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Carlton Ryan Looks a Worthy Favourite

March 25th, 2017 | Ian Carnaby's Racing News

Things have not been going well on the line recently but we were pretty much spot-on on this page last week, with Chase The Spud winning the Midlands Grand National and American fairly bolting up as well.

All Chase The Spud does is stay and keep on for pressure. He finally wore down Mysteree and rewarded those punters who kept the faith at 11/1. Sometimes the handicap works out as it should and the winner was considerably better off with Mysteree after finishing second to him at Haydock earlier in the season.

Harry Fry had one or two disappointments at Cheltenham and I feel sure Neon Wolf would have won the opener on Wednesday but for landing awkwardly over the last and losing his rhythm. He picked up again but just went under in a driving finish.

At one stage the trainer thought he’d win the first two races that day but the ground was a little too lively for American in the RSA Chase. From the way he shot cleat at Uttoxeter he would have given a very good account of himself.

The only other selection, Diamond Spear, had no room in the multi-runner handicap hurdle at Kempton and ran no sort of race before being pulled up. Tony Martin should be able to place him to advantage before the season ends.

This Saturday the talented hunter-chaser CARLTON RYAN looks to have a clear chance in the last at Kelso after finishing second to Cheltenham runner-up Wonderful Charm last time.

WINTERLUDE is another with a good opening at cramped odds in the AW Fast-Track Qualifier at Lingfield and I shall give another chance to BOWSON FRED in the five-furlong Betway Dash. The extra yardage was no use to him at Wolverhampton and this sharp five should be just about perfect. If he can get out and lead from stall 4 he will take plenty of catching.