Nap of the Day: Hat-trick seeking Mogul worth an investment

York's Dante Festival takes centre stage again on Thursday, but it's a five-runner race at Salisbury that's caught my eye in the search for the Nap of the Day.

It's a progressive stayer representing an in-form operation that gets the nod.

Ed Walker's progressive MEDIA MOGUL is fancied to complete a hat-trick at Salisbury on Thursday afternoon.

The four-year-old son of Advertise started his career over an inadequate mile, earning a lowly mark of 62 after finishing down the field in three maiden and novice contests, before making a significant step up in trip once handicapping. Sir Mark Prescott-esque.

I say that, but he didn't immediately improve beyond recognition as Sir Mark's often do. This one's progression has been more gradual.

Media Mogul's handicap debut over 1m4f at Kempton in February was the first stage. He finished fourth of 12, just over four lengths off the pace, after finding trouble in running. An encouraging effort.

Then, off a pound lower, he went to Newcastle and was just touched off by a rival who's recorded form figures of 122 in the meantime, rising seven pounds in the handicap.

Connections turned to cheekpieces for his next outing at Wolverhampton and it proved the difference-maker, as Walker's gelding achieved the first victory of his career. He beat a 13/8 favourite at Dunstall Park who's won since and reached a mark of 75 - his highest since July 2021.

A four-pound rise couldn't stop him from following up on turf debut at Redcar last month, as he beat a field of four despite a slow break and racing in snatches. The second and fourth have won subsequently, franking the form.

I can't help but feel the handicapper has been rather generous putting him up just three pounds for that. I would have expected at least five.

He must have every chance of landing the three-timer. While Thursday's step up to Class 3 company is asking for more, he looks ready to answer the call.

Kotari is, as the betting suggests, the selection's main danger. Gary & Josh Moore's six-year-old is interesting off a reduced mark under the brilliant Billy Loughnane, although he was recently withdrawn at Ascot on account of good-to-firm ground. Conditions are the same here.

Macari is exposed and could have used some relief from the handicapper, but he hinted at a bit of a revival at Goodwood a fortnight ago and under five-pound claimer Rose Dawes is another to watch out for.

Youthful King and Salsada aren't hopeless either, while it would be surprising if Chillhi or Rapid Mission were able to trouble the judge.

If he's in the same vein of form, Media Mogul should take all the beating in this company for an in-form yard (27% strike rate - eight wins from 30 runners in the past 14 days).

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