Good Morning/Evening Racing fans, I hope you are well rested for a hectic weekend of racing and of course an even more hectic Christmas period coming up. We wont worry you about that just yet however as we focus on today and hopefully try and find some winners! They go to post in the feature meeting today at Ascot as they hold the Grade One Long Walk Hurdle and the Grade Three Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle. Supporting them is Haydock and Newcastle who hold jumps cards and the only flat meeting of the day is at Lingfield as they race on the polytrack, racing in Ireland is from Navan.
Before we get into things, a quick review of last week as we had a couple of winners at nice prices as well. First up Sam Winner jumped his rivals into submission and held off Le Bec in game fashion up the Cheltenham hill, he looks an ideal type for the 4 miler at the Festival. Our NAP also went in at 11/1 through Double Ross who left a disappointing run behind him at Ascot to land the December Gold Cup. More of the same this week please!!!
As always we have prepared a video for you covering the racing today with all of our fancies. Joining me this week is Adam Webb (@Adamwebb121) and Calum Madell (@Calummadell), hopefully we can find you a few winners. Watch the video by clicking the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvTA5gXJuKc
Now let's get down to business!
12:30 Haydock - Ahyaknowyerself
Dr Richard Newland could have a useful horse on his hands here after a good performance on chasing debut at Bangor behind the capable Open Hearted. Over hurdles he was even better and managed a rating of 147 but fell in the Greatwood when still going well but admittedly at an early stage. He jumped well first time over fences and was probably given a bit too much to do as well as giving first run to the eventual winner. At the finish he was only 2 and a half lengths behind Open Hearted but had put 20 lengths between himself and Lord Of House back in third. It was a debut full of promise and if he can build on that with the weight he receives added in then he'll be the one to beat. (9/4)
12:45 Ascot - Sybarite
After a press day at Nigel Twiston-Davies' yard there was one horse everyone wanted to take out of the day, that horse was Sybarite. He had lost his was badly in early 2012 but resorted to pointing and found that much easier notching up a few wins along the way. On his return to racing under rules he gave a somewhat laboured effort and steps up in trip today which will suit him down to the ground, as will a return to handicaps. As you will remember if you read this blog last week I made the point that Double Ross ran in a dry spell for the yard, Sybarite ran on that exact same day so I have no qualms about forgetting that run. The yard are back in great form again and Sybarite can refind his old form once again. (10/1)
3:00 Ascot - Houblon Des Obeaux
Venetia Williams drops her representative in trip today after running on in taking style for a good sixth in the Hennessy behind the reopposing Triolo D'Alene. For his efforts that day the handicapper has dropped him a couple of pounds down to a workable mark of 152 in ground he will absolutely adore. It will be interesting to see how they use him today, by that I mean what style of running will they adopt for the day. A strong pace will be a huge positive and it would be no surprise to see him go on and make the running to draw out doubts in other opponents stamina. Houblon Des Obeaux to run his rivals into the ground. (7/2)
3:40 Lingfield - Modem
Our last selection today comes on the polytrack at Lingfield which will make a change from the jumping action in testing ground. He was possibly a tad unlucky last time but will have learned a lot from his first try at the trip on only his fourth career run and on top of that he wore blinkers for the first time. He is up a pound for finishing 2nd to a more experienced and older rival last time but drops into a handicap for three year olds. That is a huge positive and in the capable hands of Andrea Atzeni can take all the beating today. (5/2)
NAP - Sybarite
Nb - Ahyaknowyerself
I hope you all have a great Christmas and thank you for reading my blog this year, I appreciate every single one of you :) We shall return on Boxing Day!
Friday, 20 December 2013
Friday, 13 December 2013
Ross To Find Cheltenham Gold
Good Morning/Evening racing fans, I trust we all had a good week and are fully rested up for a good weekend of racing. Last week didn't exactly go to plan with our selections with no winners and 3 places, but that is nothing to brag about and certainly nothing to 'Boom' about like many 'tipsters' on Twitter do. Tokyo Brown remains a frustrating one from last week and just came up short after getting second run on the winner. He will be winning next time out but I fear he wont be a huge price, but onto this week's racing.
They go to post today in the feature meeting at Cheltenham as they stage the International Hurdle which will see the exiting, The New One bid to boost his Champion Hurdle Credentials. Also staging National Hunt fixtures today are Doncaster, Lingfield and over in Ireland at Fairyhouse, they race on the Polytrack at Southwell and in the evening Wolverhampton.
As always we have prepared a video for you covering all of the Channel 4 racing tomorrow and some more. joining me this week is @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell. Go and give them a follow on twitter and you can also follow me if you don't already on @Lukeelder13, you can watch the video by clicking the link below, enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W1rYWkOd7I
12:40 Cheltenham - Sam Winner
The first three in the market today re-oppose after filling the first three placings here last month when Le Bec came out victorious. Sam Winner was back in third that day and is the one to take from the race after falling in his only two other starts over fences. On paper them falls look worse than they were as on the whole he jumped well both times but made two mistakes that cost him when looking like winning both times. He is 6 years old now and finally mature enough to make a name for himself over fences this season starting here. Paul Nicholls was in rude form last Saturday when notching up a treble at Sandown and this week should be like no other for the former Champion Trainer. Sam Winner to get his career back on track today. (4/1)
1:15 Cheltenham - Parsnip Pete
Most of these look handicapped to the hilt but Parsnip Pete could still have a little bit to come after bumping into one last time out at Newbury when beating Greywell Boy. The stable had two runners yesterday and both were in the first two with one winner ridden by Paddy Brennan at Bangor. It was a competitive race at Newbury last time out and in all honesty probably a more competitive one albeit off a 5 pound higher mark. Parsnip Pete to make amends for last time out and get a win to his name. (10/1)
2:25 Cheltenham - Double Ross
The main race of the day here and an interesting runner for Nigel Twiston-Davies after taking to fences pretty well this season. He started off when winning at Perth with Attaglance behind him and went on to chase home Balder Succes and The Romford Pele at Chepstow. The run that really caught my eye was last time out at Ascot when second to Niceonefrankie when conceding 4 pounds to him. In all honesty he wouldn't have beaten him off level weights as the winner was a full 13 lengths ahead of the selection. The reason it caught my eye was down to the fact that the Twiston-Davies yard were in a slump at that point and couldn't train a winner for love nor money. Double Ross put in a fantastic performance with all things taken into account and can go one better today. All rain is a big bonus. (11/1)
2:50 Fairyhouse - Rogue Angel
Mouse Morris has a consistent horse in Rogue Angel and he has held fairly high company since going chasing this season. First time out he should have beaten Bonisland but 'fell' when in truth he was all but taken out by the wayward jumping favourite. Next up he was 3rd in a Grade 1 over two and a half miles behind the exciting Sizing Rio but proved no match for him on the day. His most promising run however came last time out which was also his worst placed finish when completing over fences. He was the only one in the field that day who attempted to go with Champagne Fever and matched him for a long way before a mistake set him back. From that point he faced an uphill task and he probably lost a bit of confidence but still managed to beat home the useful Our Vinnie. He will be very dangerous today if he gets his own way, however he will need to brush up on his jumping. Rogue Angel to lose his maiden tag over fences. (No Price Yet)
NAP - Double Ross
Nb - Rogue Angel
Good Luck today guys and as always happy punting!!
They go to post today in the feature meeting at Cheltenham as they stage the International Hurdle which will see the exiting, The New One bid to boost his Champion Hurdle Credentials. Also staging National Hunt fixtures today are Doncaster, Lingfield and over in Ireland at Fairyhouse, they race on the Polytrack at Southwell and in the evening Wolverhampton.
As always we have prepared a video for you covering all of the Channel 4 racing tomorrow and some more. joining me this week is @Adamwebb121 and @Calummadell. Go and give them a follow on twitter and you can also follow me if you don't already on @Lukeelder13, you can watch the video by clicking the link below, enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3W1rYWkOd7I
12:40 Cheltenham - Sam Winner
The first three in the market today re-oppose after filling the first three placings here last month when Le Bec came out victorious. Sam Winner was back in third that day and is the one to take from the race after falling in his only two other starts over fences. On paper them falls look worse than they were as on the whole he jumped well both times but made two mistakes that cost him when looking like winning both times. He is 6 years old now and finally mature enough to make a name for himself over fences this season starting here. Paul Nicholls was in rude form last Saturday when notching up a treble at Sandown and this week should be like no other for the former Champion Trainer. Sam Winner to get his career back on track today. (4/1)
1:15 Cheltenham - Parsnip Pete
Most of these look handicapped to the hilt but Parsnip Pete could still have a little bit to come after bumping into one last time out at Newbury when beating Greywell Boy. The stable had two runners yesterday and both were in the first two with one winner ridden by Paddy Brennan at Bangor. It was a competitive race at Newbury last time out and in all honesty probably a more competitive one albeit off a 5 pound higher mark. Parsnip Pete to make amends for last time out and get a win to his name. (10/1)
2:25 Cheltenham - Double Ross
The main race of the day here and an interesting runner for Nigel Twiston-Davies after taking to fences pretty well this season. He started off when winning at Perth with Attaglance behind him and went on to chase home Balder Succes and The Romford Pele at Chepstow. The run that really caught my eye was last time out at Ascot when second to Niceonefrankie when conceding 4 pounds to him. In all honesty he wouldn't have beaten him off level weights as the winner was a full 13 lengths ahead of the selection. The reason it caught my eye was down to the fact that the Twiston-Davies yard were in a slump at that point and couldn't train a winner for love nor money. Double Ross put in a fantastic performance with all things taken into account and can go one better today. All rain is a big bonus. (11/1)
2:50 Fairyhouse - Rogue Angel
Mouse Morris has a consistent horse in Rogue Angel and he has held fairly high company since going chasing this season. First time out he should have beaten Bonisland but 'fell' when in truth he was all but taken out by the wayward jumping favourite. Next up he was 3rd in a Grade 1 over two and a half miles behind the exciting Sizing Rio but proved no match for him on the day. His most promising run however came last time out which was also his worst placed finish when completing over fences. He was the only one in the field that day who attempted to go with Champagne Fever and matched him for a long way before a mistake set him back. From that point he faced an uphill task and he probably lost a bit of confidence but still managed to beat home the useful Our Vinnie. He will be very dangerous today if he gets his own way, however he will need to brush up on his jumping. Rogue Angel to lose his maiden tag over fences. (No Price Yet)
NAP - Double Ross
Nb - Rogue Angel
Good Luck today guys and as always happy punting!!
Friday, 6 December 2013
Sandown Has Soll
Good Morning and welcome to a bit of a recovery mission after last week, but we couldn't have asked for a better weekend of racing to do so. Sandown take the leading role today as they stage the 2013 renewal of the Tingle Creek won last year by Sprinter Sacre. Unfortunately he cant take his chance today but that opens up the door to a new 2 mile chaser to have his day in the sun. There is also action at Aintree over the National fences with the Becher Chase and the Grand Sefton, both of which are highly competitive. They also go to post at Chepstow and Wetherby over jumps and an evening meeting on the polytrack at Wolverhampton, the days meetings are rounded off by Navan in Ireland.
On Thursday evening we did a preview video with Calum Madell (@Calummadell) and live from Hong Kong Andrew Rideout (@ThouroughbredAR). In the video we covered all of the main races this weekend from Sha Tin including analysis of the Home and International raiders. Watch that episode through the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Palbs_EoXJA
Also we have a current video covering all of today's racing on Channel 4, joining me this week are the regulars Calum Madell (@Calummadell), Adam Webb (@Adamwebb121) and Michael Andrews (@Mytentoryours). You can watch this episode through the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxNHmGYfoCM
But now onto this week's selections!!
12:50 Sandown - Tante Sissi
Alan King's representative has been known to need her reappearances but you cant avoid the fact that she was disappointing last time when pulled up. That was over fences however and she is more well known as a hurdler which is what she returns to today after a failed chasing attempt. She will strip much fitter for the recent outing and the ground is well on her side today as she can usually be a touch keen in her races. With a few pace angles in the race and a good gallop on the menu she could return to winning ways at a nice price this afternoon. (10/1)
1:50 Sandown - Grandouet
Grandouet seems to be a talking horse for all the wrong reasons and unfairly so in my books, he has done nothing wrong and remains a promising 6 year old. He was the best of these over hurdles but unseated on chase debut at the last when under pressure from Hinterland who reopposes. On the whole he jumped well down the back straight but people seemed to forget that he always needs a run to start off his year, that was why he was touted at a Champion Hurdle horse when 2nd to Zarkandar in the International Hurdle. Today he will strip much fitter and we will see the real Grandouet and the main positive is that there is a guartanteed strong pace today as opposed to last time. There are a few contenders that can go from the front and I would be shocked if Taquin Du Seuil doesn't want to make this a real stamina test. Grandouet to silence the doubters and land his first chase. (7/2)
2:40 Aintree - Katenko
This is the second appearance in as many weeks on this blog for Katenko after last week when he ran in the Hennessy. Things were looking good that day until he met one on a bad stride and came down which was also his only mistake of the race. He only completed a circuit of the track last week so he didn't have too much of a hard time and he wouldn't be here if he was feeling any effects from the fall. Before that he had a strong portfolio, more recently when pounding a good Handicap field into submission by 12 lengths at Cheltenham. He looks as if there is a lot more to come and on a personal note I backed him last week for the Gold Cup at 50/1 before that price went. Katenko to make amends for last week. (11/4)
3:15 Aintree - Gansey
Gansey typically needs a run to put him straight and he had just that on the Mildmay course in October when 5th over 2 and a half miles. He hasn't won since 2011 at Newcastle but who could forget that gallant display him and the late Little Josh put on when fighting out this race last year. That was off a 3 pound higher mark and he always looked the type to take to the National fences as he proved last year when 2nd in the race. Ryan Mania gets on well with the horse despite never actually winning a race on board but he showed last April how well he rides the National fences. Of course I speak of the Grand National when he teamed up with his boss Sue Smith to ride Aurora's Encore to victory. Gansey to go one better this year. (10/1)
3:35 Sandown - Soll
Soll represents a Breeders Cup winning trainer in Jo Hughes who of course landed the Marathon with London Bridge. However Soll made a bit of a name for himself over fences last year, most notably when finishing seventh in the Grand National. His outing before that is when he caught my eye when galloping his rivals at Sandown into submission with a round of sublime jumping. A return to this course and a stamina sapping trip could see him return to winning ways. (16/1)
9:20 Wolverhampton - Tokyo Brown
You may remember Tokyo Brown as a selection a couple of weeks ago when running a really good race off the back of a long absence. He turned for home in front that day and looked as if he was going on to score comfortably until the lack of racefitness hit and he ended back in 5th. That was a very promising run over course and distance and should build on that today once again in the hands of Luke Morris. One last point is that he is now a 4 year old (almost 5) and sprinters tend to improve with age, so his promise he showed when 2 and 3 is a big positive. Tokyo Brown to finally break his maiden tag and win tomorrow for Heather Main. (5/1)
NAP - Tokyo Brown
NB - Katenko
As always, happy punting guys!
On Thursday evening we did a preview video with Calum Madell (@Calummadell) and live from Hong Kong Andrew Rideout (@ThouroughbredAR). In the video we covered all of the main races this weekend from Sha Tin including analysis of the Home and International raiders. Watch that episode through the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Palbs_EoXJA
Also we have a current video covering all of today's racing on Channel 4, joining me this week are the regulars Calum Madell (@Calummadell), Adam Webb (@Adamwebb121) and Michael Andrews (@Mytentoryours). You can watch this episode through the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxNHmGYfoCM
But now onto this week's selections!!
12:50 Sandown - Tante Sissi
Alan King's representative has been known to need her reappearances but you cant avoid the fact that she was disappointing last time when pulled up. That was over fences however and she is more well known as a hurdler which is what she returns to today after a failed chasing attempt. She will strip much fitter for the recent outing and the ground is well on her side today as she can usually be a touch keen in her races. With a few pace angles in the race and a good gallop on the menu she could return to winning ways at a nice price this afternoon. (10/1)
1:50 Sandown - Grandouet
Grandouet seems to be a talking horse for all the wrong reasons and unfairly so in my books, he has done nothing wrong and remains a promising 6 year old. He was the best of these over hurdles but unseated on chase debut at the last when under pressure from Hinterland who reopposes. On the whole he jumped well down the back straight but people seemed to forget that he always needs a run to start off his year, that was why he was touted at a Champion Hurdle horse when 2nd to Zarkandar in the International Hurdle. Today he will strip much fitter and we will see the real Grandouet and the main positive is that there is a guartanteed strong pace today as opposed to last time. There are a few contenders that can go from the front and I would be shocked if Taquin Du Seuil doesn't want to make this a real stamina test. Grandouet to silence the doubters and land his first chase. (7/2)
2:40 Aintree - Katenko
This is the second appearance in as many weeks on this blog for Katenko after last week when he ran in the Hennessy. Things were looking good that day until he met one on a bad stride and came down which was also his only mistake of the race. He only completed a circuit of the track last week so he didn't have too much of a hard time and he wouldn't be here if he was feeling any effects from the fall. Before that he had a strong portfolio, more recently when pounding a good Handicap field into submission by 12 lengths at Cheltenham. He looks as if there is a lot more to come and on a personal note I backed him last week for the Gold Cup at 50/1 before that price went. Katenko to make amends for last week. (11/4)
3:15 Aintree - Gansey
Gansey typically needs a run to put him straight and he had just that on the Mildmay course in October when 5th over 2 and a half miles. He hasn't won since 2011 at Newcastle but who could forget that gallant display him and the late Little Josh put on when fighting out this race last year. That was off a 3 pound higher mark and he always looked the type to take to the National fences as he proved last year when 2nd in the race. Ryan Mania gets on well with the horse despite never actually winning a race on board but he showed last April how well he rides the National fences. Of course I speak of the Grand National when he teamed up with his boss Sue Smith to ride Aurora's Encore to victory. Gansey to go one better this year. (10/1)
3:35 Sandown - Soll
Soll represents a Breeders Cup winning trainer in Jo Hughes who of course landed the Marathon with London Bridge. However Soll made a bit of a name for himself over fences last year, most notably when finishing seventh in the Grand National. His outing before that is when he caught my eye when galloping his rivals at Sandown into submission with a round of sublime jumping. A return to this course and a stamina sapping trip could see him return to winning ways. (16/1)
9:20 Wolverhampton - Tokyo Brown
You may remember Tokyo Brown as a selection a couple of weeks ago when running a really good race off the back of a long absence. He turned for home in front that day and looked as if he was going on to score comfortably until the lack of racefitness hit and he ended back in 5th. That was a very promising run over course and distance and should build on that today once again in the hands of Luke Morris. One last point is that he is now a 4 year old (almost 5) and sprinters tend to improve with age, so his promise he showed when 2 and 3 is a big positive. Tokyo Brown to finally break his maiden tag and win tomorrow for Heather Main. (5/1)
NAP - Tokyo Brown
NB - Katenko
As always, happy punting guys!
Friday, 29 November 2013
Tara To Fend Off Bangor Challengers
Good Morning or Evening, depending on what time you are reading this, but thank you for coming here nonetheless! You join us on one of the best racedays of the year with many festival clues to be had across the country especially up at Newcastle. They hold the yearly Fighting Fifth Hurdle won last year by Countrywide Flame but has names on the trophy such as Sea Pigeon, Kribensis and Comedy Of Errors. The other big meeting comes from Newbury who stage the Hennessy Gold Cup won last year by Bobs Worth who of course went on to win the Gold Cup. They also go to post at Towcester, Bangor, Wolverhampton and over in Ireland they race at Fairyhouse where Flat Out returns after 1042 days off.
We had just the one winner last week with Alasi as she narrowly held on at Ascot and Mac Aeda took a tumble when still going well. The one you should all put in your tracker is Tokyo Brown however who turned for home 3 lengths clear before fading late on finishing out of the places. That was off the back of a long lay off and he will be winning next time out, so keep him on your side.
As always we have a video prepared for you covering tomorrow's races but unfortunately due to technical issues I was only joined by Michael Andrews (@mytentoryours) this week. You can follow me on twitter on @Lukeelder13 and watch the video by clicking on the following link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTIKvPv5FjU
A few weeks ago I went to visit Martin Smith's yard who is a trainer based in Newmarket and will be unleashing more of his string over the coming weeks. He has already had his first winner earlier this week with Boris The Bold at Kempton who returned at 14/1. Watch the stable tour by clicking on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Favvx9Tdi2M&list=FLezAefNM6xM_sGDsrGUwjjQ
Onto this week's selections!
1:30 Bangor - Fentara
Tim Walford has Fentara off a winning mark now and Will Biddick takes a further 5 pounds off meaning he only carries 11-7 now. Although she is the only one in the field yet to have a start this season but does go well fresh having won twice and placed a further two more times after a break. The ground is set to be on the testing side which is exactly what Fentara needs to be seen to best effect with all her wins on soft or worse. Her season was aimed towards the big Mares chase at Newbury later in the season but that was abandoned when she was favourite. One last key point is that since the application of cheek pieces her form reads 132 and still looks to have something in hand. Fentara to make up for last year and gain a deserved success today. (2/1)
1:55 Fairyhouse - Some Tikket
This is a bit of an odd selection for this blog and a rare visit to Ireland as we side with Dessie Hughes' horse Some Tikket who fell on chase debut. He was still well in with a chance that day when coming down at the last and was up straight away so clearly had no immediate effects. Back into his hurdling days he had some smart form earlier in his career when winning his Maiden Hurdle easily before being well beaten by Mala Beach. Obviously today is a big ask for him in a 20 runner Beginners Chase but his running style will help him out as he shouldn't see a rival from the front. Some Tikket to make all and break his maiden tag over fences. (No Price Yet)
2:05 Newcastle - Duke Of Navan
Duke Of Navan is one that you all may scoff at a little as My Tent Or Yours is in the field and looks near unbeatable with Melodic Rendezvous 2nd in the betting. However Nicky Richards holds this one in very high regard and won the Morebattle last year, albeit a below par renewal of the race. The form that will stick out to most people is when 4th at Cheltenham behind Dodging Bullets, that form alone isn't good enough but it was very slowly run and not his true self. The real reason for me putting him up as a selection is that at the time of writing there are 8 runners meaning the places go down to third. He will certainly get third in my mind and it would be no surprise to see him split the main two in the betting, but he could certainly cause a shock. (28/1)
2:40 Newcastle - Baile Anrai
Onto one now who is certainly for win purposes from the in form Dan Skelton yard and is his only runner today. He gets in off a lowly weight of 10-3 today and also his lowest weight for some time over fences which must be noted. Also worth noting is the stable move, as mentioned before he is now with Dan Skelton after previously at Ian Williams yard. First time out for his new yard this year he ran an encouraging third at Huntingdon over hurdles but was outpaced over the shorter trip, the return to three miles is in his favour. Baile Anrai to refind the winning thread. (13/2)
3:00 Newbury - Katenko
Our last runner today is one that I consider to be a leading candidate for the Cheltenham Gold Cup as he was back in March before disaster struck. He picked up Colic (twisted gut) and was fortunately saved to fight another day as some aren't that lucky with this horrible illness. If he returns anywhere near the same horse that destroyed a good handicap field by 12 lengths at Cheltenham then he must go close today.That is a big if though as he is off the back of a big break and still has to prove he is the same horse after that bout of Colic. Katenko to continue his improvement for the in form Venetia Williams yard. (14/1)
NAP - Fentara
Nb - Baile Anrai
Good luck and as always, happy punting!
We had just the one winner last week with Alasi as she narrowly held on at Ascot and Mac Aeda took a tumble when still going well. The one you should all put in your tracker is Tokyo Brown however who turned for home 3 lengths clear before fading late on finishing out of the places. That was off the back of a long lay off and he will be winning next time out, so keep him on your side.
As always we have a video prepared for you covering tomorrow's races but unfortunately due to technical issues I was only joined by Michael Andrews (@mytentoryours) this week. You can follow me on twitter on @Lukeelder13 and watch the video by clicking on the following link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTIKvPv5FjU
A few weeks ago I went to visit Martin Smith's yard who is a trainer based in Newmarket and will be unleashing more of his string over the coming weeks. He has already had his first winner earlier this week with Boris The Bold at Kempton who returned at 14/1. Watch the stable tour by clicking on the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Favvx9Tdi2M&list=FLezAefNM6xM_sGDsrGUwjjQ
Onto this week's selections!
1:30 Bangor - Fentara
Tim Walford has Fentara off a winning mark now and Will Biddick takes a further 5 pounds off meaning he only carries 11-7 now. Although she is the only one in the field yet to have a start this season but does go well fresh having won twice and placed a further two more times after a break. The ground is set to be on the testing side which is exactly what Fentara needs to be seen to best effect with all her wins on soft or worse. Her season was aimed towards the big Mares chase at Newbury later in the season but that was abandoned when she was favourite. One last key point is that since the application of cheek pieces her form reads 132 and still looks to have something in hand. Fentara to make up for last year and gain a deserved success today. (2/1)
1:55 Fairyhouse - Some Tikket
This is a bit of an odd selection for this blog and a rare visit to Ireland as we side with Dessie Hughes' horse Some Tikket who fell on chase debut. He was still well in with a chance that day when coming down at the last and was up straight away so clearly had no immediate effects. Back into his hurdling days he had some smart form earlier in his career when winning his Maiden Hurdle easily before being well beaten by Mala Beach. Obviously today is a big ask for him in a 20 runner Beginners Chase but his running style will help him out as he shouldn't see a rival from the front. Some Tikket to make all and break his maiden tag over fences. (No Price Yet)
2:05 Newcastle - Duke Of Navan
Duke Of Navan is one that you all may scoff at a little as My Tent Or Yours is in the field and looks near unbeatable with Melodic Rendezvous 2nd in the betting. However Nicky Richards holds this one in very high regard and won the Morebattle last year, albeit a below par renewal of the race. The form that will stick out to most people is when 4th at Cheltenham behind Dodging Bullets, that form alone isn't good enough but it was very slowly run and not his true self. The real reason for me putting him up as a selection is that at the time of writing there are 8 runners meaning the places go down to third. He will certainly get third in my mind and it would be no surprise to see him split the main two in the betting, but he could certainly cause a shock. (28/1)
2:40 Newcastle - Baile Anrai
Onto one now who is certainly for win purposes from the in form Dan Skelton yard and is his only runner today. He gets in off a lowly weight of 10-3 today and also his lowest weight for some time over fences which must be noted. Also worth noting is the stable move, as mentioned before he is now with Dan Skelton after previously at Ian Williams yard. First time out for his new yard this year he ran an encouraging third at Huntingdon over hurdles but was outpaced over the shorter trip, the return to three miles is in his favour. Baile Anrai to refind the winning thread. (13/2)
3:00 Newbury - Katenko
Our last runner today is one that I consider to be a leading candidate for the Cheltenham Gold Cup as he was back in March before disaster struck. He picked up Colic (twisted gut) and was fortunately saved to fight another day as some aren't that lucky with this horrible illness. If he returns anywhere near the same horse that destroyed a good handicap field by 12 lengths at Cheltenham then he must go close today.That is a big if though as he is off the back of a big break and still has to prove he is the same horse after that bout of Colic. Katenko to continue his improvement for the in form Venetia Williams yard. (14/1)
NAP - Fentara
Nb - Baile Anrai
Good luck and as always, happy punting!
Friday, 22 November 2013
Moore Of The Game At Huntingdon
Good morning racing fans and a big congratulations for making it through another work week, your reward? A big Saturday of racing of course. Today's main meeting comes from Haydock who stage their yearly Betfair Chase in which Silviniaco Conti aims to go back to back in the race. He faces stern opposition from last year's Gold Cup hero Bobs Worth and winner of the Ryanair, Cue Card who's stamina gets tested again. Also on the cards today is the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot which see's the return of the exciting chaser Al Ferof as he faces two rivals. They also go to post at Huntingdon and on the polytrack at Lingfield as well as Wolverhampton in the evening.
Last week Le Bec got us out of trouble as the others disappointed, but at least we got off to a good start which counts for something... Right? As always we have prepared a video for you all covering tomorrow's Channel 4 races and i'm once again joined by the regulars. Amongst our regulars is Calum Madell (@Calummadell) who owns Magnifique Etoile, he of course runs in todays Ascot hurdle and we get the inside scoop on him. Making up the panel was Michael Andrews (@mytentoryours) and Adam Webb (@Adamwebb121).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA5TE6L_blQ
Now onto today's racing!
2:15 Huntingdon - The Game Is A Foot
The Game Is A Foot improved to win at Plumpton on Monday and win well on that occasion. Gary Moore brings him up to Huntingdon under a penalty instead of waiting for the Handicapper to have his say. Josh Moore has been on fire lately with 4 of his last 11 rides being winners and 3 more being placed, including a win on this horse on Monday. I was at Plumpton that day and rushed to the winners enclosure to see him in and he would have hardly blown a candle out and definitely looks a horse going in the right direction. Before hand he didn't have much form that would be worthy of winning this but he is clearly in fine form with himself and could once again be well in at the weights. The Game Is A Foot to get today off to a flying start albeit at a short price. (6/5)
3:15 Ascot - Alasi
Paul Webber's mare is one that I have admired for a long time now as she never seems to run a bad race, that was no different last time out. She took on horses of her own sex at Wetherby and was in the firing line for a long time before fading late to finish eight and three quarter lengths behind the progressive Cockney Sparrow. The strongest form to her name however is when beating Champion Court by a neck over fences earlier this year, albeit a Champion Court that wasn't 100% right that day. She runs off the lowest handicap mark for a while today in 135. Alasi to get her day in the sun today at Ascot. (7/1)
3:35 Haydock - Mac Aeda
Mac Aeda was well backed on his reappearance but could manage no better than third behind Ultimate, however has never won after a break, so it was to be expected. He will strip much fitter for that run and off the winning mark of 125 can take all the beating in what is sure to be a stamina test. If you look at the races Mac Aeda has won you will find that he relishes a real stamina sapping race and has twice been the victor over this trip. The main danger could come in the form of The Rainbow Hunter but his day like many in this race will be the Grand National in April.
7:20 Wolverhampton - Tokyo Brown
Believe it or not, Tokyo Brown is one that I have been following for a good while now, ever since he was third in a strong Maiden at Lingfield behind Clowance Estate. Despite catching my eye he has never won and has since been off for just over a year which isn't a massive negative in my eyes. I was at Lingfield last week and Heather Main had two horses running that day running off massive layoffs yet still ran well, signifying the yard can ready one after a break. The jockey booking is also a huge positive with Luke Morris taking the reins today. Tokyo Brown to win after a break. (8/1)
NAP - The Game Is A Foot
Nb - Tokyo Brown
Good luck and as always, happy punting!
Last week Le Bec got us out of trouble as the others disappointed, but at least we got off to a good start which counts for something... Right? As always we have prepared a video for you all covering tomorrow's Channel 4 races and i'm once again joined by the regulars. Amongst our regulars is Calum Madell (@Calummadell) who owns Magnifique Etoile, he of course runs in todays Ascot hurdle and we get the inside scoop on him. Making up the panel was Michael Andrews (@mytentoryours) and Adam Webb (@Adamwebb121).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA5TE6L_blQ
Now onto today's racing!
2:15 Huntingdon - The Game Is A Foot
The Game Is A Foot improved to win at Plumpton on Monday and win well on that occasion. Gary Moore brings him up to Huntingdon under a penalty instead of waiting for the Handicapper to have his say. Josh Moore has been on fire lately with 4 of his last 11 rides being winners and 3 more being placed, including a win on this horse on Monday. I was at Plumpton that day and rushed to the winners enclosure to see him in and he would have hardly blown a candle out and definitely looks a horse going in the right direction. Before hand he didn't have much form that would be worthy of winning this but he is clearly in fine form with himself and could once again be well in at the weights. The Game Is A Foot to get today off to a flying start albeit at a short price. (6/5)
3:15 Ascot - Alasi
Paul Webber's mare is one that I have admired for a long time now as she never seems to run a bad race, that was no different last time out. She took on horses of her own sex at Wetherby and was in the firing line for a long time before fading late to finish eight and three quarter lengths behind the progressive Cockney Sparrow. The strongest form to her name however is when beating Champion Court by a neck over fences earlier this year, albeit a Champion Court that wasn't 100% right that day. She runs off the lowest handicap mark for a while today in 135. Alasi to get her day in the sun today at Ascot. (7/1)
3:35 Haydock - Mac Aeda
Mac Aeda was well backed on his reappearance but could manage no better than third behind Ultimate, however has never won after a break, so it was to be expected. He will strip much fitter for that run and off the winning mark of 125 can take all the beating in what is sure to be a stamina test. If you look at the races Mac Aeda has won you will find that he relishes a real stamina sapping race and has twice been the victor over this trip. The main danger could come in the form of The Rainbow Hunter but his day like many in this race will be the Grand National in April.
7:20 Wolverhampton - Tokyo Brown
Believe it or not, Tokyo Brown is one that I have been following for a good while now, ever since he was third in a strong Maiden at Lingfield behind Clowance Estate. Despite catching my eye he has never won and has since been off for just over a year which isn't a massive negative in my eyes. I was at Lingfield last week and Heather Main had two horses running that day running off massive layoffs yet still ran well, signifying the yard can ready one after a break. The jockey booking is also a huge positive with Luke Morris taking the reins today. Tokyo Brown to win after a break. (8/1)
NAP - The Game Is A Foot
Nb - Tokyo Brown
Good luck and as always, happy punting!
Friday, 15 November 2013
Williams To Pay For A Beer Or Two
Good Morning racing fans I trust you enjoyed yesterday's action at Cheltenham and your National Hunt buzz is in full flow, if its not already it will be after today. Many regard today's action as one of the top days racing in the season behind the Festival in March and Hennessy day at Newbury. It is the Open Meeting at Prestbury Park and the main day of course features the Paddypower Gold Cup won last year by the exciting Al Ferof. The race has a long list of top class winners including Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander, Exotic Dancer and Our Vic.
We are spoiled for choice once again today for racing, as previously mentioned Cheltenham have the big meeting of the day but Uttoxeter and Wetherby also hold National Hunt cards. Supporting them on the polytrack is Lingfield who hold the Listed Churchill Stakes whereas Wolverhampton race under the floodlights this evening. The exciting recruit to chasing and last years Supreme Novices winner, Champagne Fever, makes his debut today at Punchestown who host an 8 race card.
As always we have prepared a video for you all, this week previewing the Cheltenham card for today and once again joined by George Gorman who gave us the inside scoop on Gary Moore's weekend runners. As usual I was joined by the regular panel of Adam Webb (@Adamwebb121), Michael Andrews (@Mytentoryours) and Calum Madell (@Calummadell). You can also find George on twitter by searching for @GeorgeFGorman. Watch the video in the link below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53vakFih6Ms
Now onto today's selections after landing a 50/1 winner last week with Miss Cap Estel!!
1:15 Cheltenham - Le Bec
This race is intriguing as so many festival 'bubbles' could be burst in this event alone. A fitting place to start would be the favourite and a horse that has been called a Gold Cup horse by connections, of course I am talking about AFRICAN GOLD. Last season he was a leading contender for the Albert Bartlett before finding only At Fishers Cross too good and had LE BEC behind him that day. Unlike Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge, LE BEC has had a run over the larger obstacles in which he won cosily and was always in control down the home straight. He would have learned a lot from that day and is expected to come on a lot for the run, despite having to give AFRICAN GOLD 5 pounds today. He is one that has always looked a chaser and looks to remain unbeaten like the Jonjo O'Neill trained SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR. His only outing over fences was at Aintree 21 days ago when he edged out the promising Beeves late on although he had something left up his sleeve. He has also tasted the Festival experience when running a good fourth behind Holywell in last years Pertemps Final. Dessie Hughes has two representatives at Cheltenham today and his second runner is WHITE STAR LINE who is already a National winner. By that I mean he won the Kerry National at Listowel back in September but won again at Clonmel last time albeit maybe a tad fortuitous. He has the most chasing experience in the field and has to give weight all round including the interesting SAM WINNER who has already had two attempts at the Chasing game. Unfortunately both of them ended in him falling and one of them he sustained a serious injury but on the whole his jumping was good. If them two experiences haven't scarred him mentally then he could be a real player today for the Paul Nicholls yard. The other contender today is BOB FORD who put it up to Taquin Du Seuil on chasing debut but looks up against it today. Preference is for LE BEC who hails from the bang in form yard of Emma Lavelle and Noel Fehily who cant do much wrong at present. (4/1)
1:50 Cheltenham - Tour Des Champs
Tour Des Champs gets in here off a very low weight of 10-1 and is one of the last ones within the handicap after his mark remains unchanged from last time. He ended last season with a good fourth in the Scottish National behind Godsmejudge who reopposes today on worse terms. First time out this season however he was a good 2nd behind Balthazar King who of course won yesterday's Cross Country race. The step up in trip for Tour Des Champs however is a positive and he seldom runs a bad race but has been slipping down the handicap in the process. Team Twiston-Davies haven't quite been in the form we are accustomed to at this time of year but they dont send horses to Cheltenham without a chance. Tour Des Champs to go one better than last time. (8/1)
2:30 Cheltenham - Woolcombe Folly
Paul Nicholls took this last year with Al Ferof and this year is represented by only Woolcombe Folly who has been dropped two pounds for his last effort. Today is an extra 110 yards but that wouldnt have stopped him getting 2nd behind Johns Spirit had he jumped the last well. Alas he made a mistake that cost him big time and he finished only sixth but on the plus side he is dropped a further two pounds. This is an odd race in the sense that you cant find anything that is really well handicapped, instead everything looks on an honest mark. Woolcombe Folly was once fancied for a Champion Chase and always performs well in these kind of events so is taken to land todays prize at a good price. (33/1)
3:35 Cheltenham - Toubeera
Today's NAP comes in the form of Toubeera for Venetia Williams who was impressive on her last two starts last season at Huntingdon and Uttoxeter. This is obviously a much bigger ask but we haven't even scraped the bottom of the barrel regarding her ability and this is well within her. She is a big horse and as a result has taken a bit of time to grow into herself but looks to have the world at her feet this season and is a horse going places for sure. Usually Venetia Williams doesn't have her string in dazzling form but this year she has been having winners left, right and centre. Toubeera to land today's race and use this as a stepping stone towards bigger and better things. (15/2)
4:05 Cheltenham - Flementime
Flementime looked a very promising horse in early 2012 but after a good sixth at Aintree in their big Mares bumper she injured her leg and has been given time off since. It is odd for anyone to be tipping a horse who hasn't seen the track for 582 days but connections are excited about this one and at home he works with Champion Court. Obviously he is one of Martin Keighley's best horses if not his best horse so for a bumper horse to already be considered that good is rare and must be noted. Flementime to go well in the bumper. (16/1)
NAP - Toubeera
Nb - Flementime
Good luck today guys and lets hope for another big winner this week!!
We are spoiled for choice once again today for racing, as previously mentioned Cheltenham have the big meeting of the day but Uttoxeter and Wetherby also hold National Hunt cards. Supporting them on the polytrack is Lingfield who hold the Listed Churchill Stakes whereas Wolverhampton race under the floodlights this evening. The exciting recruit to chasing and last years Supreme Novices winner, Champagne Fever, makes his debut today at Punchestown who host an 8 race card.
As always we have prepared a video for you all, this week previewing the Cheltenham card for today and once again joined by George Gorman who gave us the inside scoop on Gary Moore's weekend runners. As usual I was joined by the regular panel of Adam Webb (@Adamwebb121), Michael Andrews (@Mytentoryours) and Calum Madell (@Calummadell). You can also find George on twitter by searching for @GeorgeFGorman. Watch the video in the link below!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53vakFih6Ms
Now onto today's selections after landing a 50/1 winner last week with Miss Cap Estel!!
1:15 Cheltenham - Le Bec
This race is intriguing as so many festival 'bubbles' could be burst in this event alone. A fitting place to start would be the favourite and a horse that has been called a Gold Cup horse by connections, of course I am talking about AFRICAN GOLD. Last season he was a leading contender for the Albert Bartlett before finding only At Fishers Cross too good and had LE BEC behind him that day. Unlike Nigel Twiston-Davies' charge, LE BEC has had a run over the larger obstacles in which he won cosily and was always in control down the home straight. He would have learned a lot from that day and is expected to come on a lot for the run, despite having to give AFRICAN GOLD 5 pounds today. He is one that has always looked a chaser and looks to remain unbeaten like the Jonjo O'Neill trained SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR. His only outing over fences was at Aintree 21 days ago when he edged out the promising Beeves late on although he had something left up his sleeve. He has also tasted the Festival experience when running a good fourth behind Holywell in last years Pertemps Final. Dessie Hughes has two representatives at Cheltenham today and his second runner is WHITE STAR LINE who is already a National winner. By that I mean he won the Kerry National at Listowel back in September but won again at Clonmel last time albeit maybe a tad fortuitous. He has the most chasing experience in the field and has to give weight all round including the interesting SAM WINNER who has already had two attempts at the Chasing game. Unfortunately both of them ended in him falling and one of them he sustained a serious injury but on the whole his jumping was good. If them two experiences haven't scarred him mentally then he could be a real player today for the Paul Nicholls yard. The other contender today is BOB FORD who put it up to Taquin Du Seuil on chasing debut but looks up against it today. Preference is for LE BEC who hails from the bang in form yard of Emma Lavelle and Noel Fehily who cant do much wrong at present. (4/1)
1:50 Cheltenham - Tour Des Champs
Tour Des Champs gets in here off a very low weight of 10-1 and is one of the last ones within the handicap after his mark remains unchanged from last time. He ended last season with a good fourth in the Scottish National behind Godsmejudge who reopposes today on worse terms. First time out this season however he was a good 2nd behind Balthazar King who of course won yesterday's Cross Country race. The step up in trip for Tour Des Champs however is a positive and he seldom runs a bad race but has been slipping down the handicap in the process. Team Twiston-Davies haven't quite been in the form we are accustomed to at this time of year but they dont send horses to Cheltenham without a chance. Tour Des Champs to go one better than last time. (8/1)
2:30 Cheltenham - Woolcombe Folly
Paul Nicholls took this last year with Al Ferof and this year is represented by only Woolcombe Folly who has been dropped two pounds for his last effort. Today is an extra 110 yards but that wouldnt have stopped him getting 2nd behind Johns Spirit had he jumped the last well. Alas he made a mistake that cost him big time and he finished only sixth but on the plus side he is dropped a further two pounds. This is an odd race in the sense that you cant find anything that is really well handicapped, instead everything looks on an honest mark. Woolcombe Folly was once fancied for a Champion Chase and always performs well in these kind of events so is taken to land todays prize at a good price. (33/1)
3:35 Cheltenham - Toubeera
Today's NAP comes in the form of Toubeera for Venetia Williams who was impressive on her last two starts last season at Huntingdon and Uttoxeter. This is obviously a much bigger ask but we haven't even scraped the bottom of the barrel regarding her ability and this is well within her. She is a big horse and as a result has taken a bit of time to grow into herself but looks to have the world at her feet this season and is a horse going places for sure. Usually Venetia Williams doesn't have her string in dazzling form but this year she has been having winners left, right and centre. Toubeera to land today's race and use this as a stepping stone towards bigger and better things. (15/2)
4:05 Cheltenham - Flementime
Flementime looked a very promising horse in early 2012 but after a good sixth at Aintree in their big Mares bumper she injured her leg and has been given time off since. It is odd for anyone to be tipping a horse who hasn't seen the track for 582 days but connections are excited about this one and at home he works with Champion Court. Obviously he is one of Martin Keighley's best horses if not his best horse so for a bumper horse to already be considered that good is rare and must be noted. Flementime to go well in the bumper. (16/1)
NAP - Toubeera
Nb - Flementime
Good luck today guys and lets hope for another big winner this week!!
Friday, 8 November 2013
Reckless To Be The Wincanton Meister
First of all I have to apologise as there was no blog last week, the only excuse I can offer is that I got too caught up in the Breeders Cup action. Hopefully you still watched out Breeders Cup video and also our video covering last week's action, both of which returned winners. Today the racing comes from Doncaster who hold their annual November Handicap meeting and are the only track racing on the flat today. We also have national hunt action from Sandown, Kelso and Wincanton which stages the Badger Ales Trophy won last year by The Package.
Speaking of The Package, he was runner up to Restless D'artaix when AP McCoy made it to Three Thousand winners at Plumpton in 2009. This week he passed Four Thousand at Towcester when riding Mountain Tunes to victory in typical McCoy style. When turning from home he looked to hold little chance and he even touched 50/1 in running after a mistake at the 2nd last hurdle. Coming to the last he had just about got his mount staying on before jumping in to Panama Petrus, would that stop him? No, of course not. Mountain Tunes was galvanised and more importantly a more than willing partner which enable the duo to catch Kris Spin and Jamie Moore late on.
People have asked what an achievement like this means to me and to be truthful, I couldn't tell you. I am a 20 year old guy who as a passion for horse racing, but I have never known the sport when it hasn't been dominated by The Champ. For me personally, it is hard to think of the sport without one man being so far ahead of the others in the jockeys championship. It will show exactly how much he means to this sport on the day he retires and we realise how privileged we have been to see this man in action.
Before we start with the days selections I have to mention that we have prepared another video including some singing... You have to watch it to understand. Joining me today were the usual suspects Adam Webb (@adamwebb121) and Michael Andrews (@Mytentoryours). Watch the video through the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgxwckNt-x4
12:20 Wincanton - SGT Reckless
Mick Channon landed the Haldon Gold Cup this week with Somersby who we very much know everything about. SGT Reckless is at the other end of that scale in the sense that we dont know much about him as he makes his hurdling debut today. His career got off to a great start as he made two big impressions first at Wincanton and secondly at Lingfield, both in bumpers. He went to the Champion Bumper at the Festival with a leading chance and was sent off 8/1, in truth he probably wasn't bred to be a flat horse. Which brings us onto today and his hurdling debut, this discipline definitely makes more appeal for a horse like him and he could even make a nice chaser in time. There is nothing else I can really add to that other than the fact that he looks every yard a National Hunt horse and this looks a winnable race. (No Price Available Yet)
2:05 Wincanton - Far West
Paul Nicholls had the first two horses home in this race last year with Zarkandar and Prospect Wells fighting out a thrilling finish. Far West looks to hold the key to today's race as well and can land this for the 2nd year running for Team Ditcheat. Sam Twiston-Davies rides again for Paul Nicholls and over the past week he has an outstanding strike rate when teaming up with the ex Champion Trainer. This is also an exciting race for a number of reasons, mostly for me its exciting because of the fact that Our Conor's form will first be truly tested. Sametegal has already come out and won who was of course third in last year's Triumph Hurdle and 2 and quarter lengths behind Far West. A repeat of his Triumph Hurdle effort would hold him in fine regard for today and he handed out a 12 length beating of Handazan first time out last season. Far West to land the Elite Hurdle 2013. (3/1)
2:25 Doncaster - Jack Dexter
Jack Dexter is undoubtedly the class horse of the race and definitely brings the best form to the table after his 2nd to Slade Power on Champions Day. He must give away 6 pounds to everyone in the field except for Arnold Lane and he gets his preferred ground today which is a huge positive. The Ayr Gold Cup form should be turned around with Highland Colori and that remains a monumental effort to finish third from top weight on ground that probably was too fast for him. Ballesteros could be the biggest danger to him on his first outing for Richard Fahey and with Paul Hanagan on board, he wasn't at his best last time but can correct that. Jack Dexter to take all the beating today however. (7/2)
3:00 Doncaster - Miss Cap Estel
This is a really hard race to dissect but I have a strong fancy in this to some people's disbelief, not naming anybody on last nights video of course. At the start of the season as some of you may know I interviewed Kirsty Milczarek, she gave us all a horse to follow for the season. That horse was called Kikonga who has since gone on to be successful this year, one of the times was when beating Miss Cap Estel at Ascot. That was when she first caught my eye as she was the only one who made any sort of ground from the back of the field and was never nearer than at the finish. She then went to Goodwood twice, the first time was behind Wild Coco when she was thoroughly outclassed and the second time is best forgotten. She righted that wrong though when absolutely bolting up at Ffos Las before tailing off in a French listed race which can also be forgiven. Miss Cap Estel to go well at a price. (50/1)
3:15 Wincanton - Meister Eckhart
Meister Eckhart is one of my Novice Chasers to follow for the season and has been a horse that has impressed me for a couple of seasons now. I first noticed him when fifth for Rebecca Curtis behind the late Brindisi Breeze in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival a couple of seasons ago. Everything about him just screamed that he was a chaser and he has done nothing to put me off that since switching to Alan King's yard. On his belated reappearance last season he was runner up to Prospect Wells in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fonwell, before again finishing runner up at Cheltenham in the Coral Cup. He then went on to finish third at Aintree in another hot race with was a great effort as many Cheltenham horses struggle when going to Aintree in the same season. Alan King couldnt have found a much harder race to start him off over fences, despite it being a four runner race, all of these could be Grade One chasers. Meister Eckhart to start his chasing career off on the right foot and land today's race. (7/2)
NAP - Far West
Nb - SGT Reckless
Good luck today everyone and as always, Happy Punting
Speaking of The Package, he was runner up to Restless D'artaix when AP McCoy made it to Three Thousand winners at Plumpton in 2009. This week he passed Four Thousand at Towcester when riding Mountain Tunes to victory in typical McCoy style. When turning from home he looked to hold little chance and he even touched 50/1 in running after a mistake at the 2nd last hurdle. Coming to the last he had just about got his mount staying on before jumping in to Panama Petrus, would that stop him? No, of course not. Mountain Tunes was galvanised and more importantly a more than willing partner which enable the duo to catch Kris Spin and Jamie Moore late on.
People have asked what an achievement like this means to me and to be truthful, I couldn't tell you. I am a 20 year old guy who as a passion for horse racing, but I have never known the sport when it hasn't been dominated by The Champ. For me personally, it is hard to think of the sport without one man being so far ahead of the others in the jockeys championship. It will show exactly how much he means to this sport on the day he retires and we realise how privileged we have been to see this man in action.
Before we start with the days selections I have to mention that we have prepared another video including some singing... You have to watch it to understand. Joining me today were the usual suspects Adam Webb (@adamwebb121) and Michael Andrews (@Mytentoryours). Watch the video through the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgxwckNt-x4
12:20 Wincanton - SGT Reckless
Mick Channon landed the Haldon Gold Cup this week with Somersby who we very much know everything about. SGT Reckless is at the other end of that scale in the sense that we dont know much about him as he makes his hurdling debut today. His career got off to a great start as he made two big impressions first at Wincanton and secondly at Lingfield, both in bumpers. He went to the Champion Bumper at the Festival with a leading chance and was sent off 8/1, in truth he probably wasn't bred to be a flat horse. Which brings us onto today and his hurdling debut, this discipline definitely makes more appeal for a horse like him and he could even make a nice chaser in time. There is nothing else I can really add to that other than the fact that he looks every yard a National Hunt horse and this looks a winnable race. (No Price Available Yet)
2:05 Wincanton - Far West
Paul Nicholls had the first two horses home in this race last year with Zarkandar and Prospect Wells fighting out a thrilling finish. Far West looks to hold the key to today's race as well and can land this for the 2nd year running for Team Ditcheat. Sam Twiston-Davies rides again for Paul Nicholls and over the past week he has an outstanding strike rate when teaming up with the ex Champion Trainer. This is also an exciting race for a number of reasons, mostly for me its exciting because of the fact that Our Conor's form will first be truly tested. Sametegal has already come out and won who was of course third in last year's Triumph Hurdle and 2 and quarter lengths behind Far West. A repeat of his Triumph Hurdle effort would hold him in fine regard for today and he handed out a 12 length beating of Handazan first time out last season. Far West to land the Elite Hurdle 2013. (3/1)
2:25 Doncaster - Jack Dexter
Jack Dexter is undoubtedly the class horse of the race and definitely brings the best form to the table after his 2nd to Slade Power on Champions Day. He must give away 6 pounds to everyone in the field except for Arnold Lane and he gets his preferred ground today which is a huge positive. The Ayr Gold Cup form should be turned around with Highland Colori and that remains a monumental effort to finish third from top weight on ground that probably was too fast for him. Ballesteros could be the biggest danger to him on his first outing for Richard Fahey and with Paul Hanagan on board, he wasn't at his best last time but can correct that. Jack Dexter to take all the beating today however. (7/2)
3:00 Doncaster - Miss Cap Estel
This is a really hard race to dissect but I have a strong fancy in this to some people's disbelief, not naming anybody on last nights video of course. At the start of the season as some of you may know I interviewed Kirsty Milczarek, she gave us all a horse to follow for the season. That horse was called Kikonga who has since gone on to be successful this year, one of the times was when beating Miss Cap Estel at Ascot. That was when she first caught my eye as she was the only one who made any sort of ground from the back of the field and was never nearer than at the finish. She then went to Goodwood twice, the first time was behind Wild Coco when she was thoroughly outclassed and the second time is best forgotten. She righted that wrong though when absolutely bolting up at Ffos Las before tailing off in a French listed race which can also be forgiven. Miss Cap Estel to go well at a price. (50/1)
3:15 Wincanton - Meister Eckhart
Meister Eckhart is one of my Novice Chasers to follow for the season and has been a horse that has impressed me for a couple of seasons now. I first noticed him when fifth for Rebecca Curtis behind the late Brindisi Breeze in the Albert Bartlett at the Festival a couple of seasons ago. Everything about him just screamed that he was a chaser and he has done nothing to put me off that since switching to Alan King's yard. On his belated reappearance last season he was runner up to Prospect Wells in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fonwell, before again finishing runner up at Cheltenham in the Coral Cup. He then went on to finish third at Aintree in another hot race with was a great effort as many Cheltenham horses struggle when going to Aintree in the same season. Alan King couldnt have found a much harder race to start him off over fences, despite it being a four runner race, all of these could be Grade One chasers. Meister Eckhart to start his chasing career off on the right foot and land today's race. (7/2)
NAP - Far West
Nb - SGT Reckless
Good luck today everyone and as always, Happy Punting
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