DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 4

1.55 TAUNTON

SAINT ANAPOLINO (best price 7-2) has his quirks but at the same time he is a fairly talented novice on a bit of an upward trajectory and off what appears to be more than a workable opening mark of 118, Philip Hobbs & Johnson White’s gelding can make an impact on handicap debut.

A little too keen for his own good when just touched off over today’s C&D back in November, the six-year-old displayed the same tendencies at Uttoxeter next time that ultimately led to his downfall but at Exeter last time out, he calmed down sufficiently enough to see the job through.

In out muscling the useful As The Fella Says in the closing stages at the west country venue, he posted a very smart speed figure for a race of its kind and with the potential of even more to come, especially when he tidies up his jumping and learns to relax, the son of Jeu St Eloi is the type to do well in this sphere.

SAINT ANAPOLINO – 1-point win@7-2

3.15 MARKET RASEN

RIALANNAH (best price 10-3) was eventually gunned down by the patiently ridden Blue Hop at Doncaster last time out but she did travel well for a long way and now that she’s proved she stays the three-mile trip well, confidence is high she can finally shed her maiden tag.

In hindsight, she probably hit the front way too soon on Town Moor and with the final three hurdles omitted due to low sun, it was a long way home for Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith’s mare to hang on.

Despite finishing second for the third time in her career, you couldn’t knock her commitment to the cause and with the cheekpieces applied for the first time here today, the six-year-old mare is afforded another chance at a track where she has gone well in the past.

RIALANNAH – 1-point win@10-3

3.45 MARKET RASEN

CONCETTO (best price 6-1) proved no match for O’Connell over today’s course last time out but as we saw at the weekend, he clearly faced an impossible task and, on the face of things, he should find this sort of competition slightly more palatable.

Up against a strong stayer at the trip and over further than he has ever encountered before, the eight-year-old couldn’t find the necessary reserves of stamina in the final half a mile but he did keep on well to finish clear of the rest and it was a performance that was by far and away his best of the season.

Winner of this race last season, connections would have had an eye on coming back here to retain his crown for some time and with his confidence boosted just at the right time, he rates a reasonable proposition at the prices to repeat the dose.

CONCETTO – ½ point each-way@6-1