Category: Racing diary

 

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

Fairyhouse

12.55 Trainer Gordon Elliott nominated His Excellency as his horse to follow this season in an interview. He didn’t find much when push came to shove at Down Royal and has something to prove now. A winner on the flat over 10 furlongs at Leopardstown he is a half brother to Leg Spinner.

1.25 A winner of a bumper and a maiden hurdle Staying Article then sustained an injury. He will go over fences in due course.

2.55 Limerick bumper winner Rourke’s Cross was only beaten a neck on his hurdles bow at Wexford.

Hexham

1.40 King’s Grace was an impressive winner of a national hunt flat race at Bangor last season before suffering from a tumour on his foot. He is well thought of by his trainer and could well make a winning debut over hurdles here.

Warwick

1.30 Loch Ba was a slightly fortunate winner at Kempton. His trainer thinks he will need 3 miles and will be better on soft ground.

2.00 Gospel Preacher ran 3 times in bumpers finishing runner up twice. Hunter’s Lodge has been the subject of some good reports.

2.30 Only 3 runners but a tricky puzzle nonetheless. Tonic Mellysse was a winner of a bumper and over hurdles in France and won at the Scottish National meeting at Ayr for Paul Nicholls. Beaten into second when returning over hurdles giving weight away the 3^rd in that race has won since. Goes over fences for the first time here. Tatispout won at Ludlow when most of her rivals failed to complete but was a beaten odds on favourite here last time. She tends to be too keen and may find it hard to settle in this small field. Tornado D’Estruval is by the same sire as Sprinter Sacre and won over hurdles at Vichy before joining Nicky Henderson.

3.00 Basil Fawlty showed some promise on his bumper debut at Kempton but made no show on his seasonal reappearance in a bumper at Wincanton earlier this month. The Pretender has form in bumpers in France.

From the archives

During the First World War the Grand National was not run at Aintree. A “substitute” National was run at Gatwick racecourse for the 3 years 1916, 1917 and 1918. In 1916 it was called The Racecourse Association Steeplechase and next two renewals were called The War National Steeplechase. Although modelled on the Aintree fences there were less fallers which seems to indicate that the obstacles were a bit easier.

The 1918 race was won by Poethlyn, ridden by Ernie Piggott, grandfather of Lester. The same horse and jockey combination won in 1919 when the race was restored to its traditional home at Aintree.

Turf trivia

On 22/12/1940 Manchester racecourse suffered a direct hit from German bombers.

 

Not much of interest in tomorrow’s racing. At Folkestone in the 1.30 Ballyclough is my selection. He won a bumper at Haydock on good ground last season.

In the 2.00 Bear’s Affair continues his education over fences. Barring accidents he should account for his two rivals.

From the archives

The big race on Saturday is up at Haydock where they stage the Betfair Chase which is registered as the Lancashire Chase. It is a comparatively new event first run in 2005.

A race called the Lancashire Chase has a long history however. It was run over distances between 3 miles-2 furlongs to 3 miles-6 furlongs at New Barns, Manchester to 1901 and at Castle Irwell, Manchester between 1902 and 1963.

The first post war winner was Fortina following up his win in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Fred Rimell’s Coloured School Boy won in 1949 and 1950.

Tudor Line was runner up in Grand Nationals either side of his success in the Lancashire Chase in 1955.

ESB, famous for winning the “Devon Loch Grand National” won the Lancashire Chase in 1959 while the last winner of the race prior to the closure of Manchester racecourse was Rough Tweed trained by Neville Crump and ridden by Gerry Scott.

 

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

Leicester

1.20 Dancing Emily made a good impression when winning a bumper at Taunton in March and was not disgraced when 4^th under a penalty at Ffos Las the month after. Trip the Light could be interesting if taking to hurdles. He was a great servant to Richard Fahey on the flat winning 12 times

2.50 First Fandango was second in a good handicap at Kempton last month and AP McCoy rides him for the first time here.

Limerick

3.15 The Engineer showed decent form in bumpers last season but was a beaten favourite when 2^nd at Galway last month. He is well thought of by connections.

Plumpton

1.00 Turbo du Ranch won a Newbury bumper last season but was unable to follow up at Huntingdon in October when he failed to defy a penalty. He should be up to winning over hurdles.

1.30 Notus de la Tour won on his chase debut for the in form David Pipe and looks a good prospect. Megastar, a smart hurdler, was last of 3 on his chase bow at Ascot last month. He will have learned from that but would not want the ground too soft. The other two are no mugs. Kind of Easy, described by his trainer as a bit of a playboy, has form in bumpers and over hurdles but may want a bit further than this while Dona, a dual point to point winner won twice over hurdles last season. I would be inclined to take on Notus de la Tour if only because I don’t like odds on favourite in novice chases.

2.00 Bathwick Brave was placed a couple of times over 2 miles and his pedigree suggests this longer trip will suit him.

2.30 Penny Max has point to point experience and won a bumper at Folkestone. He also ran well over hurdles at Newbury last season. He is likely to be suited by soft ground.

 

4.00 Point to point winner Minella for Party was 3^rd at Ffos Las when a beaten favourite. He is likely to go close here. There is also a good word for Itchen Legend.

Nap of the day

First Fandango

Dark horse

The Engineer

Todays pictures are courtesy of the artist Katy Sodeau.

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

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