Category: Racing diary

 

Bob’s Worth (2.40) and On the Fringe (4.00) are attracting support and may be worth a look.

 

1:30 – JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1)

I have a particularly miserable tipping record in this race over the years so I am trying to break a losing sequence. Sam Winner had some impressive form earlier in the season winning twice at Cheltenham before getting bogged down in the mud at Chepstow. He sets a decent standard here. A Media Luz was a classy type on the flat in France but was too free when 7^th behind Sam Winner here in December. She was then runner up to stable companion Grandouet at Newbury. She then fell at Kempton when in the lead before finally getting off the mark over hurdles at Huntingdon. Stamina could be a problem and the quicker the ground the better. Like A Media Luz the mare Unaccompanied gets a 7 lbs weight allowance from the geldings. Decent on the flat she has won both her starts over hurdles in Ireland. Soft ground would help her cause and the same could be said of Houblon des Obeaux, a winner on heavy ground at Haydock last month.

My selection is Sam Winner with a small saver on A Media Luz although if the ground turns to soft the other two horses mentioned would come very much into the reckoning.

2:05 – Vincent O’Brien County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3)

Dirar boasts some useful form. A winner of the Ebor on the flat he was 3^rd in the Galway Hurdle and has a good chance as long as the ground does not get too soft. Two other Irish challengers to consider are Alaivan and Blackstairmountain. The former was third in the Triumph last season and has won both his stats this term. The latter enjoys decent ground and does not look badly handicapped.

Soldatino won the Triumph last season but has been a little disappointing this time. This step up in trip may be what he needs though. Get me out of here was second in the Supreme Novices last season but his last 3 runs have not been encouraging. He has had a soft palate operation since his last run and a return to his best form would put him in with a good chance.

My three against the field would be Dirar, Get me out of here and Blackstairmountain.

2:40 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Registered As The Spa Novices’ Hurdle) (Grade 1)

I am quite sweet on Court in Motion for trainer Emma Lavelle. He is yet to finish out of the first 3 apart from a fall at Exeter last year. Gagewell Flyer has won all 3 of his starts over hurdles this season all on soft ground the last two at Grade 2 level. Champion Court was an impressive winner here in November and if we ignore his last race then he must be on the short list.

Court in Motion is the selection with Gagewell Flyer and Champion Court respected. If the ground were to ride soft then Gagewell Flyer should not go unbacked.

3:20 – totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup Chase (Grade 1)

Much as Denman and Kauty Star are wonderful horses I can’t really see either winning. They are both 11 now and no 11 year old has won since 1969. Imperial Commander is the reigning champion and has an impressive record at Cheltenham having won 6 of his 10 races there. He is very much the one to beat and will almost certainly be involved in the finish. Long Run, the King George winner is the likely favourite. His French form is top class and his jumping has improved a lot since lasts season. There are perhaps slight doubts about the track for him. It may be that he is more of a Kempton horse than a Cheltenham one. His stable has not been quite firing this week which could be a concern.

I have had Long Run down as my selection for weeks but I am going to change my mind. Imperial Commander has such good course form and goes so well fresh that I am going to put him up as my selection. They do say never change your mind!

If you are looking for an outsider to back each way then Tidal Bay and Weird Al would be my suggestions. If we were to get significant rain then Pandarama would be an additional selection.

To summarise then, Imperial Commander is the selection with a saver on Pandarama on soft ground. Tidal Bay and Weird Al the pick of the outsiders.

4:00 – Christie’s Foxhunter Chase Challenge Cup

This looks a quality renewal. Last year’s winner Baby Run should again go well while Dante’s Storm is another to consider.

4:40 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle

Sir Des Champs looks interesting. A winner at Auteuil he went on to win his first start in Ireland for Willie Mullins. Rain would help his chance. Last season’s Imperial Cup winner Qaspal is another to note

5:15 – Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase Challenge Cup (Grade 3 Handicap)

Nicky Henderson will be keen to win this race in honour of his father. He has Tanks for That and Anquetta which both command respect. Shoreacres looks potentially well handicapped and is worth considering as is the 2009 winner Oh Crick. For my selection though I will go for I’msingingtheblues although he would not want soft ground. In the event of a significant change in the going Shoreacres would be the selection.

Good luck

 

1:30 – Jewson Novices’ Chase (Registered As The Golden Miller Novices’ Chase) (Grade 2)

This looks to be between Robinson Collonges, Wishfull Thinking, Loosen My Load and Noble Prince. Wishfull Thinking has a good record over this distance having won 5 out of 9. He is also a course winner. Robinson Collonges would probably have beaten Wishfull thinking when they met at Wincanton had he not fallen at the third last.

The Irish challenge is headed by Noble Prince and Loosen My Load. Noble Prince can be an indifferent jumper but both trip and ground will suit and he has plenty of ability. Loosen My Load is another that will like the going. He jumps well and is unbeaten at this trip.

I wouldn’t put you off if you want to back any of these but my personal preference is for Noble Prince and Wishfull Thinking, in that order.

2:05 – Pertemps Final (Listed Handicap Hurdle)

This is an open race with plenty of possibles. Chartreaux down at the bottom of the handicap has rock solid form and has shown he acts on the track. Sivota was 4^th of 19 at Leopardstown over Christmas. He is a versatile sort that will handle the ground. Alfie Spinner has been in consistent form and comes from a stable whose horses are running well. Barafundle has a sound chance. Won at Newbury in November and looks potentially well handicapped. Lush Life is a course and distance winner, likes the ground and his last run can be ignored as he was unluckily left at the start. Another to consider is the Philip Hobbs runner Duke of Lucca.

My two against the field are Lush Life and Barafundle although I have plenty of respect for Chartreaux and Sivota.

2:40 – Ryanair Chase (Registered As The Festival Trophy Chase) (Grade 1)

Last year’s winner Albertas Run will like the ground and AP McCoy has an excellent record on him but the horse has failed to complete in either of his last two starts and I am going to look elsewhere for the winner. Poquelin was second in this race last year and has won 4 times at Cheltenham. The drying ground will suit him and he looks to have very chance. Kalahari King has run well at the Festival for the last two season finishing runner up in the 2009 Arkle and third in the 2010 Champion Chase. This step up in trip should be in his favour as will the better ground. These are my two fancies.

3:20 – Ladbrokes World Hurdle (Grade 1)

I am not sure that this is really a betting race. Big Bucks has held sway in the staying hurdle division in recent years, winning his last 10 races including this one for the past two years. The young pretender Grand Crus has made tremendous strides this year and is a very credible challenger. You pays your money and you takes your chance here really. Grand Crus will have to improve again to beat the champion but he may well do so. His hurdling technique is excellent although on the downside he might prefer some give in the ground. I have to come down one side or the other here and I will side with Grand Crus. Timeform rate him only 2 lbs below Big Bucks so any improvement from the younger horse could give him the edge.

Outsiders do not have a good record in this race. Zaynar could run into a place while Cross Kennon and Mourad also have place claims.

4:00 – Byrne Group Plate (Grade 3 Handicap Chase)

A tricky looking race where I fancy the winner will come from the first 3 in the betting, Aigle D’Or, Quartz de Thaix and Beautiful Sound. The first two are my joint selections.

4:40 – Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase (Amateur Riders)

Galant Nuit was a strong fancy for the Welsh National but missed the race after a training set back. He was a good third in this race last season. Junior is a Royal Ascot winner on the flat and has good course form at Cheltenham. His jockey rode the winner in 2009. These would be my two against the field with Dance Island the best outsider.

Good luck

 

1:30 – 141st Year Of The National Hunt Chase Challenge Cup (Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Chase)

The David Pipe trained Sona Sasta has been a good friend to this site in the past and is a live contender for this. He has a progressive profile, is unbeaten over fences and will act on the ground. You could perhaps pick holes in his jumping but he is by no means a bad jumper. The trip will suit. Another that stays well is Some Target who represents a stable bang in form and originally was entered for 4 races at the festival. A sound jumper he is well worth considering.

The consistent Chicago Grey has the crack Irish rider Derek O’Connor in the saddle and looks sure to be involved in the finish.

2:05 – Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle

The Irish hold a strong hand here. One that I particularly like is First Lieutenant. He is a grade 1 winner and both trip and going will suit him fine. So Young won 3 bumpers in France before joining Willie Mullins in Ireland where he has won both his starts this season. Completing a trio of Irish hopes is Oscar’s Well a winner of his last 3 races, two of them grade 1s.

The English challenge is headed by Rock on Ruby and Tornado Bob. Rock on Ruby is a tenacious sort and boasts some good form at the track. Tornado Bob has finished in the first 2 in his 4 starts over hurdles.

I find the 3 Irish contenders hard to split but by Irish friend seems to have a lot of confidence in First Lieutenant so I will bow to his greater knowledge and blame him it one of the others wins! I will put up a second selection in this race as I have a sneaking fancy for Rock on Ruby.

2:40 – RSA Chase

Time for Rupert has been all the rage for this race for some time. Second in the World Hurdle last season he has won both his starts over fences. I am not sure that he is value for money though as his price looks rather a skinny one.

I am keen on the chances of both Wymott and Wayward Prince. Wymott has only finished out of the first two once in 10 starts and is unbeaten over fences. Wayward Prince has form figures of 121111 when running over 2 miles. My selections in this race are Wymott and Wayward Prince both each way.

3:20 – Queen Mother Champion Chase

Master Minded bids to regain his title and I would not dismiss his chance lightly. He faces some stiff opposition from the Irish in last year’s winner Big Zeb, Sizing Europe and Golden Silver. The dark horse of the race is Woolcombe Folly who has been a revelation this season winning handicaps at Ascot and Cheltenham.

The ground may have gone against Master Minded and I am inclined to take him on. Big Zeb sets the standard. I am not over confident but he is my selection. Sizing Europe has some good course form and along with Woolcombe Folly could be worth an each way interest.

4:00 – Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle)

As usual this is an ultra competitive handicap. Aegean Dawn has looked something special when winning handicaps at Cheltenham and Ascot. He has had an interrupted preparation for the race but if fully fit he would be a big threat. For Non Stop chased home the highly rated Grand Crus over course and distance before Christmas and I am keen on his chances. Call the Police is an interesting Irish runner although his best form has been with plenty of give in the ground. The consistent Bothy is another that would probably prefer softer ground.

Aegean Dawn and Non Stop will do for me with the best outsider the Venetia Williams runner Lightning Strike.

4:40 – Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

Titan de Sarti came to the UK with quite a reputation from France but has been expensive to follow. He may well be capable of better than he has shown so far. Tenor Nivernais is another that started his career in France. He was 3^rd at Taunton last time out in a race where the form has worked out quite well. Paintball has plenty of experience from racing on the flat comes here on the back of a win at Ludlow, has Richard Johnson in the plate and has to be on the short list. L’Eminence Grise has been running in very good company and may have been underestimated by the handicapper. These would be my short list of 4.

5:15 – Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race)

I fancy Knight Pass for this. There are others to consider, Cheltenian, Ericht, Raise the Beat and Divine Rhapsody. Knight Pass is the selection though.

Good luck

 

The big day is upon us and what a difficult day it looks. Here goes!

1.30 – Stan James Supreme Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1)

This race really revolves around Cue Card. An impressive winner of the bumper at last year’s festival he has won 2 out of 3 over hurdles including a course and distance win. His only defeat was when going down by 4.5 lengths to Champion Hurdle fancy Menorah at level weights. He has won 4 races so far and 2 of those were at Cheltenham, one in the Champion Bumper at last year’s festival. A few days ago I was asking myself if he was value for money but at a current price of 3/1 perhaps he is! The stable are in good form.

Recession Proof is a neat hurdler who won the Totesport Trophy at Newbury. He is improving handles any ground and has a tenacious attitude. I quite fancy him to run well here although there is now a question mark against him as his regular jockey is injured and can’t take the ride.

The Nicky Henderson trained Spirit Son is unbeaten and is the choice of jockey Barry Geraghty. This one has to be respected. Of the horses available at bigger prices both Dunraven Storm and Marsh Warbler are very well thought of by their respective handlers.

For my selection I am going for Cue Card. It wouldn’t surprise me if Recession Proof ran into a place but the last minute jockey change has just put me off putting him up as my selection.

2.05 – Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase (Grade 1)

I had this race fairly well sorted out as a 3 runner affair between Finian’s Rainbow, Ghizao and Medermit but the late inclusion of Captain Chris has given me a bit more to think about.

Finian’s Rainbow is unbeaten when racing over 3 miles, the form of his chase wins has worked out well, he has a good record when ridden by Barry Geraghty and he will act on the ground. He also showed that he handled the track when 5^th in the Neptune at the Festival last season. On the debit side his wins over fences have come in small fields – he has in fact only beaten 7 horses in total.

Medermit and Ghizao look the main dangers. Medermit will not fail through lack of determination and should be in the first 3 but there is an argument for favouring Ghizao on a line through a horse they have both met namely Captain Chris. Some feel that Ghizao prefers softer ground.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Captain Chris ran a big race. He has been the model of consistency finishing first or second in his last 8 races.

I am not too confident about this race but I I think that Finian’s Rainbow is a solid option. Captain Chris and the Irish Raider Realt Dubh look the each way value.

2.40 – Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

My short list for this race consists of Reve de Sivola, Sunnyhillboy and Great Endeavour. All 3 have solid Cheltenham Festival form. Reve de Sivola was runner up in the Neptune last year behind Peddler’s Cross while Great Endeavour beat Sunnyhillboy in the Byrne Group Plate. All 3 have also shown a liking for the track in other races. It would not surprise me if these 3 filled the first 3 places in the race and choosing between them is tough. I am going to give a slight edge to Sunnyhillboy with AP McCoy in the saddle who has a 50% strike rate when riding the horse. I would suggest a small saving bet on Reve de Sivola who may well be suited by this step up in trip which should help his jumping.

3.20 – Stan James Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy (Grade 1)

The withdrawal of reigning champ Binocular has simplified things a little but it remains a very competitive renewal and a tricky puzzle for the punter.

Northern challenger Peddler’s Cross is a horse I have always liked. He is yet to taste defeat in any form of racing and won the Neptune at the festival last season. Perhaps the slight doubt about him here is that the trip may be just a little sharp for him and his front running style could make him a target for a fast finishing rival. Even so he might take some catching up that Cheltenham hill!

Menorah has plenty going for him and is yet to finish out of the first two. He has raced at Cheltenham 3 times and won them all including the Supreme Novices Hurdle last year. Irish Challenger Hurricane Fly is unbeaten this season and jockey Ruby Walsh has a 100% record on him. There are negatives though. He runs in England for the first time and not all horses cope well with the travelling. He is sometimes not the most fluent of hurdlers and mistakes in this company will find him out. His sire Montjeu tends to get slightly quirky individuals and he may not relish the climb to the finish against some very determined rivals. To me this looks to be between Menorah and Peddlers Cross. I like them both and simply cannot choose.

Of the rest Oscar Whisky has done nothing wrong and looks to be an improver. Thousand Stars has place claims at a bigger price.

4.00 – Glenfarclas Handicap Chase (Cross Country Chase)

Irish trainer Enda Bolger has an amazing record in these cross country races and his horses are very much respected but they are set to carry big weights and I am tempted to look elsewhere this season.

Maljimar looks weighted to go well. Although he has fallen twice in his last 3 races they were both over the National fences at Aintree and can probably be ignored. The other one I like is Poker de Sivola trained by Ferdy Murphy whose horses seem to be running better now after a lengthy spell where they seemed out of sorts.

4.40 – David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle (Grade 2)

Quevega has won this for the last two years and is the selection to complete the hat trick. Sparky May looks next best while Alegralil is a horse I have always liked and could claim a place at a big price.

5.15 – Centenary Novices’ Handicap Chase (Listed)

Tullamore Dew was runner up in last season’s Coral Cup here and is yet to finish out of the first 2 over fences. He has plenty of weight to carry though, a comment that also applies to northern arider Premier Sagas, a winner of his last 2 races over fences.

Lower down the weights Divers and Definity are worth considering. The latter in particular ticks most of the right boxes. He jumps well, handles the ground and Ruby Walsh rides for trainer Paul Nicholls. He also stays further which is normally a positive at Cheltenham.

These 4 form my short list. All in all I will go with Tullamore Dew and Definity as my two against the field.

Good luck!

Neither of today’s selections actually ran which was frustrating. Tomorrow the main event is the Imperial Cup at Sandown. The David Pipe runners have to be respected in this given that the stable have won 5 of the last 10 renewals. I don’t have a really strong view on the race so I think I will stick with Via Gallilei who has done us a couple of favours already this season. You could try a small saver on Fiulin, a progressive type by the same sire as Via Gallilei. Not much else catches my eye at Sandown although Sarde might be worth a second look in the 2.25.

At Ayr the 4.00 looks to be a match between Locked Inthepocket and Stormin Exit. They are both course and distance winners but with Locked Inthepocket coming into the race on the back of a fall I will just favour Stormin Exit this time.

At Chepstow Requin, runner up on his chase debut at Exeter can go one better in the 5.15.

I have been featuring some former Cheltenham Festival heroes this week.  Today’s picture, courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller is of 3 times Gold Cup winner Best Mate.

 

Our good run continued today when the only selection The Cayterers jumped like the proverbial bunny to win at 9/1 at Wincanton.

Tomorrow Border Flora is worth a look in the Ayr 3.55. He was 2^nd at Carlisle in November and the winner has since won 3 times. He was then 3^rd at Ayr in January and the winner, the runner up and the 5^th home have all won since. He was pulled up on his last run but there may have been excuses for that as he was bumped into during the race. Border Flora has already run well at Ayr, the trip will suit and the trainer is adept at placing his horses in this type of race. The softer the ground the better.

The other horse I am going to put up today is a real speculative one. The Hollinwell looked a chaser of great potential at one time but has really lost his way having been pulled up in 3 of his last 4 races over obstacles (he was beaten 80 lengths in the other!) So why back him in the 5.05 at Ayr? Well he won a race on the flat at Southwell in December which was encouraging. He wears first time blinkers which might concentrate his mind over the fences and his trainer, hitherto as out of form as the horse, had a winner the other day.

With the Cheltenham Festival next week today’s picture, by the artist Lisa Miller, is of former Champion Hurdle winner Rooster Booster.

 

With Cheltenham just around the corner the racing pretty moderate stuff. My last selection, Tiptoeaway came in an 4/6 so I thought that we would try something a little more speculative for tomorrow.

The Cayterers is not an obvious selection for the Wincanton 2.30 as he hasn’t won over hurdles since Pontius was a pilot but he has been running better on the all weather lately and might just be well treated by the handicapper over hurdles. There is a reasonable chance that the track and going will suit him and his trainer is not in bad form.

Topless is yet to win a race but has been runner up no fewer than 10 times including today at Fontwell. She is down to run again at Folkestone in the 4.30. She has to win sometime!

 

Tim Easterby looks to have found a winning opportunity for Tiptoeaway in the Newcastle 4.20.

 

Today went well for us with winners at 16/1 and 6/1.

There are 4 jumps meetings in the UK tomorrow although in this pre Cheltenham period the quality does dip a little.

The Doncaster card gets under way with a handicap hurdle at 2.10. I had a bit of a fancy for Solway Sam in this at a big price. He won a couple of times in the summer and will like the drying ground. This race has tended to go to a fancied horse in the past with the highest priced winner in the last 7 renewals being 8/1. With this trend in mind my selection is Mac Aeda, a good looking, lightly raced individual who comes here on the back of a win, acts on the ground and gets the trip. I will be narked if Solway Sam wins though!

Scottish National winner Merigo looks a big price in the 3.15 while course and distance winner Drive Time will have conditions in his favour in the 3.50.

Chepstow form doesn’t always work out elsewhere but I am hoping that Sherwani Wolf, a recent winner at the Welsh track, can follow up at Newbury in the 1.55.

Paul Nicholls has a remarkable record in the 3.00 and is double handed with Ruby Walsh on Niche Market. The former Irish National winner may find this trip on the short side, a comment that applies to a number of his rivals. I am inclined to look for an outsider in this and Prince de Beauchene, Fine Parchment and Plein Pouvoir form my short list. Plein Pouvoir each way would be my tentative choice, although again I am relying on form from a win at Chepstow.

There are plenty in with chances in the 3.35. Made in Time is well thought of by trainer Rebecca Curtis and could be well treated off a mark of 1.22. Via Galilei is a course and distance winner and was only beaten a neck at Taunton last month. He has gone up the weights but could still be competitive. Sire Collonges may well have a bright future ahead of his over fences. He has been dropped 3 lbs after his run at Ascot and is one to consider. Zafranagar has dropped to a winnable mark and is a big price. At odds of around 8/1 Via Gallilei looks value.

Later on the Newbury card I fancy Rangitoto in the 4.10.

Somewhatinevitable is better than his form figures suggest and has each way claims in the Kempton 1.45.

The versatile Buck Mulligan was a comfortable winner at Wincanton in January and should go well in the 2.15 where Oasis Knight looks the danger.

Up at Kelso there are plenty of fancied horses and it looks a tricky race. Priceless Art has won 4 times in bumpers and may have found the ground too testing when a beaten favourite on his hurdles debut. He could be worth another chance in the 4.15 while Ballabriggs looks the likely winner of the 3.40 where Chief Dan George looks the danger.

With Cheltenham round the corner today’s picture, courtesy of Karen Davies, is former festival favourite Moscow Flyer.