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 It is also worth noting that he has been entered before this season and withdrawn, which could mean he is ready to run not just looking for a pipeopener.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
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