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 mad max. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mad max. Show all posts
Friday, 1 February 2013
Friday, 23 November 2012
Betfair Chase Day
Haydock 12:20 - Hollow Tree
Donald McCain's yard have been in fine order as of late and this race is small but competitive. Balder Succes will go off a short priced favourite but Hollow Tree is preferred, with the better soft ground form under his belt. He hasn't been seen since his 7th in the triumph hurdle, which may not put much between him and his main rival today. But since switching to hurdles he has gone from strength to strength and any more improvement should see him win today.
Ascot 12:35 - Shernando
Nicky Henderson's string was a useful performer on the flat and ran an encouraging race in his first hurdle at Newbury. After that he flunked at Sandown when odds on to oblige, that trip was more than likely too short though. Hence the reason for the step up to 2m 6f today, a worry for most runners today will be the ground, but on the few occasions Shernando has experienced it he has performed well. As long as the step up in trip works in his favour he could well win first time this season.
Haydock 12:55 - Black Thunder
He made an encouraging reappearance at Kempton when third in a good handicap hurdle, that will have put him straight for today. He does however have the huge burden of carrying top weight on this ground. He showed a liking for softer ground at Cheptsow and he could still be well handicapped off a mark of 139. This is a better race however and has other improving horses to overcome including Cheltenham winner Double Ross.
Haydock 2:00 - Railway Dillon
He was last of four to finish on reappearance this year, but truth is he usually needs the run and comes on leaps and bounds for it. He is off a career high mark but was a huge improver last year and it would be no surprise if more were to come. Looking back through his form, pretty much all of his worthwhile form is on very soft ground. In fact the only races he was unplaced in were due to faster ground, from that he has earned the title mudlark. Shouldn't be dismissed lightly and 10/1 is simply too big, wont be unplaced.
Ascot 2:10 - For Non Stop
Nick Williams gelding was one of the top novices over the middle distance last year with his third in the Jewson. However he looked better than ever when pounding some good rivals in the Old Roan. Including Wishfull Thinking by 23 lengths (receiving 11 pounds), he dotted up at Cheltenham last week in a hot race. For Non Stop gets 4 pounds from Champion Chaser Finian's Rainbow, the main threat could however be from Captain Chris. But race fitness could well be the order here and For Non Stop is taken to go back to back.
Haydock 2:30 - Mr Moonshine
Conditions are near perfect for this one today after last time not having to toe for the end of the race. Sue Smith returns him to hurdles today and may have found a good opening for him. His reappearance this year was over hurdles when finishing second at Wetherby on faster ground. He was one of the top novices over 3 miles last year but the 2 and a half miles last time is far from ideal. Everything about him screams stayer and that will definitely come in handy today. The worry is Katkeau who has heavy form in France and comes from David Pipe's yard (who has won this the last two years with Grand Crus and Dynaste). Mr Moonshine could well be worth an each way shout however.
Ascot 2:45 - Get Me Out Of Here
Oscar Whisky came down at the last when cruising upsides battling Overturn in this race last year. 4 go to post this year but its far from short on talent with Oscar whisky and the selection giving 4 pounds to Brampour and Raya Star. Brampour is weighted to dead heat with Get Me Out Of Here on Kempton form, but that was a very slowly run race and this will suit AP's mount much more than Brampour today. That is why he is the selection after improving on past form late last year and could again improve.
Haydock 3:05 - Weird Al
The Betfair Chase doesnt have as much glamour as last years renewal with Kauto Star's comeback. On good ground Long Run would be a fairly solid favourite. But on ground like this its difficult to see him getting competitive with confirmed mudlark Weird Al. He won the Charlie Hall last year first time out and then finished third here behind Long run. He will handle the ground better than everything else in the field with the exception of Cannington Brook, who looks just short on class here. Silviniaco Conti won the Charlie Hall impressively but may get stuck in the mud, whereas the biggest threat may come from Gold Cup runner up The Giant Bolster. Donald McCain is taken to land the 2012 Betfair Chase with Weird Al.
Ascot 3:20 - Mad Max
This race could be deceptively weak with the main four in the betting having chinks in their armour. Tanks For That has been exposed at this level but still remains capable, whereas this will be a bit sharp for Champion Court. Pepite Rose will be the biggest danger but this could be as good as she is, Toubab rarely finds off the bridle and conditions will not suit. This introduces Mad Max who has form on this ground and is due a win now he has recovered from injuries. He was running a huge race in the Arkle when leaving a hole in the second last behind Sizing Europe, since then it hasn't been straight forward. He is one of the few that will enjoy the ground, being a past winner and a massive individual should make his mark. One last point that Neil Mulholland books Richard Johnson for the ride today instead of Dougie Costello. Huge each way value.
Haydock 3:40 - Pettifour
Phew! Last race of today for me, its been a long one today, apologies! Pettifour could well be the value in the Haydock Finale so long he can jump with fluency. He overcame a monster absence last year to run a huge race at Cheltenham in a top handicap hurdle behind Dorset Square. An added bonus is that he should plough through this ground under Sam Twiston-Davies and will stay no problem. The only worry is that he sometimes struggles to find a jumping rhythm over the larger obstacles. We will go with Pettifour to either enhance our profits or get us out of trouble, hopefully the former!
One final thing is the a tentative vote in the 1:40 at Ascot is Be My Light who has been knocking on the door far too long
Nap - Weird Al
Nb - Hollow Tree
As always happy punting guys!
Donald McCain's yard have been in fine order as of late and this race is small but competitive. Balder Succes will go off a short priced favourite but Hollow Tree is preferred, with the better soft ground form under his belt. He hasn't been seen since his 7th in the triumph hurdle, which may not put much between him and his main rival today. But since switching to hurdles he has gone from strength to strength and any more improvement should see him win today.
Ascot 12:35 - Shernando
Nicky Henderson's string was a useful performer on the flat and ran an encouraging race in his first hurdle at Newbury. After that he flunked at Sandown when odds on to oblige, that trip was more than likely too short though. Hence the reason for the step up to 2m 6f today, a worry for most runners today will be the ground, but on the few occasions Shernando has experienced it he has performed well. As long as the step up in trip works in his favour he could well win first time this season.
Haydock 12:55 - Black Thunder
He made an encouraging reappearance at Kempton when third in a good handicap hurdle, that will have put him straight for today. He does however have the huge burden of carrying top weight on this ground. He showed a liking for softer ground at Cheptsow and he could still be well handicapped off a mark of 139. This is a better race however and has other improving horses to overcome including Cheltenham winner Double Ross.
Haydock 2:00 - Railway Dillon
He was last of four to finish on reappearance this year, but truth is he usually needs the run and comes on leaps and bounds for it. He is off a career high mark but was a huge improver last year and it would be no surprise if more were to come. Looking back through his form, pretty much all of his worthwhile form is on very soft ground. In fact the only races he was unplaced in were due to faster ground, from that he has earned the title mudlark. Shouldn't be dismissed lightly and 10/1 is simply too big, wont be unplaced.
Ascot 2:10 - For Non Stop
Nick Williams gelding was one of the top novices over the middle distance last year with his third in the Jewson. However he looked better than ever when pounding some good rivals in the Old Roan. Including Wishfull Thinking by 23 lengths (receiving 11 pounds), he dotted up at Cheltenham last week in a hot race. For Non Stop gets 4 pounds from Champion Chaser Finian's Rainbow, the main threat could however be from Captain Chris. But race fitness could well be the order here and For Non Stop is taken to go back to back.
Haydock 2:30 - Mr Moonshine
Conditions are near perfect for this one today after last time not having to toe for the end of the race. Sue Smith returns him to hurdles today and may have found a good opening for him. His reappearance this year was over hurdles when finishing second at Wetherby on faster ground. He was one of the top novices over 3 miles last year but the 2 and a half miles last time is far from ideal. Everything about him screams stayer and that will definitely come in handy today. The worry is Katkeau who has heavy form in France and comes from David Pipe's yard (who has won this the last two years with Grand Crus and Dynaste). Mr Moonshine could well be worth an each way shout however.
Ascot 2:45 - Get Me Out Of Here
Oscar Whisky came down at the last when cruising upsides battling Overturn in this race last year. 4 go to post this year but its far from short on talent with Oscar whisky and the selection giving 4 pounds to Brampour and Raya Star. Brampour is weighted to dead heat with Get Me Out Of Here on Kempton form, but that was a very slowly run race and this will suit AP's mount much more than Brampour today. That is why he is the selection after improving on past form late last year and could again improve.
Haydock 3:05 - Weird Al
The Betfair Chase doesnt have as much glamour as last years renewal with Kauto Star's comeback. On good ground Long Run would be a fairly solid favourite. But on ground like this its difficult to see him getting competitive with confirmed mudlark Weird Al. He won the Charlie Hall last year first time out and then finished third here behind Long run. He will handle the ground better than everything else in the field with the exception of Cannington Brook, who looks just short on class here. Silviniaco Conti won the Charlie Hall impressively but may get stuck in the mud, whereas the biggest threat may come from Gold Cup runner up The Giant Bolster. Donald McCain is taken to land the 2012 Betfair Chase with Weird Al.
Ascot 3:20 - Mad Max
This race could be deceptively weak with the main four in the betting having chinks in their armour. Tanks For That has been exposed at this level but still remains capable, whereas this will be a bit sharp for Champion Court. Pepite Rose will be the biggest danger but this could be as good as she is, Toubab rarely finds off the bridle and conditions will not suit. This introduces Mad Max who has form on this ground and is due a win now he has recovered from injuries. He was running a huge race in the Arkle when leaving a hole in the second last behind Sizing Europe, since then it hasn't been straight forward. He is one of the few that will enjoy the ground, being a past winner and a massive individual should make his mark. One last point that Neil Mulholland books Richard Johnson for the ride today instead of Dougie Costello. Huge each way value.
Haydock 3:40 - Pettifour
Phew! Last race of today for me, its been a long one today, apologies! Pettifour could well be the value in the Haydock Finale so long he can jump with fluency. He overcame a monster absence last year to run a huge race at Cheltenham in a top handicap hurdle behind Dorset Square. An added bonus is that he should plough through this ground under Sam Twiston-Davies and will stay no problem. The only worry is that he sometimes struggles to find a jumping rhythm over the larger obstacles. We will go with Pettifour to either enhance our profits or get us out of trouble, hopefully the former!
One final thing is the a tentative vote in the 1:40 at Ascot is Be My Light who has been knocking on the door far too long
Nap - Weird Al
Nb - Hollow Tree
As always happy punting guys!
Saturday, 3 March 2012
Newbury 3rd March
A good day of racing this Saturday especially with it being so close to Cheltenham. Newbury hold their gold cup meeting which never fails to attract a few bigger names, this year is no exception.
2:05
A race that revolves around BUCK MAGIC and whether the bounce factor will hit him today after a good run coming off a long lay off last time round, an exciting novice 2 years ago missed a substantial part of his career through injury but if he can build on his Wincanton run then he should take all the beating, Barry Geraghty a very positive jockey booking. LOVE OF TARA has been running against higher opposition than today as of late and has been outclassed, return to handicap company today is a plus but may just want a bit more give in the ground. LAMBORO LAD was a huge gamble last time at Doncaster when coming 4th, more market support is pretty interesting for him today but will need to improve. ALWAYS WAINING will run his race again but saves his best for Aintree nowadays. CINDERELLA ROSE has been freshened up since his last win at Plumpton but before that was beaten out of sight by Violin Davis which may just account for his chance. THEATRICAL STAR has been running well without reward lately and had some classy bumper form behind Rock on Ruby and Montbazon, if he can produce that over hurdles he should take all the beating, it is a big if though. BENBENS is rated 7 pounds higher than he was for being beat a short head at Taunton last time, that was a weaker race but he is an improving horse and should go close. GODSMEJUDGE hails from an in form yard and is relatively unexposed compared to some of the others. This is a big step up in class though and more will be needed, far from out of it though. Preference today is for the much improved TARVINI who is an in running punters dream after sulking the last two runs and finishing with a rocket on his back. He has been given 99 days off the track to freshen him up and is two from two under Maurice Linehan who seems to have found the key to him. TARVINI to keep his improvement going today and land the opener.
2:20
A race that will always have a dark spot in my eyes after one of my favourite horses Eric's Charm sadly broke a leg in last year and had to be put down. But it is great to see these veteran chasers meet today and it isnt short of class this year. DOM D'ORGEVAL never really fulfilled his full potential but is still more than capable of running a good race. A fairly long layoff must be overcome today though and it could be that Nick Williams has something a bit more long term planned for him. HELLO BUD is a household favourite for many around the country and always runs his race, he may just be a bit long in the tooth now however and others are preferred. NICHE MARKET and FAIR ALONG are the class horses of the race with the latter being placed at the Cheltenham Festival last year and running into 3rd in the Hennessy at this track. A reproduction of that form should see him right there with a chance, be warned he can sulk over fences though. The former mentioned is an Ex Irish Grand National winner and has been placed in a Hennessy and an A-on at this course, will be tough to beat. OUZBECK seems to have lost some of his old sparkle of his younger years and is hard to fancy on that, but a return to form will see him close after a little lay off. MARUFO gets in off a low weight and could be very dangerous here after coming 3rd in a competitive affair at Sandown last time out. MARK THE BOOK won well last time out at Chepstow but seems to do all his winning on heavy going and shouldnt be able to land a punch today. WOGAN is an admirable sort who never seems to stop running and destroying a few fences on the way round. Saying that his jumping was very good at Doncaster last time before being outclassed by Faasel. Should go well today. Im siding with the once very highly rated hurdler BLAZING BAILEY who is from a yard bang in form and should find this easier to win that the big handicaps he has been trying as off late.
3:05
The main race today seems to revolve around the two pricewise horses who have been backed in considerably this morning. ARALDUR and FINE PARCHMENT. The former seems to be his own worst enemy during his races by making a few bad mistakes, but on his best form he is very hard to oppose. The latter won this race last year off a 3 pound lower mark, Gavin Sheehan's 10 pound claim is invaluable here and he should make the frame at least. DAVE'S DREAM has alot of ability but is starting to become a bit disappointing after promising so much in his younger years and is once again opposed today. PASCO loves it round here and should put up a good show once again but one or two look more appealing today. The Moore family have been raving about FIX THE RIB all week, a return to the form he showed two years ago when he was 14 lengths behind Master Minded in the Game Spirit should put him right there, has something to prove though. WOOLCOMBE FOLLY needs to be forgiven his last run to have any chance today but is slowly slipping down the handicap to a nice mark though, more is needed today though and it could be one or two more runs before we see him at his best. AERIAL won very nicely at Ascot and followed up with an admirable effort at Cheltenham last time behind The Giant Bolster. It does seem that the Handicapper has caught him however. RILEYEV was badly outpaced last week at Chepstow and ran on for fourth but races from 3 pounds out of the handicap and may find life tough today. MAD MAX is the selection today. Last time out was his return to action and wasn't asked of much at Haydock last time, dropped two pounds he is still a very lightly raced 10 year old but has had his problem. He was only 5 lengths behind Sizing Europe in the Arkle 2 years ago and would have probably won if he hadnt made a shocking mistake two out. Today will be his first test for new trainer Neil Mulholland and we will give him the nod to return to winning ways.
3:05
DUBAI CREST has something to prove after a very poor effort last time at Taunton, but he is dropped in trip and is best watched today. Two horses come from a very long layoff in this race today, BALGARRY and SIRE COLLONGES the former hasnt been seen on an English racecourse before but has won a 3 year old hurdle at Clairefontaine, for that reason he is a very interesting newcomer. The latter's best effort came here in this race last year and is 3 pounds higher than last years renewal. EBANOUR tries a handicap for the first time for a stable bang in form and is down in trip, it will be interesting to see how he adapts after being consistent in Novice company. LOOKS LIKE SLIM didnt get very far last time when unseating his rider, before that he had been going in the right direction and more improvement may be to come today. REBEL DANCER has something to prove at this level and is best opposed today. ORZARE ran a cracker in the Ladbroke but failed to build on that last time, forgive that run and he is in with a cracking chance. NAMPOUR ran a nice enough race coming off a very long layoff two races ago but didnt get too far when falling at the 3rd at Taunton last time, he was a very good horse in his younger days and im taking a gamble on him stripping fitter today and at least making the frame.
4:20
Oh goody another big handicap to dissect. QUOUSKO D'LISOP is becoming more and more frustrating and looks hard to back today. TESHALI always runs his race but does find winning hard to come by and usually isnt the strongest finisher. RULING PARTY is unexposed and has shown ability in his career so far, it would be no surprise to see him close today but a place may be his best hope. TICKATACK won a pretty weak affair at Southwell last time and may find life tougher today. BALLYQUIN QUEEN brings the best form to the table with a 3rd behind kentford grey lady at this track, he was bogged down last time in desperate going and it would be no surprise to see him go close today. HANDY ANDY needs to show alot more today and im not too sure why he is 6/1 but someone must know something so should be respected. GALIOTTO will strip alot fitter for his last flat outing 17 days ago and is a much better hurdler than he is on the flat and does have really strong each way credentials today. The selection is for the Charlie Longsdon trained BE MY LIGHT who returns to hurdles after not really taking too much to fences but reverting back to hurdles looks a positive mood, a useful 10 pound claimer is on board today and looks to have a nice weight with his claim.
4:55
BACK BOB BACK has been disappointing in his last two runs but before them won at this course in possibly a weaker contest than today and should be resepcted. CHENEY MANOR represents a powerful stable and has a good claimer on board that gets on well with him, he may just be playing for minor prize money today. SHAMMICK BOY has a bit about him but hasnt followed through with the talent he showed in his younger years, not without a chance today. PEPITE ROSE is strongly fancied by Aidan Coleman today even under a 7 pound penalty. As long as she can take the quick reappearance she will take all the beating.
happy punting today guys
Nap - Mad Max
2:05
A race that revolves around BUCK MAGIC and whether the bounce factor will hit him today after a good run coming off a long lay off last time round, an exciting novice 2 years ago missed a substantial part of his career through injury but if he can build on his Wincanton run then he should take all the beating, Barry Geraghty a very positive jockey booking. LOVE OF TARA has been running against higher opposition than today as of late and has been outclassed, return to handicap company today is a plus but may just want a bit more give in the ground. LAMBORO LAD was a huge gamble last time at Doncaster when coming 4th, more market support is pretty interesting for him today but will need to improve. ALWAYS WAINING will run his race again but saves his best for Aintree nowadays. CINDERELLA ROSE has been freshened up since his last win at Plumpton but before that was beaten out of sight by Violin Davis which may just account for his chance. THEATRICAL STAR has been running well without reward lately and had some classy bumper form behind Rock on Ruby and Montbazon, if he can produce that over hurdles he should take all the beating, it is a big if though. BENBENS is rated 7 pounds higher than he was for being beat a short head at Taunton last time, that was a weaker race but he is an improving horse and should go close. GODSMEJUDGE hails from an in form yard and is relatively unexposed compared to some of the others. This is a big step up in class though and more will be needed, far from out of it though. Preference today is for the much improved TARVINI who is an in running punters dream after sulking the last two runs and finishing with a rocket on his back. He has been given 99 days off the track to freshen him up and is two from two under Maurice Linehan who seems to have found the key to him. TARVINI to keep his improvement going today and land the opener.
2:20
A race that will always have a dark spot in my eyes after one of my favourite horses Eric's Charm sadly broke a leg in last year and had to be put down. But it is great to see these veteran chasers meet today and it isnt short of class this year. DOM D'ORGEVAL never really fulfilled his full potential but is still more than capable of running a good race. A fairly long layoff must be overcome today though and it could be that Nick Williams has something a bit more long term planned for him. HELLO BUD is a household favourite for many around the country and always runs his race, he may just be a bit long in the tooth now however and others are preferred. NICHE MARKET and FAIR ALONG are the class horses of the race with the latter being placed at the Cheltenham Festival last year and running into 3rd in the Hennessy at this track. A reproduction of that form should see him right there with a chance, be warned he can sulk over fences though. The former mentioned is an Ex Irish Grand National winner and has been placed in a Hennessy and an A-on at this course, will be tough to beat. OUZBECK seems to have lost some of his old sparkle of his younger years and is hard to fancy on that, but a return to form will see him close after a little lay off. MARUFO gets in off a low weight and could be very dangerous here after coming 3rd in a competitive affair at Sandown last time out. MARK THE BOOK won well last time out at Chepstow but seems to do all his winning on heavy going and shouldnt be able to land a punch today. WOGAN is an admirable sort who never seems to stop running and destroying a few fences on the way round. Saying that his jumping was very good at Doncaster last time before being outclassed by Faasel. Should go well today. Im siding with the once very highly rated hurdler BLAZING BAILEY who is from a yard bang in form and should find this easier to win that the big handicaps he has been trying as off late.
3:05
The main race today seems to revolve around the two pricewise horses who have been backed in considerably this morning. ARALDUR and FINE PARCHMENT. The former seems to be his own worst enemy during his races by making a few bad mistakes, but on his best form he is very hard to oppose. The latter won this race last year off a 3 pound lower mark, Gavin Sheehan's 10 pound claim is invaluable here and he should make the frame at least. DAVE'S DREAM has alot of ability but is starting to become a bit disappointing after promising so much in his younger years and is once again opposed today. PASCO loves it round here and should put up a good show once again but one or two look more appealing today. The Moore family have been raving about FIX THE RIB all week, a return to the form he showed two years ago when he was 14 lengths behind Master Minded in the Game Spirit should put him right there, has something to prove though. WOOLCOMBE FOLLY needs to be forgiven his last run to have any chance today but is slowly slipping down the handicap to a nice mark though, more is needed today though and it could be one or two more runs before we see him at his best. AERIAL won very nicely at Ascot and followed up with an admirable effort at Cheltenham last time behind The Giant Bolster. It does seem that the Handicapper has caught him however. RILEYEV was badly outpaced last week at Chepstow and ran on for fourth but races from 3 pounds out of the handicap and may find life tough today. MAD MAX is the selection today. Last time out was his return to action and wasn't asked of much at Haydock last time, dropped two pounds he is still a very lightly raced 10 year old but has had his problem. He was only 5 lengths behind Sizing Europe in the Arkle 2 years ago and would have probably won if he hadnt made a shocking mistake two out. Today will be his first test for new trainer Neil Mulholland and we will give him the nod to return to winning ways.
3:05
DUBAI CREST has something to prove after a very poor effort last time at Taunton, but he is dropped in trip and is best watched today. Two horses come from a very long layoff in this race today, BALGARRY and SIRE COLLONGES the former hasnt been seen on an English racecourse before but has won a 3 year old hurdle at Clairefontaine, for that reason he is a very interesting newcomer. The latter's best effort came here in this race last year and is 3 pounds higher than last years renewal. EBANOUR tries a handicap for the first time for a stable bang in form and is down in trip, it will be interesting to see how he adapts after being consistent in Novice company. LOOKS LIKE SLIM didnt get very far last time when unseating his rider, before that he had been going in the right direction and more improvement may be to come today. REBEL DANCER has something to prove at this level and is best opposed today. ORZARE ran a cracker in the Ladbroke but failed to build on that last time, forgive that run and he is in with a cracking chance. NAMPOUR ran a nice enough race coming off a very long layoff two races ago but didnt get too far when falling at the 3rd at Taunton last time, he was a very good horse in his younger days and im taking a gamble on him stripping fitter today and at least making the frame.
4:20
Oh goody another big handicap to dissect. QUOUSKO D'LISOP is becoming more and more frustrating and looks hard to back today. TESHALI always runs his race but does find winning hard to come by and usually isnt the strongest finisher. RULING PARTY is unexposed and has shown ability in his career so far, it would be no surprise to see him close today but a place may be his best hope. TICKATACK won a pretty weak affair at Southwell last time and may find life tougher today. BALLYQUIN QUEEN brings the best form to the table with a 3rd behind kentford grey lady at this track, he was bogged down last time in desperate going and it would be no surprise to see him go close today. HANDY ANDY needs to show alot more today and im not too sure why he is 6/1 but someone must know something so should be respected. GALIOTTO will strip alot fitter for his last flat outing 17 days ago and is a much better hurdler than he is on the flat and does have really strong each way credentials today. The selection is for the Charlie Longsdon trained BE MY LIGHT who returns to hurdles after not really taking too much to fences but reverting back to hurdles looks a positive mood, a useful 10 pound claimer is on board today and looks to have a nice weight with his claim.
4:55
BACK BOB BACK has been disappointing in his last two runs but before them won at this course in possibly a weaker contest than today and should be resepcted. CHENEY MANOR represents a powerful stable and has a good claimer on board that gets on well with him, he may just be playing for minor prize money today. SHAMMICK BOY has a bit about him but hasnt followed through with the talent he showed in his younger years, not without a chance today. PEPITE ROSE is strongly fancied by Aidan Coleman today even under a 7 pound penalty. As long as she can take the quick reappearance she will take all the beating.
happy punting today guys
Nap - Mad Max
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