Our only runner today was Bougoure who was beaten into 2nd place by Turnstile at Sedgefield. Bougoure was well clear of the rest of the field and should find a race before to long.
I was pleased to see that Fondmort seems to be recovering slowly from his life threatening injury. He will never race again though. Less fortunate this week was David Pipe’s chaser Therealbandit, who suffered a similar injury and had to be put down.
Fondmort won a total of 8 races in the UK, the last 4 all coming at his favoured Cheltenham. His best win was probably his last when he took the Ryanair Chase at the Festival this year. He was as game as they come and a superb jumper.
Therealbandit won 9 times, and he also won 4 at Cheltenham. His best win though probably came in the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby last Boxing Day.
There are 3 jumps meetings on tomorrow.
Leading Contender has not proved an inspired choice for the list to follow thus far as he has twice been beaten when odds on favourite. He was a decent bumper horse last season and once again strictly speaking he should win the Chepstow 1.05. But….
Blue Splash galloped his rivals into the ground when winning at Aintree last month. The handicapper has raised him 12 lbs for that effort so life will not be easy for him on the Chepstow in the 2.45. Peter Bowen’s horses are going well though and jockey Tom O’Brien will give every assistance from the saddle. By the way Blue Splash is a full brother to another on our list to follow, Ungaru, who is with Keith Reveley and has already won twice over fences this season.
The main interest at Lingfield will revolve around World Hurdle winner My Way de Solzen who makes his chase debut in the 12.45. He has always looked the type to jump a fence and has reportedly schooled well.
Best bet at Wetherby could be The Reverend who ran well behind One Sniff last time out and has plenty of ability.
See you tomorrow.
ahorse 