The weather is still wreaking havoc this week, with racing decimated, not to mention putting a dampener on my upcoming cricket season! That being said, it has to be said what a sterling job the ground staff at Punchestown did last week, and my ante post fold fold put up on twitter came in, so was even better! The four were Sir Des Champs, Sizing Europe, Hurricane Fly and Quevega, and all four are previous Cheltenham winners, who will be aimed at next years festival.
If Yarmouth goes ahead there looks to be one good bet in the form of DOUBLE TROUBLE for the red hot Marco Botti yard. Making his seasonal appearance, he got better as last season progressed, a third, two seconds then a win in a Wolverhampton maiden, over the extended mile. He has been given a handicap mark of 65, and is against exposed handicappers in the 4.40, and is open to the most improvement, providing the filly takes to the soft conditions.
Turning our attentions to Lingfield, that has attracted some strong connections, and strong stables, some of which are represented in the first race, a Class 5 handicap for three year olds over 6 furlongs. The most striking eyecatcher is AMPHORA, trained by Andrew Balding for Highclere Thoroughbred Racing. A filly of Oasis Dream, she has steady progress in six furlong maidens, the most impressive being a one length fourth on Newbury on her last outing last year. The first, third, sixth, eighth and ninth have all come out and won since, and she ran like she needed the run last month at Kempton, with more to come.
As already mentioned, Marco Botti is a trainer in good form, and main jockey Adam Kirby goes to Lingfield for a debut foray into handicapping for SARATOGA SLEW, an interesting daughter of Footstepsinthesand. Her dam was an unraced sister to an Irish Oaks winner, her sire was a 2000 Guineas winner. She was well held in three decent maidens at Haydock, Newmarket and Warwick, anyone smell a handicap plot? Get your money on early, there will be money flooding in like northern rainfall.
That old boy Chjimes runs more than the leaky tap in my bathroom, and is entitled to put a good run in every now and then, and it looks like it could be his turn again come Tuesday. He thrives when he has Hayley Turner on board, and she takes the ride for the previous course and distance winner. His three wins have all come at Lingfield this season, and the track specialist could go off a more than reasonable price.
The form of the maiden ran in last season by MUZDAAN has been boosted no end in recent weeks with the winner Starscope coming out and finishing and narrow length loser in a Group 3 race at Newmarket. The Exceed and Excel filly looked very green on debut at Newmarket, and should have learnt a lot that day, not knocked about too hard. The two other runners have finished second and fifth, and given the record of the stable for producing runners first time out, he looks to have a great chance.
2.00 Lingfield – Amphora
3.30 Lingfield – Saratoga Slew
4.30 Lingfield – Chjimes
5.00 Lingfield – Muzdaan
4.40 Yarmouth – Double Trouble
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner / @JJMSports
Monday 30 April 2012
Saturday 28 April 2012
Sandown and Punchestown - The End of the Season
National Hunt racing draws to a close on Saturday with excellent, quality racing at Punchestown and Sandown, with Graded racing at both tracks.
Staring with a horse who could be well in is BOURNE based on his good handicap win at Ascot. He was underperformed at Aintree and Cheltenham, where the ground was very hard. On a softer surface he could be worth taking a chance on.
SOMERSBY is a model of versatility and consistency and the Grade 2 Celebration Chase looks there for the taking. With a depleted field, French Opera is a good ground horse, Wishful Thinking has been poor this season, and Sanctuaire has only had two races over fences. A stiff, testing two miles is ideal for the Henrietta Knight horse.
In the Bet365 Gold Cup, there are some great value to be had due to soft ground specialists Le Beau Bai and West End Rocker heading the market on the rain sodden ground. That being said I like of three each way, TULLAMORE DEW, VIKING BLOND and DEEP PURPLE, all at good prices. Tullamore Dew ran a cracking race at Sandown in February behind Cappa Bleu, who ran a stormer in the National and the extra testing conditions could suit. Same with Deep Purple, who won over course and distance, winning the southern national earlier in the year. The Twiston-Davies yard is in great heart at the minute, having a treble at Perth on Wednesday. Viking Blond has all his best form on soft ground and conditions will be ideal. He fell at the first in The National and that can be overlooked.
At Punchestown, the first race is one of the infamous Cross Country races, and Sizing Australia leads the market, but he has no form on soft ground and can be overlooked. Edna Bolger farms these sort of races and ON THE FRINGE has been smashed up in the market and looks the perfect type for this. Good runs in the champion hunter chases this season and JT McNamara, winner of the Four Miler at Cheltenham on board, everything looks perfect for him.
The Gold Cup looks a relatively poor renewal and it could be worth taking a chance on QUANTITATIVEEASING who I have been a long time admirer of. The seven year old won the Spinal Research handicap at Cheltenham, and followed that up with a respectable seventh at the Festival, when never really travelling. He will love the extra juice in the ground, and the field as previously mentioned looks under par. With AP McCoy and Nicky Henderson both having stellar seasons, it would be a fitting finale.
FOILDUBH is one of these stereotypical Irish mudlarks who just loves the heavy going. All his form is on soft in the 3.55 Class A handicap, and two vital clues that he will show his true colours is that Paul Carberry has been booked and the money has come for him. Behind Bob Lingo last time out, but is weighted to reverse the form.
The champion four year old hurdle was won by my personal favourite Grandouet last year, who I followed off a cliff at Cheltenham and Aintree, and similar success can come across the Irish Sea in BALDER SUCCESS, for Alan King who hacked up at Ascot in extremely soft conditions. He fell in the Triumph but was previously unbeaten and looks a class act. He looks rather unexposed in comparision to his rivals and could take the beating in the conditions, where he has proven form.
UNE ARTISTE runs in the mares race and looks a penalty kick given her previous two runs at Cheltenham. Winning the Fred Winter, then a decent mares race two weeks ago, she thrived in the soft conditions. Geraghty and Henderson are in terrific form with Oscara Dara winning one of the top juvenile races yesterday, and she sets an impressive standard.
The last race looks a puzzle but Drive Time could hold the answers for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend in the colours of Graham and Andrew Wylie. Dropped into handicap company after winning two novice hurdles, he could be thrown in and could be anything. This is his first run for the new stable since switching from Howard Johnson and the well bred seven year old could have a lot of potential. In on a mark of 125, he clearly hasn’t been the easiest to train, but at around the 16/1 mark, looks well worth a punt.
2.00 Sandown – Bourne
2.35 Sandown – Somersby (Nap)
3.10 Sandown – Viking Blond Ew, Tullamore Dew Ew, Deep Purple Ew
2.40 Punchestown – On The Fringe (Nb)
3,15 Punchestown – Quantitativeeasing
3.55 Punchestown – Foildubh
4.30 Punchestown – Balder Success
5.05 Punchestown – Une Artiste
5.40 Punchestown – Drive Time
Staring with a horse who could be well in is BOURNE based on his good handicap win at Ascot. He was underperformed at Aintree and Cheltenham, where the ground was very hard. On a softer surface he could be worth taking a chance on.
SOMERSBY is a model of versatility and consistency and the Grade 2 Celebration Chase looks there for the taking. With a depleted field, French Opera is a good ground horse, Wishful Thinking has been poor this season, and Sanctuaire has only had two races over fences. A stiff, testing two miles is ideal for the Henrietta Knight horse.
In the Bet365 Gold Cup, there are some great value to be had due to soft ground specialists Le Beau Bai and West End Rocker heading the market on the rain sodden ground. That being said I like of three each way, TULLAMORE DEW, VIKING BLOND and DEEP PURPLE, all at good prices. Tullamore Dew ran a cracking race at Sandown in February behind Cappa Bleu, who ran a stormer in the National and the extra testing conditions could suit. Same with Deep Purple, who won over course and distance, winning the southern national earlier in the year. The Twiston-Davies yard is in great heart at the minute, having a treble at Perth on Wednesday. Viking Blond has all his best form on soft ground and conditions will be ideal. He fell at the first in The National and that can be overlooked.
At Punchestown, the first race is one of the infamous Cross Country races, and Sizing Australia leads the market, but he has no form on soft ground and can be overlooked. Edna Bolger farms these sort of races and ON THE FRINGE has been smashed up in the market and looks the perfect type for this. Good runs in the champion hunter chases this season and JT McNamara, winner of the Four Miler at Cheltenham on board, everything looks perfect for him.
The Gold Cup looks a relatively poor renewal and it could be worth taking a chance on QUANTITATIVEEASING who I have been a long time admirer of. The seven year old won the Spinal Research handicap at Cheltenham, and followed that up with a respectable seventh at the Festival, when never really travelling. He will love the extra juice in the ground, and the field as previously mentioned looks under par. With AP McCoy and Nicky Henderson both having stellar seasons, it would be a fitting finale.
FOILDUBH is one of these stereotypical Irish mudlarks who just loves the heavy going. All his form is on soft in the 3.55 Class A handicap, and two vital clues that he will show his true colours is that Paul Carberry has been booked and the money has come for him. Behind Bob Lingo last time out, but is weighted to reverse the form.
The champion four year old hurdle was won by my personal favourite Grandouet last year, who I followed off a cliff at Cheltenham and Aintree, and similar success can come across the Irish Sea in BALDER SUCCESS, for Alan King who hacked up at Ascot in extremely soft conditions. He fell in the Triumph but was previously unbeaten and looks a class act. He looks rather unexposed in comparision to his rivals and could take the beating in the conditions, where he has proven form.
UNE ARTISTE runs in the mares race and looks a penalty kick given her previous two runs at Cheltenham. Winning the Fred Winter, then a decent mares race two weeks ago, she thrived in the soft conditions. Geraghty and Henderson are in terrific form with Oscara Dara winning one of the top juvenile races yesterday, and she sets an impressive standard.
The last race looks a puzzle but Drive Time could hold the answers for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend in the colours of Graham and Andrew Wylie. Dropped into handicap company after winning two novice hurdles, he could be thrown in and could be anything. This is his first run for the new stable since switching from Howard Johnson and the well bred seven year old could have a lot of potential. In on a mark of 125, he clearly hasn’t been the easiest to train, but at around the 16/1 mark, looks well worth a punt.
2.00 Sandown – Bourne
2.35 Sandown – Somersby (Nap)
3.10 Sandown – Viking Blond Ew, Tullamore Dew Ew, Deep Purple Ew
2.40 Punchestown – On The Fringe (Nb)
3,15 Punchestown – Quantitativeeasing
3.55 Punchestown – Foildubh
4.30 Punchestown – Balder Success
5.05 Punchestown – Une Artiste
5.40 Punchestown – Drive Time
Tuesday 24 April 2012
Racing at Catterick on Wednesday
Racing is getting better in the north, and the handicaps are looking trickier a puzzle to solve, which on the one hand makes things more difficult, yet on the other, makes the prize that much richer, and the picking of a winner, that much more rewarding.
Racing Wednesday comes from Catterick, with the ground likely to be on the damp side, meaning to be extra thorough when strumming through the form book. Horses that have shown the ability to handle conditions, not to mention the actual course, have a big plus.
SHOP TIL YOU DROP runs in the maiden seller in the first, where David Evans won last year, and looks to have strong credentials to carry on the winning tradition for the trainer. Much improved when second last time out at Warwick, which is the strongest piece of form in a race lacking depth, and he sets the standard.
A stable that have started the season off in terrific form is the Michael Dods northern based unit, that have been firing on all cylinders already, especially in middle distance handicaps. He has a well bred son of Exceed and Excel in the shape of TIME TO EXCEL, who wasn’t knocked about in three maidens last year at Haydock, Thirsk and Redcar; He has been gelded over the winter, and stepped up in trip and off a mark of 52, and he looks very well in.
DEEP APPLAUSE could be worth taking a chance on for the same connections, in the 4.15, a handicap over a mile and a half. The Royal Applause gelding steps up in trip, looking to find further improvement after reappearance two weeks ago. Going through his form as a three year old, his best form has come on soft ground, and on bare form figures, may be a big price.
CONE DONKEY runs for Brian Smart and Tom Eaves and debuts in handicap company after three runs in maiden company, two seconds at Wolverhampton in November and Catterick three weeks ago. He lost by the margins of a head and a neck, and the last run was particularly impressive, and it looked a good field. A mark of 64, he should run well, being fresh and race fit, and doesn’t have a lot to beat.
REGAIL ACCLAIM looked a nice sort when running towards the back end of last season, putting three lacklustre maiden runs aside in something of an Easterby special, finishing first and second in two handicap runs, both on soft ground. The main rival looks to be Rosies Lady, fresh from a run last month, finishing second, but the form of the stable would be something of a worry.
2.05 Catterick – Shop Til You Drop
3.10 Catterick – Time to Excel
4.15 Catterick – Deep Applause
4.45 Catterick – Cone Donkey (Nap)
5.15 Catterick – Regal Acclaim (Nb)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Racing Wednesday comes from Catterick, with the ground likely to be on the damp side, meaning to be extra thorough when strumming through the form book. Horses that have shown the ability to handle conditions, not to mention the actual course, have a big plus.
SHOP TIL YOU DROP runs in the maiden seller in the first, where David Evans won last year, and looks to have strong credentials to carry on the winning tradition for the trainer. Much improved when second last time out at Warwick, which is the strongest piece of form in a race lacking depth, and he sets the standard.
A stable that have started the season off in terrific form is the Michael Dods northern based unit, that have been firing on all cylinders already, especially in middle distance handicaps. He has a well bred son of Exceed and Excel in the shape of TIME TO EXCEL, who wasn’t knocked about in three maidens last year at Haydock, Thirsk and Redcar; He has been gelded over the winter, and stepped up in trip and off a mark of 52, and he looks very well in.
DEEP APPLAUSE could be worth taking a chance on for the same connections, in the 4.15, a handicap over a mile and a half. The Royal Applause gelding steps up in trip, looking to find further improvement after reappearance two weeks ago. Going through his form as a three year old, his best form has come on soft ground, and on bare form figures, may be a big price.
CONE DONKEY runs for Brian Smart and Tom Eaves and debuts in handicap company after three runs in maiden company, two seconds at Wolverhampton in November and Catterick three weeks ago. He lost by the margins of a head and a neck, and the last run was particularly impressive, and it looked a good field. A mark of 64, he should run well, being fresh and race fit, and doesn’t have a lot to beat.
REGAIL ACCLAIM looked a nice sort when running towards the back end of last season, putting three lacklustre maiden runs aside in something of an Easterby special, finishing first and second in two handicap runs, both on soft ground. The main rival looks to be Rosies Lady, fresh from a run last month, finishing second, but the form of the stable would be something of a worry.
2.05 Catterick – Shop Til You Drop
3.10 Catterick – Time to Excel
4.15 Catterick – Deep Applause
4.45 Catterick – Cone Donkey (Nap)
5.15 Catterick – Regal Acclaim (Nb)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Friday 20 April 2012
Racing at Newbury and Ayr - Saturday 21st April
The National Hunt season is gradually coming closer to an end, with The Scottish Grand National the feature for Ayr’s terrific card on Saturday. This could well go down as one of the greatest seasons in the history of the jumps.
On the flat the feature race at Newbury is the Greenham Stakes, a key trial for the 2000 Guineas, with Frankel winning both last season for trainer Sir Henry Cecil.
The best bet of the day comes in the form of 2010 St Leger hero ARCTIC COSMOS who was an impressive winner when returning for the season at Kempton Park, winning a 10 furlongs listed race impressively. The step up in trip should suit, as will the surface, and he looks solid. Harris Tweed is top rated, but will be using this as a stepping stone and I expect similar progression from Modun throughout the season.
The Greenham Stakes is seen as a reliable Guineas trial and given the form of Richard Hannon’s stable it is hard to oppose BRONTERRE who ended last season running a good fourth in the Dewhurst. Trumpet Major, behind in fifth that day, came out and won the Craven Stakes at Newmarket earlier this week. The son of Oasis Dream has won on all types of ground and the form of his two previous wins have worked out well. He is the one to beat in a race where Top Offer and Tales of Grimm have lofty reputations after maiden wins last year.
Turning our attentions to Ayr, Coral Scottish National Day and a card that also carries the Scottish Champion Hurdle and Future Champion Novices Chase, a great day of jumping all round. The Scottish Champion Hurdle was won last year by Sanctuaire and recent Aintree winner EDGARDO SOL looks another good prospect for the Walsh and Nicholls team. He absolutely dotted at Aintree up and will go straight to Ayr, hopefully with little taken out of him. He has been a consistent performer this season, with wins at Aintree over fences and Cheltenham over hurdles and looks to have solid claims against a field of handicappers such as Raya Star, Ted Spread and Local Hero.
DEGAS ART has been running in small field novice chases but looks to love jumping fences and really hits a stride when taking off over the bigger obstacles. He looks to have a leading chance in the Future Champion Novices Chase for the Lucinda Russell stable. Three from three over fences, with subsequent winners in behind, the gelded son of Danehill Dancer has been a revelation since having a break and being sent chasing. Now rated 129, his highest ever rating, the nine year old is in the form of his life and looks a smart type, with connections having a good record here.
The Scottish National is usually a terrific spectacle, with MERIGO giving owners a local winner for the first time in years when winning in 2010, and he has a strong chance once again. He followed that with a second last year and as seen with Always Waining in the Topham Chase, horses that have been laid out for certain races are worth taken note of. An in-form and rejuvenated Timmy Murphy will be in the saddle as he has been for his previous two outings here. Benny Be Good is consistent but has stamina worries, with Harry the Viking having a hard race at Cheltenham and Ikorudo Road plenty high enough in the weights. Merigo is the most consistent and least questions surrounding him.
2.00 Newbury – Arctic Cosmos (Nap)
3.10 Newbury – Bronterre
2.15 Ayr – Degas Art
2.50 Ayr – Edgardo Sol
3.25 Ayr – Merigo (Nb)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
On the flat the feature race at Newbury is the Greenham Stakes, a key trial for the 2000 Guineas, with Frankel winning both last season for trainer Sir Henry Cecil.
The best bet of the day comes in the form of 2010 St Leger hero ARCTIC COSMOS who was an impressive winner when returning for the season at Kempton Park, winning a 10 furlongs listed race impressively. The step up in trip should suit, as will the surface, and he looks solid. Harris Tweed is top rated, but will be using this as a stepping stone and I expect similar progression from Modun throughout the season.
The Greenham Stakes is seen as a reliable Guineas trial and given the form of Richard Hannon’s stable it is hard to oppose BRONTERRE who ended last season running a good fourth in the Dewhurst. Trumpet Major, behind in fifth that day, came out and won the Craven Stakes at Newmarket earlier this week. The son of Oasis Dream has won on all types of ground and the form of his two previous wins have worked out well. He is the one to beat in a race where Top Offer and Tales of Grimm have lofty reputations after maiden wins last year.
Turning our attentions to Ayr, Coral Scottish National Day and a card that also carries the Scottish Champion Hurdle and Future Champion Novices Chase, a great day of jumping all round. The Scottish Champion Hurdle was won last year by Sanctuaire and recent Aintree winner EDGARDO SOL looks another good prospect for the Walsh and Nicholls team. He absolutely dotted at Aintree up and will go straight to Ayr, hopefully with little taken out of him. He has been a consistent performer this season, with wins at Aintree over fences and Cheltenham over hurdles and looks to have solid claims against a field of handicappers such as Raya Star, Ted Spread and Local Hero.
DEGAS ART has been running in small field novice chases but looks to love jumping fences and really hits a stride when taking off over the bigger obstacles. He looks to have a leading chance in the Future Champion Novices Chase for the Lucinda Russell stable. Three from three over fences, with subsequent winners in behind, the gelded son of Danehill Dancer has been a revelation since having a break and being sent chasing. Now rated 129, his highest ever rating, the nine year old is in the form of his life and looks a smart type, with connections having a good record here.
The Scottish National is usually a terrific spectacle, with MERIGO giving owners a local winner for the first time in years when winning in 2010, and he has a strong chance once again. He followed that with a second last year and as seen with Always Waining in the Topham Chase, horses that have been laid out for certain races are worth taken note of. An in-form and rejuvenated Timmy Murphy will be in the saddle as he has been for his previous two outings here. Benny Be Good is consistent but has stamina worries, with Harry the Viking having a hard race at Cheltenham and Ikorudo Road plenty high enough in the weights. Merigo is the most consistent and least questions surrounding him.
2.00 Newbury – Arctic Cosmos (Nap)
3.10 Newbury – Bronterre
2.15 Ayr – Degas Art
2.50 Ayr – Edgardo Sol
3.25 Ayr – Merigo (Nb)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Monday 16 April 2012
Prospects Job Blog - April 2012
Jack has finished his degree. His job hunt is proving a long and difficult road.
As I write this in the back end of March, the busiest, hectic and by far the most stressful week of the year has unquestionably just passed, the Cheltenham Festival.
For those unaware, around 60,000 people gather in the Cotswolds and surround Prestbury Park, in scenes that the uneducated would presume was an Irish invasion. It is the greatest week of national hunt racing in the calendar, and is aptly dubbed, ‘The Greatest Show on Turf’. This is the general culmination of the national hunt season, prior to the other code, the flat, ending in early April. Unlike the flat, where there is a staggered season, everything generally comes to a head, with the icing on the cake being the Grand National approximately four weeks later.
Therefore, there is the utmost pressure and expectation leading up to it, although admittedly, I am the one who puts myself under pressure. Ask anyone surrounding me, I harp on about this week from the week after the previous year’s event, and am relentless from October onwards. It is everything.
Therefore, when it goes seriously pear-shaped, as it has the last two years, I spend hours evaluating why, and how it can be changed. It was different this year as I had cemented a position as a relatively useful tipster, among people in the twitter world, on the racing forums, the people whom I write for, the locals in the shop and close friends and family. They would all be backing the selections that I would put up and prattle on about.
Fortunately it went very well, and was perhaps the most financially and professionally rewarding week to date. A lot of the horses I singled out in the early start of the season won, and won well, after being highlighted by the tipping column and an abundance of articles. It earned the shop’s punters, friends and locals alike a fair few quid and I cannot remove the smug grin off my face as I sit here typing this.
The feeling of satisfaction is incomparable and, if questioned again over a dodgy tip, I now have the benefit of being able to throw this in their faces, so it has bought me a bit of time in the process! A few of them on early that won at significantly shorter prices were: Sprinter Sacre at 10/1 (won at 8/11); Bobs Worth at 10/1 (won at 5/1); Finians Rainbow at 9/1 (won at 4/1); Teaforthree at 14/1 (won at 5/1) and Sir Des Champs at 10/1 (won at 3/1).
Three of the five were put up as ‘naps’ too, aka the best bet of the day, so again, a resounding success.
The overriding emotion on reflection of this, and the career path as a whole, can be simplified into one word, vindication. I feel completely vindicated in at least giving it a go in my chase to become a horse writing analyst, tipster and writer, and given the results of the previous year, it has gone rather well.
The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner
As I write this in the back end of March, the busiest, hectic and by far the most stressful week of the year has unquestionably just passed, the Cheltenham Festival.
For those unaware, around 60,000 people gather in the Cotswolds and surround Prestbury Park, in scenes that the uneducated would presume was an Irish invasion. It is the greatest week of national hunt racing in the calendar, and is aptly dubbed, ‘The Greatest Show on Turf’. This is the general culmination of the national hunt season, prior to the other code, the flat, ending in early April. Unlike the flat, where there is a staggered season, everything generally comes to a head, with the icing on the cake being the Grand National approximately four weeks later.
Therefore, there is the utmost pressure and expectation leading up to it, although admittedly, I am the one who puts myself under pressure. Ask anyone surrounding me, I harp on about this week from the week after the previous year’s event, and am relentless from October onwards. It is everything.
Therefore, when it goes seriously pear-shaped, as it has the last two years, I spend hours evaluating why, and how it can be changed. It was different this year as I had cemented a position as a relatively useful tipster, among people in the twitter world, on the racing forums, the people whom I write for, the locals in the shop and close friends and family. They would all be backing the selections that I would put up and prattle on about.
Fortunately it went very well, and was perhaps the most financially and professionally rewarding week to date. A lot of the horses I singled out in the early start of the season won, and won well, after being highlighted by the tipping column and an abundance of articles. It earned the shop’s punters, friends and locals alike a fair few quid and I cannot remove the smug grin off my face as I sit here typing this.
The feeling of satisfaction is incomparable and, if questioned again over a dodgy tip, I now have the benefit of being able to throw this in their faces, so it has bought me a bit of time in the process! A few of them on early that won at significantly shorter prices were: Sprinter Sacre at 10/1 (won at 8/11); Bobs Worth at 10/1 (won at 5/1); Finians Rainbow at 9/1 (won at 4/1); Teaforthree at 14/1 (won at 5/1) and Sir Des Champs at 10/1 (won at 3/1).
Three of the five were put up as ‘naps’ too, aka the best bet of the day, so again, a resounding success.
The overriding emotion on reflection of this, and the career path as a whole, can be simplified into one word, vindication. I feel completely vindicated in at least giving it a go in my chase to become a horse writing analyst, tipster and writer, and given the results of the previous year, it has gone rather well.
The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner
Racing at Newmarket and Cheltenham - Wednesday 18th April
Flat racing is officially back. Aintree is now over, and although was personally financially rewarding, (and here’s hoping the listeners out there had a few bob on too), the headlines that made the newspaper for the seemingly wrong reason. The flat returns in style with Newmarket putting on a stellar card at HQ, with the highlight being the Nell Gwyn Stakes, a Group 3 over seven furlongs, for some of the leading 1000 Guineas fancies. There is also racing at Cheltenham, which has another strong card, with a Grade 2 handicap Chase being the feature.
Firstly looking at Newmarket, it looks potentially a tricky card, with lots of juveniles in action, and it seems impossible to know just how far the two year olds have trained on. This makes the Nell Gwyn Stakes even more a sticky affair from a punting perspective, and Joe Public will have a hard job sticking his or her respective pin in. It was won last year by Paul Hanagan riding for Richard Fahey, and they have Lilys Angel entered, who looks like she could have a fair chance if staying the trip. Godolphin have Minidress and Pimpernel in there, and both should have leading claims. Starscope for John Gosden should come better over further, as should Nayarra for Mick Channon. That leaves RUSSELIANA for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore. The well bred daughter of Medicean won her maiden well before finishing second to the promising Gamilati in the Cherry Hinton Stakes. That bare piece of form looks good, and the step up in trip should bring more from her.
The Fielden Stakes (Listed) is another strong renewal, with horses from the Cecil, Hannon, Gosden, Hills and Godolphin stables, and the three main breeding operations; Juddmonte, Coolmore and Darley having strong fancies. Perennial for the Hills team finished last season second in a Group 3. Similarly the Hannon pair of Mister Music and Producer ran well in group company. The horse open to the most improvement however is JUNGLE BEAT for John Gosden and William Buick. An exceptionally well bred son of Galileo, her Newbury maiden win is rock solid. Five of the seven winners in behind went on to shed their maiden tag, including Farhaan for John Dunlop, who went on to run in the Royal Lodge behind UAE Derby winner Daddy Long Legs. He has a derby entry and could be much better than this level of opposition.
The best bet of the day comes in the form of ZUMBI who is a horse I have kept an eye on since his impressive maiden win at Ascot, getting up late after being absolutely smashed up in the betting. He followed that up with a solid third in the Accomb Stakes at York over seven furlongs. Although surprised he is still running at the same trip, being a son of Dubawi, he was always going to come on better as a three year old. I think this horse will be a group horse in time, and keep an eye on him for the rest of the season.
At Cheltenham, the best bet of the day there looks to be DIVERS who is somewhat of a track specialist with AP McCoy riding for the Ferdy Murphy yard, expect the money to flood in for the eight year old. He travelled well when running at the festival, before not finishing off the race well, but still finishing a respectable fourth. He could be worth taking another chance on given his course form at the track, (1-3-2) and is the one to beat in a tough, competitive handicap chase.
3.35 Newmarket – Zumbi (Nap)
4.10 Newmarket – Russelina
4.45 Newmarket – Jungle Beat (Nb)
3.45 Cheltenham – Divers
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Firstly looking at Newmarket, it looks potentially a tricky card, with lots of juveniles in action, and it seems impossible to know just how far the two year olds have trained on. This makes the Nell Gwyn Stakes even more a sticky affair from a punting perspective, and Joe Public will have a hard job sticking his or her respective pin in. It was won last year by Paul Hanagan riding for Richard Fahey, and they have Lilys Angel entered, who looks like she could have a fair chance if staying the trip. Godolphin have Minidress and Pimpernel in there, and both should have leading claims. Starscope for John Gosden should come better over further, as should Nayarra for Mick Channon. That leaves RUSSELIANA for Sir Michael Stoute and Ryan Moore. The well bred daughter of Medicean won her maiden well before finishing second to the promising Gamilati in the Cherry Hinton Stakes. That bare piece of form looks good, and the step up in trip should bring more from her.
The Fielden Stakes (Listed) is another strong renewal, with horses from the Cecil, Hannon, Gosden, Hills and Godolphin stables, and the three main breeding operations; Juddmonte, Coolmore and Darley having strong fancies. Perennial for the Hills team finished last season second in a Group 3. Similarly the Hannon pair of Mister Music and Producer ran well in group company. The horse open to the most improvement however is JUNGLE BEAT for John Gosden and William Buick. An exceptionally well bred son of Galileo, her Newbury maiden win is rock solid. Five of the seven winners in behind went on to shed their maiden tag, including Farhaan for John Dunlop, who went on to run in the Royal Lodge behind UAE Derby winner Daddy Long Legs. He has a derby entry and could be much better than this level of opposition.
The best bet of the day comes in the form of ZUMBI who is a horse I have kept an eye on since his impressive maiden win at Ascot, getting up late after being absolutely smashed up in the betting. He followed that up with a solid third in the Accomb Stakes at York over seven furlongs. Although surprised he is still running at the same trip, being a son of Dubawi, he was always going to come on better as a three year old. I think this horse will be a group horse in time, and keep an eye on him for the rest of the season.
At Cheltenham, the best bet of the day there looks to be DIVERS who is somewhat of a track specialist with AP McCoy riding for the Ferdy Murphy yard, expect the money to flood in for the eight year old. He travelled well when running at the festival, before not finishing off the race well, but still finishing a respectable fourth. He could be worth taking another chance on given his course form at the track, (1-3-2) and is the one to beat in a tough, competitive handicap chase.
3.35 Newmarket – Zumbi (Nap)
4.10 Newmarket – Russelina
4.45 Newmarket – Jungle Beat (Nb)
3.45 Cheltenham – Divers
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Friday 13 April 2012
Aintree Festival Day Three - Grand National Day
The pinnacle of a jockeys professional career is winning the Grand National, and that can be exemplified with Tony McCoy’s spew of emotion when winning on Don’t Push It in 2010, ending a fifteen year wait, and Mick Fitzgerald’s infamous comment that ‘sex would be an anti-climax after that’. I can’t say further than that.
As well as the National, the festival itself is an absolute cracker, with tremendous wins so far for horses I personally followed at Cheltenham, such as Darlan, Finians Rainbow and Grumeti all winning, and winning in style to boot. A horse who won in a similar fashion at Cheltenham was SIMONSIG, who runs in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices Hurdle. The race was won in similar fashion by Spirit Son last year, and he looks an absolute certainty for renewing another win for connections. The form has worked out well from his runs at Sandown and Cheltenham, with both Cotton Mill and Fingal Bay running well yesterday, and it seems like a formality, with him having over a stone in hand on official ratings. That being said, there looks to be an even easier winner for the team in the hands of SPRINTER SACRE. The Arkle Chase winner is in a league of his own, and is the best novice chaser I have personally ever seen. He is now four from four over fences, beating nearly every novice chaser in the country, on the bridle, and will a joy to see him jump his opponents into next week.
The third race looks set to complete a quick fire treble for the Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty team in the form of OSCAR WHISKY who returns to his preferred two and a half mile trip after seemingly not seeing out the trip in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle behind Big Bucks at Cheltenham. This race has just six runners but no shortages of class, with four Grade 1 winners all taking part. Paul Nicholls is doubly represented through Zarkander and Rock on Ruby, with Ruby Walsh opting to ride Zarkander, and Noel Fehily keeping the ride on Champion Hurdle winner Rock on Ruby. Both have doubts, with Rock on Ruby seemingly stealing the race from the front at Cheltenham, and Zarkander running very under-par, although his Betfair Hurdle form has been giving a boost this week at Aintree. Thousand Stars runs for Willie Mullins, again at a preferred trip, stepping down from three miles, after a good fourth in the World Hurdle. That being said, Oscar Whisky has improved this year, and had the better of him last year, and I expect Rock on Ruby to front run, and Oscar Whisky to pick him off with relative ease a furlong out, with Thousand Stars filling out the forecast.
The listed handicap chase looks quite the puzzle, with fourteen runners over the extended three miles, on good, spring ground making it a real test of pace and stamina. Chapoturgeon ran well in the Foxhunters Chase at Cheltenham, and has had the form work well in behind with Cloudy Lane sixth that day winning the Aintree equivalent. The yard is in good form, which would also bring in Noland, but both would seemingly want a bit more juice in the ground. Battle Group could have more improvement for the Pipe yard, finishing a good fourth at Cheltenham, behind Aintree Bowl third Hunt Ball, but the form doesn’t look that strong. At the current prices, the best value looks to be TULLAMORE DEW for the Nick Gifford and red hot Denis O’ Regan on board. He has the most consistent and strongest form in the book, with his second behind Massini’s Maguire at Ascot, with Chance Du Roy finishing second in the Topham and Cappa Bleu expected to run well in the National. Providing O’ Regan can a nice tune out of him like he has Cape Tribulation and Cotton Mill, I expect a strong run.
The Grand National is a strong a puzzle as ever before, and with fourty runners, and a wide open field on good ground, and with money coming for a number of horses in the last two weeks, and conditions changing by the hour, it looks a tricky one. It looks to be good, good to soft in places, which immediately throw out the mudlarks, and soft ground horses, such as Cappa Bleu, West End Rocker, Killyglen, and Giles Cross. Then draw a line through the older horses, specifically anything over aged eleven, which again rules out Hello Bud, In Compliance, Vic Venturi, State of Play, Mon Mome and Black Apalachi. Now we are down to 30. I don’t like horses who are due to go down in the weights, and are official losing weight, which takes out a sizeable few, with Deep Purple, Tatenen, According To Pete, On His Own, Treacle, Tharawaat, Swing Bill, Postmaster, Viking Blond and Neptune Equester. Down to 20.
It is hard to look at the long shots, with modern day Grand National going to classier horses, with the average mark of a runner in the National up 10lb since 2000. That would take out Arbor Supreme, Midnight Haze, Alfa Beat, Quiscover Fontaine, and Weird Al. Shortlist down to 15.
The favourite is Synchronised, but off top weight, and on the back off a tough season and a Gold Cup and a Lexus, his iffy jumping may get found out. The Irish staying chase division looks poor this season, which would rule out The Midnight Club, Seabass, Becauseicouldntsee, Organisedconfusion and Rare Bob. Down to 10.
Planet of Sound looks to be poorly handicapped on his two runs in the Hennessy and the Racing Plus Chase, and is yet to run over three miles two furlongs. Off 11”5, he is carrying more than enough weight, as is Neptune Collognes off 11”6. Always Right has travelled well twice in staying chases before finding little late on, and has doubts. As does Sunnyhillboy, who was laid out for the Kim Muir, with this as an after thought. Junior looked to be a strong runner for this, but with the recent drift in the market and sketchy jumping last time out at Doncaster, he is a worry. Arbor Supreme is the third string of the JP contingent and has show little this season. Down to 4.
The four to focus on are Ballabriggs, Shakalakaboomboom, Chicago Grey, and Calgary Bay. BALLABRIGGS has been steadily planned and pencilled in for his defence of his Grand National crown since his win last year, and warmed up with eye-catching vigour in his return at Kelso last month. He looks to have added more definition, and jumped with remarkable fluency. Given the yards current form, the record of previous winners in the race, and the lack of potential stayers in the race, he looks the each way bet to nothing in the race. He is the best bet of the race. Similarly SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM has the same profile Ballabriggs had going into the race last year, promising stayer chaser, laid out for the race. He had a nice prep last month over hurdles, and has a protected mark since his Cheltenham win and Doncaster second. He ran second behind CALGARY BAY who has always been held in high regard, and was a faller here last year. With a stable and horse back for form, he could run a big race if managing to stay the trip. A horse I ear marked for this race after his Cheltenham win last year is CHICAGO GREY for the Gordon Elliot team. He won the four mile race, on good ground, with the second horse Beshabar going on to win the Scottish National. He has a handy weight, ideal ground and a good jockey on board. He has run over inadequate trips and races to protect his mark, and runs well with a small break. He has to be respected.
SIRE DE GRUGY looks to be a cracking bet off top weight in the 5.05, a two mile handicap hurdle over the extended two miles. The race is limited to conditional jockeys, and Gary Moore has a more than decent jockey in son Joshua, who claims an invaluable 5lb. He has concrete form, fourth in the Betfair Hurdle, winning a class 2 handicap hurdle at Taunton with Edgardo Sol and Nampour in behind, before another good show in the Paddy Power Imperial Cup. Although off top weight, I believe he has an outstanding chance, and will run his usual, tough race.
The bumper is generally a rather open contest, and I don’t have an overly strong opinion, but the favourite does look very strong in POPULATION for the in form John Ferguson yard. He runs here instead of Cheltenham and is two for two in bumpers for the yard since joining from the flat in France, coming with an impressive reputation and pedigree. AP McCoy has been booked for the ride, and he looks to set a decent standard. My Tent or Yours is the preferred mount of Barry Geraghty, and the Nicky Henderson runner will likely give a better run than at Ascot when he just tired in the final furlong, and should improve with more experience.
1.45 Simonsig (Nap)
2.15 Sprinter Sacre
2.50 Oscar Whisky (NB)
3.25 Tullamore Dew (Ew)
4.15 Ballabriggs (Ew) & Shakalakaboomboom (Ew)
5.05 Sire De Grugy (Ew)
5.35 Population
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
As well as the National, the festival itself is an absolute cracker, with tremendous wins so far for horses I personally followed at Cheltenham, such as Darlan, Finians Rainbow and Grumeti all winning, and winning in style to boot. A horse who won in a similar fashion at Cheltenham was SIMONSIG, who runs in the Grade 1 Mersey Novices Hurdle. The race was won in similar fashion by Spirit Son last year, and he looks an absolute certainty for renewing another win for connections. The form has worked out well from his runs at Sandown and Cheltenham, with both Cotton Mill and Fingal Bay running well yesterday, and it seems like a formality, with him having over a stone in hand on official ratings. That being said, there looks to be an even easier winner for the team in the hands of SPRINTER SACRE. The Arkle Chase winner is in a league of his own, and is the best novice chaser I have personally ever seen. He is now four from four over fences, beating nearly every novice chaser in the country, on the bridle, and will a joy to see him jump his opponents into next week.
The third race looks set to complete a quick fire treble for the Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty team in the form of OSCAR WHISKY who returns to his preferred two and a half mile trip after seemingly not seeing out the trip in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle behind Big Bucks at Cheltenham. This race has just six runners but no shortages of class, with four Grade 1 winners all taking part. Paul Nicholls is doubly represented through Zarkander and Rock on Ruby, with Ruby Walsh opting to ride Zarkander, and Noel Fehily keeping the ride on Champion Hurdle winner Rock on Ruby. Both have doubts, with Rock on Ruby seemingly stealing the race from the front at Cheltenham, and Zarkander running very under-par, although his Betfair Hurdle form has been giving a boost this week at Aintree. Thousand Stars runs for Willie Mullins, again at a preferred trip, stepping down from three miles, after a good fourth in the World Hurdle. That being said, Oscar Whisky has improved this year, and had the better of him last year, and I expect Rock on Ruby to front run, and Oscar Whisky to pick him off with relative ease a furlong out, with Thousand Stars filling out the forecast.
The listed handicap chase looks quite the puzzle, with fourteen runners over the extended three miles, on good, spring ground making it a real test of pace and stamina. Chapoturgeon ran well in the Foxhunters Chase at Cheltenham, and has had the form work well in behind with Cloudy Lane sixth that day winning the Aintree equivalent. The yard is in good form, which would also bring in Noland, but both would seemingly want a bit more juice in the ground. Battle Group could have more improvement for the Pipe yard, finishing a good fourth at Cheltenham, behind Aintree Bowl third Hunt Ball, but the form doesn’t look that strong. At the current prices, the best value looks to be TULLAMORE DEW for the Nick Gifford and red hot Denis O’ Regan on board. He has the most consistent and strongest form in the book, with his second behind Massini’s Maguire at Ascot, with Chance Du Roy finishing second in the Topham and Cappa Bleu expected to run well in the National. Providing O’ Regan can a nice tune out of him like he has Cape Tribulation and Cotton Mill, I expect a strong run.
The Grand National is a strong a puzzle as ever before, and with fourty runners, and a wide open field on good ground, and with money coming for a number of horses in the last two weeks, and conditions changing by the hour, it looks a tricky one. It looks to be good, good to soft in places, which immediately throw out the mudlarks, and soft ground horses, such as Cappa Bleu, West End Rocker, Killyglen, and Giles Cross. Then draw a line through the older horses, specifically anything over aged eleven, which again rules out Hello Bud, In Compliance, Vic Venturi, State of Play, Mon Mome and Black Apalachi. Now we are down to 30. I don’t like horses who are due to go down in the weights, and are official losing weight, which takes out a sizeable few, with Deep Purple, Tatenen, According To Pete, On His Own, Treacle, Tharawaat, Swing Bill, Postmaster, Viking Blond and Neptune Equester. Down to 20.
It is hard to look at the long shots, with modern day Grand National going to classier horses, with the average mark of a runner in the National up 10lb since 2000. That would take out Arbor Supreme, Midnight Haze, Alfa Beat, Quiscover Fontaine, and Weird Al. Shortlist down to 15.
The favourite is Synchronised, but off top weight, and on the back off a tough season and a Gold Cup and a Lexus, his iffy jumping may get found out. The Irish staying chase division looks poor this season, which would rule out The Midnight Club, Seabass, Becauseicouldntsee, Organisedconfusion and Rare Bob. Down to 10.
Planet of Sound looks to be poorly handicapped on his two runs in the Hennessy and the Racing Plus Chase, and is yet to run over three miles two furlongs. Off 11”5, he is carrying more than enough weight, as is Neptune Collognes off 11”6. Always Right has travelled well twice in staying chases before finding little late on, and has doubts. As does Sunnyhillboy, who was laid out for the Kim Muir, with this as an after thought. Junior looked to be a strong runner for this, but with the recent drift in the market and sketchy jumping last time out at Doncaster, he is a worry. Arbor Supreme is the third string of the JP contingent and has show little this season. Down to 4.
The four to focus on are Ballabriggs, Shakalakaboomboom, Chicago Grey, and Calgary Bay. BALLABRIGGS has been steadily planned and pencilled in for his defence of his Grand National crown since his win last year, and warmed up with eye-catching vigour in his return at Kelso last month. He looks to have added more definition, and jumped with remarkable fluency. Given the yards current form, the record of previous winners in the race, and the lack of potential stayers in the race, he looks the each way bet to nothing in the race. He is the best bet of the race. Similarly SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM has the same profile Ballabriggs had going into the race last year, promising stayer chaser, laid out for the race. He had a nice prep last month over hurdles, and has a protected mark since his Cheltenham win and Doncaster second. He ran second behind CALGARY BAY who has always been held in high regard, and was a faller here last year. With a stable and horse back for form, he could run a big race if managing to stay the trip. A horse I ear marked for this race after his Cheltenham win last year is CHICAGO GREY for the Gordon Elliot team. He won the four mile race, on good ground, with the second horse Beshabar going on to win the Scottish National. He has a handy weight, ideal ground and a good jockey on board. He has run over inadequate trips and races to protect his mark, and runs well with a small break. He has to be respected.
SIRE DE GRUGY looks to be a cracking bet off top weight in the 5.05, a two mile handicap hurdle over the extended two miles. The race is limited to conditional jockeys, and Gary Moore has a more than decent jockey in son Joshua, who claims an invaluable 5lb. He has concrete form, fourth in the Betfair Hurdle, winning a class 2 handicap hurdle at Taunton with Edgardo Sol and Nampour in behind, before another good show in the Paddy Power Imperial Cup. Although off top weight, I believe he has an outstanding chance, and will run his usual, tough race.
The bumper is generally a rather open contest, and I don’t have an overly strong opinion, but the favourite does look very strong in POPULATION for the in form John Ferguson yard. He runs here instead of Cheltenham and is two for two in bumpers for the yard since joining from the flat in France, coming with an impressive reputation and pedigree. AP McCoy has been booked for the ride, and he looks to set a decent standard. My Tent or Yours is the preferred mount of Barry Geraghty, and the Nicky Henderson runner will likely give a better run than at Ascot when he just tired in the final furlong, and should improve with more experience.
1.45 Simonsig (Nap)
2.15 Sprinter Sacre
2.50 Oscar Whisky (NB)
3.25 Tullamore Dew (Ew)
4.15 Ballabriggs (Ew) & Shakalakaboomboom (Ew)
5.05 Sire De Grugy (Ew)
5.35 Population
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Grand National 2012 at Aintree Preview
The Grand National is a strong a puzzle as ever before, and with fourty runners, and a wide open field on good ground, and with money coming for a number of horses in the last two weeks, and conditions changing by the hour, it looks a tricky one. It looks to be good, good to soft in places, which immediately throw out the mudlarks, and soft ground horses, such as Cappa Bleu, West End Rocker, Killyglen, and Giles Cross. Then draw a line through the older horses, specifically anything over aged eleven, which again rules out Hello Bud, In Compliance, Vic Venturi, State of Play, Mon Mome and Black Apalachi. Now we are down to 30. I don’t like horses who are due to go down in the weights, and are official losing weight, which takes out a sizeable few, with Deep Purple, Tatenen, According To Pete, On His Own, Treacle, Tharawaat, Swing Bill, Postmaster, Viking Blond and Neptune Equester. Down to 20.
It is hard to look at the long shots, with modern day Grand National going to classier horses, with the average mark of a runner in the National up 10lb since 2000. That would take out Arbor Supreme, Midnight Haze, Alfa Beat, Quiscover Fontaine, and Weird Al. Shortlist down to 15.
The favourite is Synchronised, but off top weight, and on the back off a tough season and a Gold Cup and a Lexus, his iffy jumping may get found out. The Irish staying chase division looks poor this season, which would rule out The Midnight Club, Seabass, Becauseicouldntsee, Organisedconfusion and Rare Bob. Down to 10.
Planet of Sound looks to be poorly handicapped on his two runs in the Hennessy and the Racing Plus Chase, and is yet to run over three miles two furlongs. Off 11”5, he is carrying more than enough weight, as is Neptune Collognes off 11”6. Always Right has travelled well twice in staying chases before finding little late on, and has doubts. As does Sunnyhillboy, who was laid out for the Kim Muir, with this as an after thought. Junior looked to be a strong runner for this, but with the recent drift in the market and sketchy jumping last time out at Doncaster, he is a worry. Arbor Supreme is the third string of the JP contingent and has show little this season. Down to 4.
The four to focus on are Ballabriggs, Shakalakaboomboom, Chicago Grey, and Calgary Bay. BALLABRIGGS has been steadily planned and pencilled in for his defence of his Grand National crown since his win last year, and warmed up with eye-catching vigour in his return at Kelso last month. He looks to have added more definition, and jumped with remarkable fluency. Given the yards current form, the record of previous winners in the race, and the lack of potential stayers in the race, he looks the each way bet to nothing in the race. He is the best bet of the race. Similarly SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM has the same profile Ballabriggs had going into the race last year, promising stayer chaser, laid out for the race. He had a nice prep last month over hurdles, and has a protected mark since his Cheltenham win and Doncaster second. He ran second behind CALGARY BAY who has always been held in high regard, and was a faller here last year. With a stable and horse back for form, he could run a big race if managing to stay the trip. A horse I ear marked for this race after his Cheltenham win last year is CHICAGO GREY for the Gordon Elliot team. He won the four mile race, on good ground, with the second horse Beshabar going on to win the Scottish National. He has a handy weight, ideal ground and a good jockey on board. He has run over inadequate trips and races to protect his mark, and runs well with a small break. He has to be respected.
Ballabriggs (Ew) - NAP
Calgary Bay (Ew)
Chicago Grey (Ew)
Shakalakaboomboom (Ew)
It is hard to look at the long shots, with modern day Grand National going to classier horses, with the average mark of a runner in the National up 10lb since 2000. That would take out Arbor Supreme, Midnight Haze, Alfa Beat, Quiscover Fontaine, and Weird Al. Shortlist down to 15.
The favourite is Synchronised, but off top weight, and on the back off a tough season and a Gold Cup and a Lexus, his iffy jumping may get found out. The Irish staying chase division looks poor this season, which would rule out The Midnight Club, Seabass, Becauseicouldntsee, Organisedconfusion and Rare Bob. Down to 10.
Planet of Sound looks to be poorly handicapped on his two runs in the Hennessy and the Racing Plus Chase, and is yet to run over three miles two furlongs. Off 11”5, he is carrying more than enough weight, as is Neptune Collognes off 11”6. Always Right has travelled well twice in staying chases before finding little late on, and has doubts. As does Sunnyhillboy, who was laid out for the Kim Muir, with this as an after thought. Junior looked to be a strong runner for this, but with the recent drift in the market and sketchy jumping last time out at Doncaster, he is a worry. Arbor Supreme is the third string of the JP contingent and has show little this season. Down to 4.
The four to focus on are Ballabriggs, Shakalakaboomboom, Chicago Grey, and Calgary Bay. BALLABRIGGS has been steadily planned and pencilled in for his defence of his Grand National crown since his win last year, and warmed up with eye-catching vigour in his return at Kelso last month. He looks to have added more definition, and jumped with remarkable fluency. Given the yards current form, the record of previous winners in the race, and the lack of potential stayers in the race, he looks the each way bet to nothing in the race. He is the best bet of the race. Similarly SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM has the same profile Ballabriggs had going into the race last year, promising stayer chaser, laid out for the race. He had a nice prep last month over hurdles, and has a protected mark since his Cheltenham win and Doncaster second. He ran second behind CALGARY BAY who has always been held in high regard, and was a faller here last year. With a stable and horse back for form, he could run a big race if managing to stay the trip. A horse I ear marked for this race after his Cheltenham win last year is CHICAGO GREY for the Gordon Elliot team. He won the four mile race, on good ground, with the second horse Beshabar going on to win the Scottish National. He has a handy weight, ideal ground and a good jockey on board. He has run over inadequate trips and races to protect his mark, and runs well with a small break. He has to be respected.
Ballabriggs (Ew) - NAP
Calgary Bay (Ew)
Chicago Grey (Ew)
Shakalakaboomboom (Ew)
Tuesday 10 April 2012
Midweek Tipping - Wednesday 11th April 2012
The flat is gradually easing itself into the spotlight and all the top jockeys, trainers and stables are gradually coming to the boil with good recent winners for the Varian, Morrison, Dunlop, Gosden and Quinn yards and the likes of Cecil, Stoute and Al Zarooni yet to play their hands.
We are at Catterick and Nottingham on Wednesday. Classier horses are on show at Nottingham, with a £30,000 Listed race and a 5f conditions event the highlights. That conditions race has DINKUM DIAMOND running for Henry Candy. Dinkum Diamond was a very consistent sprinter last year, placed in Listed and Group Company. He has a good record fresh, including a third in a listed race behind subsequent group winner Genki. Although giving weight to the decent Jonny Mudball and Triple Aspect he has the best form in the book and should appreciate the drop in grade.
The Barry Hills Further Flight Listed Stakes is a contest over 14 furlongs and is a race that has provided pointers towards the staying division with previous winner The Betchworth Kid going on to run with credit in the Ascot Gold Cup. Connections will hope to use this en route to that race with ETERNAL HEART, who was very impressive when winning at Doncaster two weeks ago for Mark Johnston and Joe Fanning.
Needing every inch of the trip, he beat two good horses in John Gosden’s King of Wands and Tom Dascombe’s Junoob, both Listed winners. Eternal Heart looked as game as a pebble on his return, and has fair form behind Fame and Glory and Namibian last year. The opposition looks strong, with the likes of Blue Bajan, Parlour Games, and the most obvious danger; Dandino, all looking interesting challengers.
The Michael Dods yard are generally strong early in the season and look to have a good prospect in VIKING WARRIOR, a five year old gelded son of Halling. His best form has come over Catterick’s seven furlong trip. He ran three times over the course and distance last season, with a first, second and a third to go along with his second the previous season. He looks to be the safest option on a track which is often difficult for inexperienced horses to handle. That said, dangers come in the form of horses from the Nicholls (Rio Cobolla), Johnston (Copperwood) and Dalgleish (Chookie Avon) stables.
A horse that looks to be open to improvement on Wednesday is RENEGOTIATE for trainer Andrew Balding and jockey David Probert. He wasn’t asked many questions over inadequate trips last season and, stepped up to 10 furlongs looks to be on a workable handicap mark (67) He looks to have been found a very good opportunity by a stable notorious for handicap plots.
DISPOL GRAND has been an eye catcher in his two runs this season at Wolverhampton, running well at big prices. He was a two lengths sixth of eleven runners at 25/1 and then a three lengths fifth of nine at 12/1, showing signs of rustiness when front running and tiring late on. He should have come on for those two all weather run outs and with a young apprentice who takes 3lb off should give a good account now back on turf, the surface all of his six career wins have come on.
2.40 Nottingham – Dinkum Diamond (Nap)
3.40 Nottingham – Eternal Heart
4.40 Nottingham – Renegotiate
2.30 Catterick – Viking Warrior (Nb)
5.00 Catterick – Dispol Grand
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
We are at Catterick and Nottingham on Wednesday. Classier horses are on show at Nottingham, with a £30,000 Listed race and a 5f conditions event the highlights. That conditions race has DINKUM DIAMOND running for Henry Candy. Dinkum Diamond was a very consistent sprinter last year, placed in Listed and Group Company. He has a good record fresh, including a third in a listed race behind subsequent group winner Genki. Although giving weight to the decent Jonny Mudball and Triple Aspect he has the best form in the book and should appreciate the drop in grade.
The Barry Hills Further Flight Listed Stakes is a contest over 14 furlongs and is a race that has provided pointers towards the staying division with previous winner The Betchworth Kid going on to run with credit in the Ascot Gold Cup. Connections will hope to use this en route to that race with ETERNAL HEART, who was very impressive when winning at Doncaster two weeks ago for Mark Johnston and Joe Fanning.
Needing every inch of the trip, he beat two good horses in John Gosden’s King of Wands and Tom Dascombe’s Junoob, both Listed winners. Eternal Heart looked as game as a pebble on his return, and has fair form behind Fame and Glory and Namibian last year. The opposition looks strong, with the likes of Blue Bajan, Parlour Games, and the most obvious danger; Dandino, all looking interesting challengers.
The Michael Dods yard are generally strong early in the season and look to have a good prospect in VIKING WARRIOR, a five year old gelded son of Halling. His best form has come over Catterick’s seven furlong trip. He ran three times over the course and distance last season, with a first, second and a third to go along with his second the previous season. He looks to be the safest option on a track which is often difficult for inexperienced horses to handle. That said, dangers come in the form of horses from the Nicholls (Rio Cobolla), Johnston (Copperwood) and Dalgleish (Chookie Avon) stables.
A horse that looks to be open to improvement on Wednesday is RENEGOTIATE for trainer Andrew Balding and jockey David Probert. He wasn’t asked many questions over inadequate trips last season and, stepped up to 10 furlongs looks to be on a workable handicap mark (67) He looks to have been found a very good opportunity by a stable notorious for handicap plots.
DISPOL GRAND has been an eye catcher in his two runs this season at Wolverhampton, running well at big prices. He was a two lengths sixth of eleven runners at 25/1 and then a three lengths fifth of nine at 12/1, showing signs of rustiness when front running and tiring late on. He should have come on for those two all weather run outs and with a young apprentice who takes 3lb off should give a good account now back on turf, the surface all of his six career wins have come on.
2.40 Nottingham – Dinkum Diamond (Nap)
3.40 Nottingham – Eternal Heart
4.40 Nottingham – Renegotiate
2.30 Catterick – Viking Warrior (Nb)
5.00 Catterick – Dispol Grand
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Saturday 7 April 2012
Saturday Tipping - April 7th 2012 - Musselburgh and Haydock
Solid racing on Saturday, with the benefits of the dual seasons meaning plenty of racing to whet the appetite in the continued build up to Aintree and the Grand National next week. Racing at Musselburgh, Carlisle and Haydock in the north, with Kempton having a stellar card, and the champ, AP McCoy goes to Newton Abbot.
A strong card at Musselburgh, with Group One sprinters on display, as well as some promising two year olds and some interesting looking handicappers. The highest rated horse on the card is BORDERLESCOTT who returns from an eight month absence, after having a spin on the all weather three weeks ago. His run at Lingfield will have made him that extra bit sharper for the Class 2 Conditions Stakes, with a view to the stronger group races later in the season. Hamish McGonagal is the main danger but he is never one first time out for the season in five attempts. Captain Dunne is the second choice of stable jockey David Allan.
Another horse returning with a fitness boosting run on the all weather is promising handicapper BRONZE ANGEL for Marcus Tregoning and Hayley Turner. The colt is still relatively unexposed with only seven runs to his name, never finishing worse than fourth. The form of his win at Lingfield has worked out well with Shabora coming out and winning his next two runs in behind.
Switching to Haydock, it could be a strong day for James Reveley, who has three rides for his current and former retained trainers all on the same card. The first of which is for his father Keith in KINGS GREY, who we have followed all season, to much disappointment. His most striking run last time out was a good three lengths defeat of Bellvano who went on to win the Grand Annual at Cheltenham. He sets an impressive standard, yet to finish worse than third this season, and could run well, despite a top rated horse for the Donald McCain yard.
Young James has recently been signed up to become Ferdy Murphy’s next jockey and he has chosen to ride LORD VILLEZ as opposed to the recent winner Riguez Dancer. The stable are just creeping into form, with recent wins at Newcastle, Sedgfield and Ascot and the form behind Lord Villez’s win at Newcastle under Lucy Alexander has worked out well, Mr Syntax winning next time out and Gansey running well at Cheltenham. Only up 5lb, the stable could have a bit more up their sleeve, and is a very tasty price.
FOURTH ESTATE got a nice write up in his blog by Barry Geraghty and looks to be thrown in off a mark of 123. He has been flawless so far, with two bumper wins and two strong showings in novice hurdles, and looks to have been treated very gently by the handicapper. The step up to two and a half miles looks likely to suit, and he looks to be the handicap good thing of the day.
DOM D’ORGEVAL looks to be finding his find slowly but surely this season, and his second last time out gave a glimpse of the old boy’s previous form when behind Topham Chase fancy Triangular at Newbury. The horse is a course and distance winner around Haydock when winning this race last year, and is well treated off the same mark.
2.45 Musselburgh - Borderlescott (Nap)
3.50 Musselburgh - Bronze Angel
1.50 Haydock - Kings Grey
3.30 Haydock - Lord Villez
4.05 Haydock - Fourth Estate (Nb)
4.40 Haydock – Dom D’orgeval
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
A strong card at Musselburgh, with Group One sprinters on display, as well as some promising two year olds and some interesting looking handicappers. The highest rated horse on the card is BORDERLESCOTT who returns from an eight month absence, after having a spin on the all weather three weeks ago. His run at Lingfield will have made him that extra bit sharper for the Class 2 Conditions Stakes, with a view to the stronger group races later in the season. Hamish McGonagal is the main danger but he is never one first time out for the season in five attempts. Captain Dunne is the second choice of stable jockey David Allan.
Another horse returning with a fitness boosting run on the all weather is promising handicapper BRONZE ANGEL for Marcus Tregoning and Hayley Turner. The colt is still relatively unexposed with only seven runs to his name, never finishing worse than fourth. The form of his win at Lingfield has worked out well with Shabora coming out and winning his next two runs in behind.
Switching to Haydock, it could be a strong day for James Reveley, who has three rides for his current and former retained trainers all on the same card. The first of which is for his father Keith in KINGS GREY, who we have followed all season, to much disappointment. His most striking run last time out was a good three lengths defeat of Bellvano who went on to win the Grand Annual at Cheltenham. He sets an impressive standard, yet to finish worse than third this season, and could run well, despite a top rated horse for the Donald McCain yard.
Young James has recently been signed up to become Ferdy Murphy’s next jockey and he has chosen to ride LORD VILLEZ as opposed to the recent winner Riguez Dancer. The stable are just creeping into form, with recent wins at Newcastle, Sedgfield and Ascot and the form behind Lord Villez’s win at Newcastle under Lucy Alexander has worked out well, Mr Syntax winning next time out and Gansey running well at Cheltenham. Only up 5lb, the stable could have a bit more up their sleeve, and is a very tasty price.
FOURTH ESTATE got a nice write up in his blog by Barry Geraghty and looks to be thrown in off a mark of 123. He has been flawless so far, with two bumper wins and two strong showings in novice hurdles, and looks to have been treated very gently by the handicapper. The step up to two and a half miles looks likely to suit, and he looks to be the handicap good thing of the day.
DOM D’ORGEVAL looks to be finding his find slowly but surely this season, and his second last time out gave a glimpse of the old boy’s previous form when behind Topham Chase fancy Triangular at Newbury. The horse is a course and distance winner around Haydock when winning this race last year, and is well treated off the same mark.
2.45 Musselburgh - Borderlescott (Nap)
3.50 Musselburgh - Bronze Angel
1.50 Haydock - Kings Grey
3.30 Haydock - Lord Villez
4.05 Haydock - Fourth Estate (Nb)
4.40 Haydock – Dom D’orgeval
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Thursday 5 April 2012
Magic Marve Masters 2012 Preview
The Masters 2012 – More than ‘Just a Tournament’
April – I thought you would never arrive. The beginning of April for thousands of club golfers each year is like finally arriving in paradise. No more playing to winter greens with plant pot sized holes, no more makeshift teeing areas with rubber tees and no more poor rain induced waterproofs. Light at the end of the tunnel.
April is for many the start of the golf season, the return to playing the game the way it should be, lush fairways, fast running greens, fluffy sand bunkers and most importantly; glorious sunshine. The excitement however, does not necessarily last. As is the climate in this country, summer and the thought of strolling down the first fairway in shorts and shirt still feels like a lifetime away.
April however for professional golfers and sports fans all over the world means only one thing, The Masters. Golf’s first major of the year held annually at the August National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia is one of the most prestigious sporting events on the planet played over a course that can only be described as heaven. It brings together the best players in the world playing over the greatest golf course ever built, battling for the coveted Green Jacket.
Augusta is where ambitions are fulfilled, careers defined and history is made. Tournaments turn the good into great, majors turn the great into excellent, and The Masters turn the excellent into legends. As the golfing gods look over this small piece of paradise, such is the cruelty of the game, that as one golfer’s dreams become reality, there is heartbreak and a sense of eternal loneliness for rest. It really is the true parallel of agony and ecstasy.
This year’s tournament is arguably the most awaited in history, with the numerous stories in the build up. From Tiger Woods on the comeback trail to once again be the dominant force, to Rory Mcilroy seeking redemption for last year’s infamous meltdown. For many millions out there, simply being able to watch such theatre is enjoyment enough. However as with any worldwide sporting event, attempting to pick the winner only adds more excitement and intrigue. It is the pinnacle of sporting theatre, on the greatest stage.
Narrowing down the field and selecting the victor may not necessarily be as complicated as some may believe. Augusta National is a true “horse’s for courses” tournament. You only have to look over the past years results to understand that once comfortable on this golf course, a golfer already have a head start on the field before they have walked on to the first tee. Whether a previous winner or someone with recent high finishes, this is event is not for the unaccustomed.
Just ask any golfing expert out there, what is the biggest challenge of Augusta and a vast majority of them will say the greens. The slopes, curves, run offs make each green a different challenge to the next. This is where short game is key, intensified under the pressure and spotlight on such a stage. In any tournament a golfer needs to make their fair share of putts, however around Augusta, breaking par is often just as good as making birdie. Simply leaving the ball in the wrong spot from one side of the green to the next and your it could be severley costly. Therefore the best players from tee to green are usually those contesting the finish.
The Augusta National golf course includes four par fives, two on each nine, and If the conditions are good, and the course is not too unreasonable, it provides a distinct advantage for the big hitters on tour. Scoring well on these holes over the week will put less pressure on the harder holes out there. Any golfer who wishes to win The Masters will have to score well over these four holes for the week.
Going into the first major of the year, a golfer needs to be on the very top of his game. It is quite common that in previous years, the winner more often than not tasted that winning feeling already in the calendar year. It’s virtually impossible to go to Augusta and find form from nowhere. Any chink in a golfer’s armour will be found out, so going into The Masters with form over the previous weeks and months is a must.
Using such criteria given course form, playing form, the characteristics that makes up the prototype of a ‘Masters’ winner, I have been able to develop a shortlist accordingly. Being able to affectively get from tee to green is essential, as is a tidy and consistent short game, that is able to perform, given the pressure and intensity of the situation. As such, this is my admittedly ambitious finishing order. Tiger Woods obviously sets the standard, and back to his best, should butcher the field. The value bet could be Martin Laird, with the Scot showing impressively consistent form on the PGA Tour last season, and already in the initial tournaments thus far this year. These are also, the best odds available at the time of publish. (Tuesday evening)
1. Tiger Woods – 5/1
2. Justin Rose – 33/1
3. Lee Westwood – 22/1
4. Martin Laird – 125/1
5. Bubba Watson – 55/1
6. Matt Kuchar – 66/1
7. Bill Haas – 100/1
Harvey Preston – Magic Marve
April – I thought you would never arrive. The beginning of April for thousands of club golfers each year is like finally arriving in paradise. No more playing to winter greens with plant pot sized holes, no more makeshift teeing areas with rubber tees and no more poor rain induced waterproofs. Light at the end of the tunnel.
April is for many the start of the golf season, the return to playing the game the way it should be, lush fairways, fast running greens, fluffy sand bunkers and most importantly; glorious sunshine. The excitement however, does not necessarily last. As is the climate in this country, summer and the thought of strolling down the first fairway in shorts and shirt still feels like a lifetime away.
April however for professional golfers and sports fans all over the world means only one thing, The Masters. Golf’s first major of the year held annually at the August National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia is one of the most prestigious sporting events on the planet played over a course that can only be described as heaven. It brings together the best players in the world playing over the greatest golf course ever built, battling for the coveted Green Jacket.
Augusta is where ambitions are fulfilled, careers defined and history is made. Tournaments turn the good into great, majors turn the great into excellent, and The Masters turn the excellent into legends. As the golfing gods look over this small piece of paradise, such is the cruelty of the game, that as one golfer’s dreams become reality, there is heartbreak and a sense of eternal loneliness for rest. It really is the true parallel of agony and ecstasy.
This year’s tournament is arguably the most awaited in history, with the numerous stories in the build up. From Tiger Woods on the comeback trail to once again be the dominant force, to Rory Mcilroy seeking redemption for last year’s infamous meltdown. For many millions out there, simply being able to watch such theatre is enjoyment enough. However as with any worldwide sporting event, attempting to pick the winner only adds more excitement and intrigue. It is the pinnacle of sporting theatre, on the greatest stage.
Narrowing down the field and selecting the victor may not necessarily be as complicated as some may believe. Augusta National is a true “horse’s for courses” tournament. You only have to look over the past years results to understand that once comfortable on this golf course, a golfer already have a head start on the field before they have walked on to the first tee. Whether a previous winner or someone with recent high finishes, this is event is not for the unaccustomed.
Just ask any golfing expert out there, what is the biggest challenge of Augusta and a vast majority of them will say the greens. The slopes, curves, run offs make each green a different challenge to the next. This is where short game is key, intensified under the pressure and spotlight on such a stage. In any tournament a golfer needs to make their fair share of putts, however around Augusta, breaking par is often just as good as making birdie. Simply leaving the ball in the wrong spot from one side of the green to the next and your it could be severley costly. Therefore the best players from tee to green are usually those contesting the finish.
The Augusta National golf course includes four par fives, two on each nine, and If the conditions are good, and the course is not too unreasonable, it provides a distinct advantage for the big hitters on tour. Scoring well on these holes over the week will put less pressure on the harder holes out there. Any golfer who wishes to win The Masters will have to score well over these four holes for the week.
Going into the first major of the year, a golfer needs to be on the very top of his game. It is quite common that in previous years, the winner more often than not tasted that winning feeling already in the calendar year. It’s virtually impossible to go to Augusta and find form from nowhere. Any chink in a golfer’s armour will be found out, so going into The Masters with form over the previous weeks and months is a must.
Using such criteria given course form, playing form, the characteristics that makes up the prototype of a ‘Masters’ winner, I have been able to develop a shortlist accordingly. Being able to affectively get from tee to green is essential, as is a tidy and consistent short game, that is able to perform, given the pressure and intensity of the situation. As such, this is my admittedly ambitious finishing order. Tiger Woods obviously sets the standard, and back to his best, should butcher the field. The value bet could be Martin Laird, with the Scot showing impressively consistent form on the PGA Tour last season, and already in the initial tournaments thus far this year. These are also, the best odds available at the time of publish. (Tuesday evening)
1. Tiger Woods – 5/1
2. Justin Rose – 33/1
3. Lee Westwood – 22/1
4. Martin Laird – 125/1
5. Bubba Watson – 55/1
6. Matt Kuchar – 66/1
7. Bill Haas – 100/1
Harvey Preston – Magic Marve
Tuesday 3 April 2012
Wednesday Tipping at Exeter and Hereford - April 4th 2012
With Aintree just over a week away, we are still fully into the National Hunt Season, irrespective of the flat having started last week at Doncaster. There is decent jump racing on Wednesday at Hereford and Exeter and with certain jockeys and stables being in a rich vein of form, there is still money to be made prior to the Grand National!
Since returning from a mid winter break, DRUMMERS DRUMMING has steadily improved, with his best run to date coming last week over course and distance, finishing a game second to Mrs Peacock. He was narrowly headed close home and ended up going down by a head. That being said, he is now officially 7lb well in, due to go up in the weights next week, and has to be taken on that bare form.
David Pipe has some decent chances at Hereford, but stable jockey Tom Scudamore opts to go to Exeter, which seems pretty telling of the chances of his rides for the boss. He has been inspired, winning four of his last seven rides, all decent prices as well. He has two for the guv’nor Wednesday at Exeter, the first being TROP FORT in the 2.50, a Class 3 handicap hurdle. It is another of the vintage Pipe route, improving when switching to handicaps from novice hurdles, finishing third and second on his two latest runs. The form of his last run at Hereford has worked out well, and given the trainer and jockey form, he sets an impressive standard.
His other ride is on the well in after a good second last time out in DUKES ART , who followed the same path as Trop Fort, improving when going handicapping, and is due to be raised next week, after losing by a neck to Millers Reef at Taunton. He ran on strongly, showing a good turn of foot, but not being able to reach the winner under Conor O’ Farrell. With Tom-Scu on board, I would expect him to be more versatile and tactically aware of be able to lead start to finish and run up a double for the Pipe/Scudamore combination.
Another trainer who does well this team of the year is Jim Best, especially in selling and claiming races, and he has a decent shout in the form of MANGONEL who runs at 2.20 in a novices selling hurdle. He has shown fair form this season, just struggling with inconsistency, but winning at Fakenham, Kempton and Folkestone, improving 31lb from the start of the season. His best form however has come on good ground, and the hard, spring footing may bring more improvement out of the mare. Although yet to win in four runs at the track, and although strong challengers from the Tim Vaughan and Evan Williams yards, I think she will run a good race.
2.20 Exeter – Mangonel
2.50 Exeter – Trip Fort
4.20 Exeter – Dukes Art (Nap)
4.10 Hereford - Drummers Drumming (Nb)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Since returning from a mid winter break, DRUMMERS DRUMMING has steadily improved, with his best run to date coming last week over course and distance, finishing a game second to Mrs Peacock. He was narrowly headed close home and ended up going down by a head. That being said, he is now officially 7lb well in, due to go up in the weights next week, and has to be taken on that bare form.
David Pipe has some decent chances at Hereford, but stable jockey Tom Scudamore opts to go to Exeter, which seems pretty telling of the chances of his rides for the boss. He has been inspired, winning four of his last seven rides, all decent prices as well. He has two for the guv’nor Wednesday at Exeter, the first being TROP FORT in the 2.50, a Class 3 handicap hurdle. It is another of the vintage Pipe route, improving when switching to handicaps from novice hurdles, finishing third and second on his two latest runs. The form of his last run at Hereford has worked out well, and given the trainer and jockey form, he sets an impressive standard.
His other ride is on the well in after a good second last time out in DUKES ART , who followed the same path as Trop Fort, improving when going handicapping, and is due to be raised next week, after losing by a neck to Millers Reef at Taunton. He ran on strongly, showing a good turn of foot, but not being able to reach the winner under Conor O’ Farrell. With Tom-Scu on board, I would expect him to be more versatile and tactically aware of be able to lead start to finish and run up a double for the Pipe/Scudamore combination.
Another trainer who does well this team of the year is Jim Best, especially in selling and claiming races, and he has a decent shout in the form of MANGONEL who runs at 2.20 in a novices selling hurdle. He has shown fair form this season, just struggling with inconsistency, but winning at Fakenham, Kempton and Folkestone, improving 31lb from the start of the season. His best form however has come on good ground, and the hard, spring footing may bring more improvement out of the mare. Although yet to win in four runs at the track, and although strong challengers from the Tim Vaughan and Evan Williams yards, I think she will run a good race.
2.20 Exeter – Mangonel
2.50 Exeter – Trip Fort
4.20 Exeter – Dukes Art (Nap)
4.10 Hereford - Drummers Drumming (Nb)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Coral TV Hot Horses - Day Three at Sedgefield
2.30 Saga De Tercey - Formulation
Hard to oppose the favourite who is much better than novice hurdle grade. Ran to a fair level on the flat. Rated 125, and has buckets in hand here.
3.00 Frosty Lad - Melua Maid
Frosty Lad was impressive winning here when returning from a three month absence and can improve again. Up 8lb but has a talented claimer taking 7lb of it off. Step up in trip should suit. The one to beat.
3.30 Alba King - Amir Pasha
Alba King has been impressive winning over course and distance twice within the last six weeks, leaving Amir Pasha trailing behind last time out. Up 20lb for those efforts, but is clearly going the right way for a stable in good form.
4.00 Kealigolane - Ebanour
The favourite will be popular but Lucy Alexander rides Kealigolane who is stepped up in trip after a good win at Haydock last time out. The good ground and longer trip should bring out more improvement with Ebanour likely to fill out the forecast.
4.30 Night in Milan - The Hollinwell
Night in Milan is a horse I have followed over a cliff this year and there is more improvement to come. Tried over 30f for the first time could be what is needed. The Hollinwell is dangerous if Cheltenham run was just a blip.
5.00 Fred Bojangels - Gavroche Gaugain
Course specialist who has two wins and six places from nine runs here. If Gavroche Gaugain regains his jumping ability will be a big threat for Ferdy Murphy after beating Night in Milan here over course and distance back in November.
Hard to oppose the favourite who is much better than novice hurdle grade. Ran to a fair level on the flat. Rated 125, and has buckets in hand here.
3.00 Frosty Lad - Melua Maid
Frosty Lad was impressive winning here when returning from a three month absence and can improve again. Up 8lb but has a talented claimer taking 7lb of it off. Step up in trip should suit. The one to beat.
3.30 Alba King - Amir Pasha
Alba King has been impressive winning over course and distance twice within the last six weeks, leaving Amir Pasha trailing behind last time out. Up 20lb for those efforts, but is clearly going the right way for a stable in good form.
4.00 Kealigolane - Ebanour
The favourite will be popular but Lucy Alexander rides Kealigolane who is stepped up in trip after a good win at Haydock last time out. The good ground and longer trip should bring out more improvement with Ebanour likely to fill out the forecast.
4.30 Night in Milan - The Hollinwell
Night in Milan is a horse I have followed over a cliff this year and there is more improvement to come. Tried over 30f for the first time could be what is needed. The Hollinwell is dangerous if Cheltenham run was just a blip.
5.00 Fred Bojangels - Gavroche Gaugain
Course specialist who has two wins and six places from nine runs here. If Gavroche Gaugain regains his jumping ability will be a big threat for Ferdy Murphy after beating Night in Milan here over course and distance back in November.
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