DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
FRIDAY MAY 2
3.45 GOODWOOD
The race won by Liosa at Kempton last month was very good race of its kind and with the form already boosted by Blue Day at Ascot two days ago, CAPOTE’S DREAM (best price 8-1) has fair prospects of following suit at a track where he has a fair record over the years.
Having his first run for 157 days at the Sunbury track, Tom Ward’s eight-year-old impressed with the way he travelled through the first half of a well-run affair but after throwing down what looked a potent challenge two out, lack of a run took over and he could only keep on at the one pace for fourth close home.
Although yet to win at today’s track, his form figures of 42264 suggest he doesn’t mind the downhill gradients and with that all-important run under his belt, a bold show seems more likely than not.
CAPOTE’S DREAM – ½ point each-way@8-1 (three places)
4.15 PUNCHESTOWN
Powerful Irish stables have ruled the roost in this champion hunter chase over the years but there has been the odd resistance, mainly horses associated with the Nicholls family (Caid Du Berlias spent many years in the care of Paul) and VIROFLAY (best price 11-2) might turn out to be good enough to maintain that trend based on his performance at Kempton last time out.
A prolific winner in the point field, the eight-year-old has done well since Olive Nicholls took over the reins and his victory at the Sunbury venue was highlighted by a very fast speed figure for a hunter chaser.
On a card that saw wins for the 130-rated Lord Of Cheshire and 134 rated Young Buster, the son of Air Chief Marshall posted by some way the fastest furlong-per-furlong numbers on the chase course and considering he was heavy eased in the closing stages, his display deserves upgrading.
An out-and-out front runner who wears his heart on his sleeve, Viroflay can put today’s field to the sword from an early stage.
VIROFLAY – ½ point each-way@11-2
4.45 NEWMARKET
CIRCE (NAP) (best price 9-4) was undone by a huge track bias that favoured her main rival making the running up the stand side rail at Redcar last time out, but she still did more than enough to suggest she is worth another chance next time and over a track that should play more into her strengths, she rates a strong choice to go one place better.
Richard Hannon’s filly arrived on the scene two out at the Yorkshire venue going as well as anything but Cruyff Turn, a veteran of many a battle in such races over seven furlongs, ultimately had too many guns for her in the closing stages.
Settling for an honourable second, she still came out of the contest with a career high speed figure and with connections well within their rights to have another crack at six furlongs, the daughter of Kodiac can gain the day with the assistance of Ryan Moore on board.
CIRCE – 1-point win@9-4
6.05 NEWMARKET
The rematch between The Yellow Clay and Final Demand will be the focus of attention for most punters, but if there is to be springer from left field, BELLOCCIO (best price 12-1) fits the bill as being the likeliest party pooper.
Willie Mullins’ inmate is no good to man nor beast on soft ground but on a quicker surface, such as the one he encounters this afternoon; he is a totally different proposition altogether.
Winner of the Copper Horse Handicap at Royal Ascot on good-to-firm ground, his best two performances over hurdles so far to date have come when conditions have been more in his wheelhouse, including last time out at Fairyhouse.
Held up in the rear off steady early fractions at the Meath venue, the seven-year-old grey finished off his race to best effect of all the eight runners (posted quickest final circuit time) and with the winner, Irancy, going on to advertise the form with a victory at Grade 1 level here two days ago, he has a better chance of following suit than his odds suggest.
To add to the list of positives, he is also the only course winner in today’s field.
BELLOCCIO – ½ point each-way@12-1