DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
MONDAY APRIL 20
4.30 KELSO
NEWPORT proved no match for the resurgent Travis Wheatley at Newcastle last time out but, other than an uncharacteristic performance at Catterick two runs earlier, it was yet another solid run by Iain Jardine’s gelding and he is worth keeping on side in a race where he should be competitive again.
The six-year-old had shaped reasonably well on his first outing post wind surgery at Sedgefield three weeks prior and despite coming out second best the data from the contest at the Gosforth Park venue pointed towards him better than he had done at any stage in the past.
Indeed, his conqueror went on to advertise that theory with an excellent effort in a much better grade at Ayr last Friday and providing he manages to run to a similar standard, a place on the podium is the very least of the expectations.
NEWPORT – ½ point each-way@8-1
4.42 TRAMORE
The maiden hurdle won by Boedic at Clonmel last month was noted for its strong speed figure for a race of its kind and with the form working out well accordingly, confidence is high HEY NOW can continue to overall theme.
While the front pair in the market slugged it out like a couple of prize fighters from flag fall, it was interesting watching how the race developed in behind and Andrew McNamara’s gelding was one of the few who at least made some sort of attempt to be competitive.
Okay, he failed to make any notable impact on the final result but kept on well to finish a creditable fifth and it is worth pointing out how well the form has worked out since.
Yesterday’s Tramore maiden hurdle winner, Polepatrick, was yet another to highlight the excellent speed figure of the race in question and providing the son of Yorgunnabelucky is ridden on his merits, he is easily good enough to capture a race of this nature.
HEY NOW – 1-point win@3-1