DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 24
3.07 LISTOWEL
There are plenty for whom strong cases can be made in this ultra-competitive handicap hurdle for four-year-olds, but the one who stands out in terms of his profile is HOPES ARE HIGH, and he is fancied to make a bold bid of keeping his unbeaten track record intact.
William Durkan’s inmate ran out a smooth winner over today’s C&D at this very meeting last season, and one would imagine that connections have had this race in mind ever since.
Campaigned in accordance with that viewpoint, the son of Shaman has only had three runs in the interim and with his latest effort an eye-catching one on his first outing over hurdles for almost a year, his performance deserves extra praise.
The way he went through that race at Kilbeggan before getting tired on the run-in strongly suggests he will be a different proposition with that all-important run under his belt, and the consistent grey makes loads appeal for the each-way thieves.
HOPES ARE HIGH – 1-point each-way@9-1 (four places)
4.58 SOUTHWELL
Crowned’s recent course win makes him the clear form choice, but he does face the challenges of a wide draw up in trip on his return visit and the safer option at the prices is to look towards FROM ME TO YOU from an each-way perspective.
Richard Hannon’s inmate hasn’t set the world alight in most of his races so far to date but there was much more encouragement to be taken out of his latest effort at Wolverhampton.
Held up towards the rear of midfield at the Dunstall track, the son of Persian Force was noted going well turning for home but from that juncture he didn’t get the clearest of passages and despite finishing off his race quite strongly, he ultimately had to settle for a minor role.
However, the way he hit the line suggested there was plenty more hope for the further over his new trip of seven furlongs and from a good starting point in stall 3, he can hopefully work his way into a position of strength for the final kick down the straight.
FROM ME TO YOU – 1-point each-way@9-2