Nottingham Tips: Banana can bear fruit for Dixon

Nottingham stages a six-race on Tuesday afternoon with the Class 4 middle distance qualifier over one-mile-and-two-furlongs taking centre stage.

Ciara Pearl is back in handicap company after contesting the Nottinghamshire Oaks last time out and Henry Hardwicke believes Daniel and Clare Kubler’s charge looks set to strike. Read on for my Nottingham tips.

15:02 - Banana @ 10/3

BANANA scored well over five furlongs at Bath earlier this month and then went close to following up at the Somerset venue six days ago, beaten by just a neck.

The six-year-old only failed to hold on when caught close home by a well-backed winner and that effort suggests that she may be able to get her head in front in the sprint handicap at 15:02.

Scott Dixon’s charge has been nudged up 2lbs for last week’s runner-up finish, but a quick five furlongs on fast ground seems to have brought about plenty of improvement in Banana and there could be more to come under ideal conditions on Tuesday.

There are a bunch of out-of-form horses in opposition and Joey Haynes’ mount looks the pick.

16:02 - Ciara Pearl @ 9/2

CIARA PEARL contested the Nottinghamshire Oaks over course and distance last time out, and while the five-year-old failed to shine on that occasion, a Class 4 handicap looks far more her level.

Daniel and Clare Kubler’s charge disappointed on season debut at Leicester last month, but while she probably was in need of that run, she was still sent off a 7/2 chance which suggests the feeling of a well-handicapped horse.

The five-year-old won five races last year on a variety of ground conditions and surfaces and has no trouble getting her head in front when operating in the right grade.

Kubler’s charge has improved from an opening mark of 64 to 87 for Tuesday’s race and that may not be where the progress ends for the mare.

17:05 - Flagon Dry @ 5/1

The final race on the card, a three-year-old handicap over a mile, can go the way of FLAGON DRY.

Warren Greatrex’s runner broke his maiden at Southwell last season and that came on the back of another good all-weather effort when beaten by just a neck at Wolverhampton.

The three-year-old ran well on turf and handicap debut when third at Ripon last time out, but it’s not hard to think that Flagon Dry may be better suited by a flat track like Nottingham.

Man Of La Mancha bolted up at Windsor last time out and is likely to dominate, but Flagon Dry offers a solid each-way alternative at juicier odds.

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