DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
MONDAY JUNE 1
2.57 LISTOWEL
My missus overcooked the sausages when in charge of the barbeque at a gathering with friends over the weekend, but that misjudgement doesn’t come close to the one PUTAPOUNDINTHEJAR encountered in a competitive handicap at Punchestown two starts ago and he is fancied to put the record straight in this slightly less demanding contest.
Tony Martin’s gelding is often switched off towards the rear of the field in most races, but due to the large size field at the Kildare venue, in meant he faced a virtually impossible task passing 20 rivals of the highest quality in the final half a mile.
To his eternal credit, he did manage to cut down most of the field to finish a never-nearer fifth and in what turned out to be one of the best handicaps of the entire festival based on the figures, his effort deserves extra praise.
Good enough to finish sixth to Alexei in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham back in November, these are the sort of tasks the six-year-old has faced in recent times and other than a couple of dangerous floaters in today’s affair, it would be a surprise if he didn’t have the legs to cope with the assignment at hand if running anywhere near to his best.
PUTAPOUNDINTHEJAR – 1-point win@9-4
3.44 GOWRAN
As we know, ability can take a horse part of the way on its journey, but what separates those who can elevate their game to another level is the attitude to match and PERISHER comes across as one who has both qualities in equal measures.
The son of Australia first showed signs he is made of stern stuff when fending off stable mate Alphonsus Liguori here two starts ago and with the runner-up and third both going on to score since, his stock grew even higher as a result.
Well backed to follow at Naas last time out, the tenacious grey impressed with the way he dropped his shoulder two out and lengthened all the way to the line and providing he pops out to get towards the head of affairs from his low draw here today, the hat trick will be very much on the cards.
PERISHER – 1-point win@10-3
6.00 WOLVERHAMPTON
SOUTH KENSINGTON gained due reward for an eye-catching effort over today’s course at Southwell last time out and even though there is still a lingering doubt that she may well be suited by an extra furlong, she still rates the recommendation to continue the winning theme.
Although no match for the positively ridden Street Dancer at the Dunstall venue two starts ago, the time figure of the winner suggested she had run to a fair standard in defeat and she was duly well supported to back up that view 10 days later.
Nudged out for a hands and heels victory, she left the impression she had plenty more left in the tank and off a mark still south of her true worth, Adam Kirby’s mare can continue the good recent run of her rookie trainer.
SOUTH KENSINGTON – 1-point win@10-3