I've been working through the Exeter card for some friends and family and thought I'd very quickly share thoughts on the 2.25.
Eleven declared but in my opinion a number may struggle to see out three miles in soft ground at a stiff track like Exeter - includes Duke Des Champs, The Bay Birch, Le Boizelo and Major Hindrance (beat Le Boizelo in 3.35 race last year run over 2m 3f) while Run To Milan still has to prove he will stay this trip in these conditions.
Of the remainder, Mustmeetalady and previous course and distance winner Wizards Bridge have been inconsistent of late while Blameitalonmyroots is in 'the last chance saloon' according to trainer Oliver Sherwood.
In his last two runs Court Frontier has become detached before staying on towards the finish.
It's not surprising therefore to see Achille given a favourite's chance with the stable in such fine form and Hugh Nugent claiming seven.
I'm going to take an each-way interest in Big Meadow (12/1 bet365) who won off this mark this time last year; I'm just hoping the ground hasn't dried out too much.
Let me take this opportunity to wish all readers a very happy and prosperous new year.
Showing posts with label exeter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label exeter. Show all posts
Monday, December 31, 2018
Friday, May 25, 2012
A Knight's chivalric retirement
Yesterday Henrietta Catherine Knight called time on a training career that saw her win three consecutive Gold Cups with Best Mate (2002-4) and the 2000 Champion Chase with Edredon Bleu; owned by Jim Lewis, those horses also won the King George VI Chase for her in 2002 and 2003.
Knight came into racing through a somewhat circuitous route.
Having gained her BEd (Oxon) qualification at Westminster College, Oxford, she taught biology and history at St Mary's School, Wantage, before embarking on a career trainng racehorses. Her first winner under rules was The Grey Gunner at Bangor-On-Dee in 1989, Bruce Dowling up; in 1995 she married former jockey Terry Biddlecombe and the partnership went to the very top of the profession, becoming affectionately known as racing's 'Odd Couple'.
In November 2005 stable star Best Mate collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack after being pulled up in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. The quest to find a replacement was doomed to fail and led to a split with ambitious Jim Lewis.
Biddlecombe suffered a stroke in 2011 - it's Terry's continued ill health that is behind Hen's decision to hand in her licence. The vast majority of horses will transfer to Mick Channon who trains nearby at West Ilsley.
Over the years I came to associate the yard with well-schooled novice chasers, with a preference for using riders you'd lean to calling horsemen rather than jockeys. A couple of personal memories from the gaff tracks ...
Young Warrior (Bruce Dowling) won me some money one sodden New Year's Day at Exeter in the early nineties. There had been a market move for a horse of David Elsworth's, Seven Of Diamonds, and that one came to win the race but took a heavy fall at the last. Young Warrior collected but Seven Of Diamonds spent a fair while on the floor before eventually rising to a round of applause from the enclosures.
Another run that sticks in my mind is that of Blowing Rock (Jim Culloty) in a novices' handicap chase at Hereford in October 1998. We'd taken 9/2 and the horse had jumped well, gaining ground over his opponents at most of the obstacles. Three out Culloty sent the Strong Gale gelding on; the form book reads '... 5 lengths clear and in control when fell last, unlucky...'
Hen is set to have her final runner in next few days; it could be Harvest Song, owned by HRH The Queen, entered up in the 2.30 at Newton Abbot on Wednesday. That would be some finale - in Derby week, Hen Knight trains winner for The Queen - at Newton Abbot!
Knight came into racing through a somewhat circuitous route.
Having gained her BEd (Oxon) qualification at Westminster College, Oxford, she taught biology and history at St Mary's School, Wantage, before embarking on a career trainng racehorses. Her first winner under rules was The Grey Gunner at Bangor-On-Dee in 1989, Bruce Dowling up; in 1995 she married former jockey Terry Biddlecombe and the partnership went to the very top of the profession, becoming affectionately known as racing's 'Odd Couple'.
In November 2005 stable star Best Mate collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack after being pulled up in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. The quest to find a replacement was doomed to fail and led to a split with ambitious Jim Lewis.
Biddlecombe suffered a stroke in 2011 - it's Terry's continued ill health that is behind Hen's decision to hand in her licence. The vast majority of horses will transfer to Mick Channon who trains nearby at West Ilsley.
Over the years I came to associate the yard with well-schooled novice chasers, with a preference for using riders you'd lean to calling horsemen rather than jockeys. A couple of personal memories from the gaff tracks ...
Young Warrior (Bruce Dowling) won me some money one sodden New Year's Day at Exeter in the early nineties. There had been a market move for a horse of David Elsworth's, Seven Of Diamonds, and that one came to win the race but took a heavy fall at the last. Young Warrior collected but Seven Of Diamonds spent a fair while on the floor before eventually rising to a round of applause from the enclosures.
Another run that sticks in my mind is that of Blowing Rock (Jim Culloty) in a novices' handicap chase at Hereford in October 1998. We'd taken 9/2 and the horse had jumped well, gaining ground over his opponents at most of the obstacles. Three out Culloty sent the Strong Gale gelding on; the form book reads '... 5 lengths clear and in control when fell last, unlucky...'
Hen is set to have her final runner in next few days; it could be Harvest Song, owned by HRH The Queen, entered up in the 2.30 at Newton Abbot on Wednesday. That would be some finale - in Derby week, Hen Knight trains winner for The Queen - at Newton Abbot!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
New Year's Day 2012
Plum Pudding (18/1) may have been a topical winner of today's 2.20 at Warwick but he must rank as the luckiest winner of the year as first fence faller Tafika was still loose some six minutes after his tumble and hampered leading horse and 5/1 favourite Glens Boy in the shadow of the post to gift the race to the outsider. It certainly didn't make for the best of viewing, being described as 'carnage' by one commentator.
With that occurence in mind, here are some tentative suggestions for New Year's Day 2012 in this 800th blog post...
Cheltenham 1.05: Invictus (11/4 Ladbrokes) appeals as a play against likely favourtie Sonofvic. Sonofvic didn't look the most fluent of jumpers when going down to Grand Crus at Newbury on his first try over the larger obstacles.
Musselburgh 1.15: Bourne has to give 15 pounds to Eagle Rock but could offer value.
Musselburgh 2.25: I'm a fan of Marsh Warbler (fifth in the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot last time) but I'm not convinced the going or this track will see him to best advantage. Desert Cry, part-owned by Everton manager David Moyes, looked a very tricky ride in that same Ascot race.
Exeter 12.40: Theatrical Star has been quite highly tried and is an each-way wager if the tissue price of 12/1 becomes available on the day.
Exeter 2.55: I'd chance Penny Max against Golden Chieftain.
Exeter 4.00: Two to monitor in the bumper - Philip Hobbs' Billesley Road and Xaarcet, described in the autumn by Colin Tizzard as 'probably our best unraced horse for the season'.
Let me take this opportunity to wish all readers a happy and prosperous new year.
With that occurence in mind, here are some tentative suggestions for New Year's Day 2012 in this 800th blog post...
Cheltenham 1.05: Invictus (11/4 Ladbrokes) appeals as a play against likely favourtie Sonofvic. Sonofvic didn't look the most fluent of jumpers when going down to Grand Crus at Newbury on his first try over the larger obstacles.
Musselburgh 1.15: Bourne has to give 15 pounds to Eagle Rock but could offer value.
Musselburgh 2.25: I'm a fan of Marsh Warbler (fifth in the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot last time) but I'm not convinced the going or this track will see him to best advantage. Desert Cry, part-owned by Everton manager David Moyes, looked a very tricky ride in that same Ascot race.
Exeter 12.40: Theatrical Star has been quite highly tried and is an each-way wager if the tissue price of 12/1 becomes available on the day.
Exeter 2.55: I'd chance Penny Max against Golden Chieftain.
Exeter 4.00: Two to monitor in the bumper - Philip Hobbs' Billesley Road and Xaarcet, described in the autumn by Colin Tizzard as 'probably our best unraced horse for the season'.
Let me take this opportunity to wish all readers a happy and prosperous new year.
Sunday, September 04, 2011
West Country memories
Simon Nott's tribute to on-course bookmaker Brian Edwards in this month's Racing Ahead brought back a couple of memories. Brian, who traded as George Edwards Plymouth, died on 17th July after a long struggle with cancer. I struck a few bets with Brian at Newton Abbot and Devon & Exeter back in the early nineties, a time when I was green enough to think I might come out on top...
In particular I recall going to Newton Abbot one fine spring evening to back a horse called Biloxi Blues in the handicap chase. The grey had decent form in the book and, at a time when Mark Coton's Value Betting was all the rage, I thought I'd stumbled on a value bet and a bit more as the daily papers reported the price as 6/1. Finishing work early, I drove to the course but was more than a little dismayed to see the bookies open with Biloxi at 6/4. The price soon began to contract so, making the best of a bad job, I walked up to Brian and asked for a fiver at 11/8. Quick as a flash, he reported 7/5 to his clerk and I walked away, not quite sure whether I'd been done or not.
The race itself proved rather eventful... Dean Gallagher decided to try and make all on outsider Wimbleball and he quickly built up a lead of twenty lengths or so. Despite hitting a couple of fences fairly hard, Wimbleball was clearly enjoying himself and his lead was still intact halfway down the back straight second time around before Richard Dunwoody decided it was time to play catch-up on Biloxi. Wimbleball wasn't for stopping and had the race in the bag coming to the last but he took one last liberty with that last fence and came crashing to the ground; Dunwoody carried out a nifty piece of steering, jumped the obstacle safely and 5/4 favourite Biloxi Blues collected the spoils. Brian's face told its own story immediately after the race; a couple of punters looking to collect before the winning jockey had dismounted were given short shrift.
Some 15 years later I was at Exeter with two brothers-in-law for the 2004 New Year's Day meeting. We hadn't been that successful but my companions had compensated by indulging in several of their favourite beverages. Waiting for the free bus home, my colleagues asked for an opinion on the concluding bumper. Philip Hobbs' Supreme Serenade was odds-on but I ventured they might want to consider opposing with Paul Nicholls' Alexanderthegreat; this conversation took place outside a couple of ptiches, one of which belonged to Brian. Brian appeared to be in conversation with his fellow layer but as soon as he heard me mention Alexanderthegreat, he immediately marked the horse out from 5/1 to 11/2. I started to smile but these subtle nuances escaped my inebriated colleagues who then demanded an explanation. I tried but it was proving hard work and at the end of it all one brother-in-law walks straight up to the layer offering 5/1 and strikes his bet...
In the event, Nicky Henderson's Copsale Lad (3/1) won impressively from Alexanderthegreat. Copsale Lad did me a couple of favours after that and some three years later popped up at Newbury at odds of 14/1. Unfortunately on that occasion I'd bid more than I should have for a day at the races with The Times' Alan Lee and he'd tipped me the second, Minella Tipperary...
R.I.P. Brian Edwards.
In particular I recall going to Newton Abbot one fine spring evening to back a horse called Biloxi Blues in the handicap chase. The grey had decent form in the book and, at a time when Mark Coton's Value Betting was all the rage, I thought I'd stumbled on a value bet and a bit more as the daily papers reported the price as 6/1. Finishing work early, I drove to the course but was more than a little dismayed to see the bookies open with Biloxi at 6/4. The price soon began to contract so, making the best of a bad job, I walked up to Brian and asked for a fiver at 11/8. Quick as a flash, he reported 7/5 to his clerk and I walked away, not quite sure whether I'd been done or not.
The race itself proved rather eventful... Dean Gallagher decided to try and make all on outsider Wimbleball and he quickly built up a lead of twenty lengths or so. Despite hitting a couple of fences fairly hard, Wimbleball was clearly enjoying himself and his lead was still intact halfway down the back straight second time around before Richard Dunwoody decided it was time to play catch-up on Biloxi. Wimbleball wasn't for stopping and had the race in the bag coming to the last but he took one last liberty with that last fence and came crashing to the ground; Dunwoody carried out a nifty piece of steering, jumped the obstacle safely and 5/4 favourite Biloxi Blues collected the spoils. Brian's face told its own story immediately after the race; a couple of punters looking to collect before the winning jockey had dismounted were given short shrift.
Some 15 years later I was at Exeter with two brothers-in-law for the 2004 New Year's Day meeting. We hadn't been that successful but my companions had compensated by indulging in several of their favourite beverages. Waiting for the free bus home, my colleagues asked for an opinion on the concluding bumper. Philip Hobbs' Supreme Serenade was odds-on but I ventured they might want to consider opposing with Paul Nicholls' Alexanderthegreat; this conversation took place outside a couple of ptiches, one of which belonged to Brian. Brian appeared to be in conversation with his fellow layer but as soon as he heard me mention Alexanderthegreat, he immediately marked the horse out from 5/1 to 11/2. I started to smile but these subtle nuances escaped my inebriated colleagues who then demanded an explanation. I tried but it was proving hard work and at the end of it all one brother-in-law walks straight up to the layer offering 5/1 and strikes his bet...
In the event, Nicky Henderson's Copsale Lad (3/1) won impressively from Alexanderthegreat. Copsale Lad did me a couple of favours after that and some three years later popped up at Newbury at odds of 14/1. Unfortunately on that occasion I'd bid more than I should have for a day at the races with The Times' Alan Lee and he'd tipped me the second, Minella Tipperary...
R.I.P. Brian Edwards.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Noted this new year
Oscar Whisky's odds for the Champion Hurdle shortened markedly after yesterday's emphatic victory in the Cheltenham & Three Counties Race Club Hurdle; William Hill go 12s, Blue Square 16s about Nicky Henderson's six-year-old.
The father and son combination of Colin and Joe Tizzard experienced the highs and lows of the jumping game in the space of thirty minutes at Cheltenham yesterday. Stable stalwart Joe Lively had to be put down after breaking a leg when hampered at the twelfth in the Raceodds Handicap Chase. Half an hour later Hell's Bay brought some consolation to the yard by holding Medermit to take the Dipper Novices' Chase.
Flat trainer Roger Charlton is looking to have his first runner at the Cheltenham Festival in March after Keys held Cinders And Ashes a short-head in the concluding bumper. A stewards' inquiry followed but the placings remained unaltered - both horses are 16/1 with Victor Chandler for the Weatherby's Champion Bumper in March.
Over at Exeter three pound claimer Danny Cook had an interesting time aboard David Pipe's even money favourite Spanish Cruise in the 3.25. The rider was almost unseated at the start, losing his irons until after the first in the process. Spanish Cruise then went to the head of affairs but looked in trouble two out when pecking on landing and forfeiting the lead to 7/1 chance Sea Saffron. Cook perservered with a strong challenge and managed to get his mount back in front in the shadow of the post - the winning distance was recorded as half a length.
For reasons I won't go into, just before Christmas I needed a blagger's guide to classical music - Stephen Fry's Incomplete and Utter History of Classical Music was a recommendation that came my way. This work I found rather hard work - I ended up spending too much time trying to separate the wheat from the chaff (bit rich that, coming from me, I know, but what the hell!) Fortunately, Santa brought me Ruby: The Autobiography - altogether a much easier and much better read all round.
To conclude, two other books to look out for in the January sales... The Horse: A Celebration of Horses in Art by Rachel Barnes and Simon Barnes is a big book (43.4 cms x 36.6 cms) that will require a big coffee table while Dominic Prince's Jumbo to Jockey: Fasting to the Finishing Post could prove a source of inspiration to those who, like me, need help in the dieting department following the over-indulgences of the Christmas period.
The father and son combination of Colin and Joe Tizzard experienced the highs and lows of the jumping game in the space of thirty minutes at Cheltenham yesterday. Stable stalwart Joe Lively had to be put down after breaking a leg when hampered at the twelfth in the Raceodds Handicap Chase. Half an hour later Hell's Bay brought some consolation to the yard by holding Medermit to take the Dipper Novices' Chase.
Flat trainer Roger Charlton is looking to have his first runner at the Cheltenham Festival in March after Keys held Cinders And Ashes a short-head in the concluding bumper. A stewards' inquiry followed but the placings remained unaltered - both horses are 16/1 with Victor Chandler for the Weatherby's Champion Bumper in March.
Over at Exeter three pound claimer Danny Cook had an interesting time aboard David Pipe's even money favourite Spanish Cruise in the 3.25. The rider was almost unseated at the start, losing his irons until after the first in the process. Spanish Cruise then went to the head of affairs but looked in trouble two out when pecking on landing and forfeiting the lead to 7/1 chance Sea Saffron. Cook perservered with a strong challenge and managed to get his mount back in front in the shadow of the post - the winning distance was recorded as half a length.
For reasons I won't go into, just before Christmas I needed a blagger's guide to classical music - Stephen Fry's Incomplete and Utter History of Classical Music was a recommendation that came my way. This work I found rather hard work - I ended up spending too much time trying to separate the wheat from the chaff (bit rich that, coming from me, I know, but what the hell!) Fortunately, Santa brought me Ruby: The Autobiography - altogether a much easier and much better read all round.
To conclude, two other books to look out for in the January sales... The Horse: A Celebration of Horses in Art by Rachel Barnes and Simon Barnes is a big book (43.4 cms x 36.6 cms) that will require a big coffee table while Dominic Prince's Jumbo to Jockey: Fasting to the Finishing Post could prove a source of inspiration to those who, like me, need help in the dieting department following the over-indulgences of the Christmas period.
Friday, December 31, 2010
New Year's Day 2011
There's a tricky-looking card on offer at Cheltenham tomorrow for the first day of the new year. Seventeen go to post in the feature, the victorchandler.com Chase, at 2.35; in my book a number of the runners have issues in the jumping department - I'm going to leave well alone but must say it's fantastic to see Mister McGoldrick in the line-up at the age of fourteen.
The form of the Relkeel run over the course and distance three weeks ago is a decent starting point for the Cheltenham & Three Counties Race Club Hurdle at 12.55. Karabak beat Any Given Day and Celestial Halo the last time but has to concede four pounds to both those opponents tomorrow; plenty will think Karabak can do just that - according to today's Times connections intend to go straight to the World Hurdle with their charge if he does the business here. Having said that, others will fancy Donald McCain's Any Given Day to reverse the placings. At the weights Celestial Halo is the one to beat but I note he's never won at this distance while Nicky Henderson's Oscar Whisky, fourth in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle last March, is given every respect. This evening layers go 9/4 Karabak, 3/1 Any Given Day, 7/2 Celestial Halo and Oscar Whisky; at those prices Celestial Halo gets the vote.
In the Dipper (2.00) Hell's Bay would make some appeal each-way at a price but I'll take a chance with David Pipe's Mr Thriller - this one was in the process of giving Time For Rupert a run for his money when coming to grief two out the last time. Nicky Henderson's Master Of The Hall is feared.
I intend to have a small speculative wager on Milton Harris' grey Rose Of The Moon in first. In a stable tour article last month the handler told us this one has already schooled over fences and is described as 'an exceptional prospect'. Finally the concluding bumper looks the best race of its type we've seen this season. Roger Charlton's Keys will generate a lot of interest as will Cinders and Ashes and facile Exeter winner Cousin Khee.
Postscript: Some people simply never learn and have asked me to take a quick look at tomorrow's all-hurdle card at Exeter on their behalf. The feature Bathwick Tyres Handicap Hurdle at 2.15 looks very competitive. This evening's tissue has David Pipe's Hunterview at 16/1 - I can't see that price being available tomorrow but if it is, it would look very good each-way value. Hunterview hasn't shown his best of late but if the gelding bounces back he has a shout - he beat Advisor at Ayr in April and was beaten under six and a half lengths conceding 17 pounds to Salden Licht at Plumpton last January. Other Exeter suggestions (for the brave only):
12.40 Mr Hudson / Filbert
1.15 Bermuda Boy
1.45 Baby Car
3.25 Spanish Cruise
In the bumper (4.00) I note Sam Thomas is booked to travel from Cheltenham to ride Morgan's Bay for Tom George.
Whatever happens, let me take this opportunity to wish all readers a very happy new year...
The form of the Relkeel run over the course and distance three weeks ago is a decent starting point for the Cheltenham & Three Counties Race Club Hurdle at 12.55. Karabak beat Any Given Day and Celestial Halo the last time but has to concede four pounds to both those opponents tomorrow; plenty will think Karabak can do just that - according to today's Times connections intend to go straight to the World Hurdle with their charge if he does the business here. Having said that, others will fancy Donald McCain's Any Given Day to reverse the placings. At the weights Celestial Halo is the one to beat but I note he's never won at this distance while Nicky Henderson's Oscar Whisky, fourth in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle last March, is given every respect. This evening layers go 9/4 Karabak, 3/1 Any Given Day, 7/2 Celestial Halo and Oscar Whisky; at those prices Celestial Halo gets the vote.
In the Dipper (2.00) Hell's Bay would make some appeal each-way at a price but I'll take a chance with David Pipe's Mr Thriller - this one was in the process of giving Time For Rupert a run for his money when coming to grief two out the last time. Nicky Henderson's Master Of The Hall is feared.
I intend to have a small speculative wager on Milton Harris' grey Rose Of The Moon in first. In a stable tour article last month the handler told us this one has already schooled over fences and is described as 'an exceptional prospect'. Finally the concluding bumper looks the best race of its type we've seen this season. Roger Charlton's Keys will generate a lot of interest as will Cinders and Ashes and facile Exeter winner Cousin Khee.
Postscript: Some people simply never learn and have asked me to take a quick look at tomorrow's all-hurdle card at Exeter on their behalf. The feature Bathwick Tyres Handicap Hurdle at 2.15 looks very competitive. This evening's tissue has David Pipe's Hunterview at 16/1 - I can't see that price being available tomorrow but if it is, it would look very good each-way value. Hunterview hasn't shown his best of late but if the gelding bounces back he has a shout - he beat Advisor at Ayr in April and was beaten under six and a half lengths conceding 17 pounds to Salden Licht at Plumpton last January. Other Exeter suggestions (for the brave only):
12.40 Mr Hudson / Filbert
1.15 Bermuda Boy
1.45 Baby Car
3.25 Spanish Cruise
In the bumper (4.00) I note Sam Thomas is booked to travel from Cheltenham to ride Morgan's Bay for Tom George.
Whatever happens, let me take this opportunity to wish all readers a very happy new year...
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Two selections for New Year's Day
Firstly, let me take this opportunity to wish all readers a very happy and prosperous new year. I'm pushed for time, so just two selections for tomorrow. At Cheltenham only five go in the Dipper Novices' Chase; Punchestowns won't be much of a price but I'm not inclined to oppose even though there are some talented rivals in the field.
In the 3.35 at Exeter I go for Tocca Ferro. As part of a Racing Post Stable Tour item a couple of months ago trainer Emma Lavelle said the following about her charge: 'We like him... There are certain horses you get that give you that extra special feeling and he would be one of those... I'm dreaming about collecting a big trophy with him.'
In the 3.35 at Exeter I go for Tocca Ferro. As part of a Racing Post Stable Tour item a couple of months ago trainer Emma Lavelle said the following about her charge: 'We like him... There are certain horses you get that give you that extra special feeling and he would be one of those... I'm dreaming about collecting a big trophy with him.'
Monday, November 10, 2008
In brief
Cheltenham's three-day Open meeting starts on Friday. The unique Cross Country Chase is the feature on the first day, the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle the feature on the final day and sandwiched in between, on Saturday, is the highlight of the whole meeting, the Paddy Power Gold Cup. It's early days yet but one horse I won't be backing (on grounds of value alone) is Paul Nicholls' Silverburn - at the time of writing the horse is 7/2 favourite with most bookmakers but only 100/30 with the Tote. In the past I've found the trainer has tended to be pretty bullish about this half-brother to Denman but in my mind the horse hasn't always delivered. I think two and a half miles will suit but it's interesting to note that Silverburn has only won once when racing over further than the minimum trip; last season he didn't appear to stay three miles. During the week I'll look closely at Nicky Henderson's runners as well as Alan King's Ouzbeck, (apparently preferred by stable jockey Robert Thornton to Il Duce), although the layers aren't taking any chances by pricing him up at just 8/1. Meanwhile Finger Onthe Pulse has the Rehearsal Chase as his target.
It's not that often BBC Radio Four throws up a racing story but sixteen stone Dominic Prince, journalist and jockey, has wasted to a mere twelve in a journey he describes in 'Jumbo to jockey'. The programme is to be aired on 23rd December with an accompanying book due out next spring.
Talking of books, another to hit the market just in time for Christmas is Brough Scott's 'Of Horses and Heroes: A Racing Tribute'. Thought I'd mention it, in case you were struggling to come up with ideas for a Christmas present...
It would appear it's not just the banks that have been affected by the credit crunch. Bookmaker William Hill has begun negotiations with several of the aforemetioned banks about refinancing a large chunk of debt. Hmmm... no sympathy from these quarters!
I was preparing to monitor Straw Bear and (the somewhat salaciously-named) Tara Two Hills at Exeter tomorrow. Straw Bear hasn't been declared on account of the ground and I guess the same comment applies to the other horse as well. Last week Steve Taylor's 'Behind The Stats' column in the Weekender highlighted Alan Honeyball's operation, with Tara Two Hills being aimed at the mares-only novice hurdle due off at 4.10. At the time of writing the going at Exeter is described as heavy, waterlogged in places. There's a 7.30 inspection scheduled for the morning - my guess is we'll be lucky to see any racing at Exeter tomorrow.
It's not that often BBC Radio Four throws up a racing story but sixteen stone Dominic Prince, journalist and jockey, has wasted to a mere twelve in a journey he describes in 'Jumbo to jockey'. The programme is to be aired on 23rd December with an accompanying book due out next spring.
Talking of books, another to hit the market just in time for Christmas is Brough Scott's 'Of Horses and Heroes: A Racing Tribute'. Thought I'd mention it, in case you were struggling to come up with ideas for a Christmas present...
It would appear it's not just the banks that have been affected by the credit crunch. Bookmaker William Hill has begun negotiations with several of the aforemetioned banks about refinancing a large chunk of debt. Hmmm... no sympathy from these quarters!
I was preparing to monitor Straw Bear and (the somewhat salaciously-named) Tara Two Hills at Exeter tomorrow. Straw Bear hasn't been declared on account of the ground and I guess the same comment applies to the other horse as well. Last week Steve Taylor's 'Behind The Stats' column in the Weekender highlighted Alan Honeyball's operation, with Tara Two Hills being aimed at the mares-only novice hurdle due off at 4.10. At the time of writing the going at Exeter is described as heavy, waterlogged in places. There's a 7.30 inspection scheduled for the morning - my guess is we'll be lucky to see any racing at Exeter tomorrow.
Monday, November 03, 2008
The winter game
With the onset of winter, the jumping stars are making a welcome return to action. Kauto Star put in an exhibition round at Down Royal on Saturday and goes to Haydock in three weeks time. Arkle winner Tidal Bay won at Carlisle on Sunday, easily beating the other three runners which included the Royal and Sun Alliance winner Albertas Run over a distance of two and a half mile miles. Connections of Tidal Bay haven't yet decided over which distance(s) they're going to campaign their star this season; a hint has been dropped that he may take on Master Minded in the Tingle Creek at Sandown - Paul Nicholls has picked this up and is quoted as saying Tidal Bay will have to improve some more to get close to his charge. Albertas Run looks to have the Hennessy at Newbury as his target.
Nicky Henderson's Afsoun started long odds-on for his chasing debut at Warwick earlier today; Barry Geraghty just managed to get his mount home after the partnership made a mistake four out. I always think Warwick is a tricky course for the inexeprienced novice - the fences come thick and fast down the back straight and jumping is at a premium.
Exeter host the Haldon Gold Cup tomorrow. Twist Magic is likely to start favourite but I won't be rushing to back him running at this stiff course over a trip just shy of two miles two furlongs with the going described as good to soft. Having just looked through his form of last season, I still harbour suspicions the horse is something of a short finisher. Finding the winner isn't easy nonetheless - Natal should be competitive using last season's Kerrygold Champion Chase as a guideline but he would prefer better ground while Howle Hill can often ruin his chance with one erratic jump. In a trappy affair I'm considering taking a chance on Mahogany Blaze, a young horse with potential, from a yard bang in form. I'll see what the market looks like in the morning.
Nicky Henderson's Afsoun started long odds-on for his chasing debut at Warwick earlier today; Barry Geraghty just managed to get his mount home after the partnership made a mistake four out. I always think Warwick is a tricky course for the inexeprienced novice - the fences come thick and fast down the back straight and jumping is at a premium.
Exeter host the Haldon Gold Cup tomorrow. Twist Magic is likely to start favourite but I won't be rushing to back him running at this stiff course over a trip just shy of two miles two furlongs with the going described as good to soft. Having just looked through his form of last season, I still harbour suspicions the horse is something of a short finisher. Finding the winner isn't easy nonetheless - Natal should be competitive using last season's Kerrygold Champion Chase as a guideline but he would prefer better ground while Howle Hill can often ruin his chance with one erratic jump. In a trappy affair I'm considering taking a chance on Mahogany Blaze, a young horse with potential, from a yard bang in form. I'll see what the market looks like in the morning.
Monday, October 20, 2008
The intray
This weekend I couldn't help but spare a thought for Eddie Ahern. After finishing second on the appropriately named Times Up in the 2.00 race at Newmarket on Friday, Eddie left the weighing room and went for a bit of a walkabout. When he returned, he found he'd missed the deadline to weigh out on his next intended mount, Charlie Farnsbarns in the 3.10. Able deputy Ryan Moore guided the 50/1 outsider to a one and half length victory over 5/2 favourite Bankable. Poor old Eddie! Instead of collecting his share of the £36,000 win prize money, he was served with a £140 fine. Still, things looked a little better on Saturday afternoon when he took the mount on another 50/1 shot, Caracciola. Caracciola won the Cesarewitch by three lengths.
Snap Tie turned over champion hurdler Katchit at Kempton on Sunday. After the race Katchit's trainer Alan King said he was disappointed (with the result) but satisfied (with the performance).
Sticking with Alan King, in a recent stable tour feature he indicated there are plans to race Franchoek over further (than two miles) in the coming season. The trainer feels the horse could make up into a World Hurdle contender.
Tomorrow Exeter hosts the inaugral running of the Best Mate Beginners' Chase at 3.10. The race has attracted some interesting entries including Straw Bear, Pasco, Or Bleu and Sir Harry Ormesher. I had planned to go to Ludlow on Thursday as I haven't been there for a few years but unfortunately something has turned up and I can't make it - the bookmakers will have to get their dinner money from somebody else. A course I've never visited is Hexham but a few friends made it up there a week last Saturday. They didn't leave the course 'with a carrier bag of bookies' loot', but they felt the course was small, friendly with good viewing, although there were no large screens in place. The course is situated on a hill - the weather was sunny but the wind chilling. Entrance into the parade ring and the stables was included in the £10 admission price. I think I'll try and make the effort to get up there sometime in the foreseeable future.
Finally, I have been reminded that it was Robbie Box (not Fox) that featured in the BBC series 'Big Deal'. Should you wish, you can buy the complete Series 1 from Amazon for just £17.98. Hmmm... think I'll give that one a miss.
Snap Tie turned over champion hurdler Katchit at Kempton on Sunday. After the race Katchit's trainer Alan King said he was disappointed (with the result) but satisfied (with the performance).
Sticking with Alan King, in a recent stable tour feature he indicated there are plans to race Franchoek over further (than two miles) in the coming season. The trainer feels the horse could make up into a World Hurdle contender.
Tomorrow Exeter hosts the inaugral running of the Best Mate Beginners' Chase at 3.10. The race has attracted some interesting entries including Straw Bear, Pasco, Or Bleu and Sir Harry Ormesher. I had planned to go to Ludlow on Thursday as I haven't been there for a few years but unfortunately something has turned up and I can't make it - the bookmakers will have to get their dinner money from somebody else. A course I've never visited is Hexham but a few friends made it up there a week last Saturday. They didn't leave the course 'with a carrier bag of bookies' loot', but they felt the course was small, friendly with good viewing, although there were no large screens in place. The course is situated on a hill - the weather was sunny but the wind chilling. Entrance into the parade ring and the stables was included in the £10 admission price. I think I'll try and make the effort to get up there sometime in the foreseeable future.
Finally, I have been reminded that it was Robbie Box (not Fox) that featured in the BBC series 'Big Deal'. Should you wish, you can buy the complete Series 1 from Amazon for just £17.98. Hmmm... think I'll give that one a miss.
Monday, December 31, 2007
New Year's Day at Cheltenham
The first Cheltenham meeting of 2008 looks as tricky as ever. The Nicholls camp is particularly bullish about Predateur in the 1.35; I'm still not certain the horse gets the trip. French raider Okaido should have no fears on that score having won over three miles in France; he could be anything. I'll sit this one out.
In the 2.45 Star De Mohaison will be popular running off a hurdle rating that is considerably lower than his chase equivalent. Hills Of Aran was nibbled at at fancy prices before the start of Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle just over a week ago, but he got no further than the first. The tissue has the horse priced at around 10/1 here; he would be an interesting each-way wager.
Several commentators have put up Afsoun for the 3.20 but I will not be joining in. Most of the runners in this have questions to answer, including Black Jack Ketchum and Wichita Lineman. If Blazing Bailey is in top form he'll have a shout, but I'm going to sit this one out too.
Leading Authority should take the 1.50 at Exeter but is likely to be priced accordingly.
In the 2.45 Star De Mohaison will be popular running off a hurdle rating that is considerably lower than his chase equivalent. Hills Of Aran was nibbled at at fancy prices before the start of Ascot's Long Walk Hurdle just over a week ago, but he got no further than the first. The tissue has the horse priced at around 10/1 here; he would be an interesting each-way wager.
Several commentators have put up Afsoun for the 3.20 but I will not be joining in. Most of the runners in this have questions to answer, including Black Jack Ketchum and Wichita Lineman. If Blazing Bailey is in top form he'll have a shout, but I'm going to sit this one out too.
Leading Authority should take the 1.50 at Exeter but is likely to be priced accordingly.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Exeter on Friday
Sandown's top meeting will attract much of the attention tomorrow but that shouldn't detract from a decent card at Exeter where the going is described as soft, heavy in places. The runners in the four mile Devon Marathon Chase will need to be ridden to get the trip over this stiff course. Two plays against likely favourites, both of whom will act in the conditions, are Gary Moore's Verasi who takes on the enigmatic Lead On in the novice chase at 1.35, and Alan King's Sovereign King in the 2.45.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Weather set fair?
Heavy rain in Australia threatens the chance of British runners in the Melbourne Cup; the lack of rain in Britain sees top class horses missing the Haldon Gold Cup.
Phillip Hobbs' Fair Along is the class horse in the field at Exeter tomorrow and consequently has to give weight away to his four rivals. The five year old isn't the biggest of animals, but his recent third of thirty three runners in The Cesarewitch reads well. This race looks trappy and is certainly no foregone conclusion; I won't be rushing to take odds-on and would advise a watching brief, especially as the trainer has told us the horse may be slighter better going left-handed.
Phillip Hobbs' Fair Along is the class horse in the field at Exeter tomorrow and consequently has to give weight away to his four rivals. The five year old isn't the biggest of animals, but his recent third of thirty three runners in The Cesarewitch reads well. This race looks trappy and is certainly no foregone conclusion; I won't be rushing to take odds-on and would advise a watching brief, especially as the trainer has told us the horse may be slighter better going left-handed.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Bad day at the office
A bad day at the Exeter office for Richard Johnson yesterday...
In the feature race, the two mile William Hill Chase, Johnson was on the only serious challenger to eventual winner Impek when a loose horse cannoned into his mount on the home run leaving the jockey sitting on the turf.
An hour later, Johnson held a slight advantage on the run-in only for his ride, Out The Black, to slip up and gift the race to Charlies Future. Apparently, according to Luke Harvey on Radio 4 this morning, the horse had seen the paddock and was on two minds whether to take a short cut under the running rail!
To cap it all, Johnson was beaten on a short priced favourite in the last.
It never rains but it pours.
In the feature race, the two mile William Hill Chase, Johnson was on the only serious challenger to eventual winner Impek when a loose horse cannoned into his mount on the home run leaving the jockey sitting on the turf.
An hour later, Johnson held a slight advantage on the run-in only for his ride, Out The Black, to slip up and gift the race to Charlies Future. Apparently, according to Luke Harvey on Radio 4 this morning, the horse had seen the paddock and was on two minds whether to take a short cut under the running rail!
To cap it all, Johnson was beaten on a short priced favourite in the last.
It never rains but it pours.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Exeter's top meeting
Exeter's best card of the year takes place tomorrow, all races being sponsored by William Hill.
The main event, the Haldon Gold Cup, is run over all of 2 miles 2 furlongs bar a few yards and puts the emphasis on stamina as well as speed. Nine runners declared with most of the decent performers having their first run of the season. This being the case, unless you know specifically that a particualr horse is well forward, it's a race to note rather than a race to bet on.
The corresponding novice chase has attracted six runners; on hurdling form Denman looks the clear choice and is likely to be priced accordingly, although he has done all his winning to date over slightly further.
Interesting to see the Pipe stable hit form over the weekend with Our Vic winning the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, the first big race winner for Martin's son David. Twelve Paces followed up at Carlisle on Sunday. That should keep David Johnson happy a little while longer.
The main event, the Haldon Gold Cup, is run over all of 2 miles 2 furlongs bar a few yards and puts the emphasis on stamina as well as speed. Nine runners declared with most of the decent performers having their first run of the season. This being the case, unless you know specifically that a particualr horse is well forward, it's a race to note rather than a race to bet on.
The corresponding novice chase has attracted six runners; on hurdling form Denman looks the clear choice and is likely to be priced accordingly, although he has done all his winning to date over slightly further.
Interesting to see the Pipe stable hit form over the weekend with Our Vic winning the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby, the first big race winner for Martin's son David. Twelve Paces followed up at Carlisle on Sunday. That should keep David Johnson happy a little while longer.
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