After the excitement of the Melbourne Cup the attention of the racing world turns to Churchill Downs in this week and the Breeder’s Cup. There is also quality racing in England with the November Handicap at Doncaster and the Down Royal festival in Northern Ireland.
Turf trivia
There is a link between the Melbourne Cup and Down Royal racecourse. In 2000 Media Puzzle won the Ulster Derby at the Northern Ireland track and 2 years later landed the Melbourne Cup at Flemington.
I’ve had another miserable day on the tipping front and I am working on the basis that things can only improve!
Fontwell
2.20 Cresswell Crusader is a consistent sort that goes particularly well on testing ground. His rider, Rachel Green is good value for her 5 lbs allowance.
Hexham
2.40 Lively Baron was a disappointment at Kelso last month. The longer trip here should suit him better though and he is worth another chance.
3.10 Aland Islands makes his hurdles debut here. He won an Exeter bumper last season and looks an interesting prospect.
Down Royal
1.05 His Excellency, a winner on the flat at Leopardstown in June put up a disappointing effort over hurdles at Punchestown last month. Well regarded by his trainer he can do better and is another that is worth another try.
2.05 This should be between Oscar’s Well and The Real Article. I really like Oscar’s Well and just give him the edge. He is bred to stay but has plenty of pace. He won a couple of Grade 1 races over hurdles last season and was perhaps a bit unlucky when 4th in the Neptune at Cheltenham.
Nap of the day
Oscar’s Well
Dark Horse
Cresswell Crusader
ahorse 