Leading Grand National fancy Prince De Beauchene was last night ruled out of the race for the 2nd year running due to injury along with 2011 Scottish Grand Nationall winner Beshabar who was also confirmed a non runner owing to injury but on the plus side Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins has confirmed that his 2012 Irish Hennessy Gold Cup winner Quel Esprit is a intended runner and its also looking increasingly likely that top weight Imperial Commander the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner will line up next Saturday for the worlds greatest steeplechase.
On His Own is now a clear 7-1 favourite with Ladbrokes going as short as 6-1 which for a race like the Grand National doesn't look tremendous value for a race with 40 runners but he may well be the one blot in the handicap with Willie Mullins suggesting that On His Own may well be a better horse than his previous winner Hedgehunter who was also a Gold Cup runner up and lets not forget he was travelling very well when coming to grief at Bechers Brook last year but he hasn't run over fences since last years race and even though won his prep race over hurdles and looking very good in the process this was his only outing this season I feel all the value has been squeezed out of his odds.
Ever since the weights where released I have strongly fancied Imperial Commander and despite now having to carry top weight if given the green light to take his chance he is set to race from handicap mark of 158 while he was rated 185 after his Gold Cup victory and judging by his excellent comeback after a near 2 year lay off he certainly still looks like a better horse than the 158 rating he is due to race off here and he looks a ideal type of the demands of the Grand National and he must have a great chance of making history in becoming only the 3rd horse to have won both the Gold Cup and Grand National.
Katie Walsh has been confirmed to ride Seabass who was 3rd in last years race and although having to carry 11-6 this years race doesn't appear to be quite as strong as last years renewal and there is no reason why judging on his 2 runs this season that he will not match if not better last years performance in the race.
There is a strong Welsh challenge for this years race despite the absence of Beshabar with last years 4th Cappa Bleu who ran a cracking race at Ascot last time out carrying top weight to finish 2nd giving 10 pounds to the progressive Vino Griego who franked the form at the Cheltenham Festival and if given a more positive ride than he recived in last years National then this lightly raced but very talented 11 year old may well improve on last years 4th. Teaforfree is the other big Welsh hope hailing from the very progressive Rebecca Curtis stable and despite finishing down the field at Haydock last time out the tight track there wouldn't have played to this big bold jumping galloper and with his stamina proven for a marathon trip with his victory over 4m at last years Cheltenham Festival he ticks all the right boxes for a potential Grand National contender.
I am going to stick my neck out and select Imperial Commander as my number one hope for the race with his trainer Nigel Twiston-Davis already have saddled two Grand National winners and I'm sure there would be no more popular winner than this 12yo former Gold Cup hero.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Tuesday, 19 March 2013
57 left in the Grand National
Only 57 remain in the Grand National after several notable defections at the latest forfeit stage for the worlds greatest steeplechase to be staged at Aintree on April 6th. The weights will rise by at least 4 pounds after the original top weight Tidal Bay was pulled out due to injury last month and now both Albertas Run and Quito De La Roque also being withdrawn after today's forfeit stage leaving 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander heading the 57 horses still engaged for the race.
Looking at the weights after today forfeit stage On His Own who was tanking along when falling at Bechers Brook 2nd time around last year and on his only start since won a grade 2 novice hurdle looking as good if not better than ever in the process looks very favourably weighted off 11-0 and with the strong possibility of Ruby Walsh taking the ride this Willie Mullins trained 9yo gelding looks like the best treated horse in the race especially after his trainer stated he believes he is better horse than his previous Grand National winner Hedgehunter. His stablemate Prince De Beauchene who missed last years race also has leading claims but off 11-7 he has a big task on his hands here despite running a fine warm up race at Fairyhouse to finish 2nd to Roi Du Mee and having last years Grand National 3rd who he is set to repose here Seabass back in 3rd that day. Seabass is due to carry just 1 pound less than Prince Du Beauchene here but I would be confident of him turning the tables from that race at Fairyhouse race after running such a fine race in 3rd last year but off 11-6 here he will need to have improved a fair bit since last year to go two places better come April 6th. Imperial Commander is one horse who's big weight would not concern if he is anywhere near the form of his 2010 Gold Cup success and if allowed to take his chance here I can see him relishing the challenge the Grand National presents and I would rate both him and On His Own as the most likely winners at this stage.
Looking at the weights after today forfeit stage On His Own who was tanking along when falling at Bechers Brook 2nd time around last year and on his only start since won a grade 2 novice hurdle looking as good if not better than ever in the process looks very favourably weighted off 11-0 and with the strong possibility of Ruby Walsh taking the ride this Willie Mullins trained 9yo gelding looks like the best treated horse in the race especially after his trainer stated he believes he is better horse than his previous Grand National winner Hedgehunter. His stablemate Prince De Beauchene who missed last years race also has leading claims but off 11-7 he has a big task on his hands here despite running a fine warm up race at Fairyhouse to finish 2nd to Roi Du Mee and having last years Grand National 3rd who he is set to repose here Seabass back in 3rd that day. Seabass is due to carry just 1 pound less than Prince Du Beauchene here but I would be confident of him turning the tables from that race at Fairyhouse race after running such a fine race in 3rd last year but off 11-6 here he will need to have improved a fair bit since last year to go two places better come April 6th. Imperial Commander is one horse who's big weight would not concern if he is anywhere near the form of his 2010 Gold Cup success and if allowed to take his chance here I can see him relishing the challenge the Grand National presents and I would rate both him and On His Own as the most likely winners at this stage.
Monday, 18 March 2013
A vintage opening day of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival
I have attended the Cheltenham Festival on many occasions whether it was for just a few days or the entire week but this years Festival would have rank as the best that I have been lucky enough to be in attendance for so far after being treated along with thousands and thousands of others to 4 days of the very best National Hunt racing with the likes of Hurricane Fly reclaiming his Champion Hurdle Crown, The wonder mare Quevaga joining the great Golden Miller as a 5 time Festival winner, Sprinter Sacre putting in one of the great all time performances in the Queen Mother Champion Chase to confirm himself as the new superstar of NH racing and finally Bobs Worth capping a magnificent week storming up the hill to win a memorable renewal of the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Despite the freezing cold weather on the opening day the crowds where not going to be deterred from streaming into Cheltenham in there thousands and the customary roar when up when the tapes went up for the traditional curtain raiser to the Festival the Supreme Novice Hurdle which saw Champagne Fever return to Cheltenham after winning last years Champion Bumper to register his second success at the Festival under a brilliant ride from Ruby Walsh to make all to hold off the red hot favourite My Tent Or Yours to give the Irish a perfect start to the meeting.
The Arkle had been billed as a clash between the popular Overturn and Nicky Henderson's brilliant grey Simonsig but this clash never materialised as Overturn struggled on the soft ground so it was the Mouse Morris trained Bailey Green who was sent off a unconsidered outsider at 33-1, very stupid odds for any horse sent over by his very shred Irish trainer and he got closer than any other horse has got to Simonsig for a long time before Nicky Henderson's top class grey saw off the Irish challenger to score by 2 1/2 lengths. It was found that after the race Simonsig was found to have had a dirty scope that possibly accounted for his slightly laboured effort despite winning. It looks like he will be kept to 2m which raises the possibility of a mouthwatering clash between him and his brilliant stablemate Sprinter Sacre in next years Champion Chase. Lets hope they just make it to next years Festival fit and healthy.
The highlight of the opening day the Champion Hurdle attracted a small but very select field that included three former winners in the shape of Binocular, Hurricane Fly and last years winner Rock On Ruby. Hurricane Fly could only manage 3rd last year in a interrupted 2011/12 campaign but this season everything as gone like clockwork with both Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh confident that the 9yo could regain his crown and and The Fly sent the thousand of Irish in attendance into hysterics holding off the strong challenge of Rock On Ruby who despite finishing 2nd still possibly still ran above the level of his 2012 win in the race to make Hurricane Fly the best hurdler since the great Istabraq pull out all the stops to become the first horse since Comedy Of Errors 38 years ago to regain his Champion Hurdle crown.
Quevaga the four time Festival winner was hot favourite to land a remarkable 5th Mares Hurdle but it wasn't going to be all plain sailing this year for the 9yo wonder mare after she lost her position when being hampered coming down the hill and coming into the straight her four year unbeaten record looked in jeopardy after the French raider Sirene D'Ainey looked to be in full command entering the straight but once Quevaga got into full flow she flew up the hill to run down the French challenger and in gaining her 5th win in this race she joined the great Golden Miller as the only horses to win at the Festival for five successive years and in the process cap a memorable day for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh and the Ireland in general with there 3rd win on the opening day of the Festival.
Despite the freezing cold weather on the opening day the crowds where not going to be deterred from streaming into Cheltenham in there thousands and the customary roar when up when the tapes went up for the traditional curtain raiser to the Festival the Supreme Novice Hurdle which saw Champagne Fever return to Cheltenham after winning last years Champion Bumper to register his second success at the Festival under a brilliant ride from Ruby Walsh to make all to hold off the red hot favourite My Tent Or Yours to give the Irish a perfect start to the meeting.
The Arkle had been billed as a clash between the popular Overturn and Nicky Henderson's brilliant grey Simonsig but this clash never materialised as Overturn struggled on the soft ground so it was the Mouse Morris trained Bailey Green who was sent off a unconsidered outsider at 33-1, very stupid odds for any horse sent over by his very shred Irish trainer and he got closer than any other horse has got to Simonsig for a long time before Nicky Henderson's top class grey saw off the Irish challenger to score by 2 1/2 lengths. It was found that after the race Simonsig was found to have had a dirty scope that possibly accounted for his slightly laboured effort despite winning. It looks like he will be kept to 2m which raises the possibility of a mouthwatering clash between him and his brilliant stablemate Sprinter Sacre in next years Champion Chase. Lets hope they just make it to next years Festival fit and healthy. 
The highlight of the opening day the Champion Hurdle attracted a small but very select field that included three former winners in the shape of Binocular, Hurricane Fly and last years winner Rock On Ruby. Hurricane Fly could only manage 3rd last year in a interrupted 2011/12 campaign but this season everything as gone like clockwork with both Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh confident that the 9yo could regain his crown and and The Fly sent the thousand of Irish in attendance into hysterics holding off the strong challenge of Rock On Ruby who despite finishing 2nd still possibly still ran above the level of his 2012 win in the race to make Hurricane Fly the best hurdler since the great Istabraq pull out all the stops to become the first horse since Comedy Of Errors 38 years ago to regain his Champion Hurdle crown. Quevaga the four time Festival winner was hot favourite to land a remarkable 5th Mares Hurdle but it wasn't going to be all plain sailing this year for the 9yo wonder mare after she lost her position when being hampered coming down the hill and coming into the straight her four year unbeaten record looked in jeopardy after the French raider Sirene D'Ainey looked to be in full command entering the straight but once Quevaga got into full flow she flew up the hill to run down the French challenger and in gaining her 5th win in this race she joined the great Golden Miller as the only horses to win at the Festival for five successive years and in the process cap a memorable day for Willie Mullins and Ruby Walsh and the Ireland in general with there 3rd win on the opening day of the Festival.
Thursday, 14 March 2013
2013 Cheltenham Gold Cup
It's almost upon us the blue ribbon of steeplechasing the Cheltenham Gold Cup the highlight of day 4 of the extravaganza which is the greatest show on turf the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Bobs Worth is a worthy favourite with his formidable record of 4/4 around Cheltenham and if bringing his A game to the table tomorrow he is the one to beat thou there is a nagging doubt that has hasn't run since his impressive win in the the Hennessy back at the beginning of December while his main rivals have all had recent warm ups with Sir Des Champs from the red hot Willie Mullins stable steadily being bought to the boil after three runs this season which has resulted in a improved performance every time with his most recent run being when taking the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown and with two previous wins at the Festival he looks like Willie Mullins best chance yet of saddling a Gold Cup winner.
2011 winner Long Run is back after finishing 3rd last year and on his most recent outing he won a gruelling King George snatching victory from the jaws of defeat from Captain Chris of who he will renewal his rivalry with here and in first time cheek pieces he should make a bold effort to reclaim his crown.
Paul Nicholls for the 1st time since 2006 has no Kauto Star or Denman to rely on but in the shape of Silviniaco Conti he has a most progressive young chaser who despite lacking the experience around Cheltenham he has won all three of his starts this season most notably the Betfair Chase when defeating Long Run and and last years Gold Cup runner up The Giant Bolster who will bid to go one better than when runner up last year, but with Ruby Walsh in the saddle Paul Nicholls sole runner this year must have a good chance of giving the champion trainer his 5th success in the race.
It's a wide open renewal but with rain forecast it could become a real slog which would bring Long Runs stamina into play but the rain holds off then i believe it will be between Bobs Worth and Sir Des Champs with possibly Bobs Worth maintaining his unbeaten record around Cheltenham.
Bobs Worth is a worthy favourite with his formidable record of 4/4 around Cheltenham and if bringing his A game to the table tomorrow he is the one to beat thou there is a nagging doubt that has hasn't run since his impressive win in the the Hennessy back at the beginning of December while his main rivals have all had recent warm ups with Sir Des Champs from the red hot Willie Mullins stable steadily being bought to the boil after three runs this season which has resulted in a improved performance every time with his most recent run being when taking the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown and with two previous wins at the Festival he looks like Willie Mullins best chance yet of saddling a Gold Cup winner.
2011 winner Long Run is back after finishing 3rd last year and on his most recent outing he won a gruelling King George snatching victory from the jaws of defeat from Captain Chris of who he will renewal his rivalry with here and in first time cheek pieces he should make a bold effort to reclaim his crown.
Paul Nicholls for the 1st time since 2006 has no Kauto Star or Denman to rely on but in the shape of Silviniaco Conti he has a most progressive young chaser who despite lacking the experience around Cheltenham he has won all three of his starts this season most notably the Betfair Chase when defeating Long Run and and last years Gold Cup runner up The Giant Bolster who will bid to go one better than when runner up last year, but with Ruby Walsh in the saddle Paul Nicholls sole runner this year must have a good chance of giving the champion trainer his 5th success in the race.
It's a wide open renewal but with rain forecast it could become a real slog which would bring Long Runs stamina into play but the rain holds off then i believe it will be between Bobs Worth and Sir Des Champs with possibly Bobs Worth maintaining his unbeaten record around Cheltenham.
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Cheltenham Day 3
The huge crowd at Cheltenham where treated to one of the greatest ever performances seen in the Queen Mother Champion Chase as Sprinter Sacre confirmed himself as the new superstar of NH racing, lets hope he stays sound as at the age of just 7 its frightening what this magnificent horse could achieve.
Sprinter Sacre's stablemate Oscar Whisky bids for glory in tomorrows feature race the World Hurdle where he will renewal his rivalry with Reve De Sivola who got the better of him in a terrific battle up the hill in the Cleeve Hurdle in January, the better ground here should be in Oscar Whisky's favour tomorrow.
Albertas Run a three time Festival winner would be a very popular winner of the Ryanair Chase but at the age of 12 he will struggle to fend off the likes of First Lieutenant who runs here instead of the Gold Cup which must be a tip in itself. Last years winner Riverside Theatre is back to defend his crown but has to put a disappointing run in the King George behind him while Cue Card winner at Ascot last time out is another leading player here providing his stamina lasts up the hill of which I have my doubts in a true run race like this so I'd rate First Lieutenant as my best bet if the day tomorrow on day 3 of the Festival
Sprinter Sacre's stablemate Oscar Whisky bids for glory in tomorrows feature race the World Hurdle where he will renewal his rivalry with Reve De Sivola who got the better of him in a terrific battle up the hill in the Cleeve Hurdle in January, the better ground here should be in Oscar Whisky's favour tomorrow.
Albertas Run a three time Festival winner would be a very popular winner of the Ryanair Chase but at the age of 12 he will struggle to fend off the likes of First Lieutenant who runs here instead of the Gold Cup which must be a tip in itself. Last years winner Riverside Theatre is back to defend his crown but has to put a disappointing run in the King George behind him while Cue Card winner at Ascot last time out is another leading player here providing his stamina lasts up the hill of which I have my doubts in a true run race like this so I'd rate First Lieutenant as my best bet if the day tomorrow on day 3 of the Festival
Day 2 Of Cheltenham
What a day we had yesterday and it was a privilege to be in attendance on a historic day to witness both Hurricane Fly become only the 2nd horse to regain the Champion Hurdle and the wonder mare powering up the hill to win from a very uncompromising position to win a incredible 5th Mares Hurdle. If that wasn't enough then today we have the brilliant Sprinter Sacre surely bar accident become the Champion Chaser.
The marathon 4m John Oaksey NH Chase opens proceedings today with Back In Focus bidding to continue Willie Mullins great form after a treble yesterday and this strong stayer should relish the step up to 4m here but I've liked the look of Rival D'estruval ever since he made his impressive chasing debut in October at Carlisle and after a impressive win at Kelso over 3m on his recent start he has been given a break and ill take a chance on this northern raider to take this historic race
Pont Alexandre in the Neptune Investment Novice Hurdle has the look of a Irish banker and its some statement when a trainer the caliber of Willie Mullins pitches this hugely talented 5yo straight into grade 1 company as he did earlier in the season and win impressively and then follow up with another impressive grade 1 win at Leopardstown on his most recent start its hard to see past what could well be a future Gold Cup horse here. The New One and Taquin De Seuil are both high class novices but will need to step up a level to get the better of Pont Alexandre.
The RSA Chase doesn't look a vintage renewal of the top 3m Novice Chase of the year with no outstanding candidate but there plenty in with a chance with the lines of Boston Bob and Unionist but iJim Culloty sends a rare runner over inthe shape of Lord Windermere who has been shaping up like a step up in trip will suit so ill make a tentative selection for him in a tricky looking race.
Sprinter Sacre in the Champion Chase has looked imperious on his two starts this season and it looks impossible to see anything getting near him but at least he has the former winner Sizing Europe in opposition so it will be no walkover but at the age of 11 it will be hard work for this wonderfully consistent Irish chaser.
The Coral Cup is one of the toughest races of the week to select a winner with 28 set to go to post with any number in with a chance. Nicky Henderson runs Cash And Go here who looks to have a similar profile to his 2010 winner of this Spirit River. Master Of The Sea has been very progressive this season and there wasn't nothing in his last run to say that he isn't still improving so must been in with a serious chance here
Sprinter Sacre in the Champion Chase is undoubtably the highlight of the day and Irish eyes will be smiling if Pont Alexandre does the business in the Neptune Hurdle on another vintage day is on the cards this afternoon at Cheltenham
The marathon 4m John Oaksey NH Chase opens proceedings today with Back In Focus bidding to continue Willie Mullins great form after a treble yesterday and this strong stayer should relish the step up to 4m here but I've liked the look of Rival D'estruval ever since he made his impressive chasing debut in October at Carlisle and after a impressive win at Kelso over 3m on his recent start he has been given a break and ill take a chance on this northern raider to take this historic race
Pont Alexandre in the Neptune Investment Novice Hurdle has the look of a Irish banker and its some statement when a trainer the caliber of Willie Mullins pitches this hugely talented 5yo straight into grade 1 company as he did earlier in the season and win impressively and then follow up with another impressive grade 1 win at Leopardstown on his most recent start its hard to see past what could well be a future Gold Cup horse here. The New One and Taquin De Seuil are both high class novices but will need to step up a level to get the better of Pont Alexandre.
The RSA Chase doesn't look a vintage renewal of the top 3m Novice Chase of the year with no outstanding candidate but there plenty in with a chance with the lines of Boston Bob and Unionist but iJim Culloty sends a rare runner over inthe shape of Lord Windermere who has been shaping up like a step up in trip will suit so ill make a tentative selection for him in a tricky looking race.
Sprinter Sacre in the Champion Chase has looked imperious on his two starts this season and it looks impossible to see anything getting near him but at least he has the former winner Sizing Europe in opposition so it will be no walkover but at the age of 11 it will be hard work for this wonderfully consistent Irish chaser.
The Coral Cup is one of the toughest races of the week to select a winner with 28 set to go to post with any number in with a chance. Nicky Henderson runs Cash And Go here who looks to have a similar profile to his 2010 winner of this Spirit River. Master Of The Sea has been very progressive this season and there wasn't nothing in his last run to say that he isn't still improving so must been in with a serious chance here
Sprinter Sacre in the Champion Chase is undoubtably the highlight of the day and Irish eyes will be smiling if Pont Alexandre does the business in the Neptune Hurdle on another vintage day is on the cards this afternoon at Cheltenham
Monday, 11 March 2013
Cheltenham 2013 Day 1
It's never easy picking a winner at Cheltenham and I'd be happy if I can walk away from the track with just one winner on each of the four days ill be quite content.
My selection for the opening race of the Festival the Supreme Novice Hurdle Melodic Rendezvous was not declared for the race after a dirty scope so I'm going to take a chance on Dodging Bullets who has the benefit of a previous run at the Festival as well as a couple of course victories but in no way is he a confident selection. At a big price Cause Of Causes could run a big race if returning to his Ascot form when taking the Ladbroke Hurdle in impressive style in December.
I've already pinned my colours to Overturn in the Arkle so it's onto the JLT Handicap Chase and my original selection my namesake Alfie Sherrin has not been declared so I might play it safe and plump for the favourite Our Mick who was running a big race when unseating his rider on his seasonal reappearance at the track in January and there no doubt Donald McCain will have him primed for this contest.
The feature race of day 1 the Champion Hurdle I shall stick with Zarkanda who I selected in my previous blog on the race but 7/9 runners here have realistic chances in a fascinating renewal of the crown jewell of hurdling.
Edna Bolger is the king of training horses for cross country races and Arabella Boy has already taken two similar races over the banks course at Punchestown this season and despite unseating his rider at the course in December he gets my vote here especially of a lovely racing weight of 10-9. Bostons Angel the 2011 RSA winner would be one of the biggest dangers and you can never rule out the course specialist Uncle Junior despite being allocated top weight.
Quevaga is a certainty on my books for the Mares Hurdle as she bids to make it five in a row at the Festival but the final race of the day will not be so easy with 20 going to post in a ultra competitive Pulteney Novice Handicap Chase. You could stake a claim for virtually every runner but former Festival winner Carlito Brigante could just be the class horse of the race especially of a lenient looking handicap mark for a horse of his ability so he get my vote in the days concluding race.
My selection for the opening race of the Festival the Supreme Novice Hurdle Melodic Rendezvous was not declared for the race after a dirty scope so I'm going to take a chance on Dodging Bullets who has the benefit of a previous run at the Festival as well as a couple of course victories but in no way is he a confident selection. At a big price Cause Of Causes could run a big race if returning to his Ascot form when taking the Ladbroke Hurdle in impressive style in December.
I've already pinned my colours to Overturn in the Arkle so it's onto the JLT Handicap Chase and my original selection my namesake Alfie Sherrin has not been declared so I might play it safe and plump for the favourite Our Mick who was running a big race when unseating his rider on his seasonal reappearance at the track in January and there no doubt Donald McCain will have him primed for this contest.
The feature race of day 1 the Champion Hurdle I shall stick with Zarkanda who I selected in my previous blog on the race but 7/9 runners here have realistic chances in a fascinating renewal of the crown jewell of hurdling.
Edna Bolger is the king of training horses for cross country races and Arabella Boy has already taken two similar races over the banks course at Punchestown this season and despite unseating his rider at the course in December he gets my vote here especially of a lovely racing weight of 10-9. Bostons Angel the 2011 RSA winner would be one of the biggest dangers and you can never rule out the course specialist Uncle Junior despite being allocated top weight.
Quevaga is a certainty on my books for the Mares Hurdle as she bids to make it five in a row at the Festival but the final race of the day will not be so easy with 20 going to post in a ultra competitive Pulteney Novice Handicap Chase. You could stake a claim for virtually every runner but former Festival winner Carlito Brigante could just be the class horse of the race especially of a lenient looking handicap mark for a horse of his ability so he get my vote in the days concluding race.
Sunday, 10 March 2013
9 declared for the 2013 Champion Hurdle
The highlight of day 1 of the 2013 Cheltenham Festival the Champion Hurdle has attracted a small but select field of 9 headed by last years winner Rock On Ruby alongside 2011 winner Hurricane Fly who bids to become the first horse to regain his crown since Comedy Of Errors back in 1975 while Binocular the brilliant 2010 winner also bids to reclaim the blur ribbon of hurdling on a vintage day of NH racing on Tuesday.
Its looking like for the first time since 1995 the horses will be faced with soft ground which will not suit Rock On Ruby but Hurricane Fly has demonstrated that he revels in the mud and hasn't put a foot wrong since finishing 3rd in last years race winning his last four races but he will face much stronger opposition than he has over in Ireland here but with heads to Cheltenham as a worthy favourite. Paul Nicholls who broke his Champion Hurdle duck last year bids to follow up this year with the tough and consistent Zarkanda who took the International Hurdle at Cheltenham in December and looks to have cast iron credentials but its just a case of is he good enough which could well be the case. Nicky Henderson trainer of Binocular also saddled Grandouet who put in a very encouraging reappearance after a year off the track behind Zarkanda in the International but hasn't been seen on the racecourse since but lets not forget the trainer sent Sea You Then to win the 1985,86,87 Champion Hurdles after very light campaigns and on good ground he would be my selection but with the ground looking to be testing it may well hinder his chances. Khyber Kim completes Nicky Henderson's team for the race but at the age of 11 his best days are most likely behind him. Donald McCain who has saddled Peddlers Cross and Overturn to finish 2nd the last two years this year relies on last years Supreme Novice Hurdle winner Cinders And Ashes but he is another who's chances have been reduced by the prospect of soft ground. Last years Triumph Hurdle winner Countrywide Flame is one who will have no issues with the ground but his form has regressed since his impressive win in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in December but if returning to the level he showed that day he could well be a major player in a wide open renewal of this years Champion Hurdle.
Last year I was confident Hurricane Fly would follow up one last years win but he put in a laboured effort behind Rock On Ruby and I believe 7 of the 9 runners here have realistic chances but I'm not going to pin my colours to any horse until the day of the race thou the tough Zarkanda could be the answer if the race becomes a real slog while it would be foolish to right of Hurricane Fly as he bids to put his name in the record books while I wouldnt right of Countrywide Flame in a wide open renewal of this years Champion Hurdle
Its looking like for the first time since 1995 the horses will be faced with soft ground which will not suit Rock On Ruby but Hurricane Fly has demonstrated that he revels in the mud and hasn't put a foot wrong since finishing 3rd in last years race winning his last four races but he will face much stronger opposition than he has over in Ireland here but with heads to Cheltenham as a worthy favourite. Paul Nicholls who broke his Champion Hurdle duck last year bids to follow up this year with the tough and consistent Zarkanda who took the International Hurdle at Cheltenham in December and looks to have cast iron credentials but its just a case of is he good enough which could well be the case. Nicky Henderson trainer of Binocular also saddled Grandouet who put in a very encouraging reappearance after a year off the track behind Zarkanda in the International but hasn't been seen on the racecourse since but lets not forget the trainer sent Sea You Then to win the 1985,86,87 Champion Hurdles after very light campaigns and on good ground he would be my selection but with the ground looking to be testing it may well hinder his chances. Khyber Kim completes Nicky Henderson's team for the race but at the age of 11 his best days are most likely behind him. Donald McCain who has saddled Peddlers Cross and Overturn to finish 2nd the last two years this year relies on last years Supreme Novice Hurdle winner Cinders And Ashes but he is another who's chances have been reduced by the prospect of soft ground. Last years Triumph Hurdle winner Countrywide Flame is one who will have no issues with the ground but his form has regressed since his impressive win in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle in December but if returning to the level he showed that day he could well be a major player in a wide open renewal of this years Champion Hurdle.
Last year I was confident Hurricane Fly would follow up one last years win but he put in a laboured effort behind Rock On Ruby and I believe 7 of the 9 runners here have realistic chances but I'm not going to pin my colours to any horse until the day of the race thou the tough Zarkanda could be the answer if the race becomes a real slog while it would be foolish to right of Hurricane Fly as he bids to put his name in the record books while I wouldnt right of Countrywide Flame in a wide open renewal of this years Champion Hurdle
Saturday, 9 March 2013
Classic Supreme Novice Hurdle to open Cheltenham 2013
All roads lead to Cheltenham after today's high class meeting at Sandown in which First Avenue ploughed through the mud to land a gruelling renewal of the Imperial Cup and possibly setting himself up for a £75,000 bonus if following up in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle on the final day of the Festival but its the opening day I will focus on today and what a line up we have in store for day 1 of Cheltenham 2013.
The traditional curtain raiser for the Festival the Supreme Novice Hurdle is shaping up to be a classic renewal with JP McManus's brilliant pair of novice's My Tent Or Yours and Jezki heading the market but they wont have it all there own way with the grade 1 winning Melodic Rendezvous who also took the scalp of the high class Puffin Billy who is also a intended runner here at Exeter on his latest start. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has course winner Dodging Bullets engaged while the Ireland's Champion trainer Willie Mullins has both last years Festival Bumper winner Champagne Fever and the unbeaten Un Atout entered but confirmation of there participation has yet to be announced but you can be certain at least one of these top notch novices will run here. My Tent Or Your looked a potential superstar when running away with the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last month while Jezki has done nothing wrong over in Ireland winning 4/4 this season but I'm going to make a tentative selection for Melodic Rendezvous in a race that has not been the best place for favourites in recent years and this high class 7 year old also boasts a course win along with his grade 1 win at Sandown and ticks all the right boxes in a fascinating contest.
The traditional curtain raiser for the Festival the Supreme Novice Hurdle is shaping up to be a classic renewal with JP McManus's brilliant pair of novice's My Tent Or Yours and Jezki heading the market but they wont have it all there own way with the grade 1 winning Melodic Rendezvous who also took the scalp of the high class Puffin Billy who is also a intended runner here at Exeter on his latest start. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has course winner Dodging Bullets engaged while the Ireland's Champion trainer Willie Mullins has both last years Festival Bumper winner Champagne Fever and the unbeaten Un Atout entered but confirmation of there participation has yet to be announced but you can be certain at least one of these top notch novices will run here. My Tent Or Your looked a potential superstar when running away with the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last month while Jezki has done nothing wrong over in Ireland winning 4/4 this season but I'm going to make a tentative selection for Melodic Rendezvous in a race that has not been the best place for favourites in recent years and this high class 7 year old also boasts a course win along with his grade 1 win at Sandown and ticks all the right boxes in a fascinating contest.
Thursday, 7 March 2013
First visit to Catterick
I made my first visit to Catterick yesterday and after a very long journey Essex using both buses and trains to reach my final destination I was very impressed with this charming little racecourse in the North Yorkshire and I would encourage anybody reading this that has not visited the track to attend a meeting here and there is no shortage of fixtures to choose from with a full compliment of both flat and NH cards staged here and you can be guaranteed a proper days racing here.
Despite it being a misty day I found the viewing at the track is as good as any other track that I have visited and the the course provides a true but fair test to a horse with its undulations and very well built fences. Its a pity that more southern trainers do not send horses to Catterick which back in the 1980s saw the great Michael Dickinson run plenty of his top horses at the track.
With the ground drying out there have been some surprise results recently and this trend was continued yesterday with Killary Bay who went off a unconsidered 50/1 shot winning the hunter chase from the hot favourite Rumbavu who Sam Waley-Cohan who rides Long Run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup next week rode for his father and trainer Robert Waley-Cohan.
With the ground drying out and the tightish nature of the track it pays to race up with the pace here and all yesterdays winners where never far off the leaders if not making all themselfs.
The opening race a selling hurdle went to the odds on favourite King Fingal who ran out a easy winner. A competitive looking field was assembled for the 3m1f110y handicap chase with the weights headed by former Glorious Goodwood winner Hollins who ran with great credit in second but it was the John Wade owned and trained Blazing Ball who would take this contest tho possibly slightly fortunately with Jason Maguire's mount Smart Act falling at the 13th when in front. 12/1 shot Amber Cloud took the mares hurdle and the following novice chase went to Bridlingtonbygones who got the better of Sparville who was a very rare runner for Kim Bailey at the track. This was followed by the grey Dancingtothelight storming to victory in the handicap hurdle and this was yet another horse who has returned to form since the ground has dried out and judging by this performance he could follow up on this comfortable win.
I would have no hesitation on making a return to the track and out of the 52 racecourse around the UK that I have visited I would put Catterick in the top 20 tracks that I have visited and would certainly put it among the best of the small tracks I have been too and despite the freezing cold weather it was a pleasure to visit this very pleasant racecourse.
Despite it being a misty day I found the viewing at the track is as good as any other track that I have visited and the the course provides a true but fair test to a horse with its undulations and very well built fences. Its a pity that more southern trainers do not send horses to Catterick which back in the 1980s saw the great Michael Dickinson run plenty of his top horses at the track.With the ground drying out there have been some surprise results recently and this trend was continued yesterday with Killary Bay who went off a unconsidered 50/1 shot winning the hunter chase from the hot favourite Rumbavu who Sam Waley-Cohan who rides Long Run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup next week rode for his father and trainer Robert Waley-Cohan.
With the ground drying out and the tightish nature of the track it pays to race up with the pace here and all yesterdays winners where never far off the leaders if not making all themselfs. The opening race a selling hurdle went to the odds on favourite King Fingal who ran out a easy winner. A competitive looking field was assembled for the 3m1f110y handicap chase with the weights headed by former Glorious Goodwood winner Hollins who ran with great credit in second but it was the John Wade owned and trained Blazing Ball who would take this contest tho possibly slightly fortunately with Jason Maguire's mount Smart Act falling at the 13th when in front. 12/1 shot Amber Cloud took the mares hurdle and the following novice chase went to Bridlingtonbygones who got the better of Sparville who was a very rare runner for Kim Bailey at the track. This was followed by the grey Dancingtothelight storming to victory in the handicap hurdle and this was yet another horse who has returned to form since the ground has dried out and judging by this performance he could follow up on this comfortable win.
I would have no hesitation on making a return to the track and out of the 52 racecourse around the UK that I have visited I would put Catterick in the top 20 tracks that I have visited and would certainly put it among the best of the small tracks I have been too and despite the freezing cold weather it was a pleasure to visit this very pleasant racecourse.
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
The Grand National still on the cards for Imperial Commander
Imperial Commander the brilliant 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner who has been plagued by setbacks over the last few years has been ruled out of next weeks Cheltenham Gold Cup due to a lung infection while two other Festival hopefuls from the Nigel Twiston-Davies yard have also been ruled out of the Festival today on a terrible day for the stable.
The one bit of good news to report is that the trainer is very hopeful Imperial Commander will be back to full health in time to take up his entry in the Grand National and with the horse's tremendous record when fresh missing the Gold Cup could be a blessing in disguise and if he is anywhere near the same horse that defeated Denman in the 2010 Gold Cup and come agonisingly close to defeating the great Kauto Star in that epic running of the 2009 Betfair Chase the odds of 33-1 for the Grand National look very generous and I for one will certainly be having a few pounds on this one time 185 rated chaser and lets not forget Neptune Collonges only a year younger than Imperial Commander took last years National off 11-6 only two pound less than this popular 12 year old is set to carry in this years Aintree spectacular.
L'Escargot, Ben Nevis, Amberleigh House, Royal Athlete, Little Polvier and the great Red Rum all won the Grand National at the age of 12 and Imperial Commander will one of the best horse's to run in the race over the last 20 years and if he makes it to Aintree I strongly believe he is the type to relish the challenge of the worlds greatest steeplechase and providing he stayed out of trouble I would expect to be bang in contention come the business end of the race.
The one bit of good news to report is that the trainer is very hopeful Imperial Commander will be back to full health in time to take up his entry in the Grand National and with the horse's tremendous record when fresh missing the Gold Cup could be a blessing in disguise and if he is anywhere near the same horse that defeated Denman in the 2010 Gold Cup and come agonisingly close to defeating the great Kauto Star in that epic running of the 2009 Betfair Chase the odds of 33-1 for the Grand National look very generous and I for one will certainly be having a few pounds on this one time 185 rated chaser and lets not forget Neptune Collonges only a year younger than Imperial Commander took last years National off 11-6 only two pound less than this popular 12 year old is set to carry in this years Aintree spectacular.L'Escargot, Ben Nevis, Amberleigh House, Royal Athlete, Little Polvier and the great Red Rum all won the Grand National at the age of 12 and Imperial Commander will one of the best horse's to run in the race over the last 20 years and if he makes it to Aintree I strongly believe he is the type to relish the challenge of the worlds greatest steeplechase and providing he stayed out of trouble I would expect to be bang in contention come the business end of the race.
Friday, 1 March 2013
Aintree hopefuls on trial this weekend
The anticipation for this years Cheltenham Festival will soon reach fever pitch with the Festival only 11 days away but this weekends action will have more relevance on Aintree with several leading Grand National contenders putting there credentials on the line at Newbury, Doncaster and the very progressive Scottish racecourse Kelso this weekend.
2011 Grand National winner Ballabriggs will complete his 2013 Grand National preparations at Kelso tomorrow in there Totesport Premier Chase and if he can run into place connections will be delighted as he will face some classy opposition in the shape of Harry Topper who trainer Kim Bailey has said could be the best horse he has trained since Master Oats his 1995 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. Bold Sir Brian who took a crashing fall at the last at Cheltenham last time out and lets hope that Lucinda Russell's talented 7 year old can resume the progress he showed before Christmas when a easy winner at Sandown and slamming Cheltenham hopeful Rival D'Estruval at Carlisle.
Big Fella Thanks a past winner of the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury bids to follow up his success in the race in 2010 and the 11 year old who missed the entire 2011/12 season has looked as good as ever this season especially when a comftable winner under a big weight at Wincanton last time out. He is being considered for either a 4th crack at the Grand National or the Topham Chase at Aintree.
Doncaster stage there final NH card of the season with the highlight the £50,000 Grimthorpe Chase that has emerged in recent seasons as a popular Grand National trial and Paul Nicholls is set to run his leading Grand National contender Join Together who came agonisingly close to winning the Becher Chase over the big fences back in November and a win here will cement his place towards the head of the market for this years Aintree spectacular.
http://www.grand-national.me.uk/
2011 Grand National winner Ballabriggs will complete his 2013 Grand National preparations at Kelso tomorrow in there Totesport Premier Chase and if he can run into place connections will be delighted as he will face some classy opposition in the shape of Harry Topper who trainer Kim Bailey has said could be the best horse he has trained since Master Oats his 1995 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner. Bold Sir Brian who took a crashing fall at the last at Cheltenham last time out and lets hope that Lucinda Russell's talented 7 year old can resume the progress he showed before Christmas when a easy winner at Sandown and slamming Cheltenham hopeful Rival D'Estruval at Carlisle.Big Fella Thanks a past winner of the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury bids to follow up his success in the race in 2010 and the 11 year old who missed the entire 2011/12 season has looked as good as ever this season especially when a comftable winner under a big weight at Wincanton last time out. He is being considered for either a 4th crack at the Grand National or the Topham Chase at Aintree.
Doncaster stage there final NH card of the season with the highlight the £50,000 Grimthorpe Chase that has emerged in recent seasons as a popular Grand National trial and Paul Nicholls is set to run his leading Grand National contender Join Together who came agonisingly close to winning the Becher Chase over the big fences back in November and a win here will cement his place towards the head of the market for this years Aintree spectacular.
http://www.grand-national.me.uk/
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