International Hurdle Day at Cheltenham

Another mixed day yesterday with Bradley flopping and Uncle Junior crashing out, but the day paid for by Dark Lover (who was available at around 6/1) and At Fishers Cross (around 3/1 and the advised forecast also came in!). Though not making frame I thought it worth mentioning that Imperial Leader ran a cracker yesterday, understandably outpaced over a trip too short but staying on gamely and not beaten at all far. Given he is only a 4yo and had to give 6lb to most of this talented field, I'm certain he'll be winning sooner rather than later so is one to stick in your tracker!

 

Not the best of cards at Cheltenham again today and due to the extreme weather (I imagine the ground will ride very heavy today) I won't be having a bet, though I'm already on Notus De La Tour who was put up a few weeks ago on http://kingofthejumps.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/could-notus-be-ante-post-value-in.html. The race looks a decent one and the other 2 I'd fancy would be Paul Nicholls' pair of Unioniste and Cristal Bonus. The former jumped like a veteran on chase debut in a hot race behind Dynaste and Fingal Bay and should come on for it as he had a wind op in the summer. The latter I feel has plenty more to come and could be the class horse of the race.

 

The big race aside I wouldn't be looking to have a bet but as always will have a close eye on proceedings. Handazan could have more to come since being gelded and will love conditions but he'd have to improve a serious amount to reverse the form with Far West who could be one of the best juveniles around this season. Coneygree won well here last time and as ever course form is a crucial factor at Cheltenham so he could be up to repeating that effort. Our Father will take all the beating in the Novice Chase but Highland Lodge could run a nice race under Barry Geraghty as I feel he's up to winning one of these 3m contests in testing conditions. The International Hurdle doesn't boast the biggest of fields but is certainly not lacking in quality as it contains 3 very live Champion Hurdle contenders in Zarkandar, Grandouet and Rock On Ruby. I'm not sure what to make of the race given the very testing conditions and I'm not sure the result will have much of an influence on my views for the race in March, but I'm hoping Zarkandar prevails as I have him in my Ten To Follow team and it's going quite well! Oscar Whisky is also in my team and you'd expect him to oblige at whatever pointless odds on price he goes off at.

 

 

Cheltenham aside I actually fancy a few elsewhere today and Doncaster hosts a nice little card. Kings Grace is quite highly regarded by the McCain team so should have more to come and Rocky Creek (pictured below) is potentially a top class novice chaser and should come on a lot for his chase debut when narrowly missing out to Harry Topper (who advertised the form at Newbury a fortnight ago). Samtegal may not be favourite for the juvenile but could make it a double on the card for the Champion Trainer as he has stated this horse would be on a par with Far West; a level of form that you'd expect to be good enough to take this affair. The horse I'm most looking forward to today is the Kim Bailey trained Midnight Oscar, who lines up in the Novice Hurdle at Doncaster. Midnight Oscar is a cracking prospect for a trainer many of you will be aware I'm a huge fan of. MO was beaten on hurdle debut but Ludlow would be plenty sharp enough and I'd say he'll come on loads for the run and be better suited by this more galloping track. He's certainly an exciting prospect for the future regardless of how he fares today, but he should run a nice race so may be worth a punt depending on the price.

 

 

Lingfield hosts the day's other jumps meeting in England and Tanerko Emery should take all the beating as he won cosily last weekend after a cheekily confident ride at Ascot. Court In Motion has 2 declarations today but Lingfield is his preferred engagement and he's a horse I feel will progress as a chaser, though he's likely to be no price. The other horse I'll be watching there is Alphabetical Order, who has joined Tim Vaughan having previously been trained by Colin Tizzard. His former handler stated in a stable tour that "he'll be alright next time and I'll be disappointed if he can't win a bumper". He hasn't run since but a move to Vaughan is hardly a step back and he could be up to winning one soon.

 

Good luck if you have a bet today but I doubt I'll get involved unless I feel something is seriously overpriced (though I may not be able to resist a bet on Midnight Oscar!).

Preview for Friday of Cheltenham's International Meeting

Last weekend was a mixed bag. Certain results were disappointing and I had more than my fair share of 2nds with Oscar Magic, Aland Islands, Sin Bin and Join Together all hitting the crossbar as so to speak. Join Together took my breath away in defeat, jumping the Grand National fences like a seasoned pro before staying on like a train to lose out by a whisker. Whether he’ll stay 4m+ is another question but he is certainly a potentially exciting National candidate. On a more positive note, Araldur landed the spoils at an SP of 10/1, before Little Josh made a great day a fantastic one for Nigel Twiston Davies when taking the Grand Sefton at 7/2, though having opened up 8/1 in places just after being put up with Araldur on here! Though disappointed by the 2nds and flops from Rangitoto and Tempo De Cotte, these 2 winners more than covered the losses so it was alright in the end.

This weekend we return to Cheltenham and Friday looks a seriously competitive card. As I’ve said before on here I won’t have a bet or put a horse up for the sake of it, so if a race is very competitive or contains 2 or more horses I’m waiting for, I’d rather not have a bet than pick one and be beaten by the other! Unfortunately that is again the case at Cheltenham tomorrow, particularly in the Novice Chase and Novice Hurdle. Hildsivini is a promising horse for Charlie Longsdon who should go on over fences, but he faces no easy task in the 12.15pm where he’ll be taking on the likes of Broadbackbob and Rebel Rebellion and has to give those rivals 3lb. A race for watching I feel but certainly one to savour.

Next are 12 and 17 runner affairs respectively and although I’ll be ducking the 12.45pm, I may have a small interest in the 1.20pm. Dark Lover ran a decent race last time in the hugely competitive Racing Post Hurdle having previously won at the course in October. He may have finished 7^th but was only beaten 8 lengths and is partnered by Ruby Walsh this timee who, although not claiming 3lb, could find more improvement. Tom Du Lys would be interesting on his French form (he beat Unioniste over hurdles) and his trainer has stated they didn’t have much time before fitting him in a run at Sandown (when flopping) so it could be worth writing that off. He has grown and looks more the part now so may show a large degree of improvement and I’ll probably wait and see the market before deciding whether or not to bet him or the Nicholls horse (or neither!).

 

The 1.55pm isn’t a particularly appealing race for me but Bradley catches the eye. He nearly won last time and has run well at Prestbury Park a few times now, also proving himself in similar conditions. He is up 5lb for his close 2^nd but I have a feeling the first 3 home that day could have more to come so he may be worth chancing as he has a lovely racing weight of 10st 4lb. Course specialist Midnight Chase is the class horse of the race but carrying top weight won’t be easy and his price is likely to be skinny enough.

Hardly unexposed and he’s up 6lb for his win last time, but I think Uncle Junior will pick up another x-country race in the 2.30pm tomorrow. If you re-watch that win he makes one serious mistake but still travels like a dream and wins with great ease. Likely to be no price but Mullins doesn’t send horses over for no reason and I think he could take this one.

The 3.05pm sees another competitive big runner handicap field and Saint Roque immediately stands out after I had a decent punt on him last time off a lenient mark of 118. He was travelling very nicely that day and I feel could have taken the race if he hadn’t been brought down, but is sure to be a short price as the cat is out of the bag now.  Given that Saint Roque is trained by Paul Nicholls, it is of serious note that Ruby Walsh is declared on Inish Island who is trained by the aforementioned Willie Mullins. Obviously Ruby rides for both trainers but it is usually worth noting when he chooses one of Willie’s over one of Paul’s; particularly when believing the Nicholls horse to be well handicapped. The other horse I like the look of is At Fishers Cross who disposed of Salubrious very easily at Newbury the other week (much to the disappointment of my wallet!!) and a 9lb rise may not stop him as I feel that rival and Ardlui (who finished 3^rd) were both well handicapped themselves and the 3 were well clear of 4^th. Again the market will play a part in deciding whether or not to have a bet in this contest but the 3 all look like playing a large part in proceedings so I'll probably go each way about any that are 5/1 or bigger as they should make the frame whilst having a decent chance of winning so would be a safe bet. Maybe even perm the forecast/tricast.

The day closes with what I believe to be the most competitive, and also my favourite, race on the card! Not usually one to love novice hurdles, it is hard not to get excited over the prospects of this one at 3.40pm. Mr Watson cost £215,000 at the sales, Melodic Rendezvous ran 2^nd behind Champagne Fever in a Gr1 bumper at Punchestown, and Village Vic ran a cracker behind The New One at this course not long ago..... And they’re the ones I don’t fancy!!! Nicky Henderson is bidding for a 4 timer in this race having taken the past 3 renewals and Barry Geraghty rides Royal Boy for his boss. He cost £150,000 at Goffs sale in 2011 and although a cracking chase prospect for the future, he hasn’t run for over 600 days having suffered a setback so he may need this. Eduard won nicely last time but would need to improve a fair bit to take this hot contest and I’d totally discard Dr Dreamy, which leaves just Valdez and Imperial Leader. Both are horses I rate very highly and it would take a tough decision to split the pair! Valdez surprised many when losing on hurdles debut but put things right winning next time (Softsong in 2^nd finished a close 3^rd in a Listed event at Sandown last weekend) and could make into a Supreme horse come March so could take all the beating here. Imperial Leader, owned by the same partnership that own a certain Imperial Commander, is also a lovely horse who lost on debut to a decent sort but gave the race away through running so keenly early on. Having finished 2^nd in another bumper he was put away and seemingly matured over the summer as he returned with an impressive victory over a decent rival when upped in trip for his hurdles debut at Southwell. Like Imperial Commander, he is out of Flemensfirth so will be wanting all of 3m and fences in time so tomorrow’s trip could be on the short side (tomorrow's conditions could help make it more of a test of stamina), but he is certainly a hugely exciting young prospect who could go to the very top!

Hopefully tomorrow morning’s declarations for Saturday will be more kind and not pitch more than one of my horses to follow against each other! But below is a summary of the horses I’ll have in mind if the prices are right:

1.20pm – Dark Lover / Tom Du Lys (prefer e/w but may bet if 3/1 or bigger)

1.55pm – Bradley (if an e/w price)

2.30pm – Uncle Junior (NAP)

3.05pm – Saint Roque / Inish Island  / At Fishers Cross (bet any at e/w price)

3.40pm – Valdez / Imperial Leader (if e/w price, may be value in hot contest)

Super Jumps Saturday!

Assuming all meetings escape the lovely British weather we have a lot of jump racing to look forward to tomorrow and with cards at Aintree, Chepstow, Sandown and Wetherby it will be an action packed afternoon! Incidently, if you’re thinking of heading to Chepstow for the Coral Welsh National, LoveTheRaces have a special 241 offer on Grandstand & Paddock tickets for this major raceday; details of which can be found at http://www.lovetheraces.com/offers/chepstow-racecourse-coral-welsh-national-offer/ and must be booked by Wednesday 19^th December.

 

Starting with Aintree and the first race at 12pm sees Oscar Magic run for Nigel Twiston Davies. Having won his debut bumper impressively he didn’t show much in the spring festival bumpers before having 18 months off. He returned with a respectable 2^nd to a smart sort of Paul Webber’s on hurdles debut and there could be more to come from this son of Oscar. Interestingly in opposition is Brian Ellison’s Lifetime. Last Sunday Lifetime was due to run before the card was abandoned, but in his blog beforehand Aiden Coleman stated: “Finally, I fancy my two for Brian Ellison at Carlisle on Sunday, Stormy Weather and Lifetime. Venetia has runners elsewhere but she’s kindly let me travel up north instead. It’s a long way to go and not pick up a winner or two.” Having read this I’ll be leaving this race alone but will certainly keep a very close eye on both Oscar Magic and Lifetime, particularly if money comes for either of them.

The Becher Chase at 2.10pm is the highlight of the card and sees the infamous Grand National fences put to use for the first of two races tomorrow. West End Rocker won this race for Alan King last year and I feel he has a good chance of doing so again here. He was the cause of the delay in the Grand National back in April and being so lit up put paid to any chance he may have had but he is proven over the demanding obstacles and should be in the mix. However, my stronger fancy for the race is Paul Nicholls’ Join Together who had a good season as a novice before being outpaced and outclassed in the RSA at Cheltenham. He returns here off a fair mark and the trip and ground should both play into the favour of this excellent jumper. He concedes 6lb to Rocker but I feel Join Together will improve on his mark of 148 and hope they both run a big race.

 

The Grand Sefton at 3.20pm is the other race over the National fences and although I haven’t yet decided if I’ll be having a bet, there are a couple who catch the eye. Nacarat is the class act but Carrickboy will be fine in the conditions and has run okay around Aintree in the past (though flopping when outpaced on quicker ground on his last visit). He is 3lb out of the weights but I have a feeling he could run a nice race. The other horse I quite like is Little Josh and he will probably be my bet if I have one as he is now 3lb lower than his win in the PaddyPower Gold Cup at Cheltenham and he will love the conditions here.

On to Chepstow and as usual it could be “Paul Nicholls Day” at a course where he tends to have a lot of winners (where doesn’t he?!). Curtain Razer fell at Newbury last weekend but is a horse I feel will improve a fair bit for fences and though he may need the experience he looks like he’d be capable of better than his hurdles rating of 122. Not one I’d back tomorrow as he may be looked after and given an introduction to fences in this 1pm race but is certainly one for the tracker as I’d say he’ll be picking up a race or 2 sooner rather than later.

The 1.30pm is a competitive looking contest and I’d give about 5/6 of them a shout but will be siding with Sin Bin who was a bit green and looked like he needed the run on his hurdling debut, which is no surprise having been one of many given a breathing op by Mr Nicholls in the summer. He should come on a lot for that and it would be no surprise to see a great amount of improvement tomorrow.

My other Ditcheat fancy tomorrow runs in the 2.40pm and is a horse I like a lot and feel has more to come – Rangitoto. His trainer has stated this horse has been difficult to train and can be fragile, but on a going day he is very capable. I fancied him massively when he did the business in a competitive looking Cheltenham handicap last season and hope he can emulate that performance tomorrow. It’s important to note that it is over fences where this one’s future should lie and although he is 6lb higher than that Cheltenham success and this is likely to be a sharpener before he resumes his chase career, he  has won at this course before and does go well fresh so could be worth a small interest.

 

Sandown is the next leg of this super Saturday of jump racing and the first race at 12.20pm contains a horse owned by the agent/golfer double act of Andrew ‘Chubby’ Chandler and Lee Westwood (pictured above). Probably more known in the racing world for their flat success with Hoof It, it wouldn’t surprise me if the pair had a bit more success with Nicky Henderson’s Golden Hoof. Having disappointed somewhat on debut he followed up with a nice win on his hurdles debut and his trainer recently stated in a stable tour that although likely to keep a fairly low profile for now, this son of Oscar has a big future. I probably won’t be backing him tomorrow as he has to concede 7lb to the field but he’s certainly one to keep an eye on for the future.

 

The 1.25pm is one interest as Sam Winner makes a long awaited return after a serious injury. His chase career not having gone to plan he goes back over timber in this 2m6f handicap and could be on a decent mark if he’s tuned up. Art Professor is another who could be on a fair mark and Venetia Williams is going well at the moment. The horse I most like in the race is Alan King’s Araldur who is on a 19lb lower mark over hurdles than his peak over fences so he could have a few lbs in hand over his rivals here. Wayne Hutchinson (pictured below) takes the ride and has been on fire for his boss in recent weeks, winning 5 of his 7 rides for King in the past 14 days at prices of: 7/2, 7/2, 16/1, 1/2 and 7/4! He has ridden Araldur twice before, winning once over hurdles, and the horse has run well fresh and goes on the ground so he could put up a decent performance tomorrow.

 

Again won’t be playing in the 1.55pm but fascinated to see Captain Conan run again as I think he could be special. He put in an effortless round of jumping on chase debut at Cheltenham in November and there seemed like there’d be more to come. The ground was awful that day and he still looked smart. Hinterland opposes and could still have more to come having disappointed last time. He’s a cracking looking horse but needs to settle and jump a bit straighter if he is to trouble the potentially top class Conan.

Yet again no bet but Softsong must have a chance in the 2.30pm having finished 3 lengths behind the well regarded Valdez and should be fine on the ground. Helium could also have more to come and has won over course and distance in soft ground. He was actually 3 lengths behind Long Run at Auteil a long time ago and on that form he could win by a furlong or 2!!

The feature race is of course the Tingle Creek which sees a horse I’ve always liked in Sanctuaire, take on a huge task in the shape of arguably the greatest chaser of all time in my opinion, Sprinter Sacre (pictured below). Obviously not worth a punt due to the lack of depth in the race and superiority of the aforementioned pair, but it is the race tactics I am most looking forward to in this 3.05pm race. Ruby Walsh will bound along in front and leave Sprinter Sacre to reel him in, but when will Barrry Geraghty press the button? It will be fascinating watching this race unfold as I wouldn’t want to give Ruby too big a lead on Sanctuaire, however good I thought Sprinter Sacre could be!

 

The final race on the card is the 3.40pm and I might chance a small interest on Tempo De Cotte (again Mr Nicholls!). He is out of Dom Alco and should stay all day; has won on heavy ground in France; gets weight here and gave 7lb to the talented Broadbackbob when beaten around 11 lengths. Golan Way is only 1lb higher than his win here over shorter last year but it is a hard task to give this much weight away and his poor form doesn’t boost confidence so I’ll be siding with the French recruit.

Wetherby hosts the other leg of our jumping bonanza and I’m only interested in the first 2 races. Kris Cross will surely have a favourites chance in the 12.10pm as his only defeat to date has come at the hands of Fascino Rustico, who although he didn’t win his bumper at Cheltenham in November, had previously been bought for £310,000 by John Hales. Jonjo O’Neil’s very impressive Point winner Catching On is likely to be a big danger if he lines up against Kris Cross as he receives a handy 7lb from Lucinda Russell’s charge.

 

As with nearly every other race tomorrow, the 12.45pm also has 2 horses of note! Stormy Weather was the other horse mentioned above in the comments by Aiden Coleman regarding his (later cancelled) trip up North last weekend, so you’d think this one is also well thought of. However, I feel Tim Vaughan could have a potential superstar on his hands with Aland Islands and will be backing him regardless of who he comes up against now he’s gone chasing. Out of Stowaway he looks a proper racehorse and was bought by JP McManus (pictured above) after impressive AP McCoy who partnered him to an easy success in his bumper (a trip far shorter than he’ll want in time!). He could be the horse to put Paint Wilkin Stables on the map and I hope he’ll resume his progress in this contest.

 

A tough day, but likely to have a few quid on:

 

Aintree

2.10pm - Join Together + West End Rocker

3.20pm - Little Josh

 

Chepstow

1.30pm - Sin Bin

2.40pm - Rangitoto

 

Sandown

1.25pm - Araldur

3.40pm - Tempo De Cotte

 

Wetherby

12.45pm - Aland Islands

Preview of Exeter and Sandown

Saturday may be the day for the big races but a couple of very exciting horses line up tomorrow at Exeter and Sandown. Fingal Bay (I assume named after the breathtaking semi-circular bay in New South Wales) was a top class hurdler last term and although beaten by Dynaste at Cheltenham recently, is still a potentially top class chaser. He goes in the 1pm at Exeter and while it is probably a pointless race, it will be good to see him run again. Coole River could be deemed slightly interesting from a future perspective as although having been off the track since February 2010, he did beat Quel Esprit in a Gr2 over hurdles so may win a race or 2 if he returns anywhere near as able as he was before his layoff (though the Emma Lavelle team aren’t firing at the moment so could have some nicely handicapped horses when they come right!).

 

The 2.40pm at Exeter could see Philip Hobbs rack up a double as bumper winner Irish Buccaneer makes his hurdles debut over 2m. Hobbs did say in his stable tour that the horse would start off over 2m4f but given the soft conditions he may just get away with it. Not one I’ll be putting money on but worth watching with a view to the future as the trainer has stated he is hopefully one to look forward to.

Depending on the market I may have a few quid on Tim Vaughan's aptly named The Big Freeze in Exeter’s 3.15pm as he was only just touched off on his first 3m handicap chase last time, and although upped 3lb for that effort the softer conditions could well bring about further improvement as he’s out of Beneficial.

Exeter's final race at 3.50pm sees Paul Nicholls run Vibrato Valtat, a potentially exciting French recruit out of up and coming sire Voix Du Nord. The horse that beat Valtat on debut went on to win the Champion French Bumper so the form looks smart and the 7lb his young jockey claims effectively offsets the weight he gives away for his win 2^nd time out in France.

 

The card at Sandown is somewhat disappointing tomorrow as a total of just 9 horses are declared between the Gr2 Novice Hurdle and the Listed Intermediate Chase. Southfield Theatre has no easy task on his hands in the 1.45pm as all 4 of his rivals look like they could be useful. Taquin Du Seuil is likely to be seen to better effect when going chasing next season but ran well behind a seriously well regarded winner last time, Up And Go could have done no more when hosing up on rules debut, and both Le Bec and Dunlough Bay looked impressive on their hurdling debuts. However, Southfield Theatre could be “seriously good” according to his handler, and run respectably in a junior bumper last season he then ran on well when winning his bumper at Cheltenham in October and has apparently schooled well since. He’s out of Kings Theatre and could be an exciting prospect for the months ahead so could take this Gr2 en route to better things.

 

Pacha Du Polder is another Ditcheat inmate that Paul Nicholls has spoken favourably about recently and he goes in the 2.20pm Intermediate Chase. He has to give weight away to his rivals here but could be up to defying a mark of 150 this season as the step up to 3m should suit. This has been the target for a long time and the yard has won this race a few times so I’d expect him to go well given he has previously proven himself in similar conditions.

The only other horse I’ll have an interest in at Sandown is Nicky Henderson’s Barenger in the 3.30pm. I was at Newbury on the Thursday of last season’s Hennessy meeting when this one impressively took a bumper that Henderson traditionally targets (he won it with Oscar Whisky a couple of years before!) and I was disappointed when he flopped from then on. His trainer reports he wasn’t right last year and should win over hurdles before going chasing and I’d have to agree that his mark of 109 could be a serious underestimation of his ability! Mr Henderson can’t have many lower rated horses at Seven Barrows, and it could be worth getting on as soon as the market is released as I can see the price collapsing fairly quickly.

In summary, the horses likely to be worth an interest in tomorrow are:

Exeter
3.15 - The Big Freeze
3.45 - Vibrato Valtat

Sandown
1.45pm - Southfield Theatre
2.20pm - Pacha Du Polder
3.30pm - Barenger

Tour of Alan King's Barbury Castle Stables

 

As those of you who have read previous articles may already have gathered, before racing at Newbury on Thursday I was fortunate enough to attend a stable tour at Barbury Castle, home of elite National Hunt trainer Alan King. Having never been to a yard of that size before I wasn’t sure what to expect, but on arrival was simply awestruck. To say that Mr King’s yard and facilities are set in a beautiful area of the country is like saying Jonny Wilkinson had a decent left boot – a massive understatement! From the moment we arrived I loved the place! With such a fantastic view over the Point to Point track (pictured below), the schooling field and the gallops, it is hard not to be impressed.

 

As our tour began at 9am, we saw the likes of Choc Thornton and Wayne Hutchinson coming back in from a previous lot as we made our way down to the area in which the next horses to be worked were to complete a 15 minute trot to warm up before exercise (pictured below).

 

 

After being organised into order by the boss in relation to various factors (fitness, ability, optimum trip etc), they were then worked accordingly. There are 3 gallops and we watched a number of horses (including Walkon pictured below with Midnight Sail) being worked around the circular gallop next to the schooling area, a gallop with a nice deep surface that really makes the horses think and use themselves (so I’m told!).

 

 

The horses are generally ridden by the same rider each day, though sometimes one of the jockeys will jump on to provide a fresh perspective and get a grasp of where the horse is at. Schooling takes place twice a week (when up to 20-40 are usually schooled each day) and there is an array of both brush style and timber hurdles  (pictured below) that can be used accordingly to help tune up the horses’ hurdling technique. The usefully located Point to Point course/fences are also used in the build up to bigger meetings like Cheltenham and Aintree.

 

 

Having enjoyed the more practical element of the tour, we then made our way back down to the stabling area. En route we passed the horse walk which can hold  up to 10 horses at a time and is often used by around 30 horses each morning. The horses use this fairly labour free (though I'm sure the horses may beg to differ!) piece of equipment for around 45 minutes, with the horse walk itself changing direction every 10 minutes. The centre area is also perfectly sized for breaking in young horses and so would it seem an invaluable training appliance.

 

Our very informative and friendly host then showed us into the stables, talking us through a great number of their horses. As a keen racing fan it was fascinating hearing a far more informed opinion of each and the aspirations held for many of the inmates. At all times able to take photos and give them a stroke (though I chose rapid note taking on my phone over getting friendly with the nags!), it was great to get close to some very exciting racehorses such as multiple big race winner Raya Star, West End Rocker (pictured above) who runs in this weekend’s Becher Chase having won last year’s renewal, Harry Redknapp's chaser in the making Hot Whisky (pictured below) and the promising JP McManus owned Gone Too Far who was then transported to Newbury and finished a close fought 2^nd to an equally smart rival in the bumper that day.

 

For anyone who is even remotely interested in National Hunt racing, I would highly recommend booking yourself a trip to Barbury Castle (which can be done at: http://alankingracing.co.uk/stabletours.htm ) as it really is a brilliant morning. Alan boasts a strong pool of talented older horses and a very promising bunch of youngsters, both of which bode well for the short and long term future. A very professional operation, the Barbury Castle team will, as always, be well worth following over the next few months (and years!).

 

5 horses to follow:

Lotus Pond – certain to improve on debut 2^nd to impressive winner (pictured above)

 

Valdez – a smart 5yo who will surely progress over hurdles

Gone Too Far – 2^nd at Newbury on debut and will certainly be a nice horse in time

Fair Trade – highly rated flat horse who has the potential to go on over hurdles

Handazan – should continue progression since being gelded (pictured below)

 

Review of Newbury's Hennessy Meeting

Newbury Racecourse, take a bow! Having enjoyed 3 fantastic days I will certainly be returning for next year’s Winter Festival (and more than likely before that!). Over the 3 days we were extremely lucky with the weather as although fairly chilly at times, we escaped rain and were even privileged enough to enjoy some sunshine! As for the racing, I’ve never known so many close finishes at one meeting. Most will remember the gallant Harry Topper plugging on when seemingly having no chance to take the race close to home, but on that first day alone we saw Parsnip Pete win by just over a length, Sizing Santiago win by a length, Lyvius win by 2 lengths and Oscar Rock also win by just one length – 13 ¾ lengths total winning distance across 7 races advertises the competitive nature of the card!

 

As with last time I visited Newbury I was impressed on all fronts. From the staff and food/drink, to the general facilities and accessibility, the whole 3 days were hugely enjoyable, but as always it is the racing that is to be looked back upon. On Thursday the aforementioned Harry Topper looked done before seemingly growing a pair of wings under Timmy Murphy and flying home in front to land the competitive looking novice chase. He will almost certainly not take in the RSA this year as Kim Bailey will look after him but I can see him making up into a Gold Cup horse next season – particularly if we had a wet March. Benefficient (2^nd) will no doubt pick up races and I feel there will also be more to come from Highland Lodge (3^rd), both of whom will enjoy similar conditions and softer. Lyvius is another horse I’d take from Thursday’s card as he looks much improved on last season’s performances. Barry Geraghty said before the race that he’d strengthened up over the summer and that appeared the case as although receiving weight from the smart Edgardo Sol (2^nd), that rival had a decent claimer aboard in Harry Derham. Vendor never ran his race again and again I’d write off that run, but something needs to change before I’d be backing him in future. The bumper was the other race I feel will throw up winners in future as Oscar Rock narrowly beat Gone Too Far with the pair well clear of the rest. Gone Too Far is well regarded by the Alan King team and will certainly go on to better things and will certainly get further in time. Therefore the winner is also clearly a smart sort and looks an exciting addition to young Harry Fry’s newly forged team.

 

On to Friday and another hugely competitive looking novice chase, though this time won in the most impressive fashion of any race across the whole 3 day meeting! David Pipe appears to have a very exciting horse on his hands in the shape of Dynaste (pictured above), another grey who has made a successful transition from hurdles to fences after the similar exploits of Grands Crus last season. In a race that looked like it could be a close one on paper with Court In Motion (2^nd) and Theatre Guide (3^rd) both fancied to go well by many, Dynaste proceeded to demolish all before him and hose up on the bit to take the Gr2 affair cosily by 4 and a half lengths. The world is this boy’s oyster and his handler could run him in any of the 3 novice chases at the Festival in March and you’d have to give serious consideration to his chances! Elsewhere on the card, Vasco D’Ycy won what I don’t believe will be the strongest of juvenile contests this season, but I still feel it is worth sticking Bold Cuffs (put up on here pre-race) in the tracker as he was green as grass and didn’t jump well. He should come on for the run and I can see him returning a much improved horse in the not too distant future.

Another beaten selection was Ballybough Pat who ran a decent race to dead heat in 2^nd behind the rejuvenated old boy Fair Along. An impressive training performance from the Hobbs team, I again feel Ballybough Pat should still be followed as he will make into a smart chaser next season and should improve on his hurdles form to date. The other exciting horse to take from Friday’s racing is obviously Puffin Billy who could be anything. Having impressed in 2 effortless bumper victories he made the expected successful switch to hurdling and will no doubt continue to progress throughout the season. The race looked one of substance as Paul Nicholls’ Sound Investment looks no mug and although likely to improve considerably for the run and upped in trip, Kaki De La Pree is well regarded by the Seven Barrows camp. The only doubt in my mind is that the 2^nd went off 150/1 but I’d like to think that he was massively overpriced and that the form will work out okay in time. However, Puffin Billy couldn’t have done it any easier and regardless of the form he has a bright future ahead of him and is a nice sort for his trainer to work with.

Saturday was another lovely day of racing with a nice blend of handicaps, the Gr1 Big Bucks procession, and of course the feature Gr3 Hennessy Gold Cup. Though bitterly disappointed by Call Me A Star, I feel she simply did not run her race and would be willing to write off the run. The front 2 should both progress and Eleven Fifty Nine will have more to come but needs a greater test of stamina so looks one to follow when upped in trip. Rolling Aces did as expected and won his handicap (having been put up on this blog at 6/1 the night before) and although made to work hard by Merry King (2^nd) I feel the pair both have plenty more to offer as they were nicely clear of 3^rd and Jonjo’s Merry King cost £150,000 at the Cheltenham Sales last year. Both will also get 3m when asked, with further improvement likely to be seen when stepping up to that trip but a good result from my perspective having backed the winner and also the forecast! Big Bucks (pictured above) did what Big Bucks does. My only worry was that Ruby Walsh (pictured below) may receive a ban for schooling public! It was that easy!

 

Having put up and massively fancied Salubrious it wasn’t fun watching the clearly smart At Fishers Cross bound clear to  take the 2m3f handicap, but he was obviously beaten by a nice sort and I’d be sure that the front 3 are all decent as Ardlui is another who should find more upped in trip. What a game horse Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty have in Bobs Worth! To win this race off his mark is impressive in itself, but the way he battled on all the way to the line made the performance that bit more creditable. He is surely a big contender for the Gold Cup in March having done the business at Prestbury Park on every visit, and the improving 7yo looks one to stay on the right side of any time he runs (assuming they keep him to left handed courses!). Having applauded the winner, it would be delusional to ignore Tiday Bay who defied a mark 6lb higher than that of Bobs Worth to finish just over 3 lengths back in 2^nd. It’s hardly a secret that Paul Nicholls is capable of great things but this performance simply reinforces his extreme talents. To improve a horse that seemed he may be past his best when arriving at Ditcheat, to win the Bet365 Gold Cup, the John Smiths Hurdle and then finish 2^nd in this race, all at the age of 11, would be almost unthinkable if we were not treated to such excellence on an almost annual basis. Though he’ll be 12yo by March it would take a brave man to discount his chances in the Gold Cup if you ask me and he could well take all the beating in the Lexus in Ireland over Christmas.

It was nice to end the 3 days on a high with the gambled on Ulck Du Lin taking the finale at an SP of 2/1 having been put up here the night before at 5/1. The drop in trip was the key for this one and depending on how the handicapper reacts he may win again as he was obviously well handicapped. The other horse put up for Saturday was Mount Benbulben who won easily at Fairyhouse. Though definitely needing to brush up on his jumping, this is a serious horse who should improve as the season goes on and it will be worth keeping a close eye on him.

 

A fantastic 3 days and plenty to take from the meeting, we can now look forward to an exciting clash of the titans in the Tingle Creek this coming Saturday. The novice chase looks like it will also shape up nicely and although both are unlikely to have many runners; they will almost certainly be high quality affairs and provide further indicators for the rest of the season. Saturday also sees Aintree host the Becher Chase over the Grand National fences (pictured above) which will, as always, be fascinating to watch.

 

Happy Days!

Newbury Winter Festival - Day Three

A less fortunate day than Thursday with both Ballywatt and Ballybough Pat finishing 2^nd. Stake was returned for Ballywatt as on e/w at 6/1 but annoying to lose on Pat as he ran a nice race, beaten by a somewhat rejuvenated Fair Along. The rest of the day wasn’t much brighter as Bold Cuffs pulled hard for the first circuit and jumped poorly to be tailed off, and Prince of Pirates again flopped to finish 3^rd. Hopefully tomorrow is more fruitful and returns a winner or 2! After seeing the monster of a horse Diggers Mate in the bumper yesterday the 2 beasts in the picture below made him look small! I don’t imagine they’ll be popping many hurdles or fences though!

 

Saturday sees a more appealing card for me in terms of fancying a few, though not in the first race at 12.15pm which I am leaving out completely! The 12.50pm only has 6 runners but could still be competitive and the Anthony Honeyball trained Eleven Fifty Nine is consistent and very able, but I feel Call Me A Star is the one to be on. At the stable tour yesterday it seemed connections were very bullish about this mare and she could be one of the best her trainer has handled. She can be keen but is expected to give a very good account of herself which is reflected by the skinny 7/4 I’ve been forced to take!

From one strong fancy to another as Rolling Aces is a horse I’ve been waiting for and he goes in the 1.25pm Handicap Chase. Having not done much over hurdles (always going to be a chaser), this fella will be expected to improve for fences (he won a Point in Ireland) and ran well on debut over the bigger obstacles when seemingly outpaced in the 19f contest on good to soft, before staying on like a train at the finish! The step up to 22f should bring about improvement and I’d say there’s a fair amount more to come over fences now he goes handicapping. I have Godsmejudge and Merry King down as others that are potentially on the up, and Barry Geraghty’s mount Seven Woods could well have more to come, but I’d hope Rolling Aces is good enough to see them off and have gone each way at 6/1.

Death, taxes and Big Bucks! 3 things guaranteed in life! Big Bucks is Big Bucks, so the 2pm is not worth discussing.

The 2.35pm is interesting and I feel it could be a good day for the Ditcheat camp as Salubrious could take the beating in this (potentially notching up a treble for Paul Nicholls if Rolling Aces and Big Bucks oblige!). Salubrious is held in high regard by his connections but wasn’t right last season (had a cracked tooth I believe). He ran fairly well on reappearance in the Silver Trophy at Chepstow but his trainer has stated he will improve a lot for it. I’m certain there is more to come and can see him taking this race which has been on the agenda a while so he’s sure to be primed for it so I have backed at 3/1.

The Hennessy Gold Cup isn’t one of my favourite races of the season and this year is no different. Bobs Worth will need to be very good to defy his mark – but he could well be! If he wins this you’d have to fancy him to be a serious Gold Cup contender come March. However, at 4/1 I won’t be siding with the Seven Barrows inmate and will instead be taking 8/1 e/w about Hold On Julio in the 3.10pm contest. This horse was talked up a fair bit before Cheltenham in March but failed to deliver, but on Thursday morning’s stable tour it sounded like he is expected to run a huge race tomorrow. He will be fine on the ground and had a nice reappearance run when 3^rd at Cheltenham recently (he was 10kg heavier than his winning weight last season) so is on course for this race. He has a lovely racing weight of 10st 8lb which is positive for his chances and he could be very well handicapped so a big run is expected! Frisco Depot is the other interesting horse and may be worth a small e/w saver.

 

 

Ulck Du Lin catches the eye (Nicholls yet again!) in the closing 3.40pm affair as he ran a bit free and probably needed the run when tiring over 2m6f at Stratford last time. The drop in trip should tomorrow and at 5/1 is worth following, though Michael Flips (7/1) is another I like as he has some smart looking form behind the likes of Cue Card and For Non Stop.

Newbury aside, I’m looking forward to seeing Mount Benbulben run in the 1.55pm at Fairyhouse as I see him as a horse with bundles of potential for chasing and he’s the apple of his County Meath based handler’s eye! As exciting is the Fairyhouse card for Sunday which hosts a number of Gr1 races and will no doubt be extremely useful in providing clues for the rest of the season.

Newbury has been great so far with decent racing (particularly the Novice Chases both days, Dynaste [pictured above being readied before his race] looking ultra impressive in the competitive affair today), dry weather and a fair crowd (though I’m sure tomorrow will be crazily busy!!). One more day to go and then back home so will be writing some new posts including a review of the Hennessy meeting and horses to take from it, my stable tour at Barbury Castle, and maybe a few early thoughts on potential festival candidates. But until then I shall be making the most of Newbury (even bumped into a few reindeer on the way back to base this evening!) so enjoy the racing over the weekend and be lucky!

 

 

 

In summary, tomorrow's fancied horses are:

NEWBURY

12.50pm - Call Me A Star

1.25pm - Rolling Aces

2.35pm - Salubrious

3.10pm - Hold On Julio

3.40pm - Ulck Du Lin

FAIRYHOUSE

1.55pm - Mount Benbulben