DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
SATURDAY MARCH 15
3.20 KEMPTON
As good as Bad was last time, he sometimes can be really, really bad, and preference is for course specialist FLEGMATIK (best price 7-2) to bounce back to something approaching his best under ideal conditions.
Like some of his fellow Skelton comrades, the 10-year-old seems to just pootle around in the middle of winter, duping the assessor into thinking he’s gone, but then just like that, he springs back to life when off a winnable mark and the application of cash.
Just touched off by one of today’s main rivals, Outlaw Pete, in this race last season, the chestnut would have no doubt been targeted at the same race again by shrewd connections and arriving here following an effort that would have done little more than keeping his pulse rate higher than average, he can strike for the fourth time around the Sunbury venue.
FLEGMATIK – 1-point win@7-2
2.25 UTTOXETER
A decent turn out for a handicap of this nature, post Cheltenham, and RED DIRT ROAD (best price 8-1) and GUARD DUTY (best price 15-2) are worth playing against the field.
The former is turning into a quality performer and his victory at Sandown last time out suggested he is still on the improve. Furthermore, his time figure in dishing out a proper thumping of an ultra-competitive field was easily his best of his career so far to date and with a run style to suggest today’s track will suit, the progressive gelding is a must for the shortlist.
The latter could have won with Big Daddy on his back at Newbury last time out and although today’s contest represents another slight rise in grade, Emma Lavelle’s inmate could well prove equal to the task.
Arriving on the scene as if he had just joined in at the Berkshire venue, his winning margin of a length is a scant reflection of his superiority and this previous course winner over two miles, rates a confident choice to go well again.
RED DIRT ROAD – ½ point each-way@8-1
GUARD DUTY – ½ point each-way@15-2
3.00 UTTOXETER
We are sometimes guilty of overcomplicating matters in this game, so in not willing to fall into that trap in this race, the most logical solution to this year’s Midland National is KNOCKANORE (best price 11-2).
A surprise winner of the Eider Chase at Newcastle last time out, there appeared no fluke in that result and the way he powered clear of his toiling rivals before being eased down in the closing stages pointed towards a horse right on top of his game.
Seemingly relishing the extended four-mile journey, he looks one of the few guaranteed stayers in today’s field and with the added bonus of solid course form on his cv, Ryan Potter’s improving chaser can prove he is still some way ahead of his current mark.
KNOCKANORE – 1-point each-way@
7.15 SOUTHWELL
ONE MORE DREAM (best price 5-1) has rather suffered from racing too keenly from wide draws in his last two starts but now more favourably birthed, John & Sean Quinn’s inmate can make a bold bid to add to his winning tally.
A sitting duck in the closing stages after making the running over seven furlongs here last time, the son of Bated Breath was far too keen off a slower tempo over the same trip the time before.
Prior to those reversals, the six-year-old cam through strongly off a stronger pace over his optimum trip of sex furlongs at Wolverhampton previously and if repeating the speed figure he posted that day, there’s a decent chance he can outrun his morning odds.
ONE MORE DREAM – 1-point each-way@5-1