Good evening/morning everyone, I hope we have fully recovered from the festive period now and are ready to kick 2015 off with a bang. We did that last week with two winners in the shape of Fairy Rath and Mr Mole who started off the year well for us, it looks harder this week but we shall give it a go as always.
@OnTheOtherHoof have a video preview prepared for you guys as we look ahead to the Channel 4 action from Kempton and Warwick. Joining me on the panel this week are the usual suspects of @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell who both give their best bets of the day. Hope you can join us via the link below, enjoy!
Lanzarote Hurdle and Classic Chase Day
Now onto the all important selections!
2:40 Kempton - Dell Arca
We start off with one of the day's feature races in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton, which was won last year by the progressive Saphir Du Rheu. Dell Arca may not fall into the progressive category after failing to sparkle over fences, but he showed that the ability is still there in a Grade One at Ascot last time out.
I have to admit, Dell Arca has never really been a horse that I have warmed to despite featuring heavily in many top handicap hurdles. Those include a second to Splash Of Ginge in last year's Betfair Hurdle before a good fifth in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham. He failed to win in two attempts over fences and despite pushing the Grade One winning Coneygree to a length and a half he reverted to hurdles last time out. That came in the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle which also included his first attempt at a trip in excess of two miles and five furlongs. He quite clearly didn't stay that day and probably lacked a bit of class against Reve De Sivola and Zarkandar, but ran with great promise. Turning for home he was sat in a share of fourth and began to make his move while still travelling strongly, but his stamina gave out before the second last. Tom Scudamore was sensible on him after that and just nursed him home under a hands and heels ride, but he entered the notebook and the handicapper has left him on a mark of 145. That mark is four pounds higher than his effort when fifth in the Coral Cup and the softer ground should be no bother to him whatsoever. Dell Arca to add a Lanzarote Hurdle to his already impressive portfolio. (10/1)
3:15 Kempton - Via Sundown
You will remember Via Sundown featuring as part of the horses to follow list at the start of the season, but it hasn't exactly gone to plan so far. He landed a small novice hurdle at Exeter to start his year off but then put in a disappointing performance in the Hennessy when never really looking like landing a blow. The handicapper relented four pounds for that effort and he ran a far better race at Ascot last time out despite only finishing sixth.
He showed up well for a long way at Ascot and like Dell Arca was still travelling well when turning for home upsides with The Young Master. He benefited from first time cheek pieces that day and they remain on again today which should help him no end. Despite running well at Ascot he faded into sixth late in the race but as a result the handicapper has given him a chance and he finds himself four pounds lower in the handicap. Josh Moore has partnered him to all of his victories so far and he takes the ride once more this afternoon, he will need to brush up his jumping but can land his first race over fences this season. (10/1)
3:35 Warwick - West End Rocker
It has been four years since a 9 year old West End Rocker was victorious in this race and returns as an in form 13 year old. He faces a stiff task against his younger rivals but is also met with the burden of a mark of 139 which is two pounds higher than his highest winning mark. Tom Bellamy takes the ride once again which means he gets a valuable five pounds taken off his back and the two seemed to gel nicely at Lingfield last time out.
That was the perfect race for him to refind his form in as there were only three rivals for him to beat in a Veterans Chase, albeit against some classy horses though. He never really looked in trouble that day and jumped for fun, which is a crucial quality to have round Warwick as the fences come up thick and fast. The ground will also pose no issues for him whatsoever as he has three wins to his name on heavy ground including this race and the Becher Chase. With Tom Bellamy's claim taken into account he is only a pound higher than he was when victorious here in 2013 and he looks better than ever lately. West End Rocker to regain his Classic Chase crown. (14/1)
3:45 Kempton - War Singer
We end today with War Singer who's run last time out at Sandown is being boosted by the form book with a couple of winners coming out from behind him. Ruacana has since won the feature race at Musselburgh on New Years Day and Sleepy Haven who reopposes here has also bolted up at Haydock. The only one that has let the form down is Amore Alato who was a selection on the blog last week, but he can be forgiven as he hated the ground.
War Singer travelled excellently that day and he jumped to the front at the second last but was passed by Snake Eyes and Amore Alato up the Sandown hill. The easier track at Kempton will suit him and he has won on softer ground in the past so it will suit him more than some of his rivals. Despite shaping up into a National Hunt horse now he has been in winning action over the Autumn when landing events at Sandown and Goodwood. He could still be on a lenient mark over hurdles and is well worth giving another chance to with Nick Scholfield in the saddle. (8/1)
NAP - War Singer
Nb - Dell Arca
Have a good day everyone and as always, happy punting!
Showing posts with label saturday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label saturday. Show all posts
Friday, 9 January 2015
Saturday, 7 April 2012
Saturday 7th April
Last week wasnt much of a success on the return to flat action, but we had Jimmy Styles each way at 12/1. Return to National hunt racing today although Kempton do boast a very good card on the all weather, they also have one of two 'Painted' horses in training. Its basically a Skewbald horse but in Horse Racing it is called Painted rather than that. Anyway lets dive into today's racing and hopefully find us a winner or two. Just a quick note, i was at Fontwell on Tuesday and two horses caught my eye, Tweedledrum will be winning over further and next time out Water Wagtail will win with experience under his belt.
2:25 - Haydock Park
A race that brings together a few horses in form and none more so than FRENCH TIES for the Jennie Candlish yard. He has won his last two races but this is a much harder task today, saying that he is a progressive horse and could go close. SUBURBAN BAY was 25 lengths behind Menorah earlier in the season but since then has turned in two good efforts to come second twice, but in much weaker contests than this and its hard to see him getting competitive. Alan King also saddles up PRINCE DU SEUIL who has had a short break since his last race when well put in his place by Hunt Ball. He may want conditions softer than he will get today and others are preferred. SAFARI JOURNEY rarely puts in a bad run and looked back to his best off the same mark as today when second at Ascot last week. If he takes the quick race well its hard to see him not there at the end. TIGER O'TOOLE was a fairly exciting chaser at the start of the year but hasnt really filled out into what people were hoping. He has been going the right way as of late but this is a harder race and will have to continue his progression to get close. BOCCIANI was a dark horse in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham but disappointed and was pulled up, a return to fences is in his favour today as he won here before reverting back to hurdles. He could be one that goes close today. ETXALAR had a little bit of support last night but that hasnt followed through to this morning and he may just need further. Brian Ellison's first string in this race is SOUND ACCORD who has gone from strength to strength since joining the stable, saying that he would prefer softer ground and it would take a mighty effort to land this today. ZITENKA is a horse of notable interest as he came third last time after a break of almost a year, he should strip much fitter for today and isn't one to rule out without a second look. BUFFALO BOB is more than good enough but he tends to run his best ground in more testing conditions. Preference today is for the Cheltenham hopeful CARRICKBOY. I know for a fact that Venetia Williams really fancies this one and also thinks he will go well in the Topham next week. He ran a cracker at Cheltenham to come 6th behind Hunt Ball. Support seems strong behind him in his stable and we are with him to score off top weight.
3:30 - Haydock Park
Last Sunday's Ascot winner RIGUEZ DANCER goes again for Ferdy Murphy under a 7 pound penalty, he has always had talent but sometimes doesnt always show it. Noel Fehily takes the ride today and if able to take two quick races he should go close again. TORPHICHEN disappointed in the Imperial Cup and we havent seen the same horse who ran so well behind Celestial Halo at Newbury, if fences can bring out his best again he could be bang there. QULINTON absolutely hacked up at Market Rasen last summer but since then hasnt sparkled at all but his 133 day break could have freshened him up and is worth a second look today. MR SYNTAX has been in good form but has gone up 8 pounds for his 3 and a half length win at Kelso. He could find life tough today but Richard Johnson is a notable Jockey booking. AURORA'S ENCORE is a good horse on his day and looked right back to his best last time out at Sandown and cant be easily dismissed today. The stable are also in good enough form. CRUCHAIN is most likely off a high enough mark today and is opposed. OWEN GLENDOWER ran his heart out at Cheltenham and that run has been taken into account with him being installed the 4/1 favourite today. My worry is that like so many others he wont be able to reproduce his Cheltenham run so close to it. Saying that this is a weaker race today. LORD VILLEZ won at Newcastle last time and had GANSEY behind him that day. The latter is the selection and is fancied to reverse placings today. He had been badly out of form but his last two runs have hinted at a bit of a revival in himself. The jockey booking is also very notable as Jason Maguire rarely rides for Sue Smith and there could be a hidden reason he is on board today. GANSEY to land the race.
3:55 - Carlisle
Only a small field for this one with 6 going down to post, but its not short on ability. MORGAN BE is almost a household name in the north, known for his superb staying ability in impossible conditions he rarely turns in a bad race. You would have to think he will struggle today (but he is a horse that can make people look foolish for ruling him out). For a 12 year old AMMUNITION is pretty lightly raced but has shown a liking for extreme distances. Its over a year since his last win and is opposed today. ISLA PEARL FISHER won last time out and for that is running off a career high mark of 110, if he improves then he will be competitive but he has found winning hard to come by off a lower mark. Saying that he is clearly in good form and deserves his chance. VAMIZI won over course and distance last time out but he has shown that he runs his best races in very testing conditions and isn't a strong favourite in my mind. HARRY FLASHMAN doesnt know how to run a bad race but he may just need today's run after a long layoff, he does however go well fresh. The one we are siding with today is YOU KNOW YOURSELF who's last two runs were over distances much too short for him, today will be much more up his street, personally I cant find anything to oppose him with and he will take all the beating today. A very very strong bet.
4:05 - Haydock Park
Many seem to think that Nicky Henderson holds the key to this race with the unbeaten FOURTH ESTATE. It could be a touch unfair of me to say that he has been wrapped in cotton wool as usually an unbeaten horse of Nicky Henderson's would have been tried a bit higher by now. you would have to think that something more is in store for him. He is taken on today though. EYRE APPARENT runs in the colours of Brindisi Breeze, unfortunately he isnt him but he is a consistent type, although looks out of his depth today. SYDNEY PAGET is a very highly thought of horse and won nicely last time out at Ayr, his best may be seen on softer ground though, expect him to be a big danger however. PERSIAN SNOW was behind the progressive Lava Lamp last time out and has been raised 5 pounds for that performance. He hails from a good stable but others are preferred. GRANDADS HORSE ran a blinder in the Martin Pipe and is a very admirable sort, only beaten 18 lengths by Fingal Bay at Cheltenahm. A reproduction of his last two runs will see him close off top weight. Noel Fehily is a positive jockey booking. We are siding with PINEROLO who i put up as a horse to follow a while back, he has won for us at Carlisle since and had quite a bit in hand last time. Last night i got him at 16.0 on Betfair and is now available at only half the price. He is a huge horse and a fantastic jumper who i can see going in again. Serious horse for the future.
5:20 - Newton Abbot
Unfortunately we have a non runner which takes each way betting down to 3 places which is annoying but we shall soldier on through it. Tony McCoy has gone to Newton Abbot for 2 rides at either end of the card today. Here he has CARDINAL ROSE who disappointed majorly last time at Southwell, it's safe to say he is capable of much better but he does have to show that today and can be opposed. ARCTIC WATCH'S only win has come at this course but does run very consistently rarely turning in a bad effort, he will really enjoy the ground today as a bonus. CAUNAY has the very talented Tom Bellamy on board today and his 7 pounds off will help no end and he is another that cant be easily dismissed this afternoon, especially on this ground which he so loves. He has found winning hard to come by lately though off his higher rating. THE DISENGAGER is a nice horse and is still very lightly raced, His jumping can sometimes let him down though and is one to watch. Tom Flint rides RIGHT OPTION for his father and the faster ground bought him back to his best after being pulled up twice last time. He has only recorded two wins in the National Hunt sphere though and hasnt won since winning a very good race at Cheltenham in 2009. BLACK PHANTOM was fairly highly tried as a younger horse but realistically this is his level and he could go well today. Preference is for a horse i consider a winner in waiting called BE MY LIGHT. The last two times he has been staying on very well and there were excuses last time in the fact that he got blindsided by Minella Mistake at a hurdle, from then on he was tenderly ridden by today's rider and was flying home at the death to almost grab 3rd on the line. Diarmuid O'Regan's 10 pound claim is a huge bonus in a race like this and he should go close today.
NAP - You Know Yourself
NB - Pinerolo
Id also like to say a big well done to Maurice Linehan for winning ride of the year aboard Tarvini at Huntingdon in the Lesters.
2:25 - Haydock Park
A race that brings together a few horses in form and none more so than FRENCH TIES for the Jennie Candlish yard. He has won his last two races but this is a much harder task today, saying that he is a progressive horse and could go close. SUBURBAN BAY was 25 lengths behind Menorah earlier in the season but since then has turned in two good efforts to come second twice, but in much weaker contests than this and its hard to see him getting competitive. Alan King also saddles up PRINCE DU SEUIL who has had a short break since his last race when well put in his place by Hunt Ball. He may want conditions softer than he will get today and others are preferred. SAFARI JOURNEY rarely puts in a bad run and looked back to his best off the same mark as today when second at Ascot last week. If he takes the quick race well its hard to see him not there at the end. TIGER O'TOOLE was a fairly exciting chaser at the start of the year but hasnt really filled out into what people were hoping. He has been going the right way as of late but this is a harder race and will have to continue his progression to get close. BOCCIANI was a dark horse in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham but disappointed and was pulled up, a return to fences is in his favour today as he won here before reverting back to hurdles. He could be one that goes close today. ETXALAR had a little bit of support last night but that hasnt followed through to this morning and he may just need further. Brian Ellison's first string in this race is SOUND ACCORD who has gone from strength to strength since joining the stable, saying that he would prefer softer ground and it would take a mighty effort to land this today. ZITENKA is a horse of notable interest as he came third last time after a break of almost a year, he should strip much fitter for today and isn't one to rule out without a second look. BUFFALO BOB is more than good enough but he tends to run his best ground in more testing conditions. Preference today is for the Cheltenham hopeful CARRICKBOY. I know for a fact that Venetia Williams really fancies this one and also thinks he will go well in the Topham next week. He ran a cracker at Cheltenham to come 6th behind Hunt Ball. Support seems strong behind him in his stable and we are with him to score off top weight.
3:30 - Haydock Park
Last Sunday's Ascot winner RIGUEZ DANCER goes again for Ferdy Murphy under a 7 pound penalty, he has always had talent but sometimes doesnt always show it. Noel Fehily takes the ride today and if able to take two quick races he should go close again. TORPHICHEN disappointed in the Imperial Cup and we havent seen the same horse who ran so well behind Celestial Halo at Newbury, if fences can bring out his best again he could be bang there. QULINTON absolutely hacked up at Market Rasen last summer but since then hasnt sparkled at all but his 133 day break could have freshened him up and is worth a second look today. MR SYNTAX has been in good form but has gone up 8 pounds for his 3 and a half length win at Kelso. He could find life tough today but Richard Johnson is a notable Jockey booking. AURORA'S ENCORE is a good horse on his day and looked right back to his best last time out at Sandown and cant be easily dismissed today. The stable are also in good enough form. CRUCHAIN is most likely off a high enough mark today and is opposed. OWEN GLENDOWER ran his heart out at Cheltenham and that run has been taken into account with him being installed the 4/1 favourite today. My worry is that like so many others he wont be able to reproduce his Cheltenham run so close to it. Saying that this is a weaker race today. LORD VILLEZ won at Newcastle last time and had GANSEY behind him that day. The latter is the selection and is fancied to reverse placings today. He had been badly out of form but his last two runs have hinted at a bit of a revival in himself. The jockey booking is also very notable as Jason Maguire rarely rides for Sue Smith and there could be a hidden reason he is on board today. GANSEY to land the race.
3:55 - Carlisle
Only a small field for this one with 6 going down to post, but its not short on ability. MORGAN BE is almost a household name in the north, known for his superb staying ability in impossible conditions he rarely turns in a bad race. You would have to think he will struggle today (but he is a horse that can make people look foolish for ruling him out). For a 12 year old AMMUNITION is pretty lightly raced but has shown a liking for extreme distances. Its over a year since his last win and is opposed today. ISLA PEARL FISHER won last time out and for that is running off a career high mark of 110, if he improves then he will be competitive but he has found winning hard to come by off a lower mark. Saying that he is clearly in good form and deserves his chance. VAMIZI won over course and distance last time out but he has shown that he runs his best races in very testing conditions and isn't a strong favourite in my mind. HARRY FLASHMAN doesnt know how to run a bad race but he may just need today's run after a long layoff, he does however go well fresh. The one we are siding with today is YOU KNOW YOURSELF who's last two runs were over distances much too short for him, today will be much more up his street, personally I cant find anything to oppose him with and he will take all the beating today. A very very strong bet.
4:05 - Haydock Park
Many seem to think that Nicky Henderson holds the key to this race with the unbeaten FOURTH ESTATE. It could be a touch unfair of me to say that he has been wrapped in cotton wool as usually an unbeaten horse of Nicky Henderson's would have been tried a bit higher by now. you would have to think that something more is in store for him. He is taken on today though. EYRE APPARENT runs in the colours of Brindisi Breeze, unfortunately he isnt him but he is a consistent type, although looks out of his depth today. SYDNEY PAGET is a very highly thought of horse and won nicely last time out at Ayr, his best may be seen on softer ground though, expect him to be a big danger however. PERSIAN SNOW was behind the progressive Lava Lamp last time out and has been raised 5 pounds for that performance. He hails from a good stable but others are preferred. GRANDADS HORSE ran a blinder in the Martin Pipe and is a very admirable sort, only beaten 18 lengths by Fingal Bay at Cheltenahm. A reproduction of his last two runs will see him close off top weight. Noel Fehily is a positive jockey booking. We are siding with PINEROLO who i put up as a horse to follow a while back, he has won for us at Carlisle since and had quite a bit in hand last time. Last night i got him at 16.0 on Betfair and is now available at only half the price. He is a huge horse and a fantastic jumper who i can see going in again. Serious horse for the future.
5:20 - Newton Abbot
Unfortunately we have a non runner which takes each way betting down to 3 places which is annoying but we shall soldier on through it. Tony McCoy has gone to Newton Abbot for 2 rides at either end of the card today. Here he has CARDINAL ROSE who disappointed majorly last time at Southwell, it's safe to say he is capable of much better but he does have to show that today and can be opposed. ARCTIC WATCH'S only win has come at this course but does run very consistently rarely turning in a bad effort, he will really enjoy the ground today as a bonus. CAUNAY has the very talented Tom Bellamy on board today and his 7 pounds off will help no end and he is another that cant be easily dismissed this afternoon, especially on this ground which he so loves. He has found winning hard to come by lately though off his higher rating. THE DISENGAGER is a nice horse and is still very lightly raced, His jumping can sometimes let him down though and is one to watch. Tom Flint rides RIGHT OPTION for his father and the faster ground bought him back to his best after being pulled up twice last time. He has only recorded two wins in the National Hunt sphere though and hasnt won since winning a very good race at Cheltenham in 2009. BLACK PHANTOM was fairly highly tried as a younger horse but realistically this is his level and he could go well today. Preference is for a horse i consider a winner in waiting called BE MY LIGHT. The last two times he has been staying on very well and there were excuses last time in the fact that he got blindsided by Minella Mistake at a hurdle, from then on he was tenderly ridden by today's rider and was flying home at the death to almost grab 3rd on the line. Diarmuid O'Regan's 10 pound claim is a huge bonus in a race like this and he should go close today.
NAP - You Know Yourself
NB - Pinerolo
Id also like to say a big well done to Maurice Linehan for winning ride of the year aboard Tarvini at Huntingdon in the Lesters.
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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