FRIDAY PREVIEW | 30/10/20

 

DOWN ROYAL

12:40 – MAIDEN HURDLE – 2M6F

We kick things off on Friday with FAROUK D’ALENE starting his career over hurdles and I’m so pleased to see him trying this trip from the off. He got away with it in bumpers at the minimum trip because of his class but he didn’t look the quickest. He was a convincing winner in his point with the quickest time on that day so he’s one to look forward to over these kinds of trips and over obstacles. GRANGECLARE NATIVE also Gigginstown and Elliott was going ok in a Maiden hurdle earlier this month when falling but that came on good ground. He won a bumper on soft in which he beat a now 133 rated hurdler so that’s steady enough form. Well beaten on his first start over hurdles last season back in February but that was a Grade 2 and over 2m so I suspect they think a bit about him and he’s at least got race fitness on his side. Noel Meade sends two in here also but both look a bit short of winning this

13:15 – MARES NOVICES’ HURDLE (G3) – 2M ½F

Tidy enough looking Mares Novices race here with ANNA BUNINA coming out again after disappointing at Cheltenham. I say disappointing because plenty expected more from her on those terms but I think she’s slightly overrated on her current mark of 131. BRAVE WAY goes for HDB, Rachel Blackmore and Alexander and while she steps back in trip here she was a ready winner last time out and looks to be a major player. QUEENS BROOK would have been on many peoples horses to follow lists following her 3rd in the Champion Bumper but while I appreciate she might have needed the run last time out, she slightly underwhelmed. Admittedly it was hands and heels and she didn’t really look in danger but that tempers my enthusiasm for now at least. POLITESSE is a half siter to DON POLI and has earned her place in this race off the back of two nice enough wins. This is a step up in class and with that family line you’d think she’ll improve for a step up in future but this may have been a target since last term given she’ll be in open company after this.

13:50 – WKD HURDLE (G2) – 2M ½F

I suppose all eyes on ABACADABRAS here but followers will know I’ll have one on the other Gigginstown runner, SIXSHOOTER. 3lbs splits the pair on adjusted figures and my guy has race fitness on his side so while I think he wants a bit further than this trip, I expect him to put in a big performance. Supreme runner up ABACADABRAS will rightly head the market and even back to his bumper form he’s been a top horse throughout his career. This will be a stepping stone on to warmer tasks but this isn’t a walkover by any means. That said, you’d expect him to take this if he’s going to be a Champion Hurdle contender. Henry De Bromhead saddles two here with Rachel on board Triumph Hurdle runner up ASPIRE TOWER. It’s said every season, but 4yos going into open company can be found wanting and really he will need to have improved to take this. Paul Townend picks up the ride on the stables other runner, JASON THE MILITANT, who beat BEACON EDGE in a Grade 2 last spring which is decent form. He’s had a flat spin in prep for this so while on these terms he’s got to have improved too, he might just have done so and the more ran the better for him.

15:00 – BEGINNERS CHASE – 2M 3 ½F

ENVOI ALLEN has been given the best part of a walkover here and while JANUARY JETS has some warm point form, he’s been disappointing under rules. ENVOI sports a first time tongue-tie here which is interesting enough (did same with SAMCRO last year), but make no mistake, he should win this in a canter

16:10 – BUMPER – 2M ½F

5 runner affair here and I’m not expecting fireworks but ON EAGLES WINGS is giving 7lbs to most of his rivals here with 4lbs because of age and an extra 3lb because of winning two bumpers. But, he has form behind FERNY HOLLOW, and his last two bumper wins were decent enough. The last was visually impressive while the time before he beat another nice horse in STATTLER. I’d be keen to see what price he is here. ANY GIVEN SUNDAY won with more to offer the last day and has FELIX YONGER in the family. CHEMICAL ENERGY for Gordon Elliott and Jamie Codd will be popular based on those names alone but I wasn’t overly impressed with his bumper debut so I’m hoping he’s short enough to make ON EAGLES WINGS playable at the price despite his weight difference

WETHERBY

13:00 – NOVICES’ CHASE – 3M

SHAN BLUE was so impressive on his chase debut he’s bound to be short odds to follow up here even though he’s trying the trip for the first time. Second season novice HOLD THE NOTE is officially rated the same but gets 6lbs so with experience on his side he might just be the one to beat, especially as he was only just beaten in a Grade 2 over this trip last season. He holds an entry in the Ladbrokes Trophy so maybe this is more of a prep run towards that. I K BRUNEL was second behind COOLANLY over 3f shorter earlier this month and the step up in trip will bring about improvement. He does need to jump a bit better but add depth to this race for sure. SNOW LEOPARDESS completes the line up and ran OK behind THE BUTCHER SAID last time out but shouldn’t be good enough to take this. 

14:45 – JUVENILE HURDLE (LISTED) – 2M

LONGCLAW & DUFFLE COAT both run for Gordon Elliott here and with Richard Johnson on the former you’d suggest he’s the first string. Narrowly held on the last day but is 3 from 3 now and that last run was his first after being gelded. LANGER DAN took this race last year for the Skeltons and they run CABOT CLIFFS who sported a hood earlier this month on his hurdle bow. Won that nicely enough despite being keen so you’d hope this race being a step up in class might allow him to settle better so he’s got a chance. SOLDIER ON PARADE carries the only penalty in this race courtesy of his win last time out which made it 3 on the spin at Market Rasen. He reversed the form with HICONIC despite giving weight away which shows how this horse has progressed, but also maybe how he’s been suited to a right handed track (0/3 left handed). Those wins all came on good ground too. HICONIC re-opposes again here on 3lb better terms and seems to struggle a bit in a faster paced race. This won’t be any slower so despite the weight received her form is all on good ground so she’s vulnerable. Alan King runs MIDNIGHTS LEGACY who was beaten favourite (joint) on his only hurdle start. He did race here latest so this seems to have been in the back of the mind but he will need to travel and jump a lot better to figure. FIRST IMPRESSION is the last to get a mention but was the other joint favourite in that race here at Wetherby. He was just as good as any of the flat runners and better than most so if the ground didn’t get too soft he’ll have a chance

15:55 – NOVICES’ HURDLE – 2M

Champion Bumper 4th THIRD TIME LUCKI was an impressive winner on his hurdle debut a couple of weeks ago but it was a dire field so not a great deal else was expected. This looks a tiny bit deeper but still shouldn’t be a problem despite carrying the winners penalty. EWOOD PARK goes for Olly Murphy and the McNeills after a spin in a bumper earlier this month. That will have blown away the cobwebs and he stayed on nicely for a horse who was quietly ridden. HEART OF A LION goes for Alan King and JP McManus but he’s been absent for over a year since his bumper debut. In fairness he hacked up that day but we know now that he beat very little (runner up is now 97 rated hurdler). 

UTTOXETER

12:50 – NOVICES’ HURDLE – 2M 4F

GET IN THE QUEUE looked a proper sort in his bumpers and while he missed last season but it was only minor. He’ll be so good from this middle trip upwards and he looks to have found a quiet enough opener here

14:35 – BUMPER – 2M

You don’t get too many bumpers in the middle of a racecard but Harry Fry is set to unleash FISHKOV under rules and although he was a runner up in his point, the level of that form looks OK ( winner of his point was second over 2m4f at Punchestown Wednesday) and you’d think he’ll be going hurdling after this. With that thought in mind, while I think he’ll still take this, he might just improve for the run. BABY BEN is a full brother to stablemate ASK BEN so you’d hope the yard know his type quite well while LANDEN CALLING & PIRATE OF THE SEA are related to some OK types.

15:10 – BEGINNERS’ CHASE – 2M

This 8 runner race looks a pretty good standard with 5 of the runners 130+ rated already. GUMBALL is a free going sort who paid the price of a decent field last time out but the same could be true here. The assignment is easier and that freshness may have gone so he’s probably the one to beat. KING ROLAND disappointed slightly at Cheltenham when looking the winner. Transpires he had a fracture to the pelvis so he can easily be forgiven and travelled so strongly into that race. He need his first start last term in a decent novice hurdle race at Newbury and he will be better over the middle trip so this might just be a warm up for bigger targets in the future but make no mistake, this horse has bundles of potential and oozes class but we’ll need to see how he goes following that injury really. GETAWAY FRED, BOLD PLAN & CHEDDLETON will all be better chasers than they were hurdlers so that pushed them into the 140’s potential bracket. All in all this race will turn out to be informative going forward and will produce plenty of winners

NH SATURDAY PREVIEW | CHEPSTOW SEASON OPENER

 

13:40 – Juvenile Hurdle – 2m 11y

BILLY THE SQUID – 5 hurdle runs under his belt but with an OR of just 107 it would be a shocking renewal if he was the one to beat

BOURBALI – Second on very quick ground last month but from a family of 5 who raced under rules and haven’t managed a single win between them

HECTOR DE SIVOLA – Ran a bit better than his losing margin suggests on debut where he had significant trouble early on and was a bit babyish. No doubt he’ll come on for that run but he might just need this too and not sure he’ll be up to this level

HELL RED – Standout entrant who should relish this ground and looked a very fast horse in his French race back in March. Will be short but clearly the one they all have to try and get close to

JERSEY GREY – modest flat runner who has been well beaten in each start

LUSTLEIGH – Better bred than most in here and one to watch on debut in a weak enough looking race bar the fav

PHOENIX AQUILUS – sports a tongue tie which is a massive turn off and maybe wants a bit slower ground to show his best

SANDYBURG – Wouldn’t scream out on breeding but his Dam won a bumper on quick ground

THE IMPOSTER – Had a spin on the flat around here last month but was a big price and well beaten

 

Summary – Boring as it is here from a punting perspective, HELL RED should absolutely destroy this field and I’m struggling to see any threats. At entry stage there were a few names who might have given him something to think about but he deserves to be short odds on here and he’ll win

 

14:12 – Handicap Hurdle – 2m 11y

REMILUC – Huge run in the Betfair Hurdle and this horse is an absolute warrior. 11yo now and tends to need the run first time up but some boy and goes on anything

DEAR SIRE – Won earlier this summer and now 9lbs higher, but useful claimer on board and the drier the ground the better

CHAMPAGNE CITY – Nice horse who hasn’t been seen to his best for a while now so any confidence would have to be taken on trust. Tried fences last season but now back hurdling he’s off an attractive mark and the ground will suit but he’s not known for running well first time up

LE LIGERIEN – Goes on all ground but not a great record fresh. Mark is 7 higher than when last winning a handicap and Richard Johnson is 1/8 on him when wining at 2/11f but only a 7yo

THE RUSSIAN DOYEN – Hasn’t hurdled since early 2018 but 134 as a mark looks workable back at 2m so not without a chance

FAIR MOUNTAIN – Good ground merchant who has twice run good seconds off this mark. Pulled up on his comeback run in first time cheekpieces but usually flops after a break so with the headgear back off he’s got a chance if the ground doesn’t have too much ease in it

DIDTHEYLEAVEUOUTTO – 2 from 3 on good ground but handles a bit of give underfoot. Has fallen the last twice and hasn’t really scaled the heights expected of him. Down to 130 which is reality is just 9lbs lighter than his opening hurdle mark earned almost 2 years ago and the closest he’s finished to a rival since is 14l. Still an underlying feeling he can win a nice race, so whether they want it to be this I’m not sure but interesting with Jnr up top

STIMULATING SONG – One win from 6 hurdle starts but not shown me enough to suggest this mark is a winnable one but was fancied earlier this month and showed enough to say he’ll be better for it and the ground should be fine. Sam Twiston retains the ride and just a 5yo

GUNNERY – Lightly raced 7yo who needs a career best to win off this mark, but if you can put a line through his run this summer where he finished lame and ignore the penultimate effort where he had a short break between runs then he might just be one of the more likely winners but clearly not straight forward

RIVER BRAY – Comes here fresh from a wind op and best form on this type of ground so the fact he’s running off just a 2lb higher mark than when last seen means he deserves a second look

FRIEND OR FOE – Another fresh from wind surgery and his mark of 125 is very likely to be under appreciating him. Not been seen for a while so despite having a setback he’s likely to have improved in himself and if there’s plenty of good in the ground then you can see why he’s the one they have to beat. Course form too albeit when 1/25

 

Summary – Tidy looking race to be honest but too many in with chances to have any confidence. CHAMPAGNE CITY doesn’t go so well fresh so line through him, RIVER BRAY might just find one too good and GUNNERY is a concern with Henderson this time of year. FAIR MOUNTAIN & FRIEND OR FOE, both of who have likely had this race in mind for some time, might just be the best of the field but GUNNERY could win by 10l or pull up, STIMULATING SONG can run well and DITHEYLEAVEUOUTTO often draws a second look from me and with Jnr on board it lures me. I’d be wanting to sit back and watch this race as I think there will be plenty of winners from this race going forward

 

 

14:47 – Handicap Chase – 2m 7f 131y

BALLYOPTIC – So impressive in this race last year and he’s won the Silver Trophy at the track too so it’s clearly one of his favourites. Career high mark now of 163 (achieved 162 over hurdles in 2017) so of course this is a big ask and I think on this better ground it might not be quite the stamina test he needs but he’ll be there or there abouts

BRAVE EAGLE – Likes good ground and was third in this in 2018 but off a 12lb lower mark

SECRET INVESTOR – No problems fresh, ground will be fine for him and won here on his only start at the track. Has had a wind op this summer but does need a career best effort of this mark. Chance of doing just that though with everything in his favour

BOLDMERE – up 22lbs since Last December for two handicap chase wins. Fell in the Grade 2 Towton at Wetherby when looking like the winner so while this is the toughest assignment yet I’m not sure he’s stopped improving but his mark looks about fair now although has Richard Johnson on top

STEELY ADDITION – Has won here like many others and goes on any ground but I think he’ll need this run and his mark still might need to drop a bit

POTTERMAN – Comes here off the back of three summer spins and won last time out. Any ease in the ground would hamper his chances but if it’s good ground he’s got a squeak

CAPTAIN CHAOS – Underwhelmed in this race last year off a 7lb lower mark and really wants a stiffer test in ground and trip

SOME CHAOS – Last seen over fences in the Ladbroke trophy but hasn’t shown me enough to suggest he can defy this mark unless the ground was good all over

DJANGO DJANGO – Has won here over hurdles and acts on any ground but another who needs a career best effort

SEDDON – Has won a bumper on soft but wants good to soft at worst however I think this is quite a smart entry. As he’s slap bang on bottom weight and shapes as though he might just get this trip. Now there are some much stronger stayers in the field but off this featherweight, if he’s going to get the trip it will be now and he might just enjoy a steadier gallop

 

Summary – This race looks open to a good number of horses but I think SEDDON might just be a big enough price to lure me in. He gets loads of weight and I wouldn’t want to pick between BALLYOPTIC, BOLDMERE or SECRET INVESTOR who will all be vying for favouritism and all should be close a the finish

 

15:22 – Novices’ Chase – 2m 3f 98y

FIDDLERONTHEROOF – Strong form with his second behind THYME HILL in the Pesian War but looked to me to be a horse who needs to get his toe in so I’m not sure this ground will suit. Fences will see a significant improvement in him though I just wonder whether this is really his trip and ground so would want to watch him here with a view to having him onside in the future

FUSIL RAFFLES – I’ve no doubt he’ll end up the best of these over fences, but I’m also aware that he might want this better ground. So he’s got it here, no excuses and I think the step up in trip is going to bring about further improvement. The one to beat but will be priced accordingly

GRAND SANCY – Lost his Novice status in February so I think they would have like to try him at Aintree. With that in mind I suspect they’ll have thought about this race as an opportunity to get a nice win out before he faces open company so I do think he’ll be ready and raring to go. Might be a percentage call at the prices and he’ll handle this ground plus he won here first time up in 2018

LONGHOUSE SALE – Really does want good ground. No doubting he’s been impressive this term so if he does run (ground dependant) then he’ll be there for a long way

PAINT THE DREAM – Second Season Novice Chaser who was probably flattered in the Dipper coming second after CHAMP fell which is the reason for his OR being so high. Couldn’t have him in this at all regardless of how well the yard are going

 

Summary – I probably won’t play in this race because I think FUSIL should win but he’s got no juice about his price. FIDDLER is capable but I think he’ll be one for another day while GRAND SANCY screams out to me that on this occasion he might be the one to beat. I’m sure he’ll be ready, he’s got good graded experience behind him over fences so at the prices I’m very tempted but holding off for now

 

15:57 – Handicap Hurdle – 2m 3f 100y

SAINT SONNET – Harry Cobdens choice and just the two starts for Nicholls both of which came over fences last spring. Has the potential to have improved plenty and the better ground I think will suit

SIR PSYCHO – Bryan Carver has won on him but we’ve seen before this horse is highly strung. Mark now looks high enough but that warrants him being thrown into this kind of race and I think he’s going to enjoy this longer trip if he can settle

KALONDRA – Hasn’t hurdled since 2017 but does like quick ground

DOUBLY CLEVER – back to back wins at Newton Abbot but up 13lbs for those

LIGHTLY SQUEEZE – Not sure this would be first choice this weekend and mark looked too high now

FLASH THE STEEL – Won this race last year on very different ground but arguable will prefer this faster surface. Trainer said this was the aim and although 8lbs higher should run well

FIX SUN – Had a wind op after 1/6f defeat in a first time tongue tie. Could be off a light mark but those breathing issues are cause for concern

MARIO DE PAIL – 100/1 poke in the supreme last year. Seems to want slower ground and not obviously well treated

NOTRE PARI – Sure to be sent over fences following this but I think he can run well off this mark before doing so

DINO VELVET – 4 handicap runs around this mark all on good ground but enough to suggest he’s held for win purposes

TEA CLIPPER – I quite like this horse and wasn’t beaten far on his second handicap start. This is another level of test but I’m keen to see him progress this season and can’t wait until he jumps a fence

KHAGE – First run for new yard but all runs last spring came on slower ground that he would have liked. Mark of 133 looks about right

COTSWOLD WAY – Another not obviously well handicapped so ignored

HOMETOWN BOY – Well beaten at the end of the season but that was in defeat to a smart horse so not all hope is lost but might take some time before he wins off this mark

FLINCK – Beaten favourite on his last start in February but it was on slow enough ground. Mark looks workable to me and I think he’s got a big run in him

BEAUFORT WEST – Two wins after a wind op and he’s a horse I know they think is better than he’d shown prior to that. Maybe wants more give underfoot but an interesting runner

CASWELL BAY – Twice beaten here in the past but bumped into one last term. 128 looks a high enough mark though

PUSH THE TEMPO – Hasn’t won for two years but his current mark looks to be manageable and ground should suit

 

Summary – Big field handicap but there will be plenty of future winners in this field. As for this race itself I do like the chance of FLINCK and he’s the one I’d put up as my main hope. FIX SUN can run well as can TEA CLIPPER. NOTRE PARI might be better when sent chasing and last years winner FLASH THE STEEL can certainly cope with the 8lb higher mark on better ground than last year

 

16:32 – Handicap Chase – 2m 3f 98y

CRIEVEHILL – Big ask to win off this high a mark but not impossible

CASABLANCA MIX – Will enjoy these conditions but this is her toughest assignment for some time

MARRCUDJA – Beaten twice in this race off 10lb and 11lb lower marks so hard to fancy

SPIRITOFTHEGAMES – Goes well fresh, ground will be fine and has won here before so lots to like and this mark is workable

RIVER WYLDE – Last ran off this mark in November 18 but suffered a serious injury when falling but had the race sewn up. Capable off this number now but long layoff to overcome. Still a horse I really rate so for me could be overpriced but will just be nice to see him back

MONT DES AVALOIRS –  3^rd season Novice Chaser so it’s quite telling they’ve targeted this race. Wouldn’t be for me at the price he is and I’d be more interested in him back in Novice company

GARDE LE VICTOIRE – Ground no issue and mark manageable for this old boy but may just need his comeback run now

AZZURI – Hard to fancy in this company and think his mark needs to come down a bit

THE UNIT – Unraced for almost two years but his mark is just down 4lbs. Fairly consistent on his day but entitled to need this although the ground could well suit

THE BAY BIRCH – Won this last year on soft ground off an 8lb higher mark. Good chance based on that alone

PUNCHES CROSS – First run for new yard but mark could be underestimating him. No headgear for this race so maybe something further down the line is planned and usually needs a run

DOITFORTHEVILLAGE – Mark coming down but ran poorly off an even lower number of hurdles last season so hard to think he’ll be coming here in any sort of form

PINK EYED PEDRO – Ran a corker the last day but this is more competitive and ground needs to be quick for him

 

Summary – This looks a pretty open affair but SPIRITOFTHEGAMES looks to have leading claims. THE BAY BIRCH, winner of this 12 months ago, looks to have been plotted nicely while it’s great to see RIVER WYLDE back on course. THE UNIT also comes back from a long layoff but equally looks to have an outside chance if in any sort of form

NH FRIDAY PREVIEW | CHEPSTOW SEASON OPENER

14:10 4-Y-O Hurdle (A Limited Handicap) (Class 2) 2m 11y

RUNNING D’OR – Ex French runner who has won twice over hurdles from 7 attempts so doesn’t lack in experience but would have to be well above average to defy this opening mark of 139

LANGER DAN – 6th in the Fred Winter off a 1lb lower mark so with normal progression he could be up to landing a pot this season, however I’d expect him to be vulnerable to something with a bit more wiggle room but he always runs his race

BLACKO – Pulled up when sent off joint favourite for the Fred Winter and really you’d have to just strike a line through that run as no real excuse came up after. He’s down 2lbs so on that note he’s got to be of interest

THE PINK’N – Ran behind BLACKO a couple of times last season yet faces him here off a 1lb inferior mark. Enough to worry me about his chance

THYME WHITE – Dropped 3lbs from him Fred Winter effort where he was a well held 12th but he’s another who I don’t think showed his best that day and although he may benefit from the run (runs without headgear too), I’d think he’s capable of a much higher mark this season

FRASER ISLAND – Has come down 6lbs in his last two runs from 135 to 129 which reflects how tricky it is to accurately rate these 4yos but interesting to see how SIR CANFORD runs Wednesday

GROUP STAGE – Closely matched with THYME WHITE on these figures and might just be under appreciated

GOA LIL – Connections took this race last year with TORPILLO. Another who ties in with THYME WHITE but not sure he’s up to this unless he’s improved over the summer

GOOBINATOR – Northern raider but hard to say he’s well treated on form although has had wind op and recent prep run for this on the flat

VORASHANN – Carries a 6lb penalty but still 8lbs well in so not hard to make a case for and bound to be popular

OLYMPIC HONOUR – 1lb out of the handicap but this horse is very interesting. He won back in December 2019 which was his last effort in this discipline and despite being keen that day he won well enough. Before this he was going well before unseating against LANGER DAN in a race where he was sent off favourite. Might just want better than soft ground, but if the forecast can be trusted the ground should be OK. Officially 17lbs lighter than when facing LANGER DAN as mentioned before so one to seriously consider, especially with the normal progression he should have made after 10 months off hurdling competitively

HASANKEY – Another northern raider who is 2lbs out the handicap and been well held in three handicaps this summer. Beat GOOBINATOR on soft getting 6lbs last season but that was back at this trip of 2m whereas his last three runs were over 2m4f twice and 3m respectively. They’ve reduced his mark well if nothing else and lively outsider I feel

MASKADA – A big-priced winner last December when beating PALLADIUM who gave her 7lbs that day and is now a 130’s horse. That line isn’t the only piece which could give you confidence as she ran here in the Grade 1 Finale after that and wasn’t disgraced. Bad ground seems to be key to her

Summary – Nice race to kick things off and often you’ll see one very well handicapped but that’s easier to know after the race. Given their age this field really are hard to get a handle on how well treated they are but OLYMPIC HONOUR will be a reasonable double figure price which is enough to make him of interest to me. THYME WHITE should be better this season than last and VORASHANN being 8lb well in probably should be the most likely winner. BLACKO can be forgiven his last run and given he was sent off favourite for the Fred Winter makes him of automatic interest but he’ll be priced accordingly

14:45 Mares' 'National Hunt' Novices' Hurdle (Class 4) 2m 3f 100y

BORN IN BORRIS – The only runner shouldering the 6lb penalty but was a very impressive point winner before that hurdle win in March and over this sort of trip could prove quite useful

GENIAL HAWKSTONE – Ran OK in a couple of bumpers up to now but likely not up to this

KILMINGTON ROSE – Bumped into a very smart mare in her bumper and gave that runner a stone so to only be beaten 5 and a half lengths would read as arguably the best form for this race

MAC KAYLA – Keen sort who has shown some ability but maybe not enough to be involved here

OSCA LOCA – Dual point winner but another who shouldn’t be up to this

PARIS DIXIE – Picked up a bumper in February 2019 so taken time to get back on track so likely to need this run

VAIN GIRL – Hard to fancy on her point runs

WILD ROMANCE – Half sister to BOSS MAN FRED also with Dan Skelton but her point second isn’t the best form coming into this but they hit the ground running with BOSS MAN and they’ll know how to get the best from her

 

YORSEXYANDUKNOWIT – unraced 7yo would be hard to predict but ignored unless the market speaks

Summary – I’d whittle this down to three runners who are BORN IN BORRIS, KILMINGTON ROSE & WILD ROMANCE. The former looks a nice type and if she wasn’t carrying the penalty might be the one to take my fancy but KILMINGTON ROSE will enjoy this step up in trip and has solid form behind a well-regarded horse so gets the vote (price dependant for punting). WILD ROMANCE is interesting given connections did well with BOSS MAN FRED from the off

15:15 Persian War Novices' Hurdle (Class 1)(Grade 2) 2m 3f 100y

MCFABULOUS – highest rated runner who ended the season with two wins and promise that more is to come. Should be ready to go for this and is a course winner so you can see why he’s favourite but plenty short enough

COURTANDBOULD – Yard flying so while this is a step up in class could run well if the rain stays away and the ground has plenty of good about it

EVERGLOW – Really strong bumper form but looks to be a chaser in the making. This will tell us more but wouldn’t be a shock winner

GETAROUND – 139 rated runner who has won round here too. Likely to be ready to roll after a win last month but I’d be worried if he’s really up to this Grade

ONE FOR THE TEAM – Found best form over further but this race tends to suit staying types so realistically the main threat to the favourite but also well found in the market

PETRASTAR – 3 from 3 in this sphere but form is questionable

LEGENDS RYDE – Needs more to feature here but has some steady form in places to suggest that she can improve still

Summary – This race does look to be MCFABULOUS’ to lose but at the price I’ve been looking to take him on. The problem is there are a few that can have half chances made for them so it’s a race I’ll sit back and take note of for formlines going forward rather than any interest. EVERGLOW will be popular and could appeal in the W/O market (Currently 9/2 with hills)

15:50 Novices’ Hurdle 2m 11y Div I

AT LARGE – Well bred and certainly one to keep an eye on for the foreseeable

BEBRAVEFORGLORY – Fancied in his last run but underwhelmed so hard to predict better here

FLIC OU VOYOU – NK second to OFALLTHEGINJOINTS here last season and that form is strong enough to be the most likely winner especially off the back of a wind op. Problem is she often finds something to beat her but as a second season novice she is the one to beat

FOLKS ON THE HILL – Well beaten in a bumper but was a fair price as a store and should improve for an obstacle so interesting in a race lacking depth

GILWEN GRAYSON – Form from bumper and maiden hurdle suggest he’s not up to this

MAD BARRY – Impossible to fancy and well beaten in two runs

MASTER TEMPLAR – One of three for Olly Murphy but wouldn’t be for me

SEVERANCE – 90 rated on the flat and the type that could win these sorts of races so well on the shortlist given the line up here

FOLLOW THAT – Second for Olly Murphy but bang average rules form up to now

MINI CREST – Olly’s final runner and she’s got form to suggest she might be the best of the trio but not my idea of a major player in here

Summary – FLIC OU VOYOU will probably be a short priced favourite for this race and rightly so but I am cautious of how often the horse has found one too good in varying levels so might be a hard one to catch right. That said if theres a bit of juice in the price I’d be happy to take the punt. SEVERANCE would be the main other to note for me given how good he was on the flat and might be a fair price in a weak ish looking race

16:25 Novices’ Hurdle 2m 11y Div II

ALLENBY – Not great on his bumper debut but not knocked about and should win hurdle races

BRAVEMANSGAME – Big money purchase who underwhelmed in bumpers given that price tag but still retains plenty of interest and obstacles should see a marked improvement from him

GOUET DES BRUYERES – No Chance

KAPROYALE – Quietly ridden on hurdle debut last month which appeared to me as though they were expecting him to improve for the run. Doing just that makes him a player here

NUMBERS MAN – Nicely bred with links to SAMCRO so one to watch on debut and expect improvement

RAINBOW JAZZ – Held when unseating last time out and this is tougher

SOARING GLORY – No doubt he brings the best form to the table and really is the one to beat. Exciting

TO BE SURE – Relatively cheap pick up and should be winning races, but this looks tough for him

FIVETOTWELVE – Another Olly Murphy runner who should not be featuring

WORLD TRIP – Third Olly Murphy runner who is likely to better over further so will be suited if this turns into a real test

Summary – SOARING GLORY has really strong bumper form and will be a worthy favourite, but I’ve not yet given up on BRAVEMANSGAME. He might have his chance another day but I’ll be keeping a close eye on him for sure. KAPROYALE looks ready to roll for this and could go close while NUMBERS MAN is well enough bred to make his presence felt too.

16:55 Veterans Chase 2m 7f 131y  

VIRGILIO – Last seen winning over fences back in the summer of 18 off a 2lb higher mark. Not been in great form hurdling since comeback but always been a chaser for this stable really although this would be some achievement to land this. Maybe one for another day

DOUBLE SHUFFLE – Has run well here in the past and despite a slipping handicap mark he’s capable of mixing it in this company for sure. Does not win often which is now becoming a concern but should go close

PRESENT MAN – Last won a Listed Chase off this mark in November 18 but not been seen much since. Goes well fresh and another who should be able to win races in this sphere

CROSSPARK – If the ground stays around Good to soft he can outrun his likely odds but 7lb higher than last winning mark

JOE FARRELL – 3rd in this race last year off the same mark when sent off favourite but this might not be as stamina laden a renewal so might be vulnerable to something else

PINGSHOU – Surely most of us agree this horse never reached his peak so the mark of 140 doesn’t look unmanageable for the start of a veterans career. Had a comeback run where he was seen over 2m so that had to be a warm up for this, and he had fallen the last twice prior. Should get this trip on this ground but the dryer the better

THEATRE GUIDE – Well beaten in this race last year and now just 4lbs lower but another year older. Hard to make a strong case for but has had the wind op, and Robbie Power rode him well at Sandown last January so possibilities of a better shower this time round

STRONG PURSUIT – Just 9 races under rules for this 10yo so he’s had his issues but he’s probably no a light enough mark to make his presence felt although very hard to be convinced he’s the same horse of old and won’t get an uncontested lead. Yard vibes at the moment are positive though

DON POLI – The back form of this horse means 132 is a laughable mark but his recent PTP exploits (namely when beating KILLER CROW) show him up to be possibly over rated. I think this will be experience for Tristan Durrell more than anything and as much as I’d love to see the old DON back I’m not sure he retains that level of ability anymore

SHANTOU VILLAGE – A horse I really like and I think he would have won the Kerry National last year if he’d not unseated. He’s down 8lbs off that mark now and I think he’ll get the race run to suit. Has had two spins over hurdles this summer and I fully expect him to go very close but he does have his best form on Good ground so keep an eye on the going

ON TOUR – Nk second in this race last year off a 1lb lower mark so has a chance on that alone. Visor didn’t work last time out but is back off now

HORATIO HORNBLOWER – Comes here in good form which can’t be said for plenty and despite his mark riding 10lbs last season he looked value for that when Unseating at Sandown in January. Not dismissed

WHAT A MOMENT – Last win came in 2017 and has only raced three times since but potentially needed last season so the fact he’s just turned 10, comes here off the back of a Wind Op and will relish the ground means he’s got to be a lively outsider

DANCING SHADOW – Bare form suggests that off this current mark he’s going to find this tough and would probably want further to show a best effort

Summary – This type of handicap will be full of horses we have plenty of knowledge of but it doesn’t make it too much easier to pick apart. I’m keen on SHANTOU VILLAGE though and I think there will be loads of pace up top which will suit him down to the ground. Speaking of ground, I would prefer it on the quick side of good to soft to be confident. WHAT A MOMENT could run well at a price if he’s ready to roll and I think last season was just a case of getting on course. THEATRE GUIDE may be getting on a bit now but he wouldn’t surprise me if he ran a big race

17:25 Novices' Chase (Class 3) 2m 7f 131y

ASK DILLON – I really like this horse and he ran an absolute blinder here in December when the ground was very testing. Yard flying and do well with this type when fresh so I think he’s a huge player

ENRILO – One of my horses to follow for the season who was babyish last term. The further they go the better but I’s give him a chance in here fresh providing he settles

MAHLERVOUS – Second Season Novice Chaser so has experience on his side but a bit to find on form

OFALLTHEGINJOINTS – Won on this card last season but didn’t really build on it after. Still retains potential but I’m not sure this trip will suit

RED RIVER – Bleeder which is a massive negative BUT he’s a proper horse and another second season Novice. Has been waited with and although hard to trust his wellbeing is more than capable at this level

THE CASHEL MAN – Best form came when running THYME HILL second in the Challow Hurdle. Ex flat horse who has probably reached his ceiling over hurdles so worth a pop in here but I’m not sure he’ll take to fences quickly as it took him long enough to win over hurdles

THE MIGHTY DON – The third second season Novice in here (technically third season Novice as unseated in 2018) but fell twice last season and none of those chase efforts would see him land this

Summary – Really exciting Novices’ chase here with ENRILO one of my horses to follow for the season. Of course it would be nice to get off to a winning start, and I think he could, but ASK DILLON is another horse I really like and given his course experience and yard form he could represent some value at opening show. RED RIVER is capable on his day but has had issues so hard to trust and OFALLTHEGINJOINTS of course won on this card last year and can mix it in this company