The two handicaps on Thursday look to be difficult nuts to crack, and the Byrne Group Plate and the Kim Muir and usually races that are associated with the Pipe stable, and they have leading players in both races. Junior for won the Kim Muir for the stable last year, when punted off the boards to land a touch, and as such the stable has to be respected in these type of races.. His father Martin won this race four in five years, including three on the spin between 1999-2002, the last of which with the spectacular gelding Blowing Wind.
They have Dan Breen and the current favourite Salut Flo in the race, and Salut Flo has been backed no end in the last few weeks, to the point where he is the 9/2 ante post favourite. Much in a similar fashion to The Package who finished fourth in the JLT Handicap Chase, he returns from a lay off, and could be out of the grip of the handicapper. He returned from a near two year lay off in the December Gold Cup, and was well backed in doing so, going off 13/2, and was going well before blundering and being bumped three out. He has gone up 3lb for that run, and that could have him spot on for Thursday. The stable also have some lively outsiders, with once Arkle hope Notus De La Tour possibly taking up an entry here, rather than the novice chase route. He has been consistent for the yard, progressing from novice chases, into Grade 1 company, finishing second and third at Leopardstown in Grade 1’s, the latter behind Flemenstar, who franked the form winning next time out, beating Bog Warrior in the Grade 3 Directors Novice Chase at Naas last Sunday. The stable also have Matuhi and Great Endeavour entered, but are unlikely to take up the option.
Nigel Twiston-Davies could have a say in the outcome, and could turn the corner on what has been the stables lofty standards, a lean year. The trainer has Mad Moose, Pigeon Island, The Cockney Mackem and Ackertac all entered, but confirmations yet to be made over the participation of all four runners. Ackertac is likely to run however in the Grand Annual, and Pigeon Island could miss out, being at the bottom of the weights as does The Cockney Mackem, depending on how many horses come out before the final declarations. Mad Moose could be a lively outsider, and has come down 8lb since a good run behind Benny Be Good at Market Rasen last year.
Michael Flips put up a career best chase mark last time out finishing second behind For Non Stop last in the Scilly Isles Grade 1 Novices Chase for Andrew Turnell’s stable star, posting a figure of 145. Ironically, his best effort came in defeat, behind Zaynar at Ascot in December, with every runner down the field, winning and posting better figures in subsequent runs. He is relatively unexposed and could have further improvements. Similarly with Holmwood Legend for the Kieran Burke yard, who celebrated the win of Hunt Ball on Tuesday. Thrown in at the deep end, he was beaten by 62 lengths in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, but has gradually improved to finish well in Wincanton and Taunton Class 2 Handicaps over 19 and 21 furlongs. The form from both runs has worked out well, and is up 1lb for those efforts.
Crackaway Jack has the unique profile of being a previous festival winner, a victor in the Fred Winter in 2008, and followed that with a good fourth in the Champion Hurdle in 2009. He has been unlucky with injuries, having three spells of being out for roughly a year within the last four years. He returned from a 273 day absence with a good fifth behind Tanks for That at the Cheltenham Open Meeting. Switched to hurdles, he didn’t show the same enthusiasm or vigour when thirteenth of eighteen runners at Ascot, finishing 33 lengths behind winner Bourne. He has the advantage of course form over his rivals, and if he has retained his class, he is potentially well in.
That being said, I like the look of Divers for the Ferdy Murphy yard, and has the all important course and distance form around Cheltenham next to his name. Trainer Ferdy Murphy has a good record in festival handicaps, and with AP McCoy booked for the ride, connections clearly feel a good run is on the cards. He won the Centenary Novices Chase last year in grand fashion, under a very smart ride from Graham Lee, being held up, before taking it up in the run in, picking off Quantitativeeasing and Tullamore Dew in the process. Both have blazed themselves in further glory this season, the former winning the Spinal Research Gold Cup, with Tullamore Dew running well to place in several handicap chases. Further down the field, Shakalakaboomboom has won and placed in decent chases, as has Vino Griego. Divers has been steadily brought back by Ferdy Murphy this year, pulled up on his return at Carlisle, when the betting indicated he didn’t have a strong chance. He then ran a strong third behind Great Endeavour in the Paddy Power Gold Cup, before unseating in the Spinal Research Gold Cup. He had a tune up in a two mile handicap chase at Musselburgh, and should be spot on for the day.
Selections:
1. Divers
2. Crackaway Jack
3. Notus De La Tour
4. Salut Flo
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Showing posts with label henderson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label henderson. Show all posts
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Betfair Hurdle Day at Newbury - Friday and Ascot Chase Day - Saturday
SPRINTER SACRE is a horse I have harped on about for months now and I got on early in the Arkle ante-post market. I fully expect him to rout his opponents in the Game Spirit Chase on this, his last stop before Cheltenham. The race has been good to trainer Nicky Henderson and his winner from last year, French Opera, is also entered although the ground will dictate whether he’ll run or not. Sprinter Sacre is the top rated horse in the line up following his demolition of Peddlers Cross at Kempton. Sprinter Sacre is top class and it’d be no surprise were he a multiple winner of championship races in years to come so, although he will be a short price, follow him on Friday and lump on in the Arkle.
The rescheduled Betfair Hurdle is one of the most exciting races in the national hunt calendar and the Paul Nicholls trained Zarkander is the short priced ante post favourite. He looks the most obvious candidate in this two mile handicap hurdle but the value prices have now gone.
The two mile handicap hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival is usually a firm pointer, and four have made the cut, Get Me out of Here and Final Approach, Soldatino and Alarazi, but all are overlooked.
Five year olds have a terrific record in the race, a pointer to the chances of EMPIRE LEVANT and THIRD INTENTION. The Colin Tizzard trained Third Intention finished nine lengths behind Zarkander in the Triumph Hurdle and has the same 9lb in receipt at official weights here. He ran well in the Greatwood at Cheltenham, before an even better second behind leading Triumph contender Ranjaan and the run should have him sport on.
Empire Levant won a handicap by 28 lengths at Taunton, hard held. He then ran two days later and got out-battled by Rock on Ruby, who went onto to finish a narrow second in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, with the third Raya Star winning the Ladbroke. He is up 12lb but the trainer fancies his chances and he could be another with something in hand of the handicapper.
Another horse using this weekend for a prep race is BOBS WORTH for the in-form Nicky Henderson stable, a yard coming back from an impressive treble at Kelso on Wednesday. Bobs Worth will go for the RSA Chase en route from Ascot and has been impressive since switching to chasing. He outstayed Cue Card at Newbury, before finding only Grands Crus too good in the Feltham Chase at Kempton. He is progressing, and sets the obvious standard in a tricky race with plenty quality about it.
SWINCOMBE FLAME is a progressive handicapper who we tipped up here in the Lanzarote Hurdle and we’ll remain loyal here in a Class 2 handicap hurdle at Ascot. Up only 5lb, she should be good value for it.
The highlight at Ascot is the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase, over the extended two and a half miles. A specialist trip, may will look to use this as using this as a pointer towards the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, run over a similar distance. Last year’s winner Riverside Theatre turns out, as does the much hyped Kauto Stone, who carries a large reputation. However the value could lie with MEDERMIT, who comes here on the back of a terrific run in the Cheltenham Handicap Gold Cup in December. The Alan King trained horse won the Grade 2 Peterborough Chase, before finishing third in the Amlin Chase behind Master Minded and Victor Chandler Chase winner Somersby, The form of both looks good, and he should be a very tasty price. The trip looks ideal.
Newbury (Friday) 12.10 – Sprinter Sacre (Nap)
Newbury (Friday) 13.15 – Third Intention (Ew) & Empire Levant (Ew)
Ascot Saturday 1.50 – Bobs Worth
Ascot Saturday 3.00 – Medermit
Ascot Saturday 3.35 – Swincombe Flame
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner @ JJMSports
The rescheduled Betfair Hurdle is one of the most exciting races in the national hunt calendar and the Paul Nicholls trained Zarkander is the short priced ante post favourite. He looks the most obvious candidate in this two mile handicap hurdle but the value prices have now gone.
The two mile handicap hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival is usually a firm pointer, and four have made the cut, Get Me out of Here and Final Approach, Soldatino and Alarazi, but all are overlooked.
Five year olds have a terrific record in the race, a pointer to the chances of EMPIRE LEVANT and THIRD INTENTION. The Colin Tizzard trained Third Intention finished nine lengths behind Zarkander in the Triumph Hurdle and has the same 9lb in receipt at official weights here. He ran well in the Greatwood at Cheltenham, before an even better second behind leading Triumph contender Ranjaan and the run should have him sport on.
Empire Levant won a handicap by 28 lengths at Taunton, hard held. He then ran two days later and got out-battled by Rock on Ruby, who went onto to finish a narrow second in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton, with the third Raya Star winning the Ladbroke. He is up 12lb but the trainer fancies his chances and he could be another with something in hand of the handicapper.
Another horse using this weekend for a prep race is BOBS WORTH for the in-form Nicky Henderson stable, a yard coming back from an impressive treble at Kelso on Wednesday. Bobs Worth will go for the RSA Chase en route from Ascot and has been impressive since switching to chasing. He outstayed Cue Card at Newbury, before finding only Grands Crus too good in the Feltham Chase at Kempton. He is progressing, and sets the obvious standard in a tricky race with plenty quality about it.
SWINCOMBE FLAME is a progressive handicapper who we tipped up here in the Lanzarote Hurdle and we’ll remain loyal here in a Class 2 handicap hurdle at Ascot. Up only 5lb, she should be good value for it.
The highlight at Ascot is the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase, over the extended two and a half miles. A specialist trip, may will look to use this as using this as a pointer towards the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham, run over a similar distance. Last year’s winner Riverside Theatre turns out, as does the much hyped Kauto Stone, who carries a large reputation. However the value could lie with MEDERMIT, who comes here on the back of a terrific run in the Cheltenham Handicap Gold Cup in December. The Alan King trained horse won the Grade 2 Peterborough Chase, before finishing third in the Amlin Chase behind Master Minded and Victor Chandler Chase winner Somersby, The form of both looks good, and he should be a very tasty price. The trip looks ideal.
Newbury (Friday) 12.10 – Sprinter Sacre (Nap)
Newbury (Friday) 13.15 – Third Intention (Ew) & Empire Levant (Ew)
Ascot Saturday 1.50 – Bobs Worth
Ascot Saturday 3.00 – Medermit
Ascot Saturday 3.35 – Swincombe Flame
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner @ JJMSports
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Morebattle Hurdle Day at Kelso - Wednesday February 15th
The north is carrying the torch of national hunt racing, with Musselburgh being the only card on Saturday with their John Smiths Cheltenham trials day. Stormy Weather took the big handicap hurdle and Tara Royal won the Scottish Champion Chase for the McCain yard. Back to Scotland again for Kelso’s strongest card of the year where the Class 2 Moorebattle Hurdle, won last year by Peddlers Cross, is the highlight.
The Class 2 race is often used as a prep for Cheltenham and leading novice SIMONSIG lines up here for the Nicky Henderson yard. The six year old won a bumper and novice hurdle, both in impressive fashion, before running into Fingal Bay in a class two novices hurdle. Fingal Bay subsequently won the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle, further improving the reputation of the Henderson horse. The 2 miles 2 furlongs trip should suit here. Marsh Warbler, a decent yardstick who will provide a good benchmark, looks most likely to finish second for fans of the forecast.
The Keith Reveley yard are still in good heart and, with son James booked on board, the consistent KINGS GREY should go close in the valuable novices chase. He finished third last time out in a £25k handicap chase at Doncaster, looking all over the winner two out before just getting out-battled late on. Tara Royal, fifth that day, further franked the form when winning the Scottish Champion Chase on Saturday.
Bellvano for AP McCoy, Nicky Henderson and JP McManus will be the likely favourite and came up cruising in a Newbury novice chase behind Cedre Bleu but found little off the bridle, eventually losing by 2 ½ lengths. Given Kelso’s stiff finish, the favourite could be found wanting here again and the tactically astute James Reveley may pinch this from the front.
PREMIER SAGAS runs for trainer Nicky Richards in an amateur riders handicap chase and, with the trainer’s daughter on board, the consistent eight year old can go close. After returning from a 209 day absence he ran well over course and distance, finishing fourth, before a good second behind the Jennie Candlish trained Fiendish Flame. He has been lowered 2lb in the handicap and the extra 3 furlongs should suit.
ROS CASTLE put his novice hurdle form behind him when winning a handicap hurdle last time out at Ayr under a good ride from Wilson Renwick. In-form jockey Richie McGrath has the ride here and the step up in trip should suit the unexposed six year old, who has only been raised four pounds by the handicapper. The 18 furlongs trip should bring more improvement out of him and although this looks tougher, with Sophonie and Prince Blackthorn present, he should go close.
2.10 Kelso – Kings Grey
2.40 Kelso – Ros Castle
3.10 Kelso – Premier Sagas (Nap)
3.40 Kelso – Simonsig
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner / @JJMSports
The Class 2 race is often used as a prep for Cheltenham and leading novice SIMONSIG lines up here for the Nicky Henderson yard. The six year old won a bumper and novice hurdle, both in impressive fashion, before running into Fingal Bay in a class two novices hurdle. Fingal Bay subsequently won the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle, further improving the reputation of the Henderson horse. The 2 miles 2 furlongs trip should suit here. Marsh Warbler, a decent yardstick who will provide a good benchmark, looks most likely to finish second for fans of the forecast.
The Keith Reveley yard are still in good heart and, with son James booked on board, the consistent KINGS GREY should go close in the valuable novices chase. He finished third last time out in a £25k handicap chase at Doncaster, looking all over the winner two out before just getting out-battled late on. Tara Royal, fifth that day, further franked the form when winning the Scottish Champion Chase on Saturday.
Bellvano for AP McCoy, Nicky Henderson and JP McManus will be the likely favourite and came up cruising in a Newbury novice chase behind Cedre Bleu but found little off the bridle, eventually losing by 2 ½ lengths. Given Kelso’s stiff finish, the favourite could be found wanting here again and the tactically astute James Reveley may pinch this from the front.
PREMIER SAGAS runs for trainer Nicky Richards in an amateur riders handicap chase and, with the trainer’s daughter on board, the consistent eight year old can go close. After returning from a 209 day absence he ran well over course and distance, finishing fourth, before a good second behind the Jennie Candlish trained Fiendish Flame. He has been lowered 2lb in the handicap and the extra 3 furlongs should suit.
ROS CASTLE put his novice hurdle form behind him when winning a handicap hurdle last time out at Ayr under a good ride from Wilson Renwick. In-form jockey Richie McGrath has the ride here and the step up in trip should suit the unexposed six year old, who has only been raised four pounds by the handicapper. The 18 furlongs trip should bring more improvement out of him and although this looks tougher, with Sophonie and Prince Blackthorn present, he should go close.
2.10 Kelso – Kings Grey
2.40 Kelso – Ros Castle
3.10 Kelso – Premier Sagas (Nap)
3.40 Kelso – Simonsig
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner / @JJMSports
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Weekend Racing February 4th - Ffos Los, Sandown and Wetherby
A disappointing week for racing with several fixtures succumbing to the weather, but solace can be found in the fact that the whole-scale havoc of last winter has been avoided and we have got off relatively lightly this season overall.
Wetherby has a mixed bag of a card on Saturday. The main attraction is the Grade 2 Novice Chase, which has attracted a very impressive field. There are currently horses entered from the Nicholls, Henderson, Venetia and Ian Williams stables but the two stand out entries are those from the Scottish based Lucinda Russell yard. She has entered Blenheim Brook and BOLD SIR BRIAN, and the latter looks the more promising. Stable jockey Peter Buchanan is booked for Bold Sir Brian and he appears to have the edge over his stable-mate . His win at Hexham was on heavy ground, and a winning margin of 17 lengths highlights his love of the mud, conditions the gelding should get on Saturday in the north.
Ffos Las has its Welsh Champion Hurdle card, and Oscar Whisky looks a strong candidate to successfully retain the title he won last year. Unfortunately he’s likely to be a skinny price and cannot be selected as a consequence. The other attraction is the West Wales National, with some hardened staying chasers turning out, including REY NACARADO for the Charlie Longsdon yard. He travelled fantastically to win a 3 miles 2 furlongs handicap on soft last time out, when successfully tipped up here by The Yorkshireman, and with improvement still to come, he can repeat the feat in Wales. Upped in trip and forecast heavy ground should suit this consistent type, who looks sure to give his usual resilient account of himself.
FIX THE RIB could go off a decent price in the two mile handicap chase. He is a horse gradually coming back to the form that he showed before a two year absence. He finished third to Master Minded in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury in 2010, off a mark of 156. Now down to 134, he could be very well handicapped. A line can be put through both his comeback run and his Tingle Creek effort. He looked a little better when finishing a game 7th at Ascot and further improvement came over two and a half miles at Kempton, against what seemed like a good field. The drop back down to two miles should bring the best out of him, and the drying ground is likely to bring even more improvement, although soft wouldn’t completely kill his chances either.
The highlight of the card at Sandown is the Betfred Heroes handicap hurdle and I think SWINCOMBE FLAME is the best bet of the weekend. The Nick Williams star mare has been raised 6lb by the handicapper for her win in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton. She smashed the last hurdle, and needed reminding to get up to the line, but stayed on well and got up, albeit at the expense of a whip ban for jockey Will Kennedy. This trip is over an extra furlong, and should bring further improvement against exposed sorts. She is still only having her fifth run of the season and looks very progressive. The only serious danger looks to be the well handicapped Thehillofuisneach.
The last race to be shown on Channel 4 is an interesting renewal and Nicky Henderson has two entered, and both have solid chances. I’d quite happily row in with his MASTER OF THE HALL or BURTON PORT, whichever Henderson selects of the two. Burton Port has always been one of my favourite horses, after I backed him ante post at big prices in the RSA chase at Cheltenham 2010 where he finished a solid second to Weapons Amnesty. His second in last years Hennessy, sandwiched between Diamond Harry and Denman, is a strong form line and, if recovered from injury, he could be a massive threat to them all. Master of the Hall looked good when defeating Nacarat and subsequent winner Tamarinbleu at Aintree. He refused to race last time but there should be more to come from an eight year old with some very strong novice form.
2.00 Sandown – Fix the Rib
3.05 Sandown – Swincombe Flame (Nap)
3.40 Sandown – Master of the Hall/Burton Port
2.15 Wetherby – Bold Sir Brian
3.20 Ffos Las – Rey Nacarado
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner @JJMSports
Wetherby has a mixed bag of a card on Saturday. The main attraction is the Grade 2 Novice Chase, which has attracted a very impressive field. There are currently horses entered from the Nicholls, Henderson, Venetia and Ian Williams stables but the two stand out entries are those from the Scottish based Lucinda Russell yard. She has entered Blenheim Brook and BOLD SIR BRIAN, and the latter looks the more promising. Stable jockey Peter Buchanan is booked for Bold Sir Brian and he appears to have the edge over his stable-mate . His win at Hexham was on heavy ground, and a winning margin of 17 lengths highlights his love of the mud, conditions the gelding should get on Saturday in the north.
Ffos Las has its Welsh Champion Hurdle card, and Oscar Whisky looks a strong candidate to successfully retain the title he won last year. Unfortunately he’s likely to be a skinny price and cannot be selected as a consequence. The other attraction is the West Wales National, with some hardened staying chasers turning out, including REY NACARADO for the Charlie Longsdon yard. He travelled fantastically to win a 3 miles 2 furlongs handicap on soft last time out, when successfully tipped up here by The Yorkshireman, and with improvement still to come, he can repeat the feat in Wales. Upped in trip and forecast heavy ground should suit this consistent type, who looks sure to give his usual resilient account of himself.
FIX THE RIB could go off a decent price in the two mile handicap chase. He is a horse gradually coming back to the form that he showed before a two year absence. He finished third to Master Minded in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury in 2010, off a mark of 156. Now down to 134, he could be very well handicapped. A line can be put through both his comeback run and his Tingle Creek effort. He looked a little better when finishing a game 7th at Ascot and further improvement came over two and a half miles at Kempton, against what seemed like a good field. The drop back down to two miles should bring the best out of him, and the drying ground is likely to bring even more improvement, although soft wouldn’t completely kill his chances either.
The highlight of the card at Sandown is the Betfred Heroes handicap hurdle and I think SWINCOMBE FLAME is the best bet of the weekend. The Nick Williams star mare has been raised 6lb by the handicapper for her win in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton. She smashed the last hurdle, and needed reminding to get up to the line, but stayed on well and got up, albeit at the expense of a whip ban for jockey Will Kennedy. This trip is over an extra furlong, and should bring further improvement against exposed sorts. She is still only having her fifth run of the season and looks very progressive. The only serious danger looks to be the well handicapped Thehillofuisneach.
The last race to be shown on Channel 4 is an interesting renewal and Nicky Henderson has two entered, and both have solid chances. I’d quite happily row in with his MASTER OF THE HALL or BURTON PORT, whichever Henderson selects of the two. Burton Port has always been one of my favourite horses, after I backed him ante post at big prices in the RSA chase at Cheltenham 2010 where he finished a solid second to Weapons Amnesty. His second in last years Hennessy, sandwiched between Diamond Harry and Denman, is a strong form line and, if recovered from injury, he could be a massive threat to them all. Master of the Hall looked good when defeating Nacarat and subsequent winner Tamarinbleu at Aintree. He refused to race last time but there should be more to come from an eight year old with some very strong novice form.
2.00 Sandown – Fix the Rib
3.05 Sandown – Swincombe Flame (Nap)
3.40 Sandown – Master of the Hall/Burton Port
2.15 Wetherby – Bold Sir Brian
3.20 Ffos Las – Rey Nacarado
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner @JJMSports
Thursday, 26 January 2012
Yorkshire Chase Day at Doncaster and Cheltenham Trials Day 28/1/12
A feast of racing on Saturday showcases Doncaster’s Sky Bet Chase (formerly known as The Great Yorkshire Chase), a highlight of the northern track’s jump racing calendar. Calgary Bay looks to defend his crown in what looks a decent renewal. It is also Trials Day at Cheltenham as preparations for the forthcoming festival move into top gear. Some very good horses on display at the Cotswold track, particular in the Argento Grade 2 Chase.
The Argento Chase is usually a pointer towards the Gold Cup and is run over the same course and distance. Won last year by Neptune Collognes, in a less than vintage renewal, this looks a classier field. Previous Arkle Chase winners Captain Chris and Tidal Bay, previous Hennessy winners Diamond Harry and Carruthers, as well as Cheltenham specialist Midnight Chase are among the likely runners. However another Cheltenham specialist with good claims is TIME FOR RUPERT, who can build on what promised to be such a strong novice career.
A disappointing favourite in last years RSA Chase, the eight year old finished second this term in the Charlie Hall Chase, before a solid fifth in the Betfair Chase. He dropped in grade to win a solid Graduation Chase at Newbury, and that confidence booster can do him the world of good as he returns to his favourite track.
Another Cheltenham specialist is POQUELIN, trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by the Stewart family. The multiple Prestbury Park winner carries top weight in the 2.05 but looks to hold solid claims, despite a disappointing season thus far. He has the class plus the course and distance experience to slam his rivals here, on his way to a likely run in the Ryanair Chase at the Festival.
The James and Keith Reveley team usually do well at Doncaster and the father and son combo have three strong each way chances at Doncaster. The mare CUE TO CUE was the nap in midweek, but has been saved for this race (the 2.20), and she has solid claims. There are some tough rivals in Alasi and Lifestyle, but both have flaws, with Alasi unseating last time out and the Nicky Henderson trained Lifestyle running over a shorter trip.
The other Reveley eye-catchers are CORKAGE and KINGS GREY who seeks to bounce back after consecutive seconds, often in unfortunate circumstances. His last run at Catterick was a muddling affair, and he came up short, when given a poor ride, seemingly with bundles in hand, going down by a short head. The race at Doncaster looks tough, but could cut up and, with jumping doubts about leading fancies. Corkage was successfully napped last Wednesday, and won at a canter, suggesting he still has plenty left in the tank, and should be able to defy his new mark, despite hurdling instead of chasing on this occasion.
The Skybet Chase looks a terrific race in prospect and CALGARY BAY could take all the beating for the in-form Henrietta Knight stable. The versatile nine year old looked back to his best when winning a competitive three mile handicap on New Years Day at Cheltenham, showing the class that he has always promised. He is 2lb well in as a result of that and, given his performance in winning this last year, he should go close.
His main threat will come from the recent course and distance winner QIANSHAN LEADER, who won a tricky handicap here in the mud, back in December. The Emma Lavelle horse thrived in the tougher conditions, and if the heavens open, it could further improve his chances seeking the hatrick under stable jockey Jack Doyle. It’s worth backing both in this open-looking contest.
2.05 Cheltenham - Poquelin
2.35 Cheltenham - Time for Rupert (Nap)
1.15 Doncaster – Cue to Cue (Ew)
2.20 Doncaster – Corkage (Nb)
2.50 Doncaster – Calgary Bay (Ew) & Qianshan Leader (Ew)
3.55 Doncaster – Kings Grey
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner @JJMSports
The Argento Chase is usually a pointer towards the Gold Cup and is run over the same course and distance. Won last year by Neptune Collognes, in a less than vintage renewal, this looks a classier field. Previous Arkle Chase winners Captain Chris and Tidal Bay, previous Hennessy winners Diamond Harry and Carruthers, as well as Cheltenham specialist Midnight Chase are among the likely runners. However another Cheltenham specialist with good claims is TIME FOR RUPERT, who can build on what promised to be such a strong novice career.
A disappointing favourite in last years RSA Chase, the eight year old finished second this term in the Charlie Hall Chase, before a solid fifth in the Betfair Chase. He dropped in grade to win a solid Graduation Chase at Newbury, and that confidence booster can do him the world of good as he returns to his favourite track.
Another Cheltenham specialist is POQUELIN, trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by the Stewart family. The multiple Prestbury Park winner carries top weight in the 2.05 but looks to hold solid claims, despite a disappointing season thus far. He has the class plus the course and distance experience to slam his rivals here, on his way to a likely run in the Ryanair Chase at the Festival.
The James and Keith Reveley team usually do well at Doncaster and the father and son combo have three strong each way chances at Doncaster. The mare CUE TO CUE was the nap in midweek, but has been saved for this race (the 2.20), and she has solid claims. There are some tough rivals in Alasi and Lifestyle, but both have flaws, with Alasi unseating last time out and the Nicky Henderson trained Lifestyle running over a shorter trip.
The other Reveley eye-catchers are CORKAGE and KINGS GREY who seeks to bounce back after consecutive seconds, often in unfortunate circumstances. His last run at Catterick was a muddling affair, and he came up short, when given a poor ride, seemingly with bundles in hand, going down by a short head. The race at Doncaster looks tough, but could cut up and, with jumping doubts about leading fancies. Corkage was successfully napped last Wednesday, and won at a canter, suggesting he still has plenty left in the tank, and should be able to defy his new mark, despite hurdling instead of chasing on this occasion.
The Skybet Chase looks a terrific race in prospect and CALGARY BAY could take all the beating for the in-form Henrietta Knight stable. The versatile nine year old looked back to his best when winning a competitive three mile handicap on New Years Day at Cheltenham, showing the class that he has always promised. He is 2lb well in as a result of that and, given his performance in winning this last year, he should go close.
His main threat will come from the recent course and distance winner QIANSHAN LEADER, who won a tricky handicap here in the mud, back in December. The Emma Lavelle horse thrived in the tougher conditions, and if the heavens open, it could further improve his chances seeking the hatrick under stable jockey Jack Doyle. It’s worth backing both in this open-looking contest.
2.05 Cheltenham - Poquelin
2.35 Cheltenham - Time for Rupert (Nap)
1.15 Doncaster – Cue to Cue (Ew)
2.20 Doncaster – Corkage (Nb)
2.50 Doncaster – Calgary Bay (Ew) & Qianshan Leader (Ew)
3.55 Doncaster – Kings Grey
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner @JJMSports
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Ascot Amlin Chase Day and Haydock Betfair Chase Day November 19th.
A feast of jump racing lies ahead this weekend, with terrific cards at both Ascot, where their highlight is the Amlin 1965 Chase with Master Minded defending his crown, and at Haydock, featuring the Grade 1 Betfair Chase, where Gold Cup and King George hero Long Run is scheduled to make his seasonal debut.
Haydock’s Betfair Chase day has a fantastic card. The Betfair Hurdle race is where GRANDOUET can regain his reputation after coming down at Wincanton last time out, handing Celestial Halo the race. He was absolutely cantering in behind when misjudging the second last and would have been a definite winner in my eyes. He is all class this French import, as he showed last year when winning the Irish equivalent of the Triumph Hurdle at Punchestown in May, after decent previous efforts at
Betfair have also sponsored the handicap at 1.55, which has a decent turn out. I am very sweet on the Reveley family’s EYRE SQUARE. He won a novice hurdle on his seasonal beau. He then ran well in a chase, finishing second to a well handicapped horse. The favourite finished third that day and the three pulled 43 lengths clear. Eyre Square rallied and stayed on, and the extended 3 and a half miles should suit this resolute galloper, who has remained on a nice figure of 120.
The Betfair Chase has developed into a jewel in the crown of the National Hunt season and this year’s event looks like living up to that billing. Long Run is the very short favourite, too short for a horse who disappointed in the Paddy Power last season, running after a 241 day absence. The drying ground could prove a worry for Diamond Harry, who loves running fresh and is 2/2 at Haydock.
KAUTO
Switching attention to Ascot, and the first race, the novices chase. The Nicky Henderson trained MUSH MIR, who came from James Boyle on the flat, showed at Southwell he is a good prospect. He has made a successful transition to hurdling, and is now 3/3 in novice hurdles. He attempts a step up in class but, as his winning distances of 32 lengths for his three races indicate, he may well have better things ahead of him.
Similar sentiments apply to OSCAR WHISKEY, who runs in the Coral Hurdle, a Grade 2 contest. This Welsh Champion Hurdle and Aintree Hurdle winner is rated 165 and is being aimed at a clash with Big Bucks in the World Hurdle. His only defeats in the last two years have come in the Champion Hurdle to Hurricane Fly (3rd) and to Menorah in the Supreme Novices (4th). He should be too classy for the likes of Celestial Halo and Overturn.
MASTER MINDED could be overpriced in the Amlin Chase, largely due to his disappointing reappearance run at Aintree. The 8 year old, who won this same race in impressive fashion last term, appears to need soft ground over 2 miles or 2 and a half miles these days to be shown at his best and he should get his preferred conditions on Saturday.
He has won his second run of the season, using the first as a tune up, on each of the last three seasons, and although the likes of Somersby, who chased him home in the Victor Chandler, and Arkle winner Captain Chris are young guns snapping at his heels, hopefully Master Minded, still no pensioner at only eight, can show he retains plenty class.
12.15 Haydock Grandouet (Nap)
12.25
2.10
2.45
3.05 Haydock Kauto Star (Ew)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
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