DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22
12.55 ASCOT
The mares handicap won by Apples Moon at Exeter two weeks ago was noted for its strong speed figure and BOBBY WITH AN I (best price 10-3), who shaped well over a trip short of her best, can prove more competitive here today with that all-important run under her belt.
Joe Tizzard’s mare was having her first outing for 251 days having disappointed in a listed contest at Doncaster last March and was entitled to need the run and although that probably turned out to be the case, her effort was praiseworthy, nonetheless.
The way she stuck to the task after getting outpaced three out was encouraging for future events over further and hailing from a yard that can do little wrong at present, the daughter of Kapgarde makes quite a bit of appeal.
BOBBY WITH AN I – 1-point win@10-3
1.05 PUNCHESTOWN
Rocky’s Diamond was easily the best of these over hurdles but as we know, jumping fences can be a great leveller and having been beaten far and square by Blizzard Of Oz last time out despite having an uncontested lead, odds around the 6-4 seem awfully short about Declan Queally’s inmate.
The percentage call, therefore, is to take him on and the one who makes the most appeal at the morning odds is BOSSOFTHEBROWNIES (best price 14-1).
Mouse Morris’ inmate didn’t manage to win over hurdles and was only rated 120 but he always had the look of a chaser, and he couldn’t have been any more impressive when getting off the mark at the first time of asking over fences at Fairyhouse.
Always travelling well at the Meath venue, he strode well clear once sent to the front turning for home and although he didn’t beat a top-class field, his speed figure made his performance more upgradeable.
The key element of his display, however, was his pin-point accurate jumping, which scored a useful 8.5 on the RaceIQ index and providing he can be equally efficient at the second time of asking, the best part of his game can give the son of Ocovango half a chance of causing a shock.
BOSSOFTHEBROWNIES – 1/2-point win@14-1
2.25 HAYDOCK
A race that has often produced winners who have gone onto much better things, Grand Crus, Paisley Park and Sam Spinner spring to mind in recent times and HORACES PEARL (best price 15-2) could easily be good enough to add his name to that illustrious list.
Following two impressive victories in the early part of last season, connections thought highly enough of him to pitch him in against Grade 1 performers at Aintree and even though he came up a little short on the day, the combination of the track and quick ground were valid excuses.
Finishing off his season with an altogether more positive display at Kelso, he heads into his new campaign off a workable mark and with a record of 4-4 off a long break, Fergal O’Brien’s inmate can go two places better than stable mate, Crambo, who was unlucky not to capture this prize before going onto much better things two years ago.
HORACES PEARL – 1-point each-way@15-2 (five places)
2.40 ASCOT
Wodhooh is a commendable mare and her effort when runner-up to the mighty Lossiemouth is easily the best form on offer in this Grade 2 but without a recent run, she could be vulnerable to the race-fit CELTIC DINO (best price 7-2), who has always shaped as though he will end up in races of this nature.
Targeted at the Welsh Champion Hurdle, Sam Thomas’ inmate duly delivered the goods with a game display from the front and with the runner-up, Alexei, going on to prove the value of the form twice since, it comes as little surprise to find connections willing to let him take his chance back in graded company (twice placed at Grade 1 and 2 level).
The big question mark, however, comes in the shape of an extra half a mile to cover but if he can be switched off and settled to preserve his stamina, his useful turn of foot could turn out to be the defining weapon – even more so if the rain stays away.
Of the rest at bigger prices, ALTOBELLI (best price 11-1) is hard to leave out of calculations at a track where his form figures read 311 and with his stable introducing a nice horse back off a break into the winners’ enclosure here yesterday, Harry Fry’s inmate is worth a small interest to see whether he can follow suit.
Well beaten behind Wodhooh in the Aintree Grade 1 on his final start last term, he is better judged on his performances over his optimum trip and with the possibility that a wind operation might induce further improvement, the seven-year-old is easily good enough to cause a shock.
CELTIC DINO – 1-point win@7-2
ALTOBELLI – ½ point win@11-1