Saturday’s ITV races previewed
Those who remember the days when today’s big race was sponsored by Mackeson will no doubt be a little wistful that there is no big-name runner to compare with Bradbury Star, a dual winner of the early 90s. But the race has once more done its job of delivering a big, competitive field and anyone who picks the winner will surely have to give some thanks for luck in running.
What we need is a horse who has shown he can cope with a bit of rough and tumble and Tully East (2.25) appeals on that score. The novice handicap he won at the March Festival was full of incident, with horses falling in front of him and close by as he moved up smoothly through the field.
I was especially impressed by how quickly he settled that argument when asked to go and attack the last. The extra 10lb he has been given here should not prevent a bold showing and he’ll be sharper for a recent spin over hurdles.
Starchitect seems most dangerous of the other market-leaders. He hasn’t blossomed over fences yet but has a race like this in him and his stable won a handicap chase here with their only runner yesterday. The athletic Plaisir D’Amour and the under-rated Lake Takapuna make each-way appeal.
1.50 Cheltenham It may be worth forgiving Premier Bond for a poor display in the Scottish National, when he was fitted with a tongue tie that has now been removed. He had previously looked a progressive young stayer and can improve beyond his current rating this winter.
2.45 Lingfield Making his first start for three months, Boynton was far too free when beaten by Victory Bond at Chelmsford last month and did well to finish within half a length of the winner. Having since run well at Newmarket, he can get a bit closer to his optimum performance here on a surface that probably suits him better than grass.
3.00 Cheltenham There was an eyecatching effort here last month from Kk Lexion, when his inexperienced jockey made an early dash for home. Adrian Heskin returns to the saddle aboard a horse with more to give at this sort of distance.
3.15 Lingfield With a record of eight from 14, Spring Loadedwarrants respect whenever he steps onto an all-weather surface. Now that he does so for the first time since January, it is encouraging that he has fared so well on turf since the summer, winning the Portland and going close in a similarly hot race at York. Paul D’Arcy’s grey looks the one to beat.
3.30 Cheltenham Red Indian ran a stormer on his handicap debut in May and, in hindsight, was attempting the impossible in conceding 9lb to a horse that has since won five times. He looks fairly treated and ought to appreciate this step up in trip.
Tips for all Saturday races
Cheltenham 12.40 Gumball 1.15 West Approach 1.50 Premier Bond 2.25 Tully East (nap) 3.00 Kk Lexion 3.30 Red Indian (nb) 4.00 Holding Pattern
Lingfield 11.55 Gaudi 12.25 Masaarr 1.00 Enigmatic 1.35 Temeraire 2.10 Sacred Act 2.45 Boynton 3.15 Spring Loaded 3.45 Olympic Legend
Uttoxeter 12.20 The Sweeney 12.50 Du Soleil 1.25 Lastbutnotleast 2.00 Bob Ford 2.35 Mozo 3.05 Beau Knight 3.40 Mount Batur
Wetherby 12.30 Cabaret Queen 1.05 Whatduhavtoget 1.40 Early Retirement 2.15 Doctor Glaz 2.50 Spectator 3.20 Get On The Yager 3.50 Schiaparannie
Wolverhampton 5.45 Arty But Poor 6.15 La La Land 6.45 Craving 7.15 Cirrus Minor 7.45 Popsicle 8.15 Bleu Et Noir 8.45 Fast Act 9.15 Hot Mustard
