Eyecatchers and a Southwell selection for 19/1/2021

Come On Teddy (centre) secured himself a place in the Pertemps Final

 

I've decided to pick out four eyecatchers from the last week of racing in this post, all of them hopefully capable of going close next time out. I will also chuck in a selection for Southwell on Tuesday as well for good measure which can hopefully land the odds too. Eyecatchers first though:

 

Clongowes (Daniel Steele) 6th at Plumpton 13th January

Clongowes is a steadily improving hurdler who now qualifies for a handicap mark after yet another effort of promise at Plumpton in deep ground. He was rated 90 on the Flat and you will find value in his price next time given the yard from which he hails. He seems to act on most ground is worth popping on the tracker.

Jay Bee Why (Alan King) 5th at Warwick 16th January

Jay Bee Why finished behind some very smart horses in the Leamington Novices Hurdle, and looks a horse with a huge amount of potential. The winner Adrimel defied a penalty of 3lbs for Richard Johnson, with the battle-hardened Mint Condition, Cheltenham winner Make Me A Believer and Midnight River in fourth. Going into the race with just one hurdles run before, that being an easy victory also at Warwick, this was a huge effort to be only beaten three lengths. He could have an each way chance at the Festival in one of the novice races should he go for one, but regardless, he is a smart horse going forward.

Come On Teddy (Tom George) 3rd at Warwick 16th January

Come On Teddy qualified for the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival by finishing third in the Pertemps Qualifier at Warwick. This progressive individual travelled strongly at the rear of the field alongside eventual winner Imperial Alcazar, and both of them met trouble on the home turn, in which Come On Teddy came out worse. As they were quickening for the final flight, there was a bit of a pile-up involving three horses, two of which sadly had to be put-down, but once again Come On Teddy came out worse of the two. He ultimately got beat five lengths but deserved to be closer. The key point to note is that he won easily at Cheltenham in November and could be a proper player off a low weight if he gets in. (would have done last year)

Holy Tiber (Chelsea Banham) 11th at Lingfield 16th January

Holy Tiber lined up in the 7f Bombardier Handicap at Lingfield on Saturday, with an SP of 11/1 suggesting she had each way claims beforehand, which would be an accurate assessment in a wide open contest. The race became messy quite early on as Desert Dream, who had made most to win at Wolverhampton recently, was drawn very wide meaning rider Cieren Fallon had to do plenty of work to get across before the first bend, causing a bit of a domino effect in behind. Holy Tiber was held up in rear as normal before being repeatedly denied a clear run up the home straight for Joey Haynes. If you stop the replay as they straighten for home, he is the only jockey on the bridle and almost immediately got into trouble. For the remainder of the race, she had nowhere to go and her rider sat up in the irons to bring her home. She is one for the tracker on her next three starts.

As for the Southwell card, there are plenty of "spin the bottle" races earlier on in the card, but I think my bets will surround the last two races. If Nick Vedder reppears, then I think he will regain the winning thread in the 7.10pm for Kieran Shoemark and trainer Robyn Brisland. He ran at the track yesterday over seven furlongs, and after missing the break, struggled to land a blow. The three ahead of him at the line were in the first four leaving the back straight, showing they didn't go very quick and that didn't suit. I don't think he's as effective over seven furlongs, plus he ended up on the far rail. Back to six furlongs and some pace in the race, he should get back to winning ways. 

Obviously with a slight doubt to his participation, I thought I'd look away from him in case, and Rathbride Prince could go well in the last at 7.40pm. He's on my tracker after his run at Wolverhampton four starts ago, his first for trainer Ian Williams, one of the shrewdest dual-purpose operators in the business. He has ran twice at Lingfield for this yard, a track which doesn't suit him and having his first start here, I think he will outrun his price. His sire Pour Moi has had a couple of Fibresand winners from a small sample size and Martin Dwyer may try and bounce out prominently and hopefully stay there.

I'll be back tomorrow for a look at Wednesday's racing.

Take care and be lucky.

Southwell preview 15/01/2021

Elder statesman Joe Fanning has some good chances on the card

 

Southwell hosts a weekend warm-up on Friday evening with another seven race programme under the now familiar LED floodlights, the only ones in the UK.

4.30pm: 0-52 handicap over 1m

A trappy event to start proceedings. Van Dijk picked up the pieces to win here last week in a race where the frontrunners cut each others' throats so much they stopped to near enough a walk, leaving a closer to pick them off late. That was his first win in 21 starts and now has a 5lb penalty to shoulder. The British Lion roared back to form (sorry!!) here when second behind a well handicapped winner twelve days ago and again holds claims, as does Socru. There are two I like at prices however. Tavrina went firmly into my tracker after an eyecatching stable debut effort at Wolverhampton where having raced keenly and wide throughout, stayed on well to not be beaten too far ultimately. Shaun Keightley is a shrewd operator and sire New Approach's progeny go well enough on this surface to suggest he can go well. The other is True Companion who raced behind and also on the far rail up the home straight here on New Year's Day for Roger Fell. He was then withdrawn two days later and is now in the care of Lucinda Egerton. On top of that, he runs in the colours of former trainer Hugh Beggs and Tyler Heard is replaced by Luke Morris. Any market move would be significant.

5.00pm: 0-70 handicap over 1m

A race which surrounds Star Of St James and whether he can replicate his easy success here eight days ago. George Bass takes over from Graham Lee to try and negate the penalty which he now has to deal with since his 6 1/2 length victory. Headland also won on that card for the in-form Scott Dixon stable but will need more again to score here. Good old Custard The Dragon is still yet to win over a mile but got very close to breaking that hoodoo here last time and this seven time course winner will go well again. The value may come from Makambe if it stays as an eight runner field, with a return to this track and reapplied cheekpieces both suiting him particularly well. He is also 6lb below his last winning mark and Chelsea Banham has had some winners over recent weeks.

5.30pm: Median Auction Maiden stakes over 7f

Not an obvious standout runner in here with Open Mystery bringing the best form to the table after two placed efforts and a handicap mark of 70. Both Mehmento and Pina Collada hail from big stables in Archie Watson and Mark Johnston respectively, and would obviously both be players if taking to the surface on debut. Similar comments apply to Business Flight, who has an all-American dirt pedigree and Robert Cowell isn't averse to having winners here. Any money for Chantreys would be of note too. It's a no bet race for me, but Business Flight's pedigree does appeal.

6.00pm: 0-55 handicap over 6f

This is a race I went round and round in circles with as most of the leading protagonists are inconsistent. First Excel is probably the most likely to run well after a good effort at Wolverhampton. If I had to play, I might play Kommander Kirkup with extra places who is very well handicapped and will be running on at the end to pass beaten horses.

6.30pm: Maiden stakes over 5f

Not exactly the strongest maiden the world has ever seen. A repeat of his very narrow defeat in handicap company last time will see Unleash go extremely close to winning for jockey Joe Fanning, who could be in for a good night. Acquisator has been frustrating, having had six starts now and the headgear is reached for now as well. Expert Opinion was a well beaten second here last time on his fourth start, just finishing ahead of Cahors on the same terms once again. Cobh Kid is another with a chance, but the weight he has to give away must be a worry, with Big Thanks another you can make a case for. In summary, I'm not sure where to go outside of Unleash, provided he backs up his last run at the track.

7.00pm: 0-60 handicap over 5f

An interesting heat where cases can be made for plenty of them. Marwari looks a very interesting Fibresand debutant given his breeding following a good win at Newcastle last time out. He's up 5lb for that but that might not stop him. The other last time out winner is Gossip for Scott Dixon. The first four home from that race reoppose, with Red Stripes, Leo Minor and Brandy Station just in behind. Of the four, I'd narrowly prefer Leo Minor of the four. Heartstar could go well as well as she seems to act best either here or Bath, and It's All Clover Now is a horse I've been waiting to go well in something like this. I'll go for Marwari, but It's All Clover Now is worth watching given the yard resurgance. 

7.30pm: 0-65 handicap over 1m6f

Artistic Streak hacked up here last week over 2m and is 4lb well-in even with her penalty for the bang in-form Donald McCain yard, and ridden by daughter Ella. Mr Carbonator is very consistent and no doubt will give his running again with Taima a potential improver for Sir Mark Prescott. Be My Sea adds a bit of intrigue returning to the Flat after a decent run over hurdles at Ascot recently, and he is a course and distance winner back in 2016. However, having said all that, Artistic Streak will be the pick, but at his likely odds, not a bet.

There we are, another Southwell preview complete! More Fibresand action on Sunday for which I will record a Soundcloud preview on Saturday night through this link.

I will confirm on Twitter when it is live; follow me on Twitter @willbowler2k12

Enjoy the sport and take care.

Top class action on a busy Saturday (weather permitting!) 09/01/21

Calipso Collonges can go well in the Chepstow showpiece. (c)Nigel Kirby

 

Luckily, the weather seems to have taken a slightly more positive turn over Thursday and into Friday, which will hopefully allow for a full compliment of jumps meetings. With the rearranged Dipper Novices Chase at Wincanton, the rescheduled Relkeel Hurdle at Kempton alongside an intriguing renewal of the Silviniaco Conti Chase. The Welsh National is a race I've always had a soft spot for and I have a selection for the big race who can hopefully run well at a decent price.

I have put together five selections, all of which should be fair prices and could be worth chucking in an each way Lucky 31, or something of that ilk, and fingers crossed, we can pick up some pennies. Let's get into it:

El Conquistador 11.30 Lingfield

A tricky way to start the day but El Conquistador is a horse I've been waiting to reappear after an eyecatching effort over a mile here last time out, for which he has been dropped two pounds. He is running over 1m2f this time and has the tongue tie on for the first time, which could bring about further improvement. Trainer Shaun Keightley is an extremely shrewd operator and this lightly raced runner could easily have scope off his mark of 63. Dangers are the hat-trick seeking Subliminal, long distance traveller Corked and Sophosc, who showed a bit more last time and is well handicapped.

Smarty Wild 1.10 Kempton

Smarty Wild lines up here for the Philip Hobbs team, and is still lightly raced over larger obstacles, and I strongly suspect this test will be ideal. Racing in the colours of Gunther McBride, who ran in four Racing Post Chases at this venue in the early noughties including a win in 2002, has had just the three starts over fences and showed plenty of promise. He was well fancied at Wetherby two starts ago, where he didn't travel very well after clouting an obstacle down the back straight, before finishing a good third in better company at Ascot last time. The heavy, sticky ground that day won't have helped and these conditions, together with a drop in grade can see him go very close.

Santon 1.30 Wincanton

Santon makes his handicap debut for Tom Cannon and Alan King. He survived Trevor Hemmings' dispersal and remains a horse with potential after catching the eye in all of his novice hurdles to varying degrees, particularly last time out behind Bobhopeornohope at Doncaster, beating a previous and subsequent winner in the process. A mark of 115 is fair and I'm expecting a big run. Sizeable Sam would be a main danger, and he is a horse I like, particularly going over fences next term.

Calipso Collonges 3.10 Chepstow

Welsh National time!! Cases can be made for loads of these, particularly the favourite Secret Reprieve, who is 8lbs well in after his win here in the 'Trial' for this, beating The Two Amigos and Bobo Mac in the process. However, the trip is a slight concern for him, unlike his stablemate Prime Venture, who was fourth in the race last year and reappeared this term with an easy Sedgefield win. Last year's second and third also line up again, Truckers Lodge and Yala Enki, both trained by Paul Nicholls, and have solid claims of going well again. However, if you want one at a price, you could do worse than Calipso Collonges, who travelled like a dream at Aintree in the Becher Chase last time out, where after travelling beautifully up until the home turn, just blowing up and needing the run late on. He will have come on for that, has a featherweight for last year's winning rider Jack Tudor, and can hopefully be given a patient ride and gradually pick runners off one by one, and with extra places which most bookies will be offering, can run a big race.

Doyannie 3.50 Chepstow

Finally, Doyannie lines up in the Chepstow finale for James Best and Jack Barber. She is another making her handicap debut and looks as though a mark of 109 could be well within range. She has shown more than enough promise in her novice hurdle outings so far, in particular last time out, and given that the front two in the market, Whiteoak Fleur and Poniente both like to get on with it, it could pay to be on a horse a little bit off the speed.

Hopefully the weather is kind and we can look forward to a great day of top quality sport. I'll be back on Sunday having a review of Saturday's action, plus a look ahead to Monday's action at Doncaster.

Be lucky and most importantly in these times, stay safe.

Southwell preview 08/01/2021

It is "silly season" at Southwell, with racing multiple times in a week in recent times, with the course regulars out in force. After a frustrating Thursday of crossbar hitting, Friday's card yet again poses a few puzzles to work out so hopefully we can solve them starting with a three year old handicap.

4.15: 0-75 handicap for three year olds over 1m

Despite the small field, further down the line this contest could prove quite a decent event for future winners. Blue Hero heads the market for Mick Appleby and Andrew 'Midge' Mullen, and is definitely the one they have to beat after a very good second place finish on his first start for current connections at Wolverhampton behind Final Voyage, himself rated 89 before that race, and also not getting the smoothest of passages. He has proven his liking for this venue on his final start for Michael Bell when third and cheekpieces are applied for the first time. His four rivals are yet to try the surface, although both Smart Qibili and Deep Impression are bred to enjoy the conditions, with the former arguably the more interesting given his strong travelling nature and American dirt pedigree. However, despite his skinny odds, and also in receipt of weight from both those opponents, Blue Hero can get off the mark. It may also be noteworthy that the same trainer and owners combined to win this last year with Merryweather.

4.45: 0-65 handicap over 7f

A race in which good recent form is brought to the table by Greek Kodiac, trained by Kevin Foy, who has made a good start to his training career after being assistant to James Fanshawe for many years. He won at Newcastle last time but now tackles Fibresand for the first time, a comment which can be made about Luna Wish after her Wolverhampton second last time out. On the assumption Motawaafeq won't run after his exertions on Thursday, Al Batal and Daafy bring placed form into the mix, with the latter my preferred runner of the two after a very promising second over 1m here last time. He is a huge horse who may well have needed that run and with the apprentice of the moment Laura Pearson aboard again together with the in-form stable, must play a part. I selected Six Strings as one of my five to follow for the All-Weather season for Betway (see here), and he now returns to his favoured Fibresand for the first time since joining John Quinn and interestingly cheekpieces are re-applied for the first time since January 2019 so he could easily bounce back to form. I'll take those two against the field but if there is any money for Mayson Mount, that must be noted given shrewd connections and pedigree.

5.15: 0-85 handicap over 6f

Now, the difficulty of this is at the time of writing, both Samovar (winner) and Giogiobbo (sixth), at the top of the market, both ran on Thursday, so there remains an element of doubt as to whether they will turn up. Samovar has ran quickly back to back in the past and would be the most likely to reappear. Thrave won a seller here last time, showing his first sign of life for around eighteen months and in the process gave Frederick Larson his first winner. He would obviously have a chance, but whether he can back that up is a huge question mark. Oakenshield certainly catches the eye on second start for Linda Stubbs, primarily because of the booking of Hollie Doyle. He could be ahead of his mark given how lightly raced he is and certainly has the pedigree to act well on the track. I'm going to end up throwing a few pennies each way on Katheefa here for Ruth Carr and Jimmy Sullivan. Ruth's horses are in the best form they've been in for some time and despite some desparate form figures lately, only one of those was here and that was over 5f (outpaced completely). However he is 4-8 over this course and distance, including a win in this race last year off a 6lb higher mark. Interestingly, a tongue tie is applied for the first time as well.

5.45: 0-60 handicap over 2m

Not the strongest heat in the world but cases can be made for a few of them, with Artistic Streak probably the horse with the most solid recent form. A good recent run at Wolverhampton came two starts after a course and distance win, when showing a great attitude. Cheap Jack returns after a short break for the evergreen Ron Thompson and Paul Mulrennan, who rode this lad to victory over 1m4f in October. The trip is definitely a question mark for him. Lady Camelot and Restive could well go well if showing their best Southwell form, but if you forced a selection out of me it'd probably be Irish Minister for Luke Morris. He is yet to win at Southwell but has some fair efforts in defeat, and should they go hard up front, he will keep plodding on.

6.15: Novice Stakes (3yo+) over 6f

A novice in which the standard is set by the 68 rated Kevin The Minion after a second place finish here last time out, but there are a couple of dangerous opponents. Ghost Rider cost £55k and now makes his debut for Mark Johnston and has not got to be a world beater to land this one. Time Frame however has the benefit of experience after a debut run at Wolverhampton, and the James Tate runners are always to be feared at this venue. I'll plump for Time Frame as a selection, but I won't be having a bet.

6.45: 0-55 handicap over 1m6f

A low-grade staying handicap in which Heron will be at the top of the market for Brett Johnson, a yard who have been in great form for the last two months now, tries to win back to back races after a comfortable success three weeks ago. He is certainly bound to go very close, with Shine Baby Shine, a course regular and three time course winner a big danger. Amourie is yet to win in seventeen tries but did run well in fourth here last time in what was a strong race for the grade and no doubt will give her running again. Mister Universum ran well behind Heron over course and distance when fourth and could run well behind him again as I can't see Heron being beaten provided he turns up in the same form again.

7.15: 0-65 three year old only handicap over 5f

Not the easiest of races to work out at the end of the card, and one that I won't spend too much time on. The Gloaming has been a work in progress so far and has gradually improved run by run for a shrewd operation in Iain Jardine, who also has a good record at the track. She is the one I like here but I definitely fear Professor Galant, who already has three Southwell stamps in the passport. Vitalline is a rare raider from the Rod Millman yard, and the booking of Richard Kingscote and first time headgear could point the way to a big effort. Similar comments apply to the locally trained True Contendor for the very shrewd David Brown. A big market move would not be out of the equation for the latter.

As for best bets, I would select Heron as the nap and Katheefa can run very well in the 5.15, a race he won twelve months ago.

I'll be back again tomorrow with a look ahead to Saturday's racing, weather permitting!!

Southwell preview 7/1/2021

 Southwell plays host to a seven race All-Weather Championships card, mixed as ever with a clutch of course specialists and horses trying the surface for the first time.

The first race on the card is a prime example of that, with a 1m4f handicap for horses rated 0-75 at 12.45. There are likely to be two horses clear at the top of the market in the shape of recent Wolverhampton scorer Lord Of The Alps, and Grimsthorpe Castle, who has been very busy in recent weeks at this venue. Lord Of The Alps has only had nine career starts, yet none of them have come on the Fibresand and against five rivals who have 38 course runs between them. Grimsthorpe Castle on the other hand has ran seven times at the course, all of them since 27th October 2020, winning three and never being out of the first three. He has risen from a mark of 46 to 62 but should run a race again. One point that screams out to me here is the likely strong pace on offer. Both horses together with Cold Harbour have led in recent races and it could lead into a bit of a burn-up at the head of affairs. That's why I'd take an each way chance, especially with three places, on Contingency Fee, who is a dual winner at the track and might just be suited by the way the race will pan out. Jason Hart, who was in the winners at the last meeting, has a rare ride for the yard, in fact just his third and he could well run a big race after a better effort last time. Cold Harbour won this last year and again can be a player if he settles better than he has on his last two starts.

1.15: 0-80 handicap over 5f

A really tricky puzzle to solve. Three of these face-off again, six days after Thegreatestshowman narrowly beat Giogiobbo, with a further three lengths back to Dark Shot. It seems unlikely that the latter can get much closer to be honest, despite being well handicapped. Giogiobbo has a weight pull with Thegreatestshowman but I'm not so certain he can turn it around. If I had to have a bet, which of course I don't, I'd have a small win play on Slowmo, who is 4lb well-in and if breaking on terms could prove tough to beat.

1.45: 0-60 handicap over 1m

Another race in which recent course form appears again, with Motawaafeq a recent winner edging out the course specialist Custard The Dragon by a head over this course and distance. That run was a return to form for Motawaafeq, and a repeat would see him go very close. However, he isn't exactly consistent so is by no means a good thing. Olivers Pursuit comes here having won his last two races at Wolverhampton over the extended mile under George Bass, who retains the ride. If he acts on the track, he is the one to beat but the problem horse to him is the unexposed Pivotal Decision, trained by James Tate who has a high strike rate here. She's only had three starts and to date needs a bit more improvement, but a step up to a mile for the first time and first run on this surface, especially given she is by Pivotal, with a good strike-rate at the track, could well work the oracle.

2.15 0-80: handicap over 1m

Yet another devilishly tricky handicap with lots of course form on offer, with five course winners, including recent course winners Perfect Swiss and Fieldsman, alongside Star Of St James, Parellel World and Luscifer. However two of the three horses yet to try the surface may play a part. Fred hasn't ran for nearly ten weeks and now makes Fibresand debut for champion All-Weather rider Ben Curtis and Mark Johnston. The slight question mark is that his sire Frankel is yet to have one of his offspring win at Southwell from 8 tries, but he is out of a Dubawi mare so could easily figure. Yuften isn't to be dismissed too easily either. He is a very well handicapped horse who despite his ten year old legs, has shown that the fire still burns in a few runs for his current stable and he could easily outrun his likely double figure odds.

2.45: 0-70 handicap over 6f 

Samovar and Dirchill both ran at the course 4 days ago, with Samovar second and Dirchill third in their respective races, and both should run their races again. Dirchill did rather get an easy time of it last time and it remains to be seen what would happen if he was to get some kickback early on, especially as Samovar is drawn on his outside. Samovar has had a very busy run of things and it can be argued he is better at 5f. However, he has a tendancy to miss the break which isn't ideal. Ginger Max is capable of running a big race if they go very quick but I like Excessable, who has done very little wrong on three starts at the track and the race could work out well for him should he race prominently once again.

3.15: 0-50 classified race over 1m

Once again, we have recent course form to the fore here with Momtalik a short price favourite for Ivan Furtado, who has his horses in rude health. Momtalik was backed as if defeat was out of the question and duly obliged here four days ago, and was given a pretty aggresive ride too, which is a big concern that this might come too quickly. Zahirah and Walton Thorns were in behind there, but I think Zahirah will be able to turn the form around if able to be ridden handier. The addition of cheekpieces and a 5lb weight pull which includes Marco Ghiani's very useful claim will hopefully all add up to a victory. Muqarred is more than capable but hasn't been showing much at all for some time.

3.45: 0-60 apprentice handicap over 5f

Not the easiest way to end the day but the winner's in there somewhere!! I am a big fan of the Adrian Keatley yard and Compton's Finale would certainly come into this if acting on the track under Jessica Anderson, who will looking for her first winner. Tilsworth Rose looks relatively solid for that man John Jenkins, after blowing the start here last time. The only doubt I would have is the distance as I have a suspicion she may be better over 6f. I'm going to chance Brandy Station for the Lisa Williamson yard making his Fibresand debut. He is 3-8 in Class 6 company and a positive I like in these events are horses who have been ridden by their respective riders previously, and that is the case with Zak Wheatley who has ridden him on the last three occasions. He has also had lots of experience at this venue, with 25 rides and a couple of winners here too.

As far as best bets, I'll go for those last two races, Zahirah and Brandy Station.

I'll be back again tomorrow for a look at Friday's card.

Bristol The Third! - A weekend review

After events at Taunton, Cheltenham and Fontwell in the past fortnight, jumps fans needed a boost and as ever, Haydock's Betfair Chase meeting delivered the perfect gift despite the horrific conditions. Since the race was founded in 2005, the race keeps throwing up memorable and emotional renewals. Cue Card winning the race three times, Silviniaco Conti a dual winner, the war between Kauto Star and Imperial Commander in 2009 and the best of all, Kauto returning to win his fourth Betfair in 2011 aged 11, with the packed stands all shouting him home regardless of what you'd backed.

This season though, Bristol De Mai went for a third win in the race, up against the horse who knocked him off his throne last year Lostintranslation together with dual King George winner Clan Des Obeaux. More on that later, but let's rewind to Friday first.

Friday 20th November 2020:

Ascot played host to a couple of nice races for young horses including the chasing debut of Chantry House, the latest in a batch of exciting Nicky Henderson horses for the season. Personally, I thought his performance was reminiscent of Altior in it's appearance, with some slow and not very slick jumping in the early stages and having to be kidded along at a couple of junctures in the race. However when the tap was turned on, just prior to Pic D'Orhy taking a tumble at three out, he came back hard on the bridle and jumped the last two with lots of enthausiasm and quickened well when asked. He strikes me as a horse who will keep improving and the sky remains the limit. Speaking of Henderson horses, Buzz, who ran well in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las on his return this season, absolutely hacked up in a good field. He was a well above-average Flat horse and there is an argument to say that if Seven Barrows weren't armed with Buveur D'Air and Epatante, then Buzz may well be considered for a spot higher up the ladder. For now though, a return to Ascot for the big handicap just before Christmas could well be on the agenda. 

Metier again impressed for Harry Fry in the introductory hurdle, with the second horse Tile Tapper definitely one to keep on side for a trainer who certainly knows what he is doing in Chris Honour. 

One to catch the eye at Chepstow amidst the gloomy weather was Eclair D'Ainay taking the novice handicap chase for the Skelton brothers. You won't see many better rounds of jumping around Chepstow, which is a real test for any horse let alone one making his chase debut. He won this off 116 but despite being destined for a hike in the weights, if he jumps like that again, he'll be very hard to beat wherever he goes.

Saturday 21st November 2020:

As mentioned earlier on, Bristol De Mai left his Gloucestershire base to try and wrestle back the Betfair Chase trophy. The weather gods certainly were on Bristol's side as it tipped it down all day leaving the ground heavy for the off. Lostintranslation didn't look himself for most of the final circuit and despite Clan Des Obeaux travelling best to two out, you always felt that Bristol would find enough. This was 'his Gold Cup' as opposed to the others you feel. It's all about the King George with Clan Des Obeaux and with the Tizzard horses all needing the run, you sense the Gold Cup itself is the primary target for Lostintranslation. 

Elsewhere on the card, it is great to see Master Tommytucker begin to sort his jumping out after taking the Graduation Chase in impressive fashion under Sam Twiston-Davies. He's still not 100% but I wouldn't like to guess where he could be come the end of the season. 

Main Fact remarkably landed yet another win in the feature three mile handicap hurdle, giving the impressive young rider Fergus Gillard a big Saturday winner. More on the horses in behind below.

At Ascot, Imperial Aura once again enhanced his growing reputation with a very good performance against Itchy Feet, whose jumping could have been better, and Real Steel bombed out quickly on his debut for Paul Nicholls. The winner was the only horse with a run this season and once again, like so many of Kim Bailey's horses, his jumping was very good all race. First Flow was also successful for the yard later on the card on ground which definitely would be as quick as he'd want it, as he loves heavy ground, reminiscant of the yard's former top staying chaser Harry Topper.

Song For Someone was also impressive for the very much in form Tom Symonds yard, beating Call Me Lord, who ran just ok and the disappointing Laurina, who once again ran a stinker, this time on her first run for Paul Nicholls. I feel she hasn't really been the same since her disappointing run in the Champion Hurdle to the ill fated Espoir D'Allen in heavy ground in 2018, and now it requires a serious time spent at the drawing board.

I've compiled a list of 5 to keep onside from Saturday:

Third Wind (Hughie Morrison) - A very good second to Main Fact at Haydock under Jonjo O'Neill Jnr and this likeable and consistent performer looks set for another good campaign. He is already qualified for the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival, a race in which he ran well in last year. The Pertemps qualifier at Wincanton on Boxing Day could be a target.

Imperial Alcazar (Fergal O'Brien) - Midfield behind Main Fact as well on his seasonal reappearance after travelling very well if not a bit keen through the race. He came to nearly take over at the third last before his exersions took their toll in the bottomless ground. Paddy Brennan looked after him and he remains a nice prospect.

Frimeur De Lancray (Sue Smith) - 4th in the opening Listed novice hurdle at Haydock on his third hurdle start, staying on strongly all the way to the line after being outpaced on the home turn. The three ahead of him were all past winners, with one win, two wins and three hurdle wins respectively ahead of him and this lad, with a step up in trip, will definitely be winning very soon.

Camprond (Phillip Hobbs) - A very good 2nd on his Huntingdon hurdle debut for Phillip Hobbs behind Glory And Honour, a horse that Tom Lacey rates highly. He had been off for the best part of two years since leaving Pia Brandt's yard in France, but running in the colours of JP McManus, this four year old ran a fantastic race, jumping well and travelling powerfully throughout. He's a winner waiting to happen.

The Denholm Bandit (Stuart Kittow) - Ran in the farcically run bumper at Ascot on Saturday and ultimately finished in midfield. He is one to pop on your trackers with "3m handicaps", which will hopefully prove fruitful once that avenue is explored further down the line.

Next weekend brings us the Fighting Fifth and Ladbroke Trophy Festival, plus some top class Irish racing too.

2020/21 National Hunt Season - 10 to follow

Published 8th October 2020.

As you can see it's been some time since I pushed the keys on here, but on the eve of the traditional "proper" jumps season curtain-raiser at Chepstow, I thought I'd give you all a few horses to keep an eye on over the coming campaign. As will become apparent quickly on here, I like to find horses across all levels, and enjoy midweek racing just as much as the big races, so we have horses rated from as low as 78 to 150!! There are two horses based across the Irish Sea as well. So, in alphabetical order, let's get into it.

Benevolentdictator (Gary Moore) - Official rating: 106 

This 6yo by Schiaparelli hasn't had a great deal of racing, but has shown signs of promise and in the shape of a horse who is well handicapped off 106. He went on my tracker after his debut in an Ascot bumper when keeping on past beaten horses under tender handling from Josh Moore. He went straight hurdling and again there were glimmers despite the wide margins he was beaten ultimately. We last saw him in January at Plumpton in his first handicap where they crawled along through the first two miles of the journey before quickening the tempo after the ninth hurdle. He got caught flat footed initially and to add insult to injury, made a mistake at the tenth, before running on steadily into fourth. The winner went on to post two very fair efforts in defeat afterwards, and the two directly ahead, the loveable mare Tambura and Fortunate George both won afterwards, so the form has worked out well. The handicapper dropped him for that and I'd like to think he can be very competitive this term off this mark, and given his size, chasing is certainly an option too going forward. It's also worth noting that the yard have had success with the family in the past.

Brandy Pad (Jennie Candlish) - Official rating: 78

If this horse doesn't win at least one race this season, I'll be baffled! He won an Irish PTP before having a very quiet spell in novice hurdles. He went straight chasing and in a novice handicap chase on 7th December 2019, he was backed from 25/1 into 7/2 before pulling up in the straight after travelling menacingly through the contest. Uttoxeter three weeks later wasn't too dissimilar before a small break and a trip to Musselburgh. In a small field, he was backed into favouritism beforehand and looked the likely winner two out despite a display littered with mistakes, before being headed and losing out by a length to Eagle Ridge. He is off 78 now but he strikes me as the sort of horse who could rattle off a sequence of wins as he can still run in 0-100 company for probably at least three wins. He's only a 6yo and if he brushes his jumping up a bit, his season could prove fruitful for all.

Dreamsundermyfeet (Martin Keighley) - No Official rating at time of writing

This lad is very much one for the future in staying handicaps. He has run twice post-lockdown in Uttoxeter in 2m4f maiden hurdles with promise in both styles. He was very rusty in the first of them when held up in rear and coming off the bridle at around halfway before staying on all the way to the line at the one pace into midfield in a seventeen runner field. He returned at the start of October in what I think is an above average maiden hurdles, with the front pair, both smart horses, pulling a long way clear of the remainder. He travelled much sweeter this time and was one of the last off the bridle and was one paced once they quickened but was still fifth of a big field. The fourth was The Triple Pillar who had been beaten narrowly at Warwick the run before so the form has some depth and I envisage this lad winning a staying handicap hurdle, or even a handicap chase before the season is out. Ground shouldn't be an issue either for this unexposed five year old.

Fil D'Ariane (Tom Symonds) - Official rating 115

The first of a couple of Tom Symonds runners on the list. The yard have had a bit more joy in the early stages of the season so far, after the successful link up between Tom and David Dennis, who now is alongside Tom after winding down his own operation in the past few months. I saw this gelding make his British debut at Southwell and was really taken by him physically beforehand, a well built sort who was only going to get better with time. He was beaten by Shantou Vow (a winner since) that day and Aidan Coleman was very complimentary afterwards. Following that run he had a wind operation and two further runs in novice company, despite having a mark after seven runs in France. You would be excused for thinking he was an old horse, but he's just a 5yo and his mark has dropped 5lbs in the space of those three runs and the extended break will have done him good physically. He should be able to find a race or two all being well.

Induno (David Pipe) - Official rating 115

I'm a big fan of this son of Flemensfirth, who runs in the colours of Ronnie Bartlett. He has won half of his four starts and could be a good bit ahead of the handicapper. He was a good second in his opening bumper at Warwick, before brushing aside the now 135 rated Mario De Pail with contempt at Ffos Las, quickening in bad ground, which tends to be a sign of a decent horse. He then went to Sedgefield and won on his hurdles debut beating some fair sorts, before being a well-beaten odds on favourite at the same venue on Boxing Day. There must have been a reason for that, whether it was the trip or something else, but in a recent stable tour, David Pipe inferred he is well thought of and is a "good work horse at home who will probably start off over hurdles". He's worth keeping on side.

Kaproyale (Olly Murphy) - No Official rating (Runs Chepstow 4.25 on Friday 9th October)

Kaproyale is a fine looking grey gelding who will have his second start at Chepstow tomorrow (9/10/20). He is not one to be backing in novice company I doubt, unless you have extra places, but it won't be long until he gets a mark and will hopefully make hay in handicap company. This outfit tend to get the three novice hurdles in pretty quick and this looks the case here too as Kaproyale made his debut on 30th September in a good maiden hurdle at Bangor, where he was given a quiet ride by Adrian Heskin but ultimately not beaten far. A step up in trip looks a plus going forward and I'll be intrigued to see what the handicapper says.

Mack The Man (Evan Williams) - Official rating 131

Mack The Man was certainly a big improver last term, after a reasonably innocuous start to his hurdling career. He started off last season with a cosy win in a 0-115 handicap hurdle at Warwick for which he received a 7lb rise in the handicap before sneaking into the December handicap hurdle at Sandown at the start of December 2019, where he won once again off a featherweight. After a couple of months to freshen up, he was holding a chance when brought down at the last in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. Speaking to Isabel Williams, daughter of trainer Evan Williams, Mack The Man is going chasing and will be out in the next few weeks. He strikes me as a sort who will keep improving and the sky is the limit for him.

Montagne D'Argent (David Harry Kelly) - Official rating 109

It is a reasonably rare occurrence for me to include an Irish trained horse in one of these lists that you will not see at one of the big meetings, but this horse really caught my eye last term. I was particularly taken by the way he went through his race before being brought down at Limerick at the very end of 2019, and improved on that to be 2nd at Gowran Park. I expect him to be able to prove pretty competitive off his mark.

Tornado Flyer (Willie Mullins) - Official rating 150

Tornado Flyer was one of the horses from the Cheltenham Festival that caught my eye in the Graded races staying on late in the Marsh Novice Chase. He has a track record of a horse that might just be a touch below the top level over obstacles, being beaten less than ten lengths in three Grade 1s over hurdles and fences after winning a Grade 1 bumper at the Punchestown Festival. It wouldn't be the biggest surprise should this 7yo go and improve and be right in amongst the top dogs come the end of the season. The other element to him is that he potentially can slot in over two miles, two and a half miles and a fast three miles. He could just be the horse that emerges amongst the big boys this winter.

Williams Overture (Tom Symonds) - Official rating 94

This lad is definitely one to stick with for the long-term. He has contested one 'bumper'  and four maiden or novice hurdles, going off at 66/1 or higher on every occasion, but that doesn't tell the full story. He is another horse to transfer from David Dennis to Tom Symonds and is the sort of horse traditionally that Tom has done well with in the past and I envisage he might be able to do some damage off this low mark in staying handicap hurdles and chases. He is a raw, big lump of a horse and I imagine this 5yo son of Mahler would have taken plenty of getting fit for his seasonal and stable debut recently at Uttoxeter and there was enough in that effort to make me think he could be one to keep onside.

Two others to note that just missed the cut were Monkey Harris for Richenda Ford and Ladronne for Tjade Collier's yard. The former will not be out until the New Year and needs soft ground while the latter could be a nice handicap chaser in the North.

Once again a brilliant season awaits us, and despite everything that is going on in this world right now, I'm sure the sport can continue to put smiles on peoples' faces even if they can't be there in person to see the action on the track.