DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
SUNDAY MAY 4
2.30 SALISBURY
LIOSA (NAP) (best price 2-1) has been in scintillating shape on the all-weather in recent times and a chance is taken on Stuart Kittow’s gelding translating a similar level of form back to the turf.
The five-year-old rattled off a series of fine results towards the backend of last season and he continued where he left off in October when overcoming a 169-day absence at Kempton a month ago.
In what turned out to be a strongly run affair for the grade, he arrived on the scene going easily two out and from that juncture he found the necessary gear change to pull clear late on.
Usurping his best speed figure at the Sunbury venue by some way, the son of The Last Lion kept his career trajectory very much on the upward curve and although he has yet to win on turf in six previous attempts, he clearly arrives here a much better horse than he did when last on the grass.
LIOSA – 1-point win@2-1
3.35 NEWMARKET
Desert Flower clearly commands the utmost respect being unbeaten on all her four starts as a juvenile, but her price dictates she is probably only a betting proposition for the heavy hitters and there may be better value to be had with DUTY FIRST (best price 6-1) in the ‘without the favourite’ market.
A little way short of top class as a two-year-old, it was easy to see why Archie Watson’s filly was allowed to go off 33-1 for the Fred Darling at Newbury on her seasonal bow but despite being totally dismissed in the market, she won in style of a filly who had improved significantly over the winter.
One of the main points to make about her victory a month ago was she finished miles ahead of all those who raced on the far side (sixth placed Maw Lam the closest to the tune of six lengths), having joined that group of seven after a furlong and, as a result, it is a performance you can easily upgrade.
Posting a decent speed figure in disposing of many highly-regarded types (Betty Clover already boosted the form), she also shaped as though an extra furlong wouldn’t prove a stumbling block going forward and having run well over today’s course last season despite unsuitable ground, the daughter of Showcasing is one of the more interesting outsiders with fitness on her side.
DUTY FREE – 1/2-point each-way@6-1 (without Desert Flower)
3.55 SLIGO
BEAUPARC (best price 6-1) landed a gamble with a bit to spare on the all-weather at Dundalk last time out and he commands plenty of respect reverting back to the turf under ideal conditions.
Stepping up to 1m4f for the first time at the Co Lough circuit last time out, Gerard Keane’s inmate was backed as if defeat was out of the question and after traveling well throughout, he came through strongly in the final two furlongs to score with a touch of nonchalance.
Prior to that victory, all his best form had come over slightly shorter trips, including his fine third to the improving Apercu at Naas last August, and a good break from a favourable draw should see him competitive throughout.
BEAUPARC – ½ -point each-way@6-1 (four places)