A good weekend for the Coolmore operation with Aidan O'Brien's son Jospeh claiming his first Classic winner aboard Roderic O'Connor in yesterday's Irish 2000 Guineas while earlier this afternoon Misty For Me took the Irish 1000 Guineas. This evening William Hill is best-priced about both horses for Epsom - Roderic O'Connor is quoted at 20/1 for the Derby and Misty For Me 10/1 for the Oaks.
There was plenty of media hype surrounding Hungarian sprinter Overdose, aka the Budapest Bullet, and his attempt on Haydock's Temple Stakes. In the event the Bullet proved to be a blank, trailling home a disappointing seventh. After the race pilot Andreas Suborics indicated the horse may appreciate more give underfoot following his recent training problems.
Plenty think Carlton House is something of a shoo-in for the Derby. Generally the market has proved a very good guide to the race (no winner priced bigger than 7/1 in the past decade) and the right vibes have been coming out of the stable. Nevertheless, three reasons to be wary...This year's Dante was a muddling affair with the time (2m 13.49) over three seconds slower than the Middleton Stakes (2m 10.05) run half an hour earlier; the colt isn't guaranteed to stay; the current price offers little in the way of value.
Many years ago an acquaintance of mine described our sport as 'a game of regrets', pointing out that even when you've lucky enough to have backed a winner, you're somehow troubled by the fact you hadn't increased your stake money. Last week my particular regret was not to have chanced Moorlands Jack on his first try over hurdles at Uttoxeter. In a Weekender Stable Tour article last September handler Tim Vaughan was particularly sweet on the (then) unraced five-year-old, commenting the bay gelding would be 'speedy enough to win first time out'. Two below par efforts in bumpers didn't look encouraging going into the Uttoxeter race but the trainer's faith wasn't misplaced as 20/1 chance Moorlands Jack won despite being less than fluent at a couple of his hurdles. I'll monitor progress with interest. Others worth a second look if appearing in the foreseeable future include recent Perth winner Lewlaur Supreme, David Pipe's bumper winners Swing Bowler and Barney Cool and Paul Webber's Monkey Milan who took a Towcester bumper - jock Denis O'Regan was reported keen not to use the whip on this rather green five-year-old.
Finally, where's the value? £50 million for Chelsea footballer Fernando Torres or £53 million for Waterstone's 300 High Street bookstores?
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
Friday night thoughts
In recent weeks rumours have been rife in racing and the national press concerning an ongoing investigation being conducted by the British Horseracing Authority (BHA). Earlier today the result of that investigation was made public as the BHA charged four jockeys and one ex-rider with breaking the rules of racing by conspiring to commit a fraudulent or corrupt practice in ten separate races run between January and August 2009. The four jockeys were named as Paul Doe, Greg Fairley, Kirsty Milczarek and Jimmy Quinn; former rider now trainer Paul Fitzsimons faces similar charges, as do two licensed owners and six other persons. The date of the hearing has been set for Thursday 20th October; unsurprisingly the jockeys charged, who can continue to ride, have vowed to clear their names. Unfortunately episodes such as this have become all too familiar in recent years.
Regular readers will know that I've decided to focus on horses with form over the sticks running in races over further than one and a half miles this Flat campaign. Nicky Henderson's Oasis Knight goes in the 3.10 at York; this one won a two and a half mile novice hurdle at Aintree a fortnight ago sporting first time blinkers. The gelding's second to subsequent Supreme Novice winner Al Ferof in February reads well enough and the blinds remain on here but on official ratings he has enough to find with two or three of these. Palomar was third in the Lanzarote at Kempton last January but has ten pounds more to find and makes little appeal.
In Chester's 4.35 Cotillion, Bollin Felix and Comedy Act have all collected over hurdles this winter. Both Cotillion and Bollin Felix probably prefer cut while Comedy Act is of some interest. Formerly with Sir Mark Prescott this one sold for 125,000 guineas at the Newmarket sales and at one point was quoted a 25/1 chance for the Triumph Hurdle. He's not lived up to expectations - connections try cheekpieces for the first-time here. He represents nothing more than an each-way longshot but has a decent draw next to the rail in stall one.
Nicky Henderson's First Point is rated 140 over hurdles yet races off a mark of 70 in Newbury's 8.15; the booking of Kieren Fallon catches the eye and the yard has had five wins from 26 runs in the past fortnight. In the same race Gunslinger looks an outsider but Ian Williams' Rebel Dancer boasts decent form with a second to Tocca Ferro to his name. He failed to get competitive in the Swinton at Haydock the last time but I'd forgive that effort and the quick ground shouldn't pose a problem.
Regular readers will know that I've decided to focus on horses with form over the sticks running in races over further than one and a half miles this Flat campaign. Nicky Henderson's Oasis Knight goes in the 3.10 at York; this one won a two and a half mile novice hurdle at Aintree a fortnight ago sporting first time blinkers. The gelding's second to subsequent Supreme Novice winner Al Ferof in February reads well enough and the blinds remain on here but on official ratings he has enough to find with two or three of these. Palomar was third in the Lanzarote at Kempton last January but has ten pounds more to find and makes little appeal.
In Chester's 4.35 Cotillion, Bollin Felix and Comedy Act have all collected over hurdles this winter. Both Cotillion and Bollin Felix probably prefer cut while Comedy Act is of some interest. Formerly with Sir Mark Prescott this one sold for 125,000 guineas at the Newmarket sales and at one point was quoted a 25/1 chance for the Triumph Hurdle. He's not lived up to expectations - connections try cheekpieces for the first-time here. He represents nothing more than an each-way longshot but has a decent draw next to the rail in stall one.
Nicky Henderson's First Point is rated 140 over hurdles yet races off a mark of 70 in Newbury's 8.15; the booking of Kieren Fallon catches the eye and the yard has had five wins from 26 runs in the past fortnight. In the same race Gunslinger looks an outsider but Ian Williams' Rebel Dancer boasts decent form with a second to Tocca Ferro to his name. He failed to get competitive in the Swinton at Haydock the last time but I'd forgive that effort and the quick ground shouldn't pose a problem.
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...
Friday, May 13, 2011
Notes for Bangor
This evening the going at the north Wales track is described as good but rain is forecast.
In the opener Alan King's 114-rated Dineur was beaten two lengths by 80/1 chance Alta Rock at Market Rasen the last time over a distance of two miles three furlongs.The shorter trip here should help as should the gelding's preference to race up with the pace; Alta Rock has come out and won again since. Donald McCain's Dunowen Point has started favourite on three occasions and disappointed each time - connections have given their charge a break; trainer comments 'he has a great attitude...' [Weekender 13-17.10.10]. Jennie Candlish's course and distance winner Tarn Hows makes more appeal; the stable has had two winners from five runners in the past week - one on the Flat at Warwick and the other over fences at Uttoxeter. Any rain would help Tarn Hows' cause but Dineur looks the safer option.
In the Brookes Bell Novices' Handicap Hurdle at three o'clock J P McManus' Fishoutofwater is likely to go off favourite. I'll oppose with Spirit Of Barbados. Andrew King, West Country correspondent for the Weekender, reports plenty of money for this one the last time at Chepstow - the Sporting Life records eight wagers of £1100-£1000. The gelding got no further than the first, running out with Rhys Flint before throwing the jock; Richard Johnson takes over tomorrow.
Only five in the novices' chase at 3.35 but it looks trappy enough. Princeful gets the nod; further rain would help.
In the handicap chase Marked Man can be opposed on account of his age while What Of It has been running in hunter chases. Mare Play A Cord is the likely favourite but she faces no easy task giving weight to her opponents. Once upon a time Wake Board was well-regarded but just seven runs for four different trainers since 2008 is disconcerting; it looks as though he was bought out of a seller on his penultimate run. Trevor Hemmings' grey Our Bob has had a wind operation to accompany his training problems. It's a high risk approach but I'll chance Wake Board as a play against the jolly.
In the mares' hurdle Irene Kennet could be considered worthy of each-way interest if priced around 10/1.
The concluding hunters' chase is likely to see last year's winner Ice Tea go off odds-on. Fourty Acers won for David Pipe three weeks ago and on ratings has every chance for current connections but in the past the chestnut gelding has hindered his chance on left-handed tracks by jumping right. He comes here in good order, having won a two runner point very easily in April, and could offer value against Ice Tea.
In the opener Alan King's 114-rated Dineur was beaten two lengths by 80/1 chance Alta Rock at Market Rasen the last time over a distance of two miles three furlongs.The shorter trip here should help as should the gelding's preference to race up with the pace; Alta Rock has come out and won again since. Donald McCain's Dunowen Point has started favourite on three occasions and disappointed each time - connections have given their charge a break; trainer comments 'he has a great attitude...' [Weekender 13-17.10.10]. Jennie Candlish's course and distance winner Tarn Hows makes more appeal; the stable has had two winners from five runners in the past week - one on the Flat at Warwick and the other over fences at Uttoxeter. Any rain would help Tarn Hows' cause but Dineur looks the safer option.
In the Brookes Bell Novices' Handicap Hurdle at three o'clock J P McManus' Fishoutofwater is likely to go off favourite. I'll oppose with Spirit Of Barbados. Andrew King, West Country correspondent for the Weekender, reports plenty of money for this one the last time at Chepstow - the Sporting Life records eight wagers of £1100-£1000. The gelding got no further than the first, running out with Rhys Flint before throwing the jock; Richard Johnson takes over tomorrow.
Only five in the novices' chase at 3.35 but it looks trappy enough. Princeful gets the nod; further rain would help.
In the handicap chase Marked Man can be opposed on account of his age while What Of It has been running in hunter chases. Mare Play A Cord is the likely favourite but she faces no easy task giving weight to her opponents. Once upon a time Wake Board was well-regarded but just seven runs for four different trainers since 2008 is disconcerting; it looks as though he was bought out of a seller on his penultimate run. Trevor Hemmings' grey Our Bob has had a wind operation to accompany his training problems. It's a high risk approach but I'll chance Wake Board as a play against the jolly.
In the mares' hurdle Irene Kennet could be considered worthy of each-way interest if priced around 10/1.
The concluding hunters' chase is likely to see last year's winner Ice Tea go off odds-on. Fourty Acers won for David Pipe three weeks ago and on ratings has every chance for current connections but in the past the chestnut gelding has hindered his chance on left-handed tracks by jumping right. He comes here in good order, having won a two runner point very easily in April, and could offer value against Ice Tea.
Sunday, May 08, 2011
Quick points
Haydock's Swinton Hurdle looked extremely competitive beforehand but Nicky Henderson's Eradicate ran out an impressive 13 length winner and in the process became the first horse to win consecutive runnings of the race.
In Ireland overall attendance at the Punchestown Festival was, remarkably, higher than last year while Paul Townend claimed his first champion jockeys' title.
The decsion of connections to go to Royal Ascot with 2000 Guineas winner Frankel means Thursday's Dante Stakes at York should prove informative. At the time of writing, 11 are declared; in the ante-post market layers seem unable to choose a favourite from World Domination, Seville and Carlton House, owned by The Queen.
My mate Mike Cattermole didn't appear at the top of his game during Channel Four's coverage from Ascot on Saturday. Immediately after three pound claimer Gary Bartley had ridden Hawkeyethenoo to victory in the Victoria Cup, Cattermole used the rather dodgy link... 'Let's find out what it was like on top - Emma's with the winning jockey.' He then went on to call 5/1 favourite Horseradish the fourth horse home when in fact the favourite had been pipped a nose for that spot by 9/1 chance Brae Hill. I'm not going to be too harsh on uncle Mike - I'm sure he'll improve as the season progresses...
Finally, for reasons beyond comprehension, last week's royal wedding continues to haunt. A couple of days ago a colleague approached and asked if I'd appointed Angela Rippon to work as a correspondent for the blog. It transpires the lady in question has been appointed PG Tips' Official Royal-Tea Expert. I suspect that on current form Ms Rippon has more chance of tipping you a winner than me; in the words of songwriter Irving Berlin:
'There may be trouble ahead
But while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance.'
After that I'm off for a lie-down.
In Ireland overall attendance at the Punchestown Festival was, remarkably, higher than last year while Paul Townend claimed his first champion jockeys' title.
The decsion of connections to go to Royal Ascot with 2000 Guineas winner Frankel means Thursday's Dante Stakes at York should prove informative. At the time of writing, 11 are declared; in the ante-post market layers seem unable to choose a favourite from World Domination, Seville and Carlton House, owned by The Queen.
My mate Mike Cattermole didn't appear at the top of his game during Channel Four's coverage from Ascot on Saturday. Immediately after three pound claimer Gary Bartley had ridden Hawkeyethenoo to victory in the Victoria Cup, Cattermole used the rather dodgy link... 'Let's find out what it was like on top - Emma's with the winning jockey.' He then went on to call 5/1 favourite Horseradish the fourth horse home when in fact the favourite had been pipped a nose for that spot by 9/1 chance Brae Hill. I'm not going to be too harsh on uncle Mike - I'm sure he'll improve as the season progresses...
Finally, for reasons beyond comprehension, last week's royal wedding continues to haunt. A couple of days ago a colleague approached and asked if I'd appointed Angela Rippon to work as a correspondent for the blog. It transpires the lady in question has been appointed PG Tips' Official Royal-Tea Expert. I suspect that on current form Ms Rippon has more chance of tipping you a winner than me; in the words of songwriter Irving Berlin:
'There may be trouble ahead
But while there's moonlight and music
And love and romance
Let's face the music and dance.'
After that I'm off for a lie-down.
Friday, May 06, 2011
Brief notes for Haydock & Hexham
Twenty three are declared for tomorrow's Swinton Handicap Hurdle at Haydock - the tapes go up at 3.40. Last year's winner Eradicate heads the field but stablemates Rebel Now (half-brother to Binocular) and Higgys Ragazzo (carrying enough weight for a four-year-old) are likely to be of more interest this time if we believe the layers have priced the event correctly. Five and six-year-olds have won nine of the last ten renewals while the winner has come from the first three in the market on six occasions in the same timeframe. The one that catches my eye is Hunterview. Ante-post favourite for the Sandown Imperial Cup, David Pipe's charge was unfortunate to miss the cut for that race but then ran well for a long way in the County Hurdle at the Festival before putting in a slightly below par effort in the Scottish Champion Hurdle. Hunterview tends to race prominently which should serve him well on this sharp track; the handicapper has dropped the gelding four pounds for his last effort so I'm hoping he can be competitive here. At 16/1 the selection holds a reasonable each-way chance - Sky Bet bet a quarter the odds five places.
Othermix is likely to go off favourite for the two and a half mile novice chase but faces no easy task conceding six pounds to three opponents who are not lightly dimissed. Nafaath has clear potential while Paul Nicholls' Red Harbour would represent a play against the jolly if rain were to arrive to ease the going.
Donald McCain may have won the Chester Cup with Overturn on Wednesday but at the other end of the scale he has been a staunch supporter of Hexham down the years. The handler, boasting a 25% strike rate over jumps in the past fortnight, sends four on the long trip north from his Cholmondeley base tomorrow. Omokoroa is the one to beat in the 4.25 but perhaps the most interesting is The Weatherman who makes his debut in the concluding bumper.
Othermix is likely to go off favourite for the two and a half mile novice chase but faces no easy task conceding six pounds to three opponents who are not lightly dimissed. Nafaath has clear potential while Paul Nicholls' Red Harbour would represent a play against the jolly if rain were to arrive to ease the going.
Donald McCain may have won the Chester Cup with Overturn on Wednesday but at the other end of the scale he has been a staunch supporter of Hexham down the years. The handler, boasting a 25% strike rate over jumps in the past fortnight, sends four on the long trip north from his Cholmondeley base tomorrow. Omokoroa is the one to beat in the 4.25 but perhaps the most interesting is The Weatherman who makes his debut in the concluding bumper.
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 29, 2011
Racing thoughts on a royal wedding day
On the day Prince William and Catherine Middleton were married, I'd hoped to get by without mentioning the blessed event but the victory of Nick Gifford's nine-year-old gelding Royal Wedding in this evening's opener at Fontwell put paid to that notion. Bookmakers have indicated they'll pay out millions on the result. The Sporting Life recorded some fair-sized bets on course too including £2500-£500, £2000-£500 (twice) and £1800-£400 (four times). Liam Treadwell sent the 4/1 chance to the front at the third; despite a mistake two out, Royal Wedding stayed on to take the Crabbie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer Handicap Chase by a comfortable 12 lengths. No doubt the race sponsors hope winning punters will splash out on lashings of their product to ensure the street parties continue to go with a swing...
The racing focus now moves to the Flat with the 203rd running of the 2,000 Guineas; the season's first Classic, contested over Newmarket's Rowley Mile, is due off at 3.10. On the form book Henry Cecil's unbeaten colt Frankel shouldn't be opposed; several commentators see this horse as the next big superstar so it's no surprise to see layers offer 4/7. In many ways the race doesn't make much appeal as a betting medium. Some observers weren't overly impressed with the colt's seasonal debut in the Greenham at Newbury while Nick Mordin, writing in the Weekender, makes his case for Roderic O'Connor. For what it's worth my each-way suggestion is Willie Haggas' Fury (18/1 with Coral) but, be warned, I don't follow the Flat so closely and am considering a different approach with the blog for this campaign.
A trend noted last year was that horses with jumps form ran well in a number of Flat races over a distance of two miles or more (with Mamlook winning the Chester Cup, Junior the Ascot Stakes, Bergo the Queen Alexandra Stakes and Overturn the Northumberland Plate). So, time permitting of course, I hope to focus on selected Flat races over a distance of more than one and a half miles (and some summer jumping). With this in mind I'd noted Philip Hobbs' Comedy Act held a five-day entry in the 4.40 at Salisbury on Sunday but didn't appear in the final declarations. By the same yardstick, entries in Wednesday's Chester Cup that may be worth a second look include Dirar, Sentry Duty, Mamlook, Overturn, Admiral Barry, La Veccia Scuola, Swingkeel, Tyrrells Wood, Cotillion, Nemo Spirit and Royal Rationale.
And perchance, the last named brings me right back to where I started this post...
The racing focus now moves to the Flat with the 203rd running of the 2,000 Guineas; the season's first Classic, contested over Newmarket's Rowley Mile, is due off at 3.10. On the form book Henry Cecil's unbeaten colt Frankel shouldn't be opposed; several commentators see this horse as the next big superstar so it's no surprise to see layers offer 4/7. In many ways the race doesn't make much appeal as a betting medium. Some observers weren't overly impressed with the colt's seasonal debut in the Greenham at Newbury while Nick Mordin, writing in the Weekender, makes his case for Roderic O'Connor. For what it's worth my each-way suggestion is Willie Haggas' Fury (18/1 with Coral) but, be warned, I don't follow the Flat so closely and am considering a different approach with the blog for this campaign.
A trend noted last year was that horses with jumps form ran well in a number of Flat races over a distance of two miles or more (with Mamlook winning the Chester Cup, Junior the Ascot Stakes, Bergo the Queen Alexandra Stakes and Overturn the Northumberland Plate). So, time permitting of course, I hope to focus on selected Flat races over a distance of more than one and a half miles (and some summer jumping). With this in mind I'd noted Philip Hobbs' Comedy Act held a five-day entry in the 4.40 at Salisbury on Sunday but didn't appear in the final declarations. By the same yardstick, entries in Wednesday's Chester Cup that may be worth a second look include Dirar, Sentry Duty, Mamlook, Overturn, Admiral Barry, La Veccia Scuola, Swingkeel, Tyrrells Wood, Cotillion, Nemo Spirit and Royal Rationale.
And perchance, the last named brings me right back to where I started this post...
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Summary report 2010/11 season
Having just returned from a short Easter break, here's a rather short summary of the 2010/11 National Hunt season...
Champion jockey: Tony McCoy - 218 winners
Winning trainer: Paul Nicholls - £2,424,059
Winning owner: Trevor Hemmings
Champion conditional jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies - 59 winners
Horse of the Year: Big Buck's
Early in November Ruby Walsh suffered a broken leg in a fall from Corrick Bridge that meant the Irishman missed most of the 'core' season; he returned just in time to take the Thomas Pink Leading Rider Award for Cheltenham, riding five Festival winners. The inclement weather of the depths of winter resulted in many trainers chosing to send their charges to Cheltenham without a preparatory run. That policy didn't appear particularly successful - Cue Card and Time For Rupert were two high profile disappointments. Nicky Henderson suffered the embarrassment of having to withdraw Binocular from this year's Champion Hurdle as the horse continued to test positive for a banned substance that had been previously administered for an allergy; privately the British Horseracing Authority admitted to having concerns about the standard of record-keeping at Henderson's Seven Barrows establishment. The trainer then appeared to be enduring something of a nightmare Festival, drawing a blank on the first three days, but on Friday he sent out Bobs Worth to win the Albert Bartlett and 40 minutes later Long Run to win the Gold Cup. Long Run's victory, with amateur Sam Waley-Cohen up, marked a changing of the guard but events in this year's National - two fatalities and winning rider Jason Maguire banned for misuse of the whip - have overshadowed the sport in recent weeks. The whip debate continues unabated - Cornelius Lysaght writing in yesterday's Guardian states that doing nothing is now the only option that can be sensibly dismissed.
Finally, after some deliberate deliberation, I awarded Blog Horse of the Year to Nacarat who was tipped twice and won on both occasions - Wetherby's Charlie Hall Chase (6/1) in November and Aintree's Betfair Bowl (7/2).
Champion jockey: Tony McCoy - 218 winners
Winning trainer: Paul Nicholls - £2,424,059
Winning owner: Trevor Hemmings
Champion conditional jockey: Sam Twiston-Davies - 59 winners
Horse of the Year: Big Buck's
Early in November Ruby Walsh suffered a broken leg in a fall from Corrick Bridge that meant the Irishman missed most of the 'core' season; he returned just in time to take the Thomas Pink Leading Rider Award for Cheltenham, riding five Festival winners. The inclement weather of the depths of winter resulted in many trainers chosing to send their charges to Cheltenham without a preparatory run. That policy didn't appear particularly successful - Cue Card and Time For Rupert were two high profile disappointments. Nicky Henderson suffered the embarrassment of having to withdraw Binocular from this year's Champion Hurdle as the horse continued to test positive for a banned substance that had been previously administered for an allergy; privately the British Horseracing Authority admitted to having concerns about the standard of record-keeping at Henderson's Seven Barrows establishment. The trainer then appeared to be enduring something of a nightmare Festival, drawing a blank on the first three days, but on Friday he sent out Bobs Worth to win the Albert Bartlett and 40 minutes later Long Run to win the Gold Cup. Long Run's victory, with amateur Sam Waley-Cohen up, marked a changing of the guard but events in this year's National - two fatalities and winning rider Jason Maguire banned for misuse of the whip - have overshadowed the sport in recent weeks. The whip debate continues unabated - Cornelius Lysaght writing in yesterday's Guardian states that doing nothing is now the only option that can be sensibly dismissed.
Finally, after some deliberate deliberation, I awarded Blog Horse of the Year to Nacarat who was tipped twice and won on both occasions - Wetherby's Charlie Hall Chase (6/1) in November and Aintree's Betfair Bowl (7/2).
Friday, April 22, 2011
Final curtain call at Sandown
The curtain comes down on another jumps season at Sandown tomorrow. Public reaction to the fatalities in the National and the use of the whip currently dominate the sport's agenda but champion trainer Paul Nicholls asserts 'jumping is in great heart' in today's Times.That view isn't shared by two Northern-based stalwarts, Ferdy Murphy and Harvey Smith (former showjumper extraordinaire and husband of trainer Sue Smith), who shared some outspoken opinions about life up North with Alan Lee in yesterday's edition of the same paper. A couple of quotes...
Murphy: 'The North has been raped. Jump racing here is being turned into glorified point-to-pointing.'
Smith: 'You can't get sense out of London [the BHA]. After all these years and all the calls I've made, I've never found where the buck stops.'
Murphy: 'I would only give myself another three years if nothing changes.'
Steve Charlton [senior valet for jumps jockeys in the North]: 'Prize money up here is derisory now... Anyone trying to run a business in northern jump racing is pushing water uphill.'
Murphy: 'Wetherby is a disgrace these days. They claim they have no money and all they are putting on is rubbish.'
The 2011 Cheltenham Festival, regarded as vintage by many observers, seems light years away. Towcester racecourse, one of the first, if not the first, to experiment with free admission, has once again shown itself to be at the forefront of change by requesting permission to run all races next season with whip use prohibited.
The feature on Sandown's mixed card is the bet365 Gold Cup Chase, still referred to as the Whitbread by old-timers such as myself. 18 will face the starter this year; the official going is described as good, good to firm in places. No favourite has obliged in the past decade and in the same timeframe only two horses have won carrying more than 11 stones (Puntal 2004 and Lacdoudal 2006). Seven of the last ten winners have been priced 10/1 or bigger - Puntal was a 25/1 chance in 2004. Last year's winner Church Island heads the weights and is likely to race prominently, a comment that applies to Baby Run who made amends for unseating young Willie Twiston-Davies at Cheltenham by winning the Aintree Fox Hunters' Chase for the same rider. Elder brother Sam takes over tomorrow. A case can be made for several of these in what appears a run-of-the-mill renewal; I've looked for something at a price. David Pipe's ten-year-old Faasel catches the eye with five pound claimer Conor O'Farrell in the plate - totesport offer 20/1 at the time of writing. William Hill go 33/1 Major Malarkey who has the assistance of top jock Aidan Coleman. The latter has tended to show his better form with cut while Faasel's second to Ballabriggs at last year's Festival reads well now; I'll take an each-way interest in Faasel at 20/1.
Paul Nicholls' Sanctuaire is likely to be odds-on in the opener after a facile victory in the Scottish Champion Hurdle last week. I will oppose with Clerk's Choice provided he's priced up around 2/1 (as he is in the tissue). He'll appreciate quick ground; connections deliberately missed Aintree after the gelding ran a stormer in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The Celebration Chase doesn't make much appeal as a betting medium. French Opera would have been of interest but has had two hard races in the past five weeks and the same comment applies to ColinTizzard's Oiseau de Nuit. Cornas has tended to show his best form on soft ground while Chaninbar has refused to race on his last three 'starts'. It all seems to point to Tataniano but the Andy Stewart owned gelding disappointed on his seasonal debut, missed Cheltenham with a muscle problem and is another who has better form to his name when there's cut underfoot. I'll watch with interest.
And that's it for another jumps season. Of course, it all starts again with almost indecent haste - at Plumpton on Sunday...
Murphy: 'The North has been raped. Jump racing here is being turned into glorified point-to-pointing.'
Smith: 'You can't get sense out of London [the BHA]. After all these years and all the calls I've made, I've never found where the buck stops.'
Murphy: 'I would only give myself another three years if nothing changes.'
Steve Charlton [senior valet for jumps jockeys in the North]: 'Prize money up here is derisory now... Anyone trying to run a business in northern jump racing is pushing water uphill.'
Murphy: 'Wetherby is a disgrace these days. They claim they have no money and all they are putting on is rubbish.'
The 2011 Cheltenham Festival, regarded as vintage by many observers, seems light years away. Towcester racecourse, one of the first, if not the first, to experiment with free admission, has once again shown itself to be at the forefront of change by requesting permission to run all races next season with whip use prohibited.
The feature on Sandown's mixed card is the bet365 Gold Cup Chase, still referred to as the Whitbread by old-timers such as myself. 18 will face the starter this year; the official going is described as good, good to firm in places. No favourite has obliged in the past decade and in the same timeframe only two horses have won carrying more than 11 stones (Puntal 2004 and Lacdoudal 2006). Seven of the last ten winners have been priced 10/1 or bigger - Puntal was a 25/1 chance in 2004. Last year's winner Church Island heads the weights and is likely to race prominently, a comment that applies to Baby Run who made amends for unseating young Willie Twiston-Davies at Cheltenham by winning the Aintree Fox Hunters' Chase for the same rider. Elder brother Sam takes over tomorrow. A case can be made for several of these in what appears a run-of-the-mill renewal; I've looked for something at a price. David Pipe's ten-year-old Faasel catches the eye with five pound claimer Conor O'Farrell in the plate - totesport offer 20/1 at the time of writing. William Hill go 33/1 Major Malarkey who has the assistance of top jock Aidan Coleman. The latter has tended to show his better form with cut while Faasel's second to Ballabriggs at last year's Festival reads well now; I'll take an each-way interest in Faasel at 20/1.
Paul Nicholls' Sanctuaire is likely to be odds-on in the opener after a facile victory in the Scottish Champion Hurdle last week. I will oppose with Clerk's Choice provided he's priced up around 2/1 (as he is in the tissue). He'll appreciate quick ground; connections deliberately missed Aintree after the gelding ran a stormer in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham.
The Celebration Chase doesn't make much appeal as a betting medium. French Opera would have been of interest but has had two hard races in the past five weeks and the same comment applies to ColinTizzard's Oiseau de Nuit. Cornas has tended to show his best form on soft ground while Chaninbar has refused to race on his last three 'starts'. It all seems to point to Tataniano but the Andy Stewart owned gelding disappointed on his seasonal debut, missed Cheltenham with a muscle problem and is another who has better form to his name when there's cut underfoot. I'll watch with interest.
And that's it for another jumps season. Of course, it all starts again with almost indecent haste - at Plumpton on Sunday...
Sunday, April 17, 2011
In the news...
Following a week in which the fallout from last week's Grand National could be described as significant, racing again finds itself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. Reports in the press this weekend indicate that the British Horseracing Authority is at present refusing to comment on fresh race-fixing allegations that could involve up to five jockeys. Watch this space, as they say...
On the Grand National... Professor Tim Morris, Director of Equine Science and Welfare at the BHA, has had a busy week with media commitments and he appeared on Saturday's Morning Line. He acknowledged racing is a sport that comes with its risks and can never be made risk-free; nonetheless every avenue would be explored to reduce the risks involved in response to public reaction to last Saturday's events. Interestingly, he inferred that many of the comments the BHA had received related to the misuse of the whip; he appeared unequivocal on that point - the whip is not a welfare issue.
In amongst it all, I just wondered about SamWaley-Cohen's thoughts after the big race. Should he have kicked on when Ballabriggs blundered and lost the lead six from home? Another opinion I've heard in places - if the field had jumped 30 (rather than 28) fences, Oscar Time would probably have collected the spoils.
Former BBC political correspondent and racing man Robin Oakley has been busy of late. Following the hardback release of Frankincense and More: The Biography of Barry Hills last September, The Cheltenham Festival: A Centenary History has just been published. Incidentally, the paperback version of the former title is set to be released on 20th May. If Robin Oakley isn't quite your cup of tea, perhaps Gary Wiltshire, 'The Belly from the Telly', is. Winning It Back: The Autobiography of Britain's Biggest Gambler is now on the bookshelves. Gary lost £1 million when Frankie Dettori famously went through the card at Ascot on 28th September 1996; that event made Gary Wiltshire famous - as he says in the preface, every cloud...
On the Grand National... Professor Tim Morris, Director of Equine Science and Welfare at the BHA, has had a busy week with media commitments and he appeared on Saturday's Morning Line. He acknowledged racing is a sport that comes with its risks and can never be made risk-free; nonetheless every avenue would be explored to reduce the risks involved in response to public reaction to last Saturday's events. Interestingly, he inferred that many of the comments the BHA had received related to the misuse of the whip; he appeared unequivocal on that point - the whip is not a welfare issue.
In amongst it all, I just wondered about SamWaley-Cohen's thoughts after the big race. Should he have kicked on when Ballabriggs blundered and lost the lead six from home? Another opinion I've heard in places - if the field had jumped 30 (rather than 28) fences, Oscar Time would probably have collected the spoils.
Former BBC political correspondent and racing man Robin Oakley has been busy of late. Following the hardback release of Frankincense and More: The Biography of Barry Hills last September, The Cheltenham Festival: A Centenary History has just been published. Incidentally, the paperback version of the former title is set to be released on 20th May. If Robin Oakley isn't quite your cup of tea, perhaps Gary Wiltshire, 'The Belly from the Telly', is. Winning It Back: The Autobiography of Britain's Biggest Gambler is now on the bookshelves. Gary lost £1 million when Frankie Dettori famously went through the card at Ascot on 28th September 1996; that event made Gary Wiltshire famous - as he says in the preface, every cloud...
Friday, April 15, 2011
Scottish Grand National
In the week after Aintree's Grand National there has been no shortage of people giving their opinion on last Saturday's events. Simon Barnes and Carol Midgley of The Times inform us they've watched their last National, the latter stating 'I think I know the difference between right and wrong' while Matthew Syed, the same paper's 'Sports Feature Writer of the Year', resorts to quoting chunks of Orwell to readers in a piece penned on Wednesday. The case for the defence included Brough Scott appearing on The One Show, a statement issued by the British Horseracing Authority and support for the race from champion jockey Tony McCoy. As if all that wasn't enough, there's another Grand National tomorrow - in Scotland!
30 have been declared for tomorrow's showpiece at Ayr where the going is described as good, good to soft in places; at the time of writing two look doubtful - Fair Along and Bellflower Boy. Neptune Collonges has stood his ground which means that just eight of the 30 declared will carry their correct handicap weight; Neptune is set to concede a minimum of 15 pounds to his opponents. Several runners were in action at Cheltenham last month - Neptune Collonges (Gold Cup), Chicago Grey, Beshabar and Be There In Five (NH Chase), Blazing Bailey, Fair Along and No Panic (Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase), Fredo (Kim Muir), Poker De Sivola (Cross Country Chase), Gansey (Byrne Group Plate) and Gone To Lunch (Foxhunter Chase) while Minella Four Star beat Ballyfitz in the Midlands Grand National and That's Rhythm jumped a sand line in the turf at the start of last week's Aintree National before overjumping at the first and falling. No favourite has obliged in the past decade and only one winner has been priced lower than 12/1 (Ryalux in 2003). Of the market leaders, Always Right (9/1 Coral, totesport) appeals, certainly more so than last year's winner Merigo who was well behind the former in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster. Having said that, Always Right just held Lothian Falcon (first-time cheekpieces applied) in that Doncaster race; the latter reopposes on 10 pounds worse terms here although Peter Carberry can claim seven of them. I shall take a small each-way interest in Always Right.
I'm not particularly tempted by the Scottish Champion Hurdle (a limited handicap). Those who want to play may be interested in Nick Mordin's comments in the Weekender - Bygones Of Brid doesn't travel well but has won five out of six on local tracks. He may be of interest at a price.
On Arkle form Giorgio Quercus has the beating of Stagecoach Pearl in the 2.20 while the five year old mare Nadiya De La Vega is well regarded. Geraghty looks to have chosen Giorgio. For the record, the favourite has won three of the past ten renewals whereas the second favourite has won on four occasions.
30 have been declared for tomorrow's showpiece at Ayr where the going is described as good, good to soft in places; at the time of writing two look doubtful - Fair Along and Bellflower Boy. Neptune Collonges has stood his ground which means that just eight of the 30 declared will carry their correct handicap weight; Neptune is set to concede a minimum of 15 pounds to his opponents. Several runners were in action at Cheltenham last month - Neptune Collonges (Gold Cup), Chicago Grey, Beshabar and Be There In Five (NH Chase), Blazing Bailey, Fair Along and No Panic (Stewart Family Spinal Research Handicap Chase), Fredo (Kim Muir), Poker De Sivola (Cross Country Chase), Gansey (Byrne Group Plate) and Gone To Lunch (Foxhunter Chase) while Minella Four Star beat Ballyfitz in the Midlands Grand National and That's Rhythm jumped a sand line in the turf at the start of last week's Aintree National before overjumping at the first and falling. No favourite has obliged in the past decade and only one winner has been priced lower than 12/1 (Ryalux in 2003). Of the market leaders, Always Right (9/1 Coral, totesport) appeals, certainly more so than last year's winner Merigo who was well behind the former in the Grimthorpe at Doncaster. Having said that, Always Right just held Lothian Falcon (first-time cheekpieces applied) in that Doncaster race; the latter reopposes on 10 pounds worse terms here although Peter Carberry can claim seven of them. I shall take a small each-way interest in Always Right.
I'm not particularly tempted by the Scottish Champion Hurdle (a limited handicap). Those who want to play may be interested in Nick Mordin's comments in the Weekender - Bygones Of Brid doesn't travel well but has won five out of six on local tracks. He may be of interest at a price.
On Arkle form Giorgio Quercus has the beating of Stagecoach Pearl in the 2.20 while the five year old mare Nadiya De La Vega is well regarded. Geraghty looks to have chosen Giorgio. For the record, the favourite has won three of the past ten renewals whereas the second favourite has won on four occasions.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
After Aintree
Differing perspectives on the Grand National... Donald McCain followed in the footsteps of his father by training Ballabriggs to win this year's renewal but the race will be remembered for the deaths of two horses, Ornais and Dooneys Gate; the field bypassed two fences on the second circuit to avoid the stricken animals. The Telegraph reported that BBC coverage of the race had been criticised for failing to openly refer to the deaths until the end of the broadcast. According to a report in today's Observer, changes made to the course in the past 12 months allowed the fences to be bypassed - if those changes had not been carried out, the likelihood is the race would have been stopped and declared void. Other welfare issues were prevalent on a very warm day. Several jockeys dismounted immediately after crossing the line, including Jason Maguire, Tony McCoy and Ruby Walsh, as there appeared a significant risk horses would collapse through exhaustion and dehydration after completing the four and a half mile marathon. The TV pictures of Maguire's walk to the winner's enclosure conveyed a scene of outright bedlam. Later Andy Stewart, owner of Ornais, responded by hitting back at much of the criticism aimed at the race.
This evening conditional rider Peter Toole remains in a serious condition in an induced coma after his mount Classic Fly fell at the first in Saturday's Maghull Novices' Chase. We wish him well.
Friday was Ladies' Day at Aintree; overall winner of the competition was 33 year old Lystra Adams, whose distinctive headgear obviously impressed stewards and judges alike. She walked away with prize money of £5,000 and a holiday in Saint Lucia.
Finally, for those with a bit of money left over from their National winnings... George Stubbs' Gimcrack On Newmarket Heath comes up for auction at Christie's on July 5th. The painting is guaranteed to sell for at least £20 million.
This evening conditional rider Peter Toole remains in a serious condition in an induced coma after his mount Classic Fly fell at the first in Saturday's Maghull Novices' Chase. We wish him well.
Friday was Ladies' Day at Aintree; overall winner of the competition was 33 year old Lystra Adams, whose distinctive headgear obviously impressed stewards and judges alike. She walked away with prize money of £5,000 and a holiday in Saint Lucia.
Finally, for those with a bit of money left over from their National winnings... George Stubbs' Gimcrack On Newmarket Heath comes up for auction at Christie's on July 5th. The painting is guaranteed to sell for at least £20 million.
Friday, April 08, 2011
Aintree Grand National 2011
For those who are keen to make their own selections, my Twitter Guide to this year's runners may prove of very limited use. For everyone else, here's a view...
1. Backstage Going well last year when brought down. Had this as his target all season. Trainer knows what's required having won the 2007 running with Silver Birch.
2. Big Fella Thanks Fourth last year, appearing to run out of petrol losing third spot on the long run-in. Sixth the year before, so knows how to get round.
3. Don't Push It Last year's winner is another year older and has an extra five pounds to carry.
4. State Of Play Finished third last year and fourth the year before. 2006 Hennessy winner has a nice racing weight although trainer thinks his charge can't win.
5. Golden Kite Munster National winner sneaks in at the bottom of the handicap and looks the best big-priced outsider to these eyes (80/1 bet365, Victor Chandler and Stan James.)
6. Oscar Time Sam Waley-Cohen finished fifth on 40/1 chance Liberthine in 2007. Oscar Time, part-owned by his father, is taken to give the amateur a decent ride round. Expect mayhem if he becomes the first amateur to win the Gold Cup and the National!
Good luck everyone!
1. Backstage Going well last year when brought down. Had this as his target all season. Trainer knows what's required having won the 2007 running with Silver Birch.
2. Big Fella Thanks Fourth last year, appearing to run out of petrol losing third spot on the long run-in. Sixth the year before, so knows how to get round.
3. Don't Push It Last year's winner is another year older and has an extra five pounds to carry.
4. State Of Play Finished third last year and fourth the year before. 2006 Hennessy winner has a nice racing weight although trainer thinks his charge can't win.
5. Golden Kite Munster National winner sneaks in at the bottom of the handicap and looks the best big-priced outsider to these eyes (80/1 bet365, Victor Chandler and Stan James.)
6. Oscar Time Sam Waley-Cohen finished fifth on 40/1 chance Liberthine in 2007. Oscar Time, part-owned by his father, is taken to give the amateur a decent ride round. Expect mayhem if he becomes the first amateur to win the Gold Cup and the National!
Good luck everyone!
A Twitter Guide to the 2011 Grand National final declarations
Please find below, as requested (by one person only), the updated Twitter Guide to take account of this year's Grand National final declarations. Comments compiled on each runner using Twitter's 140 character limit. You may wish to note that, at the time of writing, amongst those bookmakers *not* offering a quarter the odds five places are Betfred, Coral, William Hill and Ladbrokes... Tut, tut.
DON'T PUSH IT Gave McCoy his first National victory in this race last year. Top weight makes it a tough task this time
TIDAL BAY Quirky customer with plenty of ability. Sixth in the Gold Cup, not guaranteed to stay or take to the fences
VIC VENTURI 2009 Becher Chase winner looked unlucky to be brought down when going well last year
WHAT A FRIEND Part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, failed by a nose to take third from Kauto Star in the Gold Cup. Decent ground essential
MAJESTIC CONCORDE Won the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on his first try at three miles; will he stay?
OR NOIR DE SOMOSA Ninth in the 2008 Grande Chase de Paris. Now registered with Pipe yard - 50/1 in places and could be anything
DOONEYS GATE Fourth behind Always Waining in the Topham last year; prefers cut underfoot
BIG FELLA THANKS Sixth in 2009, fourth last year. Now with new trainer and new owners. Place prospects
THE TOTHER ONE Quirky inidivdual who woudn't be one to trust implicitly. Last won October 2008
BALLABRIGGS Trevor Hemmings owned. One time favourite for this before going down to the smart Skippers Brig at Kelso
THE MIDNIGHT CLUB Willie Mullins trains the current market leader; Ruby Walsh booked to ride
NICHE MARKET 2009 Irish National winner had this race as target all season. Lost his place after Canal Turn on second circuit last year
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Rusell's grey is easy to spot, as is @petescu. Wants soft
BACKSTAGE Well in contention when hampered and unseated rider at 20th last year
CHIEF DAN GEORGE Only two winners this season for Cumbrian trainer Jimmy Moffat doesn't bode well
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Russell's grey is easy to spot, as is @petescu
CALGARY BAY Jockey Hadden Frost hopes to emulate his father's victory on Little Polvier (1989); a big horse for the fences but stable form poor
KILLYGLEN Pulled up in last year's Scottish National when trained by Howard Johnson
OSCAR TIME Sam Waley-Cohen bids to become the first amateur to ride Gold Cup / Grand National double - horse part-owned by his father
QUINZ Impressive winner of Racing Post Chase. Young horse who may lack thatlittle bit of experience
BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE Suffered injury when second to Majestic Concorde at Leopardstown. Undergone surgery; Davy Russell rides
COMPLY OR DIE Won this in 2008; getting on now but owes nobody
QUOLIBET JP McManus owned grey pulled up in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
GRAND SLAM HERO Chestnut gelding owned by Dai Walters who has pumped plenty of money into Ffos Las racecourse
STATE OF PLAY Finished 3rd and 4th in last two renewals; will think he's let loose with 10-6. 25/1 looks big - trainer states he can't win
KING FONTAINE Well beaten in the Haydock National trial won by Silver By Nature
IN COMPLIANCE Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
HELLO BUD Commendable fifth last year but now aged 13 and chances are his best days have passed by
WEST END ROCKER Dour stayer who won Warwick Classic Chase before being pulled up in Haydock National trial. Not without a chance if taking to big fences
SANTA' S SON Won Wetherby's Castleford Chase over two miles in 2008 - unlikely to stay
BLUESEA CRACKER Bay mare who won last year's Irish National. Recently purchased by JP McManus
THAT'S RHYTHM Owned by 'Don't Tell Henry'; fell in past two Scottish Nationals
SURFACE TO AIR Won the Summer National in 2008. Off the track until last month - follow trainer's Twitter updates @nhtrainer
PIRAYA Trained by @DavidPipeRacing, pulled up on last two starts
CAN'T BUY TIME Fell at the Canal Turn on the first circuit last year; been out of sorts since
CHARACTER BUILDING Seventh last year and a decent prep in this year's Grimthorpe at Doncaster. Plenty of market interest, Nina Carberry rides
ORNAIS Owned by the Stewart family, has been running in hunter chases recently
ARBOR SUPREME Should handle ground, 8lbs well in, fell at Chair last year
ROYAL ROSA 12 year old owned by Andrea & Graham Wylie. Second in Becher last November, unseated at 14th last April
SKIPPERS BRIG Defeat of Ballabriggs last time reads well but prefers soft ground
GOLDEN KITE Munster National winner trained by former jock Adrian Maguire. Handles ground - there are worse 66/1 shots
DON'T PUSH IT Gave McCoy his first National victory in this race last year. Top weight makes it a tough task this time
TIDAL BAY Quirky customer with plenty of ability. Sixth in the Gold Cup, not guaranteed to stay or take to the fences
VIC VENTURI 2009 Becher Chase winner looked unlucky to be brought down when going well last year
WHAT A FRIEND Part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, failed by a nose to take third from Kauto Star in the Gold Cup. Decent ground essential
MAJESTIC CONCORDE Won the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on his first try at three miles; will he stay?
OR NOIR DE SOMOSA Ninth in the 2008 Grande Chase de Paris. Now registered with Pipe yard - 50/1 in places and could be anything
DOONEYS GATE Fourth behind Always Waining in the Topham last year; prefers cut underfoot
BIG FELLA THANKS Sixth in 2009, fourth last year. Now with new trainer and new owners. Place prospects
THE TOTHER ONE Quirky inidivdual who woudn't be one to trust implicitly. Last won October 2008
BALLABRIGGS Trevor Hemmings owned. One time favourite for this before going down to the smart Skippers Brig at Kelso
THE MIDNIGHT CLUB Willie Mullins trains the current market leader; Ruby Walsh booked to ride
NICHE MARKET 2009 Irish National winner had this race as target all season. Lost his place after Canal Turn on second circuit last year
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Rusell's grey is easy to spot, as is @petescu. Wants soft
BACKSTAGE Well in contention when hampered and unseated rider at 20th last year
CHIEF DAN GEORGE Only two winners this season for Cumbrian trainer Jimmy Moffat doesn't bode well
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Russell's grey is easy to spot, as is @petescu
CALGARY BAY Jockey Hadden Frost hopes to emulate his father's victory on Little Polvier (1989); a big horse for the fences but stable form poor
KILLYGLEN Pulled up in last year's Scottish National when trained by Howard Johnson
OSCAR TIME Sam Waley-Cohen bids to become the first amateur to ride Gold Cup / Grand National double - horse part-owned by his father
QUINZ Impressive winner of Racing Post Chase. Young horse who may lack thatlittle bit of experience
BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE Suffered injury when second to Majestic Concorde at Leopardstown. Undergone surgery; Davy Russell rides
COMPLY OR DIE Won this in 2008; getting on now but owes nobody
QUOLIBET JP McManus owned grey pulled up in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
GRAND SLAM HERO Chestnut gelding owned by Dai Walters who has pumped plenty of money into Ffos Las racecourse
STATE OF PLAY Finished 3rd and 4th in last two renewals; will think he's let loose with 10-6. 25/1 looks big - trainer states he can't win
KING FONTAINE Well beaten in the Haydock National trial won by Silver By Nature
IN COMPLIANCE Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
HELLO BUD Commendable fifth last year but now aged 13 and chances are his best days have passed by
WEST END ROCKER Dour stayer who won Warwick Classic Chase before being pulled up in Haydock National trial. Not without a chance if taking to big fences
SANTA' S SON Won Wetherby's Castleford Chase over two miles in 2008 - unlikely to stay
BLUESEA CRACKER Bay mare who won last year's Irish National. Recently purchased by JP McManus
THAT'S RHYTHM Owned by 'Don't Tell Henry'; fell in past two Scottish Nationals
SURFACE TO AIR Won the Summer National in 2008. Off the track until last month - follow trainer's Twitter updates @nhtrainer
PIRAYA Trained by @DavidPipeRacing, pulled up on last two starts
CAN'T BUY TIME Fell at the Canal Turn on the first circuit last year; been out of sorts since
CHARACTER BUILDING Seventh last year and a decent prep in this year's Grimthorpe at Doncaster. Plenty of market interest, Nina Carberry rides
ORNAIS Owned by the Stewart family, has been running in hunter chases recently
ARBOR SUPREME Should handle ground, 8lbs well in, fell at Chair last year
ROYAL ROSA 12 year old owned by Andrea & Graham Wylie. Second in Becher last November, unseated at 14th last April
SKIPPERS BRIG Defeat of Ballabriggs last time reads well but prefers soft ground
GOLDEN KITE Munster National winner trained by former jock Adrian Maguire. Handles ground - there are worse 66/1 shots
Thursday, April 07, 2011
Ladies' Day - Aintree 2011
Very quick notes bashed out very quickly for Aintree's Friday card which has also been marketed as Liverpool's Ladies' Day...
The feature Melling Chase (3.05) sees ten face the starter. Albertas Run won the Ryanair at Cheltenham and is priced up favourite to take the second leg of this double for the second year in succession. The key to Jonjo O'Neill's horse is decent ground - the going is officially described as good to soft, good in places. Those brave enough to oppose are spoilt for choice as a case can be made for a few. On official ratings both Master Minded and Somersby have the beating of the market leader but neither has won over the distance; Ruby Walsh has said on a couple of occasions that Master Minded needs cut underfoot these days while Somersby was tapped for toe at Cheltenham - he may appreciate an extra half mile here but he may not appreciate this speedy track. There's also a school of thought that says Kalahari King can gain revenge over his Cheltenham conqueror on this flat track with a furlong less to run. French Opera has won over this course and over the distance and rates a speculative each-way play priced at 11/1 with Coral this evening.
I was disappointed to see The Giant Bolster unseat Rodi Greene in the RSA at Cheltenham. Tom Scudamore takes the ride in the 2.30 after Greene subsequently displaced a bone in his neck when parting company with 50/1 shot Diamond Twister at Lingfield. The Giant Bolster had started sluggishly at Cheltenham and hadn't looked the fastest previously but connections think they have a Gold Cup horse in the making. This fast track wouldn't be certain to suit, a comment that applies to likely favourite Wayward Prince. Robinson Collonges never went a stride at Cheltenham but doesn't look guaranteed to stay the trip at this level while Master Of The Hall finished a tired sixth in the RSA but would be a danger to all if fully recovered. The talented Quito De La Roque who has won five of his nine starts is respected but all those victories have come on soft / heavy ground. That being the case, I'll take an each-way interest in Sheena West's well-regarded Golan Way who comes to this fresh.
Back In Focus would be of interest in the 4.15 if the ground were soft while Kilcrea Kim is dropped to handicap company in the 4.50 but makes little appeal in an event with 21 opponents. If pressed for a selection in the concluding mares' race on Ladies' Day, I'd give Tante Sissi the nod - in the Weekender Alan King rates Tante Sissi his strongest chance of the day.
The feature Melling Chase (3.05) sees ten face the starter. Albertas Run won the Ryanair at Cheltenham and is priced up favourite to take the second leg of this double for the second year in succession. The key to Jonjo O'Neill's horse is decent ground - the going is officially described as good to soft, good in places. Those brave enough to oppose are spoilt for choice as a case can be made for a few. On official ratings both Master Minded and Somersby have the beating of the market leader but neither has won over the distance; Ruby Walsh has said on a couple of occasions that Master Minded needs cut underfoot these days while Somersby was tapped for toe at Cheltenham - he may appreciate an extra half mile here but he may not appreciate this speedy track. There's also a school of thought that says Kalahari King can gain revenge over his Cheltenham conqueror on this flat track with a furlong less to run. French Opera has won over this course and over the distance and rates a speculative each-way play priced at 11/1 with Coral this evening.
I was disappointed to see The Giant Bolster unseat Rodi Greene in the RSA at Cheltenham. Tom Scudamore takes the ride in the 2.30 after Greene subsequently displaced a bone in his neck when parting company with 50/1 shot Diamond Twister at Lingfield. The Giant Bolster had started sluggishly at Cheltenham and hadn't looked the fastest previously but connections think they have a Gold Cup horse in the making. This fast track wouldn't be certain to suit, a comment that applies to likely favourite Wayward Prince. Robinson Collonges never went a stride at Cheltenham but doesn't look guaranteed to stay the trip at this level while Master Of The Hall finished a tired sixth in the RSA but would be a danger to all if fully recovered. The talented Quito De La Roque who has won five of his nine starts is respected but all those victories have come on soft / heavy ground. That being the case, I'll take an each-way interest in Sheena West's well-regarded Golan Way who comes to this fresh.
Back In Focus would be of interest in the 4.15 if the ground were soft while Kilcrea Kim is dropped to handicap company in the 4.50 but makes little appeal in an event with 21 opponents. If pressed for a selection in the concluding mares' race on Ladies' Day, I'd give Tante Sissi the nod - in the Weekender Alan King rates Tante Sissi his strongest chance of the day.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
Quick thoughts on Thursday's card - Aintree 2011
Very quick comments on the first day of a meeting that I've always found particularly tricky.
Only six runners in the Betfair Bowl (3.05) but at the prices I'm inclined to oppose Denman twenty days after his excellent second in the Gold Cup; he had a hard enough race that day and at the age of eleven isn't getting any younger. Having finished second in the previous two runnings of the Gold Cup (behind Kauto Star in 2009 and Imperial Commander in 2010), Denman fell two out in this race in 2009 and also disappointed when fourth in the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown in 2010. On official ratings Punchestowns is the next best horse - he has 19 pounds to find but he would surely have been beaten by Pasco the last time had that one not choked up Kempton's long home straight. Good ground is the key to Nacarat although there's a slight question mark about his ability to see out this trip at this level. Carole's Legacy was second at the Festival, so the fresh horses are of most interest. Punchestowns isn't totally written off but Nacarat beat Deep Purple six and a half lengths in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby last November - Nacarat get the vote.
Many see the opener as Big Buck's versus Grand Crus round two after the World Hurdle three weeks ago. If ever Big Buck's was to be beaten it was surely at Cheltenham the last time with the way the race was run and Walsh dropping his stick before the last. I saw Carlito Brigante win the Coral Cup in something of a common canter but he's upped in class here and on official ratings has 34 pounds to make with the favourite. The layers aren't taking many chances by offering 10/1 this one - he wasn't stopping at Cheltenham but isn't guaranteed to stay and I note he won a Flat handicap at Leopardstown over a mile just under two years ago! No selection.
Zarkander's victory in the Triumph was impressive but the gelding will be no price in the 2.35 while Herons Well would be the suggestion to those looking for a sporting each-way shout in the Fox Hunters' Chase.
Medermit was a little disappointing in the Arkle but is given another chance over an extra half mile at 4.50; Wishfull Thinking will be popular and matches the selection on official ratings while Paul Nicholls' Royal Charm is given every respect.
Only six runners in the Betfair Bowl (3.05) but at the prices I'm inclined to oppose Denman twenty days after his excellent second in the Gold Cup; he had a hard enough race that day and at the age of eleven isn't getting any younger. Having finished second in the previous two runnings of the Gold Cup (behind Kauto Star in 2009 and Imperial Commander in 2010), Denman fell two out in this race in 2009 and also disappointed when fourth in the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown in 2010. On official ratings Punchestowns is the next best horse - he has 19 pounds to find but he would surely have been beaten by Pasco the last time had that one not choked up Kempton's long home straight. Good ground is the key to Nacarat although there's a slight question mark about his ability to see out this trip at this level. Carole's Legacy was second at the Festival, so the fresh horses are of most interest. Punchestowns isn't totally written off but Nacarat beat Deep Purple six and a half lengths in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby last November - Nacarat get the vote.
Many see the opener as Big Buck's versus Grand Crus round two after the World Hurdle three weeks ago. If ever Big Buck's was to be beaten it was surely at Cheltenham the last time with the way the race was run and Walsh dropping his stick before the last. I saw Carlito Brigante win the Coral Cup in something of a common canter but he's upped in class here and on official ratings has 34 pounds to make with the favourite. The layers aren't taking many chances by offering 10/1 this one - he wasn't stopping at Cheltenham but isn't guaranteed to stay and I note he won a Flat handicap at Leopardstown over a mile just under two years ago! No selection.
Zarkander's victory in the Triumph was impressive but the gelding will be no price in the 2.35 while Herons Well would be the suggestion to those looking for a sporting each-way shout in the Fox Hunters' Chase.
Medermit was a little disappointing in the Arkle but is given another chance over an extra half mile at 4.50; Wishfull Thinking will be popular and matches the selection on official ratings while Paul Nicholls' Royal Charm is given every respect.
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Five years on...
Mrs Tips would be the first to confirm I'm not a great one for birthdays and/or anniversaries but I couldn't let today pass without reference to this blog's first post which went out five long years ago. That initial post highlighted a couple of themes that have resurfaced on occasions - a general antipathy towards (the institution of) marriage and random racing stories thrown in to distract from the distinct lack of winners.
Here's to the next five years!
Here's to the next five years!
A Twitter Guide to the 2011 Grand National entries
A Twitter Guide to the top 44 entries in this year's National. Why stop at 44? Well, I simply ran out of steam... As in previous years, the Twitter Guide has been compiled using Twitter's 140 character limit for each entry and, once again, is likely to prove of no practical use whatsoever in finding the winner. At the time of writing, the following layers offer a quarter the odds five places: bet365, Boylesports, Victor Chandler, BlueSquare, Paddy Power and 888sport.
DON'T PUSH IT Gave McCoy his first National victory in this race last year. Top weight makes it a tough task this time
TIDAL BAY Quirky customer with plenty of ability. Sixth in the Gold Cup, not guaranteed to stay or take to the fences
MIDNIGHT CHASE Likes to race prominently, fifth in the Gold Cup, has more than his share of weight
SYNCHRONISED Welsh and Midlands National winner - had a hard race to finish third in this year's renewal of the latter. Prefer cut underfoot
VIC VENTURI 2009 Becher Chase winner looked unlucky to be brought down when going well last year
WHAT A FRIEND Part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, failed by a nose to take third from Kauto Star in the Gold Cup. Decent ground essential
MAJESTIC CONCORDE Won the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on his first try at three miles; will he stay?
OR NOIR DE SOMOSA Ninth in the 2008 Grande Chase de Paris. Now registered with Pipe yard - 50/1 in places and could be anything
DOONEYS GATE Fourth behind Always Waining in the Topham last year; prefers cut underfoot
SCOTSIRISH Second in last year's Topham; done most of his racing around two to two and a half miles
BIG FELLA THANKS Sixth in 2009, fourth last year. Now with new trainer and new owners. Place prospects
BALLABRIGGS Trevor Hemmings owned. One time favourite for this before going down to the smart Skippers Brig at Kelso
THE TOTHER ONE Quirky individual who wouldn't be one to trust implicitly. Last won October 2008
NICHE MARKET 2009 Irish National winner had this race as target all season. Lost his place after Canal Turn on second circuit last year
THE MIDNIGHT CLUB Willie Mullins trains the current market leader; Ruby Walsh booked to ride
BACKSTAGE Well in contention when hampered and unseated rider at 20th last year
CHIEF DAN GEORGE Only two winners this season for Cumbrian trainer Jimmy Moffat doesn't bode well
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Russell's grey is easy to spot, as is Peter Scudamore
NOTRE PERE Former Guinness Gold Cup winner at Punchestown looks out of sorts these days
CALGARY BAY Jockey Hadden Frost hopes to emulate his father's victory on Little Polvier (1989); a big horse for the fences but stable form poor
KILLYGLEN Pulled up in last year's Scottish National when trained by Howard Johnson
OSCAR TIME Sam Waley-Cohen bids to become the first amateur to ride Gold Cup / Grand National double - horse part-owned by his father
BALLYTRIM Well beaten behind Bluesea Cracker in last year's Irish National
BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE Suffered injury when second to Majestic Concorde at Leopardstown. Undergone surgery; Davy Russell rides
COMPLY OR DIE Won this in 2008; getting on now but owes nobody
NEDZER'S RETURN Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
NORTHERN ALLIANCE Fifth in 2010 Galway Plate behind Finger Onthe Pulse, fifth in Kerry National in September. Behind In Compliance last time
QUINZ Impressive winner of Racing Post Chase. Young horse who may lack that little bit of experience
QUOLIBET JP McManus owned grey pulled up in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
GRAND SLAM HERO Chestnut gelding owned by Dai Walters who has pumped plenty of money into Ffos Las racecourse
ROLL ALONG Well beaten at Ascot last time - 66/1 shot
KING FONTAINE Well beaten in the Haydock National trial won by Silver By Nature
STATE OF PLAY Finished third and fourth in last two renewals and will think he's been let loose with 10-6. 25/1 looks big
HELLO BUD Commendable fifth last year but now aged 13 and chances are his best days have passed by
IN COMPLIANCE Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
SANTA'S SON Won Wetherby's Castleford Chase over two miles in 2008 - unlikely to stay
WEST END ROCKER Dour stayer who won Warwick Classic Chase before being pulled up in Haydock National trial. Not without a chance if taking to big fences
BLUESEA CRACKER Bay mare who won last year's Irish National. Recently purchased by JP McManus
CAN'T BUY TIME Fell at the Canal Turn on the first circuit last year; been out of sorts since
CHARACTER BUILDING Seventh last year and a decent prep in this year's Grimthorpe at Doncaster. Plenty of market interest, Nina Carberry rides
ORNAIS Owned by the Stewart family, has been running in hunter chases recently
PIRAYA David Pipe trained grey, pulled up on last two starts
SURFACE TO AIR Won the Summer National in 2008. Off the track until last month - follow trainer's Twitter updates @nhtrainer
THAT'S RHYTHM Owned by 'Don't Tell Henry'; fell in past two Scottish Nationals
DON'T PUSH IT Gave McCoy his first National victory in this race last year. Top weight makes it a tough task this time
TIDAL BAY Quirky customer with plenty of ability. Sixth in the Gold Cup, not guaranteed to stay or take to the fences
MIDNIGHT CHASE Likes to race prominently, fifth in the Gold Cup, has more than his share of weight
SYNCHRONISED Welsh and Midlands National winner - had a hard race to finish third in this year's renewal of the latter. Prefer cut underfoot
VIC VENTURI 2009 Becher Chase winner looked unlucky to be brought down when going well last year
WHAT A FRIEND Part owned by Sir Alex Ferguson, failed by a nose to take third from Kauto Star in the Gold Cup. Decent ground essential
MAJESTIC CONCORDE Won the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on his first try at three miles; will he stay?
OR NOIR DE SOMOSA Ninth in the 2008 Grande Chase de Paris. Now registered with Pipe yard - 50/1 in places and could be anything
DOONEYS GATE Fourth behind Always Waining in the Topham last year; prefers cut underfoot
SCOTSIRISH Second in last year's Topham; done most of his racing around two to two and a half miles
BIG FELLA THANKS Sixth in 2009, fourth last year. Now with new trainer and new owners. Place prospects
BALLABRIGGS Trevor Hemmings owned. One time favourite for this before going down to the smart Skippers Brig at Kelso
THE TOTHER ONE Quirky individual who wouldn't be one to trust implicitly. Last won October 2008
NICHE MARKET 2009 Irish National winner had this race as target all season. Lost his place after Canal Turn on second circuit last year
THE MIDNIGHT CLUB Willie Mullins trains the current market leader; Ruby Walsh booked to ride
BACKSTAGE Well in contention when hampered and unseated rider at 20th last year
CHIEF DAN GEORGE Only two winners this season for Cumbrian trainer Jimmy Moffat doesn't bode well
SILVER BY NATURE Hacked up under top weight in Haydock National trial. Lucinda Russell's grey is easy to spot, as is Peter Scudamore
NOTRE PERE Former Guinness Gold Cup winner at Punchestown looks out of sorts these days
CALGARY BAY Jockey Hadden Frost hopes to emulate his father's victory on Little Polvier (1989); a big horse for the fences but stable form poor
KILLYGLEN Pulled up in last year's Scottish National when trained by Howard Johnson
OSCAR TIME Sam Waley-Cohen bids to become the first amateur to ride Gold Cup / Grand National double - horse part-owned by his father
BALLYTRIM Well beaten behind Bluesea Cracker in last year's Irish National
BECAUSEICOULDNTSEE Suffered injury when second to Majestic Concorde at Leopardstown. Undergone surgery; Davy Russell rides
COMPLY OR DIE Won this in 2008; getting on now but owes nobody
NEDZER'S RETURN Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
NORTHERN ALLIANCE Fifth in 2010 Galway Plate behind Finger Onthe Pulse, fifth in Kerry National in September. Behind In Compliance last time
QUINZ Impressive winner of Racing Post Chase. Young horse who may lack that little bit of experience
QUOLIBET JP McManus owned grey pulled up in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham Festival
GRAND SLAM HERO Chestnut gelding owned by Dai Walters who has pumped plenty of money into Ffos Las racecourse
ROLL ALONG Well beaten at Ascot last time - 66/1 shot
KING FONTAINE Well beaten in the Haydock National trial won by Silver By Nature
STATE OF PLAY Finished third and fourth in last two renewals and will think he's been let loose with 10-6. 25/1 looks big
HELLO BUD Commendable fifth last year but now aged 13 and chances are his best days have passed by
IN COMPLIANCE Never won beyond two miles six furlongs
SANTA'S SON Won Wetherby's Castleford Chase over two miles in 2008 - unlikely to stay
WEST END ROCKER Dour stayer who won Warwick Classic Chase before being pulled up in Haydock National trial. Not without a chance if taking to big fences
BLUESEA CRACKER Bay mare who won last year's Irish National. Recently purchased by JP McManus
CAN'T BUY TIME Fell at the Canal Turn on the first circuit last year; been out of sorts since
CHARACTER BUILDING Seventh last year and a decent prep in this year's Grimthorpe at Doncaster. Plenty of market interest, Nina Carberry rides
ORNAIS Owned by the Stewart family, has been running in hunter chases recently
PIRAYA David Pipe trained grey, pulled up on last two starts
SURFACE TO AIR Won the Summer National in 2008. Off the track until last month - follow trainer's Twitter updates @nhtrainer
THAT'S RHYTHM Owned by 'Don't Tell Henry'; fell in past two Scottish Nationals
Friday, April 01, 2011
Calm before the storm?
Tomorrow's media focus will be on the William Hill Lincoln, a race I've tended to avoid as I've always thought it something of a lottery. However I note four favourites have obliged in the past ten years and two other winners have come from the top three in the market, so perhaps it's time for a re-think. In the same timeframe only two have carried more than nine stones to victory - Babodana (9-10) in 2004 and Penitent (9-2) last year - while six four-year-olds have collected and six have won from a single-figure draw. I've heard one whisper during the week- for Richard Fahey's Our Joe Mac - but I see stable jockey Paul Hanagan prefers Irish Heartbeat. Old habits die hard - I'm not going to play.
The two NH cards on offer have a decidedly low-key look, but this time next week everyone will be talking about the Grand National. The jumps story to grab today's headlines has been Paddy Brennan's decision to quit as Nigel Twiston-Davies' top jockey. Those who have followed Alan Lee's comments in The Times will not have been surprised by this news as the scribe has dropped several hints to this effect over the past couple of months. Today's Racing Post quotes Brennan as making a reference to 'blood being thicker than water'; Brennan will keep the ride on 2010 Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander.
Ruby Walsh rides three for Nicholls at Chepstow tomorrow including Twist Pistol in the opener but on ratings Caroline Keevil's Bally Legend is not without a chance in that race. The gelding was well-beaten in a Newbury handicap last time but back in novice company here he looks worth an each-way wager at around the 10/1 mark - Ian Popham claims a valuable three pounds. Super Directa gives weight to all in the 3.20, never easy on soft ground, and he trailled in fifth on his only start over this trip at Fakenham on New Year's Day. I wouldn't be tempted at a short price but it's difficult to make a case for several of the others.
In the 4.25 course winner R De Rien Sivola doesn't have that many miles on the clock and some smart novice hurdle form to her name but she fell in a Hereford handicap chase the last time. Returning to hurdles here she has six pounds in hand on her chase rating; priced 5/1 favourite in the tissue she makes some appeal in a difficult-looking event.
Plenty will think David Pipe's E Street Boy a handicap snip in the Bridgend Designer Outlet Handicap Hurdle but he'll be priced accordingly and both Speedy Directa and Gainsborough's Art won last time out. Crackerjac Boy ran well here three weeks ago and looks an each-way play against the favourite at around 10/1.
Aidan Coleman has a mention for Venetia Williams' two runners on his blog - Rileyev is an obvious call in the two mile handicap chase at 5.30 but he clearly expects improvement from Emperor's Choice in what looks a better than average bumper. I'll have a small each-way bet at 12/1 or bigger.
The two NH cards on offer have a decidedly low-key look, but this time next week everyone will be talking about the Grand National. The jumps story to grab today's headlines has been Paddy Brennan's decision to quit as Nigel Twiston-Davies' top jockey. Those who have followed Alan Lee's comments in The Times will not have been surprised by this news as the scribe has dropped several hints to this effect over the past couple of months. Today's Racing Post quotes Brennan as making a reference to 'blood being thicker than water'; Brennan will keep the ride on 2010 Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander.
Ruby Walsh rides three for Nicholls at Chepstow tomorrow including Twist Pistol in the opener but on ratings Caroline Keevil's Bally Legend is not without a chance in that race. The gelding was well-beaten in a Newbury handicap last time but back in novice company here he looks worth an each-way wager at around the 10/1 mark - Ian Popham claims a valuable three pounds. Super Directa gives weight to all in the 3.20, never easy on soft ground, and he trailled in fifth on his only start over this trip at Fakenham on New Year's Day. I wouldn't be tempted at a short price but it's difficult to make a case for several of the others.
In the 4.25 course winner R De Rien Sivola doesn't have that many miles on the clock and some smart novice hurdle form to her name but she fell in a Hereford handicap chase the last time. Returning to hurdles here she has six pounds in hand on her chase rating; priced 5/1 favourite in the tissue she makes some appeal in a difficult-looking event.
Plenty will think David Pipe's E Street Boy a handicap snip in the Bridgend Designer Outlet Handicap Hurdle but he'll be priced accordingly and both Speedy Directa and Gainsborough's Art won last time out. Crackerjac Boy ran well here three weeks ago and looks an each-way play against the favourite at around 10/1.
Aidan Coleman has a mention for Venetia Williams' two runners on his blog - Rileyev is an obvious call in the two mile handicap chase at 5.30 but he clearly expects improvement from Emperor's Choice in what looks a better than average bumper. I'll have a small each-way bet at 12/1 or bigger.
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