WITH no sign of live racing in sight, it is well worth our while to scour the ante-post markets to see if we can find some value, both short and long term.

Next week, I shall post some horses to follow for the first half of the jumps’ season for races like the Betfair Chase, Ladbrokes Trophy and King George.

This week, I am going to start with a classic player who didn’t make my recent three-year-old preview, only because he has a range of distances which could suit.

It seems the fashion now is to introduce young horses to their new careers on the all-weather, Enable being the best and most successful example, and last season this trend continued.

I was at Wolverhampton at the back end of 2019 mainly to have a punt on a low-grade handicap on the first part of the card. Job done and pounds in pockets, I stayed on to watch the third event, a novice over an extended mile, and what a performance I witnessed.

WALDKONIG was by far the most impressive unit in the parade ring, a big, good looking youngster and he was very strong in the betting, going off the 6/4 favourite.

I spoke to someone close to the horse in the parade and was told he was working nicely at home, but was also very green.

Racing prominently from the start, and pulling quite hard, he was positioned wide of his rivals. The pace slowed up at halfway, but the son of Kingman was always going well and once Havlin gave him an inch of rein he fairly shot clear of his more experienced rivals.

Again showing his greenness, Waldkonig drifted over the stands side but was a mighty nine lengths clear at the line.

Being a half-brother to Arc winner Waldgeist, there is no doubt that he should stay 10 furlongs and probably further, but Kingman gives him more than his fair share of speed as well.

I have already backed him for the Derby, as and when the great race takes place, at 33/1, but also a tipple at 40/1 straight after that Wolves win for the 2,000 Guineas, now 20s, as his speed could turn out to be his biggest asset.

I have also had a longer-range bet on him for the Champion Stakes at Ascot which could well turn out to be a suitable aim if he lives up to his reputation. Although that market has now been taken down, with his three-year-old allowance and over what could be his best trip, 10 furlongs, a double-figure price would be interesting. Wherever he goes, Waldkonig looks an exceptional prospect.

But now for something completely different! Following his last-flight fall in the Triumph Hurdle, Goshen will have plenty of followers when he returns to the flat with the Ebor being talked about as his ultimate aim.

The market generally has him marked up as the 12/1 favourite, but that means there are plenty of interesting alternatives at much bigger prices and at those odds both TRUESHAN and DUBAI FUTURE, both 33/1, look much better value.

I have already spoken about the first named in a recent column and it could be that Alan king’s charge is up to Cup class.

Dubai Future has only raced five times, the last three being at Meydan. His second placing to Secret Advisor on his final three-year-old start was a career best yet still didn’t see him in his best light in a race run in snatches.

What this son Dubawi needs is a fast run contest over at least the Ebor trip and to be hidden away in midfield, putting his high cruising speed to good use.

That last run in Dubai was his first outing over 14 furlongs and I am convinced that there is a load more left in the tank and I expect him to make great strides this season as his stamina comes into play.