Category: Racing diary

 

Jewson Novices’ Handicap Steeple Chase

China Rock was 4^th in the Ballymore Properties Hurdle last season. He is a sound jumper and should be suited by both trip and ground. Door Boy has already won twice over fences this season. He seems to act on any ground and goes well fresh. Hey Big Spender won over course and distance at the end of January and looks a most progressive sort. Fiendish Flame has never been out of the first 3 over obstacles and represents the McCain yard that had such a good winner today in Peddler’s Cross. Tony McCoy rides Jered who is a Grade 1 winner over hurdles and certainly won’t mind the ground. Ferdy Murphy saddles The Hollinwell, a real old fashioned chasing type. Connections have always held this horse in high regard and he is two from 3 over fences. Copper Bleu represents the in form Hobbs yard while the best of Nicky Henderson’s runners looks to be former Imperial Cup winner Dave’s Dream who will be suited by the ground. David Pipe saddles Great Endeavour who is another in with a chance.

China Rock looks an interesting Irish challenger here. He has a touch of class and will be suited by the ground. He is my selection, although I can see Hey Big Spender, Jered and Dave’s Dream running well..

Pertemps Final (Handicap Hurdle)

The lightly raced Alfie Sherrin has a lot going for him in this. He was an impressive winner at Newbury in a race that has worked out well. The other one I like is Ainama who looks to have been laid out for this. Both trip and ground should be ideal for him and he goes well fresh so a 111 day absence is not a problem. Time Electric and Smoking Aces look the best of the Irish challenge but Alfie Sherrin and Ainama are my two against the field.

Ryanair Chase

Tranquil Sea and Poquelin were first and second in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham earlier in the season and both have outstanding claims here. Of the pair I slightly favour the Irish horse. Barber’s Shop has plenty of talent but has had the misfortune to run into the likes of Kauto Star and Denman. He doesn’t face opposition of that quality here and may well be racing over his optimum trip. Albertas runs will have his favoured ground and has each way prospects as does Schindler’s Hunt but my two against the field are Tranquil Sea and Barber’s Shop.

Ladbrokes World Hurdle

We have seen a few “certainties” turned over already this week but I really can’t see Big Bucks losing here. Tidal Bay likes Cheltenham and looks an each way alternative while others to consider as bigger priced each way possibles are the improving Time for Rupert and Lie Forrit who looks over priced at 50/1.

Byrne Group Plate Handicap Steeple Chase

I have rather a long short list for this. Sunnyhill Boy, Song Songs, In Compliance, Watch My Back Atouchbetweenacara, Chapoturgeon and Aigle D’Or. Narrowing it down a bit further I have ended up with Chapoturgeon, Sunnyhill Boy and Song of Songs.

Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Steeple Chase

I think Shillingstone ticks most of the boxes for this.

Up at Hexham Nicky Richards can have a successful afternoon with Noble Alan (2.55) and Premier Sagas (3.35).

Today’s picture, courtesy of the artist Lisa Miller, is of the former World Hurdle hero Inglis Drever.

National Hunt Steeple Chase Challenge Cup

There are not too many that I can work up much enthusiasm for in this race. Pettifour has been a disappointment over fences and seems likely to blunder away his chance. Pennek has festival form as he was 3^rd over hurdles last season in the Pertemps Final. He has a bit to find at the weights with one or two of his rivals however. Casa Cada stays well and has an each way chance at a big price. At around 10/1 Mobaasher could be value. Venetia Williams does well with her chasers at the Festival and this horse has Festival form as he was 3^rd behind Katchit in the Triumph Hurdle. Becauseicouldntsee is another to consider. A winner at Fairyhouse last month he has the distinct benefit of being ridden by Nina Carberry. Fabalu has been aimed at this race since the start of the season. A dual point to point winner he has had 4 runs over fences, getting off the mark on his latest start at Bangor. He jumps soundly and should stay. My only concern would be the ground as his best form has been in bog like conditions. Anyway, my short list of 3 would be Fabalu, Mobaasher and Becauseicouldntsee.

Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle

I will oppose the likely favourite Rite of Passage here as I am not convinced that the form of his two wins has worked out too well. Manyriverstocross was 3^rd in the Totesport Trophy and that form was boosted today. On decent ground he should go well. Reve de Sivola won the Challow Hurdle but has failed to win in 4 visits to Cheltenham and his jumping sometimes lets him down.

The lightly raced Finian’s Rainbow was 3^rd in the Challow but that was his only defeat of the season. He handles the ground and has a high cruising speed. His trainer Nicky Henderson has a poor record in this race though. For my selection I am going to take a chance on the unbeaten Peddler’s Cross who has been most impressive in his starts this season. I would also suggest a saver on Quel Esprit who represents the trainer/jockey combination that has been successful in this race for the last two years.

RSA Steeple Chase

Nicky Henderson would appear to hold the key to this race. It is hard to choose between Long Run and Punchestowns. The latter has excellent Festival form having chased home Big Bucks in the World Hurdle last season while he has never been out of the first 2 when ridden by Barry Geraghty. Long Run has immense natural talent although his jumping has not been altogether fluent in his races in the UK. There are other contenders such as Diamond Harry and Weapon’s Amnesty while the Henderson 3^rd string Burton Point is no back number. I think it is between Long Run and Punchestowns though and I am going to give Punchestowns my selection. He has form at the Festival and I just have a slight concern about Long Run being ridden by an amateur jockey.

Seasons Holidays Queen Mother Champion Steeple Chase

Master Minded is the likely winner here. He simply has the best form on show and on the basis of his latest run looks back to something like his best. For those looking for each way value the other Nicholls runner Twist Magic has looked a much more reliable animal this season. Kalahari King has excellent form at the Festival and will enjoy the ground. He also comes into the race in good form having landed a handicap at Newbury under a big weight. He was narrowly beaten in the Arkle last season by another contender here, Forpadythepalsterer. He is another that will be suited by the going and has shown a liking for the track. Well Chief will be written off by many but might just surprise a few. He has an excellent record at Cheltenham and also goes very well fresh. It is hard to see Master Minded being denied the hat trick and he is the selection. Twist Magic and Forpadytheplasterer are the each way alternatives.

Coral Cup (Handicap Hurdle)

The Hobbs team are in top form at present and had a winner today with Menorah. The stable are represented by Wishfull Thinking in this. He has won all his 3 starts over hurdles and Giles Hawkins takes a useful 5 lbs off his back. Spirit River is one of a number of fancied runners from the Nicky Henderson yard. A bad mistake when in contention cost him any chance in the Totesport Trophy but before that he had won at Cheltenham before Christmas. James de Vassy was 4^th behind Khyber Kim in the Greatwood an d that form looks pretty good now! Lake Legend won at Kempton on Boxing Day and the 3^rd and 4^th horses have both won since. He will also act on the ground. Quantativeeasing and Andytown are a couple from the Nicky Henderson stable worth considering while I must also put a word in for Naiad Du Misselot who is on the same mark as when winning this in 2008 and is 25/1 in the betting!

My 4 against the field would be Wishfull Thinking, Spirit River, Lake Legend and James De Vassy. If pushed for a single selection I would choose Wishfull Thinking.

Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle

The David Pipe trained Notus de la Tour looks the one to beat here after a very impressive UK debut when winning at Plumpton. Stormy Weather has plenty of ability and would be in with a chance at his best but he is not the most reliable and of the outsiders I prefer George Nympton and Diktalina.

Weatherbys Champion Bumper (Open NH Flat Race)

Al Ferof and Dare Me represent the home team in this but it is a race that invariably goes to the Irish. Day of a Lifetime, Tavern Times, Elegant Concorde and Shot from the Hip are all strong contenders. This is not a race I have a strong view on.

Today’s pictures are of today’s hero Binocular (picture courtesy of Sarah Clegg) and reigning Champion Chaser Master Minded (picture courtesy of Lisa Miller.)

 

Spinal Research Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Dunguib, last year’s winner of the Festival bumper, is unbeaten over hurdles and may well be a superstar. The only factors against him are his relatively inexperienced jockey and a rather sloppy round of jumping on his last start. If we are going to oppose Dunguib what are we going to oppose him with? The Nicky Henderson trained Oscar Whisky who has won both his starts over hurdles in impressive style and comes into the “could be anything” category is one possibility. The Irish pair of Blackstairmountain and Flat Out, both trained by Willie Mullins are others for the short list. The former is probably best suited by good ground and has Ruby Walsh in the saddle while Flat Out, a winner on his hurdles debut at Punchestown last month is open to any amount of improvement. Get Me Out Of Here, the mount of AP McCoy is another to consider. A strong traveller he won the Totesport Trophy at Newbury and is unbeaten in 4 starts over hurdles.

Dunguib may well turn this into a procession but he is bound to be a short price and I would suggest a small each way interest in one of the potential improvers such as Oscar Whisky, Blackstairmountain and Flat Out.

Irish Independent Arkle Challenge Trophy Steeple Chase

There is a strong Irish challenge in the Arkle but I am hoping that this race will go to a British trained runner. Somersby has a lot going for him. He has a nice blend of speed and stamina and so far has jumped well in his races. The other one I like is Riverside Theatre who is an efficient jumper that will like the ground. Somersby and Riverside Theatre would be my 2 against the field. Paul Nicholls seems sweet on the chances of Woolcombe Folly and he might be worth as small each way interest.

William Hill Trophy Handicap Steeple Chase

My original short list for this race consisted of Casey Jones, Kicks for Free, Exmoor Ranger and The Package. No horse rated 150 or more has won this for 27 years which is rather a compelling statistic and if taken literally would get rid of Casey Jones who is rated 151! He goes well fresh and will be suited by the track as he showed when 5^th in the RSA Chase last season behind Cooldine. Exmoor Ranger has run well in a couple of decent handicaps this season, winning at Newbury and only going down by nose at Sandown behind Monkerhostin. He should be suited by the ground.

The Package has not always looked entirely genuine but I was impressed by his course win in December. He will be held up by Timmy Murphy, tactics that have proved successful in this race in the past. Kicks for Free has run well at the Festival in the past, only going down by a nose in the Coral Cup in 2008. He looks well treated at the weights. These are the 4 I would concentrate on although there are plenty of others with chances such as Character Building while Officier de Reserve could go well at a silly price.

For my final selection I will exclude the pair that are higher in the weights and side with The Package and Kicks for Free – final answer!

Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy

This race is incredibly open with very little to choose between the main contenders. Go Native has plenty in his favour having won at the Festival last season and he goes for the million pound bonus here having won the Fighting Fifth and the Christmas Hurdle. Celestial Hero has form figures of 122 at Cheltenham and looks likely to be in the frame again. In such a tight race Medermit could be the one most capable of improvement. He was possibly a bit unlucky when 2^nd to Go Native in the Supreme Novices last season and is one of my main fancies tomorrow. Barry Geraghty has chosen to ride Punjabi rather than Zaynar and this horse has a remarkably consistent record at the top level.

My initial fancy for the race was Solwhit as he seems to have the ideal blend of pace and stamina but he has had a slight setback in recent weeks which just puts me off. It is also possible that he needs more give in the ground to be seen at his best over 2 miles.

The 4 I am most interested in are Go Native, Celestial Hero, Punjabi and Medermit. It may well be Go Native’s race to lose but he is rather a short price for so open a race and you may want to look for value elsewhere. Medermit may well have improved past some of his rivals while the battle hardened Punjabi and Celestial Hero are likely to be on the premises.

Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Steeple Chase

Enda Bolger has a monopoly on these races and it seems a matter of whether the fact that Garde Champetre has gone up in the weights will allow his stable companion L’Ami to get the better of him. I am not so sure that weight matters so much in these races and I think that Garde Champetre will get the better of L’Ami with the pair first and second. Of the remainder Sizing Australia looks the one most likely to threaten the Bolger supremacy.

David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle Race

Quevaga has had an injury since running away with this last season but I will still take her to prevail again. Sway, Easter Legend and Carole’s Legacy are possible alternatives at bigger prices. Sway’s form has been on soft ground in France so there may be a question mark about her ability to handle the conditions. I will stick with Quevega for my selection but if you would like a small each way on something at a bigger price I would suggest Easter Legend and Carole’s Legacy.

There is also racing at Sedgefield where Moorlands Teri, a recent winner at Exeter is my only selection. He runs in the 1.45.

Today’s pictures are all of past winners of either the Champion Hurdle or the Arkle. From the top down they are Katchit and Rooster Booster (pictures courtesy of Lisa Miller) and Hardy Eustace and Moscow Flyer (pictures courtesy of Sarah Aspinall).

 

Today’s selections yielded a winner (at evens) and a second beaten a nose at 7/1.  I will not be previewing Monday’s racing as I am hard at work on the form for Cheltenham.  Watch this space!

 

Sunday’s selections are both at Warwick.  Calusa Crystal (3.00) and War Footing (3.30).

 

I will stand by my comments on the Imperial Cup in last night’s preview but another to consider at a big price is Katie’s Tutor.  Decent ground is the key to this one and he could go well.

The big race tomorrow is the 24 runner Imperial Cup at Sandown where the winner can earn a nice bonus if following up in any race at the Cheltenham Festival. Normally the Pipe stable target this event, winning 5 of the last 8 renewals but they are not represented this time.

As you would expect this is a fiercely competitive handicap and there are plenty in with chances. One that catches my eye is Numide, trained by Gary Moore whose runners are always worth considering in these big handicaps. Numide has not had the best of season, partly due to his unsuccessful efforts over fences but he has dropped to a reasonable handicap mark. He now runs off a rating just 1 lb higher than his win in the Greatwood Hurdle last season. He is 25/1 in the RP. Another I like is the lightly raced Tocca Ferro. With only 3 runs over hurdles it may be that the handicapper has underestimated his ability. With the possibility of more improvement he could be a bit of a dark horse here. Messrs Walsh and McCoy will be doing battle in the Gold Cup next week and both have fancied rides in the Imperial Cup with Pepe Simo and Qaspal respectively. Both have engagements at Cheltenham so could be in line for that lucrative bonus. Favourites have won 5 of the last 8 runnings and I am going to select Qaspal who In think will start favourite. I will also throw in Numide each way at a big price.

The novice handicap hurdle at 2.00 is nearly as tricky to solve. I have narrowed it down to a short list of 4, My Shamwari, Red Harbour, Diamond Brook and Alderley Rover. My Shamwari and Alderley Rover were 2^nd and 3^rd at Bangor last month and the 4^th horse has since won. Alderley Rover is now 6 lbs better off for being beaten a neck and the longer trip should also suit him. Red Harbour was runner up at Ascot last time out and the 3^rd horse has won since. Ruby Walsh has ridden him twice with form figures that read 12. Diamond Brook was a fortunate winner at Exeter last time on soft ground. He should appreciate the better surface tomorrow. Red Harbour will like the ground and should go close while Alderley Rover looks value at 33/1.

Cockney Trucker unseated on his chase debut but fared better next time finishing 2^nd at Doncaster. With that experience behind him he could go one better in the 4.15. Nikos Extra is my selection in the 4.50.

Bumper winner Qroktu has been disappointing so far this season but is worth another chance in the 2.20 at Chepstow. His bumper form was pretty good and the step up to 3 miles here might suit him. My other fancy at Chepstow is Sir Winston in the 5.15.

At Limerick Liss Na Tintri looks the form pick in the 2.05

Today’s picture is courtesy of the artist Karen Davies.

The racing at this time of year is never of the highest quality with Cheltenham looming next week but there were a couple of taking performances at Carlisle this afternoon. The novice hurdle looked likely to involve Tara Royal and McMurragh but the latter unseated at the second and in the end Tara Royal ran out a comfortable winner. A former winning pointer in Ireland he should make a chaser next season.

The beginners chase was named after Jools Holland and Alison Moyet and Graham Lee certainly got a tune out of the winner Middleton Dene. Lee was hard at work a long way out and should be in the frame for the Channel 4 ride of the month. Middleton Dene was winning for the first time over fences at the third attempt. He is apparently rather a fragile sort and needs a gap between his races.

The Grand Military Gold Cup is run at Sandown tomorrow. Sue Smith sends Garleton down for this. He will be ridden by Erica Bridge who was the first female commanding officer of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery. She also holds honours degrees in both French and Spanish. Garleton is around 14/1 at the moment and has an each way chance.

Tara Taylor won at Ffos Las last month and the second that day has won since. She should go well in the 4.05 despite having gone up nearly a stone in the weights.

At Wincanton the race commentator could be in for a hard time should Keckerrockernixes and Tenitemsplustoast fight out the finish in the 5.30!

Today’s picture, of former Cheltenham hero Kicking King, is courtesy of the artist Sarah Aspinall.

 

The 3.45 at Naas looks to be between Taking Stock and Gagewell Flyer.  The latter had some fair form in bumpers and could well make a winning debut over hurdles here.

 

Selections for Tuesday;

Exeter 4.30 – Moorlands Teri

Newcastle 2.20 – Mac Aeda; 4.20 – Glenwood Knight