Chelmsford preview: Lacan handicapped to strike
David Metcalf | November 23, 2015
Lacan caught the eye last time out, and can take advantage of a drop in the weights to land the valuable 1m feature handicap on today’s card at Chelsmford (15.05).
The Marco Botti trained colt has won two of his five starts on the all-weather surface, and the last of those successes came over course and distance back in May.
Lacan ran on strongly to win going away by 1/2 a length off a mark of 93, and went on to finish a solid third next time up on the turf at Newbury off 96.
Lacan can land spoils
The three-year-old is now able to race off a reduced rating of 92, 1lb lower than when last successful, having shaped really well on his first run back from a break when fifth of 13 to Apostle over course and distance last month.
After racing in mid-division, Lacan kept on nicely to be beaten two lengths without ever quite threatening to land a blow.
Lacan looks sure to come on a bundle for that outing, and it’s interesting that he has won twice in the past on his second run back from a lay-off.
It suggests that connections have had this race as his target for some time and, with Luke Morris in the saddle, the son of New Approach looks to have plenty in his favour.
Brother Tiger primed to roar
In the 5f handicap (15.35), Brother Tiger looks nicely treated on the pick of his form and decent value to land the spoils.
The David Griffiths trained gelding has a tremendous strike rate on the all-weather, having won four of his eight starts on the polytrack surface.
Although now 5lb higher in the weights, the six-year-old showed that he could be competitive off his current rating of 87 when a cracking 4 1/2 length ninth of 27 to Golden Steps in the Stewards’ Cup consolation race at Goodwood three starts back.
Brother Tiger also shaped well last time out when fourth over course and distance, and from a good draw in stall one could take some pegging back in building on that effort.
Selections
14.00: Tafteesh
14.35: Fighting Temeraire
15.05: Lacan (NAP)
15.35: Brother Tiger (NB)
16.05: Natural Nine
16.35: Treasure The Ridge
17.05: Galley Proof
Related
Check out our horse racing section for more previews and tips.
