DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 8
1.45 TAUNTON
TORNEO (NAP) (best price 2-1) has yet to get his head in front in three attempts over fences, but today’s contest represents his best chance so far to date and Jamie Snowden’s inmate is fancied not to pass up the chance.
The son of Toranado probably should have won two starts ago at Wincanton but his bid for glory began too late in the piece and latest effort at Hereford, although not quite as unlucky, was marred by a bad mistake at the last when still holding every chance.
Considering the winner at the Midland venue, Beat Box, has gone on to advertise the form at Kelso since, there was certainly no shame in chasing home such a progressive type, and with the speed figure from that contest 28 days ago reading well in the context of today’s race (well clear of his chief rivals based on the clock), the five-year-old looks poised to have consistency rewarded.
TORNEO – 2-points win@2-1
8.00 KEMPTON
A similar race to this won by Duke Of Oxford here last month was noted for its strong speed figure and of the two who represent the form (Zoran being the other), FRANCESCO BARACCA (best price 4-1) rates the value call at the morning odds.
While the pace setting Zoran set strong fractions up front, Eve Johnston Houghton’s inmate was content to bide his time in the rear but as things panned out, this rather casual approach of being at least ten lengths off the speed backfired, and he could never get into a position where he could land a meaningful blow.
He did, however, finish off his race in eye-catching fashion and providing he keeps closer tabs on the main players on his return to the Sunbury venue, he has a chance to reverse the form with his old rival Zoran, who, in any case, could get taken on for the lead by Jack McNamara.
FRANCESCO BARACCA – 1-point win@4-1