DAILY RACING PREVIEW BY ANDY HOLDING
THURSDAY OCTEOBER 22
2.55 NEWMARKET
ARBAAWY just found one too good for him last time out but the numbers reveal he ran to a career high in defeat and John Butler’s inmate can go close in his bid to finally get off the mark.
Still a maiden after 14 starts, his latest instalment was frustrating on so many levels, none more so than the fact he did the donkey work for such a long way only to find his pocket being picked to the tune of a nose by the more patiently ridden, Hello Cotai.
A classic case of if he didn’t have any bad luck he wouldn’t have any at all, but at least it was a effort that confirmed his liking for soft ground and with today’s conditions similar to what they were 21 days ago, John Butler’s inmate ticks many boxes where other don’t
ARBAAWY – ½ point each-way@11-2 (four places)
4.12 CARLISLE
Golden Ace, the former Champion Hurdler and regular Grade 1 performer, would be expected to beat a field like today’s more often than not but there might be a slight suspicion she could be vulnerable first time out and preference goes in the direction of WILFUL, who is easily good enough to take advantage of any such frailties.
Jeremy Scott’s top-class mare was badly in need of the run on her opening gambit last season, failing miserably to cope with Kateira in a two horse race at Wetherby, whereas Wilful was much more on point with his third in the Welsh Champion Hurdle, a race that worked out well throughout the early months of the campaign.
His subsequent victory in a hot race at Ascot and follow up win in the County Hurdle rubber-stamped his progression and his third in a Grade 1 behind Lossiemouth at Punchestown meant he finished the season on a mark of 153, 3lb higher than Golden Ace.
Moreover, he hails from a stable in great form at present and one would like to think Jonjo & A J O’Neill’s gelding will be reasonably well tuned first time out for a prize of this magnitude.
WILFUL – 1-point win@5-2
6.30 SOUTHWELL
IZZARI ran down a useful field over today’s C&D last time out and she rates a confident choice to make the most of still been allowed to run in Class 5 company.
The five-year-old has struck up a decent partnership with rider Cara Tuke of late and the apprentice got a good tune out of her mount over today’s C&D three starts ago, coming from a long way back to claim the prize late on.
Not so effective when tried at Newcastle for the first time a week later, Iain jardine’s inmate appreciated a return to the Midland venue last time out, once again suited by setting out the back early before scything his way through the field down the straight and it was a performance that thoroughly deserved the attention of the handicapper.
IZZARI – 1-point each-way@9-2 (four places)