Greetings everyone from a Chocolate and Turkey filled 20 year old. I hope everyone has had a great Easter weekend so far and are looking forward to a great day of racing to round it all off. I must apologise as I spent my Easter Weekend camping at a beautiful place called 'Golden Ears Park' in British Columbia. That is the reason for me not uploading a blog on Saturday but we had two selections outstanding from the previous week. Memory Cloth was never really going in the Lincoln but Jack Dexter did the business for us providing us with a nice winner on the afternoon. I should also note that Siobhan Miller, Who I interviewed on here a while back, was in action in the finale at Doncaster on Saturday. Her mount, James Pollard, was under pressure for a good part of the race but she got him from last to first at the 3 furlong pole. His stamina gave out closer home and she had to settle for fourth on the 22/1 shot, but nevertheless rode a fantastic race.
On Friday before I left for my holidays, I put a tweet up with a link to a short paragraph I had written about JT McNamara after his injuries were confirmed. This went down well on Twitter being retweeted 448 times and 73 people favouriting it including racing names such at Aidan Coleman and Fergal O'Brien getting behind it. I thought id share that paragraph with you and pay some respect to a Jockey who has long been part of the weighing room.
'At the Cheltenham Festival of 2012, JT McNamara rode the winner of the National Hunt Chase with Teaforthree. At the Cheltenham Festival of 2013, JT McNamara rode Galaxy Rock in the Kim Muir, sadly he fell at the first. The extent of his injuries were so bad that he was placed in a medically induced coma for days. Today the news has come out that JT McNamara is now paralysed and his life changed forever. For us, this is just a sport we love. For the lads riding its their job, this is how they earn their money by working tirelessly for a sliver of what Footballers earn. JT McNamara is 37 years old and has three young children who will now never get to run around with daddy or play football with him. Please keep John Thomas McNamara in all your thoughts and prayers tonight as you go to bed and lay your head down.'
The amount of support behind mine and many other peoples tweets and words of kindness is overwhelming to everyone involved with the sport. It shows just how tight knit the racing community is and when something goes wrong how everyone comes together and forms a big family. No matter what stable you are from, what horse is your favourite or even what jockey you prefer, everybody comes together as one.
But racing is a ruthless sport and the action comes thick and fast, as I'm sure JT will want and will also be doing, lets carry on with the racing today.
3:10 - Huntingdon - The Musical Guy
Team Twiston-Davies has continued their rich vein of form since Cheltenham and have been firing in winners left right and centre. The Musical Guy is yet to be one of those winners in his career, he is one I have watched since his first run though and certainly has the talent. In his novice hurdling season he managed to be 11 1/2 lengths behind Simonsig, albeit a flattering distance, but he was staying on that day. Also in his Novice hurdling season he was fourth in a competitive Novices handicap at Cheltenham behind Abnaki. Water Garden was one of them ahead of him that day as well to show how competitive the race was. On chasing debut at Folkestone he was behind Godsmejudge by only half a length, he in turn went on to win at Warwick and was third in the National Hunt Chase. The Musical Guy however disappointed the next time out at Leicester but put that run behind him with an improved effort at the same track when fourth in a blanket finish. Connections reach for the blinkers first time today and if they bring about the desired improvement then he should be right there
at the end. (5/1)
3:10 Yarmouth - Santo Prince
For the first time this afternoon we have a race clash with Santo Prince going to post at the same time as The Musical Guy. Michael Bell's Gelding out of Henrythenavigator had some useful form to his name last year before landing a nursery at Brighton under today's pilot, Hayley Turner. Despite that form on very Heavy ground, I do think he is a better animal on faster ground which he gets today and is competitive off a mark of 76. He has the invaluable strength of experience which a lot of his rivals today are lacking somewhat, this could just play to his strengths and expose any flaws in the others. He is open to more improvement today and with Hayley Turner again taking the ride he should be fit for his reappearance and take some beating at a handy price. (7/1)
3:20 Warwick - Aubrietia
Nobody will be able to question the fitness of Aubrietia as she has been on the go for a while now on the fibresand. Her last six runs have produced 5 wins and 1 place at Southwell and Wolverhampton, this run took her from a rating of 68 to todays rating of 95. This means she dips her toe into a Conditions race for the first time, but if continuing her improvement should be well up to it. Usually a horse who has a string of wins on the polytrack or fibresand would have worries about translating that form to the turf. But four of Aubrietia's 10 wins have been on turf and one of them a pretty easy win on soft ground at Nottingham with some useful types in behind. With Prodigality probably needing the run today and Justineo only having the one win to his name, Aubrietia can take advantage of her filly's allowance and land this prize. (9/4)
4:05 Plumpton - Nobunaga
A very tough decision between two here, Cadoudalas and Nobunaga but the latter gets the nod. Venetia Williams has been in fantastic form and is enjoying her best season to date winners wise with stable jockey Aidan Coleman. She sends just the one to Plumpton today from her Hereford base after being amongst the winners here yesterday. Nobunaga has been a little out of sorts this season but as a result has fallen down to a more than workable mark of 126 after last year winning off a mark of 126 at Cartmel. Since his third behind Idarah at Ffos Las though he has been off the boil but a little break since February could have done him some good. A tentative vote to Nobunaga but also a small saver on Cadoudalas. (Nobunaga 8/1) (Cadoudalas 7/1)
4:50 Warwick - Duke Of Clarence
Annoyingly we have for the second time in the afternoon a clash of times with races, so we will have to hope that by this time of the afternoon one is running late. It took a little while for the penny to drop with Duke Of Clarence, his first two runs were encouraging when coming 7th and 5th on the all weather. He then got his act together and has won 3 of his next 5 races finishing second in the other two, but more importantly is unbeaten on turf. The latest of his wins came at Windsor on Soft ground, and when it gets testing there it really does get testing in a big way. One last positive is that Richard Hughes is two from two about the Colt and clearly gets on well with him, thus he is taken to land this Handicap on reappearance. (2/1)
4:50 Fairyhouse - Goonyella
Jim Dreaper trains this mud loving youngster, the plan for him was to go to Cheltenham and take part in the Foxhunters. But they decided to sidestep Cheltenham and send him to here instead and boy has the ground come right for him here. Off a very low weight with his seven pound claimer he should be galloping through the mud with relative ease and staying on at the end well. He started off his career with Nigel Twiston Davies but after one run at Stratford went to Ireland and won two point to points and coming second in one. He was then ran under rules when winning his Maiden Hunter Chase in horrible conditions when only 3 out of the 16 finished the course. He beat the second horse by a distance that day and looked set for bigger things even then. He was then beaten in a head bobber at Thurles but in a much stronger race, Oscar Delta (the horse who unseated on the run in at Cheltenham) was a head in front of him that day. They were 23 lengths clear of the rest of the field. Then he went on to Leopardstown where he was behind dual Cheltenham Festival winner Salsify and Tammy's Hill back in second. With each run Goonyella has improved and though inexperienced under rules can make a successful step out of Hunter Chase company and land the Irish National. Get on early as there seems to be strong Irish support behind him. (14/1)
NAP - The Musical Guy
NB - Santo Prince
Sorry they are both at the same time, but I wont be complaining if they both win!
Best of luck today folks! Have a great Easter Monday!
Happy Punting
Sunday 31 March 2013
Friday 22 March 2013
Fentara Chasing Yet More Gold
Well the 2013 Festival is over and what a week it was, we had the new crowning of King Sprinter Sacre and the Re crowning of Hurricane Fly. But we also saw heroes of yester year back to their beautiful best, the World Hurdle is the main topic on that front. Solwhit who was out for 2 years with an injury took the money and just as heart warmingly Celestial Halo ran a huge race to be second as silly odds for him.
But with all the glory comes despair, we not only lost the life of Matuhi but JT McNamara remains in a medically induced coma. I suppose the only good news to come out of the news is that there is no brain damage, but he has still suffered a serious neck injury with 2 broken vertebrae. We can only hope he makes a full recovery, at least enough to be back with his wife and children who have been by his bedside the whole time.
Today I'm writing a blog that could be completely pointless as both Doncaster and Newbury have serious inspections to pass. But we are hoping that the official first day of the flat season featuring the Lincoln gets underway without any worries. Jumping is also scheduled at Newbury and for a week after Cheltenham the standard there is very high. If those meetings fail to go ahead then we have the joys of Southwell to look forward to, which I am definitely not up for watching.
Onto this weeks racing though and hopefully a few winners this week!
2:20 Newbury - Fentara
Opening up with the strongest bet of the day and one with plenty of stable support behind her today. Fentara originally had an entry in the 4 miler at Cheltenham but Tim Walford was uncertain whether she'd stay the gruelling trip. So they have elected to come here instead for the easier task but still very good prize money. She turned in by far her best effort last time out when she was third in the towton behind Goulanes and Cheltenham runner up Super Duty. Seven lengths separated her and the other two that day and it would have been shorter were it not for a last fence blunder. But with a reassurance that he goes on the ground and Tim Walford was praying for the course to be able to handle all the rain, she gets the vote to get our afternoon off to a flyer. (10/3)
2:55 Newbury - Umadachar
Warren Greatrex's Mare has been better this season for her step up in trip from her bumper days last season over 2 miles. She looks like an out and out stayer and probably one that will get three miles in time as she proved last time and also over 2 miles 6 furlongs. Her latest run was at Sedgefield and is also the only time she has run under the hands of the Champ, AP McCoy. She put in a tremendous battling performance that day to give away a stone to Phase Shift who won next time out. Umadachar was held in very high regard in her bumper season and rewarded that faith with a third in the Aintree Mares Bumper, 2 lengths behind Eleven Fifty Nine. We also know she can act on the going after winning on it twice this year but failing on it when giving a lot of weight away at Fontwell. The going that day was very very heavy though and probably a bit worse than she likes. One last mention is that she is by Turgeon who is also the sire of the late Exotic Dancer and Victor Chandler winner Turgeonev. Class runs in the family. (10/1) Another one in the race that I have been watching for a little while is Toubeera from the bang in form Venetia Williams yard, she failed to justify short odds last time out but was never really travelling that day. She is much more at home on this sort of ground and over this distance however. I fully expect her to reverse the form with Glorious Twelfth as that was after a huge layoff of almost two years and her form with Utopie Des Bordes looks smart. A good each way bet (22/1)
3:15 Doncaster - Jack Dexter
Jim Goldie had plenty of fun with this one last year landing some valuable handicaps along the way including the Ayr Bronze Cup. He went on to win two more big handicaps on testing ground before being beat well at Doncaster on fast ground at the end of a long season. He was put away for the winter after that race, rightly so as well. Now he is a four year old and if the time off has strengthened him even more he could be a top class horse this year, especially on this kind of ground. Graham Lee retains the ride this season and gets on very well with the horse who has also been backed early into favouritism. This is a step up in class today, but Jack Dexter looks more than capable and should be thereabouts at the finish. (11/4)
3:30 Newbury - As De Fer
The booking of Aidan Coleman instantly draws your eye towards Anthony Honeyball's gelding off a mark of 135 which he has won off before. Last time he was beaten out of sight on testing ground, that was his first run for a year however and he wasn't knocked around at all. He is also stepped up to a reasonable trip today after last time was clearly just a fitness run over almost a mile shorter than today. If that wasn't enough, they also put a seven pound claimer on board to ease the load he had to carry last time, it was in effect a racecourse gallop for a bigger race. That race is today and you'd expect him to be spot on for the outing, it's interesting that there is early money for him as well the night before the race. A strong selection (13/2)
3:50 Doncaster - Memory Cloth
Brian Ellison had a winner with his only runner yesterday which will have boosted stable confidence behind his runners today. Memory Cloth is the mount of Dale Swift, with Kieren Fallon taking the ride of stable mate Global Village. His rating is down to a pound over his last winning mark and to me he is better than a 97 rated horse. The last three times he has been beaten fairly easily but this return to soft ground will be much more to his liking. In all honesty the fibre sand of Wolverhampton was never really going to be his cup of tea last time out, his price reflected that. But today he has a very big chance, albeit in a tough race, he is drawn well though on the far side coming from stall one and if he bags the early rail could be there at the end. (25/1)
4:40 Newbury - Wilde Blue Yonder
Back to Newbury now and one for Alan King with the second time out Wilde Blue Yonder under Wayne Hutchinson. Usually that would mean he is playing second fiddle to a stronger stable mate but with Choc injured he gets the main ride. He will be looking to build on his debut effort when narrowly going down to Champion Bumper fifth Purple Bay from John Ferguson's yard. Those two were 9 lengths clear of the next horse and clearly have a bit of talent about them representing two powerful yards. One of the doubts this week about Wilde Blue Yonder was the ground, but Alan King quashed any worries drawing on the fact his breeding suggests he'll be fine. Despite it looking a tough race today he may not need to do much more than he did on debut to land the spoils here and looks a worthy joint favourite. Id also like to wish my two friends I met at Cheltenham last week the best of luck with him as they own part shares in the horse. (3/1)
5:10 Newbury - Sustainability
Venetia Williams and Aidan Coleman can round of a good day's work here in the last with the consistent Sustainability. The selection is already a course winner this year back in December when beating the useful Double Dash and Ballinroab. He was giving away weight that day, even with Robbie Dunne's 3 pound claim and still managed to win fairly comfortably, resulting in a hike in the weights. He is 10 pounds higher today but showed that is no real worry after going very close off this mark last time at Wincancton behind Criqtonic for Paul Nicholls. Sustainability is probably a better horse going left handed as well after hanging last time at Wincanton which is a right handed track, his better form is all on left handed tracks as well. The ground will be absolutely no worries for him today and should justify favouritism for an in form yard and rider. (11/4)
NAP - Fentara
Nb - Wilde Blue Yonder
Lets hope for a few winners today and cash in some beer tokens for tonight, may you dinner be bookie funded!
Happy Punting Guys
But with all the glory comes despair, we not only lost the life of Matuhi but JT McNamara remains in a medically induced coma. I suppose the only good news to come out of the news is that there is no brain damage, but he has still suffered a serious neck injury with 2 broken vertebrae. We can only hope he makes a full recovery, at least enough to be back with his wife and children who have been by his bedside the whole time.
Today I'm writing a blog that could be completely pointless as both Doncaster and Newbury have serious inspections to pass. But we are hoping that the official first day of the flat season featuring the Lincoln gets underway without any worries. Jumping is also scheduled at Newbury and for a week after Cheltenham the standard there is very high. If those meetings fail to go ahead then we have the joys of Southwell to look forward to, which I am definitely not up for watching.
Onto this weeks racing though and hopefully a few winners this week!
2:20 Newbury - Fentara
Opening up with the strongest bet of the day and one with plenty of stable support behind her today. Fentara originally had an entry in the 4 miler at Cheltenham but Tim Walford was uncertain whether she'd stay the gruelling trip. So they have elected to come here instead for the easier task but still very good prize money. She turned in by far her best effort last time out when she was third in the towton behind Goulanes and Cheltenham runner up Super Duty. Seven lengths separated her and the other two that day and it would have been shorter were it not for a last fence blunder. But with a reassurance that he goes on the ground and Tim Walford was praying for the course to be able to handle all the rain, she gets the vote to get our afternoon off to a flyer. (10/3)
2:55 Newbury - Umadachar
Warren Greatrex's Mare has been better this season for her step up in trip from her bumper days last season over 2 miles. She looks like an out and out stayer and probably one that will get three miles in time as she proved last time and also over 2 miles 6 furlongs. Her latest run was at Sedgefield and is also the only time she has run under the hands of the Champ, AP McCoy. She put in a tremendous battling performance that day to give away a stone to Phase Shift who won next time out. Umadachar was held in very high regard in her bumper season and rewarded that faith with a third in the Aintree Mares Bumper, 2 lengths behind Eleven Fifty Nine. We also know she can act on the going after winning on it twice this year but failing on it when giving a lot of weight away at Fontwell. The going that day was very very heavy though and probably a bit worse than she likes. One last mention is that she is by Turgeon who is also the sire of the late Exotic Dancer and Victor Chandler winner Turgeonev. Class runs in the family. (10/1) Another one in the race that I have been watching for a little while is Toubeera from the bang in form Venetia Williams yard, she failed to justify short odds last time out but was never really travelling that day. She is much more at home on this sort of ground and over this distance however. I fully expect her to reverse the form with Glorious Twelfth as that was after a huge layoff of almost two years and her form with Utopie Des Bordes looks smart. A good each way bet (22/1)
3:15 Doncaster - Jack Dexter
Jim Goldie had plenty of fun with this one last year landing some valuable handicaps along the way including the Ayr Bronze Cup. He went on to win two more big handicaps on testing ground before being beat well at Doncaster on fast ground at the end of a long season. He was put away for the winter after that race, rightly so as well. Now he is a four year old and if the time off has strengthened him even more he could be a top class horse this year, especially on this kind of ground. Graham Lee retains the ride this season and gets on very well with the horse who has also been backed early into favouritism. This is a step up in class today, but Jack Dexter looks more than capable and should be thereabouts at the finish. (11/4)
3:30 Newbury - As De Fer
The booking of Aidan Coleman instantly draws your eye towards Anthony Honeyball's gelding off a mark of 135 which he has won off before. Last time he was beaten out of sight on testing ground, that was his first run for a year however and he wasn't knocked around at all. He is also stepped up to a reasonable trip today after last time was clearly just a fitness run over almost a mile shorter than today. If that wasn't enough, they also put a seven pound claimer on board to ease the load he had to carry last time, it was in effect a racecourse gallop for a bigger race. That race is today and you'd expect him to be spot on for the outing, it's interesting that there is early money for him as well the night before the race. A strong selection (13/2)
3:50 Doncaster - Memory Cloth
Brian Ellison had a winner with his only runner yesterday which will have boosted stable confidence behind his runners today. Memory Cloth is the mount of Dale Swift, with Kieren Fallon taking the ride of stable mate Global Village. His rating is down to a pound over his last winning mark and to me he is better than a 97 rated horse. The last three times he has been beaten fairly easily but this return to soft ground will be much more to his liking. In all honesty the fibre sand of Wolverhampton was never really going to be his cup of tea last time out, his price reflected that. But today he has a very big chance, albeit in a tough race, he is drawn well though on the far side coming from stall one and if he bags the early rail could be there at the end. (25/1)
4:40 Newbury - Wilde Blue Yonder
Back to Newbury now and one for Alan King with the second time out Wilde Blue Yonder under Wayne Hutchinson. Usually that would mean he is playing second fiddle to a stronger stable mate but with Choc injured he gets the main ride. He will be looking to build on his debut effort when narrowly going down to Champion Bumper fifth Purple Bay from John Ferguson's yard. Those two were 9 lengths clear of the next horse and clearly have a bit of talent about them representing two powerful yards. One of the doubts this week about Wilde Blue Yonder was the ground, but Alan King quashed any worries drawing on the fact his breeding suggests he'll be fine. Despite it looking a tough race today he may not need to do much more than he did on debut to land the spoils here and looks a worthy joint favourite. Id also like to wish my two friends I met at Cheltenham last week the best of luck with him as they own part shares in the horse. (3/1)
5:10 Newbury - Sustainability
Venetia Williams and Aidan Coleman can round of a good day's work here in the last with the consistent Sustainability. The selection is already a course winner this year back in December when beating the useful Double Dash and Ballinroab. He was giving away weight that day, even with Robbie Dunne's 3 pound claim and still managed to win fairly comfortably, resulting in a hike in the weights. He is 10 pounds higher today but showed that is no real worry after going very close off this mark last time at Wincancton behind Criqtonic for Paul Nicholls. Sustainability is probably a better horse going left handed as well after hanging last time at Wincanton which is a right handed track, his better form is all on left handed tracks as well. The ground will be absolutely no worries for him today and should justify favouritism for an in form yard and rider. (11/4)
NAP - Fentara
Nb - Wilde Blue Yonder
Lets hope for a few winners today and cash in some beer tokens for tonight, may you dinner be bookie funded!
Happy Punting Guys
Thursday 14 March 2013
Cheltenham Festival Day Four 2013
Well yesterday didn't go too much to plan either with only Captain Sunshine coming second for us under Paddy Brennan. Personally I was gutted as Holywell has been a selection on here on many occasions this season and of course yesterday I didn't back him. Another apology must be made on my behalf as I had a saver on Solwhit, and also changed in the Kim Muir to Same Difference who got up just on the line. But we still have one more day and a lot of good chances however.
We must pass on our commiserations to the connections of Matuhi who sadly lost his life yesterday when falling at the last. I was on the stands for the whole time and the course vet's was working on saving him for a good hour but in the end we tragically lost Matuhi. Unfortunately life decides to pick a day when it is going to pile it on, after an injury free first two days we suffered a couple of Jockey injuries today. Davy Russell was first stood down after suffering a spontaneous collapsed lung after riding in the first two races. Then JT McNamara suffered a horrific injury resulting in him being airlifted to hospital, he was placed into an induced coma on course after being conscious after the fall. All that has been said so far is that it is a serious neck injury and more will be known in the morning about it.
But onto the final day's action:
JCB Triumph Hurdle - Our Conor
An Irish start to the final day in the shape of Dessie Hughes Gelding Our Conor who is unbeaten over jumps and was no slouch on the level either. Last time out he really lept on to the Triumph Hurdle scene beating re-opposing rival Diakali and, the form was further franked by Ruacana, Blood Cotil and Flaxen Flare running big races in the Fred Winter. That was on softer ground and his other two National Hunt wins have been on softer ground as well, he has however shown a liking for fast ground in his earlier days. Unfortunately the manner of his victories places him at the head of the market this afternoon and we wont get much of a price. Saying that he is a worthy favourite and is taken to land the opener. (10/3)
Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle - Hisaabaat
Dermot Weld's representative can make this two on the day for Ireland in just the first two races after showing his worth in last years Triumph. He was second that day and went on to win the four year old hurdle in Punchestown, proving how tough he was when doing so. He is yet to really fire this year but Dermot Weld has taken his time with him and this return to better ground can help him show his best again. He has more than enough pace to deal with the likely gallop from his flat days and with Michael Nolan taking off five pounds looks to be well in with a shout. Well worth an each way punt at a good price. (25/1)
Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle - African Gold
The bet of the day from the bang in form Nigel Twiston-Davies yard under his son and stable jockey Sam Twiston-Davies. African Gold himself though has proved himself an admirable performer, winning on five of his six appearances on a racecourse. These have come on all sorts of ground varying from Heavy down to Good showing his versatility and if anything his toughness. The main thing is the yard though, many big stables aren't firing including Paul Nicholls' yard and AP McCoy is without a winner this week. Team Twiston-Davies have been plenty amongst the winners however with Same Difference yesterday and even 100/1 Changing times getting third in the Jewson. Bet of the day at a useful price. (13/2)
Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase - Long Run
Nicky Henderson is double handed in the Gold Cup with previous winner Long Run set to try and regain his crown. Last year he could only manage third behind Synchronised and The Giant Bolster, but he didn't seem right for the whole year in fairness. It could just be that his victory in 2011 bottomed him. He was back to his best last time however when regaining his King George crown. Im ashamed to admit that I am one of the people who believes he would be better with Geraghty on board. I also feel his guts and talent got Sam Waley-Cohen out of trouble last time. But who am I to knock a dual King George and a Gold Cup winning jockey.
To me at the prices, Long Run is the value and also the best horse in the race. Lets not forget that he handed out a beating to Kauto Star more than once and beat Denman in a Gold Cup. But he was knocked last year when only winning at Newbury and even that was far from impressive. This year however he looks somewhere near the same horse he was in 2011 after his battling win at Kempton.
One more positive is that he goes straight to the Festival this year after a hard fought success in December. He will arrive a fresh horse and after working at Kempton will be spot on for the race and should take some beating. Long Run gets the nod (7/1 ante post) (6/1 Currently)
CGA Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup - Chapoturgeon
Last years runner up behind Salsify, they take each other on again this year and in the race that once again should be about these two. Chapoturgeon has run just once this year and won that very easily at Newbury so comes here the fresher horse than Salsify, which could work into his favour today. Last year he went down by only a length and then went on to run a huge race at Aintree after giving absolutely everything last year. He gave so much that after the race he was having to be held up by his Jockey and helpers until he was strong enough to walk back to the stables. His lighter campaign today will help him no end and could well see him come out on top this year and get revenge on Salsify. (5/1)
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle - Ma Filleule
As always a wide open race in the Conditional Jockeys Handicap, preference however is for Nicky Henderson's Ma Filleule ridden by Jeremiah McGrath. She has been ultra consistent since coming over from France winning 2 of her four races and finding one too good in the other two races. She was most impressive on debut in this country when on better ground but that was also her easiest race so far. She won last time when stepped up in trip last time and showed her staying power when winning nicely at Warwick on testing ground. She beat Swincombe Flame that day who was placed in the Mares Hurdle earlier in the week and takes on stable mate Kells Belle again who she comfortably beat. If progressing again she will be a major player today. (10/1)
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup - Stagecoach Pearl
I would like to say I have a really strong fancy to conclude the 2013 Festival, but I cant. If anything this is just an interest bet on a horse who is slipping down the weights and is very classy. This horse comes in the shape of Sue Smith's nine year old grey Stagecoach Pearl who is without a win since 2011. He has been taking on much better opposition since then, behind Master Minded one day at Ascot, he was well beaten which was to be expected. He is down to two pounds higher than his last winning mark of 143 and if anything near his best is well worth a small each way bet. (40/1)
NAP - African Gold
Nb - Long Run
Id like to thank everyone that has stuck with me this week and given me your views on my twitter page. Its nice to hear back from you and to know there are people reading my thoughts, and even better to hear what you think of the days races. You can follow me on twitter on @lukeyboy1325. Thank you again to everyone who has read this week.
Happy Punting today guys.
We must pass on our commiserations to the connections of Matuhi who sadly lost his life yesterday when falling at the last. I was on the stands for the whole time and the course vet's was working on saving him for a good hour but in the end we tragically lost Matuhi. Unfortunately life decides to pick a day when it is going to pile it on, after an injury free first two days we suffered a couple of Jockey injuries today. Davy Russell was first stood down after suffering a spontaneous collapsed lung after riding in the first two races. Then JT McNamara suffered a horrific injury resulting in him being airlifted to hospital, he was placed into an induced coma on course after being conscious after the fall. All that has been said so far is that it is a serious neck injury and more will be known in the morning about it.
But onto the final day's action:
JCB Triumph Hurdle - Our Conor
An Irish start to the final day in the shape of Dessie Hughes Gelding Our Conor who is unbeaten over jumps and was no slouch on the level either. Last time out he really lept on to the Triumph Hurdle scene beating re-opposing rival Diakali and, the form was further franked by Ruacana, Blood Cotil and Flaxen Flare running big races in the Fred Winter. That was on softer ground and his other two National Hunt wins have been on softer ground as well, he has however shown a liking for fast ground in his earlier days. Unfortunately the manner of his victories places him at the head of the market this afternoon and we wont get much of a price. Saying that he is a worthy favourite and is taken to land the opener. (10/3)
Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle - Hisaabaat
Dermot Weld's representative can make this two on the day for Ireland in just the first two races after showing his worth in last years Triumph. He was second that day and went on to win the four year old hurdle in Punchestown, proving how tough he was when doing so. He is yet to really fire this year but Dermot Weld has taken his time with him and this return to better ground can help him show his best again. He has more than enough pace to deal with the likely gallop from his flat days and with Michael Nolan taking off five pounds looks to be well in with a shout. Well worth an each way punt at a good price. (25/1)
Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle - African Gold
The bet of the day from the bang in form Nigel Twiston-Davies yard under his son and stable jockey Sam Twiston-Davies. African Gold himself though has proved himself an admirable performer, winning on five of his six appearances on a racecourse. These have come on all sorts of ground varying from Heavy down to Good showing his versatility and if anything his toughness. The main thing is the yard though, many big stables aren't firing including Paul Nicholls' yard and AP McCoy is without a winner this week. Team Twiston-Davies have been plenty amongst the winners however with Same Difference yesterday and even 100/1 Changing times getting third in the Jewson. Bet of the day at a useful price. (13/2)
Betfred Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase - Long Run
Nicky Henderson is double handed in the Gold Cup with previous winner Long Run set to try and regain his crown. Last year he could only manage third behind Synchronised and The Giant Bolster, but he didn't seem right for the whole year in fairness. It could just be that his victory in 2011 bottomed him. He was back to his best last time however when regaining his King George crown. Im ashamed to admit that I am one of the people who believes he would be better with Geraghty on board. I also feel his guts and talent got Sam Waley-Cohen out of trouble last time. But who am I to knock a dual King George and a Gold Cup winning jockey.
To me at the prices, Long Run is the value and also the best horse in the race. Lets not forget that he handed out a beating to Kauto Star more than once and beat Denman in a Gold Cup. But he was knocked last year when only winning at Newbury and even that was far from impressive. This year however he looks somewhere near the same horse he was in 2011 after his battling win at Kempton.
One more positive is that he goes straight to the Festival this year after a hard fought success in December. He will arrive a fresh horse and after working at Kempton will be spot on for the race and should take some beating. Long Run gets the nod (7/1 ante post) (6/1 Currently)
CGA Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup - Chapoturgeon
Last years runner up behind Salsify, they take each other on again this year and in the race that once again should be about these two. Chapoturgeon has run just once this year and won that very easily at Newbury so comes here the fresher horse than Salsify, which could work into his favour today. Last year he went down by only a length and then went on to run a huge race at Aintree after giving absolutely everything last year. He gave so much that after the race he was having to be held up by his Jockey and helpers until he was strong enough to walk back to the stables. His lighter campaign today will help him no end and could well see him come out on top this year and get revenge on Salsify. (5/1)
Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle - Ma Filleule
As always a wide open race in the Conditional Jockeys Handicap, preference however is for Nicky Henderson's Ma Filleule ridden by Jeremiah McGrath. She has been ultra consistent since coming over from France winning 2 of her four races and finding one too good in the other two races. She was most impressive on debut in this country when on better ground but that was also her easiest race so far. She won last time when stepped up in trip last time and showed her staying power when winning nicely at Warwick on testing ground. She beat Swincombe Flame that day who was placed in the Mares Hurdle earlier in the week and takes on stable mate Kells Belle again who she comfortably beat. If progressing again she will be a major player today. (10/1)
Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup - Stagecoach Pearl
I would like to say I have a really strong fancy to conclude the 2013 Festival, but I cant. If anything this is just an interest bet on a horse who is slipping down the weights and is very classy. This horse comes in the shape of Sue Smith's nine year old grey Stagecoach Pearl who is without a win since 2011. He has been taking on much better opposition since then, behind Master Minded one day at Ascot, he was well beaten which was to be expected. He is down to two pounds higher than his last winning mark of 143 and if anything near his best is well worth a small each way bet. (40/1)
NAP - African Gold
Nb - Long Run
Id like to thank everyone that has stuck with me this week and given me your views on my twitter page. Its nice to hear back from you and to know there are people reading my thoughts, and even better to hear what you think of the days races. You can follow me on twitter on @lukeyboy1325. Thank you again to everyone who has read this week.
Happy Punting today guys.
Martin Keighley Question and Answer
Just a quick interview for this festival morning, from a trainer no less than one from the Cotswolds and specifically Stow where I am now. I speak of Condicote trainer Martin Keighley who this week has a huge chance of winning the Ryanair with fan favourite Champion Court. Without further ado lets begin the interview and find a bit more about the yard and Martin Keighley himself.
Favourite Festival Memory?
Festival Memory was The Duke (David Nicholson) training a treble - Putty Road, Kadi & V, Flagship - an amazing day!
When Growing up who was your favourite horse?
Desert Orchid, he was awesome!
If I were to give you 100 pounds for one horse at Cheltenham, who would it go on?
£100 on Champion Court!
Biggest personal triumph in racing?
any winner - all are difficult to achieve!
Biggest disappointment in racing?
losing a horse on the gallops called Busby Berkeley for Smad Place's owners. Lovely people who tried everything to get the horse right - wind op, etc then he broke his leg doing a routine canter and it was devastating for us all especially them.
Favourite Festival Memory?
Festival Memory was The Duke (David Nicholson) training a treble - Putty Road, Kadi & V, Flagship - an amazing day!
When Growing up who was your favourite horse?
Desert Orchid, he was awesome!
If I were to give you 100 pounds for one horse at Cheltenham, who would it go on?
£100 on Champion Court!
Biggest personal triumph in racing?
any winner - all are difficult to achieve!
Biggest disappointment in racing?
losing a horse on the gallops called Busby Berkeley for Smad Place's owners. Lovely people who tried everything to get the horse right - wind op, etc then he broke his leg doing a routine canter and it was devastating for us all especially them.
Wednesday 13 March 2013
Cheltenham Festival Day Three 2013
Well yesterday didn't exactly go to plan with only Meister Eckhart getting second place for us in the Coral Cup. I must confess on course I had a change of heart and had a bet on Back in Focus in the opener, for that I apologise. But other than that it was nothing to write home about at all. For what I'm sure is a big debate, I don't think Boston Bob would have held on in the RSA were he to have stood up. He looked to be idling before the last and would have possibly been caught on the run in to be second behind Lord Windermere.
One last moaning moment. I thought the way they ran the Neptune was just ridiculous, Ruby Walsh, Tony McCoy and Davy Russell all have horses who probably stay a bit further than two and a half miles. Instead of one of them going on and making a good pace to ensure stamina came in to play they went a very slow pace and it turned into a sprint late on. This couldn't have played into The New One's hands anymore and he was possibly flattered by his winning margin and the style of his win. Saying that you cant take anything away from the demolition job he achieved. Counsel was also a bitter disappointment for me finishing way tailed off and leaving me questioning the well being of Donald McCain's horses. None of his horses have ran their races this week and is probably a trainer best watched. Yesterday morning I wrote the World Hurdle preview about Peddlers Cross but after seeing his stable mate's went back and changed it.
Jewson Novices Chase - Third Intention
Third Intention is a bit of a bold choice as the Jewson has turned into a very competitive race since it was declared Dynaste was going to turn up here. He is now the short priced favourite but Third Intention was a very useful horse over hurdles, last season winning the National Spirit easily. Last time out he ran over this distance which was always going to be his optimum trip over fences, He threw the race away that day. He has Captain Conan under pressure and two lengths down at the last fence but idled on the straight and let the lead go late on. He runs in a first time noseband which should sort his concentration problem out and allow Joe Tizzard to hit the front earlier with confidence. One word to be said is that Nicky Henderson claimed Captain Conan was well below his best that day and will be much better today. Third Intention is taken to land the odds however and is a fantastic each way price. (25/1)
Ante Post Captain Conan - 14/1
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle - Captain Sunshine
Captain Sunshine was a promising novice last year but disappointed in the first half of this season somewhat, still turning in some useful efforts out of the placings however. He looked to be finally running a big race in the Lanzarote and nailed on for a place, maybe even challenging for first place before falling at the last. On many occasions it has looked as if three miles will be his optimum trip, he justified that last time when staying on at Newbury for second behind Master of the sea. Master of the Sea ran a good race yesterday when fourth in the Coral Cup under Sam Twiston-Davies. Down near the bottom of the weights Captain Sunshine can finally come good and register a win to his name this season. A really solid each way chance and a likely sort to win this race. (16/1)
Ryanair Chase - Champion Court
Martin Keighley's Gelding is one you cant help but love, every race he wears his heart on his sleeve and cuts out the running. He is without a win since new years day of 2012 when winning the Dipper Novices Chase. Last year he found only Sir Des Champs too good in the Jewson but had some good horses behind him with For Non Stop in third.
This year he started off in a 2 mile 1 furlong race at Ascot when giving a stone and a half to the useful William's Wishes and only going down by 6 lengths. Realistically this race was always going to be too short for him and was probably only being used as a pipe opener for the season. After that he was the each way selection on here for the King George. Turning for home you would be forgiven for mistaking him as the winner before a mix of stamina and the bottomless ground got to him. Still, he finished a very dignified fourth and only 16 and 3 quarter lengths behind Long Run. More importantly he had Cue Card and Riverside Theatre behind him that day who may take him on once more here. You can forget completely about his last run as that wasn't his true showing at all. (antepost 10/1) (15/2 currently)
Ladbrokes World Hurdle - Oscar Whisky
With the absence of Big Bucks' we are handed one of the most open World Hurdles for a while with 4/1 joint favourites. Preference is for Oscar Whisky who showed he can stay on trials day when just touched off by the reopposing Reve De Sivola. The going was bottomless that day so showing that he stayed well enough in that ground reassures that he will stay well in this ground no problem. Id fully expect him to reverse the placings with Reve De Sivola today on this better ground and that would put him right there with a chance. Last years World Hurdle was run on similar ground as today's, that race was run at about 45 seconds slower than the race on trials day. You do the math on that, running for 45 seconds less he will stay very well and is the clear class horse in the race. An absolutely massive chance at a big enough price. (4/1)
Byrne Group Plate Handicap Chase - Walkon
Walkon ran a good second here in the Paddypower behind Al Ferof last year before finishing second again behind a John Hales owned Grey in Unioniste. The latter form has worked out fairly well in which he came 6 lengths ahead of Golden Chieftan when giving him 10 pounds. He won on the first day under Brendan Powell and Walkon is more than capable of also winning at the Festival as well. Last year he was fifth in the RSA behind Bobs Worth and the year before ran a good race to be seventh in the Coral Cup behind Carlito Brigante. His best Festival form came back in his novice hurdle career when second to Zaynar in the Triumph Hurdle. In truth he has been fairly highly tried over fences and takes a small step down in class to run here today off a mark of 148 (the same mark he ran off in the Paddy Power). As im sure you all know Choc Thornton is injured and out for the Festival after breaking his arm, Paddy Brennan gets the leg up today which is by no means a bad thing. One last silly thing, when I was younger I had a theory that all Grey's that were a number five came placed or won, you'd be surprised how many times it worked. Walkon today is a grey number five but that is somewhat on a bit of a sentimental side than anything. A great each way chance nonetheless. (14/1)
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase - Vesper Bell
I have to be truthful about this race, I had to search really hard to find one that I fancied and after a while of looking had it between Vesper Bell and Prince of Pirates. Vesper Bell got the nod however for the Willie Mullins stable who couldn't be more in form right now. Paddy Mullins takes the ride for his dad and had a winner on Back In Focus in yesterdays opener getting up late on to catch Tofino Bay. The only worry his best form is on softer ground and tomorrow may not be ideal, however he hasn't had much of a chance on better going. Paddy rode Vesper Bell in his two bumpers early on in his career 2 years ago in 2011, he won one of those races and was fourth in his second outing. Id be surprised if he hasn't ridden him out at home on more than one occasion however and he will no doubt be accustomed to the horse. A solid each way chance, but a bet for interest if anything. (16/1)
Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase - Any Currency
Martin Keighley has a number of good chances this week and Any Currency is one of them with a leading chance. He tackles the Cross Country fences for the first time here but they should pose no threat to him and the trip is right up his street. Officially he would run off 10-2 but Ian Popham takes a further 3 pounds off so he carries an absolute flyweight round Prestbury Park. This season he has run much better races, this is down to his breathing operation he had at the start of the year. Looking at him during the race and form wise he has done nothing but improve for the operation and racing for him just seems easier and a bit more fluent. All in all as long as he takes to the fences he should be bang in contention and this race could bring a bit more improvement in him. A real solid each way chance. (14/1)
NAP - Oscar Whisky
Nb - Champion Court
Good luck if you are having a bet today and lets hope for another bad day for the bookies!!
Happy Punting guys
One last moaning moment. I thought the way they ran the Neptune was just ridiculous, Ruby Walsh, Tony McCoy and Davy Russell all have horses who probably stay a bit further than two and a half miles. Instead of one of them going on and making a good pace to ensure stamina came in to play they went a very slow pace and it turned into a sprint late on. This couldn't have played into The New One's hands anymore and he was possibly flattered by his winning margin and the style of his win. Saying that you cant take anything away from the demolition job he achieved. Counsel was also a bitter disappointment for me finishing way tailed off and leaving me questioning the well being of Donald McCain's horses. None of his horses have ran their races this week and is probably a trainer best watched. Yesterday morning I wrote the World Hurdle preview about Peddlers Cross but after seeing his stable mate's went back and changed it.
Jewson Novices Chase - Third Intention
Third Intention is a bit of a bold choice as the Jewson has turned into a very competitive race since it was declared Dynaste was going to turn up here. He is now the short priced favourite but Third Intention was a very useful horse over hurdles, last season winning the National Spirit easily. Last time out he ran over this distance which was always going to be his optimum trip over fences, He threw the race away that day. He has Captain Conan under pressure and two lengths down at the last fence but idled on the straight and let the lead go late on. He runs in a first time noseband which should sort his concentration problem out and allow Joe Tizzard to hit the front earlier with confidence. One word to be said is that Nicky Henderson claimed Captain Conan was well below his best that day and will be much better today. Third Intention is taken to land the odds however and is a fantastic each way price. (25/1)
Ante Post Captain Conan - 14/1
Pertemps Final Handicap Hurdle - Captain Sunshine
Captain Sunshine was a promising novice last year but disappointed in the first half of this season somewhat, still turning in some useful efforts out of the placings however. He looked to be finally running a big race in the Lanzarote and nailed on for a place, maybe even challenging for first place before falling at the last. On many occasions it has looked as if three miles will be his optimum trip, he justified that last time when staying on at Newbury for second behind Master of the sea. Master of the Sea ran a good race yesterday when fourth in the Coral Cup under Sam Twiston-Davies. Down near the bottom of the weights Captain Sunshine can finally come good and register a win to his name this season. A really solid each way chance and a likely sort to win this race. (16/1)
Ryanair Chase - Champion Court
Martin Keighley's Gelding is one you cant help but love, every race he wears his heart on his sleeve and cuts out the running. He is without a win since new years day of 2012 when winning the Dipper Novices Chase. Last year he found only Sir Des Champs too good in the Jewson but had some good horses behind him with For Non Stop in third.
This year he started off in a 2 mile 1 furlong race at Ascot when giving a stone and a half to the useful William's Wishes and only going down by 6 lengths. Realistically this race was always going to be too short for him and was probably only being used as a pipe opener for the season. After that he was the each way selection on here for the King George. Turning for home you would be forgiven for mistaking him as the winner before a mix of stamina and the bottomless ground got to him. Still, he finished a very dignified fourth and only 16 and 3 quarter lengths behind Long Run. More importantly he had Cue Card and Riverside Theatre behind him that day who may take him on once more here. You can forget completely about his last run as that wasn't his true showing at all. (antepost 10/1) (15/2 currently)
Ladbrokes World Hurdle - Oscar Whisky
With the absence of Big Bucks' we are handed one of the most open World Hurdles for a while with 4/1 joint favourites. Preference is for Oscar Whisky who showed he can stay on trials day when just touched off by the reopposing Reve De Sivola. The going was bottomless that day so showing that he stayed well enough in that ground reassures that he will stay well in this ground no problem. Id fully expect him to reverse the placings with Reve De Sivola today on this better ground and that would put him right there with a chance. Last years World Hurdle was run on similar ground as today's, that race was run at about 45 seconds slower than the race on trials day. You do the math on that, running for 45 seconds less he will stay very well and is the clear class horse in the race. An absolutely massive chance at a big enough price. (4/1)
Byrne Group Plate Handicap Chase - Walkon
Walkon ran a good second here in the Paddypower behind Al Ferof last year before finishing second again behind a John Hales owned Grey in Unioniste. The latter form has worked out fairly well in which he came 6 lengths ahead of Golden Chieftan when giving him 10 pounds. He won on the first day under Brendan Powell and Walkon is more than capable of also winning at the Festival as well. Last year he was fifth in the RSA behind Bobs Worth and the year before ran a good race to be seventh in the Coral Cup behind Carlito Brigante. His best Festival form came back in his novice hurdle career when second to Zaynar in the Triumph Hurdle. In truth he has been fairly highly tried over fences and takes a small step down in class to run here today off a mark of 148 (the same mark he ran off in the Paddy Power). As im sure you all know Choc Thornton is injured and out for the Festival after breaking his arm, Paddy Brennan gets the leg up today which is by no means a bad thing. One last silly thing, when I was younger I had a theory that all Grey's that were a number five came placed or won, you'd be surprised how many times it worked. Walkon today is a grey number five but that is somewhat on a bit of a sentimental side than anything. A great each way chance nonetheless. (14/1)
Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase - Vesper Bell
I have to be truthful about this race, I had to search really hard to find one that I fancied and after a while of looking had it between Vesper Bell and Prince of Pirates. Vesper Bell got the nod however for the Willie Mullins stable who couldn't be more in form right now. Paddy Mullins takes the ride for his dad and had a winner on Back In Focus in yesterdays opener getting up late on to catch Tofino Bay. The only worry his best form is on softer ground and tomorrow may not be ideal, however he hasn't had much of a chance on better going. Paddy rode Vesper Bell in his two bumpers early on in his career 2 years ago in 2011, he won one of those races and was fourth in his second outing. Id be surprised if he hasn't ridden him out at home on more than one occasion however and he will no doubt be accustomed to the horse. A solid each way chance, but a bet for interest if anything. (16/1)
Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase - Any Currency
Martin Keighley has a number of good chances this week and Any Currency is one of them with a leading chance. He tackles the Cross Country fences for the first time here but they should pose no threat to him and the trip is right up his street. Officially he would run off 10-2 but Ian Popham takes a further 3 pounds off so he carries an absolute flyweight round Prestbury Park. This season he has run much better races, this is down to his breathing operation he had at the start of the year. Looking at him during the race and form wise he has done nothing but improve for the operation and racing for him just seems easier and a bit more fluent. All in all as long as he takes to the fences he should be bang in contention and this race could bring a bit more improvement in him. A real solid each way chance. (14/1)
NAP - Oscar Whisky
Nb - Champion Court
Good luck if you are having a bet today and lets hope for another bad day for the bookies!!
Happy Punting guys
Tuesday 12 March 2013
Cheltenham Festival Day Two
Well day one was a bit of a dampener but Simonsig saved the day for us especially with the 3/1 offer from Boylesports. For me the highlight was obviously Quevega making it 5 at Cheltenham but I was seriously impressed with Champagne Fever. My Tent Or Yours came to him but Champagne Fever is just so brave and gutsy out in front, proving himself a serious player for whatever he goes for next year.
On the flipside, a serious Disappointment was Grandouet. When he crashed out he was travelling by far the easiest and was just about to come into the race, who knows what would have happened had he stayed up. Personally I think the race would have had a different look but you cant take anything away from Hurricane Fly at all.
National Hunt Chase - Buddy Bolero
Since switching to fences Buddy Bolero has been very impressive unbeaten in two starts, taking some notable scalps on his way. On his chase debut he outstayed Theatrical Star and gave a pounding to Violin Davis who has since gone on to be a successful novice. He then went on to beat a very good field at Leicester including last years Grimthorpe winner Ikorodu Road. He now comes to the festival with a real live chance in Tuesday's opener and top amateur Jamie Codd takes the ride for David Pipe. There are two big doubts about him today which are the ground, he has never run on anything better than soft but the ground today should pose no problem. He has also never ventured over three miles and today he tackles a stamina sapping four miles which will push him but he should stay this no problem. Tom Scudamore describes this one as David Pipe's best chance of the week. (5/1)
Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle - Taquin Du Seuil
From one of the Lays of the meeting to one of the bets of the meeting in the Jonjo O'Neill French Import Taquin Du Seuil. Unfortunately pricewise put him up in the last week making his price crash in to around 11/2. I hope you backed him when put up on here before his Challow success at 16/1 and are enjoying the build up like me. He has looked a very classy recruit to the hurdling game since joining from France and has hardly put a foot wrong.
His life in England started out at Uttoxeter in a Maiden Hurdle in which he won hard held when beating a nice horse of Charlie Longsdon's by 15 lengths. His jumping that day was a bit novice like at times but once they picked up the pace he was jumping like a natural. He was then handed the impossible task of giving hot Supreme Novices favourite My Tent Or Yours 5 pounds at Ascot. However he gave it a real good try and over the last it was still in the balance before going down by one and three quarter lengths. It was clear a step up in trip was needed which is exactly what happened at Sandown (pictured above). This was arguably his most taking performance when beating the high regarded Le Bec from the Emma Lavelle yard. He won easily by 6 lengths that day but in truth it could have been as many as Tony McCoy allowed when sauntering up the hill. Next stop was his first victory in a Grade 1 as he took in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury. This was at the peak of the bad ground near the turn of the year and it took some guts and a lot of class to keep going in the mud. Eventually he beat Easter Day by 9 lengths who has since won at Huntingdon in a listed race.
He hasn't run since that day which is a very wise move from connections as it was a very tough and demanding slog round Newbury. The last thing you want to do to a 6 year old novice is bottom them out by running them too much and being greedy. One last positive is that he looks like the only genuine hurdler out of the top three in the market (Pont Alexandre and The New One). A very strong bet for the race and definitely one to keep on the right side of. (5/1) (Put up ante-post at 16/1)
RSA Chase - Hadrian's Approach
The key ingredient to win an RSA is stamina, something that Hadrian's Approach has plenty of, showing that after his last run with Unioniste. He was ahead of his reopposing rival that day just yards after the line, if it wasn't for a mistake two from home he would likely have won the race. Before that he had been beaten easily by Dynaste, however that was at Kempton which is certainly not a track for horses with more stamina than speed. The only thing that could be said against him is that his jumping can sometimes leave something to be desired, but at a preview night Nicky Henderson said he had been schooled intensely. As long as that practice has ironed out his quirks he can go very close here today and reverse form with Unioniste. (6/1)
3:20 Queen Mother Champion Chase - Mail De Bievre
It is fairly clear to anyone that knows much about racing that you should just be looking for something to come second at a nice price. Mail De Bievre could well be that horse after running a very good race in the Denman Chase over the longer trip of three miles. He sprinted about two and a half miles that day at Newbury from the front and jumped superbly throughout the contest. It was clear that 3 miles is too far for him especially with his front running tactics, he can make this a test of stamina again today and expose a few others. This type of ground mixed with this race could really play to his tactics and whereas most probably not being up to beating Sprinter Sacre he can definitely play a minor role. (16/1)
Coral Cup - Meister Eckhart
Meister Eckhart was a very good novice for Rebecca Curtis last year finishing fifth behind Brindisi Breeze in the Albert Bartlett. He is with Alan King now and has only had the one run this year in the National Spirit in which he was second to Prospect Wells. That was his first run for almost a year and he came through it very well and this has been his target all year long. He enters handicap company off a mark of 143 which is very fair, however he could still be inclined to improve a bit more. With that in mind he is a very solid each way bet at a decent enough price, saying that, everything in the Coral Cup is a good each way bet. You just have to pray for a clear passage and hope it all falls in to place on the day. Robert Thornton is of course injured this week which means Aidan Coleman gets the leg up today which is by no means a bad thing. He won a big handicap in the Pertemps on Kayf Aramis and can make it another here with Meister Eckhart. (16/1)
Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle - Counsel
One of the higher class flat performers recruited to the jumps game by Donald McCain. Rated 74 on the flat he never really got to fulfil his potential on the level, but has taken to the jumps scene very nicely. He opened up at Aintree when beaten out of sight by Handazan, however that was on bottomless ground which really isn't what he wants. He then registered his first National Hunt win at Bangor on better ground and managed to reverse placings with Moidore in doing so. Then came his toughest assignment when fourth to Kashmir Peak at Doncaster, also behind Vasco Du Ronceray and Sametegal. He was staying on late in the day that time and the strength of the form looks very useful and it was a more than promising run. He then won at Sedgefield in a weak race, most probably to ensure he got a mark worthy of getting into this race. That race went to plan and an opening handicap mark of 130 looks very workable and can take this years Fred Winter. A very strong each way bet. (16/1)
Weatherbys Champion Bumper - Sgt Reckless
One of the most confident bets of the week oddly comes in the Bumper, usually a lottery but one horse has stuck out to me all season. He opened up his account when sauntering to a win at Wincanton in the most impressive style possible. Will Kennedy didn't move a muscle that day but Sgt Reckless forged on with the look of a good horse about him. He then went on and won a very hot contest at Lingfield in which he had to give 7 pounds to some useful horses from all the top yards in National Hunt racing. One of the most intriguing things about his run today is that Champion flat jockey, Richard Hughes, gets the leg up today. Along with the fact the yard really rate and really fancy his chances, he gets a very strong vote today and can take the Bumper. (8/1)
NAP - Counsel
Nb - Sgt Reckless
Lets hope for some luck today after Simonsig managed to bail us out of prison yesterday, a few decent bets today and we will hope to be in with a winner or two.
On the flipside, a serious Disappointment was Grandouet. When he crashed out he was travelling by far the easiest and was just about to come into the race, who knows what would have happened had he stayed up. Personally I think the race would have had a different look but you cant take anything away from Hurricane Fly at all.
National Hunt Chase - Buddy Bolero
Since switching to fences Buddy Bolero has been very impressive unbeaten in two starts, taking some notable scalps on his way. On his chase debut he outstayed Theatrical Star and gave a pounding to Violin Davis who has since gone on to be a successful novice. He then went on to beat a very good field at Leicester including last years Grimthorpe winner Ikorodu Road. He now comes to the festival with a real live chance in Tuesday's opener and top amateur Jamie Codd takes the ride for David Pipe. There are two big doubts about him today which are the ground, he has never run on anything better than soft but the ground today should pose no problem. He has also never ventured over three miles and today he tackles a stamina sapping four miles which will push him but he should stay this no problem. Tom Scudamore describes this one as David Pipe's best chance of the week. (5/1)
Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle - Taquin Du Seuil
From one of the Lays of the meeting to one of the bets of the meeting in the Jonjo O'Neill French Import Taquin Du Seuil. Unfortunately pricewise put him up in the last week making his price crash in to around 11/2. I hope you backed him when put up on here before his Challow success at 16/1 and are enjoying the build up like me. He has looked a very classy recruit to the hurdling game since joining from France and has hardly put a foot wrong.
His life in England started out at Uttoxeter in a Maiden Hurdle in which he won hard held when beating a nice horse of Charlie Longsdon's by 15 lengths. His jumping that day was a bit novice like at times but once they picked up the pace he was jumping like a natural. He was then handed the impossible task of giving hot Supreme Novices favourite My Tent Or Yours 5 pounds at Ascot. However he gave it a real good try and over the last it was still in the balance before going down by one and three quarter lengths. It was clear a step up in trip was needed which is exactly what happened at Sandown (pictured above). This was arguably his most taking performance when beating the high regarded Le Bec from the Emma Lavelle yard. He won easily by 6 lengths that day but in truth it could have been as many as Tony McCoy allowed when sauntering up the hill. Next stop was his first victory in a Grade 1 as he took in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury. This was at the peak of the bad ground near the turn of the year and it took some guts and a lot of class to keep going in the mud. Eventually he beat Easter Day by 9 lengths who has since won at Huntingdon in a listed race.
He hasn't run since that day which is a very wise move from connections as it was a very tough and demanding slog round Newbury. The last thing you want to do to a 6 year old novice is bottom them out by running them too much and being greedy. One last positive is that he looks like the only genuine hurdler out of the top three in the market (Pont Alexandre and The New One). A very strong bet for the race and definitely one to keep on the right side of. (5/1) (Put up ante-post at 16/1)
RSA Chase - Hadrian's Approach
The key ingredient to win an RSA is stamina, something that Hadrian's Approach has plenty of, showing that after his last run with Unioniste. He was ahead of his reopposing rival that day just yards after the line, if it wasn't for a mistake two from home he would likely have won the race. Before that he had been beaten easily by Dynaste, however that was at Kempton which is certainly not a track for horses with more stamina than speed. The only thing that could be said against him is that his jumping can sometimes leave something to be desired, but at a preview night Nicky Henderson said he had been schooled intensely. As long as that practice has ironed out his quirks he can go very close here today and reverse form with Unioniste. (6/1)
3:20 Queen Mother Champion Chase - Mail De Bievre
It is fairly clear to anyone that knows much about racing that you should just be looking for something to come second at a nice price. Mail De Bievre could well be that horse after running a very good race in the Denman Chase over the longer trip of three miles. He sprinted about two and a half miles that day at Newbury from the front and jumped superbly throughout the contest. It was clear that 3 miles is too far for him especially with his front running tactics, he can make this a test of stamina again today and expose a few others. This type of ground mixed with this race could really play to his tactics and whereas most probably not being up to beating Sprinter Sacre he can definitely play a minor role. (16/1)
Coral Cup - Meister Eckhart
Meister Eckhart was a very good novice for Rebecca Curtis last year finishing fifth behind Brindisi Breeze in the Albert Bartlett. He is with Alan King now and has only had the one run this year in the National Spirit in which he was second to Prospect Wells. That was his first run for almost a year and he came through it very well and this has been his target all year long. He enters handicap company off a mark of 143 which is very fair, however he could still be inclined to improve a bit more. With that in mind he is a very solid each way bet at a decent enough price, saying that, everything in the Coral Cup is a good each way bet. You just have to pray for a clear passage and hope it all falls in to place on the day. Robert Thornton is of course injured this week which means Aidan Coleman gets the leg up today which is by no means a bad thing. He won a big handicap in the Pertemps on Kayf Aramis and can make it another here with Meister Eckhart. (16/1)
Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle - Counsel
One of the higher class flat performers recruited to the jumps game by Donald McCain. Rated 74 on the flat he never really got to fulfil his potential on the level, but has taken to the jumps scene very nicely. He opened up at Aintree when beaten out of sight by Handazan, however that was on bottomless ground which really isn't what he wants. He then registered his first National Hunt win at Bangor on better ground and managed to reverse placings with Moidore in doing so. Then came his toughest assignment when fourth to Kashmir Peak at Doncaster, also behind Vasco Du Ronceray and Sametegal. He was staying on late in the day that time and the strength of the form looks very useful and it was a more than promising run. He then won at Sedgefield in a weak race, most probably to ensure he got a mark worthy of getting into this race. That race went to plan and an opening handicap mark of 130 looks very workable and can take this years Fred Winter. A very strong each way bet. (16/1)
Weatherbys Champion Bumper - Sgt Reckless
One of the most confident bets of the week oddly comes in the Bumper, usually a lottery but one horse has stuck out to me all season. He opened up his account when sauntering to a win at Wincanton in the most impressive style possible. Will Kennedy didn't move a muscle that day but Sgt Reckless forged on with the look of a good horse about him. He then went on and won a very hot contest at Lingfield in which he had to give 7 pounds to some useful horses from all the top yards in National Hunt racing. One of the most intriguing things about his run today is that Champion flat jockey, Richard Hughes, gets the leg up today. Along with the fact the yard really rate and really fancy his chances, he gets a very strong vote today and can take the Bumper. (8/1)
NAP - Counsel
Nb - Sgt Reckless
Lets hope for some luck today after Simonsig managed to bail us out of prison yesterday, a few decent bets today and we will hope to be in with a winner or two.
Monday 11 March 2013
Cheltenham Festival Day One 2013
Ladies and Gentleman, Boys and Girls, Cats and Dogs. Cheltenham Fever is almost at an end and all our questions will be answered.
I write to you from a snowy West Sussex, thankfully I am nowhere near the track which will make my journey today all the more interesting. By all reports the snow has left the course alone and the frost covers are down which is nothing but good news for racing fans. Its times like these everyone needs to take a step back and acknowledge the fantastic work of Simon Claisse and his team, who have been working tirelessly to enable the meeting to go ahead.
By all reckoning though, on this cold Monday morning, it's all systems go regarding the festival and we pray for all jockeys and horses riding and running today to come back safe. Last Saturday helped our Cheltenham funds out no end with Soll and Arbeo both winning at Sandown. It always helps when your NAP and Nb go in, but we have to thank Sam Thomas for the second win. Off the bridle half way down the back straight, Sam galvanised Arbeo and got him up right on top of the line after jumping the last well. Earlier in the afternoon Soll ran his rivals into the ground and gave them a lesson in jumping and staying. Hardly touching a twig on the way round Sandown Park with himself and Mark Grant going on to score by a comfortable 5 lengths.
But enough of last week, the festival is here the excitement is brewing and only a short amount of time before we can hear that famous Cheltenham roar. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you day one of the Cheltenham Festival 2013.
William Hill Supreme Novices Hurdle - Pique Sous
Willie Mullins' grey continues to be held in high regard at the yard but must carry the title of third string to Champagne Fever and Un Atout. All season he has been laid out for the race and a return to Cheltenham was always on the cards after his Champion Bumper third last year. The main reason for fancying him this year was that he was being held back for a run on better ground, unfortunately the going is soft. This still may not be as soft as he would have experienced in Ireland and has all the talent in the world after his Dundalk romp. With Ruby riding Champagne Fever, the coast is clear for Paul Townend to get the leg up on todays selection which is always a bonus. He has proven his love for the course with the aforementioned third in the Champion Bumper last season when running a blinder behind his stablemate. A fantastic each way price of 20/1 is still available in this small field and that makes him one of the bets of the race. Pique Sous to land the opener. (25/1 ante post) (20/1 available now)
Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase - Simonsig
First off Id like to say the main reason for putting up Simonsig, firstly I cant see Overturn beating him, as much as I'd love to see it of course. But I have just taken 3/1 on Simonsig with Boylesports after opening up an account (Max bet 20 pounds), I haven't been put up to saying that, its just a VERY good offer.
Simonsig has been electric in all of his chase starts so far as expected after being one of the top novices last year when winning the Neptune. He hasn't put a foot wrong when jumping and for as tough as he is, Overturn may just set the race up for him and do more damage to himself. Im really struggling to say anything else about why I think he will win, I just cant see past him whatsoever and there is a severe lack of dangers. (4/6) (Open a Boylesports account and they give you 3/1 on Simonsig, See the website for details)
JLT Specialty Handicap Chase - Cloudy Too
Many of these will be having their prep for the National here, including a number of the main players in the betting market. Cloudy Too isn't one of these and is one that has been improving all year, after his easy win at Haydock last time he is up another 9 pounds, but that is justified. Wayne Hutchinson gets the ride again today who is picking up a lot of good rides for Sue Smith's yard as of late which is a huge positive. He of course rode last time and that was the only time he has sat on the selection but has a good rapport with the horse. Cloudy Too is more than capable of defying a 9 pounds rise and is only 7 years of age which is bringing around some improvement in him. Sue Smith hasn't had the best of luck as of late but can have her fortunes turned round here with Cloudy Too at a working mans price. (20/1)
Stan James Champion Hurdle - Grandouet
Grandouet has been the selection for the Champion hurdle all season long and it would be moronic to change my mind after all this time. The only thing that would put you off of him is the interrupted preparation and a lot of rumours about him. But just think to yourself, would Nicky Henderson seriously send a horse of his quality to a race of this quality unfit. The answer to that is a resounding no. He may not be 100% but you can bet your last penny that Nicky Henderson will have him as fit as he possibly can be without a race. Think back to the International Hurdle this season and how Nicky Henderson sent him there with 'a lot left on him', yet he was 2 lengths behind Zarkandar giving him 4 pounds. Off level weights here should put him right upsides Paul Nicholls' representative. One more positive for Grandouet is the lack of pace which could turn into somewhat a sprint up the hill. One thing that everyone can agree on is the fact that Grandouet is the fastest horse in the race with such a high cruising speed. Off a slow pace he would have no problems going past Zarkandar and Rock on Ruby who will seemingly get further than this two miles. One last positive is that Grandouet was a slow maturing horse when he was younger and now finally seems to have grown into himself. So there we have our selection for the main race on Day one, Grandouet to land the Champion Hurdle 2013. (ante-post 7/1) (now available at 8/1)
Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase - Any Currency
Martin Keighley has a number of good chances this week and Any Currency is one of them with a leading chance. He tackles the Cross Country fences for the first time here but they should pose no threat to him and the trip is right up his street. Officially he would run off 10-2 but Ian Popham takes a further 3 pounds off so he carries an absolute flyweight round Prestbury Park. This season he has run much better races, this is down to his breathing operation he had at the start of the year. Looking at him during the race and form wise he has done nothing but improve for the operation and racing for him just seems easier and a bit more fluent. All in all as long as he takes to the fences he should be bang in contention and this race could bring a bit more improvement in him. A real solid each way chance. (14/1)
OLBG Mares Hurdle - Alasi
Paul Webber’s mare has always run a good race when it comes to Cheltenham and she comes here on the back of some of her best runs in a few seasons. Last time out she beat possibly a below par Champion Court at Kempton when Hurdling has always been her game. This race always seems to bring out the best in her and annoyingly for me she always seems to go off a big price and get caught on the line for third. I am more confident in her running better this time round however with her form on the rise and in all looking a much better horse. The ground will pose no problem to her whatsoever and we know she has the class to figure. At Sandown she was beaten by Une Artiste but finished ahead of Kentford Grey Lady so she has shown she can mix with her main rivals. Potentially an each way steal. (25/1)
Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase - Colour Squadron
Still a maiden over fences but possibly unlucky on debut when his saddle slipped early in the race, McCoy still managed to get him to within 6 lengths of Module that day however. Since then he was well put in his place by the useful Fago before turning out a better effort at Exeter behind Theatrical Star. He enters handicap company today which will be much more to his liking and could well be thrown in on his mark of 139. He is most probably a better horse than he has shown so far and with the Philip Hobbs yard in very good form can take the last race on day one. (13/2)
NAP - Simonsig
Nb - Grandouet
Good luck to all of you who are having a bet on the first day, for myself, I am about to venture out into Stow on the Wold for a bite to eat and a pint.
Happy Punting guys
I write to you from a snowy West Sussex, thankfully I am nowhere near the track which will make my journey today all the more interesting. By all reports the snow has left the course alone and the frost covers are down which is nothing but good news for racing fans. Its times like these everyone needs to take a step back and acknowledge the fantastic work of Simon Claisse and his team, who have been working tirelessly to enable the meeting to go ahead.
By all reckoning though, on this cold Monday morning, it's all systems go regarding the festival and we pray for all jockeys and horses riding and running today to come back safe. Last Saturday helped our Cheltenham funds out no end with Soll and Arbeo both winning at Sandown. It always helps when your NAP and Nb go in, but we have to thank Sam Thomas for the second win. Off the bridle half way down the back straight, Sam galvanised Arbeo and got him up right on top of the line after jumping the last well. Earlier in the afternoon Soll ran his rivals into the ground and gave them a lesson in jumping and staying. Hardly touching a twig on the way round Sandown Park with himself and Mark Grant going on to score by a comfortable 5 lengths.
But enough of last week, the festival is here the excitement is brewing and only a short amount of time before we can hear that famous Cheltenham roar. Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you day one of the Cheltenham Festival 2013.
William Hill Supreme Novices Hurdle - Pique Sous
Willie Mullins' grey continues to be held in high regard at the yard but must carry the title of third string to Champagne Fever and Un Atout. All season he has been laid out for the race and a return to Cheltenham was always on the cards after his Champion Bumper third last year. The main reason for fancying him this year was that he was being held back for a run on better ground, unfortunately the going is soft. This still may not be as soft as he would have experienced in Ireland and has all the talent in the world after his Dundalk romp. With Ruby riding Champagne Fever, the coast is clear for Paul Townend to get the leg up on todays selection which is always a bonus. He has proven his love for the course with the aforementioned third in the Champion Bumper last season when running a blinder behind his stablemate. A fantastic each way price of 20/1 is still available in this small field and that makes him one of the bets of the race. Pique Sous to land the opener. (25/1 ante post) (20/1 available now)
Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase - Simonsig
First off Id like to say the main reason for putting up Simonsig, firstly I cant see Overturn beating him, as much as I'd love to see it of course. But I have just taken 3/1 on Simonsig with Boylesports after opening up an account (Max bet 20 pounds), I haven't been put up to saying that, its just a VERY good offer.
Simonsig has been electric in all of his chase starts so far as expected after being one of the top novices last year when winning the Neptune. He hasn't put a foot wrong when jumping and for as tough as he is, Overturn may just set the race up for him and do more damage to himself. Im really struggling to say anything else about why I think he will win, I just cant see past him whatsoever and there is a severe lack of dangers. (4/6) (Open a Boylesports account and they give you 3/1 on Simonsig, See the website for details)
JLT Specialty Handicap Chase - Cloudy Too
Many of these will be having their prep for the National here, including a number of the main players in the betting market. Cloudy Too isn't one of these and is one that has been improving all year, after his easy win at Haydock last time he is up another 9 pounds, but that is justified. Wayne Hutchinson gets the ride again today who is picking up a lot of good rides for Sue Smith's yard as of late which is a huge positive. He of course rode last time and that was the only time he has sat on the selection but has a good rapport with the horse. Cloudy Too is more than capable of defying a 9 pounds rise and is only 7 years of age which is bringing around some improvement in him. Sue Smith hasn't had the best of luck as of late but can have her fortunes turned round here with Cloudy Too at a working mans price. (20/1)
Stan James Champion Hurdle - Grandouet
Grandouet has been the selection for the Champion hurdle all season long and it would be moronic to change my mind after all this time. The only thing that would put you off of him is the interrupted preparation and a lot of rumours about him. But just think to yourself, would Nicky Henderson seriously send a horse of his quality to a race of this quality unfit. The answer to that is a resounding no. He may not be 100% but you can bet your last penny that Nicky Henderson will have him as fit as he possibly can be without a race. Think back to the International Hurdle this season and how Nicky Henderson sent him there with 'a lot left on him', yet he was 2 lengths behind Zarkandar giving him 4 pounds. Off level weights here should put him right upsides Paul Nicholls' representative. One more positive for Grandouet is the lack of pace which could turn into somewhat a sprint up the hill. One thing that everyone can agree on is the fact that Grandouet is the fastest horse in the race with such a high cruising speed. Off a slow pace he would have no problems going past Zarkandar and Rock on Ruby who will seemingly get further than this two miles. One last positive is that Grandouet was a slow maturing horse when he was younger and now finally seems to have grown into himself. So there we have our selection for the main race on Day one, Grandouet to land the Champion Hurdle 2013. (ante-post 7/1) (now available at 8/1)
Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase - Any Currency
Martin Keighley has a number of good chances this week and Any Currency is one of them with a leading chance. He tackles the Cross Country fences for the first time here but they should pose no threat to him and the trip is right up his street. Officially he would run off 10-2 but Ian Popham takes a further 3 pounds off so he carries an absolute flyweight round Prestbury Park. This season he has run much better races, this is down to his breathing operation he had at the start of the year. Looking at him during the race and form wise he has done nothing but improve for the operation and racing for him just seems easier and a bit more fluent. All in all as long as he takes to the fences he should be bang in contention and this race could bring a bit more improvement in him. A real solid each way chance. (14/1)
OLBG Mares Hurdle - Alasi
Paul Webber’s mare has always run a good race when it comes to Cheltenham and she comes here on the back of some of her best runs in a few seasons. Last time out she beat possibly a below par Champion Court at Kempton when Hurdling has always been her game. This race always seems to bring out the best in her and annoyingly for me she always seems to go off a big price and get caught on the line for third. I am more confident in her running better this time round however with her form on the rise and in all looking a much better horse. The ground will pose no problem to her whatsoever and we know she has the class to figure. At Sandown she was beaten by Une Artiste but finished ahead of Kentford Grey Lady so she has shown she can mix with her main rivals. Potentially an each way steal. (25/1)
Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase - Colour Squadron
Still a maiden over fences but possibly unlucky on debut when his saddle slipped early in the race, McCoy still managed to get him to within 6 lengths of Module that day however. Since then he was well put in his place by the useful Fago before turning out a better effort at Exeter behind Theatrical Star. He enters handicap company today which will be much more to his liking and could well be thrown in on his mark of 139. He is most probably a better horse than he has shown so far and with the Philip Hobbs yard in very good form can take the last race on day one. (13/2)
NAP - Simonsig
Nb - Grandouet
Good luck to all of you who are having a bet on the first day, for myself, I am about to venture out into Stow on the Wold for a bite to eat and a pint.
Happy Punting guys
Friday 8 March 2013
Sandown Park - Imperial Cup Day
Greetings from England! I arrived safely at lunchtime on Wednesday and for once flew out of the rain into the sun. But through tired eyes after a mix of jet lag and a night out in Brighton I am here and ready for Sandown tomorrow. Of the 14 days I'm back, 5 of them will be spent at the races. First of all is tomorrow at Sandown which is one of my local courses and then of course the 4 days of Cheltenham next week. No prizes for guessing which I am more excited about, though tomorrow should be a good day nonetheless.
Last week was a poor week with only Toubab going in for us and everything afterwards disappointing. But hey at least we started off well. One last thing, I have started blogging for www.racingtips.com, you will be able to find my posts under blogs and some under Cheltenham Festival. But enough of that, lets get this week up and running with some Sandown selections.
1:30 Sandown Park - Fine Kingdom
A competitive first race today but an interesting one nonetheless with the Calculated Risk one time looking a live Triumph Hurdle hope. But there are plenty of nice types in behind including Brian Ellison's horse, Fine Kingdom, who is the selection. At present it is soft at Sandown and looking outside its hard to see the going ease or get worse for that matter. We should be dealing with a fairly testing day at Sandown which we know will suit fine Kingdom after his Catterick win. He won that pretty easily and as a result was raised 11 pounds for the success. That proved too much when taking on harder opponents on faster ground at Musselburgh, he was soundly beaten last time. For that he is dropped in trip and also takes on weaker opponents, but the return to two miles on this ground could well be in his favour. James Reveley is one from one aboard Fine Kingdom as well and doesn't always venture this far south. From 9 pounds higher than his Catterick win he should be more than capable of making his presence felt. (11/1)
2:05 Sandown Park - Whisper
Before the season started Whisper was held in very high regard throughout the Henderson yard, he justified then when winning at Ffos Las. The going was horrific that day but he came through the testing ground and won nicely after his bumper win. He then went to Cheltenham when proving out of his depth when taking on top novices behind At Fisher's Cross and The New One. Last time out he was back to his best however when romping home in the mud, once again at Ffos Las. Admittedly he wasn't taking on much that day but it was hardly anything more than a training gallop. He opens up his handicap career off a mark of 132 which looks fair on what he has done so far in his career. One last thing is that Barry Geraghty rides Close Touch, the other fancied Henderson runner. Whether that was by choice or not is anyone's opinion as Andrew Tinkler has ridden the selection 3 times and is 100% on board him. A strong selection in Whisper. (13/2)
2:40 Sandown Park - Soll
Not the first time he has been a selection on this blog and probably not the last time, He ran a very good race in the Hennessy behind Bobs Worth. Finishing 8th that day before running a below par race in the Welsh National at Chepstow. In truth He jumped well that day, a crucial skill to winning at Sandown, the going may have also been a bit too boggy for him as well. Saying that, he does enjoy the ground with a bit of cut in it and ground today will pose no problems to him at all. He is still a little bit unexposed despite being beaten twice this year and I have a suspicion we could well find out his talent today. The only Positive of his two runs this year is that he has been dropped 7 pounds to the same mark as Whisper of 132. With a bit of early money for him he could well be a nice price tonight and it would be no surprise to see him go off around 4/1. (7/1)
3:15 Sandown Park - Stormy Weather
Brian Ellison is no stranger to Handicaps and is rarely seen this far south, more often than not Stormy Weather will be one of his handicap runners. The grey has proved himself good enough on many occasions and once travelled well for a long way in the Fighting Fifth. He hasn't been seen for just over a year over hurdles, most recently he has been seen over fences to one success at Wetherby. He also managed a good third behind Yurok and Aland Islands also over Wetherby when not staying the trip. The return to two miles and a 6 pound lower hurdles rating will surely put him closer today and could well be worth a small each way investment at a very large price. (66/1)
4:25 Sandown Park - Ciceron
Venetia Williams' Gelding landed an almighty gamble at this track last year but is a hard horse to find right. Over fences he has been very consistent however, in all races he has completed over fences he hasn't finished outside the first three. The soft ground will pose no problems to him whatsoever and neither will the undulations of the course. He is a sound enough jumper so you'd imagine he will be fine in that department, only time will tell though. One thing is a certain though, Rebel Rebellion will go off a very short price causing Ciceron to be more of an attractive price. He will definitely be able to ruffle the feathers of the Paul Nicholls representative and many would hand him a good chance of beating him. (5/2)
5:00 Sandown Park - Arbeo
It has taken some time but finally Arbeo has come into himself in his last two runs with a very good win at Newbury followed by a victory at Huntingdon. His win at Newbury was particularly impressive, jumping wise he was foot perfect and was letting nothing past. By this time the ground could be a bit chewed up and testing so his win on heavy instills confidence for today. The Huntingdon race was against better competition but he managed to hold off an improving horse in Ballypatrick. He is upped 10 pounds for that win but this looks a weaker race for saying so and his upward curve looks ongoing here. With Sam Thomas in the saddle he looks a very solid bet to land the last today and leave us with Festival Fever brewing. (2/1)
NAP - Soll
Nb - Arbeo
There we have it, for our last Saturday before Cheltenham and another good day of racing at Sandown. Lets hope to line our pockets for next week and get this week off to a good start.
Happy Punting Guys
Last week was a poor week with only Toubab going in for us and everything afterwards disappointing. But hey at least we started off well. One last thing, I have started blogging for www.racingtips.com, you will be able to find my posts under blogs and some under Cheltenham Festival. But enough of that, lets get this week up and running with some Sandown selections.
1:30 Sandown Park - Fine Kingdom
A competitive first race today but an interesting one nonetheless with the Calculated Risk one time looking a live Triumph Hurdle hope. But there are plenty of nice types in behind including Brian Ellison's horse, Fine Kingdom, who is the selection. At present it is soft at Sandown and looking outside its hard to see the going ease or get worse for that matter. We should be dealing with a fairly testing day at Sandown which we know will suit fine Kingdom after his Catterick win. He won that pretty easily and as a result was raised 11 pounds for the success. That proved too much when taking on harder opponents on faster ground at Musselburgh, he was soundly beaten last time. For that he is dropped in trip and also takes on weaker opponents, but the return to two miles on this ground could well be in his favour. James Reveley is one from one aboard Fine Kingdom as well and doesn't always venture this far south. From 9 pounds higher than his Catterick win he should be more than capable of making his presence felt. (11/1)
2:05 Sandown Park - Whisper
Before the season started Whisper was held in very high regard throughout the Henderson yard, he justified then when winning at Ffos Las. The going was horrific that day but he came through the testing ground and won nicely after his bumper win. He then went to Cheltenham when proving out of his depth when taking on top novices behind At Fisher's Cross and The New One. Last time out he was back to his best however when romping home in the mud, once again at Ffos Las. Admittedly he wasn't taking on much that day but it was hardly anything more than a training gallop. He opens up his handicap career off a mark of 132 which looks fair on what he has done so far in his career. One last thing is that Barry Geraghty rides Close Touch, the other fancied Henderson runner. Whether that was by choice or not is anyone's opinion as Andrew Tinkler has ridden the selection 3 times and is 100% on board him. A strong selection in Whisper. (13/2)
2:40 Sandown Park - Soll
Not the first time he has been a selection on this blog and probably not the last time, He ran a very good race in the Hennessy behind Bobs Worth. Finishing 8th that day before running a below par race in the Welsh National at Chepstow. In truth He jumped well that day, a crucial skill to winning at Sandown, the going may have also been a bit too boggy for him as well. Saying that, he does enjoy the ground with a bit of cut in it and ground today will pose no problems to him at all. He is still a little bit unexposed despite being beaten twice this year and I have a suspicion we could well find out his talent today. The only Positive of his two runs this year is that he has been dropped 7 pounds to the same mark as Whisper of 132. With a bit of early money for him he could well be a nice price tonight and it would be no surprise to see him go off around 4/1. (7/1)
3:15 Sandown Park - Stormy Weather
Brian Ellison is no stranger to Handicaps and is rarely seen this far south, more often than not Stormy Weather will be one of his handicap runners. The grey has proved himself good enough on many occasions and once travelled well for a long way in the Fighting Fifth. He hasn't been seen for just over a year over hurdles, most recently he has been seen over fences to one success at Wetherby. He also managed a good third behind Yurok and Aland Islands also over Wetherby when not staying the trip. The return to two miles and a 6 pound lower hurdles rating will surely put him closer today and could well be worth a small each way investment at a very large price. (66/1)
4:25 Sandown Park - Ciceron
Venetia Williams' Gelding landed an almighty gamble at this track last year but is a hard horse to find right. Over fences he has been very consistent however, in all races he has completed over fences he hasn't finished outside the first three. The soft ground will pose no problems to him whatsoever and neither will the undulations of the course. He is a sound enough jumper so you'd imagine he will be fine in that department, only time will tell though. One thing is a certain though, Rebel Rebellion will go off a very short price causing Ciceron to be more of an attractive price. He will definitely be able to ruffle the feathers of the Paul Nicholls representative and many would hand him a good chance of beating him. (5/2)
5:00 Sandown Park - Arbeo
It has taken some time but finally Arbeo has come into himself in his last two runs with a very good win at Newbury followed by a victory at Huntingdon. His win at Newbury was particularly impressive, jumping wise he was foot perfect and was letting nothing past. By this time the ground could be a bit chewed up and testing so his win on heavy instills confidence for today. The Huntingdon race was against better competition but he managed to hold off an improving horse in Ballypatrick. He is upped 10 pounds for that win but this looks a weaker race for saying so and his upward curve looks ongoing here. With Sam Thomas in the saddle he looks a very solid bet to land the last today and leave us with Festival Fever brewing. (2/1)
NAP - Soll
Nb - Arbeo
There we have it, for our last Saturday before Cheltenham and another good day of racing at Sandown. Lets hope to line our pockets for next week and get this week off to a good start.
Happy Punting Guys
Friday 1 March 2013
Saturday 2nd March
Good Morning to everyone, I hear the weather back in sunny old England has improved, at least in Doncaster anyway. They actually have firm in their going description yesterday! They race again today with a good card featuring the Grimthorpe Chase and at Newbury we have the Greatwood Gold Cup. There is also a good supporting card up over the border at Kelso where they go to post for the Premier Kelso hurdle, won last year by Tap Night. They also race at Lingfield and in Ireland at Navan.
I hope you have all been enjoying the Cheltenham Festival previews I have been putting up lately, judging by my twitter you have been. Its hard to believe that I fly back on Tuesday, but enough of that, lets look back at last week. Annoyingly Newcastle was abandoned about 10 minutes after I finished writing, id be lying if I said that a few rude words didn't leave my mouth. We were still in the winners at Kempton however with Forgotten Voice and Irish Saint while Molotof, Milarrow and Picansort all placed for us. with that we just about made a profit and continue to line our pockets for Cheltenham.
One more word about last week, as you will have noticed if you watched the Racing Plus Chase, Mister Hyde unseated Maurice Linehan at the first. He is a young jockey that I give plenty of coverage on here and to the eye, the fall wall sickening. It turns out in the fall he broke two Vertebrae and his chest bone, id like to wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back soon. Another truly awful mention before we start with this week. We all know Clifford Baker as Kauto Star's stable lad, but on Thursday night his family was ripped apart. On his way home from work his 21 year old son was in a car accident which tragically cost him his life. It really puts things into perspective, racing is a wonderful sport, but behind the scenes these are real people just living their lives. Im sure you will all join me in offering condolences to Clifford and his family. R.I.P Dominic Baker.
On that sad note we will continue our weekly ritual and 5 selections this week across the cards.
2:20 Doncaster - Toubab
Toubab was a selection when he last ran at Sandown but was a bit disappointing when really not going in the ground at all. A return to some good ground should see the galloping grey return to form today. Jumping has never really been too much of a problem for him as he is usually very accurate at his fences, so that isn't a worry at all. The only worry is that he doesn't always find too much off the bridle, at a course like Doncaster that is a bit more of a worry. Saying that, he does look a bit better than the others here and could well be classy enough to win with his head in his chest under Ruby Walsh. As usual Paul Nicholls' yard are in top form and with a winner in Empire Levant here yesterday Toubab can land this one. (7/4)
2:50 Lingfield - Mary's Pet
A bit of an unusual one as I rarely put up flat horse, especially during National Hunt season. Mary's Pet is an exception to this rule and is one I have been following for a while now through my At The Races tracker. She is without a win since last May but as a result has been tumbling down the weights with some good performances put in there. She last won off a rating of 54, officially she is rated 52 now but with Aaron Chave's claim she runs off a mark of 45. The young jockey hasn't yet ridden a winner but last time he rode Mary's Pet they set a blistering pace, only to be caught late on. That was over 7 furlongs and the 6 furlongs today will be more to suit with her cheek pieces fitted as usual. She is also already a dual course and distance winner at Lingfield and it would be no surprise to see money for her in the morning. Off her lowest ever mark by far she can take the spoils this afternoon. (7/1)
2:55 Doncaster - Mr Moonshine
Mr Moonshine is one of two horses Sue Smith sends to Doncaster today and its notable that she has booked Wayne Hutchinson on board for both. Usual stable jockey Ryan Mania stays up in Kelso to ride Aurora's Encore. The selection has made a few appearances in this blog however and always runs his race over the more extreme trips. Its his form last time out that stands above the rest to me however, he was second to the Argento winner Cape Tribulation at Wetherby. He was in receipt of 5 pounds that day and was beaten 11 lengths which on paper doesn't look very good. But watch the race and his jumping was nowhere near what he can produce, I'm certain that the better ground will help him with that today. Annoyingly Pricewise has tipped him up resulting in us losing a couple of points from his odds, but if he wins we wont complain. So with no horses the standard of Cape Tribulation in the field, Mr Moonshine is the selection. (13/2)
3:40 Kelso - Eduard
Eduard is one of Nicky Richards stable stars right now, the other being Duke Of Navan. He came up a bit short against Melodic Rendezvous at Cheltenham earlier in the year, but that is hardly a negative. Go back a bit further in the season you will find himself and ifandbutwhynot were separated by a head, which he came out worse of. Richards has since said he will be stepping up in trip after this to two and a half miles, so the small step up in trip is no bad thing whatsoever. We also know that he handles softer ground very well and carrying 3 pounds less than Brick Red should have no problems winning here. A strong bet but the odds reflect that. (Evens)
4:15 Kelso - Harry Topper
Kim Bailey's Gelding has surprisingly been one of the best Novices of the season over staying trips, dismissing of high profile types such as Rocky Creek and Highland Lodge. Over hurdles he was fairly modest with a mark of 135, He has already earned himself the mark of 154 over fences and is still improving rapidly. This is the first time he takes on seasoned chasers and there are some useful performers in there, none better than Bold Sir Brian. He took a very heavy fall at Cheltenham last time and the worst was feared for a little while, thankfully he got up after a brief lay down. If there are no repercussions of that fall he is a big threat to the selection off level weights. I just feel that Harry Topper will be a much better horse than Bold Sir Brian who is fairly exposed now. The novice gets the nod to round off this weekends blog. (11/8)
NAP - Eduard
NB - Mr Moonshine
To be fair im very confident about all of today's selections running big races and wouldn't discourage anyone from backing them. That concludes this weeks blog folks, next weekend I will be attending the Imperial Cup meeting at Sandown, come say hi if you are there.
Have a good day of betting and lets line our pockets for Cheltenham.
Happy punting
I hope you have all been enjoying the Cheltenham Festival previews I have been putting up lately, judging by my twitter you have been. Its hard to believe that I fly back on Tuesday, but enough of that, lets look back at last week. Annoyingly Newcastle was abandoned about 10 minutes after I finished writing, id be lying if I said that a few rude words didn't leave my mouth. We were still in the winners at Kempton however with Forgotten Voice and Irish Saint while Molotof, Milarrow and Picansort all placed for us. with that we just about made a profit and continue to line our pockets for Cheltenham.
One more word about last week, as you will have noticed if you watched the Racing Plus Chase, Mister Hyde unseated Maurice Linehan at the first. He is a young jockey that I give plenty of coverage on here and to the eye, the fall wall sickening. It turns out in the fall he broke two Vertebrae and his chest bone, id like to wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him back soon. Another truly awful mention before we start with this week. We all know Clifford Baker as Kauto Star's stable lad, but on Thursday night his family was ripped apart. On his way home from work his 21 year old son was in a car accident which tragically cost him his life. It really puts things into perspective, racing is a wonderful sport, but behind the scenes these are real people just living their lives. Im sure you will all join me in offering condolences to Clifford and his family. R.I.P Dominic Baker.
On that sad note we will continue our weekly ritual and 5 selections this week across the cards.
2:20 Doncaster - Toubab
Toubab was a selection when he last ran at Sandown but was a bit disappointing when really not going in the ground at all. A return to some good ground should see the galloping grey return to form today. Jumping has never really been too much of a problem for him as he is usually very accurate at his fences, so that isn't a worry at all. The only worry is that he doesn't always find too much off the bridle, at a course like Doncaster that is a bit more of a worry. Saying that, he does look a bit better than the others here and could well be classy enough to win with his head in his chest under Ruby Walsh. As usual Paul Nicholls' yard are in top form and with a winner in Empire Levant here yesterday Toubab can land this one. (7/4)
2:50 Lingfield - Mary's Pet
A bit of an unusual one as I rarely put up flat horse, especially during National Hunt season. Mary's Pet is an exception to this rule and is one I have been following for a while now through my At The Races tracker. She is without a win since last May but as a result has been tumbling down the weights with some good performances put in there. She last won off a rating of 54, officially she is rated 52 now but with Aaron Chave's claim she runs off a mark of 45. The young jockey hasn't yet ridden a winner but last time he rode Mary's Pet they set a blistering pace, only to be caught late on. That was over 7 furlongs and the 6 furlongs today will be more to suit with her cheek pieces fitted as usual. She is also already a dual course and distance winner at Lingfield and it would be no surprise to see money for her in the morning. Off her lowest ever mark by far she can take the spoils this afternoon. (7/1)
2:55 Doncaster - Mr Moonshine
Mr Moonshine is one of two horses Sue Smith sends to Doncaster today and its notable that she has booked Wayne Hutchinson on board for both. Usual stable jockey Ryan Mania stays up in Kelso to ride Aurora's Encore. The selection has made a few appearances in this blog however and always runs his race over the more extreme trips. Its his form last time out that stands above the rest to me however, he was second to the Argento winner Cape Tribulation at Wetherby. He was in receipt of 5 pounds that day and was beaten 11 lengths which on paper doesn't look very good. But watch the race and his jumping was nowhere near what he can produce, I'm certain that the better ground will help him with that today. Annoyingly Pricewise has tipped him up resulting in us losing a couple of points from his odds, but if he wins we wont complain. So with no horses the standard of Cape Tribulation in the field, Mr Moonshine is the selection. (13/2)
3:40 Kelso - Eduard
Eduard is one of Nicky Richards stable stars right now, the other being Duke Of Navan. He came up a bit short against Melodic Rendezvous at Cheltenham earlier in the year, but that is hardly a negative. Go back a bit further in the season you will find himself and ifandbutwhynot were separated by a head, which he came out worse of. Richards has since said he will be stepping up in trip after this to two and a half miles, so the small step up in trip is no bad thing whatsoever. We also know that he handles softer ground very well and carrying 3 pounds less than Brick Red should have no problems winning here. A strong bet but the odds reflect that. (Evens)
4:15 Kelso - Harry Topper
Kim Bailey's Gelding has surprisingly been one of the best Novices of the season over staying trips, dismissing of high profile types such as Rocky Creek and Highland Lodge. Over hurdles he was fairly modest with a mark of 135, He has already earned himself the mark of 154 over fences and is still improving rapidly. This is the first time he takes on seasoned chasers and there are some useful performers in there, none better than Bold Sir Brian. He took a very heavy fall at Cheltenham last time and the worst was feared for a little while, thankfully he got up after a brief lay down. If there are no repercussions of that fall he is a big threat to the selection off level weights. I just feel that Harry Topper will be a much better horse than Bold Sir Brian who is fairly exposed now. The novice gets the nod to round off this weekends blog. (11/8)
NAP - Eduard
NB - Mr Moonshine
To be fair im very confident about all of today's selections running big races and wouldn't discourage anyone from backing them. That concludes this weeks blog folks, next weekend I will be attending the Imperial Cup meeting at Sandown, come say hi if you are there.
Have a good day of betting and lets line our pockets for Cheltenham.
Happy punting
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