There were a couple of winners from our flat list to follow today. Into the Dark (11/47) and Dr Sharp (9/1). I am afraid I tipped against Into the Dark but at least I gave Dr Sharp a decent write up. Tidal Bay was a winner fro our jumps list to follow.
There is quite a feast of racing over the weekend. It is just a pity that Black Jack Ketchum and Racing Demon have both been taken out of their weekend engagements because of the state of the ground. On the subject of the weather I see that the Ayr programme is subject to an inspection.
I will start tonight’s preview at Ascot where the Berkshire course stages a new race, the United House Gold Cup at 2.10. Top Weight is the Paul Nicholls trained stalwart Royal Auclair who has run with much credit in most of the top steeplechases in the UK over the years. He should go on the quickish ground OK and he is a good weight carrier. He just maybe a little high in the handicap. Nil Desperandum has finished 6th and 4th in the last two Grand Nationals and you would imagine that the Aintree race will once again be his target. He has moved over here from Ireland since last season and is now with Venetia Williams. A Glass in Thyne is a progressive staying chaser that goes well fresh and the track at Ascot should also suit him, although the ground may not. Joe’s Edge didn’t win last season and as a result has slipped down the ratings. He acts on fast ground and is very much one for the short list.
Our list to follow is represented by Howard Johnson’s Bewley’s Berry. This is a horse I have always liked and with the stable in good form could go well. Our other runner is Oodachee from Ireland. He is still a novice but has won a Grade 3 over fences and handles firm ground.
Cloudy Grey has some fair form over hur5dles and makes his debut over the larger obstacles at the age of 9 in the 3.20. If he handles the ground he is entitled to go close on his hurdles record.
Turning to Wetherby the interesting runner in the 1.45 is Degas Art who makes his hurdles debut having been bought from David Elsworth’s yard for Graham and Andrea Wylie. Degas Art won a listed race on the flat in soft ground beating today’s winner Into the Dark. If he takes to hurdling he has to be a serious contender.
We have 2 list runners in the handicap chase at 2.20. Kinburn is another from Howard Johnson’s yard. He has won his last 3 starts and looks to have scope for further improvement. Although Roman Ark only won once last season he ran some fine races in defeat against top opposition. He has trip and ground to suit and Fergus King takes 3 lbs off.
I thought that World Hurdle winner My Way de Solzen would go chasing this season, but for the moment anyway he stays over hurdles. He should win the 2.50 where old favourites Tees Components and No Refuge look like filling the minor places.
Sam Thomas has recently moved to Paul Nicholls stable as number 2 to Ruby Walsh. Thomas will partner the grey Neptune Collonges in the Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase at 3.25. He won 4 times for me last term and I have kept him on my list and I am hopeful of a bold showing from him here. Dangers abound though. Robert Alner has two of his stable stars here in Sir Rembrandt and Kingscliffe. The stable is in form and these two have the ability to land this. Kingscliffe goes well fresh and is one for the shortlist. Our Vic has plenty of ability and although most of his wins have been over shorter he has won at this trip as a novice. Jungle Jinks may not be quite good enough here but he does have 4 course wins to his credit. Royal Emperor finished last season with a fine 3rd in the Scottish National. He relishes soft ground. Take the Stand was 2nd in the 2005 Gold Cup and if the ground dries and his jumping holds up he comes into the reckoning. He warmed up the other week with a win at Plumpton over hurdles.
Cracking race this. I will stay loyal to Neptune Collonges.
Astarador represents the list to follow in the 4.00. Another from the Howard Johnson stable he had solid bumper form last season and has reportedly schooled well for his hurdles debut.
Aintree favourite Clan Royal makes his reappearance in the 5.10. He remains well handicapped over hurdles.
Limbo King was a staying on third on his debut at Newbury and has an each way chance in the 1.00 at Newmarket.
There are some very interesting newcomers in the 1.30. Hypoteneuse looks one for the notebook although may be better as a 3 yaer old. Lucy Rebecca is related to juvenile winners. Measured Tempo has a pedigree that suggests better things next season.
Rio Riva and Superseus are our list runners in the 3.45. Both are capable of going close on a good day and both should handle the ground.
Spanish Moon comes into the 4.20 with a bit of a home reputation and could be something special. Of those that have run Noisy Silence makes some appeal.
Our only list runner at Ayr is Compromiznotension in the 3.35. He has already won twice this season and should handle the ground.
At Naas Noel Meade’s Leading Run should maintain his 100% record in the 3.25.
Other selections
1.30 Maisons-Lafitte Captain Marvellous
I will be back tomorrow evening for a look at Sunday’s meetings.
ahorse 