DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
TUESDAY APRIL 22
2.45 EPSOM
David Menuisier has made a bright start to the campaign and CITY OF DELIGHT (best price 3-1) can follow up his recent Doncaster win and keep up the good work for the Surrey handler.
Of course, there’s always a possibility the form could get turned around by either Magico or Stressfree (didn’t get the clearest of runs) and to a lesser degree, Rathgar, but such was the turn of foot the son of City Of Light exhibited on Town Moor, all three are going to have to significantly raise their game.
Now 5-6 since being stepped up to 1m2f, the four-year-old has also proven himself both tactically versatile, adaptable to most underfoot conditions and given that he has shown a liking for Goodwood, there’s a decent chance he will cope with today’s downhill gradients.
CITY OF DELIGHT – 1-point win@3-1
4.30 FAIRYHOUSE
BLAZE THE WAY (best price 12-1) has performed to a decent level on the two times he has attempted three miles and arriving here following close to a career high effort in a hot handicap at Uttoxeter, Mags Mullins’ inmate rates a strong choice to round off his season on a high.
Victorious on his first attempt at today’s trip at Navan three starts ago, the seven-year-old ran with great credit when dropped back half a mile at the same venue next time out and although he came up a little short on his latest adventure over the Irish Sea, he was in no way disgraced.
Keeping on well in the closing stages of a well-run affair at the Midland venue, the son of Getaway suggested there are still plenty of races to be won with him over hurdles in the short term and this out-and-out stayer can put his stamina to good use in a race that often finds out those vulnerable in that department.
BLAZE THE WAY – 1-point each-way@12-1
5.30 THIRSK
FOUR FIFTY (best price 5-1) created a favourable impression when scoring on his debut at Newcastle 12 days ago and with the form already taking shape with the sixth horse, City Of Strangers, winning at Redcar yesterday, confidence is high Craig Lidster’s inmate can pull off giant killing act number two.
Up against four opponents with either solid previous form or decent reputations at the Gosforth Park venue, the unraced colt had no easy task at the first time of asking but despite seemingly having plenty on his plate, he came through with flying colours to ultimately win in a style of a potentially smart performer.
What makes his performance even more noteworthy was the fact he managed to run a useful speed figure against a track bias that favoured those positioned towards the stands’ side fence and when you consider how far he finished ahead of solid marker, Shamador (beaten12 lengths), it’s easy to massively upgrade his run even further.
On the evidence of that initial display, he should be seen to even greater effect over today’s extra furlong and providing he can transfer his ability to turf at the first time of asking, he can give the two southern raiders with plenty to think about, Teroomm easily being the pick of the pair.
FOUR FIFTY – 1-point win@5-1