DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
SUNDAY JULY 12
2.00 DUNDALK
THE HIGHWAY RAT isn’t always the smartest away from the gates which, for a sprinter, obviously presents its problems, but he does operate well over today’s track and with the surface likely to prove to be on the slow side, he grind his way back into contention to be a potent threat at the business end.
Last time out at Navan Andrew Oliver’s gelding rather conveniently allowed his rivals a five-length head start but to his great credit, he almost pulled off the impossible by managing to get within half-a-length of the eventual winner, Bohdi Bear.
Prior to that game effort, the eight-year-old had also shaped well in a very competitive handicap at The Curragh when once again awkward leaving the stalls but it was a performance that still suggested he has plenty of appetite for the game.
Only beaten three lengths in a Group 3 over during the winter months, his form figures over the C&D now read 11211523346 and today’s result will probably all boil down to whether he shows a bit more alertness in the early stages.
THE HIGHWAY RAT – 1/2-point each-way@13-2
5.01 PERTH
SCOTS POET arrives here in the form of his life and in a race that should set up nicely for his usual late flourish, Ewan Whillans’ gelding can complete his hat trick.
His fine run of results began with a convincing success at Kelso back in May and he went on to repeat the dose in a more competitive environment over today’s C&D two weeks later.
Since that narrow-margin win, the form/speed figure of the contest at the Scottish venue has worked out accordingly and with Malangen sure to ensure today’s event is run at a true gallop, this hold-up performer can be produced to a nicety where it matters most.
SCOTS POET – 1-point win@10-3