After a very good and busy few days of high class action at both Kempton and Leopardstown, who conclude their Winter Festival, the racing on Saturday is more good and competitive without being high class.
The feature meeting is Newbury, who host the Challow Hurdle at 2.45. The two to focus on here are Taquin Du Seuil and Clondaw Kaempfer. The former i selected as a dark horse at the start of the season, and ran well in defeat behind My Tent Or Yours at Ascot, who we will touch on later. He then demolished a good field at Sandown upped in trip, something that always promised to bring out more in him. He has a huge chance. The big threat is Clondaw Kaempfer, a horse who has shown impressive acceleration in desperate ground on his last two starts, with a nice win last time at Haydock. He is potentially very smart, but I'll stick with Taquin Du Seuil at the relevant odds. Easter Day has a chance, and Ballybough Pat will be a better chaser, so whatever he does this year is a bonus.
The Novice chase at 1.35 looks a belter, with Bury Parade, Colour Squadron and Module all taking each other on. I really like Bury Parade as a horse, he is very tough and genuine, and is a recent purchase for Highclere and Paul Nicholls for 100,000gns. He will run very well. He does however have to give 7lbs to Module and Colour Squadron who are very good horses in their own right, a great race in prospect.
The Mandarin Handicap Chase at 2.10 looks very tricky. Pete The Feat is on a five timer, and has to figure on the shortlist, he must go well. AP McCoy rides the other Longsdon runner Rey Nacarado, who always runs well at this track, and with McCoy 4-11 for the yard, he could repeat his win in this from last year.
Another handicap, this time a hurdle at 3.15 could go the way of Bakbenscher, who is now 4-4 on heavy ground after a smooth success at Haydock recently, and comes here on a nice weight of 10st 6lbs as Any Given Day holds the weights down. Salubrious for Paul Nicholls is the danger.
My Tent Or Yours in the 3.50 is a very exciting horse and it'll great to see him out again. He should win but his price won't be value.
Doncaster:
The Novice Hurdle at 12.05 has 20 intended runners, and Red Devil Boys is the one I'm most interested in. He stumbled on the home turn here, before streaking clear for a facile victory in a bumper. This is his hurdles debut, and it won't be easy, but he looked above average that day. Oscar O'Scar is a horse to note after this as he is eligible for handicaps, and should be able to win a couple of those.
The solid option in the 2.25 has to be Corkage, a course specialist who ran very well here in a handicap chase last time, back hurdling and with his yard flying, he will run really well. Firebird Flyer is the danger after an easy Boxing Day win at Ffos Las.
The 2.55 sees Victor Dartnall have his first runner back since his yard illness with Richard's Sundance. Wherever he finishes, all concerned will just be happy to get a runner on track. As far as a winner goes, Fill The Power may be it, who ran a belter behind Wyck Hill at Wetherby, form that has been franked by the winner since. This is also his fourth chase start, so still has scope to improve.
Only one race of real note up at Kelso, if it goes ahead, and that's the 12.50, where Yurok takes on Red Rocco. I'll go for Yurok, a likeable, tough sort who won well at Wetherby last time out beating Aland Islands, himself a nice horse.
To Ireland and Leopardstown, the Istabraq Festival Hurdle at 2.00 the feature, where Hurricane Fly does look unbeatable. He is a very high class horse, a Champion hurdle winner for goodness sake, and has beaten his rivals here in the past, and on level weights, I see no reason why he won't score.
At Limerick, and a yard I follow Robert Tyner has his runners in fine form at present, and his best chances lie mainly with Oscars Business in the 3.20, a consistent and useful mare who should break her chasing duck. The other is Barnanely Beau in the 3.50, who may have a bit to find with the market principals on ratings, but loves the ground, and the yard are good with horses coming back from lay-offs.
Finally, just one from Wolverhampton, and Morna's Glory in the 5.10 for trainer Jason Ward and jockey Tony Hamilton. She has the best form in the book in a poor maiden, and if getting a position from her wide draw, should go very close.
I hope you have found this informative and useful, and any feedback can be entered in the box below or on twitter @willbowler2k12.
Good luck and Be Lucky,
Will
Friday 28 December 2012
Thursday 27 December 2012
Lexus & Topaz Chase Preview
In this short preview, I am going to preview both of the Grade 1 races at Leopardstown on Friday afternoon. Hope you find it informative and that it adds another dimension in your thinking before the races.
LEXUS CHASE (3.00 Leopardstown):
The Lexus Chase looks like the most useful trial for the Gold Cup this season above any of the previous four or five renewals, with Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs both figuring near the top of both markets. Flemenstar is a horse I love to pieces, and he jumps as well as any top class horse I can remember, with the exception of Kauto Star. The big question is will he stay three miles, and for me there is only one answer, yes! Three miles two around Cheltenham is a question for another time, but he is definitely the one to beat.
Sir Des Champs was well beaten by Flemenstar at Punchestown on seasonal debut, and has work to do with that rival here off the same terms. He will however have come on plenty for the run that day, and will be closer, but I don't think he will turn it around.
Hidden Cyclone is closely matched with Sir Des Champs from a one and a quarter length defeat in January. That was one of his two career defeats, 9-11 the overall record. He will stay, but may be better at two and a half miles. Although he has the lowest rating in the race and is the apple of his trainers eye, he has an each way chance.
The alternative option is to look at one of the British raiders Tidal Bay. He is a brilliantly quirky, and had the speed to win an Arkle in his younger days. Since his move to Paul Nicholls, he has a new lease of life, and his run in the Hennessy was a belter off top weight. He is 11 though and younger legs may find him out.
Of the others, First Lieutenant could run well, as he jumps and stays really well. It is also great to see Pandorama back, the 2010 winner for Noel Meade. But it has to be Flemenstar for me, with Hidden Cyclone to chase him home.
TOPAZ NOVICE CHASE (2.25 Leopardstown):
Back in Focus is a high class horse in heavy ground, and the ground is soft here, but may not as bad as he would like. He does jump well and if he gets an easy lead, he will be hard to catch.
Dedigout is a high class horse who only found the bold front runner Arvika Ligeonneire too good. The form has since been franked, and has a big chance here under the Irish Champion Davy Russell.
Of the others, I like the each way chances of both Aupcharlie and Jenari. The former is ridden by the excellent Andrew Lynch, and has been crying out for three miles. He is a huge horse, who goes well in this ground, and looks a good, solid each way play at 9/1. Jenari is the choice of Tony McCoy, and again, a step up to three miles could help too. He is a Grade 2 novice hurdle winner and could run a place at around 25/1.
I hope you enjoy what promises to be a great card, and hope you have found this useful.
Be lucky,
Will
LEXUS CHASE (3.00 Leopardstown):
The Lexus Chase looks like the most useful trial for the Gold Cup this season above any of the previous four or five renewals, with Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs both figuring near the top of both markets. Flemenstar is a horse I love to pieces, and he jumps as well as any top class horse I can remember, with the exception of Kauto Star. The big question is will he stay three miles, and for me there is only one answer, yes! Three miles two around Cheltenham is a question for another time, but he is definitely the one to beat.
Sir Des Champs was well beaten by Flemenstar at Punchestown on seasonal debut, and has work to do with that rival here off the same terms. He will however have come on plenty for the run that day, and will be closer, but I don't think he will turn it around.
Hidden Cyclone is closely matched with Sir Des Champs from a one and a quarter length defeat in January. That was one of his two career defeats, 9-11 the overall record. He will stay, but may be better at two and a half miles. Although he has the lowest rating in the race and is the apple of his trainers eye, he has an each way chance.
The alternative option is to look at one of the British raiders Tidal Bay. He is a brilliantly quirky, and had the speed to win an Arkle in his younger days. Since his move to Paul Nicholls, he has a new lease of life, and his run in the Hennessy was a belter off top weight. He is 11 though and younger legs may find him out.
Of the others, First Lieutenant could run well, as he jumps and stays really well. It is also great to see Pandorama back, the 2010 winner for Noel Meade. But it has to be Flemenstar for me, with Hidden Cyclone to chase him home.
TOPAZ NOVICE CHASE (2.25 Leopardstown):
Back in Focus is a high class horse in heavy ground, and the ground is soft here, but may not as bad as he would like. He does jump well and if he gets an easy lead, he will be hard to catch.
Dedigout is a high class horse who only found the bold front runner Arvika Ligeonneire too good. The form has since been franked, and has a big chance here under the Irish Champion Davy Russell.
Of the others, I like the each way chances of both Aupcharlie and Jenari. The former is ridden by the excellent Andrew Lynch, and has been crying out for three miles. He is a huge horse, who goes well in this ground, and looks a good, solid each way play at 9/1. Jenari is the choice of Tony McCoy, and again, a step up to three miles could help too. He is a Grade 2 novice hurdle winner and could run a place at around 25/1.
I hope you enjoy what promises to be a great card, and hope you have found this useful.
Be lucky,
Will
Monday 24 December 2012
Boxing Day Preview 2012
Boxing Day is the usual busy day for jumps racing fans, as high class racing from Kempton takes centre stage along with sore heads and leftovers. In this preview, I will try and find some winners to add to the Christmas cheer:
The King George VI Chase - Kempton 3.10:
Where do I stand on Long Run?:
Long Run is the favourite for his second triumph in this race. He won this in 2010, en route to winning the Gold Cup in the following March. Last season, he just kept running behind a resurgent Kauto Star, and then only managed third in the Gold Cup behind the ill-fated Synchronised. On his seasonal reappearance, he was found wanting behind Silviniaco Conti in the Betfair Chase. A lot of people have criticised Sam Waley-Cohen, but those people weren't slagging him off when he won this and the Gold Cup before, and he has been missing one major thing since, and that's a really fast pace. His victory in this two years ago was run at a blistering pace set by Nacarat, which allowed his jumping to be in a great rhythm, before outstaying the others to win by twelve lengths, ahead of Riverside Theatre. The same was the case in his Gold Cup win, this time Midnight Chase and China Rock the ones who set the race up for him. If he gets this, which is possible with the likes of Junior and The Giant Bolster in the line-up, he will win for me, as he's the strongest stayer in the race.
What can beat him?:
Cue Card is having his first go at three miles, and if this contest were run on the usual good to soft ground, I'd really fancy him. But it is soft, heavy in places as I write, and I just can't see him staying as much as I like him. Riverside Theatre has form figures of 11111 when fresh, which speaks for itself. He was beaten quite a way by Long Run two years ago, and the trip and ground combination have to put an element of doubt over his chance.
 | ||
| Bolster The Giant |
Normally, Grand Crus would be for me, after his brilliant performance on this day last year in the Feltham, but form figures of: 72126P on soft or heavy ground again put serious doubt as to his capability on the ground, and he has had a wind op since he pulled up in the Paddy Power. The Giant Bolster, named after a Cornish giant called Bolster who used to live near the cliffs of St Agnes, and used to eat people and children! There is also a Bolster Day, held on May 1st every year held very close to St Agnes. As for the equine Bolster, he has a good each way chance under Tony McCoy, even though he is better on a left handed track.
Captain Chris for me is a doubtful stayer over three miles on this ground, and would be an ideal horse for a Ryanair run on a right handed track, as he is definitely better this way round.
I'm going to select Kauto Stone as the one to fear for all. He won in good style at Down Royal last time, and if he can perform to a similar level, he will go very close. Different to Long Run, I think he needs a slower pace, which allows him to do things at his own speed, and he will certainly stay as well. Junior has plenty to find on figures, but he does stay, jump and loves testing ground and wouldn't completely suprise me if he placed at big odds here.
Christmas Hurdle - Kempton 2.35
Countrywide Flame sets the standard here after an efffortless win in the Fighting Fifth hurdle up at Newcastle, beating fellow rival Cinders And Ashes by twelve lengths. Countrywide Flame did go there race-fit after a couple of Flat runs, but regardless trounced Cinders And Ashes on very heavy ground, who was struggling from some way out. The main challenger may be Darlan, who I really like as an individual. He beat stablemate Captain Conan at Aintree after a very honourable run behind Cinders And Ashes at the Festival. The big issue is the ground, which is an unknown.
Dodging Bullets is a fascinating runner as he is very lightly raced compared to most, but is improving at a fast rate of knots. He hasn't raced on ground this bad or in this grade, and I think he will run well without winning. Raya Star is better in a big field handicap, and Get Me Out Of Here, who is top rated, again has his work cut out, although a return to two miles will be appreciated. It's also great to see 2009 Champion Hurdler Punjabi back before he embarks on novice chasing.
Overall, I think Countrywide Flame is very tough to beat, race-fit and will relish the conditions.
Any Christmas Crackers?
The undercard at Kempton may present us with a few opportunities. The opening novice hurdle at 12.50, looks a great race. New Year's Eve was a high class bumper horse making hurdles debut, but River Maigue is the one to beat for Nicky Henderson. I've been waiting for Asker to reappear as well and now starts out for Gary Moore. He goes really well on heavy ground and could place. The Feltham at 2.00 is all about Dynaste, who is the highest rated hurdler to go chasing this season, and has looked very good so far in two starts. His record right handed is ok without being outstanding, but it may well be enough.
The 3.45 looks our best oppurtunity for a Kempton winner, with Katkeau. He was in the process of running a big race at Haydock on British debut last time out, before making a serious blunder at three out, losing all momentum and was nursed home after that. He is off the same mark here and should go very well.
Fontwell brings a nice oppurtunity in the closing bumper at 3.50, with On The Move. Anthony Honeyball horses are always worth following, and this one made a very pleasing debut at Folkestone, looking the winner before tiring in the final furlong for second, that race was over two mile two furlongs. Down half a mile in trip here, she should score.
If Ffos Las goes ahead, I will be excited to see the return of Whisper in the opening novice hurdle at 12.35. It is not the easiest race to start off over hurdles, but he is very exciting. He is also entered at Towcester, but this is his first preference. I also think Riptide in the 2.20 has a big each way chance. He has caught the eye recently staying on late in the day, but looks well handicapped and drops in class. Course form is a must at Ffos Las too, and he has a win at this venue too.
Sedgefield represents a good chance for Fourjacks, who was just a bit outclassed last time in a hot race at Haydock behind Gevrey Chambertin. He loves a slog, as proved when sauntering clear at Hexham on his penultimate start, and must go well.
Over at Towcester, I'm looking forward to seeing Badgers Cove try his hand at chasing in the Beginners Chase at 3.05. He shaped with plenty of his old ability on his return from a big lay-off at Chepstow, but has really good course form.
Wincanton's feature race is the Pertemps Qualifier at 2.15, with 21 runners going to post. Connectivity is obviously going to attract interest after a massive lay-off, but it is hard to look away from both Holywell and Goulanes, with the former only finding Trustan Times too good last time. As for Goulanes, he won at Cheltenham last time in similar conditions, and must go well under a very handy 10lb claimer in Francis Hayes.
The big race at Wetherby is the Rowland Meyrick Chase, and for me it's between Cape Tribulation and Going Wrong. Cape Tribultion is well handicapped and lightly raced over fences, and has form here. His last run can be forgiven as it was at a level that was above him. Going Wrong definitely needed his reappearance at Haydock, getting a considerate ride, and won second time up last year. He's never tried three miles before, but his sire Bob Backs progeny; which include the likes of Bob's Worth and Thisthatandtother, suggest it shouldn't be a problem.
I hope you have enjoyed my preview, and if you have any feedback, either tweet me @willbowler2k12, or fill in the box below.
Have a very Merry Christmas and a fruitful New Year,
Will
Thursday 20 December 2012
21st December Wolverhampton Preview
Wolverhampton stage a twilight meeting on Friday, with eight races and eighty one horses competing around the Polytrack. For anyone who hasn't been, the circuit is about a mile round, left handed and quite a fast track, with the Polytrack equitting when Standard to Good to Firm ground on the turf.
3.15 - 2yo Class 5 Maiden, 8 runners 7f 32y:
The one that I'm immediately drawn to here is Barbsiz, who was fourth over C&D just over three weeks ago. Firstly, he has track form, which is important, secondly he has Tom Eaves on, a very useful jockey, and the second from that race, Sofi's Spirit, has since won three on the bounce. Overrider has a official rating of 72, and really should probably win this. He has a step up to seven furlongs to face, but sets the standard, and with his jockey Robert Winston in flying form, must go very close indeed. The most interesting newcomer is Excellent Puck from the Jamie Osborne yard, who is a half brother to six winners and represents an in-form yard. Multilicious is one for handicaps I feel and will come up short in this.
3.50 - 2yo Class 6 Fillies Maiden, 7 runners 5f 216y:
Similar to our opening race, we have a horse with a high handicap mark, in the shape of Midnight Flower. She has been unlucky to be chinned on the post over course and distance on her penultimate start, before not quite staying the trip out here last time. Sherinn has clearly got a few issues, as the hood is applied here on her third start, and she was disappointing last time. Saying that, her yard do have a 37% strike rate at this venue. Spymistress is interesting in that her price rose a lot at the sales, but the pedigree isn't that appealing. I like Clock Opera, who is from an in form yard in Elaine Burke. Last time out she was 5th behind Body and Soul at Ripon. The interesting stat is that 8 winners have won out of that eleven runner race, with two rated in the nineties and an current average rating of 76. She was an eye-catcher in that race, but hasn't run since. Whether she will need this, as she gets a mark afterwards who knows, but she could be value.
4.20 - 0-52 Class 6 Handicap Div 1, 11 runners 5f 20y:
Monumental Man is the obvious one after a successful drop to five furlongs last time out at Lingfield, making all under the same rider David Probert. The concern is he could get taken on for the lead this time, but he doesn't have to lead which is a plus. He's the one to beat. Rose Garnet was another last time out winner when making all after a big gamble at Kempton on British debut for Tony Carroll. The yard are not in very good form and I will oppose this one. A couple at each way prices that could go well are Rightcar and Divertimenti. The former is a dual winner here and is 3lbs below his last winning mark. He is a slow starter, and needs a fast pace to run off. He is also ridden by Jamie Spencer for the first time, and riding for the stable for the first time as well. As for Divertimenti, he hasn't won on the All Weather since January 2009, off a mark of 65. He now races off 44 and still retains a bit of ability. He can race from the front or the back, so depending on pace, jockey Mark Coumbe can make his mind up early on.
4.50 - 0-52 Class 6 Handicap Div 2, 11 runners 5f 20y:
It's fair to say that this division looks the weaker of the two. Chateau Lola finished ahead of Deveze last time at Lingfield staying on well, and has been dropped 2lbs as well. She has a good draw in 5 and Joe Fanning aboard who won on her the last time they teamed up. In a race I find very hard to make a case for a lot of the runners, Cri Na Mara might be the answer. She ran ok here last time behind a well handicapped Passionada, and had her only triumph on the second run after a break. Andrea Atzeni is a good pilot around this course and with a good draw in 2, she should go well.
5.20 - 0-85 Class 4 Nursery, 6 runners, 7f 32y:
This is the feature contest out of the eight race card. Hipster sets the standard here for Ralph Beckett and Jamie Spencer. He ran behind a very good Group3 winning All Weather horse called Glass Office on his only previous start on a synthetic surface. Staffhoss is a danger after a maiden win at Lingfield recently. What I would say is it has taken a little while for the penny to drop when he comes under pressure in both his starts to date, but he is learning. Lilac Lace has to prove his effectiveness on Polytrack after a win in a very poor Southwell maiden last time. Pippy and Be On The Bell are both course and distance winners, but I'll stick with Hipster, who should be that little bit too good.
5.50 - 0-50 Class 7 Handicap, 13 runners, 1m 141y:
Big Sylv was an easy winner here last week on her first start in Class 7 company, and should go very well in a repeat bid. She is the only three year old in the race too, and at least looks to be improving against a lot of poor, out of form horses. Just Five is my alternative. John Weymes has a 17% strike rate here with older horses, and +£62 to a level stake. Likewise, rider Luke Morris has a 15% strike rate riding the trainers older horses, and a healthy profit. This horse is a bit quirky, but his last two wins have both been here at Wolverhampton, and blinkers replace a visor. Violet Jordan has four runners, all in the same colours, with just the different coloured caps to distinguish them.
6.20 - 0-65 Class 6 3yo Handicap, 13 runners, 1m1f 103y:
This looks a very competitive event indeed, with lots of in-form horses. Neige D'Antan has been very consistent, either winning or finishing in the frame on his last nine starts. With the plum draw in 1, he must run well again as he is tactically versatile. Graylyn Valentino was arguably an unlucky loser last time at Lingfield, after missing the break and racing wide throughout only getting beat a short head. The winner Idol Deputy and the fourth Resplendant Alpha have won since, and Joe Fanning replaces Semira Pashai. Alezanna robbed a maiden from the front here last time, and am a little unsure how good that form is. A couple I could see figure are Ferryview Place and Her Nibbs. The former is on debut for Ian Williams, a yard which does very well with horses similar to this. He is also in a visor for the first time. Her Nibbs is interesting on handicap debut for a yard who I think are just about to hit form in Micky Hammond. A mark of 61 does not look overharsh by any means and on handicap debut, could go well.
6.50 - 0-65 Class 6 Handicap, 12 runners, 1m4f 50y:
A tricky twelve furlong handicap closes the card, and Resplendant Alpha has to be high up the list after a win at Lingfield in selling company on Wednesday. A 6lb penalty will make life tougher and he has never won at Wolverhampton, but he should still figure. McBirney is starting to look well handicapped, but I don't think he has many gears and if it turned into a sprint, that would be a worry. Icy Quiet is interesting on it's first start for David O'Meara after leaving the Toby Coles yard, but hasn't shown much to date. I think both Wordiness and El Bravo can go well here, especially Wordiness who should have finished very close to Resplendant Alpha before meeting trouble at Lingfield last time. John Fahy rides today and can go well. El Bravo has been hinting at a big run, but is a little one paced.
Thanks for reading and if you have any feedback, either tweet me @willbowler2k12 or fill in the box below.
Will
3.15 - 2yo Class 5 Maiden, 8 runners 7f 32y:
The one that I'm immediately drawn to here is Barbsiz, who was fourth over C&D just over three weeks ago. Firstly, he has track form, which is important, secondly he has Tom Eaves on, a very useful jockey, and the second from that race, Sofi's Spirit, has since won three on the bounce. Overrider has a official rating of 72, and really should probably win this. He has a step up to seven furlongs to face, but sets the standard, and with his jockey Robert Winston in flying form, must go very close indeed. The most interesting newcomer is Excellent Puck from the Jamie Osborne yard, who is a half brother to six winners and represents an in-form yard. Multilicious is one for handicaps I feel and will come up short in this.
3.50 - 2yo Class 6 Fillies Maiden, 7 runners 5f 216y:
Similar to our opening race, we have a horse with a high handicap mark, in the shape of Midnight Flower. She has been unlucky to be chinned on the post over course and distance on her penultimate start, before not quite staying the trip out here last time. Sherinn has clearly got a few issues, as the hood is applied here on her third start, and she was disappointing last time. Saying that, her yard do have a 37% strike rate at this venue. Spymistress is interesting in that her price rose a lot at the sales, but the pedigree isn't that appealing. I like Clock Opera, who is from an in form yard in Elaine Burke. Last time out she was 5th behind Body and Soul at Ripon. The interesting stat is that 8 winners have won out of that eleven runner race, with two rated in the nineties and an current average rating of 76. She was an eye-catcher in that race, but hasn't run since. Whether she will need this, as she gets a mark afterwards who knows, but she could be value.
4.20 - 0-52 Class 6 Handicap Div 1, 11 runners 5f 20y:
Monumental Man is the obvious one after a successful drop to five furlongs last time out at Lingfield, making all under the same rider David Probert. The concern is he could get taken on for the lead this time, but he doesn't have to lead which is a plus. He's the one to beat. Rose Garnet was another last time out winner when making all after a big gamble at Kempton on British debut for Tony Carroll. The yard are not in very good form and I will oppose this one. A couple at each way prices that could go well are Rightcar and Divertimenti. The former is a dual winner here and is 3lbs below his last winning mark. He is a slow starter, and needs a fast pace to run off. He is also ridden by Jamie Spencer for the first time, and riding for the stable for the first time as well. As for Divertimenti, he hasn't won on the All Weather since January 2009, off a mark of 65. He now races off 44 and still retains a bit of ability. He can race from the front or the back, so depending on pace, jockey Mark Coumbe can make his mind up early on.
4.50 - 0-52 Class 6 Handicap Div 2, 11 runners 5f 20y:
It's fair to say that this division looks the weaker of the two. Chateau Lola finished ahead of Deveze last time at Lingfield staying on well, and has been dropped 2lbs as well. She has a good draw in 5 and Joe Fanning aboard who won on her the last time they teamed up. In a race I find very hard to make a case for a lot of the runners, Cri Na Mara might be the answer. She ran ok here last time behind a well handicapped Passionada, and had her only triumph on the second run after a break. Andrea Atzeni is a good pilot around this course and with a good draw in 2, she should go well.
5.20 - 0-85 Class 4 Nursery, 6 runners, 7f 32y:
This is the feature contest out of the eight race card. Hipster sets the standard here for Ralph Beckett and Jamie Spencer. He ran behind a very good Group3 winning All Weather horse called Glass Office on his only previous start on a synthetic surface. Staffhoss is a danger after a maiden win at Lingfield recently. What I would say is it has taken a little while for the penny to drop when he comes under pressure in both his starts to date, but he is learning. Lilac Lace has to prove his effectiveness on Polytrack after a win in a very poor Southwell maiden last time. Pippy and Be On The Bell are both course and distance winners, but I'll stick with Hipster, who should be that little bit too good.
5.50 - 0-50 Class 7 Handicap, 13 runners, 1m 141y:
Big Sylv was an easy winner here last week on her first start in Class 7 company, and should go very well in a repeat bid. She is the only three year old in the race too, and at least looks to be improving against a lot of poor, out of form horses. Just Five is my alternative. John Weymes has a 17% strike rate here with older horses, and +£62 to a level stake. Likewise, rider Luke Morris has a 15% strike rate riding the trainers older horses, and a healthy profit. This horse is a bit quirky, but his last two wins have both been here at Wolverhampton, and blinkers replace a visor. Violet Jordan has four runners, all in the same colours, with just the different coloured caps to distinguish them.
6.20 - 0-65 Class 6 3yo Handicap, 13 runners, 1m1f 103y:
This looks a very competitive event indeed, with lots of in-form horses. Neige D'Antan has been very consistent, either winning or finishing in the frame on his last nine starts. With the plum draw in 1, he must run well again as he is tactically versatile. Graylyn Valentino was arguably an unlucky loser last time at Lingfield, after missing the break and racing wide throughout only getting beat a short head. The winner Idol Deputy and the fourth Resplendant Alpha have won since, and Joe Fanning replaces Semira Pashai. Alezanna robbed a maiden from the front here last time, and am a little unsure how good that form is. A couple I could see figure are Ferryview Place and Her Nibbs. The former is on debut for Ian Williams, a yard which does very well with horses similar to this. He is also in a visor for the first time. Her Nibbs is interesting on handicap debut for a yard who I think are just about to hit form in Micky Hammond. A mark of 61 does not look overharsh by any means and on handicap debut, could go well.
6.50 - 0-65 Class 6 Handicap, 12 runners, 1m4f 50y:
A tricky twelve furlong handicap closes the card, and Resplendant Alpha has to be high up the list after a win at Lingfield in selling company on Wednesday. A 6lb penalty will make life tougher and he has never won at Wolverhampton, but he should still figure. McBirney is starting to look well handicapped, but I don't think he has many gears and if it turned into a sprint, that would be a worry. Icy Quiet is interesting on it's first start for David O'Meara after leaving the Toby Coles yard, but hasn't shown much to date. I think both Wordiness and El Bravo can go well here, especially Wordiness who should have finished very close to Resplendant Alpha before meeting trouble at Lingfield last time. John Fahy rides today and can go well. El Bravo has been hinting at a big run, but is a little one paced.
Thanks for reading and if you have any feedback, either tweet me @willbowler2k12 or fill in the box below.
Will
Monday 17 December 2012
Weekend Review 14th-16th December
Another fantastic weekend of racing to reflect on, starting with Bangor and Cheltenham on Friday.
We will start at Bangor, where favourite backers got off to the worst possible start as Malt Master was turned over on chase debut at 2/5. Two things I wanted to mention here, Susan Gardner had a double, a trainer who does very well indeed with limited ammunition. I was also taken by the debut of Wing Mira from the Venetia Williams yard in the bumper, who ran on well near the finish under hand riding from Sam Thomas, and despite being green, he seems to have quite a bit of ability.
As for Cheltenham, rain in the morning meant that the ground was very testing. I thought Super Duty put up a nice display of jumping to win the opener, unlike Broadbackbob, who will be much better on a faster surface. The race was overshadowed by the passing of Hildisvini, who broke a shoulder when falling at the second last. A lovely horse and a sad loss. Dark Lover was an easy victor in the two mile handicap hurdle, and still looked like a horse on the improve. The finish of the day was in the three mile one furlong handicap chase where Midlands National winner Master Overseer overhauled Quartz De Thaix in a titanic battle up the hill. Master Overseer is very tough and really sticks his head out and wants to win, which makes him great to watch when in top form.
The Cross Country was given the go-ahead at twelve o'clock, and it provided another great spectacle for racegoers as Outlaw Pete won well for Josh Halley. Josh's father John, who trained the winner is also the head vet for Aidan O'Brien. I thought Samantha Drake gave Leac An Scail a super ride, and fully deserved a place, despite running from 19lbs out of the handicap.
Yet again I was very impressed with At Fishers Cross, who is still a bit babyish and doesn't always jump that well, but must have a serious engine to win as nicely as he did at Cheltenham and at Newbury the time before over five furlongs shorter. He is still lightly raced and could develop into either a very good chaser, or a live World Hurdle contender for 2014, whichever the yard and JP McManus decide. Melodic Rendezvous rounded off the card with a win for Nick Scholfield and Jeremy Scott, a lethal combination this season registering a 21% strike rate and all of Scott's winners have been ridden by Nick.
On to Saturday, and the jumping came from Doncaster, Lingfield and Cheltenham. We begin at Lingfield, who raced on very testing ground. The card was marred by Felix De Giles taking the wrong course aboard Newton Tonic in the handicap chase, resulting in a 12 day ban. They did have a Grade 2 on the card, the RSA Trial Chase, which went the way of Court In Motion for the Emma Lavelle yard, battling on gamely from Houblon Des Obeaux. He is a lovely horse, and could perhaps develop into a Welsh National horse next year.
Doncaster hosted a good card including the Grade 2 Summit Juvenile Hurdle, which went the way of Kashmir Peak, from the John Quinn yard under Dougie Costello, the same team that won this in 2011 with Royal Bonsai. He travelled best through the race and idled when he hit the front to score narrowly from Sametegal. I saw Counsel running on well late in the race for fourth, and deduced that he may be better suited by an end to end gallop. Rocky Creek made a winning chase debut for Paul Nicholls, jumping well in the main and staying on well. The finish of the day was certainly the feature handicap chase won by Court By Suprise, another Emma Lavelle winner on a day she would have a cross card treble involving a double at Doncaster. There were four in with every chance at the last, before the fast finishing Night In Milan joined the argument late on with a storming run under Jonathan England, Misstree Dancer was third and Corkage fourth ; distances a nose and two necks!! A thrilling race and a fine example of National Hunt racing.
For me the star of the day was Dominic Elsworth, who was in inspired form. He rode a double, the first of which was on Wiesentraum for Lucy Wadham, who was last down the back straight and struggling, but he remianed patient and delivered him to lead at the last, and then at his strongest to hold off Vintage Star by a neck. The second win was the opposite, making all on Easter Meteor for Emma Lavelle. He jumped really well, and Dom always had a bit up his sleeve and asserted on the extended run-in to score by four and a half lengths. A fine example to any budding jockeys of judging pace, jumping and timing.
Cheltenham had a high class card, but the ground was very testing. Far West won again in an uncompetitive opener for Ruby Walsh and Paul Nicholls. Our Father was beaten at odds on by Highland Lodge, maybe because Timmy Murphy was unavailable to ride due to injury and he seems to get the best out of him, having ridden him on every start to date. Shooters Wood was very game in winning the handicap chase, rallying to overtake His Excellency close home. Coneygree was impressive in the three mile novice hurdle, dictating from the front and staying on strongly up the hill to score by six lengths. He is very likeable, but my worry for him at The Festival would be him getting taken on for the lead, which he hasn't experienced early in a race before.
There is nothing like a good old-fashioned gamble in a Saturday handicap, and Paul Nicholls executed it perfectly with Unioniste, under a great ride by Harry Derham. Scraping in as first reserve on Friday, he jumped very well and stayed on well. It wasn't all good for Nicholls though as Cristal Bonus sustained a broken pelvis with a circuit to go and had to be put down. The International Hurdle featured a clash between Zarkandar, Grandouet and reigning Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby. They finished in that order, and I thought that Grandouet ran the best, after not running for a year, on ground that was too soft and giving Zarkandar 4lbs, he would be very close to him come March. Zarkandar is a very good horse, but I'm not sure how well the Old Course suits him, which he will run on in the Champion in March. Saying that though, like Rock On Ruby who ran well to a point to Saturday, they are tactically versatile. Oscar Whisky won the Relkeel Hurdle for a second successive year at a relative hack canter by nineteen lengths.
Sunday bought us racing from Hereford, Musselburgh and Carlisle. It was the last meeting at Hereford, for the time being anyway, and it was sad to see it go. I was there last month for some work experience and you couldn't go to a friendlier racecourse, the viewing is brilliant with a good atmosphere as well. Let's hope it will be back soon. Danny Cook was the star at Musselburgh riding a four timer, with the biggest margin being a length and a quarter. His ride on Dusky Bob was exquisite, never say die and got up close home to score by a neck. Carlisle also went for a seven race card, with Corrin Wood and Morning Royalty both impressive winners of the novice hurdles.
The weekend dark horse to follow: Atriptomilan (Jonjo O'Neill) - Finished fifth in the 2m6f Novice hurdle at Hereford on Sunday. This son of Milan was making his rules debut after a point win in Ireland in April. He was very green, and as a four year old running against older and more experienced horses, definitely showed himself more than capable of winning a race when he matures a bit more.
Hope you've enjoyed my review of the weekend, and if you have any feedback, either tweet me @willbowler2k12 or fill in the box below.
Will
We will start at Bangor, where favourite backers got off to the worst possible start as Malt Master was turned over on chase debut at 2/5. Two things I wanted to mention here, Susan Gardner had a double, a trainer who does very well indeed with limited ammunition. I was also taken by the debut of Wing Mira from the Venetia Williams yard in the bumper, who ran on well near the finish under hand riding from Sam Thomas, and despite being green, he seems to have quite a bit of ability.
As for Cheltenham, rain in the morning meant that the ground was very testing. I thought Super Duty put up a nice display of jumping to win the opener, unlike Broadbackbob, who will be much better on a faster surface. The race was overshadowed by the passing of Hildisvini, who broke a shoulder when falling at the second last. A lovely horse and a sad loss. Dark Lover was an easy victor in the two mile handicap hurdle, and still looked like a horse on the improve. The finish of the day was in the three mile one furlong handicap chase where Midlands National winner Master Overseer overhauled Quartz De Thaix in a titanic battle up the hill. Master Overseer is very tough and really sticks his head out and wants to win, which makes him great to watch when in top form.
The Cross Country was given the go-ahead at twelve o'clock, and it provided another great spectacle for racegoers as Outlaw Pete won well for Josh Halley. Josh's father John, who trained the winner is also the head vet for Aidan O'Brien. I thought Samantha Drake gave Leac An Scail a super ride, and fully deserved a place, despite running from 19lbs out of the handicap.
Yet again I was very impressed with At Fishers Cross, who is still a bit babyish and doesn't always jump that well, but must have a serious engine to win as nicely as he did at Cheltenham and at Newbury the time before over five furlongs shorter. He is still lightly raced and could develop into either a very good chaser, or a live World Hurdle contender for 2014, whichever the yard and JP McManus decide. Melodic Rendezvous rounded off the card with a win for Nick Scholfield and Jeremy Scott, a lethal combination this season registering a 21% strike rate and all of Scott's winners have been ridden by Nick.
On to Saturday, and the jumping came from Doncaster, Lingfield and Cheltenham. We begin at Lingfield, who raced on very testing ground. The card was marred by Felix De Giles taking the wrong course aboard Newton Tonic in the handicap chase, resulting in a 12 day ban. They did have a Grade 2 on the card, the RSA Trial Chase, which went the way of Court In Motion for the Emma Lavelle yard, battling on gamely from Houblon Des Obeaux. He is a lovely horse, and could perhaps develop into a Welsh National horse next year.
Doncaster hosted a good card including the Grade 2 Summit Juvenile Hurdle, which went the way of Kashmir Peak, from the John Quinn yard under Dougie Costello, the same team that won this in 2011 with Royal Bonsai. He travelled best through the race and idled when he hit the front to score narrowly from Sametegal. I saw Counsel running on well late in the race for fourth, and deduced that he may be better suited by an end to end gallop. Rocky Creek made a winning chase debut for Paul Nicholls, jumping well in the main and staying on well. The finish of the day was certainly the feature handicap chase won by Court By Suprise, another Emma Lavelle winner on a day she would have a cross card treble involving a double at Doncaster. There were four in with every chance at the last, before the fast finishing Night In Milan joined the argument late on with a storming run under Jonathan England, Misstree Dancer was third and Corkage fourth ; distances a nose and two necks!! A thrilling race and a fine example of National Hunt racing.
For me the star of the day was Dominic Elsworth, who was in inspired form. He rode a double, the first of which was on Wiesentraum for Lucy Wadham, who was last down the back straight and struggling, but he remianed patient and delivered him to lead at the last, and then at his strongest to hold off Vintage Star by a neck. The second win was the opposite, making all on Easter Meteor for Emma Lavelle. He jumped really well, and Dom always had a bit up his sleeve and asserted on the extended run-in to score by four and a half lengths. A fine example to any budding jockeys of judging pace, jumping and timing.
Cheltenham had a high class card, but the ground was very testing. Far West won again in an uncompetitive opener for Ruby Walsh and Paul Nicholls. Our Father was beaten at odds on by Highland Lodge, maybe because Timmy Murphy was unavailable to ride due to injury and he seems to get the best out of him, having ridden him on every start to date. Shooters Wood was very game in winning the handicap chase, rallying to overtake His Excellency close home. Coneygree was impressive in the three mile novice hurdle, dictating from the front and staying on strongly up the hill to score by six lengths. He is very likeable, but my worry for him at The Festival would be him getting taken on for the lead, which he hasn't experienced early in a race before.
There is nothing like a good old-fashioned gamble in a Saturday handicap, and Paul Nicholls executed it perfectly with Unioniste, under a great ride by Harry Derham. Scraping in as first reserve on Friday, he jumped very well and stayed on well. It wasn't all good for Nicholls though as Cristal Bonus sustained a broken pelvis with a circuit to go and had to be put down. The International Hurdle featured a clash between Zarkandar, Grandouet and reigning Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby. They finished in that order, and I thought that Grandouet ran the best, after not running for a year, on ground that was too soft and giving Zarkandar 4lbs, he would be very close to him come March. Zarkandar is a very good horse, but I'm not sure how well the Old Course suits him, which he will run on in the Champion in March. Saying that though, like Rock On Ruby who ran well to a point to Saturday, they are tactically versatile. Oscar Whisky won the Relkeel Hurdle for a second successive year at a relative hack canter by nineteen lengths.
Sunday bought us racing from Hereford, Musselburgh and Carlisle. It was the last meeting at Hereford, for the time being anyway, and it was sad to see it go. I was there last month for some work experience and you couldn't go to a friendlier racecourse, the viewing is brilliant with a good atmosphere as well. Let's hope it will be back soon. Danny Cook was the star at Musselburgh riding a four timer, with the biggest margin being a length and a quarter. His ride on Dusky Bob was exquisite, never say die and got up close home to score by a neck. Carlisle also went for a seven race card, with Corrin Wood and Morning Royalty both impressive winners of the novice hurdles.
The weekend dark horse to follow: Atriptomilan (Jonjo O'Neill) - Finished fifth in the 2m6f Novice hurdle at Hereford on Sunday. This son of Milan was making his rules debut after a point win in Ireland in April. He was very green, and as a four year old running against older and more experienced horses, definitely showed himself more than capable of winning a race when he matures a bit more.
Hope you've enjoyed my review of the weekend, and if you have any feedback, either tweet me @willbowler2k12 or fill in the box below.
Will
Friday 14 December 2012
15th December Preview
Saturday is another great day of jumps racing, with Cheltenham, Doncaster and Lingfield hosting very competitive and informative cards. In this preview, I will focus mainly on Cheltenham, but mention any horses or races of interest at Doncaster. (Lingfield yet to inspect at time of writing).
CHELTENHAM:
It is pretty easy to say how the ground will ride after seeing Fridays racing at Cheltenham, and that is testing. They kick off at 12.10 with a Triumph Hurdle Trial. It is hard to get away from Far West, a winner here last time over course and distance and on very testing ground. It is important to note that the courses are different from the Open Meeting, and he has a double penalty, but is running against pretty much the same horses here, having beaten Handazan, Dovils Date and Mr Lando either here or at Chepstow. The only one he hasn't beaten before is Tidal Way, but I don't quite think he's good enough.
The three mile one furlong novice chase at 12.45 looks a very informative race again, with Our Father sure to be right at the head of the market after an easy win here last time on bad ground. He's the safest option in a race it may pay to watch as opposed to get involved.
The Jenny Mould Memorial Handicap Chase at 1.20 over two miles is always a spectacle. I am intrigued by Garynella, a five year old making his British debut for the David Pipe yard, but he has to compete from out of the handicap. All his form though is over further as well so I'll take a watching brief. I like Shooters Wood, with Ruby Walsh going to his lowest weight in the last five seasons to 10 stone. He won here last time out over course and distance, staying on well and must go very well again. One thing to note is the booking of Tony McCoy on His Excellency for the Pipe yard.
The three mile novices hurdle at 1.55 is a cracker, and can be approached from a few different angles. I may be a little biased after putting According To Trev up as a dark-horse at the start of the season, and he has a course win to his name, but he was beaten twelve lengths by Coneygree and I fear he needs better ground than this. I can't see him beating Coneygree, though I'd like to be wrong! The interesting aspect to this race is the chasers running back over hurdles. Midnight Appeal won a novice hurdle at Hereford recently but is better known for his exploits chasing. Aerial, who has finished placed in a Paddy Power Gold Cup, and Grand National winner Mon Mome still going strong at the age of twelve. Aerial may just shade it for me, as he is highest rated of these if taking his chase mark, he should stay and tends to do well at this track.
The Paul Stewart IronSpine Charity Challenge Gold Cup is one of the feature races of the day at 2.30, and it is wide open. Walkon is a narrow favourite after a very good second behind Al Ferof here last month, but he is very good fresh and tailed off after seasonal debut last year. My preference is for Cristal Bonus, who was impressive last time at Down Royal. Despite him having a big weight, he is classy, improving, and lightly raced (similar to Al Ferof). He has been outpaced on both previous runs here, but with bad ground his forte, he will be my leading selection. Nicholls also has Unioniste, but he's a four year old against seasoned, hardy handicappers, and despite the gamble, I'll also give him a swerve. One I'll give you at a big price is Golden Chieftain. He was very impressive at Worcester on his penultimate start, before flopping in the Badger Ales Trophy. He didn't jump very well, but the track wouldn't suit him really (Despite a win there in the past, it was only a three runner race). He has been dropped four pounds, stays well, and has a nice weight of ten stone two. 20/1 could be decent each way value. Nice to see the underused Dave Crosse getting a big Saturday ride.
The International Hurdle at 3.05 is historically a useful trial for the Champion Hurdle in March. It's a three horse race in every way but the figures, between Zarkandar, Grandouet and reigning Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby. None of them have won on anything softer than good to soft. As much as I love him, I can't see Grandouet grinding it out in a slog, although he did win this last year. Rock On Ruby, for me anyway, is better in bigger fields, and won a slightly confusing Champion Hurdle. I have to go with Zarkandar though, who was game as a pebble when defeating stablemate Prospect Wells giving him 17lbs last time. He is tactically versatile, and stays well. He should have been closer in the Champion, when the leaders stayed there off a muddling gallop, and he found himself pretty much last turning in, before flying home for a close fifth. I think he'll reverse that form with a 4lb weight pull this time.
The Relkeel Hurdle at 3.40 is not a betting race at all with only three runners, but it's all about Oscar Whisky, who needs more than two, but doesn't stay three miles. Two miles four around here is ideal, and last years winner will hopefully be able to dictate from the front and win again. He needs a 'Ryanair Hurdle'!!
At Doncaster, the 2.10, a handicap chase over two miles and three furlongs, I am sweet on the chance of Easter Meteor, who ran a belter behind Nadiya De La Vega at Cheltenham last time. He has had a 56 day break since, and only been put up four pounds, dropped in grade for a yard among the winners in Emma Lavelle.
The Summit Juvenile Hurdle Grade 2 at 2.45 is a great race. Both Sametegal, who was impressive at Wetherby, and Kashmir Peak is well regarded and won readily at Market Rasen, should go well. Vasco Du Ronceray ran well at Cheltenham behind Far West last time and sets the standard. You can't discount Counsel or Mashaari either, who won a 2m2f handicap at York on the flat in October when with John Gosden, has since changed hands for a hefty fee and is in the care of Brian Ellison. I will see how much rain there is before selecting one.
Finally, the 0-150 handicap chase over three miles looks tricky, but I may have found some value. Corkage is a Doncaster specialist, and is always better with a run under his belt. He has only had eight chase starts, winning two of them, and with the Reveley yard in form, may go well at around the 20/1 mark.
I hope you have enjoyed my preview, and if you have any feedback, either tweet me @willbowler2k12 or fill in the box below.
Will
CHELTENHAM:
It is pretty easy to say how the ground will ride after seeing Fridays racing at Cheltenham, and that is testing. They kick off at 12.10 with a Triumph Hurdle Trial. It is hard to get away from Far West, a winner here last time over course and distance and on very testing ground. It is important to note that the courses are different from the Open Meeting, and he has a double penalty, but is running against pretty much the same horses here, having beaten Handazan, Dovils Date and Mr Lando either here or at Chepstow. The only one he hasn't beaten before is Tidal Way, but I don't quite think he's good enough.
The three mile one furlong novice chase at 12.45 looks a very informative race again, with Our Father sure to be right at the head of the market after an easy win here last time on bad ground. He's the safest option in a race it may pay to watch as opposed to get involved.
The Jenny Mould Memorial Handicap Chase at 1.20 over two miles is always a spectacle. I am intrigued by Garynella, a five year old making his British debut for the David Pipe yard, but he has to compete from out of the handicap. All his form though is over further as well so I'll take a watching brief. I like Shooters Wood, with Ruby Walsh going to his lowest weight in the last five seasons to 10 stone. He won here last time out over course and distance, staying on well and must go very well again. One thing to note is the booking of Tony McCoy on His Excellency for the Pipe yard.
The three mile novices hurdle at 1.55 is a cracker, and can be approached from a few different angles. I may be a little biased after putting According To Trev up as a dark-horse at the start of the season, and he has a course win to his name, but he was beaten twelve lengths by Coneygree and I fear he needs better ground than this. I can't see him beating Coneygree, though I'd like to be wrong! The interesting aspect to this race is the chasers running back over hurdles. Midnight Appeal won a novice hurdle at Hereford recently but is better known for his exploits chasing. Aerial, who has finished placed in a Paddy Power Gold Cup, and Grand National winner Mon Mome still going strong at the age of twelve. Aerial may just shade it for me, as he is highest rated of these if taking his chase mark, he should stay and tends to do well at this track.
The Paul Stewart IronSpine Charity Challenge Gold Cup is one of the feature races of the day at 2.30, and it is wide open. Walkon is a narrow favourite after a very good second behind Al Ferof here last month, but he is very good fresh and tailed off after seasonal debut last year. My preference is for Cristal Bonus, who was impressive last time at Down Royal. Despite him having a big weight, he is classy, improving, and lightly raced (similar to Al Ferof). He has been outpaced on both previous runs here, but with bad ground his forte, he will be my leading selection. Nicholls also has Unioniste, but he's a four year old against seasoned, hardy handicappers, and despite the gamble, I'll also give him a swerve. One I'll give you at a big price is Golden Chieftain. He was very impressive at Worcester on his penultimate start, before flopping in the Badger Ales Trophy. He didn't jump very well, but the track wouldn't suit him really (Despite a win there in the past, it was only a three runner race). He has been dropped four pounds, stays well, and has a nice weight of ten stone two. 20/1 could be decent each way value. Nice to see the underused Dave Crosse getting a big Saturday ride.
The International Hurdle at 3.05 is historically a useful trial for the Champion Hurdle in March. It's a three horse race in every way but the figures, between Zarkandar, Grandouet and reigning Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby. None of them have won on anything softer than good to soft. As much as I love him, I can't see Grandouet grinding it out in a slog, although he did win this last year. Rock On Ruby, for me anyway, is better in bigger fields, and won a slightly confusing Champion Hurdle. I have to go with Zarkandar though, who was game as a pebble when defeating stablemate Prospect Wells giving him 17lbs last time. He is tactically versatile, and stays well. He should have been closer in the Champion, when the leaders stayed there off a muddling gallop, and he found himself pretty much last turning in, before flying home for a close fifth. I think he'll reverse that form with a 4lb weight pull this time.
The Relkeel Hurdle at 3.40 is not a betting race at all with only three runners, but it's all about Oscar Whisky, who needs more than two, but doesn't stay three miles. Two miles four around here is ideal, and last years winner will hopefully be able to dictate from the front and win again. He needs a 'Ryanair Hurdle'!!
At Doncaster, the 2.10, a handicap chase over two miles and three furlongs, I am sweet on the chance of Easter Meteor, who ran a belter behind Nadiya De La Vega at Cheltenham last time. He has had a 56 day break since, and only been put up four pounds, dropped in grade for a yard among the winners in Emma Lavelle.
The Summit Juvenile Hurdle Grade 2 at 2.45 is a great race. Both Sametegal, who was impressive at Wetherby, and Kashmir Peak is well regarded and won readily at Market Rasen, should go well. Vasco Du Ronceray ran well at Cheltenham behind Far West last time and sets the standard. You can't discount Counsel or Mashaari either, who won a 2m2f handicap at York on the flat in October when with John Gosden, has since changed hands for a hefty fee and is in the care of Brian Ellison. I will see how much rain there is before selecting one.
Finally, the 0-150 handicap chase over three miles looks tricky, but I may have found some value. Corkage is a Doncaster specialist, and is always better with a run under his belt. He has only had eight chase starts, winning two of them, and with the Reveley yard in form, may go well at around the 20/1 mark.
I hope you have enjoyed my preview, and if you have any feedback, either tweet me @willbowler2k12 or fill in the box below.
Will
Thursday 13 December 2012
Cheltenham Preview 14th December
Cheltenham hosts the first day of a two day meeting on Friday with a competitive and exciting seven race card. In this preview I will be touching on each race and any selections that I have. (At the time of writing, the cross country course are yet to inspect).
12.15 is the first race, and it's a novice chase over two miles and five furlongs. Hildisvini is up in grade and has a double penalty to contend with here, making life difficult. Broadbackbob created a good impression at Plumpton on chase debut, and is entitled to hold every chance. Forgotten Gold has plenty to find with both the horses mentioned above from previous races. Rebel Rebellion has some decent form, but it is on right handed tracks. He has won left handed, but it was a Southwell jumpers bumper at odds of 1/8! I will chance Super Duty, who recieves 5lbs from the others, and may get an easy lead here under the in-form Jason Maguire. He has shaped really well on both chase starts, and is best on good to soft and going left handed.
The 12.45 allows the conditional jockeys to have a chance at a big prize at the home of jumps racing, again a two mile five furlong handicap chase. Sound Stage won this particular race three years ago off an 8lb lower mark. He has been out of form, but showed a bit more last time and could go well again. As could Bene Lad, who fell at the first in this last year, but has improved since, goes on the ground and has Lucy Alexander aboard. But my selection is Lexicon Lad, who is very consistent. He needed his reappearance run at Aintree, getting outpaced before staying on. He was second over course and distance on Trials day in January off the same mark and is sure to go well under Peter Carberry. Surely he's fed up of Nina and Paul telling him he's yet to have a Cheltenham winner!
A fiercely competitive, seventeen runner handicap hurdle over two miles follows this at 1.20. The novices provide an interesting angle, Turn Over Sivola, the easy Plumpton winner, and the relative unknown Tom Du Lys for Nicky Henderson. I like two here each way. Dark Lover for Paul Nicholls won here two starts ago after a big lay off, and then ran in the Racing Post Hurdle over C&D, and ran a belter in seventh, only beaten eight lengths. The other is Falcarragh, again, he has a good course run here last time when third to Ifandbutwhynot. He has gone up 3lb, but is still fairly weighted and should go well.
The 1.55 is a belter, a three mile, two furlong handicap chase, and the early favourite is Bradley. He is trained by Fergal O'Brien, who is having a fantastic season, but this trip may be a little too short if anything. He got outpaced before staying on over this course and distance in October, and in the Foxhunters in March. Quartz De Thaix has been in the form of his life, but it is very difficult to win three in a row at this level. Midnight Chase is sure to go well if he can dominate on a course where his record excluding the Gold Cup reads: 2311111. He has top weight, but that shouldn't hinder a bold show. Becauseicouldntsee is the other one I like. He has finished second twice here at Cheltenham in both his visits to the course from Ireland, in the Kim Muir and four miler at the last two Festivals. He had a tune up over hurdles before the Kim Muir in March, and has had two more hurdles starts to presumably get him A1 for this race. 5/1 represents a solid each way.
If it goes ahead, the Cross Country chase at 2.30 will be the best spectacle of the day no doubt. Uncle Junior goes again, trying to repeat his success at the Open Meeting. He has to give the minimum of thirteen pounds to the others though, which will be very difficult. I really like Arabella Boy here, who has a good record in the Irish Banks races at Punchestown, including when beating Bostons Angel last time out. He is trained by 'Mr Cross Country' Enda Bolger, who is formidable here at Cheltenham, the likes of Garde Champetre and Spot The Difference spring to mind, and this horse has been nurtured towards this venue as he's only a seven year old, ten stone eight is a lovely racing weight and Nina Carberry aboard too.
3.05 is a three mile handicap hurdle, and it's important to note that Air Force One goes to Bangor if it's on, meaning this would then be a 15 runner race, and three places for each way backers. At Fishers Cross is favourite, and despite a poor round of jumping, won with plenty in hand at Newbury last time. He is stepping up to this trip for the first time, and I'm not sure it will suit, so am willing to let him go. Inish Island is a complete unknown, after winning a maiden hurdle at Downpatrick, but Willie Mullins is not here for a day out that's for sure. Medinas is consistent and acts at Cheltenham. I'm going to narrowly go for Saint Roque, who would have definitely been involved in the finish last time, still travelling well when brought down three out. He hasn't gone up for that, only had four runs under rules and despite being a pound out of the handicap, has a good conditional in Harry Derham aboard, and must go very well. The rise in trip shouldn't be a worry as he has won a point to point over this trip. At the other end of the weights, the gallant Cross Kennon will try his heart out again and should run well.
The closing novice hurdle at 3.40 looks a cracker too, this time over two miles. I was at Southwell when Imperial Leader won, and he is a very likeable type, and what impressed me was his response to reminders, if you can watch that replay on either Sportinglife (need a SkyBet account) or Attheraces (need a free account) websites, you will see what I mean. The big question of this race is what will front run? It may be the big outsider Dr Dreamy, or perhaps Royal Boy, yet to run under rules after a point win. Mr Watson, the horse that unseated and kicked Tony McCoy at Wetherby not too long ago, is reunited with the champ tomorrow after pulling far to hard at Market Rasen last time. Village Vic is dropped in trip, and is going to be my narrow selection in a good race. He was a high class bumper horse, and ran a great race here behind The New One in October on hurdles debut, before a flop in horrendous ground, again at Cheltenham over two miles and five furlongs last time. Melodic Rendezvous, Valdez and Eduard are all very nice types too, and could easily figure, but I fear they haven't quite got the class of Village Vic.
I hope you have enjoyed my preview, and if you have any feedback, either tweet me @willbowler2k12, or fill in the box below.
Will
12.15 is the first race, and it's a novice chase over two miles and five furlongs. Hildisvini is up in grade and has a double penalty to contend with here, making life difficult. Broadbackbob created a good impression at Plumpton on chase debut, and is entitled to hold every chance. Forgotten Gold has plenty to find with both the horses mentioned above from previous races. Rebel Rebellion has some decent form, but it is on right handed tracks. He has won left handed, but it was a Southwell jumpers bumper at odds of 1/8! I will chance Super Duty, who recieves 5lbs from the others, and may get an easy lead here under the in-form Jason Maguire. He has shaped really well on both chase starts, and is best on good to soft and going left handed.
The 12.45 allows the conditional jockeys to have a chance at a big prize at the home of jumps racing, again a two mile five furlong handicap chase. Sound Stage won this particular race three years ago off an 8lb lower mark. He has been out of form, but showed a bit more last time and could go well again. As could Bene Lad, who fell at the first in this last year, but has improved since, goes on the ground and has Lucy Alexander aboard. But my selection is Lexicon Lad, who is very consistent. He needed his reappearance run at Aintree, getting outpaced before staying on. He was second over course and distance on Trials day in January off the same mark and is sure to go well under Peter Carberry. Surely he's fed up of Nina and Paul telling him he's yet to have a Cheltenham winner!
A fiercely competitive, seventeen runner handicap hurdle over two miles follows this at 1.20. The novices provide an interesting angle, Turn Over Sivola, the easy Plumpton winner, and the relative unknown Tom Du Lys for Nicky Henderson. I like two here each way. Dark Lover for Paul Nicholls won here two starts ago after a big lay off, and then ran in the Racing Post Hurdle over C&D, and ran a belter in seventh, only beaten eight lengths. The other is Falcarragh, again, he has a good course run here last time when third to Ifandbutwhynot. He has gone up 3lb, but is still fairly weighted and should go well.
The 1.55 is a belter, a three mile, two furlong handicap chase, and the early favourite is Bradley. He is trained by Fergal O'Brien, who is having a fantastic season, but this trip may be a little too short if anything. He got outpaced before staying on over this course and distance in October, and in the Foxhunters in March. Quartz De Thaix has been in the form of his life, but it is very difficult to win three in a row at this level. Midnight Chase is sure to go well if he can dominate on a course where his record excluding the Gold Cup reads: 2311111. He has top weight, but that shouldn't hinder a bold show. Becauseicouldntsee is the other one I like. He has finished second twice here at Cheltenham in both his visits to the course from Ireland, in the Kim Muir and four miler at the last two Festivals. He had a tune up over hurdles before the Kim Muir in March, and has had two more hurdles starts to presumably get him A1 for this race. 5/1 represents a solid each way.
If it goes ahead, the Cross Country chase at 2.30 will be the best spectacle of the day no doubt. Uncle Junior goes again, trying to repeat his success at the Open Meeting. He has to give the minimum of thirteen pounds to the others though, which will be very difficult. I really like Arabella Boy here, who has a good record in the Irish Banks races at Punchestown, including when beating Bostons Angel last time out. He is trained by 'Mr Cross Country' Enda Bolger, who is formidable here at Cheltenham, the likes of Garde Champetre and Spot The Difference spring to mind, and this horse has been nurtured towards this venue as he's only a seven year old, ten stone eight is a lovely racing weight and Nina Carberry aboard too.
3.05 is a three mile handicap hurdle, and it's important to note that Air Force One goes to Bangor if it's on, meaning this would then be a 15 runner race, and three places for each way backers. At Fishers Cross is favourite, and despite a poor round of jumping, won with plenty in hand at Newbury last time. He is stepping up to this trip for the first time, and I'm not sure it will suit, so am willing to let him go. Inish Island is a complete unknown, after winning a maiden hurdle at Downpatrick, but Willie Mullins is not here for a day out that's for sure. Medinas is consistent and acts at Cheltenham. I'm going to narrowly go for Saint Roque, who would have definitely been involved in the finish last time, still travelling well when brought down three out. He hasn't gone up for that, only had four runs under rules and despite being a pound out of the handicap, has a good conditional in Harry Derham aboard, and must go very well. The rise in trip shouldn't be a worry as he has won a point to point over this trip. At the other end of the weights, the gallant Cross Kennon will try his heart out again and should run well.
The closing novice hurdle at 3.40 looks a cracker too, this time over two miles. I was at Southwell when Imperial Leader won, and he is a very likeable type, and what impressed me was his response to reminders, if you can watch that replay on either Sportinglife (need a SkyBet account) or Attheraces (need a free account) websites, you will see what I mean. The big question of this race is what will front run? It may be the big outsider Dr Dreamy, or perhaps Royal Boy, yet to run under rules after a point win. Mr Watson, the horse that unseated and kicked Tony McCoy at Wetherby not too long ago, is reunited with the champ tomorrow after pulling far to hard at Market Rasen last time. Village Vic is dropped in trip, and is going to be my narrow selection in a good race. He was a high class bumper horse, and ran a great race here behind The New One in October on hurdles debut, before a flop in horrendous ground, again at Cheltenham over two miles and five furlongs last time. Melodic Rendezvous, Valdez and Eduard are all very nice types too, and could easily figure, but I fear they haven't quite got the class of Village Vic.
I hope you have enjoyed my preview, and if you have any feedback, either tweet me @willbowler2k12, or fill in the box below.
Will
Monday 10 December 2012
Weekend Review 07/12 - 09/12
A brilliant weekend of jumps racing to look back on, with successes of Hello Bud, Sprinter Sacre and Flemenstar the main points of focus.
We will start as always with Friday, and Exeter where Fingal Bay ran out in dramatic fashion in the Beginners Chase at the third last fence. He had jumped left throughout the journey, and clearly something must have been hurting him as he has won right handed and at Exeter in the past. It will be interesting to note any comments from the Hobbs yard in the coming days.
It was also nice to see Arbor Supreme back to his best when winning the Devon Marathon over four miles under the very useful conditional Maurice Linehan.
As for Sandown on the same afternoon, Jonjo O'Neill added to the win of Arbor Supreme with a double at Sandown, courtesy of John's Spirit and the impressive Taquin Du Seuil, who I put up as a dark horse at the start of the season. He beat what looked a nice field very nicely and bigger things are still to come with him I'm sure.
Bold Sir Brian was another impressive winner on the card for Lucinda Russell and Peter Buchanen, making the long drive down from Scotland worthwhile, and the dream of the Gold Cup in March is still alive.
Saturday saw four jumps meetings take place, at Aintree, Chepstow, Sandown and Wetherby.
We begin with Aintree, and Buthelezi made a taking hurdles debut winning the opening novice hurdle. Wayward Prince was back to his best on the track he recorded his best win as a hurdler by winning the Listed Chase under Jack Doyle.
Then came for many the highlight of the weekend, in The Becher Chase, the fourteen year old Hello Bud scrambled home to win his second Becher, and there were not many dry eyes around Aintree afterwards. A brave, tough performance by a very genuine, game and gutsy horse, who was yet again defying his age around those famous fences. Not only did the Twiston-Davies team have one winner, they had three, including the other race over the National fences, Little Josh in the Grand Sefton, who persevered in a war of attrition with Gansey.
Over at Chepstow, I was more taken with jockeys than horses, where Patrick Corbett again showed all his promise with a double, Micheal Nolan rode yet another winner and Mikey Ennis won the feature race aboard Sona Sasta.
As for Sandown, the Tingle Creek Chase has been one of the most eagerly anticipated races I can remember for a while, and it didn't disappoint. The performance of Sprinter Sacre yet again was nothing short of breathtaking, an almost faultless round of jumping, only a small error at the first down the far side, and as Sanctuaire got tired approaching the Pond Fence, he breezed past and won with any amount in hand. Kumbeshwar ran a gallant race in second, picking up the valuable prize for second after the legless Sanctuaire struggled up the hill after going off far too fast early in the conditions. The undercard was also dominated by Nicky Henderson who had another three winners on top, Golden Hoof, Petit Robin and the impressive Captain Conan, another nice display by him.
The only thing of note at Wetherby was the Novice Chase, where both Yurok and Aland Islands again showed a lot of promise finishing first and second respectively in a good battle in the heavy ground.
Another busy day on Sunday, where we had top class Irish cards from Cork and Punchestown, plus Kelso and Warwick.
I wanted to mention the comfortable win of Road To Riches at Cork in the Grade 3 Novice Hurdle, who made quite a serious error at the last, but still won with lots left under Paul Carberry.
Tarla was an unlucky loser later in the card, falling at the last when gaining the upper hand. Punchestown was the venue where Flemenstar would take on Sir Des Champs, a battle which was contested over two and a half miles on Heavy ground. It was the former who finally broke Sir Des Champs unbeaten record, again jumping for fun, and sprinting away in the conditions to score by five lengths. His trainer Peter Casey says he was only 90% fit, and if that was the case, then it was a remarkable effort and all being well, he goes for the Lexus at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Kelso hosted the Scottish Borders National, and it went to the game Mortimers Cross for John Needham. I was taken by Lucematic, who scored on hurdles debut later in the card, a mare who should be able to score again against her own sex.
Only a couple of things to mention from Warwick, the first being another super ride by Tony McCoy on the quirky Mission Complete, lifting him home in the long distance chase.
I also thought the winner of the bumper Werenearlyoutofit may be above average. He was just behind Sizing Rio in his point to point, but finished ahead of Clondaw Kaempfer and Pure Style, both nice novices, especially the former.
I hope you have enjoyed my look back, and if you have any feedback, either tweet me @willbowler2k12, or fill in the comments box below.
Will
We will start as always with Friday, and Exeter where Fingal Bay ran out in dramatic fashion in the Beginners Chase at the third last fence. He had jumped left throughout the journey, and clearly something must have been hurting him as he has won right handed and at Exeter in the past. It will be interesting to note any comments from the Hobbs yard in the coming days.
It was also nice to see Arbor Supreme back to his best when winning the Devon Marathon over four miles under the very useful conditional Maurice Linehan.
As for Sandown on the same afternoon, Jonjo O'Neill added to the win of Arbor Supreme with a double at Sandown, courtesy of John's Spirit and the impressive Taquin Du Seuil, who I put up as a dark horse at the start of the season. He beat what looked a nice field very nicely and bigger things are still to come with him I'm sure.
Bold Sir Brian was another impressive winner on the card for Lucinda Russell and Peter Buchanen, making the long drive down from Scotland worthwhile, and the dream of the Gold Cup in March is still alive.
Saturday saw four jumps meetings take place, at Aintree, Chepstow, Sandown and Wetherby.
We begin with Aintree, and Buthelezi made a taking hurdles debut winning the opening novice hurdle. Wayward Prince was back to his best on the track he recorded his best win as a hurdler by winning the Listed Chase under Jack Doyle.
Then came for many the highlight of the weekend, in The Becher Chase, the fourteen year old Hello Bud scrambled home to win his second Becher, and there were not many dry eyes around Aintree afterwards. A brave, tough performance by a very genuine, game and gutsy horse, who was yet again defying his age around those famous fences. Not only did the Twiston-Davies team have one winner, they had three, including the other race over the National fences, Little Josh in the Grand Sefton, who persevered in a war of attrition with Gansey.
Over at Chepstow, I was more taken with jockeys than horses, where Patrick Corbett again showed all his promise with a double, Micheal Nolan rode yet another winner and Mikey Ennis won the feature race aboard Sona Sasta.
As for Sandown, the Tingle Creek Chase has been one of the most eagerly anticipated races I can remember for a while, and it didn't disappoint. The performance of Sprinter Sacre yet again was nothing short of breathtaking, an almost faultless round of jumping, only a small error at the first down the far side, and as Sanctuaire got tired approaching the Pond Fence, he breezed past and won with any amount in hand. Kumbeshwar ran a gallant race in second, picking up the valuable prize for second after the legless Sanctuaire struggled up the hill after going off far too fast early in the conditions. The undercard was also dominated by Nicky Henderson who had another three winners on top, Golden Hoof, Petit Robin and the impressive Captain Conan, another nice display by him.
The only thing of note at Wetherby was the Novice Chase, where both Yurok and Aland Islands again showed a lot of promise finishing first and second respectively in a good battle in the heavy ground.
Another busy day on Sunday, where we had top class Irish cards from Cork and Punchestown, plus Kelso and Warwick.
I wanted to mention the comfortable win of Road To Riches at Cork in the Grade 3 Novice Hurdle, who made quite a serious error at the last, but still won with lots left under Paul Carberry.
Tarla was an unlucky loser later in the card, falling at the last when gaining the upper hand. Punchestown was the venue where Flemenstar would take on Sir Des Champs, a battle which was contested over two and a half miles on Heavy ground. It was the former who finally broke Sir Des Champs unbeaten record, again jumping for fun, and sprinting away in the conditions to score by five lengths. His trainer Peter Casey says he was only 90% fit, and if that was the case, then it was a remarkable effort and all being well, he goes for the Lexus at Leopardstown over Christmas.
Kelso hosted the Scottish Borders National, and it went to the game Mortimers Cross for John Needham. I was taken by Lucematic, who scored on hurdles debut later in the card, a mare who should be able to score again against her own sex.
Only a couple of things to mention from Warwick, the first being another super ride by Tony McCoy on the quirky Mission Complete, lifting him home in the long distance chase.
I also thought the winner of the bumper Werenearlyoutofit may be above average. He was just behind Sizing Rio in his point to point, but finished ahead of Clondaw Kaempfer and Pure Style, both nice novices, especially the former.
I hope you have enjoyed my look back, and if you have any feedback, either tweet me @willbowler2k12, or fill in the comments box below.
Will
Friday 7 December 2012
Big Race Previews 8th and 9th December
What a weekend we have in store, with two big equine clashes to look forward to. Tomorrow it is Sprinter Sacre vs Sanctuaire, and then on Sunday at Punchestown, it's Flemenstar vs Sir Des Champs. In this preview piece, I will preview both those races, plus the Becher Chase over the National fences, and then discuss some other horses to watch out for this weekend.
TINGLE CREEK PREVIEW (Sandown 3.05 Saturday):
This year's Tingle Creek is reminiscant of the great Moscow Flyer, Azertyioup and Well Chief battles around Sandown a few years ago, and ever since Sanctuaire completely destroyed a good field in the Celebration Chase over course and distance in May, this clash has been eagerly anticipated.
Both Sprinter Sacre and Sanctuaire are amazing horses, so slick with their jumping; you can't remember the last mistake either of them made, and what a spectacle it will be. Sprinter Sacre beat both Cue Card, who won the Haldon Gold Cup by miles on his return, and Al Ferof, the Paddy Power Gold Cup winner, in the Arkle with ease at Cheltenham in March. Despite his usual tendancy to race keenly, he won every start last year on the bridle, amazing after he won his first rules race in a bumper at Ascot by a nose! He has only ever been beaten twice, once when finishing second despite not staying two and a half miles at Ascot hurdling, and then third in the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham when not quite finishing his race off up the hill, behind Al Ferof and Spirit Son, ahead of Cue Card. He was inexperienced then and is now a highly exciting horse.
Onto Sanctuaire; is he the biggest chasing challenge yet to Sprinter Sacre? On this track, almost certainly. He jumped around here in the style of Tingle Creek in the Celebration Chase, beating the top class Somersby by seventeen lengths. He won his first start in Britain, a novice hurdle at Taunton, beating Grand Crus by four lengths, before being a big Festival gamble by scooting clear in the Fred Winter, coming from way off the pace. He has doubts though, he has never won fresh, he is quirky, but he has experienced these demanding Sandown fences twice, and won easily both times, something Sprinter Sacre is yet to experience.
As for the others, they are competing for prize money, with Doeslessthanme the best rated of them on a mark of 150, 19lbs behind Sprinter Sacre and 16 behind Sanctuaire. Kumpbeshwar, Idarah, His Excellency the four year old, and the thirteen year old Kinkeel make up the line up.
For me, it is a fascinating race that is to be savoured and enjoyed, whatever the outcome, I can't wait!
BECHER CHASE PREVIEW (Aintree 2.10 Saturday):
Aintree races over the National fences with two races tomorrow, with the three and a quarter mile Becher Chase the feature.
We have Ballabriggs running here, of course the 2011 Grand National winner, but off top weight in bad ground will have his work cut out. Last year's winner West End Rocker is the favourite to retain his title, and it does usually take him one run to get properly fit. Strangely Robert Thornton has never won on him from 13 attempts. He is also 5lbs higher than last year, and his current price provides no value. Join Together and Any Currency do not really interest me as they both have jumping issues, and no experience of the big fences. Both Big Fella Thanks and previous winner and fourteen year old Hello Bud are sure to go well, but I'll suggest two each way plays. IN COMPLIANCE is the first of them for Dessie Hughes, who has won this with Vic Venturi and Black Apalachi in the past, and Niall 'Slippers' Madden, who has won a National on Numbersixvalverde. As for this horse, he has completed in each start over these fences, sixth in a Topham, thirteenth behind Ballabriggs in 2011, before reversing that form and finishing a remarkable fifth behind Neptune Collonges. He is twelve, but he has won a John Durkan and is a classy type with only ten stone four to carry he should run really well. The other that I like a little is GULLIBLE GORDON for Peter Bowen. To say he looked like he needed the race last time is an understatement, and he ran accordingly. He ran in this two years ago when trained by Paul Nicholls, and fell at Bechers, but off a 12lb higher mark. He is ridden by Jamie Moore, who has ridden a winner over these fences before and at 33/1, he could surprise a few.
JOHN DURKAN PREVIEW (Punchestown 2.00 Sunday):
What a contest this promises to be, Flemenstar, Sir Des Champs, Rubi Light and Bog Warrior over two and a half miles on heavy ground on Sunday.
This is a mouth-watering clash between the big two, Flemenstar, who is one of the best jumpers I have ever seen; just breathtaking at his obstacles, and is very high class too. The only time he has been beaten in a rules chase, he was beaten by Bog Warrior, who prepared for this with an easy victory in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse last week. He has improved much less than Flemenstar since that defeat in November last year. Sir Des Champs is still unbeaten, and is one of the favourties for the Gold Cup in March. He was electric in the Jewson, before winning, despite a terrible blunder at the last at Fairyhouse. He has ideal conditions, and Willie Mullins will certainly not be leaving anything to chance. Don't discount Rubi Light, who is very good fresh and won this last year, but this is a completely different test altogether.
HORSES TO WATCH ON SATURDAY:
The Listed chase, the 1.05 at Aintree on Saturday should be fascinating, with Quito De La Roque the best rated runner, but ACROSS THE BAY will relish conditions, and may get an easy lead for the in-form McCain and Maguire. The Grand Sefton Handicap Chase a 3.20 is the other race over the National fences on the card, and I like CHANCE DU ROY, who took to these fences really well when second in the Topham, and should go well again.
The feature race at Chepstow on Saturday is the Rhys Howells Memorial Handicap Chase, a Class 2 over three miles at 2.05. I like the chances of SONA SASTA, who was second behind Chepstow specialist Le Beau Bai in this last year off a 5lb higher mark, and is very well weighted with a good conditional aboard.
Back to Sandown, and the Henry VIII Novices Chase at 1.55 is a belter. Captain Conan was very impressive at Cheltenham, foot perfect, and has a win here to his name in the Tolworth Hurdle, but he has dangers. Mainly, Hinterland, who went off far too fast at Exeter last time, and did well to finish as close to Theatre Guide as he did.
Wetherby are also jumping and ALAND ISLANDS in the 12.45 is one of the main attractions, together with his jockey Tony McCoy. He was a classy novice hurdler and won impressively at Newcastle on chase debut, and should go in again. WAR POET in the 2.20 is the final one to look at, a useful Flat horse making his handicap hurdle debut off a low weight under Brian Hughes.
I hope you have enjoyed this, and I will be doing a Soundcloud on Sunday morning to preview the racing on that day.
Enjoy the racing and Be Lucky!
Will
Any feedback? Feel free to fill in the box below or tweet me @willbowler2k12
TINGLE CREEK PREVIEW (Sandown 3.05 Saturday):
This year's Tingle Creek is reminiscant of the great Moscow Flyer, Azertyioup and Well Chief battles around Sandown a few years ago, and ever since Sanctuaire completely destroyed a good field in the Celebration Chase over course and distance in May, this clash has been eagerly anticipated.
Both Sprinter Sacre and Sanctuaire are amazing horses, so slick with their jumping; you can't remember the last mistake either of them made, and what a spectacle it will be. Sprinter Sacre beat both Cue Card, who won the Haldon Gold Cup by miles on his return, and Al Ferof, the Paddy Power Gold Cup winner, in the Arkle with ease at Cheltenham in March. Despite his usual tendancy to race keenly, he won every start last year on the bridle, amazing after he won his first rules race in a bumper at Ascot by a nose! He has only ever been beaten twice, once when finishing second despite not staying two and a half miles at Ascot hurdling, and then third in the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham when not quite finishing his race off up the hill, behind Al Ferof and Spirit Son, ahead of Cue Card. He was inexperienced then and is now a highly exciting horse.
Onto Sanctuaire; is he the biggest chasing challenge yet to Sprinter Sacre? On this track, almost certainly. He jumped around here in the style of Tingle Creek in the Celebration Chase, beating the top class Somersby by seventeen lengths. He won his first start in Britain, a novice hurdle at Taunton, beating Grand Crus by four lengths, before being a big Festival gamble by scooting clear in the Fred Winter, coming from way off the pace. He has doubts though, he has never won fresh, he is quirky, but he has experienced these demanding Sandown fences twice, and won easily both times, something Sprinter Sacre is yet to experience.
As for the others, they are competing for prize money, with Doeslessthanme the best rated of them on a mark of 150, 19lbs behind Sprinter Sacre and 16 behind Sanctuaire. Kumpbeshwar, Idarah, His Excellency the four year old, and the thirteen year old Kinkeel make up the line up.
For me, it is a fascinating race that is to be savoured and enjoyed, whatever the outcome, I can't wait!
BECHER CHASE PREVIEW (Aintree 2.10 Saturday):
Aintree races over the National fences with two races tomorrow, with the three and a quarter mile Becher Chase the feature.
We have Ballabriggs running here, of course the 2011 Grand National winner, but off top weight in bad ground will have his work cut out. Last year's winner West End Rocker is the favourite to retain his title, and it does usually take him one run to get properly fit. Strangely Robert Thornton has never won on him from 13 attempts. He is also 5lbs higher than last year, and his current price provides no value. Join Together and Any Currency do not really interest me as they both have jumping issues, and no experience of the big fences. Both Big Fella Thanks and previous winner and fourteen year old Hello Bud are sure to go well, but I'll suggest two each way plays. IN COMPLIANCE is the first of them for Dessie Hughes, who has won this with Vic Venturi and Black Apalachi in the past, and Niall 'Slippers' Madden, who has won a National on Numbersixvalverde. As for this horse, he has completed in each start over these fences, sixth in a Topham, thirteenth behind Ballabriggs in 2011, before reversing that form and finishing a remarkable fifth behind Neptune Collonges. He is twelve, but he has won a John Durkan and is a classy type with only ten stone four to carry he should run really well. The other that I like a little is GULLIBLE GORDON for Peter Bowen. To say he looked like he needed the race last time is an understatement, and he ran accordingly. He ran in this two years ago when trained by Paul Nicholls, and fell at Bechers, but off a 12lb higher mark. He is ridden by Jamie Moore, who has ridden a winner over these fences before and at 33/1, he could surprise a few.
JOHN DURKAN PREVIEW (Punchestown 2.00 Sunday):
What a contest this promises to be, Flemenstar, Sir Des Champs, Rubi Light and Bog Warrior over two and a half miles on heavy ground on Sunday.
This is a mouth-watering clash between the big two, Flemenstar, who is one of the best jumpers I have ever seen; just breathtaking at his obstacles, and is very high class too. The only time he has been beaten in a rules chase, he was beaten by Bog Warrior, who prepared for this with an easy victory in a handicap hurdle at Fairyhouse last week. He has improved much less than Flemenstar since that defeat in November last year. Sir Des Champs is still unbeaten, and is one of the favourties for the Gold Cup in March. He was electric in the Jewson, before winning, despite a terrible blunder at the last at Fairyhouse. He has ideal conditions, and Willie Mullins will certainly not be leaving anything to chance. Don't discount Rubi Light, who is very good fresh and won this last year, but this is a completely different test altogether.
HORSES TO WATCH ON SATURDAY:
The Listed chase, the 1.05 at Aintree on Saturday should be fascinating, with Quito De La Roque the best rated runner, but ACROSS THE BAY will relish conditions, and may get an easy lead for the in-form McCain and Maguire. The Grand Sefton Handicap Chase a 3.20 is the other race over the National fences on the card, and I like CHANCE DU ROY, who took to these fences really well when second in the Topham, and should go well again.
The feature race at Chepstow on Saturday is the Rhys Howells Memorial Handicap Chase, a Class 2 over three miles at 2.05. I like the chances of SONA SASTA, who was second behind Chepstow specialist Le Beau Bai in this last year off a 5lb higher mark, and is very well weighted with a good conditional aboard.
Back to Sandown, and the Henry VIII Novices Chase at 1.55 is a belter. Captain Conan was very impressive at Cheltenham, foot perfect, and has a win here to his name in the Tolworth Hurdle, but he has dangers. Mainly, Hinterland, who went off far too fast at Exeter last time, and did well to finish as close to Theatre Guide as he did.
Wetherby are also jumping and ALAND ISLANDS in the 12.45 is one of the main attractions, together with his jockey Tony McCoy. He was a classy novice hurdler and won impressively at Newcastle on chase debut, and should go in again. WAR POET in the 2.20 is the final one to look at, a useful Flat horse making his handicap hurdle debut off a low weight under Brian Hughes.
I hope you have enjoyed this, and I will be doing a Soundcloud on Sunday morning to preview the racing on that day.
Enjoy the racing and Be Lucky!
Will
Any feedback? Feel free to fill in the box below or tweet me @willbowler2k12
Monday 3 December 2012
Weekend Review 30/11 - 02/12
I'm back again to have a look back at a brilliant weekend of jumps racing, on both sides of the Irish Sea, with the Hennessy Gold Cup the feature in Britain, with three Grade 1's at Fairyhouse on Sunday. On top of that, we also had Newcastle and the Fighting Fifth Hurdle.
Let's get on with it, and look back to Friday where Newbury hosted the second day of their Hennessy meeting, and Doncaster were also in action too.
At Newbury, Dynaste was the main attraction, and he duly justified skinny odds with ease, beating Court In Motion by a very easy four and a half lengths. He has lots of options for the Festival in March, but at the moment, I would say the Jewson over two and a half miles is where I would go. It was brilliant to see Fair Along back winning as well later in the card, he has raced at six Cheltenham Festivals and is still going strong, a great servant. Puffin Billy was again very impressive in the maiden hurdle, and continues to look every inch a star. To Doncaster, and the opening race winner God's Own created a big impression on me. He travelled so well throughout and then with two extravagant leaps at the final two flights, scooted clear to win comfortably. Another that was visually very impressive was Red Devil Boys, the winner of the bumper for John Ferguson. He nearly came down on the home turn, but was never ridden at any stage and won by eleven lengths hard held. What he beat is another matter, but it was some performance.
To Saturday and the meetings at Newbury, Newcastle and Towcester. Newbury kicked off with AP McCoy at his brilliant best to deliver She Ranks Me right on the line to win the valuable Mares Novice Hurdle. Big Buck's won his fourth Long Distance Hurdle with any amount in hand as he sauntered clear to win by nine lengths. It was also nice to see Reve De Sivola back to a bit of form finishing in second. At Fishers Cross was a taking winner of the handicap hurdle over two miles, despite jumping poorly throughout, still won by six lengths. Then it was time for the Hennessy, and what a race it was. As the good early pace was set by the bold Fruity O'Rooney and First Lieutenant, the former started to weaken turning for home and it was Bobs Worth and the enigmatic but super talented Tidal Bay left to tackle First Lieutenant. Bobs Worth jumped into an outright lead at the last under Barry Geraghty, and couldn't be caught, winning by three and a quarter lengths to Tidal Bay, First Lieutenant a great run in third and The Package in fourth. Bobs Worth again proving how good he is left handed, now six unbeaten that way round, and as a genuine Gold Cup contender, even favourite with some firms. I also thought Teaforthree ran a great prep race for the Welsh National just after Christmas back in sixth.
Up at Newcastle, they had the Fighting Fifth hurdle as their feature race. On very testing ground, the performance by the ten year old Boris The Blade off top weight and without a win for the best part of three years, was a joy to watch. He made all, jumping really well and fending off the persistent challenge of Shadow Boxer; who was getting a stone and seven pounds off the winner, up the straight, a great ride by Richie McGrath. The feature race saw a high class but select quartet head to post, which included a Supreme Novice Hurdle winner Cinders And Ashes and a Triumph Hurdle winner in the shape of Countrywide Flame going against each other. It was Countrywide Flame who proved victorious, winning readily by twelve lengths under Denis O'Regan. It was visually impressive, but he did have the benefit of a recent run and clearly coped with conditions much better than his rival, who I think will be much closer on better ground. A horse to watch from the Maiden hurdle for handicap hurdles is Honeypot Lane, who is trained by Tim Walford and has shown ability in both hurdle starts amid greeness, and when upped to two and a half miles on better ground in low grade handicap hurdles, will be very interesting.
At Towcester, it was a pretty moderate card for a Saturday, but riding honours went to Felix De Giles for his great ride aboard Armedanddangerous. He raced lazily and needed a lot of organising and driving, but made all and won by a length and a half.
Sunday gave us the top class Fairyhouse card, Leicester were also jumping and Kempton provided a card of 'Jumpers Bumpers'.
We will start at Fairyhouse, and Our Conor was a nice winner of the opening Juvenile hurdle. The first of the Grade 1 races, the Royal Bond Novices Hurdle went to Jezki and Barry Geraghty, despite not jumping with much fluency repelled Champagne Fever and stablemate Zuzka on the run-in to score. He is a really nice horse and is a name that will be mentioned plenty more as the season progresses. Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins then won the next two Grade Ones on the card with Arvika Ligeonniere and Zaidpour. The former made all and was a long way clear from a very early stage, but kept up the gallop and won eased down by eleven lengths. Zaidpour may be difficult to place later in the season, but won comfortably beating Monksland and Voler La Vedette.
Leicester was only given the go ahead shortly after midday, and there was a shed-load of non runners. The only point of note was Neil King recording a double, with two game horses in Delgany Gunner and A Little Swifter.
Kempton hosted some nice jumpers bumpers, which I am quite a big fan of as they help all areas of the industry, trainers, jockeys and punters. I was impressed with the debut of Tradewinds in the opening race, as a false stride on the turn away from stands put him on the back foot, he had a lot of ground to make up turning in, before drifting to the middle of the track eventually staying on well for second, a horse to watch out for. Long Run's half sister Free Thinking was an impressive winner of the mares bumper on her debut under Sam Waley-Cohen, and together with the fourth Boracha, who is related to to the likes of Bacchanal, and clear needs a trip, need to be kept on-side. Cousin Khee showed a nice turn of foot to win later on in the card for Dougie Costello, a high class bumper horse who will be very tough to beat if contesting similar contests this winter.
Will
I hope you have enjoyed this, and if you have any feedback, either fill in the comments box below the piece, or tweet me @willbowler2k12
Let's get on with it, and look back to Friday where Newbury hosted the second day of their Hennessy meeting, and Doncaster were also in action too.
At Newbury, Dynaste was the main attraction, and he duly justified skinny odds with ease, beating Court In Motion by a very easy four and a half lengths. He has lots of options for the Festival in March, but at the moment, I would say the Jewson over two and a half miles is where I would go. It was brilliant to see Fair Along back winning as well later in the card, he has raced at six Cheltenham Festivals and is still going strong, a great servant. Puffin Billy was again very impressive in the maiden hurdle, and continues to look every inch a star. To Doncaster, and the opening race winner God's Own created a big impression on me. He travelled so well throughout and then with two extravagant leaps at the final two flights, scooted clear to win comfortably. Another that was visually very impressive was Red Devil Boys, the winner of the bumper for John Ferguson. He nearly came down on the home turn, but was never ridden at any stage and won by eleven lengths hard held. What he beat is another matter, but it was some performance.
To Saturday and the meetings at Newbury, Newcastle and Towcester. Newbury kicked off with AP McCoy at his brilliant best to deliver She Ranks Me right on the line to win the valuable Mares Novice Hurdle. Big Buck's won his fourth Long Distance Hurdle with any amount in hand as he sauntered clear to win by nine lengths. It was also nice to see Reve De Sivola back to a bit of form finishing in second. At Fishers Cross was a taking winner of the handicap hurdle over two miles, despite jumping poorly throughout, still won by six lengths. Then it was time for the Hennessy, and what a race it was. As the good early pace was set by the bold Fruity O'Rooney and First Lieutenant, the former started to weaken turning for home and it was Bobs Worth and the enigmatic but super talented Tidal Bay left to tackle First Lieutenant. Bobs Worth jumped into an outright lead at the last under Barry Geraghty, and couldn't be caught, winning by three and a quarter lengths to Tidal Bay, First Lieutenant a great run in third and The Package in fourth. Bobs Worth again proving how good he is left handed, now six unbeaten that way round, and as a genuine Gold Cup contender, even favourite with some firms. I also thought Teaforthree ran a great prep race for the Welsh National just after Christmas back in sixth.
Up at Newcastle, they had the Fighting Fifth hurdle as their feature race. On very testing ground, the performance by the ten year old Boris The Blade off top weight and without a win for the best part of three years, was a joy to watch. He made all, jumping really well and fending off the persistent challenge of Shadow Boxer; who was getting a stone and seven pounds off the winner, up the straight, a great ride by Richie McGrath. The feature race saw a high class but select quartet head to post, which included a Supreme Novice Hurdle winner Cinders And Ashes and a Triumph Hurdle winner in the shape of Countrywide Flame going against each other. It was Countrywide Flame who proved victorious, winning readily by twelve lengths under Denis O'Regan. It was visually impressive, but he did have the benefit of a recent run and clearly coped with conditions much better than his rival, who I think will be much closer on better ground. A horse to watch from the Maiden hurdle for handicap hurdles is Honeypot Lane, who is trained by Tim Walford and has shown ability in both hurdle starts amid greeness, and when upped to two and a half miles on better ground in low grade handicap hurdles, will be very interesting.
At Towcester, it was a pretty moderate card for a Saturday, but riding honours went to Felix De Giles for his great ride aboard Armedanddangerous. He raced lazily and needed a lot of organising and driving, but made all and won by a length and a half.
Sunday gave us the top class Fairyhouse card, Leicester were also jumping and Kempton provided a card of 'Jumpers Bumpers'.
We will start at Fairyhouse, and Our Conor was a nice winner of the opening Juvenile hurdle. The first of the Grade 1 races, the Royal Bond Novices Hurdle went to Jezki and Barry Geraghty, despite not jumping with much fluency repelled Champagne Fever and stablemate Zuzka on the run-in to score. He is a really nice horse and is a name that will be mentioned plenty more as the season progresses. Ruby Walsh and Willie Mullins then won the next two Grade Ones on the card with Arvika Ligeonniere and Zaidpour. The former made all and was a long way clear from a very early stage, but kept up the gallop and won eased down by eleven lengths. Zaidpour may be difficult to place later in the season, but won comfortably beating Monksland and Voler La Vedette.
Leicester was only given the go ahead shortly after midday, and there was a shed-load of non runners. The only point of note was Neil King recording a double, with two game horses in Delgany Gunner and A Little Swifter.
Kempton hosted some nice jumpers bumpers, which I am quite a big fan of as they help all areas of the industry, trainers, jockeys and punters. I was impressed with the debut of Tradewinds in the opening race, as a false stride on the turn away from stands put him on the back foot, he had a lot of ground to make up turning in, before drifting to the middle of the track eventually staying on well for second, a horse to watch out for. Long Run's half sister Free Thinking was an impressive winner of the mares bumper on her debut under Sam Waley-Cohen, and together with the fourth Boracha, who is related to to the likes of Bacchanal, and clear needs a trip, need to be kept on-side. Cousin Khee showed a nice turn of foot to win later on in the card for Dougie Costello, a high class bumper horse who will be very tough to beat if contesting similar contests this winter.
Will
I hope you have enjoyed this, and if you have any feedback, either fill in the comments box below the piece, or tweet me @willbowler2k12
Friday 30 November 2012
Hennessy Gold Cup Preview
The 2012 running of the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury is as ever, classy but very competitive. With so many different angles, I am going to try and answer the questions that matter for this particular contest.
Can a former winner do it again?: It is always very tough for horses to come back and win big field handicaps such as this again, with only Denman in recent times being able to do it. We have two former winners this time, Carruthers and Diamond Harry. The former, last years victor, has been out of form, but does perform best at this time of year and also here at Newbury, he could run into a place. Diamond Harry has been in decline since his victory in this contest in 2010 off a 13lb higher mark.
What about the RSA Chase form?: Bobs Worth is a worthy favourite for this race after his win in the RSA at the Cheltenham Festival in March. You have to have class to win this, Denman, Madison Du Berlais, One Man, Teeton Mill, Arkle etc. Bobs Worth is about the only one you could see competing to a good standard in the Gold Cup in March. He is also unbeaten going left handed and the ground is not an issue. First Lieutenant got beaten two and a half lengths on level weights in the RSA, and this time gets a pound from that rival. He ran really well at Down Royal, but I think he will struggle to turn that form around.
Can Paul Nicholls win it?: The enigmatic Tidal Bay is the chief hope from Ditcheat, and despite top weight, seems to be in great form with himself of late. He does however have to give 6lbs to Bobs Worth, who is four years his junior. Harry The Viking isn't without a chance as he is on a flat track which suits him, and he will be staying on when others are tiring.
What about the other well fancied runners?: Hold On Julio ran a blinder at Cheltenham, and I think the style of the race; a strong pace so he can weave his passage through runners in the final circuit, will suit him. The Package was an impressive winner of the Badger Ales Trophy lt time, and will be trying to score under a Timmy Murphy special, creeping from the back to be produced between the last two. He could figure but this mark may be a bit high. Frisco Depot for me has a big chance. He was quite keen at Ascot last time, but was tanking when falling after becoming a bit unsighted at three out. With a low weight (10st 1), he must be involved if he completes. Alfie Spinner is one I like for The Welsh National, but I think he may struggle tomorrow. Magnanimity had his heart broken in the 2011 RSA Chase, and since then has been disappointing.
What about lively outsiders?: It is great to see an Irish National winner running in the shape of Lion Na Bearnai, but he is very high in the weights now, the same as Roberto Goldback. I think both Teaforthree, the winner of the four mile chase at the Cheltenham Festival and the mount of Tony McCoy, and Fruity O'Rooney, who improved a lot last year with a close second at the Festival the highlight, have good each way shouts. They both shaped well up to a point at the Open Meeting last time in their respective races before fading. Saint Are is interesting only because Dougie Costello has chosen to ride him as opposed to Countrywide Flame at Newcastle. Ikorodu Road could run a monster race at a big price as he has great form here.
ADVISED: 2pts WIN Bobs Worth,
2pts E/W Frisco Depot
1pt E/W Teaforthree + Fruity O'Rooney
Good Luck
Will
Any feedback? Then either fill in the comments box below or tweet me @willbowler2k12
Can a former winner do it again?: It is always very tough for horses to come back and win big field handicaps such as this again, with only Denman in recent times being able to do it. We have two former winners this time, Carruthers and Diamond Harry. The former, last years victor, has been out of form, but does perform best at this time of year and also here at Newbury, he could run into a place. Diamond Harry has been in decline since his victory in this contest in 2010 off a 13lb higher mark.
What about the RSA Chase form?: Bobs Worth is a worthy favourite for this race after his win in the RSA at the Cheltenham Festival in March. You have to have class to win this, Denman, Madison Du Berlais, One Man, Teeton Mill, Arkle etc. Bobs Worth is about the only one you could see competing to a good standard in the Gold Cup in March. He is also unbeaten going left handed and the ground is not an issue. First Lieutenant got beaten two and a half lengths on level weights in the RSA, and this time gets a pound from that rival. He ran really well at Down Royal, but I think he will struggle to turn that form around.
Can Paul Nicholls win it?: The enigmatic Tidal Bay is the chief hope from Ditcheat, and despite top weight, seems to be in great form with himself of late. He does however have to give 6lbs to Bobs Worth, who is four years his junior. Harry The Viking isn't without a chance as he is on a flat track which suits him, and he will be staying on when others are tiring.
What about the other well fancied runners?: Hold On Julio ran a blinder at Cheltenham, and I think the style of the race; a strong pace so he can weave his passage through runners in the final circuit, will suit him. The Package was an impressive winner of the Badger Ales Trophy lt time, and will be trying to score under a Timmy Murphy special, creeping from the back to be produced between the last two. He could figure but this mark may be a bit high. Frisco Depot for me has a big chance. He was quite keen at Ascot last time, but was tanking when falling after becoming a bit unsighted at three out. With a low weight (10st 1), he must be involved if he completes. Alfie Spinner is one I like for The Welsh National, but I think he may struggle tomorrow. Magnanimity had his heart broken in the 2011 RSA Chase, and since then has been disappointing.
What about lively outsiders?: It is great to see an Irish National winner running in the shape of Lion Na Bearnai, but he is very high in the weights now, the same as Roberto Goldback. I think both Teaforthree, the winner of the four mile chase at the Cheltenham Festival and the mount of Tony McCoy, and Fruity O'Rooney, who improved a lot last year with a close second at the Festival the highlight, have good each way shouts. They both shaped well up to a point at the Open Meeting last time in their respective races before fading. Saint Are is interesting only because Dougie Costello has chosen to ride him as opposed to Countrywide Flame at Newcastle. Ikorodu Road could run a monster race at a big price as he has great form here.
ADVISED: 2pts WIN Bobs Worth,
2pts E/W Frisco Depot
1pt E/W Teaforthree + Fruity O'Rooney
Good Luck
Will
Any feedback? Then either fill in the comments box below or tweet me @willbowler2k12
Monday 26 November 2012
Weekend Review 23/11-25/11
In the second of our review pieces, we focus on the action on Friday and Saturday from Ascot and Haydock, with the Ascot hurdle and Betfair Chase the big races on the Saturday at those courses.
Both of those venues started their meetings on Friday with six good class races at each.
We will start our look back at Ascot on Friday, where we saw some nice prospects. Many Clouds created a good impression in winning the opening two and a half mile novice hurdle, confirming the form of his second to Gevrey Chambertin, who we will come to later, at Aintree. Restless Harry again appeared as if he didn't enjoy chasing when only fourth behind Minella Class, but it was the faller Shuil Royale who was running a belter when coming down at the last that caught my eye, and is sure to be winning sooner rather than later. Again Lordofthehouse showed his quirks and could only finish fourth behind Close Touch, owned by the Queen, who won under a penalty for Geraghty and Henderson. They teamed up again with Petit Robin, the former high class chaser, who has had a multitude of injuries, winning the finale, a handicap hurdle over two miles.
Up at Haydock, conditions were very testing. It was nice to see Kumbeshwar win again after a heavy fall at Kempton on his previous start, and for Wayne Hutchinson, a very good and under-used rider. Poungach won his first chase in game style, before Clondaw Kaempfer showed a nice turn of foot to score for McCain and Maguire, with the second Lienosus again shaping with lots of promise, and this former prolific pointer is sure to do well in the remainder of the season. I mentioned Gevrey Chambertin earlier, and he won a titanic battle with Corrin Wood all the way up the home straight in the two mile four novice hurdle, and both horses are worth watching when conditions are attritional.
To Saturday, and Ascot first again. The conditions were very wet and the ground deep, with some really not handling it at all. Lord Tomnoddy won well in the Novices Handicap Chase under a super cool Nick Scholfield, a class ride. If he can stay fit, then he could be one to follow in three mile handicap chases. Tweedledrum was given a corking ride by young Ben Poste, and it was great to see smaller connections with a Saturday winner at such a big track. The Amlin 1965 Chase has had some really good winners in the past, and a high class field lined up here, with Captain Chris proving victorious for Richard Johnson. It was a good performance by this former Arkle winner, and the King George will be next on his agenda. Finian's Rainbow detested conditions and this run can be forgotten. Oscar Whisky won easily in the Ascot Hurdle (Coral Hurdle), but where do you go with him? He could do with the Ryanair Hurdle, as two and a half miles is his best trip. William's Wishes was an impressive winner of the two mile handicap chase, returning after a big break but winning with the minimum of fuss, and the second Champion Court ran well in his prep run for the King George.
As for Haydock where I was, a competitive seven race card to look at. Balder Succes won readily in the opener, a horse that loves soft ground. Drama in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle as Double Ross looked very likely to make all until knocking the last down and checking his momentum, and eventually finishing fourth, as Yesyoucan scored from the fast finishing Black Thunder, a big eye-catcher, together with the third Poole Master, who's end of season target may be the Coral Cup. Ballyben caused a shock in the bumper, before Quartz De Thaix won off top weight in the three mile handicap chase. Dashing George pulled far too hard in that race and would have figured if he settled. Trustan Times was another top weight winner, this time in the Fixed Brush hurdle, with a couple of eye-catchers in behind. Sunnyhillboy ran very well, and is going to try and get himself handicapped for another go at the National in April. The other is Katkeau, who made a terrible blunder three out when still going well and is sure to find a race to win in the next few weeks.
Then for the big race, The Betfair Chase, and as the four time victor Kauto Star led the parade, it was a young horse from the same yard Silviniaco Conti who made all with a great round of jumping to score. Long Run ran well but again his jumping cost him dear, but I think Kempton is the time to get him in the King George. The Giant Bolster also ran well in third, holding Weird Al for that position by a short head. The three and a half mile handicap chase was a gruelling affair won by Monsieur Cadou under a great ride by Paddy Brennan, with Dusky Bob an eye-catcher back in fourth.
Sunday gave us just Navan in Ireland, but the hurdles debut of one of the most talked about horses on that side of the Irish Sea, and that horse is Don Cossack. He was impressive, jumping well and winning easily under Davy Russell. He stands at seventeen hands high, and whatever he does now will be a stepping stone for when he goes chasing next season.
I hope you have enjoyed this look back to the weekends' action, and if you have any feedback, either fill in the box below or tweet me @willbowler2k12
Will
Both of those venues started their meetings on Friday with six good class races at each.
We will start our look back at Ascot on Friday, where we saw some nice prospects. Many Clouds created a good impression in winning the opening two and a half mile novice hurdle, confirming the form of his second to Gevrey Chambertin, who we will come to later, at Aintree. Restless Harry again appeared as if he didn't enjoy chasing when only fourth behind Minella Class, but it was the faller Shuil Royale who was running a belter when coming down at the last that caught my eye, and is sure to be winning sooner rather than later. Again Lordofthehouse showed his quirks and could only finish fourth behind Close Touch, owned by the Queen, who won under a penalty for Geraghty and Henderson. They teamed up again with Petit Robin, the former high class chaser, who has had a multitude of injuries, winning the finale, a handicap hurdle over two miles.
Up at Haydock, conditions were very testing. It was nice to see Kumbeshwar win again after a heavy fall at Kempton on his previous start, and for Wayne Hutchinson, a very good and under-used rider. Poungach won his first chase in game style, before Clondaw Kaempfer showed a nice turn of foot to score for McCain and Maguire, with the second Lienosus again shaping with lots of promise, and this former prolific pointer is sure to do well in the remainder of the season. I mentioned Gevrey Chambertin earlier, and he won a titanic battle with Corrin Wood all the way up the home straight in the two mile four novice hurdle, and both horses are worth watching when conditions are attritional.
To Saturday, and Ascot first again. The conditions were very wet and the ground deep, with some really not handling it at all. Lord Tomnoddy won well in the Novices Handicap Chase under a super cool Nick Scholfield, a class ride. If he can stay fit, then he could be one to follow in three mile handicap chases. Tweedledrum was given a corking ride by young Ben Poste, and it was great to see smaller connections with a Saturday winner at such a big track. The Amlin 1965 Chase has had some really good winners in the past, and a high class field lined up here, with Captain Chris proving victorious for Richard Johnson. It was a good performance by this former Arkle winner, and the King George will be next on his agenda. Finian's Rainbow detested conditions and this run can be forgotten. Oscar Whisky won easily in the Ascot Hurdle (Coral Hurdle), but where do you go with him? He could do with the Ryanair Hurdle, as two and a half miles is his best trip. William's Wishes was an impressive winner of the two mile handicap chase, returning after a big break but winning with the minimum of fuss, and the second Champion Court ran well in his prep run for the King George.
As for Haydock where I was, a competitive seven race card to look at. Balder Succes won readily in the opener, a horse that loves soft ground. Drama in the two and a half mile handicap hurdle as Double Ross looked very likely to make all until knocking the last down and checking his momentum, and eventually finishing fourth, as Yesyoucan scored from the fast finishing Black Thunder, a big eye-catcher, together with the third Poole Master, who's end of season target may be the Coral Cup. Ballyben caused a shock in the bumper, before Quartz De Thaix won off top weight in the three mile handicap chase. Dashing George pulled far too hard in that race and would have figured if he settled. Trustan Times was another top weight winner, this time in the Fixed Brush hurdle, with a couple of eye-catchers in behind. Sunnyhillboy ran very well, and is going to try and get himself handicapped for another go at the National in April. The other is Katkeau, who made a terrible blunder three out when still going well and is sure to find a race to win in the next few weeks.
Then for the big race, The Betfair Chase, and as the four time victor Kauto Star led the parade, it was a young horse from the same yard Silviniaco Conti who made all with a great round of jumping to score. Long Run ran well but again his jumping cost him dear, but I think Kempton is the time to get him in the King George. The Giant Bolster also ran well in third, holding Weird Al for that position by a short head. The three and a half mile handicap chase was a gruelling affair won by Monsieur Cadou under a great ride by Paddy Brennan, with Dusky Bob an eye-catcher back in fourth.
Sunday gave us just Navan in Ireland, but the hurdles debut of one of the most talked about horses on that side of the Irish Sea, and that horse is Don Cossack. He was impressive, jumping well and winning easily under Davy Russell. He stands at seventeen hands high, and whatever he does now will be a stepping stone for when he goes chasing next season.
I hope you have enjoyed this look back to the weekends' action, and if you have any feedback, either fill in the box below or tweet me @willbowler2k12
Will
Thursday 22 November 2012
Betfair Chase Role Of Honour + Preview
Saturday's Betfair Chase has always provided a top quality, early season field of Gold Cup hopefuls and leading protaganists running against each other on the Lancashire turf.
The first running of the Betfair, or Lancashire Chase as it was registered in 2005, was won by the rising star Kingscliff for Robert Walford and the Alners, narrowly beating Beef Or Salmon under Paul Carberry, with the odds on favourite Kicking King, a way back in third.
He came back in 2006 to try and defend his crown, but was beaten over 100 lengths in last, as the then 'young pretender' Kauto Star routed the top class field by 17 lengths pushed out by Ruby Walsh. Little did we know that this was only the start of his many Grade 1 successes.
2007 came around, and in monsoon like conditions, his main market rival My Way De Solzen couldn't cope, but it was the improving Exotic Dancer who gave Kauto and stand in Sam Thomas a real race, getting within half a length under Barry Geraghty, a result that would become a very familiar association with this lovable bridesmaid, who got his day in the sun by winning the Lexus Chase in December 2008.
They were both back again in 2008, but this time, things didn't go to plan. Kauto Star was a 2/5 market leader in the hands of Sam Thomas going for his third Betfair, and with only five rivals, surely he would prevail, but from quite a way out, as Tamarinbleu got a very good tactical ride by Tom O'Brien at the front, he really turned the screw and got the others in trouble. Kauto was under pressure from three out, and as he came to join Tamarinbleu at the last, he stumbled on landing and unseated a helpless Thomas. The crowd gasped with horror as their horse was left to wander home riderless, with a brutal battle going on in front of him, won by the late run of Snoopy Loopy under Seamus Durack, who was never to win another race, showing how tough a renewal this was.
2009 provided one the classic jumps racing finishes of recent times as Kauto Star locked horns with the Ryanair winner Imperial Commander in a titanic rain swept battle up the Haydock straight, flashing past together. Kauto got the verdict by a nostril, but Imperial Commander came back to his favoured Cheltenham to dethrone Kauto in the Gold Cup in the following March.
In 2010, Kauto Star was sent to Northern Ireland to contest the JN Wine Champion Chase at Down Royal, therefore leaving gthe door open for Imperial Commander to gain a deserved win in this race after his defeat by a nose the year previous, scoring very comfortably from the enigmatic Tidal Bay a length and a quarter back in second.
But, the Betfair Chase that will live long in the memory for years to come will definitely be the 2011 running, a race that I am proud to say I was there for. I, amongst many other delirious racing fans, watched a Rocky style comeback from Kauto Star, to win his fourth Betfair chase aged eleven, beating his challenger Long Run by eight lengths, with a flawless display of jumping and galloping. The atmosphere was electric with the amount of people cheering him home, even if they hadn't backed Kauto, they were screaming. It was astounding. Then the crowd rushed to the paddock when he came back in to a rapturous reception, Paul Nicholls the conductor, three cheers reverberated around Haydock as people stood and admired, taking pictures to make sure they would never forget it. Even now when I see it again, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, god knows what it must have been like at Kempton!
This year though, Kauto is only at Haydock to parade after his retirement was announced a few weeks ago. Long Run remains in the small, but very good field of six. He ran behind Kauto Star twice in the Betfair and the King George, but was then only third in the Gold Cup, with his sketchy jumping in all three of those partly to blame for the defeats. If he sorts the jumping out, he will be tough to beat. Silviniaco Conti is this years young buck on the scene, and after an easy Charlie Hall Chase win last time at Wetherby, he is a fascinating contender bidding to give Paul Nicholls another win in this race. The Giant Bolster finished ahead of Long Run in the Gold Cup, but may be a little vulnerable away from there. Weird Al is very good fresh and is a big danger for me with the Donald McCain string flying. Wayward Prince and Cannington Brook have work to do, but the latter could outrun his odds if it came up bottomless.
I hope you have enjoyed reminiscing and looking forward to this great race on Saturday, I can't wait!!
Will
Any feedback? Either fill in the box below or tweet me @willbowler2k12
The first running of the Betfair, or Lancashire Chase as it was registered in 2005, was won by the rising star Kingscliff for Robert Walford and the Alners, narrowly beating Beef Or Salmon under Paul Carberry, with the odds on favourite Kicking King, a way back in third.
He came back in 2006 to try and defend his crown, but was beaten over 100 lengths in last, as the then 'young pretender' Kauto Star routed the top class field by 17 lengths pushed out by Ruby Walsh. Little did we know that this was only the start of his many Grade 1 successes.
2007 came around, and in monsoon like conditions, his main market rival My Way De Solzen couldn't cope, but it was the improving Exotic Dancer who gave Kauto and stand in Sam Thomas a real race, getting within half a length under Barry Geraghty, a result that would become a very familiar association with this lovable bridesmaid, who got his day in the sun by winning the Lexus Chase in December 2008.
They were both back again in 2008, but this time, things didn't go to plan. Kauto Star was a 2/5 market leader in the hands of Sam Thomas going for his third Betfair, and with only five rivals, surely he would prevail, but from quite a way out, as Tamarinbleu got a very good tactical ride by Tom O'Brien at the front, he really turned the screw and got the others in trouble. Kauto was under pressure from three out, and as he came to join Tamarinbleu at the last, he stumbled on landing and unseated a helpless Thomas. The crowd gasped with horror as their horse was left to wander home riderless, with a brutal battle going on in front of him, won by the late run of Snoopy Loopy under Seamus Durack, who was never to win another race, showing how tough a renewal this was.
2009 provided one the classic jumps racing finishes of recent times as Kauto Star locked horns with the Ryanair winner Imperial Commander in a titanic rain swept battle up the Haydock straight, flashing past together. Kauto got the verdict by a nostril, but Imperial Commander came back to his favoured Cheltenham to dethrone Kauto in the Gold Cup in the following March.
In 2010, Kauto Star was sent to Northern Ireland to contest the JN Wine Champion Chase at Down Royal, therefore leaving gthe door open for Imperial Commander to gain a deserved win in this race after his defeat by a nose the year previous, scoring very comfortably from the enigmatic Tidal Bay a length and a quarter back in second.
But, the Betfair Chase that will live long in the memory for years to come will definitely be the 2011 running, a race that I am proud to say I was there for. I, amongst many other delirious racing fans, watched a Rocky style comeback from Kauto Star, to win his fourth Betfair chase aged eleven, beating his challenger Long Run by eight lengths, with a flawless display of jumping and galloping. The atmosphere was electric with the amount of people cheering him home, even if they hadn't backed Kauto, they were screaming. It was astounding. Then the crowd rushed to the paddock when he came back in to a rapturous reception, Paul Nicholls the conductor, three cheers reverberated around Haydock as people stood and admired, taking pictures to make sure they would never forget it. Even now when I see it again, the hairs on the back of my neck stand up, god knows what it must have been like at Kempton!
This year though, Kauto is only at Haydock to parade after his retirement was announced a few weeks ago. Long Run remains in the small, but very good field of six. He ran behind Kauto Star twice in the Betfair and the King George, but was then only third in the Gold Cup, with his sketchy jumping in all three of those partly to blame for the defeats. If he sorts the jumping out, he will be tough to beat. Silviniaco Conti is this years young buck on the scene, and after an easy Charlie Hall Chase win last time at Wetherby, he is a fascinating contender bidding to give Paul Nicholls another win in this race. The Giant Bolster finished ahead of Long Run in the Gold Cup, but may be a little vulnerable away from there. Weird Al is very good fresh and is a big danger for me with the Donald McCain string flying. Wayward Prince and Cannington Brook have work to do, but the latter could outrun his odds if it came up bottomless.
I hope you have enjoyed reminiscing and looking forward to this great race on Saturday, I can't wait!!
Will
Any feedback? Either fill in the box below or tweet me @willbowler2k12
Tuesday 20 November 2012
Jumps Weekend Review 16th-18th November
This is the first of a series of weekend reviews I am going to do throughout the jumps season where possible.
We start on Friday with the first day of the Cheltenham Open Meeting, and what a start with the smooth success of Dynaste on chasing debut. It wasn't all plain sailing, as Tom Scudamore had to change his plan of going up the inside of Fingal Bay coming to two out, but for just hand riding sprinted up the hill to win well. If there is a race at the Festival that will best suit him, I would say it was the Jewson as opposed to the RSA. I say that because over three miles around Cheltenham he isn't guaranteed to stay, but he will be fine at Kempton in the Feltham as it is an easier three miles. Fingal Bay was a shade disappointing, and appeared one paced up the hill, the jury is out when it comes to him for the time being.
Dodging Bullets was, in his own way, quite impressive in the Opus Energy Novice Hurdle, after having to make his own running, and keeping on really well up the hill to score by a length and a half. River Maigue ran really well, justifying the hope of his trainer Nicky Henderson, who thinks he can be a 'top novice this season'. A few people think that Court Minstrel would have won if he had a clear run, but I don't think he would. No doubt he would have been closer, but I think Dodging Bullets would have gone again if he was tackled. He would be better suited by an end to end gallop which he didn't get here, and the Festival is a viable long term target. Duke Of Navan ran a blinder too, and is a horse that I really like for the future, probably chasing.It would be great for trainer Nicky Richards to have a nice horse to go to war with down the south like Noble Alan.
The cross country provided another win for Uncle Junior, given a great ride by young Patrick Mullins. I'm sure he'll be back for the big one in March.
Ending the card was the gallant grey Swing Bill who won again under Mikey Ennis, repeating his win in the same race twelve months previous under Tom Bellamy, who has since gone on to more success, impressing many judges. Hopefully Mikey Ennis will be a name we hear plenty more of this season.
Newcastle also raced on Friday, and just one horse to mention here, and that's Aland Islands trained by Tim Vaughan, who made a successful chase debut under Aidan Coleman. His trainer has always thought very highly of him, and he certainly hasn't been over-raced. He will be one we hear plenty more of in the coming months.
Saturday was Paddy Power Gold Cup day at Cheltenham, plus Uttoxeter, where I was heading, and Wetherby. At Cheltenham, Far West again impressed in the opener, beating a horse I'd seen win on his British debut Vasco Du Ronceray. Our Father was yet another David Pipe inmate to impress with his jumping on chase debut, hacking up in the three mile novice chase by twenty lengths. He spent the summer at Timmy Murphy's, and it certainly seemed to help. A super ride by Jamie Moore on Monbeg Dude helped secure the first running of the Henrietta Knight handicap chase, narrowly defeating Bradley, who has Grand National written all over him, he jumps, he stays, and he loves good ground.
To the big one, the Paddy Power Gold Cup, and it was Al Ferof who reigned victorious with a great ride by Ruby Walsh, and proved to the doubters, including myself, that he does stay and isn't badly handicapped. Walkon ran a belter, but it is yet to be seen whether that was only because he was fresh. Grand Crus was flat, and is having a breathing operation, again, the jury is out.
It was also great to see Cross Kennon run so well to in the Listed handicap hurdle, for a under-rated trainer Jennie Candlish.
As for Uttoxeter, I was a little suprised to see so many big name trainers such as Donald McCain, Charlie Longsden, Sue Smith, David O'Meara, Lucinda Russell, but it was Caroline Bailey who shone, with another great piece of placing to get Noble Legend to score for the fourth time in a row, and doesn't he half jump! Cape York was the one beaten horse to take out of the day, spooky in the paddock and green in the race, but he kept on well for a creditable third in the closing bumper behind a nice McCain winner, and will certainly improve once he grows up a bit.
As for Wetherby, just a beaten horse to watch, Electric Tiger, who finished third in the two and a half mile novice hurdle. He needs one more run before he recieves his opening mark and will be of big interest to me if getting a mark around 100.
Sunday was the final day of Cheltenham, plus top class action at Punchestown, and Fontwell's big day with the Southern National the feature. With no Sprinter Sacre or Darlan due to the soft ground, some would have said it was a much weaker card than when the final declarations came out on Friday. Captain Conan provided a jumping masterclass to win the opener, from Sire De Grugy in second, who ran really well also for Jamie Moore. Captain Conan has always looked a chaser and hopefully he gets to the Festival in one piece, because if he does, he will be one to beat. Wishfull Thinking got a confidence building win if anything in the Shloer Chase, followed by a deserved big race success for Olofi, who has had his fair share of hard luck in recent times in similar big field handicaps. Coneygree was a nice winner for Mark Bradstock and Mattie Batchelor in the novice hurdle, and is a half brother to stable star Carruthers, and bred by the late great Lord Oaksey.
As for Punchestown, Hurricane Fly ran out a potentially fortunate winner of the Morgiana hurdle, after the luckless fall of Go Native at the last when holding every chance. It'll be fascinating to see where they both go from here, but it wouldn't suprise me if Go Native ended up having the better season. And as for a jockey in Ireland to watch, Jane Mangan again showed her skills with Beef To The Heels winning on the same card, and is improving with every ride.
I hope you have enjoyed my look back at the weekends action. If you have any comments or feedback, either fill in the box below, or tweet me @willbowler2k12
Will
We start on Friday with the first day of the Cheltenham Open Meeting, and what a start with the smooth success of Dynaste on chasing debut. It wasn't all plain sailing, as Tom Scudamore had to change his plan of going up the inside of Fingal Bay coming to two out, but for just hand riding sprinted up the hill to win well. If there is a race at the Festival that will best suit him, I would say it was the Jewson as opposed to the RSA. I say that because over three miles around Cheltenham he isn't guaranteed to stay, but he will be fine at Kempton in the Feltham as it is an easier three miles. Fingal Bay was a shade disappointing, and appeared one paced up the hill, the jury is out when it comes to him for the time being.
Dodging Bullets was, in his own way, quite impressive in the Opus Energy Novice Hurdle, after having to make his own running, and keeping on really well up the hill to score by a length and a half. River Maigue ran really well, justifying the hope of his trainer Nicky Henderson, who thinks he can be a 'top novice this season'. A few people think that Court Minstrel would have won if he had a clear run, but I don't think he would. No doubt he would have been closer, but I think Dodging Bullets would have gone again if he was tackled. He would be better suited by an end to end gallop which he didn't get here, and the Festival is a viable long term target. Duke Of Navan ran a blinder too, and is a horse that I really like for the future, probably chasing.It would be great for trainer Nicky Richards to have a nice horse to go to war with down the south like Noble Alan.
The cross country provided another win for Uncle Junior, given a great ride by young Patrick Mullins. I'm sure he'll be back for the big one in March.
Ending the card was the gallant grey Swing Bill who won again under Mikey Ennis, repeating his win in the same race twelve months previous under Tom Bellamy, who has since gone on to more success, impressing many judges. Hopefully Mikey Ennis will be a name we hear plenty more of this season.
Newcastle also raced on Friday, and just one horse to mention here, and that's Aland Islands trained by Tim Vaughan, who made a successful chase debut under Aidan Coleman. His trainer has always thought very highly of him, and he certainly hasn't been over-raced. He will be one we hear plenty more of in the coming months.
Saturday was Paddy Power Gold Cup day at Cheltenham, plus Uttoxeter, where I was heading, and Wetherby. At Cheltenham, Far West again impressed in the opener, beating a horse I'd seen win on his British debut Vasco Du Ronceray. Our Father was yet another David Pipe inmate to impress with his jumping on chase debut, hacking up in the three mile novice chase by twenty lengths. He spent the summer at Timmy Murphy's, and it certainly seemed to help. A super ride by Jamie Moore on Monbeg Dude helped secure the first running of the Henrietta Knight handicap chase, narrowly defeating Bradley, who has Grand National written all over him, he jumps, he stays, and he loves good ground.
To the big one, the Paddy Power Gold Cup, and it was Al Ferof who reigned victorious with a great ride by Ruby Walsh, and proved to the doubters, including myself, that he does stay and isn't badly handicapped. Walkon ran a belter, but it is yet to be seen whether that was only because he was fresh. Grand Crus was flat, and is having a breathing operation, again, the jury is out.
It was also great to see Cross Kennon run so well to in the Listed handicap hurdle, for a under-rated trainer Jennie Candlish.
As for Uttoxeter, I was a little suprised to see so many big name trainers such as Donald McCain, Charlie Longsden, Sue Smith, David O'Meara, Lucinda Russell, but it was Caroline Bailey who shone, with another great piece of placing to get Noble Legend to score for the fourth time in a row, and doesn't he half jump! Cape York was the one beaten horse to take out of the day, spooky in the paddock and green in the race, but he kept on well for a creditable third in the closing bumper behind a nice McCain winner, and will certainly improve once he grows up a bit.
As for Wetherby, just a beaten horse to watch, Electric Tiger, who finished third in the two and a half mile novice hurdle. He needs one more run before he recieves his opening mark and will be of big interest to me if getting a mark around 100.
Sunday was the final day of Cheltenham, plus top class action at Punchestown, and Fontwell's big day with the Southern National the feature. With no Sprinter Sacre or Darlan due to the soft ground, some would have said it was a much weaker card than when the final declarations came out on Friday. Captain Conan provided a jumping masterclass to win the opener, from Sire De Grugy in second, who ran really well also for Jamie Moore. Captain Conan has always looked a chaser and hopefully he gets to the Festival in one piece, because if he does, he will be one to beat. Wishfull Thinking got a confidence building win if anything in the Shloer Chase, followed by a deserved big race success for Olofi, who has had his fair share of hard luck in recent times in similar big field handicaps. Coneygree was a nice winner for Mark Bradstock and Mattie Batchelor in the novice hurdle, and is a half brother to stable star Carruthers, and bred by the late great Lord Oaksey.
As for Punchestown, Hurricane Fly ran out a potentially fortunate winner of the Morgiana hurdle, after the luckless fall of Go Native at the last when holding every chance. It'll be fascinating to see where they both go from here, but it wouldn't suprise me if Go Native ended up having the better season. And as for a jockey in Ireland to watch, Jane Mangan again showed her skills with Beef To The Heels winning on the same card, and is improving with every ride.
I hope you have enjoyed my look back at the weekends action. If you have any comments or feedback, either fill in the box below, or tweet me @willbowler2k12
Will
Friday 16 November 2012
Paddy Power Gold Cup 2012 Preview
The Paddy Power Gold Cup is the first major handicap of the jumps season proper, and what a roll of honour it has, mainly Martin Pipe appeared down the 'trainer' column with the likes of Shooting Light and Cyfor Malta. In recent years, Imperial Commander won this in 2008, and Long Run got beaten by Little Josh in 2010, before the Pipe dynasty continued last year with Great Endeavour scoring easily.
Could it be another Pipe winner?: I think it could be certainly, Grand Crus is starting to look well handicapped on his hurdles mark of 167, he runs on Saturday off 157, after being dropped a few pounds for a lacklustre run in the RSA Chase, which looks to have excuses (scoped dirty afterwards). The only concern would be that historically the RSA takes so much out of horses, for example Cooldine and Bostons Angel have both struggled in top company since their wins in that race in recent years. Despite that, he has top course form and should go very close.
Bugger the Cows and Lump on Hunt Ball?: It seems a long time ago since I saw Hunt Ball get beaten in a handicap chase at Plumpton on January 2nd off 102, he now competes off 157! His meteoric rise through the weights last season was highlighted by an easy win at the Festival, carrying 12st, and then a great run at Aintree in the Betfair Bowl, only beaten 3 and a quarter lengths. I would rather have him with me than against, but can he really sustain this improvement?
What about Walkon?: Walkon was a very good novice hurdler, finishing 2nd at the Festival behind Reve De Sivola in 2009. But last season, after an impressive chase debut at Exeter, he was well beaten in all his remaining starts behind the likes of Cue Card, For Non Stop and Bobs Worth. They even tried the Scottish National on his final start where he pulled up. I think he is risky, but can see the argument behind him. Despite the confidence of the trainer, for me,two miles is his best trip and he might find this too difficult.
A Nicky Henderson winner?: Quantitativeeasing was 2nd in this last year, but off an 11lb lower mark, but does go well fresh and will be running on well up the hill. Nadiya De La Vega is the pick of Tony McCoy, but has only won fresh, the shortest time between a win and previous race is 2 months (only 28 days this time). Triolo D'Alene is the mount of Barry Geraghty, but ran his worst race last season here, and is prone to a mistake. Saying all that, he is only 5 and has had time to strengthen and mature since we last saw him.
The Paul Nicholls runners?: The old boy Poquelin is a standing dish in these type of races at Cheltenham, and will run his heart out without quite being good enough. Al Ferof is an interesting runner who is attracting plenty of money in the ante post markets. He was blisteringly good here on reappearance last season, but was eventually a little disappointing in the top class Festival races. He has won a point to point over 3 miles, but he has to give weight to Grand Crus and Hunt Ball, and that is a significant worry for me. Aerial was fourth in this last year and has improved since, but needs to find more to better last years result.
Any others?: I hope that Calgary Bay runs well on the day of the first running of the Henrietta Knight handicap chase earlier in the card, but is very high in the handicap. The Disengager improved a lot through the Summer, but this is an entirely different ball game. Kingsmere was bang there when falling here in a novice chase last time, and off exactly 10st and Sam Twiston Davies aboard, could go well. Divers also has a chance if they go off fast (almost a given), as Timmy Murphy will be able to work his magic, and his yard are in unusually good form for this time of year. You probably think I'm mad, but I could see Gilbarry going well too, despite being 10lb out the handicap, he really caught my eye last time and I could see him outrunning his 66/1 price.
In Summary: An on song Grand Crus will be very hard to beat, with the yard having such a good record in the race and potentially looking well handicapped too. Hunt Ball can't be discounted for eccentric owner Anthony Knott either, but can he keep getting better? A few to look at each way are Divers, Kingsmere and Gilbarry at the bottom of the weights.
Hope you have found this useful, and enjoy the race and the rest of the racing on Saturday.
Will
Any feedback, tweet me @willbowler2k12, or fill in the comments box below
Could it be another Pipe winner?: I think it could be certainly, Grand Crus is starting to look well handicapped on his hurdles mark of 167, he runs on Saturday off 157, after being dropped a few pounds for a lacklustre run in the RSA Chase, which looks to have excuses (scoped dirty afterwards). The only concern would be that historically the RSA takes so much out of horses, for example Cooldine and Bostons Angel have both struggled in top company since their wins in that race in recent years. Despite that, he has top course form and should go very close.
Bugger the Cows and Lump on Hunt Ball?: It seems a long time ago since I saw Hunt Ball get beaten in a handicap chase at Plumpton on January 2nd off 102, he now competes off 157! His meteoric rise through the weights last season was highlighted by an easy win at the Festival, carrying 12st, and then a great run at Aintree in the Betfair Bowl, only beaten 3 and a quarter lengths. I would rather have him with me than against, but can he really sustain this improvement?
What about Walkon?: Walkon was a very good novice hurdler, finishing 2nd at the Festival behind Reve De Sivola in 2009. But last season, after an impressive chase debut at Exeter, he was well beaten in all his remaining starts behind the likes of Cue Card, For Non Stop and Bobs Worth. They even tried the Scottish National on his final start where he pulled up. I think he is risky, but can see the argument behind him. Despite the confidence of the trainer, for me,two miles is his best trip and he might find this too difficult.
A Nicky Henderson winner?: Quantitativeeasing was 2nd in this last year, but off an 11lb lower mark, but does go well fresh and will be running on well up the hill. Nadiya De La Vega is the pick of Tony McCoy, but has only won fresh, the shortest time between a win and previous race is 2 months (only 28 days this time). Triolo D'Alene is the mount of Barry Geraghty, but ran his worst race last season here, and is prone to a mistake. Saying all that, he is only 5 and has had time to strengthen and mature since we last saw him.
The Paul Nicholls runners?: The old boy Poquelin is a standing dish in these type of races at Cheltenham, and will run his heart out without quite being good enough. Al Ferof is an interesting runner who is attracting plenty of money in the ante post markets. He was blisteringly good here on reappearance last season, but was eventually a little disappointing in the top class Festival races. He has won a point to point over 3 miles, but he has to give weight to Grand Crus and Hunt Ball, and that is a significant worry for me. Aerial was fourth in this last year and has improved since, but needs to find more to better last years result.
Any others?: I hope that Calgary Bay runs well on the day of the first running of the Henrietta Knight handicap chase earlier in the card, but is very high in the handicap. The Disengager improved a lot through the Summer, but this is an entirely different ball game. Kingsmere was bang there when falling here in a novice chase last time, and off exactly 10st and Sam Twiston Davies aboard, could go well. Divers also has a chance if they go off fast (almost a given), as Timmy Murphy will be able to work his magic, and his yard are in unusually good form for this time of year. You probably think I'm mad, but I could see Gilbarry going well too, despite being 10lb out the handicap, he really caught my eye last time and I could see him outrunning his 66/1 price.
In Summary: An on song Grand Crus will be very hard to beat, with the yard having such a good record in the race and potentially looking well handicapped too. Hunt Ball can't be discounted for eccentric owner Anthony Knott either, but can he keep getting better? A few to look at each way are Divers, Kingsmere and Gilbarry at the bottom of the weights.
Hope you have found this useful, and enjoy the race and the rest of the racing on Saturday.
Will
Any feedback, tweet me @willbowler2k12, or fill in the comments box below
Sunday 11 November 2012
11/11/12 selections
On a Sunday where we have some big names coming back at Navan, such as Voler La Vedette and Flemenstar, plus nice cards at Ffos Las and Market Rasen. Hopefully I can find some winners, with further analysis on the matching soundcloud.
2pts WIN:
Alpine Breeze 2.15 Market Rasen
Chac Du Cadran 2.45 Market Rasen
Qualviro 3.40 Ffos Las
Artisan 3.50 Market Rasen
1pt Reverse F/C:
Flemenstar and Fooldubh 2.50 Navan
1pt E/W:
Corso Palladio 3.05 Ffos Las
Good Luck
Will
soundcloud.com/will-bowler-racing
@willbowler2k12
2pts WIN:
Alpine Breeze 2.15 Market Rasen
Chac Du Cadran 2.45 Market Rasen
Qualviro 3.40 Ffos Las
Artisan 3.50 Market Rasen
1pt Reverse F/C:
Flemenstar and Fooldubh 2.50 Navan
1pt E/W:
Corso Palladio 3.05 Ffos Las
Good Luck
Will
soundcloud.com/will-bowler-racing
@willbowler2k12
Saturday 10 November 2012
10/11/12 selections
A day full of top class, big field action from Doncaster on the last day of the flat turf season, and jumping from Wincanton, Sandown and Kelso. Further analysis on the matching soundcloud.
2pts WIN:
Milano Magic 1.30 Kelso
Zarkandar 2.50 Wincanton
2pts E/W:
Vagrant Emperor 12.45 Sandown
Sirius Prospect 3.10 Doncaster
Irish Heartbeat 3.45 Doncaster
1pt E/W:
Songcraft 2.35 Doncaster
Good Luck
Will
soundcloud.com/will-bowler-racing
@willbowler2k12
2pts WIN:
Milano Magic 1.30 Kelso
Zarkandar 2.50 Wincanton
2pts E/W:
Vagrant Emperor 12.45 Sandown
Sirius Prospect 3.10 Doncaster
Irish Heartbeat 3.45 Doncaster
1pt E/W:
Songcraft 2.35 Doncaster
Good Luck
Will
soundcloud.com/will-bowler-racing
@willbowler2k12
Friday 9 November 2012
Review of the Flat Turf + Preview of the All Weather season
I write to you with only one day left of the Flat Turf season, and what a year it's been. It's been a year which has resulted in change, with the high profile separation of Frankie Dettori from Godolphin, one of very few names that non-racing people find synonymous with not just Flat racing, but the whole of British racing. Next season, he will ride freelance and quite early on, we will see whether he is capable of going for a jockeys title bid again.
In terms of the horses themselves, only one horse has shone brightest of all. Do I really need to say his name? I will, Frankel, who again swept all before him in 2012, taking the challenge of ten furlongs at York and heavy ground at Ascot in his last race, in his very long stride. I think all the different ways of describing his achievments have been taken, but this equine superstar has lit up the flat game over the last three seasons, with his destructive burst of speed. He's become an icon, a focal point, especially to people lucky enough to have watched him on course. I am lucky enough to say I saw him twice this season, will cherish these memories for a long while to come.
Camelot looked at one stage like he could compete with Frankel, with the Triple Crown still a possibility when he went to Doncaster, but after a hard race in defeat on Town Moor, he ran flat in the Arc. Hopefully that doesn't ruin him and he can carry on showing his true class in 2013.
As for sprinters, there was so much hype about Black Caviar appearing at Ascot. In a race full of drama in which she only just scrambled home, with a fellow Aussie mare Ortensia overshadowing her by scoring in both the Audi Stakes at Goodwood and Nunthorpe at York. There isn't a stand out though in the homegrown sprinters, so 2013 could be a interesting year.
The stayers were a close knit bunch of five or six horses, Colour Vision, Saddlers Rock, Opinion Poll, Aiken and Rite Of Passage, who probably gave Dermot Weld his greatest training performance when scoring on Champions Day under Pat Smullen. I think Mount Athos may challenge those next season after a luckless effort in the Melbourne Cup.
Back to jockeys, Richard Hughes has finally and deservedly got his name on the Flat racing roll of honour. In a season where he had to play catch up after his ridiculous ban in India over the winter, he blitzed his rivals with his exploits, mainly at Windsor on Monday evenings, where if a Hannon two year old didn't win, you'd be very suprised, and it was fitting that only a few weeks ago, 'Hughesy' completed a seven timer, from eight rides at the track that for so long, has given him so many winners. With the prospect of Classic bound horses such as Olympic Glory and Toronado to come in 2013, plus the canny eye of Richard Hannon looking over another set of two year olds, you wouldn't bet against him doing it again.
But as they say, the show must go on, and with the All Weather, for flat fans, it never stops! I am a fan of the All weather, and that has grown over recent years as my knowledge has grown. Southwell, which is my nearest artificial track, is for me anyway, the easiest to work out as it is good for certain sires and course specialists, the famous La Estrella being the most high profile, now unbeaten in a world record 13 starts on the Fibresand.
I am going to list '5 to watch' this winter, one jockey, one trainer, a sire and a couple of horses.
1) David Simmonsen (Jockey) - I have been impressed this season with David's judge of pace, and I think he is only getting better. He has ridden six all weather winners so far, and all at Wolverhampton. He rides mainly for Mick Easterby, who is having a good spell at Wolverhampton lately. He is improving all the time and should stay among the winners over the winter months if he stays fit.
2) Jason Ward (Trainer) - Jason is a trainer who trains in Middleham, and has had good success with his select string at Southwell, and I think he can do so again. He has had a couple of winners at Wolverhampton too, but with horses such as stable star Sweetnessandlight using Southwell as a step to better things, I'm sure they'll be more this winter.
3) Dubawi (Sire) - This sire applies only for Southwell really, and the stats of 25% on the Fibresand, compares to a rate of between 10 and 15% on turf. To add to that, any US bred horses also have an advantage at Southwell, as most the US dirt tracks are Fibresand.
4) Hoonose (Horse) - Hoonose is trained by Pat Eddery. I've followed him this season in very low grade races, and I think that Southwell is the venue for him. Was a shade unlucky not to be closer at Nottingham last time. Another to consider only at Southwell is Greatest Dancer (J Osborne).
5) If So (Horse) - Trained by James Fanshawe, If So is an improving three year old who is unexposed, only having 2 starts on the synthetic surfaces to date. He runs off a mark of 64 and I think he can get into the eighties before the return of the turf next March.
Hope you have enjoyed this and if you have any feedback, feel free to fill in the comments box below, or tweet me @willbowler2k12.
Thanks for reading
Will
In terms of the horses themselves, only one horse has shone brightest of all. Do I really need to say his name? I will, Frankel, who again swept all before him in 2012, taking the challenge of ten furlongs at York and heavy ground at Ascot in his last race, in his very long stride. I think all the different ways of describing his achievments have been taken, but this equine superstar has lit up the flat game over the last three seasons, with his destructive burst of speed. He's become an icon, a focal point, especially to people lucky enough to have watched him on course. I am lucky enough to say I saw him twice this season, will cherish these memories for a long while to come.
Camelot looked at one stage like he could compete with Frankel, with the Triple Crown still a possibility when he went to Doncaster, but after a hard race in defeat on Town Moor, he ran flat in the Arc. Hopefully that doesn't ruin him and he can carry on showing his true class in 2013.
As for sprinters, there was so much hype about Black Caviar appearing at Ascot. In a race full of drama in which she only just scrambled home, with a fellow Aussie mare Ortensia overshadowing her by scoring in both the Audi Stakes at Goodwood and Nunthorpe at York. There isn't a stand out though in the homegrown sprinters, so 2013 could be a interesting year.
The stayers were a close knit bunch of five or six horses, Colour Vision, Saddlers Rock, Opinion Poll, Aiken and Rite Of Passage, who probably gave Dermot Weld his greatest training performance when scoring on Champions Day under Pat Smullen. I think Mount Athos may challenge those next season after a luckless effort in the Melbourne Cup.
Back to jockeys, Richard Hughes has finally and deservedly got his name on the Flat racing roll of honour. In a season where he had to play catch up after his ridiculous ban in India over the winter, he blitzed his rivals with his exploits, mainly at Windsor on Monday evenings, where if a Hannon two year old didn't win, you'd be very suprised, and it was fitting that only a few weeks ago, 'Hughesy' completed a seven timer, from eight rides at the track that for so long, has given him so many winners. With the prospect of Classic bound horses such as Olympic Glory and Toronado to come in 2013, plus the canny eye of Richard Hannon looking over another set of two year olds, you wouldn't bet against him doing it again.
But as they say, the show must go on, and with the All Weather, for flat fans, it never stops! I am a fan of the All weather, and that has grown over recent years as my knowledge has grown. Southwell, which is my nearest artificial track, is for me anyway, the easiest to work out as it is good for certain sires and course specialists, the famous La Estrella being the most high profile, now unbeaten in a world record 13 starts on the Fibresand.
I am going to list '5 to watch' this winter, one jockey, one trainer, a sire and a couple of horses.
1) David Simmonsen (Jockey) - I have been impressed this season with David's judge of pace, and I think he is only getting better. He has ridden six all weather winners so far, and all at Wolverhampton. He rides mainly for Mick Easterby, who is having a good spell at Wolverhampton lately. He is improving all the time and should stay among the winners over the winter months if he stays fit.
2) Jason Ward (Trainer) - Jason is a trainer who trains in Middleham, and has had good success with his select string at Southwell, and I think he can do so again. He has had a couple of winners at Wolverhampton too, but with horses such as stable star Sweetnessandlight using Southwell as a step to better things, I'm sure they'll be more this winter.
3) Dubawi (Sire) - This sire applies only for Southwell really, and the stats of 25% on the Fibresand, compares to a rate of between 10 and 15% on turf. To add to that, any US bred horses also have an advantage at Southwell, as most the US dirt tracks are Fibresand.
4) Hoonose (Horse) - Hoonose is trained by Pat Eddery. I've followed him this season in very low grade races, and I think that Southwell is the venue for him. Was a shade unlucky not to be closer at Nottingham last time. Another to consider only at Southwell is Greatest Dancer (J Osborne).
5) If So (Horse) - Trained by James Fanshawe, If So is an improving three year old who is unexposed, only having 2 starts on the synthetic surfaces to date. He runs off a mark of 64 and I think he can get into the eighties before the return of the turf next March.
Hope you have enjoyed this and if you have any feedback, feel free to fill in the comments box below, or tweet me @willbowler2k12.
Thanks for reading
Will
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