Kauto Star won at Ascot very much in the a,manner I would have expected. His main challengers, Monet’s Garden and Racing Demon are good animals in heir own right, but not quite in the same class as the reigning champ. Unfortunately the Paul Nicholls runner has apparently suffered some sort of injury so maybe we will not get the big Kauto Star versus Denman clash at Cheltenham after all.
Watching Kicking King at Gowran Park he did not look like the horse of two years ago and it would be a surprise now if he is able to take a hand in the Gold Cup.
On the Champion Hurdle front Katchit proved too strong for Blythe Knight in the Kingwell Hurdle and you can see him battling into a place come the Festival.
Ruby Walsh doesn’t often ride for Jonjo O’Neill but he picked up the ride on Albertas Run and a neat round of jumping saw him get the better of Charlie Mann’s Air Force One in the Reynoldstown.
The Real Deal landed a gamble at Haydock in the novice handicap chase. He had not appeared to take to fences judged on his previous effort but he was fluent enough today and won nicely. Mister Potter was a bit clumsy at some of the obstacles but he looks a horse with plenty of scope and I am sure his day will come. Earlier on the Haydock card Serabad gained a deserved win in the opener having chased home the useful Franchoek on his two previous outings but Keith Reveley’s Tazbr won the Grade 2 novice hurdle very much as he pleased and is clearly a decent sort.
Nothing really catches my eye ar Towcester tomorrow so I will leave in there for tonight.
ahorse 