DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
THURSDAY JANUARY 16
1.50 LUDLOW
LUCKY LUGGER (best price 7-2) has been competing against horses of a much higher standard than those he faces here this afternoon, and he looks to have been presented a golden opportunity for his qualities to stand out at this sort of level.
For instance, he only found the 121-rated Ryan’s Rocket too good for him in a useful race at Chepstow three runs ago and the 127-rated Skycutter was just far too quick for him around Warwick on his next start.
Although he failed to complete the course back at the Welsh track last time out, he was the only one capable of matching motors with the useful David’s Well (now rated 122) at the time of departing the scene three out, and with nothing in today’s race remotely of the same ability, the pathway looks clear for Matt Shepherd’s gelding to dominate over a trip that should see him to best advantage.
LUCKY LUGGER – 1-point win@7-2
2.35 WINCANTON
If FINE CASTING (best price 13-2) hadn’t totally fluffed the last at Lingfield last time out he may have withstood the late rattle of Kado De Joie and if you are prepared to work on that theory, Ben Pauling’s gelding looks overpriced in comparison to his main market rival here this afternoon .
Down the field in a valuable and supremely competitive Class 2 handicap behind Steel Aly & Co at Haydock on his first start of the season, the nine-year-old travelled much better in the calmer surroundings at the Surrey venue and he still had a two-length advantage until walking through the final flight, causing him to lose all momentum.
Handing the ascendancy to Kado De Joie, it was noticeable that he rallied well and was coming back at the winner nearing the line and with today’s opposition no tougher than what he faced 38 days ago, there’s no obvious reason why he won’t go well again.
FINE CASTING – 1-point each-way@13-2
8.30 CHELMSFORD
UNION ISLAND (best price 9-4) has really found his feet since being stepped up in trip and although his hat trick bid was foiled at Southwell last time out, there’s a decent chance he can rebound back to winning form returning to today’s slower surface.
Successful over today’s C&D three starts ago, Charlie Johnston’s inmate duly followed up at the Midland venue nine days after (awarded race in the stewards’ room) and with the race working out well since, it was easy to see why he went off a warm favourite to repeat the dose on his return visit.
However, after hitting a bit of mid-race crisis, he could never get himself back into a challenging position and he had to be content with a never-nearer third, but it was a performance that still suggested he remains in decent shape.
Based on the way he presents himself in his races, he looks the type to grind out a result rather than blow his opposition away with a turn of foot and with today’s track much more compatible for a horse with his traits, the son of U S Navy Flag to provide his in-form stable with another winner (5-16 currently).
UNION ISLAND – 1-point win@9-4