NAP of the Day: I’m advocating for Avakate at Market Rasen

Fresh off the back of four winners from six tips at the Dublin Racing Festival, I'm heading to Market Rasen on Tuesday in search of a welcome winner for this column.

I wouldn't be surprised if this - being the NAP of the Day coming from a bumper - is a first as my interest in such races is usually minimal.

However, this Listed mares' contest at Market Rasen on Tuesday has really piqued my interest.

The majority of that intrigue is courtesy of current favourite Park Princess.

Anthony Honeyball's filly made a big impression when successful on her debut at Newbury just before Christmas, putting 10+ lengths between herself and the other 16 runners, and receives stacks of weight from all but one of her eight rivals.

However, her form has so far worked out terribly. The runner-up at Newbury was beaten out of sight on his next two starts, while the third subsequently finished ahead of just one horse.

On the other hand, the form of Alan King's Avakate has a lot more substance to it.

The re-opposing Listentoyourheart was already a winner when she was comfortably dispatched by the selection in a Listed affair at Doncaster late last year, as was the fourth-placed Rula Bula and the seventh-placed Magical Annie, who was sent off an 11/4 favourite.

Avakate won with some swagger that day, which apparently came as a surprise to her trainer as she "had not been exciting" on the gallops beforehand.

It's therefore encouraging to hear her work has been "much better" since, suggesting improvement can be expected, and that connections intend to run her in the mares bumper at Aintree's Grand National Festival in April. She was also entered, but obviously not declared, in the mares' bumper at the DRF on Sunday - another indication as to the regard in which she's held.

Giving a whopping 19 pounds to the favourite and seven pounds to some lightly-raced types who aren't without promise won't be easy, but this six-year-old has age and experience over them all and could simply prove too good.