Good morning/evening everyone, I hope the fridge is stocked with plenty of drink and the number for a local curry house is handy as leaving the house today is not an option. First up we are treated to some good English racing from Ascot and Wetherby including the returns of Silviniaco Conti and the exciting Next Sensation. If that isn't enough for you the Breeders Cup hits full stride in the evening carrying you through to the early hours of the morning. So put your feet up, unplug the phone and enjoy a day of racing.
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have previewed the day of racing with just myself and @Adamwebb121 on the panel. However we joined by two American experts for two Breeders Cup previews, you can follow them on Twitter via @ThoroughbredAR and @Chare889. All the links to the videos can be found below and we hope you have an enjoyable day of racing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2nufvceHOE - Breeders Cup Day One
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMy_AyJQA64 - Breeders Cup Day Two
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffDwYT6QKGs - UK Race Previews starting at 8pm
2:20 Ascot - Next Sensation - Horse To Follow
The National Hunt season is getting into full flow now and there are a few stars reappearing this weekend, including Next Sensation for Michael Scudamore. You will likely remember him for the wrong reasons as he was caught up the Cheltenham hill when almost making all in the Grand Annual.
Despite getting beat he ran a mighty race that day after being the best part of 20 lengths clear at the top of the hill and having most of the field in trouble. Many people spoke poorly of the ride that Richard Johnson gave him that day, however that is his running style and he had got into such a good rhythm. Saying that he would have likely won if he went half a stride slower so each argument has valid points. All that is irrelevant today as Tom Scudamore takes the ride which can only be seen as a positive as nobody knows the horse better, with all three successes coming in his hands. After the Grand Annual connections took a chance by running him at Aintree, where it was clear that Cheltenham had left his mark and he was well beaten by Balder Succes, that effort is easily forgiven and the summer break will have done him the world of good.
As anyone who has ever seen him run will tell you, his biggest asset is his jumping and mixed with his beloved front running role can make for quite a potent force. Despite never winning after a break he has run well and with strong reports from his home work we take Next Sensation to make a winning return. (4/1)
3:00 Ascot - Violet Dancer
A tentative selection up next with the four year old Violet Dancer for Gary Moore who showed himself to be a more than useful juvenile last season. He does however look a chaser in the making and still has some growing to do, that being said he still possesses plenty of ability as he proved last year. His juvenile campaign began with two victories at Plumpton and Sandown before chasing home Le Rocher and Kentucky Hyden in a Grade One at Chepstow. He looked like a live outside bet for the Triumph Hurdle at that point but connections opted for the Fred Winter, which turned out to be a race to forget. If he was hampered once then he must have been hampered six times throughout the race and in truth did well to finish tenth, after that went onto Aintree which proved a race too much for him.
We have already seen the selection this season when he trailed in last of four behind Tiger Roll and Calipto at Cheltenham. On paper that run wouldn't give him much of a chance, however he ran much better than his placing suggests and will come on a lot for the outing. He wasn't completely out of the mix at the second last, although he was by no means a huge danger and was found wanting when fitness came to the fore. That run will have put him right and a much better effort this time round is assured on ground that is absolutely perfect.
With that kept in mind and the fact that the yard targeted this race last year with Chris Pea Green who chased home Pine Creek, we can rely on Violet Dancer to give us a good run at a big price. (16/1)
4:20 Wetherby - Blakemount - Horse To Follow
A short priced selection now with Blakemount who is our second horse to follow that runs today along with Next Sensation. Sue Smith's yard have started the season well however they have been coming up short for win purposes, although none of them have been Blakemount.
On face value Blakemount is at a disadvantage as his two rivals are both racefit from recent efforts, although Blakemount was the best on ratings over hurdles. Despite earning a mark of 140 over timber he has always promised to be a better chaser and hails from a yard that excels with staying chasers. We haven't seen the selection since narrowly losing out to Urban Hymn in a Grade Two at Doncaster which is the stand out form in the race. However that form can go out the window if he doesn't take to fences, although by the way he jumped his hurdles I can't see that being any problem.
This should be a pretty straight forward task for Blakemount on chase debut and this should be nothing more than a stepping stone to the top Novice events. (13/8)
NAP - Next Sensation
Nb - Blakemount
Good luck today and as always, happy punting!
Friday 31 October 2014
Friday 24 October 2014
No Nightmare On Elm Park
Good morning/evening everyone, it is the time of year where we push the flip flops and shorts to the back of the wardrobe and bring out the heavy duty coats. But before we do that, there is one more Group One to deal with in England before the National Hunt racing completely takes over, but we are treated to some of that today as well. Last week was a wash out with two out of the three selections placing, but absolutely nothing to write home about, but we wish for better this weekend!
As always we have a video preview prepared for you as we cover all of the days action on Channel 4, including the return of the jumps. Joining me on the panel this week are @Adamwebb121, @Calummadell and we may even have an appearance from @Mytentoryours. As well as a video for tomorrows racing we have also produced our National Hunt horses to follow video in the week. Like last year we were joined by Gary Moore's Conditional Jockey, George Gorman who gave us his view on the season. You can view both videos via the links below, enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSpjw6OgigY - National Hunt season preview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwAvSs280ZU - Tomorrows racing, live just after 8pm!
Now onto the all important selections!!!
3:35 Chepstow - Son Du Berlais
It was revealed last week that My Tent Or Yours will miss the upcoming season and Son Du Berlais looks to ease the blow somewhat in the Persian War.
He came to England with a fairly big reputation after winning well at Auteuil for Robert Collet after making a debut to forget. He was all but carried out on that occasion when four horses refused and two unseated at a hurdle giving him little chance of winning. But he corrected that when bolting up next time out and as a result was purchased by JP McManus and sent to Nicky Henderson.
He wasn't really tested when winning on his UK debut at Newton Abbot, but he did jump well and is clearly a horse with a lot of ability. That effort didn't warrant him coming out of first gear but it was notable that his jumping was much more fluent when travelling at a higher speed. It his hard to gauge just how good he could be off the back of that performance, but he has been aimed at this race since landing in the country. Since his arrival he has been aimed at this race as he is no longer a novice when November comes around, so it is a good bit of placement by Nicky Henderson. He is partnered by AP McCoy who chooses to make his return here instead of riding Uxizandre at Aintree. We side with Son Du Berlais to get us off to a good start. (2/1)
3:50 Doncaster - Elm Park
This by no means looks a vintage Racing Post Trophy with past winners including St Nicholas Abbey, Authorized and Motivator, saying that, Elm Park does set the standard after winning a Group Three last time out.
Many of you will know that I am a huge fan of Elm Park after losing his maiden tag nicely at Newbury, but he has improved hugely since then. That improvement started when landing the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury when staying on strongly after making all the running. Connections chose that race over the Solario at Sandown but took the step up to Group company next time out at. Part of him was also purchased by Qatar Racing and he made a winning debut in their silks when landing the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes. That victory came in spite of him handling the Rowley Mile and should be much more at home on a flatter course like Doncaster. One thing looks assured however and that is his superior stamina which may come into play on the softer ground today. Whereas he may not be a world beater, Elm Park is clearly going the right way and will take all the beating in the seasons final Group One. (15/8)
4:40 Newbury - Danehill Revival
The last selection for today falls to Graham Lee and Danehill Revival who despite the misleading name is a filly by Pivotal. She has likely been a victim of her own success after winning a maiden in good style meaning she skipped straight into Listed races. That has proved to be a bit too much too soon but she has by no means disgraced herself against good horses. She first stood out to me in the parade ring at Ascot as she is a beautiful horse to look at but also an imposing figure to boot.
Today marks her first attempt in handicap company and William Haggas has found her a more than winable opportunity off a mark of 92. She is also drawn in stall five which is no bad thing as most of yesterday's successful horses raced middle to far side, so she can easily negotiate her path over from the start. One thing that may be a problem for a few of her rivals is the softer ground, which shouldn't bother her after winning on it by six lengths on debut. On top of that she has also finished a competitive fourth and third in listed races on soft ground so it seems fairly certain that won't be an excuse.
All in all today is a hard day of betting and Danehill Revival is more of an obscure one, but I would expect her to put in a bold show on handicap debut. (6/1)
NAP - Son Du Berlais
Nb - Elm Park
Have a good day and as always, happy punting!
As always we have a video preview prepared for you as we cover all of the days action on Channel 4, including the return of the jumps. Joining me on the panel this week are @Adamwebb121, @Calummadell and we may even have an appearance from @Mytentoryours. As well as a video for tomorrows racing we have also produced our National Hunt horses to follow video in the week. Like last year we were joined by Gary Moore's Conditional Jockey, George Gorman who gave us his view on the season. You can view both videos via the links below, enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSpjw6OgigY - National Hunt season preview
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwAvSs280ZU - Tomorrows racing, live just after 8pm!
Now onto the all important selections!!!
3:35 Chepstow - Son Du Berlais
It was revealed last week that My Tent Or Yours will miss the upcoming season and Son Du Berlais looks to ease the blow somewhat in the Persian War.
He came to England with a fairly big reputation after winning well at Auteuil for Robert Collet after making a debut to forget. He was all but carried out on that occasion when four horses refused and two unseated at a hurdle giving him little chance of winning. But he corrected that when bolting up next time out and as a result was purchased by JP McManus and sent to Nicky Henderson.
He wasn't really tested when winning on his UK debut at Newton Abbot, but he did jump well and is clearly a horse with a lot of ability. That effort didn't warrant him coming out of first gear but it was notable that his jumping was much more fluent when travelling at a higher speed. It his hard to gauge just how good he could be off the back of that performance, but he has been aimed at this race since landing in the country. Since his arrival he has been aimed at this race as he is no longer a novice when November comes around, so it is a good bit of placement by Nicky Henderson. He is partnered by AP McCoy who chooses to make his return here instead of riding Uxizandre at Aintree. We side with Son Du Berlais to get us off to a good start. (2/1)
3:50 Doncaster - Elm Park
This by no means looks a vintage Racing Post Trophy with past winners including St Nicholas Abbey, Authorized and Motivator, saying that, Elm Park does set the standard after winning a Group Three last time out.
Many of you will know that I am a huge fan of Elm Park after losing his maiden tag nicely at Newbury, but he has improved hugely since then. That improvement started when landing the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury when staying on strongly after making all the running. Connections chose that race over the Solario at Sandown but took the step up to Group company next time out at. Part of him was also purchased by Qatar Racing and he made a winning debut in their silks when landing the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes. That victory came in spite of him handling the Rowley Mile and should be much more at home on a flatter course like Doncaster. One thing looks assured however and that is his superior stamina which may come into play on the softer ground today. Whereas he may not be a world beater, Elm Park is clearly going the right way and will take all the beating in the seasons final Group One. (15/8)
4:40 Newbury - Danehill Revival
The last selection for today falls to Graham Lee and Danehill Revival who despite the misleading name is a filly by Pivotal. She has likely been a victim of her own success after winning a maiden in good style meaning she skipped straight into Listed races. That has proved to be a bit too much too soon but she has by no means disgraced herself against good horses. She first stood out to me in the parade ring at Ascot as she is a beautiful horse to look at but also an imposing figure to boot.
Today marks her first attempt in handicap company and William Haggas has found her a more than winable opportunity off a mark of 92. She is also drawn in stall five which is no bad thing as most of yesterday's successful horses raced middle to far side, so she can easily negotiate her path over from the start. One thing that may be a problem for a few of her rivals is the softer ground, which shouldn't bother her after winning on it by six lengths on debut. On top of that she has also finished a competitive fourth and third in listed races on soft ground so it seems fairly certain that won't be an excuse.
All in all today is a hard day of betting and Danehill Revival is more of an obscure one, but I would expect her to put in a bold show on handicap debut. (6/1)
NAP - Son Du Berlais
Nb - Elm Park
Have a good day and as always, happy punting!
Friday 17 October 2014
Thunder To Give Spark To Champions Day
Good morning/evening to you all, I trust we have had a good long week of labouring ready for our handsome reward of top notch weekend racing. Today brings us QIPCO Champions Day which has been somewhat dampened by the weather with a few key contenders pulling out, however a good day of racing is still in order. Unfortunately last week ended the run of profitable blogs although we did make it two blogs in a row that we have picked a non runner, so you know... Every cloud...
As always we have a video preview prepared for you guys... Wait... We? I must apologise for my absence this week as I was otherwise occupied... Not like that. The show was left in the more than capable hands of @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell who did a fantastic job. You can watch the show at your leisure via the link below, enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1A9__SK8-M
Now onto the all important selections!
3:05 Catterick - Ballesteros
On a weekend where punters will be looking for mudlarks, not many have earned that title more than Ballesteros who rarely disappoints when the ground takes a turn for the worst. He was running himself back into some form before encountering fast ground once more which all but killed any chance he had. However with two bad runs comes a four pound decline in the handicap which makes life easier for him and he now looks very well treated.
It could be argued that he was unlucky in the Ayr Gold Cup as that meeting is usually a certainty to throw up bottomless ground, this year it was Good to Firm so in truth he did well to finish tenth. There are two dangers however as he is poorly drawn and he also has had a long season so could be coming to the end of his tether, although his best performances usually come at the end of the season, that may be because of the ground once more.
On the whole of it his form has been fairly uninspiring this year but there have been a couple of glimmers of hope. The first of those came at the Shergar Cup under Hayley Turner, he looked a winner in waiting that day but things didn't exactly go to plan. After that he finished third at Chester when bumping into B Fifty Two and Dungannon who has since won at Ascot. He got a bad trip that day when forced three wide for the entire race which round Chester is something that is hard to overcome. With the return of testing ground Ballesteros is expected to improve on his latest form and finally land himself a victory in 2014.
3:30 Ascot - Night Of Thunder
After a flying start to the season, the latter end of it hasn't completely gone to plan for Night Of Thunder but you couldn't say he has regressed. He opened up his account this season with a second in the Greenham when chasing home Kingman, however I have said enough that he wasn't ready for that run and will improve for it. He confirmed that when winning the 2000 Guineas in bizarre style when hanging across the entire course at 40/1, but it can't be ignored that he toppled Kingman and Australia on that occasion.
That was his most recent visit to the winners enclosure after connections got the tactics all wrong at Royal Ascot when gifting the St James' Palace to old rival Kingman. He did well to hold on for second that day after trying to make all and nothing went right for him in the Eclipse when held up off a slow pace. A few people knocked him after that effort but he bounced right back to his best form at Longchamp over just shy of a mile. It appeared that Ryan Moore mistook the winning line that day and first used the whip as they went past the post, of course Longchamp has two winning lines and he wouldn't be the first jockey to mix them up. Charm Spirit re-opposes who actually won that race but you would have to think that the form of last time will be reversed and Toronado (2nd) hasn't turned up.
The only other thing to take in to account is the soft ground which shouldn't be a problem based on his first two racecourse appearances on a testing surface. Night Of Thunder may not have had the season he promised early on but he can make amends and end it on a high by winning the QEII on Champions Day.
4:05 Ascot - Western Hymn
Even with a few of the main ante post favourites not turning up we still have a good Champion Stakes on our hands with the likes of Cirrus Des Aigles, Free Eagle and Noble Mission in the race. We are siding with a more left field contender in the shape of Derby sixth, Western Hymn who comes here fresh off the back of a 64 day absence. He has always been considered a soft ground horse with masses of class after setting some exceptional fractions at Kempton on debut.
Since his debut he has not only finished sixth in the Derby as previously mentioned, but he has also been victorious in a Group 3 at Sandown and a Group 2 in France. For whatever reason he didn't perform behind Gailo Chop and that form would be nowhere near good enough, but he has shown better form previously so we can forgive that effort. Personally I have always held him as a strong stayer which has earned me a bit of abuse but I stand by it as he can take a little while to quicken when asked, although when he does quicken it is usually decisive and devastating.
Obviously John Gosden's representative has a lot to find with the market leaders but he is yet to suggest that he is coming to the end of his potential, so with that we hope that he can improve again and confirm a big each price.
NAP - Night Of Thunder
Nb - Ballesteros
Good luck tomorrow guys and as always, happy punting!
As always we have a video preview prepared for you guys... Wait... We? I must apologise for my absence this week as I was otherwise occupied... Not like that. The show was left in the more than capable hands of @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell who did a fantastic job. You can watch the show at your leisure via the link below, enjoy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1A9__SK8-M
Now onto the all important selections!
3:05 Catterick - Ballesteros
On a weekend where punters will be looking for mudlarks, not many have earned that title more than Ballesteros who rarely disappoints when the ground takes a turn for the worst. He was running himself back into some form before encountering fast ground once more which all but killed any chance he had. However with two bad runs comes a four pound decline in the handicap which makes life easier for him and he now looks very well treated.
It could be argued that he was unlucky in the Ayr Gold Cup as that meeting is usually a certainty to throw up bottomless ground, this year it was Good to Firm so in truth he did well to finish tenth. There are two dangers however as he is poorly drawn and he also has had a long season so could be coming to the end of his tether, although his best performances usually come at the end of the season, that may be because of the ground once more.
On the whole of it his form has been fairly uninspiring this year but there have been a couple of glimmers of hope. The first of those came at the Shergar Cup under Hayley Turner, he looked a winner in waiting that day but things didn't exactly go to plan. After that he finished third at Chester when bumping into B Fifty Two and Dungannon who has since won at Ascot. He got a bad trip that day when forced three wide for the entire race which round Chester is something that is hard to overcome. With the return of testing ground Ballesteros is expected to improve on his latest form and finally land himself a victory in 2014.
3:30 Ascot - Night Of Thunder
After a flying start to the season, the latter end of it hasn't completely gone to plan for Night Of Thunder but you couldn't say he has regressed. He opened up his account this season with a second in the Greenham when chasing home Kingman, however I have said enough that he wasn't ready for that run and will improve for it. He confirmed that when winning the 2000 Guineas in bizarre style when hanging across the entire course at 40/1, but it can't be ignored that he toppled Kingman and Australia on that occasion.
That was his most recent visit to the winners enclosure after connections got the tactics all wrong at Royal Ascot when gifting the St James' Palace to old rival Kingman. He did well to hold on for second that day after trying to make all and nothing went right for him in the Eclipse when held up off a slow pace. A few people knocked him after that effort but he bounced right back to his best form at Longchamp over just shy of a mile. It appeared that Ryan Moore mistook the winning line that day and first used the whip as they went past the post, of course Longchamp has two winning lines and he wouldn't be the first jockey to mix them up. Charm Spirit re-opposes who actually won that race but you would have to think that the form of last time will be reversed and Toronado (2nd) hasn't turned up.
The only other thing to take in to account is the soft ground which shouldn't be a problem based on his first two racecourse appearances on a testing surface. Night Of Thunder may not have had the season he promised early on but he can make amends and end it on a high by winning the QEII on Champions Day.
4:05 Ascot - Western Hymn
Even with a few of the main ante post favourites not turning up we still have a good Champion Stakes on our hands with the likes of Cirrus Des Aigles, Free Eagle and Noble Mission in the race. We are siding with a more left field contender in the shape of Derby sixth, Western Hymn who comes here fresh off the back of a 64 day absence. He has always been considered a soft ground horse with masses of class after setting some exceptional fractions at Kempton on debut.
Since his debut he has not only finished sixth in the Derby as previously mentioned, but he has also been victorious in a Group 3 at Sandown and a Group 2 in France. For whatever reason he didn't perform behind Gailo Chop and that form would be nowhere near good enough, but he has shown better form previously so we can forgive that effort. Personally I have always held him as a strong stayer which has earned me a bit of abuse but I stand by it as he can take a little while to quicken when asked, although when he does quicken it is usually decisive and devastating.
Obviously John Gosden's representative has a lot to find with the market leaders but he is yet to suggest that he is coming to the end of his potential, so with that we hope that he can improve again and confirm a big each price.
NAP - Night Of Thunder
Nb - Ballesteros
Good luck tomorrow guys and as always, happy punting!
Friday 10 October 2014
Mulrennan Prepares For Take Off
Good morning/evening everyone, I trust we have enjoyed yet another long week of work and are ready to welcome a good weekend of racing. We managed to continue to good run on the blog last week with two winners and a non runner with Bronze Maquette only just missing out on the placings. Integral and Justice Day were the two winners for us at 8/1 (With a Rule 4) and Integral at 7/2 who it was revealed after the race that she will stay in training next season.
As always we have a video preview prepared for you guys as we discuss the action on Channel 4 tomorrow. You can follow us on Twitter through @OnTheOtherHoof so you never miss any updates about our online shows. Joining me on the panel tonight are a couple of the regular bunch with @Calummadell and @Adamwebb121. We hope you can join us and if you are able to tune in live then you can send any questions or fancies to our Twitter account of @OnTheOtherHoof... Just in case you forgot it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJrLKhqDleo&feature=youtu.be
Now onto the all important selections.
2:20 York - First Flight
Now you will have to be patient with me for our first selection of the day as First Flight has appeared on the blog a lot this season. He has however been nothing but consistent with one small blip a couple of outings ago, however he came back to form last time and has been found a nice race to go forward with.
His season started off with a couple of good efforts over a mile on bottomless ground when beaten by What About Carlo and Chatez, who have both franked the form since. First Flight has subsequently found his niche over a mile and two furlongs after a bold run in the Britannia at Royal Ascot from a poor draw. He won cosily when well supported in the market on his first attempt over 10 furlongs, when beating Ajmany and Awake My Soul who have both boosted the form with victories. Last time out was a bit of a disaster for First Flight and despite finishing 2nd to a well handicapped rival, may have been a race to forget. He was held up a long way off the pace and held onto for too long at Newbury, so when Richard Hughes finally asked for his effort he had a further eight lengths to find on Air Pilot. I may be being a bit harsh on Mr Hughes there as Air Pilot did run out a ready winner and he would have been hard pressed to beat him under any situation on that day.
He runs today off a mark of 98, which is two pounds higher than his effort at Newbury and this looks an easier race against more exposed rivals. First Flight to refind the winning thread and take a step towards contesting Group contests next season or possibly book himself a place on the plane to Meydan. (4/1)
2:40 Newmarket - Marsh Daisy
Hughie Morrison sends two of his yard to Newmarket today with good chances and Marsh Daisy has been one of his stars of the season. She hasn't exactly built on her early season exploits but in fairness has been contesting much better races than what she encounters today.
Marsh Daisy announced herself onto the Listed races scene with a decisive success in the Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood, but she still hasn't really improved on that effort. her next port of call was in the Oaks at Epsom which was too hot for her and she disappointed at Deauville after that in a Group Three. Both of them disappointments came over a mile and a half which in hindsight may just stretch her stamina, so the drop in trip at Goodwood was understandable. That came in quite a hot Listed race against Grandeur and Danadana who both returned to somewhere near their better form, so in truth a third to them isn't a bad effort on ground that was likely too fast. That won't be a problem today with rain forecast and a repeat effort from Goodwood should see her go close back against her own sex. (12/1)
3:00 Musselburgh - Miss Mullberry
Up to Musselburgh now for Dave O'Meara who will do well to have another weekend as good as the last after Move In Time was victorious in the Abbaye, however Miss Mullberry can continue the good form for the yard.
Kodiac has had a fantastic first season as a Sire including the exciting Tiggy Wiggy, but Miss Mullberry is a completely different character. She was beaten off a mark of 71 in her first attempt at a Nursery but has taken massive strides in three races off higher marks since. The first of those came at Thirsk off a mark of 74 when she by no means got an easy run after having to switch wide late on, she just held on that day but improved again next time out at Ripon. She claimed the notable scalps of the highly regarded Snap Shots and Zeb Un Isa in good style on that occasion which hinted at a bit more ability than previously shown. Connections decided to pitch her in at the deep end last time out and take on better horses in a Listed race at Ayr. Out of nowhere she improved to finish sixth, however she couldn't have had a more luckless run after being stopped for a run on more than one occasion. That was still a huge step forward and this race looks decidedly easier and is a fantastic opportunity to boost her profile as a Broodmare. (9/2)
3:10 Newmarket - Battersea
Our final call today comes from Newmarket who stage a fantastic three year old handicap which has attracted a strong field of 24. There are many improving types in the race and it could just be that you need a Group horse to win a race of this value.
Roger Varian saddles Battersea who has actually already won a race of this standard last time out when victorious at Ascot in another competitive race. That earned him his second win in as many races, but he did take his time to really find his stride after being beaten on his first four attempts. Since stepping up to a mile and a half he is two from two and has won going away both times in strong races but is yet to suggest that the handicapper is anywhere close to being in control.
He has been raised ten pounds for his latest victory which may not be enough based on the style in which he went about that race. This means he must defy a mark of 100 and as mentioned earlier on, if he wins this then he is a Group horse which is exactly what I think he is. Battersea to defy the handicapper once more an end the day on a high note for us. (15/2)
NAP - First Flight
NB - Miss Mulberry
Good luck today guys and as always, happy punting!
As always we have a video preview prepared for you guys as we discuss the action on Channel 4 tomorrow. You can follow us on Twitter through @OnTheOtherHoof so you never miss any updates about our online shows. Joining me on the panel tonight are a couple of the regular bunch with @Calummadell and @Adamwebb121. We hope you can join us and if you are able to tune in live then you can send any questions or fancies to our Twitter account of @OnTheOtherHoof... Just in case you forgot it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJrLKhqDleo&feature=youtu.be
Now onto the all important selections.
2:20 York - First Flight
Now you will have to be patient with me for our first selection of the day as First Flight has appeared on the blog a lot this season. He has however been nothing but consistent with one small blip a couple of outings ago, however he came back to form last time and has been found a nice race to go forward with.
His season started off with a couple of good efforts over a mile on bottomless ground when beaten by What About Carlo and Chatez, who have both franked the form since. First Flight has subsequently found his niche over a mile and two furlongs after a bold run in the Britannia at Royal Ascot from a poor draw. He won cosily when well supported in the market on his first attempt over 10 furlongs, when beating Ajmany and Awake My Soul who have both boosted the form with victories. Last time out was a bit of a disaster for First Flight and despite finishing 2nd to a well handicapped rival, may have been a race to forget. He was held up a long way off the pace and held onto for too long at Newbury, so when Richard Hughes finally asked for his effort he had a further eight lengths to find on Air Pilot. I may be being a bit harsh on Mr Hughes there as Air Pilot did run out a ready winner and he would have been hard pressed to beat him under any situation on that day.
He runs today off a mark of 98, which is two pounds higher than his effort at Newbury and this looks an easier race against more exposed rivals. First Flight to refind the winning thread and take a step towards contesting Group contests next season or possibly book himself a place on the plane to Meydan. (4/1)
2:40 Newmarket - Marsh Daisy
Hughie Morrison sends two of his yard to Newmarket today with good chances and Marsh Daisy has been one of his stars of the season. She hasn't exactly built on her early season exploits but in fairness has been contesting much better races than what she encounters today.
Marsh Daisy announced herself onto the Listed races scene with a decisive success in the Height Of Fashion Stakes at Goodwood, but she still hasn't really improved on that effort. her next port of call was in the Oaks at Epsom which was too hot for her and she disappointed at Deauville after that in a Group Three. Both of them disappointments came over a mile and a half which in hindsight may just stretch her stamina, so the drop in trip at Goodwood was understandable. That came in quite a hot Listed race against Grandeur and Danadana who both returned to somewhere near their better form, so in truth a third to them isn't a bad effort on ground that was likely too fast. That won't be a problem today with rain forecast and a repeat effort from Goodwood should see her go close back against her own sex. (12/1)
3:00 Musselburgh - Miss Mullberry
Up to Musselburgh now for Dave O'Meara who will do well to have another weekend as good as the last after Move In Time was victorious in the Abbaye, however Miss Mullberry can continue the good form for the yard.
Kodiac has had a fantastic first season as a Sire including the exciting Tiggy Wiggy, but Miss Mullberry is a completely different character. She was beaten off a mark of 71 in her first attempt at a Nursery but has taken massive strides in three races off higher marks since. The first of those came at Thirsk off a mark of 74 when she by no means got an easy run after having to switch wide late on, she just held on that day but improved again next time out at Ripon. She claimed the notable scalps of the highly regarded Snap Shots and Zeb Un Isa in good style on that occasion which hinted at a bit more ability than previously shown. Connections decided to pitch her in at the deep end last time out and take on better horses in a Listed race at Ayr. Out of nowhere she improved to finish sixth, however she couldn't have had a more luckless run after being stopped for a run on more than one occasion. That was still a huge step forward and this race looks decidedly easier and is a fantastic opportunity to boost her profile as a Broodmare. (9/2)
3:10 Newmarket - Battersea
Our final call today comes from Newmarket who stage a fantastic three year old handicap which has attracted a strong field of 24. There are many improving types in the race and it could just be that you need a Group horse to win a race of this value.
Roger Varian saddles Battersea who has actually already won a race of this standard last time out when victorious at Ascot in another competitive race. That earned him his second win in as many races, but he did take his time to really find his stride after being beaten on his first four attempts. Since stepping up to a mile and a half he is two from two and has won going away both times in strong races but is yet to suggest that the handicapper is anywhere close to being in control.
He has been raised ten pounds for his latest victory which may not be enough based on the style in which he went about that race. This means he must defy a mark of 100 and as mentioned earlier on, if he wins this then he is a Group horse which is exactly what I think he is. Battersea to defy the handicapper once more an end the day on a high note for us. (15/2)
NAP - First Flight
NB - Miss Mulberry
Good luck today guys and as always, happy punting!
Friday 3 October 2014
Chariot Awaits For Integral
Good morning/evening everyone, I hope you are prepared for what looks to be a fantastic weekend of racing with Ascot, Newmarket and Redcar today and more importantly, Longchamp who stage the Arc meeting which promises to be as spectacular as ever. The blog continued in good form last week with Tiggy Wiggy and Elm Park who put together a nice double, but today brings a new week and we have to go again.
As always we have a video preview prepared for you with @Ontheotherhoof as we talk about all of tomorrow's racing on Channel 4. Joining me on the panel we have @Adamwebb121, @Calummadell and the return of @Mytentoryours... Hopefully! You can tune in live just after 8pm or watch it at your leisure via the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5Ul9_fPClA&feature=youtu.be
Now onto the all important selections.
2:05 Ascot - Justice Day
The original selection for this race was going to be Muthmir but after seeing that the ground was softer than the description, and with rain expected tomorrow I'd be surprised if we see him this afternoon.
That could leave the door open for Justice Day who has been mixing it with the best in Group One's and coming up short on class. However he returned to Listed company last time out where he bounced back to form behind Mecca's Angel at Newbury. That is likely to have been down to the return of soft ground which looks assured today with the weather forecast looking as wet as it is. He may have also been struggling over six furlongs in high class races as it could just stretch his stamina when against better horses. He found only Mecca's Angel too good last time out which is no disgrace as she is a rapidly improving filly, and it was rumoured that she would go for the Abbaye next, however connections have decided against that route. Justice Day has struggled this season in terms of finding the winner's enclosure but he can gain a well deserved success today. (9/1)
3:05 Redcar - Bronze Maquette
Gary Moore has found himself a few nice horses recently in both codes and Bronze Maquette is definitely one of them. I have to confess that I was originally very sweet on Limato however again with the rain expected I would be surprised to see him today unfortunately.
Bronze Maquette has been consistent in good company all year and has improved over her last three outings including two victories. The first of those came in a competitive nursery over six furlongs at Ascot when she defied an opening mark of 83. Don't be fooled by the going description that day however, as it claims to be Good To Firm but after a downpour before racing it was more like soft ground. That is crucial to Bronze Maquette and with more rain expected at Redcar than any other racecourse it should be testing this afternoon. She excelled in soft ground again at Newbury when making light work of a Listed race field including Accipiter who has since won her own Listed race. However she came undone on fast ground last time out at Doncaster when behind Beacon, that clearly wasn't her true running and is quickly forgotten.
We will be praying that the rain does come for Bronze Maquette and she remains a good each way proposition. (12/1)
3:15 Ascot - Lucky Kristale
George Maragarson has his string in fine form after Excellent Guest refound his winning form at Ascot yesterday afternoon. Before Excellent Guest, the yard hadn't exactly been in the best of form so this could just be a turning point and a close eye will be kept on their runners from now on.
Lucky Kristale is another horse that will need to refind her winning form after not exactly lighting up the racecourse this season, but she was a top two year old last year and has shown glimpses of that this year. Her season started off at Newmarket in the 1000 Guineas, however that was her first try over a mile and she didn't settle which resulted in her tailing off. She was then given another chance over the trip in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, she improved on her opening effort but looked a non stayer at the trip to which connections seemingly agreed. Last time out bought her most encouraging effort when dropped to seven furlongs in a strong race won by Kiyoshi (who tackles Group One company today) and even led with a furlong left. Connections have dropped her in trip again today and on her old form this would seem a race well within her abilities and she should be competitive.
I have long thought this season that Lucky Kristale is a sprinter rather than a miler so on a personal note I am very happy to see her back at this trip, but today is the day to confirm that promise and put it all together. (14/1)
3:30 Newmarket - Integral
One original selection that won't mind softer ground is Integral for Ryan Moore and Sir Michael Stoute, however she has to bounce back from a disappointment in France.
The ground won't be a bother to her as she has won on fast ground at Royal Ascot and she has also won on soft ground on the July Course. There is also the fact that Newmarket is due to get the least rain out of all English courses tomorrow, plus with the fast natural ground on top of that it shouldn't be overly testing. On the form side of things, her last run isn't too inspiring in the sense that she trailed in behind Esoterique and Miss France, but that race wasn't run to suit her at all and can be forgiven. Before that effort she was incredibly impressive at Royal Ascot in the Duke Of Cambridge when beating a top class field, and followed that up with her first Group One victory in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.
On the whole of it Integral's form is of a level that leaves her in front and her current price tag is one that seems far too big, for that reason she is today's Nap. (7/2)
NAP - Integral
Nb - Bronze Maquette
Good luck tomorrow guys and as always, happy punting!
As always we have a video preview prepared for you with @Ontheotherhoof as we talk about all of tomorrow's racing on Channel 4. Joining me on the panel we have @Adamwebb121, @Calummadell and the return of @Mytentoryours... Hopefully! You can tune in live just after 8pm or watch it at your leisure via the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5Ul9_fPClA&feature=youtu.be
Now onto the all important selections.
2:05 Ascot - Justice Day
The original selection for this race was going to be Muthmir but after seeing that the ground was softer than the description, and with rain expected tomorrow I'd be surprised if we see him this afternoon.
That could leave the door open for Justice Day who has been mixing it with the best in Group One's and coming up short on class. However he returned to Listed company last time out where he bounced back to form behind Mecca's Angel at Newbury. That is likely to have been down to the return of soft ground which looks assured today with the weather forecast looking as wet as it is. He may have also been struggling over six furlongs in high class races as it could just stretch his stamina when against better horses. He found only Mecca's Angel too good last time out which is no disgrace as she is a rapidly improving filly, and it was rumoured that she would go for the Abbaye next, however connections have decided against that route. Justice Day has struggled this season in terms of finding the winner's enclosure but he can gain a well deserved success today. (9/1)
3:05 Redcar - Bronze Maquette
Gary Moore has found himself a few nice horses recently in both codes and Bronze Maquette is definitely one of them. I have to confess that I was originally very sweet on Limato however again with the rain expected I would be surprised to see him today unfortunately.
Bronze Maquette has been consistent in good company all year and has improved over her last three outings including two victories. The first of those came in a competitive nursery over six furlongs at Ascot when she defied an opening mark of 83. Don't be fooled by the going description that day however, as it claims to be Good To Firm but after a downpour before racing it was more like soft ground. That is crucial to Bronze Maquette and with more rain expected at Redcar than any other racecourse it should be testing this afternoon. She excelled in soft ground again at Newbury when making light work of a Listed race field including Accipiter who has since won her own Listed race. However she came undone on fast ground last time out at Doncaster when behind Beacon, that clearly wasn't her true running and is quickly forgotten.
We will be praying that the rain does come for Bronze Maquette and she remains a good each way proposition. (12/1)
3:15 Ascot - Lucky Kristale
George Maragarson has his string in fine form after Excellent Guest refound his winning form at Ascot yesterday afternoon. Before Excellent Guest, the yard hadn't exactly been in the best of form so this could just be a turning point and a close eye will be kept on their runners from now on.
Lucky Kristale is another horse that will need to refind her winning form after not exactly lighting up the racecourse this season, but she was a top two year old last year and has shown glimpses of that this year. Her season started off at Newmarket in the 1000 Guineas, however that was her first try over a mile and she didn't settle which resulted in her tailing off. She was then given another chance over the trip in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, she improved on her opening effort but looked a non stayer at the trip to which connections seemingly agreed. Last time out bought her most encouraging effort when dropped to seven furlongs in a strong race won by Kiyoshi (who tackles Group One company today) and even led with a furlong left. Connections have dropped her in trip again today and on her old form this would seem a race well within her abilities and she should be competitive.
I have long thought this season that Lucky Kristale is a sprinter rather than a miler so on a personal note I am very happy to see her back at this trip, but today is the day to confirm that promise and put it all together. (14/1)
3:30 Newmarket - Integral
One original selection that won't mind softer ground is Integral for Ryan Moore and Sir Michael Stoute, however she has to bounce back from a disappointment in France.
The ground won't be a bother to her as she has won on fast ground at Royal Ascot and she has also won on soft ground on the July Course. There is also the fact that Newmarket is due to get the least rain out of all English courses tomorrow, plus with the fast natural ground on top of that it shouldn't be overly testing. On the form side of things, her last run isn't too inspiring in the sense that she trailed in behind Esoterique and Miss France, but that race wasn't run to suit her at all and can be forgiven. Before that effort she was incredibly impressive at Royal Ascot in the Duke Of Cambridge when beating a top class field, and followed that up with her first Group One victory in the Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket.
On the whole of it Integral's form is of a level that leaves her in front and her current price tag is one that seems far too big, for that reason she is today's Nap. (7/2)
NAP - Integral
Nb - Bronze Maquette
Good luck tomorrow guys and as always, happy punting!
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