Brighton Preview: Byrd In Hand can score for Bridger

Byrd In Hand has a good record at Brighton and can take advantage of a drop in the weights to further enhance it with victory in the 1m handicap on today’s card at the seaside venue (17.00).

The John Bridger trained gelding has notched three of his four career successes at the track, and two have been over this afternoon’s trip.

In the last of those, the eight-year-old easily beat Black Dave by three lengths off a mark of 57 on heavy ground.

Byrd In Hand went on to finish a decent 3/4 of a length third at Windsor off 62, and is now able to race off a rating of just 53.

That is 4lb lower than when last successful and gives the son of Fasliyev major claims from a handicapping perspective.

Byrd In Hand also has proven form on soft ground, so won’t be inconvenienced by the heavy rain which has hit the track, and the services of Ciaran McKee in the saddle whose claim takes another 5lb off his back.

There is also every chance that Byrd In Hand will get an uncontested lead, and if that proves to be the case the veteran is going to be very hard to peg back.

In the other 1m handicap on the card (16.30), the well-treated Improvized is a fascinating contender now that she has underfoot conditions to suit for the first time this season.

The William Muir trained filly scored on soft ground at Ffos Las 12 months ago before going on to follow-up over course and distance on heavy going off a mark of 56.

Improvized got put up 6lb for that victory to 62, and has been well beaten in four subsequent outings.

However, the handicapper has been quick to lend a hand and the four-year-old is now able to race off just 48.