Good Morning everybody, I hope we all slept well and are ready for a Saturday of racing. Today we race at Ffos Las, Sandown and Wetherby over jumps and Lingfield on the Polytrack. Focus however is at Sandown and Great Britain's newest racecourse Ffos Las.
The highlight of the Sandown card was expected to be the Contenders Hurdle won in the past by Binocular. JP McManus had the hot favourite for the race this year in Darlan, however the Hurdle course is waterlogged. For that reason Sandown host an all chase card featuring the Scilly Isles Novices Chase. This looks a bit more simple than driving round the same named roundabout just down the road from the course. I say this as Captain Conan is a warm order on his step up in trip and faces only three rivals for this task.
But before we start on today lets reminisce from last week. We managed to find three winners including the NAP in Katenko and the NB in Mr Watson. They were both 5/1 but we then struck gold when Vino Griego won by 19 lengths at 25/1. If you had combined these in a treble you would have been looking at, to my maths a 625/1 treble. Lets hope for something as good as that this week.
One last thing, I was going to put Pique Sous up as an ante post selection for the Supreme at 25/1. He bolted up at Dundalk last night in his prep run, he is now a best priced 20/1 which is still a very good price if you can get it. Another reason for this other than his Champion bumper 3rd is the fact it looks a very weak Supreme this year. Very few look top class but Pique Sous has beaten most of them from the Irish side at some point in his career. River Maigue and My Tent Or Yours look the biggest dangers right now but Pique Sous cant be ignored now even at 20/1.
Without further ado lets begin with this weeks action.
1:50 Sandown - Toubab
Ruby Walsh is a jockey that rides sandown particularly well and he comes here for 2 rides today. The first of which is the strong travelling Toubab who was beaten only 13 lengths by Sprinter Sacre last season at Aintree. This was after being bought down in the Grand Annual 4 out when still going well. He has run just once this season though when behind William's Wishes and Champion Court at Ascot. The form of that race is holding up quite nicely, with the winner considered good enough for the Queen Mother before injury struck. Champion Court is also one of the main protagonists in the Ryanair market and is my fancy for the race. Toubab however takes a slight dip in class here and off a pound lower rating can take our opener. (10/3)
2:05 Ffos Las - The Romford Pele
Over to Wales now and we have the Welsh Champion Hurdle which of course is now a Handicap over 2 and a half miles. That means no Oscar Whiskey this year, Tanerko Emery sports the Dai Walters silks instead. Preference however is for Rebecca Curtis' The Romford Pele who was 7th in last years Champion Bumper. However this year he is a fast improving Novice hurdler winning 2 out of 4 novice hurdles. His second run was 3 lengths behind Court Minstrel who is very highly thought of by connections. Since then he has won two novice hurdles at Taunton and Chepstow, the latter run takes the eye though. That was the first time he has tackled really heavy ground and he seemed to love it beating Sin Bin by 2 lengths. Patrick Corbett takes 7 pounds off today resulting in him Carrying well under 10 stone. For them reasons we will take him to progress again here and land the spoils. (10/1)
2.25 Sandown - Third Intention
Many people think that this looks a shoe in for Captain Conan at 4/9 on his first try at 2 and a half miles. However Third Intention is more than good enough to ruffle a few feathers and is grossly overpriced. He is still a maiden after four attempts over fence and has been beaten 8 lengths by Captain Conan twice. That was over 2 miles which these days for him is on the sharp side, he flew up the hill to grab third in the Henry VIII here at Sandown. This resulted in him stepping straight up to 3 miles in the Feltham at Kempton behind Dynaste. He matched the RSA favourite for a long time there before Dynaste showed his class. 2 and half miles is much more to his liking and I have been waiting for him to run over it all season. One last mention is that he won the National Spirit hurdle over this trip in an absolute canter. He is well worth a shot today and a reverse forecast with Captain Conan. (14/1)
2:40 Ffos Las - Makethe Mostofnow
Evan Williams gelding was gifted his first chase by Keppols Hill who made a horrific mistake at the last fence. Before then he was well behind but kept to his task well before being beaten soundly at Newbury. Everything came out of the Newbury race and franked the form and it remains one of the stronger Novice chases of the year. He then went to Lingfield where he hated the course and was never travelling well, that run is best forgotten. He now enters handicaps off a low weight which was always going to be his game. Its an added bonus that he can begin handicapping at his beloved Ffos Las where he is a perfect four from four. The flat Wales course suits him as he is a lovely big Galloping horse which was his downfall at Fontwell and Lingfield. He was also travelling well when in contention and bought down at Aintree last year in the Sefton. He could well prove popular in the market today and looks a really good each way price. (14/1)
3:00 Sandown - Mad Max
For an 11 year old Mad Max is pretty lightly raced, only visiting the racecourse a total of 17 times. He has won 6 of those, the last of them coming in 2010 but tries his hand in a Veterans' chase here. This is a big step down in class from running behind the likes of Master Minded and Sizing Europe. The ground wont be a problem here and he is usually a sound jumper to meet the demands of the Esher track. One more added bonus is the return of Barry Geraghty who has partnered him on 3 of his 6 victories. In a pretty weak race we will side with Mad Max to return to winning ways. (7/1)
3:35 Sandown - Keppols Hill
Ruby gets the leg up on his second ride of the day with novice Keppols Hill who will be in heaven today. If there was a race over 10 miles he would be the winner of it down to guts and extreme stamina. Viking Blond will ensure there is no hanging around today and I would expect Keppols Hill to be picking them off one by one. The biggest fear would be his jumping as he is prone to the odd race ending mistake, saying that he was much better last time. Should complete a Ruby Walsh double at Sandown. (2/1)
3:45 Ffos Las - Consigliere
Consigliere is an old favourite of mine and is always one to make a note of when the going gets like this. He is known for his trade as a chaser and after his win last time at Ayr he reverts to hurdles. With Kieron Edgar's claim he is 17 pounds lower over hurdles than fences and that must be noted. He won last time off 138 which is as good as he is really but could be contesting bigger races later this season. He could well hose up today and is preferred to others, Consigliere the choice. (3/1)
NAP - Mad Max
NB - Keppols Hill
Lets hope for another week like the last, its also worth noting that Sue Smith has a few nice runners up at Wetherby that are well worth checking out.
Happy Punting
Showing posts with label Sandown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sandown. Show all posts
Friday, 1 February 2013
Friday, 4 January 2013
Welsh National Day
Good Morning/Afternoon/Evening depending on where you are in the world. I again find myself starting this weeks blog on the skytrain and fear i am becoming 'that guy'. You know the kind that tries to sit there with his ipad or laptop and draw attention to himself. The kind you want to hit round the face with whatever device he uses. Alas i shall have to soldier on through my fears and get to writing about all things equine today. But first a small recap.
last week our NAP and nb both won providing us with a nice double in 10 minutes, both looking horses to follow in Zuzka and Taquin Du Seuil. A third selection visited the winners enclosure in the last at Newbury with Chatterbox, who looked very impressive and should build on that performance. We almost made it 4 winners but for Fill The Power to be just touched off at Doncaster. We managed to line our wallets and purses with a bit of money for our night out and we march on to this week.
The centre of attention is the rescheduled Welsh National meeting at Chepstow. Teaforthree is the first really well back favourite in the race in years at 3/1 for Rebecca Curtis and Tony McCoy. But Sandown offer a very good supporting card as they have the 2013 running of the Tolworth hurdle featuring the classy flat recruit Poet for Clive Cox. Without further ado lets crack on with the weeks action and a placepot at Sandown.
12:45 Sandown - Kentford Grey Lady
Emma Lavelle's mare scored in pretty nice style last time under a huge weight over course and distance. She may have been beaten that day but for justazippy falling when upsides at the last. However she went on to score in resolute fashion and today should be no different. She gets weight from her main rivals, receiving 8 pounds from Une Artiste, Alasi and last years winner Kells Belle. The ground wont be an issue with her being a previous winner on testing ground including last time out. Despite her short odds she should get favourite backers off to a nice start and be the first in many multiples. (10/11)
1:15 Sandown - Angelot Du Berlais
Dr Richard Newland's newcomer is of huge interest here, having his first run since coming over from France. In his homeland he showed a liking for testing ground without winning, he did however run some promising races. Im more interested in his hurdling relatives however, showing there could be more to come over hurdles. He is related (through Afreen) to Champion Hurdle third Afsoun and the more than useful dual purpose performer Afrad. If he is anything like those two then he could well take some beating here. The top two have also both been beating and could well be vulnerable again giving weight away to the girls. (8/1)
1:35 Chepstow - Swnymor
Swnymor was mighty impressive at Newbury on debut for Tim Vaughan and it really does seem that the sky is the limit for him. He handed out a 11 length pounding to the useful Amoralist for Nicky Henderson, barely breaking sweat in doing so. This is a much stiffer assignment however, Paul Nicholls thinks the world of his representative Caid Du Berlais. John Ferguson also plays his cards with the unbeaten Ruacana. If Swnymor builds on his hurdling debut however, it will take a top class horse to beat him and we have a really good race in store. (7/2)
1:50 Sandown - King Edmund
Chris Gordon probably has the most exposed runner in the whole field here in King Edmund with today being his 33rd run. He takes on younger horses but has been well in himself this year in Handicaps without winning, he has come 2nd on his last 3 runs and is due his time in the sun. Last time he was behind only the once top class and brave front runner Marodima at Fontwell. He is up 2 pounds for that effort but likes it here and should go well. (7/1)
2:25 Sandown - Poet
As mentioned before, Poet is the potential class act of the race with a very impressive hurdling debut at Newbury under his belt. Rated 110 on the flat (116 at his highest) he frequently contested top flat races and was far from disgraced. Right after his Newbury race I named this as a race that would be perfect for him and it would seem im not far off. The ground will aid him rather than hinder him, and he may get to dominate this small field and steal it from the front. (7/2)
3:00 Sandown - Lord of the House
Lord Of The House won at Folkestone on really testing ground so todays ground will be no problem at all. He is still a very lightly raced horse and after his first win there could be alot more to come from his featherweight. He is two pounds out of the Handicap carrying 10 stone but Gavin Sheehan takes off a further 5 pounds. Off that weight on this ground makes him very interesting and it also doesnt look the strongest race so is well worth an each way shout and this race could be the placepot destroyer. (12/1)
3:20 Chepstow - Soll
Jo Hughes gave a glowing report of the ex Willie Mullins inmate earlier this week and the giant horse looks tailor made for a race like this. He was running well in the national hunt chase a Cheltenham before being bought down by Allee Garde. Last time out he also ran a blinder in the Hennessy before being outpaced by top class horses. This race is much more to his stamina built self and the ground poses no problem whatsoever. Should go well and is a very strong each way bet. (12/1)
3:40 Sandown - Fruity O'Rooney
With Across The Bay going to Chepstow instead of here, Gary Moore's tough front runner should take some beating. He was runner up at the Festival last year and ran his heart out in the Hennessy last time. I have been told a change of tactics may be tried today, he wont fight for the lead but instead drop in if challenged. This is coming from the idea that he is using too much energy early on in his races. Though its a competitive race today, Fruity O'Rooney could take all the beating. Railway Dillon is the big danger. (9/1)
NAP - Poet and Kentford Grey lady double
Nb - Swnymor
Happy Punting today guys
last week our NAP and nb both won providing us with a nice double in 10 minutes, both looking horses to follow in Zuzka and Taquin Du Seuil. A third selection visited the winners enclosure in the last at Newbury with Chatterbox, who looked very impressive and should build on that performance. We almost made it 4 winners but for Fill The Power to be just touched off at Doncaster. We managed to line our wallets and purses with a bit of money for our night out and we march on to this week.
The centre of attention is the rescheduled Welsh National meeting at Chepstow. Teaforthree is the first really well back favourite in the race in years at 3/1 for Rebecca Curtis and Tony McCoy. But Sandown offer a very good supporting card as they have the 2013 running of the Tolworth hurdle featuring the classy flat recruit Poet for Clive Cox. Without further ado lets crack on with the weeks action and a placepot at Sandown.
12:45 Sandown - Kentford Grey Lady
Emma Lavelle's mare scored in pretty nice style last time under a huge weight over course and distance. She may have been beaten that day but for justazippy falling when upsides at the last. However she went on to score in resolute fashion and today should be no different. She gets weight from her main rivals, receiving 8 pounds from Une Artiste, Alasi and last years winner Kells Belle. The ground wont be an issue with her being a previous winner on testing ground including last time out. Despite her short odds she should get favourite backers off to a nice start and be the first in many multiples. (10/11)
1:15 Sandown - Angelot Du Berlais
Dr Richard Newland's newcomer is of huge interest here, having his first run since coming over from France. In his homeland he showed a liking for testing ground without winning, he did however run some promising races. Im more interested in his hurdling relatives however, showing there could be more to come over hurdles. He is related (through Afreen) to Champion Hurdle third Afsoun and the more than useful dual purpose performer Afrad. If he is anything like those two then he could well take some beating here. The top two have also both been beating and could well be vulnerable again giving weight away to the girls. (8/1)
1:35 Chepstow - Swnymor
Swnymor was mighty impressive at Newbury on debut for Tim Vaughan and it really does seem that the sky is the limit for him. He handed out a 11 length pounding to the useful Amoralist for Nicky Henderson, barely breaking sweat in doing so. This is a much stiffer assignment however, Paul Nicholls thinks the world of his representative Caid Du Berlais. John Ferguson also plays his cards with the unbeaten Ruacana. If Swnymor builds on his hurdling debut however, it will take a top class horse to beat him and we have a really good race in store. (7/2)
1:50 Sandown - King Edmund
Chris Gordon probably has the most exposed runner in the whole field here in King Edmund with today being his 33rd run. He takes on younger horses but has been well in himself this year in Handicaps without winning, he has come 2nd on his last 3 runs and is due his time in the sun. Last time he was behind only the once top class and brave front runner Marodima at Fontwell. He is up 2 pounds for that effort but likes it here and should go well. (7/1)
2:25 Sandown - Poet
As mentioned before, Poet is the potential class act of the race with a very impressive hurdling debut at Newbury under his belt. Rated 110 on the flat (116 at his highest) he frequently contested top flat races and was far from disgraced. Right after his Newbury race I named this as a race that would be perfect for him and it would seem im not far off. The ground will aid him rather than hinder him, and he may get to dominate this small field and steal it from the front. (7/2)
3:00 Sandown - Lord of the House
Lord Of The House won at Folkestone on really testing ground so todays ground will be no problem at all. He is still a very lightly raced horse and after his first win there could be alot more to come from his featherweight. He is two pounds out of the Handicap carrying 10 stone but Gavin Sheehan takes off a further 5 pounds. Off that weight on this ground makes him very interesting and it also doesnt look the strongest race so is well worth an each way shout and this race could be the placepot destroyer. (12/1)
3:20 Chepstow - Soll
Jo Hughes gave a glowing report of the ex Willie Mullins inmate earlier this week and the giant horse looks tailor made for a race like this. He was running well in the national hunt chase a Cheltenham before being bought down by Allee Garde. Last time out he also ran a blinder in the Hennessy before being outpaced by top class horses. This race is much more to his stamina built self and the ground poses no problem whatsoever. Should go well and is a very strong each way bet. (12/1)
3:40 Sandown - Fruity O'Rooney
With Across The Bay going to Chepstow instead of here, Gary Moore's tough front runner should take some beating. He was runner up at the Festival last year and ran his heart out in the Hennessy last time. I have been told a change of tactics may be tried today, he wont fight for the lead but instead drop in if challenged. This is coming from the idea that he is using too much energy early on in his races. Though its a competitive race today, Fruity O'Rooney could take all the beating. Railway Dillon is the big danger. (9/1)
NAP - Poet and Kentford Grey lady double
Nb - Swnymor
Happy Punting today guys
Friday, 6 July 2012
Sandown Eclipse day
Sorry there was no blog last week but I was busy and had prior engagements, lets just hope that this week we are back with a bang this week. I'm not far away from Sandown and as off 10pm it isn't raining which means the going will be testing but not too bad. I'm off to Sandown today and will be hoping for a good days racing, even though its a huge shame So You Think doesn't and has been retired.
1:30 - Sandown Park -Rocky Reef - Andrew Balding will be hoping for a good start to the day with Bonfire running in the big one later on. This one scored last time out on his step up to this trip at Chepstow on very testing ground. Soft ground would aid his chances no end but it doesn't seem a necessity as he has run well on faster ground. He has to run from two pounds out of the handicap today but it isn't the end of the world and he is an improving horse. If the overnight rain comes then everything will be in his favour but he should go close regardless.
2:05 - Sandown Park - Judge n Jury - A bold front running horse who has been a revelation this year running in much better races going down half a length in a group 3 at the Curragh last time. A powerful jockey booking in Luke Morris today who is really coming into his own this year. The more rain in the ground the better for this lad, but again goes well on quicker ground also. A good draw for these sprints at Sandown as historically lower numbers do prevail and he is out of stall 3 today. Shouldn't be out of the places.
2:40 - Sandown Park - Spa's Dancer - Absolutely loves it here, in five visits to the course he has never been out of the first four recording 2 wins along the way. He is another one that will be doing a rain dance in his stable tonight after hitting a rich vein of form when discovering soft ground. The most eyecatching part of his entry today is the fact that Ed De Giles has booked Tom Queally for the first time which shouldn't go un-noticed. Another bold show expected.
3:10 - Sandown Park - Starscope - Ran a blinder in the Coronation Stakes at the Royal meeting and has been consistent all year without managing to get her head in front. Today should finally be the day she gets out on top and this would appear to be her distance. There doesn't look to be anything of the class she has been running against here today and she really should mop up here. John Gosden's stable is in good form as per always.
3:45 - Sandown Park - Crackerjack King - Probably the unknown quantity here in the sense that he has never ventured to these shores but in other countries he has some really smart form. In Cappanelle he had Sri Putra well beaten and also beat German Derby winner Waldpark that day. The going was much firmer that day but he should handle this ground fine and the booking of Ryan Moore really catches the eye. Everything points towards a big run today and should go close.
4:20 - Sandown Park - Thimaar - An absolute giant of a horse and one who will appreciate getting his toe in the ground. His form from the Sagaro last time is possibly the strongest staying form around from the early season, that day finishing behind Colour Vision and Red Cadeaux who have both gone on to much better things. The switch to turf will help the Gosden horse no end today and this could be the second John Gosden trained winner of the day.
4:55 - Sandown Park - Fortieth And Fifth - Very unlucky when a beaten favourite at Ripon the other week when Hayley Turner admitted wasn't her best ride. He was slow away that day and got no run till late on yet still ran on into a good third. Before that he was an impressive winner at Hamilton and a reproduction of that will see him in front at the line today.
Happy Punting today guys, lets hope for a couple of winners!
1:30 - Sandown Park -Rocky Reef - Andrew Balding will be hoping for a good start to the day with Bonfire running in the big one later on. This one scored last time out on his step up to this trip at Chepstow on very testing ground. Soft ground would aid his chances no end but it doesn't seem a necessity as he has run well on faster ground. He has to run from two pounds out of the handicap today but it isn't the end of the world and he is an improving horse. If the overnight rain comes then everything will be in his favour but he should go close regardless.
2:05 - Sandown Park - Judge n Jury - A bold front running horse who has been a revelation this year running in much better races going down half a length in a group 3 at the Curragh last time. A powerful jockey booking in Luke Morris today who is really coming into his own this year. The more rain in the ground the better for this lad, but again goes well on quicker ground also. A good draw for these sprints at Sandown as historically lower numbers do prevail and he is out of stall 3 today. Shouldn't be out of the places.
2:40 - Sandown Park - Spa's Dancer - Absolutely loves it here, in five visits to the course he has never been out of the first four recording 2 wins along the way. He is another one that will be doing a rain dance in his stable tonight after hitting a rich vein of form when discovering soft ground. The most eyecatching part of his entry today is the fact that Ed De Giles has booked Tom Queally for the first time which shouldn't go un-noticed. Another bold show expected.
3:10 - Sandown Park - Starscope - Ran a blinder in the Coronation Stakes at the Royal meeting and has been consistent all year without managing to get her head in front. Today should finally be the day she gets out on top and this would appear to be her distance. There doesn't look to be anything of the class she has been running against here today and she really should mop up here. John Gosden's stable is in good form as per always.
3:45 - Sandown Park - Crackerjack King - Probably the unknown quantity here in the sense that he has never ventured to these shores but in other countries he has some really smart form. In Cappanelle he had Sri Putra well beaten and also beat German Derby winner Waldpark that day. The going was much firmer that day but he should handle this ground fine and the booking of Ryan Moore really catches the eye. Everything points towards a big run today and should go close.
4:20 - Sandown Park - Thimaar - An absolute giant of a horse and one who will appreciate getting his toe in the ground. His form from the Sagaro last time is possibly the strongest staying form around from the early season, that day finishing behind Colour Vision and Red Cadeaux who have both gone on to much better things. The switch to turf will help the Gosden horse no end today and this could be the second John Gosden trained winner of the day.
4:55 - Sandown Park - Fortieth And Fifth - Very unlucky when a beaten favourite at Ripon the other week when Hayley Turner admitted wasn't her best ride. He was slow away that day and got no run till late on yet still ran on into a good third. Before that he was an impressive winner at Hamilton and a reproduction of that will see him in front at the line today.
Happy Punting today guys, lets hope for a couple of winners!
Friday, 15 June 2012
Ascot is on the horizon
A pretty good week by all accounts last week, one winner and 3 other places at nice enough prices. But the poorer quality racing continues this week ahead of Royal Ascot with handicaps looking the order of the day all round.
As I'm sure everybody knows, Black Caviar is here and is reportedly well ahead of her crack at the Diamond Jubilee. She is around a 2/5 favourite now and it looks as if the value has gone, personally I like Bated Breath each way still available at around 10/1. But onto the racing today.
2:50 Sandown - Sam Sharp - Second the last two times, each by under a length. I was there for his Sandown defeat to todays rival Weapon of Choice, he looked to have his measure but for idling in the final strides. He was probably lacking in the fitness department from the winner as it was his first run since December. Only raised a pound for his last two efforts and coming out just better on the ratings over Weapon of Choice, he can finally get his head in front. Disappointing if out of the places.
3:45 York - Doncaster Rover - Steps up to a mile for the first time today which for me is nothing but a positive. He goes on any ground so getting his toe in here shouldn't phase him in the slightest, neither will the course as he is a winner round here and seems to enjoy it. He usually gets the definition of running on late over 7 furlongs. With that in mind a mile should be right up his street with others in the field looking a touch out of form. The danger could well be Ptolemaic getting heaps of weight from his elders.
4:20 Bath - Selinda - Backing Mick Channon's charge blind right now isn't a bad idea and this one looks to be his best bet of the day. She ran well on her return to come fourth at Ayr when probably needing the run and will strip much fitter for that experience. She is a winner of two races (both at Yarmouth) on fast ground and todays ground will be fine for her. Matthew Davies takes the ride today and has been riding a few winners for this stable as of late. This could be another one.
5:30 Sandown - Bolivia - At face value this one seems an odd selection, but delve a bit deeper and you will discover her a bit more. She has been out of her depth running in class ones the whole time and if memory serves me right she had an entry at Royal Ascot last year for a long time. Today is a class four and will be much more to her standard. In the bigger races she has been running well behind horses such as Barbican (beaten 12 lengths) and if repeating that form she is sure to go close. Today is the lowest mark she has run off of but also the longest distance she has run over, which is no negative. Could well go close.
8:15 Leicester - Red Inca - Brian Ellison will be praying that the meeting today passes the 7am inspection as Red Inca will love the ground today. He first caught my eye over hurdles at Musselburgh staying on over 2 miles, he won next time out and went on to run a blinder at Sandown in a hot handicap behind Lexi's boy. He was right up there till just after two from home when the stamina gauge emptied. He was well looked after by Felix De Giles that day and has since ran a good 5th at Beverley on ground probably too fast for him. There was a runaway winner that day and the form is better than the numbers say. Should improve this time.
Hopefully this gives us a few pennies for Royal Ascot next week, I'll be back on Tuesday when we will be hoping Frankel can supply us with another mesmerizing performance.
Happy Punting as always
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Sagaro at Kempton
Wow! how impressive was Sanctuaire at the weekend, I was confident about him winning but who could have expected him to be 25 lengths clear at the first railway fence and beat Somersby easily by 17 lengths. He jumped probably better than any horse I've seen round Sandown gaining a couple of lengths at each fence over his rivals. All I can say is that the Champion Chase next year is going to be an unbelievable race, Sanctuaire tearing off in front with Sprinter Sacre getting the lead in and Finian's Rainbow trying to get them late. But surely its too early to get excited about Cheltenham, is it?
But onto today's racing and Ascot was Abandoned which means the Sagaro is transferred to Kempton instead, a fairly high class field tackles the race, even with 6 runners in there.
3:45
ELECTROLYSER popped up in a good race at Nottingham last time out to end his 3 year losing spell. Even in that winless run he was still running well consistently and it will be interesting to see if he has turned a corner in his career. He may just be playing for the minor prize money. Both him and RED CADEAUX carry penalties and must give 3 pounds to the others who are all 4 year olds. The latter has been running well all round the world lately when getting touched off by Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup and coming 3rd behind the same horse in the Hong Kong Vase. He has come placed here on this surface but that form wouldn't be strong enough to win a race of this standard. Saying that he has been running well lately and if the break has freshened him up he should go close. SOLAR SKY is the lowest rated in the field but is by no stretch of the imagination out of it. He was 2nd behind Namibian in the Queens Vase at Ascot last year and was staying on behind ELECTROLYSER last time out over a shorter trip, this looks ideal today. He will have to improve however. COLOUR VISION is coming back from a break today and also has his first run for Mahmood Al-Zarooni which can only be a positive. He was third in the Cesarewitch last year and then went on to be 3rd behind Fame and Glory when staying on very strongly on QIPCO Champions day last year. He by far brings the strongest form to the table and a strong run race will suit him down to the ground. BARBICAN returns from an unsuccessful raid in Dubai when he had more in front than behind when beaten soundly by Opinion Poll, on that form the Godolphin runner holds him however Darryl Holland's mount has won at Kempton before and clearly has no problem with the fibresand. I just feel that there are horses more open to improvement int his field and he could struggle today. One of them more open to improvement is the selection today which is THIMAAR who is a dual winner over the distance and also a course and distance winner. That course and distance win came last time out when he beat Gulf Of Naples early last month. Them two were well clear of their opponents that day and both look good horses. I was impressed with how well he stayed on for Paul Hanagan and the race looks sure to set up to his strengths today. The way I see the race panning out is Electrolyser and Barbican making the running and possibly cutting each others throats with Thimaar settled in behind. He should be able to pick them up turning for home and his stamina can kick in with Solar Sky and Colour Vision coming late but not getting there. THIMAAR to win the Sagaro.
I know last week I said I will be trying to put a blog up each day and I was trying to stick with that but there have been things going on and haven't been able to update them. I will be trying to update the blog more often and I may even try and get a couple of jockey interviews if possible.
Happy punting as always :)
But onto today's racing and Ascot was Abandoned which means the Sagaro is transferred to Kempton instead, a fairly high class field tackles the race, even with 6 runners in there.
3:45
ELECTROLYSER popped up in a good race at Nottingham last time out to end his 3 year losing spell. Even in that winless run he was still running well consistently and it will be interesting to see if he has turned a corner in his career. He may just be playing for the minor prize money. Both him and RED CADEAUX carry penalties and must give 3 pounds to the others who are all 4 year olds. The latter has been running well all round the world lately when getting touched off by Dunaden in the Melbourne Cup and coming 3rd behind the same horse in the Hong Kong Vase. He has come placed here on this surface but that form wouldn't be strong enough to win a race of this standard. Saying that he has been running well lately and if the break has freshened him up he should go close. SOLAR SKY is the lowest rated in the field but is by no stretch of the imagination out of it. He was 2nd behind Namibian in the Queens Vase at Ascot last year and was staying on behind ELECTROLYSER last time out over a shorter trip, this looks ideal today. He will have to improve however. COLOUR VISION is coming back from a break today and also has his first run for Mahmood Al-Zarooni which can only be a positive. He was third in the Cesarewitch last year and then went on to be 3rd behind Fame and Glory when staying on very strongly on QIPCO Champions day last year. He by far brings the strongest form to the table and a strong run race will suit him down to the ground. BARBICAN returns from an unsuccessful raid in Dubai when he had more in front than behind when beaten soundly by Opinion Poll, on that form the Godolphin runner holds him however Darryl Holland's mount has won at Kempton before and clearly has no problem with the fibresand. I just feel that there are horses more open to improvement int his field and he could struggle today. One of them more open to improvement is the selection today which is THIMAAR who is a dual winner over the distance and also a course and distance winner. That course and distance win came last time out when he beat Gulf Of Naples early last month. Them two were well clear of their opponents that day and both look good horses. I was impressed with how well he stayed on for Paul Hanagan and the race looks sure to set up to his strengths today. The way I see the race panning out is Electrolyser and Barbican making the running and possibly cutting each others throats with Thimaar settled in behind. He should be able to pick them up turning for home and his stamina can kick in with Solar Sky and Colour Vision coming late but not getting there. THIMAAR to win the Sagaro.
I know last week I said I will be trying to put a blog up each day and I was trying to stick with that but there have been things going on and haven't been able to update them. I will be trying to update the blog more often and I may even try and get a couple of jockey interviews if possible.
Happy punting as always :)
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Sandown Park - Imperial Cup Day
A good day of racing at Sandown today to warm us up for Cheltenham in the right fashion. Most notably the Imperial Cup which is the first part of the £75000 Sunderlands bonus if the winner of the race today can go on and win any race at the festival next week. Without further ado lets crack on with the first race.
2:05
A big handicap to start the day off and a few very interesting horses, none more so than DUALLA LORD from the Paul Nicholls yard and has been running well as of late. He was highly tried earlier in the season when running over fences against Grand Crus but unseating that day. first time in a handicap today and should go close but a place may be his best claim today. AMBION WOOD takes a drop in trip today but is off top weight and may find life tough despite being in great form this year. However in truth he doesnt have to give too much weight away. PRESENTING ACE is the one all the money has come for this and like the first mentioned is in a handicap for the first time, his novice form hasnt been too flattering but the market support is very interesting. ELSAFEER has been finding life a bit tough off his higher handicap rating but is slipping down to a winning mark. JUMPS ROAD hails from the in form Colin Tizzard stable and is highly thought of but has a bit to find on Warwick form with a couple of today's rivals. OFF THE GROUND won a Novice Handicap round here last month and is up 6 pounds for that win, the second has since franked the form, though not in a good race. With that he may be found wanting here. Nicky Henderson has two in the race with his first string being SPEED MASTER who also goes handicapping for the first time today, he has been winning Novice events nicely but in truth they havent been the strongest races and this is a big step up in class on them performances. Henderson's second string is THANKS FOR COMING who has been running well as of late and isnt without a chance at a big enough price. CARRIGMORNA KING won a competitive novice hurdle at Newbury back in January and like alot of these goes handicapping for the first time and has the burden of carrying the 'Pricewise' tag. MERRY KING had JUMPS ROAD back in third in his last run and the latter should reverse that form on paper. But with 17 points in between them in the betting you'd feel that Jonjo expect a bit more from his horse. Preference is for Nick Gifford's KUILSRIVER who is yet to win a race in his career but has been running in some very good company. He ran well in the Lanzarote hurdle off a 3 pound higher mark than today and should go very close.
2:40
All the money this morning has been for DOVER'S HILL who is down to a winning mark nowadays after just slipping down the handicap slowly but surely, however he hasnt really been running with much encouragement lately and may be best watched. BALLYFOY ran a very good race at Fontwell over hurdles in the week just failing to get up on the line, as long as that race hasnt taken too much out of him he should be thereabouts. THE SAWYER is an admirable sort who returns to more realistic company today and has been running well this year, he always gives his all when he runs and loves this rider, one for the shortlist. He was ahead of PROPHETE DE GUYE last time out and it should be the same outcome today, whether they are good enough to get involved when it matters is another question. QHILIMAR has top weight to worry about but loves it round here and shouldnt be too far away. Sue Smith brings down AURORA'S ENCORE who usually comes into his own this time of year but has been badly out of sorts as of late and has something to prove. RICHARD'S SUNDANCE is 6 pounds better off with MARTY'S MISSION today than when they last met at this course, and for that reason we shall side with the former today. Not a young horse by any stretch of the imagination anymore but has been enjoying his racing this year and running some very good races in better company than this, could take all the beating.
3:15
Last week NAMPOUR got us a place at nice odds and looks set to run another nice race after finding just one too good at Newbury, he fell in the race at Taunton won by SIRE DE GRUGY who has been very well in himself this year and will be suited by a flat out gallop, only raised 6 pounds for his win and looks a good bet again this time round. Venetia Williams sends two to this race CICERON and ART PROFESSOR, Aidan Coleman has chosen the latter to ride on grounds that he is 'an easier ride'. The former won a big handicap here earlier in the year but is tough to find right and Coleman has said both are going for place claims. Nicky Henderson also sends two to post this year, his first string being CELTUS who never really took to fences last time and was soundly beaten out of sight, back to hurdles today but he will need to step up his game if he is to reverse form with SIRE DE GRUGY in his earlier years. Hendersons second string is FIRST IN THE QUEUE who's best form this season was when he went down by a head at Cheltenham and is slowly coming back down the weights while still not disgracing himself. Looks to be up against it though. The Pipe family have always targeted the Sunderlands bonus through the years and this year is no different with David sending MASTER OF ARTS here who was last seen over hurdles when 11th in the Triumph hurdle in 2009. It will be interesting to see how he adapts back to hurdling from the flat but the market support this week is encouraging. ILE DE RE won here last time out but in truth it wasnt the strongest race and will have to step up markedly today if he is to land this race. DEVIL TO PAY represents the Alan King stable and is 3 pounds better off on his run behind SIRE DE GRUGY and has more of a chance than Kempton winner LUCAINDUBAI who ran well for a long way in the Kingwell last time until class told. PATEESE wants the ground alot softer than it is today but will have strong place claims whereas JOHNS SPIRIT doesnt look good enough. As much as i hate myself for it i cant get away from TED SPREAD this afternoon after seeing his last win at Taunton in his first handicap, and i would really fancy him to land the Sunderlands bonus were he to win today.
3:50
THE WEE LASS won her only start nicely at Taunton at fancy odds and is possibly over priced today, she had GOWITHDFLO behind her that day and its hard to see that form being reversed, especially if the former improves for her first run. UMADACHAR is a very highly thought of filly and made amends for fluffing her lines first time up with a win second time round and it will be interesting to see how she performs today. BUXOM beat GINGER FIZZ by four lengths on debut and improved to win again at Ludlow in her second run, further improvement would put her bang there with a chance. THE WICKED KEEPER is alot better off than CALL ME A STAR on their last run together thanks to a 10 pound claimer, there may still be more to come from Alan Kings horse today though and is fancied ahead of Martin Keighleys horse. TARADREWE won well first time out and Aidan Coleman booked to ride is a very positive booking today. She will need to improve though. A chance is taken on UMADACHAR though today.
4:25
A race that revolves all around SANCTUAIRE who was oh so impressive on his chase debut and earned quotes of 16/1 for the Arkle afterwards. Paul Nicholls has however opted not to run him there and Aintree looks the target for him. One word of warning, he can have a mind of his own and give the others a 25 length lead sometimes but was on better behaviour last time and looks hard to beat. GRACCHUS is his main rival and is a good horse in his own right but really shouldnt be good enough to beat the favourite if at his best. The same applies for the other two despite getting weight from the two mentioned.
5:00
A mix of horses that are bang in form and horribly out of form in this race today, INSIDE DEALER is one of those in form and can be forgiven his last run. Would maybe have won at Kempton in December but for being murdered by Fruity O'rooney 2 from home. COOL FRIEND ran into the huge improver Hunt Ball last time and on that form easily holds PANJO BERE who doesnt look the force of old. The former looks well handicapped after not being raised for his 2nd last time out. CALUSA CALDERA and COIS FARRAIG have been badly out of form lately and need to prove alot today. ALDERTUNE always seems to find one too good in a race and today may not be any different. Sue Smiths second runner of the day is YOU KNOW YOURSELF and Shane Byrne gets on very well with him, you wouldnt imagine Sue Smith would travel all this way for nothing so he gets the nod today.
as always happy punting
NAP - Ted Spread
NB - Kuilsriver
2:05
A big handicap to start the day off and a few very interesting horses, none more so than DUALLA LORD from the Paul Nicholls yard and has been running well as of late. He was highly tried earlier in the season when running over fences against Grand Crus but unseating that day. first time in a handicap today and should go close but a place may be his best claim today. AMBION WOOD takes a drop in trip today but is off top weight and may find life tough despite being in great form this year. However in truth he doesnt have to give too much weight away. PRESENTING ACE is the one all the money has come for this and like the first mentioned is in a handicap for the first time, his novice form hasnt been too flattering but the market support is very interesting. ELSAFEER has been finding life a bit tough off his higher handicap rating but is slipping down to a winning mark. JUMPS ROAD hails from the in form Colin Tizzard stable and is highly thought of but has a bit to find on Warwick form with a couple of today's rivals. OFF THE GROUND won a Novice Handicap round here last month and is up 6 pounds for that win, the second has since franked the form, though not in a good race. With that he may be found wanting here. Nicky Henderson has two in the race with his first string being SPEED MASTER who also goes handicapping for the first time today, he has been winning Novice events nicely but in truth they havent been the strongest races and this is a big step up in class on them performances. Henderson's second string is THANKS FOR COMING who has been running well as of late and isnt without a chance at a big enough price. CARRIGMORNA KING won a competitive novice hurdle at Newbury back in January and like alot of these goes handicapping for the first time and has the burden of carrying the 'Pricewise' tag. MERRY KING had JUMPS ROAD back in third in his last run and the latter should reverse that form on paper. But with 17 points in between them in the betting you'd feel that Jonjo expect a bit more from his horse. Preference is for Nick Gifford's KUILSRIVER who is yet to win a race in his career but has been running in some very good company. He ran well in the Lanzarote hurdle off a 3 pound higher mark than today and should go very close.
2:40
All the money this morning has been for DOVER'S HILL who is down to a winning mark nowadays after just slipping down the handicap slowly but surely, however he hasnt really been running with much encouragement lately and may be best watched. BALLYFOY ran a very good race at Fontwell over hurdles in the week just failing to get up on the line, as long as that race hasnt taken too much out of him he should be thereabouts. THE SAWYER is an admirable sort who returns to more realistic company today and has been running well this year, he always gives his all when he runs and loves this rider, one for the shortlist. He was ahead of PROPHETE DE GUYE last time out and it should be the same outcome today, whether they are good enough to get involved when it matters is another question. QHILIMAR has top weight to worry about but loves it round here and shouldnt be too far away. Sue Smith brings down AURORA'S ENCORE who usually comes into his own this time of year but has been badly out of sorts as of late and has something to prove. RICHARD'S SUNDANCE is 6 pounds better off with MARTY'S MISSION today than when they last met at this course, and for that reason we shall side with the former today. Not a young horse by any stretch of the imagination anymore but has been enjoying his racing this year and running some very good races in better company than this, could take all the beating.
3:15
Last week NAMPOUR got us a place at nice odds and looks set to run another nice race after finding just one too good at Newbury, he fell in the race at Taunton won by SIRE DE GRUGY who has been very well in himself this year and will be suited by a flat out gallop, only raised 6 pounds for his win and looks a good bet again this time round. Venetia Williams sends two to this race CICERON and ART PROFESSOR, Aidan Coleman has chosen the latter to ride on grounds that he is 'an easier ride'. The former won a big handicap here earlier in the year but is tough to find right and Coleman has said both are going for place claims. Nicky Henderson also sends two to post this year, his first string being CELTUS who never really took to fences last time and was soundly beaten out of sight, back to hurdles today but he will need to step up his game if he is to reverse form with SIRE DE GRUGY in his earlier years. Hendersons second string is FIRST IN THE QUEUE who's best form this season was when he went down by a head at Cheltenham and is slowly coming back down the weights while still not disgracing himself. Looks to be up against it though. The Pipe family have always targeted the Sunderlands bonus through the years and this year is no different with David sending MASTER OF ARTS here who was last seen over hurdles when 11th in the Triumph hurdle in 2009. It will be interesting to see how he adapts back to hurdling from the flat but the market support this week is encouraging. ILE DE RE won here last time out but in truth it wasnt the strongest race and will have to step up markedly today if he is to land this race. DEVIL TO PAY represents the Alan King stable and is 3 pounds better off on his run behind SIRE DE GRUGY and has more of a chance than Kempton winner LUCAINDUBAI who ran well for a long way in the Kingwell last time until class told. PATEESE wants the ground alot softer than it is today but will have strong place claims whereas JOHNS SPIRIT doesnt look good enough. As much as i hate myself for it i cant get away from TED SPREAD this afternoon after seeing his last win at Taunton in his first handicap, and i would really fancy him to land the Sunderlands bonus were he to win today.
3:50
THE WEE LASS won her only start nicely at Taunton at fancy odds and is possibly over priced today, she had GOWITHDFLO behind her that day and its hard to see that form being reversed, especially if the former improves for her first run. UMADACHAR is a very highly thought of filly and made amends for fluffing her lines first time up with a win second time round and it will be interesting to see how she performs today. BUXOM beat GINGER FIZZ by four lengths on debut and improved to win again at Ludlow in her second run, further improvement would put her bang there with a chance. THE WICKED KEEPER is alot better off than CALL ME A STAR on their last run together thanks to a 10 pound claimer, there may still be more to come from Alan Kings horse today though and is fancied ahead of Martin Keighleys horse. TARADREWE won well first time out and Aidan Coleman booked to ride is a very positive booking today. She will need to improve though. A chance is taken on UMADACHAR though today.
4:25
A race that revolves all around SANCTUAIRE who was oh so impressive on his chase debut and earned quotes of 16/1 for the Arkle afterwards. Paul Nicholls has however opted not to run him there and Aintree looks the target for him. One word of warning, he can have a mind of his own and give the others a 25 length lead sometimes but was on better behaviour last time and looks hard to beat. GRACCHUS is his main rival and is a good horse in his own right but really shouldnt be good enough to beat the favourite if at his best. The same applies for the other two despite getting weight from the two mentioned.
5:00
A mix of horses that are bang in form and horribly out of form in this race today, INSIDE DEALER is one of those in form and can be forgiven his last run. Would maybe have won at Kempton in December but for being murdered by Fruity O'rooney 2 from home. COOL FRIEND ran into the huge improver Hunt Ball last time and on that form easily holds PANJO BERE who doesnt look the force of old. The former looks well handicapped after not being raised for his 2nd last time out. CALUSA CALDERA and COIS FARRAIG have been badly out of form lately and need to prove alot today. ALDERTUNE always seems to find one too good in a race and today may not be any different. Sue Smiths second runner of the day is YOU KNOW YOURSELF and Shane Byrne gets on very well with him, you wouldnt imagine Sue Smith would travel all this way for nothing so he gets the nod today.
as always happy punting
NAP - Ted Spread
NB - Kuilsriver
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