DAILY RACING BY ANDY HOLDING
TUESDAY JUNE 30
7.18 STRATFORD
It goes against the grain to oppose a well-backed Dan Skelton-trained horse at present, especially one owned by the very shrewd The Blind Squirrels group, but SNATCH A GLANCE is easily good enough to spoil the party and he is recommended as the solid each-way alternative.
Fergal O’Brien’s gelding has been a model of consistency so far in his short career and his latest effort when third in a competitive 0-120 handicap hurdle at market Rasen reads well in the context of today’s assignment.
Although he couldn’t quite match the front pair in the closing stages at the Lincolnshire venue, the data from the race in question still pointed towards him running a career high an with the runner-up, High dancer, going on to boost the form subsequently, confidence is high this six-year-old can follow suit under his ideal conditions.
SNATCH A GLANCE – 1-point each-way@4-1
8.00 ROSCOMMON
CHALLY CHUTE maybe the elder statesman of the field but make no mistake, he can still perform to a very high level, and the winner of this race last year is fancied to go well in his bid to keep a tight grip on his crown.
One of the main reasons why he has been able to maintain his high standards without suffering from burnout is due to the fact he races very sparingly and since joining Ross O’Sullivan, he might have improved a shade.
A surprise 125-1 winner of this race last season on his first start from his new base, he went on to prove that victory was no fluke with a game second in the Irish Cesarewitch before rounding off the campaign with another notable success at Group 3 level.
Off the track for 229 days, the eight-year-old returned to the fray with an excellent effort in chasing home the very useful Layfeyette at Limerick 11 days ago and with that pleasing comeback likely to have served the purpose of tightening up a few loose screws, he should give another good account over a track he has more knowledge than his rivals.
CHALLY CHUTE – 1-point each-way@4-1