tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25292190.post692681476945215647..comments2024-03-24T15:26:37.931+00:00Comments on PG's Tips: Notes for Haydock, Wincanton and AscotGeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834633278297488704noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25292190.post-21777997847001947802008-02-16T21:56:00.000+00:002008-02-16T21:56:00.000+00:00Peter Bowen's Serabad (6/5f) took the opening Vict...Peter Bowen's Serabad (6/5f) took the opening Victor Ludorum Hurdle at Haydock but the other two ran below form; Peter's horses are still not firing after the bout of coughing that has hit the yard.<BR/>Lough Derg opened at 15/2 on course, was backed in to 9/2 and ran a game race from the front but ultimately had no answer to the finishing kick of Kasbah Bliss (17/2), being four lengths adrift at the line. I've had burnt fingers before with Kasbah Bliss but he showed here, for the first time in this country, why he's held in high regard by trainer Francois Doumen. The question is whether the flat track at Haydock brought about the improvement or whether the horse is being trained specifically for the World Hurdle. If you take the latter view, KB is a stand out 12/1 with Boylesports and that looks decent each-way value.<BR/>Philson Run, available at 11/1 in the morning but only 13/2 at the off, was unfortunate to be brought down by Sixo five from home.<BR/>Having said that, the horse had hit a couple on the way round and looked booked for a place at best.<BR/>Katchit (4/5f) put in a tenacious performance to hold Blythe Knight up the home straight and is now quoted a 10/1 chance for the Champion Hurdle which looks about right. That's the first time this year we've really seen this horse's battling qualities. <BR/>Naunton Brook opened 9/2 on course, was backed in to 100/30 but, although leading for a circuit, was always second best to Neptune Collonges (5/4f) who won by an eased down thirteen lengths whilst conceding twenty pounds - impressive indeed. Paul Nicholls said before racing that NC is suited by a flat track, so I'd be wary about backing him for the Gold Cup.<BR/>Albertas Run won the opener at Ascot and is now joint 8/1 favourite for the RSA Chase. Air Force One ran his race to finish third but Joe Lively was anything but, being one of the first to crack; he is now 16/1 with totesport for Cheltenham. That looks quite big, given the horse prefers to race left-handed, but he'll have to leave this run well behind to be in with a shout next month. <BR/>Over at Wincanton I fancied Starzaan (5/4) to beat Duc De Regniere (8/13f) in the match, which he duly did. Ladbrokes are out on a limb offering Starzaan at20/1 for Cheltenham but, as I have indicated, the trick will be getting the horse there in one piece. If he's 20/1 on the day, that will represent excellent each-way value.GeeDeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09834633278297488704noreply@blogger.com