Normal Norman shaped better than the bare result last time out so, now returned to a venue where he runs well, looks decent value at 4/1 with Paddy Power to resume winning ways in the 1m class 4 handicap at Kempton on Wednesday (17:45).
This John Ryan trained six-year-old has won once and been placed on two occasions in three starts at the Sunbury-on-Thames track.
The success came two starts back over the trip and grade of this where Normal Norman got up close home to beat Merweb by a length in a 10-runner affair.
After quickly finding himself in last place and playing catch-up under Darragh Keenan, the son of Shamardal was forced to make his move out widest of all.
Normal Norman came with a steady run around the whole of the field to take things up deep inside the last and score going away at the line.
Given how the race panned out, it was a cracking effort which could be upgraded as he ultimately triumphed with a bit in hand.
The third, fourth, fifth and sixth have also all come out and run well since to make the frame – so that gives the form a decent look. It made a 3lb rise in the weights look more than fair.
Why Normal Norman is worth a wager
Normal Norman, who is rated 128 over hurdles, ran well off his revised rating of 79 when third of eight to Torochica over 1m 2f at Lingfield 12 days ago.
In a race run at a muddling pace, he was held-up at the rear by Keenan and given plenty to do.
Normal Norman then got outpaced when the tempo quickened two from home and was forced to make a move out wide, as the leaders kicked clear and stole valuable advantages at a crucial stage.
He then ran on strongly to be nearest at the finish, leaving the impression that he had plenty of petrol left in the locker and hadn’t been seen to best effect.
Keenan, who is once again in the saddle and takes off a handy 3lb with his claim, will surely have learned from that. The return to Kempton is an obvious plus for Normal Norman.
So, with Ryan back among the winners of late and operating at a strike rate of 22 per cent in the last 14 days at the time of writing, he looks to have plenty going for him in this.
Normal Norman thus makes plenty of appeal with bookmakers at the odds on offer. He is well-treated on the all-weather compared to his jumps rating, so could well bounce back.
Bet of the Day: 4/1 with Paddy Power, Normal Norman in the 1m handicap at Kempton.
