Gee Dee Nen gave me a winner at Ludlow today . Tony McCoy always looked confident on this former flat stayer and drew away to win easily. He looks a horse to keep on the right side as does the horse that finished 3rd Putney Bridge who was not give a hard race once his chance of winning had gone.
Despite the recent improvement in the weather the ground at Ayr is likely to be on the testing side tomorrow. The ground should not inconvenience the imposing Quwetwo, an impressive winner on his hurdles debut at Doncaster last time. Formerly with Sue Smith for whom he won a bumper Quwetwo has to give weight away all round in the 3.45 but will take all the beating.
Back in November 2004 Tynedale gave me a nice win at 20/1. I remember things like that! Now a 10 year old he runs in the hunter chase at 5.20 along with another old friend Brooklyn Breeze who is still trained by Len Lungo. It is worth noting that the latter prefers genuine good ground.
Nicky Henderson’s mare Ravello Bay had a bit of a problem after finishing 2nd on her hurdles debut at Wincanton in November. She reappears tomorrow at Huntingdon in the 1.50. A decent bumper horse she is well thought of at home.
Pasco isn’t in the front rank of Paul Nicholls’ novice chasers but he is no mean performer nonetheless as he showed when winning at Newbury at the end of November. He should be able to win again in the 2.50 where Sam Thomas takes the ride.
Thomas is on board another likely Paul Nicholls winner in Mahonia in the 3.25. This one has been a bit disappointing in his last two starts though and is no nailed on certainty. The ultra consistent Son of Flicka could give him something to think about while another I like in this race is Martys Mission who has been quite highly tried but did win well at Folkestone a couple of runs ago.
At Clonmel Dooneys Gate could be interesting in the 3.45. I am a bit surprised to see him running over 2 miles 1 furlong as he has shaped as though he would be suited by further. He is a lightly raced individual though with scope for improvement and he is the selection. Another that would surely want more of a test of stamina is Drumconvis who won at Down Royal over 20 furlongs in October.
Today’s picture is by courtesy of the artist Katy Sodeau (see links)
That is all for tonight.
ahorse 