Good morning/evening everyone I hope we are all well and recovered from last weekend's racing as we take a bit more of a breather this week. Only the five meetings to get through today as Sandown hold the Grade One Scilly Isles Novices Chase and Ffos Las run their feature Welsh Champion Hurdle. We are also treated to a Grade Three at Fairyhouse as well the Grade Two Towton Novices Chase at Wetherby while Lingfield support with a good all weather card.
We have been on a bit of a quiet spell as of late after starting the 2015 strongly but a few unlucky ones have had us tearing our hair out. But I'm not one to complain... Out loud anyway and we go onto this weeks selections full of hope with a hint of desperation... But mostly hope!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared a video preview for you guys as we run through the Channel 4 action from Sandown, Ffos Las and Wetherby. Unfortunately it is just myself (@Lukeelder13) and @Adamwebb121 on the show tonight but we will do our best to find a winner or two. You can watch the show on replay via the link below or if you are free just after 8pm we will be live, you can find that link via our Twitter page @OnTheOtherHoof.
Scilly Isles Novice Chase Day
Now onto the all important selections!
1:15 Sandown - Jollyallan
I'm going to start off today's first selection with a bit of a moan about the Contenders Hurdle which has been one of my favourite races in the past. The rollcall of winners for this race include Binocular, Detroit City, Afsoun, Celestial Halo, Rooster Booster and Rhinestone Cowboy who all held Champion Hurdle claims at one point in their career, including two winners. If you go further back in history you will find the names of Desert Orchid, Sea Pigeon and See You Then amongst the winners which boosts the race even further. It may now only be a Listed race but that hasn't prevented top class horses from lining up previously and a field of four including a novice and a juvenile tomorrow is disappointing. That is taking nothing away from the field as they are all useful in their own right, however none of them can be considered Champion Hurdle hopes... For this year at least.
Now onto the preview itself after letting off some steam. Jollyallan can land the first renewal of this race since 2011 due to weather when Binocular won for the same connections of AP McCoy and JP McManus. Up and coming trainer Harry Fry has done a brilliant job with him so far this season as he does seem a horse for the future, but that hasn't stopped him winning all three of his hurdle starts to date. You may remember that I put Jollyallan up as part of my horses to follow list but even I was cautious about his chances at Kempton last time out. My worries of the sharper track not suiting him were flawed as he won easily and beating a useful horse of Willie Mullins' in the process. Sandown looks to be the ideal track for him as he can put his stamina to good use in what should be his first real test over obstacles. He was a high class horse in bumpers as well as over hurdles and tried the Punchestown Festival on only his second start, but the likes of Shaneshill and Silver Concorde proved too strong at that stage of his career. He has progressed out of sight since last season as you would expect and can land this competitive Listed race before going on to the Festival in March. (2/1)
3:00 Sandown - Anteros
Our final selection of the day comes in the form of Anteros who represents the rare combination of Sophie Leech and Barry Geraghty. He has had a bit of a patchy profile so far over hurdles and won his race over obstacles in May which ensures he is a Novice for this season. His usual partner of Paul Moloney is also at Ffos Las but Barry Geraghty is a more than able deputy in his absence.
He started off this season with a promising sixth in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow and looked to be a well handicapped horse behind Shelford. Next up was a visit to Cheltenham but he got outpaced at a bad time of the race over two miles which proved too short for him, he did run a lot better than his placing suggests however. After that race he looked as if he could be well handicapped over a further trip so it was a surprise to see him up against Blaklion over three miles in a Grade Two. It was even more of a surprise to see him still going well enough and moving into second off the home bend, but he proved no match for Blaklion which is no disgrace. That effectively ruined his handicap mark but at the same time suggested he was a great deal better than he had shown us previously. He once again showed his improvement when fourth in another Grade Two at Warwick when fourth behind Three Musketeers. He was tenderly ridden that day and only got passed for third on the run in and a mistake at the second last didn't help his claims. Today marks his return to handicap company off his new rating of 130 which still looks workable over this longer trip of two miles and six furlongs. The drying ground is a huge help to his chances but he doesn't mind ease in the ground so the little rain that is forecast isn't that much of a worry. Anteros to mark his return to handicaps with a win for Sophie Leech and Barry Geraghty this afternoon at Sandown. (16/1)
NAP - Anteros
Nb - Jollyallan
Have a good weekend guys and as always, happy punting!
Friday 30 January 2015
Friday 23 January 2015
Royal A Skybet Player
Good morning/evening everyone, I trust we are all getting excited for the 2015 Cheltenham Festival as we can just about see it on the horizon. Today marks Festival Trials Day where the last preparations will go on some Cheltenham candidates and other plans will be finalised. Over the course of this weekend we will see Saphir Du Rheu revert back to the smaller obstacles in a bid for the World Hurdle in March, Dynaste step up in trip and take on the young pretenders of Many Clouds and Smad Place. We also have a few on trial at Doncaster with the exciting Blaklion back at three miles and the Skybet Chase where Easter Day is a non runner and is redirected to Cheltenham
If that isn't enough for you then we are spoiled even further on Sunday as Hurricane Fly and Jezki do battle once more in the Irish Champion Hurdle. In the novice ranks we will see No More Heroes stake his Festival claims and one of the races of the weekend in the Irish Arkle which will see Un De Sceaux vs Gilgamboa vs Clarcam... Enough for you!?
As always @Ontheotherhoof have a video preview prepared for you as we cover all of tomorrow's action on Channel 4. Joining me on the panel were @Calummadell and @Adamwebb121 as they give their best bets of the weekend ahead. We hope you can tune in via the link below.
Festival Trials DayCheltenham Festival Trials Day
Now onto the all important selections!
1:50 Cheltenham - The Giant Bolster
We start today off in one of the feature races of the entire weekend and one that will be sure to give us a few Gold Cup clues. Only 6 take their chance in the Betbright Cup but we aren't short on class with Hennessy winner Many Clouds and last year's Ryanair winner Dynaste in the field. In addition to those two we have the small matter of last year's winner The Giant Bolster and the progressive Smad Place who was second in the 2014 RSA to contend with.
Preference is for The Giant Bolster who as previously mentioned won this race last year, but this is a tougher renewal and he will need more here. This is likely to be his main goal for the entire season however whereas many others in the field will have an eye to the Cheltenham Festival. That was the same story last year but he still managed a tenacious third in the Gold Cup, once again proving his love for his local track. We haven't seen a great deal of him this season as he hasn't blossomed so far when finishing last in the Charlie Hall and fifth in the Betfair, albeit only fourteen and a half lengths behind Silviniaco Conti. That isn't too much of a worry as he does most of his winning this side of Christmas and today will have been in the diary since Trials day last year. One slight negative is that Tom Scudamore can't ride due to Dynaste's presence in the race, however Tom Cannon is a more than able deputy and rode him in the Betfair Chase.
With a few too many questions over the rest in the field, we will side with the tried and tested selection of The Giant Bolster who is already a credit to connections at the grand old age of 10. (7/1)
2:40 Doncaster - Blaklion
At the start of the week Blaklion had some interesting entries for this weekend including one in the Cleeve Hurdle, but this is his preferred route and probably looks the best choice for his Cheltenham prep.
Connections haven't had a bad time of things this season with Blaklion and The New One and seem to be winning left right and centre. Blaklion will look to follow in his stablemates shoes by winning a Festival Novice Hurdle, but that will more likely be the Albert Bartlett rather than the Neptune.
After winning two bumpers he entered a few horses to follow lists before the season started but was made to work at Perth on hurdles debut. The Twiston-Davies yard were out of form at that time however and he took a huge step forward to win the Persian War at Chepstow next time out. He then suffered defeat for the first time in his life at Cheltenham over two and a half miles when finding only Parlour Games too good. There is no shame in that as the race probably wasn't enough of a stamina test for him and Parlour Games is now prominent in the Neptune markets. That record was set straight in no uncertain fashion on his first try at three miles back at Cheltenham when winning by an easy 11 lengths. Next up was his first attempt in a Grade One when contesting the Challow Hurdle at Newbury, but once again he found Parlour Games too good and had to settle for third. I was present that day and after the race Blaklion wouldn't have blown out a candle so looks to need three miles as a minimum these days. He steps back up to that trip today and it would be a bit of a shock were he to get beat in the hands of Ryan Hatch who fully returns to the saddle today after injury. (7/4)
3:15 Doncaster - Royal Player
Our last port of call today comes in the Skybet Chase and we take a bit of a chance on a more unexposed runner representing Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson. Despite only being a six year old and only tackling fences three times he has achieved a mark of 147, but that still might not be enough to stop him today.
He ran in a good Novice Chase on his debut over the larger obstacles and looked to be in need of the run on soft ground at Ffos Las. Since then he has won two handicaps and looks to be learning plenty from each experience and seems to be a thoroughly progressive type. His run last time was the effort that caught my eye after absolutely tanking through the race in a three mile handicap at Musselburgh before winning well off top weight. Today represents a whole different task off a ten pound higher mark against far better opposition, but he unexposed and could still be better than a mark of 147.
One of the main dangers today could come in the form of Night In Milan who won the Grimthorpe here last season and always performs well at this course. The once top class novice Medermit is another that is worth serious consideration off top weight, but Tom Bellamy takes off a valuable five pounds. Royal Player is the selection today however and should be on his way to bigger and better things in his career. (9/1)
NAP - Blaklion
Nb - Royal Player
Have a good day today everyone and as always, happy punting!
If that isn't enough for you then we are spoiled even further on Sunday as Hurricane Fly and Jezki do battle once more in the Irish Champion Hurdle. In the novice ranks we will see No More Heroes stake his Festival claims and one of the races of the weekend in the Irish Arkle which will see Un De Sceaux vs Gilgamboa vs Clarcam... Enough for you!?
As always @Ontheotherhoof have a video preview prepared for you as we cover all of tomorrow's action on Channel 4. Joining me on the panel were @Calummadell and @Adamwebb121 as they give their best bets of the weekend ahead. We hope you can tune in via the link below.
Festival Trials DayCheltenham Festival Trials Day
Now onto the all important selections!
1:50 Cheltenham - The Giant Bolster
We start today off in one of the feature races of the entire weekend and one that will be sure to give us a few Gold Cup clues. Only 6 take their chance in the Betbright Cup but we aren't short on class with Hennessy winner Many Clouds and last year's Ryanair winner Dynaste in the field. In addition to those two we have the small matter of last year's winner The Giant Bolster and the progressive Smad Place who was second in the 2014 RSA to contend with.
Preference is for The Giant Bolster who as previously mentioned won this race last year, but this is a tougher renewal and he will need more here. This is likely to be his main goal for the entire season however whereas many others in the field will have an eye to the Cheltenham Festival. That was the same story last year but he still managed a tenacious third in the Gold Cup, once again proving his love for his local track. We haven't seen a great deal of him this season as he hasn't blossomed so far when finishing last in the Charlie Hall and fifth in the Betfair, albeit only fourteen and a half lengths behind Silviniaco Conti. That isn't too much of a worry as he does most of his winning this side of Christmas and today will have been in the diary since Trials day last year. One slight negative is that Tom Scudamore can't ride due to Dynaste's presence in the race, however Tom Cannon is a more than able deputy and rode him in the Betfair Chase.
With a few too many questions over the rest in the field, we will side with the tried and tested selection of The Giant Bolster who is already a credit to connections at the grand old age of 10. (7/1)
2:40 Doncaster - Blaklion
At the start of the week Blaklion had some interesting entries for this weekend including one in the Cleeve Hurdle, but this is his preferred route and probably looks the best choice for his Cheltenham prep.
Connections haven't had a bad time of things this season with Blaklion and The New One and seem to be winning left right and centre. Blaklion will look to follow in his stablemates shoes by winning a Festival Novice Hurdle, but that will more likely be the Albert Bartlett rather than the Neptune.
After winning two bumpers he entered a few horses to follow lists before the season started but was made to work at Perth on hurdles debut. The Twiston-Davies yard were out of form at that time however and he took a huge step forward to win the Persian War at Chepstow next time out. He then suffered defeat for the first time in his life at Cheltenham over two and a half miles when finding only Parlour Games too good. There is no shame in that as the race probably wasn't enough of a stamina test for him and Parlour Games is now prominent in the Neptune markets. That record was set straight in no uncertain fashion on his first try at three miles back at Cheltenham when winning by an easy 11 lengths. Next up was his first attempt in a Grade One when contesting the Challow Hurdle at Newbury, but once again he found Parlour Games too good and had to settle for third. I was present that day and after the race Blaklion wouldn't have blown out a candle so looks to need three miles as a minimum these days. He steps back up to that trip today and it would be a bit of a shock were he to get beat in the hands of Ryan Hatch who fully returns to the saddle today after injury. (7/4)
3:15 Doncaster - Royal Player
Our last port of call today comes in the Skybet Chase and we take a bit of a chance on a more unexposed runner representing Philip Hobbs and Richard Johnson. Despite only being a six year old and only tackling fences three times he has achieved a mark of 147, but that still might not be enough to stop him today.
He ran in a good Novice Chase on his debut over the larger obstacles and looked to be in need of the run on soft ground at Ffos Las. Since then he has won two handicaps and looks to be learning plenty from each experience and seems to be a thoroughly progressive type. His run last time was the effort that caught my eye after absolutely tanking through the race in a three mile handicap at Musselburgh before winning well off top weight. Today represents a whole different task off a ten pound higher mark against far better opposition, but he unexposed and could still be better than a mark of 147.
One of the main dangers today could come in the form of Night In Milan who won the Grimthorpe here last season and always performs well at this course. The once top class novice Medermit is another that is worth serious consideration off top weight, but Tom Bellamy takes off a valuable five pounds. Royal Player is the selection today however and should be on his way to bigger and better things in his career. (9/1)
NAP - Blaklion
Nb - Royal Player
Have a good day today everyone and as always, happy punting!
Friday 16 January 2015
World To Rule At Naas
Good morning/evening everyone, I hope we are all counting down the days to the Cheltenham Festival and getting appropriately excited for the roar on day one. Today has the potential to get National Hunt hearts pounding with the long and eagerly awaited return of Sprinter Sacre in the Clarence House Chase where he will face four opponents. The chief danger of those four on the betting front looks to be Tingle Creek winner Dodging Bullets for Paul Nicholls and Noel Fehily. Elsewhere we also have The New One in action at Haydock where he has a fairly straight forward Champion Hurdle Trial to win.
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared a video preview for you as we look ahead to all of Saturday's action on Channel 4. Joining me on the panel this week are @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell as we run you through the best bets of the day.
Clarence House Chase Day Preview
Now onto the all important selections
1:55 Naas - Rule The World
A rare trip over Ireland to start us off today with Rule The World who brings by far the best hurdles form into the race. He signed off last year with a good sixth in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham behind More Of That and Annie Power. He was also successful on this card last season when winning the Grade Three Limestone Lad in the minimum of fuss and beating a useful field in the process.
We have only seen him once this season and that came on his sole start over fences to date. His performance that day would have been more than enough to win most Beginners Chases, but he bumped into Adriana Des Mottes who is an above average mare and received a stone and a half in weight. Rule The World looked like coming out the wrong end of the fight at the last before getting the better jump than his rival, but he faltered late on and got caught in the shadows of the post.
That was a more than adequate chase debut though and the fact he turns up in a Grade Two next time out speaks volumes about how highly he is regarded. With an eye to the future, he is currently a best priced 25/1 for the RSA at Cheltenham in March which will shorten significantly were he to win well today. (7/4)
3:25 Taunton - Fayette County
JP McManus provided us with a winner a few weeks ago through Mr Mole and he teams up with Tim Vaughan and Fayette County at Taunton today. He is a difficult choice on form as he is yet to complete in two starts over fences, but has had chances both times when falling three out.
Since switching over to England from Ireland he has won two novice hurdles after a victorious bumper campaign, and mixed it with some nice types including Don Cossack. Since then things haven't exactly gone his way over fences but he has ran with tremendous promise on both occasions. He was last seen when falling three out at Newbury when still travelling strongly, Far West went on to win that race from Seventh Sky and both have boosted the form in a big way since. The main danger to Fayette County tomorrow likely won't be his opposition as he looks by far the best in this field, but the fences and in particular the third last which has been his nemesis twice now. If he can overcome that fear then he should take all the beating here. (10/3)
NAP - Rule The World
Nb - Fayette County
Have a good weekend everyone and as always, happy punting!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared a video preview for you as we look ahead to all of Saturday's action on Channel 4. Joining me on the panel this week are @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell as we run you through the best bets of the day.
Clarence House Chase Day Preview
Now onto the all important selections
1:55 Naas - Rule The World
A rare trip over Ireland to start us off today with Rule The World who brings by far the best hurdles form into the race. He signed off last year with a good sixth in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham behind More Of That and Annie Power. He was also successful on this card last season when winning the Grade Three Limestone Lad in the minimum of fuss and beating a useful field in the process.
We have only seen him once this season and that came on his sole start over fences to date. His performance that day would have been more than enough to win most Beginners Chases, but he bumped into Adriana Des Mottes who is an above average mare and received a stone and a half in weight. Rule The World looked like coming out the wrong end of the fight at the last before getting the better jump than his rival, but he faltered late on and got caught in the shadows of the post.
That was a more than adequate chase debut though and the fact he turns up in a Grade Two next time out speaks volumes about how highly he is regarded. With an eye to the future, he is currently a best priced 25/1 for the RSA at Cheltenham in March which will shorten significantly were he to win well today. (7/4)
3:25 Taunton - Fayette County
JP McManus provided us with a winner a few weeks ago through Mr Mole and he teams up with Tim Vaughan and Fayette County at Taunton today. He is a difficult choice on form as he is yet to complete in two starts over fences, but has had chances both times when falling three out.
Since switching over to England from Ireland he has won two novice hurdles after a victorious bumper campaign, and mixed it with some nice types including Don Cossack. Since then things haven't exactly gone his way over fences but he has ran with tremendous promise on both occasions. He was last seen when falling three out at Newbury when still travelling strongly, Far West went on to win that race from Seventh Sky and both have boosted the form in a big way since. The main danger to Fayette County tomorrow likely won't be his opposition as he looks by far the best in this field, but the fences and in particular the third last which has been his nemesis twice now. If he can overcome that fear then he should take all the beating here. (10/3)
NAP - Rule The World
Nb - Fayette County
Have a good weekend everyone and as always, happy punting!
Friday 9 January 2015
War To Sing At Kempton
Good evening/morning everyone, I hope we have fully recovered from the festive period now and are ready to kick 2015 off with a bang. We did that last week with two winners in the shape of Fairy Rath and Mr Mole who started off the year well for us, it looks harder this week but we shall give it a go as always.
@OnTheOtherHoof have a video preview prepared for you guys as we look ahead to the Channel 4 action from Kempton and Warwick. Joining me on the panel this week are the usual suspects of @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell who both give their best bets of the day. Hope you can join us via the link below, enjoy!
Lanzarote Hurdle and Classic Chase Day
Now onto the all important selections!
2:40 Kempton - Dell Arca
We start off with one of the day's feature races in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton, which was won last year by the progressive Saphir Du Rheu. Dell Arca may not fall into the progressive category after failing to sparkle over fences, but he showed that the ability is still there in a Grade One at Ascot last time out.
I have to admit, Dell Arca has never really been a horse that I have warmed to despite featuring heavily in many top handicap hurdles. Those include a second to Splash Of Ginge in last year's Betfair Hurdle before a good fifth in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham. He failed to win in two attempts over fences and despite pushing the Grade One winning Coneygree to a length and a half he reverted to hurdles last time out. That came in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle which also included his first attempt at a trip in excess of two miles and five furlongs. He quite clearly didn't stay that day and probably lacked a bit of class against Reve De Sivola and Zarkandar, but ran with great promise. Turning for home he was sat in a share of fourth and began to make his move while still travelling strongly, but his stamina gave out before the second last. Tom Scudamore was sensible on him after that and just nursed him home under a hands and heels ride, but he entered the notebook and the handicapper has left him on a mark of 145. That mark is four pounds higher than his effort when fifth in the Coral Cup and the softer ground should be no bother to him whatsoever. Dell Arca to add a Lanzarote Hurdle to his already impressive portfolio. (10/1)
3:15 Kempton - Via Sundown
You will remember Via Sundown featuring as part of the horses to follow list at the start of the season, but it hasn't exactly gone to plan so far. He landed a small novice hurdle at Exeter to start his year off but then put in a disappointing performance in the Hennessy when never really looking like landing a blow. The handicapper relented four pounds for that effort and he ran a far better race at Ascot last time out despite only finishing sixth.
He showed up well for a long way at Ascot and like Dell Arca was still travelling well when turning for home upsides with The Young Master. He benefited from first time cheek pieces that day and they remain on again today which should help him no end. Despite running well at Ascot he faded into sixth late in the race but as a result the handicapper has given him a chance and he finds himself four pounds lower in the handicap. Josh Moore has partnered him to all of his victories so far and he takes the ride once more this afternoon, he will need to brush up his jumping but can land his first race over fences this season. (10/1)
3:35 Warwick - West End Rocker
It has been four years since a 9 year old West End Rocker was victorious in this race and returns as an in form 13 year old. He faces a stiff task against his younger rivals but is also met with the burden of a mark of 139 which is two pounds higher than his highest winning mark. Tom Bellamy takes the ride once again which means he gets a valuable five pounds taken off his back and the two seemed to gel nicely at Lingfield last time out.
That was the perfect race for him to refind his form in as there were only three rivals for him to beat in a Veterans Chase, albeit against some classy horses though. He never really looked in trouble that day and jumped for fun, which is a crucial quality to have round Warwick as the fences come up thick and fast. The ground will also pose no issues for him whatsoever as he has three wins to his name on heavy ground including this race and the Becher Chase. With Tom Bellamy's claim taken into account he is only a pound higher than he was when victorious here in 2013 and he looks better than ever lately. West End Rocker to regain his Classic Chase crown. (14/1)
3:45 Kempton - War Singer
We end today with War Singer who's run last time out at Sandown is being boosted by the form book with a couple of winners coming out from behind him. Ruacana has since won the feature race at Musselburgh on New Years Day and Sleepy Haven who reopposes here has also bolted up at Haydock. The only one that has let the form down is Amore Alato who was a selection on the blog last week, but he can be forgiven as he hated the ground.
War Singer travelled excellently that day and he jumped to the front at the second last but was passed by Snake Eyes and Amore Alato up the Sandown hill. The easier track at Kempton will suit him and he has won on softer ground in the past so it will suit him more than some of his rivals. Despite shaping up into a National Hunt horse now he has been in winning action over the Autumn when landing events at Sandown and Goodwood. He could still be on a lenient mark over hurdles and is well worth giving another chance to with Nick Scholfield in the saddle. (8/1)
NAP - War Singer
Nb - Dell Arca
Have a good day everyone and as always, happy punting!
@OnTheOtherHoof have a video preview prepared for you guys as we look ahead to the Channel 4 action from Kempton and Warwick. Joining me on the panel this week are the usual suspects of @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell who both give their best bets of the day. Hope you can join us via the link below, enjoy!
Lanzarote Hurdle and Classic Chase Day
Now onto the all important selections!
2:40 Kempton - Dell Arca
We start off with one of the day's feature races in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton, which was won last year by the progressive Saphir Du Rheu. Dell Arca may not fall into the progressive category after failing to sparkle over fences, but he showed that the ability is still there in a Grade One at Ascot last time out.
I have to admit, Dell Arca has never really been a horse that I have warmed to despite featuring heavily in many top handicap hurdles. Those include a second to Splash Of Ginge in last year's Betfair Hurdle before a good fifth in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham. He failed to win in two attempts over fences and despite pushing the Grade One winning Coneygree to a length and a half he reverted to hurdles last time out. That came in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle which also included his first attempt at a trip in excess of two miles and five furlongs. He quite clearly didn't stay that day and probably lacked a bit of class against Reve De Sivola and Zarkandar, but ran with great promise. Turning for home he was sat in a share of fourth and began to make his move while still travelling strongly, but his stamina gave out before the second last. Tom Scudamore was sensible on him after that and just nursed him home under a hands and heels ride, but he entered the notebook and the handicapper has left him on a mark of 145. That mark is four pounds higher than his effort when fifth in the Coral Cup and the softer ground should be no bother to him whatsoever. Dell Arca to add a Lanzarote Hurdle to his already impressive portfolio. (10/1)
3:15 Kempton - Via Sundown
You will remember Via Sundown featuring as part of the horses to follow list at the start of the season, but it hasn't exactly gone to plan so far. He landed a small novice hurdle at Exeter to start his year off but then put in a disappointing performance in the Hennessy when never really looking like landing a blow. The handicapper relented four pounds for that effort and he ran a far better race at Ascot last time out despite only finishing sixth.
He showed up well for a long way at Ascot and like Dell Arca was still travelling well when turning for home upsides with The Young Master. He benefited from first time cheek pieces that day and they remain on again today which should help him no end. Despite running well at Ascot he faded into sixth late in the race but as a result the handicapper has given him a chance and he finds himself four pounds lower in the handicap. Josh Moore has partnered him to all of his victories so far and he takes the ride once more this afternoon, he will need to brush up his jumping but can land his first race over fences this season. (10/1)
3:35 Warwick - West End Rocker
It has been four years since a 9 year old West End Rocker was victorious in this race and returns as an in form 13 year old. He faces a stiff task against his younger rivals but is also met with the burden of a mark of 139 which is two pounds higher than his highest winning mark. Tom Bellamy takes the ride once again which means he gets a valuable five pounds taken off his back and the two seemed to gel nicely at Lingfield last time out.
That was the perfect race for him to refind his form in as there were only three rivals for him to beat in a Veterans Chase, albeit against some classy horses though. He never really looked in trouble that day and jumped for fun, which is a crucial quality to have round Warwick as the fences come up thick and fast. The ground will also pose no issues for him whatsoever as he has three wins to his name on heavy ground including this race and the Becher Chase. With Tom Bellamy's claim taken into account he is only a pound higher than he was when victorious here in 2013 and he looks better than ever lately. West End Rocker to regain his Classic Chase crown. (14/1)
3:45 Kempton - War Singer
We end today with War Singer who's run last time out at Sandown is being boosted by the form book with a couple of winners coming out from behind him. Ruacana has since won the feature race at Musselburgh on New Years Day and Sleepy Haven who reopposes here has also bolted up at Haydock. The only one that has let the form down is Amore Alato who was a selection on the blog last week, but he can be forgiven as he hated the ground.
War Singer travelled excellently that day and he jumped to the front at the second last but was passed by Snake Eyes and Amore Alato up the Sandown hill. The easier track at Kempton will suit him and he has won on softer ground in the past so it will suit him more than some of his rivals. Despite shaping up into a National Hunt horse now he has been in winning action over the Autumn when landing events at Sandown and Goodwood. He could still be on a lenient mark over hurdles and is well worth giving another chance to with Nick Scholfield in the saddle. (8/1)
NAP - War Singer
Nb - Dell Arca
Have a good day everyone and as always, happy punting!
Friday 2 January 2015
We Want Amore And Alato
Good morning/evening ladies and gentleman, a happy new year to you all and I hope 2015 is a profitable year for all of us. Our blushes on Boxing Day were saved by Gilgamboa who staked his claims at the Cheltenham Festival, when running out an impressive winner in a Grade Two at Limerick. Other than that there wasn't a great deal to write home about as Saphir Du Rheu fell once more and Ut Majeur Aulmes became increasingly more infuriating to follow. But we go on with hope for 2015! I also apologise for the disgraceful title to today's blog... Forgive me!
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared a video preview for you as we discuss all of the Channel 4 action on Saturday. Joining me on the panel tonight were @Calummadell and @Adamwebb121 who both gave their best bets for the weekend. Enjoy!
Tolworth Hurdle Day
Now onto the all important selections!
1:15 Sandown - Fairy Rath
We start today's blog off with Fairy Rath who ran well last time when making his reappearance after a break of 11 months at Ascot. He ran as if he was in severe need of the outing but showed up well for a long way before tiring on the turn for home and was subsequently looked after by Tom Cannon. Despite being beaten just over 40 lengths, the form from the horses ahead of him has since been excellent with three winners coming out from the three who have seen a racecourse.
Niceonefrankie was the eventual winner at Ascot and he needs no introduction after his romp at Cheltenham off a 13 pound higher mark. Second was the dual hurdles winning King Edmund who was also touched off over fences at Kempton on his next run, whereas Drumshambo hasn't been seen since. Al Alfa is the last one to mention who was beaten over 28 lengths back into fourth, he was next seen when fending off Buck Mulligan to win at Cheltenham in December.
As you can see, despite being beaten a long way the form has been boosted on multiple occasions and Fairy Rath ran a lot better than his finishing position suggested. He will strip a lot fitter for that reappearance and has no problems with Sandown or the ground, so he is taken to land his fourth win overall and third win under Tom Cannon. (13/2)
1:50 Sandown - Mr Mole
Mr Mole is the next selection for the rare team of Paul Nicholls, AP McCoy and JP McManus and will be well fancied to give the three a winner. It is no secret that their representative hasn't been the most straightforward of horses in the past, but he seemed a different animal all together when leading from start to finish at Exeter last time out. That was only a three horse race but he had Brick Red behind him in second and despite being three pounds worse at the weights, he is chosen to confirm that running.
He was in the process of running a good race in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham but fell at the last when held in eighth. He has won twice since that day however and looks to be maturing after proving a difficult ride in the past, most notably in the Swinton Hurdle two seasons ago. Since that day he has struck up a good relationship with AP McCoy winning three of those six starts with him on board. Off a career high mark of 147 Mr Mole will need to improve again but he is more capable of being better than this mark. (3/1)
3:00 Sandown - Amore Alato
Next up is Amore Alato who was a more than useful novice but just short of top class last season, but is looking to stamp his authority in handicaps this time around. He made an encouraging reappearance off a three pound higher mark when bumping into a well handicapped Snake Eyes over course and distance. He ran well that day and proved that he isn't one dimensional when taking a lead from Leviathan and still proving competitive in the closing stages.
Last season he mixed it with some of the best novices around when finishing second by five lengths to Irving at Kempton and third by 11 lengths behind Lac Fontana, both of which have since won Grade One's. He was well beaten at Aintree by Josses Hill but that is easily forgiven as it was at the end of a long season and he was likely over the top. On that form he could still be well handicapped and this race looks an easier task than his last outing here. (4/1)
3:45 Lingfield - Black Truffle
We end the day with a visit to Lingfield where Mark Usher saddles the in form Black Truffle, who has taken advantage of a slipping handicap mark and bounced back to form in a big way. He is by no means a world beater and at the age of 5 we know everything that there is to know about the horse, but a low handicap can make any horse dangerous.
Black Truffle entered the notebook when winning in taking style at Kempton off a low mark of 47 two outings ago and was only put up four pounds for it. He then went to Wolverhampton last time out when everything went wrong for him and he could go down as an unlucky loser. Liam Keniry decided to take the brave route of sticking to the inside rail and met trouble on three separate occasions, causing Keniry to stop riding and sacrifice ground. Hayley Turner takes over in the saddle today which is no negative after her recent form, including a winner on New Years Day. Black Truffle to take all the beating in the last at Lingfield. (7/2)
NAP - Fairy Rath
Nb - Amore Alato
Good luck everyone and as always, happy punting
As always @OnTheOtherHoof have prepared a video preview for you as we discuss all of the Channel 4 action on Saturday. Joining me on the panel tonight were @Calummadell and @Adamwebb121 who both gave their best bets for the weekend. Enjoy!
Tolworth Hurdle Day
Now onto the all important selections!
1:15 Sandown - Fairy Rath
We start today's blog off with Fairy Rath who ran well last time when making his reappearance after a break of 11 months at Ascot. He ran as if he was in severe need of the outing but showed up well for a long way before tiring on the turn for home and was subsequently looked after by Tom Cannon. Despite being beaten just over 40 lengths, the form from the horses ahead of him has since been excellent with three winners coming out from the three who have seen a racecourse.
Niceonefrankie was the eventual winner at Ascot and he needs no introduction after his romp at Cheltenham off a 13 pound higher mark. Second was the dual hurdles winning King Edmund who was also touched off over fences at Kempton on his next run, whereas Drumshambo hasn't been seen since. Al Alfa is the last one to mention who was beaten over 28 lengths back into fourth, he was next seen when fending off Buck Mulligan to win at Cheltenham in December.
As you can see, despite being beaten a long way the form has been boosted on multiple occasions and Fairy Rath ran a lot better than his finishing position suggested. He will strip a lot fitter for that reappearance and has no problems with Sandown or the ground, so he is taken to land his fourth win overall and third win under Tom Cannon. (13/2)
1:50 Sandown - Mr Mole
Mr Mole is the next selection for the rare team of Paul Nicholls, AP McCoy and JP McManus and will be well fancied to give the three a winner. It is no secret that their representative hasn't been the most straightforward of horses in the past, but he seemed a different animal all together when leading from start to finish at Exeter last time out. That was only a three horse race but he had Brick Red behind him in second and despite being three pounds worse at the weights, he is chosen to confirm that running.
He was in the process of running a good race in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham but fell at the last when held in eighth. He has won twice since that day however and looks to be maturing after proving a difficult ride in the past, most notably in the Swinton Hurdle two seasons ago. Since that day he has struck up a good relationship with AP McCoy winning three of those six starts with him on board. Off a career high mark of 147 Mr Mole will need to improve again but he is more capable of being better than this mark. (3/1)
3:00 Sandown - Amore Alato
Next up is Amore Alato who was a more than useful novice but just short of top class last season, but is looking to stamp his authority in handicaps this time around. He made an encouraging reappearance off a three pound higher mark when bumping into a well handicapped Snake Eyes over course and distance. He ran well that day and proved that he isn't one dimensional when taking a lead from Leviathan and still proving competitive in the closing stages.
Last season he mixed it with some of the best novices around when finishing second by five lengths to Irving at Kempton and third by 11 lengths behind Lac Fontana, both of which have since won Grade One's. He was well beaten at Aintree by Josses Hill but that is easily forgiven as it was at the end of a long season and he was likely over the top. On that form he could still be well handicapped and this race looks an easier task than his last outing here. (4/1)
3:45 Lingfield - Black Truffle
We end the day with a visit to Lingfield where Mark Usher saddles the in form Black Truffle, who has taken advantage of a slipping handicap mark and bounced back to form in a big way. He is by no means a world beater and at the age of 5 we know everything that there is to know about the horse, but a low handicap can make any horse dangerous.
Black Truffle entered the notebook when winning in taking style at Kempton off a low mark of 47 two outings ago and was only put up four pounds for it. He then went to Wolverhampton last time out when everything went wrong for him and he could go down as an unlucky loser. Liam Keniry decided to take the brave route of sticking to the inside rail and met trouble on three separate occasions, causing Keniry to stop riding and sacrifice ground. Hayley Turner takes over in the saddle today which is no negative after her recent form, including a winner on New Years Day. Black Truffle to take all the beating in the last at Lingfield. (7/2)
NAP - Fairy Rath
Nb - Amore Alato
Good luck everyone and as always, happy punting
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