Month: November 2011

I am going to stick by my selections made last night for Sunday’s racing with the exception of the Greatwood Hurdle. I think that Moon Dice has the right sort of profile for the race and is the revised selection. At bigger prices Abergavenny, Third Intention and Kumbeshwar are each way possibles.

 

In a packed programme tonight we will be looking at the racing in the UK and Ireland for both Saturday and Sunday.

My main fancies are highlighted in bold – other horses mentioned are well worth considering and should be treated as dangers to the main selection.

Saturday November 12

Big race form guide – Paddy Power Gold Cup

Mon Parrain is the likely favourite. A 5 times winner in France before joining Paul Nicholls he won his first start in the UK at Sandown. He then looked all over the winner at Aintree before fading into second place after jumping the last. He is a superb jumper and there is always the possibility that he may just be too good for his rivals. There are just a few factors that put me off selecting him at what seem skinny odds. Paul Nicholls does not have a good record in the race and neither do 5 year olds. In addition Mon Parrain has not raced at Cheltenham before.

Divers won over course and distance at the Cheltenham festival and although pulled up on his most recent start he was running on unsuitable ground at Carlisle. The going will be ideal for him tomorrow and his trainer is coming into form. On the debit side he is 5 lbs out of the handicap. Wishfull Thinking has form figures over fences at Cheltenham of 212 and his trainer and jockey will be keen to get back on track after a couple of disappointing results from their stable stars.

Great Endeavour will like the ground and the track and may still be quite well handicapped while Irish challenger Loosen My Load is another that ticks the right boxes. This quintet would be my short list. If pushed for a single selection it would have to be Wishfull Thinking as Mon Parrain is too short a price and Divers is out of the handicap..

Cheltenham

1.20 Hinterland has joined Paul Nicholls after arriving from France with something of a reputation. Hollow Tree won twice on the flat at Sandown and made a pleasing start to his hurdles career when jumping well to win at Bangor. Ozeta is another French import. A listed winner on the flat he won on his hurdles bow at Auteuil

1.55 Reve de Sivola has always been a favourite of mine. He has an excellent battling attitude but his jumping often seems to let him down. I will give him another chance here although there are plenty of dangers. Promising Anshan ran really well at Ascot last time and is unexposed over fences. He is the main danger with West End Rocker and Balthazar King others to consider.

2.35 See big race form guide

3.10 My Shamwari won his last two starts at the end of the 2010/11 season, at Ffos Las and Cheltenham. He will like the ground and the stable won the race in 2008. Cantlow is a progressive sort. He was second in a Grade 1 hurdle at the Aintree Grand National meeting and made an encouraging start to the new season when 4^th at Wetherby behind Restless Harry. Oscargo is highly regarded by trainer Paul Nicholls. He won on his hurdles debut at Chepstow.

3.40 I don’t have a strong opinion on this race but Walden Prince is worth considering at a decent price.

4.10 Saint Are was a Grade 1 winner over hurdles at Aintree last season and was second on his chase debut behind Champion Court at Aintree. He will be suited by the extra distance tomorrow and the ground conditions will also be in his favour. A point to point and hurdles winner Join Together fell on his chase debut at Chepstow when in contention. He may prefer more ease in the ground. Restless Harry won a Grade 2 hurdle at Wetherby on his seasonal reappearance. Very much the star of his stable he is a consistent sort and as an ex point to point winner should take to fences OK. Teaforthree represents Rebecca Curtis. Her horses have begun to strike form and this is a good horse. A decent hurdler last season he is bred for fences and did well enough on his chase debut when 3^rd at Chepstow. He may be better on soft ground.

Uttoxeter

12.25 Magnifique Etoile is on a hat trick after wins at Market Rasen and Stratford. There could be more to come from him and he should handle the ground.

12.55 Railway Dillon won over hurdles at Newcastle last season and was placed on his other starts over hurdles. He should make a chaser and 3 miles looks ideal for him.

Wetherby

2.55 Meet the Critics won at Newbury at the end of last season. He was 5^th at Wetherby on his seasonal reappearance and should be all the better for that run.

3.25 Bogside and General Ting are the two that make most appeal here. Bogside will probably go over fences before too long but he is worth considering here. He won twice at Kelso last season. He tends to be keen. General Ting, a winner on the flat for Sir Mark Prescott he was 4^th at Market Rasen in September and looks reasonably handicapped. He likes some give in the ground and stays well. This trip might just be on the sharp side for him.

4.00 Avenging Ace is a new recruit to the Donald McCain stable having come well recommended from the Irish point to point field. Brokethegate was a faller at Wetherby last month but had shown signs of ability prior to that.

Naas

12.20 Reizovic won a bumper at Fairyhouse at the end of last season. He is improving over hurdles and can get off the mark here.

12.50 Quel Esprit got his chasing career off to a flying start last season when winning at Limerick but a combination of jumping problems and ill luck meant that he failed to complete on his remaining 3 starts. He has the ability and connections will be hoping he can resurrect his career over fences this season. Saludos has won 3 times at Navan but all on soft or heavy ground. He may have needed the run when 4^th of 5 at Down Royal last week.

1.25 Unaccompanied won a Grade 1 hurdle and a listed race on the flat last season. He looks a leading player for all the big hurdle races this season and has already shown his well being when 2^nd on the flat last week at Leopardstown. .Mystic Desir would be the likely danger.

2.00 Stonemaster has been runner up and a beaten favourite on both his starts over fences this season. He will win races but on this occasion I just prefer Shinrock Paddy. He was below par on his chase debut at Punchestown but should be fitter for that run.

Nap of the day

Shinrock Paddy

Dark horse

Reve de Sivola

Turf trivia

There is a link between the racing at Cheltenham and at Navan this weekend. The 2.50 at Navan on Sunday is named after Fortria, an Irish horse that won 18 times over fences. His wins included the Mackeson Gold Cup (now the Paddy Power Gold Cup) and he also won the Champion Chase at Cheltenham as well as the 1961 Irish Grand National carrying 12 stone.

From the archives

On this day 17 years ago the first race on the card at Cheltenham was won by the Jenny Pitman trained Royal Athlete who went on to win the Grand National later that season.

Sunday November 13

Fontwell Park

1.30 Current Event was a winner over hurdles at Newbury last season. Third at Chepstow over hurdles in October he is fit and has reportedly schooled well over fences at home.

2.05 Bally Legend won a handicap hurdle at Ludlow last season and he made an encouraging return when 3^rd at Chepstow last month. The trip that day may have just tested his stamina and it is interesting that he drops back in distance here. Dhaafer was good enough to finish 3^rd in a handicap at the Cheltenham Festival last season but was a big disappointment when only 9^th at Wetherby last month. He is surely better than that and is worth another chance.

3.15 Pass Me By was 3^rd in this race last season but hasn’t won since January 2007 and there are 3 others I prefer. Giles Cross has some good form in these marathon events. He was 3^rd in the Midlands National at Uttoxeter in 2010 in heavy ground when only 3 of the 17 starters finished. Last season he was an excellent 2^nd in the Welsh National and occupied the same finishing position in the Eider Chase at Newcastle which was another slog in the mud. He stays longer than the mother in law but does have a lot of weight to carry here.

Victor’s Serenade is a very promising young stayer. He won twice over hurdles last season and was runner up on his first start over fences. He needs soft ground to show his best form. He lacks experience over fences compared to some of his rivals but he has the ability if he gets his favoured ground. Rey Nacardo was a model of consistency last season winning 3 times including wins over fences at Plumpton and Newbury. He has been aimed at this race by his trainer. He is only 6 and may still be improving.

Giles Cross is respected and will probably be in the first 3 but I will be bold here and go for the younger pair of Victor’s Serenade and Rey Nacardo.

3.50 Ambion Wood was runner up at Sandown on his debut he was then a very impressive winner of a Uttoxeter bumper. He is very highly rated by both trainer and jockey and is expected to go on to better things as the season progresses.

Cheltenham

1.10 Al Ferof won the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham in March and looks a very exciting prospect for fences.

2.20 My rather lengthy shortlist consists of Abergavenny, Third Intention, Brampour, Moon Dice and Viva Colonia. Abergavenny has won 3 times over hurdles without always jumping fluently. The stable were responsible for the second last season in Bothy. Third Intention won at Newbury and Cheltenham last season and finished 7^th in the Triumph Hurdle. He was 6^th at Ascot on his reappearance and should strip fitter for that run. Brampour won that Ascot race. He was 9^th in the Triumph Hurdle. Moon Dice won the valuable Galway Hurdle in July and is particularly at home on a sound surface. Viva Colonia showed rapid improvement in the summer winning at Market Rasen and Cartmel. Down the field on his latest start it could be that the handicapper has caught up with him.

2.55 Lion on the Prowl twice a winner over hurdles has the size and scope to jump fences and makes his chase debut here. Pride in Battle won twice over hurdles at Newbury last season and has his first run over fences here. Well thought of by his trainer Alan King. Front runner Alderley Rover has won 3 times over fences but has disappointed on his last two starts. He is better than he has shown this season so far and will handle the ground on Sunday. Tenor Nivernais was staying on at the finish in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham in March and looks likely to be well suited by the extra distance here.

3.30 Fingal Bay is unbeaten in 2 starts and impressed when winning at Chepstow last time. Others to consider are Barbatos, a winner at Aintree last month on good ground and Granddads’ Horse who has won 4 of his last 5 races.

4.00 Jimbill won an Irish point to point and a Newton Abbot bumper he is open to further improvement and likes good ground. Montbazon has some strong bumper form . On his first start he was second to Cheltonian who went on the win the Cheltenham Champion bumper. He then won at Doncaster before finishing runner up at Aintree behind Steps to Freedom who won at Cheltenham this afternoon. Salubrious has joined Paul Nicholls from Pam Sly. He won a Stratford bumper in September and is rated a good prospect.

From the archives

In 2002 the Greatwood Hurdle was won by Rooster Booster (Pictured below)) trained by Philip Hobbs.. He was ridden by Seamus Durack, the only time that the jockey rode him.

Turf trivia

The unusual course configuration at Fontwell Park lends itself to course specialists. The most prolific course winner was Certain Justice in the 1960s. All in all he won 25 races, 14 of them at Fontwell Park. In his career he raced about 300 miles, jumped about 1,700 fences and lived to be 26 years old.

Limerick selections

12.45 Jenari

Navan selections

1.05 Berties Dreamand Mikael D’Haguenet

1.40 Burn and Turn and Dylans Ross

2.50 Noble Prince

3.25 Bog Warrior and Flemenstar

3.55 Beachdale Lad

Nap of the day

Ambion Wood

Dark horse

Tenor Nivernais

Today’s pictures are by kind permission of the artist Lisa Miller (see links)

 

My main fancies are highlighted in bold – other horses mentioned are well worth considering and should be treated as dangers to the main selection.

Cheltenham

1.10 Time for Spring comes into this amateur riders handicap on the back of a recent win and he is ridden by arguably the best jockey in the race. Somatic won at Wexford in June, handles the ground and has an each way chance.

1.45 The likes of Crackaway Jack, I’msingingtheblues and Oh Crick have chances at the top of the weights. Crackaway Jack has moved from Emma Lavelle to Paul Nicholls and has a wind operation since last season. I’msingingtheblues was second 3 times last season. He goes on any ground but may just be a little high in the weights. Oh Crick is a previous Cheltenham Festival winner and 2 miles is his optimum trip but he is another that may need some help from the handicapper.The novice Havingotascoobydo has won a couple of small races and is less exposed than some of his rivals.

2.55 Bumper winner Absolutely Fantastic won a maiden at Gowran Park before putting in an excellent effort when runner up at Cork last month. He likes good ground and should go well. The stable won this race a few years ago. Steps to Freedom has won his last two starts. A former Aintree bumper winner he looks a smart prospect. Ericht has some solid form in bumpers. Runner up at Ascot on his debut he then won at Huntingdon and Newbury before finishing 6^th in the Cheltenham Champion bumper. His pedigree suggests he may want some cut in the ground. He looks a bright prospect for novice hurdles.

3.30 This looks a wide open race. Devotion to Duty reverts to hurdles after unseating his rider on his chase debut. He won over hurdles at Musselburgh last season and is another that has had a wind operation in the summer. Kauto Relko has a chance on the pick of his form.

4.05 This looks a really competitive affair. Champion Court has already won over fences at Aintree. He won a grade 2 hurdle at Cheltenham last November. Cue Card made a winning debut in pleasing fashion at Chepstow. A former Cheltenham Champion bumper winner he also has some very smart form over hurdles. The stable are in good from. Grands Crus makes his eagerly awaiting chase bow. He won the Cleeve Hurdle last year and was the only horse that offered any competition to Big Bucks at the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals. Sybarite won a bumper at Uttoxeter before going on to run well over hurdles. A big, imposing sort he was perhaps a shade disappointing when beaten on his chase debut. He is probably capable of better. Dualla Lord is a multiple point to point winner. It is hard to evaluate the form but it is interesting that he goes straight over hurdles.

Newcastle

12.30 Conceptual Art showed a modicum of form on the all weather for Michael Bell and makes his hurdles debut here.

1.00 Tiptoeaway is a course winner and has the benefit of a recent run.

From the archives

Saturday sees one of the major handicaps of the jumps season, the Paddy Power Chase at Cheltenham. The 2006 renewal was won by Exotic Dancer, (pictured below) trained by Jonjo O’Neill and ridden by AP McCoy.

Picture courtesy of the artist Sarah Clegg

He went on to win the Boylesports Gold Cup over course and distance the following month, this time with Tony Dobbin doing the steering. His biggest career success came at Leopardstown in 2008 when he won the Grace 1 Lexus Chase beating the 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner War of Attrition. His career was to end in tragedy as he died from a heart attack after finishing 2^nd in the Totesport Bowl at Aintree in 2009.

Turf trivia

Luccombe Chine runs in the 2.45 at Newcastle. The horse is named after a beauty spot in the Isle of Wight.

Nap of the day

Grands Crus

Dark horse

Havingotascoobydo

 

From the archives

Continuing our look back at past renewals of the Paddy Power Chase the 2003 race was won by the 3/1 favourite Fondmort, who had won the Tripleprint Gold Cup at Cheltenham the previous season. In fact he won 4 times at Cheltenham in all and his regular jockey reckoned that the horse was 10 lbs better at Prestbury Park than at any other track. In a recently published book Fitzgerald harks back to a magnificent leap that Fondmort (pictured below) made at the final fence in the Tripleprint Gold Cup where he cleared the fence by 18 inches.

Sadly a serious training injury, when Fondmort suffered a broken pelvis ended his career prematurely.

Turf trivia

The richest race ever run at Manchester racecourse was the Imperial Leather handicap chase on 5 December 1959 over 3 miles and worth £3,257 10s to the winner. The race went to the mare Kirstin with Gold Cup winner Roddy Owen back in third. This was the only time the race was run as the sponsors pulled out.

Bangor

1.10 Milo Milan won a small race at Newton Abbot last season and then finished 4^th in a stronger contest at Chepstow. That race was won by a decent horse from the Nicholls yard and the 3^rd horse home has already won this season.

1.40 This is hardly a race to bet on but there will be plenty of interest in the performance of Peddlers Cross. Obviously if he can make the transition from hurdler to chaser he will be a serious contender for the top novice chases this season.

2.10 Buffalo Bob is the sort to win over fences this season. His best from has been on testing ground and he is generally a sound jumper. His only fall came on his last run which was over the Grand National fences in the Topham.

3.10 Fairview Sue showed some form in bumpers last season winning at Southwell and finishing 2^nd at Market Rasen. Fourth at Worcester on her return she should be fitter for that run.

Exeter

12.50 Curtain Razer, a gelding by Old Vic was an impressive winner of a couple of point to points last season and looks to have plenty of potential.

1.20 Highland Lodge won his only Irish point to point while Ruben Cotter won the second of his races in Ireland between the flags. Triptico won a bumper in the steward’s room after the winner was disqualified.

1.50 Hildisvini is a really tough sort. He won a bumper and a couple of novice hurdles last season. This trip will suit him although ideally he wants soft ground. He is a staying chaser in the making. The Knoxs was trained by Howard Johnson last season. After falling twice over fences he won his next two, at Sedgefield and Carlisle. He has won over this trip.

2.20 Connak has been off the track for a long time but was a winner over hurdles and ran 4 times over fences when trained by the Alners. Golden Chieftain won 3 times last season over hurdles showing a liking for give in the ground. He has always looked a good prospect for fences. His trainer has high hopes for him. Our Island is a point to point winner who also won twice over hurdles last season. Seventh in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham he made a satisfactory start ovr fences when 4^th at Chepstow. He looks a solid stayer. Another to mention is Iron Chancellor trained by Alan King. He is a dual point to point winner and was only beaten a head by Our Island at Ffos Las over hurdles last season.

2.50 Current Event was a winner over hurdles at Newbury in March having joined Paul Nicholls yard from France where he had finished runner up in a listed hurdle. He might not be one of the leading lights from his stable but having had a run already over hurdles this season he could well be up to winning on his chase bow.

3.50 Kentford Grey Lady was a bumper winner at Taunton last season and shaped with promise on her hurdles debut last month when 5th at Worcester. Swincombe Flame won both his startrs in bumpers last season at Warwick and Sandown. She looks a very promising recruit to the hurdles ranks.

Nap of the day – Swincombe Flame

Dark Horse – Milo Milan

Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller (see links)

 

I drew a blank at Doncaster on Saturday which typified a miserable flat season for me. Things went rather better over the jumps with a treble at Down Royal including a 12/1 winner. Four of today’s selections finished 2^nd so I was glad that Sydney Paget won the last at Carlisle to save me from a blank day. There are a few interesting runners tomorrow.

Lingfield

1.10 Florafern ran 3 times in bumpers last season and was runner up on each occasion. Heather Royal also ran in 3 bumpers winning at Bangor but was unplaced on her next two starts although she was 5^th in the Aintree Champion Bumper. She is a half sister to the high class Barber’s Shop and clearly has ability. She hasn’t always settled well in her races to date.

2.10 Off the Ground was 4^th in an Irish point to point the form of which didn’t work out well but he has reportedly been showing the right signs at home.

Sedgefield

1.30 Hawk Mountain, a decent stayer on the flat makes his hurdles bow and is the sort that could do well in that sphere. He will probably be best on good ground.

2.00 Going Wrong has been off the course for 2 years following a broken pelvis. He was an encouraging 4^th to Frascati Park at Carlisle on his return last month.

2.30 Night in Milan won a couple of handicap hurdles last season and should be placed to win a race or two this term.

Nap of the day – Florafern

Dark Horse – Going Wrong

From the archives

Gay Trip won the Paddy Power Gold Cup in 1969 and in 1970 won the Grand National over 2 miles further. Batchelors Hall won the 1977 renewal and went on to take the Hennessy Gold Cup under a 6 lbs penalty. He also won a King George for what I think is a unique treble.

Turf trivia

On 31 May 1976 two lady jockeys dead heated. It was at Fontwell Park in a hunter chase open to both sexes. Mrs Ann Holman on Regal Favour and Mrs Shelagh French riding Royal and Ancient were the jockeys and horses involved. It is probably a record!

 

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 8^th 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 3^rd, 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 3^rd 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 2^nd 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

.

 

Cork

1.10 Gordon Elliott saddles two runners both making their debuts over hurdles. Canna was runner up in maidens at Doncaster and Warwick while Musawama won a couple of times on the all weather over 10 furlongs. The Quiet Hawk won a maiden hurdle at Killarney in August but may be better on decent ground.

1.40 Taraval was 4^th in a novice hurdle at the Listowel festival.

2.15 Cork Grand National. Another Palm is a thorough stayer that jumps well. Somatic is versatile when it comes to ground conditions. He won a point to point on heavy ground. Smoking Aces had a poor season last term but his latest start was more encouraging last month when flashing home on third at Punchestown.

2.45 Jetson won a bumper at Navan last season and was placed 3 times in novice hurdles.

3.20 First Lieutenant was beaten a nose by De Valera here last month but has scope for improvement and I feel he can turn the tables on his rival this time. Stephanie Kate was running well until falling and remains a nice prospect.

3.50 Great Work was 7^th of 20 here lasat month. He goes best on good ground. Irish Poli made an encouraging return from injury when 3^rd at Tramore last month but was then pulled up at Clonmel.

Market Rasen

2.50 Mister Hyde won at Towcester and Plumpton last season. He is potentially quite well handicapped and has the benefit of a recent run.

Ffos Las

1.00 Rebecca Curtis saddles two here, Peckhamecho and Salomo. The former has always been well regarded by the trainer. He won at Wincanton last season and ran well enough on his return at Cheltenham last month. Salomo was a winner on the flat at Deauville but was well down the field on his hurdles bow at Chepstow last month. Bygones in Brid won a bumper at Musselburgh before joining Alan King. Of the two trainers King’s horses seem in better from at the moment and that tilts the balance for me in favour of Bygones of Brid.

1.30 Kings Sunset won an Irish point to point the form of which has since worked out well. Saint Luke won 3 bumpers including one here but as yet has not made the expected transition to hurdling.

2.05 Habbie Simpson represents Alan King. He ran well in decent co0mpany over hurdles and looks the type to do well over frences. Marleno was a well backed favourite at Startford when falling 6^th out. He was going well at the time and if putting in a clear round could be a threat.

2.35 Fishoutofwater won handicap hurdles at Worcester and Bangor in May. He was pulled up on his chase debut at Chepstow but was pulled up.

Nap of the day – First Lieutenant

Picture courtesy of the artist Sarah Clegg

 

Big race form guide

JNWine Champion Chase – Down Royal (2.20)

This is a particularly competitive renewal of this race. Paul Nicholls has won the race 3 times in the last 4 years, with Taranis and twice with Kauto Star (pictured below).

This year he relies on The Nightingale who was a winner at this meeting last season and goes well fresh and is suited by soft ground. Boston’s Angel is a real tough sort and has won 4 of his last 5 starts. After winning 2 Grade 1s at Leopardstown last season he landed the RSA Chase. He seems to act on any ground. He is a course winner. Quito de la Roque has won his last 4 including wins at both the Aintree and Punchestown festivals.

Sizing Europe has won the Arkle and the Queen Mother Champion Chase in the last two years. He is yet to win over 3 miles although he was runner up to Kauto Star in this race last season and he comes here on the back of a fortunate win at Gowran Park. Midnight Chase won 3 times at Cheltenham last season and finished 5^th behind Long Run in the Gold Cup.

This is a tough one to call. I fancy the Irish trio and with slight doubts over Sizing Europe’s stamina it may pay to side with Boston’s Angel or Quito de la Roque. If pushed for a selection the latter would get my narrow vote.

Doncaster

1.45 Jellicle does not seem entirely straightforward and has already had 3 chances but he does have ability and sets the form standard here.

2.00 Axiom is worth considering here. He is a course winner, well suited by the trip and handles cut in the ground. He is 1 lb higher that his highest winning rating but is ridden by a 7 lbs claimer. He was 4^th in the Lincoln at the start of the season and has put in some decent runs since. Prime Exhibit hasn’t won on turf for over 3 years but he has won on the all weather over this trip this season. He was 4^th at York in August with Axiom back in 10^th and he was a good second at Haydock at the start of September. These would be my 2 against the field.

3.10 Pekan Star looked a horse to follow after winning a Nottingham maiden last October and duly won on his seasonal reappearance in a York handicap off a rating of 85. He then disappointed when a gambled on favourite in the Magnet Cup at York and was again a beaten favourite when 6^th of 10 at Newmarket but that race has since thrown up a number of winners. Harlestone Times finished runner up in the Graet Metropolitan at Epsom but was disqualified. He then won next time out at Goodwood but has failed to win since off a higher mark. He gets this trip well and has won on both soft and fast ground. Oceanway has won 3 times this season and is a typically tough sort from this stable. She is upped in trip here and could go well. The Betchworth Kid has finished 2^nd in this race twice and will benefit from Lucy Barry’s 5lb claim. He likes a bit of cut in the ground and is another to consider.

This quartet would be my short list with Pekan Star just getting the edge over the others.

3.40 Secret Witness is having his 17^th outing of the season and has won just the once, at Doncaster over 5 furlongs. He was only beaten a neck here last month and you always a get the impression that he will win one of these again. His strike rate is not the best though in truth. Ayr Gold Cup winner Our Jonathon might be a safer bet especially with Pat Smullen booked to ride.

4.10 Junket is slightly raced, goes well for an apprentice and acts with some give in the ground.

From the archives

For many it’s still the ‘Manchester’ November Handicap as the race used to be run there until the demise of the North West venue back in 1963.

Many famous jockeys have won the race. Steve Donoghue rode back to back winners in 1927/28 thanks to Old Orkney (8/1) and Saracen (6/1).

The 1930 season saw a nail biting finish to the jockey’s championship with Richard Fox just edging past Donoghue by 129 to 128 despite the fact that his rival won the November Handicap on the last day of the season on the 25/1 outsider Glorious Devon.

Harry Wragg celebrated his last day as a jockey by being first past the post in the November Handicap on 20/1 shot Las Vegas.

In 1951 the November handicap was the first outside broadcast from the BBC television station at Holm Moss. The 1957 renewal was the richest ever run at that time, sponsored by William Hill it was worth £6,352. The winner was Chief Barker trained by Ryan Price and ridden by 18 year old apprentice Dennis Walker who weighed 4 stone 9.

Operatic Society dropped Ken Gethin on the way to post and galloped a full circuit before beating 48 rivals in the fog in 1959. The winner was returned at 18/1 and napped by Peter O’Sullevan in the Daily Express.

The last ever November handicap to be run at Manchester was in 1963 when Best Song ridden by Jimmy Lindley beat the previous season’s winner Damredub by a neck.

Turf Trivia

In 1962 Creggmore Boy (aged 22) became the oldest racehorse to compete in a race. It was in a seller at Cartmel.

Kelso

12.25 Dark Glacier had good form in bumpers last winning 3 times (although losing one of these on a disqualification).

2.40 Tchico Polos won the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter last season when trained by Paul Nicholls and is now with Scottish trainer Lucinda Russell. The ground should suit him on his first run for his new trainer and he is not without a chance. SA Suffit is a consistent sort but has had a number of injury problems. He is a course winner but might want more give in the ground.

3.15 Bishop’s Heir is another that has had injury problems. He may need testing conditions to be seen in his best light.

Sandown

12.45 Trafalgar Road’s last win came 2 years to the day when winning at Haydock off a mark 1 lb higher. His future probably lies over fences but he could be competitive here if fit first time out. The promised rain would help his cause.

1.20 Pacha du Polda is a new recruit to the Paul Nicholls yard and has winning form over hurdles in France.

3.00 Paintball ended last season with a win at Cheltenham but could only finish 5^th on his reappearance at Aintree last month. He may well come on for the run. Panxtoa was a winner at Warwick last season and was runner up on a couple of occasions. He will probably jump a fence before long.

3.30 Hold on Julio has some smart form in point to points and won a hunter chase at Kelso in April. He is another that would not mind some rain.

Wincanton

12.35 Balding Banker and Molotof make most appeal. The former was a Newbury bumper winner last term and looks a nice prospect for novice hurdles. Molotof was 2^nd to Zarkandar at Kempton and looks a winner waiting to happen.

1.45 Veiled was a winner over hurdles at Cheltenham in April and has since won twice on the flat at Newmarket and at Ascot where he won the Ascot Stakes at the Royal Meeting. Cinderella Rose won two of her 3 starts last season, at Towcester and Ascot. She likes genuine good ground and may still be on a fair mark.

2.15 Silviniaco Conti was the pick of these on hurdles form. He was 3^rd to Cue Card at Chepstow on his chase debut and the runner up has won again since. The stable have a good record in the race. Jetnova won twice at Plumpton and once at Wincanton over hurdles last season but has always looked an embryo chaser. He will stay this trip or further. Kilcrea Kim is a 4 times winner over hurdles who also ran well at the Cheltenham Festival. As a former point to point winner he should take well to fences. Handy Andy is another former points winner. Well thought of by Colin Tizzzard he won a competitive race over hurdles at Newbury.

2.45 This looks a two horse race with the younger Grandouet perhaps having the edge over Celestial Hero.

3.20 Hello Bud has been round the block a time or two and is 13 now but he doesn’t have a bad CV. A former winner of the Scottish Nation, the Becher Chase and Fontwell’s Southern National he is a bold jumper and goes well fresh. He may hold something of a record as he once won a hat trick of races at 3 different tracks all beginning with the letter “H.” (I know, I should get out more!) Hello Bud is also a course winner having won the Somerset National at Wincanton and at a working man’s price has an each way chance.

3.55 Basil Fawlty is the subject of good reports as is Sleeping City and it would be no surprise if one of this pair were to win.

Churchill Downs

Selections; 8.45 Sarafina; 10.07 Goldikova: 11.00 So You Think.

Down Royal

1.50 Montan won this last year and is a big threat again. At a bigger price the dual purpose horse Lucky Spring could, give us a run for our money. He generally prefers some give in the ground but did win at Sligo on good to firm in May.

2.20 See Big race form guide

2.50 Only a small field but not easy to find a winner. Blazing Tempo is the likely favourite but with the stable not in form it could pay to look elsewhere. Gordon Elliott saddles Roi du Mee who won a Grade 2 at Naas last season. He comes here on the back of a win at Punchestown last month. Likes soft ground and has very chance. Saludos is a good looking son of Bob Back. He won a Grade 2 at Navan last season before finishing 3^rd to Captain Chris at the Punchestown festival. Kauto Stone is a half brother to Kauto Star and is a Grade 1 winner in France. Acts with plenty of give in the ground.

Nap of the day

Dark Glacier

Dark horse

Hold on Julio

Today’s pictures are courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller.

 

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 4^th in the Neptune at Cheltenham.

Nap of the day

Oscar’s Well

Dark Horse

Cresswell Crusader