Nicky Henderson's French inmate out of Lavandou made a fantastic start to life in England by winning the Tolworth hurdle, albeit beating a below par Prospect Wells and a hanging Colour Squadron. It seemed that he would be the novice to come through and challenge at the top. However Henderson kept him on the quiet side with the plan of chasing this year on the agenda.
He disappointed majorly at Leopardstown in a race won by Benefficient (50/1) before again putting in a below par effort at Kelso. It appeared that the Tolworth victory was just a fluke, until he dropped back to two miles at Aintree. Looking like the winner for much of the straight he eventually gave way and settled for second behind Darlan (2nd in the supreme). That day was probably his best run to date and reinstalled the faith of his followers.
In truth Chasing always was going to be his game and his stature suggests that. He is an absolute mountain of a horse towering well above the others in the field and should take to fences nicely. The main danger in the early market for the Arkle is stablemate Simonsig who is sure to be the mount of Barry Geraghty. The presence of him could just mean Captain Conan goes a little under the radar. Another possibility is a crack at 2 and a half miles, he looks like a horse that will get further in time, however last year he barely got over two miles.
This season should bring a new lease of life to Captain Conan and i'd be surprised if at the end of the year he weren't one of the top novices. Available right now at around 14/1 for the Arkle and 16/1 for The Jewson in March, im not sure as of yet what route they are taking with him, or where his first run shall be.
Thanks guys, happy punting.
P.S Agent Archie looks a steal at Stratford tomorrow in the 1:35, 2/1 is available. If fit he should win after being a very useful novice last year.
Thursday 27 September 2012
Wednesday 26 September 2012
2012 National Hunt Season Profiles - Ambion Wood
Hey guys, sorry there hasn't been a new blog in a few months, but we have been settling in, in Canada (which has all gone smoothly).
This is a new feature in this blog, basically I will throw in horses to follow for the season, be it novices or seasoned horses that have been forgotten. Pretty much a horse that i think will pay for itself for the season and should be followed.
First up is Victor Dartnall's exciting Novice chaser Ambion Wood. He is probably the horse i am most looking forward to seeing this season over fences. Reasoning for this is the sheer size of him, he looks like a real chaser and had some top form over hurdles. Horses he was behind last year include Cotton Mill (who ran out at Cheltenham when leading Simonsig two out) and the late Brindisi Breeze (Who of course won the Albert Bartlett).
He really came into his own at the back end of last year winning a really competitive novice handicap at Sandown easily, before dotting up at Perth. In truth he has never really ran a bad race in his career, with a worst place finish of 5th. I have kept my eye on him since I saw his first run at Sandown in a bumper behind Make a Track. The winner has since gone on to show his talent being placed at Cheltenham.
I believe the route being taken this year is to start off with a Novice Chase at Exeter in November and if victorious going on to better races, culminating in the RSA in March. He is around a 25/1 mark for Cheltenham and could be the biggest improver in the 3 mile division.
One more positive before I wrap this up is that Cheltenham should be a course right up his street after winning at Sandown and Chepstow, proving a liking for undulating testing courses. Denis O'Regan must be licking his lips at the thought of getting the leg up on Ambion Wood this season.
Hopefully a few of you agree with the first selection and if not then let me know who you would prefer by messaging me. Hopefully another profile will be up tomorrow and they shall continue.
Happy Punting
This is a new feature in this blog, basically I will throw in horses to follow for the season, be it novices or seasoned horses that have been forgotten. Pretty much a horse that i think will pay for itself for the season and should be followed.
First up is Victor Dartnall's exciting Novice chaser Ambion Wood. He is probably the horse i am most looking forward to seeing this season over fences. Reasoning for this is the sheer size of him, he looks like a real chaser and had some top form over hurdles. Horses he was behind last year include Cotton Mill (who ran out at Cheltenham when leading Simonsig two out) and the late Brindisi Breeze (Who of course won the Albert Bartlett).
He really came into his own at the back end of last year winning a really competitive novice handicap at Sandown easily, before dotting up at Perth. In truth he has never really ran a bad race in his career, with a worst place finish of 5th. I have kept my eye on him since I saw his first run at Sandown in a bumper behind Make a Track. The winner has since gone on to show his talent being placed at Cheltenham.
I believe the route being taken this year is to start off with a Novice Chase at Exeter in November and if victorious going on to better races, culminating in the RSA in March. He is around a 25/1 mark for Cheltenham and could be the biggest improver in the 3 mile division.
One more positive before I wrap this up is that Cheltenham should be a course right up his street after winning at Sandown and Chepstow, proving a liking for undulating testing courses. Denis O'Regan must be licking his lips at the thought of getting the leg up on Ambion Wood this season.
Hopefully a few of you agree with the first selection and if not then let me know who you would prefer by messaging me. Hopefully another profile will be up tomorrow and they shall continue.
Happy Punting
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