Nothing like Festvial form

Cinders And Ashes, Alfie Sherrin, Rock On Ruby, Balthazar King and Quevaga who where all victorious on the opening day of last years Festival all look primed to the minute to follow up at this years Festival with the brilliant Quevaga chasing a amazing 5th win in the Mares Hurdle and Rock On Ruby bidding to follow up last years triumph in the Champion Hurdle on the opening day of the greatest show on turf.

Year after year horses who have been successful at past Festivals have returned to form after showing indifferent form during the winter months so its always worth noting any horses with past form at the meeting with Son Of Filka who after showing nothing prior to Cheltenham returning to form with a vengeance to land the gamble of the meeting in the Coral Cup at last years Festival.

Donald McCain the trainer of Champion Hurdle candidate Cinders And Ashes has stated recently that Cinders And Ashes will be a different horse on better ground at the Festival as he looks to add to his win in last years Supreme Novice Hurdle where he defeated the brilliant but sadly ill fated Darlan capping a undefeated novice hurdle campaign. He will come up against last years Champion Hurdle winner Rock On Ruby who has had a light campaign this season owing to very wet winter and he looks nailed not to put up another big performance.

Alfie Sherrin winner of the JLT Handicap Chase last year has a number of entries at the meeting and its worth noting he has has a almost identical campaign to last year and has run to a similar level as he did prior to his 14/1 victory last year so you can be sure Jonjo O'Neill with have this former Festival winner primed for what ever race he selects this JP McManus owned gelding.

Balthazar King bid to repeat last years win in the Cross Country Chase and despite be guaranteed to face a strong Irish challenge there is no reason why he cannot repeat last years win tho one negative could be that last years Cross Country was run on Firm ground which it certainly wont be this year.

Quevaga bid join Golden Miller as a 5 time Festival winner and as per usual she will make her seasonal reappearance at the Festival and bar any misfortune she looks one of the Festival bankers.

Strong Festival headed by The New One for Nigel Twiston-Davies

When a trainer the calibre of Nigel Twiston-Davies who has saddled Grand National and Gold Cup winners says that his star novice The New One is possibly as good a horse that he has ever trained then it would be very foolish not to this statement seriously and after being in attendance for The New One's impressive win at Warwick in the grade 2 Leamington Spa Hurdle when not coming off the bridle to score very impressivly by 17 lengths then two weeks later at Cheltenham where despite finishing 2nd  he still showed a electric turn of foot quickly taking 4 lengths out of his field before  being outstayed up the hill in very heavy ground by At Fishers Cross who is proven over 3m (2m4 1/2f the trip this day)  but still came out of this race with great credit and if the jockey Sam Twiston-Davies had held onto the horse a little longer before making his move I am confident that he would have won this contest and remained unbeaten over hurdles and on better ground at the Festival he looks to be Nigel Twiston-Davies best chance if a Festival winner in the Neptune Investment Novice Hurdle. He will come up against the duel Irish grade 1 winner Pont Alexandre from the all conquering Willie Mullins stable but The New One has demonstrated  more than enough to warrant his place as one of the market leaders for this grade 1 contest on the day 2 of the Cheltenham Festival and I would be surprised if one of these two exciting young horses is not victorious here.

Imperial Commander Nigel Twiston-Davies stable star and the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner as well as the 2009 Ryanair Chase winner at the Festival bids to become the first 12 year old since What A Myth in 1969 to win the Gold Cup and despite his advancing years he made a very encouraging comeback to the racecourse after almost two years off the track when only going down by half a length to Cape Tribulation in the Argento Chase at Cheltenham in January where he jumped beautifully and travelled all his old zest and looked the winner jumping the last before possibly his lack of race fitness told when just getting collered near the finish. In 2010 he looked a world beater after defeating the mighty Denman who only 3 months earlier has put up one of the great NH performences when winning his 2nd Hennessy under 11-12 and lets not forget his epic battle at Haydock where he came within a nostril of defeating the great Kauto Star when he was at the peak of his powers and if he runs anywhere this level next month then he has strong claims of at least a place in this years Gold Cup.

A cold but exciting day at Kempton

Living in Braintree Essex makes visiting the majority of racecourse quite a challenge especially as I use the trains but Kempton is one of the easier course's to get to and despite the freezing cold weather there was no way I was not going to attend today's excellent card featuring one of the tracks flagship races the Racing Plus Chase.

The first port of call when arriving at the track was the excellent racing memorabilia stand which has a excellent range of horse racing items for sale including this years 'Racing Post Cheltenham Festival' Guide which has only just been published so was delighted to get my hands on this very informative book along with 'Gone Down To The Beaten' which is a book assembled of story's from every Grand National from post WW2 to 2010 with tales from many different jockeys who rode in the race so i am sure this will be a most interesting read.

After a dry week the going was described as 'good good to soft in places' a very rear occurrence this winter after the record rainfall of 2012 leaving virtually every track up and down the land left saturated and the opening race of the day went to the Alan King trained Midnight Sale who was always towards the head of affairs which is usually a must around Kempton and kept on strongly up the home straight to hold off the challenge of Lexicon Lad.

The grade 2 Adonis Hurdle for 4 year olds has thrown up several future Cheltenham Festival winners over the years with the races roll of honour including the likes of Zarkanda, Punjabi, Binocular, Soldatino and Well Chief and this it would be no surprise to see magnificent looking Irish Saint ridden here by Ruby Walsh go on to future Festival glory after holding off the challenge of Vasco Du Ronceray who could himself be a challenger at the Festival for something like the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle but the winner who looked to be slightly tapped for toe coming into the home straight eventually stayed on powerfully to gain a narrow victory and will surely be better suited to the much stiffer track at Cheltenham and looks a horse with bags of potential.

The Pendil Novice Chase has been dominated by Paul Nicholls in recent years and Grandioso continued the champion trainers stranglehold on the race thou he may have been slightly fortunately after the fall off Theatre Guide who took a nasty fall at the last when still holding every chance but jumpings the name of the game and Grandioso completed a double for Ruby Walsh holding of the challenge of the favourite Molotof by a length. Interestingly the the last three winners of this have all gone on to win the grade 2 chase for second season chasers at Down Royal later on in the year in November so it will be interesting to see if Grandioso follows suit.

Forgotton Voice a former Royal Hunt Cup winner at Royal Ascot put up his best performance to date since being switched to hurdles quickening up smartly to run out a impressive winner of the Dovecote Novice Hurdle finding the better ground here much more to his liking and he could be very interesting at Aintree a track could be tailor made for this Nicky Henderson trainer 8 year old.

The feature race of the day and one of the highlights of the entire year at Kempton the Racing Plus saw a strong field of 13 assembled for this £100,000 chase with the weights headed by the Alex Fergurson owned What A Friend. This would also be the final race of the popular two time winner of this race Nacarat who threw away any chance with a terrible mistake at the 8th. Wyck Hill was sent off 3-1 favourite by found things happening too quick for him here with Quinz going off at a fast pace and jumping superbly out in front and only giving way after the 3rd last to the novice's Opening Batsman and Rolling Aces who engaged in a terrific battle over the final few fences and it would be the 7 year old Opening Batsman coming out on top and in the process giving Harry Fry the biggest win so far in what is becoming a very a successful first season in the training ranks since branching out on his own after four years as assistant to Paul Nicholls trainer of the runner up Rolling Aces.

I decided along with many other to make a early exit after the feature race on this bitterly cold day but there was plenty of nice performances to look back on and I would like to thing that the 4 year old Irish Saint may emerge to be the best horse that was on show today but the 1st and 2nd in the Racing Plus Chase must also have a bright future ahead of them as not many novices are capable of taking races like this in there opening season over fences and I expect there are plenty of nice races to be won with these two likable young chasers.

Possible farewell for Nacarat at Kempton

The Racing Plus Chase one of the highlights of the season at Kempton could see the popular grey Nacarat a two time winner of this prestigious £100,000 chase bid farewell to the racecourse after connections stated that this could be Nacarat's final race and he heads to Kempton with plenty in his favour on what would be a perfect way to bring the curtain down on a very successful career but he will face stiff opposition in the shape of Wyck Hill who was purchased by legendary gambler JP McManus earlier in the week and with only 10-7 to carry he could potentially be a stone ahead of the handicapper and is the one to beat at Kempton tomorrow. Nicky Henderson who has a terrific record at Kempton saddles both Roberto Goldback who will appreciate the better ground here and Quantitativeeasing. Paul Nicholls is represented by What A Friend making his seasonal debut and the novice Rolling Aces. The latter would appear to be the champion trainers best chance here but I would be reluctant to back him here against seasoned chasers so I would have to give the vote to Wych Hill with Nacarat and Roberto Goldback both carrying good e/w chances.

The 4m1f Eider Chase is run at Newcastle and this is always one of the most gruelling races of the season and top weight Master Overseer who seems to either win or pull up if things don't go his way might take some pegging back if allowing to get his own way up front and has already demonstrated that this marathon trip holds no fears after winning last years 4m1f110y Midlands Grand National. Gordon Elliot send Tarquinius over from Ireland and this 10yo grey has shown improved form since being transferred to his stable and this marathon may well be right up his street. Chac De Cadran  who was a recent winner of the North Yorkshire National at Catterick recently is another who should enjoy this stamina test.

The Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse over in Ireland is possibly the race of the day and will see a clash of leading Grand National contenders Seabass who will be reunited with Katie Walsh and Prince De Beauchene a leading ante post fancy for this years National and is also still engaged in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Oscar Time and Quito De La Roque who are also entered in the Grand National with the latter also a possible for the Gold Cup add further interest to this fascinating contest.

Huge numbers entered in Cheltenham handicaps

There is nothing as competitive a Cheltenham handicap and a record number of entries have been released today with a staggering 191 horses entered in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle and 167 entered for the Coral Cup and that's just for starters.

At this stage it would be almost impossible to give a accurate preview let alone find a winner of any these incredibly competitive races with many horses being entered up in several different races during the course of the week and with the weights not set to be released until nest Wednesday the best I can do is pick put a few notable names among the enormous list of entries that have the credentials to run a big race a the greatest show on turf.

The JLT Speciality Handicap Chase on the opening day is one if not the most competitive 3m handicap chases of the season and the last two winners of the race Bensalam in 2011 and Alfie Sherrin are among the 97 entries with multiple Cheltenham winner Midnight Chase a notable entry. Sunnyhillboy and Carlito Brigante both previous Festival winner are also among the entries but have several other engagements during the course of the 4 days. Later on in the day The Cross Country Chase has attracted 45 entries with last years winner Balthazar King a likely leading contender along with cross country regular Uncle Junior from the very powerful Willie Mullins stable. It would take a brave man to try to pick the winner of  the concluding race on day 1 is The Pulteney Land Investments Novice Handicap Chase. Attaglace a winner at last years Festival is among the entries but he has yet to convince since being switched to fences but any past former Festival winner deserves the utmost respect.

The Coral Cup in day 2 always attracts one of the largest fields of the meeting with a maximum field of 28 almost certain to line up and with 167 entries. A very intriguing entries is the unbeaten novice Gevrey Chambertin from the David Pipe stable but this is yet another horse with numerous options over the four days. Last years winner Son Of Flika could bid for back to back wins after landing a gamble in last years renewal of this race and despite showing very little so far in four outings this season it would be no surprise to see a return to form at his favourite track and lets not forget he was also a very close 2nd to leading Gold Cup contender Sir Des Champs at The Festival in 2011 the year that another entire for this Carlito Brigante took this race in impressive fashion and he has this race among his numerous options during the week. The Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle for 4 year olds has been a welcome addition to the Festival since a 4th day was added in 2005 and this will most likely attract another maximum field.

Three more handicaps are staged on day 3 beginning with The Pertamps Final over 3m was won last year by 2013 Gold Cup contender Cape Tribulation and another potential future chaser Sam Winner heads the market for the Paul Nicholls stable who like all the leading stables is very strongly represented here. 102 horses have been entered for the Bryne Group Plate and last years Festival winner Hunt Ball would be a popular winner here after connections abandoned a Gold Cup bid after failing to see out the trip on a recent outing at the track. David Pipe is always one to follow in this after winning this in recent years with Great Endevour and Salut Flo and although he may not have any horses of these two horses calibre it would be wise to pay attention on whoever he send for this ultra competitive 2m4f chase. The concluding race on the 3rd day is the Kim Muir Challenge Cup and has in recent years become a good pointer to the Grand National with Ballabriggs and Sunnyhillboy recent winners.

There is not many races more competitive during the entire NH season than the Vincent O'Brien County Hurdle and a maximum field of 28 is all but guaranteed with 121 horses entered for this 2m grade 3 handicap. Tominator a Northumberland Plate winner on the flat may find this sort of race to to his liking along with Cotton Mill who was running so well at last years Festival before veering out at the 2nd last when bang in contention upsides the high class Simonsig in the Neptune Investment Hurdle. Mr Watson, Swing Bowler, Cause Of Causes and Grumeti are just a few of the potential leading contenders for this grade 3 hurdle. The Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle a relatively new addition the the meeting is yet another fiercely competitive heat with 191 entries for this 2m4f handicap and with so many entries the race will look more like a limited handicap with the entries so closely handicapped. The final race of the meeting The Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase named after leading trainer Nicky Hendersons will understandably see a very strong challenge by Nicky Henderson to land this grade 3 2m chase and will be sure to have a significant number of runners here and it will be interesting to see if his former high class chaser Petit Robin shows up here after running so well over hurdles recently but hasn't run over fences for over two years but he wasnt far off the best before sustaining a injury. Oiseau De Nuit winner in 2011 and Pigeon Island the 2010 winner are possibles here on what will bring down the curtain on the 2013 Cheltenham Festival.

Leading Grand National contenders on trial Saturday

Its only 3 weeks until Cheltenham and the anticipation will soon reach fever pitch and several possibly Cheltenham contenders will be in action this Saturday with high class top fixtures at Kempton and Fairyhouse but the pick of this weekends action will most likely have more of a bearing on the Grand National with several of Ireland's leading Aintree contenders entered in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse headed by the Willie Mullins duo Prince De Beauchene who is also still engaged in The Cheltenham Gold Cup and On His Own who Ireland's champion trainer believes are better horse's than his 2005 Grand National winner and 2006 Cheltenham Gold Cup runner up Hedgehunter. Oscar Time runner up in the 2011 Grand National and on the comeback trail after missing last years race is entered alongside Seabass who gave Katie Walsh the ride of her life when finishing 3rd in last years National and on the evidence of his excellent comeback run over hurdles he may well be a improved horse this year and victory here would most likely see him sent off favourite come the big day on April 6th. Quito De La Roque entered in both the Grand National and Cheltenham Gold Cup is another fascinating contender this grade 2 contest.

Kempton stage the Racing Plus Chase formally known as The Racing Post and who could forget Desert Orchid's memorable win in this back in 1990 when despite the train stopping weight of 12-3 on his back he gave over 2 stone to a high class field to record win by a unchallenged 8 lengths. There will be nothing of Dessie's ability running on Saturday but the race has still attracted several high class entries and champion trainer Paul Nicholls has three possible runners here headed by the duel grade 1 winning chaser What A Friend who is set to make his seasonal debut here and could be joined by stablemates Rolling Aces and Join Together who was last saw at Aintree when a fast finishing 2nd in The Becher Chase over the big fences at Aintree. The improving Wyck Hill who got the better of Gold Cup contender Katenko at Ascot on his last start in December is another fascinating entry and a win here could see him head towards to top of the market for the Grand National and even set him up for a crack at The Cheltenham Gold Cup next month. Roberto Goldback Nicky Henderson's only National entry is a possible runner here and will appreciate the better ground that looks likely at Kempton on Saturday while Nacarat could bid for a third win in this after victory's in this in 2009 and 2012 and would be a very popular winner but at the age of 12 he has his work cut out here.

The marathon 4m1f Eider Chase is also staged on Saturday at Newcastle and is always one of the most stamina sapping races of the season so it would be wise to avoid backing any horses with the slightest stamina doubt. Comply Or Die took this in 2008 before his victory in the Grand National less than 2 months later and although the race is unlikely to have mush of a bearing on this years National a competitive looking field has been assembled at the 5 day stage and leading Irish trainer Gordon Elliott has entered his recent Thyestes Chase runner up Tarqunius and he could be just the type for this gruelling contest.

Ryanair Chase

The Ryanair Chase has quickly established as one of the highlights of The Festival since it was first run in 2005 when a fourth day was added to The Cheltenham Festival and with Sprinter Sacre looking untouchable in the Champion Chase several contenders that in any other year would be targeted at The Champion Chase could well line up instead for this grade 1 chase run over 2m5f.

There is still a lot of uncertainty as to weather several of the early entries will line up for this with 2011 Champion Chase winner Sizing Europe and today's Ascot Chase winner Cue Card both holding engagements in The Champion Chase the day before but one certain runner is Albertas Run who took this in both 2010 and 2011 and only failed narrowly to make it a hat rick in last years race being edged out by Riverside Theatre in one of the races of the entire meeting. Albertas Run has yet to run this season but turned up for last years race with only one run beforehand and should give another good account but at the age of 12 its a big ask to expect him to reclaim his crown while Riverside Theatre who always runs best fresh has been freshened up since disappointing in the King George where the heavy ground may have been the reason for his poor showing there and must head to Cheltenham with strong possibilities of repeating last years success.

Cue Card who won today's Ascot Chase proving the 2m5f trip holds no fears after failing to see out 3m in The King George and must have a leading chance with possibly the only question mark over him being that his best performances have been when allowed to dictate the race in small fields and in this fiercely competitive race that must be unlikely but is a past Cheltenham Festival winner and was 2nd to the brilliant Sprinter Sacre at last years Festival so must be a leading player here if allowed to take his chance.

Sizing Europe one of the top chasers in Ireland in recent years brings rock solid credentials to the table and has been twice successful at The Festival including winning the 2011 Champion Chase and may well have followed up last year's race if not for losing ground when having to bypass the final fence allowing Finians Rainbow to seize the advantage in the closing stages but he since that defeat he has been unbeaten winning his last four races and this must be his best chance of adding a third Festival victory to his CV as at the age of 11 it would be asking possibly to much to challenge the brilliant Sprinter Sacre in the Champion Chase.

Phillip Hobbs has both Wishful Thinking and Menorah a past Festival winner entered who has shown mixed form over fences but has a excellent record around Cheltenham so it would be no surprise to see him in the shake up while Wishful Thinking is being considered for other targets.

Mail De Bievre who made such a great impression on his debut over fenced in the UK when running and jumping brilliantly for such a long way in The Denman Chase before understandably getting tired after returning from a long lay off would be a fascinating contender here is allowed to take his place in the field but connections are mulling over a crack at The Champion Chase which must be mission impossible against Sprinter Sacre so this race would be a much more logical option for this exciting French import.

Other interesting entries include Grands Crus, Call The Police, Champion Court and For Non Stop and if this race turns out to be half as good as last years renewal then we are in for another treat.

Black Caviar back to her brilliant best

5.30 on a Saturday morning is not the sort of time I would be usually be getting up to watch a 5f sprint in Australia but this was no normal sprint. This was the Black Caviar Lightning Stakes that saw the brilliant undefeated mare The Wonder From Down Under Black Caviar return to the track eight months on from her historic win at Royal Ascot where she scrambled home despite carrying a injury to win The Golden Jubilee Stakes.

Today she was back home racing in front of her legions of fans at Flemington and despite her eight month lay off she looked in as good as condition as we have ever seen her and once the gates opened there was only ever going to be one winner as sent straight towards the front by her regular partner Luck Nolan she put in some exceptional sectional times as she blew the opposition away only needed to be nudged out to register a very comfortable 2 1/2 length victory, never being remotely challenged to win this prestigious Group 1 race for the 3rd time and breaking the 5f track record in the process that had previously stood for 25 years.

Top class cards at Haydock and Ascot

Haydock and Ascot both stage top class NH cards tommorow with the highlights The Betfred Grand National at Haydock and The Betfair Ascot Chase the most valuable chase run at Ascot worth £150,000 while Wincanton stage The Kingwell Hurdle a renowned Champion Hurdle trial.

Giles Cross last years winner of the Betfred Grand National Trial where he just held off Grand National winner Neptune Collonges bids to follow up last years success where he will come against the winner of this race in both 2010 and 2011 Silver By Nature who makes his long awaited comeback from injury after almost two years off the track and is set to carry top weight which is a huge task against a very strong field that includes the likes of the 1st and 2nd in The Welsh National Monbeg Dude and Teaforfree and Betfred Classic Chase winner Rigadin De Beauchene from the in form Venetia Williams stable. Haydock specialist Cannington Brook also takes his place in the line up but had a gruelling race at Ffos Las two weeks ago so there must be a question mark over whether he has recovered from his exertions in that stamina sapping contest in Wales. Paul Carberry is making the trip over from Ireland again to ride Monbeg Dude who has developed into one of the most improved stayer's in the country this season but both his wins have been at Cheltenham and Chepstow both stiff galloping tracks and his suspect jumping could be his achilles heel here at Haydock but if his jumping does hold up he should be right in the mix at the business end of the race. Teaforfree is saddled with a huge weight 11-11 but meets his old rival Monbeg Dude on better terms than at Chepstow and should be in the shake up. Silver By Nature put up a career best when winning this in 2011 carrying top weight of 11-12 to victory by 15 lengths and a reproduction of that form would make him the one to beat but after a two year lay off its a huge ask for him to comeback from such a long layoff to win this under such a welter burden so Venetia Williams rapidly improving Rigadin De Beauchene off only 10-5 here must be the one to beat here.

The Betfair Ascot Chase sees the reappearance of Finians Rainbow who disappointed here in November on heavy ground then missed the King George on account of the similar conditions on Boxing Day and conditions here are bound to be testing again here so id be siding with Captain Chris who was runner up to Long Run in the King George only being denied in the final strides of the race by the former Gold Cup winner and the drop back in trip here should help him gain compensation of his agonising loss at Kempton. Cue Card could be his biggest threat here after failing to see out the 3m in the King George and drops back in trip but there is still a nagging doubt over his stamina as he never won beyond 2m2f and this trip of 2m5f110y on this stiff track in soft ground could see his suspect stamina exposed so the nod has to go to Captain Chris in this intriging race.

The Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton has always been a important stepping stone to the Champion Hurdle while being a prestigious race in its own right and this years race sees leading Champion Hurdle Zarknada put his Cheltenham credentials on the line and after early season wins both here and in the International Hurdle at Cheltenham he should make it 3/3 for the season here with Alan Kings Raya Star heading the opposition.

The Cheltenham Festival is now under four weeks away and many horses will be having there final run before the Festival tommorow with races like The Reynoldstown Novice Chase, The Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Handicap Chase and Betfair Handicap Hurdle at Ascot and The Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle and The Rendlesham Hurdle offering Cheltenham pointers at Haydock on a very busy day of high class NH action.

Tidal Bay ruled out of the Grand National

Tidal Bay one of the leading fancies for the 2013 Grand National has today sadly been rules out of both The World Hurdle and The Grand National after a MRI scan revealed a tiny stress fracture to the lower cannon bone of his right hind leg. He will require a months box rest that will which sadly rules out The Grand National on April 6th.

With Tidal Bay allocated top weight of 11-10 the weights will now rise at least 2 pounds with Albertas Run now topping the weights for the £975,000 Aintree spectacular but he is not a certain runner with The Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham is main objective before connections decide on whether he takes his chance in the National.

Imperial Commander another horse who has yet to be confirmed a definite starter with The Cheltenham Gold Cup his primary objective is next on the list with 11-6 followed by Quito De La Roque and What A Friend both given 11-5 who are also not 100% certain to line up at Aintree.

Earlier in the week myself along with many others including Tom Segal in pricewise saw Tidal Bay as there idea of the winner of this years National after being favourably handicapped so its back to the drawing board now especially with the uncertainly on how much the weights will go up.

Teaforfree one of my other early fancies will now see his weight bumped above 11st with a minimum of 11-1 to carry while my other pick after the publication of the weights Beshabar should still get in with a nice weight with only 10-7 to carry if Albertas Run takes his chance but backing Tim Vaughan's 2011 Scottish Grand National hero carries a risk with him being out of action of well over a year so his fitness will have to be taken on trust but he ticks all the right boxes so its a risk ill be prepared to take come the big day and shall have a small amount on the 11yo.

Cappa Bleu who came from a long way behind to take 4th last year suffering interference during the course of the race and trained by Evan Williams who saddled State Of Play to be placed in 2009,10,11 would now be one id be taking very seriously and hopefully this year he will be ridden slightly closer to the pace and the way he finished last year showed that the marathon trip holds no fears for this classy 11yo.


http://www.grand-national.me.uk/

Sprinter Sacre running out of opponents for the Champion Chase

After today's forfeit stage only 9 horses are still engaged in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and its almost impossible to imagine anything other than the brilliant Sprinter Sacre maintaining his unbeaten record over fences and adding the 2m Champion Chase to his already impressive portfolio of big race wins.

The 2011 winner Sizing Europe is still a possible for the race and has looked as good as ever this season winning all four of his races in Ireland but at the age of 11 its hard to see him regaining the crown he won 2 years ago and his best chance of Festival glory for the 3rd time is surely in the 2m5f Ryanair Chase.

Last years winner Finians Rainbow has only been seen once this season when disappointing on heavy ground at Ascot then missing his intended start in the King George on account of the heavy ground at Kempton on Boxing Day and has since undergone a minor wind operation. He got the better of Sizing Europe in a thrilling renewal of this race last year and then looked better than ever winning over 2m4f in the Aintree Chase the following month and he like Sizing Europe may see his best opportunity of Festival glory the following day in the Ryanair Chase.

Cue Card who chased home Sprinter Sacre in last years Arkle and despite being readily brushed aside he got closer than any other horse has to Sprinter Sacre finishing 7 lengths behind him in second and miles clear of the remainder of the field and he could be the most likely to get anywhere near the brilliant odds on favourite thou his participation is far from certain as he like the two horses above is also entered in The Ryanair Chase. He is a intended starter in The Ascot Chase on Saturday and his performence there should give a good indication where he is heading at Cheltenham.

The other entries include Sanctuaire, Somersby, Realt Dubh, Tataniano and Wishful Thinking and like the name of the latter horse is is wishful thinking to believe any of these five horses have any chance of getting close to the brilliant Sprinter Sacre who looks the banker of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival.

Grand National weights announced

The weights for the 2013 Grand National have been released today with the Paul Nicholls trained Tidal Bay heading the weights with 11-10 but off a favourable handicap mark off 162 as opposed to his official BHA mark of 171 which has not sat well with Ted Walsh trainer of last years 3rd placed horse Seabass who despite being rated 154 on official ratings will only be receiving 8 pounds from Tidal Bay after been given 11-2 to carry where he would expect to receive 17 pounds from the top weight in any other handicap. Paul Nicholls also has three other entries with What A Friend 11-5, Join Together 10-12 and Harry The Viking 10-2 bidding to give the champion trainer his second win in the race after Neptune Collonges memorable last gasp win last year while Ted Walsh who trained Papillon to win in 200 could also be represented by Colbert Station who has been given 10-11 to carry

Prince De Beauchene 11-3 and On His Own 10-10 both among the favourites in the ante post markets for the race head a very strong team entered by Ireland's leading trainer Willlie Mullins who also has grade 1 winning chaser Quel Esprit 11-3, Lambro 10-6, Call The Police 11-1 and Shakervilz 9-7 entered in the Aintree spectacular.

2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander has been allocated 11-6 but the Cheltenham Gold Cup is his main objective and he is by no means a certain runner but if allowed to take his chance he looks very well treated on his best form while former Grand National winner Ballabriggs has been given 11-0 the same weight he carried to success in 2011 and should give another good account of himself.

Teaforfree trained in Wales by Rebecca Curtis and winner of the 2012 4m NH Chase at the Cheltenham Festival and runner up under a big weight in the Welsh National last month has been given 10-13 while former Scottish Grand National winner Beshabar who has not seen on the track since suffering a injury in the 2011 Hennessy Gold Cup has been given 10-5 and would appear thrown in on the pick of his form but it would be a remarkable training feat by Tim Vaughan who intends to send his horse straight to the National without the aid of a prep run.

After studying the weights my idea of the winner at this stage is Tidal Bay and a reproduction of the form that saw him win the grade 1 Lexus Chase from the likes of Sir Des Champs and Flemenstar and finish 2nd off top weight giving 6 pounds to Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth in the Hennessy Gold Cup would surely be enough to see him become the first horse to successfully carry top weight to Grand National victory since the great Red Rum.

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Cheltenham Gold Cup picture shaping up nicely

The 2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup picture became much clearer after a superb days racing at Newbury and Leopardstown with leading contenders Silviniaco Conti and Sir Des Champs both enhancing there Gold Cup prospects and several other possible contenders being rules out of this years race.

The obvious place to start is with Betfair Chase winner Silviniaco Conti who made it 3/3 for the season with another comfortable victory in Newbury's Denman Chase jumping superbly and quickening up nicely in very testing conditions to see off last years Gold Cup runner up The Giant Bolster who himself ran a great Gold Cup trial after a disappointing run in the King George but this is a horse who saves his best for Cheltenham so connections will be delighted with his run at Newbury but will have to improve considerably to reverse the form with the winner who has now beaten him twice this season.

Over in Ireland Sir Des Champs finally got the better of Flemenstar in a pulsating renewal of The Hennessy Gold Cup where his superior stamina came into play to see off his old adversary. It was also notable that he jumped and travelled much better than in The Lexus Chase and this duel Festival winner is peaking at just the right time and will be a formidable contender at Cheltenham where he will bid to take the Gold Cup back to Ireland for the first time since War Of Attrition's win in 2006.

Flemenstar must now be very unlikely to run in The Gold Cup with the Ryanair and Champion Chase his most likely targets while Henry De Bromhead has also ruled out Sizing Europe.

Paul Nicholls who in recent years has had the likes of Kauto Star, Denman and Neptune Collonges to go to war with at Cheltenham looks set to rely on Silviniaco Conti as his only runner as his other possible contender Tidal Bay looks likely to run in The World Hurdle on route to The Grand National thou he may be left in the race at the 5 day stage and if the ground comes up very heavy like it has all winter there would be few horse better equipped to handle such a brutal stamina test than Tidal Bay who despite being a 12 year old is at the peak of his powers since joining Paul Nicholls.

The long time ante post favourite Bobs Worth has not been seen out since his impressive Hennessy Gold Cup win after he missed his intended prep run in the Argento Chase but with his unbeaten record at Cheltenham which includes wins at the last two Festivals he is a worthy favourite. Id be slightly concerned that he has only had one run all season but Nicky Henderson is the leading Cheltenham Festival trainer for a reason and he will be a popular choice for Gold Cup glory come March 15th.

It would be no surprise to see Nicky Henderson saddle the 1st and 2nd in the race with Long Run who battled so bravely to get up in the final strides to win a gruelling King George Chase on Boxing Day and must have a sound chance of reclaiming the crown he won back in 2011.

Providing all the leading contenders line come the big day this years race appears to have more depth than last years race with Bobs Worth, Sir Des Champs, Long Run and Silviniaco Conti all looking to have excellent chances with First Lieutenant, Imperial Commander, The Giant Bolster others to have shown form at the highest level around Cheltenham and this could well be a vintage renewal of the blue ribbon of NH racing.

Newbury 9/2/2013

There are few better cards on a Saturday than Newbury's appropriately named 'Super Saturday' fixture that was staged yesterday and after being unable to attend last years star studded card that was moved forward 6 days due to the original fixture being abandoned due to snow I was not going to miss out on this most informative of NH cards for the second successive year and the 3 hour journey from Essex was handsomely rewarded beginning with the first appearance of Denman on a racecourse since he retired in 2011 and 'The Tank' looked as good if not better than ever at the scene of his greatest triumph when he returned from a heart problem to land the 2009 Hennessy Gold Cup on a very emotional day at Newbury. Many thanks must go for connections for allowing racegoers for allowing is to see this magnificent horse who received a tremendous ovation on his return to Newbury.

Steady rain left the ground conditions very soft and the opening race of this high class seven race cars was a 2m novice hurdle and and Nicky Henderson's Chatterbox who is owned by the same syndicate as Cheltenham Gold Cup favourite Bobs Worth ran out a comfortable winner from Paul Nicholls debutant Lac Fontana. Both look the winner and runner up look nice prospects.

The 3m Handicap hurdle with huge field of 18 runners saw the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Master Of The Sea complete a four timer with a convincing win from this very competitive field and now looks let to head to Cheltenham with the Pertamps Final and Martin Pipe Conditional Handicap Hurdle both mentioned as possible targets.

The Denman Chase in which the great horse himself led the parade before the race looking a picture of health saw a high class field of 8 assembled for this Cheltenham Gold Cup trial with Paul Nicholls Betfair Chase winner Silviniaco Conti making his first appearance since his impressive win at Haydock where he had last years Gold Cup runner up The Giant Bolster who was 3rd behind him at Haydock also in the line up. Another fascinating runner was Tom George's French import Mail De Bievre who was having his first run for 509 days after rising to the top of the chasing ranks in France make his first start in the UK over fences (he was once trained by Alan King in his younger days) and he put up a very bold show going of at a good pace and jumping superbly before understandably getting tired after such a long lay off down the home straight and it was Ruby Walsh's likely Gold Cup mount Silviniaco Conti who continued his progress putting in a very accurate display of jumping and quickening up nicely to score by 7 lengths from The Giant Bolster  who ran much better than his previous start at Kempton in The King George where possibly the track didn't suit. Menorah failed to see out the 3m trip in 3rd with Junior staying on to take 4th from the exciting Mail De Bievre. Paul Nicholls stated that the winner would come on for the race and he must have leading chance of giving the trainer his 5th Gold Cup victory in March.

The 2m Betfair Super Saturday Chase a established Champion Chase trial sadly didn't feature Simonsig after a blood test wasn't 100% correct earlier in the week and Wishful Thinking took advantage of Nicky Henderson's star novice chasers absence to stay on to run on strongly to see of French Opera. This race has seen the likes of Master Minded and Sprinter Sacre win in recent years but its very doubtful the result will have much significance on the market for the Champion Chase in March.

The days feature race the Betfair Hurdle is always one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the season with a field of 21 lining up for this very valuable race worth 150k. Nicky Henderon saddled six horses for this race that he had previously won four times in the past and the 5/1 favourite My Tent Or Yours owned by JP McManus who tragically lost Darlan and also Like A Butterfly earlier in the week ended a tough week on a high note turning this highly competitive handicap into a procession joining the leaders Cotton Mill and Swing Bowler 2 out while still hard on the bridle and AP McCoy only needed to push this high class novice out to to score by 5 lengths that could well have been at least double if he had got serious with the horse. My Tent Or Yours is now hot favourite for the Supreme Novice Hurdle and has even been quoted in the betting for the Champion Hurdle where he would need to be supplemented at a cost of £20,000 which is loose change to the owner but surely on this display he looks Festival Banker material in the Supreme Novice Hurdle despite the owner also having Jezki lined up for the race. It could well be a one two to start the Festival for JP.

The 3m Novice Chase saw a small but select field line up with Paul Nicholls Unioniste going off odds on favourite after his impressive win in handicap company at Cheltenham in December. This would be his first attempt at 3m and always up with the pace he just held on to see off the challenge of Hadrians Approach who made a bad mistake 2 out which most likely cost him the race as he only failed by a short head to reel in the winner on the run in after being 3 lengths down jumping the last. Both horses have been comfortably beaten by RSA Chase favourite Dynaste earlier in the season and I find it hard to see these two turning the tables on him at Cheltenham but both the winner and runner up look very nice chasing prospects for the future.

I decided to leave after this race and the final race went to the favourite Oscar Rock trained by Harry Fry who is having a excellent debut season in the training ranks.

The highlight of the day was without doubt My Tent Or Yours scintillating success in the Betfair Hurdle and there was lots to like about Silviniaco Conti's polished display to land the Denman Chase and ill also be fascinated to bee where Tom George sends Mail De Bievre next after jumping and travelling so well for such a long way on his debut of British fences. The Champion Chase has been mentioned but from a personal point of view I believe he would be a awesome sight around Grand National course and the Topham Chase droping back to 2m6f could suit very well indeed and he would take some pegging back around Aintree if they took that route with him. But it was a day for JP McManus, Nicky Henderson and a emotional AP McCoy so lets hope My Tent Or Yours can scale the heights the the ill fated Darlan promised to reach.

Super Saturday

Newbury, Warwick and Leopardstown provide a feast of NH racing tomorrow afternoon with many Cheltenham contenders putting there Festival aspirations to the test with the likes of Silvinaco Conti, Flemenstar, Sir Des Champs just a few of the top names in action in both England and Ireland tomorrow.

I will be attending Newbury's Super Saturday fixture with the feature race the Betfair Hurdle one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the entire season and Nicky Henderson who has saddled the winner four times in the past is once again mob handed in this £150k contest with My Tent Or Yours the hot favourite alongside Petit Robin who heads the weights. Cash And Go, Lyvius, First In The Queue and 2010 Champion Hurdle winner Punjabi complete a formidable team from the Henderson stable. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls is also strongly represented with Pearl Swam who warmed up for this with a spin on the all weather a few weeks ago perhaps the pick of his entries. David Pipe it triple handed with the unbeaten Swing Bowler the pick of his team. Ireland also is represented with a duo of runners with Gordon Elliot sending over his impressive Ladbroke winner Cause Of Causes's over and despite racing from a 10 pound higher handicap mark he won with plenty in hand at Ascot powering clear after the last in desperate ground and could well be open to plenty of improvement being only a five year old and a big run here could set up a Champion Hurdle bid and in this fiercely competitive race Cause Of Causes gets my vote.

It will be a pleasure to see the mighty Denman parade before the race named after him The Denman Chase and who could ever forget his memorable wins in the Hennessy Gold Cup in 2007 and especially in 2009 after returning from a heart problem he put up one of the great NH performances in recent times to carry 11-12 giving lumps of weight away to a high class field record a emotional win.

Silviniaco Conti has a long way to go before matching the achievements of Denman but he has done nothing wrong so far this season and was a impressive winner of the Betfair Chase back in November and a win here will set him up nicely for a crack at the Cheltenham Gold Cup.

Sadly Simonsig will miss the race registered as The Game Spirit Chase and his absence has left the race wide open with the improving Shooters Wood twice a winner at Cheltenham earlier in the season stepping up to graded company for the first time.

Over in Ireland one of the feature races of the entire Irish NH season takes place with The Hennessy Gold Cup the highlight of a excellent card at Leopardstown and Flemenstar will bid to avenge his defeat in the Lexus Chase at Christmas and it will be interesting to see if he is allowed to bowl along in front this time after being held up in the Lexus. He will again come up against Sir Des Champs a leading contender for The Cheltenham Gold Cup next month.

Warwick also stages a high class card with Paul Nicholls high class French impost Fago hoping to build on his comfortable win on his British debut at Newbury in the grade 2 Kingmaker Chase. 2011 Grand National winner Ballabriggs is also in action in the 2m4f Handicap Chase as he warms up for a 3rd attempt at the worlds greatest steeplechase at Aintree in April.

This is just the pick of the action tomorrow but there are many other high class horses entered both at the meetings reviewed above and also at Exeter on Sunday and it will be no surprise to see several of the winners from this weekend's meetings go onto Cheltenham Festival glory next month.

Simonsig vs Overturn

The Arkle Novice Chase on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival has the potential of being one of the races of the entire week with two of the most exciting novice chasers seen in recent seasons in the shape of Nicky Henderson's brilliant grey 7yo Simonsig a impressive winner at last seasons festival and could well have become a leading Champion Hurdle contender if connections opted to remain over hurdles and the Donald McCain trained Overturn one of the most popular horses in training who has built up a very impressive portfolio of big race wins both on the flat and over hurdles and this season has shown he is a master of all disciplines with three impressive wins over fences.

Simonsig didn't make his seasonal debut until December where in the space of just six days he never got out of 2nd gear to take grade 2 chases at Ascot and Kempton by a combined total of 84 lengths. He will warm up for Cheltenham in the Game Spirit Chase a race used in preparation for stable mate Sprinter Sacre before his brilliant win in last years Arkle and another win at Newbury looks sure to see him go off short odds at Cheltenham.

Overturn who over hurdles was good enough to finish 2nd with the brilliant Hurricane Fly behind him in last years Champion Hurdle is also unbeaten over fences putting in three of his trademark bold jumping, front running displays to register wins at Sandown in November, Doncaster in January and most recently at Musselburgh where he put up his most impressive performance over fences so far to brush aside Nicky Hendersons very useful Tetlami by 29 lengths.

Both jump brilliantly with Overturn possibly the more extravagant over his fences, Simonsig on the other hand has shown his ability to handle very soft ground that does not suit Overturn who has bypassed several possible engagements this season due to such conditions.

Obviously its not a two horse race and any runners coming over from Ireland must be respected but no other entries in the race have the credentials of Overturn and Simonsig and if asked who I think will prevail come March 11th I would have to give the edge to Simonsig with him being two years younger and open to that bit more improvement than his 9yo rival but if they are both upsides jumping the last there is no harder horse to pass than Overturn and this facinating race could well steel the show on day 1 of the the 2013 Cheltenham Festival.

Seabass bang on course for Aintree

Seabass who gave Katy Walsh the ride of her life when only beaten 5 lengths into 3rd in last years Grand National after being backed off the boards prior to the race made a highly satisfactory seasonal debut over hurdles this afternoon with the 10 years old today ridden by Ruby Walsh staying on powerfully to chase home the Dermot Weld trained Rock Critic over 2m at Fairyhouse a trip that would be way short of the horse's optimum trip and on this evidence this lightly raced gelding may well have improved since last year where prior to the Grand National he put together a run of seven straight wins.

Trainer Ted Walsh who could well be double handed in this years Grand National with the Paddy Power Chase winner Colbert Station who also won over hurdles at Punchestown on Sunday said after the race that he was very happy with this run and that he will have one more race before returning to Aintree with the Bobbyjo Chase and the Racing Plus Chase being considered.

He is currently 3rd favourite for the 2013 Grand National at around 20/1 behind the Willie Mullins trained pair On His Own and Prince De Beauchene and its possible he could come up against one of these two horses if connections opt to run him in the Bobbyjo Chase and victory there could well see him head the market for this years Grand National.

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RIP Darlan

There is nothing worse than seeing any horse let alone one as good as Darlan who tragically lost his life after a horrific fall at Doncaster today where he looked to be well on the way to confirming himself as a leading Champion Hurdle contender.

This is a most unfortunate incident but before people start debating the danger of NH racing horses sadly can suffer fatal injury's when loose in a field or simply cantering up the stable gallops.

I hate to think how connections feel tonight losing such wonderful horse and it must be terribly sad of the stable staff who looked after Darlan everyday returning home to see his empty stable but this highly talented horse has in his short career left a lasting impression with some wonderful wins in big races that will live long in the memory.

RIP Darlan.

Sandown Park 2/2/2013

There is no track in the country that I enjoy visiting more than Sandown Park in Esher which many alongside myself will agree offers the best viewing of any racecourse in the UK with the famous row of seven fences down the back straight always a magnificent spectacle.

After two inches of rain in the during the week the hurdles course was left waterlogged meaning the four hurdles had to be abandoned but great praise must be given to Sandown as they quickly put plans in place to add three extra chases to the card to ensure racing could still take place and after a successful inspection at 4pm the previous day a revised card of six chases was given the go ahead.

After all the heavy rain during the week it was going to be hard work for the horses faced with heavy ground and the stiff Sandown hill to contend with and it paid to race up with the pace as with the exception of the 3m Betfred Masters Handicap Chase where the leaders went off way to quick, being up with the pace was certainly the place to be.

The opening race a 2m 0-145 handicap saw the Jonjo O'Neill trained Eastlake who had recently won in extremely heavy ground at Ascot make virtually all the running and asserting after the last to run out a commanding winner from Lord Singer. The disappointment of the race was the Paul Nicholls tarined Toubab but in fairness to the trainer he had stated that his horse didn't like the conditions but with only one run under his belt this season he had to get a run into his horse with Cheltenham only five weeks away.

The feature race of the day was next up with all eyes in the Nicky Henderson Captain Conan who was stepping up to 2m4f for the first time in this grade 1 and unlike his first two runs over fences he was held up and it was the outsider of the four runners Third Intention who looked to have the hot favourite beat after building a 3 length advantage jumping the last but like many other horses in the past failed to get home up the Sandown hill allowing the favourite to rally and get up in the shadow of the finishing line. Connections felt the winner was a bit rusty after having to miss the Dipper Chase that was abandoned earlier in January and this at least proved his effectiveness at this trip and if anything it looked like he could stay even further in the future. All roads now lead to the Jewson Novice Chase at The Festival now.

The 3rd race was one of the new races added to the card a 2m4f 0-145 veterans handicap chase which featured course winner and past Topham Chase winner Gwanako and 2010 Grand Annual Chase winner Pigeon Island but it was Dashing George who had only run at Leicester three days ago finishing 4th over 3m and finding this shorter trip much more to his liking this 11 year old gelding made all and put in polished display of jumping to run out a commanding  9 length winner from the staying on Plein Pouvoiu.

The Betfred Master Handicap Chase worth £50000 was the most valuable race if the day and it was disappointing to only see seven horses line up for with such good prize money being put up. Nicky Hendersons sole Grand National Roberto Goldback headed the weights and the race began with the Paul Nicholls trained favourite Keppols Hill falling at the 1st fence and it was the lightly weighted On Trend who took advantage of the early pace setters Mister Hyde and Viking Blond who went off way too quickly in the heavy ground cutting each others throats leaving the Nick Gifford trainer 7 year old to pick up the pieces and run out a 8 length winner to Viking Blond who to his credit done well to hold on for 2nd after going of so quickly. The winner is now likely to head to one of the handicaps at Cheltenham possibly the Kim Muir.

The final two chases were new races added to the card and both went to the bang in form Venetia Williams stable with top weight Kapga De Cerisy making all to win the 5th race and the final race of the day saw yet another horse make all the running with the short priced favourite Shangani landing the spoils.

There will be better days racing at Sandown and on this cold winters day the crowd was sparse but any NH card at Sandown is always worth the entry fee and in five weeks time the Paddy Power Imperial Cup takes place one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the season.

Captain Conan the star attraction at Sandown

Sandown and Ffos Las stage the pick of tomorrow's action and I shall be travelling to Sandown for a now all chase card after the hurdles course was found to be waterlogged after substantial rain during the week but full marks to the staff for adding three extra chases to ensure a full days racing takes place at the Esher venue.

Captain Conan has been held in the highest regard by Nicky Henderson returns to the scene of his impressive win in the Henry II Novice Chase in December as he steps up to 2m4f for the first time in Sandown Park's feature race of the day the grade 1 Silly Isles Novice Chase a race won by three time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Best Mate back in 2001. Jockey Barry Geraghty expects his mount to relish the step up in trip and connections have no worries about the prospect of heavy going and with only three rivals that have not shown anything near the level of Captian Conan's for and this giant 6yo looks nailed on to make it 3/3 over fences.

The Betfred Masters Handicap Chase formally known as The Gainsbrough Chase was once a recognised Cheltenham Gold Cup trial and won by the likes of Bregawn, Burragh Hill Lad and Desert Orchid in the past but sadly the race no longer has any bearing on the Gold Cup. This years race sees Nicky Henderson's sole Grand National entry Roberto Goldback head the weights but has a stiff task giving lumps of weight to Mister Hyde from Jonjo O'Neills stable and the Paul Nicholls Keppols Hill.

Britains newest racecourse Ffos Las in West Wales stage possibly the best days racing since the track opened in 2009 and owner Dai Walters will be hoping his own horse Tanerko Emery who should relish the heavy ground and step up in trip can land the Welsh Champion Hurdle but he has by no means a easy task with the impressive Lanzarote Hurdle winner Oscara Dara and the Alan King trained Border Success among the opposition in this very competitive limited handicap hurdle.

The West Wales National only being run for the second time and the David Pipe Junior tops the weights but interestingly improving stablemate Shaking Hands gets into the race of only 10 stone. Other interesting entries are Haydock specialist Cannington Brook and Donald McCain's improving novice Red Rocco.

The other NH card of the day is at Wetherby with the feature race the Towton Novice Chase and a intriging entry is the David Pipe trainer Goulanes who was a winner over hurdles on Paddy Power Gold Cup day and is pitched in here on his chasing debut at grade 2 level.