Weekend Racing De-Brief

12.30 Wetherby – Many Clouds. IR Low 2.32, finishing position – 2nd

Many Clouds travelled nicely for Leighton Aspell, but was a very questionable ride, with Jason Maguire able to make all on second favourite Up and Go. Many Clouds got caught in a pocket behind two stragglers about half a mile out, before making stealthy late headway, to make around fifteen lengths, to take second late on. Giving weight to the winner, he may need further, but looks a very smart novice hurdler, and is highly thought of by trainer Oliver Sherwood.

13.05 Wetherby – Poole Master. IR Low 1.37, finishing position – 2nd

Another disappointing result with Poole Master travelling like a dream throughout, and watching the replay, I was still shocked to see him lose. Tom Scudamore presses on early, and has them all at it about three out, before being seemingly outstayed by Fourjacks. The winner got a lovely ride by Brian Harding, and both pull clear from the third. Poole Master may be put away for a two and a half mile handicap chase at Cheltenham, and I wouldn’t write him off.


1.15 Warwick– Highland Lodge. IR Low 1.95, finishing position – 3rd

Highland Lodge was well backed before the off, but just like last year, he really didn’t appreciate the track, and his normally impressive jumping, was disappointing and sketchy. He looked awkward at his fences, and carried his head to the left, and set the race up for Rocky Creek. I would write off the race, as he clearly doesn’t handle the track. I wouldn’t consider him an RSA horse, but could be a sleeper if aiming for The JLT Speciality Handicap Chase over three miles on the first day.


2.25 Warwick – The Package. IR Low 2.1, finishing position – PU.

The biggest disappointment of the day, The Package travelled like a dream before meeting the third last all wrong and losing all momentum. Understandable why he traded so low, before three out, six of them pulled clear, and the place money looked absolutely guaranteed. I still think the world of him, and have to think the three mile handicap chase would be his aim for the season, if not The National. I will still be backing him where he goes next, and think he is a superstar.


3.00 Warwick – The New One. IR Low N/A, finishing position – 1st.

Won stylishly, and would be a definite player in The Neptune, having already got course and distance form, and is now the clear favourite for the two and a half mile contest. The trainer and jockey think the world of him, and he looks a very smart animal.


3.35 Warwick – Godsmejudge. IR Low 1.01, finishing position - 2nd.

Ran a stormer to get gubbed by Rigaden De Beauchene after out-battling Pete the Feat after jumping the last. Done at 1.01 on Betfair, it was a real blow, and really cemented the day’s over-riding emotion of so close and yet so far. A tremendous ride from Wayne Hutchinson, who was niggling away on the final bend, there will be a big prize awaiting Godsmejudge, who may go for something like The Eider Chase, or The Grand National Trial at Haydock.