Horse racing tips: Templegate’s NAP looks amazing over fences and can defy a hike in weights

TEMPLEGATE takes on Friday’s racing confident of building the bank for another big weekend of racing.

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IMAC WOOD (3.10 Fakenham, nap)

Deborah Cole’s gelding has hardly put a foot wrong since going over fences on this side of the Channel. He came from France where he won two of his three chases and has yet to finish out of the frame since going back over the bigger obstacles. His best efforts have come over this sort of trip as he showed when travelling beautifully before landing a convincing success at Hereford last month. Capable 3lb claimer Chris Ward timed his run perfectly and scored with plenty left in the tank. The handicapper was watching and has hiked him 7lb but he stays in the same grade and looks hard to beat again.

NAB WOOD (1.55 Kelso, nb)

Was a revelation when stepping up to this course and distance last month. He had shown some promise over two miles but the stiffer test of stamina brought out his best and he landed a 12-length success. That was at novice level but was full of promise and he went through the heavy ground without breaking sweat. Top northern trainer Nicky Richards now sends him handicapping from what looks a fair opening mark of 114. He looks a lot better than potentially and he can get the better of Immortal Flame who scored nicely at Ascot when he was last seen before Christmas.

DUBAI DAYS (4.32 Kelso, treble)

Saves his best for this specialists’ track and ran well when a close-up fourth here last time out. The ten-year-old has a track record of showing his best form at this time of year and dropping back from three miles is another wise move. He gets on well with Bruce Lynn who takes off a valuable 3lb and he has dropped below his last winning mark which is another plus.

BACK TOMORROW (4.10 Wolverhampton, Lucky 15)

Is a different beast on the all-weather and has two wins and close second since coming back to the sand. She kicked off with a game win at Southwell before just missing out at Kempton. Richard Spencer’s filly got back to winning ways last time. Hollie Doyle takes over today and she still looks on a fair handicap mark in a race that won’t take a lot of winning.

Templegate’s tips

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