DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
TUESDAY MAY 19
3.20 NOTTINGHAM
Time may tell SPORTS DAY faced an impossible task up against the improving Alice De Clare at Yarmouth last time out and with nothing of that calibre hidden amid today’s line-up, Michael bell’s chestnut has a direct pathway to finding the winner’s enclosure at the sixth time of asking.
Grindleton took the field along at a rapid rate at the seaside venue 19 days ago and the son of Lope De Vega had little trouble drafting in behind the pace setter, biding his time and waiting to pounce in the home straight.
Once sent to the front two out, he was quickly joined by the smooth travelling market leader and although he tried to respond once headed, he ended up fighting a losing battle in second.
That said, the speed figure strongly suggested the race was very good for the grade and even allowing for the fact he is marooned out on the wing in stall 12, he should have the sufficient qualities at this level to overcome such an impost.
SPORTS DAY – 1-point win@9-4
8.20 HEXHAM
Nicky Henderson doesn’t have many runners at the Borders venue, but when he sends one North, the stats say he usually hits the mark (eight winners in 19 runners) and Thewoodcorner will no doubt be a popular choice with many to uphold that decent record.
However, he hasn’t been missed in the market, and a better value option might be to side with SUNSET HILL, who has some notable form around today’s track, including most importantly, here last time out.
Susan Corbett’s mare took the field along at a fair old rattle here 10 days ago and she managed to shake off the field apart from Perseus Way, who was the only one who had the requisite reserves of stamina to outrun the brave, front runner in the closing stages.
Despite her defeat, she had some notable scalps in behind such as previous C&D winner, Gardener and the useful Florida Dream to name two and with the speed figure going a long way to highlight the pace she set, she has no need to feel any inferiority complex up against today’s opponents.
More to the point, her valuable track knowledge is likely to count for plenty and hailing from a stable who has had two winners and two seconds from their last six runners, the daughter of Kingston Hill can add to the list of positive results.
SUNSET HILL – 1-point each-way@15-2 (four places)