Saturday at Doncaster and Newbury

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Newbury hosts a very interesting card on Saturday, with some talented novices on display, none more so curious than COLOUR SQUADRON for Phillip Hobbs and his new owner, JP McManus, who is enjoying a particularly fruitful week. He has form at novice level with the likes of Montbazon, Captain Conan and Dedigout, and was always going to make a chaser. He won first time out last year, and should take his novice chase, en route to greater things. He could be an outsider for The Arkle at The Cheltenham Festival. Another festival prospect for the same owner is MY TENT OR YOURS, who was scintillating in his maiden hurdle win at Ascot, beating next time out winner Taquin Du Seuil whilst pulling hard throughout. He runs with a penalty, but looks a good thing, and I’m personally on him for The Supreme Novices Hurdle at 25/1, so obviously very hopeful. Another horse that looks the metaphorical ‘penalty kick’ and another with festival aspirations is CLONDAW KAEMPFER, who is currently a leading player in the market for the Neptune Novices Hurdle. He has transferred his bumper form smartly, winning a listed hurdle over two miles last time out at Haydock, with plenty left in the tank. He clipped a few hurdles, and the trip was never going to suit; and over the Neptune trip, he should have further improvement, and will eventually be a smart staying chaser. Elsewhere on the card, STATE BENEFIT can follow up his win last time at Sandown, despite a 3lb rise from the handicapper. He was having his first run for 209 days, and showed his fatigue late on, so the run under his belt should help his fitness, and Barry Geraghty is legged up for the all-conquering Nicky Henderson team.


1.35 Newbury – Colour Squadron
2.10 Newbury – State Benefit
2.45 Newbury – Clondaw Kaempfer
3.50 Newbury – My Tent or Yours


Over at Doncaster, there is the usual spread of competitive and mine-field handicaps, the kind where the formbook really does need a good fettling. There are three I like the look of, the first being CORKAGE, a previous Doncaster winner, who ran with great credit when fourth over course and distance, losing by a narrow length, despite making mistakes. He should be getting his fitness sharper, and won around the track on his third start of last season after a lengthy absence. Despite a 4lb rise, he should be a player at a price. TRIPTICO won last time out, but was even more impressive when second on his seasonal debut, chasing home the promising Donald McCain chaser Kruzhlnin over an inadequate trip. Stepped up to two and a half miles saw him win coming away at Chepstow on heavy going, and there should be further to come stepped up to three miles. He should relish the ground, having handled Chepstow. Speaking of Mr McCain, he has BLACKWATER KING in the two mile handicap hurdle, which looks to have been given a very lenient mark from the handicapper; someone must have got a nice Christmas card in the post. A ten length winner of a novice hurdle at Kelso on soft ground, this point winner should be able to step up further, providing he handles the ground with aplomb.


2.25 Doncaster – Corakge
2.55 Doncaster – Triptico
3.25 Doncaster – Blackwater King


The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

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Christmas Punting - Ascot, Chepstow, Kempton and Leopsrdstown

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A big week of punting ahead with some terrific action at Ascot, Chepstow, Kempton and Leopardstown with a plethora of Group One races on offer, mixed with extremely tough and competitive handicaps.


The first of which comes at Ascot on Saturday, with The Ladbroke Hurdle on a card that is set to have Nicky Henderson’s heavy artillery unleashed, including the promising Simonsig. The Ladbroke Hurdle was won last year by Raya Star for Alan King, and he has the current ante post favourite in Balder Success, beating the tough juvenile Hollow Tree easily last time out at Haydock. He looks unexposed, has course form and loves soft ground, and is sure to be a leading player. Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson have been mopping up Saturday cards so far this season, and have two leading fancies in Ranjaan and Cash and Go, but a stable that burst into form last Saturday was Emma Lavelle’s. Wins for Highland Lodge, Court In Motion, Easter Meteor and Caught By Surprise all winning valuable prizes. Her next dart to throw is CLARET CLOAK who ran a stormer to finish third when punted off the boards last time out over course and distance, tiring late on. Dominic Elsworth will likely be back on board, and is another enjoying a purple patch, riding for Emma Lavelle, Mick Channon, and Paul Webber. His record for the last six rides reads 161122 – and is in good fettle.


We all know what the real highlight of Christmas is, and it isn’t listening to your nan bring back her sprouts via the rumblings of the methane soaked sofa. No, one of the highlights of the horse racing calendar is, The King George VI Chase at Kempton Park, a race that Kauto Star has dominated since the turn of the millennium, winning a record breaking five times. Paul Nicholls has his half-brother Kauto Stone, but he isn’t in the same league. Versatile performers such as Captain Chris, Hunt Ball, The Giant Bolster and Champion Court don’t look to have the class to win a Grade 1 Chase over three miles.

Riverside Theatre and Long Run of Nicky Henderson head the market, but stablemate FINIANS RAINBOW is well worth a punt at bigger prices. The Champion Chaser won over two and a half miles at Aintree, and the step up in trip will suit, as long as it doesn’t come up too soft. GRANDS CRUS is another over-priced horse due to a poor performance last time out on soft, but won The Feltham Chase over course and distance in a quicker time than The King George. Both horses he beat that day are unbeaten with Silviniaco Conti and Bobs Worth winning five graded races since. Both could end up dropping down in trip for The Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham in March, and with BetVictor’s Non Runner-Free Bet offer, look well worth a punt in that market too.


The Welsh National has been the plan for TEAFORTHREE ever since winning The National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham in March. He showed tremendous guts and tenacity to battle back, and after being headed after trying to make all. The ground was probably on the quick side for him then, and the mud at Chepstow will play in his favour. He has had two runs to get him fit, and jumped extremely impressively both starts at Cheltenham and Newbury. Everything is in his favour, and he looks an extremely good bet.


Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival looks an absolute cracker, with a host of Grade 1’s, and that will probably throw up a host of contenders for Cheltenham glory, with the two mile novice hurdle being a particularly strong looking renewal. The Lexus Chase is set up to be a great renewal, with Tidal Bay, Flemenstar and Hidden Cyclone being stand out entries, but the horse with everything in his favour is SIR DES CHAMPS. Willie Mullins superstar lost his unbeaten tag last time out to Flemenstar, but fitter, stronger and over a better trip, he should be cherry ripe for three miles around Leopardstown under Davy Russell.



Ladbroke Hurdle – Claret Cloak 1pt EW
King George VI Chase – Grands Crus 1pt Win & Finians Rainbow 1pt Win
Welsh National – Teaforthree 3pts EW
Lexus Chase – Sir Des Champs 2pt Win


The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

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Friday at Cheltenham's December Meeting

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We’re back at Cheltenham tomorrow, and a solid card on Friday, featuring a nice batch of novices and handicaps, hopefully there should be some value around. Let’s have a delve in – so to speak.


The first race is a novices chase that Nicky Henderson in particularly has a good record in, winning it last year with Solix amongst others. Barry Geraghty this time rides Broadback Bob, and although impressive last time out, he didn’t beat a lot, and I expect him to be very short on reputation alone. Forgotten Gold grinded out a win at Aintree over three miles over a next time out winner, but looks a grinder, and dropping back in trip isn’t guaranteed to be suited. I don’t like the look of Rebel Rebellion and Super Duty and although under the burden of top weight, HILDISVINI looks to be a chance. He was very impressive when winning over two and a half miles at Huntingdon, twice beating the Emma Lavelle trained Well Regarded, the second win under a penalty. His jumping was very, very good, the stable are in good nick, and the son of Milan looks to have a very eye-catching profile for a race such as this.


The conditional jockey’s handicap looks an open affair but there are two who I will personally be backing and those are PLEIN POUVOIR and LEXICON LAD. The first, runs for the in form Venetia Williams stable, a week after slogging out a three mile handicap chase at Wincanton. He looked very tired towards the latter stages, and back down to two miles five should suit. Talented apprentice Harry Challoner takes the ride instead of Aiden Coleman, and takes off 3lb. Lexicon Lad is down to a mark of 118 for his reappearance at Aintree, and is at the same mark when he gave his best performance to date, over course and distance here in January. He finished a very game second to Alan King’s Bless the Wings that day, and the form of that race has worked out very well. His form over this trip is U3132 – but he has found defeat to the likes of Havingotascoobydo, Bless The Wings, Trafalgar Road and Pasco, and he looks well handicapped.


Another handicap hurdle, this time over the extended two miles, and another tough contest, however it is very hard to see past the DAN BREEN for the red hot Pipe stable, whose stable seem to come good just before a big Cheltenham meeting, and this week has been no different. He looks to capitalise on his relatively low hurdles mark, for a horse placed in a Celebration Chase and Greatwood Gold Cup. He had a smart spin around Ascot last month, running behind next time out winner Petit Robin Talented claimer Frank Haynes, who had a winner for the yard on Thursday.


Midnight Chase is a Cheltenham specialist, winning here for the last three seasons, but under the burden of top weight against classier rivals that appear well handicapped could bring him to be unstuck. The two I like are ground and market dependant, those being PLANET OF SOUND and QUARTZ DE THAIX. I tipped up Quartz de Thaix last time out and he looks a very smart staying chaser. Although up 17lb, he is very progressive and looks to have further scope to improve. He has won at the track before and again for the red hot Venetia. Planet of Sound who looked in needing the run when behind Silviniaco Conti at Wetherby but he could run a big race trickling down the handicap if the ground doesn’t get too desperate, and may be a price in the process. Market vibes will likely suggest just how good a run he will put in.


I don’t really have an overly opinion of the cross country race, but the two stand outs are obvious ones with the Mullins and Bolger yards thriving in these races. If you can get around even money coupled on them, take it, but don’t get your beak too wet, but it would be a bit of an understatement to say UNCLE JUNIOR and ARABELLA BOY look the two. Go figure.


I tipped up CROSS KENNON last time out, taking 28/1 the night before, and seeing it get gubbed when backed into 16/1 was rather painful, but he gives us an opportunity to make amends. Up 5lb but still a very game and genuine horse, and I can see him running well. Slightly shorter trip should suit, and he is guaranteed to be there or thereabouts at a track where he has a good record. MONETARY FUND was third that day and would be another to grab some place money, if all goes to plan that is.

Another I backed last time out was VILLAGE VIC, and that effort was just too bad to be true. He has a lot of potential, and although a very trappy contest, he would be a hesitant selection. Again, nothing overboard, save yourself for Saturday folks, it’s a marathon, not a sprint!


12.15 Cheltenham – Hildisvini
12.45 Cheltenham – Plein Pouvoir & Lexicon Lad
1.20 Cheltenham – Dan Breen (Nap)
1.55 Cheltenham – Quartz De Thaix & Planet Of Sound
2.30 Cheltenham – Uncle Junior & Arabella Boy
3.05 Cheltenham – Cross Kennon & Monetary Fund
3.40 Cheltenham – Village Vic


The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

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Hennessy Gold Cup Day at Newbury

Saturday at Newbury will see an extremely competitive 2012 renewal of The Hennessy, as well as the enigmatic return of the record breaking Big Bucks, who will win the Long Distance Hurdle at prohibitively short odds. Aside from that, the card is rounded off with some very interesting handicaps, most notably the 13.25 – a two and three quarter mile handicap chase, and the 14.35 – a two mile three furlong handicap hurdle.


Starting with the sixteen runner handicap chase, with some decent novices turning out, and plenty of unexposed types. Rolling Aces, Godsmejudge and Seven Woods all will be popular in the betting due to their generally attractive profile and running for ‘sexy’ connections, but they will be likely to go off too short for my liking as such. That takes out the Henderson, Nicholls and King runners. Patsy Finnegan looks Alan King’s second string, and I wouldn’t be able to have, and with the Tizzard, Twiston-Davies and O’ Neill stables not in their best form, I wouldn’t be looking at Merry King, Handy Andy or Listen Boy.


Gores Island and Amirico are likely to be outsiders who will be lacking a bit of fitness, whereas as last time out winners Benheir and Master Neo will be pretty sharp, but accordingly will be poorly handicapped due to their recent wins and revised marks. Ballypatrick would be interesting with most Henrietta Knight runners improving since switching to Mick Channon, although the run last time was uninspiring at Ascot. Benny’s Mist goes for the in-form Venetia Williams stable, but the drying out ground would be against him, although he is respected. Sir Kezbah still looks saddled with an unworkable mark, and although now only 5lb higher than his last winning mark, isn’t for me.


The race revolves around two horses for in form stables, the first being GLOBAL POWER for Oliver Sherwood and Leighton Aspell, and SHERWANI WOLF for Charlie Longsdon and Noel Fehily. Global Power was mightily impressive last time out, winning a nice beginners chase at Fontwell over two and a half miles, and although a bit of a monkey at times, he could well back it up. On his day he was a very good hurdler, and the step up in trip combined with the switch to chasing, should continue the horse’s upward curve. Sherwani Wolf has another likable profile, never really involved and desperately needing the run last time out. The stable is now in better form, and the step up in trip should suit, with cheekpieces being applied first time.


The handicap hurdle looks slightly more straightforward, and instead of working out what hopefully can’t win, let’s work on those that can. At Fishers Cross looks badly handicapped for winning easy novice hurdles, and the likes of Salubrious and Ardlui have similar profiles. The two I like here at hopefully decent prices are SCOTS GAELIC and KINGCORA. Venetia Williams is having a good season with horse’s first time out, and although off a mark of 136, the four year old has some very strong form in France, and will be fit and ready for the season ahead. Her horses are generally under-priced compared to more fashionable connections. Same with Scots Gaelic for Tim Vaughan, who had a nice winner on Friday, and was a solid dual purpose horse in Ireland. He was last seen chasing home Foildubh, who has since run solid races behind Flemenstar and Hidden Cyclone next time out, and he should be a price.


THE PACKAGE has been my long term fancy for The Hennessy since the initial declarations were announced, and his win last time out at Wincanton was a double edged sword for me, as it meant he would be a worse price and weight. Up 8lb seem fair, and I am still adamant he is better than his mark, with his form over three mile handicap chases being incredibly strong. The yard have been unlucky with this precocious beast, but with the trainers record in this and Timmy Murphy doing the steering, he is well worth the price, and I can not see him being outside the first four home. Fruity O’ Rooney looks another nicely handicapped down at the bottom of the weights, and has the type of unexposed profile that suits. He had a nice tune up around Cheltenham over hurdles to protect his mark, and the trip and ground should be perfect for him, he looks a cracking each way punt.


The final race of the three day Hennessy meeting is a fifteen runner handicap chase over the extended two miles, and looks another fascinating contest. Michael Flips, Consigliere, Oh Crick and Takeroc are all the class horse that are trickling down the handicap, but they may be vulnerable to the more unexposed and progressive types, although it would be no surprise to see any of them bounce back. Younger horses seem to struggle in these types of competitive affairs, and I would look past On Trend, Tatispout and Ulck Du Lin as a result. Patrick Corbett is proving to be a very useful claimer, and his 10lb can rectify his hike in the weights on GUS MACRAE. A winner of good handicap chases at Aintree and Ascot, and although up 14lb for the two runs, he is improving nicely, and the eight year old can seal the hatrick in the finale.


13.25 Newbury – Selection: Global Power, Alternative: Sherwani Wolf
14.35 Newbury – Selection: Scots Gaelic, Alternative: Kingcora
15.10 Newbury – Selection: The Package, Alternative: Fruity O’ Rooney
15.40 Newbury – Selection: Gus Macrae (Nap)


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Saturday's Racing at Ascot and Haydock

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Proper racing tomorrow, competitive action, some big fields, and more importantly; national hunt racing that is tougher than a steak cooked by Milner senior. Seriously good; tuck in.


I’ll keep Ascot brief, as it looks like “The Nicky Henderson Memorial afternoon”, with two of his heavy artillery already deployed so relatively early in the season, and are both multiple Grade 1 winners dropping down in class. Oscar Whiskey runs over the trip he loves, two and a half miles. Unfortunately, there are few of these races at the top level, bar Aintree, so he has to make do running against lesser rivals. That being said, he is still massive at around the even money mark, and should have beaten eventual Champion Hurdle second Overturn here last year bar a mishap at the last. Banker.


Finians Rainbow is a horse I have stayed loyal to ever since seeing him win a novice chase in the winter of 2010. I did my money on him in The Arkle in 2011 when won by Captain Chris (I still have no idea how he lost the race, go back and watch the replay), however I have remained loyal, and backed him ante post for The Champion Chase at 9/1, 8/1, 7/1 and 11/2. Suffices to say, the lad paid me back in spades. Here is your turn to chip in too, when he runs in The Amlin Chase, historically won by previous Champion Chase winners, hello Master Minded! He showed he relished a long trip when winning over two and a half miles at Aintree, and given his eventual aim for the first half of the season being The King George, I can see him winning this en route to further glory over there. Super banker.


Crossing over to the infamous Lancashire surroundings of Haydock Park, where the feature is the Betfair Chase, won an incredible four times by the steeplechaser of a lifetime; Kauto Star. He will be parading, and with him not running, and only five runners taking on the short priced favourite Long Run, it isn’t really something to get excited about, and not one I fancy having a punt in. The value look to lay in the handicaps and the first one of those is where CROWNING JEWEL goes for Keith and James Reveley. He looks the least exposed and ironically the best handicapped challenger as opposed to those from ‘sexier’ stables. However he finished a good third last time out go Cheltenham winner Ifandbutwhynot, what looks like a good race on paper, and a form line through that looks rather strong.

QUARTZ DE THAIX travelled so strongly last time out for the in form Venetia Williams stable, and I can’t see any reason why the eight year old can’t follow up next time out in the 2.00. Although up 9lb, watching the race live, I was seriously impressed with the ease of the victory, an eventual seven lengths win, and although the hike in the weights, he should be fresher and fitter for the outing.

I was tempted to get stuck into SIVOLA DE SIVOLA in the week, when double his current price, but the continued support, as well as stable form, has even further enhanced his chances in the big handicap over the infamous fixed brush hurdles. He finished a good fourth last time out in a competitive handicap hurdle when well backed on the day, and considering the third has since come out and run well, with Viking Blond performing with aplomb in the big handicap chase last Saturday.

The David Pipe team are coming off the back of a tremendous time of things, with three winners and two seconds at The Paddy Power meeting, and he can continue the trend with MASTER OVERSEER. He was a winner of the Midlands Grand National under a great ride from Tom Scudamore, in the manner of a very progressive animal. He has form on soft and also heavy going, and will take a lot of beating in the gruelling contest given he stays longer than the proverbial mother in law.


Ascot – Finians Rainbow (2.10) & Oscar Whisky (2.45) – Nap Double

Haydock 12.55 – Crowning Jewel
Haydock 14.00 – Quartz De Thaix
Haydock 14.30 – Sivola De Sivola
Haydock 15.40 – Master Overseer

Bet advised - Each Way Lucky 15


The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

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Cheltenham Open Meeting - Sunday: Day 3

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CAPTAIN CONAN is a horse I have had on my radar for a very long time. He was ear-marked for a crack at The 2013 Arkle as soon as he was purchased from France, and his novice hurdle career was merely getting him ready for fences. Anything he did last year was a bonus, so being able to beat Colour Squadron in The Tolworth Hurdle, and perhaps even better when chasing home Darlan at Aintree, was a massive credit to the scopey five year old. He looks an absolute beast, and the fact he is thrown into a Grade 2 on his chasing debut speaks volumes about the confidence the stable have in him. The ground may be against him, but he should possess enough class to get through it.


MALLER TREE immediately stands out as interesting entry, being a horse sent over by Jessica Harrington after an impressive seven lengths win at Naas. He beat a very good horse of Noel Meade’s in Texas Jack, who has since won a novice chase, with the third also running well since, and the form looks strong. Maller Tree should come on for his last run, and with the softening ground in his favour, his chances will only heighten with the expected weather and good form on heavy ground. Barry Geraghty rides and gave the horse a favourable write up on his At the Races blog.


Sprinter Sacre misses the Shloer Chase, which is a massive disappointment, because just seeing him glide over fences is an absolute treat in itself, but the fact he isn’t running means that it actually becomes a punting proposition. Wishfull Thinking gets 4lb from Doeslessthanme, and it looks something of a match, with the others being proverbial no hopers. Wishfull Thinking chased home For Non Stop at Aintree in the softening ground, and will be fit and sharp for this renewal and is of interest. However the more likely winner is Paul Nicholls’s progressive chaser DOESLESSTHANME in the famous colours of Graham Wyllie. He has form on soft, and is going in the right direction, something that can not be said of his counterpart here.


The newly renamed Racing Post Hurdle, formerly the Greatwood Hurdle looks set to be a gruelling renewal on the soddened ground, and you will have to stay further than the two miles suggest, them going hell for leather from the start. Vendor has a chance but his run at Aintree on similar conditions was surely too bad to be true. Darlan is obviously a big fancy, but there are strong rumours that he is set to be a non-runner, and I don’t like backing short priced favourite s in big handicaps. Olofi ran well in this last year, but looks exposed off a 6lb higher mark, and so the two I like are CAUSE OF CAUSES and BOTHY. Starting with Bothy; he ran a good second in soft ground at Wetherby last time out on his seasonable beau, and although a 5lb rise, he will be fitter and sharper for the run. He has an excellent record around Cheltenham, second here last year, and second in a Coral Cup, he looks to be a very big price. Similarly Cause of Causes has some very good form on soft ground, winning a good race at Fairyhouse last time out, and is 4lb well in at the weights.


The Hyde Novices' Hurdle over the extended two and a half miles is an excellent good renewal, headed by Fox Run for Paul Nicholls who hacked up in a decent maiden hurdle at Worcester, hacking up by fourteen lengths. I Shot The Sheriff, According To Trev and Bondage all run for respected connections but I was really take by the way VILLAGE VIC ran last time out at Cheltenham over course and distance, when chasing home Neptune ante post favourite The New One, just being outclassed in the latter stages. That was his first run of the season, and his first run over hurdles, and he should come on for that run in spades. He should have a lot more improvement to come further, and has a big career ahead of him; and eventually no doubt over fences.


The bumper looks to be another strong showing, with plenty of unexposed sorts, it really is so nice to have some quality national hunt racing back. It would be folly to have an overly strong opinion, with so many unexposed sorts, however THE LIQUIDATOR ran a good second in the Champion Bumper at Fairyhouse, and after being snapped up by David Pipe, will no doubt be primed to further enhance his excellent record at the meeting under Tom Scudamore. He looks to have the most obvious chance on paper, however if the market speaks, it would be wise to listen.


1.10 Cheltenham – Captain Conan (Nap)
1.45 Cheltenham – Maller Tree
2.20 Cheltenham – Doeslessthanme
2.50 Cheltenham – Bothy (Ew) & Cause of Causes (Ew)
3.25 Cheltenham – Village Vic
4.00 Cheltenham – The Liquidator


The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner

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Cheltenham Open Meeting - Saturday: Day Two

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ROC D’APSIS run in the juvenile hurdle, already with a massive reputation en tow after winning two from two in France. Tom George did an interview shortly after acquiring him in August and stated just how excited he was to have him in his stable. He has apparently been working like a dream at home, and hopefully he goes unnoticed with the big guns in the line-up. Nicky Henderson runs Vasco Du Ronceray and Paul Nicholls has Far West, and those two are most likely to fight out the position as market leader.


If you watch how MASTERS HILL took to novice chasing at Chepstow, you would fail to be impressed how he responded to Joe Tizzard in a good looking contest at Chepstow, even the most cynical of punters would have to admit that this boy can jump a fence. He barely touched a twig, and came away still full of running to win by six lengths. Sire Collognes is going to be a very, very short priced favourite, and is respected after winning over course and distance last month, but hopefully Masters Hill for the in form Tizzard yard can cause something of an upset.


The three and a half mile handicap chase is a tremendously competitive affair, with seventeen runners confirmed, including last year’s National Hunt Chase winner Teaforthree and last year’s Hennessy winner Carruthers. The most interesting runner however is the Bet365 Gold Cup winner from last year in POKER DE SIVOLA for Ferdy Murphy and Robert Thornton. The nine year old looks well handicapped on that form, and had his first run of the season when fifth at Newcastle last month, which was his first run for 552 days. He should be sharper for that, and his record around Cheltenham is exemplary, he could be a very decent price indeed.


I have done an extended preview for The Paddy Power Gold Cup, which can be found in all the usual places, I’m sure you know where to find it, so I shall just include the synopsis.

Grands Crus obviously sets a significantly strong standard, but given the supposed ‘good things’ of Long Run and Mon Parrain in consecutive years, I seem him placing but not having everything go in his favour. The stable form of Alan King, and his praise of WALKON makes him looks a very good price at around the 8/1 mark and running off a mark of 143, when top rated on Racing Post Ratings means he strikes as having a very attractive price. He won first time out last season beating good horse Zaynar and Notus De La Tour in a hot novice chase over the same trip, and also has winning course form to his name. I expect him to edge out Grands Crus in the finish, with Divers guided into third under Timmy Murphy and Calgary Bay staying on for fourth en route to The Hennessy.


CROSS KENNON won the three mile handicap hurdle two years ago off a mark of 130, and could be worth another chance after flopping since being asked to tackle the larger obstacles. He was on the crest of a wave when winning this, going on to finish a good fifth to Big Bucks, only beaten by five lengths. He has taken time to come back since an unsuccessful stint novice chasing, and although disappointing last time out, has been dropped 7lb by the handicapper, and will be fitter for the run. He will be a significant deal fitter, and has a great record around the track, being only one of three course and distance winners.


The ‘lucky last’ as Tommo would have you refer it as is another trappy handicap, but there lay the winner, without too much delving and that looks to be TANERKO EMERY for the all ruling David Pipe team. Tom Scudamore rides, and he was very impressive when winning a Stratford maiden hurdle with limited fuss last month. That was his first run since moving from the Tim Vaughan yard, and he is entitled to continue his improvement, and from a mark of 112, it would be far from surprising, not to mention both David and Martin Pipe’s record in the race.


12.45 Roc D'apsis
1.20 Masters Hill
1.55 Poker De Sivola
2.35 Walkon
3.05 Cross Kennon
3.40 Tanerko Emery (Nap)


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Cheltenham Open Meeting - Friday: Day One

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The Cheltenham Open Meeting kicks off with some of the hottest novice chasers currently in the game. Won last year by Grands Crus, and previously by ‘The Tank’ Denman, this race is unusually a good pointer towards the RSA Chase four months later at the festival in March. Two of last season’s top hurdlers were DYNASTE and FINGAL BAY, and they will lock horns here for the Pipe and Hobbs stables respectively. Carlito Brigante, Unioniste and Thehillosuisneach make up the numbers, but it seriously looks a two horse race. Dynaste has supposedly been pleasing connections really well since schooling began back home, and rated 161 over hurdles, he gave Big Bucks a scare, albeit a very quick and swiftly despatched one. Fingal Bay gives him 5lb, and although rated lower over hurdles, he looks like he was always going to be a chaser, and is a very physically imposing colt. He won his novice chase in good style, and although not overly impressive, that is just his style of running. I expect him to win this, en route to tackling The Feltham Chase at Kempton.


The two mile handicap chase is a one that Nicky Henderson has a tremendous record in, and it is no surprise to see him with a strong chance here once again with Tanks For That under Barry Geraghty. Kid Cassidy goes under AP McCoy and is a warm favourite for the champ. Oh Crick finished seventh in this race last year off a 3lb lower mark, and the likes of Free World, Takeroc and Salute Him would have to be passed due to terrible recent form, albeit with lowering handicap marks. Consigliere is of interest for the Pipe team, with the teams heralded record in handicaps around Prestbury Park, obviously warrants respect. The one who strikes most appeal is SILVER ROQUE for the rejuvenated Fergal O’ Brien yard, with Paddy Brennan on board. Up 2lb for finishing second to a next time out winner in the form of Gus Macrae, and looks to still is a well handicapped horse.


The Grade 2 novices hurdle looks a cracker, where Dodging Bullets is an extremely warm favourite after hacking up over course and distance last month. He was far from disgraced when finishing fourth in The Triumph hurdle, before the finishing sixth at Aintree and does look potentially very good, but not for me. Nor is Tominator, with the stable form being questionable, barring a double on Wednesday. RIVER MAIGUE was a horse I followed keenly last season, winning his second of two bumpers after being snapped up after a good point to point win. He won his bumper in impressive fashion and could be the dark horse in the field. Court Minstrel is also respected, but giving weight away to the field, could be vulnerable.


The rest of the three races look a very tricky punting proposition, with the cross country, an apprentice handicap and an amateur riders race rounding off the card. The one from the three that strikes most appeal looks to be TITAN DE SARTI, who looks to be way better than a mark of 123 suggest. Jeremiah McGrath is possibly the best apprentice in the field, and with the money already coming in, he could be a good thing. He finished third in a good maiden hurdle behind Court Minstrel and The Romford Pele, and the second won in a very facile manner yesterday. The rest of the form is very, very strong.


1.15 Cheltenham – Fingal Bay (Nap)
1.50 Cheltenham – Silver Roque
2.25 Cheltenham – River Maigue
3.35 Cheltenham – Titan De Sarti (Nb)


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Paddy Power Gold Cup

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The Paddy Power Gold Cup is iconic in stature as the real start to the jumps season, with Cheltenham’s Open Meeting being three days of pure unadulterated joy. It may sound a little extreme, but having to sit through claimers at Catterick, sellers at Salisbury and minefield lady riders handicaps at Pontefract makes sitting through the best racing in the world oh so that much more satisfying. I had better move on before this preview turns into an erotic thriller. Fifty Shades of Hay? Moving on.


The Paddy Power is a race that has been synonymous with the name Pipe. It has nothing to do with the handheld smoking variety, but the lineage of a genius trainer Martin and his son David, who finally won this race since taking the reins from his old man with Great Endeavour. He did so for the owner and jockey that powered Martin Pipe to his oh so many championships, the famous blue and green silks of David Johnson under Timmy Murphy. They also won with Celestial Gold and Our Vic, two of Martin’s eight wins, and that makes the ante post favourite Grands Crus that much more of a standout. Trained by David Pipe and ridden by Tom Scudamore he won The Feltham Chase in a time quicker than The King George beating subsequent RSA Chase and Charlie Hall Chase winners Bobs Worth and Siliviano Conti. Off a mark of 157 he will prove very difficult to beat.


The main rivals are from a host of top profile trainers, none more so than Al Ferof of Paul Nicholls who comes with a massive reputation. He is one of the many progeny of Dom Alco, as is Neptune Collognes and Grands Crus, and is entitled to thrive stepped up in trip, yet to run beyond two miles. He will be seen as eventually a Gold Cup horse, and if he is to eventually step up to such lofty heights, he would want to give a good account here off a mark of 159. Aerial isn’t held in anywhere near the same regard, and at just 4lb lower, doesn’t strike much appeal for the same stable. Tanks for That has a good record around the track, and won first time out last year, but looks down the pecking order of Nicky Henderson, with decent money coming for Nadiya De La Vega and Triolo D’Alene in the last couple of weeks, although neither offer too much appeal but are obviously respected, trainers don’t come any shrewder. Who said Barney Curley…


Hunt Ball was the fairytale story of last year, going up 89lbs to win a listed chase at the festival, and finish third in an Aintree Grade 1, but this isn’t a Disney film, and all fairytales have to end somewhere. Despite the bellowing of owner Anthony Knott, the mark of 157 seems very tough, and I expect the bubble to severely burst.

Those at the top of the weights look to have it all to do and are plenty exposed, with Poquelin being a course and distance specialist, but carrying 11-12 is a very tough ask. Wishfull Thinking was well fancied for this last year, but folded tamely late on, and the trip may be as far as he wants to go, not to mention his questionable jumping. Similar trip worries would take out the likes of Forpaddydeplasterer who is a two miler and proven stayers such as Quantitativeeasing, Fingeronthepulse, Questions Answered, Casey Top and The Disengager all look to want further and a race such as this may catch them out for pace. The only one that could appreciate the drop back down in trip is Calgary Bay having his first run for Mick Channon since taking over from Henrietta Knight, and has had two first time out winners already for the yard.

Gilbarry and Jamsie Hall look to have a job on down the bottom of the weights, exposed against classier types and have it all to do, as does Kingsmere, who is yet to run outside of novice company for Henry Daly. Divers and Walk On are two who will be perfectly tuned up with Walk On in particular being a lot of interest. He goes well fresh, and is likely to love the ground, trip and racing style; trainer Alan King is particularly sweet on him. The same can be said about Divers for Ferdy Murphy, who finished a solid third here in the race last year off a 6lb lower mark. Timmy Murphy is a significant jockey booking, and had a tune up here at the meeting last month and is following his preparation for the race last year. Michael Flips completes the line-up, and is one who will appreciate conditions, but the stable form of Andy Turnell would be something of a worry.


So there we have it, all twenty two runners, and now stick my trusty pin in. Grands Crus obviously sets a significantly strong standard, but given the supposed ‘good things’ of Long Run and Mon Parrain in consecutive years, I seem him placing but not having everything go in his favour. The stable form of Alan King, and his praise of WALKON makes him looks a very good price at around the 8/1 mark and running off a mark of 143, when top rated on Racing Post Ratings means he strikes as having a very attractive price. He won first time out last season beating good horse Zaynar and Notus De La Tour in a hot novice chase over the same trip, and also has winning course form to his name. I expect him to edge out Grands Crus in the finish, with Divers guided into third under Timmy Murphy and Calgary Bay staying on for fourth en route to The Hennessy.


1. Walkon
2. Grands Crus
3. Divers
4. Calgary Bay


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Saturday Racing at Ascot and Wetherby

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Looking at the cards for Saturday the message is clear – the jumps are back. We have a terrific spread of cards at Uttoxeter, Ayr, Ascot and a strong renewal of The Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. There may be some two year olds running around a dirt covered oval across the pond, but let’s be honest, the people there would much rather be in wet West Yorkshire seeing some excellent three mile chasers duel out a tough and uncompromising finish!

The Charlie Hall Chase is usually a precursor to bigger races throughout the season, whether it is The Hennessy, The Betfair Chase, The King George, or indeed, the Gold Cup. That notwithstanding, it is still a terrific race, with some tremendous prize money on offer, the Grade 2 contest having £100,000 in the kitty for the six participants, and they will all cover the expenses.

The outsider of the field is Wayward Prince who looks to have it all do to, despite receiving weight all round from the field, and was once a promising novice chaser, with good efforts in the Cheltenham and Aintree’s three mile novice chases. He went off well fancied for The Hennessy last year, but badly disappointed and tailed off towards the end of the season. He has form when fresh, but would be more of a watching brief. A similar story applies to Planet of Sound, who ran a good second on his seasonal appearance last year in The Hennessy, and then third in a Kempton Grade 3 before completing the Grand National in twelfth place. He looks to be a plodder however, and may be caught wanting in a classy race like this, with his long term aims towards the English and Scottish National’s. Midnight Chase is a devout Cheltenham specialist, whose form away from Prestbury Park is often found wanting. His form away from the hallowed grounds in the last two seasons reads F3 – whereas at Cheltenham 111517 – although top rated, he doesn’t appeal to me. Time for Rupert is an interesting runner for the Paul Webber team, and was a good second here last season. Beaten thirteen lengths behind Midnight Chase last season before travelling well in The Gold Cup before tiring late on, his run suggested that the return to three miles would suit. He goes well fresh, and if the market vibes were supportive, he would be more appealing than the favourite Silviano Conti at the prices. He will no doubt go off shorter than he should due to the Walsh/Nicholls Saturday punters tucking into their multiples. His second in The Feltham is the stand out piece of form. But his fourth in the Reynoldstown was highly disappointing. The Aintree novice chase was a nothing event, with Champion Court tiring from his race at Cheltenham, and the rest of the field being simply not good enough. That leaves MASTER OF THE HALL as the most interesting runner for Nicky Henderson and Andrew Tinkler and looks severely overpriced for my money. I was really impressed by his win at Kelso last March, when albeit beating horses with others targets in mind, but won well, coming away at the finish. He then finished sixth at Aintree, but behind all very good horses, Hunt Ball, Burton Port, Nacarat, Medermit and winner Follow The Plan. He goes well fresh, from an outstanding stable, and at around the 9/1 mark, he looks distinctly overpriced, if Barry Geraghty was on board he would be no doubt half the price. At the prices, it could be worth a saver on the reverse forecast with Silviano Conti, he could be anything, and Paul Nicholls thinks he could be a King George horse, but then again, you rarely see him talk down one of his horses, do you?


The John Smith’s hurdle race is just as puzzling, and last year’s winner Restless Harry turns out again, although considering his record on good ground, you would assume he would have it all to do under a penalty. Unless however it really threw it down, which being a native of West Yorkshire, I wouldn’t rule out. He comfortably despatched Fair Along last season, and I can see the pair of then being vulnerable to younger rivals. As is Tidal Bay, who looks to have The Grand National and other valuable staying chases as his target, and as such, this will be most likely a tune up for the eleven year old. Crack Away Jack was highly flattered by finishing second to Big Bucks at Aintree last year, when Restless Harry and Smad Place both came down, leaving the race a pretty much no contest, if it was a boxing match, it would have been a round two knockout for Paul Nicholls’s phenomenal hurdler. Smad Place did go off a well backed second favourite though that day and it is interesting that he is still hurdling, when he looks built to go chasing. The yard is going well, but I have in the back of my mind the idea that this will be used to tee his season up, with the ultimate aim being The RSA Chase at Cheltenham. A horse who has had a prep to get him cherry ripe for this is CAPE TRIBULATION who loyal followers will have seen me tip up on both his victories at Cheltenham and Aintree festivals last year, in what was a tremendous training performance from Malcolm Jefferson. He was out battled in an outstanding finish at York three weeks ago over two miles, and on better ground and over three miles, he will take all the beating with Denis O’ Regan back in the plate.


Switching tracks to Ascot, there are a couple of interesting runners that catch the eye, most notably MY TENT OR YOURS in the novice hurdle at 2.00. I backed him in all three bumper runs last season, and the form of his second in the Aintree champion bumper is already working out well with The New One winning a good novice hurdle at Cheltenham two weeks ago. He will appreciate the drop back to two miles, and will have perfect ground to suit. He could eventually shape up to be a horse that has the class for something along the lines of The Supreme Novices Hurdle; he looks to be a Nicky Henderson prototype.


As said previously, the Alan King stable have started off really well this season, and it would be no surprise to see RAYA STAR run a big race in the two mile listed handicap hurdle, with Wayne Hutchinson in the saddle. He had a blinding season, running well behind Rock on Ruby at Newbury, winning the Ladbroke Hurdle, and sealing off his campaign winning the Scottish Champion Hurdle, Scottish National day at Ayr. He goes well fresh, looks well handicapped, has a progressive profile and is likely to be a price due to the fancied runners of Ile De Re and Cape Express.


Ascot 2.00 – My Tent or Yours (Nb)
Ascot 2.35 – Raya Star
Wetherby 2.50 – Cape Tribulation (Nap)
Wetherby 3.25 – Master of the Hall


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Cheltenham Pointers 31st October 2012

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Another weekend of strong national hunt racing behind us, and the portfolio is in for a reight treat as we say up north, and is about to get more padding than the walls of Broadmoor, and probably just as difficult to understand. This season is gradually moving through the gears, with Cheltenham’s Open Meeting followed by Aintree’s Old Roan Chase card, and The Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby bringing some very interesting challenger from across The Irish Sea. Lots of high class pretenders out strutting their stuff early, so who has caught the eye?


He may have cheekily gone under the radar but not by my bins as I’ve been waiting for WAAHEB to run since missing the festival last year through injury. His only ever defeat came to the unfortunate deceased Lovethehigherlaw of Willie Mullins in the champion bumper at Punchestown in 2011 and he is all class. He was expected to go hurdling with a view of his main aim for the forthcoming season being The Supreme Novices Hurdle. A year on, he will be stronger and fitter and trained by Dermot Weld, is hardly a negative now is it. Saying he knows the time of day is like saying Stephen Hawking is a clever chap. That man AP McCoy is likely to ride should the five year old get to Prestbury Park, with his boss JP being rather fond of having runners, and more importantly winners around such hallowed turf. He took well to hurdling, and is the leading player already at the start of the season.


Another leading player in their novice division will be THE NEW ONE for Sam and Nigel Twiston-Davies. Like Waaheb, comes from a decent background in bumpers, winning at Aintree, and sixth at Cheltenham, and he has looked even better since taking on hurdles. He won a modest novice hurdle at Newton Abbot but travelled like a dream when stepped up to two and a half miles at Cheltenham in a race that is seen as an early prelude to the Neptune Novice Hurdle come March. He showed a smart turn of foot to win by three lengths and at the current odds on offer of 10/1 – Mr Chandler may be underestimating the King’s Theatre animal. Already a course and distance winner is a massive plus around Cheltenham, but you knew that already, right? You do now.

HANDAZAN won a juvenile hurdle at the second attempt, winning an all-out slugfest to beat the well-bred For Two of Graham Wylie and Paul Nicholls, on desperate ground at Aintree. That being said, there should be more to come, and let’s be honest, we all know how Alan King likes a tilt at the Triumph Hurdle. As does his owners, The McNeill family, who have purchased this horse for that very race. Bred and ran on the flat by HH Aga Khan, he has an illustrious pedigree, but more importantly an illustrious ante post price of 33/1. He will be gelded to calm him down, all that testosterone on the poor lad will be making his thoughts wander instead of lepping around Cheltenham, and on better ground, when he turns up on the day, he is more likely to be 3/1 than 33/1.

GO NATIVE was a ma-hu-sive eye-catcher with his first run back for two and half years on the flat three weeks ago, when absolutely lobbing along before finding little late on, but wasn’t pressed, there is more in store for him than a two mile handicap around Navan. Clearly as he won on Monday by six lengths at Galway under Nina Carberry, going wide throughout and yet still routing them. She knew how much she had underneath her (that’s what she said). He won The Fighting Fifth and Christmas Hurdle in 2009/2010 season, and ended up going off 5/2 favourite for that year’s Champion Hurdle finishing tenth of twelfth, injured and out for two seasons. He’s back, he will be fresh and fit and the Noel Meade stable have started off flying. A friend of mine think’s he a cert.


The final eye catcher of the week was SIRE DE GRUGY who has really strong form in two mile handicap hurdles last season behind the likes of Zarkander, rated 148 over the smaller objects. His running style means he will thrive over a quickly run contest, which he is sure to achieve come Cheltenham the second week in March. As long as his jumping is up to scratch, he could be a big player, and he seemed to thrive over fences at Kempton last Sunday, running away to win by six lengths. Don’t get me wrong, he may be outclassed if something like Simonsig goes chasing, but, he looks a good bet for the multiples, and a nice each way poke… so to speak.


Eye-Catchers & Markets
Supreme Novices Hurdle - Waaheb 12/1 (Bet Victor, Boylesports, William Hill)
Neptune Novices Hurdle – The New One 16/1 (William Hill)
Triumph Hurdle – Handazan 33/1 (Bet Victor, Boylesports, William Hill)
Champion Hurdle – Go Native 33/1 (William Hill)
Arkle Chase – Sire De Grugy 20/1 (Bet Victor, Stan James, Ladbrokes)


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Thursday Racing at Uttoxeter

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A nice little card at Uttoxeter this afternoon, with a nice bunch of handicaps and novice hurdles to gradually dip our toe into the national hunt season. It seems from entries and market movers that the two trainers to keep an eye on are Fergal O’ Brien and Donald McCain, two very crafty men to keep an eye on throughout the duration of the season no doubt.


The first race is a trappy looking novice hurdle, and RIGHT TO RULE looks to be a very worthy even money favourite for the ever conquering Donald McCain yard, with stable jockey Jason Maguire taking the leg up. He was second to eventual group winner Sir Graham Wade on debut for William Haggas, and ran on soft three times, winning a maiden over ten furlongs at the third time of asking. Now gelded, this Rock of Gibraltar three year old showed enough promise two weeks ago on his hurdling debut at Bangor to suggest he has a lot more to offer, and given his flat form, should love the soft ground out there. Ctappers gives the field 7lb, and Alborz has been behind both of these two on his two novice hurdles thus far.


The second novice hurdle is for older horses, and is made up of national hunt bred horses, whose main goal will no doubt be chasing in the years to come. Un Bop P’tit Gars carries a 6lb penalty for a recent course and distance win, which makes life very difficult. Spanish Arch, Moscow Presents, Benjamin Bittern and Coastal Bay are not without a chance, but it could be worth taking a chance on BUDDY LOVE for Martin Keighley. The mares allowance gets her a further 7lb in weight from the field, and the yard are warming up nicely, with two winners last week. She is from a decent family, and showed a game attitude when winning a bumper at Towcester back in May.


Notabotheronme looks the worthy favourite of the three mile handicap chase, and Paul Moloney is riding especially well as of late, but considering the gelding is up 4lb for winning a very poor race last time out in May, the form of that win and the lengthy absence could go against him. Four run out of the handicap, which leaves Ban Uisce and Salut Honore, with preference for the former. BAN UISCE has three career wins over soft ground, and it is interesting that the seven year old is stepped up to three miles for the first time. He is down to a career low mark and has promising young jockey Ryan Mania on for the first time, and he should be fit from a season of summer jumping.


QUEEN OF MANTUA goes for the ever conquering Fergal O’Brien yard, and this could form the part of a quick-fire double for the stable. A well-bred Old Vic mare, she was last seen winning a novice hurdle in a very comfortably fashion on soft ground at Towcester over two and a half miles. She won despite hanging that day, and with more experience and strengthening up over the summer; she could prove to be a very nice handicapping prospect for the yard. The fact that the money is down for DIRLETON in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle speaks volumes and the Flemensfirth six year old runs for the first time in eighteen months, making his handicap and actual debut for the yard after previously being with George Charlton. He is unexposed, off a workable mark, and with the market responding accordingly, he carries maximum respect.


The two mile handicap chase looks very tricky, but with the ground being very soft, the only horse who has form on the surface is LUKEYS LUCK who has also been well backed throughout the morning. The six year old’s record on soft or worse going reads 12, and considering how unexposed he is in comparison to his rivals, he looks on a good enough mark to be winning a race of this calibre.



2.10 Uttoxeter – Right to Rule (Nap)
2.40 Uttoxeter – Buddy Love
3.10 Uttoxeter – Ban Uisce
3.40 Uttoxeter – Queen of Mantua
4.10 Uttoxeter – Dirleton
4.40 Uttoxeter – Lukeys Luck (Nb)

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Tuesday Racing at Huntingdon, Leicester and The Curragh

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SEPTEMBER LILY is a very game and consistent sort, and is a filly that goes against her Cape Cross pedigree, having her best runs over seven furlongs and soft ground. The filly gets 5lb from the field, and has Wayne Lordan on her back, enjoying a fine season. The Ballydoyle debutant Sidereus Nuncius is massively short due to the Weld non runner, and if anything September Lily could be a back to lay option, or perhaps an each way bet to nothing in a weak field.

JP Murtagh has built up a great relationship with MAN OF ERIN, and whilst he is up 7lb for a recent win, their form figures when combining of 121 highlight the strength of the partnership. The Invincible Spirit gelding is up against rivals with very patchy and inconsistent form, whereas Man of Erin, since switching to handicaps has form figures of 112317, and is one who will handle the conditions better than most.

MOSCOW CHANCER was one to follow when switching to novice handicap chases last season, and providing that he is fully wound up for his season beau, he looks on a good mark to run a big race. The two stand out freelance jockeys last year for me were Paddy Brennan and Denis O’ Regan, who both formed decent partnerships with some ‘lesser’ yards, Paddy in particular with Fergal O’ Brien and Tom George. Since handicapping, Moscow Chancer’s form reads 323314, his best form coming on better ground, and unbelievably, with Newcastle abandoned, and Curragh riding heavy; Huntingdon has good ground. We’ll take it.

GIFTED GIRL has ran smart races in defeat to group horses Coquet and Fallen For You, and back after a break, she can get back on track in the 3,40, a conditions race over a mile. The Azamour filly should handle the soft ground fine, and ran well enough before tiring last time out in a good Ascot handicap, her first run for 156 days. My Queenie is respected down in grade, as is Crystal Gal.

A trainer making giant strides already this season is Fergal O’ Brien who has been teaming up to have a host of winners with Paddy Brennan. Timmy Murphy takes the ride on WELL METT who goes unpenalised for a narrow neck defeat last time out over course and distance just nine days ago. The form of both his last two runs has been franked, and although there is a well in horse of a similar nature in Victor Echo for David Evans, Well Mett gets the nod ahead at the prices.

HISAABAAT won the four year old grade one hurdle at Punchestown last season, and although over a trip that doesn’t exactly stretch his stamina, he has enough class to win the mile and a quarter handicap off a handy mark for Dermot Weld and Pat Smullen. He should win this on the way to winning much better things this season over hurdles.

BEDOUIN INVADER comes from a very smart family, for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore in those familiar colours of Mr Saheed Suhail. Out of a very smart mare, who run in plenty of black type races, yet acquiring her only two wins on soft ground. The yard can ready a newcomer, especially in the autumn and with Hard Spun and Deficit looking severely lacking in any value whatsoever, we shall rely on Ryan Moore booting the colt home.


2.15 Curragh – September Lily
2.45 Curragh – Man of Erin (Nb)
2.50 Huntingdon – Moscow Chancer
3.40 Leicester – Gifted Girl
4.20 Huntingdon – Well Mett
4.40 Leicester – Bedouin Invader
4.45 Curragh – Hisaabaat (Nap)


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Friday Racing on The Knavesmire - York.

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York have a solid card to round off another tremendous flat season on The Knavesmire, with numerous highlights, and the north in particular dominating the key fixtures and races, the highlight being personally Ortensia’s win in The Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes.


BOND CLUB looks overpriced in the first, a six furlongs nursery, with the official going now on the softer side of soft, and heavier than an Andy Fordham knuckle sandwich, it will be treacherous out there. He handled the conditions in fine style two weeks ago, winning a Haydock maiden, beating a next time out winner, and off an unchanged mark has to be a player. Bachoteque is respected, but is plenty short enough under a plenty for the Easterby stable.


BEATEN UP is yet to run on soft ground, but he has a chance to get back to the scintillating form he showed last year, where he had the looks of a prospective group one animal. Graham Lee rides for the first time, and bringing that jumps background to the party, cane dictate the fractions to a tee. He stayed on well under hands and heels in a messy conditions race at Doncaster last time out, and back after a break, he should be fitter and fresher.


The mile handicap is a very difficult nut to crack, there are a host of protagonists, and it looks a very trappy field. No Poppy and Jo’Burg both run with pounds in hand to the handicapper, and are both respected for local connections. The conditions will be testing, and those who have handled the ground are the ones to stay on the right side of, which immediately makes OSTEOPATHIC REMEDY a big player, given his win on heavy ground at Ayr three weeks ago. He is up 3lb, but just loves the juice, young claimer Connor Nichol takes 7lb off his back, but he still looks on a good mark and will love the ground, unlike many of his rivals.


ANDERTON looks the best bet of the day, an Invincible Spirit colt that has made good progression in two maidens this season. Owned by Mr David Armstrong, who has a host of horses with the stable, that invariably like cut in the ground, most notably his star performer Mayson. He was still very green last time out at Beverley, and I have a feeling the conditions underfoot will really help this colt shed the maiden tag at the third attempt.


Another horse that was impressive last time out in shocking conditions was NATURAL BLOOM for the in form Sir Henry Cecil stable in the colours of Sir Robert Ogden. The filly turned over a Godolphin odds on shot in tremendous style under Paul Hanagan, clearly appreciating the going, winning by six lengths. She is up 7lb for that, but in good heart, will run a very strong race from a favourable draw.


GABRIAL THE THUG ran a good first race on debut at Chester, when owner Marvan Koukash had a memorable 1-2-3 where the first three home were all Gabrial’s, outstanding stuff. The winner that day won a good conditions race at Epsom the run after, and the third came from an outrageous position to run on for second, despite nearly being pulled up. The form looks good, and he should build on that debut promise. Being a son of Azamour, the heavy ground shouldn’t be too much of a problem.


Unless we have done our cogones in all afternoon, I wouldn’t bother with the amateur rider’s race, although Allied Answer looks a smart type. A well bred son of Danehill Dancer, he has performed best for David Wachman in Ireland in soft conditions, winning last time out on heavy going.


2.00 York – Bond Club
2.30 York – Beaten Up
3.05 York – Osteopathic Remedy
3.40 York – Anderton (Nap)
4.15 York – Natural Bloom (Nb)
4.50 York – Gabrial the Thug


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Arc Day at Longchamp

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On Arc day, there is a plethora of races, with form lines more muddled than a few facebook statuses I saw last night, lay off the gin flower. The ground has gone softer than a southerner spending his Saturday night on the sofa watching X Factor, be wary of both.

I like to take a couple against the field on Arc day, especially in the tough races with large fields, and perm the lot, like an eighties hairdresser, with added fizz. I will go through the fields as a process of elimination, and work with what I have left. If that doesn’t make sense, think of it as playing a game of Guess Who, but with thoroughbred equine specimens.

The Prix De L’Abbaye is a generally horrendous race for me, and I am woeful at it. I liked Sole Power a lot, and would like him even more if it wasn’t for the ground to be horrific, and he is traditionally a lover of the firmer stuff, aren’t we all mind. The two I’ve pinpointed as soft ground animals are SWISS SPIRIT for David Elsworth, who comes for that infamous mare Swiss Lake, and all her progeny love a bit of juice. As does MAYSON, who won The July Cup on torrential ground, and handled it better than any. Ortensia and Society Rock have franked the form in behind, and they should handle conditions better than most.

Gradually going through the gears, and The Prix Marcel Boussac is the fillies chance to strut their stuff, and their coats will no doubt be glistening off the crisp turf, hopefully the British invasion of France continues with AGENT ALLISON and PURR ALONG going for us, Purr Along is the obvious stand out with her second behind Certify franked by Godolphin’s star filly winning The Fillies Mile at HQ last week. Agent Allison is another who was second behind a superstar when behind Newfangled at Royal Ascot. By Dutch Art, and out of a Diktat mare, I’m hopefully she will handle the conditions well.

In The Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, I cannot have the Ballydoyle two, even though they have a good record in the race and in particular on Arc Day. George Vancouver and Pedro the Great, are both out of Henrythenavigator won six of his ten starts on turf, but the two runs on soft he faltered, and being American bred, I don’t like his kiddies running on the wet stuff. I don’t like Olympic Glory, and generally avoid the Hannon and Hughes horses. The two I like are WHAT A NAME, who is a group three winner already in France, and Tha’ir for Godolphin. What a Name although a Mr Greeley colt, ran well on his maiden on soft, finishing a good third of nine at Deauville when very soft. THA’IR won at Ascot when the ground had plenty of juice, and he has good form in behind the likes of Toronado, Steeler and Dundonnell.

IZZI TOP immediately goes on the shortlist for The Prix De L’Opera and has seen her best form come on very soft ground, most memorably winning The Pretty Polly in Ireland ahead of Sapphire of Dermot Weld. The daughter of Pivotal will have her ideal conditions today. GALIKOVA is a horse I have liked since winning The Prix Vermaille last year and this half-sister to Goldkova ran well behind Snow Fairy and Izzi Top in a stellar renewal of The Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville in August. She has won over further and the trip will need getting again.

I have backed Orfevre ante post, but with the ground it is hard to not fancy GREAT HEAVENS in the Arc, The filly gets 11lb from the four year old colts and will be sure to handle the heavy going. Camelot is a place lay; I can not have him in the slightest.

The Prix De La Foret should have been a cake walk for Moonlight Cloud, seven furlongs on soft, she could have won this doing handsprings, somersaults and various other gymnastic tricks the filly would have learnt watching The Olympics. Instead, the two to take here are Penitent and Mashoora. I backed Mashoora in the 1000 Guineas, and she just didn’t stay the trip. She is a classy filly, and will go well. As will Penitent, who loves the soft ground, putting his best foot forward in the mud, as seen last week when winning well at Newmarket over a mile. Gordon Lord Byron is respected but far too short, although he should handle things well.

The Prix Du Cadran looks a good renewal this year, and with the ground as it is, I can not have Kasbah Bliss or Saddlers Rock. The two to take out are High Jinx and Colour Vision, with preference for the latter. High Jinx has chased home Times Up twice on his last two starts, but is a progressive colt for James Fanshawe, who has a stable in top nick. Colour Vision is a progressive Gold Cup winner, who is sure to stay the trip, it will take some getting.

12.55 – Mayson & Swiss Spirit
13.30 – Purr Along and Agent Allison
14.05 – Tha’ir & What a Name
14.40 – Izzi Top& Galikova
15.25 – Orfevre & Great Heavens
16.55 – Mashoora & Penitent
17.25 – Colour Vision &High Jinx


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Monday Racing at Bath

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A little interest in Bath, with the ground causing the demise of Ayr, leaving a decent card to perish, their card for tomorrow is also under threat. With Folkestone already succumbing to the conditions tomorrow. It leaves a card at Wolverhampton and Sedgefield: don’t get too excited. Anyway, sticking with Bath, no jokes about the dirtiness of the card please, an interesting runner in the first is RUN IT TWICE for Brian Meehan, and interestingly enough, Paul Hanagan booked for the ride. Well held in three maidens, then gelded, and eight on handicap debut, beaten five lengths. Switched to turf, he was a very good second of sixteen at Chepstow, still showing signs of greenness, and hanging right, but still battled well. The penny seems to be gradually dropping, and he is tried at 10 furlongs for the first time, 4lb higher, but he looks over priced on should run well.

CIRCLE OF ANGELS will be far more suited to SDS aboard the filly as opposed to Jamie Spencer, who has made desperate attempts of riding on his last two runs, and the four year old is back to a trip where she seems at her best. Her record over 10 furlongs reads 04313. She will appreciate the better ground, and down 2lb for her last run, she has previously run well over course and distance, off a 5lb higher mark.

The division two of the equivalent race is an even more competitive affair, with Elbow Beach a non-runner, leaving fourteen remaining acceptors. The Giving Tree has been ‘Hugh Taylored’, which helps the prices in the market. Dynamic Duo is similarly short due to the Hannon/Hughes factor, and Danube River should be bigger if it weren’t for the stable form of Mark Johnston. Marvo and Pelham Crescent both run out of the handicap, and Spanish Plume, Hawaana, Focail Myth and Heezararity haven’t won for an age. Keep chipping away eh? Focail Myth could be a dark horse back at a more appropriate trip, and Wordismybond won well last time out for shrewd connections, but the two I like are Pandorica and Rawaafed. Pandorica is a very game and tough filly, but does her best running on soft ground, daffodils, and Welsh turf. She is yet to win in five attempts at Bath, although has three wins over the trip. RAWAAFED is dropped a very lenient 6lb for third last time out at Wolverhampton, and with five runs to his name, the three year old gelding is still unexposed. Paul Hanagan is riding very well as of late, typified with Gabrials Kaka’s win at Epsom yesterday. 11lb down from his initial mark, I think there is plenty of improvement to come, pedigree suggests as much anyway.

It’s interesting that SUN SEAL runs in maiden company, despite having the obligatory three runs and attaining a mark of 75. Hughie Morrison’s three year old Cape Cross filly’s best effort was last time out, when fourth of seven at Kempton over a mile and a half. She was behind Bedazzled that day, who ran well in a good handicap at Haydock Saturday finishing second. Watching the run back from Kempton, she travelled well, before finding little in the closing stages. Dropping down an extra two furlongs would seemingly suit her, and Darryl Holland replaces Rab Havlin, who has a 24% strike rate at the track this season.

WELSH BARD is the Sir Mark Prescott stereotypical handicap improver after looking utter pants in maidens, and the well bred son of Dylan Thomas can carry on his propeller like improvement off a 6lb higher mark for a Wolverhampton win two weeks ago. He is unexposed and will appreciate the step up in trip to two miles.

2.20 Bath – Run It Twice
3.20 Bath – Circle of Angels
3.50 Bath – Rawaafed
4.20 Bath – Sun Seal
5.20 Bath – Welsh Bard (Nap)


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Cambridgeshire Day at Newmarket

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Newmarket, Cambridgeshire Day, an absolute feast of racing to indulge on, and we don’t mess around; our Nap goes in the first. STEELER has been crying, screaming, pleading to be run over a mile, and this tough colt for Mark Johnston should be good enough to win The Royal Lodge Stakes. He ran a good second to Dundonnell, who followed up with a good second to Toronado. He won a good listed race at Goodwood, again staying on well. He is top rated, has a top jockey, is tough as nails and looks a fantastic bet to open the days punting.

The other two fancies are more speculative, and although not as bombproof in my eyes, are just as respected. ROSDHU QUEEN is a improving filly of William Haggas who won The Lowther Stakes at York in a very impressive manner. I love the fact J P Murtagh is booked for the ride, and this Invincible Spirit filly’s style of riding should have her prominent, and presuming front running tactics are employed, she may prove hard to beat if trying to make all. Maureen warrants respect, but at the prices, Rosdhu Queen makes plenty of appeal.

BEAUTY PARLOUR is an extremely interesting runner with Sir Henry Cecil now training for the owners, and this Deep Impact offspring is the top rated three year old filly in the world. Only beaten once in her career, when not given the best of rides by Christophe Soumillion. It was a bit of a messy race, but back down to a mile should suit her, and she looks all class. Given her previous record, form, and Sir Henry Cecil’s record with top grade fillies, she should be around an even money chance, despite Elusive Kate being a worthy opponent. Elusive Kate will likely set a decent pace, and I expect Beauty Parlour to sweep down the outside, winning in the final strides, and cue a cheeky celebration from the extravagant Belgian in the saddle.

SWIFTLY DONE is a very progressive four year old for Tony Carroll, and given the manner of his run at Goodwood, he looks to be on a very pleasing mark, and has an excellent chance in something of a minefield. The Cambridgeshire has a 34 runner field, and countless plots and ploys, and although lots of unexposed runners, I can immediately put a line through many. Three year olds have a poor record, as have those who have won last time out, trends wise anyway. Making Eyes and Navajo Chief have leading claims over the trip and strike outside appeal, but Swiftly Done is fancied, and on ante post at 33/1, I am still very happy with him. He will handle any ground and Jimmy Fortune is booked in the saddle.

No overly strong opinion of the fillies’ nursery. But there are two stand outs on pedigree and the manner of their maiden wins last time out. RED TURBAN is a Cheveley Park Kyllachy filly who stayed on well over six furlongs at Haydock in a rather pleasing fashion under Ted Durcan. The second that day followed up and finished second to Supernova Heights by four lengths, but she gets 7lb, and that as a line looks strong. She is entitled to come on for her first run. GHANAIAN followed up a good second at Doncaster when tiring over a mile, to win at Lingfield last time out and has a fairly open mark of 75 to play with. A Shamardal Godolphin home bred, she looks open to progression and has Mikael Barzalona on her.

I tipped up CAPE CLASSIC last time out at Doncaster, and the colt seems to have found his trip, seven furlongs being the key to him. He won very well that day, and Highland Colori came out and ran well in the Ayr Silver Cup two weeks ago to frank the form. He is 10lb higher, but is still fancied to run well. As is IDLER, a course and distance winner, who sneaks in at the bottom of the weights for Mark Johnston and SDS. He is another typical Mark Johnston type, who will keep winning and keep creeping up the weights once the penny starts to drop, much like Fulbright and Sir Graham Wade. He won a good handicap here last time out, rallying to win once headed over six furlongs, and should appreciate going back to seven. Up 5lb, he still has bold claims.

The same can be said about ENERY, who has now rattled up a quick hatrick and has struck up a good partnership with Franny Norton, and has finally found his trip, winning twice over a mile and a half, and once over a mile and three furlongs. The Teofilo colt is up another 6lb, but is in good heart, and is thriving. A massive eye catcher was MARSHGATE LANE at the Goodwood festival, staying on well and running on towards the finish over a mile and three furlongs, and the step up in trip should suit. Three further winners have come from that race, and the colt will progress further.


1.55 Newmarket – Steeler (Nap)
2.25 Newmarket – Rosdhu Queen
3.00 Newmarket – Beauty Parlour (Nb)
3.40 Newmarket – Swiftly Done (Ew)
4.15 Newmarket – Ghanaian & Red Turban
4.50 Newmarket – Cape Classic & Idler
5.25 Newmarket – Marshgate Lane & Enery



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Friday Racing at Newmarket

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The Oh So Sharp Stakes kicks off Newmarket’s Fillies Mile Day on Friday, on a card where the females are in the spotlight and with some prospective classic fillies for next year. Godolphin have a firm grip on many of the races, including the favourite in the Fillies mile, and they also have POWER OF LIGHT, an impressive maiden winner on debut, absolutely bolting up two weeks ago at Newcastle, winning by seven lengths. Exceptionally bred, there are questions surrounding all of her rivals, and with Mikael Barzalona in the plate on The Rowley Mile, and she looks to be a filly going places. She could turn out to be a prospective 1000 Guineas horse in the making.

The 1.45 listed contest is the most competitive race on the card, with a host of improving fillies competing, many of whom that are running down in class. Thistle Bird was a good winner last time out, beating Fulbright, who beat another horse I fancy in Tazahum, at Sandown. Godolphin always have a strong hand, and have Irish History and Falls of Lora, but both seem to be going the wrong way, as opposed to progressive types. Dank won a Group Three impressively at Sandown last time out, beating Lady’s First and Moonies My Name. The most interesting runner looks to be CHIGUN, who was tipped up on the blog last time out when romping home in a strong Ascot handicap. The Oasis Dream filly made all to win by four lengths, and in doing so got a revised mark of 99. She is clearly progressing at a rate of knots, and there could be much more to come, and if able to dictate things, could nick the race from the front.

The Nayef Joel Stakes is an impressive gathering of milers, many of whom have either been dodging Frankel, or been battered and bruised by him, for the best part of a season and a half. Most Improved won an awful St James Palace Stakes, but the three year olds look a bad crop this year, and that would similarly rule out Stipulate, Trumpet Major, Saigon and Sovereign Debt too. Fanunalter is much travelled, but has flopped twice on the course, and the filly Joviality has yet to win on the course at three attempts. Premier Loco was a good second in this last year, and is respected after a good effort winning The Celebration Mile. He was last however when Side Glance was third in The York Stakes, and both have trouble with their consistency. An interesting runner is TAZAHUM for Paul Hanagan and Sir Michael Stoute, on the back of an unlucky second last time out at Sandown. He got bumped and checked by Fulbright, and was unlucky to not have The Stewards overturn the decision, and is quickly turned out again, so obviously in good heart at home. Fourth in the race last year, he has settled better, and travels much smoother than last year, and has been brought on a lot more patiently. The colt looks open to further improvement, and is a course and distance winner as well.

Certify looks a worthy favourite for The Fillies Mile, and it’s a race that Godolphin have an excellent record in. She is the only filly in the race to have won over a mile before, and beat subsequent Group One winner Sky Lantern over the course in The Sweet Solero Stakes, She will take all the beating, but one I like at the prices is WINSILI for William Buick and John Gosden. An impressively bred filly by Juddmonte Farms, she ran on well on debut to win over the course, staying well over seven furlongs. Stepped up to a mile, she a ridiculous amount of trouble in running. Godolphin had three runners that day, and each one did a number on the filly, forcing her to go widest of all, before staying on well towards the finish, under hands and heels. She will likely run a strong race at a price, and I expect her to if not win, finish second to Certify.

1.15 Newmarket – Power of Light
1.45 Newmarket – Chigun
2.20 Newmarket – Tazahum
2.55 Newmarket – Winsili



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Tuesday Racing at Beverley and Folkestone

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Flat racing at Beverley and Folkestone on Tuesday, with some interesting runners, Beverley in particular looks to have some decent chances for connections that thrive in that part of the country.

The first race looks a great chance for Future Wonder to carry on the stables good form, with four winners inside the last week, the Brian Ellison’s yard are in fine fettle, and so is the filly. She has won two sellers this summer, and kept on well over a mile and a quarter last time out. Stepped up further to a mile and a half should bring out more improvement for the three year old, and she will take all the beating.

Ponty Acclaim gets weight all round in the conditions race, which brings out a good mix of some of Yorkshire’s most versatile sprinters. Dandy Nicholls has recent winner Tax Free, previous group winner Free Zone for Bryan Smart, and Kieren Fallon gets the leg up on the 104 rated Es Que Love. Ponty Acclaim gets 5lb and upwards from the field however and the three year old filly can get her season back on track down in grade after running behind the likes of Hamish McGonagall, Pearl Secret and Borderlescott so far this year.

Paul Hanagan rides Altharoos for the boss, Sheikh Hamdan and Sir Michael Stoute in the 3.40 and the well bred son of Sakhee looks like he will shed the maiden tag at the third attempt. Green on debut, he stayed on well to finish third in a good Newbury maiden, before losing by a nose at Brighton, again staying on well over seven furlongs. The longer trip should suit, and he sets a decent standard.

Swift Encounter can be excused on his two sub-par runs so far this season, and looks very well handicapped off a mark of 67, and runs over the scene of his course and distance maiden win last season. He needed the run on his first appearance of the season, and then got bogged down in the heavy ground next time out over a mile.
Dropped down in trip, and down 6lb for the two runs, he looks dangerous at the foot of the weights for Ann Duffield, who has a 19% strike rate at Beverley this season.


2.10 Beverley – Future Wonder
3.10 Beverley – Ponty Acclaim
3.40 Beverley – Altharoos (Nap)
4.10 Beverley – Swift Encounter


Folkestone has an equally trappy card, and it looks to be one of those days were nothing is an obvious penalty kick, unless the money comes however, and you make like you’re hanging the washing out– and peg it. Hilarious, enough jokes, more ‘osses.

Colourist is a typical George Baker sort, well held in maidens, turns up in a handicap off a mark in the mid-sixties and just so happy to find improvement, beautiful coincidence eh? The Dutch Art colt was well beaten at Chepstow by a Ron Harris typical soft ground loving sprinter, and on better conditions at Folkestone, he should be better still, and is relatively unexposed.

I’ve been keeping an eye on the Henry Candy yard, and they seem in good nick lately, Amy Scott has been riding well, but stable jockey Dane O’ Neill rides Gull Rock in the six furlong maiden, and the Ishiguru filly is the only one with any form whatsoever in an absolute horrendous maiden. Fortunately Richard Hughes rides a Richard Hannon runner, so it will help the price of ours here, but seriously, she should win this doing handstands, cart-wheels and any other sort of tricks learnt watching The Olympics.

I was warned about Centrifugal last time out under a penalty, and the Pivotal gelding duly obliged, making it all look relatively easy, with the finesse of a Andrea Pirlo free kick. Franny Norton is riding a good few winners for the Mark Johnston team as of late, he won on him last time out, and retains the ride. He is well in under a penalty, and should secure the hatrick.

Peter Chapple-Hyam has been a man on the comeback track this season, his two year olds in particular thriving, and he has the unexposed filly Dark Orchid to go to war with in the 4.30. Form figures of 006 in maidens showed little, but the money was down on handicap debut with Ryan Moore booked, and she was unlucky third of fourteen, staying on, without threatening. The filly is stepped up to a mile and a quarter for the first time, and on pedigree the trip should suit, and off a mark of 55, she looks to be very well handicapped.


2.30 Folkestone – Colourist (Nap)
3.00 Folkestone – Gull Rock
3.30 Folkestone – Centrifugal
4.30 Folkestone – Dark Orchid



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Current Ante Post Shortlist/Portfolio 17/9/12

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Current Ante Post Shortlist

Hawkeyethenoo 16/1 & Pintura 16/1 (Ayr Gold Cup)
Kirthill 25/1 & Mull of Killough 25/1 (Cambridgeshire)
Orfevre 8/1 & Snow Fairy 8/1 (Arc)
Countrywide Flame 10/1 & Olympiad 10/1 (Cesarewitch)
Finians Rainbow 8/1 & Grand Crus 6/1 (King George)
Fingal Bay 10/1 & Boston Bob 10/1 (RSA)
Grandouet - 12/1 (Champion Hurdle)
Sir Des Champs 6/1 & Bobs Worth 8/1 (Gold Cup)
Big Bucks Evens (World Hurdle)
Sprinter Sacre Evens (Champion Chase)
Colour Squadron 20/1 & Captain Conan 14/1 (Arkle)
Dawn Approach 4/1 (2000 Guineas)
Big Break 25/1 (1000 Guineas)

Looking at the market for the Ayr Gold Cup, Doc Hay immediately jumps off the page, tipped up by Timeform to keep an eye on a couple of weeks ago, before getting up late to win The Portland Handicap at Doncaster. With that win, he could be well in providing he runs. Pintura could be worth another look if he gets in, and looks to have trickled down the weights for a respected yard and shrewd owner, who will no doubt want a runner or eight. My main fancy is the ante post favourite in HAWKEYETHENOO for local trainer Jim Goldie, fresh from his Stewards Cup heroics. He will no doubt have had this in mind for a while, and as long as the ground comes up good, he will be a big threat, with Graham Lee on his back, who has been exceptional since switching to the flat.

The two big Newmarket handicaps are very open affairs on the bare face of things, aren’t they? Maybe not. COUNTRYWIDE FLAME won impressively from start to finish at Chester in a decent looking handicap, and the winner came from the same race last year. He should come on a lot for that run, and looks to be very well handicapped on his Triumph Hurdle form, he is respected. As is the classy looking Olympiad, who won a two mile handicap on good ground at York. The exceptionally well bred colt for Sir Robert Ogden should be a group horse on pedigree and looks to have been very well treated at the weights, he looks a cup horse and possible Melbourne Cup horse for The Master of Rosewell, and if he turns up, would warrant maximum respect. These two set the standard in this year’s Cesarewitch, and in the Cambridgeshire, there are three on my current shortlist. I am really sweet on KIRTHILL and the manner of his win last time out at York. He put his bad run at Goodwood behind him, and although burdened with a hefty weight with Danadana now ruled out, this will have full attention of the Cumani stable, and that man Fallon. The other two I like at bigger prices around the 33/1 mark are Navajo Chief and Mull of Killough. Both have flirted with the idea of pattern level but are tough hardened handicappers, and with strong form in these big fields. Both have course form to their name, and look to have had the race as their short term targets.

Simonsig has been trimmed as looks like he may not go down the Arkle route, possible being affected by the unfortunate and heart-breaking news surrounding Spirit Son. As such I have backed Colour Squadron and Captain Conan, one a Hobbs horse bought by JP and another a Henderson horse, both were said to have been chasers, not really expected much over hurdles, and when sent chasing could and should improve.. The two both fought out the Tolworth Hurdle, before disappointing later on in the season. Colour Squadron fell when looking like beating Montbazon in a hot novice hurdle, and finished second in the Grade 1 Champion Juvenile Hurdle at Punchestown. Nicky Henderson was in two minds about putting Captain Conan away for the season, but he ran a good second behind Supreme second Darlan at Aintree, and the French bred is a winner over the sticks at Auteuil, and should thrive jumping the larger obstacles. Much like Fingal Bay and Boston Bob, big, scopey sorts, who could be anything. Fingal Bay should have won the The Sefton at Aintree, and given the size and presence of the animal, he should be an absolute beast over fences. His form with Simonsig, and similarly other juveniles should put him right up there amongst the seasons top novice chasers. As should Boston Bob for Willie Mullins, looks another terrific prospect for owner Howard Johnson. Second in the Albert Bartlett, when the stable weren’t really firing, he looks to be a readymade chaser and all class, I expect at this stage, one of the two to progress and win The RSA Chase at Cheltenham.

The Gold Cup market is headed by two horses at backed ante post at the previous festival, and as we know, course form around Prestbury Park, is a golden ticket to the chocolate factory. Bobs Worth was a worthy winner of a pretty good RSA Chase, beating solid 160+ horses in First Lieutenant and Grands Crus, in a very smart manner. He is a course specialist, and Nicky Henderson will no doubt be aiming him for the big day, on the race he won with Long Run in 2010. The other winner who steps up to the top grade is SIR DES CHAMPS, an outrageously impressive winner of the Jewson Novice Chase over two and a half miles. He won doing handstands, and proved the trip wasn’t a problem, when winning a Grade 1 novice chase at Punchestown, on desperate ground. He is unbeaten, and is another Cheltenham specialist, 2 from 2, winning the Martin Pipe handicap hurdle in 2011.

I won’t talk about Grandouet too much, because he is my best bet of the festival for next year. At 12/1 – he was nothing short of impressive last year. He should have beaten Zarkander at Aintree in 2011 before being brought down, and the manner of his International Hurdle win confirmed his promise and potential for me. He is classy, unexposed, and will be fresh from an extended break missing the festival last year.

The two bankers who are even money and it are a bit of a difficult one to throw in are Big Bucks and Sprinter Sacre. They aren’t puntable prices as of yet, as is backing any even money shot so far away from the day itself. Rather than backing Frankel ante post at evens, I was much more comfortable backing him after final declarations were announced two days before the race itself at around 4/7, and although they both look bombproof in weak markets,

The two most immediate ones are Finians Rainbow and Grand Crus for The King George, can’t really put in multiples for some reason as cross-contingency or something similar. Long Run won The King George after The Feltham, and Grand Crus’s time was quicker last year than Kauto’s. He looks to be a flat track animal, and Finians Rainbow looked like the step in trip suited when winning over two and a half miles around Aintree.

BIG BREAK, a full sister to Famous Name, hacked up in a good Leopardstown maiden last week; Weld said he thinks she could be a Guineas filly. I asked Paddy Power for a price before she won her maiden, and they offered 50s, and then put her in the market at 33s, and the reply I got was basically ‘didn’t see shit’. Schmucks. Then wins and 25s. Disgusting, but they know the game, and once DK Weld says she’s a nice filly, the people spoke, poured in, poured a glass, and put her away Dermot my boy, we’ll have some of that. The males version is dominated and headed by the unbeaten, the unmatched and unparalleled Dawn Approach for Jim Bolger and Sheikh Mohamed, who should learn from the mistakes of Dubai Prince and Casamento and leave the colt in France. This gorgeous colt resembles his old man so much, chestnut with a white face, he really is a cracker. Expected to do a Camelot, and win Racing Post Trophy, 2000 Guineas and Derby. Get on early… providing he stays with Mr Bolger and chooses to enjoy the scenery of County Kilkenny.


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Doncaster's St Leger Meeting - Friday: Day Three

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Friday is when the heavy artillery is deployed, still on a recoup mission from Estimate, and there are a fair few horses that have been in my long term thinking, and I intend to get the overalls dirty so to speak. Let’s not waste time hyping it up, and let’s get stuck in.

The Flying Childers is a five furlongs sprint for the speediest juveniles around, the G2 contest generally favours those who ran well at Royal Ascot, such as past winners Fleeting Spirit, Zebedee and Requinto. That makes HOYAM an immediate positive for Michael Bell and Jamie Spencer. The filly ran a game second to Ceiling Kitty in The Queen Mary Stakes, before finishing third behind Maureen over six furlongs her stamina stretched. She won last time out in a listed race at York, beating Fire Eyes hard held, under a very cheeky trademark Jamie Spencer ride. Sir Prancelot is respected given the manner of his runs in France behind Reckless Abandon, but getting 3lb and at the prices; Hoyam looks the much better option.

TOMINATOR was extremely unlucky in The Ebor, and duly made amends next time out at Chester in a hot looking handicap, coming away and winning well. Up 2lb to a mark of 98, he is still 2lb below the mark where he finished a game fourth in the same race last year. He is thriving, and should be there or thereabouts, at around the 8/1 mark, he is a cracking each way bet. Old Hundred won this well last year, and is respected, as is Sir Graham Wade for Mark Johnston, who met trouble in running and still won last time out, he is officially 6lb in at the official weights, and is a very deserved favourite. However the manner of his flop in The Melrose is still something of a worry, and he has been on the go all summer long.

SADDLERS ROCK finally mixed it with the big boys, showing a tremendous attitude to win this last year, despite Opinion Poll and Frankie Dettori came up looming on the outside pulling double. He won The Goodwood Cup in style, under a great ride from J P Murtagh, who is back in the saddle after Niall McCullagh’s horrible attempt of front running at York. Under a more patient ride, with Murtagh expecting to control the fractions, the field get 4lb from Colour Vision due to his Group One penalty, and I expect the four year old colt to make amends in style for The Emerald Isle.

The May Hill Stakes is a fillies G2 over the Doncaster straight mile, and is a race where Godolphin have a terrific record, so it would be no surprise to see Certify bolt up for Mikael Barzalona. She comfortably beat Sky Lantern, who went on to win The Moyglare Stakes at The Curragh, and she sets an impressive standard. The third that day ran very well, and may come on for that run and that is the well bred REYAADAH for Charlie Hills and Paul Hanagan. The filly hung left on Newmarket’s infamous undulating track, and on a flat galloping track like Doncaster, she may be worth a punt at double figure prices to fill the placings.

ASHDAN turned up at a Newmarket maiden with a massively touted reputation, and duly obliged, coming away to win well by three lengths from a field full of promising juveniles. A conditions stakes should be well within the realms of this promising colt, which has entries for The Royal Lodge, Dewhurst, Racing Post Trophy and next year’s Derby. No Jet Lag won a nothing race last time out, and will be under-priced based on the form figures next to his name, but the form is worthless.

Duke of Firenze will be ridiculously short in the 4.05, a six and a half furlong handicap, and although well in officially at the weights, I am not the type of person to back a 2/1f in a sixteen runner handicap, that is one sure fire way to go skint. Instead there are a couple of interesting contenders are very chunky comparable prices. LADIES ARE FOREVER runs off top weight but is a listed and group winning filly, who is a smart home-bred in those familiar R Bond silks, for trainer Geoff Oldroyd. She runs well fresh, and will appreciate the drop in class; she has amazingly never before run in a handicap. Off a mark of 104, the trainer will be looking to capitalise on being dropped 5lb this season by the handicapper. Another interesting contender is CAPE CLASSIC, who was the long term ante post favourite for The Stewards Cup before losing his way in the summer. A strong third last time out at Haydock hinted at a renaissance, and off a lowly mark of 90, he could be the dark horse in a field, and hopefully goes un-noticed with all the attention focused on the jolly.

The last race is another muddling affair, a fifteen runner classified stakes race, and there are unfortunately no immediate eye-catchers. Pink Damsel had the penny drop late on to win a maiden over a mile and a half, and although disappointing in the Ribblesdale, was by no means disgraced, providing she bounces back, she is a danger, but Roger Varian horses are generally under-priced animals. The one that catches the eye is KEENE DANCER for Sir Michael Stoute and this filly was ten lengths down to The Fugue on her debut late last year. She built on that to finish fourth at Salisbury before winning a maiden and a handicap over a mile at Windsor. Her run at Goodwood was too bad to be true, and could be a case of, like so many before her, just not handling the downs. She is still unexposed, and should get a mile and a quarter, and is taken to bounce back in style.


1.15 Doncaster – Hoyam (Nb)
1.50 Doncaster – Tominator (Ew)
2.20 Doncaster – Saddlers Rock (Nap)
2.55 Doncaster – Reyaadah (Ew)
3.30 Doncaster – Ashdan (Nb)
4.05 Doncaster – Ladies Are Forever (Ew) & Cape Classic (Ew)
4.40 Doncaster – Keene Dancer



The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner


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