Author: Martin

There were a few Cheltenham Festival pointers at Leopardstown this afternoon. Neptune Collonges won the Irish Hennessy beating the Welsh National winner Notre Pere to enhance his Gold Cup claims.

Cooldine outstayed Forpadytheplasterer in the PJ Moriaty Chase. Both have festival aspirations, although probably in different races. Cousin Vinny was probably an unlucky loser in the Deloitte Hurdle, but the winner Pandorama is a horse with immense potential in his own right.

There is racing at Carlisle and Market Rasen tomorrow.

Auroras Encore fell at Doncaster last time but had jumped well before that at Sedgefield and is worth another chance in the Carlisle 4.00. Huka Lodge was 3^rd behind Coe at Haydock on his last start which was a fair effort. He has gone up a couple of pounds for that but the 4.30 at Carlisle tomorrow is a much weaker race, he handles the ground and looks a fair bet. Super Road Train has been dropped in the weights but probably needs better ground.

Charingworth didn’t shape too badly when 3^rd at Towcester last month. That was over 2 miles and the extra distance of the 2.35 at Market Rasen tomorrow should be in his favour. If he handles the testing conditions he could go well.

Squadron was in good form at the start of the season but then went off the boil. He has been given a nice break and has a good chance in the 4.20. The other one I like in this race is Carrickboy, a comfortable winner at Taunton recently.

Catch Me will be hard to beat in the 2.45 at Navan tomorrow.  Oscar Rebel is a horse I like but he has a fair bit to do in this company.

My thanks to Jane Ince for the picture of Carlisle racecourse (top) and to David Hebb for his photo of Market Rasen.

There is some interesting racing on tomorrow although we have lost Sedgefield to the weather.

At Hereford Thumb’s Up could be worth noting in the 2.10.  He won a couple of times on the flat where he was rated in the low 80s and is now with a jumps stable that is in fine form.

Raysrock has had a number of engagement lately but connections have elected to take up the Hereford 2.40.  He could go well at a nice price.

I quite fancied Pterodactyl a couple of weeks ago at Fontwell but he fell early on.  He could make amends in the 3.10 where another that I like the look of is the Emma Lavelle trained Vagrant Emperor that was 2nd to a decent horse of Alan Kings at Leicester over Christmas.

Mewstone represents my list to follow in the 3.40.  She has been disappointing on her last two starts but will at least handle the heavy ground.

Oh Crick is my selection in the 4.10.

My selections at Leopardstown are as follow;

1.40 Shirley Casper; 2.15 Hurricane Fly: 2.45 Cooldine (danger Trafford Lad); 3.15 Splurge:

Today’s picture is by kind permission of the artist Maura Clarke

With some improvement in the weather up and down the country we might well get some racing tomorrow, and if we do there are some competitive races that will take some solving.

There are only 4 runners in the 1.05 at Ascot but they all have a chance. Breedsbreeze is likely to go off favourite and a worthy one at that as he has yet to taste defeat over fences. The Paul Nicholls “factor” will almost certainly mean that Breedsbreeze goes off a little shorter than he should and as there is a slight concern over his ability to handle the track I am going to oppose him in search of better value. Carruthers , owned and bred by the legendary Lord Oaksey, had some solid form over hurdles and has made a fair start to his career over the larger obstacles. He has not always looked a natural over fences but providing his jumping stands up I think he will go well. He gets the selection.

The 1.40 looks a tricky handicap to solve. Dave’s Dream has won all his 3 starts, one in a bumper (where he beat Carruthers) and 2 over hurdles. Such a lightly raced type is always open to improvement and although he is a couple of pounds out of the handicap he has a useful conditional jockey nullifying that. He is very well thought of at the Henderson yard but he does lack experience and tackles a longer trip than he has faced thus far and on testing ground. One that will relish the trip is American Trilogy. Interestingly he wears first time blinkers and if they work he must be on any short list.

Whiteoak won the mare’s race at the Cheltenham Festival last season and was then runner up to Elusive Dream at Aintree. She has been off the track since then and her main aim will once again be Cheltenham so she may not be fully would up for this. She is tough and consistent though and a bold showing is likely. Mamlook was 3^rd in the Cesarawitch on the flat last year and ran well here in the Ladbroke Hurdle in December when 6^th. That race is over 2 miles and the additional distance tomorrow should suit although he may prefer good ground. The booking of Hadden Frost to ride is a plus. Serabad is another that could run well at a big price in what is a very open looking race. At the prices quoted in the RP I would just favour Mamlook each way with fingers crossed that he handles the ground.

Strictly on the ratings Voy Por Ustedes should have plenty in hand on his rivals in the 2.15. Very testing ground could be a problem to him though. Gwanako looks the one to give Alan King’s star the most to worry about.

The progressive Chariot Charger who is on a hat trick is my selection in the 2.45. There are others you could think about though. Captain Americo ran well when 2^nd to Bakbenscher at Newbury. Although he disappointed on his next run his stable were going through a pretty lean time of it then so maybe we can forgive him that run. Former Irish point to point winner Dreamy Sweeney is another to note at a big price.

At Haydock Kasbah Bliss has very strong claims in the 1.20. Duc de Regniere represents my list to follow in this but I am hopeful rather than confident about his chance.

The 1.55 is a fascinating staying chase with some Grand National hopefuls in the field. Character Building stays all day and has some good bits of form, notably his 3^rd behind Denman in last season’s Hennessey. He has Tony McCoy in the saddle and should go close. Nenuphar Collonges is another that appreciates a test of stamina although his jumping can sometimes let him down. I had Beat the Boys in my notebook as a sure fire future winner after his 3^rd to Joe Lively at Cheltenham in November but he was pulled up on his next run and the stable has been struggling. Nadover was 7^th in the 2008 Grand National and also ran well when 3^rd in a cross Country race at Cheltenham. He is no forlorn hope in this. Coe is relatively unexposed over fences and comes here on the back of a course and distance win last month. There are plenty of others in with realistic chance s but I am going to go with Coe with Character Buildimng my next best.

Tarablaze should be suited by the step up in trip in the 2.55 and he is my selection to give Tony McCoy another winner on his way to 4,000!

There are no fewer than 6 runners from my list to follow in the 3.25. For the record they are Tazbar, The Jazz Musician, Wind Instrument, Grizebeck, Joker’s Legacy and Pistol Desbois. The one I would add to that short (or rather long) list is Heathcliff, quite an apt Valentine’s Day choice. A half brother to the high class chaser Kingsmark his long term future is over fences but in the meantime he is not making a bad job over thongs over the smaller obstacles and has won his last 3.

I was impressed with Grizebeck’s win at Ayr recently and he certainly doesn’t lack for stamina. Tazbar is a very good horse but I would worry about his ability to act on the ground. The Jazz Musician is a chaser in the making but is very well regarded by connections and I would not rule him out. He should come on for his recent return to action at Cheltenham. Joker’s Legacy might need better ground while Pistol Desbois is out of the handicap. My 3 against the field would be Grizebeck, Tazbar and The Jazz Musician.

In the 3.55 I will take a chance with Sa Suffit.

There are 9 runners in the Wincanton 2.40 and 8 of them are on my list to follow! My 1, 2, 3 would be Punjabi, Ashkazar and Songe.

Charity Lane clearly likes soft ground and looks likely to continue his winning ways in the 3.10. The very progressive Midnight Chase who has plenty of form on heavy ground is a viable alternative from the unfashionable yard of Neil Mullholland. Khachaturian is likely to make this a true test which will suit both Charity Lane and Midnight Chase.

The Paul Nicholls trained Fistral Beach is the form pick in the 4.15 and should be suited by both track and ground. He is the selection with Qulinton an interesting runner at a bigger price. The David Pipe yard has had a quiet season but there have been signs of a revival lately and Qulinton could be one to benefit.

My only selection at Gowran Park is Solwhit in the 3.40.

Today’s pictures are by kind permission of the artist Jane Dunn (see links)

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The best race at Fakenham tomorrow is the 2.30 which looks to be between West End Rocker and Hora. The former is having his 3^rd run over fences and the form of those first two efforts looks pretty solid. At Chepstow on his chase bow he was a neck second to the useful Wichita Lineman who has won since beating Pancake who has also won since (I hope you are following this!) In that Chepstow race Big Fella Thanks was 3^rd and he has also well and truly franked the form. West End Rocker perhaps ran a little below that form on his next run when 3^rd at Cheltenham but he was only a neck behind Big Fella Thanks despite not jumping fluently. Hora is an admirable mare that I have followed on the flat and over hurdles. She has been most consistent throughout her career and stays well so this trip should hold no fears. I would have to give West End Rocker the edge though on the basis of his experience over fences.

Mahonia will be long odds on to land the 3.00 while Hello Moscow looks interesting in the 3.35. He supplied AP McCoy with his 2,999^th winner the other day at Plumpton and tomorrow has a very useful 7 lbs conditional jockey on board.

Turning to the meeting at Sandown Nudge and Nurdle represents my list to follow in the 2.35 but he comes from a stable that is struggling for winners and I will give him a miss this time.

The Royal Artillery Gold Cup at 3.10 may well go to the favourite Bannister Lane. I am going to take a chance with the outsider Cruising River though. He is trained by Jamie Snowden who has won this race 4 times in the last 6 seasons as a jockey. Cruising River will be ridden by the very capable Lucy Horner tomorrow and she has ridden the winner of this race before.

Sangfroid doesn’t look the easiest of rides but he did stay on in the closing stages to grab the runners up spot at Wincanton on his last start. He gave the impression that ne needs a bit further and tackles an extra half mile tomorrow in the 4.20. He has an each way chance.

With the Grand National weights just published I thought I would feature a picture of last year’s winner Comply or Die on his way to victory at Aintree.  The picture is by kind permission of the artist Katie Scorgie.  I should also mention that the picture was used for the 2008 Spinal Injuries Association Christmas card

I see that Chepstow has beaten the weather so here goes with a hasty look at the action there.

Seefin Mountain is a tentative selection in the 1.40 on the strength of his second at Taunton at the end of December.

I am hopeful that Jaunty Flight can give us a run for our money in the 2.10. She won on her chase bow when probably not fully wound up and she should come on for that run.  The negative might be that the trip could be on the sharp side for her. Raysrock has changed stable since his last run.  He looks overpriced at 20/1.

Money Order won at Bangor on his only previous outing over fences but injury problems have hampered his career since then.  He runs in the 3.20 where a lack of experience could be a problem but he looks a fair bet at a reasonable price.  Another one to consider would be Mister Potter who has shown a liking for heavy ground.

Today’s picture is by kind permission of the artist Lisa Miller.

Conditions at Musselburgh seem to be improving so there is a chance that racing at the Scottish track may go ahead tomorrow. The first race on the card at 1.55 looks to be a match between Son of Flicka and Glencree. Glencree won over course and distance at the end of November and seems to be progressive.  He likes good ground and it does look as if he will get that at Musselburgh.  Son of Flicka is yet to finish out of the first 2 and was an excellent 2nd to the talented Alfie Flits at Haydock last time out. The extra distance of tomorrow’s race should suit him. This is an interesting clash but with Donald McCain in much better form than Howard Johnson at the moment I must side with Son of Flicka.

Resounding Glory won at Wetherby last time out in a race where the 2nd and 4th have both since won twice.  He sets the standard in the 2.25 although course and distance winner Caravel, who notched a five timer on the flat for his previous trainer Sir Mark Prescott looks a threat.  Once again though Caravel is trained by Howard Johnson whose horse have not been running well of late, possibly due to the bad weather interrupting their training schedule.

Today’s picture is by the artist Julie Whitwham.

Well some mixed results from last night’s preview but Hello Moscow gave us a winner at 4/1, and also supplied AP McCoy with his 2,999th, while First Avenue was only beaten half a length on his hurdles bow.

There are a couple of runners from my list to follow tomorrow if Folkestone passes a morning inspection.  Quickbeam and Bluegun both go in the 2.30.  Quickbeam has not exactly taken to fences this season, falling twice and then finishing 5th last time at Exeter beaten 80 lengths. His trainer Venetia Williams is in good form though and I wouldn’t discount Quickbeam altogether.  Bluegun is my selection though.  A lightly raced sort that handles cut in the ground and after only one run over fences he has scope for improvement.

It is difficult to know what to make of Denman’s performance yesterday.  While there are some excuses that could be put forward he was beaten an awful long way and his jockey Ruby Walsh was clearly very disappointed with the run.

It does leave the Gold Cup picture somewhat unclear.  Both Kauto Star and Denman have been shown to be fallible but if either were to turn up on the day at their best they would take some beating.  How seriously do we take the challenge of Madison de Berlais? There will certainly be plenty of head scratching between now and Gold Cup day.

Elsewhere yesterday Grizebeck was given a positive ride to win at Ayr while Pancake (pictured below) and Tartak were other winners from my list to follow. 

I see that Silver Birch (pictured below) who has been out of action since his Grand National success in 2007 made a winning return yesterday in a point to point at North Tipperary.  His next stop may be the cross country race at Cheltenham.  On the subject of the Grand National I was sorry to hear that Slim Pickings, twice 4th in the Aintree race, had to be put to sleep recently after sustaining a serious injury in training.

Formation was a frustrating horse to follow on the flat last turf season.  He clearly had plenty of ability but seemed a rather quirky individual.  His new trainer has certainly found the key to him though as the horse has won his last two starts on the all weather. He won with something in hand at Lingfield yesterday and looks one to keep on the right side.

The cold snap continues to restrict the jumps racing in the UK and over in Ireland. Hopefully Plumpton will go ahead tomorrow. In the opener there at 1.30 First Avenue looks an interesting newcomer to hurdling.  Rated 95 on the flat he looks the sort that could do well at the winter game.

I will continue to support Carrickmines as I feel he has a race in him at a nice price if we are patient.  He runs in the 2.00.

Wind Instrument was found to have lost both hind shoes when beaten at Haydock last time out over a trip that was probably too short anyway.  He may do better in the 2.35 but the French challenger Millenium Royal will be a danger.

Tony McCoy is still chasing the elusive couple of winners to reach his 3,000.  He rides a nice horse Hello Moscow trained by Jim Best in the 3.10 and this one should go well.

At Kempton this afternoon I fancy Chris Wall’s course and distance winner Premio Loco in the 3.40 while Callisto Moon could run well at a fair price in the 4.10.

My thanks to Tracy Roberts (Turfpix) for the photo of Pancake and the artist Sarah Aspinall for allowing me to use her painting of Silver Birch.