Richard Birch's play of the day at Windsor
Leap Abroad
3.50 Windsor
Race-fitness can prove a valuable weapon in the early weeks of a new Flat turf season, particularly when there is cut underfoot.
Leap Abroad, an excellent second to Navello at Wolverhampton last month, is fancied to reinforce the point by landing division one of the 6f handicap at Windsor.
A four-and-a-quarter-length winner at Pontefract at around this time in 2022, Leap Abroad went on to win at Newmarket two months later.
He began last season with a highly creditable fourth to Orazio – now officially rated 100 and likely to develop into a Group-race performer this term – in a 6f Newmarket handicap at the Craven meeting off a mark of 88.
Rock-solid placed efforts in Newmarket and Newbury handicaps followed, and he appeals strongly as the class act in this 12-strong field.
Leap Abroad, who has an abundance of early speed, runs off 81 and is clearly well handicapped on the best of his form. It would be no surprise if he flew out of stall seven and ran his opponents ragged, with that proven race-fitness a significant factor.
Brazen Idol, luckless in his run from two furlongs out at Kempton a fortnight ago, should give a good account, but he may simply find Leap Abroad too well treated.
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