I write the start of today's blog on the Skytrain, venturing across Vancouver. Friends back home often ask what a Skytrain is, their logic and common sense escapes me sometimes. Fortunately the racing is better than their questions.
Newbury host the card with the Challow hurdle on, won last year by the unlucky Fingal Bay. Whereas Hurricane Fly is out to boost his Champion hurdle credentials at Leopardstown, who are hosting their winter festival. Some Irish Cheltenham bubbles were somewhat burst yesterday, and others strongly boosted.
Yesterday we saw Monksland steered to victory by the awesome Paul Carberry, after the ride i quoted it as ride of the year. This earned him quotes of 7/1 for the World Hurdle in March, which he may go straight to. He was then outdone later in the afternoon, firstly on the novice Back In Focus who chinned Aupcharlie on the line. Lifted to victory by Ruby Walsh, he wasnt satisfied with that, he then one upped himself on the enigma that is Tidal Bay. He would have been one of the competitors you would have ruled out down the back straight. But Mr Walsh called on his mounts seemingly endless supply of stamina and got up again on the line. Even 50 yards from home it looked unlikely, stuck behind Flemenstar and with First Lieutenant and Sir Des Champs on either side. Ruby thread the eye of a needle and managed to keep momentum on his side through the finish.
There are a few Cheltenham profiles on show today, none as strong as yesterday however. As I reach the end of my journey we shall kick start our Saturday and begin the action. Enjoy.
1:15 Doncaster - Pere Blanc
This one may seem an odd choice to kick things off with seeing that he has been off the track for 648 days. When last seen on the track however he was a rapidly progressing hurdler for David Arbuthnot winning three races easily. He now tries his hand at Chasing for the yard of John Ferguson ridden by Denis O'Regan. The yard has been flying as of late with their latest winner being Chat Room yesterday at Catterick. He has shown on more than one occasion this year he is capable of getting them out first time, even after this long break. In bumpers he was 18 lengths behind Oscar Whisky and 13 3/4 lengths behind Rock on Ruby. It is also worth noting that he has been entered before this season and withdrawn, which could mean he is ready to run not just looking for a pipeopener.
1:35 Newbury - Bury Parade
The ex northern based horse, now with Paul Nicholls carries a 7 pound penalty for his 2 length beating of Super Duty. Who has since gone on to land a valuable novice chase at Cheltenham, the 3rd placed horse, Yurok, has also won since when beating Aland Islands. Merry King was fourth in that race and franked the form further with his second in the Tommy Whittle, beaten a short head by Cannington Brook. The form of that race is rock solid and chasing has always been the look he has given over hurdles. Despite the strong but select field he looks the pick and should defy his penalty. I have followed this horse since he defeated one of my horses to follow in Pinerolo easily at Hexham, he looks to be going places over fences. (7/2)
2:10 Newbury - Rey Nacarado
Rey Nacarado is 1 pound higher than when landing this race a year ago and hails from a stable in fine form. The most eye catching factor however is that Charlie Longsdon books Tony McCoy for the ride today. He is rarely used by this stable but when he is it must be noted and taken down. He was a decent fourth over course and distance last time in an amateur riders race but the booking of the champ could well see him over the line in front here today. (7/2)
2:35 Leopardstown - Zuzka
Zuzkan is tough as old boots and took on the boys last time passing with flying colours, she was beaten 2 1/2 lengths by the top class Jezki and was only a length behind Champagne Fever. She steps down in class here into a mares race and could just have one eye on the mares hurdle at Cheltenham. Paddy Mullins takes the ride today as Ruby is on Glens Melody, but Willie has been trying desperately to get his son one more winner before the year end. He needs one more winner to ride the most winners as an Amateur in one season. Zuzka looks to be the horse to do that for him and is a very strong bet today. (6/4)
2:45 Newbury - Taquin Du Seuil
Taquin Du Seuil is held in very high regard by Jonjo and AP and improved alot last time to give a pounding to the expensive Le Bec. He won very cosily that day and is expected to improve again for today. He was defeated by My Tent Or Yours first time over hurdles, but was then upped in trip resulting in a smooth success at Sandown. He is 16/1 for the Neptune right now, and a win here would see that price tighten some more. I fully expect him to follow Zuzka in visiting the winners enclosure and could make it a good 10 minutes for us. (15/8)
2:55 Doncaster - Fill The Power
Sue Smith's Gelding has only ran in 3 chases but was 2nd on handicap debut last time to Wyck Hill. The winner has boosted that form by following up at Ascot beating Roberto Goldback comprehensively. He will most probably be ridden agressively today to take advantage of his strong staying power. jumping is also not a problem as he practically steps over his fences due to his size. Sue Smith has been in pretty good form lately and now is around the time of year she starts firing in a few winners. Fill The Power could well be one of them here today. (5/1)
3:50 Newbury - Chatterbox
Chatterbox has been all the rage on the gallops at Seven Barrows with reports of how good he has been schooling. He won his only start to date when winning a bumper at Huntingdon in good style. Nicky Henderson won this last year with All The Aces, he looks set to win this again as he saddles My Tent Or Yours and of course Chatterbox. Due to The former being owned by JP McManus, Tony McCoy rides him, meaning Barry Geraghty is free to ride the selection. Granted it will be a tough race to win but he could well be an each way price and should be at least placed. (No Price Yet)
A few short priced ones and it could be a day for multiples, but lets hope for a few winners to refund the hole in our wallets Christmas left.
NAP - Taquin Du Seuil
NB - Zuzka
Happy Punting guys
Friday 28 December 2012
Saturday 22 December 2012
Long Walk and Tommy Whittle Day
I write this after returning from our yearly staff party, in the raffle the top prize was a 42 inch flat screen TV. Of course I won bath soaps (passion fruit) some cheese and wine. Please form an orderly queue to take a bath with smelly cheese and white wine with yours truly.
Onto more pressing matters and a cracking day of racing at Ascot and hopefully Haydock. Lets start shall we?
1:30 Ascot - Cedre Bleu
Paul Nicholls is without Big Bucks this week, but Cedre Bleu can claim some slight compensation here. The soft ground wont hinder him in the slightest and is still relatively unexposed over fences. He had a nice pipe opener at Newbury last time when a very close fourth under top weight. Today he should build on that with Ruby back on board and everything seemingly in his favour, including 7 pounds from rival Solix. Ian Williams' Gelding is useful in his own right, but cant be trusted in the jumping department. Therefore a very confident vote goes to Cedre Bleu. (6/4)
1:45 Haydock - Bakbenscher
Choc Thornton is at Ascot to ride Balder Succes today, Wayne Hutchinson fills in for today however and is more than capable. Bakbenscher was beaten a long way last time, but there is more to it than meets the eye. He was almost bought down on 3 occasions and recovered each time, he was bang in contention turning for home, but tired. Previously he had run well at Chepstow and a line can be put through his Newbury run. So long as the meeting is on today he will enjoy the ground and must have a good chance. The presence of Hollow Tree means he runs off of lower than 11 stone which could be vital in this ground. (8/1)
2:00 Ascot - Master Of The Hall
Barry Geraghty shuns Master Of The Hall here for stable mate Cucumber run. AP is far from a stranger to this horse though after riding on debut and over fences at Kelso. He reverts back to hurdles today and with no Big Buck's lining up, its a wide open contest. 2010 was his last run over hurdles but in truth he looks like more of the hurdling type and should show well. The ground isn't a worry either with multiple wins on soft ground and has proved himself over the distance, Including a chase win at This track. On seasonal reappearance he was well put in his place by Silviniaco Conti, but he should strip fitter for that run and the form is red hot from the race. On that form he could prove the one to be with and is fantastic each way value. (8/1)
2:15 Haydock - Douglas Julian
Sue Smith has planned this race for Douglas Julian since his Kelso win a fortnight ago. The heavy ground has come that she wanted and there is alot in his favour, staying power being one of them. The mix of staying power and a low weight could be lethal here, Jonathan England takes a further 7 pounds off his back and is better than your average claimer. There are alot of dangers in the race but Douglas Julian could well be good enough to land the Tommy Whittle. (7/1)
2:35 Ascot - Hey Big Spender
Colin Tizzard's charge was fancied in the Peterborough which has been abandoned twice this season. He has always been a sound jumper but one mistake seems to hold him back here and then, a clear round will see him round in front today. His trainer went on record as saying he is a stone better in heavy ground, which would make it seem as if he needs this ground. Others may struggle in it here. The only negative is that he is second top weight and must give alot away to the others. He still represents good value however and should take some beating on seasonal debut. (4/1)
3:10 Ascot - Olofi
Olofi was a pretty impressive winner last time out at Cheltenham on testing ground. Paddy Brennan once again takes the ride and an 8 pound rise in the weights shouldnt be enough hold him back. Tom George gave a positive write up in the Racing Post about Olofi this week and early money is key to him. Though there are a number of unexposed types in the field, yet he could still have a shade more improvement in him. Olofi is taken to land the odds today in the Ladbroke. (9/1)
Bothy - He was behind Olofi at Cheltenham and has since gone on to run well for a long way in the Fighting Fifth behind Countrywide Flame. That is top form but he was well beat in truth. The most interesting part about his run here today is regular jockey Danny Cook is at Haydock. Seven pound claimer Patrick Corbett takes the ride instead, putting him on a more than winable mark. Bothy is always a horse to follow on testing ground, which is why he is an each way selection today at glamorous odds. (28/1)
As im writing this Haydock has been given the green light, so lets look forward to a big day and many winners.
Happy Punting
Onto more pressing matters and a cracking day of racing at Ascot and hopefully Haydock. Lets start shall we?
1:30 Ascot - Cedre Bleu
Paul Nicholls is without Big Bucks this week, but Cedre Bleu can claim some slight compensation here. The soft ground wont hinder him in the slightest and is still relatively unexposed over fences. He had a nice pipe opener at Newbury last time when a very close fourth under top weight. Today he should build on that with Ruby back on board and everything seemingly in his favour, including 7 pounds from rival Solix. Ian Williams' Gelding is useful in his own right, but cant be trusted in the jumping department. Therefore a very confident vote goes to Cedre Bleu. (6/4)
1:45 Haydock - Bakbenscher
Choc Thornton is at Ascot to ride Balder Succes today, Wayne Hutchinson fills in for today however and is more than capable. Bakbenscher was beaten a long way last time, but there is more to it than meets the eye. He was almost bought down on 3 occasions and recovered each time, he was bang in contention turning for home, but tired. Previously he had run well at Chepstow and a line can be put through his Newbury run. So long as the meeting is on today he will enjoy the ground and must have a good chance. The presence of Hollow Tree means he runs off of lower than 11 stone which could be vital in this ground. (8/1)
2:00 Ascot - Master Of The Hall
Barry Geraghty shuns Master Of The Hall here for stable mate Cucumber run. AP is far from a stranger to this horse though after riding on debut and over fences at Kelso. He reverts back to hurdles today and with no Big Buck's lining up, its a wide open contest. 2010 was his last run over hurdles but in truth he looks like more of the hurdling type and should show well. The ground isn't a worry either with multiple wins on soft ground and has proved himself over the distance, Including a chase win at This track. On seasonal reappearance he was well put in his place by Silviniaco Conti, but he should strip fitter for that run and the form is red hot from the race. On that form he could prove the one to be with and is fantastic each way value. (8/1)
2:15 Haydock - Douglas Julian
Sue Smith has planned this race for Douglas Julian since his Kelso win a fortnight ago. The heavy ground has come that she wanted and there is alot in his favour, staying power being one of them. The mix of staying power and a low weight could be lethal here, Jonathan England takes a further 7 pounds off his back and is better than your average claimer. There are alot of dangers in the race but Douglas Julian could well be good enough to land the Tommy Whittle. (7/1)
2:35 Ascot - Hey Big Spender
Colin Tizzard's charge was fancied in the Peterborough which has been abandoned twice this season. He has always been a sound jumper but one mistake seems to hold him back here and then, a clear round will see him round in front today. His trainer went on record as saying he is a stone better in heavy ground, which would make it seem as if he needs this ground. Others may struggle in it here. The only negative is that he is second top weight and must give alot away to the others. He still represents good value however and should take some beating on seasonal debut. (4/1)
3:10 Ascot - Olofi
Olofi was a pretty impressive winner last time out at Cheltenham on testing ground. Paddy Brennan once again takes the ride and an 8 pound rise in the weights shouldnt be enough hold him back. Tom George gave a positive write up in the Racing Post about Olofi this week and early money is key to him. Though there are a number of unexposed types in the field, yet he could still have a shade more improvement in him. Olofi is taken to land the odds today in the Ladbroke. (9/1)
Bothy - He was behind Olofi at Cheltenham and has since gone on to run well for a long way in the Fighting Fifth behind Countrywide Flame. That is top form but he was well beat in truth. The most interesting part about his run here today is regular jockey Danny Cook is at Haydock. Seven pound claimer Patrick Corbett takes the ride instead, putting him on a more than winable mark. Bothy is always a horse to follow on testing ground, which is why he is an each way selection today at glamorous odds. (28/1)
As im writing this Haydock has been given the green light, so lets look forward to a big day and many winners.
Happy Punting
Friday 14 December 2012
Saturday 15th December
Today we start on a horrible note that nobody wishes to talk about. As im sure you all know, yesterday 20 Children under the age of 10, and 9 adults were shot dead in Connecticut. Now I know this is in no way horse racing related, but I wanted to pay respects to those who will be spending Christmas this year without a family member at the dinner table. You cant imagine what the families are going through, and it is important they are shown how much the world cares.
But with heavy hearts we go on to today's racing after a very successful week on the last blog.
12:45 Cheltenham or 1:45 Lingfield - Court In Motion
Lingfield is the preferred choice for Emma Lavelle's gelding, but in case of abandonment he is left in at Cheltenham. To be quite honest, he should win either race he goes for today he should take all the beating. He was last seen behind leading 3 mile novice Dynaste at Newbury, he was the only one to make a race of it that day. Eventually he went down by 4 1/2 lengths but emerged as a top novice candidate. Our Father was getting alot of weight last time when winning here at Cheltenham, this time he concedes alot. Timmy Murphy also said he wasnt totally in love with the ground, which suggests he'll struggle today. Court in Motion wont mind the ground at either tracks and should take some beating. Cheltenham 11/4 Lingfield 6/4
1:20 Cheltenham - Oh Crick
A couple of weeks ago Oh Crick landed us an each way winning at Newbury to save us. He goes again today and is one of the only runners who is a confirmed mudlark for Alan King. He keeps Josh Newman on board to take off 7 pounds which in this ground could not be more important. This means he carries 10-4 and with a more than capable jockey should make it count. He wasn't straight when losing to Shooters Wood, id be surprised were he not to reverse that form. Really strong claims for the ex festival winner. (6/1)
1:55 Cheltenham - Coneygree
Im only writing a couple of lines on Coneygree as he is a short priced favourite and should duly oblige. He was put up on this blog when winning here impressively last time, and so far is the leading staying novice hurdler. (11/10)
2:20 Lingfield - Lamps
It will be very soft at Lingfield today (if on) and Lamps excels when puddles are visible. He is effectively raised 10 pounds today for his Sandown demolition job when heavily eased to win, thanks to Tom Cannon claiming 3. There isnt really much left to say about Lamps today other than the fact in he should win and could improve further. (3/1)
2:30 Cheltenham - Tartak
Tim Vaughan's gelding is not one id usually follow, but I have heard some pretty encouraging things from the gallops this week. On that front im willing to take a chance on Tartak. Nobody could deny his talent being a former Peterborough Chase winner (rescheduled to Newbury). He was fifth
Last year at the festival behind Salut Flo and sixth here on reappearance. He is dropped two pounds for that effort and will be much better for it, that also gives me confidence he will go in the ground. With that and stable confidence behind him, Tartak is the selection. (20/1)
2:45 Doncaster - Counsel
Counsel was a horse I followed on the flat with mixed results, he is now with Donald McCain over jumps. He started off life over hurdles in a hot contest at Aintree (Handazan won, runs in Cheltenham opener). Though in truth he probably got stuck in the mud that day and has since won nicely at Bangor on better ground. Reversing placings with Moidore in doing so. Jason Maguire comes to ride him today and his odds are a bit on the generous side right now. Useful flat performer will go well on the better ground once again. (7/1)
3:05 Cheltenham - Grandouet
Nicky Henderson's inmate is my selection right now for the Champion Hurdle in March. This is his comeback run from injury, and he must concede 4 pounds to a racefit Zarkandar which is no easy task. Last year he improved no end however and he should be straight for today, with no ground worries he should make a bold showing and solidify his Festival claims. (5/2)
3:20 Doncaster - Mr Moonshine
His eight length defeat to Bold Sir Brian isnt looking too bad now after the winner's recent Sandown win. A return to 3 miles over fences is just what the doctor ordered here though. Last time he finished very tired on very soft ground at Haydock over hurdles, he was ridden very aggresively then however. On this better ground he is an out and out galloper and wont be stopping on the front end under top weight. As mentioned previously he was one of the top staying novices of last year with a 7th in the RSA. With early market support behind him and better ground, Sue Smith could well win the finale here. (6/1)
5 winners last week so lets hope for more of the same this week!
NAP - Oh Crick and Court in Motion (nice double)
NB - Lamps
Happy punting this week guys
But with heavy hearts we go on to today's racing after a very successful week on the last blog.
12:45 Cheltenham or 1:45 Lingfield - Court In Motion
Lingfield is the preferred choice for Emma Lavelle's gelding, but in case of abandonment he is left in at Cheltenham. To be quite honest, he should win either race he goes for today he should take all the beating. He was last seen behind leading 3 mile novice Dynaste at Newbury, he was the only one to make a race of it that day. Eventually he went down by 4 1/2 lengths but emerged as a top novice candidate. Our Father was getting alot of weight last time when winning here at Cheltenham, this time he concedes alot. Timmy Murphy also said he wasnt totally in love with the ground, which suggests he'll struggle today. Court in Motion wont mind the ground at either tracks and should take some beating. Cheltenham 11/4 Lingfield 6/4
1:20 Cheltenham - Oh Crick
A couple of weeks ago Oh Crick landed us an each way winning at Newbury to save us. He goes again today and is one of the only runners who is a confirmed mudlark for Alan King. He keeps Josh Newman on board to take off 7 pounds which in this ground could not be more important. This means he carries 10-4 and with a more than capable jockey should make it count. He wasn't straight when losing to Shooters Wood, id be surprised were he not to reverse that form. Really strong claims for the ex festival winner. (6/1)
1:55 Cheltenham - Coneygree
Im only writing a couple of lines on Coneygree as he is a short priced favourite and should duly oblige. He was put up on this blog when winning here impressively last time, and so far is the leading staying novice hurdler. (11/10)
2:20 Lingfield - Lamps
It will be very soft at Lingfield today (if on) and Lamps excels when puddles are visible. He is effectively raised 10 pounds today for his Sandown demolition job when heavily eased to win, thanks to Tom Cannon claiming 3. There isnt really much left to say about Lamps today other than the fact in he should win and could improve further. (3/1)
2:30 Cheltenham - Tartak
Tim Vaughan's gelding is not one id usually follow, but I have heard some pretty encouraging things from the gallops this week. On that front im willing to take a chance on Tartak. Nobody could deny his talent being a former Peterborough Chase winner (rescheduled to Newbury). He was fifth
Last year at the festival behind Salut Flo and sixth here on reappearance. He is dropped two pounds for that effort and will be much better for it, that also gives me confidence he will go in the ground. With that and stable confidence behind him, Tartak is the selection. (20/1)
2:45 Doncaster - Counsel
Counsel was a horse I followed on the flat with mixed results, he is now with Donald McCain over jumps. He started off life over hurdles in a hot contest at Aintree (Handazan won, runs in Cheltenham opener). Though in truth he probably got stuck in the mud that day and has since won nicely at Bangor on better ground. Reversing placings with Moidore in doing so. Jason Maguire comes to ride him today and his odds are a bit on the generous side right now. Useful flat performer will go well on the better ground once again. (7/1)
3:05 Cheltenham - Grandouet
Nicky Henderson's inmate is my selection right now for the Champion Hurdle in March. This is his comeback run from injury, and he must concede 4 pounds to a racefit Zarkandar which is no easy task. Last year he improved no end however and he should be straight for today, with no ground worries he should make a bold showing and solidify his Festival claims. (5/2)
3:20 Doncaster - Mr Moonshine
His eight length defeat to Bold Sir Brian isnt looking too bad now after the winner's recent Sandown win. A return to 3 miles over fences is just what the doctor ordered here though. Last time he finished very tired on very soft ground at Haydock over hurdles, he was ridden very aggresively then however. On this better ground he is an out and out galloper and wont be stopping on the front end under top weight. As mentioned previously he was one of the top staying novices of last year with a 7th in the RSA. With early market support behind him and better ground, Sue Smith could well win the finale here. (6/1)
5 winners last week so lets hope for more of the same this week!
NAP - Oh Crick and Court in Motion (nice double)
NB - Lamps
Happy punting this week guys
Friday 7 December 2012
Tingle Creek Day
Oh Crick got us out of trouble a bit last week and we need a winner or two this week. What a day of racing to get us out on though, Sandown hosts the Tingle Creek while we use the National Fences at Aintree.
Its the matchup every racing fan has been dreaming of, the Kauto vs Denman of two miles. Of course I refer to The magnificent Sprinter Sacre and the Electric Sanctuaire. To add a bit more gloss to the occasion they represent Nicholls vs Henderson... Again. So lets crack on with a placepot and selections from Sandown, with some also from Aintree, Cheptsow and Wetherby.
12:20 Sandown - Golden Hoof
This looks a pretty weak race in truth with the exception of Nicky Henderson's inmate. He was impressive on his second start at Kempton and looks like the ideal type to carry that forward. He must carry a penalty today but takes on inexperienced rivals and the ground shouldn't be a problem. Sets the standard and is the one to beat for Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty. (no price yet)
12:55 Sandown - Kentford Grey Lady
Emma Lavelle's Mare was one of the top horses in her category last year, beaten only by Quevega at Cheltenham. She starts off here as top weight in a handicap. The yard hasn't had a winner since November 8th but remain in good form with countless places. There is the fact that she isnt an ordinary horse either. Dominic Elsworth takes the ride for the first time which is hardly a negative and should be right there at the end. (3/1)
1:25 Sandown - Sam Winner
Usually on more testing ground you would look for the ones down the bottom of the weights. This time is different though, this race for me concerns 3 of the top 4. Sam Winner, Big Easy and Topolski are those 3. The second mentioned could well be better over this distance while the Topolski has been out of form for a while. On his novice form he could go close here and the step up in trip will be what he needs. He is also a course winner here 2 years ago. The main selection has been off for a year however since injury struck at Cheltenham. He was fourth in the triumph hurdle when staying on like a train, explaining the obvious step up in trip. Its interesting Paul Nicholls has thrown him into a saturday handicap straight away. Could well be the third favourite of the day to oblige at Sandown. Sam Winner (5/2) Topolski (33/1)
1:55 Sandown - Captain Conan
The biggest threat to Captain Conan today should be the fences. Hinterland is better than he showed at Exeter when going off stupidly fast and tiring. Third Intention has already been put in his place by the selection and the other two dont look good enough. It has been muttered that Captain Conan 'doesnt't have gears'. We wont be any the wiser on this testing ground after today as many will be struggling to pick up late on. As thought he was very good over his fences at Cheltenham and should oblige today easily. Very short odds for the reward however (1/2)
2:30 Sandown - Petit Robin
It was hard to tear myself away from Cheltenham scorer Ifandbutwhynot but Petit Robin is the selection. He scored nicely at Ascot on testing ground and was raised 6 pounds for that. Nico de Boinville negates 7 off his top weight so is running off one pound lower. People seem to forget Petit Robin was a one time top class chaser until injury struck and sidelined him. In 2009 he won the Desert Orchid chase beating Well Chief doing so. He faces a stiff task here too but should be more than good enough if returning to near his best. (7/1)
3:05 Sandown - Sanctuaire
This is one of the races of the year, exluding the rematch in the Champion Chase. Sprinter Sacre sent chills down your spine in every run last year culminating in the Arkle. But what he did Sanctuaire matched when winning the grade 2 Celebration chase here. He was simply awesome that day and followers of this blog were rewarded. He jumped with such fluency and travelled as well as you will see in a racehorse. Doing this he pounded Somersby by 17 lengths without being asked for any real effort. Sprinter Sacre is obviously a much better horse than Somersby, but Sanctuaire could well take some pegging back on this ground. Paul Nicholls' gelding to steal the show, whatever happens, get a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy the show. (5/2)
3:40 Sandown - Golan Way
Oddly the London National is one of my favourite races of the year, im mot quite sure why, but I have always had a soft spot for it. Sheena West had one runner here yesterday in Captain Cardinton which won. Golan Way represents her here and he is 1 from 1 at the Esher based track. He has been called every name under the sun, but is an awesome horse on his day. The one win here came in a very good race and was won in fantastic style, not touching a twig the whole way round. A reproduction of that performance will get him round in front today. (11/2)
1:05 Aintree - Across The Bay
Donald McCain's novice faces his toughest task to date here, but everything he has been asked he has come through well over fences. Over hurdles he has useful form with Big Buck's and may sneak under the radar as a novice. He receives 4 pounds from Quito De La Roque today and could spring a surprise. (7/2)
2:10 Aintree - Any Currency
Martin Keighley's gelding missed out on the National by one spot last year, after a breathing operation he gets to tackle them today. Then trainer has been expressing how much he has been looking forward to seeing him over these fences. This is preferred to the easier option of going to Sandown and Aidan Coleman rides. Since his breathing operation he has won at Wincanton and a good fourth at Cheltenham. (14/1)
2:05 Chepstow - Cannington Brook
Colin Tizzards Gelding was last seen in the Betfair Chase mixing is with the likes of Long Run. He ran well till class prevailed and still wasnt beaten out of sight that day, the drop in class is the obvious choice. He gets his beloved Heavy ground today and Ryan Mahon takes off 3 pounds which helps no end here. At 9/2 he is grossly overpriced and is the one to beat in this assignment. (9/2)
One last mention, in the 12:45 at Wetherby Yurok should go well after having a prep run and blowing away the cobwebs.
Phew! Happy Punting today guys!
Come on Sanctuaire!!
Its the matchup every racing fan has been dreaming of, the Kauto vs Denman of two miles. Of course I refer to The magnificent Sprinter Sacre and the Electric Sanctuaire. To add a bit more gloss to the occasion they represent Nicholls vs Henderson... Again. So lets crack on with a placepot and selections from Sandown, with some also from Aintree, Cheptsow and Wetherby.
12:20 Sandown - Golden Hoof
This looks a pretty weak race in truth with the exception of Nicky Henderson's inmate. He was impressive on his second start at Kempton and looks like the ideal type to carry that forward. He must carry a penalty today but takes on inexperienced rivals and the ground shouldn't be a problem. Sets the standard and is the one to beat for Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty. (no price yet)
12:55 Sandown - Kentford Grey Lady
Emma Lavelle's Mare was one of the top horses in her category last year, beaten only by Quevega at Cheltenham. She starts off here as top weight in a handicap. The yard hasn't had a winner since November 8th but remain in good form with countless places. There is the fact that she isnt an ordinary horse either. Dominic Elsworth takes the ride for the first time which is hardly a negative and should be right there at the end. (3/1)
1:25 Sandown - Sam Winner
Usually on more testing ground you would look for the ones down the bottom of the weights. This time is different though, this race for me concerns 3 of the top 4. Sam Winner, Big Easy and Topolski are those 3. The second mentioned could well be better over this distance while the Topolski has been out of form for a while. On his novice form he could go close here and the step up in trip will be what he needs. He is also a course winner here 2 years ago. The main selection has been off for a year however since injury struck at Cheltenham. He was fourth in the triumph hurdle when staying on like a train, explaining the obvious step up in trip. Its interesting Paul Nicholls has thrown him into a saturday handicap straight away. Could well be the third favourite of the day to oblige at Sandown. Sam Winner (5/2) Topolski (33/1)
1:55 Sandown - Captain Conan
The biggest threat to Captain Conan today should be the fences. Hinterland is better than he showed at Exeter when going off stupidly fast and tiring. Third Intention has already been put in his place by the selection and the other two dont look good enough. It has been muttered that Captain Conan 'doesnt't have gears'. We wont be any the wiser on this testing ground after today as many will be struggling to pick up late on. As thought he was very good over his fences at Cheltenham and should oblige today easily. Very short odds for the reward however (1/2)
2:30 Sandown - Petit Robin
It was hard to tear myself away from Cheltenham scorer Ifandbutwhynot but Petit Robin is the selection. He scored nicely at Ascot on testing ground and was raised 6 pounds for that. Nico de Boinville negates 7 off his top weight so is running off one pound lower. People seem to forget Petit Robin was a one time top class chaser until injury struck and sidelined him. In 2009 he won the Desert Orchid chase beating Well Chief doing so. He faces a stiff task here too but should be more than good enough if returning to near his best. (7/1)
3:05 Sandown - Sanctuaire
This is one of the races of the year, exluding the rematch in the Champion Chase. Sprinter Sacre sent chills down your spine in every run last year culminating in the Arkle. But what he did Sanctuaire matched when winning the grade 2 Celebration chase here. He was simply awesome that day and followers of this blog were rewarded. He jumped with such fluency and travelled as well as you will see in a racehorse. Doing this he pounded Somersby by 17 lengths without being asked for any real effort. Sprinter Sacre is obviously a much better horse than Somersby, but Sanctuaire could well take some pegging back on this ground. Paul Nicholls' gelding to steal the show, whatever happens, get a cuppa, put your feet up and enjoy the show. (5/2)
3:40 Sandown - Golan Way
Oddly the London National is one of my favourite races of the year, im mot quite sure why, but I have always had a soft spot for it. Sheena West had one runner here yesterday in Captain Cardinton which won. Golan Way represents her here and he is 1 from 1 at the Esher based track. He has been called every name under the sun, but is an awesome horse on his day. The one win here came in a very good race and was won in fantastic style, not touching a twig the whole way round. A reproduction of that performance will get him round in front today. (11/2)
1:05 Aintree - Across The Bay
Donald McCain's novice faces his toughest task to date here, but everything he has been asked he has come through well over fences. Over hurdles he has useful form with Big Buck's and may sneak under the radar as a novice. He receives 4 pounds from Quito De La Roque today and could spring a surprise. (7/2)
2:10 Aintree - Any Currency
Martin Keighley's gelding missed out on the National by one spot last year, after a breathing operation he gets to tackle them today. Then trainer has been expressing how much he has been looking forward to seeing him over these fences. This is preferred to the easier option of going to Sandown and Aidan Coleman rides. Since his breathing operation he has won at Wincanton and a good fourth at Cheltenham. (14/1)
2:05 Chepstow - Cannington Brook
Colin Tizzards Gelding was last seen in the Betfair Chase mixing is with the likes of Long Run. He ran well till class prevailed and still wasnt beaten out of sight that day, the drop in class is the obvious choice. He gets his beloved Heavy ground today and Ryan Mahon takes off 3 pounds which helps no end here. At 9/2 he is grossly overpriced and is the one to beat in this assignment. (9/2)
One last mention, in the 12:45 at Wetherby Yurok should go well after having a prep run and blowing away the cobwebs.
Phew! Happy Punting today guys!
Come on Sanctuaire!!
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