DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
FRIDAY JANUARY 2
1.00 AYR
The novice hurdle won by Upon Tweed here 32 days ago was one of the better ones seen in the north so far this season, certainly if the data is a good guide, and LIKE MINDED, who shaped nicely on his debut without threatening the main players, can more than hold his own on his return visit.
The market is usually a fair guide to the expectation levels of one of JP’s first time out but despite being sent off 28-1 at the Scottish venue, he easily produced more than anticipated.
Settling nicely in midfield, the son of Wings Of Eagles jumped and travelled well until hitting a bit of a flat spot when the tempo cranked up approaching the home straight but once realising what was required with a couple of gentle reminders, he picked up well in the latter stages to finish a never-nearer fourth.
As the runner-up, Stede Bonnet, proved at Tramore yesterday, the form/speed figure is a reliable source and with the strong possibility the five-year-old will have benefited greatly from that initial experience, he makes a reasonable amount of each-way appeal behind a favourite that arrives here under a bit of a cloud.
LIKE MINDED – 1-point each-way@6-1
3.00 AYR
Those down the front end of the market have a decidedly unconvincing look to them, so a chance is taken on KARAFON making a bigger impact than the market suggests on just his second start over fences.
Stuart Crawford’s inmate has been rather highly tried over his short career, you could argue little injudiciously at times, but some of his performances in races much stronger than today point towards him having the ability to feature with a clear round.
Although never a factor in the big three-mile handicap hurdle at Haydock in November, the usual track bias favouring those on the speed counted heavily against him, but when you consider he managed to beat the likes of subsequent winners, Ma Shantou and Lunar Discovery, who were similarly inconvenienced, his effort deserves a bit more praise.
Ridden to try and match motors with old stable companion, Gold Dancer, at Tipperary on his only previous outing over fences, it is difficult to get any sort of gauge on what he achieved that day or, just as importantly, what to expect this afternoon, but in the hope the rhythm of this 2m4f contest will help him find his feet, the six-year-old could turn out to be the surprise package.
KARAFON – ½ point each-way@10-1