Category: Racing diary

It proved an historic day for racing thanks to the exploits of Kauto Star at Kempton but a slightly disappointing day for yours truly on the tipping front.  Anyway, on to tomorrow’s racing.

Big race form guide

Chepstow 2.10 – Welsh Grand National

Cappa Bleu is a former winner of the Foxhunters at the Cheltenham Festival. He has had his problems with injury but came back to form last time out winning at Haydock over 3 miles. He has an each way chance. Our Island was runner up at Haydock on his last start in heavy ground. He is a thorough stayer. Galaxy Rock is an improving chaser who has shown a liking for Chepstow. There may be doubts about him handling the ground. Giles Cross is 4 lbs higher in the weights than when he was runner up in the race last season. Formerly 3^rd in a Midlands National his last two runs have seen him finish 2^nd in the Eider Chase at Newcastle in very testing conditions and gain a win in the Southern National at Fontwell.

Giles Cross and Galaxy Rock are my two against the field.

Chepstow selections

12.30 Alfie Spinner

1.00Rev It Up

1.3.0 Glernwood Knight

2.45 Hollow Tree

3.15 Ambion Wood

Kempton

12.55 Kie

1.25 Peddlers Cross

2.05 Whoops a Daisy

2.40 Finian’s Rainbow

Big race form guide

Paddy Power Chase – Leopardstown 3.05

Rivage D’Or was a consistent hurdler who won at Thurles (2 miles 6) in October and then finished 3^rd to Bog Warrior in the Drinmore. He will appreciate the step up to 3 miles and Davy Russell takes the ride. David Pipe’s horses are running well and his Sona Sasta is a live contender. Lightly raced and progressive over fences he revels in soft ground. Smoking Aces won over 3 miles 5 at the start of the month and is another to consider as are Groody Hill, Ad Idem and Cross Appeal who occupied the first 3 places in the Troytown Chase at Navan.

My two against the field are Rivage D’Or and Sona Sasta.

Leopardstown selections

12.25 Sarabad

1.25 Big Zeb

2.30 Reizovic

Limerick

12.40 Distant Memories

Wetherby

2.30 Sa Suffit

2.55 Trustan Times

Turf trivia

Earth Summit, winner of the 1997 Welsh Grand National became the first horse to win the English, Scottish and Welsh Grand Nationals.

 

Limerick 1.05 Murchu

Leopardstown 1.20 Sam Bass.

Leopardstown 1.50 Sughera.

Leopardstown 2.55 Donna’s Palm

Leopardstown 3.30 Gray Hession

Yuletide yankee – Long Run, Bog Warrior, Knight Pass and Grands Crus.

 

Big race form guide

King George Vl Stakes – Kempton 3.10

There seems to be growing support for Kauto Star over the last few days – how much of this is sentiment is hard to say. Course and distance obviously suit him as he is going for a record breaking 5^th win in the race and there is no doubt that Kauto at his very best would be extremely hard to beat. However he is approaching his “official” 12^th birthday and age catches up with all of us (I should know!). He was spot on at Haydock but it would be some feat to match that display only 37 days later. Long Run is no certainty, his occasional jumping lapses ensure that but he must be the most likely winner. Master Minded (pictured below) is a threat if he stays. He has won his last 7 races going right handed. He has never raced over this trip before though and although Kempton is an easy 3 miles I would be inclined to avoid him.

Captain Chris is the dark horse in the field. His record at Kempton is excellent, the ground (he wouldn’t want it too soft) may be in his favour and he certainly has the talent. He looked a little unlucky when unseating at Exeter and if he stays he could go well.

Long Run has to be the selection though.

Kempton

1.25 Trafalgar Road beat Loch Ba by a neck at Sandown at the start of the month and the pair are among the main fancies here. I think they will both run well again.

2.00 What a race in prospect! Grands Crus, runner up to Big Bucks in the World Hurdle is going for a hat trick over fences. Bob’s Worth, a Cheltenham Festival winner over hurdles won on his chase debut at Newbury besting Cue Card. Silviniaco Conti won a Grade 2 at Wincanton on his last start while Teaforthree was runner up at Cheltenham last month and then went on to win at Chepstow. The form of both races has worked out really well.

Grands Crus is my selection, although he is yet to win going right handed. Bobs Worth looks a big threat.

2.35 I see that the newspaper tipsters are torn between Overturn, Binocular (pictured below) and Rock on Ruby, with each horse selected by 5 of the experts.

Binocular is a bit in and out but he is 2 out of 3 at Kempton. The ground is likely to be in his favour but he is rather a short price given his inconsistent record. Overturn has been very busy already this season and I prefer the lightly raced Rock on Ruby. The form of his win at Cheltenham was endorsed by the 3rf horse Raya Star who won the Ladbroke last week.

3.10 See big race form guide.

3.40 Hildisvini, Panxtoa and Knight Pass are on my short list. All look interesting for different reasons. Hildisvini has dropped 5 lbs in the weights which should make him more competitive. Panxtoa is consistent and the form of his last race has worked out well. Knight Pass is a potential improver and just gets the nod.

Fontwell

1.30 Kindly Note runs in the colours of the Elite Racing Club. Her stable are in form and the ground is likely to suit.

Ffos Las

12.35 Realmont has been plagued by illness and injury and has been off the track since May 2009. He was top class in France though, twice running Long Run close.

2.15 Saint Luke a triple bumper winner has not lived up tom expectations this season over hurdles. He may yet come good though and is slipping down the the weights.

Christmas turf trivia

Mr Blaketon, who runs in the Ffos Las 3.55 is quite cleverly named being by Oscar out of a Supreme Leader mare. You would need to be a fan of the Heartbeat series to appreciate this one!

Huntingdon

12.15 Chepstow winner Big Occasion should follow up here. Godsmejudge and Rich Buddy are others to consider.

1.20 Course winner General Ting will handle the ground and is on a winnable mark.

3.00 Call me a Star and Cherry Lady were first and second at Wetherby and pulled well clear of the rest of the field. I fancy Call me a Star to confirm the form.

Market Rasen

1.00 Accordingtolawrence has yet to complete over fences but he is better than that and is worth another chance.

Towcester

1.20 Course and distance winner Halucha has only been raised 4 lbs for his win at Ludlow.

Wincanton

2.15 Swincombe Flame and Tante Sissi are my two against the field. Slight preference is for Exeter winner Swincombe Flame.

3.20 The lightly raced Rangitoto has considerable potential over fences and can win this at the expense of Trenchant.

Wetherby

1.45 A case can be made for a number of these. Midnight Chase travels up from the west country. He was 5^th in the Gold Cup and has to be respected. Knockara Beau finished strongly to take the runners up spot at Cheltenham recently while Neptune Equester, a course and distance winner, is a thorough stayer who will benefit if the ground dries out. I like the chances of the progressive Always Right. Third in the Scottish National in April he won at Kelso on his seasonal reappearance.

Down Royal

12.30 This looks very competitive with Saddlers Storm and Viking Splash my two against the field. My slight preference would be for the latter.

Leopardstown

12.20 Marasonnien was runner up to Ariel at Auteil in June 2010 and that horse has since joined Paul Nicholls and finished 4^th in the Paddy Power Gold Cup before winner at Ascot.

12.50 This can go the way of trainer Willie Mullins and the highly rated Midnight Game.

2.20 English raider Notus de la Tour should not be underestimated but my selection has to be Bog Warrior. He beat a subsequent winner at Navan before taking the Drinmore at Fairyhouse.

3.30 There is a good word for the point to point winner Champagne Fever.

Limerick

2.10 Sir Des Champs won over hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival and made a winning start to his chase career at Fairyhouse.

Wolverhampton

3.30 Tornedo Force, a recent Lingfield winner and the mount of Ryan Moore is my best bet on the all weather.

My thanks to the artists Lisa Miller (Master Minded) and Sarah Clegg (Binocular) for allowing me to use their pictures.

 

Hereford

2.40 Milo Milan

Sedgefield

12.20 The Weatherman

12.50 Charminster

1.50 Lovey Dovey

From the Christmas archives

Kicking King (pictured below) is one of a select group of horses to have won the King George and the Gold Cup in the same season.

Christmas turf trivia

On 22 December 1940 Manchester racecourse suffered a direct hit from German bombers.

Picture courtesy of the artist Sarah Aspinall.

 

 

Ffos Las

1.10 Charm School and Ashbrittle are interesting recruits from the flat. Charm School was with John Gosden and although far from consistent was good enough on his day to win a November Handicap at Doncaster. He was too keen on his hurdles debut at Chepstow but he has ability and handled soft ground on the flat. Ashbrittle was a stayer on the flat rated 92 and is the sort of horse David Pipe does well with.

2.45 Horsham Lad, a multiple winner of point to points won at Carlisle before being hampered and unseating his rider last time at Newbury. He has a good record on soft ground and Paddy Brennan won on the only other occasion he has ridden him.

Ludlow

2.35 Time for Spring was a beaten favourite at Cheltenham last time but may be better going right handed. He probably doesn’t want very soft ground.

3.10 Florafern was runner up at Huntingdon when the only mare in the race. Back racing against her own sex she should go well.

Christmas turf trivia

Desert Orchid and Kauto Star (pictured below) are the only horses to have won the King George 4 times. Kauto Star’s victories came in consecutive years.

From the Christmas archives

In 1992 Martin Pipe saddled the first 4 home in the Welsh Grand National. The quartet in finishing order were Run for free, Riverside Boy, Minnehoma and Bonanza Boy. Run for free went on to win the Scottish National later that season while Minnehoma won the 1994 Aintree Grand National.

Picture courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller.

 

Taunton

12.30 Dual bumper winner Swincombe Flame shoulders a penalty for a win over hurdles at Exeter earlier this month . There is room for improvement in her jumping but she does look the most likely winner.

Musselburgh

12.50 Merchant of Dubai won here twice on the flat and made an encouraging hurdles bow when runner up at Kelso.

1.20 Vosges has form figures of 112 at the track and comes here on the back of a decent run.

Christmas turf trivia

Edredon Bleu won the 2003 renewal of the King George. The name means blue eiderdown in French.

From the Christmas archives

Bonanza Boy won back Welsh Grand Nationals in 1988 and 1989 ridden by Peter Scudamore on both occasions. He was pulled up the following year and came 4^th in 1991.

 

Bangor

1.10 King’s Grace won a bumper at this track last season but then suffered a tumour under his foot. Made an odds on favourite for his hurdles bow at Hexham he was last of the 3 finishers. He is very well regarded by his trainer and worth another chance here particularly as the longer trip should suit him.

2.10 Mirific had some decent flat form in France but has not made an impact in two runs over hurdles and perhaps needs handicaps. Bathwick Brave seems to be gradually getting the hang of things and judged on his third at Ffos Las last time should go close here.

3.10 Gottany O’s won times on the flat for Mick Channon and is fancied to make a winning start to his hurdles career for Donald McCain.

3.40 The one I like here is Off the Wall who was third in a bumper at Ascot.

Navan

12.20 Jenari should be good enough here.

1.20 Askmeroe should win this if he can reproduce his chase form over hurdles.

Plumpton

1.0 Cucumber Run should be able to defy a penalty here.

1.30 Captain Moonman has some impressive form in Irish point to points on his CV.

Christmas turf trivia

The site of Leopardstown racecourse was once a leper colony, hence the name.

Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Katy Sodeau.

 

On the all weather at Lingfield today Colourful Notion should benefit from the extra furlong in the 12.50.  He had a solid level of form.

 

Big race form guide

Ladbroke Hurdle – Ascot 3.35

Only one favourite has won the race in the last 8 renewals and the Henderson and Pipe stables have each saddled 3 winners.

Brampour is the top weight. Winner of the Greatwood he then returned to Cheltenham where he finished a very creditable 3^rd to Grandouet in the International. He is a course and distance winner best suited by good or good to soft ground. He has been allotted plenty of weight but young Harry Dereham is able to claim his 7 lbs allowance.

Via Gallilei is ultra consistent in these handicaps and is sure to go well but he is running off a mark of 145 whereas his highest winning rating is 121. He faces a stiff task. Gibb River is one I am quite keen on. He won 3 times last season all on good to soft and ran well enough on his reappearance when 3^rd at Sandown. Desert Cry comes here on the back of a win at Sandown on his handicap debut. He has been raised 7 lbs for that win but he is a talented horse and may still be competitive off his new mark.

Prospect Wells could be a blot on the handicap. He was a Group 2 winner on the flat so has plenty of class. He was only beaten a neck in a Grade 2 hurdle at Cheltenham behind Steps to Freedom. Viva Colonia has won 4 times over hurdles including a listed race at Market Rasen in the summer. He finished strongly in the Greatwood to take 5^th place after getting well behind. He has gone up 2 lbs for that but remains an interesting contender.

Tonic Mellysse, a French import won at the Scottish Grand National meeting. He was runner up in a conditions hurdle on his seasonal reappearance before falling on his chase debut. He was considered by his trainer to be on a good mark (134) pre season so it is odd that his trainer didn’t try to exploit that earlier. Not that I am trying to tell Paul Nicholls how to do his job! This horse’s chance is difficult to evaluate.

Abergavenny ran a cracker to finish 3^rd in the Greatwood. His wins have come on a sound surface while his stable companion Marsh Warbler needs soft ground, the softer the better. Raya Star won at Wetherby in October and then finished 3^rd to Rock on Ruby at Newbury. He has gone up an awful lot in the weights though. The consistent Sailors Warn will handle the ground and comes here on the back of a couple of good second place efforts at Punchestown and Naas.

My final short list consists of Brampour, Gibb River, Viva Colonia and Desert Cry. If pushed for a single selection it would have to be Gibb River.

Ascot

12.55 Water Garden, a winner at Wincanton should give us a run for our money.

1.55 Aerial finished 4^th in the Paddy Power despite being 4 lbs “wrong” at the weights. The runner up has since won a big handicap franking the form. Gilbarry would be my main danger.

2.30 It is impossible to oppose Big Bucks. Cross Kennon and Restless Harry revert to hurdles and are good horses in their own right but have what looks an impossible task. New comer Dynaste is the only threat.

3.05 With Neptune Collonges keeping the weights down The Minack is hard to oppose. He has an impressive record on soft and heavy ground. He has to be the selection but I will put a coup[le up at bigger prices that are worth considering. Requin is unexposed while Reve de Sivola just needs to improve his jumping to land a decent prize.

3.35 See big race form guide.

Haydock

12.40 Tenor Nivernais is on my list of horses to follow this season but has run poorly so far and the stable are out of form. He is best watched for the time being.

Haydock

12.40 Tenor Nivernais is on my list of horses to follow this season but has run poorly so far and the stable are out of form. He is best watched for the time being.

1.10 Bunclody will handle the ground and comes from a stable in form.

2.10 Moonlight Drive and Reindeer Dippin are the two I like here. The latter is a real mud lover and is slightly preferred.

2.45 Wymott has his favoured ground and showed his well being with a decent run in the Hennessy last month.

3.20 This is a really interesting contest which sees the former Grand National winner Mon Mome. My short list for this is rather a lengthy one. Diocles, Dreamer of Dreams, Highland Lodge and Grove Pride. The ground could paly a aprt here as thios will be a test of stamina. Highland Lodge is the obvious choice. He is a former winning pointer and won on his hurdles bow at Exeter.

Newcastle

12.35 Blenheim Brook should win this with a clear round. Mac Aeda is next best.

2.05 Rival D’Estruval and Dark Glacier are my two against the field.

Fairyhouse

12.15 Rourke’s Cross

Christmas turf trivia

In 1982 the first 3 home in the Welsh Grand National were trained by women.

From the Christmas archives

Burrough Hill Lad, winner of the 1983 Welsh Natioanl also won a Cheltenham Gold Cup, a Hennessy and a King George.

1.10 Bunclody will handle the ground and comes from a stable in form.

2.10 Moonlight Drive and Reindeer Dippin are the two I like here. The latter is a real mud lover and is slightly preferred.

2.45 Wymott has his favoured ground and showed his well being with a decent run in the Hennessy last month.

3.20 This is a really interesting contest which sees the reappearance of the former Grand National winner Mon Mome. My short list for this is rather a lengthy one. Diocles, Dreamer of Dreams, Highland Lodge and Grove Pride. The ground could play a part here as this will be a test of stamina. Highland Lodge is the obvious choice. He is a former winning pointer and won on his hurdles bow at Exeter.

Newcastle

12.35 Blenheim Brook should win this with a clear round. Mac Aeda is next best.

2.05 Rival D’Estruval and Dark Glacier are my two against the field.

Fairyhouse

12.15 Rourke’s Cross

Christmas turf trivia

In 1982 the first 3 home in the Welsh Grand National were trained by women. Corbiere (Jenny Pitman), Pilot Officer (Mercy Rimell) and Peaty Sandy, the previous years winner, (Helen Hamilton)

From the Christmas archives

Burrough Hill Lad, winner of the 1983 Welsh National also won a Cheltenham Gold Cup, a Hennessy and a King George.

Today’s picture is courtesy of Sarah Clegg.

 

Ascot

12.45 Rocky Creek showed plenty of promise on his hurdles debut at Exeter and can go one better here.

1.55 Hazy Tom is unbeaten and clearly has an outstanding chance here. On the debit side his jumping hasn’t always been fluent. Peckhamecho has won his last two races but has a tendency to be a bit keen. Molotof was an impressive winner at Wincanton and followed up at Haydock beating a useful recruit from the flat. The mares Heather Royale and Thestrawberryone are outsiders to consider. I fancy Molotof to get the better of Hazy Tom and Peckhamecho.

2.30. Frascati Park has won twice over fences, both at Carlisle and is a course winner at Ascot. Chablais jumped markedly tom his left at Kempton and will need to eliminate the problem if he is to score here. Kumbeshwar made a winning start to his career over fences at Hereford. It was not a strong race but he did it nicely. A winner over hurdles in France Pacha du Poldar won on his UK debut over fences at Sandown. I fancy Kumbeshwar and Pacha du Poldar to male their 4 year old allowance count. Slight preference is for the former.

3.05 The lightly raced Our Father looks the one to beat.

3.40 There are plenty of interesting prospects on show here. Josh’s Dreamway and Scholastica are a couple from smaller stables that should run well.

Uttoxeter

12.05 Hereford bumper winner Real Milan is likely to be a threat but Tarn Hows looks the one to be on. Runner up twice at this track over 2 miles he should be better still now he tackles a longer trip.

12.35 Point to point winner Dannancey’s Hill was 2^nd here in a bumper and is preferred to the main danger Triptico who was 4^th in a fair race at Exeter.

1.10 Basford Bob has been let down by his jumping and I will pass him by. My short list comprises Kauto Relko, Tornado Bob and Master Hyde. Tornado Bob was perhaps a little unlucky when falling on his chase debut and is worth another chance.

2.20 Saint Like and Flying Award are both on my pre season list of horses to follow. Saint Luke is yet to find his form this term and I will side with Flying Award who should be all the better for his run at Exeter when 4^th last month.

Christmas turf trivia

The Welsh Grand National used to be run in February but after several races lost to the weather the date was switched to December in 1979 when the race was won by Peter Scot.