DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
FRIDAY JANUARY 17
2.10 NEWCASTLE
Not one of my favourite punting tracks but such was the manner of victory of CATEJAN (best price 11-2) over the C&D last time out, it’s worth breaking rank and siding with Jack Channon’s inmate in his repeat bid.
The four-year-old has just had four starts on the all-weather and three of those have resulted in success and the only time he got beat, he missed the break from a poor draw and failed to get a clear run down the home straight at Southwell.
Back on track here last time out, the way he totally dismantled subsequent winner Mondammej with a devastating burst of speed in the latter stages strongly pointed towards a horse capable of taking his game to another level and with his speed figure that night backing up that view, the son of Advertise can hopefully come away from today’s encounter still unbeaten at the track (currently 2-2).
CATEJAN – 1-point each-way@11-2
2.25 WINDSOR
Gavin Cromwell is a very dangerous operator when he sends one over to these shores, full stop, but even more so with a mare and LAW ELLA (best price 6-1) is fancied to keep that trend going in this competitive affair.
Other than one below par effort which came over an inadequate trip at Exeter last season, the daughter of Yeats has been consistent as the day is long and her performance in a hugely competitive Tim Duggan Memorial at Limerick last time epitomises that trait.
Staying on well in the latter stages at the Greenmount Park venue, she did best of those held up off the speed and with her data that day and in most of her races over fences pointing towards a strongly run affair around today’s trip being most favourable, the likely good clip set by Sacre Coeur and Party Vibes should initiate another positive result.
LAW ELLA – ½ point win@6-1
3.30 CORK
ROLLY BOWLEY BOY (best price 9-4) can count himself unfortunate to bump into the progressive Folly Master at Punchestown last time out but with the clock saying it was a run of some substance; Philip Rothwell’s gelding has bright prospects of going one place better in this similar event.
Having his first run of the campaign, the eight-year-old certainly had plenty of fire in his belly following his 285-day break and after racing prominently throughout, he still led the field a merry dance turning for home.
However, he finally succumbed to lack of fitness up against a horse who had plenty in his favour on the day but at the same time, he did keep on well in the latter stages to pull well clear of the remainder.
Likely to set a good tempo from the front again this afternoon, he could do with tidying up his jumping if he is to maintain his position at the head of affairs but, providing he is a bit more proficient in that department, he easily has enough galloping power to see off this sort of opposition over a track that often complements horses with his run style.
ROLLY BOWLEY BOY – 1-point win@9-4
3.35 WINDSOR
An excellent turnout for this valuable prize and NAVAJO INDY (best price 6-1) has bright prospects of landing his second sizeable pot of the campaign following his biggest success to date at Newbury last time out.
In a race noted for its very strong pace, that ultimately helped to forge a big speed figure, Tom Symonds’ gelding exhibited great grit and determination in the latter stages after being on the sharp end throughout and since then, the form couldn’t have worked out any better with the likes of The Famous Five, Ooh Betty and Castlefort all winning next time out.
Clearly well suited by a good gallop at the minimum trip on soft ground, he is also versatile regarding his track requirements and having yet to finish out of the money in nine career starts, hope is high he can continue that trend for a stable whose horses are in great from at present (last four runners 2221).
NAVAJO INDY – 1-point each-way@6-1