Double Default added to the winning tally for our list to follow this afternoon making all under Tony Dobbin in the maiden hurdle at Ayr. He should make a chaser next season. I was also very pleased with the run of Sha Bihan who came back from a poor run last time to finish 2nd at Newbury.
It is very much the lull before the storm at the moment with Cheltenham just around the corner. This weekend’s racing is understandably low key but there are a number of runners from our list to follow, many with chances.
Kayceecee has yet to get off the mark for the season but I think he has a race in him. He really needs good ground but he has won on soft. His last couple of runs suggest his winning turn is getting closer and he has at least place claims in the 2.10 at Newbury.
The Duckpond, trained by Jim Old is something of a favourite of mine. He has clearly had his problems and we only see him rarely. He returns after another lengthy absence in the 2.40. He won his last start in December 2005 when he jumped really well at Warwick. He has gone well fresh before and I hope he wins.
Three of our “listers” line up in the 3.15 but all have something to prove. Madison de Berlais has the best form this season having registered a couple of wins. He may now be in the grip of the handicapper but the step up in trip may bring about some further improvement. In his younger days Fundamentalist looked a potential superstar but sadly things went wrong. Only beaten half a length by Inglis DRever in the Royal and SunAlliance hurdle at the 2004 Festival, but way behind that sort of form for some time now. Our third runner is Bold Bishop, another yet to find his form this term. The likely soft ground will not be in his favour.
One that will handle the ground is French Saulaie in the 3.50. He was way to fizzy at Ascot on his last outing and gave Richard Johnson a torrid time. If he settles better tomorrow he would be in with a shout.
In the bumper at 4.55 I fancy Procas de Thaix, a course winner. There was much to like about his win here 45 days ago and the extra distance tomorrow should suit.
Cathedral Rock has been 3rd on both his starts this season. The form of the last run looks solid and he should be in the firing line in the 1.50 at Kempton.
Dancing Bay has been a grand servant to the Elite Racing Club and has won on the flat, over hurdles and fences. He looks to add to his tally in the 2.55. The soft ground will suit and I am hoping he is involved in the finish.
Karello Bay has won 3 of her 5 career starts and sets the standard in the 4.05.
Gary Moore is always worth following in handicap hurdles. He saddles Shardakhan, who is related to Shergar, in the 4.35. He dotted up at Folkestone at the turn of the year and the way he stayed on near the finish on his last outing suggests that the longer trip tomorrow may be in his favour.
Locksmith represents our list to follow up at Kelso in the 2.15. He was trained by Martin Pipe last season but has changed yards and his form this season has been well below par. There was just a glimmer on his last run when he was 3rd over hurdles at 33/1.
Great Approach was an 8/1 winner for our list over hurdles at Catterick on his last run. He is in the same ownership as Double Default, and like that horse will have a career over fences. He stays over hurdles however for the 5.35 where he should have an each way chance.
SUNDAY
Nicky Henderson sends Classic Fiddle up to Bangor for the 3.20. She handles heavy ground and looks the likely victor. He won in soft ground on the flat.
At Huntingdon Conkering looks interesting in the 2.10.
Cathedral Rock is down to run in the 2.40 but is also enters at Kempton on Saturday. He is worthy of a close look in his chosen engagement.
I will leave it there for this evening. I hope you back a few winners over the weekend.
ahorse 