Author: John Burke

Hi all,

Saturday’s action will come thick and fast. We have the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. Ascot hosts a very competitive seven race jumps card with three very interesting handicaps.

Over at Down Royal we have Grade 1 action with the Champion Chase which has attracted a small but select field of five runners.

The evening sees the race action move stateside with more Breeders Cup action from Santa Anita.

Wetherby

15:05 – bet365 Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The West Yorkshire Hurdle) (Class 1) – 3m

Lord Napier improved for the step to 3m when winning a Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown in February. Not so good when dropped back to 2m 4f at Uttoxeter on his next start but bounced back to form again when 5^th of 15 in a Grade 1 at Aintree 210-days ago. Has 10lb to finds with favourite Unowhatimeanharry but he remains open to more improvement over 3m.

1pt win – Lord Napier – 9/1 @ Paddy Power & William Hill

3:40 – bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) – 3m

Looking at the race trends which contain 10 winners from 66 runners 21 placed.

Nine of the last ten winners of the Charlie Hall shared the following three traits:

Official Rating: 151 to 165

Headgear: None

Wins at Distance: 0 to 1

9 winners from 31 runners +21.35 16 placed

The only runner in the field to meeting those trends is Aso, trained Venetia Williams, who put in a career best when 2nd of 12 to Frodon in the Grade 1 Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival when last seen on a racecourse. The 9-year-old has to prove his stamina for a strongly run 3 miles but looks worth another try at the trip.

1pt win – Aso – 11/2 @ Paddy Power & Bet365

Ascot

2:10 – Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Listed Race) (Class 1) – 2m 1f

Despite the likelihood of pace pressure up front top-weight Speredek could be the answer here. The 8-year-old didn’t win any of his four starts last season but he’s 1lb lower than when a close-up second over C&D last November. Won first time up in 2017 so a 238-day absence doesn’t have to be a negative. Any more rain should also be a positive as he’s 5-10 on soft ground and he has to be considered a strong win contender here.

1pt win – Speredek – 13/2 @ Bet365

2:45 – Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Listed Race) (Class 1) – 1m 7 ½ f

Sixteen have been declared for this valuable handicap hurdle.

Likely favourite Adjali won his first start for Nicky Henderson last season. The 4-year-old didn’t really improve much on his debut win, but he was racing mostly in Grade 1 company in subsequent races. Drops into handicap company here and the trainer did win this race in 2014. Any easing of the ground enhances his chance. It can be tough for 4-year-old’s in handicaps like this and that age group are 1-19 in this race in the past 11-years.

Alan King has won this race for the last two years and he saddles Lisp. The 5-year-old returns from a 232-day absence today but did win on his seasonal reappearance last season. Finished runner-up her in a valuable C&D handicap last December, off 5lb lower. It won’t be easy under top weight of 11-12 and he hold’s no secrets from the handicapper but he’s still capable of a bold show.

Didtheyleaveuoutto won a good ground hurdle over C&D last December. He’s on a competitive mark but wouldn’t want the ground to ease much more.

Gumball, caught the eye when 3^rd of 13 on his seasonal return. Back in action for the first time since May he was plenty keen enough out in front and was a spent force two out. To his credit he did well to hold on for third. Apart from hitting the first hurdle his jumping was neat and he was quick through the air. He’s started the season 10lb lower than he started the last one and looks on a competitive mark to win a handicap hurdle when his sights are lowered a bit.  Fine on good to soft but he’s another who will be hoping the ground doesn’t ease much further. A useful 5lb conditional has been booked for the ride for a trainer who won this race in 2016.

Jolly’s Cracked It, trained by Harry Fry, won over C&D on his return from 706-day break last November. That was his fourth win at Ascot from seven starts. First time up looks the time to catch the 10-year-old and although he’s vulnerable to younger legs he’s not easily dismissed back at a track that suits.

1pt each way – Lisp – 15/2 @ Paddy Power (paying 5 places 1/5 odds) & William Hill (Paying 4 places ¼ odds)

3:20 – Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (Class 1) – 3m

Seventeen are declared to run for what looks the most competitive race of the day.

Vinndication won two of his four start over fences and finished 3^rd of 5 in Grade 1 behind Defi Du Seuil and Lostintranslation at Sandown in February. Was sent off the 15/8 favourite for that Grade 1 novices chase which shows how highly regarded the 6-year-old. Not so good in the JLT at the Cheltenham festival but he’s better going this way around. Two from two on his previous starts here and is 2-2 when returning from a 121-day break. Yet to race beyond 2m 6f but shouldn’t have any stamina issues over 3m. Plenty to like about his chance and he could be hard to beat despite his inexperience of a field size like this.

Regal Encore is dropping down the weights to a winnable mark and he’s 2-5 3 placed over C&D. You can never be sure what mood the 11-year-old is in but if anywhere close to his best can get into the money.

Trainer Gary Moore has won this race in 2016 & 2018 and he saddles Larry. The 6-year-old ended last season with a win at Sandown over 2m 4f, off 4lb lower. The return to 3m looks a positive and could unlock further improvement in the gelding.

Previous C&D winner Go Conquer always need respecting given how good his jumping can be. The 10-year-old was third in this race 12 months ago, off 8lb lower. Has nothing in hand of the handicapper and all his best form has come on good ground.

2pts win – Vinndication – 7/2  – Gen

Rather send out too much information all at once I have decided to send out last week’s eyecatcher’s out with this week’s either on Monday or Tuesday.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Both Thursday’s selection ran well but just failed to get into the places. 

Onto Friday’s action and what a cracking day’s racing we have.   Both on the flat and over jumps and of course both sides of the Atlantic.

Newcastle hosts Britain’s first Group 1 race ever held on the all-weather with the rescheduled Vertem Futurity from Doncaster. Mogul, highly regarded by Aidan O’Brien, takes on 11 rivals including impressive Newmarket winner Kinross. Mogul will need to be as good as his connections think if he’s to win.

It’s day one of the Charlie Hall Meeting at Wetherby but most jump fans will be looking to Down Royal and Samcro’s debut over fences in the beginners’ chase (2:55).

Over the Atlantic it’s the 36^th Breeders Cup at Santa Anita. It’s a day for the juveniles at the Breeders Cup with all five juveniles’ races being run on the card.

There’s plenty of great racing to enjoy but I won’t be betting to heavily today. So, it’s a case of ‘less is more’ on fantastic Friday.

I do have three selections for you today running at Wetherby, Newmarket & Santa Anita.

Wetherby

3:05 – Last year’s winner Born Survivor and runner-up Guitar Pete are sure to be popular but it maybe worth chancing Catamaran Du Seuil who won over C&D last November and he’s 2 wins from 3 runs at the track.  His C&D win came on his seasonal reappearance last year so he should be fit enough to run well after a 232-day absence.

1pt win – Catamaran Du Seuil – 5/1 @ Bet365 & William Hill

Newmarket

4:00 – Battered, went into the notebook when 4^th of 12, beaten a length over, C&D. Not so good when down the field in a valuable handicap at Ascot 7-days later, maybe that race came to quick. Dropped a 1lb since Ascot he remains on a competitive mark based on his C&D run. Worth a final chance here.

1pt win – Battered – 17/2 @ Paddy Power & William Hill

Santa Anita

8:12 – Band Practice, trained by Archie Watson has won his last three starts. The most recent of those wins came when making all in a Listed race at Chantilly 32-days ago. A winner on good to firm at Musselburgh two starts back so underfoot conditions shouldn’t hold any terrors. Interesting that Archie Watson should bring his filly over for this sprint contest.

1pt each way – Band Practice – 16/1 @ Paddy Power (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)

This week’s eyecatcher will be with you later today.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

A couple of each way selections today.

Stratford

3:35 – An intriguing 13 runner handicap chase.

Top -weight Kilfilum Cross Took advantage of a lenient handicap mark on his first start for trainer Henry Oliver, when winning an amateur riders’ race at Ludlow in February. He improved further on his next start when finishing 2nd of 22 in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. 

Ended last season with a below par effort at Ayr on ground that was probably quick enough for the 8-year-old. Not with out a chance on his seasonal return but this trip looks short of his best. One to note for the rest of the season.

Town Parks was third over C&D when last seen in action 200-days ago. That run came on good ground and the 8-year-old will be more at home in the soft ground, both career wins have come on soft & heavy. Looks nicely handicapped based on the form of his close-up 2^nd of 9 at Hereford back in March. Fitness taken on trust, but the 8-year-olds got each way claims in the hands of Richard Johnston.

Town Parks – 12/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes – each way

Lingfield

3:35 – The lightly raced Expressionism is an interesting runner in this lasted race. The daughter of Galileo has just had the two starts and overcame inexperience to win a 1m 4f novices’ race at Kempton when last seen in action 85-days ago. Interesting that trainer Charlie Appleby steps up the 3-year-old in class here. She’s got plenty to find with the principals here but is a lightly raced and capable of plenty more improvement. Hasn’t been done any favours by the being draw 13 of 14 but Osin Murphy is a good booking for the filly and the won this listed race in 2013.

Expressionism – 9/1 @ Paddy Power or 8/1 – Gen – each way

This week’s notebook will be with you later today.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

A 5/1 winner at Kempton on Monday, means we end the last few days with a decent profit. 

Today’s racing really doesn’t excite so there are no selections.

It’s possible there could be a selection or two on Wednesday and Thursday. If not, the next email you receive will contain this week’s notebook and of course I will be getting stuck into weekend’s action from Friday onward.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Burtons Well landed some nice bets to make it a profitable day for the service on Sunday. It could have been even better as Sumos Novios had to settle for second at 10/1 under top weight at Galway.

I wouldn’t normally bother with Monday’s racing but there’s some interesting racing at Ayr & Galway.

Ayr

2:20 – Ettila De Sivola a bumper/hurdle (soft). The 5-year-old has just had the four career starts and appreciated soft ground and the step up to 2m 3f when runner-up on his handicap hurdle debut at Haydock back in March.  Seasonal reappearance and his first run since a summer wind op but he’s won first time up for the last two seasons, so fitness shouldn’t be an issue. Debut over fences off what looks a workable mark of 117.

1pt win – Ettila De Sivola – 7/2 – Gen

Kempton

8:00 – Kyllachy Gala is 2 from 16 on the all-weather, one win here and returned from a summer break with an encouraging 3^rd of 14 here 19-days ago.  The 6-year-old was doing his best work at the finish that day over a furlong shorter and is worth another try at 1m 4f. Last win came here, off 17lb higher, back in April 2018.  Too well handicapped to ignore at present if he builds on his last effort.

1pt win – Kyllachy Gala – 5/1 – Gen

Cheers

John

Hi all,

The weather took its toll of racing on Saturday with both Doncaster & Newbury’s fixtures being abandoned.

There should be no issues with Aintree on Sunday for the Old Roan Chase, although the going is being officially described as soft. Wincanton seems to have missed most of the heavy rain that has hit the south west of England in recent days as the going is being described as good. It will be interesting to see if that remains the case tomorrow.

Aintree

It’s a decent looking card at Aintree and it provides us with a few betting opportunities starting with the veteran’s chase at 1:50.

1:50 – Previous course winner On Tour is sure to be popular with punters after his recent second behind Vieux Lion Rouge in a Chepstow veterans chase 16-days ago. Over this sort of distance, he’s vulnerable to younger contenders.

Killaro Bay won a hunter chase on his debut for trainer Henry Oliver in May he then went on to run Brave Eagle to a nose in the valuable Summer Cup at Uttoxeter a month later. Both those runs came on good ground and his Uttoxeter performance was a career best for the 10-year-old. Had winning form on soft & heavy when trained in Ireland so underfoot conditions shouldn’t be an issue. Back from a 119-day absence but has winning form fresh so should be fit enough. Now 5lb higher than at Uttoxeter but he’s open a bit more progress than most of these veterans.  The most intriguing runner is the Venetia Williams trained Burton’s Well.  Now a 10-year-old he looked a decent young staying handicap chaser in the making during the 2016-17 season. Started the 2017-18 season running Roman De Senam to a neck at Stratford, off 4lb higher. Ran poorly on his last start at Cheltenham 664-days ago.  Clearly, he’s had his problems. given his long absence, but if he retained most of his old ability he can’t be ruled out.

Verdict: Over this trip I prefer Kilaro Bay to On Tour but It could be worth chancing a saver on Burton’s Well.

2pts win – Kilaro Bay – 9/2 @ Bet365 & Betway

1pt win – Burtons Well – 10/1 @ William Hill

3:00 – The Old Roan Chase – Last years winner Frodan bids for a notable double in the race. However, he does have to give 14lb to ante post favourite, Kalashnikov who won the Grade 1 Manifesto Novices Chase at the Grand National Festival. No doubting his battling attitude but his jumping will be tested to the full by the bold jumping Frodon that’s for sure. Forest Bihan & Bigmartre have their chances at the weights but you would be disappointed if this race doesn’t turn out to be between the front two in the betting. If you had to put a gun to my head, I would just favour Frodon but it’s a race to watch rather than bet in.

3:35 – A novices’ handicap chase with nine declared to go to post and it’s an interesting race. Worcester novice chase winner The Hollow Ginge heads the market, Soft ground and today’s extra two furlongs should suit the 6-year-old. The form of his Worcester win has already been boosted with the third having won a handicap chase at Cheltenham on Saturday. 

Django Django, a winner of a 3m ½ f handicap hurdle at Haydock back in April. He made a highly encouraging chase debut when a 2 ½ length third at Uttoxeter 21-days ago.  Two & half miles even on soft ground would have plenty short enough for the 6-year-old and so it proved. The return to this sort of distance should bring out further improvement in him.

Bako De La Saulaie is one of the most experienced chasers in the field – 0 wins from 7 starts over the larger obstacles. I think he can win races this season, but you would be disappointed if it was to be here.

Over To Sam won a maiden hurdle at Exeter in January 2017. The 8-year-old was off for 817-days before making an encouraging return to action when 3^rd of 5 on his chase debut at Newton Abbot 172-days ago. Looks capable of winning races over fences if he can build on his chase debut and looks on a workable mark off 134.  First run since a wind-op and one for the short list.

Deise Aba, a winning hurdler on his debut over rules last November looked like he would make up into a better chaser than hurdler and the 6-year-old makes his debut over fences today. Clearly a contender in the hands of Richard Johnson.

Verdict: The Hollow Ginge looks a worthy favourite based on the form of his Worcester but I suspect we haven’t seen the best Over To Sam yet.

1pt win – Over To Sam – 17/2 @ William Hill

Wincanton

2:45 – Desert Orchid Silver Cup,has attracted a decent sized field of 11 runners for what looks a competitive renewal of this Class 3 contest.

Paul Nicholls has won this race in 2010 & 2017 and he saddles Coup De Pinceau who’s is having his first start since a summer wind-op. A strong stayer and a good jumper of a fence last season, winning twice, he should be suited by today’s 3m 2 ½ f trip. Goes well fresh 3 wins from 4 runs 4 placed when retuning from a 121+day layoff. Harry Cobden takes the ride and looks the stable number one choice on jockey bookings.

Captain Cattistock is the other Nicholls runner. He’s 2 from 4 over fences, stays well and can’t be discounted if fit to go on his return from a 198-day absence. Three from three here at Wincanton so no problems with the track for the 6-year-old. His stablemate looks stronger here, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Captain Cattistock rated higher than his stablemate by the end of the season.

White Moon won a Exeter Beginners Chase in January but he’s not really built on his hurdling form as had been expected. Plenty of ability and this is first run since a wind-op, but he looks plenty short enough in the betting for what he’s achieved so far over fences.

Coningsby ended last season with a good win at Exeter 217-days ago.  The handicapper has raised him 8lb for that win, but the 6-year-old should remain competitive of his new mark and capable of winning more races over fences.

One of Us, trained by Nick Williams, is another second season chaser. The 7-year-old is 1 win from 6 3 places over the larger obstacles. Got his head in front at the 6^th attempt on his final start of last season when winning a 3m 6 ½ f handicap chase. The step up in trip clearly suited him that day and although he’s 5lb higher than for his Exeter win he’s unexposed as a staying chaser.  Has finished runner-up on both his starts over C&D, including 2^nd of 8 behind subsequent Midlands Grand National winner Potters Cross.  No stamina issues and if he’s fully tuned up won’t be far away.

Verdict: I think this is one most competitive races of the day. Both the Nicholls pair are contenders with a slight preference for Coup De Pinceau who goes well fresh. Coningsby can win races off his present mark. One of Us stays really well and has each way claims off a career high mark.

There you have it some good racing for Sunday this side of the Irish Sea. In fact, I would say it’s as good as yesterday’s fare at least from a betting perspective.

1pt win Coup De Pinceau – 4/1 @ Bet365

0.5pts each way – One Of Us – 10/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes

There are some interesting races at Galway. No more so than the handicap chase at 2:15.

Galway

2:15 – Sumos Novios’s last win came in a Grade 3 at Cork back in April 2018. The 11-year-old hasn’t been the easiest to keep sound as he has only had three starts since his last win. Returns for the first time since pulling up in the Thyestes Chase in January. A 278-day layoff to overcome but in the past he used to go well fresh – 2 wins from 4 runs + 12.40 3 placed when returning from 121 to 365-day absence.  Well handicapped if back to his best, 2lb lower than for his last handicap chase win, and the booking of Paul Townend suggests a big run is expected.

Classy as he is at his best can give to 28lb to Ask Heather? The mare was having just her second run over fences when getting up in a driving finish at Tramore 10-days ago. That novice chase win came over 2m and given she’s won over 3m over hurdles she can be expected to improve further over today’s 2m 6f ½ f.

1pt win – Sumos Novios – 12/1 @ Paddy Power

1pt win – Ask Heather – 6/1 @ William Hill & Racebets

Cheers

John

Hi all,

It’s an action-packed Saturday with racing to suit all tastes. We have day two of Cheltenham’s Showcase Meeting. The final Group 1 of the season at Doncaster, Group race action at Newbury, weather permitting, and over the Irish Sea it’s the October Handicap.

Let’s begin over the jumps at Cheltenham.

Cheltenham

2:00 – I was going to swerve this handicap chase due to changing underfoot conditions. However, I have been tempted by the Warren Greatrex trained Bob Mahler. The 7-year-old looked a useful staying handicap chaser in the making when winning novice handicap chases at Newbury and here over ½ f further back in April. Sent off 4/1 for a valuable handicap chase at Uttoxeter back in May he was soon pulled up after a bad mistake, when probably feeling the effects of a hard season. Will stay further than 3m 1f and the stable had a winner here yesterday.  Each way claims if fully tuned up for this.

0.5pts each way – Bob Mahler – 22/1 @ William Hill & Paddy Power (both paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

3:10 – Trainer, jockey & owner combined to win this with race 12 months ago with Modus and have a lively contender in Brelan D’As who was a steady improver over fences last season. Putting arguably a career best over fences when 3^rd of 19 in the Grand Annual Handicap Chase here at the Festival in March. Underfoot conditions shouldn’t won’t hold any terrors, has won on heavy. Could easily have been a 2pt selection but the trainer runners here yesterday seemed to be needing the run and this could be a prep for next month’s BetVictor Gold Cup. Whatever his fate here today I doubt we have seen the best of this 8-year-old.

1pt win – Brelan D’As – 5/1 @ Bet365 & Paddy Power

3:45 – One shouldn’t really be tempted by Pertemps Series qualifiers but there are a couple to catch the eye for different reasons. Sunset Showdown has been in good form over the summer winning three of his last four starts over hurdles. Just 2lb higher than for the last of those two wins at Worcester 46-days ago. The 6-year-old can go close here if handling the track and the softish ground. Trainer Rebecca Curtis has had a good month 3 winners from 7 runners 43% + 2.32 and her record at the Showcase Meeting in the past 5-years is also an impressive 3 winners from 8 runners 38% +29.25 A/E 2.38.

The other I like is Sykes. The 10-year-old showed a good battling attitude to win at Haydock In February. off 4lb lower. Prior to that he was beaten just a short head on his reappearance in this race 12 months ago. A career best to overcome to win this but we do know he goes well fresh – 1 win from 6 runs 4 placed when returning from a 90+ day layoff.

1pt win – Sunset Showdown – 11/1 @ Paddy Power

1pt win – Sykes – 12/1 @ William Hill & Paddy Power

Doncaster

2:55 – Indianapolis coped well with the heavy ground when beating three rivals at Leicester 18-days ago. This will be tougher under joint top-weight of 10-0 and isn’t certain to confirm with runner-up Spanish Archer on 3lb worse terms. Jabbaar has been hit and miss this season but is handicapped to go well on ground that suits. Gets the first time cheekpieces today and was runner-up in this race 12 months ago off 5lb higher. Each way claims if the headgear has the desired effect.

0.5pts each way – Jabbaar – 14/1 @ William Hill & Bet365

Leopardstown

4:50 – A field of 18 have been declared to go to post for the valuable October Handicap. Mujid has just had the four starts and the 4-year-old seemed to show improved form for the step up to 1m 4f when 5^th of 12 in a valuable handicap at Galway, when last seen 85-days ago. Stall 18 could be better but he’s not without a chance here.  Previous course winner Future Proof came up against an improver over C&D 7-days ago. Nudged up 2lb for that effort demands more from the 4-year-old but he ticks the boxes marked going, distance and track and has solid each way claims again if this doesn’t come to quick.

1pt each way – Future Proof – 12/1 @ Paddy Power (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)

Given the weather and going around the racecourses it’s not a day to get to heavily involved on the staking front.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

An action-packed winter jumps season at Cheltenham kicks off with its annual two-day Showcase Meeting. There’s also some interesting racing on the flat at Doncaster & Newbury. I have selections from Cheltenham & Doncaster.

Cheltenham

3:45 – Dinons, trained by Gordon Elliott, made it three from five over fences when making all to win at Limerick 11-days ago. He jumped well that day and is effective in small fields. Best form had been on a sound surface, won a novice hurdle on good at this meeting 12 months ago, but showed he was just as effective on heavy at Limerick.

2pts win – Dinons – 10/3 @ William Hill

4:20 – Trainer Paul Nicholls has made a good start to the month and his record at this meeting is 9 winners from 30 runners 30% +13.03 A/E 1.38 13 placed 43% in the past 5-years. Five of those winners from seven runners +11.53 came with runners that were having their first run at the track. That makes Cap Du Mathan of some interest on his first start for the trainer since arriving from France. No mention of the 4-year-old in any of the stable tours is a slight concern but the trainer is 2-5 in the race in the past 10-years and he’s worth chancing here.

1pt win – Cap Du Mathan – 13/2 @ William Hill & Unibet

5:30 – Trainer Fergal O’Brien is among the winners 4-19 21% in the past 14-days and his runner Benny’s Bridge is of interest in this handicap hurdle. The 6-year-old won two of his seven start over hurdles last season, including here over 2m 1f (good to soft) in January. The form of that Cheltenham win was franked when runner-up Flash Of Steel won the Silver Trophy at Chepstow early this month. He later went on to win at Market Rasen.  Disappointed when only 9^th of 15 at Sandown in valuable handicap hurdle on his final start of the season. Returns from a 181-day absence here but won on his debut under rules in 2017 and was runner-up on his return last October. Capable of going close here.

1pt win – Benny’s Bridge – 5/1 @ Bet365 & Coral

Doncaster

3:35 – I’m going to take a chance with recent Ascot eyecatcher Call Me Ginger in this 6f Class 2 handicap. A half-brother to the trainers Tommy G, he made a highly promising handicap debut when running on from the behind to finish 6th of 17, beaten just 1 ¾ lengths in the 5f handicap that concluded Ascot’s Saturday card. The 3-year-old a winner over 6f at Redcar two starts back found things happening a shade to quick on his first start over the minimum trip. The soft ground posed no problems for him as his pedigree suggested, given his sire Orientor’s best performances came on an easy surface and he also sired ‘mudlark’ Jack Dexter. Looks the sort to improve with racing and will be suited by a return to 6f.

Triggered, trained by Ed Walker, wasn’t disgraced when 4^th of 12 over C&D back in May, off 2lb higher. The 3-year-old returned from an 84-day lay off to finish a close-up 3^rd of 7 at Thirsk, over 5f, 48-days ago. He will be better suited by today’s extra furlong, but soft ground is a bit of a unknown, has yet to race on worse than good to soft and his best performances have come on good. If handles the going has claims.

1pt win – Call Me Ginger – 8/1 @ Bet365

1pt win – Triggered – 9/1 @ Bet365

Cheers

John

Hi all,

Sorry for the delay in putting this together. I am doing some house major renovations now so the last month or so has been hectic. That’s now all out of the way and I concentrate on the upcoming jumps season.

There are two-day flat cards at Doncaster and Newbury on Friday & Saturday.  The feature race of Doncaster’s Saturday card is the final Group 1 of the English flat season the Vertem Futurity. A field of 12 have been declared at the five-day stage which sounds good until you realise 11 of them are trained by Aidan O’Brien. The highlights of Newbury’s seven race card are two Group 3, including the Horris Hill for the juveniles.

Of more interest to me from a betting perspective this weekend will be Cheltenham’s 2-day Showcase Meeting. The first jumps meeting of the season at the home of National Hunt Racing. The recent rain should mean the course will produce some nice jumps ground for this weekend’s meeting. On Sunday there’s more quality racing with a good card at Aintree with the Old Roan Chase the highlight of a seven-race card which begins at 12:40.

More on the weekend racing on Friday. Let’s look at some horses that might be worth adding to your trackers from the last two weeks.

Eyecatchers – W/e October 13^th

Chepstow hosted its first meeting of the winter jumps season on Friday & Saturday. It’s arguably the first big meeting and a good chance to see some returning National Hunt stars. The recent wet spell meant the meeting took place on softer ground than could have been expected.

Friday October 11^th

Chepstow

Joe Farrell – Rebecca Curtis

The 10-year-old was having his first start in a Veterans Chase and having his first run since pulling up in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandowm in April. He was well fancied in the market sent off 3/1 favourite which suggests connections think he starts the season a competitive mark.

He only ran four times last season from March to April. Far away and the best of those runs came when finishing 2^nd of 11 at Newbury over 3m 2f, off 4lb lower.

He travelled well through the race and when hitting the front two out looked likely to win. However, he made a mistake at the last, lost two places and had to settle for third. There’s a nice staying handicap chase in him if he keeps sound.

Saturday October 12th

Highest Sun – Colin Tizzard

The 5-year-old was having his first start since finishing down the field in the Coral Cup at the Cheltenham Festival.  Prior to that he had won a Chepstow 2 mile handicap hurdle which was his fourth attempt over hurdles.

He made a highly encouraging start the season finishing third of 9, would probably have finished second but for a mistake at the last. Entitled to have needed this first run since March. Starts the new season on a competitive mark, and I will be disappointed if there isn’t a decent handicap hurdle in the lightly raced gelding in the coming months.

The form of this 2m handicap hurdle should work out well and it may be worth noting the fifth horse Louis’ Vac Pouch who was a bit keen on his first start for 162-days. He could win a decent handicap pot when returned to fences.

Imperial Aura – Kim Bailey

Flash The Steel battled on well after the last to land the valuable Silver Trophy Handicap hurdle. But it was the third home Imperial Aura who looks the one to take out of the race.

Returning from a 213-day break and two from two over hurdles, he was sent off the 5/1 favourite. The race was run at a fast pace from the off but the 6-year-old was always travelling comfortably behind the early pace setters, Taking it up three from home, he made a slight mistake two out and was headed between the final two and had to settle for a 4 length, third at the finish.

Should be all the better for this fitness wise and although he’s been nudged up 3lb for this effort he remains on a competitive mark for handicap hurdles.

Eyecatchers – W/e October 20th

I put up one horse for the tracker in my Monday Daily Punt column which ran at Ffos Las on Saturday but there are another three that caught my eye last week. Starting with two from Wetherby’s Wednesday card.

Wednesday October 16^th

Wetherby

Sky Pirate- Jonjo O’Neill

The 6-year-old, twice a winning hurdler, improved for going over fences last season. No wins from five starts 2 placed. He had only been beaten a length at Carlisle on his second start over the larger obstacles and then fell two out when still in contention at Cheltenham in November.

Returning from a 216-day break. He was held up in the early part of the race before making headway five out. He was just behind the leader when falling two from home. This was a promising run given the 2m 3f distance looked like it might prove a bit short for the son of Midnight Legend.

Hopefully he will be none the worse for this mishap and remains one to be interested in when stepped back up in distance, stays 3m.

Teescomponents Lad – Gillian Boanas

Improved with racing last year winning two of his last three start here and at Carlisle on his final run of last season. Sent off the well backed 7/2 favourite at the off the 6-year-old was always in a good position tracking the leaders but couldn’t find an extra gear three out before staying on finish 4^th of 10.  A mark of 130 looks workable in handicap hurdles in the North in the coming weeks.

Thursday October 17^th

Carlisle

Arthurs Gift – Nigel Twiston-Davies

A C&D winner back in February, off 5lb lower, before pulling up in the Midlands National. The 8-year-old was expected by the market to make a winning seasonal reappearance being sent off the 15/8 at the off. He ran well for a long away, but lack of a recent run seemed to find him out and favourite backers knew their fate three from home.

The good to soft going probably wasn’t soft enough for the top weight and he’s another who will be sharper for his seasonal reappearance. Given the market support he received before the race a handicap chase mark of 135 looks exploitable by connections.

Saturday October 19^th

Ffos Las

It was the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las on Saturday. My selection in the race Monsieur Lecoq ran out a brave winner to hold Le Prezien by a short head at the finish. He has the size to make a chaser, but it looks like he will be kept to the smaller obstacles for now and remains one to keep onside for now.  The runner-up will probably be returning to chasing for his next start and like the winner he was well suited to the soft ground. The form of the race should work out well going forward.

Coeur Blimey – Sue Gardner

I put Coeur Blimey up as an eyecatcher in my Daily Punt article but for those of you who missed what I wrote.

The 8-year-old who had finished well down the field in the Cesarewitch 7-days earlier, found 2m on the short side here but he stayed on well enough to finish 4^th. He’s tended to need his first run back over hurdles, so this was an encouraging effort. The softer the ground the better for the gelding and he’s capable of winning a handicap hurdle when returned to further.

Cheers

John

Hi all,

What a relief as the well backed King Carney wins at an early priced advised 7/1.

There are no selections today but my weekly notebook containing two weeks of eyecatchers will be with you later today.

There are no selections today.

Cheers

John