DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
TUESDAY JUNE 23
7.15 NEWTON ABBOT
KATANA just found one too good in the shape of Emerald Bay at Worcester last time out but the data from the race 12 days ago suggests it was a fair effort by Robert Stephens’ gelding and a repeat of a similar level of form should see him close to finally shedding his maiden tag.
There were six races over hurdles at the Midland venue that day, three of which were over two miles, and it was significant the 0-105 involving the son of Blek was responsible for both the fastest overall time and final circuit splits.
Forcing the issue from halfway down the back straight until joined by the eventual winner touching down over the last, the six-year-old had no answer to the winner on the run-in, but he did keep on well to finish an honourable second and in turn, earn himself a career high speed figure.
Considering that was his first outing since last November and over a trip much shorter than his best (had raced over three miles previously), it was a decent effort by Katana and now back up in distance and with that all-important run under his belt, there is every chance he will put up another bold bid.
KATANA – 1-point each-way@7-1 (four places)