Huntingdon
Big race form guide – 2.00 Peterborough Chase
Tartak won the race last season when it was run at Newbury. He was probably fortunate as the likely winner fell at the last. Wears first time blinkers.
Hidden Keel and Tchico Polos have a fair amount to find on ratings but are not forlorn hopes. Both are difficult to place as they fall between handicaps and graded races. Hidden Keel is a progressive sort, probably best at this trip and is suited by a right handed track. Tchico Polos would not want the ground too soft. He has a fair level of form in graded races but like Hidden Keel would need to step up on previous form to win. Surfing is a listed winner over hurdles in France and is well regarded by his trainer. The trip should be right for him and he is unexposed.
The two main protagonists are The Nightingale and Somersby. The Nightingale failed to stay over 3 miles at Down Royal last time and this drop back in trip looks just right for him. Best going right handed he likes some give in the ground. Given the trainer’s marvellous record in the race Somersby must be respected. He has a very consistent career record and come here in form, having finished second to Master Minded at Ascot last time.
I would be inclined to side with Somersby as he has the form in the book. Surfing and Tchico Polos make most appeal as outsiders.
3.00 There are plenty with chances. Tuscan Gold, a winner on the flat for Sir Mark Prescott has joined Alan King and makes his hurdles bow. Runner up 3 bumpers Florafern was well fancied when falling on his hurdles debut. Italian Master won a point to point at Dromahane on good ground and is held in high regard by connections.
Ludlow
1.10 Darna and Get it on are my fancies here. Darna was a lucky winner at Lingfield but jumped safely and will be better for the run. Get it on won at Sedgefield in September but fell on his last start.
Taunton
12.50 Wincanton winner Rolling Aces can follow up in this.
1.20 Having failed to complete in two efforts over fences Molly Round reverts to hurdles. Three times a winner over the smaller obstacles last season she looks over priced.
1.50 He’s Our Lad has been runner up on 4 of his last 5 starts will and likes a tight tarck like Taunton.
Clonmel
12.35 A winner on the flat Bat Masterton was 3rd on his debut over hurdles at Navan.Bat Masterton
1.05 Chasing Shadows and Taraval are my two against the field.
3.35 Crocus Bay has done enough on two of his 3 starts to suggest he can go close here.
From the archives
Trainer Henrietta Knight has a remarkable record in Huntingdon’s Peterborough Chase having trained the winner of the race 8 times in the last 13 years. Her winners were Edredon Bleu (4), Racing Demon (2), Impek and Best Mate (pictured below).
Turf Trivia
Champion jockey Paul Hannigan has only ridden one horse for the Elite Racing Club and that was Monolith trained by Len Lungo who won the Pontefract Cup in June 2006.
Picture by kind permission of the artist Lisa Miller.
ahorse 