Today is a bit of an anomalie, especially at Sandown, where fast ground usually runs the show for this meeting. But with the recent bad weather, no suprise a Welsh National favourite heads the betting!
The Channel 4 coverage kicks off with the Sandown 2.00: This is a fiercely competitive handicap hurdle over nearly 2 and a half miles. Cedre Bleu is a very interesting runner, back over hurdles after a stop start chasing career, but with bags of promise, personally wouldn't suprise me if he went off favourite. I also like The Pier, who I really fancied last time, but raced too free, looked like winning at the last but used to much energy early on, if he can settle, he'd be very dangerous. But the selection is Headly's Bridge, who I have followed all season, won his handicap debut at Towcester two starts back, and didn't get first run last time at Chepstow, running on well, and looks overpriced to me off bottom weight on bad ground.
Then we head to Yorkshire to the undulations of Ripon at 2.20: The Osteopath is a good starting point, with lots of form on bad ground, but the concern being a lack of Ripon experience. Silvery Moon catches the eye, usually needing a run and from an in-form yard. But I will nervously go for Dubai Dynamo. You will know your fate early depending on how he travels, but likes Ripon and bad ground and looks solid each way.
Back for the Celebration Chase at Sandown at 2.35: If Wishfull Thinking enjoys himself, which is questionable, he will be very dangerous. Sanctuaire is a complete unknown at this level over fences but has loads of ability if taking to this test. But I feel the safest option is French Opera, who won this last year and is very reliable on any ground, and pretty good right handed.
Now the Bet365 Gold Cup (Sandown 3.10): Any Currency is an enigma in every sense of the word, but has an eye-shield on the first time and runs well at Sandown. Roalco Des Farges jumped really well at Chepstow last time but he seems to be better left handed. So I'll chance at Tidal Bay, who is a monkey, but I think he will stay and feel he will like the track more than Le Beau Bai and West End Rocker.
Back to Ripon at 3.30: I think Montaff will run well despite his off-putting form figures, off same mark and conditions as last year's win in the race. But for me this evolves around Gulf Of Naples, a strong and progressive stayer from an in form yard and will be very hard to pass.
On the Flat at 3.45 Sandown to finish proceedings, I want to be against Twice Over, who had a very hard race at Newmarket. Columbian has form on soft ground so will be involved. But, I really fancy Poet, who loves bad ground and Ryan Moore for Clive Cox just confirms suspicions he is highly fancied.
Good Luck
SELECTIONS: Headly's Bridge 1pt E/W (2.00 Sandown)
Dubai Dynamo 1pt E/W (2.20 Ripon)
French Opera 3pts E/W (2.35 Sandown)
Tidal Bay 1pt WIN (3.10 Sandown)
Gulf Of Naples 5pts WIN (3.30 Ripon)
Poet 3pts WIN (3.45 Sandown)
Saturday 28 April 2012
The end of a vintage season, A tribute. 28/4/12
Today signals the end of the jumps season, a season that has captured a lot of minds, for various different reasons. Cheltenham was superb, a typical blend of class, determination, characters, successful gambles and a lot of British trained winners. From that, we really saw some incredible displays, notably from the slick, smooth and beautiful Sprinter Sacre, who demolished an above average Arkle field without turning a hair. Also, stablemate Simonsig, the long striding grey who was very impressive in the Neptune Novices Hurdle, clearly has an outstanding future, either over hurdles or the larger obstacles. The gamble of Son Of Flicka (50/1 into 17/2), Synchronised dethroning Long Run, Hunt Ball's meteoric rise through the weights, there has been so many of these stories or displays that keep the sport fresh, but with some of the older horses, Kauto Star, Neptune Collonges etc, who people adhere to year after year coming back, just add to the excitement and spice of the Jumps every season. Aintree was also very good, personally I felt two displays shone out, apart from Neptune Collonges' late thrust in the National, breaking the heart of Sunnyhillboy and connections, who of course had the circumstances of Gold Cup winner Synchronised having to be put down to worry about most.
Firstly, Malcolm Jefferson's training feat with not one but two Cheltenham winners, going to Aintree with top weight and winning again was outstanding, a monumental effort, who didn't deserve to lose his According To Pete in the National, the only sour note to a great season for this small Northern yard.
Secondly, I feel the way Nicky Henderson managed to calm down Finian's Rainbow, who was a very exuberent, chaotic novice chaser was oustanding. Not only did he win the Queen Mother, albeit with a little controversy, but to step back up to 2 and a half miles in the Melling Chase, beating a rejuvenated Wishfull Thinking cosily was very good.
Punchestown has been rather odd this week, with the horses slooshing their way through the mud and puddles, but again we saw Quevega win again, this wonder mare who I just pray faces Big Buck's somewhere next season, Hurricane Fly win yesterday, showing no effects of his Cheltenham flop, and the likes of Oscara Dara, Sir Des Champs (apart from the last fence blunder) and Sizing Europe all winning and looking good to come back next season and potentially dominate on both sides of the Irish Sea. They still have racing today, Quel Esprit favourite for the Punchestown Gold Cup.
That's it for the 2012 season, I can't wait for 2013!
Firstly, Malcolm Jefferson's training feat with not one but two Cheltenham winners, going to Aintree with top weight and winning again was outstanding, a monumental effort, who didn't deserve to lose his According To Pete in the National, the only sour note to a great season for this small Northern yard.
Secondly, I feel the way Nicky Henderson managed to calm down Finian's Rainbow, who was a very exuberent, chaotic novice chaser was oustanding. Not only did he win the Queen Mother, albeit with a little controversy, but to step back up to 2 and a half miles in the Melling Chase, beating a rejuvenated Wishfull Thinking cosily was very good.
Punchestown has been rather odd this week, with the horses slooshing their way through the mud and puddles, but again we saw Quevega win again, this wonder mare who I just pray faces Big Buck's somewhere next season, Hurricane Fly win yesterday, showing no effects of his Cheltenham flop, and the likes of Oscara Dara, Sir Des Champs (apart from the last fence blunder) and Sizing Europe all winning and looking good to come back next season and potentially dominate on both sides of the Irish Sea. They still have racing today, Quel Esprit favourite for the Punchestown Gold Cup.
That's it for the 2012 season, I can't wait for 2013!
Friday 6 April 2012
Saturday's mixed fare 7/4/12
Saturday the 7th of April sees another very busy and competitive 'transition' Saturday, full of good fare on both the jumps and flat.
To kick off the terrestrial races, there is a London Mile qualifier at Kempton (2.05), and as ever with Saturday handicaps, a fiercely contested one. An interesting jockey booking is Ryan Moore for Mike Murphy with Chapter And Verse, who has a break of 147 days to overcome, but his last win was the London Mile final in 2010. He has a chance as does the quirky, but very talented Riggins, who ran okay at lingfield after a break recently. But my vote goes to MAVERIK, who is improving all the time, with a win on the snow in Switzerland last time, but his win before that beating the since prolific George Guru in a quick time makes his mark of 84 seem still workable.
Next is the Betfair Chase Series Final - Haydock (2.25). Horses that fit the short list include Tiger O'Toole, who is more unexposed than most in here over fences and has conditions to suit. Same applies to Suburban Bay, but I feel he will be too short in a more competitive heat here. So the selection is ZITENKA, who despite the yards quiet spell, ran very promisingly after a break at Carlisle last time and I feel he is better at this time of year, and may be the value in a difficult race.
The next C4 race is the Snowdrop Fillies Stakes, a listed contest over a mile at Kempton. Raasekha obviously catches the eye, with only 2 runs next to her name, but I'm thinking that today may not be her day, especially with a layoff to overcome. Personally, I prefer SOORAAH, who is more battle hardened, but ran well in the Winter Derby, on a track that wouldn't be preferable, and back to a track with a longer straight such as Kempton, which isn't to dissimilar to that of Meydan's straight he won on over the winter, he would have leading claims.
Then we go north of the border to Musselburgh for the Whistlejacket Conditions Stakes over the flying five furlongs at 2.45. Old Borderlescott would be great if he could score, but I think his age has caught up with him at 10. Captain Dunne usually needs a run before seen to better effect. So I go for HAMISH McGONAGALL, who is ultra consistent, loves Musselburgh and despite giving weight away all round, should collect for a 9th career triumph.
Back to Haydock for a very tricky Betfair Hurdle Series Final at 2.55 over 2 and a half miles. Brian Ellison dominates here with 7 of the 20 runners and has favourite Hada Men in his locker, devastating at Carlisle last time and remains unexposed. Personally though, of his team, I prefer Union Island, who is unexposed and will love conditions, with James Best taking a valuable 5 pounds off too. But I have always had a soft spot for TOP SMART, who I have followed for a long while, ran really well here last year and despite a couple of forgettable runs, won last time at Sandown to remain in good nick and along with Union Island, both at 12/1 at time of writing, represent good each way value.
The Queen's Prize next at Kempton again at (3.15). Rasheed represents in form connections, despite his quirks, as does Gulf Of Naples. But I am very keen on ACTIVATE. He looked very well handicapped in the early season last year with Michael Bell when winning a nice handicap at Haydock off a mark of 91 before losing confidence after being brought down in a horror incident at Goodwood. Has since moved to Kevin Ryan, who has previous with similar types of horse in terms of revitalising them, again making a new mark of 92, only one lb higher than his last win, a course win, winning both seasonal debuts at 3 and 4, and the current 9/1 look very tempting.
The next is the Levy Board Handicap Chase at Haydock over 2 and a half miles. Pasco continues to be helped by the handicapper, but I feel his time of year has passed. I have a niggling feeling that Owen Glendower is best at 2 miles so I will be opposing another favourite. I am siding with LORD VILLEZ, who is James Reveley's first ride for Ferdy Murphy since the riding arrangement reached between both parties in the week. He is a tricky customer, who got a good ride to beat Mr Syntax, who won since and reopposes here, at Newcastle last month, but Reveley looks the ideal pilot and again 10/1 looks decent each way.
Finally, back to Scotland and Musselburgh's new race the Royal Mile over a mile for 3yos. Each way angles could be Kinloch castle at the bottom, who has already experienced juice in the ground, but has a bad draw here. Zakreet also appeals because he is one of the two distance winners and has a win on soft ground too. But it very hard to get away from SWITZERLAND, who demolished a decent field at Wolverhampton last month, and despite a 12lb rise, still looks like an improver and can end the show on a winner.
SELECTIONS:
MAVERIK
ZITENKA E/W
SOORAAH
HAMISH McGONAGALL
TOP SMART/UNION ISLAND e/w
ACTIVATE
LORD VILLEZ E/W
SWITZERLAND
Good luck
To kick off the terrestrial races, there is a London Mile qualifier at Kempton (2.05), and as ever with Saturday handicaps, a fiercely contested one. An interesting jockey booking is Ryan Moore for Mike Murphy with Chapter And Verse, who has a break of 147 days to overcome, but his last win was the London Mile final in 2010. He has a chance as does the quirky, but very talented Riggins, who ran okay at lingfield after a break recently. But my vote goes to MAVERIK, who is improving all the time, with a win on the snow in Switzerland last time, but his win before that beating the since prolific George Guru in a quick time makes his mark of 84 seem still workable.
Next is the Betfair Chase Series Final - Haydock (2.25). Horses that fit the short list include Tiger O'Toole, who is more unexposed than most in here over fences and has conditions to suit. Same applies to Suburban Bay, but I feel he will be too short in a more competitive heat here. So the selection is ZITENKA, who despite the yards quiet spell, ran very promisingly after a break at Carlisle last time and I feel he is better at this time of year, and may be the value in a difficult race.
The next C4 race is the Snowdrop Fillies Stakes, a listed contest over a mile at Kempton. Raasekha obviously catches the eye, with only 2 runs next to her name, but I'm thinking that today may not be her day, especially with a layoff to overcome. Personally, I prefer SOORAAH, who is more battle hardened, but ran well in the Winter Derby, on a track that wouldn't be preferable, and back to a track with a longer straight such as Kempton, which isn't to dissimilar to that of Meydan's straight he won on over the winter, he would have leading claims.
Then we go north of the border to Musselburgh for the Whistlejacket Conditions Stakes over the flying five furlongs at 2.45. Old Borderlescott would be great if he could score, but I think his age has caught up with him at 10. Captain Dunne usually needs a run before seen to better effect. So I go for HAMISH McGONAGALL, who is ultra consistent, loves Musselburgh and despite giving weight away all round, should collect for a 9th career triumph.
Back to Haydock for a very tricky Betfair Hurdle Series Final at 2.55 over 2 and a half miles. Brian Ellison dominates here with 7 of the 20 runners and has favourite Hada Men in his locker, devastating at Carlisle last time and remains unexposed. Personally though, of his team, I prefer Union Island, who is unexposed and will love conditions, with James Best taking a valuable 5 pounds off too. But I have always had a soft spot for TOP SMART, who I have followed for a long while, ran really well here last year and despite a couple of forgettable runs, won last time at Sandown to remain in good nick and along with Union Island, both at 12/1 at time of writing, represent good each way value.
The Queen's Prize next at Kempton again at (3.15). Rasheed represents in form connections, despite his quirks, as does Gulf Of Naples. But I am very keen on ACTIVATE. He looked very well handicapped in the early season last year with Michael Bell when winning a nice handicap at Haydock off a mark of 91 before losing confidence after being brought down in a horror incident at Goodwood. Has since moved to Kevin Ryan, who has previous with similar types of horse in terms of revitalising them, again making a new mark of 92, only one lb higher than his last win, a course win, winning both seasonal debuts at 3 and 4, and the current 9/1 look very tempting.
The next is the Levy Board Handicap Chase at Haydock over 2 and a half miles. Pasco continues to be helped by the handicapper, but I feel his time of year has passed. I have a niggling feeling that Owen Glendower is best at 2 miles so I will be opposing another favourite. I am siding with LORD VILLEZ, who is James Reveley's first ride for Ferdy Murphy since the riding arrangement reached between both parties in the week. He is a tricky customer, who got a good ride to beat Mr Syntax, who won since and reopposes here, at Newcastle last month, but Reveley looks the ideal pilot and again 10/1 looks decent each way.
Finally, back to Scotland and Musselburgh's new race the Royal Mile over a mile for 3yos. Each way angles could be Kinloch castle at the bottom, who has already experienced juice in the ground, but has a bad draw here. Zakreet also appeals because he is one of the two distance winners and has a win on soft ground too. But it very hard to get away from SWITZERLAND, who demolished a decent field at Wolverhampton last month, and despite a 12lb rise, still looks like an improver and can end the show on a winner.
SELECTIONS:
MAVERIK
ZITENKA E/W
SOORAAH
HAMISH McGONAGALL
TOP SMART/UNION ISLAND e/w
ACTIVATE
LORD VILLEZ E/W
SWITZERLAND
Good luck
Soumillon, has he mellowed?
On the back of the news that Christophe Soumillon has been signed up to ride one of the most exciting flat horses in training, Dabirsim, the first thought that runs through my head is, has he finally matured.
He first became a household name to racing fans by sweeping through the 2003 flat season, with his first Arc on Dalakhani and numerous group one's, including more on Dalakhani and a Racing post trophy on American Post, but became more famous for his in his next prosperous year, 2006, for his celebration when winning the King George and Queen Elizabeth diamond stakes on Hurricane Run. He also shone on Shirocco in the Coronation Cup that year, but had a constant cloud over his temperament and attitude.
Personally, I feel his change of codes to ride a Grade 1 jumps winner in 2010 was a kickback at all of his doubters that he has built up, rightly or wrongly, over the years previous to that. Personally, I feel the growing presence and popularity he has incurred in Dubai has helped hugely change his image, as almost a 'celebrity' in Dubai, riding numerous winners for South African maestro Mike De Kock, who also looks to have had a positive influence.
And with that image, comes responsibility by a lot of his home trainers after the bad-boy Belgian has become a mellow, mature and very very reliable big race jockey
He first became a household name to racing fans by sweeping through the 2003 flat season, with his first Arc on Dalakhani and numerous group one's, including more on Dalakhani and a Racing post trophy on American Post, but became more famous for his in his next prosperous year, 2006, for his celebration when winning the King George and Queen Elizabeth diamond stakes on Hurricane Run. He also shone on Shirocco in the Coronation Cup that year, but had a constant cloud over his temperament and attitude.
Personally, I feel his change of codes to ride a Grade 1 jumps winner in 2010 was a kickback at all of his doubters that he has built up, rightly or wrongly, over the years previous to that. Personally, I feel the growing presence and popularity he has incurred in Dubai has helped hugely change his image, as almost a 'celebrity' in Dubai, riding numerous winners for South African maestro Mike De Kock, who also looks to have had a positive influence.
And with that image, comes responsibility by a lot of his home trainers after the bad-boy Belgian has become a mellow, mature and very very reliable big race jockey
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