Well, we had some winners over the weekend but there were also a couple that “got away.” I looked at Mirage Dore at Market Rasen but the form of the stable just put me off. In the event the horse jumped really well and won with something in hand giving rookie trainer Rose Dobbin her first ever winner. Mirage Gore looks a horse to follow and I am sure that the trainer will also go from strength to strength. Incidentally the horse in owned by the trainer’s parents.
Another winner that was findable was the grey Woodlands Genpower at Towcester. His last 3 wins had all come at Towcester and were all gained in the month of January. Given also that the horse had winning form on heavy ground and was a course and distance winner and 15/2 starts to look a generous price.
Anyway, onwards and upwards – let’s have a look at the racing on offer tomorrow.
Tricky Trickster won the National Hunt Chase at the Festival last year before moving from Nigel-Twiston Davies to Paul Nicholls. He is the big hope to give Nicholls a first Grand National success but in the meantime he is being campaigned over hurdles top protect his handicap mark for Aintree. He has his first run of the season at Fontwell in the 1.05. He won’t be fully wound up but should win.
There are only 5 runners in the 1.35 but 4 of them have a live chance. I think the two to concentrate on are Chariot Charger and The Nightingale. The former has had two runs over fences already and despite falling last time looks a good prospect. The Nightingale is well thought of by the Ditcheat team however and can win on his chase bow.
Great Endeavour could be a value bet in the 2.45. After an excellent 3rd behind Lie Forritt in a competitive Cheltenham handicap hurdle he made a winning debut over fences at Towcester. Although short on chasing experience he did win an Irish point to point and with his stable in top form he is my selection.
At Lingfield my tentative selection is Rigadine de Beauchene who may be able to be more competitive now tackling handicap company. On pedigree he may need further so we won’t give up on him if he fails here.
Newcastle selections; 1.15 Stormy Weather; 1.50 Door Boy; 3.00 Washington Irvine; 3.35 Daldini.
Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Trudy Redfern.
ahorse 