DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
THURSDAY JANUARY 15
1.42 LUDLOW
An intriguing maiden hurdle in prospect, easily the pick of the two divisions, and despite being up against a pair making their UK debuts for powerful stables, PLAINS DRIFTER is fancied to get in amongst them at the very least.
Unfancied in field of five on hurdling debut at Market Rasen a month ago, Fergal O’Brien’s inmate almost pulled off a huge giant killing act up against the likes of previous winners, Montemares, Harry Lowes and Kefir D’oudairies but in the end, he had to settle for a creditable second place behind the former, who just outstayed him late on.
The fact he still managed to finish in front of the other highly regarded pair, however, was a massive feather in his cap given his lack of experience, and with that all-important run under his belt, he is fancied to carry forward that valuable knowledge into today’s similar event, quality-wise.
PLAINS DRIFTER – 1/2-point each-way@15-2
1.52 WINCANTON
Nick Schofield has already proven that he knows the time of day as a trainer and MORNING MAYHEM is given another chance to atone for his departure at Fontwell last time out.
Strongly fancied to back up his previous easy victory at Uttoxeter, the five-year-old was travelling sweetly approaching the third last at the Sussex venue but unfortunately for his supporters, the one directly in front of him fell and brought him down.
Although too far out to say for certain he would have won, the chances are he would have been involved in the finish at the very least and with the eventual winner that day, Bradman, going on to polish off a more competitive field on his return visit last weekend, prospects are bright this still potentially well treated individual can follow suit.
MORNING MAYHEM – 1-point each-way@9-2 (four places)
2.00 NEWCASTLE
SUNSET HILL only has one victory next to her name, and that came over hurdles, but her four starts over fences haven’t been too shabby and she might just be capable of causing a shock.
Her run here two starts ago when fifth to Alcedo has been endorsed by Grand Geste (won Tommy Whittle) and Breizh River (won competitive handicap at Musselburgh) since and even her latest endeavours when filling out the same position at Aintree was a much stiffer test than what she faces this afternoon.
Ultimately outpaced on the long run from the cross fence – which became the last due to low sun – by a better standard of opponent at the Merseyside track, at least she kept on well enough to suggest she stays three miles well and her previous spin around today’s venue might end up counting for plenty.
SUNSET HILL – ½ point each-way@12-1 (four places)
2.43 FAIRYHOUSE
SOMERSBY ROOST got beat a fair way at Down Royal last time out but in the context of today’s race it wasn’t a bad effort by any means and, if finding a modicum of improvement, Oliver McKiernan’s mare is likely to make a bigger impact at this level.
The six-year-old mare wasn’t expected to feature in the above average maiden run in the north but despite her 80-1 SP, she belied those odds by keeping on well from midfield to finish a creditable sixth.
Since that performance, the race in question has been boosted by the run of Dippedinmoonlight at Fairyhouse yesterday (just ran out of the argument late on), and hailing from a yard who are just beginning to show signs of coming out of the doldrums, she has every chance of providing the team with a welcome winner.
SOMERSBY ROOST – 1-point each-way@9-2