The time of reckoning has arrived...
This year a £1.00 level stake wager at SP on each of the blog's 18 highlighted selections returned a loss of £6.37. Not particularly impressive you may say and, of course, you'd be correct, but I'll plead mitigating circumstances.
In the opening race on the first two days I picked the wrong one from two, with Cinders And Ashes (10/1) and Teaforthree (5/1) obliging while Tetlami and Universal Solider failed to make a place. There were other near misses on that opening day too with Overturn (20/1) and Fruity O'Rooney (16/1) both running well in defeat while sole winner Balthazar King was backed into 11/2 from 14/1 in the morning; if you'd taken the price quoted about each selection, you would have returned a profit.
And, of course, although ante-post wager The Giant Bolster wasn't one of the highlighted selections, David Bridgwater's gelding ran a huge race to finish second at odds of 50/1; just for a moment, between the last two flights, I dared to think he might do the business...
Wednesday's clement weather made my annual visit to the track a memorable affair this year - that, and the fact that Cheltenham Racecourse had no qualms whatsoever in charging me £4.30 for a pint of Guinness. Still, colleagues redressed the balance somewhat by pointing out that annual membership at Hereford costs just £100 and gives entrance to 18 racedays as well as 70 reciprocal meetings. Is that one of the best deals in racing?
Following on from the excitement generated by The Giant Bolster's run in the Gold Cup, I was fortunate enough to be offered a ticket for Saturday's Grand Slam decider at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff; Wales beat France in an atmosphere I haven't experienced for many a long day.
Now it's back to earth, to the humdrum, with something of a big bump...
Anyway, here's the latest plans for some of last week's Festival runners:
Synchronsied - a decision will be made later about the Grand National
Champagne Fever - Mullins considers novice chase campaign
Noble Prince - trainer Paul Nolan aims for the Punchestown Festival
China Rock - Guinness Handicap Chase, Punchestown
Four Commanders - Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse
Sir Des Champs / First Lieutenant - kept apart at Punchestown
Rubi Light - Guinness Gold Cup, Punchestown
Smad Place - 'seriously considering taking on Big Buck's...at Aintree' [Alan King / Weekender]
Grumeti - 'would like to give him one more run...at Aintree next month' [Alan King / Weekender]
Showing posts with label punchestown. Show all posts
Showing posts with label punchestown. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Monday, May 16, 2011
Recent racing titbits
I don't know why but since the royal wedding matters royal continue to crop up. A couple of weeks ago the Daily Mail reported that the Queen had looked after Frankie Dettori's lost dachsund Scruby. Then at York last Thursday Midday won the Middleton Stakes while half an hour later the Queen's Carlton House won the Dante in some style. Her Majesty's colt, apparently gifted to her by Sheikh Mohammed, is now a short-priced favourite for the Epsom Derby on Saturday June 4th. All that has encouraged further royal foraging - Marcus Armytage in the Daily Telegraph pointed out that:
The Queen has never won the Derby - in 1953, the year of her Coronation, Aureole finished second to Pinza;
The last monarch to win the Derby was King Edward VII in 1909 with Minoru.
Professor Gerda Reith of Glasgow University has carried out research of a different kind and discovered that the use of Fixed Odds Betting Terminal (FOBTs) in betting shops can lead to problems. 'Betting machines are particularly risky because of the enormous speed at which they take gamblers' money.'
Today's students are likely to be familiar with the idea of running up big debts, so perhaps it's unsurprising to see the BHA trying to entice them into the world of racehorse ownership. Love The Races has leased Tim Vaughan's Tae Kwon Do to a select band of students until the end of June as part of a prize in a recently-held comeptition. Last time out the gelding ran better than his 14/1 market price would have suggested beforehand, finishing third in a handicap hurdle at Wincanton. I'd imagine connections will be keen to land a small race before the lease runs out. In a somewhat similar vein Bangor blog selection Wake Board won with his head in his chest on Saturday despite pulling hard through most of the race and a hiccup two form home; have current connections found the key to this enigmatic individual?
Finally, I leave you with the thought that you tend to come across a different type of woman in the jumping game. At the Punchestown Festival Ladies' Day recently Daybreak presenter Grainne Seoige turned up wearing steel toe-capped heels, no doubt of particular use when dealing with the unwanted attentions of over-amourous male punters keen to try their luck...
The Queen has never won the Derby - in 1953, the year of her Coronation, Aureole finished second to Pinza;
The last monarch to win the Derby was King Edward VII in 1909 with Minoru.
Professor Gerda Reith of Glasgow University has carried out research of a different kind and discovered that the use of Fixed Odds Betting Terminal (FOBTs) in betting shops can lead to problems. 'Betting machines are particularly risky because of the enormous speed at which they take gamblers' money.'
Today's students are likely to be familiar with the idea of running up big debts, so perhaps it's unsurprising to see the BHA trying to entice them into the world of racehorse ownership. Love The Races has leased Tim Vaughan's Tae Kwon Do to a select band of students until the end of June as part of a prize in a recently-held comeptition. Last time out the gelding ran better than his 14/1 market price would have suggested beforehand, finishing third in a handicap hurdle at Wincanton. I'd imagine connections will be keen to land a small race before the lease runs out. In a somewhat similar vein Bangor blog selection Wake Board won with his head in his chest on Saturday despite pulling hard through most of the race and a hiccup two form home; have current connections found the key to this enigmatic individual?
Finally, I leave you with the thought that you tend to come across a different type of woman in the jumping game. At the Punchestown Festival Ladies' Day recently Daybreak presenter Grainne Seoige turned up wearing steel toe-capped heels, no doubt of particular use when dealing with the unwanted attentions of over-amourous male punters keen to try their luck...
Sunday, May 01, 2011
In a nutshell...
Those lucky enough to be at Newmarket yesterday saw something exceptional when Frankel demolished his field to win the 2011 2000 Guineas by six lengths; the crowd's applause commenced with two furlongs still to race. Earlier this afternoon Dettori rode 16/1 chance Blue Bunting to victory for the 'Boys in Blue' in the 1000 Guineas.
Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the legalisation of UK betting shops. The spartan establishments those of us of a particular age used to frequent in the mid sixites bear no resemblance to our modern shops. Sound only commentaries, betting shop tax, it was something of a 'guilty pleasure'. Some complain the prevalence of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) threaten to turn today's shops into glorified amusement arcades, yet in 2008 these machines became the first product to earn more for Ladbrokes than horse racing. Money talks, as they say.
All that contrasts markedly with the tales of chicanery and criminality I'm currently reading about in Nicholas Foulkes' excellent book 'Gentlemen and Blackguards: Gambling Mania and the Plot to Steal the Derby of 1844'; the paperback version is due to be released on May 26th.
The Punchestown Festival starts on Tuesday - latest declarations here. I've blogged selected races from this meeting in the past but due to commitments can't this year (probably something of a blessing!) Where possible, I'll post some selections...
A final footnote on the royal wedding... One of the troopers from the Household Cavalry was thrown from his mount as the wedding procession made its winding way from the Abbey back to Buckingham Palace. The thoroughbred sped past the newly-married couple and headed for Hyde Park barracks where it was caught; rumours that Her Majesty is considering supplementing the beast for this year's Derby are apparently wide of the mark.
Today marks the fiftieth anniversary of the legalisation of UK betting shops. The spartan establishments those of us of a particular age used to frequent in the mid sixites bear no resemblance to our modern shops. Sound only commentaries, betting shop tax, it was something of a 'guilty pleasure'. Some complain the prevalence of Fixed Odds Betting Terminals (FOBTs) threaten to turn today's shops into glorified amusement arcades, yet in 2008 these machines became the first product to earn more for Ladbrokes than horse racing. Money talks, as they say.
All that contrasts markedly with the tales of chicanery and criminality I'm currently reading about in Nicholas Foulkes' excellent book 'Gentlemen and Blackguards: Gambling Mania and the Plot to Steal the Derby of 1844'; the paperback version is due to be released on May 26th.
The Punchestown Festival starts on Tuesday - latest declarations here. I've blogged selected races from this meeting in the past but due to commitments can't this year (probably something of a blessing!) Where possible, I'll post some selections...
A final footnote on the royal wedding... One of the troopers from the Household Cavalry was thrown from his mount as the wedding procession made its winding way from the Abbey back to Buckingham Palace. The thoroughbred sped past the newly-married couple and headed for Hyde Park barracks where it was caught; rumours that Her Majesty is considering supplementing the beast for this year's Derby are apparently wide of the mark.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Sandown's end of term meeting
Tomorrow's mixed card at Sandown marks the end of the National Hunt season, the highlight being the bet365 Gold Cup (still referred to as 'The Whitbread' in our house). Twenty are set to face the starter for this trip just shy of three and three quarter miles; half the field comes from three big stables - Paul Nicholls has entered four while both David Pipe and Philip Hobbs have three runners each. Favourites don't have a good record and only two winners have carried more than eleven stones in the past decade. I've gone for something with a low weight that will act on the ground at an each-way price - Jonjo O'Neill's Nostringsattached, 14/1 with William Hill this evening, is the suggestion.
All eyes will be on Twist Magic in the Celebration Chase at 2.30. In the past he has performed particularly well at Sandown and, if he consents to put his best foot forward, he's the clear form choice. Having said that, he refused to race in the Champion Chase at Punchestown on Tuesday. The travelling over to Ireland is likely to have taken its toll but this evening Paddy Power offer 11/8 which many would consider big should he decide to take an interest. If you're tempted to take an interest, monitor his behaviour in the paddock before placing a bet - at Punchestown it was clear beforehand he was in one of his reluctant moods. Of the others I prefer Oh Crick to Fix The Rib - the latter's jumping at Newbury on his penultimate run wasn't great. Last year Twist Magic won this with Mahogany Blaze just run out of second by Kalahari King. On that occasion Mahogany Blaze was an 11/2 shot yet this evening he's 11/1 with totesport - provided the bare eight go to post Mahogany Blaze each-way looks decent value in my book.
Petit Robin is the form choice in the 1.30 but with the prices on offer I'll sit on the sidelines while the opening Flat v. Jump Jockeys handicap is always worth watching and will, no doubt, be keenly contested.
For those who have followed the selections through the week at Punchestown, tomorrow is the final day of the 2010 Festival. Much to my surprise (and, no doubt, yours as well) I haven't been doing too badly with three winners and two seconds from seven selections. In the only Grade One race on Saturday's card, the Airshow 100 Champion Four Year Old Hurdle, I'll side with Barizan - his run in the Triumph at Cheltenham last month was one of the highlights of the season. On form he's closely matched with both Carlito Brigante (missed Aintree and so comes here relatively fresh) and his Aintree conqueror Orsippus, while it would be unwise to dismiss Sweet My Lord, given the form of anything Willie Mullins has run over the past few days. I just hope Barizan is well enough to do himself justice after two tough races in the last five weeks.
All eyes will be on Twist Magic in the Celebration Chase at 2.30. In the past he has performed particularly well at Sandown and, if he consents to put his best foot forward, he's the clear form choice. Having said that, he refused to race in the Champion Chase at Punchestown on Tuesday. The travelling over to Ireland is likely to have taken its toll but this evening Paddy Power offer 11/8 which many would consider big should he decide to take an interest. If you're tempted to take an interest, monitor his behaviour in the paddock before placing a bet - at Punchestown it was clear beforehand he was in one of his reluctant moods. Of the others I prefer Oh Crick to Fix The Rib - the latter's jumping at Newbury on his penultimate run wasn't great. Last year Twist Magic won this with Mahogany Blaze just run out of second by Kalahari King. On that occasion Mahogany Blaze was an 11/2 shot yet this evening he's 11/1 with totesport - provided the bare eight go to post Mahogany Blaze each-way looks decent value in my book.
Petit Robin is the form choice in the 1.30 but with the prices on offer I'll sit on the sidelines while the opening Flat v. Jump Jockeys handicap is always worth watching and will, no doubt, be keenly contested.
For those who have followed the selections through the week at Punchestown, tomorrow is the final day of the 2010 Festival. Much to my surprise (and, no doubt, yours as well) I haven't been doing too badly with three winners and two seconds from seven selections. In the only Grade One race on Saturday's card, the Airshow 100 Champion Four Year Old Hurdle, I'll side with Barizan - his run in the Triumph at Cheltenham last month was one of the highlights of the season. On form he's closely matched with both Carlito Brigante (missed Aintree and so comes here relatively fresh) and his Aintree conqueror Orsippus, while it would be unwise to dismiss Sweet My Lord, given the form of anything Willie Mullins has run over the past few days. I just hope Barizan is well enough to do himself justice after two tough races in the last five weeks.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Punchestown 2010 - Friday's Champion Hurdle
Friday's highlight at the Punchestown Festival is the Rabobank Champion Hurdle due off at 5.30. Let me state from the outset that, following his sensational win in last year's Cheltenham bumper, I'm a big Dunguib fan. Having said that, he's taking on some battle-hardened opponents here - on official ratings he has seventeen pounds to find with Solwhit - and the 3/1 on offer doesn't look the best value. At Cheltenham last month I quietly fancied Punjabi but he was soon beaten. Hurricane Fly hasn't been seen out since last November - Willie Mullins has had a good Festival so far - but this looks a big ask. Of the bigger priced runners, David Pipe's Ronaldo Des Mottes is relatively unexposed and makes some appeal each-way - five-year-olds have won three of the last eight renewals. On the back of his official rating last year's winner Solwhit gets the vote.
In the 6.05 Luska Lad will be popular while Philip Hobbs' Duke Of Lucca is respected but I'm going with Nick Williams' Reve De Sivola.
In the 6.05 Luska Lad will be popular while Philip Hobbs' Duke Of Lucca is respected but I'm going with Nick Williams' Reve De Sivola.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Punchestown 2010 - thoughts on Thursday's card
Fifteen go to post in the feature, the Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle at 5.30. Willie Mullins has done well so far at the Festival and has a strong hand here with Quevega, Mourad and Cousin Vinny. Likely favourite Quevega tries the three mile trip for the first time but the mare was showing no sign of stopping when taking the David Nicholson Hurdle at Cheltenham - that was her first run since finishing third in the Champion Hurdle at this meeting last year. Similarly Mourad hasn't raced over this trip previously but looks likely to be in the mix. I fancied Alan King's Karabak for a place at Cheltenham but his effort was disappointing - he appeared to run in snatches, coming in fourth behind Big Buck's. The yard has had a very in-and-out season and the 5/1 on offer about Karabak makes little appeal; stablemate Bensalem tries hurdles after finding the fences getting in the way once too often and may be of some interest to each-way backers. That comment also applies to Powerstation, third at Cheltenham, but at the age of ten the chances are he won't come home first. At 4/1, I'll support Willie Mullins' Quevega, hoping that with the mares' allowance she'll last home.
The novices are likely to go lickety-split in the Ryaniar Chase over two miles, so jumping at speed will be at a premium. Captain Cee Bee burst a blood vessel when finishing down the field in the Arkle, a race in which Osana finished third, Kings Theatre a somewhat disappointing fifth and Sports Line eleventh; we can expect to see improvement from both Kings Theatre and Sports Line. While Psycho is an excellent jumper, I'm prepared to forgive Captain Cee Bee his last run; beforehand McCoy rated him his best chance of a winner at Cheltenham so, if he's back to his best, he has to be thereabouts - Captain Cee Bee gets the nod.
The novices are likely to go lickety-split in the Ryaniar Chase over two miles, so jumping at speed will be at a premium. Captain Cee Bee burst a blood vessel when finishing down the field in the Arkle, a race in which Osana finished third, Kings Theatre a somewhat disappointing fifth and Sports Line eleventh; we can expect to see improvement from both Kings Theatre and Sports Line. While Psycho is an excellent jumper, I'm prepared to forgive Captain Cee Bee his last run; beforehand McCoy rated him his best chance of a winner at Cheltenham so, if he's back to his best, he has to be thereabouts - Captain Cee Bee gets the nod.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Punchestown 2010 - Wednesday
The Guinness Gold Cup is tomorrow's highlight and it's difficult to get away from Denman - on official ratings he has some 18 pounds in hand over his two closest rivals, Joncol and J'y Vole. Those looking for reasons to oppose will be aware the drying ground won't suit and he had a hard enough race in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month when finishing seven lengths behind Imperial Commander (with Cooldine who re-opposes tomorrow another 24 lengths adrift in fifth). Given the odds on offer, I'm not tempted to play.
In the Paddy Power Champion I.n.h. Flat Race Cheltenham bumper form is represented by Tavern Times (fourth), Bubbly Bruce (tenth), Up Ou That (thirteenth) and Shot From The Hip (twentieth). There were some lumpy bets for the last-named that day; he was sent off 3/1 favourite but ruined his chance early on by pulling far too hard. Megastar, fifth at Cheltenham, took the Aintree bumper a couple of weeks later, confirming Cheltenham form with Dare Me - the third there, Whispering Hills, takes his chance tomorrow. All of which, of course, pays a huge compliment to Colin Tizzard's Cue Card.
In the three mile novice hurdle (4.55) Magnanimity looks set to go off favourite; he carries a penalty for his win at Fairyhouse a fortnight ago. On official ratings Arabella Boy has two pounds in hand but he tries this distance for the first time. That being the case, I'll take a small interest in Ad Idem; the good ground should suit this son of Kayf Tara.
In the Paddy Power Champion I.n.h. Flat Race Cheltenham bumper form is represented by Tavern Times (fourth), Bubbly Bruce (tenth), Up Ou That (thirteenth) and Shot From The Hip (twentieth). There were some lumpy bets for the last-named that day; he was sent off 3/1 favourite but ruined his chance early on by pulling far too hard. Megastar, fifth at Cheltenham, took the Aintree bumper a couple of weeks later, confirming Cheltenham form with Dare Me - the third there, Whispering Hills, takes his chance tomorrow. All of which, of course, pays a huge compliment to Colin Tizzard's Cue Card.
In the three mile novice hurdle (4.55) Magnanimity looks set to go off favourite; he carries a penalty for his win at Fairyhouse a fortnight ago. On official ratings Arabella Boy has two pounds in hand but he tries this distance for the first time. That being the case, I'll take a small interest in Ad Idem; the good ground should suit this son of Kayf Tara.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Tuesday at Punchestown
A couple of quick suggestions for the opening day of the Punchestown Festival. The Champion Chase looks intriguing. Paul Nicholls won this last year with Master Minded - his entry this year, Twist Magic, has upwards of seven pounds in hand over all his rivals on official ratings. Having said that, he can be tricky (McCoy rides) and in my book isn't one to trust implicitly - I expected connections to wait for Saturday's Celebration Chase at Sandown. Nobody would begrudge Forpadydeplasterer a win after finishing second on five occasions this season - he came with a strong run over two and a half miles at Aintree the last time but couldn't get past Albertas Run. That was just eleven days ago - has this come a bit quick after a long season? I fancied Kalahari King for the Champion Chase at Cheltenham but he finished a well beaten third, connections saying two and a half miles may suit more these days; at Aintree the next time he fell at the second fence. The Arkle winner Sizing Europe steps up to race against the big boys. You pay your money and take your choice; I'm going with Forpadydeplasterer.
In the last eight years six favourites have won the Champion Novice Hurdle; Nicky Henderson's General Miller is the top-rated animal and gets the vote.
In the last eight years six favourites have won the Champion Novice Hurdle; Nicky Henderson's General Miller is the top-rated animal and gets the vote.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Looking forward, looking back...
Looking forward - next week's highlight is the Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival. Here's a taste of what's in store...
Tuesday April 20th features The Boylesports.com Champion Steeplechase (6.05 pm) over two miles;
Wednesday April 21st - The Guinness Gold Cup over three miles one furlong;
Thursday April 22nd - The Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle over three miles;
Friday April 23rd - The Rabobank Champion Hurdle over two miles;
Saturday April 24th is Family Day - the feature is The Airshow Champion Four Year Old Hurdle over two miles.
Further details are available from the Punchestown website.
Some snippets which may be of interest...
Dunguib is to be aimed at the Rabobank Champion Hurdle on Friday;
Denman is set to run in the Guinness Gold Cup on Wednesday;
Paul Nicholls is also sending over Twist Magic for Tuesday's Champion Chase - in the ante-post market there isn't a lot to choose between Kalahari King, Sizing Europe, Forpadydeplasterer and Twist Magic;
Barry Geraghty missed his booked rides at Ascot earlier today 'so he can be 100% for the Punchestown Festival that starts on Tuesday';
With European air travel still affected by the volcanic eruptions in Iceland, connections of British runners have made alternative travel arrangements for their charges;
Quevega has been installed favourite for the World Series Hurdle;
Wednesday's Guinness Gold Cup will be War Of Attrition's last run;
Nick Williams is to send over Reve De Sivola for Friday's Cathal Ryan Memrial Novices' Hurdle and Cornas for Tuesday's Champion Chase.
And a few moments to look back - earlier today it was announced Denis O'Regan is to split with Howard Johnson at the end of the season while Greville Starkey's obituary brought back some fond memories.
Tuesday April 20th features The Boylesports.com Champion Steeplechase (6.05 pm) over two miles;
Wednesday April 21st - The Guinness Gold Cup over three miles one furlong;
Thursday April 22nd - The Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle over three miles;
Friday April 23rd - The Rabobank Champion Hurdle over two miles;
Saturday April 24th is Family Day - the feature is The Airshow Champion Four Year Old Hurdle over two miles.
Further details are available from the Punchestown website.
Some snippets which may be of interest...
Dunguib is to be aimed at the Rabobank Champion Hurdle on Friday;
Denman is set to run in the Guinness Gold Cup on Wednesday;
Paul Nicholls is also sending over Twist Magic for Tuesday's Champion Chase - in the ante-post market there isn't a lot to choose between Kalahari King, Sizing Europe, Forpadydeplasterer and Twist Magic;
Barry Geraghty missed his booked rides at Ascot earlier today 'so he can be 100% for the Punchestown Festival that starts on Tuesday';
With European air travel still affected by the volcanic eruptions in Iceland, connections of British runners have made alternative travel arrangements for their charges;
Quevega has been installed favourite for the World Series Hurdle;
Wednesday's Guinness Gold Cup will be War Of Attrition's last run;
Nick Williams is to send over Reve De Sivola for Friday's Cathal Ryan Memrial Novices' Hurdle and Cornas for Tuesday's Champion Chase.
And a few moments to look back - earlier today it was announced Denis O'Regan is to split with Howard Johnson at the end of the season while Greville Starkey's obituary brought back some fond memories.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
Weekend notes
Big Zeb bounced back to form to take the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown earlier today; the trainer feels he has now sorted a problem the horse had with ringbone on his off-fore. This evening Ladbrokes bet 7/1 Colm Murphy's charge for the Champion Chase.
The abandonment of Doncaster yesterday meant that Nicky Henderson's Mad Max missed his intended engagement while Henrietta Knight's Somersby is likely to be re-routed to Doncaster next Saturday after Hereford was called off earlier today. One name missing from the list of runners in Saturday's Cleeve Hurdle was Karabak - Alan King's charge scoped dirty and as a result was kept at home in his box.
Paul Nicholls rightly took the plaudits for bringing Taranis back from a long layoff to win the Argento Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday. However, over the past couple of days a number of his more fancied chances have failed to deliver - both Tataniano (2/11f) and Aiteen Thirtythree (7/4f) were turned over at Newbury on Friday while Pistolet Noir (8/15f) and Royal Charm (5/4f) disappointed at the Festival Trials Day.
Well done to fellow blogger Ben Aitken whose book 'Narrowing The Field: Using The Dosage Method to Win at National Hunt Racing' received a favourable review in the Racing Post before Christmas but reached another level with a review in last Sunday's Observer. Perhaps now is the time to invest in a copy with just six short weeks before the Cheltenham Festival.
Tennis correspondent Mrs Tips' verdict on the Australian men's final: Federer awesome, Murray work in progress.
One footballing item - a Lee Dixon comment overheard in today's radio coverage of the Arsenal v. Manchester United game: 'It's hard enough staying on your feet when you're playing against Rooney, but if you're going to fall over, you're giving yourself a mountain to climb.' I'm not certain I know what he was trying to say there...
Finally a recent tweet from @Huntingdonraces suggested we ditch flowers and chocs for Valentine's Day and take a loved one racing instead. I tried that before but Mrs Tips was singularly unimpressed. Here's an alternative suggestion - ditch the loved one for the afternoon and go racing on your own - much more fun!
The abandonment of Doncaster yesterday meant that Nicky Henderson's Mad Max missed his intended engagement while Henrietta Knight's Somersby is likely to be re-routed to Doncaster next Saturday after Hereford was called off earlier today. One name missing from the list of runners in Saturday's Cleeve Hurdle was Karabak - Alan King's charge scoped dirty and as a result was kept at home in his box.
Paul Nicholls rightly took the plaudits for bringing Taranis back from a long layoff to win the Argento Chase at Cheltenham on Saturday. However, over the past couple of days a number of his more fancied chances have failed to deliver - both Tataniano (2/11f) and Aiteen Thirtythree (7/4f) were turned over at Newbury on Friday while Pistolet Noir (8/15f) and Royal Charm (5/4f) disappointed at the Festival Trials Day.
Well done to fellow blogger Ben Aitken whose book 'Narrowing The Field: Using The Dosage Method to Win at National Hunt Racing' received a favourable review in the Racing Post before Christmas but reached another level with a review in last Sunday's Observer. Perhaps now is the time to invest in a copy with just six short weeks before the Cheltenham Festival.
Tennis correspondent Mrs Tips' verdict on the Australian men's final: Federer awesome, Murray work in progress.
One footballing item - a Lee Dixon comment overheard in today's radio coverage of the Arsenal v. Manchester United game: 'It's hard enough staying on your feet when you're playing against Rooney, but if you're going to fall over, you're giving yourself a mountain to climb.' I'm not certain I know what he was trying to say there...
Finally a recent tweet from @Huntingdonraces suggested we ditch flowers and chocs for Valentine's Day and take a loved one racing instead. I tried that before but Mrs Tips was singularly unimpressed. Here's an alternative suggestion - ditch the loved one for the afternoon and go racing on your own - much more fun!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Sunday best?
There's some interesting Sunday fare on offer tomorrow, something that can't be said all that often...
Master Minded makes his seasonal reappearance in Cheltenham's Connaught Chase at 1.45; the race probably represents Well Chief's best chance of overturning the current two mile champion chaser in receipt of ten pounds. Owner David Johnson issued a bullish statement a couple of weeks back saying he thought his horse might surprise a few observers this year. Tataniano, currently a 10/1 chance with most layers for the Arkle in March, will be a warm order to take the opener while the feature race on the card, the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, looks typically difficult with 19 set to face the starter. If you're brave enough to be considering a wager, it's worth noting that only one four-year-old has won in the last ten years, a big weight isn't necessarily a negative and the market is a reasonable guide more often than not - in the last decade the winner has come from the top two in the betting on seven occasions. As two near the top of the market (James De Vassy and Ronaldo Des Mottes) are both four-year-olds, it follows that Harry Tricker would be worth a look. Nick Williams has his team in fine form and Reve De Sivola brings the best form to the table in the Cleanevent Novices' Hurdle at 3.30. In the last ten years the winner has come from the top four in the market but it's worth noting that favourites have won only three renewals while second favourites have won four. Of Lidar, who runs in the concluding bumper, Alan King said in a recent Racing Post Stable Tour article, 'You could say he's been the apple of my eye ever since the first day he walked into the yard... He's done remarkably well over the summer...and his work has always been of the highest class.'
At Punchestown Sizing Europe (7/1 joint favourite with most firms for the Arkle) goes in the Craddockstown Novice Chase at 1.05 while Hurricane Fly, Solwhit and Muirhead lock horns in the 2.40.
Back this side of the Irish Sea, the going at Fontwell is described as heavy, waterlogged in places. If racing goes ahead the runners in the three and a half mile Southern National Handicap Chase (3.10) will need stamina in abundance. On the same card it's interesting connections have decided to go the novice chase route with Helium (12.50). L'eau Du Nil is unlikely to take his chance in the claimer (1.25) having finished third at Wetherby earlier today while former Philip Hobbs inmate Bureaucrat is well known as a top of the ground performer.
Master Minded makes his seasonal reappearance in Cheltenham's Connaught Chase at 1.45; the race probably represents Well Chief's best chance of overturning the current two mile champion chaser in receipt of ten pounds. Owner David Johnson issued a bullish statement a couple of weeks back saying he thought his horse might surprise a few observers this year. Tataniano, currently a 10/1 chance with most layers for the Arkle in March, will be a warm order to take the opener while the feature race on the card, the Greatwood Handicap Hurdle, looks typically difficult with 19 set to face the starter. If you're brave enough to be considering a wager, it's worth noting that only one four-year-old has won in the last ten years, a big weight isn't necessarily a negative and the market is a reasonable guide more often than not - in the last decade the winner has come from the top two in the betting on seven occasions. As two near the top of the market (James De Vassy and Ronaldo Des Mottes) are both four-year-olds, it follows that Harry Tricker would be worth a look. Nick Williams has his team in fine form and Reve De Sivola brings the best form to the table in the Cleanevent Novices' Hurdle at 3.30. In the last ten years the winner has come from the top four in the market but it's worth noting that favourites have won only three renewals while second favourites have won four. Of Lidar, who runs in the concluding bumper, Alan King said in a recent Racing Post Stable Tour article, 'You could say he's been the apple of my eye ever since the first day he walked into the yard... He's done remarkably well over the summer...and his work has always been of the highest class.'
At Punchestown Sizing Europe (7/1 joint favourite with most firms for the Arkle) goes in the Craddockstown Novice Chase at 1.05 while Hurricane Fly, Solwhit and Muirhead lock horns in the 2.40.
Back this side of the Irish Sea, the going at Fontwell is described as heavy, waterlogged in places. If racing goes ahead the runners in the three and a half mile Southern National Handicap Chase (3.10) will need stamina in abundance. On the same card it's interesting connections have decided to go the novice chase route with Helium (12.50). L'eau Du Nil is unlikely to take his chance in the claimer (1.25) having finished third at Wetherby earlier today while former Philip Hobbs inmate Bureaucrat is well known as a top of the ground performer.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Some suggestions for Saturday...
Running a bit late this evening, so here goes...
Earlier today Solwhit and Punjabi fought out a thrilling finish to the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown with Solwhit (2/1 jf) pipping Punjabi (7/2) a short-head on the line. Although I didn't collect on this occasion, the selection and the winner both ran fantastic races. Some you win a short-head and some you lose a short-head - I know it's small consolation, but it's better to win when the price is 22/1 rather than collect when the price is just 7/2. Thirty five minutes later Mikael D'haquenet (8/11f) gave the blog a winner with its 500th post, our fourth at this meeting. I have to say this is the first time I've blogged the Punchestown Festival - I've thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm more determined (than usual) to attend in person next year, but don't tell Mrs Tips...
One final selection at Punchestown - in the feature race, the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at 2.55, there's nothing original in selecting Willie Mullins' Mourad but he's the top-rated horse and the one to beat.
On the Flat, Newmarket becomes the focus of the racing world with the first Classic of the season, the 2000 Guineas, due off at 3.10. I'm sure it's painfully obvious, but I'll make the point nonetheless. If I know relatively little about jump racing, I know even less about the Flat. As those who have studied my Twitter Guide to the 2000 Guineas will know ( I use the term 'studied' advisedly), I'm concerned about the form of the Aidan O'Brien stable which has been sluggish out of the stalls this year. Of their two runners, my marginal preference is for Mastercraftsman but stable jock Johnny Murtagh has opted to ride Rip Van Winkle. At the head of the market, Brian Meehan's Delegator makes most appeal but the quick conditions could be against him. I've been on the lookout for an each-way selection at a price and the two I like are Gan Amhras (who is possibly drawn a little wide) and Lord Shanakill. I've missed the best prices about Jim Bolger's charge - now only a 12/1 shot with William Hill; Lord Shanakill on the other hand is 20/1 with the same layer but not guaranteed to stay the trip. The percentage call is Gan Amhras, so I'll take an each-way interest in that one.
Earlier today Solwhit and Punjabi fought out a thrilling finish to the Champion Hurdle at Punchestown with Solwhit (2/1 jf) pipping Punjabi (7/2) a short-head on the line. Although I didn't collect on this occasion, the selection and the winner both ran fantastic races. Some you win a short-head and some you lose a short-head - I know it's small consolation, but it's better to win when the price is 22/1 rather than collect when the price is just 7/2. Thirty five minutes later Mikael D'haquenet (8/11f) gave the blog a winner with its 500th post, our fourth at this meeting. I have to say this is the first time I've blogged the Punchestown Festival - I've thoroughly enjoyed it! I'm more determined (than usual) to attend in person next year, but don't tell Mrs Tips...
One final selection at Punchestown - in the feature race, the Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at 2.55, there's nothing original in selecting Willie Mullins' Mourad but he's the top-rated horse and the one to beat.
On the Flat, Newmarket becomes the focus of the racing world with the first Classic of the season, the 2000 Guineas, due off at 3.10. I'm sure it's painfully obvious, but I'll make the point nonetheless. If I know relatively little about jump racing, I know even less about the Flat. As those who have studied my Twitter Guide to the 2000 Guineas will know ( I use the term 'studied' advisedly), I'm concerned about the form of the Aidan O'Brien stable which has been sluggish out of the stalls this year. Of their two runners, my marginal preference is for Mastercraftsman but stable jock Johnny Murtagh has opted to ride Rip Van Winkle. At the head of the market, Brian Meehan's Delegator makes most appeal but the quick conditions could be against him. I've been on the lookout for an each-way selection at a price and the two I like are Gan Amhras (who is possibly drawn a little wide) and Lord Shanakill. I've missed the best prices about Jim Bolger's charge - now only a 12/1 shot with William Hill; Lord Shanakill on the other hand is 20/1 with the same layer but not guaranteed to stay the trip. The percentage call is Gan Amhras, so I'll take an each-way interest in that one.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Friday's Festival fancies at Punchestown
Three winners on Wednesday, but normal service resumed earlier today with Duc De Regniere failing to get competitive in fifth behind Fiveforthree, Forpadydeplasterer well and truly beaten into second by Barker but a decent enough show from Silver Birch who lead from five out until approaching the last where the Nina Carberry ridden Garde Champetre (13/8f) went on to win.
Friday at this year's Festival is May Day, Rabobank Day and Ladies' Day all rolled into one. The feature, due off at 5.30, is the Rabobank Champion Hurdle with nine set to face the starter. Champion hurdler Punjabi did this blog a big favour when hanging on to win the big prize at Cheltenham just over seven weeks ago; on official ratings he has something in hand over all his rivals here and trainer Nicky Henderson seems reasonably optimistic but the worry is we don't quite know how much that last run took out of the horse. Willie Mullins, who had a four-timer this afternoon, runs Quevaga - his mare was seriously impressive when destroying her field in the David Nicholson at Cheltenham over half a mile further. The drop back in trip isn't certain to suit but the going, currently described as soft to heavy, will help. Punjabi wouldn't need to be that much off his game to give Solwhit a leading chance while Muirhead was just over five lengths behind Punjabi at Cheltenham in fifth place. There are no certainties here but in my mind this is between Punjabi and Solwhit and I'm going to stick with Nicky Henderson's charge. This evening Paddy Power bet 2/1 Quevega, 3/1 Punjabi; I'm happy to take 3/1 (or bigger) the current champion hurdler and note that the favourite has only won one of the last ten renewals.
When I saw Mikhael d'haqunet in the paddock before the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham I thought he looked a decent prospect. The manner in which he won confirmed that and he has to be the selection for the 6.05.
By the way, this is the 500th blog post - it would be good to celebrate with a winner, wouldn't it? ;-)
Friday at this year's Festival is May Day, Rabobank Day and Ladies' Day all rolled into one. The feature, due off at 5.30, is the Rabobank Champion Hurdle with nine set to face the starter. Champion hurdler Punjabi did this blog a big favour when hanging on to win the big prize at Cheltenham just over seven weeks ago; on official ratings he has something in hand over all his rivals here and trainer Nicky Henderson seems reasonably optimistic but the worry is we don't quite know how much that last run took out of the horse. Willie Mullins, who had a four-timer this afternoon, runs Quevaga - his mare was seriously impressive when destroying her field in the David Nicholson at Cheltenham over half a mile further. The drop back in trip isn't certain to suit but the going, currently described as soft to heavy, will help. Punjabi wouldn't need to be that much off his game to give Solwhit a leading chance while Muirhead was just over five lengths behind Punjabi at Cheltenham in fifth place. There are no certainties here but in my mind this is between Punjabi and Solwhit and I'm going to stick with Nicky Henderson's charge. This evening Paddy Power bet 2/1 Quevega, 3/1 Punjabi; I'm happy to take 3/1 (or bigger) the current champion hurdler and note that the favourite has only won one of the last ten renewals.
When I saw Mikhael d'haqunet in the paddock before the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham I thought he looked a decent prospect. The manner in which he won confirmed that and he has to be the selection for the 6.05.
By the way, this is the 500th blog post - it would be good to celebrate with a winner, wouldn't it? ;-)
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thoughts for Thursday's Punchestown card
Yesterday's post highlighted three selections and they all went and won; that was rather surprising - and highly unusual. If I were you I wouldn't bother reading any further - my next winner is probably due around mid-June. For those who just can't resist temptation, I'm going to carry on regardless...
I was so looking forward to tipping Punchestowns for Thursday's feature at Punchestown, the World Series Hurdle, but the horse spoiled the plan by picking up a problem earlier in the week and he stays at home. Only ten go to post but the race now has a particularly trappy look to it. Fiveforthree is plenty short enough in the betting for a horse that is having his first try at this trip; Ruby Walsh thinks his mount will get there but at the prices on offer I'm going to look elsewhere. Fair Along, along with the favourite, is joint top-rated in the race, yet is priced at around the 8/1 mark; on the downside Fair Along has had a long hard season and this race may be one too many. I don't particularly like Duc De Regniere who is a funny customer and not easy to catch right but he has won over the distance, comes from Nicky Henderson's in-form stable and is on offer at 18/1 with a couple of bookies this evening - that is big and on grounds of value alone looks worth an each-way interest.
In the Cathal Ryan Memorial Novice Chase at 6.40 Arkle winner Forpadydeplasterer is top-rated and looks the one they all have to beat.
Finally, for those who have to have a bet in the four and a quarter mile La Touche Cup, Silver Birch will be worthy of consideration. Although advanced in years, he was in the process of running a big race in the National when falling at Becher's second time around; that day he opened at 66/1, attracted a number of £500, £200 and £150 each-way bets, and went off at 40/1. Those sorts of prices are unlikely to be on offer tomorrow...
I was so looking forward to tipping Punchestowns for Thursday's feature at Punchestown, the World Series Hurdle, but the horse spoiled the plan by picking up a problem earlier in the week and he stays at home. Only ten go to post but the race now has a particularly trappy look to it. Fiveforthree is plenty short enough in the betting for a horse that is having his first try at this trip; Ruby Walsh thinks his mount will get there but at the prices on offer I'm going to look elsewhere. Fair Along, along with the favourite, is joint top-rated in the race, yet is priced at around the 8/1 mark; on the downside Fair Along has had a long hard season and this race may be one too many. I don't particularly like Duc De Regniere who is a funny customer and not easy to catch right but he has won over the distance, comes from Nicky Henderson's in-form stable and is on offer at 18/1 with a couple of bookies this evening - that is big and on grounds of value alone looks worth an each-way interest.
In the Cathal Ryan Memorial Novice Chase at 6.40 Arkle winner Forpadydeplasterer is top-rated and looks the one they all have to beat.
Finally, for those who have to have a bet in the four and a quarter mile La Touche Cup, Silver Birch will be worthy of consideration. Although advanced in years, he was in the process of running a big race in the National when falling at Becher's second time around; that day he opened at 66/1, attracted a number of £500, £200 and £150 each-way bets, and went off at 40/1. Those sorts of prices are unlikely to be on offer tomorrow...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Pointers for Punchestown on Wednesday
Wednesday's feature is the Guinness Gold Cup run over a distance of three miles one furlong; thirteen have been declared, although I doubt whether Cooldine will face the starter after finishing a well-beaten fourth behind Rare Bob earlier today. The ground is currently described as soft, soft to heavy in places and is likely to play its part in an open-looking race. Testing conditions will be against War Of Attrition, Schindlers Hunt and Albertas Run. Nigel Twiston-Davies is quite bullish about the chances of the market-favourite Imperial Commander who won the Ryanair at Cheltenham last time out; I'm not convinced he'll see out this trip on this ground so will side with Notre Pere instead. He comes to this fresher than most and will relish what is likely to turn into a test of stamina.
In the Champion Flat race at 5.30 I have to side with Dunguib. I was privileged to see this horse take the Champion Bumper at Prestbury Park last month by a stunning ten lengths - it was one of the most impressive victories in that race I've seen over the years. In a Cheltenham preview slot Jim McGrath had put up Dunguib as his one Festival banker but on the day I listened to the Siren voices and paid the price in no uncertain terms. Irrespective of what happens tomorrow, Dunguib is one to note for next season.
Willie Mullins fields two in the three mile novice hurdle at 4.55; Ruby Walsh rides Palace Merano but on official ratings The Midnight Club looks the one to beat. He is one of only two in the field that have won over the distance and his third behind Weapon's Amnesty in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham reads well. Emmet Mullins' three pounds claim is likely to prove invaluable in the conditions.
In the Champion Flat race at 5.30 I have to side with Dunguib. I was privileged to see this horse take the Champion Bumper at Prestbury Park last month by a stunning ten lengths - it was one of the most impressive victories in that race I've seen over the years. In a Cheltenham preview slot Jim McGrath had put up Dunguib as his one Festival banker but on the day I listened to the Siren voices and paid the price in no uncertain terms. Irrespective of what happens tomorrow, Dunguib is one to note for next season.
Willie Mullins fields two in the three mile novice hurdle at 4.55; Ruby Walsh rides Palace Merano but on official ratings The Midnight Club looks the one to beat. He is one of only two in the field that have won over the distance and his third behind Weapon's Amnesty in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham reads well. Emmet Mullins' three pounds claim is likely to prove invaluable in the conditions.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Punchestown - brief notes for Tuesday
The going on the first day of the Punchestown Festival is expected to be soft. Six go to post in the feature race, the Kerrygold Champion Chase, which is due off at 6.05. Paul Nicholls' Master Minded didn't look at his best, but then again he didn't need to be, to win the Queen Mother Champion Chase. He appears to have frightened off the opposition here and has been installed the 1/4 favourite. Big Zeb fell at Cheltenham while Newmill finished fourth and is better on good ground. A race to watch rather than bet on.
Willie Mullins' Hurricane Fly is the top-rated animal and will be a warm order to take the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at 4.20 but he hasn't run for 122 days. If eight go to post, I will consider a small each-way interest in Lucy Wadham's El Dancer who caught American Trilogy on the line at Aintree last time out. Having said that, American Trilogy didn't do the form any favours by getting turned over at short odds at Sandown on Saturday.
Cooldine, Horner Woods and Gone To Lunch all met in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and renew rivalry here at 6.40. Nothing could get near Cooldine that day where his jumping was particularly good; he'll be long odds on to collect again - Horner Woods ran well to take second. McCoy rode Gone To Lunch at Cheltenham and again at Ayr ten days ago when just failing to get to Hello Bud in the Scottish National. Here McCoy has opted to ride Joncol - that in itself looks a recommendation for those looking to oppose the favourite but we don't know for certain whether he'll stay the trip. Horner Woods certainly will and hails from a stable that had two winners at Navan on Sunday so makes more appeal as an each-way wager.
Willie Mullins' Hurricane Fly is the top-rated animal and will be a warm order to take the Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle at 4.20 but he hasn't run for 122 days. If eight go to post, I will consider a small each-way interest in Lucy Wadham's El Dancer who caught American Trilogy on the line at Aintree last time out. Having said that, American Trilogy didn't do the form any favours by getting turned over at short odds at Sandown on Saturday.
Cooldine, Horner Woods and Gone To Lunch all met in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and renew rivalry here at 6.40. Nothing could get near Cooldine that day where his jumping was particularly good; he'll be long odds on to collect again - Horner Woods ran well to take second. McCoy rode Gone To Lunch at Cheltenham and again at Ayr ten days ago when just failing to get to Hello Bud in the Scottish National. Here McCoy has opted to ride Joncol - that in itself looks a recommendation for those looking to oppose the favourite but we don't know for certain whether he'll stay the trip. Horner Woods certainly will and hails from a stable that had two winners at Navan on Sunday so makes more appeal as an each-way wager.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Punchestown programme
The Punchestown Festival starts on Tuesday. One of my long term goals is to make it to this meeting - in the meantime, here's an outline of the main treats in store over the coming week...
Tuesday 28th April - Kerrygold Day
4.20 Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (2 miles)
6.05 Kerrygold Champion Steeplechase (2 miles)
6.40 Boylesports.com Champion Novice Steeplechase (3 miles 1 furlong)
Wednesday April 29th - Guinness Day
5.30 Paddy Power Champion I.N.H. Flat Race (2 miles)
6.05 Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup (3 miles 1 furlong)
Thursday April 30th - Ladbrokes Day
5.30 Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle (3 miles)
6.40 Cathal Ryan Memorial Novice Steeplechase (2 miles)
Friday May 1st - Rabobank Day
5.30 The Rabobank Champion Hurdle (2 miles)
6.05 The Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle (2 miles 4 furlongs)
Saturday May 2nd - Ballymore Day
2.55 The Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (2 miles)
Tuesday 28th April - Kerrygold Day
4.20 Evening Herald Champion Novice Hurdle (2 miles)
6.05 Kerrygold Champion Steeplechase (2 miles)
6.40 Boylesports.com Champion Novice Steeplechase (3 miles 1 furlong)
Wednesday April 29th - Guinness Day
5.30 Paddy Power Champion I.N.H. Flat Race (2 miles)
6.05 Punchestown Guinness Gold Cup (3 miles 1 furlong)
Thursday April 30th - Ladbrokes Day
5.30 Ladbrokes.com World Series Hurdle (3 miles)
6.40 Cathal Ryan Memorial Novice Steeplechase (2 miles)
Friday May 1st - Rabobank Day
5.30 The Rabobank Champion Hurdle (2 miles)
6.05 The Land Rover Champion Novice Hurdle (2 miles 4 furlongs)
Saturday May 2nd - Ballymore Day
2.55 The Ballymore Champion Four Year Old Hurdle (2 miles)
Monday, April 23, 2007
Punchestown Festival - Tuesday
Eight runners go to post for tomorrow's Kerrygold Champion Chase due off at 4.05. According to official ratings the three to concentrate on are Nickname, Newmill and River City. Nickname has done most of his winning on soft ground; at this stage the going looks like being good. Good ground will certainly suit Newmill who won this race last year by fifteen lengths, having previously won the Champion Chase at Cheltenham in a fast time. This year he hasn't quite performed up to that level, finishing fourth behind Voy Por Ustedes at Cheltenham. Newmill is the top rated horse here and is priced up as 3/1 second favourite behind Nickname in The Sporting Life tissue show - decent value for a horse that will have his conditions. In the same show River City is quoted at 12/1. That's looks big for a horse that will also relish conditions, tends to come to hand at this time of year and finished third in front of Newmill at Cheltenham last time. I favour Newmill to win; River City represents each way value at 12/1 if the eight go to post.
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