The European contingent didn’t fare too well at the Breeders Cup. The excellent Ouija Board apart no European horse even got a place. The real race of the weekend was of course at Down Royal where War of Attrition and Beef or Salmon fought out an epic dual in the James Nicholson Chase. Beef or Salmon has his detractors in this country but back in his home country he is devilishly hard to beat, especially in a small field and given soft ground. Justified belied his inexperience to finish a very creditable third.
On Saturday both Presto Shinko and Rampallion were close seconds at Windsor while Book of Music ran well to be third in the November Handicap. Alfie Flits ensured that our list to follow had a winner on the final day of the season. He was a huge drifter in the market and ended up at 8/1. He shrugged of a lacklustre display on his last run to storm clear of his rivals in the listed race at Windsor.
Kicks for Free and The Whisperer were short priced winners for our jumps list.
The jump racing tomorrow comes from Carlisle where we have a couple of runners from our list to follow. The Dukes Speech had some useful hurdles form last season ending with a 3rd to Straw Bear and Conna Castle at Aintree. He has always looked the type to do even better over fences and makes his debut over the larger obstacles in the 12.40.
Turpin Green has showed consistent form over fences. The only real blip was when he was beaten in the Scilly Isles Chase at Sandown after seemingly having the race at his mercy. He practically refused at the last and failed to get back up on the run in. He clearly has plenty of talent though. His main danger in this 3 horse field will be Exotic Dancer from the in form stable of Jonjo O’Neill.
Ever Present won over fences at Ayr last season over 3 miles. He should appreciate the soft ground in the 3.30. He doesn’t look too badly weighted. Should stay further later in the season but two and a half at this stiff track should suit.
So we have 3 runners and they all hold a chance so fingers crossed.
