DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
WEDNESDAY JANUARY 14
2.15 FAIRYHOUSE
A good number of these took part in a similar handicap over today’s C&D back in November and despite losing out to the late work of Drumgill, TOUCH ME NOT is given another chance to respond to the theory he was a shade unfortunate.
A horse who thrives from doing his own thing out in front, Gordon Elliott’s inmate was slightly caught on heels as the tapes went back and, as a result, it took him the thick end of half a mile to finally establish his usual position at the head of affairs.
To his credit, he managed to see everything off apart from John Ryan’s inmate who had nothing to do with the jousting that occurred in the first mile, but he was ultimately a sitting duck, and he got picked off on the run-in.
Just short of top class as a novice, his best effort came when he was unlucky not to land the Grade 1 Henry VIII Chase at Sandown due to a bad mistake early on but he is more than capable of giving it a good lash in a race of this nature and he looks sure to do so if gaining that vital uncontested lead he craves (Tullyhill the only other recognised front runner).
TOUCH ME NOT – 1-point each-way@9-2 (four places)
3.50 NEWBURY
A cracking conclusion to a competitive card and despite the presence of several potentially sneaky ones down the foot of the handicap, a degree of loyalty is afforded to DOCTOR’S HILL, who bids to atone for a slightly below par effort here last time out.
Tried over 2m4f for the first time at the Berkshire circuit 16 days ago, Philip Hobbs & Johnson White’s inmate travelled up to the leaders going as well as anything approaching two out, but it was from that juncture when his run flattened out, and he eventually faded to finish 13 lengths behind the winner.
Prior to that run, he ran on strongly in a keenly contested heat after getting outpaced around the sharp contours of Wincanton over the minimum trip and off that effort, you can see why connections decided to step him up half a mile.
Now it seems blatantly obvious two miles suits him best, a well-run handicap back over today’s galloping circuit should prove ideal and he just gains the vote of the improving Premier, who won in a decent figure at Taunton last time.
DOCTOR’S HILL – 1-point win@
8.30 KEMPTON
DUCHESS caused a bit of a shock when scoring at 28-1 at Southwell last time out but the numbers suggested there was no fluke involved and John Berry’s mare can be backed with a degree of confidence to prove the point.
As we know, her trainer is a dab hand at getting the best out of low-grade stayers and the Newmarket handler looked to have worked his magic with this girl based on her run 10 days ago.
Charging through the field to win going away, she did so whilst defying the often-perceived slowest part of the track over towards the far side fence and her overall time figure was also very good for the grade.
Prior to that improved effort, she had indicated she might be coming to hand with a more encouraging display at Newcastle and having gone well over tonight’s C&D in the past, the daughter of The Grey Gatsby makes more sense than most in a week race.
DUCHESS – 1-point win@