DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
MONDAY JANUARY 19
1.20 LINGFIELD
Not the best of maiden hurdles but certainly one of the most competitive run this season numerically and with genuine cases to be made for many, UNJEU ROYAL is a must for any shortlist.
Tom Lacey’s inmate might have got off the mark at the first time of asking over hurdles but for being virtually brought down by a loose horse three out and it was easy to see why he was sent off favourite at Huntingdon next time out to back up that view.
However, the five-year-old ended up having to settle for the runner-up spot despite travelling as well as anything turning for home and the only crumb of comfort to be gained from his short-priced defeat was the fact he came out of the contest with a useful figure against his name.
Given time to regather his thoughts following a 58-day break, he arrives here with one of the more convincing profiles and at the morning odds, he makes plenty of each-way appeal.
UNJEU ROYAL – ½ point each-way@13-2
3.20 LINGFIELD
KOENIGSSTERN has yet to run over today’s trip under rules, but he is a former point winner, so a chance is taken on Nick Gifford’s inmate rising to the challenge.
You could argue he didn’t stay 2m4f at Warwick last time out when outrun by Roger Rarebit in the latter stages but the fact he, along with the winner, pulled miles clear of the rest pours cold water on that theory.
Moreover, the speed figure from the Midland venue suggested it was a proper stamina test at the trip as well as for the grade and his cruising speed points towards him being able to drift into the business end of the contest with sufficient energy left to throw down a potent challenge.
KOENIGSSTERN – 1/2 -point each-way@7-1