DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
THURSDAY DECEMBER 4
2.40 WINCANTON
There was plenty to admire about the way KALIF D’AIRY (best price 9-4) disposed of a useful field at Lingfield on chase debut and racing over a track where a good technique is rewarded, Gary & Josh Moore’s inmate rates a strong choice to follow up.
A nine-race maiden over hurdles heading into the Surrey venue, the five-year-old was up against several who had plenty of potential to make the grade as a useful chaser but in the end, he proved easily the best of the eight-strong field.
Apart from a slight mistake five out, his jumping overall was pretty good and with the likelihood of more to come as his confidence grows as a chaser, today’s contest looks a good opportunity for him to back up that view.
KALIF D’AIRY – 1-point win@9-4
3.40 WINCANTON
MEATLOAF (best price 13-2) was a dead ringer for a horse who needed the run at Newbury last time out and now racing over a track that should be more suitable based on all his previous useful efforts in the past, Paul Nicholls’ chestnut can return to winning ways.
Having his first outing for 538 at the Berkshire venue, the six-year-old went through the first mile and a half as well as anything in the race but when push came to shove from two out, he visibly got tired and could only keep on at the one pace for fourth.
That said, his performance was still good enough to register well on the speed figures and with the form boosted earlier this week by the runner-up, Believeitanducan, confidence is high the son of Doctor Dino can follow suit around a track where he is unbeaten in three previous starts.
MEATLOAF – 1-point each-way@13-2