DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 5
4.40 ASCOT
EBT’S GUARD (best price 13-2) has by and large been a model of consistency throughout the season and arriving here following a deserved success over today’s course last time out, the likeable four-year-old looks set to continue his fine series of results.
Just run out of the argument by Rhoscolyn in the big mile handicap at Glorious Goodwood, William Muir & Chris Grassick’s inmate made up for that agonising defeat in no uncertain terms at the Shergar Cup meeting a week later and with the speed figure he notched up pointing towards another career high, a small rise in the ratings might not be enough to halt his progress.
Moreover, he ran just as well when not receiving the clearest of runs in the Hunt Cup over the straight course here in June and with plenty of soft ground form to his name, including a C&D win last year, everything points towards another bold show.
EBT’S GUARD – 1-point each-way@13-2 (five places)
4.55 HAYDOCK
ARCTIC THUNDER (best price 5-1) has scabby form figures at first glance but a deeper delve into his recent runs suggest he might be a bit of dark horse in this wide-open heat, and a small interest is the advice.
A dual winner over today’s trip when with Andrew Balding, the four-year-old has been asked to ply his trade over six-furlongs on his last four starts and although he managed to run well on his first attempt over the C&D, his last three performances have all pointed towards him requiring wanting further again.
Firstly, at Newcastle back in June, he travelled noticeably well before getting no run whatsoever inside the final two furlongs, then he got undone by a high draw at York (stall 21 of 22) and on his return to Gosforth Park last time out, he was never placed to challenge after being stuck at the rear in a slowly run race.
As a result of his woes, Ed Walker’s inmate has now dropped to a mark almost identical to his last victory at Ascot over a year ago and a good break from a favourable draw should put him in contention for top honours down the straight.
ARCTIC THUNDER – 1-point each-way@5-1 (four places)