DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
MONDAY FEBRUARY 2
1.15 LEOPARDSTOWN
Conditions at the Dublin venue are going to be unknown territory for many of the participants throughout the day and even though LOVE ME TENDER falls into that category here, a chance is taken on Willie Mullins’ inmate having the requisite ability to cope.
The five-year-old has yet to race this far but he did score by 18 lengths over 2m3f on his hurdling bow and he shaped like a return to further would suit when third in the two-mile Grade 1 over today’s course behind Skylight Hustle over Christmas.
In a battle to get to the lead early 35 days ago, he ended up not being in a position of strength throughout the first mile but to his great credit, he kept on well in the latter stages under the circumstances and it is easy to argue the case he has the best form arriving here today – especially with the likes of Talk The Talk and The Passing Wife doing what they have since.
LOVE ME TENDER – 1-point win@7-2
2.25 LEOPARDSTOWN
A race with a multitude of permutations but The Giggingstown Stud operation look to have a strong hand and STAFFORDSHIRE KNOT and WENDROCK are worth playing against the field.
The former had rather lost way until springing back to life at Naas on his seasonal bow and since then he has gone on to prove that he is better than ever.
Two quick wins forced connections to look at the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle on his latest start and although he ended up finding one too good in the shape of Home By The Lee, the data for the race at Gowran suggested he had performed way beyond his previous best.
On all known evidence, three miles on heavy ground suits best and with Carl Miller on board helping to ease the burden of top weight, Gordon Elliott’s inmate should go well at a decent price back in handicap company.
The latter was a big eye-catcher in a 2m5f handicap at the Christmas meeting, and he must be a consideration up in trip.
Previously only raced over two miles, the way he hit the line at the Dublin venue strongly points towards a horse that should improve for a further step up in trip, and he is worth a small interest to see whether that view bears fruit.
STAFFORDSHIRE KNOT – ½ point each-way@9-1 (five places)
WENDROCK – ½ point each-way@9-1 (five places)
2.35 KEMPTON
Time may tell GRAECIA faced an impossible task trying to match motors with White Noise at Newbury last time out, but it was at least another solid effort to equal the many she had previously racked up, and it should pay to stick with Charlie Longsdon’s mare to continue her consistent run of form.
Only rated 99 heading into that strongly-contested mares’ handicap at the Berkshire venue, out of the weights and up against several rated in the 120’s, the daughter of Magna Grecia was one of four who held every chance at the second last but despite not flinching from this point, she couldn’t live with the better qualities exhibited by the eventual winner.
Posting a career high effort 35 days ago, she also punched above her weight against the boys in a similar quality race at Huntingdon on ground softer than ideal previously, but back on a slightly better surface and at a track where she has performed well before, the five-year-old can gain due reward for her consistency.
GRAECIA – 1-point each-way@9-2