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!
No comments:
Post a Comment