DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
SATURDAY AUGUST 30
3.00 SANDOWN
Dangerman and Saddadd, the two sexy three-year-olds, were always likely to be popular choices in a race of this nature but, with neither having any soft ground form next to their names, they are passed over in favour of CASTLE COVE (best price 9-2), who should relish the prevailing conditions.
William Haggas’ inmate showed a smart turn of foot to overcome an unpromising position at Chester two starts ago and, as a result, was a warm order to follow up at Goodwood last time out.
Unfortunately, he failed to live up to expectations, but as he was too far back in the field on a surface quicker than ideal, his performance can be brushed under the carpet.
Back under optimum conditions and a track that should allow him ample time to gather his stride, the son of Camelot is fancied to show his true worth.
State Actor, who ran better than his finishing position suggested at Leopardstown last time out, rates the main danger given his preference for soft ground and today’s track.
CASTLE COVE – 1-point each-way@9-2 (four places)
4.37 CURRAGH
A smaller field than usual for the Irish Cambridgeshire but nevertheless, a competitive affair with plenty of in-form runners facing the starter, one of which is BEAR PROFIT (best price 9-1).
Under the prevailing conditions, due to deteriorate during the course of the day, it is fair to say you are probably going to require a horse who not only handles soft ground well to succeed, but also stays behind a mile and that is exactly on what grounds Gerard O’Leary’s inmate scores high.
To be fair, the six-year-old almost won over a mile at Galway last time out but considering some of his best form previously had come over further, including 1m4f, he did really well under the circumstances.
The other big factor towards his chances here this afternoon stems from his record at the Kildare venue of 222 and with a nice middle draw to allow Nicola Burns to survey the scene around her, the son of Profitable looks set to maintain his consistent profile.
BEAR PROFIT – 1-point each-way@9-1 (four places)