Hi all,
Just the one selection today from Lingfield.
2:30 – Top weight Good Effort returns for the first time since making all to wi a Listed race here over 6f 277-days ago. No issues with drop back to 5f for the speedy 5-year-old. Fitness must be taken on trust given his absence from the track but he’s the best horse in the race and will be hard to peg back if ready to roll.
Cheers
John
Hi all,
It’s not often we get to see a high-quality jumps race during the midweek at this time of year. Today is an exception, as it’s the Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup, the most valuable race held at Exeter racecourse each year. I have a selection in the big race and in the handicap chase at 3:25.
2:25 – Haldon Gold Cup (A Limited Handicap Chase) (Grade 2) – 2m 1 ½ f
The going is good, good to soft in places at Exeter although light showers are forecast. This year’s race has attracted a decent sized field of 10 runners.
Greaneteen, trained by Paul Nicholls, heads the market and bids to give the trainer a fourth win in the race since 2010. The 6-year-old has only had four starts over fences. He needs to improve but it’s highly likely he can do so.
Global Citizen beat Rouge Vif in the Grade 2 Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas and wasn’t disgraced when 4th of 11 in the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival. No issues with good ground and if he can get out front could be hard to peg back. Maybe be better on a flatter track?
Glen Forsa can go well fresh. A high-class novice chaser two seasons ago. He only ran once last season when third to Oldgrangewood at Newbury. Might prefer a bit more ease in the ground but he’s a good jumper of fence and looks competitive off a mark of 154. Trainer Mick Channon won this in 2013 with Somersby.
Bun Doran hails from the inform Tom George yard who have won this race three times since 2014. He’s won off a lay off in the past. A strong traveller the 9-year-old is vulnerable to more progressive rivals off top-weight.
Esprit Du Large won a beginners’ chase here 12 months ago before winning the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ Chase at Sandown in December. Fell two out in the Arkle but was beaten at the time. Can improve further this season would probably prefer softer ground for his seasonal reappearance.
Verdict: I’m going with Glen Forsa ahead of Greaneteen and Esprit Du Large.
1pt each way – Glen Forsa – 8/1 Gen – (William Hill are going a generous 4 places).
3:25 – The bookies are going 6/1 the field in this 18-runner 3m handicap chase which shows what an open race it is.
Course & distance winner Fortescue heads the market. The 6-year-old’s form figures over fences are 1211. Starts the season 8lb higher than for his C&D win in March. Won first time up last season so fitness shouldn’t be an issue but the going could be as his best form has come on soft or heavy.
Killer Clown unseated his rider on his chase debut at Hereford 18-days ago. Has good ground hurdle form so underfoot conditions shouldn’t be an issue. A mark of 124 could be lenient but it’s going to be tough against some experienced handicappers.
Larkbarrow Lad won a Class 2 handicap at Worcester last autumn and made an encouraging chase debut over C&D last month. Will be all better for that experience and trainer Philip Hobbs seem to be hitting form.
Orchardstown Cross won this race 12 months ago on his seasonal return but disappointed on his next two starts. He’s 7lb higher than last year and the going won’t be as soft this time around. Has won on good ground.
Classic Ben disappointed on three starts last season but he’s dropped down to his last winning mark. One from nine over fences, that win came in a Class 2 handicap at Sandown in February 2019 (soft) has form on a sound surface and this represents a slight ease in grade. If ready roll, can go close.
Everlanes won two of her five chase starts last season. Both those wins came going right-handed and she should be all the better for her seasonal reappearance at Stratford 17-days ago. The mare seems fairly ground versatile and is 2-2 racing 2m 6f +.
Verdict: Not sure the ground will be soft enough for Fortescue. The slightly disappointing Classic Ben has dropped down to a winning mark. If in a going mood Orchardstown Cross would have a decent chance of back to back wins in the race. Everlanes will be better for her recent return to action and can go close.
1pt win – Classic Ben – 10/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook
1pt each way – Everlanes – 12/1 @ Paddy Power & Betfair Sportsbook (paying 5 places 1/5 odds)
Cheers
John
Out Sam plugged on into 5th in the Cork Grand National yesterday which meant the place part of the bet was landed if you went with a bookie paying five places.
The flat racing season may have fizzled out in Britain. However, if you like you International racing then you have the Melbourne Cup to look forward to in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Then at the weekend it’s Breeders Cup time at Keeneland.
Now I love a dabble in “The race that stops the nation”. I have never found the winner of the race but I have had some big priced place efforts. I’m not going to go into the race in any detail but I have a couple of fancies for you.
Before the big race ‘Down Under’ there’s some tricky big field puzzles to solve across the Irish Sea at the Curragh.
1:30 – Kodiac Prince has been running consistently in big field handicap like this all season. He goes well in the mud and should be there or thereabouts again. Miss Myers was predictably outclassed in a Group 3 at Naas yesterday. Prior to that she had finished close-up in handicaps over 7f & 1m. If she runs must be respected with a talented apprentice taking off a handy 7lb.
2:40 – Gregory’s Gift remains a maiden after 11 starts but has run well on two of his last three starts to have a chance here. Was beaten just a nose of today’s mark at Limerick last month off today’s mark and was 4th of 13 over C&D 18-days ago.
3:15 – Grace To Grace needs to bounce back from a couple of moderate runs but if the filly can reproduce her 2nd of 12 at Roscommon (soft to heavy), beaten a nose then she would have a decent chance here.
Tiger Moth is a bit of a boring selection. The Aidan O’Brien trained 3-year-old is the least experienced horse in the race. A winner of a Leopardstown maiden on his second start. He followed up that success by finishing runner-up in the Irish Derby. Off the track for 77-days he returned to win a Group 3 on Irish Champions Weekend. Stall 23 isn’t great but he’s got a light weight and Kerrin McEvoy in the plate. He could be a Group 1 horse in Europe next season. If you can get the 7/1 with Coral take it.
Surprise Baby, a fast finishing 5th in the race 12 months ago. Has a decent draw in stall 5 and could turn out to be the best of the home team?
German trainer Andreas Wohler saddled Protectionist to win this race in 2014. He saddles Ashrun this year. The 4-year-old showed his well-being by finishing 4th in the Geelong Cup on his first start Down Under. Needed to win on Friday at Flemington to sneak in at the bottom of the weights which he duly did. The step to 2m will be in his favour and If the race doesn’t come to quick, he should give former Irish Conditional jump jockey Declan Bates a great spin. Another with a wide draw in stall 24 to overcome but the 25/1 available with Sky Bet looks value.
Cheers
John
Hi all,
Apart from Militarian plugging on into a place in the Sodexo Gold Cup and Sebastopol being a non-runner in the handicap hurdle it was a disappointing day on the punting front. The good news is there are a couple of good races to get stuck into today and an opportunity to end the weekend in profit.
3:20 – Paddy Power Cork Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade B) – 3m 4f
Nineteen are set to go to post for this year’s race. Not only a big field of handicap chasers with the last two winners in the race but also a bit of quality in the shape of couple of young and potentially improving staying chasers.
The last two winners of the race are also run in The Gatechecker and Out Sam. The former won this last year and although he’s 6lb higher 12 months remains on a competitive mark. Had a couple of spins over hurdles as a prep and is the choice of Mark Walsh. Out Sam lost his way over regulation fences after winning the race in 2018 but he seemed to be rejuvenated in the Cross-Country sphere last season, finishing third twice at Cheltenham. The 11-year-old looked to be running a decent race on his return to action, when falling four out at Kilbeggan 20-days ago. Now 6lb lower than his last winning mark he’s got to be respected given he hails form the Gordon Elliott yard.
Tokyo Getaway is at the opposite end of the experience spectrum. The mare has just had the three starts over fences. A winner of a Clonmel beginners’ chase on heavy on her second start over the larger obstacles back in February. The mare ran well to finish third over hurdles 3 three weeks ago and should be spot on fitness wise for this. Suited to the mud if she stays today’s marathon trip, she looks on a good mark.
Deadheat has done well for present connections since arriving from France with his form figures being 3121. A solid jumper of a fence, he stays and will like the ground. Up 10lb for a recent Punchestown success but he’s another open to more improvement and the 7-year-old must be high on the shortlist.
Verdict: Deadheat steps up in class here but is open to more improvement, as is Tokyo Getaway. Both Out Sam & The Gatechecker come into the reckoning with a slight preference for the Gordon Elliott trained 11-year-old.
2:40 – Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase – (Listed Race) – 2m 4f
A small but select field of six for this usually informative race for second season chasers. You can make a case for five of the six runners.
Imperial Aura heads the market. He ended last season with a win in the novices’ handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival and looks set for a good season after just four starts over fences.
Brewin’upastorm won his first two starts over fences here and at Taunton last season before unseating his rider four out in the Arkle Novices’ Chase in March. First try over 2m 4f over the larger obstacles but he seemed to stay the distance over hurdles.
Black Op is having his first run since finishing runner-up in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas. He stays 3m and may lack the speed of some of his rivals here.
Double Windsor won his first two starts over fences last season, including a C&D novice chase 12 months ago. Well beaten on his last two starts but he’s had a wind-op since, goes well on soft ground and must be a contender.
Sam Brown returned from a 750-day absence to win at Lingfield and a Grade 2 novices chase at Haydock last season. Ran as if something was amiss when pulling up in the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot in February. The conditions of the race mean he must give Imperial Aura 2lb and Brewin’upastorm 6lb. On the plus side he goes well fresh and trainer Anthony Honeyball saddled an Ascot treble yesterday.
Verdict: At the prices I’m happy to take a chance with Sam Brown but Brewin’upastorm is the one I fear most of the front two.
Cheers
John
Hi all,
I hoped you enjoyed yesterday’s preview. Here are my selections for Saturday’s racing.
Looking at the weather forecast both Wetherby and Ascot are set for a couple of hours of rain in mid-morning but it’s set to be a mainly dry and sunny afternoon at both tracks. Low sun anyone? Not sure how much rain either track will see, it could be 3mm or 4mm. I have proceeded on the basis that that it will be soft but not too testing ground at both tracks this afternoon.
My selections are from Wetherby, Ascot & Down Royal.
1:20 – I am going to take on favourite Guy here. Like the favourite Dandolo Du Gite is 1-1 over fences but this is his first start for 528-days. The step up to 2m 3 ½ f should be fine, he won over hurdles on soft and has won off a lay off in the past. Sam England has her horses in good form at present and her representative Well Smitten can go well. The 8-year-old is 2-4 since joining the yard last season. The last of those wins came over C&D back in March (soft). Perhaps even more crucially he’s got a good record fresh – 2-2 when racing between 121 & 365-days since his last start. This is a better race than last time but he can go close.
3:20 – If, and it’s a big if Cyrname can replicate his Ascot form going left-handed he wins this. He’s also drifted out to a value price with Vinndication now favourite with most firms. Aye Right has each way claims but the big prices have now long gone. Despite the form of the Jedd O’Keeffe stable I’m going to take a chance with Sam Spinner who made it 3-3 over fences when winning a Grade 2 at Doncaster last December. He’s 3-4 when returning from a 121-day break and remains open to more improvement over the larger obstacles.
1:20 – Not a race to get to heavily involved in. There’s not much between Dorking Boy, Falco Blitz and Republican on hurdle ratings but there is a big difference in their prices. Republican a winner over hurdles at Taunton last season is bred for chasing and if the ground is soft, I think he can run into the places on his debut over the larger obstacles.
3:05 – Malaya’s C&D form makes her of interest but she’s 0-11 when returning from a 31+ day layoff. Hang In There is on a competitive mark but has questions to answer at present. It’s hard to look beyond likely improvers Kid Commando & Sebastopol. Both have won fresh in the past so there shouldn’t be any issues with fitness for their seasonal reappearances. Kid Commando makes his handicap hurdle debut and looks on a good mark. Form figures on soft are 121 so any further easing of the ground will suit. Yard among the winner. Sebastopol has already won two handicap hurdles but the 6-year-old looks open to a bit more improvement. Slight concern that trainer Tom Lacy has gone two weeks without a winner but apart from that he’s got solid claims.
3:40 – Top -weight Black Corton was third in this race 12 months ago. He will be there or thereabouts but his consistency means he remains on a tough mark and is vulnerable to any improvers. Commanche Red is one who could be ahead of his mark. Last seasonhe beat Simply The Betts in a novices handicap chase at Kempton over Christmas. Yet to race beyond 2m 4 ½ f but is handicapped to win more races on his second season chasing. There are plenty of C&D winners in the field. If the Colin Tizzard yard was in better form, I would give Mister Malarky a decent chance, although he wouldn’t want the ground to soft. Militarian is just 1lb above his last winning mark over C&D and did win first time up last season. He’s got each way claims.
1:50 – I doubt there is a more competitive race today than this 18-runner handicap hurdle. The market is headed by Getaway Gorgeous & Wolf Prince both have solid claims and the latter remains open to improvement on his handicap hurdle debut.
Drop The Anchor beat Getaway Gorgeous a short head at Listowel last time. He’s 2lb worse off today but the runner-up at race fitness on her side that day and I think he can confirm that form today. The 6-year-old jumped much better at Listowel than he had done last season and if he can cut out the errors, he can win more races off his revised mark.
Hearts Are Trumps can normally be relied on to give his running in these big field handicap hurdles. He was 4th of 14 in this race 12 months ago and finished runner-up in the Galway Hurdle in August. Finds winning hard but has place claims again.
3:00 – I’m going to take on Easy Game & Samcro with Sizing Pottsie who gets weight from his main rivals here.
Cheers
John
Hi all,
The first big races of the winter jumps campaign.
It’s Charlie Hall Day at Wetherby with the feature race being the Grade 2 Charlie Hall Chase (3:20) and after some slight hesitation Cyrname makes his seasonal reappearance here rather than at Ascot. There’s a good supporting card at the West Yorkshire track with Stayers Hurdle winner Lisnagar Oscar returning to action in the Grade 2 West Yorkshire Hurdle (2:45).
Add in a competitive jumps card at Ascot and you have eight exciting races being covered by ITV this afternoon. If that wasn’t enough for you ITV are also showing the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Champion Chase (2:25) from Down Royal.
The Down Royal card is one some ways the best meeting of the day. Besides the Champion Chase. There’s a Grade 2 Chase (3:00) over 2m 3 ½ f. Where Samcro takes on three of last season’s top novice chasers in the shape stablemate Battleofdoyen, Easy Game and Sizing Pottsie.
It’s hard to know where to start todays’ preview but there’s plenty to get through. I have had a look at the all the races on ITV and to give you a time to digest my thoughts I’m sending this out on Friday afternoon. My final selections will be with you on Saturday morning after I know what the going is like at the various racecourses.
Recent Huntingdon winner Guy heads the ante post betting and is sure to be popular with punters. He’s up 12lb for that success but has only had the one start over fences and is open to further improvement.
Dandolo Du Gite is also 1-1 over fences but he’s having first start for 528-days. Another with scope for more progress and he’s won fresh in the past.
Inform Kim Bailey saddles He’s No Trouble who won on his second start over fences at Huntingdon in November, off 3lb lower. Ran poorly on two starts after and has a wind-op over the summer.
Well Smitten is one of the more experienced chasers in the field. The 8-year-old made it 3-12 over the larger obstacles when winning over C&D in February. Up 7lb and a notch in class for his return to action but he won first time up last season.
Niven won at Catterick on his final start of last season off 4lb lower. Will be fitter for his seasonal appearance here at the last meeting and could run well at big odds.
Just the seven go to post which isn’t helpful to each way punters.
Verdana Blue wouldn’t want the ground to get much softer but her class may get her through which looks a weak race. On Official Ratings she has 24lb in hand of nearest market rival Whitehotchillifili. The 6-year-old won two of her four starts over hurdles last season, both on heavy ground and wasn’t disgraced when 6th of 22 in the Mares Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. She looks capable of more progress this season. Mrs Hyde showed her well bring when winning a Listed novice hurdle at Kempton 13-days ago. The 7-year-old benefitted form a strong pace that day and if she gets one here can get into the money.
Sadly, Thyme Hill doesn’t run but shock 50/1 Stayers Hurdle winner Lisnagar Oscar is set for his seasonal return. The 7-year-old must give 6lb and more to his rivals here but may still be good enough to do so.
Roksana won the Mares Hurdle at the 2019 Cheltenham Festival, although she benefited from the fall of Benie Des Dieux at the last and then went on to finish runner-up in a Grade 1 at Aintree on her next start. Not as good last season and may be better for the run.
Wholestone finished runner-up in this race in 2017. The 9-year-old went novice chasing last season but hasn’t been seen in action since winning a Cheltenham novice chase 350-days ago. Fitness won’t be an issue as his form figures when racing 121+days since his last run are 11411. Each way claims on ground that will suit.
Cyrname is the class horse of the race but he’s yet to show he’s as good going left handed or stays 3m. For those reasons he’s worth taking on.
High class staying hurdler Sam Spinner won all three starts over fences last season, including two here. He wasn’t seen out after winning a Grade 2 novices chase at Doncaster last December. No issues with ground but will his jumping hold up against more experienced rivals.
Kim Bailey opts to send Vinndication here rather than Ascot. A winner at Ascot on his seasonal return. He wasn’t seen out until the Cheltenham Festival when he put in a great weight carrying performance when 4th of 23 in the Ultima Handicap Chase. The 7-year-old has just six starts over fences and capable of better.
Ballyoptic won this 12 months ago and put in career best on RPR’s when carrying top-weight to victory in an Ascot handicap in February. Must concede a 6lb penalty to all but Cyrname but the softer the ground the better for him and although he had the benefit of recent run 12 months ago has won fresh in the past.
Defintely Red won this in 2018, well beaten 12 months ago and can’t be discounted.
Aye Right was an eyecatcher over an inadequate 2m 1f at Kelso 27-days ago. Outpaced coming to two out he rallied and stayed on well all the way to line to finish runner-up to Nuts Well. Remains unexposed over fences and although this a tough ask for the 7-year-old he should give a good account of himself and could get into the money.
The ante post betting is headed by Dr Sanderson broke his maiden tag over fences at the fifth attempt when winning under top-weight at Plumpton 12 days ago. Just 7lb higher and looks capable of winning more races off his new mark. Best form on good or good to soft.
Dorking Boy made a good start to chasing career when runner-up at Exeter 11-days ago. It was good to firm at Exeter but his winning form over hurdles came on soft ground. Should the ground ease further he would need respecting!
Nicky Henderson who saddled the winner of the race in 2018, had a couple of entries at the five-day stage and he relies on Falco Blitz who won over hurdles here last season and makes his handicap chase debut off a fair enough mark.
Just the nine declared at the five-day stage but eight have stood their ground which is good news for each way punters. As with previous race it’s hard to look beyond the front end of the betting
Capeland won a handicap chase over C&D last November. Was unlucky in this race 12 months when taken out at the last by stablemate and eventual winner Diego Du Charmil. Now 7lb higher than for that C&D win but remains the one to beat.
Ibleo returned from an 838-day absence to win his first two starts over fences at Wincanton & Huntingdon. Maybe found 2m 4f to far when beaten favourite back at the latter venue. Goes well fresh but best form has come on soft or heavy ground. Trainer Venetia Williams saddled the winner of this race in 2013 & 2015.
Flaminger made it 3-6 over fences when winning at Fontwell on his seasonal reappearance 28-days ago. Another who’s best form has so far come on soft or heavy ground. Remains open to further improvement over fences. Little Light was a well beaten third at Fontwell but will be sharper for that run and Jack Tudor takes off a handy 5lb.
Two of my initial for the race weren’t declared but one does run.
Countister has been lightly raced since finishing third in the 2018 County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival. Probably on a competitive mark but she needed the run on her seasonal return last season.
Kid Commando a useful bumper horse won his hurdle debut at Plumpton (soft) and then finished 3rd of 9 in the Grade 2 Dovecote Novices Hurdle at Kempton. Handicap hurdle debut and open to further improvement. Won first time up last autumn so fitness shouldn’t be a problem.
Course & distance winner Malaya has run some of her best races at Ascot. Goes well on soft and is just 2lb her last winning mark. Capable of going close if ready to roll.
Sebastopol made it 2-5 over hurdles when winning a Class 2 handicap hurdle at Musselburgh 273-days ago. Both wins going right-handed and looks like there could more progress to come from the 6-year-old this season. Won on his seasonal return last season so fitness shouldn’t be an issue if he’s good enough.
Hang In There won two of his three starts over hurdles last season but struggled in better company on his final two starts. Wasn’t given a hard race on his seasonal return at Fontwell 28-days ago and the better ground will suit him better. Not without a chance, if bouncing back to last autumns best.
No Cyrname or Vinndication, who both head to Wetherby, but the race has still attracted a competitive field of fourteen handicap chasers.
Commanche Red beat Simply The Betts in a novices handicap chase at Kempton over Christmas. Before returning to that venue to finish third in the Grade 2 Pendil Novices Chase. Handicapped to win races but has yet to race beyond 2m 4 ½ f, so stamina for a strongly run 3m is a bit of an unknown. Yard having a quiet autumn.
Whatmore is 1-6 over fences and finished fourth in valuable handicap chases at Kempton and the Cheltenham Festival. Just the two starts over 3m but shaped at Kempton like a stiff 3m would suit provided the ground isn’t too soft. Looks a big handicap chase winner in the waiting.
Plenty of C&D winners in the race.
Course & distance winner Regal Encore rarely runs a bad race here and has a decent chance. Militarian is just 1lb higher than when over C&D last November. This is a much hotter race though for his seasonal return.
Valtor won a valuable C&D handicap chase on his first start for Nicky Henderson back in December 2018, off 2lb lower and won a novice hurdle here on his seasonal return last season. Showed his liking for the track once more when second to Ballyoptic over C&D in February. The more rain the better his chance.
Black Corton is a previous C&D winner and finished a 3rd of 16 in this race 12 months ago. He’s 2lb lower this time around and the top-weight seems sure to give his running again.
Mister Malarky won the Grade 2 Reynoldstown Novices Chase over C&D two seasons back. Was well beaten in this race 12 months ago before finishing a respectable 6th of 24 in the Ladbroke Trophy at Newbury. Went on to win a valuable 3m handicap chase at Kempton, beating Black Corton into second, in February. Last seen pulling up at the Cheltenham Festival. The form of the Colin Tizzard yard is a concern but the 7-year-old is capable landing another nice handicap put this season when getting no worse than good to soft ground.
Nine stand their ground for the first Grade 1 of the National Hunt season either side of the Irish Sea. Gordon Elliott saddles four in Delta Work, The Storyteller, Ravenhill and Presenting Percy. The latter named is having his first start for the trainer since moving stables and it will be interesting to see what Elliot can do this season with the talented 9-year-old.
Grade 1 winner Delta Work is top on official ratings and heads the ante post betting. The 7-year-old ran poorly in this race 12 months but if ready to roll is the one to beat.
Henry De Bromhead saddles two in: Chris’s Dream & Balko Des Flos. The former is the clear the pick of his pair and although he was well beaten in the Gold Cup, he’s a much better horse after a break and goes well right handed. Has 6lb to find with Delta Work but he could take this if the favourite needs the run.
The Storyteller and Tout Est Permis were first and second in a Grade 3 at Punchestown 17-days ago. The winner won on merit that day but Tout Est Permis was conceding race fitness and I wouldn’t be surprised if he reversed placings here. He’s only seven and although he’s got a bit to find on OR’s I wouldn’t be surprised if he ran into the places.
Not on ITV and only five have been declared but it’s a race of quality.
Cheltenham Festival winner Samcro makes his seasonal reappearance. He’s the headline act but does face three decent second season chasers.
Battleofdoyen won first time up last season. A 3m Grade 1 winning novice chaser at Leopardstown last season he wasn’t disgraced when 4th of 10 in the RSA Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. May find one or two a bit to quick over this trip.
Easy Game runner-up to Faugheen in a Grade 1 in February. Was beaten when falling at the last in the RSA. He has race fitness on his side, having already had three runs this summer and last time out put in a career best on RPR’s when beating The Storyteller by 7 lengths in a Grade 2 at Gowran Park. This is his trip and he looks sure to go close.
Sizing Pottsie has just had the four starts over fences and his form figures are U11F. The 6-year-old really impressed when winning a 2m Grade 3 at Navan in March. Fell two out on his final start at Thurles later that month. A bad mistake at the 7th seemed to knock his confidence of this normally good jumper. First start beyond 2m 2f but should stay this far although may prefer softer ground. If none the worse for his Thurles mishap he should win more races this season.
Cheers
John
Hi all,
I really excited by today’s racing. At Wetherby there are two Listed races; one a Class 1 handicap chase (2:10) and the other the Wensleydale Juvenile Hurdle (2:45). There’s also a good supporting card for day one of the Charlie Hall meeting.
At Down Royal it’s the first day of the Ladbrokes Festival of Racing. Highlights of a seven-race card at the Ulster track are a Grade 3 mares novices’ hurdle (1:15) and a Grade 2 hurdle (1:50) where Supreme Novices Hurdle runner-up Abacadabras makes his seasonal return to action.
Envoi Allen winner of the Ballymore Novices Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival makes his chase debut in the beginners’ chase (3:00). Unbeaten on all eight career starts he will be long odds on to make a winning start over the larger obstacles.
1:35 – bet365 Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) – 2m
Last years winner Fransham heads the market. The 6-year-old didn’t really build on that success on three subsequent starts last season. Should be sharper for a recent run at Market Rasen and must be respected back over C&D, off just a 3lb higher than 12 months ago.
Don’t Hesitate is having her first run since switching from the Willie Mullins to Fergal O’Brien yard. First run for 12 months but she’s won fresh in the past. It will be interesting to see if the stable switch has rejuvenated the mare.
Pop The Cork ended last season with a career best when 2nd of 12 at Warwick in February. Has had a summer wind-op and can’t be dismissed if the going is soft enough.
William H Bonney has been lightly raced since the spring of 2019. A winner on his seasonal return two seasons back, He returned from a 295-day absence to finish 3rd of 13 at Stratford in March. In need of the run on his return when only 5th over C&D 16-days ago and should be spot on fitness wise today.
Marlborough Sounds found plenty for pressure when winning a soft ground handicap hurdle at Fontwell in January. However, stamina seemed to run out when tried over 2m 5f at Kempton the following month. Returned to action with a win on his all-weather debut at Kempton 42-days ago. Despite his soft ground success was withdrawn from a race at Aintree on Sunday due to soft ground.
2:10 – Cash Out At bet365 Handicap Chase (Listed Race) (Class 1) – 2m 3 ½ f
A competitive renewal of the race which has attracted a good-sized field of 12 and there are plenty in with a chance.
Two For Gold is the ante-post favourite. The 7-year-old won his first three starts over fences last season, including a Warwick Grade 2 novices chase (3m) in January. Proved no match for Copperhead when runner-up in the Reynoldstown Novices Chase 258-days ago. Soft ground suits the 7-year-old and looks a worthy favourite despite the drop in distance for his seasonal reappearance.
Born Survivor won this race in 2018 and went on to win a valuable handicap chase at Ayr in the spring of 2019. Was only 4th in this last year but the ground was soft and his best form has come on good or good to soft.
Happy Diva was runner-up 12 months ago before going on to win the Paddy Power at Cheltenham. Ended last season with an excellent 2nd of 23 at the Cheltenham Festival. Career high mark to defy and may be better for the run as she was last year.
Huntsmans Son looked a progressive young chaser at this sort of distance when last seen in action. First start for 538-days here and is suited to good or good to soft ground. Remains unexposed over fences. Can go well if ready to roll after his long absence and the ground isn’t too soft.
Joke Dancer had a recent prep over hurdles at the last meeting. Two from six over fences. The 7-year-old tended to jump markedly to his right in his races last season and gets the first time cheekpieces today. On a good mark, just 3lb above his last winning mark but will need to jump straighter in this company.
Charmant won over C&D in January, off 6lb lower. He’s unexposed over this sort of trip. Goes well on soft ground and has won fresh in the past but trainer James Ewart is struggling for winners at present.
Louis Vac Pouch is an interesting runner for Phil Kirby. The 8-year-old has only had three starts since joining his present yard. Wasn’t disgraced when 7th of 23 behind Simply Betts at the Cheltenham Festival in March and was still in contention when hampered by a faller two out that day. Well beaten at Market Rasen on his return 13-days ago but has each way claims on his best form.
3:20 – Each Way Extra At bet365 Handicap Chase (Class 3) – 1m 7f
The Sue Smith runners seem to be needing their first start. Her runner here Cracking Find ran well for a long way but was beaten when unseating his rider here at the last meeting. The 9-year-old struggled on all four starts last season. However, the season before was in great form winning over C&D and at Doncaster. Now 9lb below his last winning mark and is too well handicapped to ignore.
Equus Miller made a winning debut over fences at Worcester (good) in July 2019. Probably on a good handicap mark, goes well fresh but probably wants a sound surface.
Some Reign won over fences at the eighth attempt at Hexham 28-days ago. The 9-year-old wasn’t winning out of turn as he had run well on several occasions. Appreciated the drop-in class last time and is 5lb higher in a better race.
Smith’s Cross is 0-4 over fences but doesn’t look badly handicapped on the form of his chase debut when 3rd of 7 at Carlisle 12 months ago. Now 10lb lower, he’s had a couple of hurdle runs this season and gets the first-time blinkers for a return to the larger obstacles and drop back in trip.
Ballyvic Boru won off this mark over C&D last October. Needed the run when third at Hereford 9-days ago. A return to this galloping track will be in his favour and he’s weighted to go close.
Cheers
John
Hi all,
Plenty of good racing to look forward too over the weekend, starting on Friday with the start of the two-day Charlie Hall Meeting at Wetherby and the Ladbrokes Festival of Racing at Down Royal. The latter meeting often sees the seasonal reappearance of horses that go onto run well at the Cheltenham Festival. So, the notebooks will be out for Down Royal that’s for sure.
Before all that. Lingfield has a good card for a midweek today with two Listed race and a Class 2 handicap the highlights of an eight-race card at the Surrey track. I have selections from there and one from Newton Abbot, if the latter tracks passes a morning inspection.
2:15 – Hamdan Al Maktoum has two runners here in favourite Ghalyoon and Huraiz and the former is the choice of retained jockey Jim Crowley. However, i like the claims of Huraiz who hasn’t been seen since proving his stamina for 7f when runner-up at Chelmsford 134-days ago. The 3-year-old did win on his racecourse debut, so can go well fresh.
2:45 – Cloak Of Sprits makes her all-weather debut and will take some beating if reproducing the form of her 1000 Guineas second and Sun Chariot third.
Soffika hasn’t been seen finishing 7th of 15 in the Sandringham Handicap at Royal Ascot. Just the three career starts and we probably haven’t seen the best of the Sir Michael Stoute trained filly.
Lavender’s Blue is another making her all weather debut. She won a Sandown Group 3 last season on good to firm and went close in Listed race back at the same venue in August. It was mostly disappointing summer for the 4-year-old who never got to race on fast ground. If she takes to the surface will go close.
Newton Abbot
3:28 – Previous course (hurdles) winner Momella has just had the two starts over fences but shaped with encouragement when 2nd of 6 at Huntingdon last November. Nicely handicapped on her smart novice hurdle form in 2017-18 season and will enjoy underfoot conditions.
At the prices I just prefer the Venetia Williams trained Eceparti. The 6-year-old won his first two starts over fences last season on soft ground. Showed he could be competitive of his present mark when beaten just a head at Fakenham in January. Yard has had two winners in the last few days and I strongly fancy Eceparti to be another on ground that will suit.
Cheers
John
Hi all,
Mac Swiney was the highlight of yesterday with his gutsy win in the Vertem Futurity. Frodon put in a masterclass of jumping at Cheltenham. He was the only one that I failed to put on my betting shortlist that I wish I had done. In his case I talked myself out of it at a very late stage.
That’s racing and we move onto Aintree today for the first time this season. It’s a good card with some good field sizes due to the eased ground. This morning the going has changed from an overnight good to soft to soft.
1:22 – Every Race Live On Racing TV Veterans’ Handicap Chase – 3m 1f
Venetia Williams saddles last years winner of this veteran’s chase and she has a good chance of back to back wins in the race with One Style. The 10-year-old was bidding for a six timer when falling in the Kim Muir Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. He goes well on rain softened ground and won first time up last season.
Previous C&D winner Minella Celebration returned from a 138-day layoff to win the valuable Summer Cup at Uttoxeter on his last start. He’s just 1lb higher here and provided they go a decent gallop she should be there or thereabouts and could be worth a saver.
1:57 – Monet’s Garden Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase (Grade 2) – 2m 4f
The recent rain means a good-sized field of 12 have been declared to run in the most valuable jumps race of the weekend.
Midnight Shadow ran a decent enough race when 6th in the Marsh Novices Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Won one of his six starts when chasing last season and there should be more to come in his second season over the larger obstacles. A winner here over hurdles, he’s ground versatile and although this would be his first start for 227-days, he’s 2 wins from 4 runs 3 places when returning from a 121-day layoff.
I will be surprised if Itchy Feet doesn’t prove to be better this season than his mark of 154 and has a favorites chance on his seasonal reappearance. There’s not much juice in his price although the soft ground is a big plus for the 6-year-old.
Oldgrangewood improved for a wind op last season when winning at Newbury & Cheltenham last season before finishing 4th of 23 Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate at the Festival In March. Trainer can get one ready first time but the 9-year-old did seem to need his first run last season when third here last November.
Magic Saint was well behind Oldgrangewood at Cheltenham in January but a flatter track suits him much better. Yet to win beyond 2m 2f so stamina to prove here but he looks worth another go at the distance and mark of 154 looks workable for the 6-year-old.
Verdict: An excellent renewal of the race. Itchy Feet is the right favourite. However, I’m playing two at bigger odds in Midnight Shadow and Magic Saint.
2:32 – Watch Race Replays At racingtv.com Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 3) – 3m 1f
A tricky novice’s handicap chase. Acey Milan, trained by Anthony Honeyball, a useful staying handicap hurdler in the mud. The 6-year-old makes his chase debut here off what looks a competitive mark of 130 if he takes to the larger obstacles.
3:42 – arenagroup.com Handicap Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 2) – 2m 4f
En Meme Temps a winner at Ascot for his previous yard in March 2019. Ran well on both starts for Phil Kirby. Shaped like there was a race in him off his present mark when 3rd of 11 at Cheltenham in January. First run for 274-days but he ran well his seasonal return 12 months ago, off a 207-day layoff, to suggest he can go well here.
Point Of Principle ran a cracker on his seasonal return in 2018 and finished 2nd of 20 over C&D (soft) in April of 2019, off 1lb lower. Below form on both starts last season but not without a chance if reproducing his previous C&D form.
Both have claims of getting into the money if ready to roll with a slight preference for En Meme Temps.
Cheers
John
Hi all,
A pleasing day yesterday with the first & third in the 2m 5f handicap hurdle at Cheltenham. Need to maintain that form today. On what is another good of racing to suit both jumps and flat fans.
It’s the final Group 1 of the British Flat season with the Vertem Futurity at Doncaster alongside a second day at Cheltenham.
ITV are televising races from Cheltenham, Doncaster, and Newbury on a busy afternoon. I have selections from all three meetings. Let’s begin at Cheltenham and two competitive handicaps.
3:15 – Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle (Pertemps Hurdle Series Qualifier) – 3m
Tobefair won this race 12 months ago (heavy) on his seasonal return. The 10-year-old is 3lb higher than last year but Jack Tudor takes off a handy 5lb. He goes well fresh and although last years win came on heavy. His record on good or quicker is 6 wins from 9 runs so underfoot conditions shouldn’t be a problem for the veteran.
Trainer Harry Whittington had a big race winner yesterday with Rouge Vif and he has a lively contender in Sir Robbie who won a Uttoxeter handicap hurdle 20-days ago. All the 6-year-old’s career wins have come at Uttoxeter though. First run at Cheltenham but if he handles the track, he can go well off 6lb higher than last time.
A sound surface really suits Neville’s Cross who made it 2 wins from 2 runs when winning at Haydock 11-days ago. Up 12lb for that success but the 5-year-old is progressive and unexposed, just the five starts over hurdles, and can go close again on a sound surface.
Verdict: I really should leave these Pertemps Qualifiers alone but I do like three of the runners. Hard to split the three in truth. On good ground Neville’s Cross should be there. Tobefair goes well fresh and should be ready to roll today. Sir Robbie is going the right way and looks a decent each way price if he can replicate his Uttoxeter form at this venue.
3:50 – Matchbook Betting Exchange Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 3m 1f
For me the most interesting race on today’s Cheltenham card.
Cogry is a bit of a standing dish around here. He won the race in 2017. Finished runner-up in 2018 and third 12 months ago. All those performances came on his seasonal reappearance so he shouldn’t lack for race fitness in Saturday.
Frodon is another Cheltenham specialist with 5 wins from 12 runs +27.25. He’s goes well fresh and handles most types of ground. Won’t be easy to defy top-weight but the 8-year-olds got a touch of class and a mark of 164 is workable, if ready to roll.
Manofthemountain made it 4 wins from 5 starts over fences when making a winning seasonal return to action at Bangor last month. A progressive handicap chaser. He seems ground versatile and although he’s 7lb higher looks the right favourite.
Cobra De Mai won a valuable handicap chase over 3m 2f here back in April 2019, off 2lb higher, and wasn’t disgraced when 6th of 23 in the Ultima Handicap Chase at this years Festival. Best three RPR’s have come on good ground so if the ground stays on the good side it will be in the 8-year-old’s favour.
Cloth Cap would be an interesting runner. The 8-year-old finished third in the 2019 Scottish Grand National. He didn’t win any of his four starts last season but put in a couple of good placed efforts at Ascot and Doncaster. Handles soft ground but his three career wins have come on good or good to soft. Looks on a winnable mark for his seasonal return.
Verdict: I wish I gone in for the good ground loving Cobra De Mai earlier in the week when he was double his present odds. Frodon has a touch of class and loves it here. Will he need the run though? That leaves Cloth Cup and early ante post favourite Manofthemountain as my two picks at present prices.
2:55 – Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes (Group 1) – 1m
Eleven are set to go to post for this year’s renewal. Aidan O’Brien had 7 of the 18 declared at the five-day stage. He runs only one in Wembley. The ante post favourite for the race after his 2nd of 14 in the Dewhurst. The colt goes on soft ground and can improve for the step up to a mile. He’s the one they all must beat on form.
One Ruler, trained by Charlie Appleby, won a Group 3 at Newmarket over mile two weeks ago. He’s going the right way and looks set for a big run.
Megallan was three places and 3 ½ lengths behind One Ruler at Newmarket. He didn’t get the best of passages that day and is entitled to get closer to that one today. Has each way claims.
Andrew Balding saddled Kameko to win this last year and Elm Park in 2014. He saddles the twice raced maiden King Vega. The colt should improve for the step up to a mile. First run on soft but he should be fine in the ground.
Mac Swiney is rare Doncaster runner for Irish trainer Jim Bolger. The colt was well down the field in the National Stakes (Wembley was runner-up) on his last start. The ground was good that day at the Curragh. Prior to that run the son of New Approach had won a Group 2 at the Curragh on soft ground. The step up to a mile should bring out more improvement and he’s another with place claims.
Roger Varian won this with Kingston Hill in 2013 and he saddles Baradar who made it 2 wins from 3 runs when winning at York (soft) 14-days ago. Connections have supplemented the colt for the race which shows he’s clearly highly regarded. Closely matched with Magallan on their running at Newbury last month. He’s 2 wins from 2 runs on soft ground and can go well.
Verdict: The obvious pick is Wembley. The others must improve to beat the favourite but there are few who can do so. The likely soft ground brings both Mac Swiney and Baradar into the mix. I have gone with the former each way at the 18/1 available with Bet365.
3:35 – Molson Coors Beverage Company Stakes (Registered As The Horris Hill Stakes) (Group 3) -7f
Existent seemed to relish the heavy ground when winning a Newmarket maiden 21-days ago. That was the son of Kingman’s first start since disappointing run in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. Needs to improve further to win this but given this is just the colts fourth career start it’s a real possibility that he can.
Cheers
John