We're hoping Andy's NAP can maintain his good form on his return to the grass.
2.40 Bath
CASEMATES SQUARE (NAP) (best price 9-4) ran a tremendous race for a horse 6lb out of the handicap at Kempton last time and it’s just a simply case of whether he can translate that level of form on his return to the grass. Up against two improvers in the shape of Wolfcatcher jack and Tomorrow Mystery, who both went into that contest off the back of impressive victories, Ian Williams’ inmate acquitted himself with great credit getting to within hailing distance of the front pair and with the time figure suggesting it was also a decent race of its kind, this lightly-raced three-year-old clearly ran way beyond a horse of his low rating nine days ago. A tall, long, striding type who doesn’t do anything quickly, one would imagine connections would want to make plenty of use of him here today and with the nature of today’s track having a long, uphill pull from three out, this layout should really suit the son of Casamento once he’s in top gear.
5.15 Bellewstown
Having set very strong fractions in a maiden hurdle at Galway last time out (good overall speed figure), WHENTHEWINDBLOWS (best price 10-1) was entitled to get a little bit tired in the closing stages and tonight’s contest looks to be a more realistic target given the level of competition he faced nine days ago. Up against the likes of the smart pair Aydoun and Big Ben from powerful yards, it was always likely the son of Stowaway was going to struggle, but to be fair to him, he certainly made a bold fist of things from the front and it was only the final climb to the line up the hill that found him out. Prior to that above-average effort, Steve Mahon’s charge had chased home another progressive sort in the shape of Silent Sun at Limerick and a repeat of that sort of form alone should see him there or thereabouts for local connections here this evening.
6.00 Sedgefield
CRAIG STAR (best price 6-1) was heavily involved in a tear up at Bangor last time out and a repeat of that level of form should enable him to be very competitive in this similar race here tonight. In race run at a sound clip throughout, Donald McCain’s inmate kept on willingly all the way to the line and with the likes of Mizen Master and Anton Dolin both going on to advertise the credentials of the contest next time out, the form looks totally believable. Hopefully, they should go a good pace again here tonight courtesy of stable mate Daneintothelight in the line-up and providing the first-time cheekpieces have a galvanising effect, the son of Craigsteel has a decent chance of adding another victory to his trainer’s fine summer-jumping collection.
6.45 Bellewstown
Despite top weight, there’s no reason why the ever-consistent MANUKA (best price 16-1) won’t figure prominently again at a track where he’s gone well in the past. Although beaten fair and square by tonight’s favourite, Tiliver, at Sligo last time out over fences, the ground would have been way too soft for Karl Thornton’s charge that evening and he’s better judged of some of his other performances on a much sounder surface. Indeed, one of his best efforts during the summer jumping period came over tonight’s course when third behind William B in a competitive handicap hurdle and being a C&D winner here also in the past, hopefully a return to the Co Meath track should enable him to run to a far level on ground that will suit.
