Category: Racing diary

Horses running from our main list to follow – None

 

Horses running from our “dark horses” list – None

 

Ramblings

Sunday at the Cheltenham Open Meeting saw a change in the conditions with a strong wind and driving rain. Mendo was one horse to relish the soft ground and he stayed on strongly to give Noel Chance his first winner of the season.  this son of former Champion Hurdler Alderbrook was winning for the third time on a row and looks the sort to make a chaser.  Sadly the sire, Alderbrook died not long ago.

 

Moon Over Miami proved too strong for the Paul Nicholls trained favourite in the opening novice chase.   Trained by Charlie Mann at Lambourne Moon over Miami caught the eye last season when he won a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham.  He is a former winner on the flat in Germany.

 

I was pleased to see that great old warrior Kerry Lads add to his winning tally in typically gritty fashion at Carlisle. He has been a fantastic servant for the Lucinda Russell yard this being his 9^th career win.  He has won 3 times at Ayr, Carlisle and Wetherby.

 

Things were not going too well for me on the tipping front in the early part of the day so I was glad to see my selection for the Greatwood Hurdle, Sizing Europe come in at 5s. The runner up, Osana ran with a lot of credit off a big weight.

 

Somke of the big stables are having a bit of an in and out time of things at the moment with Paul Nicholls, David Pipe and Philip Hobbs all having some disappointing runners.  A change in the going may well help.  Alan King has around 150 horses in his charge now and looks set for a successful season.  He will have been pleased with the run of Champion Chaser Voy Por Ustedes today I would imagine.

 

We lost one runner from our list to follow on Saturday when Granit Jack was killed at Cheltenham, and another, the Irish hurdler Iktitaf, is fighting for his life after a serious injury in training.  He will certainly not run again.

 

 

Nap of the day

This is one of a number of “new features” that I am introducing.  I have probably picked a bad day to start with the only jumps meeting an all hurdles card at Leicester on fast ground. Anyway I am going for something adventurous.  Oumeyade couldn’t put a foot right last season but I am banking on him proving better this time around.  Hee si a half brother to the useful Ladalko and his trainer has had a few winners lately, notably Harris Bay and Glasker Mill.  So it is Oumeyade in the 2.40 at Leicester.

 

Today’s trivia

All the Indian Classics are run at Bombay (Mumbai to you)

 

The Indian Derby, run at Mahalakshmi Race Course, is the highlight of Mumbai's racing year.

 

Traditionally run on the first Sunday of February, the race is known as the "Crown Jewel of the Triple Crown." It is restricted to four-year-old horses, both colts and fillies.

What’s in a name?

L’oiseau de feu runs in the 2.10 at Leicester.  It means “bird of fire” in French.  The sire was Stravinsky named after the composer Igor Stravinsky who composed “The Firebird

 

Continue reading “Diary: November 19 2007” →

There were 4 winners from our list to follow today with the best coming from the only one I didn’t tip, L’Antartique, in the Paddy Power.

 

The first two days of the Cheltenham Open Meeting have had more than their fair share of drama and day 3 promises more of the same.

 

The card kicks off with a Grade 2 novice chase at 1.10.  After the awful blows suffered by the Nicholls team today it would be good to see them get some compensation here with Predateur.  A winner over hurdles at Taunton last year he also ran well in good company behind the Triumph Hurdles first and second Katchit and Liberate.  He is well thought of by connections who rate him an outstanding chasing prospect.            

                       

Vot Por Ustedes has won on both his previous visits to Cheltenham and I can see him successfully giving weight away all round to make it 3.

 

The 2.55 is a very competitive handicap and my short list is rather a lengthy one!  I thought that Osana might be going over fences this season but the Pipe yard are keeping his to hurdles for the time being anyway. His second to Blythe Knight at Aintree reads well and he would not be the first top weight to win this.  Sizing Europe comes over from Ireland.  He won 3 times last season and was going well when falling at Punchestown recently.  John Quinn saddles Pevensey who won a good handicap on the flat at Ascot and may have more to offer yet over hurdles.  Altilhar is perhaps a bit high in the weights but has run very consistently in decent handicaps and cannot be ignored.  The P Hobbs pair of Lead On and Manhattan Boy are also worthy a close look.  Lead On has only had 5 runs and has plenty of scope for improvement.  There was plenty to like about his second at the last Cheltenham meeting behind the well handicapped Don’t Push It and he should be in the shake up.  Manhattan Boy won twice last season before bursting a blood vessel around Christmas time.  He has had a recent run on the flat so should be fit.  He is best on soft ground.  Chivalry may have signalled a return to form with his recent second to King’s Quay and he would complete my “short” list.

 

If pushed for a selection I would just favour the Irish challenger Sizing Europe.

 

Elsewhere in the Fontwell 12.20 Super Nick should go well on his debut for a new stable while in the 12.30 at Carlisle Lucinda Russell saddles Quws Law who is a winning pointer and also has good form in bumpers.  He looks a nice prospect.

 

The 1.00 at the Cumbrian track sees the second run over fences for the exciting Tidal Bay.  He will not have things all his own way though as Mr Strachan opposes.  His second to K’Antartique on his chase bow looks very good indeed in the light of today’s events. Ferdy Murphy’s Top Cloud should have a good season but might need the run, and a greater test of stamina.

 

Another Murphy runner, Marshall Hall could take advantage of a lenient hurdles mark in the 1.35.

 

Kealshore Boy cost Graham Wylie 290,000 Guineas after showing some hot form in bumpers and he will be expected to make a winning start to his hurdles career in the 2.45.  P’tit Vouster  could run well at a huge price.

 

At Punchetown Tailor’s Hall can make a winning start over fences in the 1.40 while the 2.15 sees the younger generation in the shape of Bob’s Pride and Clopf take on the established order in the shape of Macs Joy, Newmill and Harchibald.

 

Mick the Man is my selection in the 3.25.

 

Bye for now

Continue reading “Diary: November 18 2007” →

The cross country races at Cheltenham have come in for some stick over the years but even its harshest critics must have been moved by the incredible race that we were privileged to witness today.  Old Spot the Difference got one of the biggest cheers the Prestbury Park venue has ever heard – wonderful stuff.  Surely connections should retire him now – that was a very hard race and he deserves to go out at the top.  I suppose he had his share of luck with Puntal’s rider taking the scenic route, Royal Auclair nearly being carried out by another “wanderer” and Le Duc managing to get rid of Sam Thomas when travelling nicely.  Having said all that,  it would have taken a very determined rival to have bettered the old warrior up that Cheltenham hill this afternoon.

 

If tomorrow’s racing can generate anything like that level of drama then we are in for a treat.  Things get under way at Cheltenham at 12.55 with a handicap hurdle.   Mole’s Chamber from the in form Dartnell stable represents our list to follow and has an each way chance.  Chasing will be his game but he is a lightly raced progressive sort and could go well.

 

In the 1.25 I would give a chance to Alberta’s Run if he can improve his jumping that let him down badly at Aintree last time.  The fact that he tackles a longer trip here may slow things down a bit and help him in the jumping department.  Point to Point winner Willanwoody appeals as the main danger.  The ground is likely to be a bit too quick for The Real Deal.

 

Franchoek won nicely at Chepstow last time and the ground at Cheltenham will not be a problem for him. He won over 2 miles on the flat so is likely to stay further than that over hurtdles. The Cheltenham hill should play to his strengths and he is my fancy for the 2.00.

 

Back in the 60s when I lived on the South Coast I watched both Pompey and the Saints.  I remember the year that the Fratton Park outfit had a bit of a cup run and knocked out a Fulham side that included Johnny Haynes and “sniffer” Clarke. I recall a session in a London pub with some Fulham fans who downed a few Mackesons.  Never liked the stuff myself but drank some to be polite.

 

Anyway – where is all this leading you may ask.  Nowhere much really (does everything have to have a point?) Just that many moons ago the Paddy Power Gold Cup (2.35) used to be called the Mackeson.  There are 5 runners from our list to follow in this, Bob Hall, Private Be, L’Antartique, Granit Jack and Three Mirrors.  Bob Hall has run twice at Cheltenham and not been beaten far on either occasion.  He was 2^nd in the Jewson Handicap at the Festival2 lengths behind L’Antartique.  Both have had a run this season, Bob Hall was 3^rd at Cheltenham behind Knowere whiel L’Antartique won a 3 horse race at Carlisle.  Private Be was brought down in Knowhere’s race when going well and had earlier beaten Bob Hall at Aintree at the end of last season.  These 3 are very closely handicapped with each other and difficult to separate.

 

Granit Jack had problems with stomach ulcers last season which hindered his progress.  He ran a  blinder to finish 2^nd in the Supreme Novices Hurdle and could be a bit of a blot on the handicap.  I am not sure how he will handle the ground though.  Three Mirrors is a consistent sort but on jockey bookings is Ferdy Murphy’s second string.   This is very difficult to call but I am going for the well handicapped Granit Jack.  At a bigger price Private Be might be worth each way support.

 

Blazing Bailey has to give lumps of weight away in the 3.10 but he goes well round Cheltenham and is the class act in the race.

 

Simon will probably be aimed at the Grand National again this season.  He was running a big race last year when coming down 6 from home.  He runs in the 3.40 where his stamina will stand him in good stead and he has an each way chance.

 

Scarvagh Diamond looks an interesting prospect over fences this season.  She runs in the 1.05 at Uttoxeter tomorrow where any rain would help her chance.  The main danger looks to be Arnold Layne, named after a Pink Floyd single that was banned by the BBC.

 

Whiteoak ran rather green on her hurdles debut at Bangor and was beaten a short head.  Her bumper form was solid and she will have gained experience over hurdles for her Bangor run.  She should go well in the 2.10.

 

At Wetherby I would expect Brook no Argument to make a decent fist of her hurdles debut.  She ran well in bumpers and appeals as the type to succeed over timber.

 

Valentine’s Lady did enough on her hurdles debut to suggest a win was not too far off.  She looks the one to be on in the 2.20.

 

John Quinn is one of the best dual purpose trainers around and his Day to Remember represents our list to follow in the 3.25.  He won over hurdles last season at Market Rasen and is fit from the flat.

 

That is about all for tonight – enjoy the racing tomorrow and I will be back in the evening for a look at Sunday’s action.

 

Continue reading “Diary: November 17 2007” →

Now that we have said goodbye to the flat season the jumpers can really take centre stage.  The new season steps up a gear tomorrow with the start of the Paddy Power meeting at jumping’s spiritual home at Cheltenham.

 

The first race is a 24 runner conditional jockey’s handicap hurdle at 12.45, so clearly not an easy start for the punters.  Tony Martin sends Top of the Charts across from Ireland and this one does look to have solid claims.  He has a touch of class having finished 2^nd in the Ascot Stakes on the flat, he has shown himself to be in good form with performances on the flat and over hurdles in recent months and he will like the ground.  The stable won the race last season.

 

Ballyfoy represents our list to follow in the 1.20. He beat Boychuk at level weights last season and is better off here.  He will handle the ground; he stays well and should give a good account.

 

The cross country race at 2.30 will not be to everyone’s liking but I find these races very watchable.  Spot the Difference attempts to win this for the 4^th year running at the age of 14. I hope he does but he is a bit on the short side as a betting proposition.   The Paul Nicholls pair Royal Auclair and Le Duc should d go on the short list.  Royal Auclair will handle the ground and has the benefit of a recent run. He was 5^th in the race last season.  Le Duc was 3^rd in the Festival cross country over course and distance and is another that will act on the ground.  Puntal is a quirky sort but loves firm ground and stays all day.  He won the Whitbread a few years back beating Royal Auclair by a short head and has completed the course in the last two Grand Nationals.  Freney’s Well is a lightly raced type and comes into this with strong credentials as he was 2^nd to Spot the Difference in the La Touche Cup at Punchestown.  He would be my selection with perhaps a saver on Le Duc.

 

I was impressed with the way Snap Tie won over course and distance last time out and he will do for me in the 3.05. Kirbybroguelantern, an easy winner at Limerick 4 days ago could be the danger.

 

Another recent course and distance winner that could go in again is Imperial Commander in the last race at 3.45.  For those of you who like that sort of trivia Imperial Commander started his career in a bumper at Cheltenham where he beat Snap Tie into 2^nd place.

 

Up at Newcastle in the 12.05 My Arch makes his hurdles debut for Martin Todhunter.  He was rated 87 on the flat and stayed 12 furlongs so could be an interesting recruit.

 

Be lucky

 

Continue reading “Diary: November 16 2007” →

Jumps racing comes from Ludlow and Taunton tomorrow.

 

Hitaaf makes his hurdles debut for David Pipe in the 3.30 and is likely to start a warm order.  He won a 12 furlong handicap at Saint Cloud and was also placed on a number of occasions on the flat in France.  He is bred to stay.

 

At Taunton Five Two comes over from Ireland for the seller at 1.40.  He has form on fast ground and looks a likely winner.

 

The 3 day Cheltenham meeting gets under way on Friday so I will be looking forward to that in these pages tomorrow.

 

Continue reading “Diary: November 15 2007” →

Reflecting on the last couple of day’s racing Twist Magic won very much as a 2/11 shot should.  Apart from getting in close 2 out he jumped quickly and accurately and looks set for a successful campaign.

 

I was interested in the novice chase at Carlisle on Monday as 4 runners from my list to follow took part.  Cedrus Libani won for the in form Howard Johnson yard and with the field quite strung out the form looks solid.  Modicum and Benetwood filled the minor placings and should go on to win races.

 

Evelith Echo won twice in bumpers last season for Alan King and makes his hurdles debut tomorrow in the 12.50 at Bangor-on-Dee. He seems to handle any ground and I would be hopeful of a good run.

 

Money Order represents our list to follow in the 1.20. He makes his chase debut after being unbeaten in 3 starts in a bumper and over hurdles.  All his wins have come on soft ground so the question here may be the going.  He looks like a horse with plenty of stamina.

 

Bible Lord goes for the hat trick in the handicap chase at 2.20.  He steps up in trip which should suit him.  The main danger may come from the giant Bannow Strand who has been something of an under achiever since coming from Ireland with a reputation to match his huge frame.  He has plenty of talent though if he can get it right on the day.

 

The 3.50 is interesting in that David Pipe brings back Noble Sham and Time Bandit who return to the track after 782 and 876 days respectively.  Either would be very interesting if there is market support.

 

Continue reading “Diary: November 14 2007” →

I am pushed for time tonight so this will be a short update.

 

There are two runners from our list to follow in action tomorrow. Abstinence goes in the Sedgefield bumper at 3.50. He looked good when winning at Wetherby last season but made a right mess of things on his reappearance at Hexham.  He was an odds on favourite but bolted before the start and then raced too keenly.  One to watch I suppose.

 

Twist Magic is a horse that has always been well regarded by connections. He is being aimed at the Champion Chase in March but should be able to make a winning start in the Kempton 2.55.

 

Continue reading “Diary: November 13 2007” →

Well, now that the drama of the flat finale has died down we can concentrate on what should be an exciting jumps campaign.  We have Cheltenham to look forward to at the weekend with the Paddy Power Chase on Saturday but in the meantime Carlisle stage a fair card for a Monday.

 

The beginner’s chase at 12.50 features several promising types.  Benetwood has AP McCoy on board and he will wear the distinctive colours of J P McManus.  Benetwood has been remarkably consistent in his career so far and is yet to finish out of the first 2.  He will appreciate the good ground and looks a major player.  Another making his chase debut is Cedrus Libani, trained by Howard Johnson.   He was staying on in the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham and had earlier won at Hexham and Newcastle.  Modicum has already had one run over fences when jumping well to finish second at Hexham.  He is another that will like the ground.  Shouldhavehadthat moved from Nicky Henderson’s yard in the summer and is now with Ferdy Murphy.  He has always looked a chaser in the making and his first run when unplaced at Kelso can probably be disregarded as Ferdy Murphy’s horses tend to come on for the run.  A good race this and a hard one to call.  With the ground in his favour I am going to side with Benetwood.

 

Professor Higgins was an expensive purchase by Graham and Andrea Wylie after finishing second in a Limerick bumper.  He had earlier won his only point to point and may well make a winning hurdles debut in the 1.20, a race that Howard Johnson won last season.

 

In the 1.55 According to John makes his reappearance. He was 3^rd to Denman at Cheltenham last season and looks capable of landing a good prize this term.  Idle Talk has failed to complete in any of his last 4 starts but this represents a drop in class for him and the small field may aid his jumping.  Caribou is a horse I like but his best form has been on soft ground.  According to John should win this on the way to better things.

 

That is about all for tonight

 

Continue reading “Diary: November 12 2007” →

What a quite remarkable finish to the flat season and what a credit to the sport were the two jockeys vying for the championship.  Sportsmanship still survives in the 21st century after all.

 

As well as enjoying the sheer theatre of the occasion at Doncaster on TV I also had the satisfaction of a fair amount of success on the tipping front. Over the jumps Theatre Girl, Abrogante, Hell’s Baby, King’s Quay and Ornais were all winning tips while on the flat the luckless Borderlescott was only beaten a short head.

 

King’s Quay is a really game little dual purpose horse and battled on well to get the better of the former Cambridgeshire winner Chivalry at Wincanton.

 

Theatre Girl was given 5 runs in bumpers last season and her form was very consistent.  I was quite hopeful that she would make a winning debut over timber and she didn’t disappoint.

 

Abrogante was described by one pundit this morning as “chicken-hearted.”  It didn’t stop him from winning the Badger Ales Chase, although he won so easily that his resolution was not really put to the test.  Timmy Murphy gave him a super ride, cajoling him quietly into the race from the back.

 

Ornais was another given a patient ride, this time by Ruby Walsh.  Ornais looked ungainly at times with his rather odd head carriage but he got the job done and obviously has ability.

 

There is not much that catches my eye tomorrow.  Mohtarres may be worth a second look in the 3.15 at Limerick, especially if there is support for him in the market, while I quite like Powerstation in the 1.25 at Navan.

 

Bye for now.

 

Continue reading “Diary: November 11 2007” →

Nicky Richard's course winner Role On looks a likely improver and could be worth a look in the 2.40 at Kelso.

Continue reading “Late thoughts Saturday” →