DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
SATURDAY MARCH 22
2.05 NEWBURY
As we’ve witnessed in recent weeks, the drying ground has meant the dynamics of National Hunt racing has changed dramatically, where the requirements of the participants have become a good deal different and two who should be suited by the conditions here more than most are ALEXEI (best price 9-1) and OLD COWBOY (best price 10-1).
The former probably doesn’t need fast ground, but the fact he has won under such conditions can’t be seen as a negative and his latest effort, on slower ground in a listed contest, suggests he is more than capable of holding his own against proper quality horses.
Indeed, his effort at the west country venue behind the likes of Fingle Bridge and Regent’s Stroll wasn’t far off his best speed figure and with today’s galloping track and step up in trip set to suit, Joe Tizzard’s future chasing type can sign off for the season with positive vibes.
The latter represents a stable who have very much turned the corner in recent weeks, and he arrives here having taken the notable scalp of Irish raider, More Coko, at Plumpton last time out.
Admittedly, Gary & Josh Moore’s inmate may have been slightly fortuitous to do so, but at the same time he remains on the upgrade and his run here behind the progressive Juracon providing him with valuable course knowledge, but solid form claims to boot.
ALEXEI – ½ point each-way@9-1
OLD COWBOY – ½ point each-way@10-1
2.40 NEWBURY
It’s probably fair to say SAINT SEGAL (NAP) (best price 3-1) should have won more races than he has over the years, but he’s been hard to knock in his last three starts and the only C&D winner in today’s line-up can continue his good recent work.
Making all to win in cosy fashion at the Berkshire venue back in December, Jane Williams’ inmate made a bold bid to replicate similar tactics on his return visit here last time out, but he ultimately succumbed to the power-packed finish of Booster Bob in the hands of an inspired Sean Bowen.
Sandwiched in between, the seven-year-old ran right up to his best form when chasing the well-treated The Kalooki Kid home in a viciously competitive heat at Musselburgh and providing he can obtain some respite at the head of affairs here today, there’s a strong probability the son of Saint Des Saints will have a say in the outcome.
SAINT SEGAL – 1-point win@3-1
3.00 KELSO
GAME COLOURS (best price 9-1) gained due rewards for a series of solid placed efforts when lowering the colours of a useful type at Lingfield last time out and buoyed with the confidence of that breakthrough success, Ben Case’s mare looks poised to give a good account in the final of this series.
Dropped down to the minimum trip after three placed efforts over 2m4f or further, the daughter of Shantou seemed to be at ease travelling strongly in behind the pace set by one of today’s rivals, Rula Bula, and once set alight on the run down to the last, she skipped over the final obstacle and was away in a flash.
Despite being slightly flattered by her winning margin of 17 lengths due to her main rival being eased on the run-in, she still posted a time figure to suggest it was a decent performance and with forecast showers hopefully coming to her aid, the long trip up north from her Dorset base will hopefully not be a wasted journey.
GAME COLOURS – ½ point each-way@9-1
3.15 NEWBURY
SIOG GEAL (best price 7-2) has run consistently well all season and with this contest targeted by connections some time ago, the long-term plan can be executed off what appears a very favourable opening handicap mark.
Ironically, her worst finishing position, fourth at Windsor two starts ago, resulted in her best speed figure and her subsequent effort at Market Rasen behind the useful Bluey (ran in the Grade 1 Mares Novices at Cheltenham) wasn’t too shabby either.
On each occasion, Fergal O’Brien’s mare hinted that she might be better served stepping up in trip and with today’s slick surface unlikely to do her any harm either, she rates the standard bearer by some way.
SIOG GEAL – 1-point win@7-2
4.02 BANGOR
ANDY AMO (best price 13-2) is one of the least exposed members of the party and with the potential of more to come, Rebecca Curtis’ inmate is fancied to continue his rise through the ranks for a team fresh off the back of Cheltenham Festival glory.
A similar type to stable mate Haiti Couleurs in many respects, all that the son of Sageburg is doing over hurdles is considered a bonus and his victory at Uttoxeter last time out hinted that stamina is going to be his strong point going forwards.
Prior to that improved performance, his run behind the likes of useful pair Jig’s Forge (fifth in the Albert Bartlett) and Blue Las, suggested he is no mug and with an opening mark of 114 far from penal, the lightly raced six-year-old makes plenty of appeal at the morning odds.
ANDY AMO – 1-point win@13-2