DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19
2.33 AYR
Not the strongest of listed races, even more so with the late defection of Spicy Marg, and with BOSTON DAN (best price 7-1) one of only two horses rated in the 90’s, he should prove good enough to take the step up in grade in his stride.
We didn’t learn anything new about Richard Fahey’s inmate when found a Harry Kane-style penalty kick at Hamilton last time out and he is better judged on his previous effort at York when runner-up in a big sales race won by Song Of The Clyde.
Doing best of those drawn high that day on the Knavesmire, he ran well beyond a horse rated just 75 and with the winner going on to run well in a similar race at Doncaster along with fifth, Anthelia, landing the Dick Poole, the form continues to thrive.
Seemingly best with some cut in the ground and with a profile to suggest he is likely to run his race more than most, he appeals as a solid each-way proposition behind the front two in the market.
Of those at bigger odds, it would also come as no surprise to see CHAIRMANFOURTIMES (best price 14-1) run well despite his low rating.
Adrian Keatley’s inmate wasn’t ridden to best effect at Beverley last time out and the way he finished off his race certainly backs up that stance.
Yet to finish out of the frame in six starts, a course run under his belt and the possibility of a strongly run five with cut in the ground being ideal makes him appealing at his double-figure quotes.
BOSTON DAN – ½ point each-way@7-1
CHAIRMANFOURTIMES – ½ point each-way@14-1
3.40 AYR
The first of the big six-furlong sprint handicap at the Western Meeting and a chance to see how the draw effects the outcome.
Based on the small sample we saw here yesterday, a low draw might not be a bad starting point and Eternal Sunshine, housed in stall one, could easily end up being the dominant force over towards the far side.
Her latest victory in the Portland at Doncaster highlighted her wellbeing in no uncertain terms and, like most of Jim Goldie’s sprinters, she has plenty of local knowledge of today’s venue.
However, odds around 5-2 are plenty tight enough and based on her previous endeavours at Thirsk, MUSICAL TOUCH (best price 16-1) could end up being a better value option.
Richard Fahey’s inmate was sent off at the Yorkshire venue but ended up only beating one horse home, much to the disappointment of his followers.
The reason for his demise was down to the fact he consistently ran into a wall of horses inside the final three furlongs and although it is difficult to say for certain where he would have finished, there is a decent chance he would have had some say in the outcome given how well he was travelling at the time.
Prior to that unlucky episode, he didn’t quite see out seven furlongs at Chepstow, but his performance at Yarmouth the time before is a better guide to his chances here today and with the first-time cheekpieces a possible source of galvanisation, the four-year-old is worth a small each-way interest.
MUSICAL TOUCH – ½ point each-way@16-1 (six places)
4.50 DUNDALK
BEAR ON THE RUN (best price 2-1) won with loads in hand when scoring over today’s course last time out and with the likelihood of her proving equally effective over five furlongs, Daniel Murphy’s filly can continue her handler’s fine record at the Lough venue.
The co Kildare trainer has had no fewer than 17 winners at today’s all-weather track, with a profit of £88 to a £1 stake and the daughter of Kodi Bear was the latest cab off the rank at the last meeting.
The way she bossed her race from the outset was impressive and no doubt she will be asked to serve it up to her rivals on her return visit.
A half-sister to her stable’s previous all-weather specialist, Dun Na Saed, she will no doubt have the Legacy Stakes as the number 1 priority and tonight’s performance will hopefully set her up for a tilt at that listed prize back here in a month’s time.
BEAR ON THE RUN – 1-point win@2-1
8.30 DUNDALK
MARMALEDOVA (best price 11-2) left the impression she would have won with another stride at Navan last time out she is fancied to confirm that view on her first attempt over 1m2f.
Ken Condon’s filly hadn’t shown too much on her two previous starts, and it was easy to see why she was sent of at 25-1 at the Meath venue.
However, despite the general lack of negativity, she came to life in no uncertain terms and the way she finished off her race from an uncompromising position was a clear indication of the ability she possesses.
Indeed, she might have won had she received anything like a clear passage throughout the final half a mile and on the evidence of that display, an extra two furlongs should be a help rather than a hindrance.
MARMALEDOVA – 1-point each-way@11-2