2013 Grand National contenders

The worlds greatest steeplechase The Grand National is still over two months away and the weights have still yet to be released but the entries have been published so despite the fact a lot can happen between now and April 6th but here is a analysis of some of the most notable entires for this years race

TIDAL BAY - The highest rated horse entered in this years race who has run in the race before back in 2010 where he unseated his rider at a early stage but he has since been transferred to the stable of Paul Nicholls who has unlocked the potential that he always promised culminating with a thrilling win in the Lexus Chase at Christmas and a very impressive win under top weight to win the Bet365 Gold Cup back in April. The chances are he will be allocated top weight but in recent years Neptune Collonges and Don't Push It have demonstrated that a big weight is no longer the huge burden as it has been in the past and with the horse at the peak of his powers despite being a 12yo he must if given the green light to run head to Aintree with a favourites chance.

ON HIS OWN - Was travelling extremely strongly when coming to grief at Bechers Brook on the second circuit in last years race and before that was a impressive winner of the Thyestes Chase in Ireland on only his second start for Willie Mullins. Doubtful we will see him on the track until the weights are released to protect his handicap mark and as long as last years experience hasn't frightened him that is always a nagging worry he must be a leading contender.

PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE - Lightly raced 10yo who was ante post favourite for last years race after a very easy win in the Bobbyjo Chase before sustaining a injury that prevented him for making the line up. Has since returned to the track with a comfortable win over hurdles and wont be seen over fences like his stable mate On His Own  until the weights are released. Connections think highly enough of him to have him entered in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and he will likely be given a favourable weight to carry so will almost certainly be among the favourites come the big day.

SUNNYHILLBOY - Came agonisingly close to winning last years Grand National when being pipped on the post by Neptune Collonges with nothing more than a nostril separating the pair. Before that gallant effort he won the Kim Muir Chase at The Cheltenham Festival, he has also been placed in The Irish National in the past. He has been limbering up for this years race with a couple of spins over hurdles running with credit at Haydock before pulling up at Warwick last time out. Will appreciate a return to fences once the weights have been published and must be nailed on run another big race this year.

SEABASS - Put a run of seven straight wins together before running the race of his life to finish 3rd in last years National and in the process giving his rider Katy Walsh the honour of being the first lady to be placed in the race. Hasn't run since and will likely be asked to carry more that the 10-12 he carried last year but took to the fences like a duck to water last year and sure to give another great account of himself.

CAPPA BLEU - Welsh trained gelding who ran with great credit to finish 4th last year but could was perhaps asked to make up too much ground in the latter stages of the race after being given a waiting ride by his jockey Paul Maloney who surely will ride him closer to the pace this year. Only had one run so far this season when second in unsuitable heavy ground at Carlisle. Trainer has given the horse numerous entries recently but waiting for some better ground before allowing him to run and given decent ground at Aintree he is more than capable of matching if not bettering last years performance.

IMPERIAL COMMANDER - 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who after almost two years of the track returned to the scene of his greatest triumph to narrowly be denied a fairytale comeback win in last weeks Argento Chase. Brilliant jumper of fences and always a strong traveller who has always looked a ideal Grand National type but connections keen for a repeat Gold Cup bid so at this stage but if given the green light to run at Aintree would be one of the classiest horses in recent years to run in the race and would have the opportunity to put his name alongside greats such as Golden Miller and L'Escargot as the only horses to have won both The Gold Cup and Grand National.

BESHABAR - Has been off the track since suffering a injury when running with great credit to finish 5th in the 2011 Hennessy Gold Cup after previously winning the Scottish Grand National earlier that year and finishing runner up in the 4m NH Chase at The Cheltenham Festival so has all the credentials you could wish for in a potential Grand National candidate but his fitness will have to be taken on trust as not due to run until the big day.

TEAFORFREE - Capped a successful novice chasing campaign last season with victory in the 4m NH Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. After two encouraging warm up races earlier in the season including a very good 6th behind several leading Gold Cup contenders in the Hennessy he only narrowly failed to hold of the Paul Carberry inspired Monbeg Dude in the Welsh National giving the winner stacks of weight. Excellent jumper and strong travelling type who has all the credentials of a potential Grand National winner.

The latest odds along with other statistics for the big day can be found here http://www.grand-national.me.uk

84 entered for the 2013 Grand National

The entries for the 2013 Grand National have today been published with 84 horses entered for the £975000 Aintree showpiece which for the first time will be run over a slightly reduced distance of 4m3f110y with the start being moved forward 110 yards.

Chapion trainer Paul Nicholls who last year broke his Grand National duck with Neptune Collonges has entered a team of four with the revitalised Tidal Bay the pick of his entries alongside What A Friend and Harry The Viking both part owned by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Fergurson with Join Together completing the champion trainers entries for the race.

Last years runner up Sunnyhillboy is among five entered from Jonjo O'Neills stable while 2011 winner Ballabriggs heads Donald McCains team of five entered which also includes the 13yo Cloudy Lane who was successful in last years Foxhunters Chase around the Grand National circuit.

Willie Mullins the Irish Champion trainer has both Prince De Beauchene and On Hid Own both among the ante post favourites for the race along with his 2012 Irish Hennessy Gold Cup hero Quel Esprit. Other contenders from Ireland include the previous two Irish Grand National winners Organisedconfusion and Lion Da Bearnai alongside the high class Joncol and Quito Da La Roque. 2000 winning trainer Ted Walsh has again entered Seabass who was 3rd last year alongside his Paddy Power Chase winner Colbert Station.

Other notable names among the 84 entries are 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander but by no means a certain runner with a repeat Gold Cup bid his number one objective.

Other fascinating entries include Albertas Run a multiple winner at the Cheltenham Festival, The rapidly improving Katenko from the Venetia Williams stable and Beshabar the 2011 Scottish Grand National winner but of the course since the 2011 Hennessy Gold Cup and it would be a magnificent training feat if Tim Vaughan can this lightly raced 11yo to make a winning return to the track in a race as demanding as The Grand National.

Sprinter Sacre, The new star of NH racing

You could travel the world and still not find a horse that from a physical standpoint is more impressive than the apple in his trainer Nicky Henderson's eye the Black Aeroplane Sprinter Sacre.

I doubt here is a horse on the planet whether on the flat or over jumps the possesses as much natural ability as this magnificent 7yo gelding who after showing great promise as a novice hurdler has displayed nothing but brilliance since switched to the larger obstacles.

Champion racehorses win no matter what conditions they are presented with and Sprinter Sacre has shown brilliance at every track he has graced so far with scintillating wins at Doncaster, Kempton, Sandown, Aintree and the home of NH racing Cheltenham while showing whatever the ground conditions he is faced with whether its good ground in the spring or the heavy ground in the depths of winter.

I have had the privilege of being being in attendance for three of the biggest wins of his career so far beginning with his breathtaking win in The Racing Post Arkle Chase (pictures on the left) where he took up the running a mile out  and made high class rivals like Cue Card and Menorah look like average. Both of two horses behind him that day have between them won three grade 2 races since being swept aside by 'The Black Aeroplane'.

The next time I was lucky enough to see this wonder horse was at one of my favourite racecourses Sandown Park a track designed for a horse like Sprinter Sacre and he was a sight to behold with some breathtaking leaps along the famous Sandown back straight and in the process putting up as a impressive display ever seen in this grade 1 contest.

His next race was due to be at Ascot on January 19th in the Victor Chandler Chase but due to snow this meeting was abandoned but it would not deprive NH fans of seeing this increasingly popular horse as the race race was added to Cheltenham's Festival Trials day a week later.

For the first time in his career he would be faced with heavy ground to contend with and connections where understandably concerned by running there pride and joy in such conditions but they had nothing to worry about as this magnificent horse once again skipped through the mud to once again show why he is nicknamed the Black Aeroplane winning this grade 1 contest in nothing less than a canter.

The Champion Chase now beckons and with a clear round of jumping that is almost guaranteed by a horse that jumps his fences with such exuberance that the result almost a formality and that he will take his place on the Champion Chase roll of honour alongside the other great 2m chasers of past years.

Darlan and Captain Conan possible's for Sandown Saturday

The clock is ticking down to the opening day of The Cheltenham Festival and there will be plenty of chances to assess some of the leading contenders for The Festival with Nicky Henderson's leading Champion Hurdle contenders Darlan and Grandouet entered in Sandown's Contenders Hurdle on Saturday alongside 2012 Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby however trainer Harry Fry has stated his stable star is a unlikely starter due to the likely hood of heavy ground.

Captain Conan (Pictured on the left) yet another leading Festival contender from the Nicky Henderson stable is a intended starter in The Silly Isles Novice Chase which has been reopened after only seven horses declared at the 5 day stage for this grade 1 contest.

Also on the card is The Betfred Masters Handicap Chase formally known as The Gainsborough Chase and won three times by the great Desert Orchid but in recent years has lost its appeal as a Cheltenham Gold Cup trial but none the less is still always a competitive handicap and among the entries is 2011 Grand National winner Ballabriggs.

Ffos Las stages its biggest day of the season and the course owner Dai Walters will be hoping his own horse Tamerko Emery can follow in the footsteps of his 2011 winner Oscar Whisky in landing The Welsh Champion Hurdle that will be run under new conditions as a limited handicap hurdle over 2m4f.

The days other feature The West Wales National which has attracted several possibles for the Grand National with Ballabriggs (also entered at Sandown) and Cappa Blue trained in Wales by Evan Williams but will require the ground to dry out  before being committed to the race.

Musselburgh stages its best NH card of the season and after the loss of so much racing in recent weeks this very progressive track has not for the 1st time shown great initiative and added a £10000 Novice Chase to the card that and has been rewarded with a high class entry for this contest headed by one of the most popular horses in training Overturn.

So easy for 'The Hurricane'

If yesterdays blockbuster card at Cheltenham wasn't enough then Hurricane Fly showed why he is perhaps the best hurdler since the great Istabraq with a effortless success in The Irish Champion Hurdle and registering his 3rd successive win in the Leopardstown showpiece.

AP McCoy was called into question for his ride on the 3rd placed Binocular with several believing he did not do everything on his power to obtain the best possible position but in ground that he hated on his seasonal debut McCoy would have been foolish to have knocked the guts out of the 2010 Champion Hurdle winner on his seasonal debut in a hopeless task against the brilliant Hurricane Fly who after losing his crown in last years Champion Hurdle after a interrupted preparation looks right back to his very best the season with trainer Willie Mullins stating that he has had a clear run with his stable star this season. It will take a hell of a performance to prevent this brilliant 8yo regaining his Champion Hurdle crown on March 12th.

A memorable day at Cheltenham

The long journey from Essex this morning was rewarded this afternoon as Cheltenham served up a feast of top class NH racing with some of the star names of jumps racing putting on a show that will long live in the memory with Sprinter Sacre reinforcing his reputation as the new superstar of NH with a effortless win in the grade 1 Victor Chandler Chase and the 12 year old Imperial Commander in perhaps the race of the season only narrowly being denied a fairy tail comeback win after 2 years off the track by Cape Tribulation in a thrilling finish in the days feature race The Argento Chase.

The opening contest saw Nicky Henderson's highly regarded French import Rolling Star make a impressive UK debut getting the better of Paul Nicholls previously undefeated Irish Saint with these two high class four year olds miles clear of the remainder of the field. The following race saw Vino Griego who defied his odds of 25-1 to run out a 19 length winner of The Timeform Novice Chase with the favourite Rajdhani Express the last of only 7 finishers as the Heavy ground took its toll.

Venetia Williams had been talking of a Gold Cup bid with her exciting French recruit Katenko and he fully justified the trainers confidence with a dominant display to slam a very competitive field in the grade 3 Murphy Group Handicap Chase.

Next up it was the star of the show Sprinter Sacre the ultra impressive Tingle Creek Chase winner making it 7/7 over fences simply toying with the opposition to record yet another effortless victory and judging by this display he looks bombproof in The Champion Chase at The Festival. If he stays fit he could be one of best if not the best 2m chaser we have ever seen.

The days feature The Argento Chase saw the return to the track of Imperial Commander and no body could have asked for any more from the 12yo after such a long lay off and almost pulled off a famous win seeing off Hunt Ball in the home straight only to be collected in the shadow of the winning line by the younger legs of Cape Tribulation. Only four of the ten completed this gruelling contest with the favourite Grands Crus never getting competitive and pulling up and last years winner Midnight Chase stopping to a walk before the line to finish a very remote 4last of the four to finish. It will be fascinating to see how much of a bearing this has on The Gold Cup & if the runner up comes on for this excellent comeback there is no reason he cannot be in the mix come March.

A high class renewal of The Neptune Investment Management Novice Hurdle saw the very highly regarded The New One taken on dirk course winner Coneygree and the highly progressive At Fishers Cross and it was the latter who prevailed reeling in The New One who had had a clear advantage jumping the last with Coneygree fading after cutting out the early running to finish 3rd. The first two home both look nailed on to run big races at The Festival.

I decided to to make The Cleeve Hurdle the final race of the day before making a early exit to embark in the long journey back to Essex and for the third successive race the huge crowd was treated to another pulsating finish with Reve De Sivola who had thrived on a return to hurdles this season just holding off Nicky Henderson's duel Aintree Hurdle winner Oscar Whisky who despite defeat confirmed he stays 3m after stopping up the hill in last years World Hurdle. He was given a very patient ride by Barry Geraghty which was understandable in the heavy ground and ridden closer to the pace on better ground I would expect him to turn the tables on the winner.

After being starved of top class jumping action in recent weeks this outstanding day of NH racing of the highest standard. more than made up for the disappointment of last weeks Ascot and Haydock cards being lost and let's not forget it only now 45 days until 'The Greatest Show On Turf' The Cheltenham Festival.

Outstanding day in prospect at Cheltenham

After the disappointment of losing all the top class cards last weekend it looks like Cheltenham have come to the rescue of NH fans starved of top class jumping action with a quite outstanding card with no less than eight highly competitive races headed by the rescheduled Victor Chandler Chase at 1.50 that will feature the brilliant Sprinter Sacre who with a clear round of jumping looks bomb proof to follow up on his breathtaking win in The Tingle Creek Chase Sandown in December.

Even without the addition of the Victor Chandler Chase this would still be as good a card outside the Cheltenham Festival all season and The Argento Chase despite the absence of Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth who was rules out earlier in the week after Nicky Henderson wasn't 100% happy with him will still feature several horses with Gold Cup aspirations of there own in a field of 12 headed by the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander who makes his comeback after almost two years off the track. Tidal Bay a possible for both the Gold Cup and World Hurdle at The Festival will hopefully take his place after a slight setback in the week. Connections will decide in the morning if this popular 12yo will take his place in the line up. Grands Crus will look to build on his excellent 3rd place in The King George after a breathing operation and was a winner on this card two years ago when impressively winning The Cleeve Hurdle thou his suspect stamina will be tested with the potential of very testing conditions.

The Cleeve Hurdle will feature Nicky Henderson's Oscar Whisky who after two easy wins over 2m4f this season steps up to 3m for only the second time and this could decide if he is to have a second crack at the World Hurdle but his stamina will be put to the test be proven stayer's such as the easy Long Walk Hurdle winner Rene De Sivola.

The opening contest the Triumph Hurdle Trial will see the UK trial of french import Rolling Star and Paul Nicholls easy Kempton winner Irish Saint.

The Murphys Group Handicap Chase has high class field of 16 with Cheltenham Gold Cup entries Katenko and Bold Sir Brian but will come up against some very useful opposition in the shape of Alan King's Bless The Wings a course and distance winner in this card 12 months ago and unbeaten this season and Donald McCain has entered Our Mick a highly progressive novice last season and making his seasonal debut here.

Yet another intriguing contest is The Neptune Investment Management Novice Hurdle that will feature Nigel Twiston-Davies very impressive Warwick winner The New One who also boasts two wins at Cheltenham. Coneygree a winner at the track in December and unbeaten over Hurdles looks to boost his Festival claims here and the rapidly improving At Fishers Cross from the Rebecca Curtis stable returns to the track after a success over 3m another winner from the December here.

The remainder of the card is made up of The Timeform Novice Handicap Chase always a good pointer to handicap's at The Festival and the finale a 16 runner 2m Handicap Hurdle could well throw up some clues for the County Hurdle in March.

There will be a 7am inspection but Cheltenham are very confident of racing going ahead as long as the weather forecast is correct and anyone attending this fantastic days racing is without doubt in for a real treat with some of the stars if NH racing strutting there stuff at the home of jump racing.

NEPTUNE COLLONGES

Neptune Collonges is without doubt one of the bravest horses seen on a UK is Irish racecourse in many year and I have no doubt that if he wasn't unlucky enough to have had to come up against two of the best chasers in the last 20 years Kauto Star and Denman then he would have been the first grey since Desert Orchid to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. This magnificent grey gelding nicknamed 'Nipper' ensured that his name is the record books thou after he became the 1st grey since Nicholas Silver way back in 1961 to win the worlds greatest steeplechase The Grand National.

He began his career in a 3yo novice chase at Pau in Decemebr 2004 and went on to become one of the top novice chasers in France winning five of his six starts with the only blemish on his record being when unseating his rider at Auteuil back in March 2005 and soon put this right when winning his final start on France before being purchased by John Hales and transfered to the stable of champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

He made his British debut at Cheptsow in a novice hurdle and the spent the rest of the 2005/06 season running over hurdles winning grade 2 races at Sandown, Wetherby and Haydock and also ran 2nd behind The World Hurdle winner My Way De Solzen in a very promising debut season in the UK.

The 2006/07 season would see Neptune make his debut over the larger obstacles and made a perfectly satisfactory chasing debut finishing 2nd to Our Vic in Wetherby's Charlie Hall Chase. The rest of the season was a bit of a mixed bag or results including finishing 8th in Kauto Stars 2007 Cheltenham Gold Cup. He then finished of the season bagging a maiden Grade 1 win when heading over to Ireland to take the Punchestown Gold Cup.

The 2007/08 possibly saw Neptune Collonges at the peak of his powers. Despite making a later than usual seasonal debut he easily won his first race of the 2007/08 season at Wincanton before heading back to Cheltenham for his second crack at The Gold Cup. He ran his heart out staying on stoutly to finish just behind the great Kauto Star in 3rd place but this was the day Denman announced himself as one of the great chasers of recent years with as dominant display one will ever see at Cheltenham brutalising the opposition with a magnificent seven length victory in a memorable race. After his great effort behind Denman and Kauto Star he returned to Ireland to sucessfully retains his Punchestown Gold Cup crown.

He returned to Ireland but this time to Leopardstown for there Christmas highlight The Lexus Chase but for the only time in his career he fell when bang in contention in a race won by Exotic Dancer.
He would return to the same track in February 2009 but would not make the same mistake twice and he comfortably won his third grade 1 chase in The Hennessy Gold Cup setting him up perfectly for a third attempt at The Gold Cup. He ran another honourable race this time finishing 4th in a race where Kauto Star extracted his revenge over Denman with a scintillating 13 length victory with Exotic Dancer back in 3rd but a few days after this race he was found to have suffered a injury that was serious enough to rule him out of the entire 2009/10 NH season. This injury was believed to have occurred during the race making his finishing position all the more courageous.

He made his return in the 2010 Hennessy Gold Cup where he was bought down at a very early stage, He was then sent back to Cheltenham for a handicap chase when carrying a huge weight after such a long lay off was two much to allow him to get competitive but at least it blew away the cobwebs and on his next start again at Cheltenham he made all to take The Argento Chase from his future stablemate Tidal Bay. It was then back to the same track for his 4th and final crack at the Gold Cup where he could only plug on up the hill to finish 8th. He was entered in both The Grand National where he would have been asked to carry top weight or The Scottish National and it was the latter that was selected as his final target of the season. On ground he found a bit two lively up at Ayr he ran yet another gallant race to finish 6th giving away the best part of 2 stone to the majority of his 27 rivals. This confirmed that the marathon trip of 4m was within his range and the 2011/12 season would be geared towards a attempt at The Grand National.

Newbury's Hennessy Gold Cup would be the starting point for his final season but given a very tough task by the handicapper giving lumps of weight away to smart young horses on good ground he found things happening two quickly and was eventually pulled up. It was then onto Ascot of The Silver Cup and when in less competitive race but still asked to carry a huge weight he stayed on up the hill to finish 4th. Two weeks later it was onto Sandown and despite getting a little detached he battled on very bravely up the famous Sandown hill to finish a excellent 2nd giving Alan Kings very useful Hold On Julio almost 2 stone in weight. 3m was looking on the sharp side for him at this stage of his career so it was a step up to 3m4f in Haydock Park's Grand National Trial where under top weight in very testing conditions he put up a most honourable performance to only fail by head to reel in Giles Cross a proven specialist in these conditions. This would set him up perfectly for his greatest challenge yet. The Grand National but Paul Nicholls would have to use all his power of persuasion to convince his owner John Hales to allow 'Nipper' to take his chance at Aintree.

For once he would not have to carry top weight with the handicapper allocating him 11-7 but with the weights compressed this wasn't as harsh as some of the tasks he had been set in handicaps in recent years. Daryl Jacob would take the ride with Ruby Walsh opting to rise On His Own for Willie Mullins but then having to miss the race after a fall earlier on the card.

I hate to think how connections felt with Neptune lining up among 40 horses for the worlds toughest race and the jockey was given instructions to pull him up if the horse wasn't enjoying the Aintree experience but this would certainly not be the case.

As the tapes went up he had to be ridden along for a few strides after the start after being left a few lengths behind and for the majority of the first circuit he was dropped towards the back of the huge field before creeping into the race on the second circuit. It was clear half way through the race he was relishing the challenge jumping the huge fences with great enthusiasm and despite having several horses around him come to grief he very nimbly avoided them. As the crossed the Melling Road for the final time he was at the back of the leading group but Daryl Jacob still had not asked for everything and as several of the challengers got tired over the last few fences it was Katie Walsh on Seabass trained by her father Ted Walsh leading at the last with the JP McManus owned Sunnyhillboy upsides with Neptune a few lengths back in 3rd. Seabass's started to run out of gas towards the elbow and Richie Mclernon kicked on on Sunnyhillboy and with a furlong to run a move that looked to have won the race but no one told Neptune Collonges this and in as close a finish as ever witnessed in The Grand National Neptune started to gain ground hand over fist with a memorable late charge up the run in to overhaul the leader right on the line. It was a few minutes before the photo finish was announced as it was that tight but when Number 4 Neptune Collonges was announced on the PA jubilation overcome the connections who after years being in the shadow of Kauto Star and Denman 'Nipper' finally become a superstar in his own right in which would be the final race of his career.

Baffling why no UK representation in The Thyestes Chase

After just watching a thrilling Thyestes Chase at Gowan Park won by Jadanli holding of the grey Tarquinius I feel British trainers have missed a huge opportunity by ignoring this very valuable and historic race.

It's not everyday there is a 3m chase worth over 50 grand in the UK and with the 75k 3m Skybet Chase being lost this week I strongly believe that with no disrespect to the gallant winner of this terrific chase there are several well handicapped horses in the UK that would have had a outstanding chance in this contest today including several that where due to run in Doncaster's feature race today.

I

Monbeg Dude and Teaforfree could reoppose in Haydocks Grand National Trial

The entries have been published today for Haydock Park's Grand National Trial the Coral Welsh National winner Monbeg Dude owned by the a rugby-based syndicate that includes Mike Tindall among 39 horses entered for this 3m4f marathon.

Other notable entries are Teaforfree only beaten half a length by Monbeg Dude at Chepstow and the 2010 and 2011 winner of this race Silver By Nature who has been of the track since the 2011 Grand National and connections will hope to get a prep run into the popular run in preparation for a 3rd attempt at this historic staying contest that has been won by the likes of Cheltenham Gold Cup winners Cool Ground and Master Oats in the past.

This was also a race used in preparation for the great Red Rum's three historic wins in the Grand National and the son of Red Rum's late trainer Ginger McCain has entered his 2011 Grand National hero Ballabriggs along with Across The Bay and and Lively Barron.

Other notable entries are Big Fella Thanks, Cappa Bleu, Chicago Grey, Katenko and last years winner Giles Cross who in a thrilling contest got the better of none other than Neptune Collonges who went onto Grand National glory in his next and final start of his career.

Betfair now only 2/5 Cheltenham go's ahead Saturday

Despite heavy snow overnight Cheltenham has been spared to worst of the white stuff with less than 1 inch falling at Prestbury Park & staff are already in the process of clearing the snow from the track.

There will be a inspection at 8. 30am in Friday to determine if this top class meeting can go ahead but as I stated in my post yesterday plans are in place for the meeting to be staged on Sunday if the course not ready for racing come Saturday.

Black Caviar makes surprise appearance at Sandown

The locals at Sandown racecourse in Australia must have been thrilled with the surprise appearance of Black Caviar the nations wonder who is undefeated in 22 races visited the track for a 800m jump out in preparation for her comeback race in Flemington's Lightning Stakes on February 16th.

Trainer Peter Moody reported he was delighted with her after this half mile jump out.

Her last race was her famous win at Royal Ascot back in June when just holding of Moonlight Cloud in a thrilling finish despite feeling the effects of soft tissue damage to take one of the worlds most prestigious sprints in front of Her Majesty The Queen.

The Lightning Stakes is planned on being the 1st leg of her farewell tour where she is intended to grace the city's of Sydney and Brisbane in the final races of her magnificent career.

Super Sunday at Cheltenham ?

Saturday's stat studded card at Cheltenham could depend on the amount of snowfall tonight with 1-2cm forecast but thankfully plans have been put in place for the meeting to be staged a day later on Sunday if the course is not fit for racing Saturday.

After Ascot was abandoned last week it will be imperative to connections to ensure there stars get some match practise with The Cheltenham Festival only just around the corner.

Meanwhile the prospect of Doncaster's top class card featuring there flagship race of the NH season The Skybet Great Yorkshire Chase have been hit after the forecast rain is now not due to arrive till Saturday afternoon, too late to assist the chances of the course being cleared of the 5 inches of snow currently covering the course.

Cheltenham's Festival Trial's Day attracts outstanding entries.

The 5 day declarations for Festival Trial's Day at Cheltenham where published today and weather permitting we have the prospect of one of the highest quality days racing of the entire 2012/13 NH season.

After the disappointment of Ascot's top class card being lost due to the snow NH fans will be holding there breath that the weather relents to allow this fantastic card to go ahead with some of the stars of NH racing pencilled in to run at Cheltenham on Saturday.

The most exciting prospect if the day must be the prospect of seeing the brilliant Sprinter Sacre who is a intended started in the rescheduled Victor Chandler Chase where opposition will be thin on the ground after the race was reopened today due to the lack of entries.

The renowned Gold Cup trial The Argento Chase promises to be a a vintage renewal of the race with the 14 entries headed by Nicky Henderson's Hennessy Gold Cup hero and also four time course winner Bobs Worth who could bid to consolidate his position at the head of the betting for The Cheltenham Gold Cup. He wont have it all his own way thou as Paul Nicholls has entered Tidal Bay winner of a thrilling Lexus Chase after finishing runner up to Bobs Worth in The Hennessy  (he does have a alternative engagement in the Cleeve Hurdle a race he won back in 2010) but early indications are that he will take his chance in this. Imperial Commander the 2010 Gold Cup winner is a intended starter after nearly 2 years off the track and will be fascinating to see how much of the old ability he retains. Grands Crus from the David Pipe stable is another top notch entry and last years winner Midnight Chase could bid to follow up last years win in this race but he will face a much stiffer task this year with the likes of Bobs Worth and the revitalised Tidal Bay in opposition. Other entries include Wayward Prince, Weird Al and and Cappa Blue.

The Cleeve Hurdle will sadly not feature the mighty Big Bucks this year but we have the prospect of Nicky Henderson giving Oscar Whisky another shot at 3m after he appeared not to see out the trip in last years World Hurdle. Peddlers Cross who failed to deliver over fences last season may make his seasonal debut here along with the impressive Long Walk Hurdle winner Rene De Sivola. Paul Nicholls has entered Kauto Stone a grade 1 winner of fences at Down Royal in November but then a disappointment in the King George on Boxing Day along with stablemate Tidal Bay also entered in the Argento Chase earlier on the card. The novice Coneygree a impressive winner at Cheltenham;s December is another potential runner in this important World Hurdle trial.

The Neptune Investment Management Novice Hurdle could turn out to be the best Novice Hurdle staged in the UK so far this season and has attracted the cream of the crop from novice hurdling division headed by Nigel Twiston-Davies impressive Warwick winner The New One. Puffin Billy who took a grade 2 novice hurdle at Ascot in December without breaking sweat. At Fisher Cross unbeaten this season and a course winner in December is engaged along with another winner from Cheltenham's December meeting Coneygree who has several other entries on Saturday.

If that wasn't enough then there is also 3 highly competitive handicaps along with the grade 2 Triumph Hurdle Trail all of which could well throw up plenty of clues for The Festival in March.

TIDAL BAY

Tidal Bay is one of the most talented horses to grace the NH scene in recent years and I have had the pleasure of seeing this grand old chaser several times for myself at tracks around the country but he had has his own ideals about the game and on several occasions over the years has not shown the immense ability we know he posses and it wasn't until he was transferred to the Paul Nicholls stable that he has finally climbed to the upper echelons of the the NH ladder after often threatening but not quite delivering the level of performance he is capable off.

The Tidal Bay story began when sent of a unconsidered 40/1 outsider in a Wetherby Bumper back in March 2006 where he defied these what look now insulting odds to make a perfectly satisfactory debut to finish 2nd. This was followed when sent off at even bigger odds (66-1) in the ultra competitive Aintree Bumper, one of the top races of this kind of the entire season and put up a excellent performance in only his 2nd race under rules to finish a close 2nd to Pangbourne which would lead to top racehorse owner Graham Whylie purchasing this highly promising gelding.

His novice hurdles campaign during the 2006/07 season began with three easy victory's before finishing only the future duel Cheltenham Festival Witcha Lineman in his 4th outing at Cheltenham. At the festival he would run a fine race to only go down by a quarter of a length to Massini's Maguire in the grade 1 Neptune Investment Hurdle and followed this fine effort to impressively take a grade 2 novice hurdle at Aintree's Grand National meeting.

The 2007/08 season until his career best performances during 2012 was his most successful season with a almost faultless novice chasing campaign with the only blip being when making a mess of the final fence on his 4th start of the season to go down narrowly in a novice chase at Doncaster but he more than made up for this effort in his next start at The Cheltenham Festival when destroying the field by 13 lengths to take the Arkle Chase and complete a memorable season with another win with great authority in the grade 1 novice chase at Aintree on Grand National day.

His 1st run outside novice company resulted in him making it 6/7 over fences with a easy win at Carlisle which would set him up for a crack at the grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase. I was in attendance myself this day where his winning streak would end here tho as he came up against the brilliant defending Champion Chase winner Master Minded and there was no shame in finishing 2nd behind his top class rival as very few horses in recent years could have got the better of Master Minded at his best which he wasn't far of this day. Unusually for a duel grade 1 winning 2m chaser his next outing was the 3m Rowland Reyrick Handicap Chase where he would have to carry 11-12 and give lumps of weight away but ran well enough in 2nd to warrant a crack at the leading Cheltenham Gold Cup trial the Argento Chase over just 3m1f110y where he simply didn't get home in very testing conditions to finish 3rd. This would abandon any thought of the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the time being so it was the Ryanair Chase he would contest at The Festival and there was no shame in finishing a staying on 3rd behind the following seasons Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander and past Champion Chase winner Voy Por Ustedes. He concluded his 2008/09 season when perhaps feeling the effects of some hard races when finishing down the field in Aintree's Melling Chase.

The 2009/10 season began with a excellent effort when only finding course specialist the popular grey Monet's Garden too good but this effort was followed by a disappointing run in Huntingdon's Peterborough Chase which would lead connection to revert him back to Hurdles for Cheltenham's Cleeve Hurdle where he powered up the hill to register his 1st success over 3m. The natural target after this would be the World Hurdle but found this company a bit hot and could only plug on up the hill to finish 7th behind the mighty Big Bucks who he would meet again at Aintree in the Liverpool Hurdle where rounded of the season finishing 4th.

Tidal Bay's 2010/11 campaign began at Wetherby where again he would do his best work at the end of the race to finish 3rd in the John Smiths Hurdle behind Fair Along which would set him up for a return to fences to contest a grade 1 chase for the 1st time in the shame of Haydock's Betfair Chase. He would again get outpaced before coming with his now familiar late charge to get within 2 lengths of the reigning Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander which would lead connections to believe he could be a Gold Cup contender himself later in the season now his stamina is assured. He warmed up for the Gold Cup in Cheltenham's Argento Chase and yet again doing all his best work at the end after being left behind earlier in the race to finish just under 2 lengths behind the following seasons Grand National winner the popular grey Neptune Collonges.

Tidal Bay's next race would be the epic renewal of  The 2011 Cheltenham,Gold Cup which would be was one of the most memorable races in recent years with Kauto Star, Denman and Long Run the 1st 6yo to win the race since the great Mill House serving up a treat. Tidal Bay ran a very respectable race staying on up the hill to finish 6th behind some of the best chasers over the last 20 years.

The Grand National was chosen as his next target but he didn't get any further than the 10th when unseating his rider Brian Harding way too early to decide if he was going to play a part in the finish. This would be his final start for Howard Johnson who left the world of NH racing in disgrace but this would be a blessing in disguise as he would be transferred to the champion trainer Paul Nicholls, a expert at extracting the best out of older horses which would be evident a year later at Sandown.

After a 9 month break he made his debut for the champion trainer in a 3m handicap hurdle at Cheltenham's New Years Day meeting where under a huge weight he ran a very respectable race to finish 3rd giving in excess of 20 pounds to the runner up. Not bad for a 11 year old.
He would return to Cheltenham for a 3rd attempt at the Argento Chase where he ran a almost identical race to last years renewal staying on up the hill once again to chase home the winner Midnight Chase. This run was followed up with a very disappointing display at Newbury where he may have found things happening a bit quick in The Denman Chase where the Gold Cup winner Long Run would break the 3m track record.

He would miss the 2012 Cheltenham Festival with the end of season target the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown with a prep run at Aintree in the Liverpool Hurdle where he was badly hampered by a faller at the 8th and could only make moderate late progress to finish 4th behind the brilliant winner Big Bucks. There isn't a horse in the country who would have beaten Big Bucks this day thou to be fair.

This set him up for his end of season target at Sandown on the final day of the season which stages the parade of champions before the start of racing. I was in attendance my self this day and never experienced such foul weather at Sandown where it did not stop raining all day, in fact it rained all week in the lead up to the meeting but this would only benefit Tidal Bay where he travelled like a dream throughout never getting outpaced at any stage and creeping into the race on the final circuit to loom up coming into the home straight and saunter up the hill to win in effortless style by 15 lengths. This would rank as a career best with him carrying 11-12 and giving 20 pounds to the runner up.

The 2012/13 season began with a spin over hurdles in the John Smiths Hurdle at Wetherby and with Ruby Walsh on board he charged home to comfortably take this grade 2 contest. This would set him up for a tilt at The Hennessy Gold Cup where he would be asked to carry 11-12 and give 6 pounds to the RSA Chase winner Bob's Worth. The ground may not have been quite as soft as he would liked but still put up a mighty effort to chase home the top class winner who may well go onto Cheltenham Gold Cup glory later in the season. Ruby Walsh stated after the race that Tidal Bay would be some horse around Leopardstown and this sound advice was taken up and in a thrilling edition of The Lexus Chase Tidal Bay who looked beat jumping the last picked up and produced a storming late run to snatch the grade 1 prize from the popular Irish Chaser Flemenster and high class First Lieutenant.

The question now is it The Gold Cup or World Hurdle at The Festival and he is also being considered for The Grand National.

Perhaps if he was in the care of Paul Nicholls from day 1 then we may well by now be talking about a Gold Cup winner but even now at the age of 12 he looks at the height of his powers.

RECORD ENTRY OF 61 IN WORLD HURDLE

I have had the privilege of witnessing Big Bucks win the last four World Hurdles and he is without doubt the greatest staying hurdler of all time and its a mighty shame that Paul Nicholls stables star will not have the opportunity to win the race for a 5th successive time after suffering a injury in December only weeks after beating the impressive Long Walk Hurdle winner Rene De Sivola in a canter at Newbury but sadly these things happen and fingers crossed he will be back to reclaim his crown in 2014.

In Big Bucks absence we are presented with a record 61 entries in this years World Hurdle and it could well be the most competitive race of the entire festival with several entries who may well not have featured among the entries now having there names thrown into the hat in the absence of the reigning champion.

The anti post favourite thou a unlikely starter is Willie Mullins great mare Quevaga who will most likely attempt to win a incredible 5th straight Mares Hurdle on the Festivals opening day but in the unlikely event she runs then she will certainly be the one to beat.

Paul Nicholls main contender could be the rejuvenated Tidal Bay since in the care of Paul Nicholls has put up career best performances despite his advancing years. He also also a possible for the Gold Cup but early indications are this race is the preference. So far this season he has a grade 2 Hurdle at Wetherby followed by a mighty effort to finish 2nd giving weight to the top class Bobs Worth in the Hennessy Gold Cup, then travelling over to Ireland to take there Christmas highlight The Lexus Chase in a pulsating finish. He is already a course and distance winner and if given the green light to run he must have a leading chance.

Oscar Whisky from the Nicky Henderson may have another crack at this after connections felt despite not looking to see out the trip last year there was something amiss after the race and the way he impressively won over 2m5f at the track in dire ground in December and looking very strong at the finish, this would indicate that staying another 3 furlongs would be within his range. There is also the possibility that he may just miss the Festival thou to try to win a 3rd Aintree Hurdle in April.

Monksland trained by Noel Meade in Ireland certainly appreciated the step up to 3m for the 1st time when soundly defeating the very useful Zaidpour at Leopardstown over Christmas and was 3rd behind the brilliant Simonsig in last seasons Neptune Investment Hurdle at The Festival. He is lightly raced with the potential of more improvement to come must have very sound claims.

Rene De Sivola was a grade 1 winning novice hurdler before embarking on a career over fences and despite some showing some useful form over fences he never quite lived up to his excellent hurdles form and despite being thrashed by Big Bucks in his seasonal debut he followed up with a very impressive success in the grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle in very heavy ground at Ascot. He has shown a  high level of form around Cheltenham in the past and will be well worth his place in the line up.

A very interesting entry but is Dermot Weld's former Ascot Gold Cup winner Rite Of Passage. He returned from a long lay off to win the Long Distance Cup on Champions Day and there are no better stayer's on the flat. He was 3rd in the 2010 Supreme Novice Hurdle behind Peddlers Cross tho the big question mark is will he run but if he does he would take the world of beating if transferring his top class flat form to hurdles.

There are several entries that have other engagements at The Festival most notably perhaps Grands Crus who was beaten less than 2 lengths behind Big Bucks in the 2011 World Hurdle. He has since began a career over fences but would be a formidable contender if reverting back to hurdles here.

Others notable entries are Get Me Out Of Here who has finished 2nd at the last three Festivals, Zaidpout and Thousand Stars from the Willie Mullins year, Coneygree still only a novice but a impressive all the way winner at the course in December and last but not least Peddlers Cross who after a disappointing in novice chases last season is due to return to the smaller obstacles very soon.

If allowed to take his chance Rite Of Passage would be a confident selection but there is a huge question mark over his participation but none the less this will be one of the most competitive races of the entire NH season.

26th January will be one extreme or the other

Several of the top names of NH racing have been pencilled in to run at either Cheltenham Festival Trials day and Doncaster who stage there top NH card of the season next Saturday but unfortunately the cold snap could scupper another top class days racing but id much rather be positive and contemplate the potential feast of top class action that could take place next Saturday.

The Victor Chandler Chase which was due to feature Sprinter Sacre at Ascot's meeting that was snowed off today has been added to Cheltenham's already top class card. Nicky Henderson has stated that Sprinter Sacre will run if the meeting goes ahead.

The Argento Chase could feature the Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth along with 2010 Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander who has been off the track since the 2011 Gold Cup. Grand Crus, Bold Sir Brian and the born again Tidal Bay other possible contenders in what is shaping up real mouthwatering contest.

The remarkable Hunt Ball one of the most improved horses in recent memory who won at last years Festival is another earmarked to run in the grade 3 handicap chase and in the Cleeve Hurdle which was won last year by the mighty Big Bucks could see Nicky Hendersons duel Aintree Hurdle winner Oscar Whiskey bid to make it 3/3 this season.

Doncaster's card is also littered with potential top class runners with the popular Overturn a possible for the grade 2 Lightning Novice Chase.

The Champion Hurdle Trial which was due to be run at Haydock's abandoned card has been added to Doncaster's card and this could see one of Nicky Henderson's leading Champion Hurdle hopes Grandouet.

The Skybet Chase Doncaster's most important race of the entire NH season could see Lucinda Russell's grey Silver By Nature make his long awaited return to the track along with stablemate Bold Sir Brian thou he has the option of the Argento Chase. Champion Court who ran such a great race to finish 4th in the King George is also among the early entries. Other possible runners include Paddy Power Gold Cup runner up Walkon, The multiple Cheltenham winner Midnight Chase, last years winner Calgary Bay, Evan Williams Grand National contender Cappa Bleu, 2011 Grand National winner Ballabriggs and Ascot Silver Cup and Gold Cup entry Wyck Hill.

Lets hope the freezing weather relents and allow these top class cards to go ahead.

2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup thoughts

This will be the 1st Gold Cup since 2006 that the great Kauto Star will not contest but judging by the initial entries it still promises to be a 1st class renewal of the great race.

As you would expect the leading contenders come from the stables of Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson with prehaps the latter having the stronger hand with Long Run who put up as game a performance as you could wish to see when getting up in the dying strides to take a thrilling King George VI Chase and his 2nd success in the race. In his previous race he was beaten fair and square by Paul Nicholls leading Gold Cup contender Silviniaco Conti in Haydock's Betfair Chase thou the winner did have the benefit of a prep run that may have given him the edge that day but none the less the winner is improving at a rate of knots and heads to the Gold Cup with a leading chance. The only question over him being his lack of experience around Cheltenham.

The anti post favourite for the Gold Cup is Long Runs stablemate Bobs Worth who has a perfect 4/4 record around Cheltenham which includes last seasons RSA Chase where he got the better of First Lieutenant in a great battle up the famous hill.
On his only outing so far this season he was the winner of a memorable Hennessy Gold Cup where he ran out a impressive winner from Paul Nicholls 12yo Tidal Bay who himself put up a career best effort in attempting to carry 11-12 and give 6 pounds to Bobs Worth with First Lieutenant running another fine race in 3rd to follow up his good 2nd on his previous outing in a grade 1 chase at Down Royal. These two met again in prehaps the race of the season so far in the Lexus Chase in Ireland where Tidal Bay who looked beat jumping the last came with a storming late run to get up on the line to deny First Lieutenant a deserved success with the popular Flemenstar in 3rd ahead of Willie Mullins duel Cheltenham Festival Sir Des Champs. Less than a length seperated the 1st four home.
At present Flemenstar would appear the least likely to take his chance in the Gold Cup with question marks over his stamina but he will have another attempt at 3m in February in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown and this will tell us more about his Cheltenham target.

Other notable entries incluse The Giant Bolster who was 2nd in last years Gold Cup and always saves his best for Cheltenham. Lucinda Russell has a rare entry in the shape of the rapidly improving Bold Sir Brian. The 2010 winner Imperial Commander could attempt to reclaim his crown but at 12 years of age his best days may be behind him after a near 2 year lay off due to injury but will be very interesting to see how he fares in his comeback run before a possible Gold Cup attempt.
David Pipe has his top class grey Grands Crus entered who returned to form after a breathing operation to run a fine 3rd in Long Runs King George and despite questions over his stamina there must be improvment to come from his excellent run at Kempton

At this stage tho if asked to pick the winner I wouldnt look past Bobs Worth as his form is rock solid. He has outstanding form around Cheltenham with the only doubt being if the going came up heavy which would bring  Tidal Bay into the equation with his bottomless stamina and ability to handle desperate ground

Weekends top NH meetings abandoned after snowfall

Very dissapointed that the 3 top class NH fixtures at Haydock,Taunton and especially Ascot where I was hoping to attend myself to see Sprinter Sacre in action have all been abandoned due to the snow engulfing the UK.

The only fixture due to go ahead is the AW card at Kempton which will do little to ease the dissapointment of a feast of NH racing being cancelled.

The only positive news I can report is the Victor Chandler Chase could be run at Cheltenham next Saturday weather permitting and Haydock's Champion Hurdle could be staged at Doncaster the same day.

Fingers crossed the weather relents by then !

Sprinter Sacre the uncrowned Champion Chaser ?

Only 17 horses have been in entered in the 2m Queen Mother Champion Chase and there will sure to be a fair few less than 17 running come the big day with brilliant Sprinter Sacre 'The Black Aeroplane' as he been called will most likely scare away much of the potential opposition.
I was lucky enough to be at Sandown to witness Sprinter Sacre put up one of the most breathtaking performences you will ever see when taking The Tingle Creek Chase by 15 lengths without breaking sweat. I took the chance to see him in the winners enclosure after the race and you will have to go a long way to see a more impressive horse and I must say to anyone reading to try and be at the track to see him someday as this is a horse with potenially superstar quality.

The 3rd placed horse that day Sancturaire who blitzed a high class field in the Celebration Chase last April was nothing but a sitting duck after trying to repeat his trailblazing tactics that has been so effective earlier in the year and most likely would have been successful here without a horse of such brilliance in the field. He went on to win the grade 2 Desert Orchid Chase by 13 lengths on his next outing just to reoffirm Sprinter Sacre's dominance that day.

With no disrespect to the other entries but I feel they are only running for place money with the only horse that could possibly give him a race but only if the ground is very heavy is the popular Irish trained Flemenstar who himself has put up some performences of the highest order over in Ireland but with entries also in the Ryanair and Gold Cup at The Festival it will be a while before its clear if he will take his chance.

Overall lets just hope Sprinter Sacre turns up fit and well on the day. He demonstrated how well he handles Cheltenham when romping home in last years Arkle and this could well be the crowning of a new king of NH racing.

34 entered in the Champion Hurdle

It looks highly unlikely that there will be any Champion clues on offer this weekend with the weather threatning to wipe out the top class meetings at Haydock and Ascot but looking ahead the 2013 Champion Hurdle could well be a vintage renewal after the 34 entries where published this week which includes the last four winners of the race begining with the 2009 winner Punjabi, Binocular so impressive in 2010, Willie Mullins 2011 winner the brillaint Hurricane Fly who has taken three Grade 1 races since finishing 3rd to Rock On Ruby in last year Champion Hurdle.
Hurricane Fly is sure to among the favourites to reclaim his crown and rightly so for a horse with in excess of ten grade 1 wins over hurdles to his name but will face some seriously strong opposition from Nicky Hendersons stable headed by Darlan who ploughed through heavy going that would not have been to his liking to impressivly win Kempton's Christmas Hurdle on his seasonal debut.
Grandouet another from the Henderson yard and made a very pleasing comeback from a year off when not given a hard race when not beaten far into 2nd to the race fit Zarkanda another leading Champion Hurdle contender in the International Hurdle with last years Champion Hurdle hero Rock On Ruby finishing 3rd after runing out of steam in the closing stages which was understandable in the dire ground on his seasonal debut. He should make a bold effort to retain his title.
Binocular another from the Henderson stable will also make a bid to reclaim his crown but could only manage 4th last year and a repeat of that finishing position may be the limit to what he can achieve nowdays.
Last years Supreme Novice Hurdle winner Cinders And Ashes is currently A 16/1 shot but behind him in that race was Darlan who has more than franked the form since and his two runs this season have been in unsuitable conditions when finishing a well beaten 2nd to Countrywide Flame (who showed his appreation for Cheltenham when taking last years Triumph Hurdle) in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle and after that he was well beaten in Darlan's race at Kempton. A return to better ground could well spark a major revival.
Other notable entries tho not certain to take there place in the line up are Oscar Whiskey, Peddlers Cross, Thousand Stars and Gordon Elliots rapidly improving Cause Of Causes who was so impressive when sloshing through the mud at Ascot to win the Ladbroke with real authority and if there is going to be a shock he may well be the most likely candidate.
If I was asked to name the winner now tho id have to say Grandouet with his proven from around Cheltenham and there should be plenty of improvment to come after his seasonal debut.

Well done Wincanton

Got to give huge praise to the staff at Wincanton today for managing to get there NH fixture on despite the freezing conditions that are currently engulfing the country.
Haydock will stage at 2nd inspecting tomorrow but unfortunately heavy snow forcast which may well put paid to all the good efforts of there ground staff to get there excellent fixture on meanwhile at Ascot there will be a precautionary inspection at 4.30 tomorrow to see if Saturdays top class can go ahead.

Skybet Chase shaping up to be a cracker

Doncaster's feature race of the NH season the 3m Skybet Chase is shaping up to be a belter after the weights where published today with last years winner Calgary Bay now trained by Mick Channon handed top weight alongside Midnight Chase and Champion Court who put up a career best performance to finish 4th in the King George behind Long Run & a reproduction of that run would make him would give him a leading chance.
Other notable entries are the 2011 Grand National winner Ballabriggs. Paddy Power Gold Cup runner up Walkon.
Evan Williams has entered his Grand National hope Cappa Bleu who bypassed The Betfred Classic at Warwick last week.
Scotland's leading jumps trainer Lucinda Russell has a very strong hand in the race with her Gold Cup entry Bold Sir Brian entered alongside stable companion Silver By Nature who could make his comeback after almost two years off the track.
A high class contest in store and lets just hope the cold snap relents to allow this and a great supporting card at Doncaster next Saturday.

Positive new for Great Leigh's racecourse

The white elephant that is Great Leigh's racecourse in Essex in between Chelmsford and Braintree and most importantly only a hour's drive from Newmarket may finally reopen its doors in April. Horse Racing cannot take place until 2014 at the earlist but Dressage and Equestrian events could well be taking place there very soon.
The last race meeting took place in 2009 but the track is still in perfect working order and with flood lights installed ready for evening racing to take place with the only problem left is laying within some members of the local community and the leader of the local Green Party group who object to the brightness of the floodlights but this is not a problem at Kempton and Wolverhampton the other two racecourses in the UK that successfully stage floodlit evening meetings so hopefully if the track finally gets up and running then they will see the benefit of having a racecourse on the doorsteps which will create many jobs and bring many new visitors into the area to boost the local ecomony.

Hallo and thank you for reading Alfie's Horse Racing blog

Good evening and thank you for taking the time to read my blogs.
My name is Alfie Potter and I have shift passion for horse racing to the point I wish to begin writing about my visits to the track and general day to day to news on the sport.
Im also a keen photographer (at a amateur level) and will do my best to include photos in my blogs.

Once again thanks for reading.

King regards

Alfie

Frankel given the highest rating of all time.

The World Thoroughbred have awarded the mighty Frankel the highest rating (140) of all time. I could never question this rating especially after he dismantled the top class miler Excelebration and then stepping up to make the Breeders Cup winner St Nicholls Abbey and the high class Faarh look like average handicapers with a performence of sheer dominance that will long live in the memory of anyone lucky enough to be in attendance at York that day.
The only issue I have is that Dancing Brave who previously held the highest rating of 141 had this lofty rating downgraded to 138. There is no question Frankel is well worth the 140 rating but how can Dancing Brave have his rating downgraded after being retired over 25 years ago ?
Personally if the World Thoroughbred are certain that Frankel deserves the highest ever rating and is 3 pounds better than Dancing Brave then 144 would have been much fairer as no way the brilliant 1986 Arc winner deserved to have his rating lowered after doing more than enough to justify his rating.

Warwick Races 12/1/13

The day started with a 4 hour journey up to the delightful town of Warwick. Always worth the long as you can always count on a good days jumping at Warwick.
The highlight of the day as ever the 3m5f Betfred Classic Chase but backed up by a very strong supporting card that could well throw up some Cheltenham Festival pointers.
Before racing began we had the plseaure of seeing the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander have a racecourse gallop in preperation for his comeback at Cheltenham (fingers crossed) on January 26th.
A weak novice handicap opened procedings before things stepped up a gear with Ruby making it 2/3 over fences in the Edward Courage Cup.
In between the 2nd and 3rd races I had the honour to meet and have my photo taken with the 2012 Grand National winner Neptune Collonges. He lookes magnificent and am sure he will be as successful in his new Dressage career as he was on the track.
A decent novice chasse followed this and the Paul Nicholls trained Rocky Creek easily accounted for the hot favourite Highland Lodge.
The Package went off favourite for The Pertamps Handicap Hurdle but failed to transfer his high class chase form to the smaller obsticals and it was Ely Brown 2nd last year going one better to take the spoils.
Nigel Twiston-Davies's high class novice The New One was a red hot favourite in the Leamington Spa Hurdle and put up a performence of a potential Festival winner making all to win by 17 lengths without coming off the bridle.
The Betfred Classic wasnt quite up to the standard of some years but still a very competive race none the less and produced a exciting finish with the Venetia Williams trained Rigadin De Beauchene getting up near the line to pip Godsemejudge with Pete The Feet prehaps the most improved horse in training running a gallant race to finish 3rd.
Overall a good solid days jumping with The New One without question the star of the show.