Horses running from our main list to follow
Haydock 1.00 – Master Overseer
Haydock 1.30 – Valentine’s Lady
Haydock 3.10 – Dictum
Taunton 2.25 – Pertinent
Taunton 2.55 – Bon Viveur
Horses running from our “dark horses” list
Haydock 2.05 – Ballabriggs
Haydock 3.10 – Labelthou
Haydock 3.40 – Harry Wood
Taunton 3.30 – Opus Cafe
Nap of the day
Taunton 2.25 – Chrysander
Horses running from our main list to follow
Bangor 2.15 – Super Nick
Musselburgh 12.15 – Laborec
Newbury 12.30 – Big Bucks
Newbury 1.35 – Dear Villez & Air Force One
Newbury 2.05 – Helens Vision & Theatre Girl
Newbury 2.40 – Lightning Strike
Horses running from our “dark horses” list
Bangor 1.10 – Ordre De Bataille
Newbury 1.00 – Celestial Hero
Newbury 2.05 – Khyber Kim
Russellform Ramblings
Ordre De Boutaill probably needed the run when 3rd at Uttoxeter last month, but he jumped well and the form of the race looks OK. He looks to have a sound each way chance in the 1.10 at Bangor.
Paul Nicholls can do no wrong at the moment and Big Bucks and Celestial Hero will be expected to win for him at Newbury.
Helen’s Vision beat subsequent winner Pasco by 27 lengths over course and distance last time out and looks the one to beat in the 2.05 at Newbury.
Lightning Strike goes for the hat trick in the Newbury 2.40. Tom Scudamore has the ride for trainer Venetia Williams.
Super Nick didn’t jump well when a beaten favourite at Wincanton but he is not short of ability and he can score in the Bangor 2.15 if he can improve on his hurdling.
Nap of the day
Helen’s Vision – Newbury 2.05
Horses running from our main list to follow
Catterick 2.20 – Cedrus Libani
Leicester 1.00 – One Gulp & Cave Hill
Leopardstown 2.35 – Denman & L’Antartique
Horses running from our “dark horses” list
Catterick 2.55 – Northern Quest
Russellform Ramblings
Halla San was a decent handicapper on the flat and can make a winning start over hurdles in the 1.50 at Catterick, a track where he won on the flat.
The 1.00 at Leicester looks to be between Orphelin Collinges, Cave Hill and One Gulp. One Gulp showed abundant stamina when winning at Newbury and had useful form in bumpers. The other two both fell last time out. Cave Hill is a winning Pointer while Orphelin Collonges would have won at Hereford had he not crashed out at the last fence. This is quite a trappy contest but I am going with the Longsden horse Orphelin Collonges with McCoy in the plate.
After such an impressive win in the Hennessy Denman is hard to oppose in the Lexus Chase.
Nap of the day
Leictester 1.00 – Orphelin Collonges
Horses running from our main list to follow
Chepstow 12.20 – Mark the Book & Mister Potter
Chepstow 1.30 – Boyastara
Chepstow 2.05 – Not Left Yet
Chepstow 2.40 – Franchoek
Kempton 1.50 – Mossville
Kempton 2.25 – Vor Por Ustedes
Kempton 2.55 – Bible Lord & Caribou
Kempton 3.30 – Ouzbeck
WEtherby 1.25 – Bywell Beau
WEWtherby 3.05 – Lennon & Three Mirrors
Horses running from our “dark horses” list
Chepstow 2.05 – Halcon Generlardais
Chepstow 2.40 – Serabad & Tatenen
Kempton 12.40 – Indicible
Russellform Ramblings
Mark the Book has a tall home reputation but unfortunately his chase debut got no further than the first at Exeter. He is out again quickly in the 12.20 at Chepstow and is preferred to Mister Potter who is yet to complete in his two chase starts.
Silver Inngot won after 951 days absence from the racecourse at Lingfield. The longer trip in the Chepstow 12.55 should suit and I would be hopeful of a big run from him.
My 4 against the field in the Welsh National would be Preacher Boy, Gungadu, Homer Wells and Fair Question. Gungadu seems to be most effective in small fields and I am going with Preacher Boy as my each way selection. He was 3rd in the Hennessy last season and a repeat of that sort of form would see him in the shake up.
Franchoek has won at Chepstow on the flat and over hurdles and that should stand him in good stead in the 2.40.
The lightly raced Mossville looks reasonably handicapped in the 1.50 at Kempton and the step up to 3 miles could see further improvement in her.
Voy Por Ustedes has to give weight away all round in the 2.25 but may well be up to the task in a race he won last year.
Bible Lord was going as well as anything in the Hennessy until his stamina gave out. The shorter trip and easier track should be in his favour in the Kempton 2.55. Caribou would have an each way chance but he must have soft ground.
Furmigadelagiusta won trice on the flat over 12 furlongs and looks the type that could do well over timber. He makes his hurdles bow in the 2.00 at Wetherby.
Lennon blundered away a winning chance at the last fence when a beaten favourite at Kempton in October and looks to gain compensation in the 3.05 at Wetherby. He carries top weight and has to contend with a real Wetherby specialist in the shape of Mister McGoldrick who has won 8 times at the Yorkshire venue. Another interesting runner is Kilmackilloge who won at Aintree in October and the form of that race has been franked since by the runner up. Although it is 60 days since his last run Kilmackilloge goes well fresh and could run well at a price.
Nap of the day
Kilmackilloge – Wetherby 3.05.
Today’s trivia
During the 2006/7 season Howard Johnson saddled 54 winners from 399 runners.
What’s in a name?
In 1992, the National was run just a few days before John Major unexpectedly led the Conservative party to victory in the General Election. The winner was the aptly named Party Politics.
Horses running from our main list to follow
Huntingdon 12.25 – Commander Vic
Huntingdon 12.55 – Noble Sham
Huntingdon 2.00 – Smart Street
Huntingdon 2.40 – Amir El Jabal
Kempton 12.45 – Otage de Brion
Kempton 1.20 – Silverburn
Kempton 2.30 – Exotic Dancer, Kauto Star, My Way de Solzen & Taranis
Kempton 3.05 – Benetwood
Towcester 1.25 – The Package & Tot ‘O Whiskey
Towcester 1.55 – Ballyvoge
Towcester 2.25 – Seven is Lucky
Wincanton 12.30 – Cracking Cliché
Wincanton 2.45 – Russian Trigger
Horses running from our “dark horses” list
Huntingdon 12.55 – Proud to Present
Kempton 12.45 – Blue Bajan & Evelith Echo
Market Rasen 1.15 – Custom Design
Russellform Ramblings
Kempton Park
12.45 – Blue Bajan was only beaten a head by Maraahel in a Group 3 race on the flat at Chester and was rated as high as 111. He has made a very promising start to his hurdling career finishing a close second at Ascot to a horse that has won twice since and following up with a win at Leicester.
That race at Ascot may well hold the key here as the 3rd and 4th that day, Song of Songs and Polyfast, both re-oppose. Song of Songs had AP McCoy in the plate that day and the champion jockey will be on board once again at Kempton. Song of Songs was 2nd to Champion Hurdle hopeful Osana last season and has a live chance here. Polyfast comes from a family of winners and I am sure he has the scope to progress this season. He also comes from a stable that traditionally does well at this time of year.
Evelth Echo and Otage de Brion are others that add spice to what looks a very interesting contest. Evelith Echo is a tough little horse who won a bumper at Kempton last season. He was only beaten a short head by County Zen, who had earlier beaten Blue Bajan at Ascot. He seems quite versatile as far as ground goes. Otage de Brion, a big chasing type, was a bit disappointing when 3rd at Plumpton on his seasonal reappearance but may have needed the run. He had earlier won at Plumpton in a race where the form has since worked out well. With Font, a Paul Nicholls newcomer from the flat also in the mix this could hardly be more difficult to solve. I am going to stick with the form lines though County Zen which brings in Blue Bajan, Polyfast, Song of Songs and Evelith Echo. I was impressed with the attitude shown by Evelith Echo at Sandown and at 6/1 he looks each way value.
1.20 – Silverburn is a full brother to Denman and has always looked a chaser in the making. He was 2nd to Hobbs Hill on his chase debut and that horse has won since. Silverburn should strip fitter this time and is the selection.
1.55 – The talented Harchibald was back to something like his best when winning the Fighting Fifth and looks the one to beat here. Acambo reverts to hurdles after falling at the last over fences at Taunton on his last run. I still think he has a future over fences but I can’t see him getting the better of Harchibald. I will of course be hoping for a big run form “my horse” the Elite Racing Club’s Penzance. He stayed on well in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham to nick 3rd but I am not sure that Kempton will suit him as well.
2.30 – four of the last 5 runnings of the King George have gone to the favourite and this year looks like continuing the trend. It is difficult to find a chink in Kauto Star’s armour. Exotic Dancer has finished runner up to the Paul Nicholl’s champion 3 times now and Kauto Star does seem to have his rival’s measure. Kauto Star beat Exotic Dancer by 8 lengths in the King George last season and you would have to think that Kauto Star will come out on top again. Racing Demon was 3rd in last season’s race and is another that seems held on that form, although he does run well on a right handed tarck and is arguably in better fettle thgis time around.. Taranis is a decent horse in his own right but is clearly the Nicholls second string while High Cloy is on a 12 race losing sequence. If you are looking for something to beat the favourite then my Way de Solzen and Our Vic are being touted by some experts. My Way de Solzen was well beaten behind Kauto Star and Exotic Dancer at Haydock but may not have been fully would up that day as both the others had the benefit of a recent run. He has a World Hurdle and an Arkle on his CV and is a particularly good jumper. If there were 8 runners he would look a reasonable each way bet, as would Racing Demon (but there are now only 7 taking part). Our Vic is something of an enigma. He is a talented individual and goes well fresh. In truth though you have to think that if Kauto Star runs up to his best form he will win.
3.05 – Benetwood got off the mark over fences last time at Warwick and can win again here as long as we don’t get too much rain. He is quite lightly raced, comes from a good jumping family and has been most consistent in his career thus far.
Huntingdon
12.25 – Commander Vic is related to two horses that were placed in Grand Nationals but rather let the family honour down when he fell on his chase debut. He runs over hurdles here and with the David Pipe stable really firing he gets the selection.
12.55 – The Pipe team may well be on another winner here with Noble Sham. This one showed form in bumpers before winning a novice hurdle at Worcester back in 2005. He was then on the injured list for over 2 years but has now had a couple of comeback runs and could be spot on for this. The consistent Proud to Present, who should be suited by the track and going looks the other one of interest in this race.
2.00 – Smart Street has been 3rd in his last two runs, both at Kelso. He should be better suited by the right handed track at Huntingdon and with the Reveley horses mainly running well he should give a good account.
2.40 – Amir El Jabal ran better than the bare form suggests at Towcester in April. A winner over hurdles in France he could well be leniently treated and is one to look out for if supported in the market.
Market Rasen
1.15 – Inherent is a winner of a bumper and over hurdles and makes her chase debut here. She should do well over the bigger obstacles and is one to watch out for. Custom Design usually runs well at Market Rasen as his form figures of 1310 verify. He also goes well fresh so could be of interest here at a big price.
2.20 – Victory Gunner goes for a hat trick of wins in this event but I prefer Orki Des Aigles. He was only beaten a short head last year and showed his well being when runner up at Wetherby earlier this month.
Sedgefield
1.05 – Monolith has been a great servant to connections down the years with the Pontefract Cup on the flat and a Cheltenham handicap Hurdle among his successes. He tackles fences for the first time here so it will be interesting to see how he goes. The trip would appear to be on the short side for Top Cloud from our list to follow.
Towcester
12.50 – The Package and Tot o’ Whisky represent our list to follow here. The Package has tended to race rather keenly which on the face of it could be a worry at Towcester with its very stiff finish. However, he won a bumper there last season and I am inclined to support him.
1.55 – Seven is Lucky was 3rd at Exeter when the David Pipe horses were not going that well. With the stable bang in form now I would expect a much better run.
Wetherby
2.35 – Victor Daly can follow up his win at Lingfield last month.
Wincanton
12.30 – Cracking Cliché was well beaten at Newbury earlier this month behind One Gulp but conditions that day were very testing and he deserves another chance. Owlesbury Dream looks the danger.
2.45 – Russian Trigger looked a progressive sort when winning on his handicap debut at Market Rasen and can improve enough to win again.
Irish selections
Down Royal 1.30 – Northern Alliance
Leopardstown 12.20 – Sizing Africa
Leopardstown 1.20 – Temlett
Leopardstown 2.25 – Perce Rock
Limerick 1.10 – Cooldine
Limerick 2.15 – Arrive Sir Clive (EW)
Nap of the day
Kempton 2.20 – Kauto Star
Today’s trivia
The last race ever to be staged at Birmingham was won by a horse called Welshman ridden by Greville Starkey and the last horse home in that race was called Plantation Inn.
What’s in a name?
Russian Trigger’s sire was Double Trigger who won the Goodwood Cup 3 times.
A very merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year to everyone from Russellform.
Horses running from our main list to follow
Ascot 1.40 – Oscar Park and Special Envoy
Ascot 2.15 – Amour Multiple & Altilhar
Ascot 3.30 – Bertie May & Shoreacres
Haydock 12.20 – Regal Heights, Khasab & Niaid de Missalot
Haydock 2.30 – Cloudy Lane
Horses running from our “dark horses” list
Ascot 1.40 – Chief Dan George
Ascot 3.30 – Uffa Fox & Washango
Haydock 1.30 – Nom de Guerre
Haydock 2.30 – High Chimes
Russellform Ramblings
Fundamentalist looked a sure fire future star when winning 4 of his first 5 starts, including the Royal and SunAlliance Hurdle at the 2004 Festival when he beat the favourite Inglis Drever. He has rather lost his way since and is on a 13 race losing sequence. He looks to break that run in the Ascot 12.30. It is hard to say how much of his old ability he retains but he should at least have the ground he likes as all his career wins have come on good ground. He has shown some encouraging signs in his last couple of runs but his jumping does tend to let him down. I would like to see him back in the winner’s enclosure.
Another horse that should appreciate the Ascot going is Henry Daly’s Alderburn in the 1.05. He missed the Betfred at the end of last season with a chipped bone in his knee but should be right for this having already had one run this term. He has his trip and ground, acts well on a right handed track and has a good record with McCoy on board. He should be there or thereabouts. Harris Bay won nicely over course and distance last month and goes best on a sound surface so is another to consider.
If ever a horse deserved to land a big prize it is Special Envoy. He has twice come to grief at the last hurdle with the race in the bag and last time he ran a more than creditable second to the ultra resilient Inglis Drever. He lines up in the 1.40 which looks a very competitive affair. Oscar Park was in contention in that race won by Inglis Drever when he crumpled on landing at the penultimate hurdle. He won the Pertemps Final at the Festival last season getting the better of the one eyed Material World after a mighty battle. He is each way value. Hardy Eustace is obviously top class and is as tough as old boots. He is attempting a distance half a mile further than he has ever won over before and although he may well stay I think he is worth taking on if he is going to be short.
Chief Dan George was a bit disappointing when beaten in that Inglis Drever race but he is almost certainly better than that and he both stays and acts on the prevailing going. He wears a first time visor and should not be left out of the calculations. The enigmatic Black Jack Ketchum will no doubt have his supporters but he has appeared not to relish a fight in the past and the winner of this will probably have to dig deep. This is tricky. My heart says Special Envoy as he clearly deserves a big win. I would be inclined to go for something at a bigger price each way with Oscar Park my favoured option. Lyes Green could also run well at a big price.
Plenty of national hunt horses are more at home when there is plenty of juice in the ground so when the going is likely to be on the firm side it usually pays to look for horses with form on a sound surface. George Moore likes to target the big handicap hurdles and he runs Altilhar in the Ascot 2.15. He is high enough in the weights but has a turn of foot and most importantly he has won twice on good to firm on the flat. He is a course and distance winner and Jamie Moore has a 50% strike rate when riding him. He is my selection for the 2.15.
The 3.30 looks a decent bumper. Bertie May won 2 bumpers last season and looks a really nice type. He is trained by Kevin Bishop who also handles Ashley Brooke. Although he is penalised for those wins he has a very capable conditional in Darren O’Dwyer taking off 7 lbs. I am not sure about the horses’ ability to handle a firm surface though. There is plenty of opposition including Noble Alan who absolutely flew home in a maiden bumper at Newcastle last month. That was on good to firm as well so he is definitely one to consider. All About Trigger ran well in third in a bumper at Uttoxeter in November. He is well related and is likely to come on for his debut run. This looks a race likely to produce plenty of future winners.
All 3 of our runners in the 12.20 at Haydock have something to prove. Khasab was a bit of an unlucky loser on his seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham but was then pulled up on his return to Prestbury Park. The ground was deteriorating that day though and I think he is worth another chance. Niaid de Missalot was a beaten favourite on his last run but may have failed to get the trip and tomorrow the 20 furlongs could see him in a better light. Regal Heights is well thought of by connections but his wins have mainly come when the mud was flying so I am more inclined to side with Khasab and Niaid de Missalot.
There is an interesting line up for the Tommy Whittle Chase at 2.35. 8 of the last 10 winners have carried 11 stone or more so it would be unwise to rule out the top weights. Rambling Minster heads the weights and comes here on the back of a win in the Borders National at Kelso. That was only 13 days ago and there is a danger that this race might come a bit soon for him. Jaunty Times is a big horse that takes a bit of getting fit so he should be all the better for his first run of the season at Cheltenham where he was 4th last month. He has come down the weights a little bit and comes into the reckoning. High Chimes and Cloudy Lane were 4th and 5th respectively over course and distance last month and they may well hold the key to this race. I would give slight preference to Cloudy Lane on this occasion and he is the selection. Aztec Warrior is another in this race that commands respect but his win have come in small fields and I wonder if that is the key to him.
Nap of the day
Ascot 2.15 – Altilhar Today’s triviaAround 7.70% of runners fell or unseated their riders over the chase course at Ascot last season. What’s in a name?
Cryptic runs in the 1.30ay Haydock. Cryptic means “I conceal” in Greek.
Horses running from our main list to follow
Ayr 1.00 – Bedlam Boy
Ayr 3.05 – Berwick Law
Plumpton 12.50 – Pauillac
Plumpton 2.25 – Low Delta
Horses running from our “dark horses” list
Plumpton 12.20 – Daltaban
Plumpton 1.20 – Herecomesthetruth
Russellform Ramblings
Much to my surprise some of my nap selections are actually winning and Glencove Marina was another success at Navan this afternoon, albeit with the help of a couple of fallers. He looks a decent prospect.
Bedlam Boy makes his debut over fences for Nicky Richards in the 1.00 at Ayr tomorrow. He won twice last season and ended his campaign with a 3rd behind the highly rated Tidal Bay. He is likely to need further than this 2 miles eventually but he has the speed for the shorter trip and could make a winning start to a career over fences. Monolith also makes his chase bow. He is not very big but could well be the sort to pick up a race or two over the larger obstacles. If he does he will join that “club” of horses that have won over hurdles, fences and on the flat.
Berwick Law was 2nd over two miles at Newcastle last time out. The extra half miles of the Ayr 3.05 will play more to his strengths and he should go close.
Daltaban, a winner at Chantilly on the flat looks the form pick in the 12.20 at Plumpton. He is owned by David Johnson.
Pauillac jumped soundly when winning on his chase debut at Lingfield. With the David Pipe stable in fine form he should be able to follow up in the 12.50 at Plumpton.
Low Delta may well have won when unseating last time at Chepstow and is worth another chance in the 2.25 at Plumpton.
Nap of the day
Plumpton 12.50 – Pauillac
Today’s trivia
Trainer Tim Vaughan won over 120 races as a point to point rider.
What’s in a name?
Sheriff Roscoe was a winner at Leicester the other day. The name is taken from a character in the old TV series The Dukes of Hazzard.
Russellform Ramblings
Osana and Tidal Bay were winners from our list to follow at Cheltenham this afternoon. Tidal Bay has a very consistent record, never finishing out of the first 2. He carries his head rather high and I think that makes his jumping look a bit awkward at times. He seems to get from side of his fences to the other well enough though.
Osana put himself firmly in the Champion Hurdle picture beating some of the leading contenders including the reigning champion Sublimity. There was a sad postscript to this race with the aftal accident to Mac’s Joy. He was described by his trainer as a “little tiger” and he was all of that. He is best remembered for some titanic battles with his arch rivals Hardy Eustace, Harchibald and Brave Inca. He will be missed,
Nap of the day
Navan 12.25 – Glencove Marina
Today’s trivia
Glencove Marina is related to former Ascot Gold Cup winner Mr Dinos
Horses running from our main list to follow
Cheltenham 12.20 – Francoek
Cheltenham 2.05 – Tidal Bay & Predateur
Cheltenham 2.40 – New Little Bric & Abragante
Cheltenham 3.10 – Katchit, Osana & Afsoun
Doncaster 12.05 – Otage de Brion
Doncaster 2.55 – Cloudy Lane
Doncaster 3.25 – Kings Quay & Classic Gold
Lingfield 2.30 – Michael Muck
Horses running from our “dark horses” list
Doncaster 12.35 – Ordre De Bataille
Lingfield 2.30 – Labelthou
Russellform Ramblings
The Boylesports Gold Cup has been won by a 6, 7 or 8 year old in the last 10 years. Only one horse has won at odds of bigger than 10/1 and no winner carried more than 11 stone 3. Those trends give both Newe Little Bric and Abrogante leading chances. The ground will suit the David Pipe horse and the stable have been in good form of late. My slight preference though is for New Little Bric who should be all the better for his run at Ascot last month and is open to improvement.
Francoek has looked impressive in his runs over hurdles so far and will be hard to beat in the 12.20 at Cheltenham.
Paul Nicholls speaks very highly of Predateur who has been likened to Flagship Uberalles. I don’t think it would be fair to judge him on his 2nd to Moon Over Miami at Cheltenham last month as the ground was probably too soft for him and I am expecting a better showing today. For my selection in the 2.05 though I am going to stick with Howard Johnson’s Tidal Bay who has form figures at Cheltenham of 1221.
In the 3.10 I can’t really find a good reason to oppose Sublimity. Although Afsoun and Katchit both have the benefit of a run (two runs in Katchit’s case) Sublimity has run well fresh before and he has to be the selection.
At Fairyhouse I fancy Kazal in the 2.25.
Nap of the day
Cheltenham 2.40 – New Little Bric
Today’s trivia
John Francome began his riding career at Worcester in 1970 with a win on a horse called Multigrey.
Horses running from our main list to follow
Cheltenham 12.45 – Imperial Commander & Ornais
Cheltenham 1.20 Simon & Blue Splash
Cheltenham 3.40 – Calgary Bay
Doncaster 2.15 – Tot ‘o Whisky & Tazbar
Horses running from our “dark horses” list
Cheltenham 3.40 – Snap Tie
Doncaster 2.50 – Opus Cafe
Russellform Ramblings
The 12.45 at Cheltenham has only attracted 4 runners but all the quartet have chances. The pair from our list to follow look the most likely winners and both were impressive winners on their last outings. Imperial Commander likes Cheltenham having won there 3 times from 6 visits but it would of course take a brave man to oppose a Paul Nicholls runner at the moment
In the 1.20 the ground has probably gone against Simon but Blue Splash shouldn’t be inconvenienced by it and seems to be on the upgrade. At 7/1 he would be my each way suggestion.
Snap Tie runs well at Cheltenham (he was 2nd to Imperial Commander there in a bumper earlier in his career). He should go well in the 3.40. Calgary Bay has shown some ability on his starts so far and with AP McCoy in the saddle could be an each way possibility.
Furmigadelagiusta makes his hurdles bow in the 12.00 at Doncaster. He won a couple of times on the flat and was rated 89. He could be the sort to do well over timber.
Nap of the day
Doncaster 2.15 – Tazbar
ahorse 