Saturday Racing at Newbury and Warwick

Good National Hunt racing Saturday at Newbury and Warwick, as well as more over the Irish Sea, with the curtain being drawn down on the Punchestown Christmas Festival. Nicky Henderson has been in terrific form as of late, with another treble last Saturday, and could be the one to watch again come Saturday.

Racing at Newbury is always a great spectacle, with enthusiasm in the course coincidentally on an upward curve since Denman's two Hennessy wins in 2008 and 2010. CUE CARD ran last time out there, and was caught close home by Bobs Worth, who ran a game second behind RSA Chase favourite Grands Crus in the Feltham Chase at Kempton. His form is hard to ignore, with the biggest piece of form, the Supreme Novices Hurdle from last year, showing he ran fourth behind Al Ferod, 2/2 since chasing, Sprinter Sacre, who disposed of Champion Hurdle runner up Peddlers Cross, and Aintree Hurdle winner Spirit Son. The drop back in trip to 18 1/2 furlongs would seemingly suit a horse who has so much natural speed.

REY NACARADO has shown he is one of the games most prominent staying chasers, with a good second last time out to Giles Cross at Fontwell last time out, and can build further from that. Up 2lb for that second, the form in that race is working out well, Giles Cross running a game second in the Welsh National, and Le Beau Bai, pulled up that day, going on to win the Chepstow slugfest. He got out stayed last time over three and a half miles, and the two furlong shorter trip, based on his previous run, should suit the tough stayer.

Our final selection from Newbury comes in a class 3 juvenile hurdle, and is the interesting STENTORIAN, who has recently gone to Gary Moore, being a subsequently group placed flat horse for Mark Johnston. He showed plenty of promise as a two year old, finishing behind Zoffany and King Torus, but failed to build on that, eventually running over extended trips, his last run being over two miles. He has a lost of class in his pedigree, being a chestnut colt out of Street Cry. He ran a good second over hurdles first term out, and will be able to build on that, and should also be a decent price, with the Alan King horse Vendor expected to go off odds on.

Going across to Warwick, the master of Seven Barrows has a terrific record and MUSH MIR is expected to continue his fine form, by taking the 1.45, a novices chase. He lost his unbeaten record last time out after three impressive outings for the former George Baker runner, however given the form, he wasn't disgraced. He finished third that day, but the winner has since won a novice hurdle once more, and the second has won two novice hurdles, including a Grade 2 at Cheltenham. He has 12lb in hand on official ratings, and providing he takes to chasing, he should be a good thing.
BALLYOLIVER could turn out to be a very tasty each way price in the 2.50, which as it stands, is an eight runner handicap, meaning each way odds 1/5 1-2-3. The Venetia Williams trained horse has been steadily dropped by the handicapper, who has taken him down another 3lb for his recent fourth at Folkestone. He seemed to tire in the last couple of furlongs in soft conditions, and a bit firmer ground could help with his stamina.

It woud be very surprising if the David Pipe trained SPIRITOFBARBADOS didn't give a good account of himself in the 13.10, a conditional handicap hurdle, who aims to bounce back to form after returning from a break. Conor O' Farrell takes the ride, and has previously finished first and third on two runs on the five year old son of Oscar, which is another good omen. He finished behind Mister Chancer last time out, and the form from that run, as well as his others during the summer is working out well, and he could have a good few pounds in hand with the handicapper.

12.55 Newbury - Stentorian
14.05 Newbury - Cue Card (Nb)
14.35 Newbury - Rey Nacarado
13.10 Warwick - Spiritofbarbados
13.45 Warwick - Mush Mir (Nap)
14.50 Warwick - Ballyoliver (Ew)

The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

Midweek Tipping - Thursday at Kempton Park and Southwell

A great weekend and period of National Hunt Racing with Kauto Star proving he is back to his sensational best, winning his fifth King George. A couple of my Cheltenham ante-post selections, Sprinter Sacre and Grands Crus, also put in spellbinding performances at Kempton, all of which augurs well as Cheltenham now begins to loom ever larger.

Racing on Thursday this week comes in fibresand format, with all weather cards at Southwell and Kempton keeping us going during the cold snap.

Starting at Southwell, there are a few horses that look very interesting, the most curious being SHIFTING GOLD for the Kevin Ryan yard. Switched back to the flat since an unsuccessful stint hurdling, the trainer’s daughter Amy gets the leg up and she has a good record when partnering the 5 year old. She has 4 wins and 4 seconds from her 14 times steering the son of Night Shift and at a reasonable price looks worth an interest.

Two more horses who have been running well in this sphere are NAFA and SPAHI. Spahi, was very impressive when winning well last week after being punted off the boards. Going off 2/1 favourite, he travelled well and picked up when asked, flying down the outside to win by a good neck. Running under a penalty in a selling handicap he should, in theory, be a penalty kick.

Not a penalty kick but one with a terrific chance is the consistent Nafa. Danny Tudhope takes both rides and has finished first and second on his two rides on the horse. He has to be respected, in a rather weak looking handicap.

Switching to Kempton, a horse who looks to hold excellent credentials in this capacity is the talented BOOKIESINDEXDOTNET, who is lowly waited in a Kempton nursery, the 4.20. Unsuccessful in maidens, since switched to handicapping she has taken advantage of a light mark, winning and finishing a good runner up in two five furlong handicaps. The form of the filly’s last run has worked out very well, with the winner since finishing second and first in two runs since.

The final selection is somewhat speculative, but could be very rewarding. The Mark Johnston trained PLATTSBURGH could be a decent price in the 4.50, a handicap over a mile and a half. The gelding comes back after a long break and, although inconsistent, there is evidence on some of his form that on his day he is capable of putting in a useful effort.

An unsuccessful two year old career in the autumn of last year put aside, he had two wins and a second from nine runs this year. In July, the son of Bernardini returned after a 68 day break to win well under Fallon and could do so once more under Franny Norton.

12.20 Southwell - Nafa
12.50 Southwell - Spahi
14.00 Southwell - Shifting Gold (ew)
4.20 Kempton - Bookiesindexdotnet
4.50 Kempton - Plattsburgh (ew)

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Christmas and New Year Tipping, Chepstow, Kempton and Leopardstowm

With no racing Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there is an acute feeling of anticipation leading up to the feast of racing on Boxing Day. There are a whopping 10 meetings in the UK and 3 in Ireland on the 26th with Kempton and Leopardstown stand-outs. As if that wasn’t enough we have the Coral Welsh National on Tuesday. So much racing, so little time!

The Feltham Novice Chase on Boxing Day has been won by a different trainer in each of last six years but a name that has eluded that roll of honour since the turn of the millennium is that of PIPE. This year the stable have a potential chasing superstar on their hands with GRANDS CRUS, the only horse to get Big Bucks off the bridle in three years. He has gone chasing with early success, winning two good quality novice chases. He currently heads the betting for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and, given a clear round, he should just edge out the Nicky Henderson trained Bobs Worth.

The showpiece event at Kempton on Monday is the King George, a race which may turn Kauto Star from a superstar into a legend. He may have had this season’s day in the sun at Haydock in the Betfair Chase and the second that day, LONG RUN, is expected to turn the form around.

Master Minded, Somersby and Captain Chris are all untested over the trip, all competed in two mile races at last years Cheltenham Festival. Kauto Star was cherry ripe for Haydock, and may struggle to replicate that effort here whereas Diamond Harry would appear to need cut in the ground. That leaves Nacarat and Golan Way, the two outsiders, who could represent some each way value. However Long Run will have conditions, ground and trip to suit and, even allowing for his scratchy jumping, he looks to have what it takes to taste glory for a second successive year.

The focus of racing in Ireland over the festive period is the meeting at Leopardstown, which has four Grade 1’s and some top handicap chases on offer. Two stand outs over this period look to be BIG ZEB and QUITO DE LA ROQUE, in the two mile and three mile Grade 1 chases respectively. Colm Murphy’s former Champion Chaser Big Zeb won his seasonal reappearance in style, beating Paul Nolan’s Noble Prince. The current Paddy Power Dial-a-Bet Chase winner should be too good for his rivals such as Golden Silver and Forpadytheplaster and should be able to defend his crown before, hopefully, going on to further glory at Cheltenham in March.

QUITO DE LA ROQUE is the most promising staying chaser in Ireland, and Gigginstown Stud’s imposing specimen was nothing short of impressive when out battling his rivals JNWine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal. The seven year old gelding has won six of his seven starts over fences, his only loss occurring when second to eventual RSA Chase winner Bostons Angel last year in a novice chase at the same meeting. His form from his Punchestown and Aintree Grade 1 wins last year are working out really well and, if he is to aspire to his Cheltenham target, he should be better than the likes of seasoned campaigners Cooldine, Joncol and Magnanimity.

Kempton 14.00 – Grands Crus
Kempton 15.10 – Long Run & Nacarat (Ew)
Leopardstown 27/12 13.25 – Big Zeb (Nb)
Leopardstown 28/12 13.55 – Quito De La Roque (Nap)

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Midweek Tipping - Tuesday at Kempton, Musselburgh and Taunton

Another successful week, with two selections from four in our midweek, all weather edition, and then Raya Star landing the money in the big race of the weekend, the Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle.

Connections to follow over the winter are trainer Ian Williams and jockey William Carson, grandson of former Champion and I’m A Celebrity star Willie. Both have had tremendous years, increasing their profile significantly. They team up Tuesday with CINCINNATI KID, who runs for the first time in handicap grade at Kempton in a five furlong sprint contest. A well bred filly by Cape Cross, she has been running over extended trips, and has been well held on all starts. The stable is synonymous with getting horses ready for a handicap, and given their recent success, the filly should be well supported and should go close.

The golden girl of racing returns to action on Tuesday and the ‘Head Turner’ looks to have a decent set of rides, the most attractive being OPUS MAXIMUS, who has been a model of consistency in recent weeks. Running over 9 and 10 furlongs, the Connor Dore gelding has ran behind horses such as Greyfriarschorista, Archie Rice and Emerald Wilderness, as well as winning a Wolverhampton claimer. He should be taken advantage of whilst in form, and can hopefully give Hayley Turner the perfect welcome back present.

Trainer Nick Williams has a new stable jockey in the promising James Reveley and, after a luke warm start, things seem to be picking up. They have a promising novice hurdler in SWINCOMBE FLAME. A well supported 2/5 favourite last time out, she duly obliged, winning by an impressive 13 lengths. The mare’s form is working out well, especially her second last run where she finished second behind a decent Phillip Hobbs’ trained horse. The third and fourth have both won as well and the stable look to have another smart novice on their hands.

JP Ferguson, bloodstock agent to Sheikh Mohammed, has taken to training like a duck to water and is making a real name for himself. He has a strike rate of 36% and has struck up a good relationship with useful claimer Jack Quinlan. They team up with MONARCHS WAY in a handicap hurdle at Taunton. Bought after winning a maiden on the flat at Chantilly, the gelded son of King’s Best has shown glimpses of promise in maiden hurdles and looks very much like a work in progress. The stable clearly know how to get a horse ready for a handicap and he should build on his previous form.

The last selection is the relatively unexposed VOSGES who runs in a beginners chase at Musselburgh for trainer John Ewart, after having previously very good form over hurdles. He has fantastic course form, with two wins and a second from three runs, and his first run of the season should have him spot on for Tuesday.

12.30 Taunton – Swincombe Flame (Nap)
13.00 Taunton – Monarch’s Way
13.20 Musselburgh - Vosges
14.10 Kempton – Cincinnati Kid
14.45 Kempton – Opus Maximus

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Ladbroke Hurdle Day at Ascot - Saturday 17th December

Haydock, Newcastle and Ascot all have tasty looking cards Saturday, with the superstar BIG BUCKS aiming to take his third successive Long Walk Hurdle for the Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh partnership.

The ‘Lough Derg Long Walk Hurdle’, to give it its new official name, looks a foregone conclusion with Big Bucks viewed as a licence to print money leaving the Ladbroke Hurdle as the most interesting race on the Ascot card. A £160,000 race with some exciting horses on display, The Ladbroke is invariably an interesting race.

Nicky Henderson has a good record in it and has both Gibb River and Rajdhani Express at his disposal. Stable jockey Barry Geraghty is expected to choose to ride the former. Paul Nicholls has the favourite in Supreme Novice Hurdle fancy Prospect Wells, with Ruby confirmed on board, as well as consistent sorts Brampour and Tonic Mellyse.

The value may lie elsewhere, with the Alan King trained RAYA STAR and the Gary Moore trained VIA GALILEI. Both look to have good claims. Raya Star ran a creditable third behind Rock On Ruby and Empire Levant, a horse who was 20lb well in, and a Neptune runner up, last time out at Newbury. It was only his second start this season and he is still open to improvement. Via Galilei is a consistent yardstick who ran another tough race last time out at Sandown in a Listed Hurdle after two solid runs behind Brampour. He’s 5lb well in and is likely to give another good account.

Red hot John Wade is a man in exceptional form as of late, with five winners from his last eleven runners, and he has two more chances at Newcastle with LITTLE HERCULES and INDIAN GROOM. Both are due to be ridden by the useful Wilson Renwick, former stable jockey to Howard Johnson.

Little Hercules runs in the 1.05, a handicap hurdle over two miles, and looks to have been laid out for such a race. The King’s Theatre gelded was an unlucky second on his seasonal debut, losing by a neck to Desert Cry under Jason McGuire’s comeback ride, and the form is working out well with the 5^th, 7^th and 8^th all running well next time out. Similarly Indian Groom made an eye-catching reappearance, finishing fifth over a trip that stretched the versatile grey’s stamina and, given his winning form on different conditions, he should go well whatever the going over a more satisfactory trip.

WYMOTT is a horse held in high regard by trainer Donald McCain, and he can build on what looks on paper to be a good sixth placed finish in this year's Hennessy. The Giant Bolster who finished behind him, finished two lengths behind Time for Rupert in a Graduation Chase at Newbury in the week. Wymott was a progressive novice chaser last season, the only blemish occurring when pulling up with an injury in last years RSA Chase. He jumps and travels well, looks to have a lenient mark and has stable jockey Jason McGuire back on board.

13.05 Newcastle – Little Hercules (Nap)

13.35 Newcastle – Indian Groom

14.45 Haydock – Wymott

15.35 Ascot – Via Galilei (Ew) & Raya Star (Ew)

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Thursday Tickle - Tipping 14/12/11 - Towcester, Exeter and Southwell

A brief column before a more detailed look at Saturday’s racing; however there are a some interesting runners Friday, which although at short prices, could be worth perming up, or at least keeping an eye on for the rest of the season.

JP McManus likes to have runners on every card at every National Hunt meeting, and stable jockey AP McCoy goes to Towcester as opposed to Exeter, to take some decent looking mounts for his boss, as well as some promising juveniles for Nicky Henderson. His stand out ride looks to be RATE OF KNOTS, who just loves the soft ground, being campaigned almost exclusively in the last year, in an attempt to get the best out of mare. She finished a hearty, yet unlucky second on her first run for 266 days, when going clear, yet blundering the last month under Richie McClernon, and still rallied in the final strides to only go down by a length. She showed great heart and character, and a replication of that form can take the 2.40.

The Pipe stable are in good form as of late, with the main eye catcher being Tom Scu giving Buddy Balero a terrific ride on Buddy Balero Tuesday in the famous Malcolm Denmark silks, an owner with an attractive string this term. Scudamore goes to Towcester rather than Exeter, and his best chance seems to be CLOSE HOUSE. Showing good form last season, he was well supported on first attempt hurdling, and can be considered rather unlucky, with Tom losing his irons three out, and yet the four year old still showed promise of staying on late on. The ground was very soft that day, and if it could go good-to-soft, it will give the gelding an even greater chance.

One of the stable’s most progressive horses last term was ARRAYAN, who failed completing his hatrick bid, when unseating at the last hurdle in a grade 3 handicap, when ten lengths clear and seemingly home. He finished a respectable 9/18 on his reappearance this term, won by the highly respected Poungach for champion trainer Paul Nicholls, and is expected to come on for the run.

A short priced fancy for tomorrow is ROYAL CHARM for Paul Nicholls in the Betfair Graduation Chase at Exeter. He was a tough, game novice chaser last year, including winning this very race. He finished behind Medermit and Wishful Thinking, two of last seasons star novice chasers, and was unlucky when falling 4 fences out in Future Stars Chase at Sandown last time out when tanking along. He has 7lb in hand on official ratings and a big challenge is expected.

Last but not least, GREYFRIARSCHORISTA seems streets ahead of the handicapper, and will be similarly short in the 1.30 at Southwell. Since being claimed by Brian Ellison from Mark Johnston, he is 2/2, and punted off the boards in both starts. He runs with a 6lb penalty, but given the cosiness of both victories, the handicapper is sure to have fun when reassessing, and appears to be a penalty kick under Barry McHugh who was on board last time out for his 10 lengths victory.

13.10 Towcester - Close House

13.20 Exeter - Arrayan

13.30 Southwell - Greyfriarschorista (Nap)

13.50 Exeter - Royal Charm

14.40 Towcester Rate of Knots

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner / @JJMSports

All Weather Tipping - Wednesday 14th December: Seeking a Peace of the Prize

We seek to continue the hot streak on Wednesday on the flat at Lingfield and Kempton. With three winners from five on each of the last two tipping articles, and nine of last week’s ten selections placed, the pressure is well and truly on!

The first selection is EMERALD WILDERNESS who aims to get his nose in front after finishing second on his last two starts. His run two starts ago was a very creditable effort over 10 furlongs and the form has been franked. The eighth and tenth have both come out and won decent handicaps subsequently with the third, fifth and seventh all having finished placed.

Emerald Wilderness then went on to finish an unlucky loser in fourteen runner handicap at Wolverhampton, going down by a head after another game effort. Eddie Ahern keeps the ride and the horse races off the same mark here. The switch to Lingfield may suit, with the horse having been placed on three of his four runs at the track.

SLATEY HEN is another heading the right way, having shown promise last time out running a respectable third after an 89 day absence over six furlongs in an apprentice handicap at Kempton. The field looks average, Dangerous Illusion’s good form figures are probably flattering as the form of his last run has worked out poorly. Little Perisher and Super Frank run for new trainers and have themselves to prove.

A horse we tipped when scoring recently was WOOP WOOP for the in form Ian Williams yard. The Oratorio filly completed the hat-trick last time out, winning a course and distance handicap with little difficulty after showing a tremendous turn of foot in the home straight. Jockey Ryan Powell, who takes off a valuable three pounds, has clearly struck a good partnership with the horse.

After a third on his first ride on the filly, he has partnered her to her three victories. She runs with a 6lb penalty, however is clearly on the up and can notch up a four-timer.

We cross the fibresand landscape to Kempton Park in the twilight evening haze for the 6.50 where PEACE SEEKER aims to ditch his maiden tag at the fifth time of asking. Running in three maidens at different distances, it was clear that the gelded son of Oasis Dream’s career was always going to lie in handicaps.

He was second on his handicap debut at Kempton over seven furlongs after being headed in the final strides. Despite plenty of stamina in the pedigree he is dropped back down to six furlongs here which is interesting. He seems to be on a very handy mark for notably shrewd connections and should go close. There could be some unexposed types with Nafa, Striking Willow and Mustafeed and if there is money around in the market for any of those I’d take note and be cautious.

14.10 Lingfield – Emerald Commander

14.40 Lingfield – Slatey Hen

15.15 Lingfield – Woop Woop

18.50 Kempton – Peace Seeker

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Racing at Doncaster and Cheltenham Saturday December 11th 2011

Bouncing off some productive tipping on the all weather on Wednesday, we return to the spiritual home of National Hunt racing, Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, where there is another fantastic weekend of racing. The highlight of the weekend is the Stewart Family sponsored Spinal Research Handicap, a competitive handicap over 2 and a half miles, and it looks likely that recent Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Great Endeavour will attempt complete a Cheltenham double.

He should surely give another good account, despite having been raised 6lb and having had a hard race in the Hennessy in the interim. Paul Nicholls has his usual strong big-race team, with Ghizao and Tatenen lined up for this, however, the horse that looks a good beta at a possible value price is WOOLCOMBE FOLLY, who has young claimer Ryan Mahon on board. Mahon gets on well with the horse and takes off a valuable 3lb off the top weight. He has run poorly in the last two Champion Chases and this step up in trip may help. He needed the run last time out behind Gauvain, and clearly thrives in the autumn as opposed to the spring.

There is also racing at Doncaster, who hosts their first important card of jumps racing of the season, with large field handicaps making it a difficult challenge for punters. The 1.40 race is a 16 runner minefield, but fortunately there are some pointers from trainer Emma Lavelle, who has great chances in both races. Her stable jockey rides both, passing up some rides at Cheltenham to do so.

WELL REGARDED looks to have a very workable mark and seems to be one step ahead of the handicapper after some solid efforts this season. After winning a novice hurdle, he followed up with a solid third behind two more smart performers at Exeter and then finished a respectable fourth behind Supreme Novice favourite Fingal Bay at Cheltenham. He is a horse on the upgrade.

Their other big chance runs in The Hague Printers Handicap Chase, the 2.15, where recent winner QIANSHAN LEADER runs off a decent weight of 10-13, with the Alan King trained Prêt a Thou heading the weights at 11-12. Qianshan Leader beat a good field last time out at Kempton, including two decent yardsticks in Insider Dealer and Midnight Appeal, and can build further on his steady progress.

Reverting our attention back to Cheltenham, HINTERLAND will likely go off a short price but should make short work of his rivals in the Triumph Hurdle Trial, the 12.10. He won a similar event last time out, beating a well supported JP McManus owned horse, Ozeta, in what looked to be a decent field. He can go in again.

Another similarly short priced favourite is OSCAR WHISKEY, tipped up two weeks ago when a last hurdle faller in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot. He beat Overturn who went and beat Celestial Halo and Binocular in the Fighting Fifth and through a form line with Overturn and Grandouet, Oscar Whiskey looks to be the one to be on in the Grade 2 Hurdle at 3.35.

Speaking of GRANDOUET, my personal pick for next March’s Champion Hurdle (currently available ante post at 14/1) runs in the StanJames.com International Hurdle and I fully expect him to deliver on the sporadic promise he has thus far shown. He is held in high regard at Seven Barrows and has been well supported in his two runs this season. An unlucky faller when alongside Celestial Halo recently and then winner of a Grade 2 Hurdle at Haydock by 8 lengths, he is opposed by last year’s winner Menorah and the in-form Overturn. However, Grandouet’s high cruising speed means he should be able to track Overturn and hopefully pick him off coming up that most famous gradient towards the finishing line at Cheltenham.

13.40 Doncaster – Well Regarded (Ew)

14.15 Doncaster – Qianshan Leader (Ew)

12.10 Cheltenham – Hinterland

14.30 Cheltenham – Woolcombe Folly (Ew)

15.35 Cheltenham – Oscar Whiskey (Nb)

15.05 Cheltenham – Grandouet (Nap)

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Midweek Talking Turf 7/12/11 - Cristal is one Gem of a horse!

The winter snap is finally setting in but amid the snow, rain and generally miserable conditions the all-weather tracks salvage hope and promise guaranteed racing (almost!). Southwell, Wolverhampton, Kempton and Lingfield all operate throughout the winter and it also looks like Great Leighs may be on the verge of reopening.

Lingfield and Kempton are well and truly open and hosting some good racing. Both have decent cards on Wednesday and there are some horses that we have previously tipped up running again. One of those is CRISTAL GEM, who has left Richard Hannon for Andrew Reid and, with conditions likely to be ideal for this former course and distance winner who is also 4lbs well in, he should be able to get his head in front this time.

WHERE’S REILLY goes to Lingfield on the back of two handicap wins at Southwell, after becoming somewhat of a specialist around there. He has yet to run at Lingfield but the track should suit. The five year old has the services of one J P Spencer and the field he is up against looks poor to say the least, the main threat looking to be 67 rated Grudge of Connor Dor, who won in this grade at Wolverhampton in June, but on official ratings has 12lb to find under Tom Queally.

NUMERAL found one too good behind Iron Step, who completed the hat-trick in a class four handicap last month at Kempton, but can bounce back in style over 7 furlongs at Lingfield in the 2.10. Numeral was also on a three-timer after two impressive wins at Kempton Park and the well bred son of Holy Roman Emperor can get his head in front here. The form from the gelding’s last few races has worked out well with Requisite, City Legend, Grandma’s Dream, Milluvstobougie and Liby’s Dream all coming out to win.

Across at Kempton Park, a horse of interest at a good price could be the lightly raced filly BINT ELNADIM, who runs her first race in handicap company in the 6.50, a class six handicap over seven furlongs. The most obvious piece of form in the race is her run behind the Dandy Nicholls trained Chokidar last time out in a Wolverhampton maiden. Although an 80/1 shot, she had some decent sorts behind her, and the winner has since finished first and second in two subsequent runs.

Trainer John Best has started the all weather season well and had a decent looking winner in a Lingfield maiden on Monday, enough to suggest the yard is in good nick and SKETCHY EVIDENCE can build further. The chestnut colt was a 13/2 third on debut and should come on for that first run, where he was a bit lively and failed to settle. Hopefully he won’t be as green with that experience under his belt he could prove one to keep on the right side.

12.40 Lingfield – Cristal Gem (Nap)
13.40 Lingfield – Where’s Reilly
14.10 Lingfield – Numeral
17.20 Kempton – Sketchy Evidence
18.50 Kempton – Bint Elnadim

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner @JJMsports

More joy for the Hobbs yard is WISHFUL THINKING!

Paul Nicholls has won the Tingle Creek Chase every year for the last six with superstars such as Master Minded, Twist Magic and Kauto Star. He’ll be trying to win it again this Saturday at Sandown. Racing also takes place at Aintree, with horses running over the Grand National fences for the first time this season.

The Tingle Creek is the obvious highlight and, given the recent high profile successes enjoyed by the Nicholls stable, followers will looking to his selected runner to extend that sequence.

Wishful Thinking could prove the biggest danger to the Nicholls team as it looked like a return to two miles should suit him after not seeming to see out the trip in the Paddy Power. He’s a tentative selection in a trappy looking race.

Paul Nicholls also has another potential superstar on his hands in AL FEROF, who runs in the Henry VIII Class 1 Novice Chase (1.55 at Sandown). The Supreme Novices winner looked to settle well when winning on his chasing debut at Cheltenham and is as short as 7/1 for the Arkle Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. The grey is a big, scopey sort, who seems to relish the bigger obstacles, and he can assert again over a field that looks severely under-strength since the defection of the Nicky Henderson trained Sprinter Sacre.

PROPHETE DE GUY got the vintage Timmy Murphy treatment last month at Ascot, with Murphy giving him an absolute peach of a ride. He delivered the eight year old at the right moment after a patient ride to take it up and win by am impressive seven lengths for the James Evans yard. Murphy is on board again when they line up in the London National (3.40 Sandown). The trip is over an extended three and a half miles and providing he runs (he also has an entry at Wetherby) he should give a good account of himself. The main danger is likely to be the Emma Lavelle trained Ballycarney, who finished fourth behind Prophete De Guy last time out at Ascot but has a better 5lb pull at the weights this time around.

Last but not least we look to Aintree, who host a great weekend of racing. The first races of the season over the National fences are a highlight, with the main attraction being the Becher Chase, won last year by the Twiston-Davies family on the old boy Hello Bud. He reappears, but is now a 13 year old, and age will surely be catching up on him.

Niche Market has been a regular runner for the Paul Nicholls yard at Aintree but has yet to place there, despite a decent fifth in last year’s showpiece. Rare Bob should run well for veteran trainer Dessie Hughes, as should Swing Bill for the Pipe yard. Preference, however, lies with NICTO DE BEAUCHENE for the in form Victor Dartnall yard.

He shaped with promise on his first run for 235 days when putting up a solid effort behind Mohi Rahrere, the 5/1 favourite, over three miles at Bangor, tiring in the closing stages when running off top weight. He has a workable mark and will be running off 10-7 and, with rain expected to fall, conditions could be perfect for the ten year old. It may even be the precursor to success in Aintree’s VERY big race in 6 months time!

1.55 Sandown – Al Ferof (Nap)

3.05 Sandown – Wishful Thinking

3.40 Sandown – Prophete De Guy (Ew)

2.10 Aintree – Nichto De Beauchene (Ew)

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

December Prospects Blog

Another instalment in the reality show of Jack Jacob Milner (or his alter ego JJMSports) has come to new turbulence, with more challenges, drama and juggling than the Moscow State Circus.

I apologise for the lack of words last month, but it has come to be rather challenging dealing with all the things that incorporate life, for a rather immature, 23-year-old who lives in a semi-permeable bubble. Recent events have led me to ask and answer what is important in life and, as such, I’ve had to decide that what is important is what is in the bubble, not what is out of it. What is in must take priority – this is a more selfish approach to life.

This may sound quite deep for an angry, frustrated, blinkered Yorkshireman, and I am not sure if I approve of this. Anyway, the long and short of such a borderline philosophical statement is that I had a fantastic opportunity to work for a large company in London, with brilliant prospects. But, personal problems and incidents with my family gave me a different perspective. I had my brother survive what could have been a fatal car crash and have a grandmother who has been whisked in and out of hospital more times than Jamie Oliver whisks an omelette. As such, it would be quite unfair and frankly schmucky to just up and leave.

If such incidents occurred when I was all the way darn saarf, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself. Therefore, the decision-making process was easy for me, especially as the life I have is actually not that bad.

My main love is sport, so life’s easy at the moment just as things are. I’ve discussed the pros and cons of staying in my current job at the bookmakers, and the possibility of getting a ‘proper job’ and ‘growing up’ and, in all honesty, I really don’t see the point of changing things.

Lots of friends and family are having children, getting married, following careers, paying mortgages etc, and frankly nothing would scare me more. While I am still able to, I will chase the dream to be a sports writer, or at least some form of broadcast journalist. But the lifestyle I currently have includes being able to throw more darts than your average pub team, play football (badly), engage in the most colourful banter with pensioners and other folk who enter the bookmakers, while still be within an arms reach of friends, family and the local.

Growing up? I’m 23, have an emotional maturity of someone 15, a view on life of someone 18, and financial stability of someone 17.

Until things change, I’ll keep living the dream.

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner @JJMSports

Wednesday Tipping - Kempton Park 30th November

Another fantastic week of jump racing behind us with Rock on Ruby looking like another horse with potential to build significantly on his juvenile form, Peddlers Cross and Grands Crus both going 2/2 since switching to fencing, Carruthers winning the Hennessy Gold Cup in another feel-good story for National Hunt racing with Matty Bachelor, reputedly the nicest jockey in the weighing room, providing a hugely popular success for trainer Marcus Bradbourne and owner Lord Oaksey.

Although the National Hunt season is in full swing there is still fine all weather racing with Kempton putting on a particularly interesting card on Wednesday night, including a £20,000 listed race.

The Listed race in question, The Wild Flower Stakes has a good line up, including the 110 rated Laaheb, as well as 102 rated Celidh House, who finished an impressive third over an inadequate trip behind Juddmonte pair Mirror Lake and Principal Role at Doncaster last time out on soft. Although the filly should prefer the extra quarter of a mile, preference lies with BARBICAN, who has been in terrific heart this season since debuting on the all weather at Wolverhampton in February.

He has thrived, and has only disappointed when the ground has been good-to-firm. He stays well, winning this year from a mile to a mile and three quarters, his most impressive run coming in the Ladbrokes Mobile Heritage Handicap at Ascot where he was given a peach of a ride by usual companion Daryl Holland. Ryan Moore is in the saddle this time, and surely there is no better jockey to partner the versatile colt home.

A horse that looks to be on an upward curve is CRISTAL GEM, for champion trainer Richard Hannon, who runs in the 4.30, a claimer over a mile. He showed a smart turn of foot to win a maiden last month over 7 furlongs at Lingfield, and previously showed promise in his two other runs finishing second at Lingfield, before a 5^th of 17 at Goodwood. He has 6lb in hand on official ratings, with the only danger looking to be George Baker, who has finished placed on his last four starts, but is still yet to shed his maiden tag.

Ryan Moore has some other fantastic chances on the evening, including SAWAHILL for trainer Clive Britain in the familiar Saeed Manaa silks in the 6:00, a 7 furlong maiden. The lightly raced filly has had two runs spread over 400 days, and the daughter of Diktat has showed glimpses in that to suggest, placed right, she could come good.

It looks a weak maiden, and she showed a nice cruising speed when tiring in her last run at Doncaster. She finished behind some smart types such as Scottish Lake, Switchback and Numeral, and based on that form, there could be a lot of improvement to come.

Moore also rides POPPY for Richard Hannon in the last race of the night, a 6 furlong handicap. This filly won over course and distance a month ago and ran a good fifth next time out in her only run since. She didn’t seem to stay the trip that day so the decision to drop back to 6 furlongs should surely suit.

RIVAS RHAPSODY is a horse of interest, dropped into handicap company after a facile maiden win at Ffos Las three weeks ago where he was heavily supported, justifying the money by tracking the leaders and pushing on to win by 3 ½ lengths. A well bred son of Hawk Wing, he is open to improvement, in what looks like a below par handicap. Off a mark of 62, he looks to be on the handicappers good side.

Trainer Ian Wood doesn’t have the biggest string but he has a decent enough record of 5 wins and 9 places from his previous 50 runners at Kempton The chief threat looks to be the in form Excellent Aim of George Margusson, who beat Welsh Dancer, who Rivas Rhapsody beat by 4 lengths, so the form line looks true between the two.

4.30 Kempton – Cristal Gem

5.30 Kempton – Barbican

6.00 Kempton – Sawahill

7.00 Kempton – Rivas Rhapsody

7.30 Kempton – Poppy

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Hennessy Day at Newbury and Fighting Fifth Day at Newcastle

A fantastic day of racing Saturday as one of the jewels in the National Hunt crown, The Hennessy Gold Cup, arrives on a fantastic day of racing at Newbury. In addition, the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle is run at Newcastle and we have action at Towcester and Bangor to boot.

One of the supporting races on the Hennessy card is the Gerry Fielden Hurdle, a listed hurdle over an extended two miles. Nicky Henderson, Phillip Hobbs and champion trainer Paul Nicholls have each entered two runners; however the stand-out is ROCK ON RUBY, who, fittingly enough has one R.Walsh booked to ride.

Ruby is riding out of his skin at the moment, including a memorable win on the legend Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase Saturday. Rock on Ruby has what appears the strongest form-line in the race, a narrow defeat to First Lieutenant in the Neptune at Cheltenham. The form is working out well, with First Lieutenant winning two Grade 3 chases this term. He is the highest rated horse in the race and, with Ruby booked and the yard having hit a rich vein of form, he should have every chance.

The showpiece race at Newbury is the Hennessy, won last year by Diamond Harry after the gutsy Denman, chasing his hat-trick, nearly defied all logic and history by winning off 11-10. There is no Denman this time around but some tough chasers line up including the likes of Paddy Power winner Great Endeavour, Scottish National winner Beshabar and Punchestown Gold Cup winner Planet of Sound. That said, a strong indicator to this race is usually the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, with second season chasers having a fine record in the race.

Last year’s 1-2, Diamond Harry and Burton Port, both feel into that category and the betting is led by horses that fit the trend, with Aiteenthirtythree, Wymott and Wayward Prince all prominent in the market. Wymott was disappointing at Cheltenham, and although proved to be injured, is difficult to support first time out, particularly as the trainer said he would have liked to have got a run in him.

AITEENTHIRTYTHREE ran a terrific race behind Somersby last time, over an inadequate trip. Ruby Walsh and Paul Nicholls have had tremendous success in the race and this fellow runs in the same colours as dual champion Denman. He should be spot on for the day. WAYWARD PRINCE looks to have outstanding each way claims for Ian Williams and Dougie Costello and has an excellent record fresh. He finished ahead of Aiteenthirtythree in the RSA Chase, but still receives 2lb, and there may not be much between them. The two can fight out the finish up the Newbury climb.

The Fighting Fifth Hurdle is something that likely favourite Binocular has had terrible luck in, finishing fifth and second in the last two years and is reported to be flying at home. Therefore it pains me a little to tip up CELESTIAL HALO. He looked like he may have been a sitting duck for Grandouet when that horse fell leaving Celestial Halo to win at Wincanton. But, even if Grandouet had stood up, the result was by no means certain that day and Celestial Halo was, at the very least, putting up a strong performance against a horse who I think has Champion Hurdle credentials. Binocular doesn’t often win when fresh and could be using this race as a stepping stone towards the Christmas Hurdle so I’m reasonably happy to oppose him on this occasion.

The other significant race at Newcastle is the 3.30, a listed handicap chase. Consistent horses such as Hey Big Spender, Take the Breeze, Fred Bojangels all run, however there are two runners from unfashionable yards who merit attention. ASHFIELD’S DREAM, for the in form Evan Williams stable and CATEGORICAL for the Reveley yard both seem to be in good heart. Slight preference is for Ashfield’s Dream however, who has a good record running fresh on good ground.

Selections for Saturday 26^th Nov

2.05 Rock on Ruby

2.20 Celestial Halo

3.10 Aiteenthirtythree (Ew) Wayward Prince (Ew)

3.30 Categorical (Ew) Ashfield’s Dream (Ew)

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Midweek Tipping - Lingfield Park, Wetherby and Fontwell Park - Wednesday 22nd November

Racing this week is a mixed bag, with plenty of fibresand, and lots of hurdles, with the winter season really getting into the swing of things. The upcoming Hennessy meeting will look to capitalise on the buzz that National Hunt racing is currently experiencing on the back of Kauto Star’s tremendous victory in the Betfair Chase at Haydock Saturday.

Racing on Wednesday comes in the form of Wetherby, Fontwell and a decent looking card at Lingfield, with good prize money on offer at the latter. There is also a twilight card at Kempton for people looking to recoup their afternoon losses.

Alan King is a trainer enjoying a better year than last and he has VOLCAN SURPRISE in the 2.35 at Wetherby, a juvenile maiden hurdle. Another to be brought over from the Irish point-to-point scene, he ran two credible efforts over there before making a pleasing debut over rules at Sandown, finishing second to a promising Brendan Powell horse. The only two runners to have come out and run since have both finished second and, with a fairly weak looking field, and only a couple of serious dangers in Luggers Hall and School For Scandal, he should have a terrific chance.

PORGY is a horse that shaped with a great deal of promise on its hurdling beau last month at Warwick and the former Marvan Koukash horse can build on that when running in the 12.55, a novices hurdle for four year olds and up. This well bred son of Dansili seemed to lose his way on the flat. He never seemed to get ahead of the handicapper and, given his pedigree and the promise of his debut over obstacles, he should have enough speed and scope to get the job done.

JINXY MINX is a tentative selection in the 1.55 at Fontwell, but he could be a dark horse who is severely overpriced. He was pulled up on his seasonal reappearance last month at the track, never going on the heavy ground. He could be lightly treated and with young claimer Joshua Moore good value for the 5lb he could run a strong race for Sue Smith’s yard – a stable that are currently in good heart.

WOOP WOOP is a horse who enjoyed a good few years with Steff Liddard, and has looked as if she’s on the road back to his best since being claimed by trainer Ian Williams, who makes a habit of rejuvenating fillies. The Oratorio three year old shaped with promise on her first run for her new trainer before winning cosily over course and distance two weeks ago under a good ride from Ryan Powell. She runs in the 2.45 at Lingfield with a 3lb increase but looks good value for the rise in the weights and could improve again.

Another horse who seems to have found his form again is HANOVARIAN BARON, who returned from a 176 day absence to run a blinder in the November Handicap, finishing fourth behind Zuider Zee. The only blip on the six year old’s copybook in the last couple of years was when he finished last in the Mallard Cup at Doncaster, stepping up in trip on that occasion. The run last month would have put him cherry ripe for the race today, and even more so considering he is 2/2 when bouncing back the race after a 50 day absence.

12.55 Fontwell Porgy

1.55 Fontwell Jinxy Minx (Ew)

2.35 Wetherby Volcan Surprise (Nb)

2.45 Lingfield Woop Woop

3.15 Lingfield Hanovarian Baron (Nap)

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

Ascot Amlin Chase Day and Haydock Betfair Chase Day November 19th.

A feast of jump racing lies ahead this weekend, with terrific cards at both Ascot, where their highlight is the Amlin 1965 Chase with Master Minded defending his crown, and at Haydock, featuring the Grade 1 Betfair Chase, where Gold Cup and King George hero Long Run is scheduled to make his seasonal debut.

Haydock’s Betfair Chase day has a fantastic card. The Betfair Hurdle race is where GRANDOUET can regain his reputation after coming down at Wincanton last time out, handing Celestial Halo the race. He was absolutely cantering in behind when misjudging the second last and would have been a definite winner in my eyes. He is all class this French import, as he showed last year when winning the Irish equivalent of the Triumph Hurdle at Punchestown in May, after decent previous efforts at Cheltenham and Aintree. I think he is a lively consider for this years Champion Hurdle, and is one to stay on the right side of.

Betfair have also sponsored the handicap at 1.55, which has a decent turn out. I am very sweet on the Reveley family’s EYRE SQUARE. He won a novice hurdle on his seasonal beau. He then ran well in a chase, finishing second to a well handicapped horse. The favourite finished third that day and the three pulled 43 lengths clear. Eyre Square rallied and stayed on, and the extended 3 and a half miles should suit this resolute galloper, who has remained on a nice figure of 120.

The Betfair Chase has developed into a jewel in the crown of the National Hunt season and this year’s event looks like living up to that billing. Long Run is the very short favourite, too short for a horse who disappointed in the Paddy Power last season, running after a 241 day absence. The drying ground could prove a worry for Diamond Harry, who loves running fresh and is 2/2 at Haydock.

KAUTO STAR won this race 2 years ago and when the 11 year old is at his best he is still a horse sitting at the top table of British chasing. He has won first time out on both the last two seasons, Down Royal last year, and in this race two years ago. Trainer Paul Nicholls is adamant he has been working like his old self and he could turn out to be significantly over-priced at the current 8/1.

Switching attention to Ascot, and the first race, the novices chase. The Nicky Henderson trained MUSH MIR, who came from James Boyle on the flat, showed at Southwell he is a good prospect. He has made a successful transition to hurdling, and is now 3/3 in novice hurdles. He attempts a step up in class but, as his winning distances of 32 lengths for his three races indicate, he may well have better things ahead of him.

Similar sentiments apply to OSCAR WHISKEY, who runs in the Coral Hurdle, a Grade 2 contest. This Welsh Champion Hurdle and Aintree Hurdle winner is rated 165 and is being aimed at a clash with Big Bucks in the World Hurdle. His only defeats in the last two years have come in the Champion Hurdle to Hurricane Fly (3^rd) and to Menorah in the Supreme Novices (4^th). He should be too classy for the likes of Celestial Halo and Overturn.

MASTER MINDED could be overpriced in the Amlin Chase, largely due to his disappointing reappearance run at Aintree. The 8 year old, who won this same race in impressive fashion last term, appears to need soft ground over 2 miles or 2 and a half miles these days to be shown at his best and he should get his preferred conditions on Saturday.

He has won his second run of the season, using the first as a tune up, on each of the last three seasons, and although the likes of Somersby, who chased him home in the Victor Chandler, and Arkle winner Captain Chris are young guns snapping at his heels, hopefully Master Minded, still no pensioner at only eight, can show he retains plenty class.

12.15 Haydock Grandouet (Nap)

12.25 Ascot Mush Mir

2.10 Ascot Master Minded (Nb)

2.45 Ascot Oscar Whiskey

1.55 Haydock Eyre Square (Ew)

3.05 Haydock Kauto Star (Ew)

The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner

HAZY TOM TO BE CLEAR WINNER‏

An excellent weekend of racing from the Cheltenham Open meeting last weekend, with 3 days of top class sport and some fantastic sights from Prestbury Park. Exciting novice chases Peddlers Cross, Al Ferof and Grand Crus all impressed last week winning first time out over the larger obstacles, and anticipation has already started to grow ahead of the festival in March.

Not Cheltenham but Warwick this midweek and there are some cracking looking handicap. The 1.30 looks to be the most puzzling with lots of runners and doubts over the fitness of horses at this relatively early point in the season. The answer, however, could lie with the Mary Evans owned and trained MAIZY MISSILE.

The mare only raced three times last year, with one win and two seconds to show for it. She is clearly difficult to train, as she has a lengthy break between races, she’s only had 12 races since debuting over five and a half years ago. It seems to work however, and she was last seen running at Newton Abbot in March when going off the 5/1 favourite for a 2 miles 1 furlong handicap hurdle and winning by three lengths. She attempts chasing for the first time and, given her record when fresh she looks sure to give a good account of herself.

Later on in the card the 2.30 is a grade 3 open chase for four year olds and there are numerous representatives from the major players with horses from the King, Nicholls and Henderson yards entered. Nicky Henderson's import TORNADE D'ESTRUVAL looks to have a fantastic chance of opening his UK account, based on his smart French form. He won over hurdles at Auteil so the step up to fences in the UK should not be a major problem. He was well backed at Ascot when disappointing, but the money for him suggests he is probably well thought of at home and he can get off the mark here.

HAZY TOM is likely to go off a short price in the 3.00 but he should be far too good for this field of novices and he can complete a hat-trick of wins this season. The in-form Charlie Longsdon yard have been firing on all cylinders and Hazy Tom has won two bumpers and a novices hurdle since winning an Irish point to point. Cheltenham Champion Bumper runner Knights Pass may prove a serious threat if he his jumping is up to it but Hazy Tom sets an impressive standard.

1.30 Warwick - Maizy Missile

2.30 Warwick - Tornade D'estruval

3.00 Warwick - Hazy Tom (Nap)

The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

Cheltenham Open Meeting - 12th/13th November - Balthazar to rule over Cheltenham

This week is all about CHELTENHAM, the spiritual home of National Hunt racing, and the season unofficially kicks off in real earnest here with the Cheltenham ‘Open’ Meeting.

One of the more competitive looking races at the meeting is the Rewards4Racing Grade 3 Handicap Chase, with some very good horses lining up including the likes of Hey Big Spender, Fair Along and Reve De Sivola. However, I think we can take a chance with recent Cheltenham winner BALTHAZAR KING for the in-form Phillip Hobbs yard, a stable that seems to have a wealth of talent this year at their disposal for the upcoming season.

Since being switched chasing, the King's Theatre gelding has thrived, seemingly having a penchant for Cheltenham, winning a Grade 3 handicap last month as well as previously having finished behind Wayward Prince, Chicago Grey and Time For Rupert in good quality novice chases. Although not suited by Ascot, he still showed great heart plugging on for fifth in the United House Gold Cup two weeks ago and, back on his preferred stage, he should get back to winning ways,

The Gary Moore team seem to be in fantastic order at the minute and his star performer VIA GALILEI runs in the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle on Sunday in what looks on paper to be a mouth-watering affair. Won last year by Menorah, the race has attracted the big boys with top horses from the Henderson, Nicholls, King and Hobbs yard among the entries.

Via Galilei ran well in the Listed Handicap Hurdle at Ascot two weeks ago, looking unfortunate to run into Brampour, who was given a fantastic ride under young claimer Harry Derham. He should run his usual game race here and looks one to beat.

The showpiece is the Paddy Power Gold Cup, a race with a whopping £85,425 first prize. The star attraction is the Paul Nicholls trained MON PARRAIN who looks to be an extremely promising chaser and could be anything. He has been punted off the boards in the past week, and is the most likely winner.

That said, 5 year olds and, in particular, favourites have poor records, and value looks to lie elsewhere. Poquelin is a good yardstick, and should appreciate the drop back in trip, however carrying top weight could be a hard task even though he does love Cheltenham. Wishful Thinking goes for an in form stable and his jumping is usually flawless, which should aid his efforts.

DAVES DREAM has an excellent record fresh, and is 4/4 returning from a 150 day absence or longer, including winning at this meeting last year. I also like Alan King’s ARALDUR, who made a promising reappearance behind Fistral Beach after a year out last month at Wetherby. He showed promise as a juvenile, winning a Grade 2 novice chase at Sandown. Both these have shown evidence of possessing a little class and both may still be on the upgrade on the upgrade. I’ll be on both each-way at current prices.

1.55 Cheltenham (Saturday) - Balthazar King (Nap)

2.35 Cheltenham (Saturday) - Daves Dream (Ew) & Araldur (Ew)

2.20 Cheltenham (Sunday) - Via Galilei

The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

Midweek Tipping - Exeter and Bangor Wednesday 9th November

Racing at the weekend in America was quite underwhelming and left me feeling a bit flat (excuse the pun) with the defeat of Goldikova and wins for highly priced, unconsidered American trained horses. But hopefully the weekend ahead will lift my spirits with Cheltenham's first really big meeting of the season. In the meantime there are several decent races midweek to whet our appetite.

First of all, in the heart of Wales, Bangor has a good card and the same is true over the border and South at Exeter, who have a card which may feature last year’s Champion Hurdle hope and previous Supreme Novices winner MENORAH. He looked very unfortunate when unseating Richard Johnson at the second last on his first start over the bigger obstacles. The drop down to 2 miles should suit him and he looks different class.

Another horse attempting to get off the mark over fences is PEDDLERS CROSS, last year’s Champion Hurdle runner up and class act for the Donald McCain yard. He runs in a Class 4 Beginner’s chase but looks like going off a very short and, with a long season ahead, hopefully culminating at the Festival next March, I’d advise fans to just keep an eye on him on this occasion.

Royal Opera looks a sort who looked to appreciate the switch from flat to national hunt when second on his maiden hurdle at Aintree, narrowly going down by a neck. The son of Acclamation can surely build on that effort, the winner and Royal Opera were 16 lengths clear of the third. He is with a shrewd trainer who will surely get the maximum out of this promising gelding.

RAJEEVA looks a very interesting sort for the Venetia Williams camp, dropped into handicap company after three lacklustre maiden hurdles. His aggregate losses of 220 lengths may not paint the true picture for a gelding that has not been knocked about and has been asked for very little. Getting in on a very low mark as such may just give the horse a chance of capitalising, with the effective amateur Harry Challoner taking 6 valuable pounds off. He could well catch the handicapper out.

FRASCATI PARK is a horse who served the Twiston-Davies team very well last season, winning a novice hurdle at Ascot that had the Nicky Henderson trained Sprinter Sacre, the Cheltenham Supreme Novice runner-up, trailing in his wake. He returned from a 179 day break, winning a good beginners chase, coming away and winning by 6 lengths on soft ground at Carlisle. He seems in good heart, should be race fit and, most importantly, has a touch of class about him.

2.40 Royal Opera (Nap)

2.20 Frascati Park

2.50 Menorah

3.40 Rajeeva

The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

Breeders Cup Meeting - Churchill Downs - 4th/5th November

Some of the finest thoroughbreds in the world descend on Churchill Downs this weekend for the 2011 Breeders Cup. The Americans know how to put on a show and it looks like being a weekend to savour.

Most Stateside focus is on the Classic but the Mile, featuring champion mare Goldikova, will be eagerly awaited here in Europe.

The first selection is, in fact, GOLDIKOVA who will look to end her racing career on an unprecedented high with an unprecedented fourth Breeders Cup Mile title. She has had a strange season, with more seconds than victories; however she has run into some very smart colts and fillies. She has mirrored her previous season, running at Longchamp twice, Deauville twice and Royal Ascot, all in Group One company.

In her three group one wins, she has defeated Saphresa, the Sun Chariot Stakes winner, and Cirrus Des Aigles, the QIPCO Champions Stakes winner. Her defeats have also come up against multiple Group One winners in Immortal Verse, Dream Ahead and Canford Cliffs. She still sets an immense standard, and I have her 4 lbs clear of the field. At the current prices she looks value.

Roger Varian is a trainer in great form at the minute. He registered his first ever Group One winner in NAHRAIN, an undefeated daughter of Selkirk, who seems to thrive over the mile and a half trip. She won well in France getting the upper hand on the French trained Announce, who will reoppose once more. Although the previous winning distance was a nose, I expect her to come on from that run and confirm the form more emphatically on this occasion, with the former French and now American stationed Stacelita looking the most likely danger.

The Juvenile Turf looks a muddling encounter, with nothing stand out like Uncle Mo, and his lightning fast fractions last year. It could pay to side with the Europeans and, in particular, the English horses Caspar Netcher and FARRAAJ. As mentioned already trainer Roger Varian is in good form, as is his two year old colt Farraaj.

The form of his last race is working out very well indeed. He finished second to the Richard Hannon trained Crius, however the third, Zip Top, finished second in the Racing Post Trophy, and the fourth, Crusade, won the Middle Park Stakes, with even the fifth Letsgoroundagain, winning a listed race next time out. Caspar Netcher has had a consistent season, winning the Gimrack and The Mill Reef Stakes, with game efforts in the Middle Park, Richmond and Windsor Castle Stakes as well. They both look overpriced at around the 7/1 mark, and providing things go well in running, they could prove more than a handful for their friends across the pond.

The Turf race is one traditional happy hunting ground for the Europeans (it was won last year by Brian Meehan’s Dangerous Midge and the year before by the Sir Michael Stoute trained Conduit) and this year looks no exception. Stoute has another promising chance with Sea Moon and Aidan O’Brien has Await the Dawn and St Nicholas Abbey, but they may all be chasing home the classy French filly Sarafina, who although drawn on the wrong side, stayed on for seventh in the Arc, after a progressive season. Finishing first or second in all runs, she dominated over the mile and a half trip, her most impressive winning the Prix Niel, beating a useful field including St Nicholas Abbey and winning under a hands and heels ride from Cristophe Lemaire. Much like Goldikova, this animal is all class, and I can already see her coming up on the snaff on the outside, collaring Sea Moon on the Churchill Downs line!

Breeders Cup Mile – Goldikova (Nap)

Breeders Cup Turf - Sarafina

Breeders Cup Classic - Uncle Mo

Breeders Cup Filly and Mare - Nahrain

Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf - Farraaj

The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

Midweek Turf Talk - Wednesday November 2nd 2011

National Hunt fixtures have now begun to step up a notch in terms of class with some of the stars of last season reappearing and others moving rapidly up through the ranks, bumper winners elevating to hurdles and hurdlers to chasing. All of which provides fascinating sport.

The Charlie Hall Chase provided a real kick-start to the jumping campaign, however the flat season is not finished with yet and Nottingham put a decent looking spread of maidens and handicaps on Thursday. We’ll begin with a look at the first race, the 1.30, where KEY APPOINTMENT looks to improve on his only previous start, a good third in a maiden at Haydock on heavy ground.

The Pivotal colt looks sure to appreciate the ground, which is listed as good to soft, and the form of his maiden run looks solid enough, he finished behind a good Godolphin horse and a Sheikh Hamdan horse that has since run well. The Hay family have spent a lot on good two year olds this season, and this horse could be another potent weapon in their armoury.

The conditions race at 2.30 looks to have attracted some nice types with versatile horses such as Hung Parliament, Sarrsar and the improving Hot Rod Mamma all scheduled to compete. The class horse in the race however is the group and listed winning KING TORUS for the Richard Hannon yard.

On official ratings he has minimum of 3 lbs in hand on the field. Under ideal conditions, a mile on softish ground, against inferior opposition, it should be like taking candy from a baby for the Oratorio colt!

We switch countries and codes now and go to Chepstow where MERRION SQUARE looks to have a fantastic chance of taking the 1.15, a maiden hurdle. In the colours of the Stewart family, the new recruit to the Nicholls yard is related to a smart chaser, and that will surely be where his longer term future lies. He won a point to point at Lemonfield in Ireland in March, and could be easily be good enough over hurdles to take this..

Another switch now, however still in the realm of juvenile hurdles, sees GUARDS CHAPEL look to have a terrific chance of notching up his second hurdle win, although has a 7 lb penalty to defy in the process. He was quite disappointing on the flat, yet made a mockery of the form when winning under trainer’s son Joshua, who took 5 precious pounds off.

He looks to take his tally to 2 for 2 at Warwick, and seems to have plenty in hand, irrespective of the penalty. The only threat comes in the form of the John Mullins trained High Samana, a 3 year old son of High Chaparral. Like Guards Chapel, he was modest on the flat but ran a good second in his maiden hurdle at 20/1. He might fill the placings with Easydoesit.

1.30 Nottingham Key Appointment

1.15 Chepstow Merrion Square

2.30 Nottingham King Torus

2.10 Warwick Guards Chapel (Nap)

The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

Charlie Hall Chase Day at Weatherby

Saturday features fantastic cards at Ascot, Newmarket and more importantly at Wetherby, where one of the highlights of the season occurs with The Charlie Hall Chase. Some of the premier jumpers, including last years winner Nacarat, decent yardstick Poquelin, and Hennessy winner Diamond Harry are possibly making their seasonal debuts. They also have an excellent supporting card, challenging Ascot, who also put on a fantastic day’s jumping with two listed contests and the United House Gold Cup.

The Charlie Hall is traditionally a high class race, with NACARAT winning in style last year, from the Paul Nicholls trained The Tother One. He seems to like flat tracks, where he can lead in a ‘catch me if you can’ style under jockey Sam Thomas, who does the steering here once more.

His style of running means he could have them all at it on the turn for home, and could be difficult to peg back. I really can not see him finishing outside of the front three. The fact that Diamond Harry runs so well when fresh, and is the class horse in the race, means he is respected, however is far too short a price for such a competitive renewal.

Time For Rupert blotted his reputation when disappointing in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham, while it was reported he was wrong that day there are still doubts in my mind. The value in the race could be CHICAGO GREY for Gordon Elliot. The Cheltenham National Hunt Chase winner looked to ooze class when travelling well two weeks ago when unseating jockey Paul Carberry at the last. He is my horse to watch for the season, and think he could go for the Grand National. With a touch more luck, he could spring an upset.

The trainer also runs CARLITO BRIGANTE in the Gigginstown Stud colours in the John Smiths Hurdle over 3m 1f. The Coral Cup winner looked to have more in the tank when a good fourth in the Liverpool Hurdle and built on that further to finish third behind Mourad and Quevega in the Punchestown equivalent race. He had prep at Dundalk to put him spot on for Saturday and he has the right trainer to get him prepared perfectly for the race.

Switching to the flat, there are two horses running in Listed races which look to have much more class than their counterparts at Newmarket on Saturday. JET AWAY, for the Frankel connections of Tom Queally and Sir Henry Cecil, could not have won easier when strolling to a Conditions Stakes victory over 9 lengths at York last time out. She travelled like a dream, and the daughter of Cape Cross could further enhance her reputation taking the 4.25, which has some solid consistent horses such as Dux Scholar, Dangerous Midge and Art History. The filly looks to have a touch of class however, and can provide three more cheers for Sir Henry.

The other fancy is ECLIPTIC, running for Team Godolphin, who looks set to build on winning a Conditions Stakes race last time out, a win which arrived on the back of a 458 day absence. The colt should come on for that run and the fact that the form has already been franked, with Inler winning a listed race in the interim, further enhances his claims. He lost a Group 2 by a neck as a two year old to King Torus, and he should use this to get back on his way to Group races overseas this autumn.

2.45 Carlito Brigante

3.20 Nacarat (Ew) Chicago Grey (Ew)

2.05 Ecliptic (Nap)

4.25 Jet Away

The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner