Ouninpohja was a comfortable winner today on his hurdles debut and I will be following his progress with interest.
There is some good quality racing at Newbury tomorrow. The beginners chase at 1.35 features 3 runners from our list to follow. Briareus won the Grade 2 Kingwell last season by 14 lengths after making all. He should be an exciting prospect over fences and will be expected to go very well here. Briareus is trained by Andrew Balding, son of Ian Balding who trained Mill Reef. Killaghey Castle is also trained by the son of a famous father, Nick Gifford, son of Josh. Killaghey Castle won twice over hurdles last season including the valuable EBF final at Sandown in March. Wogan is the third runner from our list. He was 5th to Killaghey Castle at Sandown last season over hurdles and was also 5th on his chase debut in a race won by Denman 13 days ago. The big danger to these three is the Paul Nicholls trained O’Maley who is owned by Sir Robert Ogden. He won over hurdles at Auteil (Paris) last season and is reportedly a big chasing type.
Over this trip I would fancy Briareus as long as the ground is not too testing. If we were to get a lot of rain then Killaghey Castle could be interesting. Any market move for the Nicholls runner should be noted.
The handicap hurdle at 2.10 looks a tricky one to solve. Mr Ed has been a great servant to connections. All his wins over hurdles or fences have come when ridden by Tony McCoy. He has a pretty good substitute tomorrow in rising star Tom O’Brien but there is only one AP McCoy. Mr Ed has to carry top weight and his most recent run was a bit disappointing. Karanja and Oscar Park both warrant respect and I would not deter you from backing either of these. I see also that One Knight makes his seasonal debut. He is very interesting as he is off a 21 lower mark than his chase rating. He goes well fresh as well. Apart from Mr Ed our other list runner is Zipalong Lad. He is a relentless galloper who will be well suited by this test of stamina. He has left Peter Bowen’s yard since I decided to put him on the list and that worries me slightly.
In the 2.40 Gungadu should continue Paul Nicholls excellent start to the season and maintain his 100% record over fences.
In the 3.45 Opus Cafe has his second run for Emma Lavelle. This gelding was quite an impressive winner of a point to point at Lismore in February and is one to keep tabs on.
At Musselburgh Elverys represents the list to follow in the 12.50. I had this one down as a good prospect for handicap hurdles having qualified by virtue of 3 runs in novice events. It is interesting that connections have elected to send him over fences.
Prince of Slane, trained by Alan Swinbank looked a progressive staying chaser last season winning twice at Catterick. He runs in a handicap hurdle tomorrow in the 1.20 where he goes off a 34 lbs lower mark than his chasing rating. Must have a good chance. Gets on well with pilot Dougie Costello. Main danger may be Noir et Vert. This ex French hurdler is a tough individual who has an abundance of stamina. He is a chaser in the making.
Of the rest King’s Quay can make it a hat trick of wins over hurdles in the 2.30.
See you tomorrow for a bumper edition of the racing diary – don’t miss it!
ahorse 