Turf Trivia
The big race coming up on Saturday is the Paddy Power Gold Cup. It was first run in 1960 as the Mackeson Gold with the first 7 runnings being over 2 miles.
Racing on Monday
Carlisle
12.50 Bold Sir Brian was runner up over course and distance last month and if he can jump a little better than he did that day he should be up to winning what looks a weaker event. Although Vosges was beaten a long way at Kelso last month he was doing OK until the latter part of the race and possibly failed to stay. Over this shorter trip he may well do much better and would warrant an each way saver if there were more runners.
1.55 Palace Jester, a winner over hurdles at Wetherby is built for chasing but was brought down on his debut over fences when shaping well over course and distance. He has since been a little disappointing when 8th of 12 at Chepstow but is worth keeping in the notebook.
2.25 Grove Pride has shown promise in a couple of bumpers. Second at Cork last November he was then 3rd, not beaten far by a well regarded runner of Colin Tizzard’s at Chepstow. Lucky Landing had an unlucky landing on his last start when unseating Adrian Lane at Wetherby. He was a bumper winner at Uttoxeter last season.
2.55 Aikman and Cross Kennon could be the pair to concentrate on here. A winner 3 times over hurdles Aikman made his chase debut here when 3rd behind Frascati Park and Bold Sir Brian. That was over 2 miles and he will be much happier over this extended 3 miles. A point to point winner Cross Kennon was a 160 rated hurdler with his best win coming in the Rendlesham at Haydock in February.
3.30 Bubbly Breeze was a beaten favourite at Hexham last time out when his jumping was a bit sticky at times. Bred to be a staying chase and in good hands with trainer Pauline Robson he should eb up to winning over fences if he can improve his jumping.
4.05 Sydney Paget was 2nd in his only Irish point to point to Rock of Allen with the pair pulling 10 lengths clear of the rest.
Hereford
1.00 Godsmejudge won a point to point at Durrow in February. His future lies over fences but he can win over hurdles this season.
Southwell
12.40 Marleno could go well here if recovering from a recent fall at Stratford.
Nap of the day
Bold Sir Brian
Dark horse
Bubbly Breeze
Todays picture is courtesy of the Ruth S Harris
.
ahorse 