DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 13
1.30 KELSO
Kocktail Blue is a rare raider to the track for Chris Gordon and must be respected but he faces a couple here who could provide him with more trouble than the market suggests, and THEY WANT ME rates the value call to back up his previous C&D win.
Donald McCain’s gelding proved no match for Idaho Sun on his hurdling debut at Bangor back in November but given what his conqueror went onto achieved at Grade 1 level next time, to be beaten just 11 lengths by a horse who has a decent chance in the Supreme must go down as an above-average effort.
Pitched into slightly less choppy waters here last time out, the son of Sageburg put his valuable experience gained from his initial outing to good use when outstaying the well supported They’re Chancers in the final half a mile and with the speed figure pointing towards his performance being decent for a race of its kind, there is every reason to expect another positive outcome.
THEY WANT ME – 1-point win@3-1
3.35 KELSO
MILCREE scored in impressive fashion at Ayr last time out and with the strength of his win advertised by many in behind him that day, Nicky Richards’ inmate receives the confident vote to follow up.
The son of Milan has clearly had his issues over the years, hence his lightly raced career, but even an absence of 622 days couldn’t suppress his qualities at the Scottish venue a month ago, as he powered to a convincing success in a very competitive novices’ handicap.
Jipcot ensured there was a strong pace 42 days ago and the gallop set really suited the eight-year-old, who stalked his prey just off the speed before pouncing late on to pull readily clear.
Not only has the pacesetter scored since, the likes of Great Pepper and Young Jack almost followed suit next time and providing the old dreaded ‘bounce’ theory doesn’t come into play, this talented performer should have too much class for his opposition.
MILCREE – 1-point win@9-4