After enjoying some good weeks over the past few months, we have found things a little tougher of late, with the winners proving frustratingly difficult to find. Hopefully, we can turn the tide on an excellent day of racing, with the highlights coming from York, where a cracking card features the Ebor Handicap, worth £300,000 to the winner.
15:45 Killarney – BOWENSONFIRE (5/2 Generally)
BOWENSONFIRE is certainly one of my favourite horses in training, having supported him several times throughout his career so far, and he has been fantastic for everyone involved with KTDA Racing. He has won and placed in plenty of valuable handicap hurdles and made a really encouraging start to his chasing career when finishing a three-length second to Frankie John at Galway last time.
Although the winner always enjoyed the better track position, Jack Kennedy’s mount travelled strongly throughout and jumped accurately on his first start over fences. He kept on well to the line and shaped like a horse who could have a bright future in this discipline, with that experience likely to stand him in good stead.
He faces two really interesting rivals in Daddy Long Legs and Putapoundinthejar, but importantly has the advantage of chasing experience over both. This looks a nice race that could be worth following, and with a solid round of jumping already under his belt, the Gordon Elliott-trained contender can put that experience to good use and come out on top.
He is also a horse worth keeping onside for some of the bigger handicap chases as the season progresses. His strong-travelling style and accurate jumping could make the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival an ideal long-term target, while the Jack Richards Novices’ Handicap Chase could also come into the picture.
16:45 York – ADONIUS (5/2 Generally)
The speedy chestnut gelding ADONIUS has been a real star for Rebecca Menzies this season, and it is great to see the predominantly National Hunt trainer enjoying success with such a talented two-year-old. She has certainly shown she is more than capable of handling a horse with this profile, and I am expecting their excellent season to continue as he holds leading claims in this Listed contest.
He lost his unbeaten record when finishing second in the Molecomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, but probably enhanced his reputation in defeat. Returning from a three-month break, he travelled strongly through the race and was only denied by a rival who subsequently ran in the Nunthorpe, finishing comfortably ahead of several of today’s opposition.That was another step forward following three wins in the spring and he will likely benefit from the outing. His abundance of early speed should be ideally suited to this sharp five furlongs, while the ease in the ground unlikely to inconvenience him, having already won on soft ground on debut.
There are several interesting rivals in opposition, with Hickory Lad looking a fair each-way bet, but they will all need to improve to reach the level already shown by the selection. Dropping down from Group company, with the likelihood of further progression, he should go close.
SATURDAY SELECTIONS
15:45 Killarney – BOWENSONFIRE (5/2 Generally)
16:45 York – ADONIUS (5/2 Generally)
*Odds correct at time of posting – 7:25pm Friday 21st August
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Please note that although Matt has uploaded the tips, he is not our Racing Club Insider – the insider will remain anonymous!
