DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
FRIDAY JULY 25
6.38 YORK
AMAKHALA WARRIOR (NAP) (best price 2-1) looked a nice prospect for the future when making a winning debut at Haydock last month and with connections seemingly keen on taking a softly, softly approach for the time being, William Knight’s inmate rates a strong choice to keep his reputation intact before going on too much better things.
Slow away and in rear in the early stages at the Merseyside venue, the son of Ten Sovereigns made smooth progress to race just in behind the main players heading down to the final furlong and despite not receiving the clearest of passages from that juncture, he still had ability to force his way to the front close home.
Even though the first 10 home were only separated by three lengths, the speed figure suggested the race was a useful one of its kind and the form has worked out accordingly, with the likes of Renovatio Angel, Snake Charmer and Penhallam all winning since.
A big, scopey type with a look about him that suggests he could easily be good enough to tackle stakes races in future, that view will hopefully be backed up here today with another stellar performance over a track that should suit.
AMAKHALA WARRIOR – 3-point win@2-1
7.13 YORK
SUGAR BABY (best price 12-1) didn’t get the rub of the green at a vital stage over today’s C&D last time out, but he did more than enough to justify keeping him on side in his bid to make amends on his return visit.
Held up towards the rear after a slow beginning 13 days ago, Peter Niven’s inmate was noted making good ground to get into a challenging position approaching the final furlong when he proceeded to run into a bunch of horses dropped back into his lap, thus checking his momentum.
Finishing full of running, he ended up having to settle for a role just outside the placings, but he left the impression he remained in the sort of shape that see him rack up form figures of 1221 on his four previous starts.
A close-up third on his only other previous visit to the track, it’s clear the Knavesmire suits his eye and draw over towards where the action often takes place down the straight course, he looks way overprices on all known evidence.
SUGAR BABY – 1-point each-way@12-1 (five places)