Sandown 2:25 Verdict

Betty Boop's form line 315 shows a clear trajectory - a win last time out having been competitive earlier, and crucially she's the only horse in the field with an unexposed profile trending the right way under a red-hot jockey (Oisin Murphy) and in-form trainer Richard Hughes, who is excellent with 2yo sprinters. Her OR of 79 with only 129lbs looks workable against this field, and the manner of her latest win suggests more improvement to come, unlike several rivals who look to have found their level (Sky Secret 41505, Innichen 621130 both look exposed with recent flat efforts). Innichen is the market steamer on best form figures but his last two runs (1130) after an early break show he's already race fit and there's a question over whether he stays competitive with a 135lb weight and William Buick's book suggests they know he needs to bounce back. Sky Secret similarly has to defy recent inconsistency (41505) at a barely believable feat given the moderate placing lately. Betty Boop's trainer/jockey combo, the concealed potential in a slightly RPR-conservative rating, and a booking of the in-form Murphy who rarely takes on rides without a live chance, gives this filly the adaptability and upward curve edge over more exposed rivals. She looks the value play relative to a vulnerable open-looking heat.