Nap of the Day: Top duo step up in trip on Thursday

We're enjoying a very decent week, post-Cheltenham, and as I've alluded to on several occasions we've got so much to look forward to in the coming days and indeed months. As the temperatures hopefully reach new heights, so does the variety and quality of racing on offer. Spring will give way to summer, and our sport can compete with any in terms of quality and excellence.

For now let's direct our attention to Nottinghamshire on Thursday, and Southwell in particular, for our Nap of the Day.

18:00 Southwell - Engineer @ 11/2

We're pinning our faith in a three-year-old Showcasing colt trained in Lambourn by Clive Cox. A man in form - two of his last four runners have scored, and the man on board tonight isn't exactly 'cold' either.

Jockey Rossa Ryan is rightly in great demand, and has a 21% success-rate in the past fortnight. Ryan has ridden Engineer in the last three of just five total career starts, and it's significant in my view that the partnership is persevered with.

He's performed with consistency and credit on each run, all over the distance of 6f. He gets a step up to 7f tonight, and on run-style so far it looks sure to suit. Race-readers note that he invariably 'ran-on,' or 'kept on,' at the business end of his races. That extra 220 yards could make all the difference, and his maiden win at Wolverhampton also stated 'kept on well.'

His sire had his best day in the sun at York when winning the Gimcrack, over 6f. Race notes also remark that he 'kept on well' (there's a pattern emerging) when recording a cosy 2l win, and that was a Group 2 at at a major championship venue.

Flat, straight track, ears back, go for gold. His son Engineer now looks to take down a Class 4 handicap, around a bend - and I feel that's a task he's more than equal to.

Daring Legend opposes as a last-time winner but has an 8lb hike to deal with. Similar remarks apply to Smart Vision, up 3lb for a lower-grade success at Newcastle. Maiden scorer Inner Temple makes his handicap debut under Hollie, and Archie Watson's gelding is rightly respected.

However - I feel the stars are aligning nicely for Engineer to step up for his excellent trainer and outstanding jockey. Expect Ryan to track the lead and strike for home over the last couple of furlongs.

I believe he might be at an each-way price when the dust settles on the market and wouldn't put anyone off taking out a little 'insurance,' but having landed a returned nap of 11/2 on Tuesday I'm more than happy putting up another that I feel both has a great chance AND represents a bit of good old-fashioned value.

If you're playing, good luck.

Nap of the Day - a regular feature within Betfred Insights.