Betfair Hurdle Day

Morning Racing fans, A huge day of racing ahead of us with the betfair hurdle being the highlight. Leopardstown also host a top class card with Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs clashing horns once again. Stamina doubts surround Peter Casey's gelding whereas the latter must jump better to win. There is also a Gold Cup trial at Newbury with Silviniaco Conti a hot favourite for the Denman Chase. One thing is for certain, after today a few Cheltenham Festival credentials will be tarnished and some boosted. Firstly a review of last week.

It wasnt the best of blogs last week, however it would have been a completely different story if Third Intention hadn't idled to be caught in the final strides. We stilled managed to get the reverse forecast with Captain Conan which paid just over 5/1 though. Third Intention remains a good hope for the Jewson in March, you would think he would have some kind of headgear on at Cheltenham which would help no end. That was all there was to write home about last week.

Onto some more exciting news, I have recently conducted an interview with an jockey to put on here for you guys. It should be up next week and hopefully it will be the first in a series.

On Monday the racing world was put in shock when a routine prep for the Champion hurdle resulted in Darlan losing his life. A last hurdle fall upsides Rock on Ruby when coming to win ended in tragedy as he and McCoy hit the deck. Heart breakingly only one returned to their feet, the champ was fine but stood himself down for the day. The only other thing I have to say on the matter is shame on anyone who blamed Tony McCoy for the accident. It was in no way his fault and im afraid they are just talking through their pockets. Things like this really separate the Gamblers from the real racing people in life.

But on that sad note we must continue with this weeks racing.

12:55 Warwick - Open Day

McCoy only has two rides at Warwick before getting in his helicopter and flying off to Newbury. Open Day is the first of these two, he went off the boil since winning a novice hurdle in 2010 at Sandown but has recently found form again. He recorded his first win since then at Leicester back in November when beating some useful types. Last time out however he was put well in his place by Dark Lover who is highly thought of by Paul Nicholls. He himself runs in the Betfair hurdle later on and the Nicholls yard was firing at the time. Open Day was comfortably ahead of Dan Breen and this looks a weaker race. (9/2) an each way selection for the race is the useful Red Inca for Brian Ellison's yard (11/1) and we will take the reverse forecast once again.

1:30 Warwick - Ma Filleule

The Champ's second mount at Warwick comes in the shape of Nicky Henderson's Ma Filleule, who is improving with every run. She has only had 3 runs in England winning one and finishing second in the other two, she also has two wins to her name in France. One of the big advantages in this race however is that she receives 5 pounds from most of her main rivals today. With the Henderson team in great form we will take Ma Filleule to complete the double for Tony McCoy. (7/2)

1:40 Uttoxeter - Stow

When I first saw this race my jaw dropped to see Stow running in a selling race. It is one of the better sellers you will see but with Patrick Corbett's claim Stow gets 12 pounds from his two main rivals. He has been running against much better opposition over the past few years and dips his toe in this class for the first time. He simply cant be ignored and looks a really good bet today considering the circumstances. (No Price yet)

1:50 Newbury - Captain Sunshine

I think im the only person in the country who has kept faith with Captain Sunshine this year. But last time he was staying on very strongly when coming down at the last in the Lanzarote. He was certainly booked for a place that day and its not out of the equation that he would have won the race. He 'refused' to race at Exeter which I blamed the starter for that as he didnt show any reluctance. However last time he looked to have his quirks at the start with a handler down with him. He is well worth a chance on his step up to 3 miles today as realistically it was always going to be his trip. (9/1)

2:25 Newbury - Mail De Bievre

Tom George hasnt been discreet with what he thinks about Mail De Bievre outlining him as a Gold Cup contender. Back in 2008/09 he was with Alan King winning a hurdle race at Exeter, in France it is Chasing in which he has earned his reputation. Along with that he earned a rating of 160 and with the weight received from Silviniaco Conti he is 2 pounds behind him. If fully wound up for this race which I suspect he will be as he was entered for a couple of other races. He is too good of a price to ignore with others having chinks in their armour, a solid each way bet. (8/1)

3:00 Newbury - Wishfull Thinking

This years Game Spirit fell apart at the seams when Simonsig was declared as a non runner. But at the same time it gives Wishfull thinking a fantastic chance to land another valuable 2 mile chase. There are many potential improvers, mostly Shooters Wood who is the choice of Ruby Walsh. But Wishfull Thinking looks clear of those and is guaranteed to go on the ground. This could be a big race win for Phillip Hobbs and Richard Johnson. (10/3)

3:15 Warwick - Dream Again Boys

Back to Warwick now for Maurice Linehan's mount Dream Again Boys. Without Linehan's claim he would be top weight, instead he carries 11-7 which makes his task one heck of a lot easier. It also means he isnt giving much weight away all throughout the field. He won at this time of year in 2012, which was also the only time Linehan has ridden him. But he won most recently last time out at Ffos Las under AP very easily, the money was down for him that day and he should carry it forward here. An added bonus is that Linehan rides Warwick particularly well which is a bonus in a race of this type. (6/1)

3:35 Newbury - Punjabi

The 2009 Champion Hurdle winner turns up here after a good comeback run in the Christmas hurdle. His Reappearance was the typical run after a long lay off, travels well for a long way and then faded quickly. Sensibly Barry Geraghty looked after him and let him come home in his own time. He will be much straighter for that run and off a rating of 145 he looks a steal, physically however he runs off of 140 with Jeremiah McGrath's claim. Rewind to 2009 before his injury and he is rated 166 meaning he is thrown in today off an easy rating. On Attheraces Barry Geraghty said 'there was still plenty of spark about him' which is good enough for me and he gets the nod today. (22/1)

4:10 Newbury - Hadrian's Approach

The appeal of this race will be around Unioniste stepping up to 3 miles for the first time, but preference is for Hadrian's Approach. Nicky Henderson's charge was second to Dynaste, but at Kempton in the Feltham. Newbury should be much more to his liking as he is a big lump of a horse that wouldnt have liked the speed of Kempton. The wide Galloping track of Newbury will be much more up his street and his proven stamina could be put into effect. His one visit to Newbury ended in a fall when well in contention and going well. That was one of the strongest Novice chases of this year so the form of it must be taken strongly. It helps that the stable really fancy this one tomorrow also, he takes the choice. (7/2)

4:25 Warwick - Chiberta King

The last choice of the day is also the NAP of the day with Andrew Balding's ex top class flat horse Chiberta King. He goes left handed again after winning nicely at Newbury last time out, there was plenty to like about that victory, especially his improved jumping. His first two starts at Ascot resulted in him jumping severely out to his left and throwing races away. If he had been started out left handed, he could well be unbeaten. Paddy Brennan comes over from Newbury for the one ride and it should be a winning one.

NAP - Chiberta King
NB - Stow

Aaaaaaaaand breathe! Hope you enjoyed todays read, good luck to everyone if you have a bet. Enjoy your weekend guys.

Happy Punting!

18th February - Ascot

Yesterday saw one of the most impressive performances of the year in Sprinter Sacre winning the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury. He broke the track record on the bridle and shouts of going to the champion chase have been heard. His stable mate Long Run also recorded a pre-festival victory when winning the Denman chase, albeit not convincing. He has been eased in the betting for the Gold Cup in March and is now Joint Favourites with Kauto Star. Its good to see class racing back on a Saturday afternoon after the weather took a turn for the worst two weeks ago. Today the National Hunt action comes from Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton.

Ascot - 1:15
KEYS is a short priced favourite for this affair today and if he wants to book his Cheltenham ticket today is the day for him. Just the one start over hurdles so far in which he was beaten by Cinders and Ashes (tipped below for the Supreme Novices). He will most likely come on for that run and should take all the beating here. SAINT ROQUE is sure to improve for his first run at Hereford, Market support should be interesting for this one from the Paul Nicholls yard, but he could find one too good in Nicky Henderson's charge. If you can forgive DENALI HIGHWAY'S second run at Ascot he looks over priced after beating some useful horses at Uttoxeter first time out. BOLD HENRY will probably be the each way selection for many people after an encouraging debut at Ludlow and being the choice of Richard Johnson. If SUPER DUTY is none the worse for his fall at Ayr then he should be the one to take the favourite closest here. He was 3 out of 3 before his fall but he was looking vulnerable when falling. This ground will suit him alot more. THE LAST NIGHT came 3rd at Huntingdon in a very hot race first time out, any improvement from that should see him go close with Noel Fehily on board today. But its hard to see past the favourite KEYS who looks a very useful Novice and should open his account today. THE LAST NIGHT for each way punters.

Ascot 1:50
A race that seems to revolve around the top two in the race. BOBS WORTH was behind Grand Crus and opponent SILVINIACO CONTI last time in the Feltham but before that won his only Chase beating Cue Card on the line. It has seemed so far in his Chasing career that he isnt as talented over fences as he was over hurdles, saying that he open to improvement. the latter mentioned was 3 lengths ahead of his market rival in the Feltham and only considerable improvement from BOBS WORTH should see the form reversed today. ALFIE SPINNER has taken well to chasing but you would imagine he would find these too good today and should only be playing for minor money. BAILE ANRAI was well held behind SILVINIACO CONTI when these two met previously when he fell. That was his first Chase however and before that he was 2nd in the Persian War at Chepstow (6 lengths behind Fingal Bay). Im going to take a chance with INVICTUS today though in a hope that 3 miles will bring out more improvement in him. Ran at Cheltenham last time and never really fell in love with the course leading to a few mistakes. Ascot looks more like a course he will thrive at if he can get galloping. INVICTUS to spoil the party for the big two.

2:25 Ascot
THE MINACK has been a much improved horse this year and for his exertions he has to run off a mark of 159 and give lumps of weight away all round here. It could just be that he is a very good horse but today could be the day the handicapper gets him finally. CHANCE DU ROY is upped to three miles today after disappointing in his last two runs, before that he won a hot contest at Newbury on Hennessy day. If you take that form straight then CRESCENT ISLAND should be ahead of Phillip Hobbs' horse on the line but he does have a mind of his own and can make the jockey look very foolish at times, one to back with caution. On his day he a very useful horse though. PENNY MAX has taken a forward in his career but has been raised 21 pounds for his two wins, there should be more to come from him but i think his best claims today are for a place. PEARLYSTEPS is an admirable horse and always runs his heart out, today may just be too much for him and he does perform best in bottomless conditions. HELL'S BAY has been tumbling down the weights since his return but there is a reason for that, when putting his best foot forward he is a very useful animal but hasnt shown that since his return from injury. Brendan Powell's 5 pound claim can only help. MASSINI'S MAGUIRE hated conditions last time and was pulled up at this track, the going today will be much more in his favour however and should go close. CAPPA BLEU once looked to have the world at his feet but has failed to shine since his foxhunters win, he runs off the same mark he did when 3rd in the Welsh National today and after a short break looks sure to go well. I'm going to side with the Twiston-Davies horse today though in VIKING BLOND who last time didnt enjoy the ground in the Welsh National and was rightly pulled up by Sam Twiston  Davies. After a busy start to the year he has been given a break to freshen him up and should be ready to go this time round. A stamina laden front runner round Ascot is usually not a bad thing and he may be able to pound a few of these into submission under his low weight. VIKING BLOND is the selection

3:00 - Ascot
The main race of the day is the Ascot Chase and there has been alot of money for RIVERSIDE THEATRE who comes of a long lay off after being seen last in this race 12 months ago. Before that he was second to Long Run in the King George which is very strong form. Fitness is a worry and for that reason we shall take him on today. At Sandown it looked as if KAUTO STONE was screaming out for 2 and a half miles when second in the Tingle Creek, he gets his wish today. He should right in the firing line as they turn for home and could just get home in front, but he isnt proven at this level (could be a bit unfair) and is opposed today. IMSINGINGTHEBLUES and TATENEN both love Ascot but shouldnt be good enough to land a blow today. GAUVAIN is back over his best trip today after falling in the Victor Chandler  last time out. He won the Peterborough on the back of a fall at Sandown and could go close again this time. He was soundly beaten last year in this contest but the ground is right for him this time round and should be able to ruffle a few feathers among the main protagonists. MEDERMIT is another horse who is better over this trip but i fear that he may not be good enough to win this race, but looks set to run another big race for connections. I'm taking a big gamble today on my selection in LITTLE JOSH who ran a lovely race last time out in the Argento at Cheltenham but just faded late on, this is due to the long lay off and the fact he probably doesnt stay 3 miles. This is by far his strongest trip and there is another big race in him somewhere. Sam Twiston Davies has been excited to get back on him over this trip after the Argento and the Big Bold front runner can make his presence felt here today.

3:35 - Ascot
We did well yesterday in the big handicap hurdle with Get me out of here running an unlucky second at Newbury. A few chasers reverting back to Hurdles here, namely CRACK AWAY JACK, EMMASLEGEND and SARANDO the last mentioned was second to Quito De La Roque at Aintree last year but hasnt followed through his potential this term. You would imagine connections have a longer term target in mind and are trying to protect his handicap mark over fences and is avoided today. CRACK AWAY JACK is undoubtedly a better hurdler than a chaser, his fourth in the 2009 Champion Hurdle being the stand out form. He may just be a tad high in the weights right now but would be no surprise at all to see him get a place. MOUNTAINOUS has been really well in himself but goes better on softer ground it seems. SWINCOMBE FLAME won the Lanzarote after being a huge gamble and more market support will only be in her favour today. She may just find it a bit tough to win today however under a higher mark and an arguably tougher field. SMAD PLACE won well first time out this year at this course and looked to have improved no end, he looks a tad vulnerable under his big weight today and it would be impressive should he win today. ART PROFESSOR is a fragile horse but has been running well this year without reward, he is only off a one pound higher mark today and should be thereabouts again. DUNRAVEN STORM was once a very exciting Novice but since his second to Cue Card he has been very disappointing and it would be a surprise to see him bounce back to form today. ORZARE ran well behind SMAD PLACE here last time and would have been closer for a bad mistake at the last, he gets a bit more weight than last time but that still shouldnt be enough to help him win. Preference today is for the Same team that got us the 20/1 second yesterday, the team of Jonjo O'Neill, JP McManus and Maurice Linehan. EASTLAKE is the horse today and looked badly in need of the run in the Lanzarote hurdle after turning for home travelling strongly and just emptied out, backed off the boards after pricewise put it up this morning is now generally 8/1 best price after being bigger in the morning. Would be no surprise to see Ruby and Maurice fight out the finish again but today the team from Jack Daws should get on top.

4:10 - Ascot 
HAZY TOM was disappointing last time but the ground could be seen as an excuse for that and conditions today will be more up his street, he still has to prove himself at this level for me so im going to swerve him today. CAPTAIN SUNSHINE has been running well but tipped up last time when going away at the last hurdle, he seems to be progressing nicely in his career and should be one of the main threats in this race. Preference here is for BALDER SUCCES who is unbeaten so far and looks like a very nice prospect for the future, i would be surprised if he should fail to get home in front today. The top three arent separated by much and it should be an intriguing race in store.

Hurricane Fly Is Back!

Yesterday all doubt was put aside when Hurricane Fly won the Irish Champion hurdle readily under pilot Ruby Walsh. Never really looking in trouble throughout the race he hit the front on the turn for home, overtaking stablemate Thousand Stars, whether Ruby wanted him at the front that early is another question but he was just going too well. Oscars Well gave chase in second but never looked in the same County as Hurricane Fly. The performance has punters saying all he has to do is turn up to Cheltenham in March to win. Anyone that got the 11/4 before Sunday will be more than happy.

A Patent is my tip today, not a huge one mind put one i expect to give you a tidy profit. The selections are as follows.

1:20 Ayr - Getting Ready
3:15 Plumpton - Storm Survivor
3:50 Plumpton - Where's Johnny

Getting Ready looks a very nice prospect and definitely on on the improve after winning at the track last time (Previously carried out). He has to give a penalty to Netminder today and he is the clear main danger to the selection. Remove the 'C' from Getting Ready's form and it reads 31 which is very encouraging. Fully expect this to win

Storm Survivor has found a bit of form in his last two runs (although running very lazily last time out) and Jonjo may have found a really nice race for him here to put Maurice Linehan up on (who claims 8 pounds). Very Big run expected.

Where's Johnny is coming to the veteran stage of his career but has lost none of his enthusiasm for the game with two seconds in his last two runs, I fancy him to go one better here after a drop in class and 8/1 looks a very nice price about him.

Put Sammy Spiderman in to make it a Lucky 15 if you wish.

As always happy punting!
My Name and Shame blog has been delayed but will still be coming! I will reveal however it is about Bookmaker Betfred.

Hereford Fancies and a Cheltenham Ante Post!

Only a short blog today but feel i should write one after a short break. Have been in awful form in the betting department as of late, but hoping to change things around today. An 11/1 treble im tipping up today. The first two look as if they just have to stand up to win however being odds on favourites. It is also the return of one of my favourite Jockeys in the weighing room today in conditional Maurice Linehan who rides Domos Boy in the 3:00 at hereford, this one shaped with promise last time at Huntingdon last time out and Richie Mclernon never got too serious with him that day. Linehan takes off a crucial 7 pounds and if you didnt already know about him you soon will, unbelievable value for his claim and i am yet to see him throw in a bad ride (which my bank balance thanks him for). So there you have it, the treble today is as follows

1:30 - Tour D'argent
2:00 - Destroyer Deployed
3:00 - Domos Boy

Happy Punting as always

Also on a side note i have taken an each way price ante post for cheltenham. Last year at Sandown i saw a horse from the David Arbuthnot yard called Make A Track win a bumper and immediately said after that he will win or go close in a supreme novices. Two losses to his name but they have come when upped in trip, he is still unbeaten when running over 2 miles. After two runs in England (which he won both bumpers) he has since been bought by Gigginstown Stud in Ireland (who owned the brilliant War Of Attrition) and is now trained by Charlie Swan. I know for certain that he is 33/1 with Paddypower and is a definite each way punt.