ace Ventura
Roger Varian
5th, Epsom, September 30
Running at Epsom for the first time, this lightly raced three-year-old failed to act on the undulating track. He hung left on the downhill run to the finish, and was unable to make any impression until the last furlong when the course levels out. Ace Ventura was making this handicap debut off a workable mark of 80 and can leave this form behind on a flatter track.
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