The final Cheltenham curtain is drawing ever nearer and with every winner, every fairytale, story and emotion, whilst every winner is celebrated, comes the knowledge that with every rush of adrenaline it’ll be a whole twelve months before we are back again.
Friday is often the most difficult day of the festival, with the blue ribbon event, the Gold Cup, not being my best betting race. The County Hurdle and the Martin Pipe have large fields with plenty of handicap plots, and could be something of the unknown.
The Triumph Hurdle was a terrific race last year when it featured Grandouet, Zarkander, Unaccompanied, Third Intention and Molotof. This year’s race looks wide open, and with no obvious winner on paper, we must delve deeper into the formbook.
Saddlers Risk leapt to favouritism after a Kempton novice hurdle win in January but was easily dispatched by Cheltenham novice hurdle winner and subsequent Adonis Hurdle winner Baby Mix. Baby Mix was himself soundly beaten when running against Pearl Swan and Grumeti in the Triumph Hurdle trial at Cheltenham towards the back end of January. Further down the field Hollow Tree for the Donald McCain stable was soundly beaten and can be overlooked as well. Pearl Swan won the race, but caused interference and lost the race in the stewards room to GRUMETI for the Alan King stable.
He went on to frank the form with a tough, gritty defeat of Dodging Bullets at Kempton in the Dovecote Hurdle and he looks to have the pick of the form. His only defeat came when falling when 10 lengths clear in a decent looking Newbury juvenile hurdle. He is the pick of the British runners in my view.
The last Irish winner was in 1994, and with no powerful claims, it rests with Gordon Elliot and SHADOW CATCHER to offer the each way value. He ran a terrific race when second behind fellow contender Hisaabat in the Sprint Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown, and would have won if held up, hitting the front too soon. With Paul Carberry on board (there is no better jockey when it comes to hold up tactics) he may provide an upset.
The County Hurdle is one of the most notoriously difficult handicap hurdles of the season, let alone the festival, and has had some memorable finishes, Final Approach beating Get Me Out of Here on the line, in a thriller last year. The spoils could remain with the Irish with the Jessica Harrington trained CITIZENSHIP looking to have excellent claims. He creeps in at the bottom of the weights and has a great chance.
A lively outsider could be LOCAL HERO for the modest Steve Gollings yard, and it comes back to the Triumph Hurdle form from last year. He was a 20/1 outsider but ran very gamely to finish eight, only beaten by ten lengths, behind subsequent Grade 1 horses. He ran with credit on his comeback at Kelso behind subsequent Neptune Hurdle winner Simonsig, his first run of the season, and that should have brought him on no end for a spring campaign, starting here.
The Albert Bartlett Hurdle is for novices over the three miles on the new course, and has been a great betting heat for punters. I have already dipped my toe in the ante post pool, and have invested on Mount Belbuben, Sea of Thunder and Boston Bob at significantly bigger prices, and the value seems to have dried up. Willie Mullins has indicated that BOSTON BOB could be one of the horses of a lifetime and he has done nothing but progress this season. The strapping seven year old looks to be a potential Gold Cup horse but has already shown tremendous ability over hurdles, winning consecutive Grade 2’s on good and heavy ground. He has had the beating of his only main dangers and, barring accidents, should win this. Sea of Thunder could chase him home.
The Gold Cup requires no build up and is the contest that the racing world has been waiting for. Kauto Star, “King Kauto”, has passed all fitness tests and will run, aiming to break yet another record. He is the only horse to regain the Gold Cup, and will go up against last years winner Long Run who has finished second behind Kauto twice, in the Betfair Chase and the King George.
The value looks to be in the betting without the front two, and WHAT A FRIEND makes plenty of appeal. A narrow fourth last year, he has been brought along well, finishing four lengths behind Long Run in the Denman Chase last month. He should appreciate the better ground and, although I hope Kauto wins, I can’t back him, and hope to cheer What a Friend on into a place.
The Foxhunters race is somewhat an afterthought and the phrase ‘After the Lord Mayor’s Show’ springs to mind. With two significant absentees in Backstage and Baby Run, the race looks wide open, but the classy CHAPOTURGEON could be the most likely winner. The eight year old ticks all boxes from a trends perspective, and was impressive when beating current favourite Cloudy Lane at Newbury in January after a year off. He is entitled to improve and won the Jewson Novice Chase at the festival three years ago, and is clearly a good horse. MERCHANT ROYAL was impressive for the Dermot Weld stable when winning a three mile hunter chase at Thurles on soft ground, and travelled very impressively. There could be more improvement to come and he is respected.
The Martin Pipe Conditional Handicap Hurdle was won last year in impressive fashion by subsequent Jewson Chase winner Sir Des Champs. A horse already on a promising road is EMPIRE LEVANT from the Paul Nicholls stable. He got within 6 lengths of eventual Champion Hurdle winner Rock on Ruby in a listed hurdle at Newbury, and a line can be written through the Betfair Hurdle, with the slow pace not suiting. Another with a strong chance is TONER D’OUDARIES for Gigginstown Stud and Gordon Elliot. He has been aimed at the festival for a long time, and has been in good heart this season, running behind Steps to Freedom, Unaccompanied, Jetson and Sailors Warn, in a slow steady build-up.
The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual is the final swansong for the 2012 Cheltenham Festival, and is usually the ‘death or glory’ moment for punters chasing the week long losses. This get out of jail opportunity consists of a twenty-one runner handicap chase over the extended two miles. Nicky Henderson, after whose late father the race is named, has had a record breaking Cheltenham so far and he has been plotting this race for months.
Anquetta has Andrew Tinkler on board, and was impressive in a Listed Handicap Chase at Ascot. He has since lost his way though, falling in his subsequent run, and finishing last of ten in a valuable chase at Doncaster and can be overlooked. Novice chaser Eradicate finished his hurdling campaign with a Grade 3 win at Haydock, and in novice chases, has two wins and a nose defeat.
Leading jockey Barry Geraghty has opted for Tanks for That, and he looked to have a bright season on the cards with a win at the Cheltenham Open Meeting in a valuable seventeen runner handicap chase. He has struggled since the 9lb hike in the weights, and prefers running fresh.
Kid Cassidy has AP on board, chosen ahead of Bellvano, but both look poorly handicapped. FRENCH OPERA looks to be on his way back, since returning behind Sprinter Sacre in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury. French Opera is a Grade 2 winning chaser and has a good record at Cheltenham, including two victories. He looks very interesting.
The other fancy is TARA ROYAL for Donald McCain. The stable landed a touch when winning the Scottish Champion Chase with him at Musselburgh and he seemed to appreciate the strong pace and good ground, both of which he will find to his liking at Cheltenham. Ultimate finished down the field that day, and now has a 6lb swing, but the Brian Ellison charge could be out of his depth here.
Tara Royal and French Opera are the two that appeal at the prices.
1.30 Grumeti (Ew) & Shadow Catcher (Ew)
2.05 Citizenship & Local Hero (Ew)
2.40 Boston Bob (Nap)
3.20 What a Friend (Betting without Long Run/Kauto EW)
4.00 Chapoturgeon & Merchant Royal (Ew)
4.40 Toner D’oudaries (Ew) & Empire Levant (Ew)
5.15 French Opera (Ew) & Tara Royal (Ew)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Thursday 15 March 2012
The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase 2012
The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual is the final swansong for the 2012 Cheltenham Festival, and is usually the ‘Death or Glory’ moment for punters chasing the week long losses, invariably ending in a bloody and gory finale. This get out of jail opportunity consists of a twenty-one runner handicap chase over the extended two miles, and is one aimed at by the late trainers son, Nicky Henderson. The Master of Seven Barrows has had a record breaking Cheltenham with wins for Simonsig, Finians Rainbow, Bobs Worth, Sprinter Sacre and Riverside Theatre, all in Grade 1 races. He has been plotting this race for months, and has SIX of the current entries, all with strong chances.
Anquetta has Andrew Tinkler on board, and was impressive in a Listed Handicap Chase at Ascot. He has since lost his way though, falling in his subsequent run, and finishing last of ten in a valuable chase at Doncaster and can be overlooked. Novice chaser Eradicate finished his hurdling campaign with a Grade 3 win at Haydock, and in novice chases, has two wins and a nose defeat. He finished 23 lengths behind Al Ferof behind Al Ferof in the Henry VIII Novice Chase, and seemed to struggle under a strong pace. Leading jockey Barry Geraghty has opted for Tanks for That, and he looked to have a bright season on the cards with a win at the Cheltenham Open Meeting in a valuable seventeen runner handicap chase. He has struggled since the 9lb hike in the weights, and prefers running fresh. Kid Cassidy has AP on board and was potentially Arkle class prior to his electrocution at Newbury. He has won two novice chases since falling first time out, and although good efforts, he seems to be too poorly priced for his handicap mark. Similarly Bellvano, who won at Kelso, beating decent yardstick Kings Grey. He won on the bridle, and goes without a penalty, but the form of his runs isn’t working out, and he looks to be someone who doesn’t find a lot under pressure. French Opera looks to be on his way back, since returning behind Sprinter Sacre in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury. Sprinter Sacre beat him by six lengths, on the bridle, but that was shown to be no fluke, sparkling in the Arkle. French Opera is a Grade 2 winning chaser and has a good record at Cheltenham, including two victories. He looks very interesting.
Away from the Henderson stable, there are four horses out of the handicap, which immediately gives them a large negative. It is rare for Ferdy Murphy to not have a winner at Cheltenham, so De Boitron would be of interest, with the excellent and in form Lucy Alexander on board. The other three horses look to be there to make up the numbers with Free World, Idarah & Norther Bay carrying 1lb, 2lb and 4lb out of the handicap respectively.
The Twiston-Davies stable seem very badly out of form, with one solitary place in The Cockney Mackem running on for second in the Byrne Group Plate, but without never really threatening, which would make it difficult to tip up Astracad. He has run well this season, in particular at Cheltenham, running 7 lengths behind Al Ferof in a novices chase, before winning a Grade 2 handicap chase in November. He has been kept fresh and could go close. Similarly, the Tizzard's have had a quiet week, which would mean Oisea Du Nuit is opposable, despite his win in this last year, and being on a 7lb higher mark.
The Irish have a wretched reputation in the race, with only two wins in the last fourteen years and only four wins overall in its sixty-two year history, an unbelievable stat for a nation who consumer Cheltenham during the festival. That would make it even more difficult for Lucky William for Tom Cooper and Silveardagh for Edward O’ Grady even that more unlikely.
That leaves Kumbeshwar, Toubab, King Edmund, and the rest of the field to delve through, and none scream ‘winner’. The King, Gordon and Nicholls stable despite all of the hype seem to have lost form at the wrong time, which would rule them out. Renard is up 9lb for his win last time out, and is in the mercy of the handicapper. Cornas ran a good fifth in this in 2010, but apart from that has a poor record at Cheltenham, beaten by a collective 60 lengths in three other running. He has a high weight, but wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for him to post a good performance.
The only other horse not mentioned is Tara Royal for the in form Donald McCain yard, and as cliché as it may sound, if this horse was well backed, I would be even more appealed to it. The stable landed a touch when winning the Scottish Champion Chase with him at Musselburgh and he seemed to appreciate the strong pace and good ground, both he will find to his liking at Cheltenham. Ultimate finished down the field that day, and now has a 6lb swing, but the Brian Ellison charge could be out of his depth here.
Tara Royal and French Opera look the two most appealing at the prices, and have come good at the right time. Both stables are enjoying exceptional weeks, and have come into the race on the back of terrific runs, in good company, and further more will like the strong pace mainly only seen at Cheltenham. Cornas and the JP McManus could fill out the places, if ridden to their style of running.
1. French Opera
2. Tara Royal
3. Kid Cassidy
4. Bellvano
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Anquetta has Andrew Tinkler on board, and was impressive in a Listed Handicap Chase at Ascot. He has since lost his way though, falling in his subsequent run, and finishing last of ten in a valuable chase at Doncaster and can be overlooked. Novice chaser Eradicate finished his hurdling campaign with a Grade 3 win at Haydock, and in novice chases, has two wins and a nose defeat. He finished 23 lengths behind Al Ferof behind Al Ferof in the Henry VIII Novice Chase, and seemed to struggle under a strong pace. Leading jockey Barry Geraghty has opted for Tanks for That, and he looked to have a bright season on the cards with a win at the Cheltenham Open Meeting in a valuable seventeen runner handicap chase. He has struggled since the 9lb hike in the weights, and prefers running fresh. Kid Cassidy has AP on board and was potentially Arkle class prior to his electrocution at Newbury. He has won two novice chases since falling first time out, and although good efforts, he seems to be too poorly priced for his handicap mark. Similarly Bellvano, who won at Kelso, beating decent yardstick Kings Grey. He won on the bridle, and goes without a penalty, but the form of his runs isn’t working out, and he looks to be someone who doesn’t find a lot under pressure. French Opera looks to be on his way back, since returning behind Sprinter Sacre in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury. Sprinter Sacre beat him by six lengths, on the bridle, but that was shown to be no fluke, sparkling in the Arkle. French Opera is a Grade 2 winning chaser and has a good record at Cheltenham, including two victories. He looks very interesting.
Away from the Henderson stable, there are four horses out of the handicap, which immediately gives them a large negative. It is rare for Ferdy Murphy to not have a winner at Cheltenham, so De Boitron would be of interest, with the excellent and in form Lucy Alexander on board. The other three horses look to be there to make up the numbers with Free World, Idarah & Norther Bay carrying 1lb, 2lb and 4lb out of the handicap respectively.
The Twiston-Davies stable seem very badly out of form, with one solitary place in The Cockney Mackem running on for second in the Byrne Group Plate, but without never really threatening, which would make it difficult to tip up Astracad. He has run well this season, in particular at Cheltenham, running 7 lengths behind Al Ferof in a novices chase, before winning a Grade 2 handicap chase in November. He has been kept fresh and could go close. Similarly, the Tizzard's have had a quiet week, which would mean Oisea Du Nuit is opposable, despite his win in this last year, and being on a 7lb higher mark.
The Irish have a wretched reputation in the race, with only two wins in the last fourteen years and only four wins overall in its sixty-two year history, an unbelievable stat for a nation who consumer Cheltenham during the festival. That would make it even more difficult for Lucky William for Tom Cooper and Silveardagh for Edward O’ Grady even that more unlikely.
That leaves Kumbeshwar, Toubab, King Edmund, and the rest of the field to delve through, and none scream ‘winner’. The King, Gordon and Nicholls stable despite all of the hype seem to have lost form at the wrong time, which would rule them out. Renard is up 9lb for his win last time out, and is in the mercy of the handicapper. Cornas ran a good fifth in this in 2010, but apart from that has a poor record at Cheltenham, beaten by a collective 60 lengths in three other running. He has a high weight, but wouldn’t be out of the ordinary for him to post a good performance.
The only other horse not mentioned is Tara Royal for the in form Donald McCain yard, and as cliché as it may sound, if this horse was well backed, I would be even more appealed to it. The stable landed a touch when winning the Scottish Champion Chase with him at Musselburgh and he seemed to appreciate the strong pace and good ground, both he will find to his liking at Cheltenham. Ultimate finished down the field that day, and now has a 6lb swing, but the Brian Ellison charge could be out of his depth here.
Tara Royal and French Opera look the two most appealing at the prices, and have come good at the right time. Both stables are enjoying exceptional weeks, and have come into the race on the back of terrific runs, in good company, and further more will like the strong pace mainly only seen at Cheltenham. Cornas and the JP McManus could fill out the places, if ridden to their style of running.
1. French Opera
2. Tara Royal
3. Kid Cassidy
4. Bellvano
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Wednesday 14 March 2012
Cheltenham Day Three - Thursday 15th March 2012
Cheltenham Day Three, and the hangovers have already set in, and are in direct proportion to the volume of losers totalled, and Guinness consumed. The bookmakers after day one have started off well, with Hurricane Fly beaten in the Champion Hurdle, as well as good results for those at the other side of the rails in the Supreme Novices and the JLT Handicap Chase.
The opening race is the Nap of Day Three and SIR DES CHAMPS for my money is an absolute banker. I have been backing this horse for the Jewson Novices Chase for the best part of four months. He looked smart over hurdles, and won the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival under Emit Mullins. He was seemingly swept off his feet by the early pace, but stayed on well, to win comfortably, showing great resilience and tenacity. Since imported from France he is unbeaten in five starts, including last time out winning a 2 miles 5 furlongs Grade 2 novices chase on soft ground. The better ground should see further improvement, and given he has course form, he should have the beating of much supposed inferior rivals in Peddlers Cross, For Non Stop and Champion Court.
In the Pertemps Final, it could be worth taking a chance on CAPE TRIBULATION for the Malcolm Jefferson yard. The yard hasn’t been in the greatest patch of form but they have booked Denis O’ Regan to be on board, and he on the other hand is. The eight year old made plenty of mistakes in some decent handicap chases this season, and has looked far better when switching back to hurdles. He ran a game fourth last time out behind Grand Vision at Haydock over 2 miles 5 furlongs, and although he was beaten 21 lengths, he ran on well towards the finish. Fifth that day was Alfie Sherrin, who won the JLT Handicap on Day One, beating a decent field, and further franks the form. He is top rated on Racing Post Ratings and should be a decent price, and definitely an each way player.
The Ryanair Chase looks to be one of the most open renewals for years, and is seen in the betting, with Riverside Theatre the 5/1 favourite. Reigning champion Albertas Run looks set to win three in a row, but given he hasn’t run since Aintree in October, has to be opposed. Poquelin has course form, winning five times, and a good second last time out around course and distance, not to mention respect for Somersby, Kalahari King and course and distance winner this time last year Noble Prince. That being said, the best bet looks to be MEDERMIT, a horse with consistent and tough performances, as well as course form around Cheltenham. Since switching to chasing, he has yet to finish worse than fourth, and that was in a good renewal in last years Arkle. Since then he has finished 2-1-3-2-2 and has been running in Graded Company or in class one handicaps. The trip should suit and given the tenacity of this striking grey, at the prices, he is terrific value.
Big Bucks is one of the most amazing racehorses I have ever had the privilege to witness, and without reasoning or rhetoric, he will win his record breaking fourth World Hurdle.
The two remaining handicaps look to be difficult nuts to crack, and the Byrne Group Plate and the Kim Muir and usually races that are associated with the Pipe stable, and they have leading players in both races, and have to be respected, with Junior for the stable winning the Kim Muir last year, when punted off the boards to land a touch.
They have Dan Breen and the current favourite Salut Flo in the race, and Salut Flo has been backed no end in the last few weeks, to the point where he is the 9/2 ante post favourite. Much in a similar fashion to The Package who finished fourth in the JLT Handicap Chase, he returns from a lay off, and could be out of the grip of the handicapper. That being said, I like the look of DIVERS for the Ferdy Murphy yard,, and has the all important course and distance form around Cheltenham next to his name. Trainer Ferdy Murphy has a good record in festival handicaps, and with AP McCoy booked for the ride, connections clearly feel a good run is on the cards.
The Kim Muir is another one of those races for amateur riders, one of four overall, but still attracts a very good field, and some very good riders as well. Ferdy Murphy has another live chance here with THE HOLLINWELL. He seems to be peaking at the right time, and had a perfect tune up with a ‘Jumpers bumper’ at Southwell last month. He won the six runner race quite easily under a 10lb claimer, and the form has already worked out well with the fourth that day coming out and winning a 17 runner handicap hurdle on his next start. He goes to Cheltenham with the handicapper not altering his mark after this run, and he could be potentially well in. At the prohibitive odds at 20/1 he has to have a live chance.
1.30 Sir Des Champs (Nap)
2.05 Cape Tribulation (Ew)
2.40 Medermit (Ew)
3.20 Big Bucks
4.00 Divers (Ew)
4.40 The Hollinwell (Ew)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
The opening race is the Nap of Day Three and SIR DES CHAMPS for my money is an absolute banker. I have been backing this horse for the Jewson Novices Chase for the best part of four months. He looked smart over hurdles, and won the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival under Emit Mullins. He was seemingly swept off his feet by the early pace, but stayed on well, to win comfortably, showing great resilience and tenacity. Since imported from France he is unbeaten in five starts, including last time out winning a 2 miles 5 furlongs Grade 2 novices chase on soft ground. The better ground should see further improvement, and given he has course form, he should have the beating of much supposed inferior rivals in Peddlers Cross, For Non Stop and Champion Court.
In the Pertemps Final, it could be worth taking a chance on CAPE TRIBULATION for the Malcolm Jefferson yard. The yard hasn’t been in the greatest patch of form but they have booked Denis O’ Regan to be on board, and he on the other hand is. The eight year old made plenty of mistakes in some decent handicap chases this season, and has looked far better when switching back to hurdles. He ran a game fourth last time out behind Grand Vision at Haydock over 2 miles 5 furlongs, and although he was beaten 21 lengths, he ran on well towards the finish. Fifth that day was Alfie Sherrin, who won the JLT Handicap on Day One, beating a decent field, and further franks the form. He is top rated on Racing Post Ratings and should be a decent price, and definitely an each way player.
The Ryanair Chase looks to be one of the most open renewals for years, and is seen in the betting, with Riverside Theatre the 5/1 favourite. Reigning champion Albertas Run looks set to win three in a row, but given he hasn’t run since Aintree in October, has to be opposed. Poquelin has course form, winning five times, and a good second last time out around course and distance, not to mention respect for Somersby, Kalahari King and course and distance winner this time last year Noble Prince. That being said, the best bet looks to be MEDERMIT, a horse with consistent and tough performances, as well as course form around Cheltenham. Since switching to chasing, he has yet to finish worse than fourth, and that was in a good renewal in last years Arkle. Since then he has finished 2-1-3-2-2 and has been running in Graded Company or in class one handicaps. The trip should suit and given the tenacity of this striking grey, at the prices, he is terrific value.
Big Bucks is one of the most amazing racehorses I have ever had the privilege to witness, and without reasoning or rhetoric, he will win his record breaking fourth World Hurdle.
The two remaining handicaps look to be difficult nuts to crack, and the Byrne Group Plate and the Kim Muir and usually races that are associated with the Pipe stable, and they have leading players in both races, and have to be respected, with Junior for the stable winning the Kim Muir last year, when punted off the boards to land a touch.
They have Dan Breen and the current favourite Salut Flo in the race, and Salut Flo has been backed no end in the last few weeks, to the point where he is the 9/2 ante post favourite. Much in a similar fashion to The Package who finished fourth in the JLT Handicap Chase, he returns from a lay off, and could be out of the grip of the handicapper. That being said, I like the look of DIVERS for the Ferdy Murphy yard,, and has the all important course and distance form around Cheltenham next to his name. Trainer Ferdy Murphy has a good record in festival handicaps, and with AP McCoy booked for the ride, connections clearly feel a good run is on the cards.
The Kim Muir is another one of those races for amateur riders, one of four overall, but still attracts a very good field, and some very good riders as well. Ferdy Murphy has another live chance here with THE HOLLINWELL. He seems to be peaking at the right time, and had a perfect tune up with a ‘Jumpers bumper’ at Southwell last month. He won the six runner race quite easily under a 10lb claimer, and the form has already worked out well with the fourth that day coming out and winning a 17 runner handicap hurdle on his next start. He goes to Cheltenham with the handicapper not altering his mark after this run, and he could be potentially well in. At the prohibitive odds at 20/1 he has to have a live chance.
1.30 Sir Des Champs (Nap)
2.05 Cape Tribulation (Ew)
2.40 Medermit (Ew)
3.20 Big Bucks
4.00 Divers (Ew)
4.40 The Hollinwell (Ew)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Byrne Group Plate - Cheltenham, Day Three
The two handicaps on Thursday look to be difficult nuts to crack, and the Byrne Group Plate and the Kim Muir and usually races that are associated with the Pipe stable, and they have leading players in both races. Junior for won the Kim Muir for the stable last year, when punted off the boards to land a touch, and as such the stable has to be respected in these type of races.. His father Martin won this race four in five years, including three on the spin between 1999-2002, the last of which with the spectacular gelding Blowing Wind.
They have Dan Breen and the current favourite Salut Flo in the race, and Salut Flo has been backed no end in the last few weeks, to the point where he is the 9/2 ante post favourite. Much in a similar fashion to The Package who finished fourth in the JLT Handicap Chase, he returns from a lay off, and could be out of the grip of the handicapper. He returned from a near two year lay off in the December Gold Cup, and was well backed in doing so, going off 13/2, and was going well before blundering and being bumped three out. He has gone up 3lb for that run, and that could have him spot on for Thursday. The stable also have some lively outsiders, with once Arkle hope Notus De La Tour possibly taking up an entry here, rather than the novice chase route. He has been consistent for the yard, progressing from novice chases, into Grade 1 company, finishing second and third at Leopardstown in Grade 1’s, the latter behind Flemenstar, who franked the form winning next time out, beating Bog Warrior in the Grade 3 Directors Novice Chase at Naas last Sunday. The stable also have Matuhi and Great Endeavour entered, but are unlikely to take up the option.
Nigel Twiston-Davies could have a say in the outcome, and could turn the corner on what has been the stables lofty standards, a lean year. The trainer has Mad Moose, Pigeon Island, The Cockney Mackem and Ackertac all entered, but confirmations yet to be made over the participation of all four runners. Ackertac is likely to run however in the Grand Annual, and Pigeon Island could miss out, being at the bottom of the weights as does The Cockney Mackem, depending on how many horses come out before the final declarations. Mad Moose could be a lively outsider, and has come down 8lb since a good run behind Benny Be Good at Market Rasen last year.
Michael Flips put up a career best chase mark last time out finishing second behind For Non Stop last in the Scilly Isles Grade 1 Novices Chase for Andrew Turnell’s stable star, posting a figure of 145. Ironically, his best effort came in defeat, behind Zaynar at Ascot in December, with every runner down the field, winning and posting better figures in subsequent runs. He is relatively unexposed and could have further improvements. Similarly with Holmwood Legend for the Kieran Burke yard, who celebrated the win of Hunt Ball on Tuesday. Thrown in at the deep end, he was beaten by 62 lengths in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, but has gradually improved to finish well in Wincanton and Taunton Class 2 Handicaps over 19 and 21 furlongs. The form from both runs has worked out well, and is up 1lb for those efforts.
Crackaway Jack has the unique profile of being a previous festival winner, a victor in the Fred Winter in 2008, and followed that with a good fourth in the Champion Hurdle in 2009. He has been unlucky with injuries, having three spells of being out for roughly a year within the last four years. He returned from a 273 day absence with a good fifth behind Tanks for That at the Cheltenham Open Meeting. Switched to hurdles, he didn’t show the same enthusiasm or vigour when thirteenth of eighteen runners at Ascot, finishing 33 lengths behind winner Bourne. He has the advantage of course form over his rivals, and if he has retained his class, he is potentially well in.
That being said, I like the look of Divers for the Ferdy Murphy yard, and has the all important course and distance form around Cheltenham next to his name. Trainer Ferdy Murphy has a good record in festival handicaps, and with AP McCoy booked for the ride, connections clearly feel a good run is on the cards. He won the Centenary Novices Chase last year in grand fashion, under a very smart ride from Graham Lee, being held up, before taking it up in the run in, picking off Quantitativeeasing and Tullamore Dew in the process. Both have blazed themselves in further glory this season, the former winning the Spinal Research Gold Cup, with Tullamore Dew running well to place in several handicap chases. Further down the field, Shakalakaboomboom has won and placed in decent chases, as has Vino Griego. Divers has been steadily brought back by Ferdy Murphy this year, pulled up on his return at Carlisle, when the betting indicated he didn’t have a strong chance. He then ran a strong third behind Great Endeavour in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, before unseating in the Spinal Research Gold Cup. He had a tune up in a two mile handicap chase at Musselburgh, and should be spot on for the day.
Selections:
1. Divers
2. Crackaway Jack
3. Notus De La Tour
4. Salut Flo
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
They have Dan Breen and the current favourite Salut Flo in the race, and Salut Flo has been backed no end in the last few weeks, to the point where he is the 9/2 ante post favourite. Much in a similar fashion to The Package who finished fourth in the JLT Handicap Chase, he returns from a lay off, and could be out of the grip of the handicapper. He returned from a near two year lay off in the December Gold Cup, and was well backed in doing so, going off 13/2, and was going well before blundering and being bumped three out. He has gone up 3lb for that run, and that could have him spot on for Thursday. The stable also have some lively outsiders, with once Arkle hope Notus De La Tour possibly taking up an entry here, rather than the novice chase route. He has been consistent for the yard, progressing from novice chases, into Grade 1 company, finishing second and third at Leopardstown in Grade 1’s, the latter behind Flemenstar, who franked the form winning next time out, beating Bog Warrior in the Grade 3 Directors Novice Chase at Naas last Sunday. The stable also have Matuhi and Great Endeavour entered, but are unlikely to take up the option.
Nigel Twiston-Davies could have a say in the outcome, and could turn the corner on what has been the stables lofty standards, a lean year. The trainer has Mad Moose, Pigeon Island, The Cockney Mackem and Ackertac all entered, but confirmations yet to be made over the participation of all four runners. Ackertac is likely to run however in the Grand Annual, and Pigeon Island could miss out, being at the bottom of the weights as does The Cockney Mackem, depending on how many horses come out before the final declarations. Mad Moose could be a lively outsider, and has come down 8lb since a good run behind Benny Be Good at Market Rasen last year.
Michael Flips put up a career best chase mark last time out finishing second behind For Non Stop last in the Scilly Isles Grade 1 Novices Chase for Andrew Turnell’s stable star, posting a figure of 145. Ironically, his best effort came in defeat, behind Zaynar at Ascot in December, with every runner down the field, winning and posting better figures in subsequent runs. He is relatively unexposed and could have further improvements. Similarly with Holmwood Legend for the Kieran Burke yard, who celebrated the win of Hunt Ball on Tuesday. Thrown in at the deep end, he was beaten by 62 lengths in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, but has gradually improved to finish well in Wincanton and Taunton Class 2 Handicaps over 19 and 21 furlongs. The form from both runs has worked out well, and is up 1lb for those efforts.
Crackaway Jack has the unique profile of being a previous festival winner, a victor in the Fred Winter in 2008, and followed that with a good fourth in the Champion Hurdle in 2009. He has been unlucky with injuries, having three spells of being out for roughly a year within the last four years. He returned from a 273 day absence with a good fifth behind Tanks for That at the Cheltenham Open Meeting. Switched to hurdles, he didn’t show the same enthusiasm or vigour when thirteenth of eighteen runners at Ascot, finishing 33 lengths behind winner Bourne. He has the advantage of course form over his rivals, and if he has retained his class, he is potentially well in.
That being said, I like the look of Divers for the Ferdy Murphy yard, and has the all important course and distance form around Cheltenham next to his name. Trainer Ferdy Murphy has a good record in festival handicaps, and with AP McCoy booked for the ride, connections clearly feel a good run is on the cards. He won the Centenary Novices Chase last year in grand fashion, under a very smart ride from Graham Lee, being held up, before taking it up in the run in, picking off Quantitativeeasing and Tullamore Dew in the process. Both have blazed themselves in further glory this season, the former winning the Spinal Research Gold Cup, with Tullamore Dew running well to place in several handicap chases. Further down the field, Shakalakaboomboom has won and placed in decent chases, as has Vino Griego. Divers has been steadily brought back by Ferdy Murphy this year, pulled up on his return at Carlisle, when the betting indicated he didn’t have a strong chance. He then ran a strong third behind Great Endeavour in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, before unseating in the Spinal Research Gold Cup. He had a tune up in a two mile handicap chase at Musselburgh, and should be spot on for the day.
Selections:
1. Divers
2. Crackaway Jack
3. Notus De La Tour
4. Salut Flo
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Tuesday 13 March 2012
Cheltenham - Day Two
Hopefully we have already had a few winners, and writing this in advance of the first days proceedings, I am just hoping there have been a few winners on Day One to have kept us ticking over, and not have the emergency lump quite applied as of yet. That will most likely come in The Jonny Henderson Grand Annual, being the annually get out of jail and failure for most punters.
The first race of Day Two is The Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase. The National Hunt Chase is the most historic and arguably challenging race of the Festival, run on the old course, is run over four miles with twenty-four fences, making it a true stamina test. Willie Mullins, Champion Irish Trainer has the front two in the betting in Soll and Allee garde. Soll has had this race as his target since winning a Down Royal chase on February 1st over two and a half miles on heavy going. The seven year old son of Presenting looks to be an out and out stayer and has all the makings of a National horse. Similarly Allee Garde has shown good form this season since reappearing at Clonmel, winning comfortably, much like Soll, on two and a half miles on heavy ground. Alfie Spinner has shown good form this season in novice chases, running behind some much superior rivals, yet still demonstrating a good attitude. Harry the Viking has shaped like a stayer all winter, and has been the long time ante post favourite for this race and has leading connections, being trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Sir Alex Ferguson. Teaforthree looks to be shaping up to be a very smart chaser since switching to the larger obstacles at the start of this season. The beautifully bred eight year old finished second to RSA hopeful Join Together on his debut, who has won another Cheltenham novice chase, with both winning further races. He was a comfortable winner of a three mile heavy ground run at Chepstow, beating subsequent winners Restless Harry and Cannington Brook in fine style, running on well towards the end. Beaten for pace in the Feltham Chase, he got back on track winning another novice chase at Chepstow, getting a smart ride from AP McCoy, with the form already working out well. JT McNamara has been booked, and that should further enhance his claims. Given the nature of TEAFORTHREE’s victories, I think the trip will be the making of him.
The Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle, or “The Neptune” as the Irish would refer to it as, is probably the most respected of the three Grade 1 novices hurdles. Boston Bob missed this for the Albert Bartlett, and the Gold Cup winner in waiting will relish the extra yardage on better ground. That leaves Simonsig as the favourite, and I think the Nicky Henderson striking grey is certainly opposable. He was out battled at Sandown against long time ante post favourite Fingal Bay, before beating much inferior opposition at Kelso when long odds on. He looks to be something of a bridle merchant, and could be easily out battled. A good pointer to this race is the Royal Bond Stakes in Ireland, won by SOUS LES CIEUX for Willie Mullins, who has an excellent record in the race with three wins in the last five years. The promising six year old has looked likely to improve on better ground and stayed on well in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown when long shot winner Beneficent stole the race from the front. Over an extra 3 furlongs on better, spring ground, could be the making of him, and Ruby Walsh is on board.
GRANDS CRUS and BOBS WORTH are two horses that I have already backed ante post fir the RSA Chase and I am delighted that both have got to their eventual target safe and sound. They will start favourite and second favourite and there will be no need to punt on the race with 8/1 and 10/1 vouchers already held firmly tight. They are the leading novice chasers in the country, and The Irish do not look to have a strong hand with Sir Des Champs Jewson Chase bound. It is marginal, but I expect the David Pipe grey to come out on top of Bobs Worthy by a narrow margin.
I still have no idea how FINIANS RAINBOW managed to get beat last time out at Ascot behind Somersby in The Victor Chandler Chase, when seemingly cruising two fences out, and I was already counting my money. He seemingly got outstayed that day by a course specialist and I still think Finians Rainbow has the class to take a race of this nature. He went too quick in last years Arkle, after freewheeling down the hill, and the consensus is that he was unlucky that day and was outstayed, He is bigger, stronger and fitter and I can see him getting the better of the current champion Sizing Europe if different tactics are employed, hopefully picking him off in the run in.
The Coral Cup is a race where the Irish usually have a good record, and land a good touch and a race that is usually a good, wide open handicaps for everyone to take a view on. Last years winner runs once more and CARLITO BRIGANTE has to be respected for the Gordon Elliot stable. He won well last year, and followed that form with good races behind champions Big Bucks and Quevega at Aintree and Punchestown. He has opted to run here instead of The World Hurdle, and that could be a sign how the stable fancy his chances. Similarly Get Me Out of Here, has similar good form this season, with his last two runs showing terrific efforts behind Oscar Whisky and Zarkander, who both go for championship races. With three seconds from four Cheltenham starts, he has good course form, and looks well handicapped.
VENDOR has been all the rage ante post in the Fred Winter, after even surprising trainer Alan King just how well handicapped he seemingly is. Backed in from 9s to 3s ante post, this is the supposed handicap good thing. I don’t have too strong an opinion of the race, and with The Irish having a large number of the field, in what could possibly be unexposed sorts, he is a tentative selection.
The bumper looks about as open as it has been in previous years, with the grip and spell of dominance and in particular Willie Mullins have, seemingly subsided with two consecutive winners for the home team. Cue Card won for the Tizzard's two years ago and they have another leading player, similarly bred and owned in the form of ROYAL GUARDSMAN. A good winner at Ascot last time out, he has a similar profile to that of his half brother, and given the form of the stable recently, he has to be short listed. So does NEW YEARS EVE for training sensational and bloodstock advisor to Sheikh Mohammed; J P Ferguson. With a startling strike rate, he has been a revelation, and has acquired some very good sorts, and this is clearly the pick of his bumper string, a two from two winner, who has Barry Geraghty aboard.
1.30 Teaforthree (Nap)
2.05 Sous Les Cieux
2.40 Grands Crus – Grands Crus/Bobs Worth Reverse Forecast
3.20 Finians Rainbow (Ew)
4.00 Get Me Out of Here (Ew) / Carlito Brigante (Ew)
4.40 Vendor (Nb)
5.15 Royal Guardsman / New Years Eve
The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner
The first race of Day Two is The Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase. The National Hunt Chase is the most historic and arguably challenging race of the Festival, run on the old course, is run over four miles with twenty-four fences, making it a true stamina test. Willie Mullins, Champion Irish Trainer has the front two in the betting in Soll and Allee garde. Soll has had this race as his target since winning a Down Royal chase on February 1st over two and a half miles on heavy going. The seven year old son of Presenting looks to be an out and out stayer and has all the makings of a National horse. Similarly Allee Garde has shown good form this season since reappearing at Clonmel, winning comfortably, much like Soll, on two and a half miles on heavy ground. Alfie Spinner has shown good form this season in novice chases, running behind some much superior rivals, yet still demonstrating a good attitude. Harry the Viking has shaped like a stayer all winter, and has been the long time ante post favourite for this race and has leading connections, being trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Sir Alex Ferguson. Teaforthree looks to be shaping up to be a very smart chaser since switching to the larger obstacles at the start of this season. The beautifully bred eight year old finished second to RSA hopeful Join Together on his debut, who has won another Cheltenham novice chase, with both winning further races. He was a comfortable winner of a three mile heavy ground run at Chepstow, beating subsequent winners Restless Harry and Cannington Brook in fine style, running on well towards the end. Beaten for pace in the Feltham Chase, he got back on track winning another novice chase at Chepstow, getting a smart ride from AP McCoy, with the form already working out well. JT McNamara has been booked, and that should further enhance his claims. Given the nature of TEAFORTHREE’s victories, I think the trip will be the making of him.
The Neptune Investment Management Novices Hurdle, or “The Neptune” as the Irish would refer to it as, is probably the most respected of the three Grade 1 novices hurdles. Boston Bob missed this for the Albert Bartlett, and the Gold Cup winner in waiting will relish the extra yardage on better ground. That leaves Simonsig as the favourite, and I think the Nicky Henderson striking grey is certainly opposable. He was out battled at Sandown against long time ante post favourite Fingal Bay, before beating much inferior opposition at Kelso when long odds on. He looks to be something of a bridle merchant, and could be easily out battled. A good pointer to this race is the Royal Bond Stakes in Ireland, won by SOUS LES CIEUX for Willie Mullins, who has an excellent record in the race with three wins in the last five years. The promising six year old has looked likely to improve on better ground and stayed on well in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown when long shot winner Beneficent stole the race from the front. Over an extra 3 furlongs on better, spring ground, could be the making of him, and Ruby Walsh is on board.
GRANDS CRUS and BOBS WORTH are two horses that I have already backed ante post fir the RSA Chase and I am delighted that both have got to their eventual target safe and sound. They will start favourite and second favourite and there will be no need to punt on the race with 8/1 and 10/1 vouchers already held firmly tight. They are the leading novice chasers in the country, and The Irish do not look to have a strong hand with Sir Des Champs Jewson Chase bound. It is marginal, but I expect the David Pipe grey to come out on top of Bobs Worthy by a narrow margin.
I still have no idea how FINIANS RAINBOW managed to get beat last time out at Ascot behind Somersby in The Victor Chandler Chase, when seemingly cruising two fences out, and I was already counting my money. He seemingly got outstayed that day by a course specialist and I still think Finians Rainbow has the class to take a race of this nature. He went too quick in last years Arkle, after freewheeling down the hill, and the consensus is that he was unlucky that day and was outstayed, He is bigger, stronger and fitter and I can see him getting the better of the current champion Sizing Europe if different tactics are employed, hopefully picking him off in the run in.
The Coral Cup is a race where the Irish usually have a good record, and land a good touch and a race that is usually a good, wide open handicaps for everyone to take a view on. Last years winner runs once more and CARLITO BRIGANTE has to be respected for the Gordon Elliot stable. He won well last year, and followed that form with good races behind champions Big Bucks and Quevega at Aintree and Punchestown. He has opted to run here instead of The World Hurdle, and that could be a sign how the stable fancy his chances. Similarly Get Me Out of Here, has similar good form this season, with his last two runs showing terrific efforts behind Oscar Whisky and Zarkander, who both go for championship races. With three seconds from four Cheltenham starts, he has good course form, and looks well handicapped.
VENDOR has been all the rage ante post in the Fred Winter, after even surprising trainer Alan King just how well handicapped he seemingly is. Backed in from 9s to 3s ante post, this is the supposed handicap good thing. I don’t have too strong an opinion of the race, and with The Irish having a large number of the field, in what could possibly be unexposed sorts, he is a tentative selection.
The bumper looks about as open as it has been in previous years, with the grip and spell of dominance and in particular Willie Mullins have, seemingly subsided with two consecutive winners for the home team. Cue Card won for the Tizzard's two years ago and they have another leading player, similarly bred and owned in the form of ROYAL GUARDSMAN. A good winner at Ascot last time out, he has a similar profile to that of his half brother, and given the form of the stable recently, he has to be short listed. So does NEW YEARS EVE for training sensational and bloodstock advisor to Sheikh Mohammed; J P Ferguson. With a startling strike rate, he has been a revelation, and has acquired some very good sorts, and this is clearly the pick of his bumper string, a two from two winner, who has Barry Geraghty aboard.
1.30 Teaforthree (Nap)
2.05 Sous Les Cieux
2.40 Grands Crus – Grands Crus/Bobs Worth Reverse Forecast
3.20 Finians Rainbow (Ew)
4.00 Get Me Out of Here (Ew) / Carlito Brigante (Ew)
4.40 Vendor (Nb)
5.15 Royal Guardsman / New Years Eve
The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner
Sunday 11 March 2012
National Hunt Chase - Cheltenham Day Two
The National Hunt Challenge Cup is the opening race on day two of the Festival, and the four mile trip is usually a precursor for horses going onto the Nationals, with the first and second from last years race, Chicago Grey and Beshabar both running in the Scottish National, with the latter being triumphant. Chicago Grey will now go for the Aintree Grand National this year, and is quietly fancied at around 25/1 for trainer Gordon Elliot.
The National Hunt Chase is the most historic and arguably challenging race of the Festival, run on the old course, is run over four miles with twenty-four fences, making it a true test, even more so with the relative inexperience for some riders., with race being contested by amateur riders.
Former jockey and current trainer Jonjo O’ Neill has the strongest record in the race, with a record five wins, most recently through Butlers Cabin in 2007. He has no entries unfortunately in this race, but trainers similarly to him who have won the race as a jockey do, going onto train, the likes of Willie Mullins and Andy Martin. Willie Mullins, Champion Irish Trainer has the front two in the betting in Soll and Allee garde. Soll has had this race as his target since winning a Down Royal chase on February 1st over two and a half miles on heavy going. The seven year old son of Presenting looks to be an out and out stayer and has all the makings of a National horse. Similarly Allee Garde has shown good form this season since reappearing at Clonmel, winning comfortably, much like Soll, on two and a half miles on heavy ground. He ran well behind the two leading Gigginstown novices First Lieutenant and Last Instalment in the Grade 1 Fort Leney Chase at Leopardstown, before another game effort when third at Naas in January. Mullins will have two of the best amateur riders in racing at his disposal in his son Patrick Mullins, and Katie Walsh, a winner of t his in 2009 with Poker De Sivola, and both have been in good form this season.
Alfie Spinner has shown good form this season in novice chases, running behind some much superior rivals, yet still demonstrating a good attitude. A fourth behind Grands Crus on his seasonal reappearance at Newbury, had him thirteen lengths behind a hopeful for the Twiston-Davies stable Viking Blond, owned by the same connections of Sprinter Sacre. Alfie Spinner followed that up by a win on heavy ground at Chepstow, before game efforts behind Frascati Park and a top rated performance of 138 on official ratings when three lengths behind RSA hopefuls Bobs Worth and Invictus in the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot. He has the added bonus of having a previous winning jockey on him in Sam Waley-Cohen, who has a tremendous record in the race, winning in 2009 on Tricky Trickster, and was third last year on Be There in Five.
Harry the Viking has shaped like a stayer all winter, and has been the long time ante post favourite for this race and has leading connections, being trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Sir Alex Ferguson. The seven year old gelding was bought from the Irish point-to-point circuit, and showed good heart with his debut last season. He won two maiden hurdles, before winning two subsequent maiden chases. The latter being the more impressive, winning over three miles two furlongs on good to soft ground at Doncaster. He was caught on the run in before showing great determination to rally back and get up on the line. Second that day was Ikorodu Road, who got up to subsequently beat the Grand National favourite and Kim Muir winner Junior in the Doncaster Chase, further enhancing the strong line of form.
Teaforthree looks to be shaping up to be a very smart chaser since switching to the larger obstacles at the start of this season. He had a good hurdling career, a narrow third in a Cheltenham Grade 2 novice hurdle, before a solid eighth in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival, when seemingly done for speed. Chasing was always going to be the making of this animal though, and he has warmed to them, running five times during this campaign, with three victories. The beautifully bred eight year old finished second to RSA hopeful Join Together on his debut, who has won another Cheltenham novice chase, with both winning further races. He was a comfortable winner of a three mile heavy ground run at Chepstow, beating subsequent winners Restless Harry and Cannington Brook in fine style, running on well towards the end. Beaten for pace in the Feltham Chase, he got back on track winning another novice chase at Chepstow, getting a smart ride from AP McCoy, with the form already working out well. JT McNamara has been booked, and that should further enhance his claims.
Given the nature of TEAFORTHREE’s victories, I think the trip will be the making of him. Winning on all types of ground has highlighted his versatility, and he has been running against much classier rivals. Winning, running on heavy ground over three miles further indicates the trip should suit and he will be there or thereabouts. The main threats look to come from the unexposed Harry the Viking and the latter of the Mullins pair Allee Garde, who like Teaforthree, has been racing in much higher class races, and still running with great credit.
1. Teaforthree
2. Allee Garde
3. Harry The Viking
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
The National Hunt Chase is the most historic and arguably challenging race of the Festival, run on the old course, is run over four miles with twenty-four fences, making it a true test, even more so with the relative inexperience for some riders., with race being contested by amateur riders.
Former jockey and current trainer Jonjo O’ Neill has the strongest record in the race, with a record five wins, most recently through Butlers Cabin in 2007. He has no entries unfortunately in this race, but trainers similarly to him who have won the race as a jockey do, going onto train, the likes of Willie Mullins and Andy Martin. Willie Mullins, Champion Irish Trainer has the front two in the betting in Soll and Allee garde. Soll has had this race as his target since winning a Down Royal chase on February 1st over two and a half miles on heavy going. The seven year old son of Presenting looks to be an out and out stayer and has all the makings of a National horse. Similarly Allee Garde has shown good form this season since reappearing at Clonmel, winning comfortably, much like Soll, on two and a half miles on heavy ground. He ran well behind the two leading Gigginstown novices First Lieutenant and Last Instalment in the Grade 1 Fort Leney Chase at Leopardstown, before another game effort when third at Naas in January. Mullins will have two of the best amateur riders in racing at his disposal in his son Patrick Mullins, and Katie Walsh, a winner of t his in 2009 with Poker De Sivola, and both have been in good form this season.
Alfie Spinner has shown good form this season in novice chases, running behind some much superior rivals, yet still demonstrating a good attitude. A fourth behind Grands Crus on his seasonal reappearance at Newbury, had him thirteen lengths behind a hopeful for the Twiston-Davies stable Viking Blond, owned by the same connections of Sprinter Sacre. Alfie Spinner followed that up by a win on heavy ground at Chepstow, before game efforts behind Frascati Park and a top rated performance of 138 on official ratings when three lengths behind RSA hopefuls Bobs Worth and Invictus in the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot. He has the added bonus of having a previous winning jockey on him in Sam Waley-Cohen, who has a tremendous record in the race, winning in 2009 on Tricky Trickster, and was third last year on Be There in Five.
Harry the Viking has shaped like a stayer all winter, and has been the long time ante post favourite for this race and has leading connections, being trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Sir Alex Ferguson. The seven year old gelding was bought from the Irish point-to-point circuit, and showed good heart with his debut last season. He won two maiden hurdles, before winning two subsequent maiden chases. The latter being the more impressive, winning over three miles two furlongs on good to soft ground at Doncaster. He was caught on the run in before showing great determination to rally back and get up on the line. Second that day was Ikorodu Road, who got up to subsequently beat the Grand National favourite and Kim Muir winner Junior in the Doncaster Chase, further enhancing the strong line of form.
Teaforthree looks to be shaping up to be a very smart chaser since switching to the larger obstacles at the start of this season. He had a good hurdling career, a narrow third in a Cheltenham Grade 2 novice hurdle, before a solid eighth in the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival, when seemingly done for speed. Chasing was always going to be the making of this animal though, and he has warmed to them, running five times during this campaign, with three victories. The beautifully bred eight year old finished second to RSA hopeful Join Together on his debut, who has won another Cheltenham novice chase, with both winning further races. He was a comfortable winner of a three mile heavy ground run at Chepstow, beating subsequent winners Restless Harry and Cannington Brook in fine style, running on well towards the end. Beaten for pace in the Feltham Chase, he got back on track winning another novice chase at Chepstow, getting a smart ride from AP McCoy, with the form already working out well. JT McNamara has been booked, and that should further enhance his claims.
Given the nature of TEAFORTHREE’s victories, I think the trip will be the making of him. Winning on all types of ground has highlighted his versatility, and he has been running against much classier rivals. Winning, running on heavy ground over three miles further indicates the trip should suit and he will be there or thereabouts. The main threats look to come from the unexposed Harry the Viking and the latter of the Mullins pair Allee Garde, who like Teaforthree, has been racing in much higher class races, and still running with great credit.
1. Teaforthree
2. Allee Garde
3. Harry The Viking
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
JLT Handicap Chase - Cheltenham Day One
The JLT Handicap Chase on Day One is the opening handicap of the festival and is a race that has often been one for the punters in their annual week long battle with those evil bookmakers. Run over three miles, the race has been won by some classy sorts in the past few years with previous winners including Bensalem, An Accordion, Youllneverwalkalone and Wichita Lineman, under an inspired AP McCoy ride.
A trainer having something of a rejuvenation this season is Alan King, who has an impressive Cheltenham arsenal at his disposal this year with horses such as Medermit, Grumeti, Montbazon, Vendor and Bless The Wings to name but a few. King has two winners and a second from the last five renewals of this race and has the impressive Hold On Julio at his disposal.
The nine year old returned from a 2 ½ year absence winning a maiden chase by a staggering 28 lengths at Kelso last April. Since then, he has racked up two very impressive three mile handicap chase victories at Sandown, impressing in decent company. The gelding is clearly on the upgrade but the facts that he has never run around Cheltenham and has been put up 28lb by the handicapper mean he has a lot on his plate.
A horse who looks potentially well handicapped is Noland for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh. A Grade 1 winner in 2010 and Grade 2 winner last year, both over three miles, he ran a good race in defeat in Ireland, before finishing sixth at Ascot, when his jumping let him down. Dropped another 2lb by the handicapper, he looks to be on a very workable mark.
Tullamore Dew ran an absolute cracker when finishing a neck behind Massini’s Maguire in a thrilling finish in a three mile handicap chase last month at Ascot. He stayed on well to close down the strong front running Massini’s Maguire and could be considered unlucky to not get up on the line. The two negatives that could put punters off are the 6lb hike in the weights and the fact the Nick Gifford stable are yet to have a chase winner in 2012.
The horse that finished third that day Cappa Bleu will also take his chance but looks to be using this as a stepping stone to Aintree, and on the basis of his previous run, could find himself seriously outpaced in the middle stages of the race.
The Pipe yard are always to be feared in the Cheltenham handicaps and it has been no surprise to see the ante post money plough into several of his fancies already. The Package is one who has been well backed in ante-post markets for this race. Nine out of the last eleven winners have started at a price of 8/1 or shorter, so the shorties are worthy of very close consideration. Back from a serious lay off, the nine year old has not run since an unsuccessful outing in the Badger Ales Trophy in 2010. He was a narrow loser in this race two years ago, losing by a head to 33/1 shot Chief Dan George. He is 2lb lower than his run then and clearly has to be respected.
Fruity O’ Rooney could be a lively outsider for the in-form Gary Moore yard and, given the run of Sire De Grugy in the Imperial Cup, the yard appear to be in good nick. He won a Class 3 handicap chase over three miles on 27th December, meeting trouble in jumping throughout but still beating subsequent winner Midnight Appeal by four lengths. He followed up that win with a good third in the Great Yorkshire Chase behind potential Grand National horses Calgary Bay and Shakalakaboomboom. That was a fair effort and he could be a terrific each way price come the day. Calgary Bay has further franked the form.
A horse that I have backed and followed for some time since losing many ante post vouchers on him for the Neptune Hurdle in 2010 is Quantitativeeasing. He loves Cheltenham and the manner of his Gold Cup Handicap Chase win at Cheltenham in December was authoritative. The step up to three miles should further benefit the seven year old, who has all the makings of a Grand National horse in prospect. He goes well fresh and has a great record around Cheltenham, his last three runs there being 2-2-1.
All in all this looks a relatively wide open contest with several leading contenders. The strongest claims in the race, in my view, are held by Quantiativeeasing. His Gold Cup Handicap Chase win at the December meeting left an indelible mark on my memory and it looks the strongest piece of form on display here.
Tullamore Dew finished behind him last year in the Centenary Novices Handicap at last years festival and he should be running on into the places. Given the length of The Package’s absence, stamina doubts have to linger, and I can see him fading in the closing stages, with Fruity O’ Rooney running on from the back.
1. Quantitativeeasing
2. Tullamore Dew
3. Fruity O’ Rooney
4. The Package
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
A trainer having something of a rejuvenation this season is Alan King, who has an impressive Cheltenham arsenal at his disposal this year with horses such as Medermit, Grumeti, Montbazon, Vendor and Bless The Wings to name but a few. King has two winners and a second from the last five renewals of this race and has the impressive Hold On Julio at his disposal.
The nine year old returned from a 2 ½ year absence winning a maiden chase by a staggering 28 lengths at Kelso last April. Since then, he has racked up two very impressive three mile handicap chase victories at Sandown, impressing in decent company. The gelding is clearly on the upgrade but the facts that he has never run around Cheltenham and has been put up 28lb by the handicapper mean he has a lot on his plate.
A horse who looks potentially well handicapped is Noland for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh. A Grade 1 winner in 2010 and Grade 2 winner last year, both over three miles, he ran a good race in defeat in Ireland, before finishing sixth at Ascot, when his jumping let him down. Dropped another 2lb by the handicapper, he looks to be on a very workable mark.
Tullamore Dew ran an absolute cracker when finishing a neck behind Massini’s Maguire in a thrilling finish in a three mile handicap chase last month at Ascot. He stayed on well to close down the strong front running Massini’s Maguire and could be considered unlucky to not get up on the line. The two negatives that could put punters off are the 6lb hike in the weights and the fact the Nick Gifford stable are yet to have a chase winner in 2012.
The horse that finished third that day Cappa Bleu will also take his chance but looks to be using this as a stepping stone to Aintree, and on the basis of his previous run, could find himself seriously outpaced in the middle stages of the race.
The Pipe yard are always to be feared in the Cheltenham handicaps and it has been no surprise to see the ante post money plough into several of his fancies already. The Package is one who has been well backed in ante-post markets for this race. Nine out of the last eleven winners have started at a price of 8/1 or shorter, so the shorties are worthy of very close consideration. Back from a serious lay off, the nine year old has not run since an unsuccessful outing in the Badger Ales Trophy in 2010. He was a narrow loser in this race two years ago, losing by a head to 33/1 shot Chief Dan George. He is 2lb lower than his run then and clearly has to be respected.
Fruity O’ Rooney could be a lively outsider for the in-form Gary Moore yard and, given the run of Sire De Grugy in the Imperial Cup, the yard appear to be in good nick. He won a Class 3 handicap chase over three miles on 27th December, meeting trouble in jumping throughout but still beating subsequent winner Midnight Appeal by four lengths. He followed up that win with a good third in the Great Yorkshire Chase behind potential Grand National horses Calgary Bay and Shakalakaboomboom. That was a fair effort and he could be a terrific each way price come the day. Calgary Bay has further franked the form.
A horse that I have backed and followed for some time since losing many ante post vouchers on him for the Neptune Hurdle in 2010 is Quantitativeeasing. He loves Cheltenham and the manner of his Gold Cup Handicap Chase win at Cheltenham in December was authoritative. The step up to three miles should further benefit the seven year old, who has all the makings of a Grand National horse in prospect. He goes well fresh and has a great record around Cheltenham, his last three runs there being 2-2-1.
All in all this looks a relatively wide open contest with several leading contenders. The strongest claims in the race, in my view, are held by Quantiativeeasing. His Gold Cup Handicap Chase win at the December meeting left an indelible mark on my memory and it looks the strongest piece of form on display here.
Tullamore Dew finished behind him last year in the Centenary Novices Handicap at last years festival and he should be running on into the places. Given the length of The Package’s absence, stamina doubts have to linger, and I can see him fading in the closing stages, with Fruity O’ Rooney running on from the back.
1. Quantitativeeasing
2. Tullamore Dew
3. Fruity O’ Rooney
4. The Package
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Saturday 10 March 2012
Cheltenham - Day One
Do you smell that? The extra feel of electricity going round is not a power surge from the National Grid, it’s in the air because Cheltenham is finally here! No more talking, no more excuses, the preening and posturing can stop. The greatest show on turf is here.
Where to start?
The opening day is arguably the strongest. The Supreme Novices, Arkle and Champion Hurdle all have a rich history. Tuesday also enjoys a diverse feel with the Mares Hurdle, the Cross Country, a 3 miles handicap chase and a 2 ½ miles handicap novices chase. I’m already drooling at the thought.
It all starts with the Supreme Novices and the accompanying roar that sets the place alight. The pace in the Supreme Novices is usually electric and they go off hell for leather, with the best juveniles over two miles around Prestbury Park. The JP McManus money has piled into the ante post markets for DARLAN and he has been pin-pointed as the ‘chosen one’ for the infamous punter and owner.
A winner over course and distance in a novice hurdle, he was travelling like a dream in the Betfair Hurdle when falling two out, giving AP a terrible bump in the process. The way he travelled, suggests that the strong pace would suit him further, and he has a similar profile to previous winners. Although short enough in the market he has to be respected.
The other fancy is the top Irish juvenile STEPS TO FREEDOM for Jessica Harrington, whose yard is coming into form just at the right time. A Group 3 winner on the flat, he has had a smooth transition to hurdles, by way of winning the champion bumper at Aintree last year. Since then he has won three out of three novice hurdles, and goes into the race unbeaten. He won a Grade 3 novices hurdle at Punchestown on heavy ground, and followed that up with a win at Cheltenham over course and distance, getting up late to beat Prospect Wells. The trainer felt he should have won both races by further. He has been put away since and should be fresh and racing to go come March 13th.
Next comes the first of three odds on ‘bankers’ that the bookies could be absolutely crucified with. SPRINTER SACRE looks to go one better in the Arkle for the Seven Barrows yard than Finians Rainbow did when second last year when seemingly not getting up the hill. Sprinter Sacre has looked an absolute beast since switching to chasing winning his maiden chase by thirty lengths at Doncaster, before dismissing Arkle ante-post rival Peddlers Cross by 15 lengths in another novice chase. That set him up nicely for the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase at Newbury, where he beat last year’s winner French Opera, in the process of breaking the track record, all whilst not breaking sweat. He looks the part, travels, and jumps and looks a superstar for years to come barring accidents. Al Ferof is respected having won the King Henry VIII chase over course and distance and having beaten Sprinter Sacre in the Supreme Novices last year, but I fully expect that form to be turned round in emphatic style.
The other two hotpot favourites come from the Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins, in the form of reigning champions, HURRICANE FLY and QUEVEGA in the Champion Hurdle and the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle respectively.
Hurricane Fly has been better than ever since his victory in last years renewal, beating horses like Oscar Whisky, Overturn and Thousand Stars. His two runs at Punchestown and Leopardstown saw him win on good and heavy ground, by extended margins, both on the bridle, and he is simply different gravy to his rivals. Binocular has looked rejuvenated and Zarkander’s Triumph Hurdle form has been much boosted, but they both need to improve at least 7lb to get anywhere near the favourite if he turns up and is on song.
Similarly, QUEVEGA is completely different mustard when it comes to the mares division. She should surely win doing handstands to give her and Ruby Walsh a fourth consecutive mares hurdle.
The Cross Country is more of a spectacle than a betting opportunity and is a prize that is usually taken home by the Irish, who have dominated this race in recent years. The race is usually rather straightforward, with only one winner priced above 7/1 or greater in the last eight years. Last year’s winner SIZING AUSTRALIA went off a decent price around 13/2 and I can see him repeating that success for trainer Henry De Bromhead.
He led from the front and made all last year in impressive fashion, and has been patiently brought along this year, with this being his seasonal target. He teturned to the track in December, before a good tune up at Naas in a two mile handicap hurdle which will have him spot on. He will be getting weight from Scotsirish and Uncle Junior, the Willie Mullins pair, and has to be the value bet at the current prices at around the 5/1 mark.
That leaves us with the handicaps, and anyone who has any definite answers for handicaps over the Festival is a clever fellow. However, I just may have found the elusive ‘handicap good thing’. A horse I’ve backed and followed for years since losing many ante post vouchers on him for the Neptune in 2010 is QUANTITATIVEEASING.
The manner and style of his Gold Cup Handicap Chase win at Cheltenham in December was superb, and the step up to three miles should further enhance the seven year old’s chance. The form of that last race has worked out well with Medermit finishing second in a Grade 1 and Tatenen, Imsingingtheblues and Calgary Bay all running with great credit since. He goes well fresh, and has a great record around Cheltenham. The only serious danger to him could be NOLAND for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh, who has better form than the bare figures suggest. A Grade 1 winner in 2010 and Grade 2 winner last year, both over three miles, he ran a good race in defeat in Ireland before finishing sixth at Ascot, when his jumping let him down. Dropped another 2lb by the handicapper, he looks to be at a very workable mark.
The final race of the day is one of the handicaps that is usually taken on with great aplomb by shrewd trainer Ferdy Murphy, who had the winner last year with Divers (with our other tip Quantitativeeasing finishing second), and he has a good chance to taste victory again with GOING WRONG, who looks to be on a good mark for the Malton based trainer. He may not be the most obvious choice with Hunt Ball and Bless the Wings both having had very successful seasons, but given the trainers record at the festival, particularly in handicaps, he looks the one to be with. Up 9lb for victory in his last two novice chases at Sedgfield, the winning margins of 5 and ¾ lengths do not tell the whole story of the races. The latter race in particular caught the eye, where regular partner Graham Lee tracked the odds on favourite Realt Mor before easing him to the front after popping the last in the straight. He looks to be very classy and unexposed and looks to have the potential to improve further, especially over the extended two and a half miles trip.
1.30 Darlan & Steps to Freedom
2.05 Sprinter Sacre (Nap)
2.40 Quantitativeeasing & Noland (Ew)
3.20 Hurricane Fly
4.00 Sizing Australia
4.40 Quevega
5.15 Going Wrong (Ew)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Where to start?
The opening day is arguably the strongest. The Supreme Novices, Arkle and Champion Hurdle all have a rich history. Tuesday also enjoys a diverse feel with the Mares Hurdle, the Cross Country, a 3 miles handicap chase and a 2 ½ miles handicap novices chase. I’m already drooling at the thought.
It all starts with the Supreme Novices and the accompanying roar that sets the place alight. The pace in the Supreme Novices is usually electric and they go off hell for leather, with the best juveniles over two miles around Prestbury Park. The JP McManus money has piled into the ante post markets for DARLAN and he has been pin-pointed as the ‘chosen one’ for the infamous punter and owner.
A winner over course and distance in a novice hurdle, he was travelling like a dream in the Betfair Hurdle when falling two out, giving AP a terrible bump in the process. The way he travelled, suggests that the strong pace would suit him further, and he has a similar profile to previous winners. Although short enough in the market he has to be respected.
The other fancy is the top Irish juvenile STEPS TO FREEDOM for Jessica Harrington, whose yard is coming into form just at the right time. A Group 3 winner on the flat, he has had a smooth transition to hurdles, by way of winning the champion bumper at Aintree last year. Since then he has won three out of three novice hurdles, and goes into the race unbeaten. He won a Grade 3 novices hurdle at Punchestown on heavy ground, and followed that up with a win at Cheltenham over course and distance, getting up late to beat Prospect Wells. The trainer felt he should have won both races by further. He has been put away since and should be fresh and racing to go come March 13th.
Next comes the first of three odds on ‘bankers’ that the bookies could be absolutely crucified with. SPRINTER SACRE looks to go one better in the Arkle for the Seven Barrows yard than Finians Rainbow did when second last year when seemingly not getting up the hill. Sprinter Sacre has looked an absolute beast since switching to chasing winning his maiden chase by thirty lengths at Doncaster, before dismissing Arkle ante-post rival Peddlers Cross by 15 lengths in another novice chase. That set him up nicely for the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase at Newbury, where he beat last year’s winner French Opera, in the process of breaking the track record, all whilst not breaking sweat. He looks the part, travels, and jumps and looks a superstar for years to come barring accidents. Al Ferof is respected having won the King Henry VIII chase over course and distance and having beaten Sprinter Sacre in the Supreme Novices last year, but I fully expect that form to be turned round in emphatic style.
The other two hotpot favourites come from the Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins, in the form of reigning champions, HURRICANE FLY and QUEVEGA in the Champion Hurdle and the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle respectively.
Hurricane Fly has been better than ever since his victory in last years renewal, beating horses like Oscar Whisky, Overturn and Thousand Stars. His two runs at Punchestown and Leopardstown saw him win on good and heavy ground, by extended margins, both on the bridle, and he is simply different gravy to his rivals. Binocular has looked rejuvenated and Zarkander’s Triumph Hurdle form has been much boosted, but they both need to improve at least 7lb to get anywhere near the favourite if he turns up and is on song.
Similarly, QUEVEGA is completely different mustard when it comes to the mares division. She should surely win doing handstands to give her and Ruby Walsh a fourth consecutive mares hurdle.
The Cross Country is more of a spectacle than a betting opportunity and is a prize that is usually taken home by the Irish, who have dominated this race in recent years. The race is usually rather straightforward, with only one winner priced above 7/1 or greater in the last eight years. Last year’s winner SIZING AUSTRALIA went off a decent price around 13/2 and I can see him repeating that success for trainer Henry De Bromhead.
He led from the front and made all last year in impressive fashion, and has been patiently brought along this year, with this being his seasonal target. He teturned to the track in December, before a good tune up at Naas in a two mile handicap hurdle which will have him spot on. He will be getting weight from Scotsirish and Uncle Junior, the Willie Mullins pair, and has to be the value bet at the current prices at around the 5/1 mark.
That leaves us with the handicaps, and anyone who has any definite answers for handicaps over the Festival is a clever fellow. However, I just may have found the elusive ‘handicap good thing’. A horse I’ve backed and followed for years since losing many ante post vouchers on him for the Neptune in 2010 is QUANTITATIVEEASING.
The manner and style of his Gold Cup Handicap Chase win at Cheltenham in December was superb, and the step up to three miles should further enhance the seven year old’s chance. The form of that last race has worked out well with Medermit finishing second in a Grade 1 and Tatenen, Imsingingtheblues and Calgary Bay all running with great credit since. He goes well fresh, and has a great record around Cheltenham. The only serious danger to him could be NOLAND for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh, who has better form than the bare figures suggest. A Grade 1 winner in 2010 and Grade 2 winner last year, both over three miles, he ran a good race in defeat in Ireland before finishing sixth at Ascot, when his jumping let him down. Dropped another 2lb by the handicapper, he looks to be at a very workable mark.
The final race of the day is one of the handicaps that is usually taken on with great aplomb by shrewd trainer Ferdy Murphy, who had the winner last year with Divers (with our other tip Quantitativeeasing finishing second), and he has a good chance to taste victory again with GOING WRONG, who looks to be on a good mark for the Malton based trainer. He may not be the most obvious choice with Hunt Ball and Bless the Wings both having had very successful seasons, but given the trainers record at the festival, particularly in handicaps, he looks the one to be with. Up 9lb for victory in his last two novice chases at Sedgfield, the winning margins of 5 and ¾ lengths do not tell the whole story of the races. The latter race in particular caught the eye, where regular partner Graham Lee tracked the odds on favourite Realt Mor before easing him to the front after popping the last in the straight. He looks to be very classy and unexposed and looks to have the potential to improve further, especially over the extended two and a half miles trip.
1.30 Darlan & Steps to Freedom
2.05 Sprinter Sacre (Nap)
2.40 Quantitativeeasing & Noland (Ew)
3.20 Hurricane Fly
4.00 Sizing Australia
4.40 Quevega
5.15 Going Wrong (Ew)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Monday 5 March 2012
Wednesday 7th March at Catterick, Fontwell and Kempton
We had three winners and a second from only five selections last week in what proved another good week for The Yorkshireman, keeping us in good form as the Cheltenham Festival approaches. Saturday’s nap, Tap Night, won the Kelso Premier Hurdle in impressive fashion and has to be one to watch for the ever impressive Lucinda Russell stable in the north. Lucinda told The Racing Forum afterwards that Punchestown might be the plan for this improving hurdler.
CHESTNUT BEN (Fontwell 2.30) was a non runner when tipped up last Saturday at Chepstow, where it was predicted AP McCoy the booked rider would have a good day and he duly obliged with a 30/1 treble. The champ isn’t on board here but Josh Moore, who takes off a handy 5lb, will be an able deputy. As mentioned before, he was unlucky to unseat at only the third fence last time out and is still relatively unexposed. If he runs to the level of form shown when winning the time before that then he should go close.
COUNTESS COMET looks a very interesting sort for the Chris Bealby team in the mares novices hurdle (Catterick 3.20). She was an impressive winner of a bumper way back in January, and has won over 12 furlongs on the flat. She had a spin round Wolverhampton last month to wind up for a spring campaign and, in all honesty, she could be anything. The stable are in form and the market could be a good guide to her chances.
PRESQUE PEDRE (Catterick 3.50)looked promising when switched to chasing this autumn, running with credit in his three novice chases. He has been given a break by trainer Gary Moore and comes here relatively fresh for his first attempt in handicap company. The stable has been knocking on the door, with 5 seconds and 50% place strike rate in the last week, and this could hopefully help the stable turn the corner just in time for Cheltenham.
TARTAN TRIP (Kempton 6.00) has got better with every run this winter. A solid third last time out, he lost nothing when finishing a three lengths third of seven in what was a better class race than he runs in here. The form has been franked since and with 7lb claimer Joseph Haynes taking the ride, he will effectively be running off 8 stone. He has everything in his favour here and is taken to end his losing streak.
Selections for Wednesday 7th March
2.30 Fontwell – Chestnut Ben
3.20 Catterick – Countess Comet
3.50 Catterick – Presque Pedre
6.00 Kempton – Tartan Trip
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
CHESTNUT BEN (Fontwell 2.30) was a non runner when tipped up last Saturday at Chepstow, where it was predicted AP McCoy the booked rider would have a good day and he duly obliged with a 30/1 treble. The champ isn’t on board here but Josh Moore, who takes off a handy 5lb, will be an able deputy. As mentioned before, he was unlucky to unseat at only the third fence last time out and is still relatively unexposed. If he runs to the level of form shown when winning the time before that then he should go close.
COUNTESS COMET looks a very interesting sort for the Chris Bealby team in the mares novices hurdle (Catterick 3.20). She was an impressive winner of a bumper way back in January, and has won over 12 furlongs on the flat. She had a spin round Wolverhampton last month to wind up for a spring campaign and, in all honesty, she could be anything. The stable are in form and the market could be a good guide to her chances.
PRESQUE PEDRE (Catterick 3.50)looked promising when switched to chasing this autumn, running with credit in his three novice chases. He has been given a break by trainer Gary Moore and comes here relatively fresh for his first attempt in handicap company. The stable has been knocking on the door, with 5 seconds and 50% place strike rate in the last week, and this could hopefully help the stable turn the corner just in time for Cheltenham.
TARTAN TRIP (Kempton 6.00) has got better with every run this winter. A solid third last time out, he lost nothing when finishing a three lengths third of seven in what was a better class race than he runs in here. The form has been franked since and with 7lb claimer Joseph Haynes taking the ride, he will effectively be running off 8 stone. He has everything in his favour here and is taken to end his losing streak.
Selections for Wednesday 7th March
2.30 Fontwell – Chestnut Ben
3.20 Catterick – Countess Comet
3.50 Catterick – Presque Pedre
6.00 Kempton – Tartan Trip
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Friday 2 March 2012
Weekend Punting at Newbury, Doncaster and Kelso
Terrific spread of racing at the weekend with more preparations in the run up to Cheltenham and Aintree festivals. We have racing at Doncaster, Newbury and Kelso, and all meetings have their own feature races, The Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster, The Greatwood Handicap Chase at Newbury and the Premier Inn Hurdle at Kelso.
Starting at Kelso, the top northern trainer at the minute is Lucinda Russell who saddled Cheltenham Albert Bartlett Hurdle hopeful Birindsi Breeze ahead of an impressive win last week. After good efforts at Perth in the summer, the five year old TAP NIGHT has won consecutive novice hurdles at Carlisle and Newcastle by a cumulative total of 26 lengths. The form of the Carlisle win in particular is impressive with plenty of winners down the field. The yard is flying at the minute and, given the stables hit rate at the track, he has to have a great chance.
Record breaking Lucy Alexander has set records this past week, and the horse she became the winning most national hunt female jockey in a season was RED TANBER, who she teams up with again at Kelso. The pair have had a tremendous season, and run together again in a two miles handicap chase. The duo have had four winners and a second in their last five runs, all of which have come at Musselburgh. Switched to Kelso, they should have no problems carrying on their streak, despite a 6lb increase by the handicapper.
Kelso’s Premier Chase is another of their top races; Grand National winner Ballabriggs used it as a stepping stone towards Aintree glory last season. He aims to use this as a tune up once more but could find stern resistance in the form of ACCORDING TO PETE. Punted off the boards last time out at Haydock on heavy ground, he won well. He is seeking a hat-trick after wins at Haydock and Wetherby and, although now 12lb higher in the weights, he is on the upgrade. Benny Be Good could prove a big threat if he runs.
CORKAGE is a horse who has been followed for a while now, and was a very unlucky loser last time out at Doncaster. He runs over same course and distance in a three mile handicap hurdle, and looks to have solid claims. He went for home too soon last time out, and would appreciate being held up longer under the patient James Reveley. He should be around the 5/1 mark and will be a good bet.
The potent Gary Moore stable have a good string going into Cheltenham, not to mention having FIX THE RIB at their disposal. He’s one I’ve been keen on but he’s been unable to run due to the poor weather and frost over January/February. He is a horse gradually coming back to the form that he had shown before a two year absence. Bear in mind that he finished third to Master Minded in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury in 2010, off a mark of 156.
Now down to 134, he could be very well handicapped. A line can be put through both his comeback run and his Tingle Creek effort. He looked a little better when finishing a game 7th at Ascot and further improvement came over two and a half miles at Kempton, against what seemed like a good field. The drop back down to two miles should bring the best out of him, and the drying ground is likely to bring even more improvement.
2.20 Doncaster – Corkage
3.05 Kelso – Red Tanber (Nb)
3.10 Newbury – Fix The Rib
3.35 Kelso – Tap Night (Nap)
4.10 Kelso – According to Pete
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Starting at Kelso, the top northern trainer at the minute is Lucinda Russell who saddled Cheltenham Albert Bartlett Hurdle hopeful Birindsi Breeze ahead of an impressive win last week. After good efforts at Perth in the summer, the five year old TAP NIGHT has won consecutive novice hurdles at Carlisle and Newcastle by a cumulative total of 26 lengths. The form of the Carlisle win in particular is impressive with plenty of winners down the field. The yard is flying at the minute and, given the stables hit rate at the track, he has to have a great chance.
Record breaking Lucy Alexander has set records this past week, and the horse she became the winning most national hunt female jockey in a season was RED TANBER, who she teams up with again at Kelso. The pair have had a tremendous season, and run together again in a two miles handicap chase. The duo have had four winners and a second in their last five runs, all of which have come at Musselburgh. Switched to Kelso, they should have no problems carrying on their streak, despite a 6lb increase by the handicapper.
Kelso’s Premier Chase is another of their top races; Grand National winner Ballabriggs used it as a stepping stone towards Aintree glory last season. He aims to use this as a tune up once more but could find stern resistance in the form of ACCORDING TO PETE. Punted off the boards last time out at Haydock on heavy ground, he won well. He is seeking a hat-trick after wins at Haydock and Wetherby and, although now 12lb higher in the weights, he is on the upgrade. Benny Be Good could prove a big threat if he runs.
CORKAGE is a horse who has been followed for a while now, and was a very unlucky loser last time out at Doncaster. He runs over same course and distance in a three mile handicap hurdle, and looks to have solid claims. He went for home too soon last time out, and would appreciate being held up longer under the patient James Reveley. He should be around the 5/1 mark and will be a good bet.
The potent Gary Moore stable have a good string going into Cheltenham, not to mention having FIX THE RIB at their disposal. He’s one I’ve been keen on but he’s been unable to run due to the poor weather and frost over January/February. He is a horse gradually coming back to the form that he had shown before a two year absence. Bear in mind that he finished third to Master Minded in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury in 2010, off a mark of 156.
Now down to 134, he could be very well handicapped. A line can be put through both his comeback run and his Tingle Creek effort. He looked a little better when finishing a game 7th at Ascot and further improvement came over two and a half miles at Kempton, against what seemed like a good field. The drop back down to two miles should bring the best out of him, and the drying ground is likely to bring even more improvement.
2.20 Doncaster – Corkage
3.05 Kelso – Red Tanber (Nb)
3.10 Newbury – Fix The Rib
3.35 Kelso – Tap Night (Nap)
4.10 Kelso – According to Pete
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)