Prince George Monday, King George Saturday.
As a betting medium Ascot's mid-summer showpiece makes less appeal than a Prince George souvenir mug, with Cirrus Des Aigles rated some twelve pounds clear of his field. The best racehorse currently in training anywhere in the world is likely to start at a price that reflects that fact; the favourite has obliged on six occasions in the past decade.
In search of a bit of value, I chanced upon the two mile skyvegas.com Handicap, the 4.40 at York. Moidore and Crackentorp head the weights - the pair clashed in the Northumberland Plate four weeks ago, the former finishing sixth, the latter tenth. Crackentrop is three pounds better off here - they look very closely matched.
All The Aces finished sixth behind Eagle Rock over course and distance last time, Art History eighth. Nicky Henderson's dual-purpose gelding was rated as high as 134 over hurdles and will appreciate the rain that has been forecast.
I like to follow jumpers running on the Flat - All The Aces is a speculative selection.
Friday, July 26, 2013
Friday, July 19, 2013
Market Rasen Summer Plate 2013
Peter Bowen won three consecutive renewals from 2006 to 2008 with Yes Sir, Iron Man, Snoopy Loopy and regularly targets this race; he saddles just the one tomorrow, Dineur, but that one could start favourite on the day. The gelding jumps well and went in at Stratford last Sunday despite my concern he may not prefer the prevailing fast ground. He carries a five pound penalty for that victory.
Dr Richard Newland has declared three - Paddy The Hare, Pineau De Re and Bobowen. The first-named won over course and distance 13 days ago and according to the market is the stable's best chance but it would be unwise to disregard Pineau De Re who finished sixth behind Storm Survivor over a longer trip at Uttoxeter on his first run for the yard. That day he displayed a tendency to jump out right so this right-handed track and step back in trip should help the cause.
Both Brian Ellison and Jonjo O'Neill saddle two - Ellison Bocciani and Viva Colonia, O'Neill Galaxy Rock and Finger On the Pulse. McCoy rides Galaxy Rock who finished ahead of Pineau De Re and Problema Tic in Storm Survivor's race at Uttoxeter.
The market tells us that, as usual, this a very open race; I looked at Galaxy Rock (11/1 Stan James) but his last win was November 2011 and he may just need a bit further these days.
From Dr Newland's runners I prefer Pineau De Re to Paddy The Hare - Pineau De Re is the each-way suggestion (9/1 Paddy Power).
In the Summer Hurdle (2.55) I have to have a bet on Barizan, an old favourite; his heart-breaking second to Soldatino in the 2010 Triumph Hurdle still sticks in the mind. He seems to have been around for ever but is still only seven and won the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock last time out - he's 8/1 with Betfred and totesport.
Every now and again the opener throws up an interesting one - Countrywide Flame took the 2011 renewal before going on to win the Triumph Hurdle the following March.
Dr Richard Newland has declared three - Paddy The Hare, Pineau De Re and Bobowen. The first-named won over course and distance 13 days ago and according to the market is the stable's best chance but it would be unwise to disregard Pineau De Re who finished sixth behind Storm Survivor over a longer trip at Uttoxeter on his first run for the yard. That day he displayed a tendency to jump out right so this right-handed track and step back in trip should help the cause.
Both Brian Ellison and Jonjo O'Neill saddle two - Ellison Bocciani and Viva Colonia, O'Neill Galaxy Rock and Finger On the Pulse. McCoy rides Galaxy Rock who finished ahead of Pineau De Re and Problema Tic in Storm Survivor's race at Uttoxeter.
The market tells us that, as usual, this a very open race; I looked at Galaxy Rock (11/1 Stan James) but his last win was November 2011 and he may just need a bit further these days.
From Dr Newland's runners I prefer Pineau De Re to Paddy The Hare - Pineau De Re is the each-way suggestion (9/1 Paddy Power).
In the Summer Hurdle (2.55) I have to have a bet on Barizan, an old favourite; his heart-breaking second to Soldatino in the 2010 Triumph Hurdle still sticks in the mind. He seems to have been around for ever but is still only seven and won the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock last time out - he's 8/1 with Betfred and totesport.
Every now and again the opener throws up an interesting one - Countrywide Flame took the 2011 renewal before going on to win the Triumph Hurdle the following March.
Friday, July 12, 2013
NHotes and a beer
A very quick glance through the weekend cards...
Peter Bowen's dual-purpose mare Big Time Billy goes for an astonishing seventh consecutive win in the Stayers' Handicap at York (4.50) tomorrow. On Sunday the same handler sends Kian's Delight to Perth (2.30) while Dineur goes to Stratford for The Stratford Summer Cup (3.50), a very tight-looking handicap indeed. My concern about Dineur's chance would be that firm ground may not suit.
Writing in the Weekender Marcus Buckland makes a solid case for Solaras Exhibition in The Stratford Summer Salver (3.20) at the same meeting. This one was considered a 'lively outsider' by connections for the Fred Winter at Cheltenham; Solaras Exhibition would represent a value play should previous course and distance winner Castlemorris King be sent off favourite, as seems likely.
Finally I see The Times, in conjunction with Marston's brewery, is running a competition around The Ashes Series to win a year's supply of beer - and the brewer's Pedigree product would seem an appropriate tipple for any racing fan.
'Howzat for a great prize?' asks the blurb.
Well, not too impressive I'm afraid - the small print indicates the prize consists of 96 bottles of the aforementioned beer.
According to my miserable calculations, that equates to just 1.85 bottles per week. Now, I'm making no claims to be the world's biggest beer drinker but that allowance would barely cover one calendar month, never mind one calendar year.
'Enjoy responsibly' is what they like to tell us...
Peter Bowen's dual-purpose mare Big Time Billy goes for an astonishing seventh consecutive win in the Stayers' Handicap at York (4.50) tomorrow. On Sunday the same handler sends Kian's Delight to Perth (2.30) while Dineur goes to Stratford for The Stratford Summer Cup (3.50), a very tight-looking handicap indeed. My concern about Dineur's chance would be that firm ground may not suit.
Writing in the Weekender Marcus Buckland makes a solid case for Solaras Exhibition in The Stratford Summer Salver (3.20) at the same meeting. This one was considered a 'lively outsider' by connections for the Fred Winter at Cheltenham; Solaras Exhibition would represent a value play should previous course and distance winner Castlemorris King be sent off favourite, as seems likely.
Finally I see The Times, in conjunction with Marston's brewery, is running a competition around The Ashes Series to win a year's supply of beer - and the brewer's Pedigree product would seem an appropriate tipple for any racing fan.
'Howzat for a great prize?' asks the blurb.
Well, not too impressive I'm afraid - the small print indicates the prize consists of 96 bottles of the aforementioned beer.
According to my miserable calculations, that equates to just 1.85 bottles per week. Now, I'm making no claims to be the world's biggest beer drinker but that allowance would barely cover one calendar month, never mind one calendar year.
'Enjoy responsibly' is what they like to tell us...
Friday, July 05, 2013
Coral Eclipse 2013
I think this year's Eclipse looks closer than the layers' prices would have us believe.
Al Kazeem's neck defeat of Mukhadram in The Prince of Wales's Stakes, with filly The Fugue three and three quarter lengths back in third, is a key piece of form. That day The Fugue was ridden well off the pace and can be expected to finish closer; in recent days Willie Haggas has sounded bullish about his charge's chance of reversing placings with the favourite.
Coolmore saddles two - Mars finished sixth in the Derby and then three lengths third behind Dawn Approach in the St James's Palace Stakes over a mile at Royal Ascot while Declaration Of War won the Queen Anne at the same meeting. The latter-named could be underestimated as Animal Kingdom, the 5/4 favourite that day, failed to run his race but on official ratings the colt has a bit to find.
It would be dangerous to totally write off Prix Ganay winner Pastorius on the back of a disappointing effort at Kranji last time.
Fillies have a terrible record; just two have obliged (Pebbles 1985 and Kooyonga 1992) since the inaugural running in 1886 while the Classic generation benefits from its weight allowance but has only come out on top five times in the past twenty years (Compton Admiral 1999, Giant's Causeway 2000, Hawk Wing 2002, Oratorio 2005 and Sea The Stars 2009).
Paul Hanagan is likely to try and make all again on Mukhadram; the colt doesn't possess the same turn of foot as the favourite but I like a tough front-runner so, at the prices, previous course and distance winner Mukhadram (8/1 with Paddy Power at the time of writing) is the selection.
Al Kazeem's neck defeat of Mukhadram in The Prince of Wales's Stakes, with filly The Fugue three and three quarter lengths back in third, is a key piece of form. That day The Fugue was ridden well off the pace and can be expected to finish closer; in recent days Willie Haggas has sounded bullish about his charge's chance of reversing placings with the favourite.
Coolmore saddles two - Mars finished sixth in the Derby and then three lengths third behind Dawn Approach in the St James's Palace Stakes over a mile at Royal Ascot while Declaration Of War won the Queen Anne at the same meeting. The latter-named could be underestimated as Animal Kingdom, the 5/4 favourite that day, failed to run his race but on official ratings the colt has a bit to find.
It would be dangerous to totally write off Prix Ganay winner Pastorius on the back of a disappointing effort at Kranji last time.
Fillies have a terrible record; just two have obliged (Pebbles 1985 and Kooyonga 1992) since the inaugural running in 1886 while the Classic generation benefits from its weight allowance but has only come out on top five times in the past twenty years (Compton Admiral 1999, Giant's Causeway 2000, Hawk Wing 2002, Oratorio 2005 and Sea The Stars 2009).
Paul Hanagan is likely to try and make all again on Mukhadram; the colt doesn't possess the same turn of foot as the favourite but I like a tough front-runner so, at the prices, previous course and distance winner Mukhadram (8/1 with Paddy Power at the time of writing) is the selection.
Friday, June 28, 2013
Northumberland Plate 2013
Some old favourites line up for this year's renewal of the John Smith's Northumberland Plate including Tominator, successful in 2011, Blue Bajan and Ile De Re who carried 9-03 to victory last year, holding Crackentorp half a length.
That was a notable performance, particularly on heavy ground; Ile De Re became only the fourth horse in the past 20 years to carry more than 9-0 to victory (the others being Bold Gait 9-10 1995, Celeric 9-04 1996, Bangalore 9-05 2002) and just the second favourite to oblige in the past decade.
The draw is key - it's important to secure a decent pitch early on; lower numbered stalls are more highly prized although Overturn won from berth 21 in 2010 and Tominator from stall 14 the following year.
Richard Fahey's pair Address Unknown and Ingleby Spirit finished first and second from good draws in the Chester Cup last month but are drawn 15 and 18 respectively for tomorrow's event.
I usually select an animal with jumps form for this marathon.
Alan King's Ardlui catches the eye and has been well-touted. The gelding missed a Royal Ascot engagement for this (a bonus) while The Betchworth Kid ran seventh for the stable last year; having said that, he has his share of weight to carry.
John Quinn's yard is in reasonable form at the moment. Moidore was well beaten behind Ardlui on his penultimate start at Ripon but next time ran six lengths second to Well Sharp at York conceding two pounds; that one franked the form in no uncertain terms by going on to win the Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Moidore looks likely to appreciate any rain that might arrive and is the each-way suggestion at around the 12/1 mark.
That was a notable performance, particularly on heavy ground; Ile De Re became only the fourth horse in the past 20 years to carry more than 9-0 to victory (the others being Bold Gait 9-10 1995, Celeric 9-04 1996, Bangalore 9-05 2002) and just the second favourite to oblige in the past decade.
The draw is key - it's important to secure a decent pitch early on; lower numbered stalls are more highly prized although Overturn won from berth 21 in 2010 and Tominator from stall 14 the following year.
Richard Fahey's pair Address Unknown and Ingleby Spirit finished first and second from good draws in the Chester Cup last month but are drawn 15 and 18 respectively for tomorrow's event.
I usually select an animal with jumps form for this marathon.
Alan King's Ardlui catches the eye and has been well-touted. The gelding missed a Royal Ascot engagement for this (a bonus) while The Betchworth Kid ran seventh for the stable last year; having said that, he has his share of weight to carry.
John Quinn's yard is in reasonable form at the moment. Moidore was well beaten behind Ardlui on his penultimate start at Ripon but next time ran six lengths second to Well Sharp at York conceding two pounds; that one franked the form in no uncertain terms by going on to win the Ascot Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Moidore looks likely to appreciate any rain that might arrive and is the each-way suggestion at around the 12/1 mark.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Royal Ascot 2013 - Saturday
Two selections for the final day of Royal Ascot...
In the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05) Mount Athos could well be sent off favourite but there's a question as to whether this is his optimum trip these days. A four-year-old has won the last five renewals while a six-year-old has won twice in the past decade; course and distance winner Ektihaam gets the vote. The favourite has obliged on five occasions in the last ten years.
The concluding Queen Alexandra Stakes is the longest race in the Flat calendar.
Last year Shahwardi finished seven lengths adrift of Simenon, a gallant second in this year's Gold Cup. On that form Shahwardi has an obvious chance but I like to pick one with NH form. Nicky Henderson won this in 2009 with Caracciola (as well as the Ascot Stakes with Veiled in 2011) and saddles Courtesy Call here. This one was second in a Newmarket Cesarewitch trial last September when trained by Mark Johnson and finished fourth behind Irish Saint in the Adonis at Kempton on his first run for the yard. He took an ordinary novices' hurdle at Taunton last month off a mark of 123 and has the look of one prepared for this race.
Mad Moose is appropriately named and not certain to consent to face the starter while at the age of ten Junior's best days are probably behind him.
First Avenue won the Imperial Cup at Sandown in March but wouldn't be certain to appreciate the additional six furlongs here. That comment also applies to Rebecca Curtis' Meganisi - booked jockey Brendan Powell booted home Glen Countess to win the Grimsby and Immingham Stevedores Novices' Handicap Chase at Market Rasen for his father earlier today.
Cloudy Spirit is a grey mare who will stay the trip but she's unlikely to be quick enough.
I'm tempted by Meganisi but in a Weekender Stable Tour last October the handler described a trip of two and a half miles as 'possibly a little too far for him as he has bags of speed'. The fitting of a first time tongue-tie could help the cause but I'm going to take an each-way interest in Courtesy Call (9/1 with several layers this evening). For the brave, double those odds are available about Meganisi with Coral.
In the Hardwicke Stakes (3.05) Mount Athos could well be sent off favourite but there's a question as to whether this is his optimum trip these days. A four-year-old has won the last five renewals while a six-year-old has won twice in the past decade; course and distance winner Ektihaam gets the vote. The favourite has obliged on five occasions in the last ten years.
The concluding Queen Alexandra Stakes is the longest race in the Flat calendar.
Last year Shahwardi finished seven lengths adrift of Simenon, a gallant second in this year's Gold Cup. On that form Shahwardi has an obvious chance but I like to pick one with NH form. Nicky Henderson won this in 2009 with Caracciola (as well as the Ascot Stakes with Veiled in 2011) and saddles Courtesy Call here. This one was second in a Newmarket Cesarewitch trial last September when trained by Mark Johnson and finished fourth behind Irish Saint in the Adonis at Kempton on his first run for the yard. He took an ordinary novices' hurdle at Taunton last month off a mark of 123 and has the look of one prepared for this race.
Mad Moose is appropriately named and not certain to consent to face the starter while at the age of ten Junior's best days are probably behind him.
First Avenue won the Imperial Cup at Sandown in March but wouldn't be certain to appreciate the additional six furlongs here. That comment also applies to Rebecca Curtis' Meganisi - booked jockey Brendan Powell booted home Glen Countess to win the Grimsby and Immingham Stevedores Novices' Handicap Chase at Market Rasen for his father earlier today.
Cloudy Spirit is a grey mare who will stay the trip but she's unlikely to be quick enough.
I'm tempted by Meganisi but in a Weekender Stable Tour last October the handler described a trip of two and a half miles as 'possibly a little too far for him as he has bags of speed'. The fitting of a first time tongue-tie could help the cause but I'm going to take an each-way interest in Courtesy Call (9/1 with several layers this evening). For the brave, double those odds are available about Meganisi with Coral.
Thursday, June 20, 2013
Royal Ascot 2013 - Friday
Victory for The Queen's filly Estimate (7/2f) in the Gold Cup earlier today went down well with plenty of punters; it was only slightly less well-received chez moi as the favourite battled on dourly to hold blog selection Simenon a neck on the line...
I'm still looking for a first winner at this year's meet and tomorrow's card looks decidedly difficult.
Battle Of Marengo, beaten two lengths into fourth in the Epsom Derby 20 days ago, is the clear form choice in the King Edward VII Stakes but the colt offers no value and there is a danger he may not have fully recovered from those exertions.
Lady Cecil recorded a poignant victory with Riposte in the Ribblesdale earlier today and saddles Disclaimer in the Queen's Vase In Memory Of Sir Henry Cecil. Coolmore's Leading Light, sired by Montjeu, has to give weight to all his rivals but has the more favourable draw and is well clear on ratings. This is a tough race over two miles for these three-year-olds and will prove even more so if the forecast rain gets into the ground. Disclaimer (9/2) offers some value against favourite Leading Light and is the suggestion in a difficult-looking contest.
Those considering a wager on either of the top two in the feature Coronation Stakes, Just The Judge and Sky Lantern, should note that they have both been drawn wide, in stalls 17 and 16 respectively.
I'm still looking for a first winner at this year's meet and tomorrow's card looks decidedly difficult.
Battle Of Marengo, beaten two lengths into fourth in the Epsom Derby 20 days ago, is the clear form choice in the King Edward VII Stakes but the colt offers no value and there is a danger he may not have fully recovered from those exertions.
Lady Cecil recorded a poignant victory with Riposte in the Ribblesdale earlier today and saddles Disclaimer in the Queen's Vase In Memory Of Sir Henry Cecil. Coolmore's Leading Light, sired by Montjeu, has to give weight to all his rivals but has the more favourable draw and is well clear on ratings. This is a tough race over two miles for these three-year-olds and will prove even more so if the forecast rain gets into the ground. Disclaimer (9/2) offers some value against favourite Leading Light and is the suggestion in a difficult-looking contest.
Those considering a wager on either of the top two in the feature Coronation Stakes, Just The Judge and Sky Lantern, should note that they have both been drawn wide, in stalls 17 and 16 respectively.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Royal Ascot 2013 - Thursday: jumpers for Ladies' Day?
The Ascot Gold Cup is one of my favourite races on the Flat - this year's renewal looks very open with 18 set to face the starter. The Queen's filly Estimate gets her allowance and is bound to be popular but this looks a tough ask. Colour Vision had Saddler's Rock half a length and a neck behind in third when winning last year's renewal but the latter-named appeared unfortunate that day while Dermot Weld's 2010 winner Rite Of Passage is talented but fragile. Earlier in the week I fancied Simenon for this but the threat of rain is a worry; nonetheless Willie Mullins' charge won the Ascot Stakes and the Queen Alexandra Stakes four days later at last year's meeting so it's no surprise to see connections going for gold. Much of the value has disappeared from Simenon's price (7/1) and on official ratings he has enough to find with a few in the field. I'll stay loyal to Simenon but Saddler's Rock had both Colour Vision and the selection behind in last year's Goodwood Cup (run over two miles) so I'm considering a saver on Saddler's Rock...
Away from the posh coats and fancy frocks of Royal Ascot, I intend to chance Awaywiththegreys on his first try over fences at Ffos Las (7.05). Propsect Wells will make the market but in a Weekender Stable Tour (published 03.04.13-07.04.13) handler Peter Bowen said:
'He won a couple of novice hurdles in June and October last year, ending up with a rating of 133, but he will be much better over fences and has schooled brilliantly. He has had a break for the past few months but will be back for the summer and is definitely one to follow first time out which will be in early May.'
Propsect Wells was rated 149 when winning the Game Spirit at Fontwell in February but was turned over at odds of 1/4 on his chasing debut at that track and may not be the most natural chaser in the making.
Away from the posh coats and fancy frocks of Royal Ascot, I intend to chance Awaywiththegreys on his first try over fences at Ffos Las (7.05). Propsect Wells will make the market but in a Weekender Stable Tour (published 03.04.13-07.04.13) handler Peter Bowen said:
'He won a couple of novice hurdles in June and October last year, ending up with a rating of 133, but he will be much better over fences and has schooled brilliantly. He has had a break for the past few months but will be back for the summer and is definitely one to follow first time out which will be in early May.'
Propsect Wells was rated 149 when winning the Game Spirit at Fontwell in February but was turned over at odds of 1/4 on his chasing debut at that track and may not be the most natural chaser in the making.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Royal Ascot 2013 - Wednesday
The highlight is the Prince of Wales's Stakes at 3.45. Al Kazeem appeared to beat Camelot fair and square in the Tattersalls Gold Cup at the Curragh. The Fugue has the fillies' allowance, conditions to suit and would appeal as an each-way wager at a slightly bigger price. Maxios looks a value play (11/2 or bigger) in a race French-trained runners have won three times in the past six years - the favourite has obliged on five occasions in the past decade.
The Duke of Cambridge Stakes is usually run as the Windsor Forest Stakes. There have been some big priced winners in the past ten years including Peeress (14/1 in 2005), Spacious (10/1 in 2009), Lolly For Dolly (11/1 in 2011) and Joviality (11/1 last year); the favourite has won on just two occasions. On official ratings Lady Cecil's Chigun has one pound in hand over Duntle while both fillies have won over the course and distance; Chigun gets the vote.
The Duke of Cambridge Stakes is usually run as the Windsor Forest Stakes. There have been some big priced winners in the past ten years including Peeress (14/1 in 2005), Spacious (10/1 in 2009), Lolly For Dolly (11/1 in 2011) and Joviality (11/1 last year); the favourite has won on just two occasions. On official ratings Lady Cecil's Chigun has one pound in hand over Duntle while both fillies have won over the course and distance; Chigun gets the vote.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Royal Ascot 2013 - Tuesday
Things will be different at Royal Ascot this year...
Firstly, Sir Henry Cecil, with 75 winners the most successful trainer of all time at this meeting, will not be present. His passing has been mourned by racing people around the world.
Above all else I will always associate the trainer with the Ascot Gold Cup at a time when the race and the great stayers were adored by the public. Le Moss beat stablemate Buckskin in 1979 and repeated the trick the following year beating Ardross three quarters of a length in a thrilling duel inside the final two furlongs.
Ardross was subsequently sold out of Kevin Prendergast's yard in Ireland and in 1981 turned up to collect the spoils, this time trained by H.R.A. Cecil. The following year the horse came back to win the same race on his fourth run of the season, breaking the track record in the process. Marvellous memories indeed...
This year sees Channel 4 cover the meeting for the first time, with every race scheduled to be shown live; presenter Clare Balding received an OBE for services to Broadcasting and Journalism in the Queen's Birthday Honours on Saturday.
Traditionalists have bemoaned the arrival of Royal Ascot coverage interrupted by advertisements but times have changed... The racecourse has struck its first sponsorship deal for this meeting in 302 years - Swiss watchmaker Longines is Royal Ascot's 'official partner' in a five year deal worth £7 million.
Reassuringly, other things are likely to remain much the same as ever, such as the below-par performance of the blog's tips. Here are brief comments for Tuesday's card...
In the opening Queen Anne Stakes 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom looks the one to beat but he'll be no price. Those looking to oppose will point out the trip is shorter than ideal and connections wouldn't relish soft ground if rain came. The each-way value about Elusive Kate disappeared in the week.
Shea Shea will be a warm order for the King's Stand but only two favourites have obliged in the past decade (Miss Andretti 3/1 2007 and Scenic Blast 11/4 2009). Currently priced at around the 2/1 mark, I'm not tempted.
It was a surprise to many to see Dawn Approach declared for the St James's Place Stakes after his performance in the Epsom Derby two and a half weeks ago. Aidan O'Brien's Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician looks a threat but a minor setback in the past few days is a concern - Coolmore has also declared Mars, sixth in the Derby, as insurance. Connections have long been sweet on Toronado but he has enough to find on the book. Dawn Approach, racing back over a mile, is the percentage call but you couldn't have foreseen that performance at Epsom on Derby day - I'll watch from the sidelines. The favourite has obliged on six occasions in the past ten years.
My each-way chance in the Coventry is Wahaab at around 12/1.
I always like one with NH form in the Ascot Stakes (5.00). Last year Simenon took the spoils for Willie Mullins and then four days later added the Queen Alexandra Stakes for good measure; I'll look closely at Simenon if he goes in Thursday's Gold Cup - he met trouble in running last time in the Chester Cup. This year Mullins saddles Midnight Oil, rated 135 over hurdles in Ireland, and the Motivator gelding is the each-way suggestion at 10/1. On a line through Bondage this one wouldn't have much in hand over Philip Hobbs' Big Easy (fifth in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham off a mark of 136) but Hobbs' charge was slightly outpaced that day and that is a concern here.
Firstly, Sir Henry Cecil, with 75 winners the most successful trainer of all time at this meeting, will not be present. His passing has been mourned by racing people around the world.
Above all else I will always associate the trainer with the Ascot Gold Cup at a time when the race and the great stayers were adored by the public. Le Moss beat stablemate Buckskin in 1979 and repeated the trick the following year beating Ardross three quarters of a length in a thrilling duel inside the final two furlongs.
Ardross was subsequently sold out of Kevin Prendergast's yard in Ireland and in 1981 turned up to collect the spoils, this time trained by H.R.A. Cecil. The following year the horse came back to win the same race on his fourth run of the season, breaking the track record in the process. Marvellous memories indeed...
This year sees Channel 4 cover the meeting for the first time, with every race scheduled to be shown live; presenter Clare Balding received an OBE for services to Broadcasting and Journalism in the Queen's Birthday Honours on Saturday.
Traditionalists have bemoaned the arrival of Royal Ascot coverage interrupted by advertisements but times have changed... The racecourse has struck its first sponsorship deal for this meeting in 302 years - Swiss watchmaker Longines is Royal Ascot's 'official partner' in a five year deal worth £7 million.
Reassuringly, other things are likely to remain much the same as ever, such as the below-par performance of the blog's tips. Here are brief comments for Tuesday's card...
In the opening Queen Anne Stakes 2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom looks the one to beat but he'll be no price. Those looking to oppose will point out the trip is shorter than ideal and connections wouldn't relish soft ground if rain came. The each-way value about Elusive Kate disappeared in the week.
Shea Shea will be a warm order for the King's Stand but only two favourites have obliged in the past decade (Miss Andretti 3/1 2007 and Scenic Blast 11/4 2009). Currently priced at around the 2/1 mark, I'm not tempted.
It was a surprise to many to see Dawn Approach declared for the St James's Place Stakes after his performance in the Epsom Derby two and a half weeks ago. Aidan O'Brien's Irish 2000 Guineas winner Magician looks a threat but a minor setback in the past few days is a concern - Coolmore has also declared Mars, sixth in the Derby, as insurance. Connections have long been sweet on Toronado but he has enough to find on the book. Dawn Approach, racing back over a mile, is the percentage call but you couldn't have foreseen that performance at Epsom on Derby day - I'll watch from the sidelines. The favourite has obliged on six occasions in the past ten years.
My each-way chance in the Coventry is Wahaab at around 12/1.
I always like one with NH form in the Ascot Stakes (5.00). Last year Simenon took the spoils for Willie Mullins and then four days later added the Queen Alexandra Stakes for good measure; I'll look closely at Simenon if he goes in Thursday's Gold Cup - he met trouble in running last time in the Chester Cup. This year Mullins saddles Midnight Oil, rated 135 over hurdles in Ireland, and the Motivator gelding is the each-way suggestion at 10/1. On a line through Bondage this one wouldn't have much in hand over Philip Hobbs' Big Easy (fifth in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham off a mark of 136) but Hobbs' charge was slightly outpaced that day and that is a concern here.
Friday, June 07, 2013
An evening session
In the Racing Post this week Steve Dennis has written a series of articles ('Evening Sessions') looking at selected evening meetings from around the country; today's piece about Kempton bemoans the lack of atmosphere at the Surrey track.
Yesterday evening, for the first time in quite a while, I watched a race in a bookmaker's shop. If Steve thinks there's no atmosphere at Kempton, he should have been in the Coral shop where I managed to catch the second half of the 6.25 from Worcester.
As I departed the deserted premises, a voice from somewhere beyond the counter pointedly exclaimed, 'That'll be one pound please!'
The comment must have been aimed at me - there was no else in the shop.
Have to smile, don't you?
There will be no lack of atmosphere at tomorrow's evening meeting at Stratford.
In the opening novices' handicap hurdle I'll back Peter Bowen's Vinnie My Boy. In the Weekender Stable Tour (3-7 April 2013) the handler said of his charge, 'He is a very smart horse...[who] has been handicapped on his soft-ground form but is better on faster.' Since that comment the horse has run twice, finishing third on both occasions on good to soft and soft ground. He should get quicker ground here and the application of first-time cheekpieces should help the concentration. The tissue shows 8/1 about Vinnie My Boy so I'll take an each-way interest at that price, though probably not at the Coral outlet mentioned above...
Well Mett ran well on his first try over the the larger obstacles in a beginners' chase at Wetherby 11 days ago; he'll stay the trip but faces a jolly stiff task giving weight to more experienced rivals in the 6.45.
The Class 2 chase and hurdle (at 7.45 and 8.15) look pretty competitive but course and distance winner Up To The Mark would be of interest in the 8.45 provided first-time blinkers can work their magic.
Clondaw Draft looks the one to beat in the bumper.
Yesterday evening, for the first time in quite a while, I watched a race in a bookmaker's shop. If Steve thinks there's no atmosphere at Kempton, he should have been in the Coral shop where I managed to catch the second half of the 6.25 from Worcester.
As I departed the deserted premises, a voice from somewhere beyond the counter pointedly exclaimed, 'That'll be one pound please!'
The comment must have been aimed at me - there was no else in the shop.
Have to smile, don't you?
There will be no lack of atmosphere at tomorrow's evening meeting at Stratford.
In the opening novices' handicap hurdle I'll back Peter Bowen's Vinnie My Boy. In the Weekender Stable Tour (3-7 April 2013) the handler said of his charge, 'He is a very smart horse...[who] has been handicapped on his soft-ground form but is better on faster.' Since that comment the horse has run twice, finishing third on both occasions on good to soft and soft ground. He should get quicker ground here and the application of first-time cheekpieces should help the concentration. The tissue shows 8/1 about Vinnie My Boy so I'll take an each-way interest at that price, though probably not at the Coral outlet mentioned above...
Well Mett ran well on his first try over the the larger obstacles in a beginners' chase at Wetherby 11 days ago; he'll stay the trip but faces a jolly stiff task giving weight to more experienced rivals in the 6.45.
The Class 2 chase and hurdle (at 7.45 and 8.15) look pretty competitive but course and distance winner Up To The Mark would be of interest in the 8.45 provided first-time blinkers can work their magic.
Clondaw Draft looks the one to beat in the bumper.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Thoughts on the 2013 Derby day
Twelve go to post for the 2013 Epsom Derby tomorrow, with Aidan O'Brien responsible for five of the field. On ratings Dawn Approach is some way clear of his rivals and is priced accordingly; the query is whether this relaxed individual will stay the trip. Generally the market tends to give a good guide - in the past decade, the winner has come from the first three in the betting on nine occasions.
Maybe I'm getting old, but I'm afarid this year's renewal just hasn't inspired. I'll have a small each-way wager on Galileo Rock (sired by 2001 winner Galileo), priced at 40/1 at the time of writing with Stan James, Bet Victor and bet365.
A couple of jockeys have been in the news this week...
Media coverage of Dettori's return to the saddle earlier today brought to mind the parable of the prodigal son and is likely to appear incongruous to many both inside and outside the sport given the Italian has just served a six-month ban following a positive drugs test.
On Monday it was announced Paul Nicholls was to split with Ruby Walsh. The travelling has been an issue to Walsh for some time - I half expected the announcement this time last year.
On Derby day I like to have a bet on the jumpers, just for the sheer hell of it. The opening seller at Hexham looks trappy so I'll take the chance with Baccalaureate in the competitive-looking handicap hurdle at 3.20. This one ran well on his first run for Sue Smith's yard follwing a long lay-off; he might well 'bounce' this time but the tissue price of 13/2 is tempting...
Maybe I'm getting old, but I'm afarid this year's renewal just hasn't inspired. I'll have a small each-way wager on Galileo Rock (sired by 2001 winner Galileo), priced at 40/1 at the time of writing with Stan James, Bet Victor and bet365.
A couple of jockeys have been in the news this week...
Media coverage of Dettori's return to the saddle earlier today brought to mind the parable of the prodigal son and is likely to appear incongruous to many both inside and outside the sport given the Italian has just served a six-month ban following a positive drugs test.
On Monday it was announced Paul Nicholls was to split with Ruby Walsh. The travelling has been an issue to Walsh for some time - I half expected the announcement this time last year.
On Derby day I like to have a bet on the jumpers, just for the sheer hell of it. The opening seller at Hexham looks trappy so I'll take the chance with Baccalaureate in the competitive-looking handicap hurdle at 3.20. This one ran well on his first run for Sue Smith's yard follwing a long lay-off; he might well 'bounce' this time but the tissue price of 13/2 is tempting...
Friday, May 24, 2013
Randomly noted...
Hot on the hooves of the Godolphin doping scandal, this week jockey Eddie Ahern received a 10 year ban for breaching three BHA rules, a ban he will contest with the support of the Professional Jockeys' Association.
In other news...
Dettori's return to the track following a six month ban has been delayed but he remains hopeful of riding in the Epsom Derby on June 1st.
In Wednesday's Racing Post Lee Mottershead reported that in the period from January 1st to April 27th 2013 viewing figures for Channel 4 Racing were down on 22 of the 25 broadcast days, while the audience for The Morning Line fell 277,000 during the Cheltenham Festival.
And Royal Ascot has appointed its first 'official partner' - Swiss watchmakers Longines. Chris Cook of The Guardian wonders, quite wryly, whether this partnership will lead to the publishing of acccurate sectional times at the track...
Enough.
Last weekend's post made mention of Oliver Sherwood's mare Luci Di Mezzanotte. She didn't run at Bangor but did turn up for a Wetherby Maiden Hurdle yesterday and obliged at odds of 4/1.
Tomorrow sees the traditional Bank Holiday card at Cartmel; these meets are something of an institution in their own right but I'm afraid the place has never been particularly kind to me.
Down the country a bit and across to the left, the 6.40 novice hurdle at Ffos Las has caught my eye. The David Pipe trained Third Of The Third, owned by course boss Dai Walters, is likely to be sent off favourite but both Groomed and top weight Lord Grantham are closely matched on ratings. RPR/ OR ratings show Third Of The Third 132 / 113, Groomed 131 / 112 and Lord Grantham 129 / 120.
Granted, Lord Grantham has to give weight to all his rivals but Jake Greenall's three pounds allowance offsets some of the burden and Henry Daly's charge looks likely to stay the trip better than Groomed; I'll consider opposing the favourite with Lord Grantham at around the 3/1 mark.
Finally it's interesting to see the well-named Mad Moose running in a listed event on the Flat (2.20 York). After refusing to race at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals this spring, Mad Moose appears to have taken a a bit of a liking to the Flat game and his recent second at Chester behind Mount Athos (probably bound for the Melbourne Cup in November) reads well enough, although that form should be treated with plenty of caution.
Trainer's son Sam Twiston-Davies rides 'The Moose' over the sticks; brother Willie takes over here. Songcraft is the class act and the percentage call in the race; it remains to be seen whether Mad Moose can confirm recent improvement.
In other news...
Dettori's return to the track following a six month ban has been delayed but he remains hopeful of riding in the Epsom Derby on June 1st.
In Wednesday's Racing Post Lee Mottershead reported that in the period from January 1st to April 27th 2013 viewing figures for Channel 4 Racing were down on 22 of the 25 broadcast days, while the audience for The Morning Line fell 277,000 during the Cheltenham Festival.
And Royal Ascot has appointed its first 'official partner' - Swiss watchmakers Longines. Chris Cook of The Guardian wonders, quite wryly, whether this partnership will lead to the publishing of acccurate sectional times at the track...
Enough.
Last weekend's post made mention of Oliver Sherwood's mare Luci Di Mezzanotte. She didn't run at Bangor but did turn up for a Wetherby Maiden Hurdle yesterday and obliged at odds of 4/1.
Tomorrow sees the traditional Bank Holiday card at Cartmel; these meets are something of an institution in their own right but I'm afraid the place has never been particularly kind to me.
Down the country a bit and across to the left, the 6.40 novice hurdle at Ffos Las has caught my eye. The David Pipe trained Third Of The Third, owned by course boss Dai Walters, is likely to be sent off favourite but both Groomed and top weight Lord Grantham are closely matched on ratings. RPR/ OR ratings show Third Of The Third 132 / 113, Groomed 131 / 112 and Lord Grantham 129 / 120.
Granted, Lord Grantham has to give weight to all his rivals but Jake Greenall's three pounds allowance offsets some of the burden and Henry Daly's charge looks likely to stay the trip better than Groomed; I'll consider opposing the favourite with Lord Grantham at around the 3/1 mark.
Finally it's interesting to see the well-named Mad Moose running in a listed event on the Flat (2.20 York). After refusing to race at both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festivals this spring, Mad Moose appears to have taken a a bit of a liking to the Flat game and his recent second at Chester behind Mount Athos (probably bound for the Melbourne Cup in November) reads well enough, although that form should be treated with plenty of caution.
Trainer's son Sam Twiston-Davies rides 'The Moose' over the sticks; brother Willie takes over here. Songcraft is the class act and the percentage call in the race; it remains to be seen whether Mad Moose can confirm recent improvement.
Friday, May 17, 2013
A bumper weekend...
Looking at the five day declarations earlier in the week, I'd identified a couple running in bumpers that were of some interest while everyone else was concentrating on the Flat.
Oliver Sherwood has his team in good form at the moment and Luci Di Mezzanotte's head second to The Pirate Queen from the Alan King yard last time read well. King's inmate finished fifth in the Aintree listed mares' bumper on her previous run. Luci had an entry in the Bangor bumper at 4.50 on Saturday but it looks as though Fergal O'Brien's previous winner Down Ace has scared her off...
Peter Bowen's Rolling Maul held a couple of weekend options at Uttoxeter and Stratford on Sunday but the handler has decided to take up neither - instead Bowen sends The Road Ahead to the Warwickshire track where Prideofthecastle from David Pipe's stable is likely to provide a stern test.
It's also worth noting that Propsect Wells, well beaten behind Zarkander in the Aintree Hurdle last time, tries fences for the first time on Stratford's card.
Oliver Sherwood has his team in good form at the moment and Luci Di Mezzanotte's head second to The Pirate Queen from the Alan King yard last time read well. King's inmate finished fifth in the Aintree listed mares' bumper on her previous run. Luci had an entry in the Bangor bumper at 4.50 on Saturday but it looks as though Fergal O'Brien's previous winner Down Ace has scared her off...
Peter Bowen's Rolling Maul held a couple of weekend options at Uttoxeter and Stratford on Sunday but the handler has decided to take up neither - instead Bowen sends The Road Ahead to the Warwickshire track where Prideofthecastle from David Pipe's stable is likely to provide a stern test.
It's also worth noting that Propsect Wells, well beaten behind Zarkander in the Aintree Hurdle last time, tries fences for the first time on Stratford's card.
Thursday, May 02, 2013
The 2012/13 jumps season - a personal view
Champion jockey: A P McCoy
Champion trainer: Nicky Henderson
Winning owner: J P McManus
Leading conditional rider: Lucy Alexander
2012 was the second wettest year on record and all that rain left an indelible mark on the season.
From late summer onwards, the layers had Nicky Henderson long odds-on to take the trainers' title from Paul Nicholls but the Ditcheat handler clocked some notable victories in the autumn including the Paddy Power Gold Cup with Al Ferof and the Paul Stewart Ironspine Charity Challenge Gold Cup with Unioniste.
Al Ferof gave Walkon 16 lbs and a three length beating and was 5/1 for the King George at Kempton before sustaining an injury that wrote his season off. The legendary Big Buck's suffered a similar fate after winning in a common canter on his seasonal debut at Newbury.
Unioniste's Cheltenham victory, beating the hapless Walkon 11 lengths, was all the more remarkable as the horse was just four years old; some may have thought his subsequent defeat in the RSA Chase at the Festival a disappointment but the gelding is likely to strengthen up over the coming summer.
The season's headline horse was Henderson's Sprinter Sacre, described by Simon Holt as 'a steeplecahser from the gods' and that's exactly what he is. He beat Sizing Europe 19 lengths in the Queen Mother Champion Chase, a trip of two miles, and is quoted as short as 6/4 by William Hill for the next running of the King George, run over a trip of three miles.
If Sprinter Sacre was Henderson's headline horse, stablemate Bobs Worth wasn't far behind. The gelding won the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury in December and then added the Cheltenham Gold Cup in the spring, making ground from an unpromising position four out to win going away and maintaining his unbeaten track record in the process.
Hurricane Fly reclaimed the Champion Hurdle and no doubt intends to return next year but two other Festival performances stick in the mind - Liam Treadwell's front-running ride on 50/1 winner Carrickboy in the Byrne Group Plate and Oscar Delta's unseating of amateur Jane Mangan with the CGA Foxhunter Chase apparently at his mercy.
The BBC boasts a long distinguished history in the coverage of televised horse racing; the Corporation was due to bring that coverage to a conclusion with Chepstow's Welsh National meeting but the wet weather put paid to those plans.
Ironically Channel Four's re-vamped racing offering, handled by production company IMG Sports Media, covered the re-arranged card nine days later but those expecting to see the much-advertised Clare Balding on their screens were to be disappointed; apparently Ms Balding's contract covers just 88 days of the racing year...
Two weeks later, in an article in the Racing Post, Carl Hicks, the man at the helm of Channel Four's coverage, gave himself a rather generous-looking seven out of ten to date despite some initial technical mishaps. The station's televising of the Grand National didn't do much to boost the mark in my humble opinion but that proved of little consequence as racing was busy breathing a huge sigh of relief as all participants, both equine and human, came home safe and sound.
Ryan Mania's victory in the Aintree showpiece on the unconsidered Auroras Encore, a 66/1 chance, was manna from heaven for the media. On the very next day on his very next ride Mania was unfortunate to suffer neck and back injuries when falling from Stagecoach Jasper at Hexham; he was flown by air ambulance to hospital in Newcastle and the modest jockey's fame increased a further tenfold.
This year blog horse of the year goes to Countrywide Flame who took Newcastle's Fighting Fifth in a common canter and ran exceptionally well at odds of 16/1 to finish third in the Champion Hurdle.
I made it to the track just once this season - Warwick's Classic Chase day in mid January. The thing I remember most about the meeting was John Craven appearing particularly animated after Ely Brown's victory at odds of 12/1 in the three mile handicap hurdle. The inference in that last comment is that my own selections ran particularly poorly...
Finally, to conclude the review, a word for Lucy Alexander. Alexander rode 38 winners and in doing so became the first woman as well as the first Scot to win the Conditional Jockeys' Championship. Aged just 22 she is already the most successful female NH jockey of all time - well done Lucy!
Friday, April 26, 2013
Bet365 Gold Cup 2013
This week in racing...
The Jockey Club launches a retail bond with an eye to raising £15 million for redevelopment at Cheltenham racecourse;
Mahmood Al Zarooni is banned for eight years in what has very quickly become the biggest doping scandal ever to hit the sport in this country.
Unfortunate timing some might say.
Tomorrow's mixed card at Sandown, where the bet365 Gold Cup is the highlight, brings the curtain down on one of the most persistently wet National Hunt seasons in recent memory.
In the past decade three trainers have won this feature twice (Paul Nicholls, Ferdy Murphy and Philip Hobbs) while just three horses have managed to carry 11 stones or more to victory - Puntal (11-4, 2004), Lacdoudal (11-5, 2006) and Tidal Bay (11-12, 2012); tomorrow just five of the twenty strong field carry less than the 11 stones. In the same timeframe none of the favourites has obliged.
This year's renewal can't really be considered vintage but it looks jolly competitive and by inference difficult to solve.
Doncaster's Grimthorpe Chase was run on ground good / good to firm in places. Quentin Collonges hasn't always been the most fluent of jumpers but that day he jumped for fun and ran his field ragged from the front; he has an additional four furlongs to complete here but found extra when challenged by Mr Moss who doesn't look the easiest ride and races right-handed for the first time.
On his penultimate run in the Kim Muir Becauseicouldntsee was beaten some 19 lengths by Same Difference while conceding ten pounds. Here the handicapper appears to have given the gelding a chance as he races in receipt of seven pounds from the Twiston-Davies inmate - at the time of writing Same Difference is near the head of the market yet Becauseicouldntsee is priced as big as 33/1 with William Hill.
At those odds Becauseicouldntsee is put up as a speculative each-way selection for this season's final showpiece.
The Jockey Club launches a retail bond with an eye to raising £15 million for redevelopment at Cheltenham racecourse;
Mahmood Al Zarooni is banned for eight years in what has very quickly become the biggest doping scandal ever to hit the sport in this country.
Unfortunate timing some might say.
Tomorrow's mixed card at Sandown, where the bet365 Gold Cup is the highlight, brings the curtain down on one of the most persistently wet National Hunt seasons in recent memory.
In the past decade three trainers have won this feature twice (Paul Nicholls, Ferdy Murphy and Philip Hobbs) while just three horses have managed to carry 11 stones or more to victory - Puntal (11-4, 2004), Lacdoudal (11-5, 2006) and Tidal Bay (11-12, 2012); tomorrow just five of the twenty strong field carry less than the 11 stones. In the same timeframe none of the favourites has obliged.
This year's renewal can't really be considered vintage but it looks jolly competitive and by inference difficult to solve.
Doncaster's Grimthorpe Chase was run on ground good / good to firm in places. Quentin Collonges hasn't always been the most fluent of jumpers but that day he jumped for fun and ran his field ragged from the front; he has an additional four furlongs to complete here but found extra when challenged by Mr Moss who doesn't look the easiest ride and races right-handed for the first time.
On his penultimate run in the Kim Muir Becauseicouldntsee was beaten some 19 lengths by Same Difference while conceding ten pounds. Here the handicapper appears to have given the gelding a chance as he races in receipt of seven pounds from the Twiston-Davies inmate - at the time of writing Same Difference is near the head of the market yet Becauseicouldntsee is priced as big as 33/1 with William Hill.
At those odds Becauseicouldntsee is put up as a speculative each-way selection for this season's final showpiece.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Scottish Grand National 2013
At 3.50 tomorrow this year's shock Grand National winner Auroras Encore and jockey Ryan Mania bid to complete a double last achieved in 1974 by Red Rum and Brian Fletcher by winning the Scottish Grand National in the same season.
The handicapper has ensured the horse faces no simple task and has incurred the wrath of trainer's husband Harvey Smith in the process by raising the gelding a further 11 lbs following his exploits at Aintree.
In the past decade only two horses have carried more than 10-5 to victory in this race (Grey Abbey 11-12 in 2004 and Hello Bud 10-9 in 2009) so I've decided to sift through some of the lighter weights towards the bottom end of the handicap...
David Pipe's Big Occasion is appropriately named and has been well tipped-up following his victory in the Midlands National six weeks ago but, as a result, is priced short enough; at six years old he may just lack some vital experience.
Venetia Williams is having a good stab at the prize fund with three entries - Rigadin De Beauchene, Relax and Pentiffic.
The first-named didn't fire when jumping poorly at Sandown last time out but if that run is forgiven appears to offer some value at around the 20/1 mark. Stable jockey Aidan Coleman opts for Relax but I wouldn't totally discount Pentiffic (40/1) who failed to make the cut for the Aintree race and sports cheek pieces for the first time.
Lively Baron is an enigmatic character who could be competitive if in the mood but I'm going to chance Tom George's Monsieur Cadou each-way at around 14/1.
His victory in Haydock's Tim Molony Handicap Chase three weeks ago reads well and the manner in which he stayed on at the end that day suggests he should get this trip. The handicapper has raised the gelding 12 lbs for that effort but with just 10-4 to carry he looks worth an interest.
The handicapper has ensured the horse faces no simple task and has incurred the wrath of trainer's husband Harvey Smith in the process by raising the gelding a further 11 lbs following his exploits at Aintree.
In the past decade only two horses have carried more than 10-5 to victory in this race (Grey Abbey 11-12 in 2004 and Hello Bud 10-9 in 2009) so I've decided to sift through some of the lighter weights towards the bottom end of the handicap...
David Pipe's Big Occasion is appropriately named and has been well tipped-up following his victory in the Midlands National six weeks ago but, as a result, is priced short enough; at six years old he may just lack some vital experience.
Venetia Williams is having a good stab at the prize fund with three entries - Rigadin De Beauchene, Relax and Pentiffic.
The first-named didn't fire when jumping poorly at Sandown last time out but if that run is forgiven appears to offer some value at around the 20/1 mark. Stable jockey Aidan Coleman opts for Relax but I wouldn't totally discount Pentiffic (40/1) who failed to make the cut for the Aintree race and sports cheek pieces for the first time.
Lively Baron is an enigmatic character who could be competitive if in the mood but I'm going to chance Tom George's Monsieur Cadou each-way at around 14/1.
His victory in Haydock's Tim Molony Handicap Chase three weeks ago reads well and the manner in which he stayed on at the end that day suggests he should get this trip. The handicapper has raised the gelding 12 lbs for that effort but with just 10-4 to carry he looks worth an interest.
Friday, April 12, 2013
National coverage
It barely seems a week since I was writing a post with selections for the 2013 National...
Racing breathed a collective sigh of relief as the participants returned safe and sound; it didn't seem to matter that the winner was an unconsidered 66/1 longshot, Auroras Encore.
Perhaps I should qualify that statement - it mattered to the layers, as William Hill CEO Ralph Topping made clear in his post-race blog: 'But I'm a bookmaker first and foremost and it's our William Hill shareholders who top the podium today.'
Ouch.
Generally Channel 4 appeared well satisfied with viewing figures which peaked at 8.9 million but certain aspects of their coverage left me decidedly dissatisfied.
After two false starts in the Topham the previous day, the start to this year's National was always going to come under close scrutiny. The C4 team very nearly missed the boat completely with commentator Simon Holt still talking to camera while in the background eagle-eyed viewers could spot the 40 runners merrily setting off on their way.
The post-race re-run was slow to be compiled and, when it arrived, verged on the shambolic. The editorial decision to show the field jumping selected fences from different angles quickly led to confusion amongst the commentators, never mind the viewers.
Nick Luck's valiant efforts to keep commentating colleagues in check as well as the show on the road were admirable but in vain; he was fighting something of a losing battle when his instructions to 'stop' the re-run in order to discuss a particular point were then completely ignored by the station's technical team.
I'm still not sure whether I saw a replay of the three unseated riders at the Canal Turn on the first circuit...
Naively, I thought I could hop off to the Channel 4 On Demand site (4oD) to catch a replay of the great race. Not so. I was offered a replay of Alan Carr's Grand National Specstacular and Friday evening's excellent How To Win the Grand National but no replay of the race itself.
Enough!
Tomorrow's jumping cards have a low-key feel; I haven't done much homework. That said, I couldn't help but notice Claret Cloak heading the weights for the 4.15 handicap hurdle at Stratford. Now, Emma Lavelle has had a season from hell but this one was third behind Raya Star in a listed race at Ascot before Christmas and has form behind My Tent Or Yours in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and held an entry in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham before connections opted for the County Hurdle where the gelding finished mid-division.
Lavelle may have had only one winner since December 15th (Killyglass in the Aintree bumper last Saturday at odds of 20/1) but better ground is likely to suit her charge here and the tissue price of 10/1 looks decent each-way value for a horse with this profile running in a Stratford Class 3 handicap.
Racing breathed a collective sigh of relief as the participants returned safe and sound; it didn't seem to matter that the winner was an unconsidered 66/1 longshot, Auroras Encore.
Perhaps I should qualify that statement - it mattered to the layers, as William Hill CEO Ralph Topping made clear in his post-race blog: 'But I'm a bookmaker first and foremost and it's our William Hill shareholders who top the podium today.'
Ouch.
Generally Channel 4 appeared well satisfied with viewing figures which peaked at 8.9 million but certain aspects of their coverage left me decidedly dissatisfied.
After two false starts in the Topham the previous day, the start to this year's National was always going to come under close scrutiny. The C4 team very nearly missed the boat completely with commentator Simon Holt still talking to camera while in the background eagle-eyed viewers could spot the 40 runners merrily setting off on their way.
The post-race re-run was slow to be compiled and, when it arrived, verged on the shambolic. The editorial decision to show the field jumping selected fences from different angles quickly led to confusion amongst the commentators, never mind the viewers.
Nick Luck's valiant efforts to keep commentating colleagues in check as well as the show on the road were admirable but in vain; he was fighting something of a losing battle when his instructions to 'stop' the re-run in order to discuss a particular point were then completely ignored by the station's technical team.
I'm still not sure whether I saw a replay of the three unseated riders at the Canal Turn on the first circuit...
Naively, I thought I could hop off to the Channel 4 On Demand site (4oD) to catch a replay of the great race. Not so. I was offered a replay of Alan Carr's Grand National Specstacular and Friday evening's excellent How To Win the Grand National but no replay of the race itself.
Enough!
Tomorrow's jumping cards have a low-key feel; I haven't done much homework. That said, I couldn't help but notice Claret Cloak heading the weights for the 4.15 handicap hurdle at Stratford. Now, Emma Lavelle has had a season from hell but this one was third behind Raya Star in a listed race at Ascot before Christmas and has form behind My Tent Or Yours in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury and held an entry in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham before connections opted for the County Hurdle where the gelding finished mid-division.
Lavelle may have had only one winner since December 15th (Killyglass in the Aintree bumper last Saturday at odds of 20/1) but better ground is likely to suit her charge here and the tissue price of 10/1 looks decent each-way value for a horse with this profile running in a Stratford Class 3 handicap.
Friday, April 05, 2013
Aintree Grand National 2013
In the long chequered history of the Grand National, first run in 1839 and won by a horse called Lottery, there can be little doubt we've reached something of a crossroads. High profile equine fatalities in the previous two runnings have resulted in a number of changes to the course; the BHA defends the overall safety record of the race.
John Smith's sponsors the event for one final time, Channel 4 covers it for the very first time. The broadcaster, no doubt driven by viewing figures and potential comparisons with the BBC, has engaged in a high-risk, hard-sell advertising campaign which many in the sport suspect could backfire.
All will echo Tom Scudamore's view, expressed in Thursday's Times: 'I hope for a great spectacle and a safe race.'
For those who like to get involved, my Twitter guide to the National field may prove of limited use in making your own selection(s) [non-runners at the time of writing: Bob Lingo, Tofino Bay, Lion Na Bearnai, Bostons Angel, Quinz, Pearlysteps, Poker De Sivola, Backstage, Romanseco, Cloudy Lane and Gullible Gordon, while the two reserves are Pentiffic and Mortimers Cross]. Otherwise there's this...
I tend to prefer horses that have shown they can handle these unique fences, so here we go...
1. Cappa Bleu Fourth last year, beaten 12 lengths. Meets the second Sunnyhillboy 12 lbs better off and the third Seabass on 7lbs better terms. The course has been shortened half a furlong as part of the safety improvements and that could help the cause.
2. Seabass Excellent third last year; Katie Walsh rides for father Ted, no doubt hoping to become the first female to ride the winner of the race.
3. On His Own At around 7/1 there's little value to be had about the current market leader but he was going well when coming to grief at Bechers (second time) last year. Ruby Walsh rides for Willie Mullins.
4. Join Together Ruby Walsh rejected this one but a sterling performance in the Becher last December suggests Paul Nicholls' charge could be overpriced at around 18/1. Perhaps a little short on experience (no eight-year-old has won in the past decade), last year's winning jockey Daryl Jacob is in the plate.
5. Big Fella Thanks A little older these days but comes with an excellent completion record over these fences; now trained by Tom George, 40/1 seems big.
At the time of writing BetVictor offer a quarter the odds six places while the following layers pay five places: Bet365, Skybet, Boylesports, Paddy Power, Stan James and 888Sport.
John Smith's sponsors the event for one final time, Channel 4 covers it for the very first time. The broadcaster, no doubt driven by viewing figures and potential comparisons with the BBC, has engaged in a high-risk, hard-sell advertising campaign which many in the sport suspect could backfire.
All will echo Tom Scudamore's view, expressed in Thursday's Times: 'I hope for a great spectacle and a safe race.'
For those who like to get involved, my Twitter guide to the National field may prove of limited use in making your own selection(s) [non-runners at the time of writing: Bob Lingo, Tofino Bay, Lion Na Bearnai, Bostons Angel, Quinz, Pearlysteps, Poker De Sivola, Backstage, Romanseco, Cloudy Lane and Gullible Gordon, while the two reserves are Pentiffic and Mortimers Cross]. Otherwise there's this...
I tend to prefer horses that have shown they can handle these unique fences, so here we go...
1. Cappa Bleu Fourth last year, beaten 12 lengths. Meets the second Sunnyhillboy 12 lbs better off and the third Seabass on 7lbs better terms. The course has been shortened half a furlong as part of the safety improvements and that could help the cause.
2. Seabass Excellent third last year; Katie Walsh rides for father Ted, no doubt hoping to become the first female to ride the winner of the race.
3. On His Own At around 7/1 there's little value to be had about the current market leader but he was going well when coming to grief at Bechers (second time) last year. Ruby Walsh rides for Willie Mullins.
4. Join Together Ruby Walsh rejected this one but a sterling performance in the Becher last December suggests Paul Nicholls' charge could be overpriced at around 18/1. Perhaps a little short on experience (no eight-year-old has won in the past decade), last year's winning jockey Daryl Jacob is in the plate.
5. Big Fella Thanks A little older these days but comes with an excellent completion record over these fences; now trained by Tom George, 40/1 seems big.
At the time of writing BetVictor offer a quarter the odds six places while the following layers pay five places: Bet365, Skybet, Boylesports, Paddy Power, Stan James and 888Sport.
The inside story on the 2013 Grand National runners
Days of Lost Glory, of Oscar Time, came flooding back to Imperial Commander Tarquinius following his defeat of Harry The Viking and Viking Blond.
Making his way back to Auroras Encore On His Own he ordered Seabass Tatenen with a Treacle side Forpadydeplasterer.
'How does he like it?' enquired Roberto Goldback.
'Rare, Bob,' came the laconic reply.
On a nearby table Major Malarkey from Colbert Station ordered Teaforthree and invited Joncol from Soll and the Balthazar King over.
'Let's Join Together!' he cried.
'Ballabriggs, Big Fella! Thanks! What A Friend! Quel Esprit!'
He wondered why he had bothered.
'It's Always Waining Across The Bay,' chipped in Sunnyhillboy, so named as he generally tended to put a dampener on things.
Becauseicouldntsee if Any Currency still remained, Mr Moonshine, wearing his Cappa Bleu, Mumbles, 'Head over to the Quiscover Fontaine, will you, where The Rainbow Hunter, Chicago Grey and Swing Bill are in the Ninetieth Minute of a discussion about Weird Al and his money.'
Pentiffic.
'Mortimers Cross,' he continues, 'but apparently the man is some kind of Saint. Are you?'
[With apologies to connections.]
Making his way back to Auroras Encore On His Own he ordered Seabass Tatenen with a Treacle side Forpadydeplasterer.
'How does he like it?' enquired Roberto Goldback.
'Rare, Bob,' came the laconic reply.
On a nearby table Major Malarkey from Colbert Station ordered Teaforthree and invited Joncol from Soll and the Balthazar King over.
'Let's Join Together!' he cried.
'Ballabriggs, Big Fella! Thanks! What A Friend! Quel Esprit!'
He wondered why he had bothered.
'It's Always Waining Across The Bay,' chipped in Sunnyhillboy, so named as he generally tended to put a dampener on things.
Becauseicouldntsee if Any Currency still remained, Mr Moonshine, wearing his Cappa Bleu, Mumbles, 'Head over to the Quiscover Fontaine, will you, where The Rainbow Hunter, Chicago Grey and Swing Bill are in the Ninetieth Minute of a discussion about Weird Al and his money.'
Pentiffic.
'Mortimers Cross,' he continues, 'but apparently the man is some kind of Saint. Are you?'
[With apologies to connections.]
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