A halt was called to proceedings after the fourth at Newcastle yesterday and today's card abandoned following severe storms in the area. At the time of writing an inspection has been scheduled for 8.00 am Saturday morning for this prestigious card - here's my view on the race they call the 'Pitmen's Derby'.
Regular readers will be aware I like to back a horse with jumps form in this race - that angle didn't lead me to last year's winner, Tominator, but the corresponding blog post did point out that horses with NH form boast a decent record over the past decade. In that same timeframe only one animal has carried more than 8-11 to victory - Bangalore (9-5) in 2002 - which doesn't bode well for market leaders Ile De Re and Gulf Of Naples, especially as conditions underfoot are likely to prove extremely testing.
The market hasn't proved very much help with recent winners priced at 33/1 (Mirjan 2004, Toldo 2006); 25/1 (Tominator 2011); 16/1 (Som Tala 2009) and 14/1 (Arc Bleu 2008, Overturn 2010). Just the one favourite has obliged in the past ten renewals - Juniper Girl (5/1) in 2007.
In recent years horses drawn high have tended to fare better but, on balance, I still prefer a horse with a low draw near the rail - I always think a decent pitch early on is vital in this event.
Those with NH form to their name in tomorrow's field are: Ile De Re, Blue Bajan, Crackentorp, The Betchworth Kid, Merchant Of Dubai, High Office, Halla San, French Hollow and Trovare. Both Ile De Re and Blue Bajan have their share of weight; Ile De Re won the Chester Cup last time out - the Weekender informs us the last horse to complete the double in the same year was Attivo in 1974. Although set to carry 9-0 after winning a fortnight ago at York, Crackentorp isn't readily dismissed - the gelding missed the cut last year and appears to have each-way claims this time; he has a reasonable draw and hails from a stable in form. You could never be certain The Betchworth Kid would put his best foot forward but he ran third last time with The Merchant Of Dubai finishing well beaten in ninth; however The Merchant led two out before fading in that race and makes more appeal to this observer. Richard Fahey's comments on his pair High Office and Halla San are worth noting. High Office may struggle to see out the trip while Halla San was retired at Beverley on Tuesday but is given this last chance as it's such a big race; Fahey clearly rates Lexington Boy his best chance. On his seasonal debut French Hollow ran a decent trial under a big weight to finish second in the Pontefract Cup and has to be of interest but Trovare was well beaten three days ago when suffering traffic problems on the all-weathger at Kempton.
My shortlist consists of Crackentorp, Merchant Of Dubai and French Hollow. Crackentrop has been raised five pounds for his York win, so Merchant Of Dubai is the each-way selection (28/1 Skybet at the time of writing). Skybet also stand out offering 33/1 about French Hollow while rivals Ladbrokes only go 16/1; I'm tempted. Most layers are paying a quarter the odds four places.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Friday, June 22, 2012
Royal Ascot 2012 - Saturday
Without doubt the star of tomorrow's show will be Australian sprinter Black Caviar who bids to record her 22nd consecutive win in the six furlong Diamond Jubilee Stakes at 3.45. Thousands of fans who have followed the mare half way across the globe promise to generate an atmosphere the like of which Royal Ascot has never seen before. At 1/4 'Nelly' as she is affectionately known is no betting proposition but this is a race to watch, savour and enjoy.
I've had a grim time of it at Royal Ascot this year and I'm far from certain to buck that trend in the concluding Queen Alexandra Stakes, the longest race in the Flat calendar. Horses with form over the jumps have done well in this event over the years, a fact our friends the bookmakers are well aware of.
Those who saw Willie Mullins' Simenon hack up in the Ascot Stakes on Tuesday will be keen to play up their winnings here as the gelding races off the same mark (95); Elyaadi (90) finished 14th in the same race. On official ratings Overturn has plenty in hand over all these rivals; Donald McCain's charge held an entry in Thursday's Gold Cup but obviously connections decided this was the easier task. Having said that, it's worth noting he hasn't won beyond 19 furlongs and was withdrawn from this event last year on account of the soft ground. 2011 winner Swingkeel appears to have been laid out for this again - he goes off a mark four pounds higher and may struggle to concede weight to 18 of his opponents in these conditions. Paul Nicholls saddles Amercian Trilogy, his first runner at Royal Ascot, who will go in the ground and certainly stay the trip. Other jumpers with half decent NH ratings include Kangaroo Court (probably prefer better ground, a comment that also applies to Scotsbrook Cloud) and the two mares Cloudy Spirit and Golden Sunbird. Overturn looked a decent each-way bet for the Gold Cup at around 20/1 but I'm not convinced he'll see out the extra distance in the ground. Simenon is feared but at 16/1 with BetVictor American Trilogy is the each-way selection.
This year's renewal of the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05) looks particularly intriguing with John Gosden, who recorded a 142/1 treble earlier today (Newfangled 7/4f, Fallen For You 12/1 and Gatewood 3/1f), saddling Aiken while likely favourite Sea Moon is trained by Sir Michael Stoute who also welcomed home a winner earlier today - Estimate is owned by Her Majesty The Queen, reported to be 'delighted' with her victory.
I've had a grim time of it at Royal Ascot this year and I'm far from certain to buck that trend in the concluding Queen Alexandra Stakes, the longest race in the Flat calendar. Horses with form over the jumps have done well in this event over the years, a fact our friends the bookmakers are well aware of.
Those who saw Willie Mullins' Simenon hack up in the Ascot Stakes on Tuesday will be keen to play up their winnings here as the gelding races off the same mark (95); Elyaadi (90) finished 14th in the same race. On official ratings Overturn has plenty in hand over all these rivals; Donald McCain's charge held an entry in Thursday's Gold Cup but obviously connections decided this was the easier task. Having said that, it's worth noting he hasn't won beyond 19 furlongs and was withdrawn from this event last year on account of the soft ground. 2011 winner Swingkeel appears to have been laid out for this again - he goes off a mark four pounds higher and may struggle to concede weight to 18 of his opponents in these conditions. Paul Nicholls saddles Amercian Trilogy, his first runner at Royal Ascot, who will go in the ground and certainly stay the trip. Other jumpers with half decent NH ratings include Kangaroo Court (probably prefer better ground, a comment that also applies to Scotsbrook Cloud) and the two mares Cloudy Spirit and Golden Sunbird. Overturn looked a decent each-way bet for the Gold Cup at around 20/1 but I'm not convinced he'll see out the extra distance in the ground. Simenon is feared but at 16/1 with BetVictor American Trilogy is the each-way selection.
This year's renewal of the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05) looks particularly intriguing with John Gosden, who recorded a 142/1 treble earlier today (Newfangled 7/4f, Fallen For You 12/1 and Gatewood 3/1f), saddling Aiken while likely favourite Sea Moon is trained by Sir Michael Stoute who also welcomed home a winner earlier today - Estimate is owned by Her Majesty The Queen, reported to be 'delighted' with her victory.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Royal Ascot 2012 - Friday
Short on time for Friday's selections so brief notes only - given the sort of form I've shown so far this week, it's probably a blessing in disguise...
Maybe might have been of interest in the Coronation Stakes (3.45) but she looks unlikely to run. John Gosden's Elusive Kate was another filly to catch my eye but she's making her seasonal debut and connections seem to indicate she won't necessarily find underfoot conditions to her liking. Bugie D'Amore, fourth behind Laugh Out Loud at Chantilly, is expected to come on for that run but is nothing more than a tentative each-way suggestion.
Astrology is the clear form selection for the King Edward VII Stakes (3.05).
The Queen is still looking for a winner at this meeting - her filly Estimate takes on the colts in the Queen's Vase (5.00) run over two miles. Given the rain that's fallen, the trip will take plenty of getting for these three-year-olds. Minimise Risk finished seventh in the Derby but I'm going to take an each-way chance with Macbeth (8/1) who has a win over a mile and a half on soft ground in Ireland to his name.
Maybe might have been of interest in the Coronation Stakes (3.45) but she looks unlikely to run. John Gosden's Elusive Kate was another filly to catch my eye but she's making her seasonal debut and connections seem to indicate she won't necessarily find underfoot conditions to her liking. Bugie D'Amore, fourth behind Laugh Out Loud at Chantilly, is expected to come on for that run but is nothing more than a tentative each-way suggestion.
Astrology is the clear form selection for the King Edward VII Stakes (3.05).
The Queen is still looking for a winner at this meeting - her filly Estimate takes on the colts in the Queen's Vase (5.00) run over two miles. Given the rain that's fallen, the trip will take plenty of getting for these three-year-olds. Minimise Risk finished seventh in the Derby but I'm going to take an each-way chance with Macbeth (8/1) who has a win over a mile and a half on soft ground in Ireland to his name.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Royal Ascot 2012 - Thursday is Ladies' Day
The highlight on Ladies' Day is the Gold Cup (3.45), one of my favourite races at this meeting, run over two and a half miles.
The formidable Yeats, trained by Aidan O'Brien, won four consecutive renewals (2006-09) before Dermot Weld's Rite Of Passage sprang a surprise at odds of 20/1 in 2010. Normal service was resumed last year when Coolmore's Fame And Glory landed some sizeable bets beating Opinion Poll three lengths (with Askar Tau a further five and a half lengths away fifth). The form is in the book and the layers aren't taking any chances this time with Fame And Glory (rated 120) odds-on in most places at the time of writing - Blue Square stand out offering 11/10.
Several see Jamie Spencer's mount banker material but others are more cautious, arguing this year's race is more competitive. I'm in the latter camp and was disappointed to see Donald McCain's Overturn, second in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, omitted from the final declarations - he would have ensured a strong gallop from the off. On official ratings Opinion Poll (116), Colour Vision (117) and Saddler's Rock (114) are within striking range of the favourite - under the conditions of the race the last two named also receive two pounds from Fame And Glory. Colour Vision didn't look guaranteed to stay another two furlongs when third in the Cesarewitch last autumn so I'm going to chance Saddler's Rock against the favourite (9/2 in most places). For those possessing an adventurous disposition, I wouldn't put anyone off considering Askar Tau each-way (50/1 BetVictor); this one was in the mix last year and only beaten out of a place in the final furlong.
To a certain extent the Ribblesdale (3.05) looks like a re-run of the Epsom Oaks with six electing to do battle once again. Of course, there's no guarantee they'll finish in the same order, especially as this year's renewal looked a pretty rough affair throwing up any number of hard luck stories. The troubles of the The Fugue have been well documented - the Weekender's Topspeed columnist Dave Edwards informs us that hand-held split timings show The Fugue came up the Epsom straight faster than Derby winner Camelot the following day. The question is can the fillies in question reproduce similar efforts three weeks on... Kailani was one of those badly hampered in the Oaks; this filly should appreciate the easier ground and at 12/1 she strikes me as reasonable each-way value.
Finally, I won't have a bet in the Norfolk (2.30) but Mick Channon's Cay Verde looks the one to beat.
The formidable Yeats, trained by Aidan O'Brien, won four consecutive renewals (2006-09) before Dermot Weld's Rite Of Passage sprang a surprise at odds of 20/1 in 2010. Normal service was resumed last year when Coolmore's Fame And Glory landed some sizeable bets beating Opinion Poll three lengths (with Askar Tau a further five and a half lengths away fifth). The form is in the book and the layers aren't taking any chances this time with Fame And Glory (rated 120) odds-on in most places at the time of writing - Blue Square stand out offering 11/10.
Several see Jamie Spencer's mount banker material but others are more cautious, arguing this year's race is more competitive. I'm in the latter camp and was disappointed to see Donald McCain's Overturn, second in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in March, omitted from the final declarations - he would have ensured a strong gallop from the off. On official ratings Opinion Poll (116), Colour Vision (117) and Saddler's Rock (114) are within striking range of the favourite - under the conditions of the race the last two named also receive two pounds from Fame And Glory. Colour Vision didn't look guaranteed to stay another two furlongs when third in the Cesarewitch last autumn so I'm going to chance Saddler's Rock against the favourite (9/2 in most places). For those possessing an adventurous disposition, I wouldn't put anyone off considering Askar Tau each-way (50/1 BetVictor); this one was in the mix last year and only beaten out of a place in the final furlong.
To a certain extent the Ribblesdale (3.05) looks like a re-run of the Epsom Oaks with six electing to do battle once again. Of course, there's no guarantee they'll finish in the same order, especially as this year's renewal looked a pretty rough affair throwing up any number of hard luck stories. The troubles of the The Fugue have been well documented - the Weekender's Topspeed columnist Dave Edwards informs us that hand-held split timings show The Fugue came up the Epsom straight faster than Derby winner Camelot the following day. The question is can the fillies in question reproduce similar efforts three weeks on... Kailani was one of those badly hampered in the Oaks; this filly should appreciate the easier ground and at 12/1 she strikes me as reasonable each-way value.
Finally, I won't have a bet in the Norfolk (2.30) but Mick Channon's Cay Verde looks the one to beat.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Royal Ascot 2012 - Wednesday
Earlier today Frankel (1/10f) took the opening race at this year's Royal Ascot, the Queen Anne Stakes, by an astonishing 11 lengths; afterwards connections confirmed what many suspected - the colt appears to be improving!
In Diamond Jubilee year traditionalists will be hoping Carlton House, owned by the Queen, can oblige in the 150th Anniversary Of Prince Of Wales's Stakes at 3.45. Royal trainer Sir Michael Stoute suffered a torrid time of it last year and was slow enough out of the stalls this season but the winners are starting to flow. On official ratings, Carlton House has six pounds to find with Aidan O'Brien's So You Think; at the time of writing Coral are the only layer to offer even money about Coolmore's representative. Before getting stuck in, it's worth noting that So You Think has run twice over this course and distance and has been beaten on both occasions - a neck by Rewilding (rated 121) in this race last year and three quarters of a length by Cirrus Des Aigles in the Champion Stakes in October. Although Planteur (rated 121 here) finished fourth behind Rewilding and So You Think last year, Marco Botti's charge has since finished in front of So You Think in the Dubai World Cup in March. If the principals turn up and run their race, So You Think wins but at the prices on offer I'm going to take an each-way interest in Planteur at 9/1.
Should you be looking to win a life-changing amount of money [I know, you wouldn't be reading this blog anyway], the annual cavalry charge that is the Royal Hunt Cup wouldn't be the first race where you'd consider placing your wager; nonetheless it's still an amazing spectacle. This year I've been particularly devoid of inspiration - in fact it has been so bad I went and had a look at what the bookmakers' reps were tipping; you know it's bad when you start asking bookies for tips. Two things stood out - they all reported money for Edinburgh Knight and a couple had a quiet word for Mabait (25/1). At the time of writing four layers are paying five places in this race: Paddy Power; BetVictor; bet365 and Boylesports. If you decide to play, I wish you the very best of luck.
In Diamond Jubilee year traditionalists will be hoping Carlton House, owned by the Queen, can oblige in the 150th Anniversary Of Prince Of Wales's Stakes at 3.45. Royal trainer Sir Michael Stoute suffered a torrid time of it last year and was slow enough out of the stalls this season but the winners are starting to flow. On official ratings, Carlton House has six pounds to find with Aidan O'Brien's So You Think; at the time of writing Coral are the only layer to offer even money about Coolmore's representative. Before getting stuck in, it's worth noting that So You Think has run twice over this course and distance and has been beaten on both occasions - a neck by Rewilding (rated 121) in this race last year and three quarters of a length by Cirrus Des Aigles in the Champion Stakes in October. Although Planteur (rated 121 here) finished fourth behind Rewilding and So You Think last year, Marco Botti's charge has since finished in front of So You Think in the Dubai World Cup in March. If the principals turn up and run their race, So You Think wins but at the prices on offer I'm going to take an each-way interest in Planteur at 9/1.
Should you be looking to win a life-changing amount of money [I know, you wouldn't be reading this blog anyway], the annual cavalry charge that is the Royal Hunt Cup wouldn't be the first race where you'd consider placing your wager; nonetheless it's still an amazing spectacle. This year I've been particularly devoid of inspiration - in fact it has been so bad I went and had a look at what the bookmakers' reps were tipping; you know it's bad when you start asking bookies for tips. Two things stood out - they all reported money for Edinburgh Knight and a couple had a quiet word for Mabait (25/1). At the time of writing four layers are paying five places in this race: Paddy Power; BetVictor; bet365 and Boylesports. If you decide to play, I wish you the very best of luck.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Royal Ascot 2012 - Tuesday
In Diamond Jubilee year the royals have had their fair share of media exposure and there's bound to be more to come in the week ahead. Those interested in the Queen's interest in horse racing may be interested in Julian Muscat's book Her Majesty's Pleasure: How Horseracing Enthralls the Queen.
Of course, book publishing is much like horse racing in that everyone wants to back a winner. Orion Books have the autobiographies of Ruby Walsh and Tony McCoy in their stable but Jon Wood and Jemima Forrester will be hoping they have hit the jackpot with their latest acquisition, having shelled out a six figure sum for a 'racy romantic trilogy' which is likely to appeal to fans of works such as Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. According to Saturday's Times, Fifty Shades '...is the fastest-selling paperback in Britain since since records began, overtaking Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling.' Until yesterday evening I thought it was a book about British summers over the past half century.
From the racy to the racing...
The going is reported as good to soft, good in places, for the first day of Royal Ascot which may inconvenience some but is unlikely to inconvenience superstar Frankel who is currently quoted at 1/5 to win the Queen Anne.
In the King's Stand I intend to take a small each-way interest in Stepper Point (50/1 generally). This one disappointed on his seasonal debut in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket but came back to form at Chantilly the next time when beaten just under two lengths by Wizz Kid, widely tipped for this. It's worth noting that at the time of writing not all layers are offering each-way terms a quarter the odds.
The favourite has obliged in the St James's Place Stakes (3.45) on seven occasions in the past decade while Aidan O'Brien has saddled the winner on six occasions in the past 12 years. Those stats point to Power - I looked closely at Brian Meehan's Most Improved but recent stable form is not encouraging.
I like to back a horse with NH form in the Ascot Stakes (5.00). Nicky Henderson's mare Veiled did the blog a favour winning this last year (Elyaadi has finished second in a race at this meeting in the past two seasons) but Veiled races off a mark seven pounds higher this time. Willie Mullins' Simenon is respected but I'll take an each-way interest in Ashbrittle (tissue price 12/1). This one finished tenth in last year's race off a mark of 92 when trained by Ralph Beckett. On that occasion the gelding was done for toe half a mile from home so I'm hoping slower underfoot conditions will help David Pipe's inmate find the improvement required - he goes off 88 this time with Paul Hanagan doing the steering.
Finally, a book to finish off with... In Royal Ascot week, I was contemplating purchasing Gentlemen's Pursuits: A Country Miscellany for the Discerning (published this week) but I've decided to stick the money on a horse instead, primarily because I'm not really very discerning at all.
Of course, book publishing is much like horse racing in that everyone wants to back a winner. Orion Books have the autobiographies of Ruby Walsh and Tony McCoy in their stable but Jon Wood and Jemima Forrester will be hoping they have hit the jackpot with their latest acquisition, having shelled out a six figure sum for a 'racy romantic trilogy' which is likely to appeal to fans of works such as Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. According to Saturday's Times, Fifty Shades '...is the fastest-selling paperback in Britain since since records began, overtaking Dan Brown and J.K. Rowling.' Until yesterday evening I thought it was a book about British summers over the past half century.
From the racy to the racing...
The going is reported as good to soft, good in places, for the first day of Royal Ascot which may inconvenience some but is unlikely to inconvenience superstar Frankel who is currently quoted at 1/5 to win the Queen Anne.
In the King's Stand I intend to take a small each-way interest in Stepper Point (50/1 generally). This one disappointed on his seasonal debut in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket but came back to form at Chantilly the next time when beaten just under two lengths by Wizz Kid, widely tipped for this. It's worth noting that at the time of writing not all layers are offering each-way terms a quarter the odds.
The favourite has obliged in the St James's Place Stakes (3.45) on seven occasions in the past decade while Aidan O'Brien has saddled the winner on six occasions in the past 12 years. Those stats point to Power - I looked closely at Brian Meehan's Most Improved but recent stable form is not encouraging.
I like to back a horse with NH form in the Ascot Stakes (5.00). Nicky Henderson's mare Veiled did the blog a favour winning this last year (Elyaadi has finished second in a race at this meeting in the past two seasons) but Veiled races off a mark seven pounds higher this time. Willie Mullins' Simenon is respected but I'll take an each-way interest in Ashbrittle (tissue price 12/1). This one finished tenth in last year's race off a mark of 92 when trained by Ralph Beckett. On that occasion the gelding was done for toe half a mile from home so I'm hoping slower underfoot conditions will help David Pipe's inmate find the improvement required - he goes off 88 this time with Paul Hanagan doing the steering.
Finally, a book to finish off with... In Royal Ascot week, I was contemplating purchasing Gentlemen's Pursuits: A Country Miscellany for the Discerning (published this week) but I've decided to stick the money on a horse instead, primarily because I'm not really very discerning at all.
Friday, June 08, 2012
Odds 'n' sods
Call me a miserable old sod but I can't help thinking the time between the Derby and Royal Ascot is something of a fallow period. To be fair, Willie Carson has tried to spice things up a little with comments such as these taken from last Saturday's Independent:
"There are hardly any world class jockeys riding in Britain today"
and
"Look at the jump jockeys. There must be nearly 15 of them that are top-class. But on the Flat there is this dearth. I suppose there are no jocks like me any more: no more tiny little wimps. I was a war baby, see. De Sousa's not world-class, Hanagan's not - not yet, nowhere near. They have to break through."
Hmmm... interesting. What Willie would make of Willy Twiston-Davies who has had nine rides on the Flat since pulling up Battlecry in a three mile chase at Wetherby at the end of May is anyone's guess.
My Coral Champions Club membership has generated interest, the club having three with Jeremy Gask - Cool Marble (unplaced in two handicaps at Ascot and Sandown this season); Bahama Spirit (seventh of nine on her seasonal debut earlier today - in the mix at the furlong pole before weakening); and unraced two-year-old Never A Quarrel (making use of the phrase that enticed punters back in the 1960s: 'There's never a quarrel when you bet with Coral'.)
Some NH trainers are in decent form at the moment... Figures for the past fortnight include Jonjo O'Neill (7 wins from 22 runs, 31.82%), Paul Nicholls (3 wins from 8 runs, 37.5%), Tim Vaughan (9 wins from 33 runs, 27.27%) and Peter Bowen (6 wins from 24 runs, 25%). At Worcester Like Minded is of interest in an interesting beginners' chase at 2.45. Although beaten when odds-on on his chase debut, the gelding has since finished mid-division in the Martin Pipe hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and in a listed handicap hurdle at Aintree.
"There are hardly any world class jockeys riding in Britain today"
and
"Look at the jump jockeys. There must be nearly 15 of them that are top-class. But on the Flat there is this dearth. I suppose there are no jocks like me any more: no more tiny little wimps. I was a war baby, see. De Sousa's not world-class, Hanagan's not - not yet, nowhere near. They have to break through."
Hmmm... interesting. What Willie would make of Willy Twiston-Davies who has had nine rides on the Flat since pulling up Battlecry in a three mile chase at Wetherby at the end of May is anyone's guess.
My Coral Champions Club membership has generated interest, the club having three with Jeremy Gask - Cool Marble (unplaced in two handicaps at Ascot and Sandown this season); Bahama Spirit (seventh of nine on her seasonal debut earlier today - in the mix at the furlong pole before weakening); and unraced two-year-old Never A Quarrel (making use of the phrase that enticed punters back in the 1960s: 'There's never a quarrel when you bet with Coral'.)
Some NH trainers are in decent form at the moment... Figures for the past fortnight include Jonjo O'Neill (7 wins from 22 runs, 31.82%), Paul Nicholls (3 wins from 8 runs, 37.5%), Tim Vaughan (9 wins from 33 runs, 27.27%) and Peter Bowen (6 wins from 24 runs, 25%). At Worcester Like Minded is of interest in an interesting beginners' chase at 2.45. Although beaten when odds-on on his chase debut, the gelding has since finished mid-division in the Martin Pipe hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and in a listed handicap hurdle at Aintree.
Friday, June 01, 2012
2012 Derby Day deliberations
For some reason or other Queen Elizabeth II has been in the news a bit recently.
Tomorrow is the 60th anniversary of her coronation and to mark the occasion Epsom have named the Coronation Cup (2.40) the Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup. Of course, the feature is the Derby with just nine set to face the starter (4.00). Most observers think Camelot is something of a shoo-in with the result Aidan O'Brien's colt will start odds-on and will probably be sent off one of the shortest-priced favourites since the war - the shortest priced winner of the race was Ladas who took the 1894 renewal at odds of 2/9.
If you're not convinced Camelot is the stuff of legend, you may want to look to Andrew Balding's Bonfire to start the fireworks. Those watching the BBC's final coverage of the event would also be well-advised to prepare themselves for some loud shrieks in commentary from Andrew's sister, Clare, if Bonfire has the merest hint of a chance in the final furlong. At 5/1 the colt offers value against the favourite but his temperament could be considered slightly suspect - if I were betting this one, I'd want to be absolutely sure he'd handled the preliminaries before parting with the stake money.
Main Sequence is unbeaten but this represents a set up in class and I may be star-gazing but Astrology could act as pacemaker for his stablemate. Mickdaam looked anything but an easy ride when winning the Dee Stakes at Chester but should confirm form with Balding's second string Minimise Risk.
Hayley Turner becomes only the second female ever to ride in the race - Alex Greaves finished last on Portugese Lil in 1996. Hayley's mount, Cavaleiro, is probably overpriced at 66/1 but still has plenty to find.
During the week money has come for Thought Worthy (now 16/1) - this one beat Rugged Cross a neck and three quarters of a length in the listed Fairway Stakes at Newmarket last month. Thought Worthy is worthy place material but for the more adventurous Rugged Cross (50/1) is put up as the each-way wager given that Newmarket effort was on his seasonal debut and there could be improvement to come.
Her Majesty's Carlton House, third in last year's Derby, added to royal celebrations with an assured victory at Sandown yesterday evening and Harvest Song tries to repeat the trick for the owner in tonight's 6.40 at Stratford.
I admit I've haven't been paying attention but I feel as though I've sleep-walked into this weekend and have just been given a slap across the face with a wet fish.Those looking to avoid the pomp and circumstance integral in any royal celebration may want to consider this alternative NH itinerary over the next few days...
Friday evening: Stratford - first race 5.40;
Saturday: Watch the Derby on the big screen at Stratford - evening's racing commences at 6.00;
Sunday: Head north to Uttoxeter - first race 2.10;
Monday: Back south to Towcester - first race 2.20;
Tuesday: Head west to Ffos Las - first race 2.30.
Other suggested itineraries welcomed.
Tomorrow is the 60th anniversary of her coronation and to mark the occasion Epsom have named the Coronation Cup (2.40) the Diamond Jubilee Coronation Cup. Of course, the feature is the Derby with just nine set to face the starter (4.00). Most observers think Camelot is something of a shoo-in with the result Aidan O'Brien's colt will start odds-on and will probably be sent off one of the shortest-priced favourites since the war - the shortest priced winner of the race was Ladas who took the 1894 renewal at odds of 2/9.
If you're not convinced Camelot is the stuff of legend, you may want to look to Andrew Balding's Bonfire to start the fireworks. Those watching the BBC's final coverage of the event would also be well-advised to prepare themselves for some loud shrieks in commentary from Andrew's sister, Clare, if Bonfire has the merest hint of a chance in the final furlong. At 5/1 the colt offers value against the favourite but his temperament could be considered slightly suspect - if I were betting this one, I'd want to be absolutely sure he'd handled the preliminaries before parting with the stake money.
Main Sequence is unbeaten but this represents a set up in class and I may be star-gazing but Astrology could act as pacemaker for his stablemate. Mickdaam looked anything but an easy ride when winning the Dee Stakes at Chester but should confirm form with Balding's second string Minimise Risk.
Hayley Turner becomes only the second female ever to ride in the race - Alex Greaves finished last on Portugese Lil in 1996. Hayley's mount, Cavaleiro, is probably overpriced at 66/1 but still has plenty to find.
During the week money has come for Thought Worthy (now 16/1) - this one beat Rugged Cross a neck and three quarters of a length in the listed Fairway Stakes at Newmarket last month. Thought Worthy is worthy place material but for the more adventurous Rugged Cross (50/1) is put up as the each-way wager given that Newmarket effort was on his seasonal debut and there could be improvement to come.
Her Majesty's Carlton House, third in last year's Derby, added to royal celebrations with an assured victory at Sandown yesterday evening and Harvest Song tries to repeat the trick for the owner in tonight's 6.40 at Stratford.
I admit I've haven't been paying attention but I feel as though I've sleep-walked into this weekend and have just been given a slap across the face with a wet fish.Those looking to avoid the pomp and circumstance integral in any royal celebration may want to consider this alternative NH itinerary over the next few days...
Friday evening: Stratford - first race 5.40;
Saturday: Watch the Derby on the big screen at Stratford - evening's racing commences at 6.00;
Sunday: Head north to Uttoxeter - first race 2.10;
Monday: Back south to Towcester - first race 2.20;
Tuesday: Head west to Ffos Las - first race 2.30.
Other suggested itineraries welcomed.
Friday, May 25, 2012
A Knight's chivalric retirement
Yesterday Henrietta Catherine Knight called time on a training career that saw her win three consecutive Gold Cups with Best Mate (2002-4) and the 2000 Champion Chase with Edredon Bleu; owned by Jim Lewis, those horses also won the King George VI Chase for her in 2002 and 2003.
Knight came into racing through a somewhat circuitous route.
Having gained her BEd (Oxon) qualification at Westminster College, Oxford, she taught biology and history at St Mary's School, Wantage, before embarking on a career trainng racehorses. Her first winner under rules was The Grey Gunner at Bangor-On-Dee in 1989, Bruce Dowling up; in 1995 she married former jockey Terry Biddlecombe and the partnership went to the very top of the profession, becoming affectionately known as racing's 'Odd Couple'.
In November 2005 stable star Best Mate collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack after being pulled up in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. The quest to find a replacement was doomed to fail and led to a split with ambitious Jim Lewis.
Biddlecombe suffered a stroke in 2011 - it's Terry's continued ill health that is behind Hen's decision to hand in her licence. The vast majority of horses will transfer to Mick Channon who trains nearby at West Ilsley.
Over the years I came to associate the yard with well-schooled novice chasers, with a preference for using riders you'd lean to calling horsemen rather than jockeys. A couple of personal memories from the gaff tracks ...
Young Warrior (Bruce Dowling) won me some money one sodden New Year's Day at Exeter in the early nineties. There had been a market move for a horse of David Elsworth's, Seven Of Diamonds, and that one came to win the race but took a heavy fall at the last. Young Warrior collected but Seven Of Diamonds spent a fair while on the floor before eventually rising to a round of applause from the enclosures.
Another run that sticks in my mind is that of Blowing Rock (Jim Culloty) in a novices' handicap chase at Hereford in October 1998. We'd taken 9/2 and the horse had jumped well, gaining ground over his opponents at most of the obstacles. Three out Culloty sent the Strong Gale gelding on; the form book reads '... 5 lengths clear and in control when fell last, unlucky...'
Hen is set to have her final runner in next few days; it could be Harvest Song, owned by HRH The Queen, entered up in the 2.30 at Newton Abbot on Wednesday. That would be some finale - in Derby week, Hen Knight trains winner for The Queen - at Newton Abbot!
Knight came into racing through a somewhat circuitous route.
Having gained her BEd (Oxon) qualification at Westminster College, Oxford, she taught biology and history at St Mary's School, Wantage, before embarking on a career trainng racehorses. Her first winner under rules was The Grey Gunner at Bangor-On-Dee in 1989, Bruce Dowling up; in 1995 she married former jockey Terry Biddlecombe and the partnership went to the very top of the profession, becoming affectionately known as racing's 'Odd Couple'.
In November 2005 stable star Best Mate collapsed and died of a suspected heart attack after being pulled up in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. The quest to find a replacement was doomed to fail and led to a split with ambitious Jim Lewis.
Biddlecombe suffered a stroke in 2011 - it's Terry's continued ill health that is behind Hen's decision to hand in her licence. The vast majority of horses will transfer to Mick Channon who trains nearby at West Ilsley.
Over the years I came to associate the yard with well-schooled novice chasers, with a preference for using riders you'd lean to calling horsemen rather than jockeys. A couple of personal memories from the gaff tracks ...
Young Warrior (Bruce Dowling) won me some money one sodden New Year's Day at Exeter in the early nineties. There had been a market move for a horse of David Elsworth's, Seven Of Diamonds, and that one came to win the race but took a heavy fall at the last. Young Warrior collected but Seven Of Diamonds spent a fair while on the floor before eventually rising to a round of applause from the enclosures.
Another run that sticks in my mind is that of Blowing Rock (Jim Culloty) in a novices' handicap chase at Hereford in October 1998. We'd taken 9/2 and the horse had jumped well, gaining ground over his opponents at most of the obstacles. Three out Culloty sent the Strong Gale gelding on; the form book reads '... 5 lengths clear and in control when fell last, unlucky...'
Hen is set to have her final runner in next few days; it could be Harvest Song, owned by HRH The Queen, entered up in the 2.30 at Newton Abbot on Wednesday. That would be some finale - in Derby week, Hen Knight trains winner for The Queen - at Newton Abbot!
Friday, May 18, 2012
From the world's best racehorse to Bangor-On-Dee
At York on Wednesday The Fugue called the tune in the Musidora while a day later Dante winner Bonfire brought to mind Dante Alighieri's 14th century epic Inferno. Tomorrow Frankel, officially the best racehorse in the world, returns to action in Newbury's JLT Lockinge Stakes - a race for us all to savour (rather than bet on). It seems hardly plausible that four weeks ago his career was rumoured to be in serious doubt.
Having said that, I've been trying to find winners at Bangor... I still haven't quite recovered from not having taken an interest in an old favourite of mine, Hills Of Aran, who obliged at odds of 66/1 in the three mile handicap hurdle at Ludlow last night. So, the fallback plan was to have a good look at Sir Johnson on his hurdling debut at Aintree this evening but he's been taken out. As a colleague of mine regularly points out, 'racing, it's a game of regrets'.
Here's a couple of wagers I'm likely to regret...
Five of the eight runners in the novice chase (3.10) try regulation fences for the first time. Donald McCain's Golden Call is likely to be sent off favourite - his second to Ambion Wood at Perth reads well although the majority of his form in this country has been at three miles. Kauto Relko clearly posssess ability but didn't look the most reliable of jumpers when winning over course and distance last time while at least Kim Bailey's Mark Twain (by Rock Of Gibraltar!) has some reasonable chase form to his name, finishing third behind All For Free in a Class 3 handicap chase at Ludlow in December. Kim Bailey's charge isn't guaranteed to stay the trip; however, while Golden Call appears the percentage call, at the prices (6/1 in the tissue) I'm going to chance Mark Twain in a race where the favourite has only obliged once in the past seven renewals.
The same stable saddles up Mrs Peachey in the mares' bumper at 4.55 and she has the best form in the book but it's the newcomers that catch the eye. Nicky Henderson has entered Fabrika, Rebecca Curtis (50% strike rate with four wins from eight runs in the past fortnight) Gilded Article and Venetia Williams (31.58% with six wins from 19 runs in the same timeframe) More Ballet Money. The Sporting Life Verdict makes a decent case for the latter-named, pointing out the mare is by Old Vic, cost £24,000 as a yearling and is the trainer's sole runner on the card; priced up at 14/1 in the tissue, I'll take an each-way interest in More Ballet Money.
Finally in the 4.20 I'll consider each-way terms about George Woolf who has had Richard Johnson in the plate for both his hurdle victories to date. The gelding ran no sort of race last time but is forgiven that run with Johnson back doing the steering - he has place claims at around the 14/1 mark. The good ground should suit and trainer Tim Vaughan boasts a strike rate of 26.09% in the past two weeks with six winners from 23 runners.
Having said that, I've been trying to find winners at Bangor... I still haven't quite recovered from not having taken an interest in an old favourite of mine, Hills Of Aran, who obliged at odds of 66/1 in the three mile handicap hurdle at Ludlow last night. So, the fallback plan was to have a good look at Sir Johnson on his hurdling debut at Aintree this evening but he's been taken out. As a colleague of mine regularly points out, 'racing, it's a game of regrets'.
Here's a couple of wagers I'm likely to regret...
Five of the eight runners in the novice chase (3.10) try regulation fences for the first time. Donald McCain's Golden Call is likely to be sent off favourite - his second to Ambion Wood at Perth reads well although the majority of his form in this country has been at three miles. Kauto Relko clearly posssess ability but didn't look the most reliable of jumpers when winning over course and distance last time while at least Kim Bailey's Mark Twain (by Rock Of Gibraltar!) has some reasonable chase form to his name, finishing third behind All For Free in a Class 3 handicap chase at Ludlow in December. Kim Bailey's charge isn't guaranteed to stay the trip; however, while Golden Call appears the percentage call, at the prices (6/1 in the tissue) I'm going to chance Mark Twain in a race where the favourite has only obliged once in the past seven renewals.
The same stable saddles up Mrs Peachey in the mares' bumper at 4.55 and she has the best form in the book but it's the newcomers that catch the eye. Nicky Henderson has entered Fabrika, Rebecca Curtis (50% strike rate with four wins from eight runs in the past fortnight) Gilded Article and Venetia Williams (31.58% with six wins from 19 runs in the same timeframe) More Ballet Money. The Sporting Life Verdict makes a decent case for the latter-named, pointing out the mare is by Old Vic, cost £24,000 as a yearling and is the trainer's sole runner on the card; priced up at 14/1 in the tissue, I'll take an each-way interest in More Ballet Money.
Finally in the 4.20 I'll consider each-way terms about George Woolf who has had Richard Johnson in the plate for both his hurdle victories to date. The gelding ran no sort of race last time but is forgiven that run with Johnson back doing the steering - he has place claims at around the 14/1 mark. The good ground should suit and trainer Tim Vaughan boasts a strike rate of 26.09% in the past two weeks with six winners from 23 runners.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Down came the rain
A wet week at the races saw flag starts at Chester, Lingfield's classic trials moved to the all-weather and Saturday's Flat meeting at Warwick replaced with hurdle races (and a concert by The Undertones).
Staff at Warwick could be forgiven for thinking that it never rains but it pours.The course's application to build a 100-bed hotel was refused plannning permission by the local district council, much to the delight of local residents... According to the Jockey Club, which owns and operates Warwick, the future of the course is now under threat yet earlier in the week the same Jockey Club reported record turnover, record crowds and record prize money contributions.
One who has been sweating up a little this 'shareholder spring' is William Hill CEO Ralph Topping. At the company's AGM on Tuesday 49.9% of shareholders voted against the executive pay deal; Mr Topping landed the spoils, a £1.2 million 'retention bonus', by a nose. Predicatably, opponents are demanding a stewards' inquiry.
One not complaining about the raining is Donald McCain; Ile De Re beat Overturn to give the trainer a 1-2 in Wednesday's Chester Cup. The Tote Exacta paid £139.00 but nobody on course will have collected as there are now no Tote pool betting facilities available at the track. 'Chesterbet' is the replacement offering but TV coverage gave more than a hint that the new service didn't offer the best of value. Channel Four's John Francome looked in a tight spot during Thursday's transmission: he was clearly disappointed with the return on a winning wager but intimated that the vast majority of punters at the track want to do two things - bet on a horse and watch it run. He went on to assert that they're not that bothered whether they get 4/1 or 6/1. Well, I think that one's open to some discussion... Of course, none of this was a bother to Donald McCain who followed up his Chester Cup triumph by landing the Swinton at Haydock on Saturday with Red Merlin.
Finally, at a windswept Carlisle station last week, I absent-mindedly picked up a leaflet entitled 'Back A Winner - take the train and go racing for less!' The offer, from First TransPennine Express and Northern Rail, gives a discount of £2 off a £5 toteplacepot bet and up to £4 off entry to selected northern racecourses. A number of conditions need to be satisfied to claim your discount vouchers so, if you're interested, make sure your lawyer has a free five minutes before checking out the details... ;)
Staff at Warwick could be forgiven for thinking that it never rains but it pours.The course's application to build a 100-bed hotel was refused plannning permission by the local district council, much to the delight of local residents... According to the Jockey Club, which owns and operates Warwick, the future of the course is now under threat yet earlier in the week the same Jockey Club reported record turnover, record crowds and record prize money contributions.
One who has been sweating up a little this 'shareholder spring' is William Hill CEO Ralph Topping. At the company's AGM on Tuesday 49.9% of shareholders voted against the executive pay deal; Mr Topping landed the spoils, a £1.2 million 'retention bonus', by a nose. Predicatably, opponents are demanding a stewards' inquiry.
One not complaining about the raining is Donald McCain; Ile De Re beat Overturn to give the trainer a 1-2 in Wednesday's Chester Cup. The Tote Exacta paid £139.00 but nobody on course will have collected as there are now no Tote pool betting facilities available at the track. 'Chesterbet' is the replacement offering but TV coverage gave more than a hint that the new service didn't offer the best of value. Channel Four's John Francome looked in a tight spot during Thursday's transmission: he was clearly disappointed with the return on a winning wager but intimated that the vast majority of punters at the track want to do two things - bet on a horse and watch it run. He went on to assert that they're not that bothered whether they get 4/1 or 6/1. Well, I think that one's open to some discussion... Of course, none of this was a bother to Donald McCain who followed up his Chester Cup triumph by landing the Swinton at Haydock on Saturday with Red Merlin.
Finally, at a windswept Carlisle station last week, I absent-mindedly picked up a leaflet entitled 'Back A Winner - take the train and go racing for less!' The offer, from First TransPennine Express and Northern Rail, gives a discount of £2 off a £5 toteplacepot bet and up to £4 off entry to selected northern racecourses. A number of conditions need to be satisfied to claim your discount vouchers so, if you're interested, make sure your lawyer has a free five minutes before checking out the details... ;)
Friday, May 04, 2012
Guineas weekend at Newmarket
The focus shifts to the Flat now.
Cards on the table - I don't follow the Flat particularly closely, so those tempted may want to think again before jumping in feet first...
Eighteen have been declared for the 204th running of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket where the going is currently described as soft and, according to layers, Aidan O'Brien's Camelot appears something of a shoo-in at around the 7/4 mark. Indeed Ladbrokes, who have long been rumoured to possess an 'inside line' to Ballydoyle, stand out from their competitors by offering just even money.
Those looking to oppose may be interested in Timeform's view that both Trumpet Major and Caspar Netscher are more highly rated. Caspar Netscher isn't guaranteed to stay a mile but is overpriced at 25/1, a point made by Topspeed, Dave Edwards, in the Weekender. Trumpet Major looked an impressive winner of the Craven while Power and French Fifteen are two others I've considered. The percentage each-way call is Power (12/1 Coral) who on official ratings is the top-rated animal in the field and won on soft ground at The Curragh last September.
I just wonder what affect, if any, the draw may have...
No selection put up for Sunday's 1000 Guineas but those interested in playing may find the Timeform ratings a decent starting point...
Cards on the table - I don't follow the Flat particularly closely, so those tempted may want to think again before jumping in feet first...
Eighteen have been declared for the 204th running of the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket where the going is currently described as soft and, according to layers, Aidan O'Brien's Camelot appears something of a shoo-in at around the 7/4 mark. Indeed Ladbrokes, who have long been rumoured to possess an 'inside line' to Ballydoyle, stand out from their competitors by offering just even money.
Those looking to oppose may be interested in Timeform's view that both Trumpet Major and Caspar Netscher are more highly rated. Caspar Netscher isn't guaranteed to stay a mile but is overpriced at 25/1, a point made by Topspeed, Dave Edwards, in the Weekender. Trumpet Major looked an impressive winner of the Craven while Power and French Fifteen are two others I've considered. The percentage each-way call is Power (12/1 Coral) who on official ratings is the top-rated animal in the field and won on soft ground at The Curragh last September.
I just wonder what affect, if any, the draw may have...
No selection put up for Sunday's 1000 Guineas but those interested in playing may find the Timeform ratings a decent starting point...
Sunday, April 29, 2012
The 2011/12 jumps season - a personal review
In a nutshell...
Champion jockey: A P McCoy
Winning trainer: Paul Nicholls
Winning owner: J P McManus
Leading conditional: Henry Brooke
In November Kauto Star reversed the previous season's Gold Cup form with Long Run to take Haydock's Betfair Chase and then confirmed that was no fluke by winning Kempton's King George VI Chase for a record fifth time. The 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup was built up to be the big showdown between the pair but a schooling fall in late February put the Star's participation in doubt; in the event Kauto made it to the track but jockey Ruby Walsh pulled him up after the ninth. Those who then thought the Gold Cup was something of a formality were to be proven wrong as Synchronised stayed on up the hill to beat outsider The Giant Bolster two and a quarter lengths, with 7/4 favourite Long Run a further three quarters of a length behind in third. Long Run never quite hit the heights of the previous year.
After last year's race many in the sport looked with trepidation to this year's running of the Aintree Grand National and those fears proved well founded with According To Pete fatally injured in a fall at Becher's and Gold Cup winner Synchronised breaking a hind leg while running loose after his fall at the same fence. Neptune Collonges (33/1) pipped Sunnyhillboy (20/1) a nose in the closest finish in the history of the race; Paul Nicholls' charge followed The Lamb and Nicolaus Silver to become the third grey to win and was promptly retired afterwards.
Team Ditcheat took the Champion Hurdle with Rock On Ruby and Big Buck's won a fourth consecutive World Hurdle before going to Aintree to record his 17th consecutive victory in the Liverpoool Hurdle, beating Sir Ken's record which had stood for some 60 years. However many of the Nicholls runners were under a cloud at Cheltenham and it was Nicky Henderson who turned out to be man in form, recording a four-timer on the Wednesday with Simonsig (2/1f), Bobs Worth (9/2), Finians Rainbow (4/1) and Une Artiste (40/1). The one everyone is talking about though is Sprinter Sacre who won the Arkle in stunning fashion.
Malcolm Jefferson's feat in training two horses, Cape Tribulation and Attaglance, to win at the Cheltenham Festival and then at Aintree four weeks later is worthy of a mention in any review of the season.
Yet again Richard Johnson finished second in the jockeys' championship but that spot would surely have gone to Jason Maguire had he not broken a bone in the back of his neck at the end of August which kept him off the track until mid-November. Donald McCain has emerged as the top trainer in the north.
The whip debate generated plenty of discussion throughout the entire season but back at the end of November a bay gelding called Hunt Ball won a Class 5 handicap chase at Folkestone off a mark of 68. After winning five of his next six races, he went to the Festival to contest the Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase off a mark of 142. Keiran Burke's charge obliged at odds of 13/2 and reportedly landed owner Anthony Nott over £500,000 in winning wagers.
Blog selections went through a (pretty short-lived) purple patch earlier in the season, Carruthers winning the Hennessy (advised each-way @ 20/1), West End Rocker the Becher (advised each-way @ 14/1) and Le Beau Bai the Welsh National (advised each-way @10/1); needless to say, normal service resumed after the Christmas festivities... Blog horse of the year goes to Overturn who won Ascot's Coral Hurdle (advised @ 3/1) and one week later the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle(advised @ 7/2). The temptation to go to the well on his next two outings was resisted but he was put up as each-way value at 33/1 for the Champion Hurdle where he ran a fine race from the front to finish second.
Perhaps those who backed the losing selections may forgive a little if I point them in the direction of The Queen's Arms, Kensington (listed in Time Out's 50 best pubs in London), the next time they're in the capital with a fancy for a glass of beer...
I only managed three trips to the track but that's better than in recent years - Ludlow in October, Warwick in January and the Wednesday of the Cheltenham Festival; Ludlow still rates as one of my favourite tracks.
Wetherby were due to stage the first race of the new season but the meeting was abandoned - course waterlogged! So, it was Sam Twiston-Davies who won the first race of the new season, the Ludlow
Golf Club Claiming Hurdle, on a horse called Bin End. Sam went on to complete a double on the day, as did one A.P. McCoy.
Plus ca change...
Champion jockey: A P McCoy
Winning trainer: Paul Nicholls
Winning owner: J P McManus
Leading conditional: Henry Brooke
In November Kauto Star reversed the previous season's Gold Cup form with Long Run to take Haydock's Betfair Chase and then confirmed that was no fluke by winning Kempton's King George VI Chase for a record fifth time. The 2012 Cheltenham Gold Cup was built up to be the big showdown between the pair but a schooling fall in late February put the Star's participation in doubt; in the event Kauto made it to the track but jockey Ruby Walsh pulled him up after the ninth. Those who then thought the Gold Cup was something of a formality were to be proven wrong as Synchronised stayed on up the hill to beat outsider The Giant Bolster two and a quarter lengths, with 7/4 favourite Long Run a further three quarters of a length behind in third. Long Run never quite hit the heights of the previous year.
After last year's race many in the sport looked with trepidation to this year's running of the Aintree Grand National and those fears proved well founded with According To Pete fatally injured in a fall at Becher's and Gold Cup winner Synchronised breaking a hind leg while running loose after his fall at the same fence. Neptune Collonges (33/1) pipped Sunnyhillboy (20/1) a nose in the closest finish in the history of the race; Paul Nicholls' charge followed The Lamb and Nicolaus Silver to become the third grey to win and was promptly retired afterwards.
Team Ditcheat took the Champion Hurdle with Rock On Ruby and Big Buck's won a fourth consecutive World Hurdle before going to Aintree to record his 17th consecutive victory in the Liverpoool Hurdle, beating Sir Ken's record which had stood for some 60 years. However many of the Nicholls runners were under a cloud at Cheltenham and it was Nicky Henderson who turned out to be man in form, recording a four-timer on the Wednesday with Simonsig (2/1f), Bobs Worth (9/2), Finians Rainbow (4/1) and Une Artiste (40/1). The one everyone is talking about though is Sprinter Sacre who won the Arkle in stunning fashion.
Malcolm Jefferson's feat in training two horses, Cape Tribulation and Attaglance, to win at the Cheltenham Festival and then at Aintree four weeks later is worthy of a mention in any review of the season.
Yet again Richard Johnson finished second in the jockeys' championship but that spot would surely have gone to Jason Maguire had he not broken a bone in the back of his neck at the end of August which kept him off the track until mid-November. Donald McCain has emerged as the top trainer in the north.
The whip debate generated plenty of discussion throughout the entire season but back at the end of November a bay gelding called Hunt Ball won a Class 5 handicap chase at Folkestone off a mark of 68. After winning five of his next six races, he went to the Festival to contest the Pulteney Land Investments Novices' Handicap Chase off a mark of 142. Keiran Burke's charge obliged at odds of 13/2 and reportedly landed owner Anthony Nott over £500,000 in winning wagers.
Blog selections went through a (pretty short-lived) purple patch earlier in the season, Carruthers winning the Hennessy (advised each-way @ 20/1), West End Rocker the Becher (advised each-way @ 14/1) and Le Beau Bai the Welsh National (advised each-way @10/1); needless to say, normal service resumed after the Christmas festivities... Blog horse of the year goes to Overturn who won Ascot's Coral Hurdle (advised @ 3/1) and one week later the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle(advised @ 7/2). The temptation to go to the well on his next two outings was resisted but he was put up as each-way value at 33/1 for the Champion Hurdle where he ran a fine race from the front to finish second.
Perhaps those who backed the losing selections may forgive a little if I point them in the direction of The Queen's Arms, Kensington (listed in Time Out's 50 best pubs in London), the next time they're in the capital with a fancy for a glass of beer...
I only managed three trips to the track but that's better than in recent years - Ludlow in October, Warwick in January and the Wednesday of the Cheltenham Festival; Ludlow still rates as one of my favourite tracks.
Wetherby were due to stage the first race of the new season but the meeting was abandoned - course waterlogged! So, it was Sam Twiston-Davies who won the first race of the new season, the Ludlow
Golf Club Claiming Hurdle, on a horse called Bin End. Sam went on to complete a double on the day, as did one A.P. McCoy.
Plus ca change...
Friday, April 27, 2012
The season's finale at Sandown
Tomorrow's mixed card at Sandown marks the end of the the National Hunt season with the highlight the bet365 Gold Cup at 3.10. The going is currently described as soft, good to soft in places (heavy on the Flat course); amongst the twenty declarations are several who were last seen in the Aintree Grand National a fortnight ago. This race has thrown up some big-priced winners in recent years including Bounce Back (14/1 2002); Puntal (25/1 2004); Jack High (16/1 2005); Monkerhostin (25/1 2008); and Church Island (20/1 2010) - no favourite has obliged in the past ten years.
Two that immediately catch the eye are West End Rocker (fell at the second in the National and not allowed to take his chance in last week's Scottish National on account of the ground) and Major Mallarkey who finished second to Master Overseer in the Midlands Grand National seven weeks ago and comes from a stable that is bang in form. The drawback is everyone else is thinking along the same lines so those beasts are near the head of the market as is Le Beau Bai who won the Welsh National on heavy ground last December.
It's the end of term and I've looked around for something to back at a fancy price but to be honest I've struggled so I'll stick with West End Rocker who was my original selection for the National provided the ground came up soft.
In the Celebration Chase, having had burnt fingers with Wishfull Thinking a couple of times this year, I'm not inclined to be tempted by his apparent return to form in the Melling Chase at Aintree; it's worth noting he has never won over this trip. Last year's winner French Opera deserves every respect but I'm going to side with Somersby. Hen Knight's charge has to concede weight all round but may prove up to the task.
And, of course, it all starts again the very next day at Wetherby where the first race of the new National Hunt season, the National Festival Circus Is Here Today Novices' Hurdle, is due off at two o'clock...
Two that immediately catch the eye are West End Rocker (fell at the second in the National and not allowed to take his chance in last week's Scottish National on account of the ground) and Major Mallarkey who finished second to Master Overseer in the Midlands Grand National seven weeks ago and comes from a stable that is bang in form. The drawback is everyone else is thinking along the same lines so those beasts are near the head of the market as is Le Beau Bai who won the Welsh National on heavy ground last December.
It's the end of term and I've looked around for something to back at a fancy price but to be honest I've struggled so I'll stick with West End Rocker who was my original selection for the National provided the ground came up soft.
In the Celebration Chase, having had burnt fingers with Wishfull Thinking a couple of times this year, I'm not inclined to be tempted by his apparent return to form in the Melling Chase at Aintree; it's worth noting he has never won over this trip. Last year's winner French Opera deserves every respect but I'm going to side with Somersby. Hen Knight's charge has to concede weight all round but may prove up to the task.
And, of course, it all starts again the very next day at Wetherby where the first race of the new National Hunt season, the National Festival Circus Is Here Today Novices' Hurdle, is due off at two o'clock...
Friday, April 20, 2012
Scottish Grand National 2012
Grand Nationals - they're a bit like London buses; you don't see one for an age and then three come along all at once. Tomorrow's Scottish Grand National is the third to be run in under a fortnight - 25 will face the starter at 3.25 to set off on a journey of four miles 110 yards.
Those who prefer to make up their own mind may wamt to refer to this Twitter Guide to the Scottish Grand National, comments provided by Coral's Tim Smith.
Otherwise, here's a view...
Junior, a faller at the second at Aintree, is allowed to take his chance and appears to have a stiff task conceding a minimum of nine pounds to the rest of the field; the bottom ten all race out of the handicap. Only one winner has carried more than 10-9 to victory in the past decade - Grey Abbey in 2004 - while four winners have carried the 10-0 (not including riders' allowances) - Joes Edge 2005, Hot Weld 2007, Iris De Baume 2008, and last year's winner Merigo who is rated seven pounds higher this year.
Paul Nicholls' Harry The Viking ran well to be beaten just two lengths over the four mile trip of the Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham; R. Walsh takes over from Mr W. Biddick in the plate and Harry is likely to start favourite.
Of those near the head of the market, Portrait King catches the eye. He comes into this on the back of a win in the Eider, having won the Punchestown Grand National Trial on his penultimate start. He's been given a break since and should go well - bet365 offer 9/1 this evening. Quentin Collonges looks unexposed but Knockara Beau's sixth in the Gold Cup reads well and rates the each-way wager at around the 12/1 mark.
Those who prefer to make up their own mind may wamt to refer to this Twitter Guide to the Scottish Grand National, comments provided by Coral's Tim Smith.
Otherwise, here's a view...
Junior, a faller at the second at Aintree, is allowed to take his chance and appears to have a stiff task conceding a minimum of nine pounds to the rest of the field; the bottom ten all race out of the handicap. Only one winner has carried more than 10-9 to victory in the past decade - Grey Abbey in 2004 - while four winners have carried the 10-0 (not including riders' allowances) - Joes Edge 2005, Hot Weld 2007, Iris De Baume 2008, and last year's winner Merigo who is rated seven pounds higher this year.
Paul Nicholls' Harry The Viking ran well to be beaten just two lengths over the four mile trip of the Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham; R. Walsh takes over from Mr W. Biddick in the plate and Harry is likely to start favourite.
Of those near the head of the market, Portrait King catches the eye. He comes into this on the back of a win in the Eider, having won the Punchestown Grand National Trial on his penultimate start. He's been given a break since and should go well - bet365 offer 9/1 this evening. Quentin Collonges looks unexposed but Knockara Beau's sixth in the Gold Cup reads well and rates the each-way wager at around the 12/1 mark.
A Twitter Guide to the 2012 Scottish Grand National runners
Another in this occasional series...
Following publication of my Twitter Guide to last week's Aintree Grand National, I was slightly worried racing aficianado and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond might accuse me of cultivating southern bias if I didn't do something similar for tomorrow's Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
Thing is, the feedback I received from the Aintree Guide was jolly desperate, with punters saying the comments were 'rather dry'.
Gutted.
So, in an attempt to address this miserable siutation, I asked Tim Smith, Senior Trader at Coral, to provide comments for tomorrow's race. As you can see below, he's far better informed than me and has a better sense of humour to boot.
Usual rules - each entry compiled using Twitter's 140 character restriction...
Junior
Has won at Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival. Didn’t get beyond the 2nd fence in the National. Compensation here?
Benny Be Good
His dad was my favourite horse ever. Adaptable type who mixes hurdling with chasing but handicapper in control now.
Walkon
Was once 2nd in a Triumph hurdle. Lost his pace and now up in trip, and will be walking by the end of this slog.
Knockara Beau
Old favourite who stays extreme trips better than his jockey does. Plodded on in the Gold Cup – this more his grade.
Fruity O’Rooney
In cracking form having finished 2nd at Cheltenham. Likes a trip but no secrets from the handicapper now.
Galaxy Rock
Gold Cup winning trainer/jockey combo. In decent form, popular with punters and stays longer than the mother in law.
Harry The Viking
2nd at Cheltenham, Ruby up now and sure to plough on when others have cried enough. Will be a shocking result for the bookies!
Auroras Encore
Back to form over shorter lately but stays 3 miles. This could be a mile too far but he’ll show up well early.
Ikorodu Road
Lightly raced for his age and on a hat trick. Not sure to stay this far but will be bang there if he does.
Portrait King
Irish raider on a hat trick. Stays forever, goes on any ground and jumps for fun. Hard to see him out the frame.
Garleton
Old-timer who bounced back to form last time, but will need his free bus pass to trouble the judge in this one.
Quentin Collonges
Beaten at 11/8 last time up but this lightly raced novice could be a decent EW bet, provided you can spell it on the slip.
Merigo
Won this in 2010 and 2nd last year. Laid out again this season and sure to go very close under Timmy Murphy.
Mostly Bob
Runs more bad races than good ones but capable on his day. Needs to bounce back from a shocking showing at Cheltenham.
Be There In Five
Pulled up in this last year and not shown much since. If you stand by the Winners Enclosure this will be there in five…..hours.
Any Currency
Out classed in the Cotswold Chase but will be more competitive back in a handicap. Could plod into the places at a price.
Our Island
Prolific point winner with bits of form under rules. Ran ok at Cheltenham but needs to pull out more to take this.
Pettifour
Mixes chasing and hurdling but not very good at either these days. Was once quite decent, but then so were U2.
Mac Aeda
Improving novice from the in-form Malcolm Jefferson barn. Blew out last time but chances if yard magic rubs off.
Abbeybraney
Running ok for an old timer but not getting any better. Will jump round in his own time.
King Fontaine
Fallen on his last two chase starts. Has more letters in his form than numbers and could get another one here.
Ballyfitz
Nearly old enough to shave but continues to run well in decent races. The pick of the golden oldies.
Captain Americo
Manages to get out paced in even the slowest of races and looks likely to do the same here. More likely to get lapped than win.
Etxalar
Out of form and out of the handicap. The owner must want some free badges.
Heez A Steel
Form looks like a Scrabble hand, and the only word he will be making here is T-A-I-L-E-D-O-F-F.
Following publication of my Twitter Guide to last week's Aintree Grand National, I was slightly worried racing aficianado and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond might accuse me of cultivating southern bias if I didn't do something similar for tomorrow's Coral Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
Thing is, the feedback I received from the Aintree Guide was jolly desperate, with punters saying the comments were 'rather dry'.
Gutted.
So, in an attempt to address this miserable siutation, I asked Tim Smith, Senior Trader at Coral, to provide comments for tomorrow's race. As you can see below, he's far better informed than me and has a better sense of humour to boot.
Usual rules - each entry compiled using Twitter's 140 character restriction...
Junior
Has won at Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival. Didn’t get beyond the 2nd fence in the National. Compensation here?
Benny Be Good
His dad was my favourite horse ever. Adaptable type who mixes hurdling with chasing but handicapper in control now.
Walkon
Was once 2nd in a Triumph hurdle. Lost his pace and now up in trip, and will be walking by the end of this slog.
Knockara Beau
Old favourite who stays extreme trips better than his jockey does. Plodded on in the Gold Cup – this more his grade.
Fruity O’Rooney
In cracking form having finished 2nd at Cheltenham. Likes a trip but no secrets from the handicapper now.
Galaxy Rock
Gold Cup winning trainer/jockey combo. In decent form, popular with punters and stays longer than the mother in law.
Harry The Viking
2nd at Cheltenham, Ruby up now and sure to plough on when others have cried enough. Will be a shocking result for the bookies!
Auroras Encore
Back to form over shorter lately but stays 3 miles. This could be a mile too far but he’ll show up well early.
Ikorodu Road
Lightly raced for his age and on a hat trick. Not sure to stay this far but will be bang there if he does.
Portrait King
Irish raider on a hat trick. Stays forever, goes on any ground and jumps for fun. Hard to see him out the frame.
Garleton
Old-timer who bounced back to form last time, but will need his free bus pass to trouble the judge in this one.
Quentin Collonges
Beaten at 11/8 last time up but this lightly raced novice could be a decent EW bet, provided you can spell it on the slip.
Merigo
Won this in 2010 and 2nd last year. Laid out again this season and sure to go very close under Timmy Murphy.
Mostly Bob
Runs more bad races than good ones but capable on his day. Needs to bounce back from a shocking showing at Cheltenham.
Be There In Five
Pulled up in this last year and not shown much since. If you stand by the Winners Enclosure this will be there in five…..hours.
Any Currency
Out classed in the Cotswold Chase but will be more competitive back in a handicap. Could plod into the places at a price.
Our Island
Prolific point winner with bits of form under rules. Ran ok at Cheltenham but needs to pull out more to take this.
Pettifour
Mixes chasing and hurdling but not very good at either these days. Was once quite decent, but then so were U2.
Mac Aeda
Improving novice from the in-form Malcolm Jefferson barn. Blew out last time but chances if yard magic rubs off.
Abbeybraney
Running ok for an old timer but not getting any better. Will jump round in his own time.
King Fontaine
Fallen on his last two chase starts. Has more letters in his form than numbers and could get another one here.
Ballyfitz
Nearly old enough to shave but continues to run well in decent races. The pick of the golden oldies.
Captain Americo
Manages to get out paced in even the slowest of races and looks likely to do the same here. More likely to get lapped than win.
Etxalar
Out of form and out of the handicap. The owner must want some free badges.
Heez A Steel
Form looks like a Scrabble hand, and the only word he will be making here is T-A-I-L-E-D-O-F-F.
Friday, April 13, 2012
The story behind this year's Grand National runners
[To be read in the style of fiction noir...]
Becauseicouldntsee there seemed Organisedconfusion down The Midnight Club in Calgary Bay when, through the Midnight Haze, Weird Al ordered Seabass Tatenen starter with a rum and Black Apalachi but then struggled to decide between the Neptune Equester, the Neptune Collonges and the Arbor Supreme.
In the backgound the West End Rocker, wearing his Cappa Bleu, played Deep Purple, Planet Of Sound, Alfa Beat, Tharawaat and Shakalakaboomboom which made Synchronised Giles Cross - he threatened to kick the Chicago Grey in the Ballabriggs.
According To Pete, who was Always Right and On His Own, Rare Bob was In Compliance with Sunnyhillboy about the current State Of Play but after the Junior Postmaster passed the Quiscover Fontaine to say 'Hello Bud' to Swing Bill, he was soon to realise it was Vic Venturi, not Killyglen, who fancied the Viking Blond, which left him stuck in the Treacle...
Mon Mome!
With apologies to all concerned.
Becauseicouldntsee there seemed Organisedconfusion down The Midnight Club in Calgary Bay when, through the Midnight Haze, Weird Al ordered Seabass Tatenen starter with a rum and Black Apalachi but then struggled to decide between the Neptune Equester, the Neptune Collonges and the Arbor Supreme.
In the backgound the West End Rocker, wearing his Cappa Bleu, played Deep Purple, Planet Of Sound, Alfa Beat, Tharawaat and Shakalakaboomboom which made Synchronised Giles Cross - he threatened to kick the Chicago Grey in the Ballabriggs.
According To Pete, who was Always Right and On His Own, Rare Bob was In Compliance with Sunnyhillboy about the current State Of Play but after the Junior Postmaster passed the Quiscover Fontaine to say 'Hello Bud' to Swing Bill, he was soon to realise it was Vic Venturi, not Killyglen, who fancied the Viking Blond, which left him stuck in the Treacle...
Mon Mome!
With apologies to all concerned.
Aintree Grand National 2012
Those who like to make up their own mind on the National may find my Twitter Guide of some limited use (non-runners at the time of writing - Always Waining [displayed his liking for the fences by winning the Topham earlier today at 11/1], Le Beau Bai, Any Currency, Our Island, Abbeybraney, Saddlers Storm, Smoking Aces and Ballyvessey).
For every one else, there's this....
This year has proved more of a conundrum than most. Early indications were we were likely to see the race run on soft, perhaps even heavy ground; however the forecast rain hasn't arrived in the quantities the weathermen predicted with the result the track has dried out more quickly than anticipated - the clerk of the course even watered last night. Although Aintree has seen some rain this afternoon, the questions remains - what will underfoot conditions be come 4.15 tomorrow afternoon? At the time of writing the going on the National course is described as good to soft, good in places.
I've taken a view that the rains aren't going to arrive, so here we go. Look at it like this - if the weathermen can't predict the weather, what chance does anyone have in a 40 runner handicap chase?
1. Cappa Bleu - a big horse, the subject of bullish noises from connections; likely to appreciate better ground - 16/1 generally
2. Sunnyhillboy - 16/1 chance who ran a fine trial in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham ; closely matched with Becauseicouldntsee
3. Ballabriggs - last year's winner has plenty of weight but should run a sound race - 12/1
4. West End Rocker - my original winning selection had the ground come up soft - 14/1 with Paddy Power who also pay five places
Best outsider: Always Right (quite possibly named after Mrs Tips) at 33/1 - talented individual who could go close if a recent wind operation has helped his breathing.
A view on some of the other contenders...
I can't have Gold Cup winner Synchronised on the grounds of value as well as the fact that he isn't the most natural of jumpers and tends to need time between his races. Junior wears blinkers which I particularly don't like in the National. Giles Cross and According To Pete were considered closely but I think the ground may just have gone against that pairing while Killyglen was another in the mix but I took a view he was tiring when coming to grief four out last year.
Earlier in the week I seriously contemplated a bet on less than 12 to finish (provided the going came up soft); that wager is now firmly off the agenda!
On the remainder of the card...
The Aintree Hurdle looks intriguing. I prefer Oscar Whisky to Rock On Rubi although the handicapper doesn't agree. The five-year-old Zarkander is entitled to improve on his fifth in the Champion while Thousand Stars will be no pushover. If you held a gun to my head, I'd have to stick with Oscar Whisky.
Population is the likely favourite for the finale but deserves to be while I haven't totally given up on Sir Johnson after he disappointed me at Cheltenham; trainer Peter Bowen recorded his first win for a while with Always Waining ealrier today.
That's it everyone - I wish you all the very best of luck!
For every one else, there's this....
This year has proved more of a conundrum than most. Early indications were we were likely to see the race run on soft, perhaps even heavy ground; however the forecast rain hasn't arrived in the quantities the weathermen predicted with the result the track has dried out more quickly than anticipated - the clerk of the course even watered last night. Although Aintree has seen some rain this afternoon, the questions remains - what will underfoot conditions be come 4.15 tomorrow afternoon? At the time of writing the going on the National course is described as good to soft, good in places.
I've taken a view that the rains aren't going to arrive, so here we go. Look at it like this - if the weathermen can't predict the weather, what chance does anyone have in a 40 runner handicap chase?
1. Cappa Bleu - a big horse, the subject of bullish noises from connections; likely to appreciate better ground - 16/1 generally
2. Sunnyhillboy - 16/1 chance who ran a fine trial in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham ; closely matched with Becauseicouldntsee
3. Ballabriggs - last year's winner has plenty of weight but should run a sound race - 12/1
4. West End Rocker - my original winning selection had the ground come up soft - 14/1 with Paddy Power who also pay five places
Best outsider: Always Right (quite possibly named after Mrs Tips) at 33/1 - talented individual who could go close if a recent wind operation has helped his breathing.
A view on some of the other contenders...
I can't have Gold Cup winner Synchronised on the grounds of value as well as the fact that he isn't the most natural of jumpers and tends to need time between his races. Junior wears blinkers which I particularly don't like in the National. Giles Cross and According To Pete were considered closely but I think the ground may just have gone against that pairing while Killyglen was another in the mix but I took a view he was tiring when coming to grief four out last year.
Earlier in the week I seriously contemplated a bet on less than 12 to finish (provided the going came up soft); that wager is now firmly off the agenda!
On the remainder of the card...
The Aintree Hurdle looks intriguing. I prefer Oscar Whisky to Rock On Rubi although the handicapper doesn't agree. The five-year-old Zarkander is entitled to improve on his fifth in the Champion while Thousand Stars will be no pushover. If you held a gun to my head, I'd have to stick with Oscar Whisky.
Population is the likely favourite for the finale but deserves to be while I haven't totally given up on Sir Johnson after he disappointed me at Cheltenham; trainer Peter Bowen recorded his first win for a while with Always Waining ealrier today.
That's it everyone - I wish you all the very best of luck!
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Aintree 2012 - Friday is Ladies' Day
A couple that I fancied let me down at Cheltenham (horses that is, not ladies) and they reappear tomorrow - Join Together at 2.30 and Saphir River in the 4.50.
At Haydock's Festival preview evening Mick Fitzgerald was pretty sweet on Join Together for the RSA Chase; in the event the horse went out like a light a fair way from home but at that time there was a question mark over the form of Paul Nicholls' runners. In the past fortnight the stable has recorded a strike-rate of over 50% but the worry now is Ruby Walsh prefers Silviniaco Conti, a horse that has never won over further than 21 furlongs. I'm not going to play.
I certainly intend to have an each-way wager on Saphir River in the 4.50 if the tissue price of 33/1 is readily available. This one cost 280,000 euros, has some decent French form to his name and impressed connections in a racecourse gallop at Newbury just before Cheltenham. In the Coral Cup he unshipped Sam Thomas at the second flight (but continued riderless with the field, crossing the line ahead of Veiled in third); Sam Thomas is replaced by Paul Carberry. Another who looked unlucky in running in that same race is Cape Dutch (touted beforehand by trainer John Ferguson as his best chance of a winner at that meeting).
Unbeaten Fingal Bay missed Cheltenham on account of injury but is the clear form choice for the Sefton at 4.15. He won't be much of a price although I wouldn't be tempted by Cotton Mill who took a nasty-looking tumble when ducking out two from home in the Neptune at the Festival.
I've spent a while trying to come up with something at a price for the Melling Chase. Albertas Choice shows his very best form on good ground but in any case is short enough in the market and isn't getting any younger these days while the others just don't fill me with inspiration. I'll keep my powder dry for Saturday's card.
At Haydock's Festival preview evening Mick Fitzgerald was pretty sweet on Join Together for the RSA Chase; in the event the horse went out like a light a fair way from home but at that time there was a question mark over the form of Paul Nicholls' runners. In the past fortnight the stable has recorded a strike-rate of over 50% but the worry now is Ruby Walsh prefers Silviniaco Conti, a horse that has never won over further than 21 furlongs. I'm not going to play.
I certainly intend to have an each-way wager on Saphir River in the 4.50 if the tissue price of 33/1 is readily available. This one cost 280,000 euros, has some decent French form to his name and impressed connections in a racecourse gallop at Newbury just before Cheltenham. In the Coral Cup he unshipped Sam Thomas at the second flight (but continued riderless with the field, crossing the line ahead of Veiled in third); Sam Thomas is replaced by Paul Carberry. Another who looked unlucky in running in that same race is Cape Dutch (touted beforehand by trainer John Ferguson as his best chance of a winner at that meeting).
Unbeaten Fingal Bay missed Cheltenham on account of injury but is the clear form choice for the Sefton at 4.15. He won't be much of a price although I wouldn't be tempted by Cotton Mill who took a nasty-looking tumble when ducking out two from home in the Neptune at the Festival.
I've spent a while trying to come up with something at a price for the Melling Chase. Albertas Choice shows his very best form on good ground but in any case is short enough in the market and isn't getting any younger these days while the others just don't fill me with inspiration. I'll keep my powder dry for Saturday's card.
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Three questions for a bookmaker on the 2012 Grand National
Earlier in the week, slumbering amongst the form books, somewhat unexpectedly I received an email suggesting I dreamt up three questions to ask Simon Clare [SC, @SiClare ], Director of Communications at Coral bookmakers and James Knight [JK, @jamesaknight ], Head of Racing at the same organisation.
Here's a transcript of the outcome; of course, the replies given generated more questions in my mind but that's the thing about email - it just so damned asynchronous.
PG: I see Coral are noticeably shorter about Junior and bigger about Sunnyhillboy than other layers - talk me through your thinking on those two horses.
SC: Our stance with Junior is based on the fact that he is always extremely popular with punters on the day every time he runs. He was a shocking result for us when he won at Royal Ascot and even worse when he won the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in 2011 – so we have taken the view we don’t want a big liability on him ante post, as he will be heavily backed in the day regardless.
We’re not hugely negative about Sunnyhillboy, he comes here in good form but we’d be happy to lay him in what looks an extremely competitive renewal of the race. There are literally more than 30 horses who could win the race.
PG: Between 14 and 19 have finished in the past four renewals but they were run on decent ground. Current indications are this year's race will be run on soft, possibly heavy ground, which is likely to have a marked effect on the number that finish. How will you price up that market this year?
SC:The ground rather than class of horse is the key factor in determining the number of finishers and that is what will drive our pricing. If it is genuinely soft ground or worse, which looks likely, then we could be looking at finishers in the single figures.
[I agree with Simon's view - Sky Bet's 13/8 under 11 finishers would be tempting if the going on the day comes up soft / heavy. PG]
PG: What is Grand National day like for a layer? Simon / James - what will you be doing on Grand National day?
SC: I'm lucky enough to be attending the event so I'll be spending the day in the thick of the action with our Coral TV camera crew and Chris Dixon. We'll be previewing live for Coral TV in the morning and then we'll all be enjoying the race.
JK:All of the form study is done, so National day is actually relatively quiet in the Trading room. We will spend the morning closely monitoring the risk position on the race, especially in the shops, as the turnover on the race is incredible – we almost take as much on this one race as we do on the entire Cheltenham festival. Near race time we will be assessing the position on the race and deciding whether to hedge any of our positions.
The last word to Coral spokesman David Stevens...
"AP McCoy and Synchronised could be the best backed National contenders since Red Rum won the last of his three Grand Nationals, and if the horse [wins]... bookies will face their most expensive day since Frankie Dettori rode all seven winners at Ascot, which cost the industry £40 million."
Here's a transcript of the outcome; of course, the replies given generated more questions in my mind but that's the thing about email - it just so damned asynchronous.
PG: I see Coral are noticeably shorter about Junior and bigger about Sunnyhillboy than other layers - talk me through your thinking on those two horses.
SC: Our stance with Junior is based on the fact that he is always extremely popular with punters on the day every time he runs. He was a shocking result for us when he won at Royal Ascot and even worse when he won the Kim Muir at Cheltenham in 2011 – so we have taken the view we don’t want a big liability on him ante post, as he will be heavily backed in the day regardless.
We’re not hugely negative about Sunnyhillboy, he comes here in good form but we’d be happy to lay him in what looks an extremely competitive renewal of the race. There are literally more than 30 horses who could win the race.
PG: Between 14 and 19 have finished in the past four renewals but they were run on decent ground. Current indications are this year's race will be run on soft, possibly heavy ground, which is likely to have a marked effect on the number that finish. How will you price up that market this year?
SC:The ground rather than class of horse is the key factor in determining the number of finishers and that is what will drive our pricing. If it is genuinely soft ground or worse, which looks likely, then we could be looking at finishers in the single figures.
[I agree with Simon's view - Sky Bet's 13/8 under 11 finishers would be tempting if the going on the day comes up soft / heavy. PG]
PG: What is Grand National day like for a layer? Simon / James - what will you be doing on Grand National day?
SC: I'm lucky enough to be attending the event so I'll be spending the day in the thick of the action with our Coral TV camera crew and Chris Dixon. We'll be previewing live for Coral TV in the morning and then we'll all be enjoying the race.
JK:All of the form study is done, so National day is actually relatively quiet in the Trading room. We will spend the morning closely monitoring the risk position on the race, especially in the shops, as the turnover on the race is incredible – we almost take as much on this one race as we do on the entire Cheltenham festival. Near race time we will be assessing the position on the race and deciding whether to hedge any of our positions.
The last word to Coral spokesman David Stevens...
"AP McCoy and Synchronised could be the best backed National contenders since Red Rum won the last of his three Grand Nationals, and if the horse [wins]... bookies will face their most expensive day since Frankie Dettori rode all seven winners at Ascot, which cost the industry £40 million."
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