13:10 – Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – 2m 5f
THE WREKIN
Won under Ben Godfrey back in June and although the runner
up won well at Perth the time after, both have since raced in handicaps with
little to suggest they’re on winning marks
AN TAILLIUR
Has notched up 5 wins in row climbing from 94 up to today’s
mark of 125. Slight drop back in trip here should help with the rise and
plausible he can still run a big race, but must be vulnerable to an improver
with a more lenient mark
BREAKING WAVES
Runs off 123 now and last won off 120 in a Class 4 handicap.
At least has course experience from his time with his previous trainer and ran
quite well despite being left far too much to do. Been kept busy this year and
slightly exposed
SKATMAN
6 going 7 this season and I’d have thought they’d want to
send him chasing by the end of this season but has only had the 3 runs under
rules. Won nicely on debut and looked a more mature horse last month. 125 is
his OR but gets in off 122 so technically 3lb well in and surely will end up
much higher rated in time
FINISK RIVER
Been chasing the last twice but last ran off this mark in
July an was only beaten a hd albeit in a weaker race. Jockey has ridden him
twice although both times on heavy when this lad probably wants the better
stuff now
FONTANA ELLISSI
Stable debut and has disappointed on his last start when
beaten odds-on favourite. Last raced in a handicap back in May on good ground
off a 7lb higher mark but was well beaten and not sure he’s running off a
workable mark
ENEMENEMYNEMO
Made my shortlist at entry stage so I’m glad he’s running.
The trainer won the last race on the Friday at this meeting last year too. I
don’t know a lot about the jockey but this horse ticks a few boxes for trends
on previous winners of the race. He’s here off a layoff, it’s his handicap
debut and he’s in the right age bracket. JETAWAY JOEY who beat him the last day
has won since in good style and the way this horse races (at the front) suits
this course
NEON MOON
Another who made the shortlist and arguably was the better
‘ticker’ of the boxes. Layoff, handicap debut and right age but also has the
perk of being trained by David Pipe who won this in 2019. Won last Marsh off
the back of a wind op and sporting a first-time tongue tie. Now has the
addition of Cheek-Pieces too. Runner up was a 9yo in that March win so can
ignore what that’s done since, but the third who was 6lb behind and getting
7lbs is now rated 118 although still a Maiden
GROVEMAN
Irish Raider given an 8lb higher mark on these shores. Did
win a handicap over about this trip at Cork back in may but that was off a 6lb
lower mark and he was a big priced winner that day
SUBCONTINENT
Does have a win on good ground but arguably wants it a bit
softer. 9yo with plenty of experience which typically doesn’t suit the profile
for this race and hasn’t hurdled since 2019 when winning a Class 4 over this
trip off a 5lb lower mark
ALOHAMORA
Another Irish Raider racing off a 6lb higher mark here. 2
from 22 over hurdles and last won off a 6lb lower mark, in first time
cheek-pieces but that was over 3m
BALLINSLEA BRIDGE
First run here for Robin Dickin having moved yards from Olly
Murphy to Gary Moore. 9 years old now and clearly had issues so likely a run
for fitness and or confidence booster before going back over fences
APPLE ROCK
Last seen at the April meeting here beaten 8 lengths off a
2lb higher mark. Does go well fresh although looks held by the handicapper
ART APPROVAL
Ran here at the October meeting and down 1lb from that.
Chance of running well if able to settle better but had a mistake in him, and
possibly passes tired horses as opposed to finishing his races strongly
BILLINGSLEY
Had a decent campaign back in 19/20 but that was while chasing.
Quite poor since and was well beaten when last hurdling in a handicap back in
early 2019 and really wants slow ground
ASSERTED
Given an educational ride at Aintree and while the drop back
will suit, I’m not sure he’ll be doing much other than learning a bit more in
this. Fit looking horse though
CAPTAIN BLACKPEARL
First start for Dr Newland and like a few in here, comes
back over hurdles after chasing and possibly for a confidence boost. However,
this lad could make 119 work, we know the Dr is capable of finding improvement
and despite being 0 from 3 over hurdles he’s not without a chance here and any
support is worth noting
JOHNNY B
0 from 8 under rules and 0 from 7 in points. Has been racing
over further in all but his stable debut which may help and although this is a
better race than he’s been contesting, he’d probably have more behind than in
front in this
PARICOLOR
Yard won this in 2019 but I’d say he’s the second string.
Another jockey I’m not too clued up on and most of his wins have some in
selling hurdles. Likely social runner
MY BOBBY DAZZLER
Notched up back to back wins in May and June which put him
up to this mark 118. Found out in better company the last day and probably the
same outcome here too
Summary
So my shortlist coming into this race consisted of two; NEON
MOON & ENEMENEMYNEMO with slight preference for the former which remains.
SKATMAN was also a standout entrant so I’d say the winner comes from that trio.
You’ll know I’m a price driven bettor so I’d need to see the market before
committing to a back, but I suspect SKATMAN & NEON MOON will both be toward
the head of the betting with the former a likely favourite. I’d be surprised if
ENEMENEMYNEMO was much more than a 10-14/1 poke so he’d be an auto-bet with
enhanced place terms if so
13:45 – Handicap Chase – 2m
MAGIC SAINT
Won this race last year off the same mark so that make him
of obvious interest and usually kicks on from his first run back (won second
time out the last two seasons)
HATCHER
Has picked up handicap chase wins over the summer but I do
think he’s held in this company, despite racing in Class 2’s the last 4 times
MOON OVER GERMANY
Most remembered for his 2019 Aintree win but hard pressed to
fancy him now he’s changed yard and still looks plenty high in the weights
STOLEN SILVER
Second season novice chaser s there’s race to be won with
him this term but his mark of 140 looks to be manageable when you consider he
has form behind the like of ALLMANKIND, ELDORAO ALLEN and CHANTRY HOUSE. Won on
stable debut and likely more to come
EDITEUR DU GITE
Doesn’t jump straight (goes off left and right) which is a
concern here and unseated last time out. 140 looks a fair enough mark to be
given back on his two spring Handicap wins, but he’s up 15lbs from those two
races and maybe just held for now
BUN DORAN
Veteran now who is down to 140 which is 2lbs higher than
when landing a similar race back in 2018 at this meeting by 8 lengths. Yard
form is a worry though and the horse hasn’t been in any form for a couple of
years now, although he’s been tried in much better company
FANZIO
Achieved his mark of 138 in weaker company so not for me
KAP AUTEUIL
Up 32lbs from winning his last four starts but this is his
biggest test to date and I’m sure there will be at least one too good
BATHIVA
Last won a handicap in August off a 4lb lower mark and is up
against it in here
Summary
We know being on the front end in these races usually pays dividends, and while MAGIC SAINT isn’t arriving here in such form as last season, you can’t ignore him. STOLEN SILVER looks to be the one to side with although he’s well found in the market and he’ll face a challenge form EDITEUR DE GITE, who’s jumping could cause some issues in the race. Probably a race I’d rather watch than hold a strong view in. BUN DORAN has plenty to not like, but in his pomp he’d absolutely batter these, so he’ll get a very small and token selection
14:20 – Novices’ Chase – 2m 4f
FANCY FOUNDATIONS
Has his work cut out on all known form and giving weight
away here
GIN ON LIME
Should prove popular given the manner of her latest win and
has lots of experience on her side despite being just 5
MY DROGO
Clearly a very nice horse and a Grade 1 winner despite how
much I might knock Aintree G1’s. Definitely progressed with each run last
season so if taking off where he left last term he’s the right favourite, but
he’s plenty short enough despite the small field and how well the yard get
these novices jumping
Summary
Sit back and watch race I think. MY DROGO could be
something very special. But these are the kinds of races you can just watch and
see how things go. I see no value in backing him at such short odds in a race
with one genuine challenger should he either need the run, or make any mistakes
14:55 – Cross Country Handicap Chase – 3m 6f
BALKO DES FLOS
Well backed here for the big one in March but in this
version as a handicap you’d be happy to see him run well and place. Best horse
in the race but weighted as such
TALKISCHEAP
A horse I like but I fear we’ll never see his full
potential. Hard to make a strong case here but is a dour stayer at least
FREEWHEELIN DYLAN
Won the Irish Grand National 150/1 last season so running
now off a much higher mark but has that big staying race experience but maybe
vulnerable here
ALPHA DES OBEAUX
Runs off 144 here which is arguably a bit harsh on his
recent form however he was 4th in the 2021 Cross Country proper and
in receipt of weight from some you can expect a better showing here
POTTERS CORNER
11lb lower than when beaten 7l in this race last season so
that form alone makes him noteworthy. Came in off the back of wins last term so
tef om isn’t quite the same but you’d trust he’s wound up and ready for this
BACK ON THE LASH
Fairly unexposed chaser having only the 6 starts and winning
3 of those. Course winner over hurdles but I’m not really sure he wants this
kind of test
PLAN OF ATTACK
Runs here off a fair mark I think and was one I backed last
year in the Kim Muir. Enough about him to make him interesting but like many in
here, it’s an unknown how he’ll take to the fences
DIESEL D’ALLIER
Backed him in 2019 for this race while supping a pint in the
Guinness village because I’d barely looked at the card and made a late case for
him. Won well enough that day but 12lbs higher now and that was his last win
VOLCANO
I remember him being sent off favourite in the 4yo bumper on
New Years day here back in 2018 and didn’t think he’d be a cross country runner
by now. Stays though, handles any ground and has had a pipe opener last month
at Aintree. Not sure he’s up to this off 135 as out of the handicap, but if
taking to the discipline he could go well at a price
FOX PRO
Yet to win over fences and not one I’d be backing from out
the handicap
SINGING BANJO
13lbs out of the handicap so hard to see him winning
FRIENDS DON’T ASK
21lbs out of the handicap so again I’d ignore
SIGURD
30lbs out the handicap enough said
Summary
There are some classy horses in here and I think there are
clues for the future. Personally, I wouldn’t bet in this kind of race unless it
was over a pint so ALPHA DES OBEAUX will take a token vote and maybe buy me another
Guinness
15:30 – The Hyde Novices’ Hurdle – 2m 5f
OFF YOUR ROCCO
Ground probably as slow as he’d want it the last day but
still won nicely and looks/is a nice prospect. Giving 5lbs away won’t be easy
but a good chance all the same
BLAZING KHAL
Hard to grab a real handle on this lads ability as he’s won
the last twice (hurdle and bumper) with the most recent run being somewhat
franked by the runner up back in a bumper, but his win prior has not been well
advertised. Trusted solely on his Maiden Hurdle win, you’d think he’s capable
of a fair run at least
GELINO BELLO
Was very impressive at Aintree and I think that’s the race
ON THE BLIND SIDE took in before wining here himself. Form reads well from his
bumper at Newbury too so leading claims on these terms
GLENCASSLEY
Looks a nice stayer and is 2 from 2 over hurdles, but I
think he lacks the class to win this
KAYF HERNANDO
Should step forward from his winning debut last month but
needs to take a big step forward for me
KIHAVAH
Might well run at Market Rasen on Thursday but no chance
here anyway
CURRENT MOOD
OK pointer but is 2 from 2 since joining Evan Williams and
seems to respond well when asked. She’s one at a price you could see causing
problems in the final stages if she can travel with them for long enough
Summary
OFF YOUR ROCCO is a nice horse and hopefully will at least
run his race, which might not be quite enough to land this is GELINO BELLO can
repeat and take normal progression from that Aintree win last month. CURRENT MOOD
is in receipt of plenty of weight but would still need to run in the 130’s to
threaten, however if she travels into this, I think she’s got a turn of foot
and she seems to respond pretty quickly when asked, although I doubt she’ll be
able to get first run on these
16:00 – Novices’ Handicap Hurdle – 2m ½f
PERCYS WORD
Stand out line of form is when beating Persian War winner
CAMPROND in receipt of 4lbs back in September but has failed to build on that
since, with two seconds, both times beaten favourite. Maybe being an older
horse he’s reached his peak for this year as he’s also been kept busy but can
run well if the big field isn’t an issue
HOWDYALIKEMENOW
Two runs and two wins for this yard showing definite ability
in the first race and then good attitude to respond under a hard drive on the
second. Should be suited to handicapping and 122 looks about fair
LONGACRE SQUARE
Irish Raider with an 8lb UK tax applied. He’s only had the
one spin for this new yard but ran well considering he was held up, made
mistakes and the jockey dropped his whip. Interesting, especially if any money
comes
SKIPPIN COURT
Another Irish Raider this time with 9lbs added. Won his
Maiden a couple of months ago at Listowel and really that form probably needs
upgrading with the second winning after and he pair leaving a 109 (now 107)
rated horse in their wake. Interesting runner for sure
CASTEL GANDOLFO
Has won a handicap and placed twice since but is up 5lbs for
the privilege and looks held in this better race
SAMBA DANCER
Good run with good attitude to win here last month but up
another three pounds having started for this yard at 107 means he’s another I
think could just be held for win purposes
MANINSANE
Comfortably won a Market Rasen Maiden last month and comes
here as a second season novice hurdler. That race he won was marred with the
favourite suffering a fatal injury early in the race
BRORSON
Ran a huge race here last month when only beaten by the
gambled on TOP BANDIT for Gordon Elliott but I’m not sure how good that race
really was. His form behind BROOMFIELD BURG hasn’t been franked since and the
second in first hurdle race was poor after so I’m not convinced his mark is too
kind but maybe about right
SASHENKA
0 from 5 over hurdles but second 4 times and fell in the
other race so clearly tries hard. She’s up to 120 now and outside of mares
company I think she’s vulnerable but with that said the quick turnaround in her
runs means she’s 4lbs well in, which more than half the regular sex allowance
which will clearly help
URABAMBA
Left Henry De Bromheads this summer to join Kayley Woolacott
but this would appear to be more of a fact-finding mission than a genuine
opportunity
BYZANTINE EMPIRE
Fresh from a wind op for Fergal O’Brien and has won just
before that too. Only up 1lb since running second to CELESTIAL FORCE but the
form has been let down since and I’m not sold
MC ALPINE
Another Irish runner who gets in here with a 7lb higher
mark. Up 10lbs from his last winning handicap mark in Ireland which came a
couple of months ago and while his form isn’t inspiring, on Good ish ground
he’s 6421 with the first two runs behind CASH BACK & ABACADBRAS and the
second two in handicap company. Might just be high enough in the weights now
but could be overpriced
JUST THE MAN
Won last month at the 8h time of asking and has shown
glimpses of promise up to now. Only 5 going 6 but probably held for win
purposes
KAVANAGHS CROSS
Only a nk away from winning last month and up 2lbs for that.
That was his third start for his new yard and still retains potential
CITY DERBY
I’ve been waiting for this horse to make his handicap bow
because I think he has loads more to come (Like a stone easy). Forget his
rating for a minute, his two hurdle starts to date have come up in Perth so the
snob in me knows that’s a lesser standard of racing. His hurdle debut he was
ridden by Brian Hughes, he jinked two out, wasn’t really asked or much until
after the last where he responded a bit only to be softly handled to the line
with his finishing position already secured. The run after he was ridden by
Paddy on soft ground and beat Brians mount while being sent off second fav. He
took his time to get going when first ridden, around two out, but a high enough
head carriage and dare I say a little green or idling from him to the line
suggested there’s more in him. The runner up that day was soundly beaten
although officially 3 lengths and is rated 117 in his own right. Even back to
his bumper at Newbury where a well beaten 5th of 9, he was under 2
lengths behind 4th, who recently ran 11 lengths behind STAGE STAR,
who in his bumpers ran KNAPPERS HILL close twice
FLAMENCO DE KERSER
Fairly low level of form in terms of any depth despite the
notable name of GO DANTE appearing on his file when beaten him on rules debut
in a bumper. Very keen, free and green type so there should be no end of
improvement to come from him and should appreciate the sterner test that this
race will offer. Interesting
VOCAL DUKE
Has won two handicaps in his last two start, both times well
fancied and was fairly impressive the last day. 7lb rise may not be enough to
halt his progress, but faces toughest test to date here
THE SWAGMAN
Just the 3 hurdle runs and all back in 2019. Was fanciedto
beat both YOUR BAND (115) & ALNADAM (125h/145c) and even bumped into the
likes of MCFABULOUS & WELSH SAINT in bumpers. Had two quick flat spins
after a 664 day break so hard to know how well he is, or how much he’s
progressed but being a 7yo now you’d think he’s more forward than when we saw
him in 2019 so the mark of 108 doesn’t look out of reach with some racecourse
fitness on his side
KALYPTRA
This lad wants a fast run race where he’s not just going it
alone and I think handicapping will suit him, especially a Novice handicap
where they might go a bit faster than normal. He was second in his point and
the winner has since run close to UHTRED in Ireland which is better form than
this lads current mark. That point winner was also 20l behind OTOOLE, who then
ran second to KILCRUIT at Punchestown so again that’s not reading to me like
108 rated form. The return of the Hood says to me they’re having a go here, and
I think he’s a very lively outsider
BELGOPRINCE
Another Irish Raider who is 0 from 6 and never closer than
11l to a winner. Hard to make any case for
Summary
This may be a 0-125 race but it’s a very interesting
contest. I think I can make a solid case for a few in here, which unfortunately
tempers enthusiasm to get stuck into CITY DERBY, who I really do think is way
ahead of his mark when he learns how to race. KALYPTRA is another who I think
has lots of room off his current mark and the re-applied hood excites me. That
said they’d be my two against the field, with eyes on the likes of; THE
SWAGMAN, FLAMENCO DE KERSER, SKIPPIN COURT and LONGACRE SQUARE
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