DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
MONDAY MARCH 23
4.05 KEMPTON
GUSTAVIAN maybe on the back nine of his career. but he has showed on more than one occasion this season he still doesn’t need a Zimmer frame just yet and over a C&D that witnessed one of his better performances’ figures-wise, Anthony Honeyball’s inmate looks poised to strike again.
Bidding to make all the running in the hugely competitive Ladbrokes Trophy at the Sunbury venue a month ago, the 11-year-old still headed the posse at the top of the home straight but from that point onwards, he couldn’t quite cope with several fresher-legged rivals who were too strong on the day and he ended up having to settle for an honourable fourth.
Still, in the context of what he faces on his return visit, his effort must go down as a notable display and providing he doesn’t get into an unnecessary battle for the early lead with Annsam, like he did at Sandown previously, there is every chance he can back up his victory in the Badger Beer at Wincanton from earlier in the campaign.
GUSTAVIAN – 1-point win@11-4
4.57 KEMPTON
MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE hasn’t been able to catch a break so far this season, but he looks to have been handed a golden opportunity to finally free the shackles and he can have few excuses if he doesn’t take advantage.
Cast your mind back to November and Nigel Twiston-Davies’ inmate ran well enough to finish within three lengths of Champion Hurdle fourth (should have been second) Alexei at Ascot, and since then, he has plied his trade at Grade 3 and 2 level.
Extremely unlucky on his next start back at Ascot, he then managed to finish a creditable third on his return visit two outings ago and his latest instalment from the Berkshire venue was just as good on the data.
Keeping on well to finish a never-nearer fourth 37 days ago, the likes of Listentoyourheart, Act Of Authority and Katiera have all gone on to boost the form in much better races since and with today’s event seen as the weakest one he has contested all season, the son of Libertarian can hopefully have something more productive to show for his endeavours over the last six months.
MOVEIT LIKE MINNIE – 1-point win@7-2