Having posted an improved and eye-catching effort last time out, Shah An Shah looks decent each-way value in the 3m handicap hurdle at Doncaster on Wednesday (14:50).
This Charlie Longsdon trained six-year-old is a lightly-raced and unexposed sort who has had just five outings under Rules.
He shaped with promise his sole bumper start when a 9 1/4 lengths third to Montego Grey at Market Rasen and also ran well on his first three starts over the obstacles – despite not troubling the judge.
In the last of those in a novice contest over 2m at this venue, Shah An Shah got outpaced three from home before rallying to finish a 14-length fourth of nine to Baron De Midleton.
The winner looks a promising sort, whilst the second home Perfect Predator was a useful bumper performer who had finished runner-up to a now 128-rated rival two starts earlier.
Logan Rocks, who came third, had previously won in good style at Huntingdon and went on to contest the Grade 1 Tolworth hurdle next time up to now be rated 126.
That gave the form a decent look. It also suggested an opening handicap mark of 109 for Shah An Shah was a lenient one.
Further step up in trip at Doncaster promises to suit
Indeed, he shaped really well off it last time out when upped to 2m 4f at Huntingdon and finishing a three-length third of 14 to Semando.
Shah An Shah travelled powerfully at the head of affairs under Aidan Coleman until getting headed three from home.
He then stuck to the task really well well before being unable to find any extra on the run-in.
It was a much improved effort and one which suggested the son of Shirocco should be well-up to winning a class 3 race of this nature. He is 10/1 with William Hill to do just that.
The further step up to 3m promises to suit and may well unlock further improvement for this promising and improving sort.
So, off an unchanged mark and with Coleman in the saddle once again, Shah An Shah looks a fascinating contender in this off bottom weight. He looks the one to be on at the odds on offer.
Bet of the Day: 10/1 with William Hill, Shah An Shah each-way in the 3m handicap hurdle at Doncaster.
