DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
TUESDAY JANUARY 27
2.02 CHEPSTOW
Conditions at the Welsh venue are likely to be arduous based on the weather forecast and for that reason, it would come as no surprise to see BOYLES HILL bounce back to form on his return to hurdles.
Admittedly, Evan Williams’ inmate was in much better shape this time last year before successful at the main expense of the smart Lanesborough but, as all three runs so far this season have been over fences, largely on unsuitable ground, valid excuses can be made for his uninspiring form figures.
Clearly a good deal must be taken on trust, but he does have career form figures on heavy ground that read 21211 and at the prices, he is worth a small shy at the stumps.
If the slightly audacious advice for Boyles Hill doesn’t pay off, it wouldn’t come as the biggest surprise if CASTELFORT proves an able substitute as cover.
Jane Williams’ gelding arrived at the Welsh venue for this race last year having won well the time before but after travelling like the most likely winner down to the last, he ultimately failed to deliver as much as promised off the bridle and he ended up having to settle for a minor role.
Lightly raced since, the six-year-old finished down the field on his first two starts this term but he did show more signs of life in a hot race at Newbury just after Christmas and the way he kept on in the closing stages after getting outpaced when the tempo increased turning for home was encouraging.
Back on more suitable ground in a lesser race, quality-wise, the son of Castle Du Berlais has a reasonable chance to better his form figures at today’s venue over hurdles that currently read 2113.
BOYLES HILL – ½ point each-way@14-1 (four places)
CASTELFORT – 1-point win@4-1