The grass is lush and green, the fences are trimmed and sturdy, and the buzz of excitement can not only be heard, but felt as Cheltenham Racecourse host their Showcase Meeting. Welcoming in the new season with a typically enthralling card!
A trip to the parade ring is a must. The views on the walkway sublime. An amphitheatre like no other.
And then off down the shute and away we go, the tapes are up and so is the wait!
The opening card, as you’d expect, features many exciting prospects, with quality novice events, as well as the usual highly competitive handicaps. I’m going start by taking a look at the novice events, before highlighting a few horses in the handicaps that may be worth a second look.
The Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle gets the day underway, and boasts a plethora of interesting contenders.
Recent Grade 2 scorer El Bandit lead the charge for Champion Trainer Paul Nicholls, and he certainly has good credentials.
Winner of the Grade 2 Persian War Novices’ Hurdle at Chepstow 2 weeks ago (9th Oct), El Bandit has improved with every run for Nicholls, winning his last 4 races.
A novice until the end of October, this could well be his last run over hurdles, with novice chasing a possibility. But if he were to win here, he could easily be tried in hotter waters prior to the switch.
The in form Nigel Twiston Davies runs Templeross, who achieved a fair level of form in bumpers last season before making a successful debut over timber at Newton Abbot in September on seasonal debut, beating the Nicholls trained Rainy City in the process. He should improve for his reappearance.
Trained by Fergal O’Brien, Colin’s Sister showed an above average level of form in bumpers last season, culminating in a fine second to the Warren Greatrex trained The Nipper in a Listed Mares event at Sandown in March.
Her successful hurdling debut at Chepstow will have set her up nicely for this. It will certainly be interesting to see how she gets on against the boys, but she does look an exciting prospect over hurdles this season. She certainly has the potential to land blow here.
It would be careless to merely overlook the Charles Byrnes trained Black Water. An extremely shrewd trainer, as he proved when masterminding the infamous Roscommon coup in August, he has a reputation for being a fine target trainer.
Last year he brought Leave At Dawn over for the Paddy Power Meeting, and set sail back to Ireland with the prize in safe keeping.
His wins have all come in the summer months (May, June and August) and therefore not in the most competitive of waters. However any runner he brings to Britain has to be respected.
Pickamix, the winner of a bumper last season, and maiden hurdle on seasonal debut earlier this month, provides Charlie Mann with an interesting contender.
Noel Fehily looks a good jockey booking and Pickamix certainly shouldn’t be underestimated.
Next on the card is the squareintheair.com Novices’ Chase, run over a trip of 1m7f199y. And once again, the entires look very interesting.
Marracudja made a successful chasing debut for Paul Nicholls and the newly formed Ditcheat Thoroughbreds syndicate at Newton Abbott in September, and looks a nice prospect for the season ahead.
Likened to former classy Ditcheat performer Sanctuaire by his trainer, Marracudja has clearly been impressing his onlookers at home.
James Ewart could have a smart novice on his hands in the form of Aristo Du Plessis.
A highly progressive horse, Aristo Du Plessis won 6 of his last 8 races over hurdles, rising through the handicap at a rate of knots. He’s certainly an interesting prospect over fences this season.
The Irish contingent comes courtesy of Jessica Harrington, who has runs two, Neverushacon and Gambling Girl, and Henry De Bromhead, who has Ridestan in the mix, the winner of his last two starts in Emerald Isle.
Neil Mulholland has Pinkie Brown engaged here, who won well at Towcester on his most recent outing in earlier this month. While Harry Fry has the well campaigned, recent Market Rasen runner up, Presenting Arms as a possible.
The field is completed by the likeable Gary Moore trained Baron Alco, who rattled up a fine hat-trick over hurdles last season, before finishing a half length second to the exciting Rock The Kasbah in a Class 1 event at Ascot. A consistent, hardy horse, he’s not one to rule out lightly.
The second novice chase on the card, the Class 2 Ryman Stationary Cheltenham Business Club Novice Chase, run over 3m80y, also looks an interesting contest.
Gordon Elliott has runs recent Munster National winner Tiger Roll who, of course, landed the 2014 Triumph Hurdle for owners Gigginstown House Stud.
Tiger Roll has gained plenty of experience through the summer months, and as mentioned earlier when discussing Charles Byrnes, Gordon Elliott is another trainer that you have to take serious notice of when travelling horses. Rule him out at your peril.
Henry De Bromhead has 2 contenders here, choosing to run both both Full Cry and Heron Heights. While Jessica Harrington has Duckweed as a possible.
Heron Heights has won 3 of his 5 starts over fences, but one of his 2 defeats did come at the hands of current favourite Tiger Roll at Kilbeggan in August.
He did however slam another of today rivals, Duckweed, by 8L on his latest start at Clonmel in late September. He could be interesting here.
Full Cry has won 2 of his 8 outings over fences, with both wins coming before a third place finish when last seen on the track at Tipperary earlier this month.
All 3 boast mainly summer form, but still have to be respected with the ground sound underfoot.
Martin Keighley has an interesting novice chaser lined up for this race, in the form of Cottersrock.
The winner of a Down Royal bumper and Kempton handicap hurdle last season, he made a successful chasing debut at Uttoxeter earlier this month (Oct 2nd). Given that he’s trained locally, Cottersrock may prove popular here.
Tempestatefloresco represents Colin Tizzard, and boats an unusual profile given that he only made his debut under rules in August, at the age of 8.
A winner on that occasion, he fell when in contention at the penultimate fence on his next start, before finishing second, and then third, to Paul Nicholls smart performer Frodon (who should most definitely be noted if taking up either of his two engagements at Cheltenham on Saturday) in two subsequent runs. He’s hard to access.
The Harrison James & Hardie Maiden Hurdle is the fourth novice event on the card. Contested over a trip of 2m87y, the race has attracted some interesting prospects.
The field is headed by the David Bridgwater trained Accord, who finished runner up to Neil Mulholland’s exciting Peter The Mayo Man on hurdling debut at Warwick in late September.
They think a lot of Accord at home, and his promising performance at Warwick means that his presence should be respected.
Next in is Dan Skelton’s Ckalco Des Loges. This is one of 3 entries held by Skelton’s charge over the next few days. However if turning up here, he would rate an interesting contender.
Ian Williams has the superbly names Thehossbehind in the mix. He finished second on his only run to date in a bumper at Worcester in June 2015, beaten 9L by an inmate of former trainer John Ferguson, namely London Prize. He does, however, have a 16 month layoff to overcome.
Phillip Hobbs has Casper King entered here, whose record under rules reads; 5 starts, 5 second place finishes. He does however boast a fair level of form in both bumpers & Maiden/Novice hurdles.
His latest runner up effort came at Chepstow 2 weeks ago, when beaten by the promising Geordie Des Champs, with the highly regarded Capeland, who got off the mark over hurdles at Newton Abbot this afternoon, back in third. It won’t be long before this son of Scorpion gets off the mark.
Garo De Juilley is set to make his eagerly anticipated stable debut for Paul Nicholls, after attracting the praise of those that look after him every day.
Winner of his last 4 starts on the flat in France, the word is that the son of Ungaro has schooled well over hurdles at home. He could well be one of the more exciting young French exports for team Ditcheat this season.
Nicky Henderson runs 2 in the the race, namely Khezerabad, the current favourite, who finished a respectable third behing Paul Nicholls smart Zubayr in the Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle at Kempton last season, and Thomas Campbell, who left an average bumper debut behind him when bolting up next time out in a Kelso bumber, winning by 14L. They both clearly have chances.
Tom George’s Bigpipenotobacee and the he Nigel Twiston Davies trained Gulshanigans completed the field. But it’s fair to say that both will need to step up on what they have previously shown to be a factor here.
Now for a quick look at horses that might be worth a second look in the handicaps.
3.20 CHELTENHAM
FLORRIE BAY:
Nigel Twiston Davies could hardly be in better form, currently operating at an impressive strike rate of 42% (11-26) in the last 14 days.
I like the look of Florrie Boy in this hotly contested handicap, in which the son of Milan is set to carry 10-2, taking in to account Jamie Bargary’s 5lbs claim.
Twice a winner last season, Florrie Boy rose through the ranks, scoring in two Class 4 events before finishing a respectable second to an improving horse of Phillip Hobbs, Braavos, in a Class 3 event at Perth.
He then turned up at Haydock to contest a Class 2 event, where he ran with credit, coming home a 15L sixth to Harry Fry’s consistent Whataknight. Recent novice chase winner Minella Daddy came second, David’s Pipe’s smart Dell’Arca was fourth, Phillip Hobbs grey Brother Tedd was fifth and Paul Nicholls multiple winner Southfield Vic finished one place behind Florrie Boy, to give you an idea of the form.
Both his wins last season came on good ground, and with the Twiston Davies yard in such good form, Florrie Boy could easily outrun his price here.
CURRENT PRICE: 10/1
ARCTIC GOLD:
Twiston Davies also runs Artic Gold, who enjoyed a successful season over hurdles last term, winning 4 times, including twice in Class 3 events.
Perhaps outclassed in two Class 2 outings, first behind Flintham, and then when finding himself unfortunate enough to bump into the hugely exciting Nicky Henderson trained Different Gravey at Ascot, he still ran credibility, finishing sixth on each occasion.
An impressive winner at Ffos Las when last sighted, he forfeited weight to all of his rivals and still won nicely by upwards of 3 1/2L.
Most of his racing has come on ground with plenty of cut, however he did win his maiden hurdle on good ground at Stratford last term, so he should handle conditions.
10lbs claimer Tom Humphries will be doing the steering, which more than counteracts the 7lbs rise the son of Gold Well incurred for his Ffos Las victory. Only a 5yo, there’s every chance that he will be bigger and stronger this year after another summer at grass.
CURRENT PRICE: 16/1
5.05 CHELTENHAM
Neil Mulholland runs the interesting Fingerontheswitch here, who must be better than the 2 attempts he has put up so far over fences.
A smart novice hurdler last season, Fingerontheswitch beat reliable yardstick Ballydine at Worcester, before finishing fourth to future Albert Bartlett winner Unowhatimeanharry at Cheltenham in November.
Since switched to fences Fingerontheswitch has finished fourth, behind Tempestatefloresco (who runs in the 3.55) at Newton Abbot, before finishing second of 2 at Cartmel in late August.
A winner of his third PTP, Fingerontheswitch finished second to the very talented Shantou Village on his second start between the flags, beaten just 4L. Running off a mark of 123, he has to be worth another chance here.
It’s also worth nothing that the yard won this race in 2014 with The Young Master.
CURRENT PRICE: 10/1
5.40 CHELTENHAM:
WISHFULL DREAMING:
Connections have always held Wishfull Dreaming in some regard, and he showed 2 weeks ago, when bolting up at Chepstow, just why they do.
The winner of a Listed bumper at Cheltenham on his second start under rules, The son of Alflora has always promised to be above average, and now he looks to be confirming it.
He travelled and jumped supremely well at Chepstow. And when Richard Johnson said go, the race was put to bed in a matter of strides.
Raised 8lbs for that romp, Phillip Hobbs has reduced that penalty by 3lbs, by putting up conditional jockey Ciaran Gethings. If in the same form, he could be very tough to beat.
CURRENT PRICE: 7/2
CLIFFS OF DOVER:
Paul Nicholls looks to have found a smart recruit to the jumping game in the form of the 3yo, Cliffs Of Dover.
Winner of 3 of his 4 starts over timer, the progeny of Canford Cliffs has won twice in the last week alone, seeing off Moonday Sun at Wincanton last Friday, before taking the scalp of previous easy scorer, and odds on favourite, Lord Huntingdon at Kempton on Sunday.
A slick, quick hurdler, he could be very well in here, and the talented Harry Cobden will once again be claiming his 3lbs allowance. The only real question marks being whether his busy schedule will catch up with him, and whether taking on his elders will prove to much at his tender age.
A new season brings with it a fresh batch of novice hurdlers who will to do battle on both sides of the Irish Sea before coming together at the big spring festivals where new kings of the jumping game will undoubtedly be crowned.
This year, not unlike any other, there’s a plethora of potential packed youngsters who will head into the 2017/18 campaign holding aspirations of graded victories and springtime success. So, just to get the juices flowing, I’ve assembled a list of 40 exciting young prospects we can look forward to seeing over timber this term, with the hope that some may find their way to the Cotswolds come March.
BALLYWARD 5-y-o b g Flemensfirth (USA) – Ifyoucouldseemenow (IRE)
TRAINER: Willie Mullins FORM: 21
Colin McKeever trained Ballyward to finish second on his only start between the flags at Tyrella in March 2016, a performance good enough to persuade Willie Mullins to secure the services of the imposing bay gelding on behalf of leading owner Graham Wylie.
Sighted on the racecourse just once last term, the son of Flemensfirth stormed clear of his contemporaries in a 2-and-a-half-mile bumper at Leopardstown in December, posting a performance that saw his price for the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival slashed to general second favourite, with only his talented stablemate Getabird ahead of him in the market.
Disappointingly Ballyward suffered a setback in the weeks leading up the Festival and wasn’t signted again on the track last spring. However he certainly rates an exciting prospect for 2m4f to 3m novice hurdles this winter.
BLACK OP 6-y-o br g Sandmason (GB) – Afar Story (IRE)
TRAINER: Tom George FORM: 119
Winner of a 3m maiden PTP at Loughanmore in March 2016, this son of Sandmason turned a few heads on debut for Tom George last term when outbattling subsequent Champion Bumper third Claimantakinforgan at Doncaster in February, albeit in receipt of 7lbs.
That debut effort was enough to see the 6-year-sent sent off th 100/30 favourite to land the Grade 2 Wearherbys Private Bank Standard National Hunt Flat Race at Aintree in April, however having raced prominently Black Op was ridden to lead over 3 furlongs out before weakening late on and trailing home in ninth.
You can easily forgive a young horse a bad run, and it’s not as though in came in poor company. Given his previous exploits both between the flags and at Doncaster Black Op still rates a very exciting prospect for novice hurdles this winter.
BLOW BY BLOW 6-y-o ch g Robin Des Champs (FR) – Shean Rose (IRE)
TRAINER: Gordon Elliott FORM: 2111
Frustratingly not seen on a racecourse last term, this hugely talented son of top class jumps sire Robin Des Champs hasn’t been seen since landing the Grade 1 Attheraces.com Champion INH Flat Race at Punchestown in April 2016, a contest in which the talented pair Moon Racer and Bacardys finished second and third respectively.
Transferred to the chief of Cullentra Stables this time last year, small setbacks plagued the scopey 6-year-old throughout the winter and into the spring. Hugely frustrating for all concerned.
Blow By Blow was a name in the lips of every National Hunt fan this time last year, and there’s no reason not to be excited about the prospect of seeing him return to the racetrack this winter. It’s highly likely he’ll be competing in graded hurdles from 2m4f to 3m.
BULLIONAIRE 4-y-o b g Gold Well (GB) – Dontcallerthat (IRE)
TRAINER: Harry Fry FORM: 1
Harry Fry is well known for his strike rate in bumpers over the last few years, and it was little surprise to see this well put together 4-year-old run away with a nice pot on debut at Newbury back in March.
Despite his lack of experience the son of Gold Well never looked to be in trouble, taking up the running with 5 furlongs remaining before stretching clear in the final 200 yards.
Fry has some very useful weapons to go to war with the winter, and there’s no doubting that Bullionaire is amongst the most exciting ammunition he has in his armoury. He’s definitely a name to look out for.
CAP SOLEIL 4-y-o b f Kapgarde (FR) – Move Again (FR)
TRAINER: Fergal O’Brien FORM: 111
Fergal O’Brien proved that he has a way with the ladies last season, sending out smart mares such as Colin’s Sister, Miss Maiden Over, Oscar Rose and stable favourite Wizards Sliabh who all made it into the winners enclosure, the majority more than once.
However it was Cap Soleil who really caught my eye last term, with a bloodless debut victory at Newbury the prelude to a brace of Listed victories at Cheltenham and Sandown in January and March respectively.
The daughter of Kapgarde out battled the highly thought of DaphneDu Clos at Cheltenham on New Years Day, a victory that was enough to see her sent off a well supported 9/2 shot at Sandown on Imperial Cup day, where when granted a run up the rails Paddy Brennan brought his mount through to record a slightly cosy success.
Cap Soleil all the qualities required to land graded success in mares novice hurdles this term, and indeed could well develop into a serious contender for the new mares Novice Hurdle on day 3 of the Cheltenham Festival.
CARTER MCKAY 6-y-o gr g Martaline (GB) – Saxona (IRE)
TRAINER: Willie Mullins FORM: 211106
Hugely disappointing on his final two appearances last season, Carter McKay looked a shadow of the horse that landed a brace of victories on soft ground prior to his Cheltenham Festival flop in March.
A smooth winner of his second PTP at Ballynoe in April 2016, the gracious grey displayed a high cruising speed on route to a 10 length victory, something that was again evident in a hugely impressive victory Naas in February.
It’s possible that Carter McKay didn’t enjoy the better ground he encountered at both Cheltenham and Punchestown in the spring, and therefore a return to to softer conditions could allow the promising 6-year-old to demonstrate his true potential again this winter. He’s certainly not one to give up on just yet.
CAUSE TOUJOURS 5-y-o b g Khalkevi (IRE) – Viana (FR)
TRAINER: Dan Skelton FORM: U19
Dan Sketon’s promising son of Khalkevi became very well fancied for Cheltenham Festival success in the weeks leading up to the biggest show on turf earlier this year, before being sent of a very well supported 9/2 favourite on the day and coming home in ninth place after lacking the finishing kick of those who finished ahead.
Cheltenham had not been Dan Skelton’s original plan for well put together 5-year-old, however following an immensely impressive debut success at Warwick in December the burgeoning young trainer couldn’t resist a tilt at Cheltenham Festival success. And who can blame him.
Whether the ground came up a bit lively on the day, or perhaps it was just a lack of experience, Cause Toujours remains a very exciting prospect for novice hurdles this term.
CLAIMANTAKINFORGAN 5-y-o b g Great Pretender (IRE) – Taquine D’Estrees (FR)
TRAINER: Nicky Henderson FORM: S116235
A winner between the flags at Loughanmore in March 2016, Nicky Henderson certainly didn’t hide away this well put together son of Great Pretender last term, sending the youngster to the racecourse on no fewer than 5 occasions, where to his credit, Claimantakinforgan showed a consistent level of form in good company.
A well supported winner on debut at Haydock in November, a sixth place finish at Ascot preceded a fine second placed effort behind the aforementioned Black Op at Doncaster in February, where the Seven Barrows imate failed by just 2-and-a-quarter-lengths to concede 7lbs to Tom George’s talented young gelding.
Third in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in March, Claimantakinforgan capped off his successful campaign with a fine fifth place performance in Grade 2 company at Aintree. Hopefully the above average 5-year-old can put his vast racecourse experience to good use this term.
DAPHNE DU CLOS 4-y-o b f Spanish Moon (USA) – Katarina Du Clos (FR)
TRAINER: Nicky Henderson FORM: 121
As mentioned above, Daphne Du Clos is extremely well regarded at her Seven Barrows base, and quite rightly so with 2 wins to her name from 3 visits to the racetrack, following up a debut victory in her native France with a Listed second behind Cap Soleil at Cheltenham in January.
Her second victory came at the expense of the talented subsequent Champion Bumper fifth Western Ryder (who conceded 21lbs) in the same grade at Newbury in February, where the speedy 4-year-old made smooth progress to take up the running hard on the bridle with 2 furlongs to run before being ridden out to claim an impressive 3-and-three-quarter-lengths victory at the line.
The daughter of Spanish Moon flirted with favouritism for Cheltenham’s showpiece Bumper on the back of her Newbury success before a small setback at home meant that stumps were pulled for the summer. However when she does return i fully expect to see Daphne Du Clos campaigned in graded novice hurdles before a likely date with the Dawn Run Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park in March.
DEAD RIGHT 5-y-o b g Alflora (IRE) – April Queen (GB)
TRAINER: Neil Mulholland FORM: 281
Not many horses return to claim bumper glory after running over hurdles in earlier in the campaign, however Dead Right emulated the feat of the same owners No Comment, who landed the same race after a similar campaign for Phillip Hobbs in 2016.
Sent off an 8/1 shot at Punchestown, the son of Alflora defeated a fair looking field that included Champion Bumper fourth Next Destination (who conceded 14lbs to the British trained winner). A performance that undoubtedly ranks as a huge improvement on his previous form.
Whether Mulholland’s charge can use that success as a springboard to bigger and better things this term will be interesting to see. And he could easily be the type to go under the radar in the early exchanges this winter.
DEBUCHET 4-y-o gr g Smadoun (FR) – Luzerne Du Poitou (FR)
TRAINER: Mags Mullins FORM: 2121
Second in the Grade 1 Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in March, Mags Mullins’ gorgeous grey was the model of consistency last term, posting form figures of 2121 in high quality National Hunt Flat races on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Having found only the hugely talented pair of Red Jack and Fayonagh too good last term, Debuchet proved himself to be well above average when slamming his opposition at both Leopardstown and Limerick either side of his top class Prestbury Park effort.
The son of Smadoun looked the winner at Cheltenham before the mighty mare Fayonagh hit overdrive in the final furlong of the contest. And having enjoyed another summer at grass to strengthen and mature, Debuchet looks to set to enjoy a hugely profitable season over timber.
EARLY DOORS 4-y-o b g Soldier Of Fortune (IRE) – Ymlaen (IRE)
TRAINER: Joseph Patrick O’Brien FORM: 13
This JP McManus owned 4-year-old made an eye catching debut at Punchestown in February, travelling well in mid division before making headway approaching the turn for home and switching to the inside, where Patrick Mullins rode his mount out to impressive 9 length victory in hock deep ground.
Next sighted at the Punchestown Fetsival in April, Early Doors was sent off a well fancied 6/4 favourite for the always competitive Goffs Land Rover Bumper, where he finished third behind the talented looking pair Vision Des Flos and Hollowgraphic. A throughly respectable effort in what looked a particularly warm renewal.
Clearly Joseph O’Brien and JP McManus have yet another well above average youngster on their hands. The son of Soldier Of Fortune has the stature of a hurdler and could easily develop into a graded performer on soft ground this winter.
FAYONAGH 6-y-o b m Kalanisi (IRE) – Fair Ina (IRE)
TRAINER: Gordon Elliott FORM: 81111
A mare who requires no introduction, the Champion Bumper winner is without doubt the name on the lips of every staunch National Hunt supporter this Autumn, and looks set for a hugely exciting season jumping hurdles.
Unbeaten in 4 starts for Gordon Elliott (8th on racecourse debut), it was the manner in which Fayonagh stormed up the hill at Cheltenham that really caught the imagination of the jumping fraternity, and it looks like 2-and-a-half-miles could be the ideal trip for the strong looking daughter of Kalanisi this term.
Whether Elliott will keep the mighty mare against her own sex or look to battle the boys this term will be something we’re all eager to see. And whichever route they do decide to take, she looks set to take high rank in the novice hurdle division this winter.
FLEMENSHILL 4-y-o b g Flemensfirth (USA) – Southern Skies (IRE)
TRAINER: Colin Tizzard FORM: 1
It goes without saying that Colin Tizzard has a stable jam packed with National Hunt talent at present, and his string has been bolstered further this summer by the addition of winning pointer Flemenshill, who cost a staggering £480,000 and will carry the familiar green, yellow and red colours of leading owners Ann and Alan Potts.
A four length winner at Oldtown in February, neither owner nor trainer are renowned for campaigning their horses in bumpers, which makes it extremely likely that the strong looking 4-year-old will embark on a career over timber this term.
Given his eye popping price tag, Flemenshill will likely be warm order when he makes his racecourse debut this winter, and connections will undoubtedly be looking to start recouping some of their £480,000 as quickly as possible. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the youngster dip his toe into graded company early doors.
GETABIRD 5-y-o b g Getaway (GER) – Fern Bird (IRE)
TRAINER: Willie Mullins FORM: R111
Antepost favourite for the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham after a deeply impressive debut success at Fairyhouse last December, Rich Ricci’s son of Germany didn’t make it to the Festival after suffering a setback when landing the odds on Thyestes day at Gowran Park in January.
There was plenty of talk about the powerful looking 5-year-old prior to his successful debut at Fairyhouse last term, and we know how little it takes for people to latch on to these Rich Ricci owned – Willie Mullins trained youngsters nowadays. However you can’t argue with what Getabird has shown on the track thus far, and he rates an exciting novice hurdle prospect for the powerful partnership this winter.
A winner between the flags at Largy in April 2016, Getabird could be one for middle distance novice hurdles this winter. And again, like many of these, looks set to contest graded events this season.
Yet another Closutton inmate, this gorgeous Chestnut gelding really is a fine stamp of a horse, making his brave battling debut second in the Goffs Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown all the more impressive given the plethora of talented and more athletic types the youngster had in opposition.
Katie Walsh gave the son of Beat Hollow a terrific ride in defeat, encouraging her mount to contest the lead rounding the turn for home and finding a willing partner when throwing the kitchen sink at the 4-year-old in the final furlong, where Hollowgraphic gradually closed the gap to the eventual winner, Vision Des Flos, the difference just a neck at the line.
Beauty is as beauty does, and this imposing Chestnut gelding certainly looks capable of competing in graded company this winter. Although given his impressive size and stature, surely whatever he achieves over hurdles can be considered a bonus.
IF THE CAP FITS 5-y-o b g Milan (GB) – Derravaragh Sayra (IRE)
TRAINER: Harry Fry FORM: 114
As previously mentioned Harry Fry always seems to do with with his bumper runners, and this talented 5-year-old was certainly amongst the best the young trainer unleashed onto the racetrack last term.
Facile victories at Plumpton and Taunton prompted a rise in class to contest the Grade 2 Weatherbys Private Bank Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race at Aintree, where If The Cap Fits spilt the talented pair Claimantakinforgan and Western Ryder, who finished third and fifth respectively in the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Festival, in fourth.
Paul and Clare Rooney have become staunch supporters of horse racing in recent years, tasting success at both Royal Ascot with My Dream Boat and the Cheltenham Fetsival with Willoughby Court in the last 2 years. If The Cap Fits could well be the next talented performer to carry their familiar blue and yellow quartered silks in the winner’s enclosure this term, quite possibly with graded success.
LALOR 5-y-o b g It’s Gino (GER) – Laviola (GER)
TRAINER: Richard Woollacott FORM: 1211
Winner of the aforementioned Grade 2 contest at Aintree in the Spring, Richard Woollacott must really be looking forward to seeing what his hat-trick scoring bumper performer is capable of over hurdles this winter.
Having been awarded the race in the stewards room on debut last November, the son of It’s Gino ran second to a potentially smart horse in the care of Anthony Honeyball, Sam Brown, who followed up that Wincanton success with a victory at Newbury in May.
A smooth victory back at Wincanton in March preceded Lalor’s Grade 2 success at Aintree in April, where the youngster dispatched talented opponents such as Western Ryder (third), If The Cap Fits (fourth), Claimantakinforgan (fifth) and Black Op (ninth). It will be very interesting to see what he’s capable of over timber this term.
The easy winner of a maiden PTP at Loughanmore in April 2015, Lucky Pass won a brace of bumpers for Willie Mullins in the winter of 2015 before suffering a setback that has kept the talented youngster off the track for the last 20 months.
Transferred to Gordon Elliott last summer when Michael O’Learly elected to remove his horses from the Irish Champion Trainer, the master of Cullentra Stables will undoubtedly be keen to get this talented youngster back to the racetrack this winter.
Still only a 6-year-old, Lucky Pass has time on his side. And given the promise he displayed as a 4-year-old, he could still have a big future ahead of him if he can stay free of injury. Granted some soft underfoot conditions, the son of Ultimately Lucky will be looking to make up for lost time this winter.
MINELLAFORDOLLARS 5-y-o b g King’s Theatre (IRE) – Another Dollar (IRE)
TRAINER: Gordon Elliott FORM: 11
King’s Theatre has been responsible for some top class jumper’s over the years, and in Minellafordollars the prolific sire has an exciting prospect judged on the 5-year-olds impressive performance in a Naas bumper in March, where the talented youngster sluiced through the mud to post a comfortable 8-and-a-half length victory.
Jamie Codd rode the the scopey gelding to victory in a Lingstown PTP in December last year, and kept the ride at Naas where Minellafordollars looked booked for third place before outstaying his rivals on ground he appeared to relish.
2m4f to 3m novice hurdles on soft ground will likely be the plan for the stamina laden youngster this winter, where Gordon Elliott’s charge can grind his opposition into the ground in the manner he displayed on his solitary start last term. Granted his ideal conditions, Minellafordollars could be up to winning a graded race if afforded the opportunity.
MIRACLE IN MEDINAH 6-y-o b g Milan (GB) – Annaghbrack (IRE)
TRAINER: Gordon Elliott FORM: 1
In what’s quickly becoming a Gordon Elliott stable tour, the superbly named Miracle In Medinah is yet another exciting prospect aspiring Champion Trainer Elliott has to unleash this winter, following an impressive debut win over Willie Mullins solid yardstick Some Neck at Fairyhouse in March.
Aptly named, the 6-year-old looked to be in all kinds of trouble at Fairyhouse before the field parted like the Red Sea inside the final 1 and a half furlongs allowing Miracle In Medinah to run down Some Neck, who had enjoyed a clear passage up the inside rail, in the shadows of the post.
The JP McManus owned gelding has the size and scope to make up into a serious novice chase prospect this time next year. However the son of Milan should be able to pick up a race or two over hurdles in the meantime.
MONBEG WORLDWIDE 5-y-o b g Lucarno (USA) – Molly Duffy (IRE)
TRAINER: Gordon Elliott FORM: 1111
A four length winner on his solitary start between the flags at Lismore in March 2016, this Gigginstown House Stud owned 6-year-old rattled up a hat-trick of bumper victories between the months of October and February last term, and therefore rates a hugely exciting prospect heading into the 2017/18 campaign.
Monbeg Worldwide conceded 7lbs to the smart Whiskey In The Jar (now trained by Dan Skelton) on racecourse debut in October, before toughing it out against Robbie McNamara’s subsequent scorer Quick Grabim at Cork in November.
The scopey gelding maintained his unbeaten record with a gutsy performance at Naas in February, on this occasion conceding 15lbs to the runner up Scheu Time. Elliott elected to skip the Spring festival’s with the talented son of Lucarno, instead affording the youngster an extended summer break. Connections will be hoping that move pays dividends this term.
MORTAL 5-y-o b g King’s Theatre (IRE) – Pomme Tiepy (FR)
TRAINER: Joseph Patrick O’Brien FORM: 1
Impeccably bred for National Hunt Racing, by King’s Theatre out of a smart mare who plied her trade for Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci, Mortal got the job done nicely on debut for Joseph O’Brien in March, defying a late market drift to score by a comfortable 5-and-a-half lengths on soft ground at Limerick.
The front pair pulled 7-and-a-half lengths clear of the remainder, and Mortal, who conceded 7lbs to runner up Zen Master, displayed a pleasing attitude when asked to go on and put the race to bed, which is undoubtedly a positive sign for the future.
Just what the Gigginstown House stud owned 5-year-old is capable of will be interesting to see this term. But if her breeding has anything to do with it, she could easily notch a few wins against her own sex this winter.
NEXT DESTINATION 5-y-o b g Dubai Destination (USA) – Liss Alainn (IRE)
TRAINER: Willie Mullins FORM: 1142
Winner of his sole start between the flags at Quakerstown in March 2016, Next Destination displayed a smart level of form in bumpers last season, following up a smooth debut success at Fairyhouse in January with a fine fourth placed finish in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in March.
Second behind the potentially smart Jonjo O’Neil trained Dead Right at the Punchestown Fetsival in April, the Malcolm Denmark owned 5-year-old ran a fine race in defeat whilst attempting to concede 7lbs to the impressive British trained winner.
The youngsters performances last season would suggest that intermediate trips may suit the son of Dubai Destination over timber this term. And like many of his stablemates, I fully expect to see Next Destination competing in graded company this winter.
NOT THAT FUISSE 4-y-o b g Fuisse (FR) – Edelmira (FR)
TRAINER: Dan Skelton FORM: 1
Another smart prospect for Dan Skelton this term, Not That Fuisse ran out a hugely impressive winner on his solitary visit to the racecourse that season,travelling well before sprinting clear of his rivals as soon as Harry Skelton shook the reins at the strong looking 4-year-old.
What the form of that particular contest is worth remains to be seen, however the third home, Equus Amadeus, did run out a comfortable winner on his next start at Exeter in May.
It was the manner in which Not That Fuisse quickened up and sprinted clear of his field that gave the impression this son of Fuisse has much more to come this term. And given his connections, he could be well be seen early doors.
OK CORRAL 7-y-o b g Mahler (GB) – Acoola (IRE)
TRAINER: Nicky Henderson FORM: 12-1
Victorious on his return to the racetrack after 2 years spent twiddling his heels on the treatment table at Seven Barrows, OK Corral recorded a smooth hurdling success at Kempton in May, and will hopefully return to the fray when the big boys come out to play this autumn.
A smart bumper horse in the spring of 2015, the JP McManus owned gelding beat the smart pair of High Bridge and The Unit on racecourse debut at Kempton before securing a thoroughly respectable second placed finish behind none other than subsequent Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle and JLT Novices’ Chase victor Yorkhill in a Punchestown Festival bumper in April.
A strong looking 7-year-old, connections will be keen to make up for lost time this winter. And there’s no reason why this talented son of Mahler can’t continue to compete at the highest level providing he can stay injury free from now on.
OUTOFTHISWORLD 4-y-o b/br f Shantou (USA) – Mystic Masie (IRE)
TRAINER: Harry Fry FORM: 1
Harry Fry has shown that he’s more than capable with the ladies in recent years, and in Outofthisworld, the Cheltenham Festival winning trainer looks to have another very special lady in his life.
This talented daughter of Shantou ran out an eye catching 11 length winner of a Market Rasen bumper in late March, where the 4-y-o showed an impressive turn of foot when Noel Fehily sent her about her business with 2 furlongs left to run.
It’s possible that Harry Fry could aim Outofthisworld at the Listed Mares’ Bumper at Cheltenham’s Open Meeting in November, a race he won with the smart Bitofapuzzle in 2014, before sending the talented mare over timber this winter. And if that is indeed the plan, she’s certainly one to take very seriously.
POLI ROI 5-y-o b g Poliglote (GB) – Belle Du Roi (FR)
TRAINER: Gordon Elliott FORM: 113
Yet another Gordon Elliott trained inmate heading over timber this term, Poli Roi is a hugely exciting horse for the future, especially when it comes to jumping fences in 12 months time.
The imposing son of Poliglote ran in two bumpers for Elliott last term, winning the first in facile fashion at Navan before a fair third placed effort behind the aforementioned Fayonagh in Grade 1 company at Punchestown in April.
The immensely impressive winner of Rockfield PTP last November, Poli Roi has the scope to make up into a serious chaser when having his attentions switched to the larger obstacles this time next year. I fully expect him to hold his own in graded novice hurdles this winter, however the old adage of ‘anything achieved over hurdles is a bonus’ certainly applies to this lad.
RAPID ESCAPE 4-y-o ch g Doyen (IRE) – Kenzie (IRE)
TRAINER: Gordon Elliott FORM: 15
This gorgeous Chestnut gelding oozes classed when running away with a maiden 3m PTP at Tinahely in February, always travelling prominently before careering away to record a 10 length success at the line.
Well supported for the Goffs Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown in April, Jamie Codd retained the ride and steered the imposing 4-year-old to a fifth placed finish.
Given what he showed in the pointing field Gordon Elliott will be as keen as anyone to see what the son of Doyen is capable of over obstacles this term. And although we may not see the best of him until he jumps a steeplechase fence in 12 months, he could certainly mix it with the big boys in graded novice hurdles this winter.
RAVENHILL ROAD 6-y-o ch g Exit To Nowhere (USA) – Zaffarella (IRE)
TRAINER: Brian Ellison FORM: 111
Ravenhill Road burst in to the scene with a hugely impressive Bumper succes at Market Rasen last October, before following up in equally impressive fashion at Doncaster one month later.
The 6-year-old did receive a couple of novice hurdle entries after his second Bumper success last term, before looking likely to run in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham in March. However disappointingly we didn’t get to see the imposing Chestnut gelding again last season.
The winner of his sole PTP at Broughshane in May 2016, Brian Ellison looks to have a very smart prospect on his hands, who looks more than capable of holding his own in graded company this term.
RED JACK 4-y-o b g Mahler (GB) – Hollygrove Bonnie (IRE)
TRAINER: Noel Meade FORM: 11
The subject of much talk on social media this summer, Red Jack could take high rank in the novice hurdling division this season after recording a brace of victories from as many starts in bumpers last term.
A debut succes over subsequent Cheltenham Festival Champion Bumper runner up Debuchet certainly reads well, and the third home, Le Richebourg, has also given the form a solid look since.
JP McManus wasted no time in signing a cheque to secure the services of Red Jack following his debut success at Naas in January, and given the way he stormed to success when last seen at Fairyhouse, it certainly looks money well spent.
RUN TO MILAN 5-y-o b g Milan (GB) – Run Supreme (IRE)
TRAINER: Victor Dartnall FORM: D0
Perhaps one of the darker prospects on this list, Run To Milan made a successful debut at Wincanton last December before later being disqualified after triamcinolone acetonide (a substance which may be legitimately used in horses in training but is a Prohibited Substance on raceday, pursuant to Rule (G)16, in breach of Rule (G)2.1 of the Rules of Racing) was found in the gelding’s post race urine sample.
The son of Milan wasn’t seen again until lining up in the aforementioned Grade 2 contest won by Lalor (the horse who was promoted to first at Wincanton following Run To Milan’s disqualification) at Aintree in the Spring. However the 5-year-old was unable to land a blow at the Liverpool track, weakening in the final furlong and eventually coming home twelfth.
It’s entirely possible that Run To Milan didn’t enjoy the quicker underfoot conditions at Aintree in April, having appeared to relish the softer ground he encountered at Wincanton on Boxing Day. With that in mind, Victor Dartnall’s charge is certainly one to look out for in soft ground novice hurdles this winter.
SAMCRO 5-y-o ch g Germany (USA) – Dun Dun (IRE)
TRAINER: Gordon Elliott FORM: 1111
This £335,000 Gigginstown House Stud purchase barely needs any introduction, especially given the promise he showed on the racetrack last term.
The gorgeous, scopey son of Germany recorded three successive victories in bumpers last term, the most impressive of the trio being his final appearance of the season when sprinting clear of his field after being allowed to quicken by Lisa O’Neil, displaying an impressive range of gears that will stand the youngster in good stead over the years to come.
That performance gave me the impression that Samcro could be seen to best effect of intermediate trips this winter, with his blend of speed and stamina making the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle look an ideal long range target. He’s hugely talented exciting.
SAM BROWN 5-y-o b g Black Sam Bellamy (IRE) – Cream Cracker (GB)
TRAINER: Anthony Honeyball FORM: 11
Perhaps a name that snook under the radar last term, Sam Brown claimed the scalp of the aforementioned Grade 2 scorer Lalor at Wincanton in February before following up at Newbury in May, where the well put together 5-year-old shouldered a penalty for his earlier success and toughed it out in pleasing fashion inside the final furlong of the contest.
Yet to encounter a sound racing surface, it’s impossible to say whether soft ground is a requisite for this above average son of Black Sam Bellamy. However given the ‘summer’ we’ve experienced thus far, that probably won’t be an issue any time soon.
Anthony Honeyball is renowned for doing well with his bumper horses, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the youngster attempt to shoulder a double penalty before embarking on a career of timber this term. Sam Brown may prove to be just below graded class in time, however there are certainly races to be won with him this term.
STORM HOME 5-y-o br g King’s Theatre (IRE) – Miss Mayberry (IRE)
TRAINER: Colin Tizzard FORM: F
Another pointer new to the Venn Farm roster this season, Storm Home looked set to land at Maiden point at Largy in April last year, before exciting the contest at the final fence and leaving none other than Getabird, who won 2 bumpers for Rich Ricci and Willie Mullins last term, clear to take the victory.
The son of King’s Theatre would have been a very convincing winner had he negotiated the last at Largy, and given the subsequent performances of Getabird last term, who was a strong favourite for the Champion Bumper at the Cheltenham Fetsival prior to a suffering a setback when scoring at Gowran Park in January, the form of that effort between the flags looks very strong indeed.
It’s likely we won’t see the best of Storm Home until he embarks on a novice chase career in 12 months times. However the imposing 5-year-old should be more than capable of scoring in novice hurdles this winter.
THE BIG BITE 4-y-o b g Scorpion (IRE) – Thanks Noel (IRE)
TRAINER: Tom Lacey FORM: 1
If you didn’t witness the victory of The Big Bite you really did miss out! Having been held up in rear the rangy youngster looked outpaced over 3 furlongs, running greener than a seasick sailor, before realising what his job was and flying home in the final furlong to beat the Nicky Henderson trained Polly’s Pursuit by an easy 3-and-a-half-lengths.
Given the manor in which the son of Scorpion approached the first 1m7f his winning margin, and the speed at which he hit the line, makes him a very exciting prospect going forwards.
A nice long summer at grass can only have done the 4-year-old the world of good, allowing him time mature both mentally and physically before embarking on a career over timber. Remember the name, The Big Bite.
TRUE SELF 4-y-o b f Oscar (IRE) – Good Thought (IRE)
TRAINER: Willie Mullins FORM: 2-1
This hugely talented mare has been on my radar ever since a potential packed debut at Warwick last November, and having been transferred to Willie Mullins Closutton base since that hugely credible effort, the 4-year-old confirmed that immense promise with a scintillating victory at the Galway Festival 2 week ago.
Bred by the enigmatic Don Cantillon, the form of her debut effort worked out extremely well with the winner, Shearling, going on to win 2 of her next 3 starts.
It was only extreme greenness that prevented True Self from scoring at Warwick last November, and the move to Ireland and subsequent victory have already marked the 4-year-oldout as a well above average young filly. There’s no guarantee that she’ll head head over timber this term, as she could easily pick up some valuable bumpers in Ireland this winter. But whatever she does end up doing, she has an extremely bright future.
VISION DES FLOS 4-y-o b g Balko (FR) – Marie Royale (FR)
TRAINER: Colin Tizzard FORM: 1
Winner of the the Goffs Land Rover Bumper at the Punchestown Festival in April, this good looking son of Balko traveled strongly throughout the 2 mile contest before making smooth headway approaching the turn for home and gamely out battling the aforementioned Hollowgraphic on the run to the line.
Its always pleasing to see a young horse have the guts to put his head down and fight in the early stages of their career, and the attitude Vision Des Flos displayed to repel the efforts of Willie Mullins promising young challenger is certainly a promising sign for the gelding going forwards.
Bought by prominent owners Ann and Alan Potts this summer, the 4-year-old can only improve for both the experience he gained at Punchestown and the subsequent summer break that will have provided the imposing youngster with plenty of time to mature and grow both mentally and physically. If that is indeed the case, i fully expect to see Vision Des Flos contesting graded novice events in Britain this winter.
WESTERN RYDER 5-y-o b g Westerner (GB) – Seesea (IRE)
TRAINER: Warren Greatrex FORM: 121253
Western Ryder was no stranger to the racecourse last term, making no fewer that six appearances in bumpers between May and April, taking the main prize home on two occasions. The son of Westerner also earned 2 silver medals and a solitary bronze, highlighting just what a consistent, tough and gutsy young horse he really is.
Second to the aforementioned Daphne Du Clos in Listed company at Newbury in November (conceding 21lbs), the hardy 5-year-old placed fifth in the Champion Bumber at Cheltenham before closing out his lengthy campaign at Aintree in April with another brave performance, placing third.
Given the consistent level of form displayed in hot company last term, Western Ryder rates a serious hurdling prospect heading into the 2017/18 campaign. And im sure his proven ability to act around both Prestbury Park and Aintree won’t be lost on his new group of owners.
WHISKEY IN THE JAR 5-y-o b g Oscar (IRE) – Baie Barbara (IRE)
TRAINER: Dan Skelton FORM: 21
This gorgeous son of Oscar looks a very exciting young prospect for the ever flourishing Lodge Hill operation of Dan Skelton, and although we may not see the best of him until he embarks on a chasing career this time next year, he rates a top prospect for novice hurdles this winter.
Badly hampered before staying on well to take second in a Roscommon bumper last October, Whiskey In The Jar ran out a facile winner on his only start for Dan Skelton last term, with Harry Skelton enjoying what can only be described as an armchair ride at Warwick in March.
Dan Skelton has a number of talented youngsters entering the novice hurdling ranks this winter, and it goes without saying that Whiskey In The Jar must sit pretty high up in the pecking order at Lodge Hill. He could be out early doors. Gordon Elliott will be hoping BLOW BY BLOW can make up for lost time this season.Champion Bumper winner FAYONAGH is the name on the lips of every National Hunt Racing enthusiast this Autumn.GETABIRD rates a top prospect for Willie Mullins and Rich Ricci this season.Gordon Elliott will be hoping to get LUCKY PASS back on the racetrack this term.POLI ROI can make his presence felt over hurdles this term before embarking on a career over fences in 12 months time.RAPID ESCAPE was a hugely impressive winner between the flags and can build on his fifth place finish in a Punchestown Festival Bumper when heading over hurdles this winter. SAMCRO will be looking to add to his point and bumper victories in graded novice hurdles this winter.
FOOTNOTE:
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the brilliant Susie Cahill (@GirloftheSummer) for the fantastic photos of Blow By Blow, Fayonagh, Getabird, Lucky Pass, Poli Roi, Rapid Eacape and Samcro.
If you’d like to see more of Susie’s photos head over to facebook.com/ridingonthegallops
Day by day we’re inching ever closer to the start of the jumps season proper. So with autumn rapidly approaching i decided it was time to start working my way through the formbook in search of potentially well handicapped horses who may prove profitable to follow over the course of the winter campaign.
Below I’ve assembled a list of 20 horses, both British and Irish trained, who appear to be heading into the 2017/18 season on the right side of the handicapper. Some may seem obvious, others perhaps not so. But I’m sure there’s a few winners in waiting who could easily creep in under the radar.
ACCORD 7-y-o b g Arcadio (GER) – Detente (GB)
Trainer: David Bridgwater Official Hurdle Rating: 118 Optimum Conditions: 2m – 2m4f Gd – Sft
This son of Arcadio has been on my radar since October last year, and although i have no doubt he has a hurdle race in him off his current mark of 118 I’d love to see him turn up in a novice handicap chase where, in my opinion, he’d be very well treated.
A winner between the flags at Borris House in December 2015, Accord has only graced the racecourse 4 times subsequently, on each occasion posting a respectable effort whilst bumping into a fair level of opposition.
Second to Neil Mulholland’s smart performer Peter The Mayo Man(137) on racecourse debut at Warwick last September, front running tactics were employed on his next start at Cheltenham where he ran on gamely to finish a close third behind the Nicky Henderson trained pair Thomas Campbell (138) and Khezerabad (135).
A brace of third placed efforts followed, behind No Comment (145) and Mr Monochrome (130) at Market Rasen on his penultimate start of the season, before the strapping gelding chased home subsequent Triumph Hurdle seventh Coeur De Lion and Aintree Festival handicap winner Rather Be (143) over 2 miles at Sandown.
Yet to run beyond 2m2.5f under rules, I’m of the opinion that a step up in trip and softer ground could bring about significant improvement (won his PTP over 3m in soft ground) in Accord. But of course, only time will tell.
BRAVE EAGLE 5-y-o b g Yeats (IRE) – Sinful Pleasure (IRE)
It’s fair to say not many of Champion Trainer Nicky Henderson’s inmates go under the radar nowadays, however I feel it’s possible this son of Yeats could well fit into that category.
Brave Eagle arrived at Seven Barrows following a brace of third place efforts in Irish PTP’s. The most notable being his debut effort at Belclare, where the unfurnished then 4-year-old chased home Paul Nicholls’ exciting chasing prospect Topofthegame (139) and Dan Skelton’s smart performer No Hassle Hoff (134) over 3 miles.
Despite some less than fluent leaps Brave Eagle recorded a debut success at Ludlow in January, before doubling up at Fontwell at the end of March where again his hurdling wasn’t always pleasing on the eye. However hurdling technique is something that can be worked on, especially with age on his side, and it was the high performance racing engine he displayed, particularly at Fontwell, that caught my eye.
When sent about his business Brave Eagle set about his task with enthusiasm and gusto, running out a 9 length winner at the line, but certainly value for more. And with that in mind, and given another summer to mature both mentally and physically, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if Nicky Henderson already has a race in mind for the progressive 5-year-old this winter.
BRELAN D’AS 6-y-o b g Crillon (FR) – Las De La Croix (FR)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Official Hurdle Rating: 144 Optimum Conditions: 2m4f Gd – GS
Brelan D’As arrived at Ditcheat having scored in both a bumper and over hurdles during a 3 race career in his native France. And although much was expected of the imposing French import on stable debut at Exeter in February 2016, he was extremely disappointing, pulling up after racing keenly when sent off the 15/8 second favourite.
Only sighted on the racetrack once last term, this imposing son of Crillon made a mockery of a lowly handicap mark of 130 when dispatching a field of battle hardened opponents with consummate ease at Wincanton in November.
Of course the handicapper has since had his say, raising the youngster 14lbs to a mark of 144. Whether that mark is favourable remains to be seen, and of course it is a concern that we haven’t seen the JP McManus owned gelding since that demolition job last winter.
As for potential targets, Paul Nicholls and JP McManus teamed up to win the Lanzarote Hurdle with the talented Modus last season, who competed off a mark of 145. And having won over 2m4f around Wincanton, 2m5f at Kempton could prove ideal for this lightly raced youngster.
The layoff certainly isn’t ideal, but Nicholls does like to get them fit first time out after a period of time off the track. And given the way he won at Wincanton, Brelan D’As should definitely be taken seriously wherever he lines up next.
BUN DORAN 6-y-o b g Shantou (USA) – Village Queen (IRE)
Trainer: Tom George Official Chase Rating: 139 Optimum Conditions: 2m4f GS – Hy
Tom George and Adrian Heskin have formed a formidable and particularly potent partnership since teaming up this time last year. And in Bun Doran they have a horse who appears to be on the right side of the handicapper after a brace of fine efforts at the big spring Festivals earlier this year.
Despite notching just a solitary victory from 5 outings over fences last term the son of Shantou has a fair level of form to his name. In March he finished sixth in the ultra competitive Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, before looking the winner turning for home in the Grade 3 Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree prior to weakening between 2 out and the last. Both of those efforts came on ground good to soft or better.
Despite not being able to secure a victory, the way he performed at the big Spring Festivals screamed of a horse who has plenty more to come in the future. And it was perhaps only weakness that prevented the youngster from landing one of his big assignments last term.
The scopey 6-year-old looks just the type to really benefit from another summer at grass, giving him time grow into his powerful, imposing frame. And granted some decent underfoot conditions this winter, I’d be very confident that the Shantou gelding can scoop a nice pot for his burgeoning connections.
BURTONS WELL 8-y-o b g Well Chosen (GB) – Despute (IRE)
Trainer: Venetia Williams Official Chase Rating: 137 Optimum Conditions: 2m4f Sft – Hy
Very lightly raced for his age, Venetia Williams’ half brother to the formerly classy performer Burton Port took to fences well last season. Second to the unbeaten Waiting Patiently (150) on chase debut at Sedgefield in November, Burtons Well got of the mark at the second time of asking with a trip to Uttoxeter one month later.
Taken to Cheltenham’s Trial’s day meeting for his third start over the larger obstacles, the son of Well Chosen finished fourth behind Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices Chase winner Royal Vacation (152) in a race that was plagued by fallers.
Burtons Well’s final run of the season ended prematurely, exiting the race at the the ninth fence when coming down in the Close Brothers Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, again a race that featured some less that fluent leaps from an number of competitors. Sent off a well supported 8/1 shot, clearly there were a few people who considered the Trevor Hemmings owned gelding to be on a favourable handicap mark that day.
Campaigned almost exclusively on a softer surface, he’s certainly one to look out for when the mud starts to fly. Rated 137 over fences and 130 of hurdles, Burtons Well looks well treated whichever route he takes. And it wouldn’t surprise me if he notched victories under both disciplines this season.
CALIPTO 7-y-o b g Califet (FR) – Peutiot (FR)
Trainer: Venetia Williams Official Chase Rating: 138 Optimum Conditions: 2m4f Gd – Hy
This former Ditcheat inmate is interesting for a number of reasons, the fact that he now turns out for Venetia Williams being just one. A fair looking handicap mark and a smart performance in the Grand Annual Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival off the back of a lengthy spell off the track are further interesting things to note. And the son of Califet could well land a decent prize for his relatively new connections this term.
With just six starts over fences to his namein 2 seasons, clearly the French bred isn’t the easiest horse to train. He has, however, shown a fair level of form when he has graced the racecourse, with the pick of his novice form being a close up Grade 2 third place finish behind the talented pair Garde La Victoire (156) and Fox Norton (169) at Cheltenham in November 2015.
Having not been seen since being sent off a relatively well supported 9/2 shot on the final day of the 2015/16 season at Sandown, his final start for Paul Nicholls, it’s of great interest that Venetia Williams elected give Calipto his stable debut in such a competitive race as the Grand Annual. Signifying, perhaps, that she considers the 7-year-old to be on an exploitable looking handicap mark.
A sixth place finish rates a hugely respectable effort given his time off the track, with his only subsequent effort again showing signs of promise before a heavy fall at the twelfth fence at Ayr in April.
Formerly a smart juvenile hurdler for Paul Nicholls, Calipto has always promised to land a big race at some stage in his career. Hopefully he can achieve that success for Venetia Williams this winter.
CAMPEADOR 5-y-o gr g Gris De Gris (IRE) – Royale Video (FR)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Official Hurdle Rating: 148 Optimum Conditions: 2m Gd – Sft
It’s not often that I would include a horse rated higher than 145 in a handicapping piece, however I have to make an exception for this desperately unlucky son of Gris De Gris who could well be a Cheltenham Festival winner had he made it over the final flight of hurdles in the 2016 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle.
Having only made it to the racecourse 3 times in the last 2 seasons, clearly Campeador isn’t the easiest horse to train. And having loomed up menacingly on each of his last 2 starts, the JP McManus owned youngster crashed out at the final flight of hurdles when appearing to have the race at his mercy.
Whilst it must be extremely frustrating for all involved that the talented youngster has failed to land a big prize by now, the one positive is that clearly the unlucky grey is heading the 2017/18 campaign on the right side of the handicapper.
Having crashed out of the 2016 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle, it was another hugely competitive handicap event at Fairyhouse when Campeador came to grief on his solitary start last term. With that in mind, surely Gordon Elliott will be targeting one of the valuable early to mid seasons handicaps with the obviously well treated 5-year-old.
Looking at potential targets the Wessex Youth Handicap Hurdle (previously the Ladbroke Hurdle) could look ideal, and the master of Cullentra certainly knows what it takes to land that particular contest having scooped the prize twice in the last 5 years, with Cause Of Causes in 2012 and Bayan in 2014, as well as sending out Flaxen Flare to finish third in 2013.
A very strong traveller, Campeador certainly deserves a change of luck. And without doubt has to be respected wherever he shows up next.
CLAN DES OBEAUX 5-y-o b/br g Kapgarde (FR) – Nausicaa Des Obeaux (FR)
Trainer: Paul Nicholls Official Chase Rating: 148 Optimum Conditions: 2m4f GS
Again, It’s not often that I would include a horse rated higher than 145 in a handicapping piece, however I’ll happily make an exception for this gorgeous son of Kapgarde, who displayed significant promise as a novice chaser last term.
Sent over fences at the tender age of 4, Clan Des Obeaux followed up a slightly dissapointing chase debut at Chepstow with a hugely impressive success at Newbury’s Hennessy meeting one month later. Jumping supremely well before pulling away from his rivals with his head well and truly in his chest.
Second to subsequent RSA Chase runner up Whisper in the Grade 2 Dipper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on New Years Day, Paul Nicholls’ imposing youngster failed to fire next time out when sent off the well supported 13/8 favourite for the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown Park in February. A run that was simply too bad to be true.
Having landed the odds at Exeter on his penultimate start of the campaign, Clan Des Obeaux once again failed to fire on his final start last term, finishing fourth of the 5 runners in the Grade 2 Future Novices’ Chase at Ayr in April.
The bold jumping 5-year-old clearly possesses bags of potential, and I’m of the opinion that it was merely weakness that prevented the strapping gelding from holding his form last season. With that in mind he could easily take a giant leap forward this season having been afforded time to grow and mature physically over the summer months. And if that is indeed the case, Clan Des Obeaux could easily develop into a 155+ chaser this winter who would be more than capable of scooping a significant pot for his powerful connections.
A tilt at the BetVictor Gold Cup would be a possibility, or even perhaps a step up in trip to contest the Ladbrokes Gold Cup (the Hennessy Gold Cup to me, you and everyone else in racing!) at Newbury, where the youngster was seen to best effect last season. But one thing is sure, wherever the Ditcheat inmate lines up, he should be given the utmost respect.
DINO VELVET 4-y-o b g Naaqoos (GB) – Matgil (FR)
Trainer: Alan King Official Hurdle Rating: 125 Optimum Conditions: 2m – 2m4f GS – Sft
Keeping with form, Alan King once again enjoyed a successful campaign with his Juvenile hurdlers last term, particularly with Grade 2 Adonis Juvenile Hurdle winner Master Blueyes among others. However if you asked him about the prospects of his squad for the 2016/17 campaign, Dino Velvet would have certainly been near the top of the pack.
Pitched into Grade 2 company at Prestbury Park for his debut over timber, the son of Naaqoos looked booked for a fair third place finish before clipping the top bar of the last and crashing out, the race won by the unbeaten subsequent Triumph Hurdle victor Defi Du Seuil.
Off the mark at the second attempt, Alan King’s charge finished fourth, again behind Phillip Hobbs’ 3 time Grade 1 winner, in the Grade 1 Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow over Christmas, before a brace of second placed efforts behind the smart Don Bersy (133) at Warwick and another Hobbs trained horse I’m A Game Changer (133) at Ludlow in January and February respectively.
A staying on sixth place effort in the hugely competitive Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle offered further food for thought, and it could be that a step up in trip to 2-and-a-half-miles may eke out some improvement in the Barbury Castle trained 4-year-old this winter. If so, Dino Velvet could easily surpass his current mark of 125.
EMERGING FORCE 7-y-o b g Milan (GB) – Danette (GER)
Trainer: Harry Whittington Official Chase Rating: 139 Optimum Conditions: 3m+ Gd – Sft
Harry Whittington is a very shrewd up and coming young trainer, and I’m sure he’s already looking forward to plotting a route through the season with his dour stayer Emerging Force.
The scopey gelding racked up a brace of successes early doors last term, recording smooth victories at both Hereford and Exeter before be having his sights raised at Cheltenham in December. Fourth on that occasion, the bold jumping Bay finished behind the smart Singlefarmpayment (146), sadly departed Arpege D’Alene (145) and subsequent 3 time scorer Label Des Obeaux (154) whilst attempting to concede a penalty to all. A perfectly respectable effort in defeat.
Not glimpsed again until Aintree’s Grand National Festival, it’s possible the Milan gelding met with a setback early in the year which ruled the stamina laden gelding out of the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Well supported at Aintree, Emerging Force could only finish fifth behind Colin Tizzard’s Sizing Codelco (160), which again was a fair effort given the layoff.
Unraced beyond 3m1f, marathon trips could well be the making of Harry Whittington’s imposing young stayer. And off a mark 139, the sound jumping 7-year-old should be competitive this season.
GLOBAL STAGE 6-y-o b g Multiplex (GB) – Tintera (IRE)
Trainer: Fergal O’Brien Official Hurdle Rating: 132 Optitmum Conditions: 2m4f+ Sft – Hy
At first glance a mark of 132 may look fairly steep based on what this imposing son of Multiplex has achieved on the racecourse to date. However delve deeper and you can make a case that there could be plenty more to come from the well put together 6-year-old this term.
A winner between the flags at the fourth time of asking, Global Stage made his hurdling debut, and indeed racecourse debut, in the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown last term, finishing fourth beaten just 10 lengths by the hugely impressive and super talented Finian’s Oscar (151). The fact he was thrown into such deep waters first time out gives a clear indication of the regard in which he is held at Fergal O’Briens Grange Hill Farm headquarters, which promises much for the future.
Raised in trip next time out, the strapping youngster finished second to solid yardstick Ballyarthur(129) at Leicester, with the pair pulling 21 lengths clear of their toiling field. This again rated a solid effort for one with such little experience under rules, whilst confirming the promise of his debut effort.
A faller when last sighted in February, a nice long summer break could be just what the doctor ordered, allowing Global Stage time to grow and mature before entering the fray once again this winter.
One gets the feeling that a further step up in trip could potentially be in offing, as the way he runs suggests stamina could well prove his forte over the years to come. With that in mind I’d hope he would be very competitive in the right company, and I’d be even keener if the scopey gelding was sent over fences this autumn as he’d certainly be one to take a price about in a 2m4+ novice handicap chase.
KIMBERLITE CANDY 5-y-o b g Flemensfirth (USA) – Mandys Native (IRE)
Trainer: Tom Lacey Official Hurdle Rating: 134 Optimum Conditions: 2m4f+ GS – Sft
Perhaps one of the darker horses on this list, Kimberlite Candy has only been seen on the racetrack 3 times to date, winning a maiden hurdle at Ascot on debut before following up in a novice hurdle at Newcastle in mid December. Pitched into Grade 2 company at Cheltenham in January, the scopey 5-year-old weakened quickly at the fifth and was soon pulled up by Barry Geraghty. Presumably something had gone amiss.
I’d been pretty keen on the well put together son of Flemensfirth that day, having been mightily impressed by the way he cruised through the mud at Newcastle before readily quickening clear on the bridle, conceding a 7lb penalty with the minimum of fuss.
Although he undoubtedly has the stature to make a fine chaser down the line, given his connections it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Kimberlite Candy attempt to exploit what looks to be a lenient handicap mark when the mud starts to fly this winter. And if they could get some more experience into the youngster early doors, something like the fixed brush handicap hurdle at Haydock could prove an ideal target, with the likely soft ground and fixed brush Hurdles potentially a match made in heaven for the JP McManus owned gelding.
MORNING HERALD 6-y-o br m Lucky Story (USA) – Wakeful (GB)
Trainer: Martin Keighley Official Hurdle Rating: 127 Optimum Conditions: 2m4f – 3m GF – Gd
Another potential dark horse on this list, Morning Herald looks an interesting prospect for her Cotswolds based handler Martin Keighley. Already twice a winner over timber, the talented mare heads into the 2017/18 campaign rated 127, which could look lenient when granted her optimum conditions.
An easy 15 length winner on her second start over hurdles, the daughter of Lucky Story recorded her second success at Exeter in May of last year. However it was her next run at Ludlow that caught my eye, when running a fine race and only failing by 2-and-three-quarter lengths to concede 18lbs to Henry Daly’s prolific winner Nordic Nymph (124) on her first try over 3 miles.
Nordic Nymph (who had won 3 of her previous 4 starts) went on to win her next 2 races, giving the form of that Ludlow contest a significant boost. However, unfortunately, Martin Keighley’s mare failed to fire when next sighted at Ascot, and indeed hasn’t been seen since that disappointing December day. However it’s possible the slightly softer ground and drop in trip to 2m5f simply wasn’t to her liking.
Restored to 3 miles and granted some decent underfoot conditions Morning Herald could look well treated off the same mark from which she was narrowly denied by Nordic Nymph last October. She’s definitely one to keep and eye on and could be out early doors.
NO HASSLE HOFF 5-y-o b/br g Craigsteel (GB) – Endless Patience (IRE)
Trainer: Dan Skelton Official Hurdle Rating: 134 Optimum Conditions: 3m Gd – Sft
It’s hardly surprising to see a horse trained by Dan Skelton make the list. And the horse in question, No Hassle Hoff, is perhaps one of the more obvious candidates who appears to be on the right side of the handicapper heading into the 2017/18 campaign.
Second behind Paul Nicholls’ exciting prospect Topofthegame (139) in a Belclare PTP in March 2016, the son of Craigsteel put a debut fall behind him to score in facile fashion at Hereford 3 weeks later, before taking a hike in class to finish third behind dual Grade 2 scorer, and Grade 1 third (Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle), Wholestone (145) at Cheltenham in December.
A brace of second placed finishes followed in the new year. Firstly going down by a head to Nicky Henderson’s tough performer Constantine Bay (144) in the Grade 2 River Don Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster in January, before chasing home subsequent Aintree Grade 1 winner The Worlds End (149) in the Grade 2 Prestige Novices Hurdle at Haydock a month later.
Pitched into open handicap company for the first time at Aintree’s Grand National Meeting, the money came in spades for the youngster who lined up with an attractive looking opening mark of just 134. However No Hassle Hoff raced keenly that day, and it’s no surprise that despite rounding the turn in second place, he weakened to finish fourth behind the impressive winner Fountains Windfall (146), who in truth had put the race to bed approaching the end of the back straight.
That effort was a fine performance for a 5-year-old in such a hugely competitive handicap, and the form displayed against classy horses in graded company prior to Aintree really does make his mark of 134 look lenient.
Having shown an ability to act on varying ground conditions, there’s every possibility that No Hassle Hoff will scoop at least one big pot for his shrewd connections this winter.
POETIC RHYTHM 6-y-o ch g Flemensfirth (USA) – Sommer Sonnet (IRE)
Campaigned almost exclusively at the home of National Hunt Racing last term, Poetic Rhythm faced many a fair rival in a 6 race season, including subsequent Grade 1 winner Pingshou (150) at Prestbury Park in both December and January.
Third behind the smart pair Wholestone (145) and William Henry (145) in a hot looking Grade 2 contest on Cheltenham’s Trial’s day card, the 6-year-old tackled the Grade 1 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival, running a very respectable race when factoring in his starting price of 66/1.
The rangy youngster will undoubtedly make a smart chaser when having his attentions switched to the larger obstacles. However there are always a few nice pots to be won over hurdles early doors, and it would certainly be of interest if Poetic Rhythm showed up at Chepstow, where he ran out a hugely impressive bumper winner last October, or perhaps back at Cheltenham in the early exchanges this autumn.
A dual bumper winner last term, form figures of 115330 read well when you consider the class of company the striking Chestnut gelding has kept to date. And a mark of 130 certainly looks exploitable for a canny trainer who’s stock continues to rise season on season.
REPORT TO BASE 5-y-o b g Westerner (GB) – Marina Du Berlais (FR)
Trainer: Evan Williams Official Hurdle Rating: 136 Optimum Conditions: 2m – 2m4f GS – Hy
Winner of his sole start between the flags, beating the aforementioned Brave Eagle at Dromahane in April 2016, Evan Williams acquired the promising son of Westerner on behalf of prominent owners Mr and Mrs William Rucker. And gladly for all involved, Report To Base made the perfect start to his career under rules scoring in smooth fashion in a novice hurdle at Uttoxeter in November.
Sent to Bangor for his second foray over timber, the strapping youngster faced the unenviable task of conceding both a penalty and mares allowance to Aintree Grade 2 mares’ bumper victor Kayf Grace over 2m149y. Report For Base ran a fine race in defeat, the deficit just 2-and-a-half lengths at the line. Unfortunately Nicky Henderson’s talented mare failed to make it back to the racetrack last term and therefore it’s impossible to be 100% sure what the form of the race is worth. But when you consider her previous exploits and the fact that Evan Williams’ charge had to concede a full stone to his rival, it was clearly a very smart effort.
Second to Coo Star Sivola (140) at Cheltenham on New Years Day, the aforementioned Poetic Rhythm (130), subsequent Grade 1 winner Pingshou (152) and the well thought of Sumkingofking (129) were third, fourth and fifth respectively, giving the form a very solid look.
Fifth behind the hugely talented The Worlds End in the Grade 2 Prestige Novices’ Hurdle on his final start of the campaign, Report To Base travelled keenly before tiring on his first attempt over 3 miles. However he was by no means disgraced and looks another youngster who could improve tenfold for another summer at grass.
Chasing will undoubtedly be his game over the years to come, and he’s another who would look well treated in a novice handicap chase should connections elect to head straight down that route. He’s definitely one to follow.
SQUOUATEUR 6-y-o gr g Martaline (GB) – Samansonnienne (FR)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Official Chase Rating: 133 Optimum Conditions: 2m4f – 3m4f GS – Hy
The subject of strong antepost support for the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup in the weeks leading up the Cheltenham Fetsival earlier this year, Gordon Elliott’s son of Martaline was in process of making up ground before a mistake at the third last unseated Champion Amateur jockey Jamie Codd.
Sent off a solid 5/1 favourite that day, a glance through the form book would suggest that Squouateur had been campaigned with one objective in mind all season long, to reach the biggest 4 days in the National Hunt calendar primed to run the race of his life.
Cheltenham was the first time that the scopey grey gelding had tackled a staying trip over fences, having been campaigned at at trips between 2m and 2m4f throughout the winter months. Clearly connections felt there was significant improvement to be found in the JP McManus owned youngster for a serious test of stamina.
Despite clearly wanting further Squouateur certainly wasn’t disgraced over shorter trips last term. But he will undoubtedly be a much better horse when tackling stamina sapping trips in big field handicaps this term, where the experienced 6-year-old would surely be capable of landing a valuable pot off a lowly mark of 133.
The Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown in December could look an ideal target for Squouateur, with the 3 mile trip and likely prevailing ground conditions looking the ideal combination for the Cullentra Stables trained inmate.
SUMKINDOFKING 6-y-o br g King’s Theatre (IRE) – Shannon Rose (IRE)
Trainer: Tom George Official Hurdle Rating: 129 Optimum Conditions: 2m4f – 3m Gd – Sft
A hugely impressive winner on his second start between the flags at Inch in March 2016, Sumkingofking made a striking impression on racecourse debut last November, travelling supremely well on route to an easy 12 length success in a National Hunt Flat race at Chepstow. A smooth hurdling success followed later that month, and it looked as though the well put together son of King’s Theatre was set to tackle graded company for the remainder of the campaign. However further success, surprisingly, proved elusive.
A brace of disappointing performances at Cheltenham were followed by a reasonable showing in a Class 2 contest at Kempton in March put on for those who failed to make the cut for Cheltenham Festival handicaps earlier that week. However a mid-division finish on his final start of the campaign at Aintree, when sent off the 8/1 co-favourite, once again rated a less than satisfactory effort.
That said, a mark of 129 could look extremely lenient if Tom George’s youngster has developed both mentally and physically for another summer at grass. And it’s entirely possible that a switch to the larger obstacles could unlock the huge potential Sumkingofking displayed between the flags last year.
Whether the 6-year-old will be aimed at a valuable handicap hurdle before facing a steeplechase fence remains to be seen, but if he does a step up to 3 miles could well be on the agenda. If that were to be the case, he could well be another perfect candidate for the fixed brush handicap hurdle at Haydock in November ground permitting, as Tom George has previously stated that the gelding has a preference for decent ground. That said, he did win his 3 mile PTP on ground officially described as soft.
Wherever Sumkingofking does line up he has to be worth another chance. And given the glimpses of promise he showed early in his career, hopefully he’ll make up into a nice novice chaser when the time comes.
THE STORYTELLER 6-yo ch g Shantou (USA) – Bally Bolshoi (IRE)
Trainer: Gordon Elliott Official Hurdle Rating: 142 Optimum Conditions: 2m2f – 3m Gd – Sft
You may well remember that The Storyteller was very well supported to taste Cheltenham Festival success earlier this year. However a setback in the weeks leading up to big day curtailed plans to run the talented 6-year-old in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle.
That said, nothing has changed between now and then, and therefore his mark of 142 still looks extremely appealing given the manor in which the Chestnut gelding dispatched his contemporaries on his final 2 racecourse appearances last term.
Prior to those 2 impressive victories The Storyteller finished a close up second to the hugely exciting subsequent Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle runner up Monalee at Punchestown, with Willie Mullins’ smart performer Turcagua chasing the pair home in third.
As Maiden hurdles go, clearly that was a pretty warm contest. And given the smart performances of both The Storyteller and Monalee subsequently, a mark of 142 looks as a good a present from the handicappers as the chief of Cullentra is ever likely to receive.
It’s quite possible that the son of Shantou will jump fences at some stage this season, as he certainly appears to possess the scope to make a fair chaser in time. However if Gordon Elliott thinks there’s a good handicap hurdle to be won with one of his inmates, that’s normally the route they’ll go down first.
It will be interesting to see if the geldings connections are eager to get that valuable handicap out of the way early doors, paving the way for a novice chase campaign early in the new year. However patience in racing is a certainly a virtue, and if his current handicap mark is protected until the spring The Storyteller could easily turn up in either the Coral Cup or Pertemps Final (now has Listed status) when the Cheltenham Festival rolls around in March.
Now wouldn’t that be a happy ever after.
VINTAGE CLOUDS 7-y-o gr g Cloudings (IRE) – Rare Vintage (IRE)
Trainer: Sue Smith Official Chase Rating: 132 Optimum Conditions: 3m+ GS – Hy
Nothing quite says staying chaser more than a set of Trevor Hemmings green, yellow and white silks. And in Vintage Clouds the prominent owner looks to have a staying chaser of considerable promise following a string of fine efforts in open handicap company last season.
A second season novice this term, the son of Cloudings rattled up a hat-trick of silver medal efforts in novice company last November/December, before taking a giant leap forward into open handicap company in in the new year. And although the 7-year-old has tasted the turf twice from 4 attempts in hugely competitive handicaps, the bare form doesn’t tell the whole story.
Vintage Clouds’ first mishap came when sitting third, 5 lengths off the pace, with 3 left to jump in the Grade 2 Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock. With the second F blotting the copy book coming when part of a select group pulling clear of the field rounding the the turn for home in the Grade 3 Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, unfortunately getting the penultimate fence all wrong and crashing out when place money was still a possibility.
However each of those efforts were followed up by very solid performances. In February Sue Smith’s grey finished a very creditable third in Haydock’s Grade 3 Grand National Trial, behind the stamina laden Vieux Lion Rouge (154) and gallant Grand National fourth Blaklion (155).
Seventh in the Scottish Grand National on his final start last term, the experience gathered in these assignments can only be a positive for the stout stayer over the seasons to come. And surely a lowly handicap mark of 134 underestimates the level of ability Vintage Clouds possesses.
SQUOUATEUR looks poised to strike in a valuable handicap chase this season.CAMPEADOR can make it third time lucky and scoop a big pot this term.THE STORYTELLER could easily scoop a big pot over timber before having his attentions switched to fences.
FOOTNOTE:
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the brilliant Susie Cahill (@GirloftheSummer) for the fantastic photos of Campeador, Squouateur and The Storyteller.
If you’d like to see more of Susie’s photos head over to facebook.com/ridingonthegallops
Burgeoning National Hunt trainer Fergal O’Brien sent out a personal best tally of 60 winners from his Naunton based Grange Hill Farm operation in the 2016/17 season, and it’s no secret as to why.
As I arrived in the picturesque Cotswolds countryside one thing shone even more brightly than the early morning sun. The magic formula behind the ever increasing success was quite literally staring me in the face; smiling, cheery faces and happy, healthy horses. Indeed, Team FOB are a prime example of National Hunt harmony.
It’s a credit to all involved that the smiles and laughter transcend the office, with dedicated and diligent stable staff happily going about their work as first lot limber up for a trip to the gallops. It’s fair to say the yard works like a well oiled machine, and talking of machines, every box comes it’s own racing engine.
From the popular and galant campaigner Perfect Candidate to the hugely exciting, unbeaten mare Cap Soleil, who landed Listed contests at both Cheltenham and Sandown last season, virtually every head that pops out to say hello tasted success last term.
A handful of hugely talented mares’ played a key role in the success of the stable, spearheaded by Listed and Grade 2 winning novice hurdler Colin’s Sister, who will certainly be a force to contend with in mares events over the coming years.
The Fergal O’Brien Racing Clubs’ Miss Maiden Over played her part with a double in November. Whilst stable favourite Wizards Sliabh also recorded a brace of victories. And Oscar Rose, who finished second in the Grade 2 contest confined to mares at Aintree’s Grand National Meeting, also showed herself to be well above average. It’s fair to say the enthusiastic O’Brien has a way with the ladies!
Of course fantastic facilities further aid the upwardly mobile operation, with a superb schooling arena & testing uphill gallop that ensures the yards finest are also the fittest when they head to the racetrack.
My visit coincided with the aforementioned Cap Soleil’s first trip to the schooling arena (below), where I’m pleased to report the exciting daughter of Kapgarde jumped poles and barrels with enthusiasm & promise, which bodes well for her novice campaign set to get underway this Autumn.
Cap Soleil jumping barrels (5/5/17)
The fun and friendly atmosphere is often enhanced by the presence of coffee and cake, and it’s fair to say the trainers eyes lit up when I produced my offerings from the boot of the car, even if it may have been shop bought! (Sorry, but I’m a blogger, not a baker!)
As I enjoyed my coffee in the company of Perfect Candidate I must confess I found myself day dreaming about entering the wonderful world of racehorse ownership one day. Although I’m sure my bank manager wouldn’t encourage a trip to Tattersalls any time soon!
It’s a sign your on the right tracks when more owners are eager to come on board, and the lastest to join the roster at Grange Hill Farm is Malcolm Denmark, who has sent 2 lovely young horses, recently named Saturdaynightfever (King’s Theatre X Get Me Home) and Mercy Me (Shirocco X Monsignorita).
Both are 5-year-olds and fall into the bracket of ‘could be anything’. But they’re both nice types and it’s a nod to the achievements of the yard that the prominent owner has enlisted the services of O’Brien.
Saturdaynightfever (left) & Mercy Me.
Following the success of Miss Maiden Over last term, the yard have acquired a currently unnamed half brother to the mare who is currently for sale.
The youngster (Wareed X Rock Garden) is also related to the stables War On The Rocks who landed a Stratford bumper in March 2015, and will head down the bumper route himself this season. If you’re interested in the dashing 4-year-old, feel free to contact the yard for more details.
2013 Wareed X Rock Garden
I rounded off a superb trip at Cheltenham Racecourse, and it was brilliant to see Fergal O’Brien train the emphatic winner of the opening race on Cheltenham’s Hunter Chase Evening.
Brodie Hampson gave the interestingly named Are They Your Own a superb, prominent ride before going to the front turning for home and positively flying up the hill to record a facile 26 length victory.
It was some way for Team FOB to get off the mark in the 2017/18 campaign, and hopes are high that that success was the first of many as the flag falls on the race to surpass last season’s personal best tally of 60 winners.
Are They Your Own & Brodie Hampson on their way to the start at Cheltenham.
As the old adage goes, there’s strength in numbers. And it’s clear to see that it’s a real team effort at Grange Hill Farm. All are driven by passion and the burning desire for success, but importantly, they don’t let that stop them from enjoying themselves.
There are plenty of promising youngsters in among the tried and tested stable stalwarts, and the environment is certainly ripe for the yard to grow and flourish in the years to come.
Obviously there’s no exact science to training racehorses, but just like baking a cake, if you put the right ingredients together and give them the necessary conditions you’re sure to be on the rise.
▪️7 of the last 10 winners were aged between 7 & 10.
▪️6 of the last 10 winners carried 10-6 or less.
▪️10 of the last 12 winners had won over 3 miles previously.
▪️Only 1 favourite has won in the last 12 years.
▪️10 of the last 14 winners finished in the first 3 last time out.
▪️11 of the last 14 winners were sent off at a double figure price.
CONTENDERS: (In Handicap Order)
MISSED APPROACH
OR: 148 Weight: 11-12
Trainer: W. Greatrex
Jockey: G. Sheehan
Second to Tiger Roll in the National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham, Warren Greatrex’s 7-year old has enjoyed a fine first season over the larger obstacles. The Golan gelding was sent off a well supported favourite for the Grade 2 Towton Novices’ Chase at Wetherby in February, but could only finish third.
Fourth behind the smart pair American and Label Des Obeaux on chasing debut, Missed Approach turned the tables on the latter next time out. His Festival performance was hugely encouraging, and he should relish the marathon trip here.
VIVALDI COLLONGES
OR: 148 Weight: 11-12
Trainer: P. Nicholls
Jockey: H. Cobden
Paul Nicholls’ stout stayer Vivaldi Collonges looks one of the more interesting outsiders despite showing very little in 3 starts this term. Third of four at Sandown on seasonal debut, the stamina laden son of Dom Alco has pulled up on each of his 2 subsequent efforts, in the Grade 3 Betfred Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick, and Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster respectively. However his strongest piece of chasing form comes from this meeting last year, when the 8-year-old gave 14lbs and a 26 length beating to none other than Aintree Grand National hero One For Arthur (third)in a 3m novice chase.
If able to re-capture that form, he would obviously be a danger to all here. However his mark looks tough enough, and he’s not easy to back on this season’s performances.
FINE RIGHTLY
OR: 147 Weight: 11-11
Trainer: S.Crawford
Jockey: A. Lynch
Yet to win this term, the experienced 9-year-old has enjoyed a varied campaign, returning with a fine fourth placed effort over hurdles in a race that has worked out well, before finishing third behind the deadly Douvan over 2m1f in Grade 2 company at Cork in December. Eleventh in the Lexus Chase before a fourth placed effort at Kelso, the son of Alflora arrives here fresh having not raced since mid January.
An easy winner over 3m2f at Down Royal last year, Crawford’s charge is well worth a go at this marathon trip. And it wouldn’t be a surprise if he went very well for his shrewd trainer.
KRUZHLININ
OR: 146 Weight: 11-10
Trainer: P. Hobbs
Jockey: R. Johnson
Winner of the valuable Grade 3 Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle at Haydock in November, Paul and Clare Rooney’s 10-year-old has only raced twice since, finishing a good second to the clearly well handicapped Our Kaempfer at Kempton in December, before posting a sixth placed finish in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in January.
Fifth behind Un Temps Pour Tout at the Cheltenham Festival in 2016, barring jumping errors he could have finished much closer. That came off a mark of 148, which makes his mark of 146 look reasonable. If putting his best foot forward in the jumping stakes, he could be interesting.
VICENTE
OR: 146 Weight: 11-10
Trainer: P. Nicholls
Jockey: S. Twiston-Davies
Last year’s winner arrives here off the back of a first fence fall in the Aintree showpiece 2 weeks ago. Purchased by leading owner Trevor Hemmings earlier this year, the National fanatic will be hoping to recoup some of the fee he paid for the 8-year-old tomorrow.
Sixth placed efforts in both the Welsh Grand National and Sky Bet Chase this season rate solid pieces of form, and the fact he lines up off the exact same mark he triumphed off last season, 146, gives Paul Nicholls’ charge every chance of defending his crown in Scotland this weekend.
ARPEGE D’ALENE
OR: 145 Weight: 11-9
Trainer: P. Nicholls
Jockey: S. Bowen
You get the impression that there isn’t a race run over a trip too far for Paul Nicholls’ second contender Arpege D’Alene, who finished a creditable fourth in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month, 2 places and 3 and a quarter lengths behind the re-opposing Missed Approach.
The stamina laden son of Dom Alco certainly doesn’t do anything quickly, and often takes his time in the air. But a second placed effort behind the talented Singlefarmpayment at Cheltenham in November reads well, and if able to stay in contention he’s likely to be battling on when others are crying for mercy.
SELDOM INN
OR: 145 Weight: 11-9
Trainer: S. Thompson
Jockey: D.Fox
Scottish based trainer Sandy Thompson sent out Seeyouatmidnight to be third in this last year, however a recent set back means the talented 9-year-old will sadly miss the race this this time around, which leaves stablemate Seldom Inn carrying the hopes of the yard tomorrow. Twice a winner at Kelso this season, beating the talented duo Tenor Nivernais and Le Mercurey on the latter occasion, Seldom Inn finished 7 lengths behind the Venitia Williams trained Yala Enki at the Scottish venue last time out and will be trying this stamina stretching trip for the very first time.
The 9-year-old will line up off a career high mark of 145. He needs to improve, but you couldn’t rule him out.
BATTLE OF SHILOH
OR: 142 Weight: 11-6
Trainer: T. George
Jockey: A. Heskin
The lightly raced Battle Of Shiloh boasts a very impressive CV, winning both of his starts between the flags, both starts over timber and arriving here with a record of 2 victories from 3 starts over fences, with his sole defeat coming when falling last time out at Chepstow. However it has to be said, he did look held at the time.
Whether the 8-year-old possesses the required experience to land a race of this nature remains to be seen. But Tom George and Adrian Heskin have enjoyed a superb 2016/17 campaign, and this would certainly be the cherry on the cake if they could land he spoils here.
SOUTHFIELD ROYALE
OR: 141 Weight: 11-5
Trainer: Neil Mulholland
Jockey: Noel Fehily
Well supported for the Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival last month, Neil Mulholland’s talented Bay fell at the ninth when tracking the leaders, and heads up north in search of ample compensation.
The son of Presenting ran a very disappointing race in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster in January, which saw the handicapper drop the 7-year-old 6lbs to a mark of 141, a mark that looks very dangerous on the form of his fourth placed finish in the 2016 National Hunt Chase, with Gold Cup second and third Minella Rocco (166) and Native River (167) finishing first and second respectively, last year’s winner of this race Vicente (146) coming home fifth and subsequent Becher Chase victor Vieux Lion Rouge (155) back in sixth.
Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase winning jockey Noel Fehily will do the steering.
DANCING SHADOW
OR: 139 Weight: 11-3
Trainer: V. Dartnall
Jockey: N. Scholfield
Pulled up in the National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festsival, Dancing Shadow tasted Edinburgh National (4m176y) success at Musselburgh on his penultimate start, and connections will be hoping another trip up north will see the stamina laden son of Craigsteel bounce back to form.
Also a winner over 3m2f at Doncaster in December, the imposing 8-year-old made light work of his opposition, which included 2013 Scottish Grand National winner Godsmejudge, to score easily in the hands of Nick Scholfield. The ground and the trip look ideal.
PREMIER BOND
OR: 139 Weight: 10-11
Trainer: N. Henderson
Jockey: D. Bass
Premier Bond caught the eye when finishing third in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival last month, beaten just 1 and a half lengths by the winner, Domesday Book. Clearly stamina is very much the 7-year-old’s forte, and the bookmakers haven’t missed him as he’s been more of less favourite since the antepost market was formed.
Second to stablemate and dual Grade 1 winner Might Bite on his first start over the larger obstacles at Doncaster in December, Henderson’s son of Kayf Tara won easily next time out before returning to Doncaster and recording a gusty success over Alan King’s Kerrow. Clearly the youngster isn’t scared of a fight, which will certainly stand him in good stead here.
STRAIDNAHANNA
OR: 139 Weight: 10-11
Trainer: Sue Smith
Jockey: S. Quinlan
Sue Smith’s battle hardened 8-year-old returns for a second bite of the cherry after pulling up in the race last year. But it certainly won’t be an easy task off a mark just 1lb shy of a career high rating.
Nonetheless, Straidnahanna put in a typically gutsy performance when landing the North Yorkshire Grand National (3m5f214y) at Catterick in January. And although the son of Medaaly races off a 6lbs higher mark here, he’s sure to put his best foot forward.
SHOTGUN PADDY
OR: 137 Weight: 10-9
Trainer: E. Lavelle
Jockey: D. Jacob
Shotgun Paddy is becoming a standing dish in these hugely competitive marathon events, and finished a throughly respectable tenth in this contest last year.
Emma Lavelle’s battle hardened 10-year-old finished third in both the Betfred Classic Handicap Chase and Betfred Eider Handicap Chase on his last 2 visits to the track, beaten just 10 and a half lengths by impressive Grand National winner One For Arthur at Warwick. The gallant son of Brian Boru hasn’t always jumped with the greatest of fluency, but he certainly has an engine.
BENBENS
OR: 135 Weight: 10-13
Trainer: N. Twiston-Davies
Jockey: Mr Z. Baker (7)
Without a win since October 2015, the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained 12-year-old has only raced 4 times subsequently, returning to the track after 11 months off in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter last month when pulling up before the penultimate fence.
Whether the fire still burns within Benbens remains to be seen, but his shrewd trainer wouldn’t persist with him if he felt the fight had gone. Zak Baker will be on board.
LESSONS IN MILAN
OR: 135 Weight: 10-13
Trainer: N. Henderson
Jockey: J. McGrath
Eighth in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup at Cheltenham last month, the Trevor Hemmings owned 9-year-old tackles this trip for the very first time. The Milan gelding lines up off the same mark he ran off at Cheltenham, and it’s quite possible he could improve for the extra yardage here.
Second in a decent Class 3 event at Newbury on his penultimate start, Lessons In Milan also finished third to his potentially smart stablemate Beware The Bear at the same course in December. He’s one of 3 Seven Barrows inmates who could go well here.
AL CO
OR: 135 Weight: 10-13
Trainer: P. Bowen
Jockey: J. Moore
Peter Bowen, Jamie Moore and Al Co team up in an attempt to double up in the Ayr marathon, having first landed the prestigious prize in 2014. A 5lbs lower mark will certainly aid the 12-year-old son of Dom Alco, however the gallant old boy has failed to complete on 2 of his last 3 visits to the racecourse, with an eleventh placed effort in a 12 runner contest offering no encouragement as to the geldings chances.
A winner at Aintree in May of last year, in racing you can never say never. But there looks to be a plethora of up and coming staying chasers engaged in the race this year, and Al Co may struggle to keep tabs on them all.
ANOTHER HERO
OR: 135 Weight: 10-13
Trainer: J. O’Neill
Jockey: A. Coleman
Jonjo O’Neill and Aidan Coleman have formed a productive partnership this season, and they once again team up tomorrow as Another Hero heads North in search of Scottish Grand National success.
Fourth in a Listed contest at Ascot in December, the JP McManus owned 8-year-old finished third on his penultimate start when taking in the ultra competitive Skybet Chase at Doncaster in January off a mark 1lb higher than he carries into battle tomorrow.
Thirteenth in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, the decent ground and recent good form of his trainer are definite positives here.
HENRI PARRY MORGAN
OR: 135 Weight: 10-13
Trainer: P. Bowen
Jockey: R. Dunne
It’s fair to say Peter Bowen’s 9-year-old has slightly lost his way this season, which started with an eleventh placed effort in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury when sent off a relatively well fancied 10/1 chance. Fifteenth in the Grade 3 Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month, the son of Brian Boru went on to Aintree where he finished sixth in a Listed handicap chase, staying on well, but never threatening the principles.
Jumping has regularly been the achilles heel of Bowen’s charge, and he’ll have to pull it all together if he harbours aspirations of playing a major role here. However it’s easy to think he’s well treated off a mark of 135.
VINTAGE CLOUDS
OR: 134 Weight: 10-12
Trainer: S. Smith
Jockey: D. Cook
Another contender for both Sue Smith and Trevor Hemmings, Vintage Clouds boasts some fair form for a novice, including when running a huge race in the Grade 3 Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month, forming part of an elite group that kicked clear on the turn for home before coming to grief at the penultimate fence.
The promising 7-year-old son of Cloudings finished third behind Vieux Lion Rouge and subsequent Grand National fourth Blaklion in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February, which puts a tick in the box concerning stamina whilst also providing the youngster with some valuable experience in open handicap company. He could go well here in the hands of Danny Cook.
SUGAR BARON
OR: 134 Weight: 10-12
Trainer: N. Henderson
Jockey: N. De Boinville
A staying on sixth in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup at the Cheltenham Festival, Nicky Henderson’s 7-year-old did all of his best work at the finish, which bodes well for this extreme test of stamina. Dropped 1lb by the handicapper for that effort, that can only be considered a bonus. Sugar Baron ran out a 4 and a half length winner from subsequent Grade 2 scorer Present Man on chasing debut at Wincanton last May, and ran a huge race at Prestbury Park on just his fourth start over fences.
The master of Seven Barrows sent out Vyta Du Roc to finish fifth in the race last year, and Henderson will be hoping Sugar Baron can improve upon that placing.
BLAKEMOUNT
OR: 134 Weight: 10-12
Trainer: S. Smith
Jockey: H. Brooke
Sue Smith’s third and final contender is Blakemount, who has always threatened to have a decent contest in him despite a succession of defeats when sent off a well supported favourite. Twice a winner over fences, both of those victories came at Carlisle.
Fifth in the Midlands Grand National (4m1f92y) last time out, the trip and ground Gold no fears. Henry Brooke takes the ride.
FIREBIRD FLYER
OR: 133 Weight: 10-11
Trainer: E. Williams
Jockey: T. O’Brien
Winner of the 2016 Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter, Evan Williams’ charge was pulled up when attempting to defend his crown last month. Eight in the Welsh Grand National at Chepstow in December, the 10-year-old failed to complete on each of his next 3 trips to the racecourse.
Eighth over hurdles at Ffos Las earlier this month, connections will be hoping that proved a confidence boosting outing for the son of Winged Love. However he has shown a preference for softer ground in the past.
DAWSON CITY
OR: 133 Weight: 10-11
Trainer: P. Gundry
Jockey: W. Hutchinson
Off the mark over fences at the eleventh time of asking last time out, the manor in which the 8-year-old got the job done (won by 32L) suggested there could be plenty more to come. If that is the case, Polly Gundry could have a very well treated horse on her hands.
The main problem however could be the ground, with the Midnight Legend gelding racing almost exclusively on a surface with plenty of cut. That said, the presence of Wayne Hutchinson in the saddle is a definite bonus, and he arrives here on the back of a confidence boosting win.
TRUSTAN TIMES
OR: 132 Weight: 10-10
Trainer: M. Walford
Jockey: J. Greenall
2014 third Trustan Times lines up in the race for the third time tomorrow, this year warming up for the marathon with a handicap hurdle win at Kelso earlier this month. Pulled up in the 2015 renewal, the gallant 11 year old runs off a mark 8lbs lower tomorrow.
Having only raced twice since this race in 2015, clearly the son of Heron Island has had his problems. But he confirmed his well being with his victory at Kelso, and Mark Walford will be hoping the gallant old boy can use that as a springboard to Scottish Grand National success here.
PORTRAIT KING
OR: 124 Weight: 10-9
Trainer: P. Griffin
Jockey: C. O’Farrell
Eighth in the Midlands Grand National last month, Patrick Griffin’s grand 12-year-old ran a huge race to finish third in the hugely competitive Topham Chase at Aintree last time out, making up plenty of ground on the run for home after getting some cover early on. Those with long memories may remember Portrait King finishing tenth in this race in 2012, which is a great credit to connections who have plotted his career so well.
Clearly the hardy chaser is in fine order at present, and he should enjoy the decent ground he’ll encounter at Ayr tomorrow. Conor O’Farrell takes the ride, which is a positive as the pair got on well when teaming up at Aintree.
COGRY
OR: 131 Weight: 10-9
Trainer: N. Twiston-Davies
Jockey: J. Bargary (3)
If there’s a horse is training that deserves a huge slice of luck it must be the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained Cogry, who endured a tough time over fences in the Autumn when falling, being brought down and unseating in 3 consecutive starts. However there have been sparks of a revival since the turn of the year, with a victory over timber at Cheltenham on New Years Day providing a much needed confidence booster.
Sixth in the Midlands Grand National, the 8-year-old finished second at Ffos Las earlier this month, and a mark of 131 certainly looks exploitable at some stage.
ALVARADO
OR: 129 Weight: 10-7
Trainer: F. O’Brien
Jockey: B. Hughes
Second in the race last year, Fergal O’Brien’s likeable warrior flew up the home straight to take the silver medal in the shadow of the post. And lining up off a 6lbs lower mark this year, it’s entirely possible the gallant chestnut with the big white blaze will be on the premises at the business end once again. Fourth in both the 2014 and 2015 Aintree Grand National’s, unfortunately the stamina laden son of Goldmark failed to make the cut this year, and connections will be dreaming of gaining valuable compensation in Scotland tomorrow.
Brian Hughes has enjoined a superb 2016/17 season, currently sitting second behind only Richard Johnson on 140 winners. This would represent the perfect ending to brilliant campaign for the go too man in the North.
GONE TOO FAR
OR: 129 Weight: 10-7
Trainer: D. Pipe
Jockey: M. Heard (5)
Switched to Pond House in the summer of 2016, Gone Too Far has only ran 3 times for his new connections, each time at Ludlow. Pulled up either side of a fourth placed effort in January, this looks a huge ask of the 9-year-old son of Kayf Tara.
In races of this nature we all know you can never say never. But it would be a fair surprise if Gone Too Far landed the spoils here. And the form of his trainer (0 from 24 in the last 14 days) certainly doesn’t enhance his claims.
FATHER EDWARD
OR: 128 Weight: 10-6
Trainer: D. Pipe
Jockey: D. Noonan
David Pipe’s second contender, who is also owned by Fergus Wilson, would certainly look the pick of the Pond House pair, arriving here after running fifteenth in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup at Cheltenham before a ninth placed effort in the Topham Chase at Aintree earlier this month.
It’s still not easy to see the Flemensfirth gelding playing a major role here, but at least he brings reasonable handicap form to the table.
MAN WITH VAN
OR: 127 Weight: 10-5
Trainer: P. Griffin
Jockey: A. Short (7)
Pulled up in the 2015 running of the race, Man With Van returned to the track after 13 months on the sidelines with an eighth place finish in a handicap hurdle at Navan in February, and provides Patrick Griffin with a second string to his bow tomorrow.
Lightly raced for his age, the 11-year-old runs off a mark of 129, which looks fair based on his form of 2 years ago. However it certainly won’t be easy on just his second start after such a layoff.
SUMMARY:
Vicente is the obvious starting point as he lines up off the same mark he carried to success last year. If non the worse for his early exit at Aintree, he should go very close in his title defence tomorrow.
Nicky Henderson has solid contenders in the form of Kim Muir third and sixth Premier Bond and Sugar Baron. Of the pair, i’d have a preference for the latter who looks well treated off a mark of 134 and can rely on the services of stable Jockey Nico De Boinville.
Of those at the bottom of the weights, Cogry and last year’s second Alvarado look the 2 who could make the most of the weight they receive from many of the main protagonists.
That said, SOUTHFIELD ROYALE looks dangerously well handicapped off a mark of 141 judged on his form as a novice last year, when easily scoring in Grade 2 company before a fine second placed Grade 1 effort at Kempton. He represents the in form partnership of Neil Mulholland, who does really well in staying events, and Noel Fehily, who has enjoyed another superb season. He’s the selection.
Of the novices, who do have a good record in this race, the Sue Smith trained VINTAGE CLOUDS really caught the eye before crashing out at the penultimate fence at the Cheltenham Festival. A mark of 134 certainly looks exploitable at some stage, and the 7-year-old’s performance behind Vieux Lion Rouge and Blaklion at Haydock in February shows he’s more than capable of mixing it with the big boys in open handicap company.
SELECTIONS:
Southfield Royale 10/1
Vintage Clouds 16/1
FOOTNOTE:
Obviously it’s also the Scottish Champion Hurdle at Ayr tomorrow, and whilst unfortunately I dont have the time to preview the race, I will give a strong mention to the Alan King trained Winter Escape.
Fifth in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, Winter Escape has always been held in high regard at Barbury Castle, and the 6-year-old could easily be dangerously well handicapped off a mark of 141 on this decent racing surface.
The son of Robin De Pres was the subject of a huge antepost gamble for the Grade 3 Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November but could only finish eleventh, despite being sent off a strong 3/1 favourite. The youngster reportedly returned home very sick, and wasn’t seen again until March.
A Grade 2 winner at Kempton in February 2016, Winter Escape could easily prove better than a mark of 141, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see plenty of market support. He may be favourite, but the 5/1 generally available looks a very fair price.
A typically competitive handicap, Paul Nicholls’ gallant old boy Zakandar tops the weights.
The Fergal O’Brien trained Barney Dwan could go well after a fine second placed effort in the Pertemps Final at last months Cheltenham Festival. Whilst the Phillip Hobbs trained pair For Good Measure and Golden Doyen, who finished ninth and twelfth respectively in the same contest, also look for compensation here.
Hobbs also runs the progressive No Comment, who rattled up a hat-trick of wins prior to finishing seventh in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle. He’s the choice of Barry Geraghty.
The Skelton’s team up with No Hassle Hoff, who could be interesting stepping out of novice company and into open handicap company off a reasonable looking mark of 134.
The hat-trick seeking Fountains Windfall represents the bang in form yard of trainer Anthony Honeyball. The progressive 7-year-old could be well treated off a mark of 137, and could go well with just 10-12 on his back.
Duke Street, Joe Farrell, Mr Mcgo, Dadsintrouble and the mare Morello Royale look further interesting contenders.
SUMMARY:
This really is a trappy looking event, with plenty of contenders holding fair claims for this Grade 3 prize. But the selection is FOUNTAINS WINDFALL, who represents his in form trainer Anthony Honeyball, and has some decent form in the book.
2.25BETWAY MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE2m4f (Grade 1)
This looks a seriously good renewal of this valuable 2 and a half mile contest, with Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle winner Finian’s Oscar at the head of the market.
Alan King’s Messire Des Obeaux ran a very creditable race when finishing third in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at Prestbury Park last month. Whilst Bordeaux Bill, Captain Forez, Le Breuil and Lough Derg Spirit arrive here having bypassed the Cheltenham Festival.
La Bague Au Roi tackles the boys after her seventh placed finish in the Mares’ Novice Hurdle in the Cotswolds. With Paul Nicholls Brio Conti, who won the consolation race at Kempton for horses who didn’t make the cut at Cheltenham, completing the field.
SUMMARY:
Le Breuil and Lough Derg Spirt should run well for Ben Pauling and Nicky Henderson respectively. And Messire Des Obeaux should also go well after a hugely successful campaign. I respect Captain Forez, but I see him more as a serious chasing prospect for later this year. However I was lucky enough to be at Sandown to witness FINIAN’S OSCAR’S Tolworth Hurdle victory in January, and although the form has taken a few knocks since, you can’t crab the manner in which he put the race to bed. He’s the selection.
3.00DOOM BAR MAGHULL NOVICES’ HURDLE1m7f176y (Grade 1)
Disappointingly, this race has cut up to just 5 runners, and only 4 of those appear to have a realistic chance of victory.
Kim Bailey’s Charbel is a short priced favourite after coming to grief at the penultimate fence when making the potential superstar Altior work for his victory in the Arkle Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham last month.
Brian Ellison is responsible for current second favourite Forest Bihan, who won the Grade 2 Lightning Novices’ Chase at Doncaster in January, form boosted by the second placed effort of Cloudy Dream at Aintree on Thursday.
Paul Nicholls fields both the flying grey Politologue and San Benedeto, who arrives in search of a 4-timer. Sam Twiston-Davies has elected to ride the former.
The Dunne’s team up with Colla Pier, who is the big priced outsider of the field.
SUMMARY:
There’s likely to be plenty of pace on up front as neither Charbel or Politologue like to hang around. The pair could easily battle out the finish, but, if they were to soften each other up with their exuberant leaps FOREST BIHAN could well be the one to take advantage.
3.40BETWAY HANDICAP CHASE 3m210y (Listed)
Again this looks a hugely competitive handicap heat, with David Pipe’s Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate fifth Starchitect leading the way.
Harry Whittington’s Emerging Force, who hasn’t been seen since finishing fourth behind Singlefarmpayment at Cheltenham in December, could go well. Especially as he attempted to concede 8lbs to his talented opponent in the Cotswolds.
Our Kaempfer could go well for Charlie Longsdon if finding some fluency in the jumping stakes. Whilst Value At Risk, who was well supported for the Close Brothers Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival before missing the race after picking up a knock at home could go very well for the Skelton partnership.
Thomas Brown and Sizing Codelco look to be on reasonable marks for Harry Fry and Colin Tizzard respectively, and could easily go well. And the same could be said about the Phillip Hobbs trained Lamb Or Cod, who will relish the decent ground.
Henri Parry Morgan could look very well treated off a mark of 138 given he finished second to subsequent Hennessy Cup and Welsh Grand National winner Native River in Grade 1 company at this meeting last year. The 9-year-old finished a 17 length second to Thursday’s Grade 1 Betway Bowl Chase winner Tea For Two at Exeter in February, and could go very well for the father and son combination of Peter and Sean Bowen.
Sue Smith’s I Just Know arrives here in search of a hat-trick. Whist Potters Legend and Rightdownthemiddle could also go well.
SUMMARY:
This looks a very competitive handicap on paper, and there could easily be a few well handicapped novices’ here. But HENRI PARRY MORGAN looks particularly well handicapped on the form of his effort at this meeting last year, and is therefore the selection.
4.20LIVERPOOL STAYERS’ HURDLE3m149y (Grade 1)
Champion Hurdle seventh Yanworth is a short priced favourite on his first attempt over 3 miles for Alan King and Barry Geraghty, after being outpaced in the 2 mile Championship at Cheltenham last month.
2015 World Hurdle (Stayers Hurdle) winner Cole Harden has been running well of late and is next in the betting. Whilst Coral Cup victor Supasundae and the Nigel Twiston Davies trained Balloptic, who won this Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at this meeting last year, are next in.
Paul Nicholls fields both 2015 Coral Cup winner Aux Ptits Soins and 2016 French Champion Hurdle victor Ptit Zig in a last gasp attempt to overhaul Nicky Henderson, who runs Different Gravey, in the Trainer’s Championship.
Snow Falcon is the second and last Irish trained contender in the field. Whilst Coral Cup second, and this season’s BetVictor Gold Cup winner, Taquin Du Seuil rates a lively outsider for Jonjo O ‘Neill.
Dan Skelton’s Three Musketeers and Oliver Sherwood’s Puffin Billy compete the 11 runner field.
SUMMARY:
I was expecting Yanworth to be campaigned over 3 miles this season, and having Barry Geraghty back on board is a definite plus. However he’s plenty short enough on his first attempt at the trip. Supasundae was mightily impressive when winning the Coral Cup last month and could have more to give over this longer trip. However the selection is BALLYOPTIC, who has been unlucky when falling twice this season, and looked a horse of great potential when grinding out a Grade 1 victory at this meeting last year. The presence of Champion Jockey Richard Johnson in the saddle is also a bonus.
5.15RANDOX HEALTH GRAND NATIONAL CHASE4m2f74y (Grade 3)
I’d have to be Mystic Meg to predict who will win the Grand National, and that seems pretty unlikely! So I’ll just run through a few contenders who I think could go well at big prices.
Of the market principles, Blaklion is the one who appeals most to me. Winner of the 2016 RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, the 8-year- old ran a fine race when second to Vieux Lion Rouge (who received 6lbs) in the Grand National Trial at Haydock in February. Recent Champion Hurdle and Champion Chase winning Jockey Noel Fehily takes the ride.
Grand National loving owner Trevor Hemmings has recently purchased last year’s Scottish Grand National winner Vicente, who could go well if returning to the form that saw him land the Scottish marathon at Ayr last April.
Last year’s Irish Grand National victor Rogue Angel gained some experience over these fences in the Becher Chase in December. He may have finished tenth, but the 3m1f trip was always going to be on the short side for the gutsy Gigginstown House Stud owned gelding. He could run well.
Venetia Williams’ Houblon Des Obeaux would be my final dart at the contest having slipped down to a mark of 142, which is a full 16lbs lower than this time last year. A consistent performer in graded staying events over the last few years, for once he won’t have to carry a welterweight burden (10-12), which could see the thoroughly likeable 10-year-old run a big race here.
We have a handicap hurdle confined to Conditional Jockeys to bring the curtain down on the 2017 Aintree Festival, and it looks just as tricky as the previous 2 handicaps on the card.
The Ian Williams trained So Celebre could prove popular after an impressive win at Ascot last weekend. Whilst Wakea, who led the field a merry dance in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham before being swallowed up by the field on the climb to the line.
Bridget Andrews rides the Dan Skelton trained Born Survivor, who has always been held in high regard at home.
Chesterfield, Master Of Finance and Curious Carlos could go well for Seamus Mullins, Malcolm Jefferson and Peter Bowen respectively. Whilst Gary Moore’s Darebin and Oliver Greenall’s Zalvados are interesting at the foot of the weights.
The Evan Williams trained John Constable has some decent form from last season, and looks fairly treated off a mark of 129. Conor Ring takes the ride.
The Grey Taylor is starting to look dangerously well handicapped for Brian Ellison, having reached a peak rating of 140 in 2015. If he could rediscover his form, he could go very well off a mark of 126.
Vosne Romanee, Robinshill, Highland Fling and Chieftain’s Choice are further interesting contenders.
SUMMARY:
It’s definitely worth having 2 horses on side in this competitive handicap, so I’ll be backing both JOHN CONSTABLE and THE GREY TAYLOR tomorrow as both look potentially well treated on previous form.
Day 2 gets underway with a hugely competitive handicap hurdle, as indicated by the current 10/1 the field.
North Hill Harvey is set to represent the Skelton brothers here after disappointing in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. Winner of the Grade 3 Greatwood Hurdle in November, the imposing son of Kayf Tara beat subsequent Lanzarote Hurdle victor Modus in a ding dong battle up the Cheltenham hill that day, leaving the impression that the 6-year-year had much more to offer.
Dan Skelton’s charge finished fourth in a red hot Top Novices’ Hurdle at this meeting last year, won by Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air, with Irish Champion Hurdler Petit Mouchoir in second, classy Listed scorer Limini in third and January’s Grade 2 Relkeel Hurdle winner Agrapart back in sixth. He could easily be better than his rating of 146.
Ben Pauling’s A Hare Breath returns to timber after a less that satisfactory round of jumping in the Arkle at Cheltenham last month. And could go well in the hands of David Bass off a mark 2lbs below his current rating over fences.
Runswick Royal lines up in search of a hat-trick after notching wins at Ayr and Kelso recently, with talented 3lbs claimer Ryan Day retaining his place in the saddle.
Ann Hamilton’s progressive 8-year-old returned in January after sitting out the best part of 16 months through injury, and is still 2lbs below his highest winning mark of 144. He could go well.
Tim Easterby and Bryan Hughes team up with former Cheltenham Festival winner Hawk High, who runs in the colours of Aintree enthusiast Trevor Hemmings.
Thirteenth in the Coral Cup last time out, the 7-year-old son of High Chaparral looks poised to strike off a decreasing mark of 138, and actually scored off the very same rating at Aintree in October 2014. Which also represented his second success at the Liverpool venue. He’s interesting here.
Thomas Campbell looks a strong contender for Nicky Henderson and Nico De Boinville here, having finished a fair fifth in the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle in the Cotswolds last month.
The 5-year-old son of Yeats could easily be well treated off a mark of 139, and he’s likely to prove a popular selection for those looking to get off to a winning start on Day 2.
Rather Be looks a solid second string for the Lambourn based trainer, with a second placed effort behind subsequent Triumph Hurdle seventh Coeur De Lion at Sandown looking like decent form.
He has to bounce back from unseating his rider in the Matrtin Pipe Conditionals Jockeys Handicap Hurdle, but he could easily go well here.
Paul Nicholls’ Zubayr looks to get back on track after a thirteenth placed finish in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury. Whilst Jeremiah McGrath will get the leg up on the Harry Whittington trained Bigmartre, who looked to be progressive when accounting for Drumcliff (second), Beltor (third), Wait For Me (sixth) and William H Bonney (eight) at Kempton over Christmas.
Geordie Des Champs could go well off a mark 135, having been extremely well backed for a Grade 2 contest won by subsequent Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle winner Willoughby Court at Warwick in January.
Coral Hurdle winner Ice Cold Soul should run well for Noel Meade and Bryan Cooper. Whilst Sumkindofking could look well treated for Tom George and Adrian Heskin, who are enjoying a fantastic season.
Mad Jack Mytton, Byron Flyer and Dream Berry look further interesting contenders.
SUMMARY:
There are plenty in with chances in this hugely competitive handicap, which virtually guarantees the winner will return at a fairly generous price. NORTH HILL HARVEY has to be backed on the strength of his form at this meeting last year, and looked like he had more to give when winning the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November.
I’ll also be backing Tim Easterby’s HAWK HIGH each way, with the 7-year-old having dropped to an appealing looking mark.
2.20CRABBIES’ TOP NOVICES’ HURDLE2m103y (Grade 1)
This is a race that Nicky Henderson has farmed in recent years, with Darlan (2012), My Tent Or Yours (2013), Josses Hill (2014) and Buveur D’Air (2016) all ensuring the prize has returned to Lambourn in 4 of the last 5 seasons.
Seven Barrows are set to be represented by River Wylde this year, who should go extremely well with Nico De Boinville on board.
Third in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last month, the classy son of Oscar travelled powerfully into the home straight before lacking the finishing kick of winner Labaik and runner up Melon after negotiating the last.
River Wylde won a competitive renewal of the Grade 2 Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle at Kempton on his penultimate start, beating Elgin, Peter The Mayo Man and Capitaine in the process, which makes the the 6-year-old look a solid contender for this Grade 1 prize tomorrow.
Moon Racer returns to novice company after being pulled up in the Champion Hurdle last month, and looks set to play a leading role with Supreme fourth Ballyandy positively advertising the form of his novice hurdle victories earlier this season by landing the ultra competitive Betfair Hurdle at Newbury in February.
A mistake at the top of the hill certainly didn’t help the talented 8-year-old’s chances on the big stage at Cheltenham, and Tom Scudamore ensured the gelding wasn’t knocked about when his chance had gone, which is a positive as far as his chances tomorrow are concerned.
The fact connections were brave enough to tackle the Champion over the Supreme at Cheltenham shows the regard in which the son of Saffron Walden is held at Pond House. He could prove hard to beat.
Malcom Jefferson won this event with the talented Cyrus Darius in 2015, and fields the potentially high class Mount Mews tomorrow, who has won 3 of his 4 starts in Novice Hurdles’ this term, including a 49 length success in Grade 2 company at Kelso last time out.
The Trevor Hemmings owned youngster is proven on ground ranging from good to heavy, so underfoot conditions are of no concern. And Brian Hughes, who is enjoying a superb season this far, must be looking forward to getting leg up on the imposing son of Presenting in Liverpool tomorrow.
American Gigolo, Bulkov, Chti Balko, High Street and The Unit complete the field.
SUMMARY:
Obviously Nicky Henderson holds a strong hand here, with Supreme Novice Hurdle third River Wylde set to represent the trainer who has a fantastic recent record in this race. Whilst Champion Hurdle runner Moon Racer could must go close for connections of Pond House if feeling no ill effects from his trip to Prestbury Park. But the vote goes to Malcolm Jefferson’s MOUNT MEWS, who looks a high class northern prospect with 3 wins achieved from 4 starts this term. The trainer won this with Cyrus Darius in 2015, and therefore knows what it takes to land this valuable prize.
Might Bite is set to be the star of the show here after compensating connections for his last fence fall in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas by landing the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in thrilling, and rather remarkable, fashion.
The hugely talented 8-year-old clearly has his quirks, but he was in the process of clocking a faster time than Thistlecrack managed in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day, and the manor in which he hung badly on the climb up the hill at Cheltenham before Nico De Boinville managed to straighten him up and pull the race out of the fire in the dying strides shows the size of the engine burning away in Nicky Henderson’s charge.
If his Cheltenham effort haven’t left a mark, the son of Scorpion should take all the beating here.
The chief threat to the favourite looks to be his stablemate Whisper, who was denied in the shadow of the post at Prestbury Park when it looked like the race had been handed to him by the antics of Might Bite after the last.
Dai Walters pride and joy landed the Grade 2 Dipper Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham on New Years Day, and is enjoying somewhat of a bromance with retained rider Davy Russell, with form figures of 112 since teaming up this season.
A dual winner of the Stayers Hurdle at this meeting, the 9-year-old clearly loves the course and should go well for his in form trainer and canny Jockey.
Calett Mad didn’t appear to stay the 4 mile trip in the National Hunt Chase, so the return to 3m1f should benefit the 5-year-old son of Axxos here. Whilst Marinero, who finished 3 and three quarter lengths behind the mighty King George winner Thistlecrack at Cheltenham in November, blundered and unseated at the third fence in the RSA Chase last month, and looks to gain compensation at Aintree tomorrow.
Dan Skelton’s Virgilio finished second in the Grade 1 Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton over Christmas, and boasts a record of 2 wins from 3 starts at the course over timber. He could go well at a price.
SUMMARY:
Might Bite is clearly a very talented horse after snatching victory from the jaws of defeat at Cheltenham last month. However dual Stayers Hurdle victor WHISPER, who finished second to his stablemate at Cheltenham, is the selection here, with the gelding enjoying a fine season. He can make it a fantastic Aintree treble in the hands of Davy Russell.
3.25JLT MELLING CHASE2m4f (Grade 1)
God’s Own returns to Aintree this year with the aim of defending the crown he claimed last term, having once again used the Champion Chase at Cheltenham as a springboard to Aintee and Punchestown in a bid to mirror his superb spring campaign of 2016 that saw the 9-year-old scoop Grade 1 honours on both sides of the Irish Sea.
Tom George’s stable stalwart finished fifth behind Specail Tiara at Cheltenham, where a bad error at 2 out all but ended the gelding’s chances just as Adrian Heskin looked set to play his hand on the seasoned campaigner.
The son of Oscar went down by just 1 and 3 quarter lengths at Aintree in October, when attempting to concede 16lbs to the Colin Tizzard trained Third Intention, who’s classy enough on his day, before finishing a close up third to Un De Sceaux in the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown, beaten just a length and a neck. He should go well here.
However Fox Norton provides stiff opposition for trainer Colin Tizzard and Jockey Robbie Power on the back of a sound second placed effort in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham. The improving 7-year-old chased the victor, Special Tiara,all the way to the line in the Cotswolds, and could go well for his Gold Cup winning owners Ann and Alan Potts.
The son of Lando made a mockery of a mark of 146 in October before scoring in Grade 2 company at Prestbury Park in November, where he picked up an injury that kept him off the track until February.
Fox Norton returned to finish second to the super exciting Altior in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury when possibly needing the run, and its possible the gelding will improve further for his Cheltenham exertions.
2015 Ryanair Chase winner Uxizandre made a hugely promising return to the track after the best part of 2 years on the sidelines when second to hugely impressive Ryanair Chase winner Un De Sceaux over 2 miles at Cheltenham in January.
It’s possible Alan King’s classy 9-year-old fell victim to the dreaded bounce factor when finishing seventh in his attempt to regain his Festival crown in the Cotswolds last month, and Barry Geraghty will be hoping the son of a Fragrant Mix can return to top form in this Grade 1 contest tomorrow.
The Gigginstown House Stud owned Sub Lieutenant represents this year’s Ryanair Chase form, having ran a big race to finish second behind the impressive winner Un De Sceaux.
Henry De Bromhead’s 8-year-old also boasts a third placed effort behind Djakadam in the Grade 1 John Durkan Chase, in addition to a fine second placed effort behind subsequent Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Sizing John in the Grade 3 Kinloch Brae Chase at Thurles in January. On form, the Brian Boru gelding looks a very strong contender.
Ryanair Chase fifth Josses Hill is set to represent Nicky Henderson’s Seven Barrows operation, and could run well if able to replicate the form of his Perterborough Chase victory in December.
Henderson has always held the 9-year-old in high regard, and the son of Winged Love appears to have finally got his act together over fences this season. The gelding landed the Grade 1 Top Novices Hurdle on this card in 2014, which shows his aptitude for this track. Nico De Boinville will do the steering.
Kerrie Lee’s Kylemore Lough looks to add to his Grade 1 success at Fairyhouse 12 months ago, arriving on the back of a light campaign that has only only seen the 8-year-old grace the track on 3 occasions.
Second to the re-opposing Royal Regatta at Ascot in November, they had prominent contender God’s Own back in third, and Kerry Lee’s imposing gelding has not disgraced himself in 2 subsequent efforts, finishing fifth when attempting to concede weight to all in the Caspian Cavair Gold Cup at Cheltenham, before filling the same position behind the much missed Many Clouds in the Cotswolds Chase in January. Jamie Moore will ride.
Champion Chase fourth Top Gamble will als represent Kerry Lee, with Davy Russell set to ride the gutsy 9-year-old again.
Third behind the aforementioned pair Un De Sceaux and Uxizandre at Cheltenham in January, the son of Presenting is yet to competeat Aintree, however rarely does he run a bad race.
Father and son combination Gary and Joshua Moore team up with the classy but fragile Trafic Fluide, who is yet to shine this term having finished last across the line twice from 3 starts.
6th in the Champion Chase at Cheltenham last month, the 7-year-old will need to up his game if harbouring aspirations of playing a part in the finish here.
SUMMARY:
God’s Own came to life in the spring last year and clearly enjoys his trips to Liverpool. Whilst Uxizandre could easily bounce back to form with the visor back on for Alan King and Barry Geraghty. However SUB LIEUTENANT’S form looks rock solid this season, and Henry De Bromhead’s 8-year-old can pick up the Grade 1 prize his efforts this season deserve.
4.05RANDOX HEALTH TOPHAM CHASE2m5f19y (Grade 3 Handicap)
Any race contested the National fences is a spectacle to behold, and the Topham is certainly no exception. There are any number of potential winners packed into the bumper field, as indicated by the current 10/1 the field offered by the majority of bookmakers. So finding the winner is no mean feat.
December’s Grand Sefton Handicap Chase could hold some clues, with winner As De Mee, second Seefood, third Henryville and eighth Vintage Vinnie all renewing rivalries in Liverpool tomorrow.
As De Mee gave Sean Bowen a terrific spin on the spruce fences that day, travelling strongly and jumping well to score by a clear 5 lengths.
The 7-year-old has run in hot events throughout his career to date, and Paul Nicholls will have him spot on for this assignment after a respectable second placed effort at Fontwell last time out.
Dr Richard Newland, who is no stranger to success over these obstacles having trained Pineau Du Re to win the Grand National in 2014, has booked Champion Jockey Richard Johnson to ride Seefood at Ainteee tomorrow, which is a clear indication of confidence connections have in the horse.
Formerly trained in Ireland by the late, great, Dessie Hughes and daughter Sandra, the 10-year-old has run respectably all season, finishing fifth at Cheltenham in October before scoring at Musselburgh next time out. He should go well in the hands of the champ.
Henryville would be the pick of the bunch on these revised terms, with an 8lbs pull at the weights with As De Mee and a 2lbs swing with Seefood making Harry Fry’s 9-year-old look an interesting proposition in this contest. The son of Generous has always hinted at ability, but sadly doesn’t seem easy to train and is simply hard to catch at the right time as a result.
Henryville had to make up plenty of ground in December, whilst As De Mee raced prominently throughout. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Paul Nicholls former student teach his master a lesson here.
Vintage Vinnine ran well for a long way before perhaps making his challenge too soon and fading. Yet to race since, Rebecca Curtis may have had this race in mind ever since. And if she has, he should go well.
Paul Nicholls also runs Bouvreuil, who has raced exclusively at Cheltenham this season, finishing a thoroughly respectable third place behind 2 clearly well handicapped novices in the form of Road To Respect and Baron Alco in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate at Cheltenham last month.
The talented son of Saddler Maker is yet to run a poor race over fences, and it’s quite possible the ball simply hasn’t bounced his way on a number of occasions. He could run a very tidy race here.
Colin Tizzard’s Third Intention finished third in this last year and returns with the aim of going 2 places better off a 7lbs lower mark.
The experienced 10-year-old beat God’s Own (receiving 16lbs) at Aintree in late October, which further demonstrates his liking for the course.
Jonjo O’Neill has 2 darts to aim at the prize he snaffled last year, with Eastlake returning in a bid to defend his crown, and the consistent Go Conquer, who finished a sound fifth place in the Ultima Handicap Chase at The Cheltenham Festival last month, joining him on the lorry.
Heart problems make it nigh on impossible to second predict how the JP McManus owned Eastlake will perform. But if you catch him on a going day he can be hard to peg back, as he showed in this race last year, and again at Cheltenham in December. Tenth in the Grand Annual last month, hopefully the 11-year-old will be on a going day tomorrow.
Katachenko is a very interesting contender for Grand National winning connections Donald McCain and Trevor Hemmings, having landed the Grade 3 Red Rum Handicap Chase off a 2lbs higher mark at this meeting last year. The son of Kutub is yet to taste success since scoring in that valuable contest 12 months ago, but did finish a respectable tenth place in the aforementioned Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate at Cheltenham last month, just a head behind the re-opposing and much more fancied Henryville.
He gets in here of a featherweight 10-0, and this could well have been the target since his victory at the meeting last year. He could be very interesting at a big price.
Nicky Henderson has farmed this race in recent times, boasting 3 victories in the last 4 years courtesy of Triolo D’Alene (2013), Ma Filleule (2014) and Radjhani Epress (2015). This year the master of Seven Barrows relies on the talented pair O O Seven and Gold Present, with stable jockey Nico De Boinville getting the leg up on the former.
The imposing son of Flemensfirth has won 2 of his 4 stars over fences this season, finishing a well beaten fifth in the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last month. Whilst Gold Present ran a huge race to finish second to the well handicapped Tully East in the Close Brothers Handicap Chase in the Cotswolds, and should make another bold bid off a 5lbs higher mark tomorrow. Both should go well.
Irish Cavalier and Bright New Dawn could run big races for Rebbeca Curtis and Venetia Williams respectively. Whilst Thomas Brown and Ballykan also look interesting for Harry Fry and Nigel Twiston-Davies.
Alelchi Inois, Clarcam and Mr Diablo are further interesting contenders having all travelled over from Ireland.
SUMMARY:
If you find the winner of this contest you’ll certainly be well rewarded. The Grand Sefton form looks solid, and at the revised weights HENRYVILLE looks to have sound claims for in form trainer Harry Fry.
However KATACHENKO also looks a fascinating contender given his victory at the meeting last year off a 2lbs higher mark for connections who love a winner over these spruce obstacles. He sneaks in at the foot of the weights, and could go very well.
4.40DOOM BAR SEFTON NOVICES HURDLE3m149y (Grade 1)
This race is often a gruelling contest, with stamina laden novices going to war over the extended 3 mile trip.
The Worlds End currently heads the betting for this Grade 1 prize, and was the cause of the commotion at the second last in the Albert Bartlett when scything through the field to mount what looked a serious challenge before his unfortunate demise.
Tom George’s son of Stowaway, who has won 3 of his 5 starts over timber, was victorious in the Grade 2 Prestige Novices’ Hurdle at Haydock in February, entering the notebooks of many a shrewd judge after recording an impressive 9 length victory from previous winner’s No Hassle Hoff and Ballyarthur. Whatever happens here, he looks to have a bright future.
Nicky Henderson’s Constantine Bay was perhaps the main casualty of the fall of The Worlds End at Cheltenham, suffering major interference before running on strongly to take fourth place having looked completely out of contention turning for home.
Winner of the Grade 2 River Don Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster in January, Cheltenham was the first time the gutsy 6-year-old has met with defeat, and the attitude he demonstrated to overcome his adversity will stand him in very good stead in his future career.
Colin’s Tizzard’s West Approach drops back in to novice company after being pulled up in the Grade 1 Stayers Hurdle at Cheltenham last month, and is easily the highest rated contender in the field with an official rating of 157.
His rating comes from his endeavours in open company, where he was in the process of running a big race behind multiple Grade 1 winner Unowhatimeanharry at Newbury before coming to grief at the last, and then when finishing a credible third to the same opponent in the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham in January. He should go well here if last months exertions haven’t taken too much out of him.
Supreme Novice Hurdle sixth and Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle seventh Beyond Conceit and Keeper Hill are set to try this trip for the very first time, and have bothed shaped as stayers in their on course efforts this term. Whilst Elegant Escape, who already looks a chaser of the future, will need to improve on his seventh placed finish in the Albert Bartlett last month to play a part here.
Ballymalin, Debece, Get On The Yager, Monbeg Charmer, Moulin A Vent and Testify complete the field.
SUMMARY:
Both The Worlds End and Constantine Bay look strong condenders here. But at a much bigger price, I’m going to side with the Warren Greatrex trained KEEPER’S HILL, who shaped as though he would appreciate this 3 mile trip when staying on well in the Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last month.
5.15WEATHERBYS PRIVATE BANK CHAMPION STANDARD OPEN NH FLAT RACE2m209y (Grade 2)
On paper this race looks like it will more than live up to the grade, with some seriously impressive bumper scorers set to battle it out in the day 2 closer.
Champion Bumper third and fifth, Claimantakinforgan and Western Ryder, will put the form of that Grade 1 event to the test here, representing the powerful bumper yards of Nicky Henderson and Warren Greatrex respectively.
The former won a maiden PTP 12 months ago, and enjoyed a successful start to life under rules at Haydock in November, before finishing sixth behind Warren Greatrex’s charge at Ascot 4 weeks later.
Second to the re-opposing Black Op (who received 7lbs) on his only other start, Claimantakinforgan finished 2 and a half lengths behind Tom George’s exciting prospect, and could put his experience to good use here.
Western Ryder has achieved a fair level of form in this discipline so far, with 2 victories and a gallant second placed effort when attempting to concede 21lbs to Nicky Henderson’s smart mare Daphne Du Clos in a Listed event at Newbury in February giving the impression he’s well above average.
The 5-year-old son of Westerner looks a very tough cookie. And as long as his Cheltenham exertions haven’t emptied the tank, he looks set to play another leading role at Aintree tomorrow.
The aforementioned Black Op will undoubtedly be popular here having shown a likeable attitude on his racecourse debut at Doncaster in February.
Winner of his sole PTP, the imposing son of Sandmason raced prominently before displaying too many gears for his contemporaries on the decent ground. He could easily play a starring role in the finish here.
And The New out-ran his 100/1 starting price when finishing seventh in the Cotswolds last month, and will once again be the mount of talented young Jockey Brendan Powell. Whilst debut winner Niceandeasy could go well for Keith Dalgleish and Brian Hughes if ready to tackle an event of this nature.
Harry Fry is another trainer who does well with his bumper horses, and runs the Paul and Clare Rooney owned If The Cap Fits after winning both of his starts to date at Plumpton and Taunton. The Milan gelding looks a real chasing type, and has displayed signs of inexperience despite winning with authority on both occasions. The 5-year-old bolted up under a penalty at Taunton last time out, and should run a good race for his in form trainer tomorrow.
Dual bumper scorer Loud And Clear respresents a first ride under National Hunt Rules for Derby-winning Jockey Martin Dwyer, who rides the Iain Jardine trained 6-year-old in honour of his late father, Martin snr.
The son of Dalakhani is owned by the Tapas Partnership, a syndicate that includes a number of the Dwyer families closest friends. It would certainly be a heartwarming story if Loud And Clear was to come home in front.
Victor Dartnall has booked Nick Scholfield to ride Run To Milan, who won his only start at Wincanton in determined fashion. Whilst Richard Johnson is a notable booking on Lalor, who got off the mark at the third time of asking after finishing second to Run To Milan on debut before filling the same position next time out.
Jump Jockey turned flat Graham Lee teams up with Rose Dobbin aboard Some Reign. Whilst Tom Scudamore is set to get the leg up on the Neil Mulholland trained Tikkanbar, who has won his last 2 starts nicely after a debut second at Ffos Las.
SUMMARY:
Western Ryder looks a solid contender based on this season’s form. Whilst If The Cap Fits certainly looks an exciting long term prospect. However BLACK OP is the selection after producing a smart display on his debut under rules, and looks fair value in a potential packed field.
On paper this looks a cracking contest to get the 2017 Grand National meeting underway, with both last months Arkle Novice Chase runner up Cloudy Dream and JLT Novice Chase second Top Notch set to do battle over the intermediate trip of 2m4f.
The Trevor Hemmings owned Cloudy Dream faced the unenviable task of lowering the colours of the 168 rated (170 prior to the race) Altior at Prestbury Park last month, and ran a superb race to finish just 6 lengths adrift of the potential superstar, whilst pulling 9 lengths clear of the third, Ordinary World.
Facile victories at Carlisle (beating subsequent dual winner Chidswell) and Haydock preceded a second placed effort behind none other than Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air in December, where Malcolm Jefferson’s talented 7-year-old attempted to concede 8lbs and only lost out by 3 and a quarter lengths. A very fair effort.
Second to Forest Bihan conceding 3lbs, Cloudy Dream was only beaten 1 and three quarter lengths in the Grade 2 Lightning Novices’ Chase at Doncaster in January, and beat that same opponent 17 lengths at Cheltenham off level weights last month. He looks a solid contender with Brian Hughes in the saddle.
Top Notch was terrier like in defeat at Cheltenham, battling on bravely up the hill after missing the second last and giving Yorkhill the hurry up on the run to the line. Many were concerned about his slight of stature when embarking on a career over fences, however after finishing third to Charbel and Le Prezien in early October Nicky Henderson’s talented 6-year-old wasted no time in rattling up a 4 timer, culminating in victory in the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown in February.
Rated 157, Top Notch is he highest rated contender in the field, and is deservedly favourite based on his Grade 1 victory over this trip at Sandown, with Daryl Jacob in the saddle and on his preferred better ground. He should go well.
Flying Angel trailed in last of the 6 to complete the course in the JLT, however that does not reflect the geldings true running, having been brought to a virtual standstill when badly hampered by the fall of Baily Cloud at the 11th which ended any chance the gelding had of victory.
The Nigel Twiston-Davies trained 6-year-old ran out an impressive winner of the Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices’ Chase at Warwick in February, and wasn’t given too hard a time at Cheltenham when the race was beyond him. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see the grey bounce back to form here.
Paul Nicholls relies on Frodon, whoarrives here fresher than some having skipped Cheltenham and boasts solid form in open company having landed the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup at Cheltenham in December, some feat for a then 4-year-old. 6 wins from 9 starts over fences reads well for the talented son of Nickname’s chances. He should go well.
Tom George and Adrian Heskin are responsible for last time out winner Max Ward, who finished a 20 length third to Altior in the Grade 1 Henry VIII Novices’ over 2 miles at Sandown earlier this season.
This represents a rise in class for the Milan gelding based on his recent assignments, and he may need a few to underperform if harbouring aspirations of success tomorrow.
Ben Pauling’s Cyrus Moriviere completes the field, but has failed to complete the course on his last 4 outings, and therefore looks one to swerve.
SUMMARY:
Top Notch is a very worthy favourite here after a gallant effort in defeat against the classy Yorkhill at Cheltenham. Whilst Paul Nicholls Frodon could also go well after skipping the Festival altogether. However CLOUDY DREAM ran a big race behind a potential superstar in Altior in the Arkle last month, and could improve for the extra yardage of this particular contest. He is the selection.
Apple’s Jade ran out an extremely impressive winner of this contest 12 months ago after finishing a good second to Ivanovich Gorbatov in the Triumph Hurdle at the Festival. However this year looks to be all about the Triumph winner, as the unbeaten Defi Du Seuil looks to take his unblemished record to 7 wins from as many starts after proving far too good for his contemporaries at Cheltenham.
It’s fair to say Phillip Hobbs’ son of Voix Du Nord has yet to be tested in his career to date, easily dispatching anything put before him when winning as he liked at Ffos Las, Chepstow and Cheltenham on 4 occasions. Therefore it goes without saying, the dual Grade 1 winner is very much the one to beat here.
Nicky Henderson’s Fred Winter runner up Divin Bere looks to be the biggest threat to the favourite here, having carried top weight at Prestbury Park, conceding 5lbs to the winner, Flying Tiger, and 9lbs to the third, Nietzsche, whilst only losing out by a neck at the line.
The 4-year old beat subsequent easy Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle winner Master Blueyes (who received 4lbs) on his only previous start in the UK in January, and underwent a breathing operation prior to running at Cheltenham. Noel Fehily will be on board the youngster, and he should run a tidy race for the Seven Barrows outfit.
Divin Bere’s conquer Flying Tiger is set to re-oppose here, with his trainer Nick Williams of the opinion that Aintree will be more to the youngster’s liking than Prestbury Park, which could make the Solider Of Fortune gelding an interesting proposition here at a double figure price.
Richard Johnson gave the experienced 4-year-old (7 runs, 3 wins) a very good ride at Cheltenham, settling him in rear before unleashing the 33/1 shot with a strong run up the inside to put his head in front in the final furlong, tactics which could be deployed again in Liverpool tomorrow.
Fourth in the Grade 2 Adonis Hurdle at Kempton in February, Flying Tiger is well worth a shot at Grade 1 company. And he could run very well granted a quick pace, which would aid the youngster to settle.
Dan Skelton’s Bedrock finished 4 and a half lengths behind Flying Tiger in the Adonis, which a fair performance given it was the gelding’s first start over timber.
Twice a winner in the flat for William Haggas, the son of Fastnet Rock showed enough promise on debut to warrant his place in this field. And whilst his lack of experience could be considered a negative, he arrives here fresh, which can only be a positive.
Owned by her Majesty the Queen, Forth Bridge has made a smooth transition to hurdling after performing to a respectable level on the flat for Michael Bell, backing up a solid debut effort when second to Triumph Hurdle seventh Coeur De Lion with back to victories at Musselburgh. He could go well for triainer Charlie Longsdon.
Landin, Nucky Thompson and Ronnie Baird complete the field.
SUMMARY:
It’s very hard to get away from DEFI DE SEUIL here, who is likely to prove the first leg of a green and gold double, or even treble for many, with both Buveur D’Air and On The Fringe likely to be sent off a short prices later on the card.
2.50BETFRED BOWL CHASE3m210y (Grade 1)
A small but classy field will go to post for the Betfred Bowl this year, set to be run on good to soft ground which shouldn’t hinder nor harm the chances of any of the contenders set to do battle. Cue Card won this race in splendid isolation last April,and the fan favourite is reportedly in fine form ahead of his attempted defence tomorrow.
It’s hard to believe that Cue Card arrives here on the back of the exact same preparation as last year, having departed the Gold Cup at the third last fence for the second year in succession. However that obviously didn’t harm the popular chasers chances here last year, so you couldn’t rule out Jean Bishop’s multiple Grade 1 winner gaining compensation in this valuable prize again tomorrow.
Impressive victories in the Betfair Chase and Ascot Chase this season show that the fire still burns brightly in the engine of the former King George winner. Paddy Brennan will be relishing the chance to once again banish the memories of March.
Tea For Two is another on a retrieval mission having unshipped Lizzie Kelly at just the second fence in the Gold Cup, which came as a great disappointment to both herself and step father Nick Williams.
A Grade 1 winner over fences as a novice, that victory came at Kempton, and therein lies the issue, as the gelding has always displayed his best form on right handed tracks. Therefore he looks worth opposing here.
Empire Of Dirt is the only Irish trained contender in the field, and Gordon Elliott will be keen get the 10-year-old back to winning ways after a below par effort when finishing fourth in the Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham.
Winner of the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate 12 months ago, the son of Westerner has continued his progression this term by landing the hugely competitive Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan in November, before running a huge race to finish three quarters of a length behind subsequent Gold Cup winner Sizing John in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown in early February.
Elliott was mad keen to run his change in the blue riband event last month, however owner Michael O’Leardy has very different ideas. Stepping back up in trip, Empire Of Dirt is a serious challenger here.
Gold Cup seventh Bristol De Mai is another contender who will be hoping to regain the winning thread, having looked a potential star when blowing away a strong looking field in the always competitive Grade 2 Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock in January.
The imposing grey gelding was found to be wrong after subsequently disappointing behind Native River in the Denman Chase at Newbury, and travelled well for a long way in the Gold Cup before the protagonists upped the ante and pulled away from Simon Munir and Isaac Souede’s 6-year-old.
There is a train of thought that Bristol De Mai has a strong preference for soft ground and Haydock (2/2 at the track, recording 32L and 22L victories). However he has shown a reasonable level of form on good to soft ground at a number of venues.
Smad Place finished one place behind the Bristol De Mai last month, and returns here in an attempt to go 3 places better than when fourth to Paul Nicholls’ dual King George winner Silviniaco Conti in 2015.
The gorgeous grey is without a victory since landing the Cotswolds Chase at Cheltenham in January of the same year, but has run consistently in top class staying chases’ ever since. Including seventh and third placed efforts in the Hennessy Gold Cup and this year’s Cotswolds Chase respectively this term. He’s sure to run his race once again.
Silviniaco Conti scooped this prize in both 2014 and 2015, but it’s possible age is catching up with Paul Nicholls’ stable stalwart this term, with a fourth placed effort in the Betfair Chase, and a third placed finish in the King George the highlights of a winless campaign thus far.
Regular Jockey Noel Fehily will be on board, with the 11-year-old looking to add to his 3 victories at this meeting (won the Mildmay Novices’ Chase in 2012). He arrives here fresh having been off the track since finishing fourth in the Cotswolds Chase in January, which could certainly be considered a positive as the majority of the field endured the gruelling Gold Cup test last month.
The Venetia Williams trained Aso completes the field, and has to be worth a second glance after his third place finish in the Ryanair last month.
Whether the 7-year-old possesses the requisite class to play a role here remains to been seen, but the Goldneyev gelding certainly warrants his place in the field following a string of fine performances this season.
SUMMARY:
Cue Card ran out a hugely impressive winner of this contest last year, and looks set to put up another bold showing here in the hands of trusty partner Paddy Brennan. However EMPIRE OF DIRT should relish stepping back up to 3 miles after his fourth placed effort in the Ryanair Chase, and holds very strong claims on his narrow defeat at the hoofs of Gold Cup winner Sizing John in the Irish Gold Cup in February.
3.25DOOM BAR AINTREE HURDLE 2m4f (Grade 1)
Unfortunately Annie Power will not be returning to Liverpool in a bid to defend the crown she so brilliantly claimed in this Grade 1 contest last year. However, Buveur D’Air will attempt to emulate the magnificent Mare by following up his impressive Champion Hurdle romp with success in the Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle tomorrow.
Nicky Henderson’s talented 6-year-old returned to timber at Cheltenham after recording 2 victories over fences this winter, and breezed into the lead on the run towards 2 out, before crossing the line 4 and a half length ahead of his opposition in the hands of Noel Fehily.
Third in last season’s Supreme Novice Hurdle, Buveur D’Air took Grade 1 honours in the Top Novices Hurdle here 12 months ago, accounting for Champion Hurdle third Petit Mouchoir, Mares’ Hurdle third Limini, Greatwood Hurdle winner North Hill Harvey and Relkeel Hurdle victor Agrapart in the process. He should take plenty of beating here.
Nigel Twiston-Davies’ stable stalwart The New One lines up for the fourth time in 5 year, having finished second in 2013 before landing the spoils 12 months later. He did, however, crash out at the fifth last term.
A brace of Grade 2 victories at Cheltenham and Haydock this term were split by a fine second placed effort in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. And the King’s Theatre gelding arrived here on the back of a fine fifth placed finish behind Buveur D’Air in the Champion Hurdle.
The extra yardage here will be a huge bonus for the former Neptune winner, and his trusty partner Sam Twiston-Davies will no doubt be looking to utilise the 9-year-old’s potent blend of speed and stamina to best effort tomorrow.
My Tent Or Yours followed Annie Power home last April after a fine runner up effort in the Champion Hurdle following the best part of 2 years off the track. Second in the main event at Cheltenham again last month, the JP McManus owned 10-year-old is set for another spin around Aintree tomorrow.
The Desert Prince gelding finished second to fellow competitor The New One at Cheltenham in December, before running a respectable race in the Christmas Hurdle to finish fourth, when a mistake at the last did the gallant old campaigner no favours, even if there were only minor honours up for grabs. He could run well once again.
Henry De Bromhead’s Identity Thief returns to timber after a luckless winter spent novice chasing. Sixth in the 2016 Champion Hurdle, the 7-year-old son of Kayf Tara looked to have made a smooth transition to fences after notching up 2 smooth victories at Punchestown in late autumn, however it’s all been down hill from that point.
Pulled up in Grade 1 company over Christmas, the gelding unseated his rider at the first fence when next sighted at Leopardstown, and could only finish fourth when beaten 24 and three quarter lengths early last month.
De Bromhead will be hoping a return to the smaller obstacles will reignite the flame in his formerly promising young charge, but he’s hardly enjoyed a smooth campaign this term, and he certainly won’t be afforded any favours at Aintree tomorrow.
Rashaan, who has been the subject of much debate in handicapping circles this season, lines up for Irish handler Colin Kidd, and could perform better than his price suggests if running to the form of his Down Royal victory in November when lowering the colours of Mares’ Hurdle winner Apples Jade and subsequent dual Grade 1 winner, and Champion Hurdle third, Petit Mouchoir.
Paul Nicholls former Greatwood Hurdle winner Old Guard completes the field, and arrives here on the back of a creditable seventh place finish in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham last month. This, however, will demand a lot more.
SUMMARY:
It’s very hard to look past the Champion Hurdle hero BUVEUR D’AIR here, especially given the manner of his Festival success. His performance at this meeting last year also reads very well, and the extra yardage shouldn’t be an issue as he’s bred to get this extended trip.
4.05RANDOX HEALTH FOXHUNTERS’ CHASE 2m5f19y (Class 2)
On The Fringe has landed this event in each of the last 2 years, and Enda Bolger’s Hunter Chasing star returns in search of an awesome Aintee hat-trick, having failed in his gallant attempt to achieve the same feat at Prestbury Park last month.
Jamie Codd rode the 12-year-old over the spruce fences last April, and will bid to emulate his sparkling success tomorrow, with Aintree arguably playing to the strengths of On The Fringe more than Prestbury Park ever has.
Victory for the son of Exit To Knowhere would without doubt be a roof raiser at Aintree, not only because he looks set to be sent off favourite, but also because there’s nothing the National Hunt faithful love more than a champion over the unique Aintree fences. What a party it would be!
However Pacha Du Polder, who successfully wrestled the crown from the head of On The Fringe at Cheltenham, will be looking to play the role of party pooper once again, as Bryony Frost looks to steer the Paul Nicholls’ trained second favourite to a memorable Foxhunters double.
The 10-year-old came home a distant sixth in this contest last year, but will arrive this year race brimming with confidence following his Cheltenham success. He’s sure to have his supporters.
Balnaslow ran a fine race to finish fifth at Prestbury Park last month, especially as it later transpired the gelding had lost a shoe during the race, but still kept on well for pressure after attempting to make all in the hands of top amateur Derek O’Connor.
Graham McKeever’s son of Presenting should relish the decent underfoot conditions, and could easily go well under the leading amateur once again.
Rebel Rebellion provides Paul Nicholls’ with a fair second string to his bow. However he does need to overcome a very lacklustre effort when last seen on the track at Leicester in February if he harbours ambitions of being involved in the shake up here.
In the 12-year-old’s defence, that was a second quick run after a lengthy time on the sidelines, and it could be a case of the dreaded bounce factor resulting in the gelding’s poor showing. Time will tell.
Peter Bowen sent out Dineur to finish second in this race last year, and the gallant 11-year-old returns with the aim of going one place better under his talented amateur jockey James King, who knows the gelding well having ridden him on more that one occasion, most recently when finishing second at Chepstow 2 weeks ago, which should have put him spot on for this assignment.
Black Thunder will be the mount of Sam Waley-Cohen this year, who boasts an impressive CV over these unique spruce fences, with the Gold Cup winning amateur a 6 time winner over this course. The most of any jockey in the modern era.
Pulled up in the Grand National last April, the Warren Greatrex trained 10-year-old won first time out for his new connections before being turned over at prohibitive odds of 1/8 next time out.
Pulled up when contesting the Festival Foxhunters last month, the gelding lost a shoe that day, which may account for his below par performance. He could easily prove a popular each way alternative here, especially given his jockeys’ accomplished record over the fences.
Bear’s Affair, Big Fella Thanks, Loch Ba, Mendip Express and Poole Master are further notable contenders.
SUMMARY:
It would be no surprise if ON THE FRINGE gained revenge on Pacha Du Polder for his Cheltenham defeat last month, especially as these fences appear to bring out the best in Enda Bolger’s pride and joy.
Whilst last year’s second DINEUR could be the one for each way backers, having put up a respectable effort when hinting at a return to form in a Hunters’ Chase at Chepstow last month, conceding at least 7lbs to the majority of his rivals.
4.40BETFRED RED RUM HANDICAP CHASE 1m7f176y (Grade 3)
Always a competitive heat, this contest will be run at a fair old clip, and therefore favours a horse who can jump and travel at speed whilst possessing the stamina to battle all the way to the line.
Arthur Moore’s Dandridge finished second here 12 months ago after filling the same position in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham, and the gelding will be aiming to go one place better after a fourth placed effort in the corresponding Festival race this term.
Davy Russell will again be tasked with doing the steering, with the 8-year-old set to compete off the same mark (142) he lined up off last year. He holds an obvious chance.
Theinval finished one place ahead of Dandridge at Cheltenham, and should go well again for Nicky Henderson here.
The 7-year-old son of Smadoun doesn’t look the easiest of rides, but definitely possesses the ability to land a contest of this nature. Nico De Boinville will be in the saddle.
The ultra consistent Gino Trail is set to represent Kerry Lee and Jamie Moore after 3 wins and as many second placed efforts from 7 starts over fences this term.
A 2 and a quarter length second to Champion Hurdler Buveur D’Air at Warwick in December arguably rates the 10-year-old’s best piece of form, especially as the son of Perugino attempted to concede 6lbs Nicky Henderson’s Cheltenham hero.
Second to Flying Angel in the Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices’ Chase back at Warwick in February, a mark of 145 may be exploitable given the geldings low mileage.
Northern supremo’s Malcolm Jefferson and Brian Hughes team up with Double W’s, who was last seen finishing 9th in the Close Brothers Handicap Chase on Day 1 of the Cheltenham Festival, travelling prominently before weakening on the charge up the hill.
The imposing Chestnut gelding won his first 2 starts over fences in October, and connections were understandably excited about the season ahead. If Double W’s is to achieve the heights once dreamed of by his nearest and dearist, a mark of 139 would have to be workable. And a return to this 2 mile trip could make all the difference.
Foxtail Hill was sent off favourite for that 2m5f handicap at Cheltenham, but departed the scene early in the piece when making a mistake and crashing out with a circuit left to run.
Nigel Twiston-Davies’ 8-year-old had recorded back to back victories prior to setback, with the form of his latest success being boosted by both the second placed Saphir Du Rheu and third placed Tenor Nivernais subsequently. If showing no ill affects from Cheltenham fall, he will surely make a bold bid once more.
Bun Doran is another to come out of that Festival race, running a decent race before being unable to quicken up the hill and eventually finishing sixth.
Tom George’s change looks fairly treated off a mark of 139, but it’s possible he’ll be seen to better effect next season with another summer at grass under his belt.
The Paul Nicholls trained Romain De Senam missed the cut for the same contest, and heads heads to Aintree in search of compensation.
Sam Twiston-Davies will ride the 5-year-old who is 5lbs well in on his Juvenile hurdle form of last season.
Astre De La Cour could prove popular for trainer Robert Walford after a fine effort behind subsequent Grand Annual runner up Gardefort at Wincanton in February.
The 7-year-old has been in fine form this season, boasting form figures of 122 from his last 3 starts. He could be interesting.
Henry De Bromhead’s Alisier D’Irlande is set to shoulder the burden of top weight after an all the way win at Naas in February, finishing 10 lengths clear of useful yardstick Pairofbrowneyes.
The 7-year-old has faced some stiff tasks in his career to date, and clearly appreciated the drop in grade when bolting up last time out. He could run a big race here.
Doitforthevillage, Yorkist, Parsnip Pete, Rock On Rocky, Ravens Tower and Witness In Court complete the field.
SUMMARY:
Dandridge should go well off the same mark he competed off last term. Whilst Gino Trail and Foxtail Hill could have a say if getting into a rhythm on this decent ground. DOUBLE W’S should appreciate this drop in trip and could therefore run a big race for his leading northern connections. And off a mark of 139, he’s the selection.
5.15GOFFS NICKEL COIN MARES’ STANDARD OPEN NH FLAT RACE2m209y (Grade 2)
The improvements implemented to the mares program in recent years has greatly benefited contests such as this, with a host of potentially classy maes set to go to post in the closer on Day 1.
Warren Greatrex does incredibly well with his bumper horses, and is responsible for the current favourite Petticoat Tails, who finished second to smart mare Cap Soleil (who received 4lbs) at Sandown last time out.
Two impressive victories preceded that Sandown effort, and connecttions will be hopeful the daughter of Presenting can reverse the form having only lost out by a battling half a length. Gavin Sheehan will do the steering.
Martello Park (fourth) and Oscar Rose (seventh) are further contenders to have run in that Sandown contest, and it goes without saying that each would have a fair chance or reversing the form with the mare at the head of the market.
Martello Park, who finished just 2 and three quarter lengths behind impressive Cheltenham Champion Bumper winner Fayonagh on debut, boasts plenty of experience for Mags and Danny Mullins. And therefore could run well.
Whilst Oscar Rose represents the burgeoning yard of Fergal O’Brien, who finished a decent fourth behind fellow competitor Irish Roe at Cheltenham in November. O’Brien has emjoyed a great season in bumpers, and it wouldn’t be a huge shock if his good form continued.
Irish Roe is set to represent Peter Atkinson and Henry Brooke, and is much better than her twentieth placed finish in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham last month suggests.
The 6-year-old carried an unblemished 3-3 record into that Grade 1 contest, including a dead-heat victory at Cheltenham in November, where the daughter of Vinnie Roe showed a potent turn of foot on the run to the line. She could easily bounce back here.
Brendan Powell senior teams up with Brendan Powell junior as the unbeaten daughter of Black Sam Bellamy, Sweetlittlemystery,looks to secure a hat-trick of bumper wins in this prestigious Grade 2 contest.
The talented 6-year-old has shown a nice attitude on the track, conceding weight to the majority of here opponents on each occasion and battling past her contemporaries on the charge to the line. It’s hard to know how good she could be.
Nicky Henderson bagged this prize with the smart Kayf Grace 12 months ago, and it should be noted that his sole representative this year is Polly’s Pursuit, who didn’t show much in 2 runs on turf, but has shown improved form on the All Weather surface at Lingfield recently.
A comfortable 7 length success in late January preceded a second placed effort behind the potentially smart The Big Bite (received 3lbs) when returning to the track in March. If building on those efforts on her return to turf, the 5-year-old could easily play a part here.
Davy Russell is set to partner the Shane Crawley trained Sassy Diva tomorrow, who is yet to score in 4 starts under rules, but does boast placed form behind talented performers such as recent Newbury scorer Snow Leopardess, Gordon Elliott’s Three Swallowsnick and the aforementioned Fayonagh.
Form such as this makes the daughter of Kalanisi look an interesting each way contender at a double figure price, especially with the canny Russell booked to guide her around.
Brian Ellison runs the flat bred mare Shearling, who proved she stays this trip when winning a 2 mile event in soft ground at Catterick last time out.
The dual purpose trainer recently gave the daughter of Rail Link a glowing report in a stable tour for the Racing Post Weekender, and Champion Jockey Richard Johnson has been booked to ride the talented 4-year-old.
Mountain Path is the only horse to have beat to have Shearling (who gave 6lbs), when making a successful start to life on the racetrack for Micky Hammond in January.
Transferred to Jonjo O’Niell subsequently, it’s interesting that the promising 4-year-old is making her stable debut so quickly and in such a prestigious contest, something that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Skewiff, Redemption Song, Scopion Princess and Maria’s Benefit are further interesting contenders.
SUMMARY:
Petticoat Tails looks a very smart mare, and represents powerful connections when it comes to contests of this nature. Whilst Irish Roe is much better than she showed at Cheltenham last month and could easily return to form here. However the selection is SHEARLING, who has won 3 of her 4 starts for Brian Ellison, and will have the assistance of Champion Jockey Richard Johnson.
I’ll also being having a small each investment on Jonjo O’Neill’s MOUNTAIN PATH, given the form with Shearling and the fact that connections feel she’s up to this after just one run and after being transferred recently.
