DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
FRIDAY OCTOBER 23
1.15 CHELTENHAM
Storm Austen looks set to bring havoc to the opening day of the jumps season at Prestbury Park, so the safest option in the opener is to look towards a horse with no fitness issues and a preference for plenty of ease underfoot – step forward CROOKED PATH.
James Owen’s inmate was a winner at Fontwell on good-to-soft ground just eight days ago, so he qualifies on both fronts, and he also scores highly on the data, not only that day but on his previous third at Market Rasen.
At the Sussex venue, the four-year-old impressed with the way he quickened up to readily beat the in-form Henrietta Knight-trained pair, Motazeen and Moab and providing he can translate the level of form he displayed on his first visit to National Hunt HQ, he is likely to make a big impact off what still appears to be a good mark.
CROOKED PATH – 1-point each-way@5-1 (four places)
6.15 DUNDALK
Connections of BOSTON MAX must have wondered whether their charge is ever going to catch a break with the draw here at the Louth venue and although stall 9 isn’t exactly a position of luxury, it’s a damn sight better than what he has been receiving of late.
Handed stall 13 of 13 here three starts ago, Gordon Elliott’s gelding has been given 11 of 14 and 13 of 14 on his next two races but despite these acts of unkindness by the draw gods, he has still managed to hit the frame each time.
Only just nailed late on by the strong-finishing Jazzit here a week ago, you have to admire the way he fought on bravely despite adversity and providing he can hold his position sufficiently well enough to be in a reasonable position of strength turning for home, the son of Bungle Inthejungle can finally gain his just rewards for his recent endeavours.
BOSTON MAX – 1-point win@10-3
7.30 WOLVERHAMPTON
There was hardly anything to separate CANVAS and Hauteluce on the data when they both captured handicaps over tonight’s C&D 18 days ago but with the layers chalking up the former at almost four times the price, the clear value lies at the feet of Scott Dixon’s inmate.
The four-year-old ran 1.57.21 for the extended 1m1f journey at the Dunstall venue, compared to Hauteluce’s 1.57.38 and ion doing so, it was unsurprising to find that effort converting into a career high speed figure.
Taken to York for last start just five days after those exertions, stall 19 was always likely to pose an even greater problem for starters but despite those fears, he still came out of the race with a reasonable amount of credit, keeping on well to finish sixth of the 20 runners behind subsequent winner, Callianassa.
Heading back in the direction of his most notable success, the move seems a wise one based on numerous factors and from a good draw, a position ride can reap a positive outcome.
CANVAS – 1-point each-way@8-1 (four places)