Eyecatchers and a Southwell selection for 19/1/2021

Come On Teddy (centre) secured himself a place in the Pertemps Final

 

I've decided to pick out four eyecatchers from the last week of racing in this post, all of them hopefully capable of going close next time out. I will also chuck in a selection for Southwell on Tuesday as well for good measure which can hopefully land the odds too. Eyecatchers first though:

 

Clongowes (Daniel Steele) 6th at Plumpton 13th January

Clongowes is a steadily improving hurdler who now qualifies for a handicap mark after yet another effort of promise at Plumpton in deep ground. He was rated 90 on the Flat and you will find value in his price next time given the yard from which he hails. He seems to act on most ground is worth popping on the tracker.

Jay Bee Why (Alan King) 5th at Warwick 16th January

Jay Bee Why finished behind some very smart horses in the Leamington Novices Hurdle, and looks a horse with a huge amount of potential. The winner Adrimel defied a penalty of 3lbs for Richard Johnson, with the battle-hardened Mint Condition, Cheltenham winner Make Me A Believer and Midnight River in fourth. Going into the race with just one hurdles run before, that being an easy victory also at Warwick, this was a huge effort to be only beaten three lengths. He could have an each way chance at the Festival in one of the novice races should he go for one, but regardless, he is a smart horse going forward.

Come On Teddy (Tom George) 3rd at Warwick 16th January

Come On Teddy qualified for the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival by finishing third in the Pertemps Qualifier at Warwick. This progressive individual travelled strongly at the rear of the field alongside eventual winner Imperial Alcazar, and both of them met trouble on the home turn, in which Come On Teddy came out worse. As they were quickening for the final flight, there was a bit of a pile-up involving three horses, two of which sadly had to be put-down, but once again Come On Teddy came out worse of the two. He ultimately got beat five lengths but deserved to be closer. The key point to note is that he won easily at Cheltenham in November and could be a proper player off a low weight if he gets in. (would have done last year)

Holy Tiber (Chelsea Banham) 11th at Lingfield 16th January

Holy Tiber lined up in the 7f Bombardier Handicap at Lingfield on Saturday, with an SP of 11/1 suggesting she had each way claims beforehand, which would be an accurate assessment in a wide open contest. The race became messy quite early on as Desert Dream, who had made most to win at Wolverhampton recently, was drawn very wide meaning rider Cieren Fallon had to do plenty of work to get across before the first bend, causing a bit of a domino effect in behind. Holy Tiber was held up in rear as normal before being repeatedly denied a clear run up the home straight for Joey Haynes. If you stop the replay as they straighten for home, he is the only jockey on the bridle and almost immediately got into trouble. For the remainder of the race, she had nowhere to go and her rider sat up in the irons to bring her home. She is one for the tracker on her next three starts.

As for the Southwell card, there are plenty of "spin the bottle" races earlier on in the card, but I think my bets will surround the last two races. If Nick Vedder reppears, then I think he will regain the winning thread in the 7.10pm for Kieran Shoemark and trainer Robyn Brisland. He ran at the track yesterday over seven furlongs, and after missing the break, struggled to land a blow. The three ahead of him at the line were in the first four leaving the back straight, showing they didn't go very quick and that didn't suit. I don't think he's as effective over seven furlongs, plus he ended up on the far rail. Back to six furlongs and some pace in the race, he should get back to winning ways. 

Obviously with a slight doubt to his participation, I thought I'd look away from him in case, and Rathbride Prince could go well in the last at 7.40pm. He's on my tracker after his run at Wolverhampton four starts ago, his first for trainer Ian Williams, one of the shrewdest dual-purpose operators in the business. He has ran twice at Lingfield for this yard, a track which doesn't suit him and having his first start here, I think he will outrun his price. His sire Pour Moi has had a couple of Fibresand winners from a small sample size and Martin Dwyer may try and bounce out prominently and hopefully stay there.

I'll be back tomorrow for a look at Wednesday's racing.

Take care and be lucky.