DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
MONDAY APRIL 7
1.45 KELSO
SARACEN BEAU (NAP) (best price 11-4) hasn’t been seen out since pulling up at Haydock 135 days ago, but with today’s better ground likely to suit and stable switch in the interim seen as a potential positive move, the combination of those two factors can see Lucinda Russell’s new recruit get his career back on track.
A promising third in a bumper on his only start this time last year, the son of Mount Nelson was making his debut over hurdles at Ayr following a 236-day break at the beginning of November and despite that long absence, he proved too good for his opponents on the day.
What looked a mandatory victory at the time, actually turned out to be a very good speed figure for a race of its kind (for worked out well since) and it was easy to see why connections wanted to roll the dice in a better race at Haydock next time.
Unfortunately, his adventure into Grade 2 company ended up going out like a damp squib, with the six-year-old grey being pulled up after the fourth, but considering the ground was pretty heavy at the Merseyside venue, he has a valid excuse for his demise and he is better judged on his performance three weeks earlier.
Switched from Nicky Richards’ stable to his new base, there’s a reasonable notion he might end up benefitting from that crossover in due course, and with both of his main two rivals here today useful, but up until now nothing special based on the speed figures (especially Good To Be Alive), Saracen Beau has all the attributes to keep the Irish raiders at bay.
SARACEN BEAU – 1-point win@11-4
2.35 WOLVERHAMPTON
ENROLLED (best price 3-1) is still awaiting his first victory, but he has been knocking at the door and arriving here following a career high effort on the numbers, James Fanshawe’s inmate has the credentials to gain that elusive success.
The son of American Pharoah was just denied on his latest encounter over today’s course by the in-form Tuca Salamanca and given the way he finished off his race that day, the extra furlong he faces on his return visit should suit.
Moreover, the time figure he posted in defeat puts him on top of today’s pile – certainly according to the ones I use – and with San Juanito and Marbush likely to force a reasonable tempo, everything should set up nicely for Enrolled in his bid to shed the maiden tag.
ENROLLED – 1-point win@3-1