Happy New Year to you all.
As the final trimmings are packed away in the loft our thoughts turn both inevitably and insatiably towards the second Tuesday in mid-March when the Cheltenham roar will echo across the majestic outcrop of limestone known as Cleeve Hill...
For some of us, Cheltenham is in our blood and in our DNA; lodged like a bullet in our brains and even occasionally disturbing our sleep patterns...
So it seems appropriate to undertake a mid-term review and a look forward to the centrepiece of the National Hunt season...
I am delighted that one or two of my suggestions for high honours this season are progressing nicely. You all know how enthusiastic I am about Darlan. He didn't disappoint earlier today at Taunton; travelling sweetly on the bridle the whole way round. He didn't though strike me as a winner of a Supreme Novices' Hurdle. I still urge caution. 14/1 best price now after this comfortable success.
Seven Barrows houses any number of potential candidates for both the Supreme and the Neptune; the latter though tends to be the natural bedfellow of the traditional jumps-bred animal.At the moment, the yard houses Tetlami, Molotov, Mono Man, Broadbackbob and Let's Get Serious amongst others but, of more interest to this correspondent, are the hitherto mentioned Darlan plus Ericht (we have yet to see the best of this son of Alderbrook) and Captain Conan (who made his debut at Sandown Park in the novice hurdle in which Minella Class - Henderson's Neptune entry in 2011 - was victorious last year). A French import, he didn't appear to be blessed with instant acceleration; surely a stayer in the making...
Maintaining the Henderson theme, I was very sweet on Sprinter Sacre before the season started. He really is the most gorgeous looking specimen... a good big'un will almost always be a good little'un so they say! I think that saying originates in pugilistic parlance but could quite easily apply amongst prized horseflesh too! And so it came to pass that on Kempton's flat speed track configuration the SS battered Peddler's Cross ("unbeatable" Arkle favourite) into raw submission...
I am worried though!
It appears that Henderson only runs Finian's Rainbow at Cheltenham when it is absolutely necessary (beaten twice at the Festival - only two outings at the course) and it may be that he shares a similar opinion of the German-bred gelding...I think PC might turn the tables on SS up the hill at the Festival but suspect something else will come from left field or maybe it will be the highly touted Al Ferof who will emerge triumphant.He commands enormous respect in these quarters...
Tomorrow I will switch my attention to Ireland and its challenge, I predict here and now that our friends from across the Irish Sea will collect at least twelve gold medals in March...
As a precursor, I will leave you though with three outstanding prospects - all trained by the Master of Muine Beag - Lambro, Soll and Darroun - surefire winners and probably at the top table also. Watch the videotape of these three's last time out course appearances; none of the three managed to place its head into the winner's enclosure but they will; of that you can be sure... Lambro is a budding superstar who didn't have the pace to match Monksland at the weekend but, stepped back up in trip, he will be awesome!
Happy punting!
Rm(Mark)
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Monday, 12 December 2011
Darlan darling..!
Dear All
I'm not having it that Darlan is not a superstar in waiting...
Perfectly accept that his performance at Cheltenham didn't scream out championship class but he did win when perhaps he shouldn't have done!
Most telling of all though is the beast's breeding! A son of Milan whose progeny run frequently in bumpers and from a delicious Aga Khan bloodline, he will improve immeasurably for a step up in trip. Milan's progeny do not appear blessed with lightning acceleration (though not devoid of pace) so the Baring Bingham or perhaps the Albert Bartlett race will see the Nicky Henderson inmate in better light!
The lack of certainly about in which contest he will strut his undeniably potent stuff is all that prevents this blogger from emptying his piggy bank completely...
You mark my words!
-------------------------
Happy retirements are coming thick and fast in the sporting world none so more than us equine lovers! Denman, The Tank, to his many devout disciples, is the latest to enter into honourable old age with slippers and pipe under his arm...
I'm not convinced that his record of 10 wins from 17 starts allows him the status of superstar. Nevertheless his legacy will be long lived and some of his performances were utterly formidable. He was a fearsome brute of a horse that frequently pulverised his opponents into total submission; Joe Frazier to Kauto's silkier, more eloquent Cassius Clay! His outstanding performances in two Hennessy Gold Cups are etched in the memory forever!
Long live the Tank!
-------------------------
Three to catch the eye recently.
For Non Stop - always been a useful sort but somehow success of any significance has escaped him; now seemingly established as a chaser he has any amount of scope and is destined to achieve some impressive results in the coming months (Nick Williams).
Oscargo - oozed class in a, perhaps less than competitive, handicap hurdle at Cheltenham's December Friday. For one so inexperienced (only his third start), he travelled supremely in behind first the Evan Williams-trained Di Kaprio, and then, as that one tired and faded,others such as Kayf Aramis and Los Nadis; he looks a real stayer; could be anything over fences (Paul Nicholls)...
A less obvious contender is Badger Foot, from the ever-improving Lucinda Russell yard. Shrewd Lucinda's string regularly flirt with the more sophisticated entries at the Southern tracks and in this stoutly bred Beneficial gelding she has a prospect with time on its side; the distance over which he travelled last Friday was patently lacking the true stamina test he needs and, stepped up to three miles and beyond, he will win races... he was spotted running on with immense purpose , under useful conditional Grant Cockburn, behind winner Night Alliance...
Happy punting!
Rm(Mark)
I'm not having it that Darlan is not a superstar in waiting...
Perfectly accept that his performance at Cheltenham didn't scream out championship class but he did win when perhaps he shouldn't have done!
Most telling of all though is the beast's breeding! A son of Milan whose progeny run frequently in bumpers and from a delicious Aga Khan bloodline, he will improve immeasurably for a step up in trip. Milan's progeny do not appear blessed with lightning acceleration (though not devoid of pace) so the Baring Bingham or perhaps the Albert Bartlett race will see the Nicky Henderson inmate in better light!
The lack of certainly about in which contest he will strut his undeniably potent stuff is all that prevents this blogger from emptying his piggy bank completely...
You mark my words!
-------------------------
Happy retirements are coming thick and fast in the sporting world none so more than us equine lovers! Denman, The Tank, to his many devout disciples, is the latest to enter into honourable old age with slippers and pipe under his arm...
I'm not convinced that his record of 10 wins from 17 starts allows him the status of superstar. Nevertheless his legacy will be long lived and some of his performances were utterly formidable. He was a fearsome brute of a horse that frequently pulverised his opponents into total submission; Joe Frazier to Kauto's silkier, more eloquent Cassius Clay! His outstanding performances in two Hennessy Gold Cups are etched in the memory forever!
Long live the Tank!
-------------------------
Three to catch the eye recently.
For Non Stop - always been a useful sort but somehow success of any significance has escaped him; now seemingly established as a chaser he has any amount of scope and is destined to achieve some impressive results in the coming months (Nick Williams).
Oscargo - oozed class in a, perhaps less than competitive, handicap hurdle at Cheltenham's December Friday. For one so inexperienced (only his third start), he travelled supremely in behind first the Evan Williams-trained Di Kaprio, and then, as that one tired and faded,others such as Kayf Aramis and Los Nadis; he looks a real stayer; could be anything over fences (Paul Nicholls)...
A less obvious contender is Badger Foot, from the ever-improving Lucinda Russell yard. Shrewd Lucinda's string regularly flirt with the more sophisticated entries at the Southern tracks and in this stoutly bred Beneficial gelding she has a prospect with time on its side; the distance over which he travelled last Friday was patently lacking the true stamina test he needs and, stepped up to three miles and beyond, he will win races... he was spotted running on with immense purpose , under useful conditional Grant Cockburn, behind winner Night Alliance...
Happy punting!
Rm(Mark)
Monday, 21 November 2011
Cheltenham Fancy...
Dear All
Today I have backed Days Hotel for the 2012 Arkle Challenge Trophy. These are my reasons - all absolutely vital when looking for a Festival winner:
Size and stamp;
Jumping prowess;
Ability to travel;
Trainer with form in race
A winner
One missing tick on CV is the lack of a positive run at Cheltenham... maybe Mr De Bromhead will size (just my little joke!) up the opposition later in the season and add that missing tick... if he does I will be topping up..!
The winners are flowing right now - Mr Moonshine, Super Duty and Darlan all giving maximum encouragement recently... more to follow!
Happy punting!
Rm (Mark)
Today I have backed Days Hotel for the 2012 Arkle Challenge Trophy. These are my reasons - all absolutely vital when looking for a Festival winner:
Size and stamp;
Jumping prowess;
Ability to travel;
Trainer with form in race
A winner
One missing tick on CV is the lack of a positive run at Cheltenham... maybe Mr De Bromhead will size (just my little joke!) up the opposition later in the season and add that missing tick... if he does I will be topping up..!
The winners are flowing right now - Mr Moonshine, Super Duty and Darlan all giving maximum encouragement recently... more to follow!
Happy punting!
Rm (Mark)
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Dear All
As promised, I have spotted six likely sorts to keep onside for the foreseeable future; one of them will now be put away until the new Flat season rolls back into view in early Springtime...
The first a novice to follow from the McCain yard - Super Duty - had already won a decent bumper on racecourse debut at Donald McCain's old stamping ground, Bangor-on-Dee. On this day, at one of my favourite tracks for identifying young talent, Carlisle, this grand stamp of a chaser achieved an outstanding RPR of 136 on his hurdling debut pulling 17-lengths clear of some useful types. Watch the video!
The second a fancy for the Paddy Power - there is an infectiousness about the confidence of David Bridgwater and Tom Scudamore about The Giant Bolster's chances in Saturday's big 2 and a half mile handicap. There is definitely more to come from this Black Sam Bellamy gelding. He ran in what I believe will prove to be a highly significant 3-mile + Novice Chase at Aintree back in April; a contest won by Quito De la Roque (winner of the G2 JN wine Chase at Down Royal last Saturday) who was followed home by Sarando (more of him later). The step back in trip will suit and a big run is expected...
The third a Ballydoyle inmate to keep the flames burning through the long, winter evenings is Twirl. She was strikingly impressive when winning an 18-runner maiden at Leopardstown by 6 and a half lengths on the final day of the Irish Flat season. Another daughter of the mighty Galileo; she exudes class; the Ballydoyle juveniles look a bit useful this season. She is unsurprisingly entered in next year's Irish Guineas and Irish Oaks...
The fourth an early Hennessy selection - the aforementioned Sarando - looks a tad under-rated even after his impressive seasonal debut in a Graduation Chase at Carlisle beating the promising Aikman with a large degree of comfort... I had taken some decent prices for the big about the Hernando gelding for the big Newbury handicap, even before this contest, with a view to laying off. In my humble opinion this one will be a serious contender on 26th November if he can lie up with the early pace; stamina is not in doubt...
The fifth a staying chaser primed for 2012 Festival glory perhaps - Sue and Harvey Smith's chasers are schooled until failure is not an option. The stable has come out of the blocks flying this season; the horses appear healthy and Mr Moonshine is my idea of this season's RSA Chase winner even at this early stage.
Another to have performed admirably at Carlisle recently; he was relentlessly backed into second favouritism on the day and left Charlie Longsdon's Hidden Keel (the apple of his eye it would seem!) toiling in its wake; achieving an RPR of 150. Comments from the Smith yard suggest that any amount of improvement is expected when the Double Eclipse gelding steps up to 3 miles - he ran several times at the distance over hurdles...
Fnally, the sixth - much darker but showing immense promise during last weekend's Wincanton fixture is Theatrical Star...Having won a Class 4 Novice Hurdle last month over 20 furlongs (not a maiden as I erroneously stated in yesterday's post) - clearly improving for the step up in trip - this imposing son of King's Theatre out of an Ardross mare (therefore sumptuously bred for chasing!) was never going to be suited to dropping back to the minimum trip and finished a promising 4th behind some useful (and speedier sorts) last weekend including Molatof who has form with the best of last term's Triumph Hurdlers...
The Tizzards have yet to hit form this season but when they do Theatrical Star is going to be one of the yard's flagship performers and may well be a player in one or other of the two Festival staying novice hurdles...
I hope these serve you well. Keep them in mind!
Happy punting...
Rm(Mark)
As promised, I have spotted six likely sorts to keep onside for the foreseeable future; one of them will now be put away until the new Flat season rolls back into view in early Springtime...
The first a novice to follow from the McCain yard - Super Duty - had already won a decent bumper on racecourse debut at Donald McCain's old stamping ground, Bangor-on-Dee. On this day, at one of my favourite tracks for identifying young talent, Carlisle, this grand stamp of a chaser achieved an outstanding RPR of 136 on his hurdling debut pulling 17-lengths clear of some useful types. Watch the video!
The second a fancy for the Paddy Power - there is an infectiousness about the confidence of David Bridgwater and Tom Scudamore about The Giant Bolster's chances in Saturday's big 2 and a half mile handicap. There is definitely more to come from this Black Sam Bellamy gelding. He ran in what I believe will prove to be a highly significant 3-mile + Novice Chase at Aintree back in April; a contest won by Quito De la Roque (winner of the G2 JN wine Chase at Down Royal last Saturday) who was followed home by Sarando (more of him later). The step back in trip will suit and a big run is expected...
The third a Ballydoyle inmate to keep the flames burning through the long, winter evenings is Twirl. She was strikingly impressive when winning an 18-runner maiden at Leopardstown by 6 and a half lengths on the final day of the Irish Flat season. Another daughter of the mighty Galileo; she exudes class; the Ballydoyle juveniles look a bit useful this season. She is unsurprisingly entered in next year's Irish Guineas and Irish Oaks...
The fourth an early Hennessy selection - the aforementioned Sarando - looks a tad under-rated even after his impressive seasonal debut in a Graduation Chase at Carlisle beating the promising Aikman with a large degree of comfort... I had taken some decent prices for the big about the Hernando gelding for the big Newbury handicap, even before this contest, with a view to laying off. In my humble opinion this one will be a serious contender on 26th November if he can lie up with the early pace; stamina is not in doubt...
The fifth a staying chaser primed for 2012 Festival glory perhaps - Sue and Harvey Smith's chasers are schooled until failure is not an option. The stable has come out of the blocks flying this season; the horses appear healthy and Mr Moonshine is my idea of this season's RSA Chase winner even at this early stage.
Another to have performed admirably at Carlisle recently; he was relentlessly backed into second favouritism on the day and left Charlie Longsdon's Hidden Keel (the apple of his eye it would seem!) toiling in its wake; achieving an RPR of 150. Comments from the Smith yard suggest that any amount of improvement is expected when the Double Eclipse gelding steps up to 3 miles - he ran several times at the distance over hurdles...
Fnally, the sixth - much darker but showing immense promise during last weekend's Wincanton fixture is Theatrical Star...Having won a Class 4 Novice Hurdle last month over 20 furlongs (not a maiden as I erroneously stated in yesterday's post) - clearly improving for the step up in trip - this imposing son of King's Theatre out of an Ardross mare (therefore sumptuously bred for chasing!) was never going to be suited to dropping back to the minimum trip and finished a promising 4th behind some useful (and speedier sorts) last weekend including Molatof who has form with the best of last term's Triumph Hurdlers...
The Tizzards have yet to hit form this season but when they do Theatrical Star is going to be one of the yard's flagship performers and may well be a player in one or other of the two Festival staying novice hurdles...
I hope these serve you well. Keep them in mind!
Happy punting...
Rm(Mark)
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Dear All
I haven't commented on the current whip furore preferring to keep my counsel principally because my love of this great game doesn't mean I know one jot about the physiology of the thoroughbred! So how much physical damage a stroke of the whip does to a horse's skin I really don't know.
At the moment the high-profile bans imposed on racing gods such as Ruby and AP have raised the profile of the issue even further. These leading exponents of horsemanship cannot surely be expected, in the heat of battle, to count the aggregation of strikes in the final furlong when riding furiously for their lives.
It is a farcical situation and must be resolved. Either, those who judge must use their honed judgement, rather than numerical measurement, to determine if unnecessary brutality has been used in lifting a horse to even greater effort or perhaps the authorities need to take the momentous decision of banning the whip altogether!
Enough said!
There are four outstanding minds currently plying their trade online and helping people like you and me make informed decisions.
Nick Pullen whose copy is published by Oxfordshire Press under the brand names of Racing Angles and Horse Racing Focus. Nick's copy is expertly crafted, incisive, well-researched; extolling the virtue of value and most of all packed with winning opportunities. This is quality stuff!
Nick's raison d'etre is profiling; identifying a shortlist of potential race winners based upon his highest-rated top 30 performances in the race...
Yes it's a subscription service but you will pay for the fee many times over; I guarantee it!
Gavin Priestley is the brains behind Festival Trends and Trainer Track Stats (TTS) through his blog Nag-Nag-Nag
Gavin's stuff defies belief. So much hard work number crunching and historical fact goes into creating a mindblowing array of race trend analysis. There is a modicum of profiling also plus Gavin's own Nag Ratings.
The TTS is based upon profitable trainer performance at each of the jump racing tracks; for a small fee you can receive the qualifiers daily. I strongly recommend Gavin's work; plenty of free copy also...
Richard Stoddart and his chums are Bet Catalyst Totally different approach - prepare for long losing runs but when you win you will win big. Catalyst is constantly seeking out the holy grail of the 50/1 winner and doesn't shirk a challenge. It is much more of a pure tipping site; there is no fancy analysis but the beauty is in its simplicity!
If you want some guy telling you to have a 4-point win bet on a horse which, upon further inspection, is trading just over even money then forget Catalyst. It's not for you. I have nailed my colours to the Catalyst mast. Can't wait for the new website and a tad more diversity but this site is a winner with me...
Finally, Ben Aitken on his Narrowing The Field site and his is from the Gavin Priestley school of hard work. Painstaking research goes into his dosage profiling; trends recording, pedigree analysis etc. covering all of the principal races He also identifies profitable angles showing trainers' competency in getting their horses back on the track after a 90-day or more absence.
Subscription service but good value; my own view is that Ben has a deeper knowledge of the jumps game so now is the time to get on board. You will make money. Like Gavin, there are many articles published free of charge.
Tomorrow - six to keep onside
The first a novice to follow from the McCain yard
The second a fancy for the Paddy Power
The third a Ballydoyle inmate to keep the flames burning through the long, winter evenings...
The fourth an early Hennessy selection
The fifth a staying chaser primed for 2012 Festival glory perhaps
The sixth - much darker; still a maiden but immense promise from last weekend's Wincanton fixture...
Happy punting!
Rm(Mark)
I haven't commented on the current whip furore preferring to keep my counsel principally because my love of this great game doesn't mean I know one jot about the physiology of the thoroughbred! So how much physical damage a stroke of the whip does to a horse's skin I really don't know.
At the moment the high-profile bans imposed on racing gods such as Ruby and AP have raised the profile of the issue even further. These leading exponents of horsemanship cannot surely be expected, in the heat of battle, to count the aggregation of strikes in the final furlong when riding furiously for their lives.
It is a farcical situation and must be resolved. Either, those who judge must use their honed judgement, rather than numerical measurement, to determine if unnecessary brutality has been used in lifting a horse to even greater effort or perhaps the authorities need to take the momentous decision of banning the whip altogether!
Enough said!
There are four outstanding minds currently plying their trade online and helping people like you and me make informed decisions.
Nick Pullen whose copy is published by Oxfordshire Press under the brand names of Racing Angles and Horse Racing Focus. Nick's copy is expertly crafted, incisive, well-researched; extolling the virtue of value and most of all packed with winning opportunities. This is quality stuff!
Nick's raison d'etre is profiling; identifying a shortlist of potential race winners based upon his highest-rated top 30 performances in the race...
Yes it's a subscription service but you will pay for the fee many times over; I guarantee it!
Gavin Priestley is the brains behind Festival Trends and Trainer Track Stats (TTS) through his blog Nag-Nag-Nag
Gavin's stuff defies belief. So much hard work number crunching and historical fact goes into creating a mindblowing array of race trend analysis. There is a modicum of profiling also plus Gavin's own Nag Ratings.
The TTS is based upon profitable trainer performance at each of the jump racing tracks; for a small fee you can receive the qualifiers daily. I strongly recommend Gavin's work; plenty of free copy also...
Richard Stoddart and his chums are Bet Catalyst Totally different approach - prepare for long losing runs but when you win you will win big. Catalyst is constantly seeking out the holy grail of the 50/1 winner and doesn't shirk a challenge. It is much more of a pure tipping site; there is no fancy analysis but the beauty is in its simplicity!
If you want some guy telling you to have a 4-point win bet on a horse which, upon further inspection, is trading just over even money then forget Catalyst. It's not for you. I have nailed my colours to the Catalyst mast. Can't wait for the new website and a tad more diversity but this site is a winner with me...
Finally, Ben Aitken on his Narrowing The Field site and his is from the Gavin Priestley school of hard work. Painstaking research goes into his dosage profiling; trends recording, pedigree analysis etc. covering all of the principal races He also identifies profitable angles showing trainers' competency in getting their horses back on the track after a 90-day or more absence.
Subscription service but good value; my own view is that Ben has a deeper knowledge of the jumps game so now is the time to get on board. You will make money. Like Gavin, there are many articles published free of charge.
Tomorrow - six to keep onside
The first a novice to follow from the McCain yard
The second a fancy for the Paddy Power
The third a Ballydoyle inmate to keep the flames burning through the long, winter evenings...
The fourth an early Hennessy selection
The fifth a staying chaser primed for 2012 Festival glory perhaps
The sixth - much darker; still a maiden but immense promise from last weekend's Wincanton fixture...
Happy punting!
Rm(Mark)
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Ten Up...
Dear All
After much soul-searching, midnight oil incendiary and copious mugs of Twinings, I am ready to announce my ten horses to follow...
The list below is MY list i.e. those animals I believe, irrespective of punting value, points potential or status will win races during what is certain to be a fascinating National Hunt season especially as the ongoing whip controversy seems destined to impact on how races will be run for the foreseeable future. I will be disappointed if these don't win at least 20 races between them.
Not in any particular order:
I bet Barry Geraghty cannot wait to get the leg up on DARLAN who was oh so impressive when winning an egg and spoon bumper at Haydock Park in April. He simply powered away from opponents who were, admittedly, no better than trees. Regally born from one of the Aga Khan's stoutly bred bloodlines and trained by a master craftsman when it comes to hurdling types; I predict a huge future for this strong galloping sort
Champion of the two-mile chase division looks up for grabs this season so the high-class FINIAN'S RAINBOW another from the all conquering yard of Nicky Henderson, looks to have it at his mercy. I am not convinced he is as high-class as the two-mile champions from the recent past but challengers for the crown are thin on the ground and, especially away from Cheltenham - he may not find his best form there - he will mop up the top races at Sandown Park, Ascot and Newbury.
HURRICANE FLY is not going to make you rich but he is by some way the best 2-mile hurdler since Istabraq and I think he will prove it this season with a minimum of four victories culminating with a Champion Hurdle success in March. If he stays sound, he will surely emulate the great Ballydoyle champion and win three Champion Hurdles...
MEGASTAR is a huge animal. He shaped full of promise in his early starts but his big, gross frame was unsuited to hurdling and it is only now that he has filled out somewhat. Chasing will see him achieve his potential and hit the heights. He was last of three in a Beginners' Chase at Ascot on Saturday but shaped promisingly; the best is yet to come...
Another who seems certain to benefit from another summer on his back is RUBI LIGHT after a tenacious performance in the Ryanair Chase last March. Bred in France by a German sire; his best trip currently seems uncertain (most of his outings have been concentrated at 2 and a half miles) but plans to step up to 3 and beyond are apparently on the agenda. Plenty of class and youth on his side; I have high hopes for Robert Hennessey's Network gelding...
If Long Run doesn't win the Gold Cup then TIME FOR RUPERT does. It is no coincidence that before Saturday's Charlie Hall at Wetherby, this Flemensfirth gelding's last six outings had been at Cheltenham. Paul Webber did not have him cherry-ripe although he still managed to pull miles clear of some very top-class types, a fitter Weird Al. Last autumn's novice chase successes withstand the closest inspection and to finish 5th in the RSA Chase when clearly a sick horse (he laboured almost from flag fall) was an extraordinary effort. He is all class!
RIVERSIDE THEATRE exudes class also; despite his formidable record and especially since he is stabled at Seven Barrows he has still somehow managed to dip a tad below the radar. Assuming he returns from injury unscathed and at the same level of performance he is a Grade One animal of the highest order.
GO ALL THE WAY ran in three high class bumpers in 2010 and 2011. The gelded son of Milan didn't win any of them but shaped like a good horse; one that was going to take high rank amongst this year's crop of staying novice hurdlers.
I made a note of DEFINITY last spring; just the type of progressive animal that the Master of Ditcheat handles so well. A son of Definite Article and Irish Grand National-winning mare, Ebony Jane, he is screaming out for a step up in trip; his pedigree packed full of stamina including Roselier; his dam sire on the distaff side for instance. The Nicholls factor will impact a little on the price but he is a dark one nevertheless.
REVE DA SIVOLA has been a fine stamp of a horse for some time; I remember seeing his
early races over hurdles; he was as tough as teak even then and this season I think he will come of age and win at least one major staying handicap chase when stamina is at a premium...
There you have it, a cornucopia of talented bloodstock.
I could have included many more - MOSSLEY, LOOSEN MY LOAD, WISHFULL THINKING, NOBLE PRINCE, FIRST LIEUTENANT, QUITO DE LA ROQUE, LONG RUN, MR MOONSHINE, CHAMPION COURT, OSCAR WHISKY AND JESSIE'S DREAM were all considered and discarded by the finest of margins.
Good luck - let me know your own horses to follow for this season.
Enjoy the spectacle!
Rm (Mark)
After much soul-searching, midnight oil incendiary and copious mugs of Twinings, I am ready to announce my ten horses to follow...
The list below is MY list i.e. those animals I believe, irrespective of punting value, points potential or status will win races during what is certain to be a fascinating National Hunt season especially as the ongoing whip controversy seems destined to impact on how races will be run for the foreseeable future. I will be disappointed if these don't win at least 20 races between them.
Not in any particular order:
I bet Barry Geraghty cannot wait to get the leg up on DARLAN who was oh so impressive when winning an egg and spoon bumper at Haydock Park in April. He simply powered away from opponents who were, admittedly, no better than trees. Regally born from one of the Aga Khan's stoutly bred bloodlines and trained by a master craftsman when it comes to hurdling types; I predict a huge future for this strong galloping sort
Champion of the two-mile chase division looks up for grabs this season so the high-class FINIAN'S RAINBOW another from the all conquering yard of Nicky Henderson, looks to have it at his mercy. I am not convinced he is as high-class as the two-mile champions from the recent past but challengers for the crown are thin on the ground and, especially away from Cheltenham - he may not find his best form there - he will mop up the top races at Sandown Park, Ascot and Newbury.
HURRICANE FLY is not going to make you rich but he is by some way the best 2-mile hurdler since Istabraq and I think he will prove it this season with a minimum of four victories culminating with a Champion Hurdle success in March. If he stays sound, he will surely emulate the great Ballydoyle champion and win three Champion Hurdles...
MEGASTAR is a huge animal. He shaped full of promise in his early starts but his big, gross frame was unsuited to hurdling and it is only now that he has filled out somewhat. Chasing will see him achieve his potential and hit the heights. He was last of three in a Beginners' Chase at Ascot on Saturday but shaped promisingly; the best is yet to come...
Another who seems certain to benefit from another summer on his back is RUBI LIGHT after a tenacious performance in the Ryanair Chase last March. Bred in France by a German sire; his best trip currently seems uncertain (most of his outings have been concentrated at 2 and a half miles) but plans to step up to 3 and beyond are apparently on the agenda. Plenty of class and youth on his side; I have high hopes for Robert Hennessey's Network gelding...
If Long Run doesn't win the Gold Cup then TIME FOR RUPERT does. It is no coincidence that before Saturday's Charlie Hall at Wetherby, this Flemensfirth gelding's last six outings had been at Cheltenham. Paul Webber did not have him cherry-ripe although he still managed to pull miles clear of some very top-class types, a fitter Weird Al. Last autumn's novice chase successes withstand the closest inspection and to finish 5th in the RSA Chase when clearly a sick horse (he laboured almost from flag fall) was an extraordinary effort. He is all class!
RIVERSIDE THEATRE exudes class also; despite his formidable record and especially since he is stabled at Seven Barrows he has still somehow managed to dip a tad below the radar. Assuming he returns from injury unscathed and at the same level of performance he is a Grade One animal of the highest order.
GO ALL THE WAY ran in three high class bumpers in 2010 and 2011. The gelded son of Milan didn't win any of them but shaped like a good horse; one that was going to take high rank amongst this year's crop of staying novice hurdlers.
I made a note of DEFINITY last spring; just the type of progressive animal that the Master of Ditcheat handles so well. A son of Definite Article and Irish Grand National-winning mare, Ebony Jane, he is screaming out for a step up in trip; his pedigree packed full of stamina including Roselier; his dam sire on the distaff side for instance. The Nicholls factor will impact a little on the price but he is a dark one nevertheless.
REVE DA SIVOLA has been a fine stamp of a horse for some time; I remember seeing his
early races over hurdles; he was as tough as teak even then and this season I think he will come of age and win at least one major staying handicap chase when stamina is at a premium...
There you have it, a cornucopia of talented bloodstock.
I could have included many more - MOSSLEY, LOOSEN MY LOAD, WISHFULL THINKING, NOBLE PRINCE, FIRST LIEUTENANT, QUITO DE LA ROQUE, LONG RUN, MR MOONSHINE, CHAMPION COURT, OSCAR WHISKY AND JESSIE'S DREAM were all considered and discarded by the finest of margins.
Good luck - let me know your own horses to follow for this season.
Enjoy the spectacle!
Rm (Mark)
Saturday, 29 October 2011
Back in the saddle...
BACK TOMORROW WITH MY TEN TO FOLLOW TO WIN:
THE TOTE/RACING POST COMPETITION,
MONEY FROM THE BOOKMAKERS
PLENTY OF RACES
Racehorsing Man
THE TOTE/RACING POST COMPETITION,
MONEY FROM THE BOOKMAKERS
PLENTY OF RACES
Racehorsing Man
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