DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 4
2.00 KEMPTON
This is a step higher grade than the one HIGH ON HOPE claimed over the C&D last time out, but he is improving at enough of a rate that should allow him to be competitive, and he is worth supporting accordingly.
Drawn stall 8 of 8 at the Sunbury venue, Michael Appleby’s inmate was taken back to avoid any early skirmishes but in doing so, it meant he had quite a task on his hands once straightening up for the judge.
Despite this impost, the son of Sergei Prokofiev managed to run down his seven rivals in the run to the line, and it came as no surprise to find he ran the last three furlongs in 33.7 – which is a fair effort for a horse of his grade.
Technically better drawn today, he will need to be extricated from the inside fence at some stage but providing he does break free when the cutaway comes into play, the in-form four-year-old has a decent chance of completing the hat trick.
HIGH ON HOPE – 1-point each-way@9-2
2.23 LUDLOW
The mares only contest won by Watamu at Huntingdon back in December was noted for its strong speed figure and having caught the eye with the way she shaped on the day, FIRST CANDIDATE makes plenty of appeal to be a more potent force this time around.
Having fallen on her hurdles debut at Southwell, Dan Skleton’s inmate was ridden with a view to regain her confidence at the Cambridgeshire venue but despite the tentative approach, she still managed to show she has a reasonable amount of ability.
In the cheap seats heading away from the stands, she made up a huge amount of ground to race behind the main players on the turn for home and although she could never strike a meaningful blow thereafter, a never-nearer fifth ended up being a decent return for a horse ridden under wraps.
Whether today is the day for her or connections have other plans for further down the line only time will tell, but either way, the daughter of Jacks Hobbs has a useful engine and if ridden with more intent, she has a decent chance of playing a more active role.
FIRST CANDIDATE – 1-point win@7-2