Good morning/evening everyone, we have a big weekend of racing ahead of us with the Hennessy and Fighting Fifth being staged, with a big day of racing in Ireland on Sunday to add. We come into today off the back of a profitable blog last week with a non runner and two winners through On Tour and Amberjam. It is a bit of an ask to carry that kind of form forward to this weekend, but nonetheless we shall try.
As always, @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared a video preview for this weeks racing as we discuss all of the day's racing on Channel 4. Joining me on the panel this week are @Calummadell and @Adamwebb121 who will be racemaking on course tomorrow. Enjoy!
Hennessy Gold Cup Day Preview
Now onto the all important selections
12:50 Newbury - Royal Regatta
If you tuned into our jumps preview video for OnTheOtherHoof then you would have seen that we were all keen on Royal Regatta over the bigger obstacles. Saying that, it was no surprise to see him make his reappearance over hurdles on what looks a workable mark. He ran well that day but shaped as if he would come on for the run behind two classy sorts in Brother Brian and Utopie Des Bordes, but today marks his chasing debut.
Philip Hobbs has had his string in good form recently and may have found a nice opening for Royal Regatta to make a successful start to his chasing career. In doing that he will have to beat some more experienced rivals, although some of them don't have the same potential off current handicap marks as he does. He has always seemed a horse who will relish the transition to fences but struggled over hurdles when raised in class after winning on his first two attempts. The softer ground shouldn't be an issue has he has already won on ground with ease in it and also stays further than two miles. Royal Regatta to get our day off to a flying start. (9/2)
3:00 Newbury - Via Sundown
Now this one I admit is more of a left field selection and not one that I will necessarily win, but should outrun his odds. He was one that I put up on my horses to follow list at the start of the year and while this wasn't the obvious starting point over fences, he has plenty in his favour.
Last season Via Sundown was a multiple winner over three miles on bottomless ground, albeit in poor races but he won them in good style. Arguably his best performance as a novice came at Fontwell well beating the strong stayers of Benvolio and Lamb Or Cod on bottomless ground, those two are no world beaters but they are more than useful yardsticks. His worst performance of last season came when tailed off behind Corrin Wood and Black Thunder at Warwick, however he wasn't right that day and the effort can be forgotten. Josh Moore takes the ride as he usually does which is no concern at all, even with Jamie riding Vino Griego against the pair. Whereas he may not have the most appealing profile for win purposes there are solid each way claims to be made with conditions in his favour. (40/1)
3:35 Newbury - Next Sensation
Next Sensation unseated his rider in this race last season when a well backed favourite off a ten pound lower mark. He corrected that in no uncertain fashion when beating God's Own at Doncaster, that came before a monstrous effort in the Grand Annual. He practically made all that day and would have provided one of the performances of the Festival if he wasn't caught in the final 50 yards. It has all gone wrong for him since that day however, his run at Aintree was easily forgiven as he was clearly over the top by that point and needed a break.
His comeback run at Ascot left something to be desired however as he failed to dominate the race and was quickly beaten as a result. Once again at Cheltenham he was taken on for the lead and folded tamely at the top of the hill which isn't his true showing at all. Today seems to be a last chance saloon scenario for him with no other confirmed pace in the race and a much smaller field to beat. Despite running poorly at Cheltenham he showed that the fire still burns after jumping and travelling well for a long way. The major negative against his chances tomorrow could come in the form of the softer ground, although he has won on it before off a much lower mark. (14/1)
NAP - Royal Regatta
Nb - Via Sundown (e/w)
Good luck tomorrow and as always, happy punting
Friday 28 November 2014
Friday 21 November 2014
Cue Has All The Right Cards
Good evening/morning everyone, I hope we are all ready for what promises to be a huge weekend of racing in England and Ireland. Saturday will see the return of Champion Hurdle favourite Faugheen at Ascot as well as one of his main rivals in The New One who runs at Haydock. We are also treated to Cue Card, Dynaste and Silviniaco Conti who all do battle in the Betfair Chase at Haydock and were the first three in the race last year. If that wasn't enough for you then it is more than likely that Vautour will make his chasing debut on Sunday and is prominent in the Arkle and JLT betting markets.
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have a preview video prepared for you as we cover all of the Channel 4 action from Ascot and Haydock. Joining me on the panel are @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell. You can watch the show whenever you like via the Youtube link below, enjoy!
Betfair Chase Day Preview
Now onto the all important selections!
12:10 Haydock - Lightening Rod
We start the day with Lightening Rod who made an absolute mockery of his handicap mark last time out at Wetherby, for that performance he has been raised nine pounds. In truth he may be lucky to only be raised that much as he couldn't have won much easier and the form of that race has been boosted by a few horses in behind him.
Today will see him run off a mark of 134 which is level with his highest ever mark, on those occasions he found it too much but he comes here in the form of his life. Despite being a nine year old he seems to have refound his best form and may have even improved on it, but the latter won't be known until today. The only slight negative surround him is that Harry Bannister who regularly teams up with him can only claim 5 pounds instead of the 7 pounds he took off last time out. Even with that in mind he could just be too good for his rivals this afternoon on ground that may suit him more than others. (10/3)
1:15 Haydock - On Tour
Evan Williams has been knocking on the door of the big time for some time now, but with the likes of Buywise and On Tour in his yard he could just make that transition very soon. Of course On Tour has a lot of improving left to do as he is only rated 131, but he has a big frame to fill out and looks all over a chaser.
Saying that, he had no problems when defying an opening handicap mark of 122 at Stratford in good style, but today is a much tougher assignment. Despite taking on a better class of rival this afternoon he by no means looks out of place and Haydock will play to his strengths more than Stratford. He travelled well that day and turning for home it was just a matter of time before Paul Moloney sent him to the front. Today will see On Tour tackle a trip further than he has ever seen, albeit only a furlong further but Haydock will have more emphasis on stamina than Stratford or Newton Abbot. Stamina should never be an issue for him though as he is a half brother to the useful Irish stayer Galant Ferns who has won in excess of 3 miles. On Tour to take another huge step forward today for Evan Williams. (5/1)
2:50 Huntingdon - Amberjam
A bit of a change of speed now with a visit to Huntingdon for a handicap over 3 miles and 2 furlongs, which features a horse from a familiar yard if you follow OnTheOtherHoof. Martin Smith saddles Amberjam who recently made a promising switch to to handicaps when chasing home American Life at Fontwell over a furlong further than today's trip. The winner has since won again at Exeter which gives the form a stronger look and makes the two pound drop in the handicap all the more baffling, saying that Amberjam was beaten by 16 lengths.
It is apparent that he 'bumped into one' that day and this race looks decidedly weaker on ground that is slightly faster than Fontwell. Another positive is the jockey booking of Leighton Aspell who looks the standout jockey alongside Josh Moore in this field, with the other 6 ridden by claimers. A mark of 88 still looks more than workable for the unexposed Amberjam, and he can continue his improvement in the National Hunt sphere today. (5/1)
3:00 Haydock - Cue Card
Stepping up in class once more now with the Betfair Chase where the first three from last year are ready to do battle once more. Cue Card came out on top on that occasion and I fully expect the same result this time around with Daryl Jacob doing the steering. That was the peak of his 2013/14 campaign as he tasted defeat in the King George at the hands of Silviniaco Conti, before an injury prematurely ended his season.
Over the summer he was given a breathing operation, which is something that may have been bothering him with an eye on his effort in the King George when stopping quickly. It didn't help him when he suffered defeat on his reappearance in the Haldon Gold Cup, however two miles looks far too short for him nowadays and a staying trip is much more up his street. The only thing Cue Card has to prove tomorrow is if he is the same horse after his injury last season, of course the break could have an opposite effect and he may be better than ever. But we shall leave that to his performance on the course this afternoon as we side with him to win back to back Betfair Chases. (4/1)
3:15 Ascot - Bellenos
Dan Skelton has started this season in fine form and he looks to carry that on with Bellenos this afternoon. He recently made an encouraging reappearance over course and distance when finishing fourth behind the well handicapped Ulck Du Lin. Despite not winning he did his usual party trick of travelling strongly and jumping superbly, however on the turn for home his fitness gave out and a tired mistake at the last cost him third place.
Skelton's French recruit is still only a six year old and could still have more improvement to come off what may still be a lenient mark. It only took him two starts before he was successful on English soil which came over course and distance off a lowly mark of 122, but has since proved higher marks are well within his capabilities. His season ended with a victory at Stratford which is a course that doesn't play to his strengths at all, so in truth he did well to win off a mark of 139, which is also today's mark on a much more conventional course. Bellenos to end our day on a high for Dan and Harry Skelton. (9/2)
NAP - Amberjam
Nb - Cue Card
Good luck today everyone and as always, happy punting!!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have a preview video prepared for you as we cover all of the Channel 4 action from Ascot and Haydock. Joining me on the panel are @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell. You can watch the show whenever you like via the Youtube link below, enjoy!
Betfair Chase Day Preview
Now onto the all important selections!
12:10 Haydock - Lightening Rod
We start the day with Lightening Rod who made an absolute mockery of his handicap mark last time out at Wetherby, for that performance he has been raised nine pounds. In truth he may be lucky to only be raised that much as he couldn't have won much easier and the form of that race has been boosted by a few horses in behind him.
Today will see him run off a mark of 134 which is level with his highest ever mark, on those occasions he found it too much but he comes here in the form of his life. Despite being a nine year old he seems to have refound his best form and may have even improved on it, but the latter won't be known until today. The only slight negative surround him is that Harry Bannister who regularly teams up with him can only claim 5 pounds instead of the 7 pounds he took off last time out. Even with that in mind he could just be too good for his rivals this afternoon on ground that may suit him more than others. (10/3)
1:15 Haydock - On Tour
Evan Williams has been knocking on the door of the big time for some time now, but with the likes of Buywise and On Tour in his yard he could just make that transition very soon. Of course On Tour has a lot of improving left to do as he is only rated 131, but he has a big frame to fill out and looks all over a chaser.
Saying that, he had no problems when defying an opening handicap mark of 122 at Stratford in good style, but today is a much tougher assignment. Despite taking on a better class of rival this afternoon he by no means looks out of place and Haydock will play to his strengths more than Stratford. He travelled well that day and turning for home it was just a matter of time before Paul Moloney sent him to the front. Today will see On Tour tackle a trip further than he has ever seen, albeit only a furlong further but Haydock will have more emphasis on stamina than Stratford or Newton Abbot. Stamina should never be an issue for him though as he is a half brother to the useful Irish stayer Galant Ferns who has won in excess of 3 miles. On Tour to take another huge step forward today for Evan Williams. (5/1)
2:50 Huntingdon - Amberjam
A bit of a change of speed now with a visit to Huntingdon for a handicap over 3 miles and 2 furlongs, which features a horse from a familiar yard if you follow OnTheOtherHoof. Martin Smith saddles Amberjam who recently made a promising switch to to handicaps when chasing home American Life at Fontwell over a furlong further than today's trip. The winner has since won again at Exeter which gives the form a stronger look and makes the two pound drop in the handicap all the more baffling, saying that Amberjam was beaten by 16 lengths.
It is apparent that he 'bumped into one' that day and this race looks decidedly weaker on ground that is slightly faster than Fontwell. Another positive is the jockey booking of Leighton Aspell who looks the standout jockey alongside Josh Moore in this field, with the other 6 ridden by claimers. A mark of 88 still looks more than workable for the unexposed Amberjam, and he can continue his improvement in the National Hunt sphere today. (5/1)
3:00 Haydock - Cue Card
Stepping up in class once more now with the Betfair Chase where the first three from last year are ready to do battle once more. Cue Card came out on top on that occasion and I fully expect the same result this time around with Daryl Jacob doing the steering. That was the peak of his 2013/14 campaign as he tasted defeat in the King George at the hands of Silviniaco Conti, before an injury prematurely ended his season.
Over the summer he was given a breathing operation, which is something that may have been bothering him with an eye on his effort in the King George when stopping quickly. It didn't help him when he suffered defeat on his reappearance in the Haldon Gold Cup, however two miles looks far too short for him nowadays and a staying trip is much more up his street. The only thing Cue Card has to prove tomorrow is if he is the same horse after his injury last season, of course the break could have an opposite effect and he may be better than ever. But we shall leave that to his performance on the course this afternoon as we side with him to win back to back Betfair Chases. (4/1)
3:15 Ascot - Bellenos
Dan Skelton has started this season in fine form and he looks to carry that on with Bellenos this afternoon. He recently made an encouraging reappearance over course and distance when finishing fourth behind the well handicapped Ulck Du Lin. Despite not winning he did his usual party trick of travelling strongly and jumping superbly, however on the turn for home his fitness gave out and a tired mistake at the last cost him third place.
Skelton's French recruit is still only a six year old and could still have more improvement to come off what may still be a lenient mark. It only took him two starts before he was successful on English soil which came over course and distance off a lowly mark of 122, but has since proved higher marks are well within his capabilities. His season ended with a victory at Stratford which is a course that doesn't play to his strengths at all, so in truth he did well to win off a mark of 139, which is also today's mark on a much more conventional course. Bellenos to end our day on a high for Dan and Harry Skelton. (9/2)
NAP - Amberjam
Nb - Cue Card
Good luck today everyone and as always, happy punting!!
Friday 14 November 2014
View To Find Cheltenham Gold
Good morning/evening everyone, I hope we have all recovered from the fantastic day of action at Cheltenham today and are ready to tackle an even bigger day at HQ. We had just the two selections last week which both tasted defeat so we shall look to improve with three selections this time around.
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have a video prepared for you with only myself (@Lukeelder13) and @Mytentoryours. You can follow the link below for our preview of all today's Channel 4 races and hopefully find a few winners along the way. Don't forget to follow our Twitter account as mentioned earlier on for updates about our upcoming previews.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEBvJSoM_fQ
Now onto the all important selections!
1:50 Cheltenham - Cape Tribulation
We start today off with a veteran of the game who has also tasted victory at the Cheltenham Festival when winning the Pertemps Final in 2012. Since that day he has progressed into a Grade 2 winning chaser including a victory over Imperial Commander in the Argento Chase. That came in near bottomless ground which sees him excel so today's softer conditions will be strongly in his favour whereas others may struggle.
Despite today being a chase, we last saw him in action on the level at York when reappearing after a break of 134 days. The form book says he finished thirteenth of sixteen which doesn't hold his run in such a positive light, however his placing doesn't reflect his effort. Entering the final three furlongs David Probert and his mount were beginning to charge and were no more than a length off the leader. His race was over a few strides later as he got squeezed out of things by a couple of rivals which caused him to stop quickly and stay on at the same pace. He will strip much fitter for that run and is thrown in here off a seven pound lower mark than when he was third in the Rowland Meyrick on his last effort over obstacles. (14/1)
2:00 Lingfield - Intransigent
Andrew Balding's yard have been in good form lately but the form upward curve of Intransigent's form surpasses all of that. Earlier on in the season he overcame an awful draw at Chester to land a strong listed race over an extended six furlongs, before disappointing at Goodwood.
Since then he has gone from strength to strength and impressed when bolting up in a strong handicap at Ascot in soft ground. His latest run didn't exactly go to plan however when an unlucky third over course and distance when given too much to do. Despite all of that he finished with a storming run down the outside and just failed to catch the front pair, however it did prove that he handles the Lingfield polytrack. If continuing his upward curve then he will prove tough to beat today under Jamie Spencer who was victorious here yesterday. (3/1)
2:30 Cheltenham - Present View
From one improving horse to another with Jamie Snowden's progressive Present View, who improved 26 pounds last season when making the transition to fences. That improvement included three wins and two seconds, culminating with a success at the Cheltenham Festival in the Novice Handicap on day one (nobody really knows the right name for it do they). That involved a defeat over Attaglance who is a non runner today but helps boost the form on his first step out of novice company.
We have already been treated to seeing Present View on a racecourse this season when he suffered a narrow defeat to Vicente in a novice hurdle here at Cheltenham. Despite needing the run badly he looked the winner coming to the last before making a bad mistake and handing the advantage to his rival. That mistake is quite a significant one as he suffered a cut to his leg from it which set him back slightly in training, however he seems to have overcome that in time for today. With a run under his belt and a recovery made from his small injury, Present View can prove himself a worthy favourite and land the Paddy Power on his way to bigger and better things. (13/2)
NAP - Present View
Nb - Intransigent
Good luck if you are having a bet today and as always, happy punting!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have a video prepared for you with only myself (@Lukeelder13) and @Mytentoryours. You can follow the link below for our preview of all today's Channel 4 races and hopefully find a few winners along the way. Don't forget to follow our Twitter account as mentioned earlier on for updates about our upcoming previews.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEBvJSoM_fQ
Now onto the all important selections!
1:50 Cheltenham - Cape Tribulation
We start today off with a veteran of the game who has also tasted victory at the Cheltenham Festival when winning the Pertemps Final in 2012. Since that day he has progressed into a Grade 2 winning chaser including a victory over Imperial Commander in the Argento Chase. That came in near bottomless ground which sees him excel so today's softer conditions will be strongly in his favour whereas others may struggle.
Despite today being a chase, we last saw him in action on the level at York when reappearing after a break of 134 days. The form book says he finished thirteenth of sixteen which doesn't hold his run in such a positive light, however his placing doesn't reflect his effort. Entering the final three furlongs David Probert and his mount were beginning to charge and were no more than a length off the leader. His race was over a few strides later as he got squeezed out of things by a couple of rivals which caused him to stop quickly and stay on at the same pace. He will strip much fitter for that run and is thrown in here off a seven pound lower mark than when he was third in the Rowland Meyrick on his last effort over obstacles. (14/1)
2:00 Lingfield - Intransigent
Andrew Balding's yard have been in good form lately but the form upward curve of Intransigent's form surpasses all of that. Earlier on in the season he overcame an awful draw at Chester to land a strong listed race over an extended six furlongs, before disappointing at Goodwood.
Since then he has gone from strength to strength and impressed when bolting up in a strong handicap at Ascot in soft ground. His latest run didn't exactly go to plan however when an unlucky third over course and distance when given too much to do. Despite all of that he finished with a storming run down the outside and just failed to catch the front pair, however it did prove that he handles the Lingfield polytrack. If continuing his upward curve then he will prove tough to beat today under Jamie Spencer who was victorious here yesterday. (3/1)
2:30 Cheltenham - Present View
From one improving horse to another with Jamie Snowden's progressive Present View, who improved 26 pounds last season when making the transition to fences. That improvement included three wins and two seconds, culminating with a success at the Cheltenham Festival in the Novice Handicap on day one (nobody really knows the right name for it do they). That involved a defeat over Attaglance who is a non runner today but helps boost the form on his first step out of novice company.
We have already been treated to seeing Present View on a racecourse this season when he suffered a narrow defeat to Vicente in a novice hurdle here at Cheltenham. Despite needing the run badly he looked the winner coming to the last before making a bad mistake and handing the advantage to his rival. That mistake is quite a significant one as he suffered a cut to his leg from it which set him back slightly in training, however he seems to have overcome that in time for today. With a run under his belt and a recovery made from his small injury, Present View can prove himself a worthy favourite and land the Paddy Power on his way to bigger and better things. (13/2)
NAP - Present View
Nb - Intransigent
Good luck if you are having a bet today and as always, happy punting!
Friday 7 November 2014
Back Odeon For A Show
Good morning/evening everyone, I hope we are all prepared for the last weekend of flat racing for a while as Doncaster wrap up the season in style. We also have good National Hunt cards from Wincanton, Kelso and Sandown as well as Naas over in Ireland which features the return of top Juvenile hurdler Analifet.
Last week didn't exactly go to plan with Next Sensation not firing and Blakemount looking awkward at a few fences. Saying that, both of them will come on immensely for the outings and we should see them in better form next time out and are definitely ones to stick with.
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared our weekly preview for you guys. Joining me on the panel this week are the regulars of @Calummadell and @Adamwebb121 who as of next week will be classed as a Southerner... More to be revealed later! You can watch the show live at 8pm via the link below or at your leisure also via the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEbKWScrHpQ&feature=youtu.be
Now onto the depleted selections for tomorrows racing!
2:25 Doncaster - Jack Dexter
Jim Goldie's stable star hasn't exactly been in the scintillating form of the last two seasons, but this is his time of year and he won this race last season on ground he adores.
He is yet to win in 2014, but in fairness to him he has been locking horns with the likes of Slade Power in Group One sprints. Despite not winning he hasn't disgraced himself against the very best and showed glimmers of his best form over his last two outings. The first of those came when eighth in the Ayr Gold Cup when carrying an impossible top weight in one of the trickiest handicaps of the year. As if that wasn't enough, he was also drawn on the far side which wasn't regarded to have the fastest ground and results reflected that. He then bettered that effort in the Champions Day Sprint when chasing home Gordon Lord Byron and Tropics, with the latter having to shoulder three pounds more today.
Whereas many in the field will have had enough at the end of a long season, Jack Dexter is just coming to himself and looks to have been targeted at this race for a repeat victory. (11/4)
3:35 Doncaster - Odeon
Many of you will say I am as loopy as Odeon for selecting him today as he has a tendency for getting very worked up before his races, these fears were realised when he got loose on the July Course one day and ended up near the Rowley Mile at Newmarket.
Despite all of his quirks he possesses a huge amount of talent as he showed when finishing three lengths behind The Grey Gatsby in the Dante earlier this season. He also has a good third in the Great Voltigeur to add onto his CV, but today marks his handicap debut after contesting Group and Listed races all season. It's hard to determine what his handicap mark should be after contesting such high classed events, but a mark of 101 with a six pound allowance could be lenient. As always you are taking a chance when backing Odeon but if he is on his best behaviour, which is a big if, then he should go close tomorrow. (20/1)
NAP - Jack Dexter
Nb - Odeon (obviously)
Good luck tomorrow guys and as always, happy punting!
Last week didn't exactly go to plan with Next Sensation not firing and Blakemount looking awkward at a few fences. Saying that, both of them will come on immensely for the outings and we should see them in better form next time out and are definitely ones to stick with.
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared our weekly preview for you guys. Joining me on the panel this week are the regulars of @Calummadell and @Adamwebb121 who as of next week will be classed as a Southerner... More to be revealed later! You can watch the show live at 8pm via the link below or at your leisure also via the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEbKWScrHpQ&feature=youtu.be
Now onto the depleted selections for tomorrows racing!
2:25 Doncaster - Jack Dexter
Jim Goldie's stable star hasn't exactly been in the scintillating form of the last two seasons, but this is his time of year and he won this race last season on ground he adores.
He is yet to win in 2014, but in fairness to him he has been locking horns with the likes of Slade Power in Group One sprints. Despite not winning he hasn't disgraced himself against the very best and showed glimmers of his best form over his last two outings. The first of those came when eighth in the Ayr Gold Cup when carrying an impossible top weight in one of the trickiest handicaps of the year. As if that wasn't enough, he was also drawn on the far side which wasn't regarded to have the fastest ground and results reflected that. He then bettered that effort in the Champions Day Sprint when chasing home Gordon Lord Byron and Tropics, with the latter having to shoulder three pounds more today.
Whereas many in the field will have had enough at the end of a long season, Jack Dexter is just coming to himself and looks to have been targeted at this race for a repeat victory. (11/4)
3:35 Doncaster - Odeon
Many of you will say I am as loopy as Odeon for selecting him today as he has a tendency for getting very worked up before his races, these fears were realised when he got loose on the July Course one day and ended up near the Rowley Mile at Newmarket.
Despite all of his quirks he possesses a huge amount of talent as he showed when finishing three lengths behind The Grey Gatsby in the Dante earlier this season. He also has a good third in the Great Voltigeur to add onto his CV, but today marks his handicap debut after contesting Group and Listed races all season. It's hard to determine what his handicap mark should be after contesting such high classed events, but a mark of 101 with a six pound allowance could be lenient. As always you are taking a chance when backing Odeon but if he is on his best behaviour, which is a big if, then he should go close tomorrow. (20/1)
NAP - Jack Dexter
Nb - Odeon (obviously)
Good luck tomorrow guys and as always, happy punting!
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