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 nicholls. Show all posts
Showing posts with label nicholls. Show all posts
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Saturday, 10 March 2012
Cheltenham - Day One
Do you smell that? The extra feel of electricity going round is not a power surge from the National Grid, it’s in the air because Cheltenham is finally here! No more talking, no more excuses, the preening and posturing can stop. The greatest show on turf is here.
Where to start?
The opening day is arguably the strongest. The Supreme Novices, Arkle and Champion Hurdle all have a rich history. Tuesday also enjoys a diverse feel with the Mares Hurdle, the Cross Country, a 3 miles handicap chase and a 2 ½ miles handicap novices chase. I’m already drooling at the thought.
It all starts with the Supreme Novices and the accompanying roar that sets the place alight. The pace in the Supreme Novices is usually electric and they go off hell for leather, with the best juveniles over two miles around Prestbury Park. The JP McManus money has piled into the ante post markets for DARLAN and he has been pin-pointed as the ‘chosen one’ for the infamous punter and owner.
A winner over course and distance in a novice hurdle, he was travelling like a dream in the Betfair Hurdle when falling two out, giving AP a terrible bump in the process. The way he travelled, suggests that the strong pace would suit him further, and he has a similar profile to previous winners. Although short enough in the market he has to be respected.
The other fancy is the top Irish juvenile STEPS TO FREEDOM for Jessica Harrington, whose yard is coming into form just at the right time. A Group 3 winner on the flat, he has had a smooth transition to hurdles, by way of winning the champion bumper at Aintree last year. Since then he has won three out of three novice hurdles, and goes into the race unbeaten. He won a Grade 3 novices hurdle at Punchestown on heavy ground, and followed that up with a win at Cheltenham over course and distance, getting up late to beat Prospect Wells. The trainer felt he should have won both races by further. He has been put away since and should be fresh and racing to go come March 13th.
Next comes the first of three odds on ‘bankers’ that the bookies could be absolutely crucified with. SPRINTER SACRE looks to go one better in the Arkle for the Seven Barrows yard than Finians Rainbow did when second last year when seemingly not getting up the hill. Sprinter Sacre has looked an absolute beast since switching to chasing winning his maiden chase by thirty lengths at Doncaster, before dismissing Arkle ante-post rival Peddlers Cross by 15 lengths in another novice chase. That set him up nicely for the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase at Newbury, where he beat last year’s winner French Opera, in the process of breaking the track record, all whilst not breaking sweat. He looks the part, travels, and jumps and looks a superstar for years to come barring accidents. Al Ferof is respected having won the King Henry VIII chase over course and distance and having beaten Sprinter Sacre in the Supreme Novices last year, but I fully expect that form to be turned round in emphatic style.
The other two hotpot favourites come from the Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins, in the form of reigning champions, HURRICANE FLY and QUEVEGA in the Champion Hurdle and the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle respectively.
Hurricane Fly has been better than ever since his victory in last years renewal, beating horses like Oscar Whisky, Overturn and Thousand Stars. His two runs at Punchestown and Leopardstown saw him win on good and heavy ground, by extended margins, both on the bridle, and he is simply different gravy to his rivals. Binocular has looked rejuvenated and Zarkander’s Triumph Hurdle form has been much boosted, but they both need to improve at least 7lb to get anywhere near the favourite if he turns up and is on song.
Similarly, QUEVEGA is completely different mustard when it comes to the mares division. She should surely win doing handstands to give her and Ruby Walsh a fourth consecutive mares hurdle.
The Cross Country is more of a spectacle than a betting opportunity and is a prize that is usually taken home by the Irish, who have dominated this race in recent years. The race is usually rather straightforward, with only one winner priced above 7/1 or greater in the last eight years. Last year’s winner SIZING AUSTRALIA went off a decent price around 13/2 and I can see him repeating that success for trainer Henry De Bromhead.
He led from the front and made all last year in impressive fashion, and has been patiently brought along this year, with this being his seasonal target. He teturned to the track in December, before a good tune up at Naas in a two mile handicap hurdle which will have him spot on. He will be getting weight from Scotsirish and Uncle Junior, the Willie Mullins pair, and has to be the value bet at the current prices at around the 5/1 mark.
That leaves us with the handicaps, and anyone who has any definite answers for handicaps over the Festival is a clever fellow. However, I just may have found the elusive ‘handicap good thing’. A horse I’ve backed and followed for years since losing many ante post vouchers on him for the Neptune in 2010 is QUANTITATIVEEASING.
The manner and style of his Gold Cup Handicap Chase win at Cheltenham in December was superb, and the step up to three miles should further enhance the seven year old’s chance. The form of that last race has worked out well with Medermit finishing second in a Grade 1 and Tatenen, Imsingingtheblues and Calgary Bay all running with great credit since. He goes well fresh, and has a great record around Cheltenham. The only serious danger to him could be NOLAND for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh, who has better form than the bare figures suggest. A Grade 1 winner in 2010 and Grade 2 winner last year, both over three miles, he ran a good race in defeat in Ireland before finishing sixth at Ascot, when his jumping let him down. Dropped another 2lb by the handicapper, he looks to be at a very workable mark.
The final race of the day is one of the handicaps that is usually taken on with great aplomb by shrewd trainer Ferdy Murphy, who had the winner last year with Divers (with our other tip Quantitativeeasing finishing second), and he has a good chance to taste victory again with GOING WRONG, who looks to be on a good mark for the Malton based trainer. He may not be the most obvious choice with Hunt Ball and Bless the Wings both having had very successful seasons, but given the trainers record at the festival, particularly in handicaps, he looks the one to be with. Up 9lb for victory in his last two novice chases at Sedgfield, the winning margins of 5 and ¾ lengths do not tell the whole story of the races. The latter race in particular caught the eye, where regular partner Graham Lee tracked the odds on favourite Realt Mor before easing him to the front after popping the last in the straight. He looks to be very classy and unexposed and looks to have the potential to improve further, especially over the extended two and a half miles trip.
1.30 Darlan & Steps to Freedom
2.05 Sprinter Sacre (Nap)
2.40 Quantitativeeasing & Noland (Ew)
3.20 Hurricane Fly
4.00 Sizing Australia
4.40 Quevega
5.15 Going Wrong (Ew)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
Where to start?
The opening day is arguably the strongest. The Supreme Novices, Arkle and Champion Hurdle all have a rich history. Tuesday also enjoys a diverse feel with the Mares Hurdle, the Cross Country, a 3 miles handicap chase and a 2 ½ miles handicap novices chase. I’m already drooling at the thought.
It all starts with the Supreme Novices and the accompanying roar that sets the place alight. The pace in the Supreme Novices is usually electric and they go off hell for leather, with the best juveniles over two miles around Prestbury Park. The JP McManus money has piled into the ante post markets for DARLAN and he has been pin-pointed as the ‘chosen one’ for the infamous punter and owner.
A winner over course and distance in a novice hurdle, he was travelling like a dream in the Betfair Hurdle when falling two out, giving AP a terrible bump in the process. The way he travelled, suggests that the strong pace would suit him further, and he has a similar profile to previous winners. Although short enough in the market he has to be respected.
The other fancy is the top Irish juvenile STEPS TO FREEDOM for Jessica Harrington, whose yard is coming into form just at the right time. A Group 3 winner on the flat, he has had a smooth transition to hurdles, by way of winning the champion bumper at Aintree last year. Since then he has won three out of three novice hurdles, and goes into the race unbeaten. He won a Grade 3 novices hurdle at Punchestown on heavy ground, and followed that up with a win at Cheltenham over course and distance, getting up late to beat Prospect Wells. The trainer felt he should have won both races by further. He has been put away since and should be fresh and racing to go come March 13th.
Next comes the first of three odds on ‘bankers’ that the bookies could be absolutely crucified with. SPRINTER SACRE looks to go one better in the Arkle for the Seven Barrows yard than Finians Rainbow did when second last year when seemingly not getting up the hill. Sprinter Sacre has looked an absolute beast since switching to chasing winning his maiden chase by thirty lengths at Doncaster, before dismissing Arkle ante-post rival Peddlers Cross by 15 lengths in another novice chase. That set him up nicely for the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase at Newbury, where he beat last year’s winner French Opera, in the process of breaking the track record, all whilst not breaking sweat. He looks the part, travels, and jumps and looks a superstar for years to come barring accidents. Al Ferof is respected having won the King Henry VIII chase over course and distance and having beaten Sprinter Sacre in the Supreme Novices last year, but I fully expect that form to be turned round in emphatic style.
The other two hotpot favourites come from the Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins, in the form of reigning champions, HURRICANE FLY and QUEVEGA in the Champion Hurdle and the David Nicholson Mares Hurdle respectively.
Hurricane Fly has been better than ever since his victory in last years renewal, beating horses like Oscar Whisky, Overturn and Thousand Stars. His two runs at Punchestown and Leopardstown saw him win on good and heavy ground, by extended margins, both on the bridle, and he is simply different gravy to his rivals. Binocular has looked rejuvenated and Zarkander’s Triumph Hurdle form has been much boosted, but they both need to improve at least 7lb to get anywhere near the favourite if he turns up and is on song.
Similarly, QUEVEGA is completely different mustard when it comes to the mares division. She should surely win doing handstands to give her and Ruby Walsh a fourth consecutive mares hurdle.
The Cross Country is more of a spectacle than a betting opportunity and is a prize that is usually taken home by the Irish, who have dominated this race in recent years. The race is usually rather straightforward, with only one winner priced above 7/1 or greater in the last eight years. Last year’s winner SIZING AUSTRALIA went off a decent price around 13/2 and I can see him repeating that success for trainer Henry De Bromhead.
He led from the front and made all last year in impressive fashion, and has been patiently brought along this year, with this being his seasonal target. He teturned to the track in December, before a good tune up at Naas in a two mile handicap hurdle which will have him spot on. He will be getting weight from Scotsirish and Uncle Junior, the Willie Mullins pair, and has to be the value bet at the current prices at around the 5/1 mark.
That leaves us with the handicaps, and anyone who has any definite answers for handicaps over the Festival is a clever fellow. However, I just may have found the elusive ‘handicap good thing’. A horse I’ve backed and followed for years since losing many ante post vouchers on him for the Neptune in 2010 is QUANTITATIVEEASING.
The manner and style of his Gold Cup Handicap Chase win at Cheltenham in December was superb, and the step up to three miles should further enhance the seven year old’s chance. The form of that last race has worked out well with Medermit finishing second in a Grade 1 and Tatenen, Imsingingtheblues and Calgary Bay all running with great credit since. He goes well fresh, and has a great record around Cheltenham. The only serious danger to him could be NOLAND for Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh, who has better form than the bare figures suggest. A Grade 1 winner in 2010 and Grade 2 winner last year, both over three miles, he ran a good race in defeat in Ireland before finishing sixth at Ascot, when his jumping let him down. Dropped another 2lb by the handicapper, he looks to be at a very workable mark.
The final race of the day is one of the handicaps that is usually taken on with great aplomb by shrewd trainer Ferdy Murphy, who had the winner last year with Divers (with our other tip Quantitativeeasing finishing second), and he has a good chance to taste victory again with GOING WRONG, who looks to be on a good mark for the Malton based trainer. He may not be the most obvious choice with Hunt Ball and Bless the Wings both having had very successful seasons, but given the trainers record at the festival, particularly in handicaps, he looks the one to be with. Up 9lb for victory in his last two novice chases at Sedgfield, the winning margins of 5 and ¾ lengths do not tell the whole story of the races. The latter race in particular caught the eye, where regular partner Graham Lee tracked the odds on favourite Realt Mor before easing him to the front after popping the last in the straight. He looks to be very classy and unexposed and looks to have the potential to improve further, especially over the extended two and a half miles trip.
1.30 Darlan & Steps to Freedom
2.05 Sprinter Sacre (Nap)
2.40 Quantitativeeasing & Noland (Ew)
3.20 Hurricane Fly
4.00 Sizing Australia
4.40 Quevega
5.15 Going Wrong (Ew)
The Yorkshireman – Jack Milner
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
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
Monday, 28 March 2011
Wednesday 30th March 2011 Selections
The flat season is officially back on Wednesday, with an arguably anticlimactic seasonal opener at Catterick races. Although the season usually starts with the prestigious
One of the leading northern partnerships is trainer David ‘Dandy’ Nicholls and son Adrian Nicholls. They have two leading fancies Wednesday, the first being the promising maiden SINADINOU. He seeks to lose his maiden tag at the third attempt in the 4.20 race and clearly has a lot going for him. He has been running on all weather tracks in a bid to get off the mark, and the change to turf, based on breeding, should suit. He has the highest official rating, and connections took the exact same race last year, so clearly know how to get a horse ready for the start of the season.
The Nicholls family could be celebrating at double at the track with their other runner, FREMEN, who runs in a claimer race, with son
Wednesday may be the start of the flat season, but there is still very good national hunt racing on, and with upcoming festivals at Aintree and Punchestowns, not to mention Sandown and
Balthazar King 3.10
Fremen 3.50 Catterick
Sinadinou 4.20 Catterick
The Yorkshireman - Jack Milner
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