16:55 Lingfield – Gnaad @ 2/1
The penultimate race at Lingfield on Saturday afternoon is just the right opening for the progressive looking Gnaad to record his second consecutive victory, and a first in handicap company.
After two low-key starts at the end of last year, this three-year-old has shown up well on all three starts since reappearing back in February, proving that he is clearly getting the hang of the racing game. Having gone very close in a maiden over C&D, Gnaad ran another decent race in defeat at Wolverhampton in handicap company on his next start, before winning comfortably at Southwell last time out.
Form doesn’t necessarily transfer from Southwell’s exacting fibresand to other all-weather tracks, but his two performances prior to that win were certainly encouraging and if this one continues to show signs of improvement, in what is a very, very winnable contest, then he’s got a massive chance.
Robert Cowell is a trainer who’s known for his shrewd handling of sprinters, while the fact that jockey Luke Morris – who has an eye-catching 23% strike rater when riding for this trainer – retains the ride is definitely a positive.
The opposition on offer really have done little between them and could prove to be somewhat inferior, barring any miraculous improvement that is.
One slight worry would be that a bad start could cost him, but he was much better in this respect last time out and appears to be learning well. With a number who like to go forward early on, Gnaad, who seems to relish being held up, should get a decent pace to aim at and it would be no surprise if he kicks on to record a second career win in quick succession.
All things considered, this is a weak race and Robert Cowell’s charge is fancied to take advantage by getting his head in front.
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