DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27
6.45 HEXHAM
RIBEYE (NAP) (best price 5-2) seems to be really thriving at present and his good run looks set to continue at a track where he has gone well in the past.
A very easy winner at Market Rasen two starts ago, the 10-year-old went back to the same C&D in a bid to follow up two weeks later and although he found one too good in the shape of Irish raider Born Bright, he came out of the race with just as much credit as his previous victory.
Back down in class today at a track he has race over more than any other down the years, Peter Atkinson’s smooth-travelling gelding can find this sort of opposition more to his liking and gain career win six. Any further rain would also be seen as a big help.
RIBEYE – 1-point win@5-2
7.25 BELLEWSTOWN
DONTGOWITHJOE (best price 5-1) sprung somewhat of a surprise at Ballinrobe last time out (40-1) but the data he produced suggested it was no fluke, and he is fancied to back up that view against similar opposition.
Held up in last place at the Mayo venue, Philip Rothwell’s inmate still only had one behind him turning out of the back straight but with a power-packed surge that enabled him to scythe his way through the field in the latter stages, he eventually ended up winning going away.
Seemingly scoring with plenty up his sleeve, the slight adjustment in his rating afforded to him might not be enough to prevent him from repeating the dose if in the same form and, as a result, he makes plenty of appeal at the morning odds.
DONTGOWITHJOE – 1/2pt each-way@5-1 (four places)
7.37 KEMPTON
ADVANCING (best price 10-3) proved no match for the improving Dangerman at Sandown last time out, but it wasn’t a bad effort in the context of today’s assignment and now back at a track where has proven winning form, James Ferguson’s gelding can keep his unbeaten record at the Sunbury venue intact.
Having his first run on turf after a 153-day that took in a gelding operation along the way, the son of Lope De Vega was entitled to need the run at the Esher track but even though that turned out to be the case, he offered plenty of encouragement for future assignments.
Last turning for home 20 days ago, not a place where you want to be at Sandown, he kept on well to finish a never-nearer third and on that evidence alone, he should confirm form with Muhaajim, who faded rather abruptly in the closing stages.
Off to a flyer when landing his opening gambit over tonight’s course back in February, a return to a surface that doesn’t suit all can count for plenty in the final analysis.
ADCANCING – 1-point win@10-3