The Tingle Creek tomorrow (Sandown 2.35) has an illustrious list of previous winners, including Kauto Star and Moscow Flyer (pictured below) in recent seasons.
This renewal looks a match between Master Minded and Tidal Bay. On the evidence of his Champion Chase performance it is hard to see Master Minded being beaten. If his subsequent defeat can be put down solely to the longer trip at Aintree then I don’t think Tidal Bay is going to be able to match him. Tidal Bay has never been out of the first 2 in his 15 career starts and as he stays further than this 2 miles will be suited by a strong gallop. My likely 1, 2, 3 would be Master Minded, Tidal Bay & Takeroc in that order. An intriguing race, but not really a betting proposition.
There are 3 runners from my list to follow in the 1.00 at Chepstow. 1.00 Wichita Lineman, Pancake and Iwillrememberyou. Wichita Lineman was beaten by a very promising sort in Lodge Lane at Exeter and can get back on the winning trail here.
Lordsbridge has been a staying on 4th in both his races this season, both at Cheltenham. He always seems to arrive a bit too late to take a hand in the finish but if he could be given a little less to do he would be of interest in the Sandown 1.35. Wind Instrument has top weight after winning his last two starts at the end of last season. He is likely to be going over fences before long but connections are giving him another go over hurdles here. He may just be a little too high in the weights now but has an each way chance.
Free World will start favourite for the 2.00 after an impressive win over course and distance last month. He looks a worthy favourite with the progressive Cheating Chance the main danger.
King’s Revenge is a very consistent sort but as a result gets very little help from the handicapper. At around 8/1 though he is not a bad each way bet in the 3.05. The course and distance winner Five Dream looks over priced at 16/1 and is another with an each way shout.
Nine de Sivola is yet to get his head in front over fences despite finishing 2nd in a number of top handicaps. He will appreciate the trip tomorrow in the 3.35 and this could be his day. Rambling Minster runs in this rather than an alternative engagement at Kelso on Sunday and looks a big danger.
In the rescheduled Fighting Fifth (Wetherby 1.50) I can see Punjabi getting the better of Blue Bajan and Sublimity, especially given the form of the stable. Harchibald (pictured below) won the race last season but does not defend his title tomorrow.
Andytown was an impressive winner of a conditional jockey’s handicap hurdle at Cheltenham and can follow up with Barry Geraghty on board in the Wetherby 1.15.
My only selection at Navan is Zaarito who was one of last season top bumper performers. He runs in the 12.15.
The painting of Moscow Flyer is by Karen Davies, and Harchibald by Lisa Miller. My thanks to both artists for allowing me to use their work.
ahorse 