Boxing Day 2014

Happy Christmas everyone (depending on when you are reading this) I hope we are all excited for the holidays and already planning our fancies on Boxing Day. There is a feast of 12 meetings in England and Ireland today and those are headlined from Kempton who stage the Grade One King George VI Chase. Silviniaco Conti won the race 12 months ago and once again heads the market with Champagne Fever the next best in the betting. Champion Hurdle favourite Faugheen also appears on the card in what should be a straight forward task in the Christmas Hurdle, with Irving seemingly his main threat. But if I told you each star name that is running today you would be here all day so I'll get on with the blog!

As always @Ontheotherhoof have prepared a video for you as we discuss the the Channel 4 racing on Boxing Day with a Secret Santa thrown in for good measure. Joining me on the panel today are the full house of @Calummadell, @Adamwebb121 and @Mytentoryours. You can watch the show via the link below, enjoy!

Boxing Day Preview

Now onto the all important festive selections!

1:05 Wincanton - Ut Majeur Aulmes

On a day of racing heaven, we start off with Ut Majeur Aulmes who has been contesting stronger handicaps so far this season and looks to have been found an ideal opportunity here with drying ground. 

Denis O'Regan has struck up a good partnership over his last four starts and won off a three pound lower mark when the pair first teamed up. He has found life a bit tougher lately against classier horses but has far from disgraced himself in hot races. Today is a bit easier for him and with the additions of Malibu Sun and Minella Definitely into the field, he will get the strong pace that he needs. As mentioned earlier the drying ground will help his chances immensely and he still looks well treated as an improving six year old chaser. (4/1)

1:45 Wetherby - Vintage Star

Sue Smith won this race 12 months ago with Cloudy Too and is represented by Vintage Star this time around who has cheek pieces on for the first time. He ended last season with a bit of a struggle when he fell at the Cheltenham Festival before being pulled up in the Grand National. However after those disappointments he has started this season promisingly when chasing home Shutthefrontdoor on his reappearance, and Hey Big Spender last time out. He raced lazily on both occasions which should be fixed by the addition of cheek pieces and a bold show is expected now that the yard have found themselves amongst the winners again.

One of the main dangers could come in the shape of Cape Tribulation who was given a tender ride last time out and never really landed a blow. He has been supported in the market this week and won this race off today's mark two seasons ago which should make him competitive. Vintage Star is the selection to make it two Rowland Meyrick's in two years for Sue Smith with James Reveley a positive jockey booking. (15/2)

2:00 Kempton - Saphir Du Rheu

One at a shorter price now but Saphir Du Rheu looks fairly unbeatable in this year's Feltham with his main rival being stable mate Virak. The selection made giant strides last season after starting off on a mark of 130 and ending the year on a mark of 165 when beaten in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell. Today will see him tackle three miles for the first time which shouldn't be much of a problem for him after Paul Nicholls touted him as a future Gold Cup horse. 

After many put him up as a novice chaser to follow he made an auspicious debut over the larger obstacles when unseating Sam Twiston-Davies at Newbury. That isn't much of a worry as he was just caught out by a lack of chasing experience and has jumped superbly when winning at Exeter since. 

His main dangers will come in the form of Virak and Coneygree with the former being his stable mate and remains unexposed, saying that he does have to improve on what he has shown so far. Coneygree will be the pace angle in the race and won the contest that Saphir Du Rheu fell in at Newbury when beating Dell Arca. That was his first run for 671 days, but he jumped fluently and ground his rivals into the ground, he will find things tougher round Kempton but isn't one to easily discard. Saphir Du Rheu could just be a much better horse than his rivals today and should land today's event on his way to bigger and better things. (5/4)

2:05 Limerick - Gilgamboa

You may recall Gilgamboa featuring on my horses to follow list at the start of the season and he didn't disappoint on chase debut. He jumped fantastically that day and beat a few useful horses in the process which earned him a crack at this Grade Two. Despite doing all the right things that day he gave the impression that he would benefit from a step up in trip which he gets today. 

He seems to be the forgotten horse from last years Supreme Novices as he was travelling as well as anything in the field before making a terrible mistake at the second last. That effectively ended his race there and then but looked a sure thing to be amongst the places on that day, but of course we will never know that for certain. (9/4)

His biggest danger could come from Adriana Des Mottes who is another horse I have a soft spot for and will benefit for going chasing. She could hardly have been more impressive on her chasing debut when travelling all over Rule The World and it only looked a case of how far. However she made a terrible mistake at the last fence and just got back up on top of the line proving she is a very classy animal. She again gets all the allowances a four year old filly would get and this is one of the last chances she will get to do that, so it could be a good bit of placing here. Gilgamboa is no slouch though and will be a tough nut to crack this afternoon. 

3:10 Kempton - Wonderful Charm

Our final selection on this busy Boxing Day is somewhat a speculative one, but also one that I feel is horrifically overpriced and is unexposed at the trip. Wonderful Charm was highly thought of when he came over to this country and even ran in the World Hurdle on his second start in the UK. He has been chasing since then and proved a natural when winning his first three chases including a couple of Grade Two's. Life has been a bit tough for him since those days though which I feel is partly down to the distance as to me he looks a stayer, today he gets to prove that.

He tackled the JLT Novices Chase at the Festival last season and came fifth but was never nearer than on top of the line, he also got slightly hampered by the fall of Djakadam. There was no disgrace in that run and he got his own back on a couple of those rivals at Newton Abbot this season in his reappearance. He was made to work hard that day and was off the bridle for the majority of the final circuit and got outpaced on his last two outings as well behind Don Cossack and Wishfull Thinking. 

His only attempt over three miles came at Aintree, but he didn't do himself justice that day when third to Holywell after a long and hard season. That effort is easily forgotten and is well worth another try at the distance on ground that will suit him. Wonderful Charm to outperform his odds in the King George. (50/1)

NAP - Saphir Du Rheu

Nb - Gilgamboa

Happy Christmas everyone and as always, happy punting!

Sea Has The Ladbroke Beat

Good morning/evening everyone, I hope we are all slowly getting ready for Christmas and have time to take an afternoon off for the racing. Last week saw us see two potential Cheltenham Festival winners with The New One cementing his already impressive Champion Hurdle credentials, before Rock On Ruby won the Relkeel and earned World Hurdle quotes. This weekend is no different as Zarkandar looks to add yet another Grade One to his portfolio in the JLT Long Walk Hurdle and Activial heads the Ladbroke Hurdle market.

As always @Ontheotherhoof have a video preview prepared for you guys as we discuss all of tomorrow's racing on Channel 4. Joining me on the panel this week were @Adamwebb121 and fresh off the pantomime scene @Mytentoryours. You can watch the show via the link below, enjoy!

Ladbroke Hurdle Day Preview

Now onto the all important selections

Ascot 1:50 - Bellenos

Dan Skelton's Gelding has been a bit expensive to follow this season after disappointing on his reappearance when well backed, and finishing down the field last time out. In fairness to him there were excuses last time out as he was found to be lame after the race, which is a perfectly understandable reason for the poor show. With that kept in mind, he jumped fantastically as he usually does and that could prove a strong asset to have in a race like this.

He won over course and distance last season off a 17 pound lower mark but hasn't done too much to suggest he is necessarily badly handicapped. The yard form is also worth taking into account as well with Dan Skelton saddling three winners from his last six runners. With everything taken into account, Bellenos is well worth another chance today in what looks a below average race for the track. (11/2)

Ascot 2:25 - Aubusson

Today's only Grade One has suffered from a pretty poor turn out with just a field of five accepting the challenge of the Long Walk this year. Among those five is the winner of this race for the last two seasons, Reve De Sivola who is partnered by Daryl Jacob in the absence of Richard Johnson.

On Reve De Sivola's best form then he would be well up to winning this contest, however he hasn't been at his best since last season. More recently he has disappointed on two occasions in France with one of them coming behind Zarkandar when well beaten into seventh. He is usually prepped for this race which would give some confidence but he has a lot to find on recent form.

As mentioned before, Zarkandar beat Reve De Sivola in France and was impressive in doing so. That was the former's stand out performance at this trip after not overly convincing in England, but he benefitted from more forceful tactics that day. He clearly sets the standard in this field but it wouldn't take a world beater for him to find one too good tomorrow and at the prices is opposed.

Medinas burst back to form last time out when beating More Of That and Cole Harden at Newbury after a few rather tame efforts. He still has a bit to prove to show us that he is back at his best for me as that race fell into his lap with the protagonists going off too fast on testing ground. He isn't completely ruled out but is very much a watching brief this afternoon.

Dell Arca is the outsider of the field and reverts back to hurdles after two failed attempts over fences. He has been thrown in to the deep end here with his first attempt at three miles coming in a Grade One but is open to improvement.

That leaves us with Aubusson who entered calculations at this level when landing the fixed brush handicap hurdle at Haydock in impressive fashion. Obviously this is a big step up in class but on official ratings he only has seven pounds to find with Zarkandar and is ahead of Reve De Sivola. One of the main talking points will be his jockey booking of Lizzie Kelly, she is his regular rider but can't claim her seven pounds today making life harder saying that she is more than capable and knows the horse better than anyone else. Aubusson to make successful step up in class and land the Grade One Long Walk. (7/1)

Lingfield 2:35 - Baltic Knight

A trip to Lingfield now as Baltic Knight steps back up in trip after disappointing at Newbury on his only previous try over 10 furlongs. He is well worth another go however after staying on too late over a mile in a strong Kempton Listed race. That form looks extraordinary for a Listed race with Sloane Avenue being talked about as a potential Dubai World Cup horse and Captain Cat already contesting Group Ones.

This race doesn't look anywhere near that quality with Grendisar looking the only danger and he is far from straightforward. Followers of his will know the feeling of seeing him travel very strongly only to not find anything off the bridle all too well.

As well as being the top rated horse in the race on official ratings, Baltic Knight is also partnered by George Baker who rides this track better than anyone. Baltic Knight to improve for the step up in trip and put his class to good use. (7/4)

Ascot 3:30 - Sea Beat

A good turn out for the Ladbroke Hurdle this season with 18 horses going to post after Baradari was confirmed as a non runner. Activial heads the market at 9/2 off a handicap mark of 137 after not showing his best form in a Grade One at Aintree last season.

Preference however is for the bottom weight, Sea Beat who is sent over by Arthur Moore but must run from four pounds out of the handicap. We have only seen Sea Beat on the racecourse five times but he still boasts some excellent form including two lengths behind Plinth on debut who is now rated in the 140s. His most recent outing came on the flat however, as he had a pipe opener round Galway when mixing it with some very nice horses and holding his own when third. That will have blown away the cobwebs and put him right for this afternoon off a handicap mark that could still be lenient on ground that is perfect for him. (14/1)

NAP - Aubusson
Nb - Bellenos

Good luck today and as always, happy punting!

Glance Is Worth A Chance

Good morning/evening to you all, I hope we have recovered from last weeks fantastic racing in preparation for... Well some pretty average stuff in truth. But there are still winners to be found and a few competitive handicaps as well as a few good Graded races featuring The New One and Rock On Ruby.

Our blushes were saved somewhat by Mijhaar who managed to place at 14/1, but the rest left something to be desired. We did however see a good race at Fairyhouse last Sunday which saw Don Cossack boost his Cheltenham claims when winning the John Durkan. I was working in the William Hill studio that day and have to confess that my eye was drawn to Lord Windermere in third. Keep in mind that this was his reappearance over 2 and a half miles and he was always likely to need the outing, but he came out of the race with a lot of credit after staying on late in the day. I'm not tipping him up ante post for the Gold Cup, but you could do a lot worse if wanting to give someone a Christmas present at work.

As always @Ontheotherhoof have previewed today's Channel 4 action and given you our best selections for the day. Joining me on the panel are the regular cast of @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell, you can watch the show via the link below, enjoy!

Cheltenham and Doncaster preview by Ontheotherhoof

Now onto today's single selection!

2:00 Cheltenham - Attaglance

Malcolm Jefferson has been extremely patient with one of his stable's leading lights and bypassed the Paddy Power with Attaglance, but he should have no problems in taking up today's engagement. There were doubts over his participation 24 hours ago however with rain in the forecast, but that never arrived and the ground will be fine.

We have only seen Attaglance once this season when fifth at Market Rasen behind Mart Lane, he has been known to need a run though and it was a promising reappearance. Many of you will remember his unlucky Cheltenham Festival last season when just losing out to Present View in the novice handicap on day one. In all seriousness he should have won that day and he would have won had Brian Hughes switched outside on the run in, instead he delivered his mount against the rail and ran out of room before staying on too late. He is just six pounds above his mark on that day and this looks an easier race with only 11 rivals to worry about. The only slight negative is that he didn't run his race in this contest last year and may be better suited to a longer trip at this stage in his career. He has however progressed a lot as a chaser in the passed seasons and he is a much stronger horse now than last year. Attaglance to continue his chasing progress in landing this competitive handicap on ground he will appreciate. (9/1)

NAP - Really? You actually read this to find my nap? C'mon man!!

Have a good day and as always, happy punting!

Irish Succes At Sandown

Good morning/evening everyone, I hope we are all ready for one of the major weeks in the jumps racing calendar. Sandown stage two Grade One's in the Tingle Creek and Henry VIII Novices Chase this afternoon as well as Aintree having two races over the National Fences. We are also treated to good jumping cards at Wetherby and Chepstow with Wolverhampton racing on the All Weather, we are also racing in Ireland at Navan.

As always @OnTheOtherHoof have a video preview prepared as we cover the Channel 4 action from Sandown and Aintree. Joining me on the panel tonight was @Calummadell and @Adamwebb121, you can find the show via the link below, enjoy!!

OnTheOtherHoof Tingle Creek day preview

Now onto the all important selections!

1:30 Aintree - Just A Par

Not an easy task to start off today's selections as we begin with the Becher Chase which of course is the first race of the season over the National Fences. We side with Just A Par who was very highly regarded last season but never really fulfilled his potential despite a fifth in the RSA at Cheltenham. He has always looked a horse who would appreciate a stamina sapping trip and a stiff jumping test, so it was no surprise to see this race touted as an early target.

He made his return 28 days ago in the controversial Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton when originally finishing 6th but upgraded to 5th after The Young Master was disqualified. He got tired late on that day which he was entitled to do on his seasonal reappearance, but he will have to find the necessary improvement required. For that effort the handicapper has relented a further 2 pounds, which makes today's mission somewhat easier in what looks to be a fantastic renewal. He has run over fences at Aintree once before when partnered by Nick Scholfield who takes the ride today, however that was on the Mildmay course which doesn't play to his strengths at all.

As I mentioned earlier it is a tough race and the main threats to Just A Par could come in the form of Saint Are and Oscar Time. The latter chased home Ballabriggs in the 2011 Grand National and was fourth in the 2013 National, so boasts a very good course record. Saint Are is a different sort as he is a well handicapped eight year old and was ninth as a 7 year old in the 2013 Grand National. (12/1)

1:50 Sandown - Irish Saint

From a competitive race to a disappointing turn out for a Grade One with only four horses accepting the challenge in the Henry VIII Novices Chase. The field may be select however it is full of class with Paul Nicholls' doubly represented with Vibrato Valtat and the selection, Irish Saint.

Irish Saint made a brilliant start to his chasing career when beating the useful Chris Pea Green over course and distance, this will be much more of a test however. He jumped well on his fencing bow and will come on for the experience and the softer ground will suit him more than the others. Over hurdles he managed to attain a career high mark of 151 which would make him the second best on ratings in this race.

Paul Nicholls' charge also benefits by the quirks and dislikes of his rivals in this small field. For example it is unlikely that Vibrato Valtat will get a fast enough pace to be delivered on top of the line and travel into the race in his normal fashion. Dunraven Storm is the obvious pace angle, however his jumping needs to hold up in front and he may become a sitting duck to a better horse. As for Court Minstrel, well his participation must be in danger as he needs faster ground to be seen to his best. With that taken into account it could just all fall into place for Irish Saint and he is a confident selection tomorrow. (13/8)

2:05 Aintree - Mijhaar

Our next selection is a bit more left field and a few of you may scoff at it, but hear me out about his chances before dismissing him. You may remember him being a selection on the blog back at Market Rasen when disappointing under AP McCoy, but he improved for that at Cheltenham. He was seventh on that occasion in the Greatwood hurdle which may seem modest, but upon further review it is clear that he hated both ground and course. For that reason alone his effort can be upgraded after making up good ground from the home turn when last in the whole field. That supports the reason to step up in trip as on that occasion he would clearly benefit from further and on a flat track like Aintree as well. Undoubtedly the pick of his form came at the end of last season when fifth to Josses Hill over two miles back here at Aintree. He is a tentative selection today after contesting Listed and Group Three races on the level, but will need a step forward on his hurdles form today. (14/1)

3:00 Sandown - Balder Succes

Our final selection of the day comes in the form of last season's leading two mile novice chaser Balder Succes, who has a brilliant chance of landing a Grade One out of novice company today.

His main rival in the betting market is God's Own who has beaten the selection twice, although there were excuses on both occasion. At Punchestown it was clear that he engaged Champagne Fever in a battle far too early in the race and paid for it late on when God's Own claimed him. Balder Succes also tasted defeat to his long lasting rival last time out in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter, but he wasn't 100% fit for his reappearance and had to give his rival weight. That is reversed today and with no obvious pace angles the race could play to Balder Succes' strengths if he can find a jumping rhythm.

There aren't many dangers outside of the top two, but Oscar Whisky ran a much improved race in the Paddy Power last time out but still has something to prove. Vukovar is another one who has promised a lot but failed to live up to expectations, he may need more of a trip but it would be no surprise to see him run well here. At a price Third Intention may be one to side with as he looked a different horse last time out when forging clear at Haydock, which is something he has never done before including when gifting a race to Captain Conan here in a Grade One. Balder Succes the one to continue his improvement through to this season. (7/2)

NAP - Irish Saint
Nb - Balder Succes

Good luck if you are having a bet tomorrow and as always, happy punting!

Regatta A Royal Winner

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

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!!

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!

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!

Prepare For A Sensation

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

Let's Get Wiggy!

Good morning/evening everyone! It was another profitable last weekend... Just, as Mecca's Angel was victorious although she was hit with a hefty Rule 4. First Flight also won us some each way money although it could have been better after Kikonga and Halation disappointed in the evening. Today brings around a new set of horses though and with it another good weekend of racing as the Cambridgeshire meeting peaks at Newmarket.

As always we have a new preview video prepared for you as we discuss the action on Channel 4 this afternoon including the Cambridgeshire. Joining me on the panel is @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell and you can follow us on twitter through @OnTheOtherHoof. We hope you enjoy the video!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjfarktWZ98&feature=youtu.be

Now onto the all important selections!

2:15 Market Rasen - Mijhaar

We start proceedings off today with our only visit to Market Rasen courtesy of Mijhaar who's season never really got going last year, but finished it with promise.

He also started his hurdling career with promise when winning a Novice Hurdle at Doncaster with the minimum of fuss by seven lengths, admittedly he didn't beat a strong field but it was more the manner of his victory that impressed. Unfortunately he took a few steps back on his second try over hurdles when falling at Huntingdon at the last, however he was well held at the time. Denis O'Regan was very forceful on him that day and in truth he probably went too fast on ground that was too soft for him. That record was put straight at Aintree when he finished fifth behind Josses Hill in the Top Novices Hurdle, that was back on faster ground which seems pretty key to his chances.

He will get that ground today at Market Rasen and opens up his handicapping career off a mark of 139 which could be lenient after carrying a highest flat rating of 109. AP McCoy takes the ride this afternoon and John Ferguson's string has been in fine form so far this season which Mijhaar is taken to continue. (5/1)

2:35 Newmarket - Elm Park

A victory for Andrew Balding's representative, Elm Park would be a fitting tribute to his uncle and racing legend Toby Balding who sadly passed away earlier this week.

Elm Park has been steadily progressing this season after an encouraging debut at Sandown when third behind Latharnach, who is considered a 2000 Guineas contender next season. He lost his Maiden tag on only his second attempt at Newbury, beating a good field in the process which included recent winner Acolyte. There was no doubt that he was destined for bigger and better things that afternoon, something he confirmed when landing the Listed Stonehenge Stakes at Salisbury last time out. Under David Probert he made all that day when beating a strong field by three lengths and going away near the finish, something which earned a go at a Group 2 today.

He was also engaged in the Solario at Sandown the day after winning at Salisbury, which shows how highly rated he is after that race was won by Kingman last season. The only negative I can find is that he may be a bit better over further in time but for now a mile is just right for him and is taken to win again. (3/1)

3:10 Newmarket - Tiggy Wiggy

I am never really one to go in too heavily on a short priced favourite however, I feel that Tiggy Wiggy should be heavily odds on today, which at the time of writing he isn't.

She is a two year old filly that needs absolutely no introduction after the success she has achieved this season through winning five of her seven starts. The improvement she has shown in her last two appearances is the most impressive thing however after tasting defeat at Royal Ascot. That came over five furlongs in the Queen Mary behind Anthem Alexander who she has since beaten at York over a furlong further. She followed up that narrow disappointment by blitzing the field at Newbury in the Super Sprint which came as a surprise to some people, despite being a short priced favourite. After that she was touted as a live contender for the Nunthorpe, but connections decided to tackle the Lowther and get their revenge on Anthem Alexander, which she did impressively with Cursory Glance splitting the two.

Her form as you can see is about as good as they come, but the reason for putting her up is based more on the negatives that can be found in her rivals. Anthem Alexander was the horse who impressed me most at Royal Ascot and I have masses of respect for Eddie Lynam however, she looks an out and out five furlong horse and proved it last time behind Tiggy Wiggy. The chief danger may come in the form of High Celebrity who was beaten on the July Course by Arabian Queen, although the latter got a sublime ride from Ryan Moore that day. Andre Fabre's filly has since won a Group 3 in France and despite that coming over five and a half furlongs she will likely need much further. Tendu is the only other one to mention as she won impressively at Kempton but has a lot to prove in this class of race. Tiggy Wiggy to continue her improvement and land her first Group One. (11/10)

3:50 Newmarket - Gabrial's Kaka

After hitting my head against a wall for a couple of hours I finally landed on Gabrial's Kaka in the Cambridgeshire. Richard Fahey has had his representative in fine fettle this season so far and has been rewarded with a string of consistent efforts.

He started off the season with a sixth in the Lincoln which is by no means a bad effort considering he had Ocean Tempest and Tullius ahead of him. That run was built on next time out as he won a competitive handicap at Newbury and looked a much improved horse in the process. Things haven't gone to plan since then but he has looked to be refinding the winning thread on his last two outings which started at Sandown. Frankie Dettori rode him that day and it would be one of his rides he would want back after giving him a lot to do when turning for home. Despite that he still managed to run on for third behind Velox who re-opposes this afternoon and is fancied with Cam Hardie on board. Last time out was equally as encouraging when staying on after being outpaced at York, he could only repair part of the damage as he stayed on into fifth place, but the extra furlong will help today. (25/1)

NAP - Elm Park
Nb - Tiggy Wiggy

Good luck today guys and as always, happy punting!

Every Time A Bell Rings

Good morning/evening to you all, I hope we have recovered from the excitement of last week and are ready for another good weekend of racing. We had a successful day last weekend when both Muthmir and Marmalady won before Kings Fete disappointed and Bronze Angel was narrowly denied. We hope to carry forward that form into this week but it looks a bit harder this time around, nonetheless we shall give it a go!

As always we have a video preview prepared for tomorrow's racing as we cover all of Channel 4's action which comes from Newbury and Ayr. Joining me on the panel this week are @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell. If you would like to tweet your questions or fancies into the show then you can tweet our new twitter page on @OnTheOtherHoof, while you are there why not give us a follow? Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ch81C3ZqW_g&feature=youtu.be - Live at 8pm

Now onto the all important selections!

2:55 Newbury - First Flight

We start today off with an 18 runner handicap, so you could say that we are starting off slowly and easing into the harder races... Ahem. First Flight is the selection however and if you are a regular reader of this blog then you will know that I am a big fan of his since a taking debut as a two year old.

He had been a bit unlucky in the early part of this year as he encountered bottomless conditions on his first two outings, but to his credit he still ran well enough on both occasions. Finally he got some faster ground at Royal Ascot but along with that he also got the worst draw possible and was readily outpaced over a mile, despite all that he stayed on for a promising ninth in the Britannia. He then stepped up in trip at Newmarket to today's distance where he duly obliged after being strongly backed into favouritism.

Since then he has been beaten at Goodwood which was a run that baffled me as everything seemed to be in his favour once more, albeit over a furlong less. To the naked eye he looked a non stayer that day which clearly isn't true after his Newmarket win, but he stopped alarmingly inside the final furlong. It could just be that there was an underlying problem that afternoon and it has clearly been corrected after a 27 day break. With the ground seemingly no problem this afternoon and a key three year old allowance, we will side with First Flight to get us off to a flyer with his second victory of the season. (14/1)

3:30 Newbury - Mecca's Angel

This seasons breakthrough sprinter has undoubtedly been the three year old Mecca's Angel after winning a handicap off a mark of 95 just three runs ago. She has shown great improvement since that day and in her two runs since has won a Conditions race and the Listed Scarborough Stakes at Doncaster.

This is another step up in class but on her latest performance in Listed company she could be too good for these once more. There was a worry about the ground being too fast that day which she proved wrong, but after sufficient rain at Newbury yesterday she will adore the ground. Despite her last run only being in Listed race, it was about as good a Listed race as you will find with the likes or Reckless Abandon and Steps chasing home her shadow.

Paul Mulrennan would usually be in the saddle, but as he switches to Moviesta the ride is taken today by Paul Hanagan, which is no negative. There were rumours that Meccas Angel will go to the Abbaye in France, and it could just be that they are using today as a stepping stone to keep her fit, however it is just as likely that this will be her last run this season. I would be disappointed if Meccas Angel were to be beaten today and she can earn her wings today (which completes today's blog title). (9/4)

5:25 Newmarket - Kikonga

The in form Luca Cumani has an interesting one here in Kikonga who runs in the same colours as Silk Sari who won a Group 2 for connections last week. The yard remains in good form on the whole with a double at Yarmouth on Thursday and they bring three horses to Newmarket today.

Kikonga has found life a bit tough lately due to her own success early on in her career but she has shown signs of a resurgence recently. Her handicap mark has slowly been dropping through a couple of poor runs and despite only finishing seventh last time, showed that the fire still burns. To make life easier she is partnered by Louis Steward who takes off a valuable five pounds and puts her level to her last winning mark and should be going close today. (10/1)

8:20 Wolverhampton - Halation

A rare visit to Wolverhampton now but first I have to commend them on their new Tapeta surface which has looked fantastic in the early days. Saying that, it did need it as the old surface was getting borderline dangerous, but now that it has been resolved I can see many more trainers supporting the course.

David Simcock is one of those trainers supporting them, however it will be impossible for him to match his success last week after Sheikhzayedroad and Trade Storm both won Grade One's at Woodbine. Halation can help keep the winners coming though after making good progress for Marco Botti before being purchased by Qatar Racing and sent to Trillium Place. He made a brilliant debut for the yard as he made a competitive field look ordinary at Sandown including Master The World who overturned the form at York. The race could not have been run to suit Halation less as they didn't particularly go a strong pace and he needs a break neck gallop from the outset.

He also steps up in trip to nine and a half furlongs for the first time which should suit him with a couple of pace angles in the race. Halation is also the second selection of the day that benefits from the five pound allowance that three year olds are allowed in these handicaps, although the majority of them are three year olds. We side with Halation to get the day rounded off in style for David Simcock and Jamie Spencer. (6/1)

NAP - Meccas Angel
Nb - First Flight

Good luck guys and as always, happy punting!

National Hunt Horses To Follow 14/15

The flat season is almost at an end and with the National Hunt season rapidly approaching we turn our attentions the the other code. Below I have compiled a list of 15 horses that I feel are worth following throughout the coming season and ones that will more than pay their way.

I have also divided them into different divisions with some more confident than others as you will see, however I have tried to limit each section to two or three horses, but that is easier said than done!

Before we get into the horses to follow I will just have to promote a few interviews I conducted on behalf of BetRacingNation. Among the links below you will find an interview with Jamie Moore who gave us the latest on Sire De Grugy and the rest of the string, some of which you shall spot in our list of horses. Nick Scholfield also gave us the low down on some of Paul Nicholls' string including one of last year's top novices Irving. Last but not least I spoke to up and coming northern trainer Rebecca Menzies who introduced us to her stable and some of her star horses this season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMHrsidJZzM - Jamie Moore interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZw0iOTWVR8 - Nick Scholfield interview

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2SjQn6xyOE Rebecca Menzies interview


Now onto the all important horses to follow for this season.

Hurdlers

Faugheen - 6 - OR 158

We start off our list with one of the more obvious ones in the shape of last year's Neptune winner Faugheen, who looks to be targeted at the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March.

Faugheen - Photo courtesy of Dan Heap

He answered all his critics last year despite still taking a few liberties in the jumping department, most notably when taking the third and second last hurdles with him at Cheltenham. He was much better at Punchestown when stepping down to two miles, and it has long been my theory that his jumping improves when he is allowed to set a strong pace, which will be needed if he wants to stake his claims in Grade One events over two miles.

In recent years the Neptune has been a similarly successful source of future Champion Hurdle horses than that of the Supreme, with Rock On Ruby and The New One flying the flag. Faugheen however looks to have a lot more speed than the aforementioned duo, but also has enough stamina to win over three miles, which is an extremely rare combination and quite a potent one at that.

With the likes of Vautour and Un De Sceaux going chasing, and Hurricane Fly stepping up in trip it seems that Faugheen is the only one to fly the flag in the two mile division for the dominant Willie Mullins. He is generally a 5/1 chance for the Champion Hurdle but in my mind as long as he gets there he will be winning, famous last words eh!!


Beat That - 6 - OR 154

Number two on our hurdlers list is a bit more of a tentative one, not because he lacks ability but because he may still end up chasing. At this moment in time he seems to be staying hurdling but the decision largely revolves around More Of That and if he tackles the big obstacles.

More Of That was obviously very impressive when winning the World Hurdle last season, but I wouldn't be put off of Beat That when taking him on. I first saw Nicky Henderson's inmate at Ascot last year and without being rude he really didn't look anything special, so I was sufficiently shocked when he bolted up by 10 lengths. Sandown was the next port of call and with that came his first

Beat That at Punchestown - Photo courtesy of Dan Heap

attempt in Graded company, visually he looked much more forward that day and had muscled up nicely. However it didn't quite go to plan after a bad mistake at the last left him in third and without enough time to regain his momentum on testing ground.

After a break just short of 5 months he came back at Aintree and looked a completely different animal when defeating Cole Harden by four lengths with 25 lengths back to the rest. He again looked to have muscled up a lot and improved again to beat the exciting Don Poli at Punchestown by half a length.

There are two things worth noting about Beat That, firstly that he looks an out and out three miler and he remains unbeaten over the trip in two Grade One's so far. The latter and more important factor is that he seems to be improving with time as last season proved so I can only dream of how good he may be this season...

I have included him in the hurdlers section as that is where I feel he would show his best form, but that doesn't mean I don't think he would take to fences. In fact I think he would make a very good chaser, but he is so slick over his hurdles that it would be a waste to not give him a season out of novice company over timber. If he were to go Novice chasing then he would make into a live RSA hope, but we will cross that bridge if it ever arises.

Chasers

Djakadam - 5 - OR 147

Willie Mullins has amazingly never had a winner in the Gold Cup but has filled the runner up position twice in the last two years with Sir Des Champs and On His Own. He may have a nice one on his hands here with the progressive Djakadam who was handled carefully last year when only running three times.

Djakadam looks to stamp his class on the 3 mile division

On his first outing and chasing debut last season he beat the highly thought of Si C'etait Vrai and the ill fated but classy Minsk in good style. He then stepped up in trip to two miles and five furlongs and took the even bigger scalp of Bright New Dawn when landing a Grade Two. During those two race he was allowed to receive weight all round from his rivals as he is still only a five year old, so things will be tougher this season.


On his third and most recent chase start he travelled to Cheltenham to contest the JLT Novice Chase which I was firmly against. In my mind he was too young to tackle the older horses on such a big stage when he would only be receiving a pound in weight. Despite falling four out I was pleasantly surprised with his performance as he jumped and travelled beautifully and was still in with a chance before coming down.

Things will get decidedly tougher for him this season as he takes on horses out of novice company, but he will also be taking them on without large weight allowances. One thing to counter that argument is that he is a big horse and will have grown into himself a bit more over the summer. I mentioned the Gold Cup earlier on, but in truth that may come a season too early and be a more feasible target in 2016, but he wouldn't go unfancied this time around.



Next Sensation - 7 - OR 147

Next Sensation will be a name that everyone remembers for the wrong reasons after getting caught on the run in at Cheltenham last year in the Grand Annual. What made his performance all the more spectacular was the fact that he was 15 lengths clear at the top of the hill with everything else in trouble, however his forceful tactics meant he paid the price up the hill.

After Cheltenham he went to Aintree and Michael Scudamore will be the first one to admit that it was a mistake to send him there when finishing fifth behind Balder Succes. That doesn't mean he isn't exciting for the coming season, especially with the uncertainty surrounding the two mile division and there is room for one to improve onto the scene.

Next Sensation before his Cheltenham heroics

Next Sensation made great strides towards the top level last year and started by winning a lowly rated event at Plumpton with the minimum of fuss. Two runs later after a win and an uncharacteristic unseat he was ready to announce himself on the scene for Cheltenham handicaps and did so at Doncaster in no uncertain fashion. His main asset is his lightning fast jumping that could make even the best horse look slovenly over his fences, he showed that at Cheltenham when forcing all of his rivals off the bridle by the top of the hill.

As for this season however, the handicap chase that Sire De Grugy won last year at Chepstow could be an ideal start for Next Sensation off a mark of 150. He was beaten at Cheltenham off an eight pound lower mark, but with Tom Scudamore back in the saddle and less forceful tactics, a win should be well within his abilities.

The question I keep asking myself is if he could cut it outside of handicap company and take on some bigger names in the sport, I see no reason why he can't continue that improvement. However I will say that his running style may make him vulnerable, much like the ill fated Sanctuaire a couple of seasons ago. Despite that Next Sensation is an intriguing entry to the list and is expected to keep progressing into a big force among the two milers.

Novice Chasers

Chris Pea Green 5 - OR 142 (Hurdles)

Chris Pea Green will go chasing

The first Novice Chaser on the list comes from a local stable to me with Chris Pea Green from Gary Moore's yard. He has always been one that looked as if he will improve for a fence, but he was more than useful over the smaller obstacles including a seventh to Our Conor in the Triumph Hurdle. After his juvenile career ended he made up into a nice handicap hurdler and ended last season with a mark of 145 after a good third in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell. He has been off since that run in February which is likely a positive as he was in need of a break after a fairly demanding campaign, but it will also have given him time to mature a bit more for this season.

Over hurdles he was a bit short of top class and it is likely to be the same story over fences but he should be winning a few novice chases along the way. For a while I have considered Chris Pea Green as a perfect horse for the Centenary at Cheltenham which is the handicap for novices on day one of the Festival.

He boasted a high level of form last season including a staying on fourth in the Ladbroke Hurdle and a good seventh in the Betfair Hurdle behind Splash Of Ginge. Unfortunately he was one of the unlucky ones that kept on running well without winning which resulted in him climbing the handicap without success. I fully expect him to improve past his hurdles mark after turning his attention to the bigger obstacles, but it has to be noted that he prefers ground with ease in it, but he is still taken to rise high in the novice ranks.


Gilgamboa - 6 - OR 139 (Hurdles)

Enda Bolger is well known for being a master of cross country races in the past, but he could have a high classed individual here with Gilgamboa. Despite being a six year old he has only graced the track five times but has made huge strides on each appearance and has won three of those.

Gilgamboa (Near Side) looks a lovely chasing prospect

On the breeding front you would think that his future lies over further than the two miles he is accustomed to running over, but he has shown that he has enough speed for the minimum trip. The furthest he has been tried over is two and a half miles so far which came on bottomless ground, but he won that nicely off a handicap mark of 120. He was then dropped back to two miles for the Boylesports.com Hurdle which is considered a key Cheltenham trial, and he duly obliged off a eight pound higher mark of 128.

His biggest task to date came at the Cheltenham Festival in the Supreme Novices behind Vautour who ran out an emphatic winner. His finishing place of thirteenth doesn't exactly install confidence, but there is more than meets the eye in this case. The race was just beginning to heat up and Gilgamboa was travelling well enough on the inside under AP McCoy. His race was ended at this point when he made a horrendous mistake at the second last hurdle and in truth he did well not to fall, but from that point onward he was tenderly handled.

It was announced soon after that he will be going Novice Chasing this year which is understandable as he is a big strapping individual. Despite that one mistake at Cheltenham he was always a good jumper of a hurdle but shaped as if he would improve for a fence and likely a step up in trip.


Ubak - 6

Ubak is a horse that we haven't seen for a while after suffering an injury at home last year, but he is back and preparing for a novice chasing campaign.

Ubak will return to action over fences this season

The last time we saw Ubak on a racecourse was at the Punchestown Festival when just edged out by Un Atout who has also been off for a season since. That came off the back of a disappointing performance at Cheltenham in the Neptune (despite being 100/1) and a victory in the Grade 2 Mersey Novices Hurdle at Aintree. He had clearly taken a step forward on his last two performances, but the exciting thing is that he promises to be even better over three miles with fences in the way.

He was highly tried when he came over to England from France and chased home My Tent Or Yours and Taquin Du Seuil on his debut in this country. I recently got a chance to conduct an interview with Jamie Moore on behalf of BetRacingNation and he listed Ubak as his horse to follow and gave a glowing report of the Novice Chaser.

Jamie Moore - "I think he is going to be a very very good horse, apart from Sire De Grugy he is definitely the best horse in the yard"



Blakemount 6 - OR 140 (Hurdles)

The last Novice Chaser on our list this season is a northern representative in the shape of Blakemount from the yard of Sue Smith. He made great strides in Novice Hurdles last season before disappointingly being confirmed as a non runner on the morning at Cheltenham in March.

Blakemount (right) battles with Urban Hymn

Despite only winning twice in five attempts last season he kept himself in high company including a close third to Ballyalton who chased home Faugheen at Cheltenham. Earlier on in the season he had got off the mark at Wetherby when beating Sir Mangan (Now rated 125) with the minimum of fuss before stepping up in class. He bumped into Ballyalton and Oscar Rock on that occasion but was by no means embarrassed and if anything was closing the gap late on in the day.

His most promising run however came at Doncaster last time out when just losing out in an almighty battle with Urban Hymn in a Grade Two over and extended 3 miles. This answered many questions for me as both of his victories had come in a more emphatic manner, but he showed tremendous battling qualities on this occasion despite just being beaten.

He has always been a brilliant jumper of a hurdle but has shaped that he would be even better over a fence, as is the way with a lot of Sue Smith's horses. The only time that his jumping has suffered is when restrained and not allowed to lead and as a result got himself caught behind horses. If he is allowed to do his own thing out in front then Blakemount could make into a strong force among the staying novices this season.

Novice Hurdlers

Vigil - 5

I have to confess that the Novice Hurdlers this season don't have me particularly excited which I'm sure will change soon enough, but Vigil is one that stuck out to me in Bumpers last season.

Vigil improved last season and may do so again this year

He ran well on debut before getting a bit stuck in the mud after the eventual winner had kicked away and got first run, despite that he ran on well and the winner has since made a successful start over hurdles for Tony Martin. He built on that run with a very eye-catching victory over two miles at Leopardstown in a good race under Robbie McNamara. There was a lot to like about that victory with the most taking part being the strength with which he travelled and put the race to bed so decisively on bad ground.

Next stop for him was Cheltenham in the Champion Bumper where he once again ran an admirable race but could do no better than fifth behind Silver Concorde. As usual he travelled into the race really well and still had a chance with a furlong to go, but when really asked he just lacked a bit of speed late in the day before plugging on. With that said he has looked a horse who will thrive over further in time and could be one to consider for the Neptune this season.



Jollyallan - 5

Our second and last horse to fall under the Novice Hurdlers category is Harry Fry's Jollyallan who looked a lovely prospect last season and is held in high esteem by his connections.

Jollyallan (Third Right) Will improve this season

He started off in a Bumper at Wincanton when demolishing an admittedly an average looking field, however he was 15 lengths clear of the runner up who in turn was 11 lengths clear of the rest. His exploits that day caught the eye of a certain JP McManus who purchased the Gelding and immediately stepped him up in class. That step up in class came at the Punchestown Festival where he finished sixth to Shaneshill, it was clear that he would need more time than the more prominent of his rivals though. Despite never looking like troubling the leaders he made a lovely sweeping move before turning for home which hints that there is sufficient ability there and as I say, he will have improved for the summer break and should hold his own this season.

As for his targets, your guess is as good as mine but Harry Fry has hinted that he will aim to make his reappearance in November and go from there. He also recently said in an interview with Racing FM that ultimately he will be a chaser instead of being an out and out hurdler, which is understandable. I would still expect him to make into a nice hurdler and win his share of races though and he looks one to go to war with this season.

Handicappers

Urbain De Sivola - 6 - OR 138 (Hurdles) 135 (Chase)

I have a sneaky suspicion that Urbain De Sivola is the best horse in training but he just doesn't want to be, but in all seriousness he is a very talented horse with a few temperament issues. He couldn't be in many better hands to help him achieve the best of his ability than with the Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls.

Urbain De Sivola is quirky but talented

All his quirks came into one when he was left around 20 lengths behind at the start of the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham, but somehow he had negotiated his was into the front four by the home turn. He jumped really well at the back of the field but was always facing an uphill battle and probably made too much ground too quickly at the wrong time. With all that taken into account he has put in a mighty performance, especially considering that the winner, Don Poli is being aimed at some big races this season.

It is likely that he will go chasing sooner rather than later and it would make sense to do so with a three pound lower mark of 135 over the bigger obstacles. One thing is for certain though, Sam Twiston-Davies will have to be at his fantastic best if Urbain De Sivola is to return to the winners enclosure.



Via Sundown - 6 - OR 140

The second and final horse to fall under the handicappers title is a lightly raced six year old from Gary Moore's yard called Via Sundown. He has found the winners enclosure three times from five attempts so far and as a result has amassed a rating of 140, which could still be lenient.

Via Sundown (left) fends off Benvolio (right)

He was last seen when beating his elders in Benvolio and Lamb Or Cod who are in no right superstars, but in the same breath are good yardsticks. His jumping was very good on the whole that day and showed tremendous battling qualities to see off Benvolio who is a thorough stayer. Before that he ran a poor race in better company behind Corrin Wood and Black Thunder, but he has since proved that to be nothing more than a blip. They came after two demolition jobs at Lingfield in easier races but he proved more than capable in better races and should improve again this season.

I have dubbed Via Sundown as the new Vino Griego which is some title to hold, but in truth he will probably stay further than his stablemate and could develop into a type for some of the smaller Nationals. He quietly went about his way last season but remains a six year old with plenty of scope and should make his mark on a bigger stage this time around.


Pinerolo - 7 - OR 133

Pinerolo has sat in my tracker for around three years with the same comment beside his name of 'wait until he goes chasing', my patience was tested but finally rewarded last year in a big way.

Pinerolo progressed rapidly last year and looks a nice stayer

There was one point in his career when is was doubtful that he would ever race again after going badly wrong at Carlisle over hurdles. But after nine months off he made an encouraging reappearance at Sedgefield over hurdles which showed the fire still burned bright in him. His chasing debut came over a distance far too short but showed us that he was a solid jumper and showed tremendous promise to go forward with.

On his second start over fences he bumped into Indian Castle and Many Clouds who both went to Cheltenham with fancied chances in their respected races. Connections then decided to utilise a handicap mark at Carlisle where he duly obliged by 18 lengths on his first try over a trip in excess of three miles. For that he was raised 15 pounds which caused a drop back into novice company where he won again although not in as much of an emphatic style. He was forced to dig deep on that occasion and in all honesty he didn't look like winning until after the last fence which is when his stamina kicked in. His latest two outings came on faster ground and are worth forgetting in a hurry which is why he pulled up twice at the end of a busy season.

His love for softer ground may limit what races he can go to with a realistic chance and rules out the majority of Nationals and he may not have the class for a Welsh National. Will all of those ruled out he would be a perfect horse for something like an Eider Chase at Newcastle which he should be able to make all the running. Regardless where they go, Pinerolo remains an interesting stayer for this season.

Dark Horses

Puisque Tu Pars - 4

The exciting Puisque Tu Pars

I understand that this list may have a few Gary Moore horses thrown in, but he has some nice horses for the season ahead and Puisque Tu Pars is another of them. He could be one that is put under the Novice Hurdlers title but I feel he is more at home in this department, but just to reiterate, he will be a Novice this season.

He made a very likable racecourse debut when victorious at Newbury over an extended mile and a half and used all his stamina reserves to gain that maiden success. The ground was pretty testing that day and that could be key to him as he never does anything flashy but will always do enough to grind it out. He was thrown in the deep end next time out at Aintree in a Grade Two but met more than his fair share of trouble, but stayed on nicely at the end when he finally got into the clear. That run is best
forgotten and he was unlucky to bump into a nice horse of Charlie Longsdon's last time out at Fontwell, which wouldn't be his track over a mile and six furlongs but it would seem that he was caught for a bit of speed that day.

He will definitely be a chaser in time however he still looks a horse that can do some damage over hurdles as long as he has progressed over the summer. With all that taken into account the Challow Hurdle at Newbury may be aiming high but could be a good target for the season with soft ground all but assured.



Fine Words - 6 - OR 109

A first entry for Alan King now with Fine Words who is one that you may not know too much about, but I promise you that in the future you will hear plenty of him. Anyone that has seen him will know exactly why I say that as he is a beautiful looking individual and has plenty of ability to go with it.

Fine Words leading his string at home - Photo courtesy of
Dan Heap

I first noticed him when standing at the pre-parade ring at Kempton last November before chasing home a future Grade One winner in Captain Cutter. He is a tremendous stamp of a horse and needed last season to really grow into his huge frame, but he was slowly but surely getting the idea late last year. He finished ten lengths behind Captain Cutter which is no bad thing however he was then beaten a long way in his next two novice hurdles, although he showed good promise at Newbury which is likely to be more his track.

His latest appearance saw him be well backed at Kempton on handicap debut off a mark of 109, however things far from went to plan. He was beaten 43 lengths that day but he is much better than that performance shows and he will likely improve for a step up in trip as his sire (Alflora) also produced What A Friend and Wishfull Thinking. He will also improve for a fence but his handicap mark is low enough to be exploited early on in the season before possibly trying his hand at chasing.