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Post by banger on Apr 3, 2014 21:03:22 GMT
Friday: Going, weather and non-runners LEICESTER GOING: GOOD TO SOFT (GoingStick 6.3) (False rail from the top of the hill on the back straight all the way to the winning line, this has increased all the round course races by 17 yards)
WEATHER (Showers)
STALLS Straight - Stands' side; Round - Inside
NON RUNNERS 2:20 Smugglers Lane (9), 2:55 Black Vale (1), 5:15 Viva Vettori (9) AINTREE GOING: Mildmay & Hurdle - GOOD; National - GOOD TO SOFT (Good in places) (GoingStick: Mildmay 7.1, Hurdle 6.8, National 6.6)
WEATHER (Partly cloudy) SEDGEFIELD GOING: Chase course - SOFT (Good to soft in places); Hurdle course - GOOD TO SOFT (Soft in places) (GoingStick: Chase 6.3, Hurdle 6.9)
WEATHER (Showers)
NON RUNNERS 5:05 Topo Gigio (10) WOLVERHAMPTON GOING: STANDARD
WEATHER (Showers)
STALLS 7f - Outside; Remainder - Inside
NON RUNNERS 6:25 Powerful Pierre (2)
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 4, 2014 8:19:31 GMT
Aintree, 3 April 2014
2.30, second race
The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference approaching the second last fence. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that FIRST LIEUTENANT (IRE), placed fourth, ridden by Barry Geraghty, had interfered with DYNASTE (FR), placed second, ridden by Tom Scudamore. The Stewards found Geraghty in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that he allowed his mount to shift right handed without taking sufficient corrective action. They suspended him for 1 day as follows: Thursday 17 April 2014.
3.05, third race
The Stewards held an enquiry into the use of the whip by A. P. McCoy, the rider of DIAKALI (FR), placed third, from the second last hurdle. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found him in breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 in that he had used his whip above the permitted level. The Stewards suspended McCoy for 4 days as follows: Thursday 17, Saturday 19, Sunday 20 and Monday 21 April 2014.
3.40, fourth race
The Stewards held an enquiry into the use of the whip by Mr D. Skehan, the rider of MOSSEY JOE (IRE), placed third, from the final fence. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found him in breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 in that he had used his whip above the permitted level. They suspended Mr Skehan for 11 days, on dates which will be notified to him by the British Horseracing Authority.
4.15, fifth race
The Stewards held an enquiry into the running and riding of CHANGING THE GUARD, ridden by Denis O’Regan and trained by Dr Richard Newland, which was well behind in the early stages of the race before staying on from two out under apparent tender handling, to finish eighth beaten 18 ½ lengths. They interviewed the rider and the trainer. They also heard observations from the Handicapper. The rider stated that his instructions were to make the running. However, he added that when the runners lined up the gelding was reluctant to go forward and therefore he lost his position. He further added that having got behind when trying to make ground in the latter stages, CHANGING THE GUARD hung left handed and did not jump fluently. The trainer confirmed that he wanted CHANGING THE GUARD to make the running and was disappointed that he had missed the break at the start. He added that the gelding has a history of hanging left. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards noted their explanations.
The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, PARSNIP PETE, ridden by Paddy Brennan and trained by Tom George, compared with its previous run at Ludlow on 20 March 2014, where the gelding finished sixth of eight beaten 11 ¾ lengths. They noted the trainer’s explanation that the gelding is better suited by the sounder surface. They ordered PARSNIP PETE to be routine tested.
5.25, seventh race
The Stewards held an enquiry into the running and riding of CROWNING JEWEL, ridden by James Reveley and trained by Keith Reveley, which finished sixteenth beaten 37 ¼ lengths. They interviewed the rider and also heard observations from the Handicapper. The rider stated that his instructions were to try a change of tactics from the gelding’s usual way of being ridden and to settle him in. He added that he was happy with his position in the early stages of the race but that CROWNING JEWEL failed to pick up when asked for an effort in the home straight. He further added that it was likely that the gelding would go chasing in future. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards noted his explanations.
03/04/2014
Wolverhampton, 3 April 2014
5.45, first race
The Stewards held an enquiry into the running and riding of ARTEMIS (IRE), ridden by Shelley Birkett and trained by Conrad Allen, which finished third beaten 6 ¾ lengths, having been held up until approaching the final furlong. They interviewed the rider and the trainer. They also received a report from the Veterinary Officer, and observations from the Handicapper. The rider stated that her instructions were to get the filly settled in behind and make her run gradually, aiming to ride ARTEMIS (IRE) for speed. She added that the filly was slightly slow away, but made her ground well enough; however the filly did not pick up when asked for an effort inside the final furlong. The trainer stated that ARTEMIS (IRE) needs to get cover as she tends to run very keenly in her races and has to be produced late. He further added that in his opinion she was unsuited by the surface. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards noted their explanations.
8.45, seventh race
The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference approaching the first bend. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that SPIC ‘N SPAN, unplaced, ridden by Luke Morris, had interfered with DEAR BEN, unplaced, ridden by Andrew Mullen. The Stewards found Morris in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that he allowed his mount to drift left. They suspended him for 2 days as follows: Thursday 17 and Friday 18 April 2014.
03/04/2014 =============================================
Lingfield Park, 3 April 2014
2.55, third race
Richard Kingscote, the rider of DON SIGFREDO (IRE), unplaced, reported that the colt was slowly away.
Adrian Nicholls, the rider of PICKLE LILLY PEARL, unplaced, reported that the filly was slowly away.
5.15, seventh race
Rhiain Ingram, the rider of SALIENT, placed third, reported that the gelding suffered interference in running.
03/04/2014
Taunton, 3 April 2014
2.45, second race
David England, the rider of STELLA’S FELLA, which was pulled up, reported that the gelding hung very badly left handed.
5.05, sixth race
Sarah-Jayne Davies, the trainer of CAPISCI (IRE), which was pulled up, reported that the gelding was unsuited by the good, good to soft ground.
03/04/2014
Aintree, 3 April 2014
4.50, sixth race
Sam Twiston-Davies, the rider of DODGING BULLETS, unplaced, reported that the gelding ran flat.
5.25, seventh race
Richard Johnson, the rider of RETURN SPRING (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding felt wrong.
03/04/2014
Wolverhampton, 3 April 2014
7.15, fourth race
Silvestre De Sousa, the rider of SKYTRAIN, placed second, reported that the gelding did not face the kickback.
Charlotte Jenner, the rider of IDOL DEPUTY (FR), unplaced, reported that the gelding did not face the kickback.
Paul Mulrennan, the rider of MY SINGLE MALT, placed third, reported that the gelding jumped left leaving the stalls.
8.15, sixth race
Richard Kingscote, the rider of DRIFTER (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding ran too free.
03/04/2014 ==========================================
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 4, 2014 8:26:09 GMT
Waley-Cohens in for the Long haul Owner Robert Waley-Cohen and his jockey-son, Sam, have enjoyed tremendous success over the Aintree fences but it could all pale into insignificance if Long Run wins the first £1million renewal of the Crabbie's Grand National tomorrow. Katarino twice claimed the Fox Hunters', Liberthine landed the Topham Chase and was fifth in the National, while Oscar Time also came very close when second in the main event. As recently as Thursday, Warne led from pillar-to-post to give the Waley-Cohens another success in the Fox Hunters'. Long Run is searching for his own piece of history as no horse as ever won the King George at Kempton, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the biggest race of them all in Liverpool. While the Nicky Henderson-trained nine-year-old may not be the force of old, there is no doubt he has been given a chance by the handicapper. "There are always nerves ahead of the National, ahead of all the big races, and I think if there aren't you are in the wrong sport. Myself and Sam have enjoyed plenty of luck over the fences in the past, but I still get a tingle ahead of the National as it's a great race," said Robert Waley-Cohen. "Clearly he has deteriorated since his days of beating Kauto Star and Denman in the Gold Cup, but he has been handicapped accordingly. All you can wish for is a clear run and then take it from there." Sam Waley-Cohen, who remains an amateur rider, said: "We schooled him over the National-type fences last week and he jumped really well. He's in great form." Tony McCoy faced a choice between the Ted Walsh-trained Colbert Station, who unseated him at the Chair last year, and Double Seven, winner of the Munster National and trained by Martin Brassil, who saddled Numbersixvalverde to glory in 2006. The jockey finally went for Double Seven, with Brassil hoping for no more rain. "Everything seems to have gone well with him and we're happy to be here. I just hope they don't get too much rain. The ground is very important to him and if it went heavy there'd be no point in even running him. Hopefully it's no worse than good to soft," said the County Kildare handler. "I'm not sure I'd given his jockey a whole lot of thought, I left all that up to the best judge in the business. Tony has ridden him before so it's not as if he is going in blind. The form of his Munster National win was done no harm when Spring Heeled won the Kim Muir, so that was nice to see." Walsh said of Colbert Station: "Last year he didn't run a good race in it. He was never really travelling and he jumped a bit erratic, this year hopefully he'll take to it a bit better." Teaforthree gave connections a huge thrill when third 12 months ago and is another who appears to have been leniently treated. The 10-year-old ran a perfectly respectable race in the Gold Cup and trainer Rebecca Curtis thinks he heads to Aintree in even better shape than last year. "He took to the Grand National fences last year. Teaforthree likes the ground on the softer side of good. Everybody thinks he needs heavy ground, but he doesn't. I thought he ran a blinder in the Gold Cup, it was the ideal prep run. We didn't want to go seven weeks after his run at Ascot and I think it put him spot-on," said the Newport handler. "He looks really tight without being over-drilled. I'd have to say I think he's in better form than last year. He ran a great race at Ascot, it usually takes him two or three runs to hit peak form. It's one of those races where you need lots and lots of luck, so we just hope for that." ================================================ Boy chasing Grade One double Rebecca Curtis is confident Cheltenham Festival hero O'Faolains Boy remains at the top of his game ahead of the Betfred Mobile Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree today. The seven-year-old stayed on determinedly up the Prestbury Park hill to deny Smad Place in an RSA Chase thriller last month, prevailing by a neck in the hands of Barry Geraghty in what is notoriously a tough race for novice chasers. He turns out a little over three weeks later on Merseyside and his trainer insists her gelding's homework suggests his Cheltenham exertions have not taken their toll. Curtis said: "He came out of his Cheltenham race really well - he seems nice and fresh. It's always at the back of your mind, how much the Cheltenham race has taken out of him, and you never really know until they race again, but he's not acting like a tired horse at home anyway. "He showed at Cheltenham what he can do and hopefully he'll run another big race." The Oliver Sherwood-trained Many Clouds ran a fine second behind O'Faolains Boy in the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot in February, conceding weight, but was brought down by Don Cossack in the RSA. Sherwood said: "He's been fine since Cheltenham and seems in great order at the moment. It was boring what happened at Cheltenham, but those things can happen and it might actually work in our favour, as he ended up hardly having a race. "O'Faolains Boy franked the Reynoldstown form by winning the RSA and we were giving him 4lb at Ascot. Our horse has schooled a couple of times since and hasn't missed a day, so we're happy. "I wouldn't mind a drop of rain, but I think they're going to get that. He's entitled to be in the field and we'll see what happens." Don Cossack also reopposes in this three-mile-one-furlong Grade One contest. His trainer Gordon Elliott said: "He seems in good form and has done plenty of schooling since Cheltenham. It's a competitive race, but we're hoping he can run well. The ground should be fine for him." O'Faolains Boy is not the only Cheltenham winner in the field, with Jonjo O'Neill saddling Festival handicap winner Holywell, with Tony McCoy taking over in the saddle from Richie McLernon. Paul Nicholls runs RSA Chase seventh Just A Par and JLT Novices' Chase fifth Wonderful Charm, ridden by Nick Scholfield and Sam Twiston-Davies respectively. ===================================================== See-ing is believing for Thomson Sandy Thomson is determined to enjoy Seeyouatmidnight's big moment at Aintree today when he steps up to Grade One class in the Doom Bar Sefton Novices' Hurdle. The six-year-old has provided arguably one of the most potent narratives of the jumps season after impressively winning all three starts over hurdles, including the Grade Two Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock, for his small-time connections. Although the stakes are considerably higher on Merseyside, Thomson remains cool as Seeyouatmidnight will be sent over fences next term - whatever the outcome in the Sefton. The Berwickshire-based handler said: "I've been really pleased with him this week. He did his last piece of serious work on Sunday, and that went well. "People keep telling me that he needs soft ground, but I'm not sure that is necessarily the case. He broke the track record at Musselburgh, you must remember, and it never really gets soft there. If there is any rain it will not be an inconvenience, but it certainly isn't the be all and end all. "It's a bit disappointing that a lot of the horses he beat at Haydock haven't franked the form, but you can only beat what is put in front of you. He's a chaser in the making, so whatever happens at Aintree we can just enjoy it as he'll be jumping fences after that." Killala Quay also brings some really good form to the table after he finished a staying-on fourth in the Neptune Investment Management Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. He had earlier beaten the reopposing Beat That in a Grade Two at Sandown in December. Trainer Charlie Longsdon said: "You can never know how horses are after running at Cheltenham and then at Aintree, but he seems in great form. "We've gone down the three-mile route which Richard Johnson (jockey) suggested and everything he has done suggests that will be an asset. He's fine on good to soft ground - he was wrong when he was pulled up on heavy at Warwick in January - but he doesn't want extreme conditions." Ben Case in unfazed by the prospect of Themanfrom Minella stepping back up to an extended three miles. The five-year-old looked a potentially smart horse when he eased home in a Huntingdon maiden hurdle over two and a half miles in March. The Northamptonshire handler said: "I think he's a nice horse but we are pitching him in at the deep end a bit. We wouldn't want the ground too bad, but he'd be fine on softish ground. "I don't think the step up in trip will be a problem to him at all as he won over that distance in his point-to-point days. He stayed well over two and a half miles at Huntingdon last time and we've always viewed him as a staying type of a horse." Warren Greatrex believes the Aintree circuit could be made to measure for the progressive Cole Harden, who finished a pleasing seventh in the Neptune. The Berkshire trainer told his website, "Cole Harden ran well above expectations at Cheltenham in the Neptune and he seems to have improved again since then, which is exciting. He was just done for speed at the end of the race so three miles on a flat track will definitely suit him. He remains an exciting prospect." Flatfoot Boogie is one of two Irish entries in the 18-strong line-up. The nine-year-old has won twice from four starts over hurdles, but has not been seen since finishing third in a novice hurdle at Listowel in September. Trainer Noel Glynn said: "He was lame after Listowel so he needed an operation. He only came back into training on January 1 but we've had a clear run with him since then. "We think he's a very fair horse and his form looks quite good. Hopefully the ground will stay good for him as he's entitled to take his chance." Giantofaman, an eight-length winner of a Grade Two at Thurles in February, is the other challenger from across the Irish Sea. The unbeaten Capote is an interesting contender for trainer Jonjo O'Neill, who also saddles Deadly Sting, while Paul Nicholls has a couple of live chances in Port Melon and the mare Tagrita, who has won her last three races. ========================================================= One digs deep for Twiston-Davies It was thought the Doom Bar Aintree Hurdle would provide a simple way for connections of The New One to start picking up the pieces of their Cheltenham Festival disappointment - but it proved a far closer-run thing as the 4-9 favourite held on by the skin of his teeth. Although trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and his jockey-son Sam are generally laid-back characters, both were fairly distraught after he was badly hampered by the fatal fall of Our Conor in the Champion Hurdle and could only recover third place behind Jezki and My Tent Or Yours. Last year The New One was beaten half a length by Zarkandar in this two-and-a-half-mile test and despite improving in leaps and bounds through the subsequent months, he was pushed tremendously hard by Rock On Ruby and Diakali, surviving by the margin of just a head and a nose. "He's very good but he just lacked a bit of sparkle this afternoon as he's not really gone away from them after the line," said Sam Twiston-Davies. "He was hit and miss, jumping wise. I didn't quite get into the same rhythm as I did in the Champion Hurdle. He probably had a hard enough race (at Cheltenham) which took off some sparkle, but you can't underestimate how good a performance that was. "Everyone seems to judge your season on the way Cheltenham goes. If it doesn't go right, it's hard. "But then there's only one Aintree Hurdle every year, too, it's a brilliant race." Paul Nicholls' pair Ptit Zig and Irish Saint made the running for most of the way until passed in the home straight by Rock On Ruby, the 2012 Champion Hurdler who was returning was returning to the smaller obstacles after failing to live up to expectations over fences in the Arkle Trophy. Rock On Ruby and Diakali moved towards the far rail of the track as The New One, who had given the leaders a reasonable amount of rope, charged along the stands. It was hard to tell which side had the advantage but The New One was perhaps always in front from the final flight. Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "He's the best horse we've ever had. Everyone looks for a horse like this and we've got one. We wanted him to be the best ever and to win four Champion Hurdles, and he didn't win the first. Maybe we're just too greedy and should have been delighted with third. Maybe he could have won, but we hoped he could. "He didn't get the chance to prove he was unlucky - apparently he made up eight lengths on the second horse, and how many lengths did he lose? Everything is laid out for that (next season's Champion Hurdle). "That's it for the season, and we'll come back early next year and see which way we go." Young Dorset trainer Harry Fry described Rock On Ruby as "one in a million". He said: "I'm thrilled to bits with him. He puts his heart on the line and he tries. On his day, he's a very good hurdler and that's what we'll stick to. You won't see him over fences again. "Noel (Fehily) has got off him and said we've got to train him for the two-mile race (Champion Hurdle) next year. "Good ground is key to him and, on his day, he's a fantastic horse." The Willie Mullins-trained Diakali ran a fine race to finish fourth under top-weight in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham and also performed admirably on this return to Grade One level. However, jockey Tony McCoy was found to have used his whip above the permitted level and was handed a four-day suspension (April 17 and 19-21), which means he misses the Irish Grand National meeting at Fairyhouse. Mullins said: "It was a good run. He has improved, and when he learns to settle better he'll improve again. He'll go to Punchestown for something now." =============================================== Silviniaco takes Aintree gold Noel Fehily admitted to being haunted as to why Silviniaco Conti has yet to win a Cheltenham Gold Cup but the jockey could take some comfort in the chestnut's follow-up victory at Aintree. Silviniaco Conti (9-4) was still leading on the run-in and wandered across the course as Lord Windermere and two other late finishers rushed past, but he added this Grade One prize to his most important one to date, the King George VI Chase at Kempton. Fehily was keen to ensure the three-mile-one-furlong contest was a searching test of stamina and set a good gallop from the outset as First Lieutenant studied him closely, but it was the Ryanair winner and 13-8 favourite Dynaste who became the closest pursuer as the Paul Nicholls-trained Silviniaco Conti suffered what may have been another lapse in concentration approaching the final fence. Desperate not to settle for minor honours again, Fehily implored Silviniaco Conti to dig deeper and Dynaste was never quite allowed to impose himself as David Pipe's grey finished a length and a half behind. "He's unlucky not to win a Gold Cup and he deserved to win this," said Fehily. "I didn't sleep a lot that night (after Cheltenham). I was absolutely sick. I thought he was the best horse and that he would gallop all the way to the line. I think he likes a little bit of company, he likes to go along with other horses." Nicholls said: "There's no doubt he stays, but there is just the question of whether he might one day need the help of headgear. "At Cheltenham he jumped the last, looked like he was going to win, then ran left and ran a bit green. Then he stayed on when they went past him. He just wanders around in front. I'll talk to the lads, there's Punchestown but I think we'll probably end it on that." "We've needed a good chaser after Kauto and Denman, and he's done fantastically well winning the Betfair Chase last season and the King George. He ran well in the Gold Cup and didn't win it so we'll go back for that next year and hopefully win some nice races along the way." Pipe is also likely to now give Dynaste a summer holiday. "It was a cracking run," he said. "He has been beaten by a better horse on the day, and we'll look forward for next season now. It'll be the same sort of races and aim towards Cheltenham again. "He's had a fantastic season and I'd say Punchestown was unlikely because he's had two tough races." Argocat came through to grab third from First Lieutenant under Tony McCoy and trainer Tom Taaffe said: "It was a good run. He ran as I expected. "He had a terrible fall at Down Royal early in the season and it took us two months to get him back trotting again. "Tony said if he had known him better he might have been able to help him a bit more. He'll now go for the Gold Cup at Punchestown." ==================================================== Guitar man Carberry hits right note Guitar Pete came from the clouds in the hands of Paul Carberry to claim top honours in the Injured Jockeys Fund 50th Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle at Aintree. The 13-2 chance was nearer last than first rounding the home turn and still had plenty of work to do approaching the final flight. Fellow Irish raider Clarcam looked likely to strike after getting away from the obstacle faster than 7-2 favourite Calipto, but Guitar Pete found top gear on the run-in to pick them both up and was a decisive winner in the end. Third in the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham to Clarcam's stablemate Tiger Roll, the Dessie Hughes-trained four-year-old passed the post a length and three-quarters clear, with Calipto back in third. Carberry said: "He made a bit of a mistake down the back at the last, but he stayed on really well. I thought I was bit too handy at Cheltenham so this (delayed tactics) was the better option." Hughes said with a smile: "He (Carberry) is very good. I said we'd try to get a lead into the straight, but I didn't mean to be that far back. He's full of heart and is always fresh. He's a lovely horse. "We thought he just jumped and stayed, but maybe he has a bit of class as well. Maybe we've finally learnt how to ride him now." ================================================= Uxi guns down Manifesto opponents Uxizandre proved his excellent run in defeat at the Cheltenham Festival was no fluke by claiming Grade One honours in the Pinsent Masons Manifesto Novices' Chase at Aintree. Alan King's six-year-old was a 33-1 shot when pushing Taquin Du Seuil all the way in the JLT Novices' Chase at Prestbury Park last month, but just 11-4 for his Merseyside mission and jumped well towards the head of affairs and had seen off closest rival and Arkle Trophy winner Western Warhorse early in the home straight. Hot favourite Oscar Whisky, who fell at the first fence in the JLT at Cheltenham, was being scrubbed along by Barry Geraghty in last place shortly before the turn for home, but responded to pressure once straightened up and tried to close down Uxizandre after the final fence, but the Tony McCoy's mount found enough to take the spoils by a length and a half. King said: "He ran a hell of a race at Cheltenham. We wondered if it was a fluke or not, but clearly not. "I'm not saying he's ungenuine, but you can disappoint him. He gets the trip well. We had him in the three-mile race on Friday (Mildmay Novices' Chase) and it was a toss-up which way we went with him." McCoy said: "You could never ride him on a right-handed track, so that limits him a bit. Looking at that, maybe the Ryanair could be a long-term (aim). "He's probably improved for his run at Cheltenham." Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus, said: "It's good to see him put in another good run after Cheltenham and that'll be it for the year." Dai Walters, owner of Oscar Whisky, said: "If he had jumped a bit better I think he'd have been closer. Obviously he's going into chasing quite late, but if age doesn't beat him, hopefully he'll keep improving." Western Warhorse has also finished for the season. Trainer David Pipe said: "He doesn't help himself, but there was nothing left in the home straight. He had a hard race at Cheltenham and hopefully he can go for good two-mile chases next year." ================================================ Warne puts rivals in a spin Connections of leading Grand National hope Long Run received a welcome boost as Warne turned in a brilliant round of jumping over the famous Aintree fences to claim the Crabbie's Supporting The Hillsborough Families Fox Hunters' Chase. As a former Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and dual King George VI Chase hero, the Nicky Henderson-trained Long Run is undoubtedly the classiest horse in Saturday's showpiece, with amateur rider Sam Waley-Cohen set to do the steering in the colours of his father, Robert. Waley-Cohen jnr returned to Merseyside aiming to extend a tremendous record around the National circuit and he did that when once again advertising his skills with a beautifully-judged front-running steer aboard 7-2 shot Warne against his fellow amateurs. Sent straight to the lead having run well to finish fourth in this race a year ago, Warne fenced impeccably and was clear from halfway. Hot favourite Mossey Joe and last year's winner Tartan Snow closed up from the home bend, but Waley-Cohen had been saving some petrol as Warne kicked away again from the final fence. Despite having the attentions of a loose horse, Warne stuck to his guns to score by 13 lengths. The 14-year-old Tartan Snow filled the runner-up spot, with 11-8 market-leader Mossey Joe third. It was a third victory in the race for the Waley-Cohens following the successive triumphs of the admirable Katarino in 2005 and 2006. The winning rider said: "He was brilliant, but I was terrified of that loose horse - he kept driving me off my rhythm all the way. He jumped so well and travelled so well - he made it easy, really. "Brian has done an amazing job getting him ready. "This is a trophy we actually first gave in memory of my brother, Thomas. When we won the race with Katarino there was no actual trophy for the owners, so we decided to give something in memory of Thomas and we've been trying to win it back ever since." Looking ahead to Long Run's date with destiny on Saturday, Waley-Cohen snr said: "There's nothing like a little practice - they always say it makes perfect." The stewards found Mossey Joe's rider Damien Skehan had used his whip above the permitted level and suspended him for 11 days. =============================================== Pete pounces in Red Rum Paddy Brennan punched Parsnip Pete out to the line to claim the Silver Cross Red Rum Handicap Chase at Aintree. Having been well beaten when favourite for a lesser race at Ludlow a fortnight ago, the Tom George-trained eight-year-old was a 16-1 shot for this tough assignment, but he jumped fluently and travelled powerfully throughout the two-mile test. He moved sweetly to the lead after the first fence in the home straight and a fine leap at the second-last gave him real impetus heading down to the final obstacle, and though he landed a little flat footed, he had enough in the tank to hold off the fast-finishing Turn Over Sivola by a length and a half. Grand Annual third Claret Cloak, the 7-2 favourite, occupied the same position again. Brennan said: "He was very good, but he was fresh, which helped him. Any winner like this is what we get up in the morning for." George said: "I thought this would be his track. Paddy said last year to get him ready for Aintree and it's all come right for him on the day. At Ludlow the ground was far too soft for him." The Dominican Republic Handicap Hurdle brought proceedings to a close, with victory going to 8-1 shot Doctor Harper for trainer David Pipe and jockey Tom Scudamore. A creditable third in the EBF Final at Sandown last month, Doctor Harper travelled like the class horse in the field on this first attempt at three miles and was produced to lead at the final flight. Kaylif Aramis did his best to bridge the deficit on the level, but Doctor Harper was always doing enough and had a length and three-quarters in hand at the line. Meister Eckhart and Jetson were not far away in third and fourth respectively. Pipe said: "He's always been a good horse and ran a decent race in the EBF Final. We thought the step to three miles and better ground would suit. "He's not the most fluent over his hurdles, and I thought he was in trouble but Tom has given him a good ride. He'll be a lovely three-mile chaser." ================================================== France floored in Imprudence Miss France, ante-post favourite for the Qipco 1000 Guineas, could only finish sixth behind Xcellence in the Prix Imprudence at Maisons-Laffitte. Touched off in a Group Three last year, the Francois Doumen-trained Xcellence, who races in the silks made famous by Kasbah Bliss, was a surprise winner of the Guineas trial, that had been billed as a head-to-head between Andre Fabre's Miss France and Vorda, winner of the Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket. Vorda was in the prime position just behind the leader as they went a pedestrian early gallop, and Maxime Guyon struggled to get Miss France settled at the back, and she was caught flat-footed for a few strides once Vorda kicked clear. Fabre's inmate finally got going close home, by which time Cristian Demuro had pulled Xcellence out to challenge Vorda and quickened up nicely to take the Group Three in some style. Charm Spirit just edged out Kiram in a blanket finish to the Prix Djebel at Maisons-Laffitte. Kiram was sent off favourite on the PMU having won his final three races as a two-year-old for Jean-Claude Rouget and a gap opened up beautifully for Christophe Soumillon on the rail. However, the Freddy Head-trained Invincible Spirit colt Charm Spirit brought the best juvenile form to the table, having finished a two-length third to Karakontie in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere last season, and he made his challenge down the middle of the track. Bookrunner and Imperiator were also involved in the finish and less than a length separated the first four, with Charm Spirit taking top honours by a short head.
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 4, 2014 8:32:55 GMT
ROBIN GOODFELLOW SELECTIONS...
Aintree
200 Art Of Payroll (nb)
230 Holywell
305 Rajdhani Express
340 Ma Filleule
415 Beat That (nap)
450 Caid Du Berlais
525 Tara Mist
Leicester
150 Red Refraction
220 Burtonwood
255 Hipz
330 Beau Nash
405 Idder
440 Royal Seal
515 Memory Cloth
Sedgefield
210 Dark Dune
245 Lebanna
320 Kykate
355 Wintered Well
430 Rosie Du Berlais
505 Silver Token
535 Chiron
Wolverhampton
550 Avondream
625 Desert Strike
700 Sir Frank Morgan
730 Speed Society
800 Smokethatthunders
830 Hagree
900 Colour My World
======================================== 14:00 Friday 4th April Racing Tips - 04/04/2014
Josses Hill is a really likeable favourite for the opening race this afternoon and he may well turn out to be a cut above. He will be helped by a likely strong pace and the forecast rain holds no concerns. Favourites have won the last 2 renewals of this but before that they had a poor record and I don't want to be a backer at 15/8. There are a few unexposed types here and Sgt Reckless will surely be a danger after that flying at the finish run in The Supreme. He made up some 15 lengths on the front 3 at Cheltenham and will also appreciate a proper test. However, rain is not ideal and he may not be so suited by being held up here. He has form to find with Amore Alato who has to be pick of the prices at 14/1. Rain will be useful and he too will want 2 and a half miles minimum in time. He likes to go forward but some company up there will be no bad thing as he just looked outpaced when setting a moderate gallop before staying on behind Irving at Kempton. He has battled back to win before and, with the yard in cracking form, has been underestimated this afternoon. Aintree 14.00 - Amore Alato 1pt e/w
Having all but sworn to back Wonderful Charm at Aintree it feels silly to swerve him but Paul Nicholls has admitted a few of his are coughing and they are certainly not performing as expected. Silviniaco Conti won yesterday but I still don't think he was at his best and I'll avoid the Ditcheat team at short prices from here on. Don Cossack still looks best over shorter and is inherently risky and the race could be between O'Failains Boy and Holywell. The former won last month despite losing a couple of shoes and I've backed him for next year's God Cup. It's just Holywell's follow up run here in the Liverpool Hurdle last year that makes me want to side with him for this at 10/3. I think he will have more in his armoury to cope with what may not be an out and out test at this sharper track than Cheltenham and I can see him going off favourite. Curtis' horse looks a proper stayer and would want this trip as an absolute minimum. Their respective times over the same trip at Cheltenham last month were 1 second apart with Holywell carrying 2lb more so there is very little between them. Many Clouds is not that far behind the favourite on form but, even at an attractive price, is perhaps not Grade 1 quality. Aintree 14.30 - Holywell 2pt win
An interesting issue with the Topham will be the ground. It is officially good to soft but there is plenty of rain forecast overnight and this fresh ground could be soft come off time. Ether way it looks unlikely to be good ground and that just puts me off Standing Ovation. He jumps like a stag and will be seen to good effect from the front but 9/1 isn't really my bag for this. Only 1 winner in 10 years has carried more than 11 stone and that was Gwanako trained by Paul Nicholls. 3 of his 4 carry more than 11 stone today and I am interested in Kauto Stone who is fitted with a first time tongue-tie. However, there are just too many ifs and buts to be over confident about this former Grade 1 winner. One runner it may be worth chancing for a return to form is last year's 4th Dunowen Point who was sent off favourite for the Grand Sefton on reappearance this season. The top 7 in that had all had a run and he travelled well before fading from the front. I backed him next up, under the impression he needed an outing, but he has shown nothing in 2 starts since, albeit on heavy ground. That wasn't enough of an excuse to account for the performances and he has no Jason Maguire today but, as a horse we know handles the track and who won't mind some rain, he is with a go at 16/1 with 12lb less on his back than last year. Hopefully a 10 week break has solved whatever problem he had. WIth a few tearing off from the front, it looks sensible to have a 3 miler on side and I like Big Fella Thanks and Mart Lane. 50/1 is worth taking about the latter and he's potentially back off a competitive mark of 139. The forecast will be no issue and his 3 mile December win suggested more to come. His mark looks workable on the basis of his Shark Hanlon Irish novice form and Dr Richard Newland is back on song after a poor February. That tied in with some disappointing efforts from Mart Lane at the end of January (broke blood vessel) and start of March but he's overpriced for this now eased in the handicap and Wayne Hutchinson has gone well with him before. He's also quite little and I prefer the idea of him up in class with a lesser weight on his back. Aintree 15.40 - Dunowen Point 1pt e/w Aintree 15.40 - Mart Lane 1pt e/w
I took a chance on Port Melon at Cheltenham but he's half the 40/1 available that day for this afternoon's contest and the way he was unnerved last time is a concern. Add to that the poor form of the Nichols yard and he is best left for next season. 2 bits of form on offer here come form Seeyouatmidnight and Killala Quay. The latter ran a super race in the Neptune and looks as though a step up to 3 miles will suit. The former has been a revelation this term and deserves to win this but it is his toughest ask yet and better ground than his last 2 starts so I'll avoid at 9/2. The one that should be closer to him in the market is Beat That who is the choice of Barry Geraghty over Tistory. 3rd in the field on official ratings, he looks a good thing to reverse form with Killala Quay over this extra trip and would likely have won last time with a better jump at the last. He is unexposed on just his 3rd hurdles start and, by Milan out of a Presenting mare, the decent hurdles ground should be in his favour at 7/1. Aintree 16.15 - Beat That 1pt e/w
Attaglance won this contest 2 years ago under top-weight off 1lb higher having won at the Cheltenham Festival. He should have won over fences 3 weeks ago and returns here to seek compensation. There's every chance he may lack that speed needed for this as he progresses through the years but he is still only 8 and showed what good heart he is in last time. The ground is perfect and 11/1 looks a really safe bet. Pass The Time is a progressive mare who could be capable off her current mark and her form ahead of Koolala on penultimate start has checked out well. I worry about her at the trip though and she's not quite big enough in the market. So too Alaivan who has to prove he wants this far and I want to take a really big price. Step forward Party Rock for the back on song Jennie Candlish yard. His May course and distance win capped off a progressive season last year and, just a 7 year old, it looked as though a decent pot could be on the cards this term having been just touched off in 2nd here in December off 5lb higher. Off the boil since, he was running in really testing ground over the winter, which doesn't suit, and his Cheltenham effort on a sounder surface came bang in the middle of a dip in form from the team at home. He has plenty to find with the principals but is off a handy enough mark to suggest he can outrun his 40/1 price back at Aintree. Morning Royalty is another place hopeful that looks too big with 2 time win partner Brian Harding back in the saddle. Aintree 16.50 - Party Rock 1pt e/w Aintree 16.50 - Attaglance 1pt e/w
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Tips Tables Naps table
NAPS TABLE PRESS CHALLENGE
TODAY'S NAPS TIME CRS TIPSTER LEVEL STAKES Beat That 4:15 Aint South Wales Argus Melissa Jones +48.30 Massini´s Maguire 3:40 Aint Weekender +21.13 Ma Filleule 3:40 Aint Sunday Telegraph Whistler +19.68 Molly Cat 5:25 Aint Liverpool Echo Chris Wright +17.38 Ballynagour 3:05 Aint Belfast Newsletter Wise Owl +16.90 Hagree 8:30 Wolv Western Morning News West Tip +16.43 Seeyouatmidnight 4:15 Aint Yorkshire Post The Duke +13.99 Josses Hill 2:00 Aint Daily Post Mercury +11.50 Franciscan 2:10 Sedg Glasgow Evening Times Jeffrey Ross +11.04 Beat That 4:15 Aint Daily Mail Robin Goodfellow +7.16 Stonebrook 4:50 Aint Racing Post The Edge +6.56 Captain Scooby 5:50 Wolv Daily Star Sunday Moorestyle +6.34 Fago 3:40 Aint Coventry Telegraph Derek Brown +5.33 Flyball 2:20 Leic The Star Patrick Weaver +3.63 Many Clouds 2:30 Aint Racing Post Lambourn +2.23 Josses Hill 2:00 Aint Blackpool Gazette Steve Simpson +2.04 Rajdhani Express 3:05 Aint Daily Telegraph Marlborough +0.40 Cedre Bleu 3:40 Aint Racing Post West Country -6.10 Ellaal 9:00 Wolv Racing Post The North -6.13 Your Busy 3:40 Aint Sheffield Star Fortunatus -6.17 Dark Dune 2:10 Sedg Western Daily Press Bob Watts -7.00 O´Faolains Boy 2:30 Aint Daily Mirror Newsboy -9.73 Wishfull Thinking 3:05 Aint Sunday Express Chris Goulding -14.66 Racing Pulse 4:15 Aint Racing and Football Outlook -18.50 Double Ross 3:40 Aint Sussex Express Downsman -20.02 Rebel Rebellion 3:40 Aint Daily Record Garry Owen -22.11 Zabana 4:50 Aint The Guardian -23.61 Module 3:05 Aint The Scotsman Glendale -24.14 Beat That 4:15 Aint The Sun Templegate -24.40 Wishfull Thinking 3:05 Aint Oldham Evening Chronicle Keith McHugh -26.28 Seeyouatmidnight 4:15 Aint Racing Post RP Ratings -29.93 Module 3:05 Aint Morning Star Farringdon -31.53 Josses Hill 2:00 Aint Racing Post Spotlight -34.15 Rebel Rebellion 3:40 Aint Sunday Mail Rockavon -36.19 Ma Filleule 3:40 Aint The Irish Field Karl Hedley -37.25 Double Ross 3:40 Aint Yorkshire Evening Post Lee Sobot -37.54 Wonderful Charm 2:30 Aint The Press, York Ebor -39.16 Ma Filleule 3:40 Aint The Times Rob Wright -41.33 Baltimore Rock 2:00 Aint Sunday Mirror Gary Nutting -49.49 Josses Hill 2:00 Aint Carlisle News & Star Phil Rostron -71.68 Rajdhani Express 3:05 Aint Racing Post Postdata -73.15 ========================================= MOST TIPPED Dark Dune 2:10 Sedgefield MOST TIPPED OUTSIDER Ellaal 9:00 Wolverhampton (AW) MOST NAPPED Josses Hill 2:00 Aintree MOST NAPPED OUTSIDER Ma Filleule 3:40 Aintree ================================================ Nicky Henderson, trainer: JOSSES HILL " “He ran a great race at Cheltenham. He seems to have come out of it very well. He has a good bit of pace and this will probably be his last start before going chasing next season.” " Josses Hill 2:00 Aintree ================================================ This season, Andrea Atzeni (Front Page News) is showing a profit of £43.61 Front Page News 1:50 Leicester ================================================
Today's Pointers Hot Trainers Trainer Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Races D Pipe 4 17 23.53 7 41.18 Today's entries Richard Hannon 4 13 30.77 6 46.15 Today's entries R A Fahey 3 19 15.79 8 42.11 Today's entries A M Balding 3 10 30.0 7 70.0 Today's entries D K Weld 3 10 30.0 7 70.0 Today's entries A King 3 11 27.27 6 54.55 Today's entries N A Twiston-Davies 3 8 37.5 5 62.5 Today's entries Sir Michael Stoute 3 6 50.0 4 66.67 Today's entries M Johnston 3 12 25.0 4 33.33 Today's entries W P Mullins 3 9 33.33 3 33.33 Today's entries P D Evans 2 13 15.38 7 53.85 Today's entries J W Mullins 2 9 22.22 5 55.56 Today's entries N J Henderson 2 11 18.18 4 36.36 Today's entries D T Hughes 2 13 15.38 4 30.77 Today's entries D McCain Jnr 2 10 20.0 3 30.0 Today's entries P J Hobbs 2 17 11.76 3 17.65 Today's entries Jonjo O'Neill 2 10 20.0 2 20.0 Today's entries C L Tizzard 2 10 20.0 2 20.0 Today's entries P F Nicholls 1 21 4.76 7 33.33 Today's entries Ian Williams 1 10 10.0 6 60.0 Today's entries C E Longsdon 1 10 10.0 5 50.0 Today's entries O Sherwood 1 7 14.29 4 57.14 Today's entries R M Beckett 1 9 11.11 4 44.44 Today's entries George Baker 1 6 16.67 3 50.0 Today's entries K A Ryan 1 6 16.67 3 50.0 Today's entries A P O'Brien 1 15 6.67 3 20.0 Today's entries T Stack 1 2 50.0 2 100.0 Today's entries E J Alston 1 3 33.33 2 66.67 Today's entries James Moffatt 1 3 33.33 2 66.67 Today's entries G A Swinbank 1 3 33.33 2 66.67 Today's entries W Greatrex 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Today's entries C F Swan 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Today's entries J J Lambe 1 5 20.0 2 40.0 Today's entries A Bailey 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's entries J J Quinn 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's entries T R George 1 7 14.29 2 28.57 Today's entries J R Jenkins 1 7 14.29 2 28.57 Today's entries C J Mann 1 8 12.5 2 25.0 Today's entries M Botti 1 9 11.11 2 22.22 Today's entries A W Carroll 1 11 9.09 2 18.18 Today's entries Mrs R Carr 1 12 8.33 2 16.67 Today's entries B Ellison 1 18 5.56 2 11.11 Today's entries D H Brown 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's entries J R Fanshawe 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's entries M L W Bell 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries Jennie Candlish 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries R Eddery 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries E De Giles 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries H De Bromhead 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries J P Ferguson 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's entries Tom Dascombe 1 6 16.67 1 16.67 Today's entries D Shaw 1 7 14.29 1 14.29 Today's entries C Gordon 1 8 12.5 1 12.5 Today's entries P A Kirby 1 8 12.5 1 12.5 Today's entries ============================================== Hot Jockeys Jockey Wins Rides Win % Place Place % Races R L Moore 9 20 45.0 12 60.0 Today's rides A Kirby 6 29 20.69 10 34.48 Today's rides S Twiston-Davies 5 25 20.0 9 36.0 Today's rides T Scudamore 4 19 21.05 7 36.84 Today's rides J P Spencer 4 9 44.44 5 55.56 Today's rides Andrea Atzeni 4 10 40.0 4 40.0 Today's rides Oisin Murphy 3 15 20.0 7 46.67 Today's rides N Fehily 3 16 18.75 7 43.75 Today's rides Ryan Mahon 3 5 60.0 3 60.0 Today's rides A P McCoy 3 15 20.0 3 20.0 Today's rides L P Keniry 2 19 10.53 8 42.11 Today's rides G Sheehan 2 12 16.67 6 50.0 Today's rides James Doyle 2 15 13.33 6 40.0 Today's rides G Lee 2 16 12.5 6 37.5 Today's rides David Probert 2 19 10.53 6 31.58 Today's rides S W Kelly 2 8 25.0 5 62.5 Today's rides Freddie Tylicki 2 15 13.33 5 33.33 Today's rides L Morris 2 18 11.11 5 27.78 Today's rides Connor Beasley 2 7 28.57 4 57.14 Today's rides L P Aspell 2 11 18.18 4 36.36 Today's rides P J Brennan 2 12 16.67 4 33.33 Today's rides T P Queally 2 13 15.38 4 30.77 Today's rides R Kingscote 2 14 14.29 4 28.57 Today's rides R Winston 2 17 11.76 4 23.53 Today's rides W Hutchinson 2 8 25.0 3 37.5 Today's rides S M Levey 2 10 20.0 3 30.0 Today's rides Jennifer Powell 2 3 66.67 2 66.67 Today's rides Brendan Powell 2 10 20.0 2 20.0 Today's rides Aidan Coleman 1 18 5.56 6 33.33 Today's rides Charlie Deutsch 1 5 20.0 4 80.0 Today's rides J E Moore 1 11 9.09 4 36.36 Today's rides R Johnson 1 7 14.29 3 42.86 Today's rides A Thornton 1 7 14.29 3 42.86 Today's rides Daragh Bourke 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Today's rides Maurice Linehan 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Today's rides Jack Garritty 1 5 20.0 2 40.0 Today's rides S Quinlan 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's rides S Donohoe 1 7 14.29 2 28.57 Today's rides B A Curtis 1 8 12.5 2 25.0 Today's rides D Swift 1 10 10.0 2 20.0 Today's rides D F O'Regan 1 11 9.09 2 18.18 Today's rides J P Sullivan 1 12 8.33 2 16.67 Today's rides Brian Harding 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's rides Miss H Harper 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's rides K Johnson 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's rides G B Watters 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's rides P Carberry 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's rides Kevin Stott 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's rides Mr S Waley-Cohen 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's rides Mr H A A Bannister 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's rides Matthew Hopkins 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's rides D Bass 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's rides Megan Carberry 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's rides Jonathan England 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's rides K Renwick 1 7 14.29 1 14.29 Today's rides Liam Jones 1 8 12.5 1 12.5 Today's rides B Hughes 1 11 9.09 1 9.09 Today's rides J Fanning 1 18 5.56 1 5.56 Today's rides =============================================== First-time Blinkers Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Robynelle v1 1 9 11.11 2 22.22 Leic 14:55 Colour My World b1 0 6 0.0 0 0.0 Wolv 21:00 Brean Splash Susie v1 0 5 0.0 0 0.0 Leic 14:55 Who'slaughingnow b1 0 2 0.0 0 0.0 Sed 17:05 =============================================== Tonguestraps Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Doeslessthanme pt 11 29 37.93 17 58.62 Ain 15:40 Wishfull Thinking t 10 31 32.26 18 58.06 Ain 15:05 My Kingdom t 8 71 11.27 24 33.8 Leic 13:50 Toner D'Oudairies pt 8 33 24.24 15 45.45 Ain 15:05 Rathlin t 8 27 29.63 14 51.85 Ain 15:05 Special Portrait t 8 24 33.33 13 54.17 Sed 16:30 King Edmund t 7 45 15.56 18 40.0 Ain 15:40 Attaglance t 6 30 20.0 13 43.33 Ain 16:50 Fade To Grey t 6 26 23.08 11 42.31 Wolv 19:00 Rebel Rebellion bt 6 19 31.58 9 47.37 Ain 15:40 Don Cossack t 6 13 46.15 7 53.85 Ain 14:30 Your Busy t 5 42 11.9 17 40.48 Ain 15:40 Big Fella Thanks pt 5 29 17.24 13 44.83 Ain 15:40 Royal Defence t 5 49 10.2 12 24.49 Wolv 19:00 Kykate t 5 25 20.0 9 36.0 Sed 15:20 Prohibition t 5 41 12.2 9 21.95 Wolv 21:00 Aazif t 4 20 20.0 10 50.0 Ain 16:50 Ancient Greece pt 4 27 14.81 9 33.33 Leic 17:15 Rolling Aces pt 4 11 36.36 8 72.73 Ain 15:05 Cedre Bleu bt 4 14 28.57 7 50.0 Ain 15:40 Wonderful Charm t 4 7 57.14 5 71.43 Ain 14:30 Cole Harden t 4 7 57.14 4 57.14 Ain 16:15 Standing Ovation ht 4 16 25.0 4 25.0 Ain 15:40 Like Minded t 3 18 16.67 9 50.0 Ain 16:50 Mister Hotelier t 2 15 13.33 6 40.0 Ain 16:50 Silver Token pt 2 9 22.22 4 44.44 Sed 17:05 Kauto Stone t1 2 14 14.29 3 21.43 Ain 15:40 Ballynagour t 2 4 50.0 2 50.0 Ain 15:05 Devote Myself ht 1 15 6.67 5 33.33 Wolv 21:00 Sacred Mountain t 1 12 8.33 4 33.33 Sed 16:30 Themanfrom Minella t 1 3 33.33 2 66.67 Ain 16:15 Queen Alphabet t 1 3 33.33 2 66.67 Ain 17:25 Lebanna t 0 8 0.0 3 37.5 Sed 14:45 Bobs Lady Tamure t 0 8 0.0 3 37.5 Sed 15:55 Hejaz ht 0 6 0.0 0 0.0 Wolv 19:00 Poco Piccolo t 0 4 0.0 0 0.0 Wolv 19:30 =========================================== Cheekpieces Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Desert Strike p 17 136 12.5 48 35.29 Wolv 18:25 Doeslessthanme pt 11 29 37.93 17 58.62 Ain 15:40 Toner D'Oudairies pt 8 33 24.24 15 45.45 Ain 15:05 Alaivan p 6 18 33.33 10 55.56 Ain 16:50 Pass The Time p 6 26 23.08 9 34.62 Ain 16:50 Big Fella Thanks pt 5 29 17.24 13 44.83 Ain 15:40 Wilde Pastures p 4 15 26.67 9 60.0 Sed 15:55 Ancient Greece pt 4 27 14.81 9 33.33 Leic 17:15 Rolling Aces pt 4 11 36.36 8 72.73 Ain 15:05 Lost Legend p 4 16 25.0 7 43.75 Ain 15:40 Cara Court p 4 29 13.79 6 20.69 Sed 15:20 Cogry p1 3 6 50.0 4 66.67 Ain 16:15 Inside Knowledge p 2 54 3.7 6 11.11 Wolv 19:00 Silver Token pt 2 9 22.22 4 44.44 Sed 17:05 Brunello p 1 30 3.33 7 23.33 Sed 15:55 Walk On Al p1 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Ain 16:15 Shales Rock p 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Sed 17:05 Marlborough House p 0 12 0.0 0 0.0 Sed 15:55 The Boozy Bishop p 0 11 0.0 0 0.0 Sed 15:55 ======================================== Course & Distance Winners Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Desert Strike 17 136 12.5 48 35.29 Wolv 18:25 Amir Pasha 10 104 9.62 33 31.73 Sed 15:55 Wishfull Thinking 10 31 32.26 18 58.06 Ain 15:05 Special Portrait 8 24 33.33 13 54.17 Sed 16:30 Lord Buffhead 7 67 10.45 21 31.34 Wolv 17:50 Brown Pete 6 59 10.17 15 25.42 Wolv 21:00 Dark Dune 6 41 14.63 14 34.15 Sed 14:10 Attaglance 6 30 20.0 13 43.33 Ain 16:50 Fade To Grey 6 26 23.08 11 42.31 Wolv 19:00 Rebel Rebellion 6 19 31.58 9 47.37 Ain 15:40 Rylee Mooch 5 65 7.69 27 41.54 Wolv 18:25 Strong Man 5 38 13.16 18 47.37 Wolv 20:00 Kykate 5 25 20.0 9 36.0 Sed 15:20 Prohibition 5 41 12.2 9 21.95 Wolv 21:00 Profile Star 4 36 11.11 13 36.11 Wolv 18:25 Ivestar 4 59 6.78 13 22.03 Wolv 17:50 Party Rock 4 19 21.05 7 36.84 Ain 16:50 Flow Chart 3 63 4.76 20 31.75 Wolv 17:50 Prigsnov Dancer 3 51 5.88 15 29.41 Wolv 17:50 Bapak Bangsawan 3 23 13.04 14 60.87 Wolv 18:25 Like Minded 3 18 16.67 9 50.0 Ain 16:50 Very First Blade 3 36 8.33 9 25.0 Wolv 17:50 Sewn Up 3 40 7.5 9 22.5 Wolv 17:50 Safwaan 3 31 9.68 7 22.58 Wolv 21:00 Lucky Mark 3 31 9.68 7 22.58 Wolv 17:50 Harrogate Fair 3 23 13.04 5 21.74 Wolv 18:25 Clondaw Kaempfer 3 7 42.86 4 57.14 Ain 16:50 Ellaal 2 22 9.09 5 22.73 Wolv 21:00 Radharc Na Mara 2 13 15.38 4 30.77 Sed 16:30 Sir Frank Morgan 2 6 33.33 2 33.33 Wolv 19:00 Copt Hill 1 16 6.25 3 18.75 Sed 15:55 Top Boy 1 21 4.76 3 14.29 Wolv 18:25 =================================================== Longest Travellers (309 miles) Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Silver Token 2 9 22.22 4 44.44 Sed 17:05 =============================================== Most Naps Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Josses Hill 2 5 40.0 5 100.0 Ain 14:00 ============================================= Running Hot Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Royal Defence 5 49 10.2 12 24.49 Wolv 19:00 Wintered Well 3 11 27.27 7 63.64 Sed 15:55 ================================================ Money Talks Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Ferryview Place 1 22 4.55 4 18.18 Wolv 21:00 ================================================ Switching Stables Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Eyre Square 6 21 28.57 11 52.38 Sed 16:30 Six Silver Lane 4 34 11.76 8 23.53 Dun 20:45 Melvin The Grate 2 9 22.22 7 77.78 Dun 20:15 Al Mukhdam 2 9 22.22 5 55.56 Leic 13:50 Accession 2 18 11.11 4 22.22 Leic 13:50 Coach Bombay 2 21 9.52 4 19.05 Dun 21:15 Miss Forde 1 10 10.0 5 50.0 Dun 18:45 Roll On Ruby 1 3 33.33 3 100.0 Ain 17:25 Intrepid 1 7 14.29 3 42.86 Wolv 18:25 Bonjour Steve 0 10 0.0 4 40.0 Leic 15:30 George Fernbeck 0 15 0.0 3 20.0 Sed 14:45 Bayfirth 0 15 0.0 3 20.0 Sed 17:05 Ballymartin King 0 7 0.0 2 28.57 Sed 17:05 Can't Call It 0 4 0.0 1 25.0 Sed 17:05 Tamayuz Magic 0 5 0.0 1 20.0 Wolv 19:30 Sharivarry 0 9 0.0 1 11.11 Sed 17:05 Ere Yesterday 0 4 0.0 0 0.0 Dun 19:45 Liberty Lippy 0 4 0.0 0 0.0 Dun 20:45 Parlour Of Dreams 0 3 0.0 0 0.0 Sed 17:05 Insight 0 1 0.0 0 0.0 Leic 16:40 Nirva 0 1 0.0 0 0.0 Leic 16:40 ============================================== Going and Stalls Meeting Conditions Aintree Going : Good to Soft (National: Good to Soft, Good in places) Leicester Going : Good to Soft Stalls : Straight Stands Side, Round Inside Sedgefield Going : Chase Soft, G/Soft places, Hurdles G/Soft, Soft places Wolverhampton Going : Standard Stalls : 7f Outside, Remainder Inside
Information correct at Friday 4th April 2014 09:13 =================================================
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 4, 2014 8:51:53 GMT
Aintree weather It's a cool, grey start to ladies' day, but Aintree chief John Baker said: "We had a record crowd yesterday and we are hoping for another 45,000 to turn up today - I don't think the weather will put the ladies off." ===================================
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 4, 2014 9:46:14 GMT
A busy day for Donald on Friday with six runners, including a couple of live chances in the handicap hurdle at 16:50. Here is his verdict
15.40 Aintree - two runners
Swift Arrow
He's got two ways of running but when he's good, he is capable of useful form. I had thought he was a bit high in the weights before he won at Musselburgh but there was no fluke about that win and he probably deserves this mark - unfortunately he had one of his off days at Doncaster last time. I don't see why he wouldn't take to these fences and Henry (Brooke) will hopefully be able to hunt him round in midfield and creep him into the race. It's a big ask but this has been the plan for him for a while and he could go well.
Dunowen Point
He ran a lovely race when he was fourth in this last year and it's been the main target for him all season. He found the conditions too demanding here on his reappearance but that run was enough to think he still retained his ability. Things happened too quickly for him over 2m at Warwick next time and he was disappointing at Sedgefield last time. He is now 8lb lower than for last year, he will be happier back on better ground and should run well. I've got a nagging doubt that this trip is the very upper limit of his stamina but I am very happy with him at home and his recent work has been good.
16.15 Aintree
The Last Samuri
He's a lovely young horse who has won all three of his runs in novice hurdles. This is obviously a big step up in class for him but he stays very well and shouldn't mind the conditions. He's been quite excitable at home and I was planning to avoid the Festivals with him until he was more mature but he does seem to be coming a bit more relaxed and the experience of running him in a proper race will do him good. He's going novice chasing next season and it's worth having a pop despite the rise in grade.
16.50 Aintree - two runners
Stonebrook
This is obviously a better race than he has been running in but he's been winning well and he's ready for the stronger opposition. I don't think his mark looks too bad and the step up in trip ought to be in his favour. He's got AP McCoy on which is never a bad thing and this ought to tell us exactly where we are with him.
Clondaw Kaempfer
I thought he ran quite well in the Coral Cup given he had plenty of use made of him and he's come out of the race very well. He has run well here before and I still think he's a well handicapped horse - this is obviously a very competitive race but he has a nice prize in him and he'd have to have an obvious chance.
17.25 Aintree - Diligent
She didn't run too badly in this race back in 2012 but she broke a pelvis afterwards and it's been a slow road back from there. She will have come on for her reappearance but this is obviously a tough assignment. There's no point running her in a novice hurdle before May 1st though and she's eligible for another bumper - we might as well come here and give it a crack and it wouldn't surprise me to see her run quite well.
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 4, 2014 9:47:01 GMT
he second day of the Aintree Grand National meeting sees Paul Nicholls saddle no fewer than 10 runners, including four in the Topham at 15:40. Here you can read the Betfair Ambassador's exclusive thoughts on all today's runners...
14:00 Aintree
I haven't got a runner in this, but I thought that I'd take the opportunity to give you an update on Irving, who was entered at the five-day stage. We have put him away for the season after he came back coughing from Cheltenham - I have had a few coughing and spluttering - and we weren't happy with his trachea wash this week, so he doesn't take up his engagement in this.
14:30 Aintree - Just A Par & Wonderful Charm
Just A Par
Was very impressive when beating Third Intention easily at Newbury in November, and then he choked when disappointing in the Feltham, so we sorted his breathing out before Cheltenham. And I was pretty happy with his seventh in the RSA, where I thought he ran a lot better than his finishing position indicates. He ran well for a long way before weakening from the second last, and this easier, flatter track, will suit him better. Any rain for him wouldn't be a problem, but I think he prefers better ground.
Wonderful Charm
On the face of it, he was slightly disappointing when fifth in the JLT at Cheltenham, but not many people have picked up on the fact that he was put right on the back foot coming down the hill when Djakadam fell in front of him four out, and he lost his position at a crucial stage. So I wouldn't be in a rush to write him off at all. And he had earlier shown his class when beating some of the smartest novices around and failing by only ½ length to give Oscar Whisky 8lb at Cheltenham in December.
He did have a problem about a month before Cheltenham - as I said in my column here before that race we found pus in his foot, which set him back about three or four days - but I don't think that was an issue at Cheltenham. He did shape like a stayer there though, so I think 3m1f on a flat track here shouldn't be a problem. If he bounces back to his best, then he is a big danger to all.
15:05 Aintree - Rolling Aces
I know that it sounds odd to say given that two of his best efforts have come in testing ground, but I think the reason for his poor run in the Betfair Ascot Chase last time out was the ground. He just couldn't go in it, and was beaten a very long way out. We run him in a tongue tie today, and if he returns to his very best, then he has an each-way chance. Admittedly, he has to improve about a stone to beat a peak-form Module, but there is more to come from him and a strongly-run 2m4f on decent ground should be ok. He is clearly up against it, though, on what he has shown to date.
15:40 Aintree - Rebel Rebellion, Fago, Kauto Stone & Cedre Bleu
Rebel Rebellion
Returns to the scene of his Grand Sefton win here in December, but unfortunately does so off an 11lb higher mark, which makes life a lot, lot tougher. And I think a 4lb rise for his second at Newbury last time was pretty harsh. But we know that he goes well when around here, is versatile as regards ground, and Ryan gets on very well with him, so there are positives, too.
Fago
Is a really good horse on his day, as he showed when winning at Haydock in November, but admittedly he is a bit of an in-and-out performer. This is the furthest distance he has tried in this country, but he won over 2m6f in testing ground in France and if he gets into a good jumping rhythm, and settles, then he has prospects. At his best, I think a mark of 148 underestimates his talent, but he has put in some disappointing efforts, I admit.
Kauto Stone
I keep on repeating myself but if this horse ever returns to his Grade 1-winning best one day he will pop up in a good race at a big price. And perhaps these fences are exactly what he needs to re-ignite the fire. If they do, then he is very well-handicapped on his best form of a couple of years ago - he has dropped a further 13lb to a mark of 145 this season - but that's clearly a very big if. Runs in a tongue tie for the first time.
Cedre Bleu
It seems that all of my runners in this race are not the most straightforward, one way or another!! And Cedre Bleu has his detractors as he does take some knowing, and often finds less than expected when asked for his effort. But he won a 50k handicap at Haydock this time last year, so I'll take that kind of character any day of the week! We know the reason that he was below-par last time - we found him to be suffering from a bad case of stomach ulcers, and he has been treated for that - and the handicapper has dropped him 2lb, so he can now race off the same mark as when previously a good second to subsequent JLT third Double Ross at Cheltenham. Definitely has the ability to run a big race, this better ground will suit too and I have trained him for this race.
16:15 Aintree - Port Melon and Tagrita
Port Melon
Was involved in that horrible, freak accident at Cheltenham, which saw Daryl suffering those nasty injuries. So he hasn't raced since finishing a very promising third to Creepy at Cheltenham in November - where he travelled really well before just getting tired - because of that incident and the fact that he had been waiting for better ground. He was unbeaten in his two points for Richard Barber, and I view him as very much next year's horse with his future lying over fences, but he is a very promising prospect, whatever he does here.
Tagrita
Is a progressive mare and ran her best race yet when beating Cannon Fodder over 2m4f at Wincanton last time. Had won over 3m in testing ground at Exeter earlier in the season, so the step up in trip isn't a concern, and she gets a very handy 7lb sex allowance, too. I can see her going well in what is clearly a very competitive race. And if it is decent ground, then I think that will really suit her; it was good ground when she won her point so impressively.
16:50 Aintree - Caid Du Berlais
We fancied him to run a big race in the boys' race at the Festival and he did just that, staying on really well to finish third. Has gone up 2lb for that but strongly-run, big-field handicaps suit him well and he is set to run another good race.
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 4, 2014 12:24:21 GMT
ODDSCHECKER.
Day 2 at Aintree and it's all about the longshots. Road to Cheltenham tipped up King Of The Picts in the opener at 20/1 and the price has inflated to a whopping 33/1. The case is pretty sound having been placed behind Vautour and The Tullow Tank in two Irish Grade 1s.
Festival winners O'Faolains Boy and Holywell clash in the Mildmay, and Rein Man prefers the latter having followed up last year's Cheltenham win with a great second to Solwhit here. The Melling is a minefield, as is the Topham, where our boys have put up Giorgio Quercus (25/1) and Mart Lane (50/1) at big prices. Another 50/1 shot, Themanfrom Minella, comes courtesy of Matt Tombs in the Sefton, always a race for an upset, while Rein Man's 40/1 on Party Rock in the 4.50 is now 33/1.
As far as the National goes, hopefully some of you took our advice after the weights were published and got on Teaforthree at 25/1. He's got a great chance but will need loads of luck as usual. Our quadcast would be 1 Teaforthree, 2 Big Shu, 3 Rocky Creek, 4 Walkon. Click through for our Grand National betting guide, with previews of every horse and the obligatory (premier) sweepstake kit. ============================================ OFFER OF THE DAY If the favourite wins the first race at Aintree on Friday, Sky Bet will refund losing stakes on that race as free bet. Open an account for a free matched bet up to £30.
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 4, 2014 14:55:33 GMT
STAT WATCH.
SATURDAY. Aintree is the focus of our selections today, with Channel 4 understandably prioritising its racing coverage towards the racecourse's Grand Na- tional meeting (1.30, 2.05, 2.50, 3.25 and 4.15.) One of the riders that will be expected to be riding at Aintree is Sam Twiston-Davies, who was Jump racing's winning-most jockey in the past seven days (to Monday, 31 March), having ridden 6 winners, twice the number of his clos- est rivals; Aidan Coleman, Wayne Hutchinson and Nico De Boinville, with the latter emerging on top of the other two, thanks to his superb 60% strike rate. Given the jockey form, it's no surprise to find that Nigel Twiston-Davies's runners are prospering, with 3 winners from 9 starts providing a 33% strike rate, bettered only by Willie Mullins's 50%. The master Irish Jumps trainer should also be sending over a strong assortment of runners to Aintree this week. The first of the televised races is the Grade 2 Mersey Novices' Hurdle (1.30), in which trainers' championship rivals Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson both look to have strong hands. Nicholls has won this race three times in the past 10 years, and Henderson twice in the last three years. Nicholls's Lac Fontana improved last time to win the County Hurdle, and that form could see him go close in this race, with Hender- son's less-exposed Beat That looking interesting on his wide-margin win over distance on his hur- dling debut, which was followed by a fine second in a Grade 2 over distance last time. Of those two trainers, Nicholls looks to have the upper hand in the 2.05, the Grade 1 novices' chase, with Hinterland looking the stronger of his two possible runners, with winning form over this distance and the expected good-soft ground, and also at Grade 1 level. Of the trainers with entrants in this race, Alan King is third by wins at Aintree in the past five seasons, and Balder Succes looks a lively hope for him, with respective 50% and 43% strike rates on the ground and over distance. The 2.50, the Grade 1 Stayer's Hurdle, was dom- inated by Paul Nicholls' Big Buck's for 4 of the last 5 renewals, but this year's race looks all about the Jonjo O'Neill-trained More Of That, who was a good winner of the World Hurdle last time. The stable trained the winner of this race in 2004, and More Of That is lightly raced and possibly open to more improvement than some. He is the only one of the entrants who is un- beaten over distance. Another to consider is At Fishers Cross, who has won three times over dis- tance and his trainer, Rebecca Curtis, has a good long-term strike rate of 17% at this course. The race of the day is the Grand National at 4.15, a 4m 3½f Grade 3 handicap chase, in which 40 runners will compete for a total prize fund exceeding £1m. Among the more interest- ing contenders, Philip Hobbs' Balthazaar King has been doing well of late, winning the 3m 7f cross-country chase at Cheltenham last time, for which his official chase rating was increased to 156, though he can race off 150 at Aintree this weekend, as this was his mark at the time he was entered. Rebecca Curtis's Teaforthree also has claims on his third in last year's race, while Paul Nicholls, who saddled the winner of this race two seasons ago, has one of his most in- teresting clutch of entrants for a while, with Tidal Bay and Rocky Creek. The former won the 3m 6f Bet365 Gold Cup Chase at Sandown, and has more recently been third in the Welsh National, while Rocky Creek has been selectively cam- paigned this season, finishing second in the Hennessy and also second to The Giant Bolster in a Grade 2 at Cheltenham in January. =============================================== NOTEBOOK. At Hexham, the Donald McCain-trained TONVADOSA made easy work of the 3m novices' hurdle. The six-year-old Flemensfirth mare had won two bumpers last season and returned after her sum- mer break to easily land a mares' novices' hurdle at Kelso in December. That form wasn't sufficient for her to maintain the winning thread next time, when stepped up to Listed class for a mares' race at Haydock later in the same month. Dropped back in trip to 2m 4f, she looked outpaced and a mistake at the last didn't help her prospects. Interestingly, connections didn't run again there- after until this latest start at Hexham, and it could have been that she needed longer than the 13 days between Kelso and Haydock to recover from her winning seasonal debut. Whatever the rea- son, she was clearly on good terms with herself at Hexham and travelled sweetly on the bridle under A P McCoy for a long way, before quicken- ing nicely before the last to go clear. This was a good effort under a 7lb penalty for her Kelso win and she looks up to landing another race of this sort before the season's end, before maybe going chasing in the longer term. In the same race, the 100/1 outsider STRIKE FAST finished second, beaten eight lengths. His odds probably reflected the fact that he had dis- appointed in three starts in novices' chases this year, having presumably been tried in that sphere on the back of a third in a Point-to-Point five years ago. He's clearly had issues since then, but he stayed on strongly at the end of his race at Hex- ham, his first over hurdles. Although he had no chance of getting on terms with Tonvadosa, he showed a degree of promise which suggested that he could find an opening in a weak novices' hurdle or novices' handicap hurdle over a long distance. The 2m 5f novices' hurdle at Plumpton looked an interesting race for its type on a Monday afternoon, and the Warren Greatrex-trained winner ELLNANDO QUEEN looked one who's heading in the right direction. A bumper winner last season, she was a fair third of five in a mares' hurdle at Ludlow, also over 2m 5f. After that, she won one of her two starts in all-weather Jumpers' bumpers, and returned to hurdles for this latest start at Plumpton. In the race, she lost a little ground early on after being bumped, but travelled well enough held up in the midfield. Outpaced at around three- quarters distance, she rallied and stayed on well on the climb to the finish, pulling clear of 7/4f and eventual runner-up, Sergeant Mattie. Ellnando Queen looks capable of improving on this perform- ance and can win again over hurdles. On the Flat, the Mark Johnston-trained SIR GRAHAM WADE caught the eye on his first run since last summer when fifth, and not beaten far, in the 2m conditions race on the all-weather. The five-year- old son of Dalakhani had won a lot of races two sea- sons ago, when progressing up the handicap, but looked in the measure of the handicapper last sea- son. He seems to be at his best on good or slightly quicker ground, according to the balance of his form, and even though this latest start was his first on the all-weather, he seemed to handle the polytrack sur- face well enough. He was briefly left short of room two furlongs out, just as he was beginning to gather momentum from just off the pace. From that point on, Sir Graham Wade stayed on and was only beaten two lengths or so by the winner, which wasn't a bad performance in the circumstances. Although he had a pound or two in hand over the others that finished in front of him, in the context of the season ahead, his handicap mark of 99 looks attractive set against his old form, and he may have more options in that sphere as the season unfolds. ============================================= Race Ratings 2:05 Aintree - Saturday, 5 April Doom Bar Maghull Novices ́ Chase (Grade 1) (Class 1) (5yo+) 2m. 3-1112 Arnaud 70 6 C Byrnes Decent juvenile-hurdling form (5th in the Fred Winter) didn't provide stepping stone to greater things last season, though progressed to a mark of 141. Quietly but successfully campaigned over fences last spring/summer, stepping up nicely when second to Valdez in a Grade 2 at Doncaster in January. Flexible in terms of ground, but needs to improve again here. RATING 95 1F1511 Balder Succes 42 6 Alan King Swerved Cheltenham to come to this race after beating fair opposition in a Grade 2 novices' chase at Kempton last time (runner-up Gods Own had been fourth in the same Doncaster race in which Arnaud was second), and had beaten Brick Red by more than three lengths at the same level at War- wick earlier in February, despite giving that horse 3lb. Has leading claims in this company. RATING 99 131273 Brick Red 6 7 Venetia Williams Has had a good season, if held in Graded races so far. Was a good second to the potentially smart Manyriverstocross at Ascot last Sunday, when carrying top-weight, but needs to be none the worse for that race and to improve again to play a major role in this race. RATING 93 1-1243 Claret Cloak 22 7 Emma Lavelle Was arguably an unlucky third in the Grand An- nual Chase at the Cheltenham Festival last time, having been going very well. Lightly raced this season, to avoid the worst of the winter ground, and looks a lively each-way hope given that he could be open to more improvement than some in this race. RATING 96 11124 Dodging Bullets 25 6 Paul Nicholls Solid and talented individual that gives a good ac- count of himself at this level. His second when giv- ing weight to the winner in the Grade 2 Game Spirit Chase in February was a fine performance, but didn't pave the way for an expected strong showing in the Arkle. By no means disgraced, though, and could be on the premises here. RATING 97 111224 Felix Yonger 23 8 W P Mullins Decent ground and drop back in trip for this race may help this Grade 2-winning chaser, who was a tame fourth in the Grade 1 chase over 2m 4f at Cheltenham last time. Has ability, but has a point to prove now. RATING 96 6-U226 Grandouet 25 7 Nicky Henderson Held in a lot of regard by connections, but has yet to match old hurdling form over fences this sea- son. Held by Hinterland and Dodging Bullets when runner-up to those horses in two starts in December, and didn't really jump well enough in the Arkle last time. Has chance of being placed in this race, but others look preferable for win hopes. RATING 95 32-412 Moscow Mannon 34 8 Henry De Bromhead Smart bumper form (fourth in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham two seasons ago) trans- lated to fair degree over hurdles last season, and wide margin romp over fair rival two starts ago, was Moscow Mannon's best chasing form to date. Unexposed at this level, but needs to im- prove a lot on what he has shown so far to enter serious reckoning. RATING 94 311U14 Next Sensation 22 7 Michael Scudamore Grand Annual Chase-fourth on latest start is good form, but arguably has something to find with Balder Succes on form line through Gods Own, as the latter was beaten six lengths by Next Sensa- tion at Doncaster, but was also giving him 4lb. In- teresting contender. RATING 98 3424P1 Ohio Gold 7 8 Colin Tizzard Recorded a fairly straightforward win over this trip when beating three home at Uttoxeter last week. Best chasing form has been achieved over further, though, and it may be that Ohio Gold will find everything happening a little too quickly for him in this company over 2m, despite hints of ability through third in a Listed novices' handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival last season. RATING 92 F12213 Simply Ned 35 7 Nicky Richards Progressive son of Fruits Of Love who turned in his two best performances to date in Class 2 handicap chases on last two starts. Deserves a crack at some decent prize money in this race, but more on his plate here, and doesn't look an obvious can- didate for outright success. RATING 93 8354F Ted Veale 25 7 A J Martin A versatile and talented individual whose form last year included a County Hurdle win and a fourth in the Ebor. Chasing form is mixed, but generally doesn't look as a good over fences as he is over hurdles. Held by Dodging Bullets and Trifolium on first and third runs this season, in Grade 2 and Grade 1 races, respectively. RATING 95 12213 Trifolium 25 7 C Byrnes Fancied by a few for the Arkle, and third was no dis- grace. However, given Felix Yonger's slightly disap- pointing form, who had been beaten twice by Trifolium previously, perhaps the value of the latter's form has been slightly tarnished. Was seemingly out- paced at Cheltenham, so a return to a sharper track, such as Aintree may not be too helpful, but still rates as one of the better horses in this race. RATING 98. 22-11U Hinterland 24 6 Paul Nicholls Although winless over fences last season, Hin- terland was beaten by some smart opposition and has already won at Grade 1 level this term. Badly hampered last time when not without a chance in the Champion Chase, and looks one of the likelier protagonists in this race. RATING 100. ========================================== RACING NEWS. Aidan O'Brien believes that the artificial surface at Meydan was to blame for Ruler Of The World's flop in the Dubai World Cup. Last year's Derby winner finished thirteenth of the sixteen run- ners under the trainer's son, Joseph. Ruler Of The World had recently been bought by Al Shaqab Racing, to run in partnership with his previous owners, Magnier, Tabor and Smith. Richard Hughes is facing a spell on the sidelines after falling from Mars in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Mey- dan. Hughes fell when his mount, Mars, sadly suffered a fatal heart attack after a couple of furlongs. Lord Oaksey is to be remembered at this year's Jumps Finale meeting at Sandown at the end of April, with a new £50,000 Listed race to be named after him. Lord Oaksey was renowned as one of the best amateur jockeys of his era. His notable wins at Sandown Park included his first success under rules in 1956 aboard Pyrene, the Imperial Cup under Flaming East in 1958 and victory in the second ever running of the bet365 Gold Cup (then known as the Whitbread Gold Cup) with Taxidermist the same year. Oaksey went on to become a leading racing writer and broadcaster and his legacy lives on through his tireless work founding and fundraising for The Injured Jockeys Fund, a charity whose creation was inspired by two devastating accidents to former weighing room colleagues. Gordon Lord Byron continued his successful stint abroad with an impressive win in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill, Sydney, Australia. Tom Hogan's six-year-old landed the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock last year and was last seen finish- ing fourth in the Hong Kong Mile back in December. Despite those recent Group 1 exploits, he was sent off an 18/1 shot under Craig Williams in the seven-and-a-half-furlong heat, but he came with a powerful run after being settled in the early stages. There was a controversial demotion at Stratford last Saturday, which could spark an appeal to the BHA by trainer Warren Greatrex after his clear-cut winner Dolatulo was demoted follow- ing a stewards' inquiry. A dramatic finish to the feature 2m7f handicap chase led to runner-up Benbens, the 15/8 favourite, being awarded the race in favour of 9/1 shot Dolatulo. Sam Twiston-Davies was raising Benbens for a final thrust in the last few yards when he found him- self short of room on the run-in, with Gavin Sheehan holding his line on Dolatulo. Twiston- Davies had to snatch up Benbens and clipped the running rail before losing by two and a quar- ter lengths. After a lengthy stewards' inquiry the result was reversed. Twiston-Davies felt justice had been done and said: "It made sense. If I'd have got the gap he [Benbens] would have won. Gavin Sheehan kept a straight line but he never allowed for the fact I was there." ===========================================
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Post by banger on Apr 4, 2014 21:28:27 GMT
All forty horses have stood their ground at the final elimination stage for this year's Crabbie's Grand National. Goonyella: Missed the cut for this year's National The deadline for eliminations for Aintree's showpiece passed without a whimper at 9am on Friday morning as all declared runners confirmed their intention to start on Saturday. Swing Bill was the last horse to make the cut following the defection of Lost Glory, and in the absence of any further withdrawals, Goonyella, Soll, Night In Milan and Minella For Value were all officially eliminated from the entries.
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Post by banger on Apr 4, 2014 21:30:30 GMT
Mikey Fogarty and Paul Carberry were taken to hospital in Aintree after nasty falls in the Topham Chase, with fellow riders Andrew Tinkler and Noel Fehily others to be stood down following a dramatic renewal. Paul Carberry: Taken to hospital Fogarty, who has made a real name for himself since switching from the amateur ranks, was hurt when the Willie Mullins-trained Bishopsfurze came to grief in the race over the National fences. All four have booked mounts in the Crabbie's Grand National, with Fogarty on Vesper Bell, Tinkler aboard Hunt Ball, Fehily on Rocky Creek and Carberry the well-fancied Monbeg Dude. Early reports suggested Carberry had a collarbone injury, although it later emerged it could have been a pelvic issue. Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association, said: "Paul has gone for precautionary X-rays on his pelvis and Mikey has gone straight to hospital. Both are at University Hospital Fazakerley. "Noel Fehily and Andrew Tinkler have been stood down for the day and will have to pass the medical officer tomorrow. They should be fine, they both hope to be OK. And Paul hopes to be OK as well." Paying FIVE places on the Grand National! Sean Quinlan was another to be hurt on the day when parting company with Party Rock in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle. After being treated on the track he was also taken to Fazakerley for further assessment, reportedly on a precautionary basis. Monbeg Dude's trainer Michael Scudamore said: "The last I heard he was going for an X-ray on his pelvis and we obviously won't really know where we are until we hear the results of that. "My dad actually saw him (Carberry) as he was leaving the course and said he was quite happy and bright, so we'll just have to wait and see. "Fingers crossed he'll be OK."
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Post by banger on Apr 4, 2014 21:32:48 GMT
The connections assess their chances in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree on Saturday. Paul Nicholls: Looking forward to running Tidal Bay TIDAL BAY Paul Nicholls, trainer "His form off top weight in his last three handicaps has been very good. He is in good shape and I am looking forward to him running." LONG RUN Robert Waley-Cohen, owner "He's clearly deteriorated from the days when he beat Kauto Star and Denman but he's been handicapped accordingly." HUNT BALL Andrew Tinkler, jockey "There are question marks about if he will stay with the weight he has, but he's got lots of enthusiasm and has taken to the National-style fences at home." TRIOLO D'ALENE Sandy Orr, owner "Our gut feeling is that he will get the trip. He is not a soft-ground horse and that is why we did not run him after the Hennessy." ROCKY CREEK Andy Stewart, owner "You've got to have a touch of class to win a National these days and Rocky Creek certainly has that. He stays and is a good jumper." QUITO DE LA ROQUE Colm Murphy, trainer "He's done everything we've asked of him at home. He's run well in Liverpool two times so that will hopefully be a positive." COLBERT STATION Ted Walsh, trainer "Last year he didn't run well, he never travelled and he jumped a bit erratic. Hopefully he'll take to it a bit better this year." WALKON Alan King, trainer "Walkon is unproven over the trip, but he seemed to enjoy the big fences when second to Triolo D'Alene in the Topham." BALTHAZAR KING Philip Hobbs, trainer "He's essentially just very genuine. He stays very well and he's very clever." WAYWARD PRINCE Hilary Parrott, trainer "He has a fine record at Liverpool and we think that will be key. He will also love that good, spring ground as he doesn't like soft." MR MOONSHINE Sue Smith, trainer "He ran a good race in Becher and we hope he gets the trip this year as seems to be in very good form." TEAFORTHREE Rebecca Curtis, trainer "He took to the Grand National fences last year and likes ground the softer side of good. He looks really tight, without being over-drilled." ACROSS THE BAY Tony Coyne, owner "We're delighted with his weight and delighted to have him fit and well and running in the race again." DOUBLE SEVEN Martin Brassil, trainer "Everything seems to have gone well with him and we're happy to be here. I just hope they don't get too much rain, the ground is very important to him." BATTLE GROUP Johnny Farrelly, trainer "If he's back to his best, you'd hope he'd run well. He isn't half the horse on soft ground as he is on good." BUCKERS BRIDGE Henry de Bromhead, trainer "We're hoping for a good run. We've tried him over the National-style fences and we were happy enough with him." LION NA BEARNAI Thomas Gibney, trainer "He handles all sorts of ground, but I'd more confident if there's a bit of cut in it. He's a nice horse with a nice weight." PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE Paul Townend, jockey "He brings a touch of class, has a lovely racing weight and if he gets into a rhythm you never know." MONBEG DUDE Michael Scudamore, trainer "He's in the best shape we've ever had him, but this race more than any other is the one in which you need plenty of luck." BIG SHU Peter Maher, trainer "Good ground is not his business. Big Shu is always best on his third run of a season. I think he was a bit short at Cheltenham. He deserves a crack at this." BURTON PORT Jonjo O'Neill, trainer "Since Christmas he started to perk up a lot, he's working better and has done nothing but improve." OUR FATHER David Pipe, trainer "He stays well and deserves his chance in the National. The slower the ground the better." MOUNTAINOUS Richard Lee, trainer "The wetter the better. We've given him plenty of time off and he's back bubbling away again." THE RAINBOW HUNTER Aidan Coleman, jockey "People might latch on to the fact he won the Sky Bet Chase, which is as good a trial as there is. He could be the forgotten horse." VINTAGE STAR Sue Smith, trainer "Vintage Star has never jumped the fences, although he jumped very well in schooling." CHANCE DU ROY Tom O'Brien, jockey "Touch-wood, he's a good jumper so the modifications to the fences don't really matter to him." HAWKES POINT Ryan Mahon, jockey "He wasn't beaten far at all in the Welsh National. You can make a case for a lot of them but I think he's got a proper chance." KRUZHLININ Donald McCain, trainer "He's a bit difficult to assess, trip wise, but he's improving all the time and jumps well." PINEAU DE RE Dr Richard Newland, trainer "He ran great at Cheltenham last time. He seems in the form of his life and I'm very hopeful." GOLAN WAY Tim Vaughan, trainer "He's been a decent animal but this is a different challenge for him over the National fences. We'd like to think he'll stay well." TWIRLING MAGNET Richie McLernon, jockey "He's a grand little horse. I schooled him on earlier in the week and we went very well. He's versatile enough, ground wise, and I think he'll take to the fences." VESPER BELL Willie Mullins, trainer "What he wants is a long trip and testing conditions. Things didn't go to plan in the Becher so we hope for better luck." THE PACKAGE David Pipe, trainer "I think he's got a great chance and the signs are good. Once he warms to the fences I think he'll be fine." RAZ DE MAREE Dessie Hughes, trainer "I've had Aintree in mind or him since last year. It was a good run the last day in Down Royal. He's going to be ready for it." ROSE OF THE MOON David O'Meara, trainer "He jumped well round Aintree in the Becher Chase, he's sneaked in at the bottom of the handicap and stays well." SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM Nicky Henderson, trainer "Shaka wants good ground but he's probably not going to get it. He finished his work on Monday morning and all went well." ALVARADO Fergal O'Brien, trainer "He's a high cruising speed, but, at the same time, he is just as likely to make a bad mistake at the second fence as get round and win." LAST TIME D'ALBAIN Liam Cusack, trainer "We're a bit in the dark when it comes to the distance but so are a lot of other horses in the race. We're hopeful the trip will suit." ONE IN A MILAN Adam Wedge, jockey "His Welsh National form was obviously very good and that might be him when he's at his best. Hopefully they get plenty of rain. The visor might also sharpen him up." SWING BILL David Pipe, trainer "He's not getting any younger but you can't knock him and getting round is half the battle. The drier the ground the better for him."
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Post by banger on Apr 4, 2014 21:36:56 GMT
Saturday: Going, weather and non-runners CHEPSTOW GOING: GOOD TO SOFT (Soft in places) (GoingStick: Chase 4.6, Hurdle 5.6)
WEATHER (Light rain) LINGFIELD GOING: STANDARD
WEATHER (Partly cloudy)
STALLS 1m - Outside; Remainder - Inside
NON RUNNERS 1:50 The Happy Hammer (7) AINTREE GOING: Mildmay - GOOD (Good to soft in places); Hurdle - GOOD TO SOFT; National - GOOD TO SOFT (Good in places) (GoingStick: Mildmay 7.1, Hurdle 6.8, National 6.6)
WEATHER (Showers) NEWCASTLE GOING: SOFT (GoingStick 5.7)
WEATHER (Cloudy/sunny)
STALLS Centre WOLVERHAMPTON GOING: STANDARD
WEATHER (Light rain)
STALLS 7f - Outside; Remainder - Inside
NON RUNNERS 7:20 Low Cut Affair (2), 7:20 Madame Ascension (4) GOWRAN PARK GOING: HEAVY
WEATHER (Light rain)
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 5, 2014 8:05:10 GMT
Leicester, 4 April 2014
2.20, second race
The record of vaccinations in the passport of HARRY HURRICANE, trained by George Baker, did not comply with the Rules of Racing. The Stewards found the trainer in breach of Rule (E)18 and fined him £140.
2.55, third race
The Stewards held an enquiry to consider why Martin Dwyer, the rider of SAND STORMER (IRE), had been slow to remove the blindfold resulting in his horse being slow to start. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the start they accepted his explanation that the blinds got stuck on the horse’s hood as he tried to remove them.
04/04/2014
Sedgefield, 4 April 2014
The British Horseracing Authority gave permission for the fence at the top of the hill, fence 3, to be omitted in all steeple chases, due to ground under repair.
2.10, first race
The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, FRANCISCAN, ridden by Mr H Stock and trained by Donald McCain, compared with its previous run at Kelso on 1 March 2014 where the gelding finished last of ten, beaten 71 lengths. They noted the explanation of the trainer’s representative that FRANCISCAN had appreciated making the running and the drop in class on this occasion.
2.45, second race
The Stewards held an enquiry to consider the apparent improvement in form of the winner, RAYADOUR (IRE), ridden by Craig Nichol and trained by Micky Hammond, which had never previously been placed. They interviewed the trainer’s representative who stated that the gelding was an improving sort who had appreciated the step up in trip. Having heard her evidence they forwarded her explanation to the British Horseracing Authority so that the previous performances of RAYADOUR (IRE) could be reviewed.
3.55, fourth race
The Stewards noted that BEAU BALLISTIC (IRE), unplaced, had interfered with BARABOY (IRE), unplaced, after the third last hurdle, but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence.
4.30, fifth race
The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference on the bend turning into the back straight on the final circuit. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that PLAYING THE FIELD (IRE), unplaced, ridden by Miss J Coward, had interfered with GIN COBBLER, unplaced, ridden by Mr T Speke. The Stewards found Miss J Coward in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding in that she failed to take sufficient steps to prevent interference. They suspended Miss J Coward for 1 day, on a date which will be notified to her by the British Horseracing Authority.
5.50, sixth race
The Stewards held an enquiry to consider why Mr J Hamilton, the rider of WACKET WILLIE, which refused at the last fence, had continued in the race when his horse appeared to be exhausted. They interviewed the rider and received a report from the Veterinary Officer. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards accepted the rider’s explanation that the gelding had jumped right handed throughout the race and he did not feel that it was contrary to the horse’s welfare to continue.
04/04/2014
Aintree, 4 April 2014
2.00, first race
The Stewards noted that there was interference between ART OF PAYROLL (GER), placed sixth, BALTIMORE ROCK (IRE), placed fourth, IRISH CAVALIER (IRE), unplaced, and THE GAME CHANGER (IRE), unplaced, approaching the second last flight of hurdles, but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it was caused by accident.
3.05, third race
The Stewards noted that ROLLING ACES (IRE), placed second, had interfered with RATHLIN, placed fifth, who then interfered with PEPITE ROSE (FR), placed sixth, approaching the last, but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved ROLLING ACES (IRE)’s placing.
4.15, fifth race
The Stewards noted that TISTORY (FR), unplaced, had interfered with FLATFOOT BOOGIE (FR), unplaced, who in turn interfered with PORT MELON (IRE), unplaced, on the bend leaving the back straight but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence.
4.50, sixth race
The Stewards held an enquiry into the fall of Charlie Deutsch, the rider of HAZY TOM (IRE), approaching the winning post on the first circuit. They interviewed Charlie Deutsch and having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the incident the Stewards found that the fall was caused by HAZY TOM (IRE) clipping heals with ZABANA (IRE). Being satisfied that the incident was accidental, the Stewards took no further action.
5.25, seventh race
The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, AVISPA, ridden by Robert Thornton and trained by Alan King, compared with her previous run at Sandown on 8 March 2014 where the mare finished fourth of nine beaten 14¾ lengths. They noted the trainer’s explanation that the mare was suited by the better ground. They ordered AVISPA to be routine tested.
04/04/2014
Wolverhampton, 4 April 2014
6.25, second race
The Stewards noted that the winner, TOP BOY, had interfered with BAPAK BANGSAWAN, placed second, which in turn interfered with DESERT STRIKE, placed third, which then interfered with HARROGATE FAIR, unplaced, inside the final furlong, but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved TOP BOY’s placing.
7.30, fourth race
The Stewards held an enquiry to consider the apparent improvement in form of the winner, SPEED SOCIETY, ridden by Adam Kirby and trained by Jim Boyle, which had never previously been placed. They interviewed the trainer, who stated that SPEED SOCIETY had been gelded and had strengthened up over the winter. Having heard his evidence, they forwarded his explanation to the British Horseracing Authority so that the previous performances of SPEED SOCIETY could be reviewed.
04/04/2014 ===========================================
Leicester, 4 April 2014
1.50, first race
Martin Lane, the rider of ACCESSION (IRE), placed third, reported that the gelding was denied a clear run.
Andrea Atzeni, the rider of FRONT PAGE NEWS, unplaced, reported that the filly stopped quickly.
2.55, third race
Matthew Hopkins, the rider of ROBYNELLE, unplaced, reported that the filly ran too free.
Silvestre De Sousa, the rider of ELUALLA (IRE), unplaced, reported that the filly hung right.
3.30, fourth race
Adam Kirby, the rider of SCRUFFY TRAMP (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding hung right-handed.
4.05. fifth race
William Buick, the rider of FLYING CAPE (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding hung right.
4.40, sixth race
James Doyle, the rider of SHASTA DAISY, unplaced, reported that the filly moved poorly. The Veterinary Officer subsequently reported that SHASTA DAISY had lost a shoe.
5.15, seventh race
Oisin Murphy, the rider of IMPERIAL GLANCE, unplaced, reported that the gelding ran too free.
04/04/2014
Sedgefield, 4 April 2014
2.10, first race
Mr W Easterby, the rider of DARK DUNE (IRE), placed third, reported that the gelding ran too free.
2.45, second race
The Stewards considered the running of LEBANNA, ridden by Lucy Alexander and trained by Tim Easterby, which finished unplaced. They noted the trainer could offer no explanation for the filly’s performance.
Rose Dobbin, the trainer of ANOTHER DIMENSION (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding was unsuited by the ground which the trainer considered to be too loose.
3.55, fourth race
Peter Carberry, the rider of BEAU BALLISTIC (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding stumbled after the third last.
04/04/2014
Aintree, 4 April 2014
2.30, second race
The Stewards considered the running of O’FAOLAINS BOY (IRE), ridden by Barry Geraghty and trained by Rebecca Curtis, which finished fifth. The Stewards noted the explanation of the trainer’s representative that the gelding ran flat. They ordered O’FAOLAINS BOY (IRE) to be routine tested.
3.05, third race
Richard Johnson, the rider of WISHFULL THINKING, unplaced, reported that the gelding ran flat. They ordered WISHFULL THINKING to be routine tested.
04/04/2014
Wolverhampton, 4 April 2014
5.50, first race
Robert Tart, the rider of AVONDREAM, unplaced, reported that the gelding hung right and would not face the kickback.
6.25, second race
Luke Morris, the rider of PROFILE STAR (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding ran too freely and stopped quickly.
Graham Gibbons, the rider of WE’LL DEAL AGAIN, unplaced, reported that the gelding ran flat. The Stewards ordered WE'LL DEAL AGAIN to be routine tested.
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 5, 2014 8:09:40 GMT
Bailey hunting second success The Rainbow Hunter will bid to give Gloucestershire trainer Kim Bailey a second Grand National success today 24 years on from Mr Frisk's record-breaking victory in the race. The horse was unfortunate in last year's renewal when parting company with Aidan Coleman at the Canal Turn on the first circuit when seemingly travelling well. Even more frustrating for connections is the fact he then went on to jump the remaining 22 fences near-perfectly before chasing the winner Auroras Encore all the way to the line. With that in mind, coupled with an impressive win in Doncaster's Sky Bet Chase back in January, it looks as if The Rainbow Hunter has every chance of playing a leading role in today's Crabbie's-sponsored showpiece. Coleman once again gets the ride and Bailey is happy with the horse ahead of the big day. He said: "The horse is fine and has been working well. As soon as we won the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster we made the decision to go straight to Aintree. Last year he unseated at the Canal Turn. He didn't make a mistake the whole way round, but unfortunately Aidan was knocked off early on. "I never feel confident going into the race, but I'm happy with the way he's jumping and he'll stay. I just hope he runs well and comes back in one piece." Irish trainer Liam Cusack hopes previous experience of the big Aintree fences will stand Last Time D'Albain in good stead. The 10-year-old was third to fellow National contenders Triolo D'Alene and Walkon in the Topham at this meeting 12 months ago. "We're hopeful the trip will suit in the National. The Topham trip might just be a bit too sharp for him nowadays and he stayed the three miles very well in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown last season," said Cusack. "We're a bit in the dark when it comes to the distance, but so are a lot of other horses in the race. He showed that he liked the fences last year. He jumps well, so if he gets into a nice rhythm then he could easily run a big race. He's definitely the best horse I've had so far." Buckers Bridge is a potentially interesting contender for trainer Henry de Bromhead. A Grade Two winner as a novice, he secured his place when running a good race to be third to Gold Cup second On His Own in the Bobbyjo Chase. De Bromhead said: "He's not run there before, but he seems in good form and we're hoping for a good run. We've tried him over the National style-fences and we were happy enough with him." Wayward Prince has high-class form in conditions races and was second to Harry Topper in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby this season. Further encouragement for his connections comes with two prior Aintree triumphs, which included victory in the Grade One Sefton Hurdle in 2010. Trainer Hilary Parrott said: "He has a fine record at Liverpool and we think that will be key. He will also love that good, spring ground as he doesn't like it soft. He was running on at the end at Doncaster, but we really needed to get a run into him before the National, rather than anything else. "I think his form with Harry Topper at Wetherby was the real Wayward Prince, though. Hopefully he has a good spin round and may the best horse win." ====================================================== Townend bids to be king on Prince Paul Townend, so often in the shadow of Ruby Walsh, gets his big chance to make headlines of his own with the potentially plum ride on Prince De Beauchene in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree. Dual National winner Walsh broke his arm at the Cheltenham Festival, leaving stable number two Townend to take the ride on a horse that has missed the last two runnings through injuries of his own when he would have been a leading contender. "Touch wood, he jumps well at home. He's never run over the National fences before and has missed the last two when it's been his aim," said former Irish champion Townend, who bagged a Grade One prize at the meeting on Boston Bob on Friday, in the same colours of Graham Wylie. "The trip is a bit of an unknown, but I think he will stay. He ran a nice race in the English Hennessy but faded out of it with a big weight, and was running well in the Lexus until he made a mistake. "He brings a touch of class, has a lovely racing weight and if he gets into a rhythm, you never know. He's a good horse in his own right and it's nice to have a ride in the race with a nice squeak like he has. I'm hoping to get a nice ride off him." Owner Robert Waley-Cohen and his jockey-son Sam have enjoyed great success over the Aintree fences but it could all pale into insignificance if Long Run wins the first £1million renewal. The nine-year-old is searching for his own piece of history as no horse as ever won the King George, the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the biggest race of them all in Liverpool. The Nicky Henderson-trained nine-year-old may not be the force of old, but there is no doubt he has been given a chance by the handicapper. "Myself and Sam have enjoyed plenty of luck over the fences in the past, but I still get a tingle ahead of the National as it's a great race," said Waley-Cohen snr. "Clearly he has deteriorated since his days of beating Kauto Star and Denman in the Gold Cup, but he has been handicapped accordingly. All you can wish for is a clear run and then take it from there." Henderson is four-handed as he seeks to win the great race for the first time, with Hennessy winner Triolo D'Alene, Hunt Ball and Shakalakaboomboom completing his party. He said: "It's a good little squad to come in with. It's a race that has eluded us. We've had a few close shaves, but not for a bit. We've not quite had the right kit for it, but this year there are four boys that fit the bill and we're entitled to be here." Tony McCoy chose Double Seven, trained by Martin Brassil, ahead of Ted Walsh's Colbert Station as his mount for his boss J P McManus. Brassil, who won the National with Numbersixvalverde in 2006, said: "Everything seems to have gone well with him and we're happy to be here. I just hope they don't get too much rain. The ground is very important to him and if it went heavy there'd be no point in even running him. Hopefully it's no worse than good to soft." ================================================== Moss camp target Mersey paradise John Flint is keeping his fingers crossed the heavens open at Aintree as stable star Kayf Moss bids for Grade One glory in the Pertemps Network Mersey Novices' Hurdle today. Following handicap victories at Ffos Las and Leicester, the six-year-old completed a hat-trick with a shock victory in the Grade Two National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell. The trainer's jockey-son Rhys Flint picked up a whip suspension that ruled him out of the Cheltenham Festival and, for that reason, connections decided to skip the showpiece meeting with Kayf Moss. But with Flint jnr now sidelined by injury, Tom O'Brien takes over in the saddle. The Bridgend handler said: "We are praying for some rain and if they do get some and the ground is on the soft side, I think he'll run very well. He beat a 150-rated horse and a 165-rated horse at Fontwell and the horse that was second (Meister Eckhart) ran very well to finish third under a big weight at Aintree on Thursday, so the form stands up. "We were always going to miss Cheltenham with our horse as the owners wanted Rhys to ride and he was suspended for the Festival. Unfortunately Rhys broke a vertebra in his back a fortnight ago and will miss the ride, but Tom O'Brien has ridden the horse before, winning at Ffos Las, so I'm sure we'll be fine on that score. "I'm not sure how he'll handle better ground as he's never really run on it. As long as he can go quick enough I would imagine we'll adopt the same tactics as we did at Fontwell and bounce out in front. We want to make sure it is a good test of stamina." Another horse lining up following three consecutive victories is the Charlie Longsdon-trained Kilcooley. The five-year-old has won a bumper and two hurdle races at Market Rasen and his trainer is keen to test the water at a higher level. Longsdon said: "It is a big step up, but he has done everything very easily so far. It was a question of either putting him away for the season now or letting him have a stab at a big prize, and we thought it was worth having a go to see how good he is. "He is a racecourse horse rather than a home horse - his work at home is only middle of the road - but he has done everything right on the track so far. If he's going to be running in some of the better handicaps next season, he needs to get some more experience and he'll certainly get that on Saturday." Wilde Blue Yonder may well have won at both Newbury and Ascot earlier this season had he not tipped up at the final flight on both occasions, but showed his quality with a fine fifth in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham. Trainer Alan King is looking forward to testing his charge at two and a half miles. The Barbury Castle handler told his website, "Wilde Blue Yonder ran a solid race in the Supreme at Cheltenham and two and a half around here could suit him. He schooled well on Monday and is in good form, so, hopefully, he'll run well." Paul Nicholls' County Hurdle winner Lac Fontana, the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Splash Of Ginge and Nicky Henderson's duo of Oscar Hoof and Volnay De Thaix also feature in a 12-runner field. =================================================== Melodic tuned up for Stayers' Nick Scholfield is confident the step up to three miles will not be a problem for Melodic Rendezvous in the Silver Cross Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree today. Jeremy Scott's stable star has enjoyed another fine campaign so far, winning the Elite Hurdle and the Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton, as well as clinching the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock. The Champion Hurdle itself proved a bridge too far, with Melodic Rendezvous coming home seventh of the eight finishers, but Scholfield feels his mount will come into his own over longer distances. He said: "It is a big step up for him, going up from two miles to three, but I have no worries about the trip. We could have run in the two-and-a-half-mile race on Thursday (Aintree Hurdle), but with The New One in there, we just felt this was the better option. "I have always been of the opinion he would stay three miles in time. The rain hasn't arrived that was forecast, but I think the ground should be fine for him with the trip in mind. He beat Zarkandar in the Kingwell Hurdle and we take him on again, so we'll see what happens. This race will tell us a lot about where we're heading with him next season." The Rebecca Curtis-trained At Fishers Cross, third behind More Of That and Annie Power in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle at Cheltenham, will be the likely favourite in the hands of Tony McCoy. Curtis said: "I'm really happy with him, he seems in great form. He came out of the Cheltenham run really well and we're expecting a good run." It has been a frustrating season for Zarkandar, winner of the Aintree Hurdle at this meeting 12 months ago. Paul Nicholls' charge filled the runner-up spot on his first four starts of the campaign and finished fourth in the World Hurdle. The Ditcheat handler also saddles World Hurdle ninth Salubrious, who is fitted with a first-time hood. Nicky Henderson runs Coral Cup winner Whisper, while the only Irish-trained challenger is Willie Mullins' admirable grey Thousand Stars. The 10-year-old has been placed in the Aintree Hurdle for the last three years and steps back up in trip on his return to the track following two disappointing runs over shorter distances this season. Jockey Paul Townend said: "He's gone for the Aintree Hurdle a couple of times and never won it, but he's always run a big race there. He was disappointing the last day, but he seems to be coming back to himself and if it (Aintree) lights him up again hopefully we can nick a bit of prize-money." The seven-runner field is completed by Sandy Thomson's outsider The Knoxs. =========================================================== Injured Fogarty misses National Mikey Fogarty will miss the ride on the Willie Mullins-trained Vesper Bell in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree after fracturing two vertebrae in his back in a fall on Friday. The jockey could be sidelined for up to 12 weeks following his tumble from Bishopsfurze in the Crabbie's Supporting Everton In The Community Topham Chase over the famous fences. "He's got two fractured vertebrae in his back. He's had a scan and will have a further scan tomorrow morning (Saturday) to decide whether he needs surgery," said the Irish Turf Club's senior medical officer, Dr Adrian McGoldrick. "He's going to be out probably for between eight to 12 weeks. That's what you would normally expect for that kind of injury." The injury was confirmed by Paul Struthers, chief executive of the Professional Jockeys Association. He tweeted: "Mikey Fogarty has fractured his T3 and T4 but they are stable. He'll stay in for at least one more night ahead of an MRI in the morning." Fogarty's compatriot Paul Carberry still hopes to be fit to partner Monbeg Dude for Michael Scudamore after he was unseated from Kauto Stone at the eighth fence. Like Fogarty, he was taken to the University Hospital, Fazakerley, for precautionary X-rays for a possible pelvic injury. Struthers issued an update on his condition, tweeting: "Paul Carberry's scans/X-rays are clear so he is in the process of being discharged and will require RMO clearance tomorrow." Two other jockeys with rides in the National, Andrew Tinkler and Noel Fehily, took knocks in the same race. Tinkler banged a wrist after Tanks For That fell at the 12th, while Fehily had a problem with an elbow after he came down at the 15th on Fago. They missed their remaining rides. Tinkler and Fehily will have to be passed fit by the racecourse doctor if they are to take their National rides on Hunt Ball and Rocky Creek respectively. Sean Quinlan was another to be hurt on the day when parting company with Party Rock in the two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle. After being treated on the track he was also taken to Fazakerley for further assessment, although Struthers later confirmed he had been discharged. He tweeted: "Good news that @squinlansean has been discharged with no serious injuries." ======================================================== Bob bags Melling prize Paul Townend has carved out a niche by deputising for Ruby Walsh and he finally gained Grade One recognition in Britain with a wonderfully timed challenge on Boston Bob in the Betfred Melling Chase. Although he has multiple big-race wins to his name in Ireland, where he was champion jockey in the 2010-11 season through the many rides he received from the Willie Mullins stable, Townend has only struck once at the Cheltenham Festival and this was his first Aintree success. With Walsh out injured after a fall at the Festival, the ride on Graham Wylie's slightly frustrating Boston Bob became available and he sneaked the 5-1 shot up the rail from last to first, but it was only in the final 50 yards that he drew three and a quarter lengths clear of Rolling Aces. This was certainly not the best renewal of the famous intermediate-distance showpiece, which had entered Mullins' mind with Boston Bob having started the season regaining confidence over hurdles before a more promising sixth in the Ryanair Chase. Townend said: "I'm fortunate and Ruby's unfortunate, but it's really good to ride a big winner here for Willie. I didn't want to put him on his head early on, so I let him work his way into it and find his rhythm. He seems to have sorted himself out now, and he deserved that." Mullins added: "I was happier that he ran better than his finishing position at Cheltenham, so I thought I'd enter him in the two races here. Even though two and a half was not his trip, I thought it was a much easier race. "We've plenty of time to go on to Punchestown. His owner might have two runners in the Gold Cup at Punchestown - (Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up) On His Own and this fella." Owner Wylie said: "After the Ryanair Chase, Ruby got off him and said he really enjoyed it, so we thought we'd bring him here. We thought the distance might be a bit too hot for him as he's a three-mile horse really, but what a brilliant ride by Paul. "We started him over hurdles to get his confidence back and then Willie decided he wasn't going to go for the World Hurdle after his run in the Cleeve." ===================================================== Holy hits Mildmay target Holywell galloped his rivals into submission to run out an impressive winner of the Betfred Mobile Mildmay Novices' Chase at Aintree. Jonjo O'Neill's smart hurdler took a while to get the hang of things over fences, but has hit top form since the turn of the year, winning at Catterick and Doncaster before striking in handicap company at the Cheltenham Festival for the second time. Stepped up to Grade One level for the first time over the larger obstacles, Holywell was given an aggressive ride from the front under Tony McCoy and the 7-2 chance answered the champion jockey's every call. His rivals were queuing up to challenge at the top of the home straight, but two more slick jumps from Holywell kept him in command and he began to assert on the run to the final obstacle, producing another extravagant leap to seal the deal and passing the post with 10 lengths in hand over Irish raider Don Cossack. Wonderful Charm came through to finish third ahead of Many Clouds, but RSA Chase winner and 3-1 favourite O'Faolains Boy ran as though his Cheltenham exertions had taken their toll, weakening into fifth place. McCoy said: "He likes to be up there with a bit of room and to know where he is. In a few of his early races I was trying to teach him to jump and race, but he just likes to be ridden aggressively. "I would never have said he was (a Gold Cup horse) before, but he's beaten them pretty convincingly and last year's best staying novice won the Gold Cup (Lord Windermere), and on form he's probably the best one this year. "The great thing is Derrick Smith (owner) landed from Barbados this morning and is here to see him, he's a lovely man. He's done the job." O'Neill added: "We'll aim him for the big races. He's not a very big horse so my only worry would be him carrying big weights in handicaps. He's a real trier and a tough little devil and he's a character at home. He's always bucking and kicking. He was showing us he was really well. "We couldn't see any reason not to come but you're always worried if a hard race at Cheltenham might leave its mark. He was fantastic today and AP (McCoy) was giving him some drive. He's a Jack the Lad and definitely needs the blinkers. Everything went spot on today." Trainer Gordon Elliott was happy with the performance of runner-up Don Cossack on the back of his fall in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham. He said: "I thought he ran a very good race. He was probably a bit unlucky with what happened at Cheltenham but he jumped great and if you took the winner out, he's beaten the rest a fair way. He'll go for the three-mile novice at Punchestown." ================================================== Ma stars in Henderson treble Ma Filleule turned in a springheeled display over the Grand National fences to claim the Crabbie's Supporting Everton In The Community Topham Chase at Aintree and headline a sparkling treble for Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty. Having chased home Holywell, winner of the Mildmay Novices' Chase earlier on the card, at the Cheltenham Festival, Ma Filleule brought strong form to the race and was a 9-1 shot for a wide-open handicap. She travelled powerfully and jumped impeccably for much of the race, carting Geraghty into a share of the lead after jumping the Canal Turn, and she left her rivals trailing in her wake going to the final fence before galloping all the way up the long-run to score by an eased-down eight lengths from Bennys Mist. Eastlake and Tatenen finished third and fourth respectively, with Double Ross fifth. Henderson said: "She enjoyed that. I hoped she would. She seemed very good at home. She was a bit careful the first time and she had another practice on Tuesday just to make sure. "It looked good, but I was trying to watch three of them. I was a bit worried she might get outpaced early on, but she managed to hold her place. She got into a great rhythm and it looked like she had a nice time." The handler went on to suggest Ma Filleule might emulate last year's winner Triolo D'Alene and return for the National next year. "The idea in the Topham is to see if you can look at the National the next year," he said. ======================================================= Beat claims Sefton success Beat That returned from a break in style to claim Grade One glory in the Doom Bar Sefton Novices' Hurdle at Aintree. Not seen since finishing second at Sandown in early December, the six-year-old was 6-1 to complete a treble on the day for trainer Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty, following the earlier successes of Josses Hill and Ma Filleule. Cole Harden led the field into the straight, but Geraghty was oozing confidence in behind and although the leader proved a tough nut to crack, Beat That eventually mastered him and was four lengths to the good passing the post. Henderson said: "We had to leave him alone for the winter what with the weather and the ground. He hadn't run since that race at Sandown a long time ago. He's a growing up horse. "It's great for Michael (Buckley, owner). He's had a torrid winter one way or another. Things haven't gone well, then a lot of people will have watched what happened last Saturday (with Toast Of New York winning the UAE Derby in Meydan). Six days later, we're back in the right place again. It's great, because he's some supporter. "This is a lovely horse for the future. I'd think he'd be chasing next year, but he's only had three hurdles races and a bumper in his life. I only dropped him into the three-mile race two days ago. He was going to go for the two-and-a-half-mile race on Saturday, but I juggled them round a little bit." Buckley added: "It's unreal. We came back from Dubai for this wonderful race here. We'd had a great time the last couple of weeks. "He is a big, scopey horse and Barry said afterwards he's still weak and still growing into his frame. They were pretty strung out there like in the Grand National, so it was a pretty fair performance. This slightly better ground was better for him seeing as he is weak at the moment. "He is a chaser looking at him, but Nicky willl decide. It may be worth thinking about staying over hurdles over long distances. We'll see. At Fishers Cross won it last year. He'll be pretty good whichever way he goes." ==================================================== Aintree joy for Josses Cheltenham Festival runner-up Josses Hill went one better with an authoritative display in the International Festival For Business 2014 Top Novices' Hurdle at Aintree. Having found only the hugely impressive Vautour too strong in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle at Prestbury Park last month, the Nicky Henderson-trained six-year-old was a 6-4 favourite for his Grade Two assignment on Merseyside. The well-backed market leader moved sweetly into the home straight, but Supreme fourth Sgt Reckless quickly loomed up as a big danger and looked likely to come out on top. The Seven Barrows runner was in control jumping the final obstacle, however, and stayed on best on the run-in to score by six lengths. Barry Geraghty, initiating a treble for himself and the trainer, said: "He's very genuine and he tries. He didn't travel and jump as well as I'd like and he's had a busy enough time, but he really responds. I knew I'd stay well and soon after AP (McCoy, on Sgt Reckless) joined me, I knew I had the measure of him. "He met a very good horse at Cheltenham and I think he's a horse with a massive future over fences." Henderson added: "It was a good performance. It's been a good race for us with horses that have been second at Cheltenham - Darlan, and My Tent Or Yours last year. I think he did it really well. "I think this horse is a chaser. I can't believe he won't be going chasing next year. We'll see. There's a long summer to think about it. He's a lovely looking horse. He looks like a chaser and he gallops as well as he looks. He looks like an Arkle horse to me. "He was second to our own horse Royal Boy in a Grade One at Kempton, so he deserved to get a good prize at the end of the day and he's been consistent all the year through." Clondaw Kaempfer came out on top in a thrilling climax to the Alder Hey Children's Charity Handicap Hurdle for trainer Donald McCain and jockey Wayne Hutchinson. The six-year-old has been largely disappointing so far this season following an encouraging novice campaign, but he travelled sweetly throughout this two-and-a-half-mile test. He held a narrow advantage jumping the second-last, but looked booked for minor honours when both Caid Du Berlais and Cheltenian swept by him on the run to the final flight. However, Clondaw Kaempfer appeared to find his second wind on the run-in and surged home to get up in the dying strides. Caid Du Berlais was beaten a neck into second, with Cash And Go finishing well to grab third spot from Cheltenian. Alan King's 25-1 shot Avispa was a surprise winner of the concluding Concerto Group Mares' Standard Open NH Flat Race under Robert Thornton.
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 5, 2014 8:15:19 GMT
ROBIN GOODFELLOW SELECTIONS... Aintree
130 Wilde Blue Yonder
205 Hinterland
250 Whisper (nb)
325 Victor Hewgo
415 Long Run
510 COURT MINSTREL (nap)
545 Bringithomeminty
Chepstow
120 Dubawi Island
155 Storm Of Swords
230 George Nympton
305 Perfect Timing
345 Ohio Gold
450 Orabora
525 Mighty Mobb
5.55 Rock The Kasbah
Lingfield
115 Exchequer
150 Presumido
225 Munfallet
300 Hunting Ground
340 American Hope
445 Stonefield Flyer
520 Super Duplex
Newcastle
140 Vivere
215 Highland Acclaim
245 Da'quonde
315 Amaze
355 Medieval Bishop
500 Uplifted
535 Masked Dance
605 Trixie Malone
Wolverhampton
550 Haadeeth
620 Rise To Glory
650 Barracuda Boy
720 Patience Alexander
750 Almargo
820 Silverware
850 Life And Times
================================================ 13:30 Saturday 5th April Racing Tips - 05/04/2014
Something for every race today. The opening hurdle is fascinating given the mixture of Cheltenham runners and other very progressive types. The 2 from the Supreme are Un Ace and Wilde Blue Yonder and, given the strength of that form after Josses Hill and Sgt Reckelss ran so well yesterday, they make most appeal. The 2 were around 2 lengths apart in the middle part of that race and so too at the finish with Kim Bailey's runner looking most likely to improve for a step up in trip. That said, Alan King's classy 5 year old will also appreciate the extra distance but he is that bit shorter, and so he should be. The fact that this is only Un Ace's 3rd hurdles start though makes him so interesting and 9/1 is very fair indeed. Hopefully the rain doesn't dampen his chances but the earlier the race the better given it will be wet throughout the afternoon. Interesting that Geraghty chooses Oscar Hoof over Volnay De Thaix and the former would be choice of the rest. Aintree 13.30 - Un Ace 1pt e/w
The Maghull perhaps lacks that big name but is ultra competitive and it has probably got to come down to who is most likely to win as opposed to digging out some value. I want to rule out Hinterland who has always flattered to deceive and the form of his Henry VIII Sandown win looks dubious. Next Sensation is a front running trail blazer that could well be of this class but is rather proximal in the market to the 2 that look the most likely winners. Next Sensation will ensure this is a proper test and the fact that Balder Success is a winner, and track record breaker at Chepstow no less, over 2 and a half miles gives him the edge. Trifolium was impressive in his Leopardstown win but the form of that can be questioned given how Felix Yonger disappointed at Cheltenham and the fact that Defy Logic broke a blood vessel, and he doesn't always see his races out that strongly. He may also want a little more cut in the ground and Balder Success, who should be 5 from 6 since sent chasing, is the pck at 4/1. He wasn't right behind Hinterlard at Sandown but has been superb since and the yard are in top form. Aintree 14.05 - Balder Success 2pt win
The stayers' hurdle is a cracker and I think At Fishers Cross will win. I will have a nibble but it's not a race to go crazy stakes about. The spanner in the works could be Melodic Rendezvous who will appreciate the rain and may stay the trip, we just don't know. Zarkandar ran very well in the World Hurdle but you'd think Melodic has the edge on him…if he stays. It's too big an if to take though and, with the likes of Thousand Stars and the ever prominent Whisper ensuring a proper test, At Fishers Cross has all the credentials to reclaim his crown. That World Hurdle is the strongest piece of Grade 1 hurdling form this season and his 6 length 3rd gives him right to go off shorter than the 13/8 currently available. Aintree 14.50 - At Fishers Cross 2pt win
Having tried and failed to find a big price handicap winner this week, I'll settle for any winner and do like a couple of shorties for the opening handicap of the day. Victor Hewgo looks about 10lb well in on his form this year and should be backed at 7/2. He will want every bit of this in truth but a strong pace will help and he has been 2nd to 3 subsequent winners (including an Arkle winner and Holywell) in the last 13 months and won his other 3 starts. He wants decent ground and that looks likely on the chase course. The other to go for is winner of this 2 years ago Saint Are. Battle group, 2nd that day, came back and won this last year off 6lb lower and Tim Vaughan's 8 year old returns off 8lb lower this afternoon. He lost his way a little but loves it here and showed improvement for a visor on penultimate start. That goes back on and 7/1 should be snapped up for a yard bang on song. Aintree 15.25 - Victor Hewgo 1pt win Aintree 15.25 - Saint Are 1pt e/w
In truth I've gone off Chance Du Roy a little as it's a big ask for him to see out the trip. He was a nice early price but looks far less appealing on the day. Without the forecast rain I'd be very confident with Double Seven but still have high hopes on what should stay manageable ground. I have a shortlist of 4 on the morning of the race and will stick up 2. The Package is on the list but had a failed attempt here before and, though his Cheltenham form is immense, he's still on the short side for a horse that has never looked top class. Pineau De Re is an Ulster National winner and I was all out to back him. However, he's a similar price to Prince De Beuchene (25/1) who looks that little bit better treated. We know he's class and has been aimed at this before but just keeps missing out. Now he finally lines up off 147, 8lb lower than his Hennessy mark. Mullins, Townend and Wylie got off the mark yesterday with Boston Bob and I really fancy their charge today. Also worth a chancer at a monster price is Rose Of The Moon who looks to want extreme distances and comes here after getting back on track at the turn of the year. The tongue tie was left off after a disappointing effort in the 4 miler at Cheltenham last year and that may be because he bled from the mouth. He certainly hasn't missed it since. The 9 year old has plenty to find this afternoon but is open to improvement and an 8lb rise looks fair. He has just 10-3 on his back with a jockey that gets on well with him. He will not want it too soft but the rain is no bother and, having jumped the fences well over an inadequate trip in the Becher, he can outrun his 80/1 price. Both selections should race prominently which is always preferable in this 'anything can happen' marathon. Aintree 16.15 - Rose Of The Moon 1pt e/w Aintree 16.15 - Prince De Beauchene 1pt e/w
Already advised Aintree 16.15 - Double Seven 1pt e/w 33/1 Aintree 16.15 - Chance Du Roy 1pt e/w 40/1
Nesterenko is a nice price for the Conditional Jockeys' handicap but he has failed in this class once before and others look less exposed. He goes on the shortlist though, along with Katgarry and Rainbow Peak. I swore not to back a short price Nicholls runner this week (after Conti) as the yard are struggling so John Ferguson's former Italian Group1 flat winner gets the vote at 16/1. He shaped nicely off 3lb higher at Cheltenham but Ferguson horses just don't win there. This track should suit him much better, so too the drop in class, and he's definitely overpriced given the forecast rain will suit. He has the non-claimng but very capable Joshua Moore in the saddle. The other Ferguson runner, Bordoni, is returning form a break and is potentially well treated. However, he is nowhere near as appealing as the returning Bold Henry who we haven't seen for some 17 months (507 days). He is chucked in on old form and looks worthy of chancing at 25/1. His 2012 form with Claret Cloak, Kian's Delight and Rebel Rebellion suggest a mark in the late 130's would be realistic. Normally you'd like to give him a run but Philip Hobbs is known for having them ready (look at Doctor Foxtrot last year) and a mark of 128 with the impressive Thomas Cheesman claiming 7 makes him the irresistible bet of the day. Aintree 17.10 - Bold Henry 1pt e/w Aintree 17.10 - Rainbow Peak 1pt e/w
I always advise never to back a horse without studying the rest of the field but, having missed out on the notebook Cheltenham chaser yesterday (Boston Bob), nothing will stop me backing Modus in the bumper this afternoon. Plenty more is in his favour today. He's a proper flat bred and should appreciate today's flatter track, though he had won over 15 furlongs at Cheltenham. Another plus is the overnight rain given he won his first 2 starts on juicy ground and looks better suited to some cut on breeding. He travelled so well but had to come very wide at Cheltenham and faded a furlong and a half out. I'm convinced he stays though and he did best of the 4 year olds that day. The youngsters have a better record in this so he must have a leading chance and I think he should be favourite. 15/2 is worth taking. Aintree 17.45 - Modus 1pt e/w =======================================================
Tips Tables Naps table
NAPS TABLE PRESS CHALLENGE
TODAY'S NAPS TIME CRS TIPSTER LEVEL STAKES Zarkandar 2:50 Aint South Wales Argus Melissa Jones +54.30 The Rainbow Hunter 4:15 Aint Sunday Telegraph Whistler +28.68 Lion Na Bearnai 4:15 Aint Weekender +20.13 Vivere 1:40 Newc Western Morning News West Tip +16.43 The Rainbow Hunter 4:15 Aint Liverpool Echo Chris Wright +16.38 Double Seven 4:15 Aint Belfast Newsletter Wise Owl +15.90 Long Run 4:15 Aint Glasgow Evening Times Jeffrey Ross +13.29 Court Minstrel 5:10 Aint Daily Mail Robin Goodfellow +13.16 Walkon 4:15 Aint Daily Post Mercury +13.00 Prince De Beauchene 4:15 Aint Yorkshire Post The Duke +12.99 Sloane Avenue 3:40 Ling The Star Patrick Weaver +5.63 Somethingwonderful 5:10 Aint Racing Post The Edge +5.56 Born To Surprise 4:45 Ling Daily Star Sunday Moorestyle +5.34 Vesper Bell 4:15 Aint Coventry Telegraph Derek Brown +4.33 Battle Born 5:45 Aint Blackpool Gazette Steve Simpson +3.54 Vasco Du Ronceray 5:10 Aint Racing Post Lambourn +1.23 Balder Succes 2:05 Aint Daily Telegraph Marlborough -0.60 Grand Jipeck 5:35 Newc Racing Post The North -6.13 The Package 4:15 Aint Racing Post West Country -7.10 Last Time D´Albain 4:15 Aint Sheffield Star Fortunatus -7.17 Long Run 4:15 Aint Western Daily Press Bob Watts -8.00 Last Time D´Albain 4:15 Aint Daily Mirror Newsboy -10.73 Hunt Ball 4:15 Aint Sunday Express Chris Goulding -15.66 Prince De Beauchene 4:15 Aint The Sun Templegate -18.40 Wayward Prince 4:15 Aint Racing and Football Outlook -19.50 Long Run 4:15 Aint Sussex Express Downsman -21.02 Walkon 4:15 Aint Daily Record Garry Owen -23.11 Tidal Bay 4:15 Aint The Scotsman Glendale -24.14 Big Shu 4:15 Aint The Guardian -24.61 Mr Moonshine 4:15 Aint Oldham Evening Chronicle Keith McHugh -27.28 Big Shu 4:15 Aint The Irish Field Karl Hedley -28.25 Lac Fontana 1:30 Aint Racing Post RP Ratings -30.93 Rocky Creek 4:15 Aint Morning Star Farringdon -31.53 Burton Port 4:15 Aint The Times Rob Wright -32.33 Teaforthree 4:15 Aint Racing Post Spotlight -32.65 Burton Port 4:15 Aint Sunday Mail Rockavon -37.19 Long Run 4:15 Aint Yorkshire Evening Post Lee Sobot -38.54 Victor Hewgo 3:25 Aint The Press, York Ebor -40.16 Rocky Creek 4:15 Aint Sunday Mirror Gary Nutting -50.49 Wilde Blue Yonder 1:30 Aint Carlisle News & Star Phil Rostron -70.18 Splash Of Ginge 1:30 Aint Racing Post Postdata -74.15 =========================================== MOST TIPPED Vivere 1:40 Newcastle MOST TIPPED OUTSIDER Valmina 6:50 Wolverhampton (AW) No betting MOST NAPPED Long Run 4:15 Aintree MOST NAPPED OUTSIDER Long Run 4:15 Aintree ================================================ Willie Mullins, trainer: PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE " “I think he is quite reasonably handicapped. His preparation has gone well and he is one horse for whom the ground shouldn't be an issue whether it rains or not. We realise that the horse will need to peak if he is to win but we're cautiously optimistic about his chances. He's never gone the distance, but I hope and think he will stay the trip.” " Prince De Beauchene 4:15 Aintree ============================================ Frankie Dettori (Exchequer) rides well at Lingfield (A.W) (26 wins from 78 mounts, 33%) Exchequer 1:15 Lingfield (AW) ===============================================
Today's Pointers Hot Trainers Trainer Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Races N J Henderson 5 23 21.74 8 34.78 Today's entries A King 4 10 40.0 7 70.0 Today's entries A M Balding 4 7 57.14 5 71.43 Today's entries D McCain Jnr 4 15 26.67 5 33.33 Today's entries D K Weld 3 11 27.27 7 63.64 Today's entries Richard Hannon 3 9 33.33 5 55.56 Today's entries J S Bolger 3 13 23.08 5 38.46 Today's entries D Pipe 3 16 18.75 5 31.25 Today's entries M Johnston 3 11 27.27 4 36.36 Today's entries W P Mullins 3 10 30.0 3 30.0 Today's entries R A Fahey 2 14 14.29 7 50.0 Today's entries P D Evans 2 12 16.67 6 50.0 Today's entries J W Mullins 2 10 20.0 5 50.0 Today's entries H Fry 2 6 33.33 4 66.67 Today's entries N A Twiston-Davies 2 9 22.22 4 44.44 Today's entries P J Hobbs 2 19 10.53 4 21.05 Today's entries C Appleby 2 4 50.0 3 75.0 Today's entries G A Swinbank 2 5 40.0 3 60.0 Today's entries Mrs R Carr 2 12 16.67 3 25.0 Today's entries D T Hughes 2 13 15.38 3 23.08 Today's entries Mrs L Pearce 2 3 66.67 2 66.67 Today's entries B Pauling 2 5 40.0 2 40.0 Today's entries P F Nicholls 1 31 3.23 9 29.03 Today's entries George Baker 1 8 12.5 5 62.5 Today's entries K A Ryan 1 8 12.5 4 50.0 Today's entries Miss E C Lavelle 1 9 11.11 4 44.44 Today's entries G L Moore 1 17 5.88 4 23.53 Today's entries R Lee 1 3 33.33 3 100.0 Today's entries J T Gorman 1 5 20.0 3 60.0 Today's entries J M Oxx 1 6 16.67 3 50.0 Today's entries O Sherwood 1 6 16.67 3 50.0 Today's entries J J Quinn 1 7 14.29 3 42.86 Today's entries P A Kirby 1 10 10.0 3 30.0 Today's entries A P O'Brien 1 16 6.25 3 18.75 Today's entries M L W Bell 1 3 33.33 2 66.67 Today's entries C Roche 1 3 33.33 2 66.67 Today's entries E J Alston 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Today's entries A Hollinshead 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Today's entries D O'Meara 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Today's entries W Greatrex 1 5 20.0 2 40.0 Today's entries C F Swan 1 5 20.0 2 40.0 Today's entries L Carter 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's entries T R George 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's entries Jonjo O'Neill 1 9 11.11 2 22.22 Today's entries B Ellison 1 13 7.69 2 15.38 Today's entries D H Brown 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's entries D Burchell 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's entries J Noseda 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's entries E A L Dunlop 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries B J Llewellyn 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries N G Richards 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries Martin Smith 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries J F Levins 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's entries J Nash 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's entries Noel Quinlan 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's entries J J Walsh 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's entries P W Hiatt 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries A J Mccabe 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries J Scott 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries W G M Turner 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries H De Bromhead 1 6 16.67 1 16.67 Today's entries K C Bailey 1 8 12.5 1 12.5 Today's entries A W Carroll 1 11 9.09 1 9.09 Today's entries C L Tizzard 1 11 9.09 1 9.09 Today's entries ================================================== Hot Jockeys Jockey Wins Rides Win % Place Place % Races R L Moore 9 25 36.0 14 56.0 Today's rides A Kirby 6 31 19.35 12 38.71 Today's rides T Scudamore 4 24 16.67 9 37.5 Today's rides S Twiston-Davies 4 28 14.29 8 28.57 Today's rides J P Spencer 4 11 36.36 6 54.55 Today's rides A P McCoy 4 21 19.05 6 28.57 Today's rides N Fehily 3 17 17.65 7 41.18 Today's rides Oisin Murphy 3 19 15.79 7 36.84 Today's rides L Morris 3 26 11.54 6 23.08 Today's rides W Hutchinson 3 9 33.33 4 44.44 Today's rides S M Levey 3 12 25.0 4 33.33 Today's rides D Swift 3 12 25.0 4 33.33 Today's rides B J Geraghty 3 14 21.43 4 28.57 Today's rides Ryan Mahon 3 7 42.86 3 42.86 Today's rides Michael J M Murphy 3 8 37.5 3 37.5 Today's rides G Sheehan 2 13 15.38 6 46.15 Today's rides David Probert 2 15 13.33 6 40.0 Today's rides James Doyle 2 17 11.76 6 35.29 Today's rides S W Kelly 2 9 22.22 5 55.56 Today's rides R Havlin 2 6 33.33 4 66.67 Today's rides T Hamilton 2 10 20.0 4 40.0 Today's rides L P Aspell 2 13 15.38 4 30.77 Today's rides T J O'Brien 2 17 11.76 4 23.53 Today's rides R Winston 2 18 11.11 4 22.22 Today's rides M Barzalona 2 4 50.0 3 75.0 Today's rides Trevor Whelan 2 7 28.57 3 42.86 Today's rides R Kingscote 2 13 15.38 3 23.08 Today's rides G Baker 2 16 12.5 3 18.75 Today's rides Nico de Boinville 2 3 66.67 2 66.67 Today's rides R T Dunne 2 3 66.67 2 66.67 Today's rides Simon Pearce 2 3 66.67 2 66.67 Today's rides Megan Carberry 2 6 33.33 2 33.33 Today's rides Brendan Powell 2 12 16.67 2 16.67 Today's rides J Fanning 2 21 9.52 2 9.52 Today's rides L P Keniry 1 17 5.88 7 41.18 Today's rides Aidan Coleman 1 22 4.55 7 31.82 Today's rides R Johnson 1 13 7.69 5 38.46 Today's rides Craig Nichol 1 9 11.11 4 44.44 Today's rides Connor Beasley 1 10 10.0 4 40.0 Today's rides J E Moore 1 12 8.33 4 33.33 Today's rides Jim Crowley 1 13 7.69 4 30.77 Today's rides R Thornton 1 5 20.0 3 60.0 Today's rides Jason Hart 1 6 16.67 3 50.0 Today's rides D Tudhope 1 9 11.11 3 33.33 Today's rides P J Brennan 1 12 8.33 3 25.0 Today's rides Jacob Butterfield 1 2 50.0 2 100.0 Today's rides P Townend 1 2 50.0 2 100.0 Today's rides Jack Garritty 1 5 20.0 2 40.0 Today's rides Ryan While 1 5 20.0 2 40.0 Today's rides J Reveley 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's rides B A Curtis 1 9 11.11 2 22.22 Today's rides D F O'Regan 1 10 10.0 2 20.0 Today's rides J P Sullivan 1 13 7.69 2 15.38 Today's rides D Nolan 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's rides A P Cawley 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's rides Jeremiah McGrath 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's rides S Sanders 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's rides Brian Harding 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's rides L Heard 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's rides Maurice Linehan 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's rides M G Nolan 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's rides Philip Prince 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's rides A Quinn 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's rides Mr S Waley-Cohen 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's rides Matthew Batchelor 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's rides P Carberry 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's rides J M Davies 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's rides Natasha Eaton 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's rides Matthew Hopkins 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's rides A Mullen 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's rides S Quinlan 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's rides Felix De Giles 1 7 14.29 1 14.29 Today's rides B Hughes 1 8 12.5 1 12.5 Today's rides D Bass 1 9 11.11 1 11.11 Today's rides ============================================ First-time Blinkers Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Raz De Maree v1 5 23 21.74 11 47.83 Ain 16:15 Gullinbursti v1 4 17 23.53 10 58.82 Ain 15:25 Wiesentraum b1 4 19 21.05 8 42.11 Ain 15:25 Roman Flight b1 3 26 11.54 13 50.0 Ain 17:10 One In A Milan v1 2 19 10.53 8 42.11 Ain 16:15 Lastchancelucas b1 2 11 18.18 3 27.27 Newc 14:45 Munfallet b1 0 4 0.0 3 75.0 Ling 14:25 Mighty Mobb v1 0 7 0.0 3 42.86 Chpw 17:25 Wings Of Fire v1 0 3 0.0 0 0.0 Ling 17:20 ============================================ Tonguestraps Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Tranquil Sea t 13 45 28.89 22 48.89 Ain 15:25 Titan Triumph t 9 68 13.24 20 29.41 Ling 17:20 Carruthers t 9 33 27.27 16 48.48 Ain 15:25 Double Seven pt 9 27 33.33 11 40.74 Ain 16:15 One Way Or Another t 8 77 10.39 27 35.06 Wolv 17:50 James Pollard pt 8 84 9.52 26 30.95 Chpw 16:50 Across The Bay bt 8 36 22.22 16 44.44 Ain 16:15 Tiger Reigns pt 8 41 19.51 15 36.59 Wolv 20:50 Burton Port pt 7 23 30.43 17 73.91 Ain 16:15 Haadeeth t 6 81 7.41 22 27.16 Wolv 17:50 Colourbearer t 6 50 12.0 18 36.0 Wolv 17:50 Duke Of Lucca bt 6 30 20.0 16 53.33 Ain 15:25 Wayward Prince t 6 23 26.09 12 52.17 Ain 16:15 Your Busy t 5 43 11.63 17 39.53 Ain 15:25 Exceedexpectations vt 5 41 12.2 15 36.59 Wolv 18:20 Colbert Station t 5 24 20.83 9 37.5 Ain 16:15 Twirling Magnet pt 5 17 29.41 8 47.06 Ain 16:15 The Package pt 4 26 15.38 16 61.54 Ain 16:15 Super Duplex t 4 58 6.9 16 27.59 Ling 17:20 Whats Happening t 4 18 22.22 9 50.0 Chpw 15:45 Catalyze t 4 31 12.9 9 29.03 Wolv 18:20 Commissar t 4 17 23.53 7 41.18 Ling 15:00 Monkey Kingdom t 4 7 57.14 5 71.43 Ain 13:30 May Be Some Time t 3 29 10.34 10 34.48 Chpw 13:20 George Nympton pt 3 25 12.0 9 36.0 Chpw 14:30 Ad Vitam bt 3 46 6.52 9 19.57 Newc 17:35 Big Shu t 3 16 18.75 7 43.75 Ain 16:15 Next Sensation t 3 11 27.27 5 45.45 Ain 14:05 Swnymor t 2 17 11.76 8 47.06 Ain 17:10 Ice Nelly t 2 22 9.09 7 31.82 Chpw 13:55 Green Bank pt 2 16 12.5 5 31.25 Chpw 17:25 Caspian Prince ht 2 6 33.33 2 33.33 Wolv 18:50 Tenor t 2 7 28.57 2 28.57 Wolv 20:50 Sandanski pt 1 9 11.11 3 33.33 Chpw 17:25 Master Neo t 1 12 8.33 2 16.67 Chpw 17:25 Chemistry Master t 1 15 6.67 2 13.33 Chpw 16:50 Wetak t 0 4 0.0 1 25.0 Ain 15:25 Almadan pt 0 12 0.0 1 8.33 Chpw 15:05 Lightning Moley t 0 3 0.0 0 0.0 Chpw 15:05 ========================================== Cheekpieces Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Battle Group p 9 42 21.43 19 45.24 Ain 16:15 Quito De La Roque p 9 24 37.5 14 58.33 Ain 16:15 Double Seven pt 9 27 33.33 11 40.74 Ain 16:15 James Pollard pt 8 84 9.52 26 30.95 Chpw 16:50 Tiger Reigns pt 8 41 19.51 15 36.59 Wolv 20:50 Chance du Roy p 8 33 24.24 13 39.39 Ain 16:15 At Fishers Cross p 8 14 57.14 11 78.57 Ain 14:50 Burton Port pt 7 23 30.43 17 73.91 Ain 16:15 Long Run p 7 18 38.89 15 83.33 Ain 16:15 Golden Chieftain p 7 27 25.93 12 44.44 Ain 15:25 Walkon p 5 21 23.81 11 52.38 Ain 16:15 Twirling Magnet pt 5 17 29.41 8 47.06 Ain 16:15 Rose Of The Moon p1 5 16 31.25 7 43.75 Ain 16:15 The Package pt 4 26 15.38 16 61.54 Ain 16:15 Mr Snoozy p 4 16 25.0 9 56.25 Newc 15:15 Cadmium Loch p 4 32 12.5 9 28.13 Wolv 17:50 Shakalakaboomboom p1 4 18 22.22 8 44.44 Ain 16:15 Thomas Wild p1 3 18 16.67 11 61.11 Chpw 17:25 Be Definite p 3 29 10.34 10 34.48 Chpw 17:25 George Nympton pt 3 25 12.0 9 36.0 Chpw 14:30 Avonmore Star p1 3 40 7.5 9 22.5 Wolv 18:20 Newbury Street p 3 24 12.5 8 33.33 Newc 17:35 Requin p 3 19 15.79 7 36.84 Chpw 17:25 Art Dzeko p 3 22 13.64 7 31.82 Wolv 18:20 For Shia And Lula p 3 33 9.09 7 21.21 Ling 13:50 Bordoni p1 3 11 27.27 6 54.55 Ain 17:10 Medieval Bishop p 3 17 17.65 5 29.41 Newc 15:55 Glen Beg p 3 17 17.65 4 23.53 Ain 17:10 Chac Du Cadran p 2 15 13.33 8 53.33 Chpw 17:25 Aficionado p 2 12 16.67 7 58.33 Newc 15:55 Saga Lout p 2 9 22.22 5 55.56 Wolv 17:50 Magnolia Ridge p 2 15 13.33 5 33.33 Newc 15:55 Green Bank pt 2 16 12.5 5 31.25 Chpw 17:25 Bodega p 2 7 28.57 2 28.57 Chpw 13:55 Tenby Jewel p 1 23 4.35 7 30.43 Chpw 16:50 Gioia Di Vita p1 1 14 7.14 6 42.86 Newc 15:55 Standing Strong p 1 26 3.85 5 19.23 Ling 17:20 Loucal p1 1 11 9.09 4 36.36 Ling 17:20 Sandanski pt 1 9 11.11 3 33.33 Chpw 17:25 Almadan pt 0 12 0.0 1 8.33 Chpw 15:05 Milor De La Borie p 0 5 0.0 0 0.0 Chpw 15:05 Greenbury p 0 4 0.0 0 0.0 Newc 17:00 ================================================= Course & Distance Winners Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Red Cape 17 131 12.98 45 34.35 Wolv 17:50 Hinton Admiral 16 89 17.98 31 34.83 Wolv 18:20 Where's Reiley 16 77 20.78 29 37.66 Wolv 18:20 Copperwood 15 116 12.93 41 35.34 Ling 17:20 Violent Velocity 12 100 12.0 39 39.0 Newc 18:05 Dark Lane 12 84 14.29 28 33.33 Wolv 18:20 Dancing Welcome 11 98 11.22 34 34.69 Wolv 18:20 Valmina 8 59 13.56 20 33.9 Wolv 18:50 Silverware 8 43 18.6 16 37.21 Wolv 20:20 Tiger Reigns 8 41 19.51 15 36.59 Wolv 20:50 At Fishers Cross 8 14 57.14 11 78.57 Ain 14:50 The Happy Hammer 7 54 12.96 20 37.04 Ling 13:50 Taste The Wine 7 71 9.86 20 28.17 Chpw 16:50 Eager To Bow 7 39 17.95 18 46.15 Ling 13:50 Clumber Place 7 48 14.58 15 31.25 Newc 18:05 Masked Dance 7 54 12.96 14 25.93 Newc 17:35 Rise To Glory 7 53 13.21 12 22.64 Wolv 18:20 Haadeeth 6 81 7.41 22 27.16 Wolv 17:50 Colourbearer 6 50 12.0 18 36.0 Wolv 17:50 Bertie Blu Boy 6 44 13.64 11 25.0 Ling 13:50 Understory 6 45 13.33 11 24.44 Ling 17:20 Forceful Appeal 6 22 27.27 9 40.91 Ling 16:45 Hab Reeh 5 46 10.87 13 28.26 Wolv 17:50 Radmores Revenge 4 38 10.53 11 28.95 Chpw 16:50 Sewn Up 4 41 9.76 10 24.39 Wolv 18:20 Catalyze 4 31 12.9 9 29.03 Wolv 18:20 Cadmium Loch 4 32 12.5 9 28.13 Wolv 17:50 Samingarry 4 20 20.0 8 40.0 Chpw 15:45 Point North 4 33 12.12 8 24.24 Wolv 17:50 Unioniste 4 9 44.44 5 55.56 Ain 15:25 Purcell 3 14 21.43 9 64.29 Ling 16:45 Gworn 3 12 25.0 7 58.33 Wolv 20:20 Nassau Storm 3 25 12.0 7 28.0 Ling 16:45 Litmus 3 23 13.04 6 26.09 Ling 17:20 Presumido 2 12 16.67 7 58.33 Ling 13:50 Saint Are 2 22 9.09 6 27.27 Ain 15:25 Aetna 2 7 28.57 5 71.43 Newc 14:45 Standing Strong 1 26 3.85 5 19.23 Ling 17:20 Orabora 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Chpw 16:50 Ostralegus 1 7 14.29 2 28.57 Ling 13:50 Life And Times 1 7 14.29 2 28.57 Wolv 20:50 Sloane Avenue 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Ling 15:40 Secret Suspect 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Wolv 19:50 =================================================== Longest Travellers (428 miles) Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Stonefield Flyer 3 17 17.65 6 35.29 Ling 16:45 ================================================= Most Naps Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Long Run 7 18 38.89 15 83.33 Ain 16:15 ================================================== Running Hot Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries Compton Place 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries Bahamian Bounty 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries Broughton Bounty 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 ============================================ Money Talks Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race All About Alfie 2 13 15.38 4 30.77 Gow 17:05 Rostrum Farewell 0 4 0.0 0 0.0 Wolv 19:50 =========================================== Switching Stables Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Clumber Place 7 48 14.58 15 31.25 Newc 18:05 Mr Snoozy 4 16 25.0 9 56.25 Newc 15:15 King Of Queens 4 16 25.0 6 37.5 Gow 15:30 Zacynthus 3 22 13.64 6 27.27 Ling 16:45 Medieval Bishop 3 17 17.65 5 29.41 Newc 15:55 Shamaheart 1 10 10.0 3 30.0 Newc 15:15 Beatu 1 2 50.0 2 100.0 Ain 17:45 Royal Supreme 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Ain 17:45 Mighty Mobb 0 7 0.0 3 42.86 Chpw 17:25 Lynngale 0 3 0.0 2 66.67 Newc 17:00 La Danza 0 4 0.0 2 50.0 Ling 13:50 Rathealy 0 5 0.0 2 40.0 Gow 14:20 Grand Jipeck 0 8 0.0 2 25.0 Newc 17:35 Highland Acclaim 0 4 0.0 1 25.0 Newc 14:15 Echo Of Lightning 0 5 0.0 1 20.0 Newc 18:05 Corker Hill 0 6 0.0 0 0.0 Gow 15:30 Grace Daisy 0 6 0.0 0 0.0 Gow 14:20 Mariners Moon 0 3 0.0 0 0.0 Newc 17:00 Little Herbert 0 1 0.0 0 0.0 Ling 13:15 Missy Wells 0 1 0.0 0 0.0 Newc 13:40 ========================================== Going and Stalls Meeting Conditions Aintree Going : Mildmay: Good-Good to Soft in places; Hurdle: Good to Soft; National: Good to Soft-Good in places. Chepstow Going : Good to Soft, Soft in places Lingfield Park Going : Standard Stalls : 1m Outside, Remainder Inside Newcastle Going : Soft Stalls : Centre Wolverhampton Going : Standard Stalls : 7f Outside, Remainder Inside
Information correct at Saturday 5th April 2014 08:45
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 5, 2014 8:17:07 GMT
Grand National Stats
Aintree 4.15 Saturday
Crabbie´s Grand National Chase (Handicap) Grade 3 (CLASS 1) (7yo+) 4m3f110y
* The Grand National has 19 renewals since 1994 * The last 24 winners had the following runs that season * 7 4 3 4 6 4 5 6 6 5 9 6 6 6 6 5 4 5 6 7 3 5 4 6 7 6 * You can see None have won with 0-1-2 runs that year * Horses with 1-2-3 runs that season also underperform * Exposed horses struggle with few runs that season * By exposed I mean those with 21 + National Hunt runs * Those with 1-2-3 runs that season struggled * The more runs a horse has over 21 * The more runs he needs that season * Be prepare to be lenient if a horse passes other trends * It is very important to have a recent race * The past 22 winners all ran within 7 weeks * I'd not want an English horse absent more than 60 days * The last 22 winners were absent this many days * 35 56 35 23 21 41 32 27 48 28 20 25 * 42 20 24 35 23 16 35 23 35 23 25 * Look at the absences of the Runner Ups * Horses second in the National had the following absence * 49 30 45 49 25 27 21 22 22 100 35 23 * 63 345 28 16 44 18 42 21 23 23 102 * 19 of the past 23 Runners Ups also ran within 7 weeks * Horses aged 6 and 7 have appalling records * They haven't won since 1940 and few finish the race * Horses aged 6 and 7 are too young * Horses aged 8 need looking at * Only 3 of the last 36 winners were 8 year olds * Horses aged 8 haven't the best recent record * If you bet an 8 year old make sure it is actually 8 * Be aware some horses are younger than their age * If Foaled after the day of the race they are really under 8 * All recent 8yo winners were foaled early before the race * Those foaled in Mid April and Beyond are not officially 8 * Bindaree - Party Politics - Corbiere are the last 8yo winners * They were all foaled early the year they were born * They were all aged 8 and a few months * Red Rum also won aged 8 and he was a January Foal * Horses foaled after the day of the race are not 8 * They are just 7 and a few months old * Horses aged 13 can also be opposed with some confidence * Class is important in a National Winner * 12 of the last 13 winners won in Listed Grade or higher * The exception was Ballabriggs (2011) * He had won in Class 2 race but hadn't been tested in higher * I'd argue he should be seen as a Graded winner * He won the 2010 Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival * It was a Class 2 handicap but he did that with Topweight * That was more than worthy or a Graded win * 22 of the last 23 had raced in Graded Class before * The exception was Ballabriggs (2011) * Again I make the point he could be seen differently * The vast majority of the runner ups also did this * The ones that did not were mainly lightly raced * Exposed horses should really have past Graded Form * Ballabriggs wouldnt have been exposed with just 1 less run * One past race he didn't jump past the first fence * He had really only had 20 career starts * I think we should ignore the weight statistics * The 2012 winner won with 11st 6lbs * The 2010 winner won with 11st 5lbs * Red Rum won with 11st 8lbs and again with 12st * Corbiere won with 11st 4lbs and Grittar with 11st 5lbs * L'Escargot won with 11st 3lbs and Gay Trip with 11st 5lbs * I wont be ruling any horse out on their weight * Chasing Experience is of obvious importance * The previous 21 winners had the following Chase runs * 23 27 12 12 24 14 13 10 11 37 41 14 12 24 17 25 10 23 16 9 14 28 14 * Least Experienced Chaser was Miinnehoma in 1994 * He had 9 Chase runs and two more had 10 Chase starts * Horses with Under 9 Chase runs are unlike any past winners * I looked at the Chase runs of the last 20 Runner Ups * 9 11 10 24 18 11 13 15 23 14 20 10 11 9 19 14 9 8 24 32 22 8 * I would be wary of any horses with under 10 Chase starts * 8 of the last 13 winners had just 10-15 previous Chase start * 19 of the last 20 winners had 3-4-5-6-7 Chase wins before * They had 5 11 4 4 3 5 4 3 3 5 7 3 5 6 5 7 3 5 6 4 5 Chase wins * You want a decent Jumper * 13 of the last 14 winners had not fallen more than twice before * This was the only statistic last years 66/1 winner failed * I wouldnt rule a horse out on this statistic * Every winner since 1970 had won over at least 3m * The record of horses from 2m 4f or shorter is poor * This is worse when its a Chase over 2m 4f or shorter * I Looked at horses from handicap chases over 2m 6f or less * No exposed horse won doing that * Recent winners had ran in the following Handicap Chases * 16 9 7 5 21 8 8 6 6 24 33 7 12 14 12 15 7 16 7 4 7 * Every recent winner has ran in at least 4 Handicap Chases * Horses running in 5-12 Handicap Chases did well * They won 14 of the last 21 renewals * Number of Handicap Chases won * Recent winners had won the following Handicap Chases * 3 3 3 1 2 1 3 3 2 3 6 0 4 4 5 4 3 3 1 1 2 * No past winner had won more than 6 Handicap Chases * Seasonal Debutants should be avoided * Not having headgear is preferable to having it * Most winners had under 2 wins that season * Past Winners had the following number of wins that year * 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 3 1 1 1 0 * The horse with 2 runs was Ballabriggs in 2011 * 1997 winner Lord Gyliene also won more than once that year * The overall record though does favour under 2 wins * There were 5 winners coming from Cheltenham * Miinnehoma 1994 came from the Gold Cup * Rough Quest 1996 came from the Gold Cup * Bindaree 2002 came from the Trophy Handicap (6th) * Silver Birch 2007 came from the Cross Country race * Don't Push it 2010 came from the Pertemps H'Cap Hurdle * Ideally I'd like good chase form in a big field * Ideally I'd avoid horses that were Novices last year
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 5, 2014 8:49:36 GMT
SCOOP6 RACES 2:05 AIN Doom Bar Maghull Novices´ Chase (Grade 1) Cl1 2m CH4 2:30 CHP Check Out Grand National Specials At unibet.co.uk Handicap Chase Cl4 2m3f110y 2:50 AIN Silver Cross Stayers´ Hurdle (Registered as The Liverpool Hurdle) (Grade 1) Cl1 3m110y CH4 3:25 AIN Betfred TV Handicap Chase (Listed Race) Cl1 3m1f CH4 3:45 CHP Unibet Offering 5 Places In National Novices´ Limited Handicap Chase Cl3 3m 4:15 AIN Crabbie´s Grand National Chase (Handicap) (Grade 3) Cl1 4m3f110y CH4
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 5, 2014 10:03:30 GMT
MORNING LINE TIPS.
Saturday 5th April 2014
NICK LUCK
Burton Port: £25 each-way
Last Time D’Albain: £25 ew
DONN MCCLEAN
Tidal Bay: £25ew
Lion Na Bearnai: £25ew
MICK FITZ
Long Run – £25 ew
Teaforthree – £25 ew
TANYA
Chance Du Roy – £25ew
Alvarado – £25ew
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 5, 2014 10:06:05 GMT
Walsh handed Vesper mount
Katie Walsh will partner Vesper Bell in this afternoon's Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree.
Willie Mullins' runner was due to be ridden by Mikey Fogarty, but he was ruled out after sustaining a back injury in a fall at the track on Friday.
That leaves Walsh to take the mount on Vesper Bell, who fell in the Becher Chase over the National fences last December.
She told Channel 4's The Morning Line: "I'm looking forward to it, it's great to be part of it.
"He's run well around Punchestown a couple of times, he's a big, scopey horse who stays well and I'm looking forward to the ride."
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 5, 2014 12:02:34 GMT
Two runners in the Grand National for Donald as he bids to add to Ballabriggs' success here in 2011.
15.25 Aintree - Our Mick
He's been very disappointing this season but we found a few small problems with him which we have hopefully managed to iron out. This will tell us whether we have or not but he's on a good mark now and he's got his ground for the first time this season. This is a very competitive race but he's been there and done it at the festivals in the past and if he is back to his best, and his recent work seems to suggest he is, then he would have to have a chance.
16.15 Aintree (Grand National)
Across The Bay
He ran well for a long way here last year when he had plenty of use made of him and has paid his way again this winter. He's in grand form at home and this has been the target for some time - you couldn't be confident but granted a bit of luck then I would like to think he would give a good account.
Kruzhlinin
He's done well this year, winning a couple of times at Kelso, and he seems in great form. You never really know how they will take to the place and it's a very different test to anything he's faced before but he deserves to take his chance and we will have to see how he gets on.
17:10 Aintree - Ubaltique
He's been in good form this season but a result of that is that he is up in the weights. He seems very well suited by soft ground so you couldn't be sure he would appreciate the better ground and he's done his winning in weaker company. He's earned the right to have a crack at a race like this but I don't see that he is particularly well handicapped any more.
17:45 Aintree - Beatu
He's a grand young horse who we bought at the sales after he beat one of ours (Master Dee; has won since) at Catterick in December. His work at home has been very good since we've had him and I think he is a good prospect - quite where we stand going into a race like this remains to be seen. He will be going hurdling in the autumn but I think he's good enough to take his chance in a race like this and we should find out a lot more about him after this.
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 5, 2014 12:03:14 GMT
Betfair Ambassador Paul Nicholls saddles three runners in today's Grand National along with six others on the supporting card. Here you can read the Ditcheat handler's exclusive thoughts on all their chances...
13:30 Aintree - Lac Fontana
He hasn't looked back since we treated him for stomach ulcers after he disappointed at Cheltenham in November and given the usual Aintree reservation - you never know how they have truly come out of Cheltenham until they run, as we have seen again this week - then you obviously have to give him a leading chance in this. He is now rated 148 after showing real determination to win the ultra-competitive County Hurdle three weeks ago, and I don't think that the step up in trip will be a problem; he was a middle-distance horse on the Flat in France and 2m4f on good ground around here shouldn't be an issue. This is a very competitive Grade 1, as you would expect, though.
14:05 Aintree - Hinterland
We kept him fresh for Cheltenham after he won his first two starts at Sandown - mainly because we were waiting for better ground for him - and he was in the process of a running a big race when hampered and unseating Noel four out in the Champion Chase. It was obviously too far out to be confident about how he would have fared, and Sire De Grugy ran out an easy winner, but he was certainly going very well at the time. The only upside of that mishap was that he didn't have too hard a race, and he comes into this race in good form and will love the ground. Will go well.
14:50 Aintree - Salubrious, Zarkandar
Salubrious
Things didn't really go his way on his first three starts this season, particularly when making a bad mistake two out in the Long Walk when in with a winning chance, but his earlier second to More Of That in the Relkeel before that certainly looks very good form now. He was undeniably disappointing in the World Hurdle last time, but is clearly much better than he showed there and we put a hood on him for the first time today. The reason why is that he got very buzzed up by the crowd at Cheltenham, sweated up, and ran to free as a result, so hopefully the hood will calm him down. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he went close, as he is another of mine who will love the expected good ground, and Harry gets on well with him.
Zarkandar
Probably ran his best ever race at this meeting last year when beating The New One in the Aintree Hurdle, and he has run well in defeat in all his races this season, considering he has been trying to give weight to the likes of Annie Power in some of them. Probably should have beaten Melodic Rendezvous in the Kingwell and I don't think that many people noticed what a good race he ran to finish fourth in the World Hurdle, especially as he came from so far off the pace. We could sit a lot nearer today, the blinkers are back on, and we know that he likes it here and enjoys good ground. He has had a pretty busy season, but I think everything is set up for him to run a big race.
15:25 Aintree - Unioniste
Would probably prefer softer ground than he will get here but he has won on good, is two from two at this track and I think that he is on a very fair mark off 153. Got going all too late when third at Doncaster last time but produced his best effort when beating Wishfull Thinking by seven lengths over course and distance, on good to soft ground, in December and comes here a fresh horse after bypassing Cheltenham. I like his chances, even if I would like a touch more rain for him.
16:15 Aintree - Tidal Bay, Rocky Creek, Hawkes Point
Tidal Bay
There isn't much to say about this horse that everyone doesn't already know, so high is his profile these days. He obviously had a reputation of being a bit of a thinker when trained by Howard Johnson, as well as being a top-class horse on his day, but since joining us we have worked him out and he has added Grade 1-consistency to his undoubted ability. He is still loveable - and he has become a bit of a public horse - but it's just that he is no longer a rogue!
He is clearly one of the best handicapped horses in here, racing off a lower mark than his superb third under 11st 12lb in the Welsh National in December, and I don't think that his age will be any barrier to success. The way he looks and works at home, and performs on the track, you certainly wouldn't know that he is a 13yo.
If Sam can keep him in touch and get him into a nice jumping rhythm then there is no reason why this horse cannot win. In fact, there are many reasons why he could, even if ideally we would like a bit more juice in the ground for him. But we all know how difficult this race is to win - it took me 60-odd attempts before I was lucky enough to get Neptune Collonges over the line two seasons ago - so you can never be confident of victory. But if Tidal Bay runs his race, then he shouldn't be far away.
Rocky Creek
We were originally going to run him in the Gold Cup and bypass the Grand National, but a bout of ringworm last month put paid to that plan, so we missed Cheltenham and came here instead. And I would like to think that the problem has increased his chances of winning, as he comes here a fresh horse, unlike a few of these. We have always viewed him as an Aintree horse, and nothing that he has done this season has changed that view, even though we were originally going to give the race a miss this year. His second in the Hennessy and the Argento, where he was giving Gold Cup third The Giant Bolster 5lb and was only beaten seven lengths, appear to give him strong form claims and he is a horse who jumps and travels well, too. Should give Noel a really good spin around, and hopefully he will be bang there at the finish.
Hawkes Point
This is a horse that undoubtedly would prefer a few downpours before the race, because all his best form has come on soft or heavy ground, most notably when finishing just in front of Tidal Bay when touched off in the Welsh National at Chepstow in December. Strictly from a handicapping point of view, he has his work cut out here, but we have freshened him up since a below-par run at Haydock last time and stamina is clearly no issue with him. But I would have to say that he is my third-string, though I am more than happy to be proved wrong!
17:10 Aintree - Katgary
Was one of the "buzz" horses for the Fred Winter, and I made no secret of the fact that he had been pleasing me before Cheltenham, without exactly knowing what level of horse I had on my hands. In the event, I thought he was desperately unlucky not to win, as he got badly hampered by a faller at a crucial stage of the race, then didn't meet the last right, before finishing off strongly. The form of that race took a bit of a knock on Thursday and he is 7lb higher today, but I think that he has definite chances of going one better here, as I liked what I saw at Cheltenham. Harry takes 3lb off.
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Post by banger on Apr 5, 2014 20:26:41 GMT
Jockeys of the beaten horses looked back on their Grand National rides with a mixture of celebration and devastation. Chance Du Roy: Excellent effort to finish in sixth Tom O'Brien blamed lack of stamina for Chance Du Roy's sixth place, but was still thrilled to have played a part in Saturday's Crabbie's Grand National. "He jumped great but was nearly brought down on a couple of occasions. He travelled well and took me into a nice position but didn't quite see out the four and a half miles," he said. Behind him was Paul Carberry on Monbeg Dude, the well-backed runner never quite being able to land a blow. "I thought going to the last that he was nearly going to win, but he perhaps ran a bit free early on and he didn't quite get the trip," said the jockey. Eighth was Raz Da Maree, whose jockey Davy Condon commented: "He just didn't travel for me early, but he got round and he finished not too far out of the places." Ninth was Conor O'Farrell on veteran Swing Bill, who gave the sponsors a thrill as he came home a respectable ninth. "Swing Bill was brilliant," he said. "He could have done without the rain coming as he just didn't get home on the ground but he has run a cracker again at the age of 13. He's a legend of a horse." Kruzhlinin and Wilson Renwick were detached from a fairly early stage, but the jockey was delighted to bring him home in 10th place. "I got a great ride," said the jockey. "I ended up a little too far back when we got into a little trouble early on, but he stayed on really well. He jumped fantastic and I think he will be a better horse in the race next year." Andrew Lynch, who partnered 11th-home Buckers Bridge, said: "For his first run over the fences, Buckers Bridge jumped brilliant but he just got tired up the straight. You'd have to be happy with him though." The Package finished 12th after just running out of petrol close home, but Tom Scudamore was still thrilled with the performance. "It was the best ride I have ever had around those fences," he said. "It was the thrill of a lifetime. He jumped fantastic and he looked after me. Going over the third-last fence, I thought we would win but he just hasn't got home. But it was a super ride and I loved every second." Vesper Bell made a couple of notable mistakes, but after finishing 13th, his jockey Katie Walsh insisted: "Vesper Bell is a lovely, safe jumper and I would love to ride him again around here." The undoubted hard-luck story of the race, Across The Bay was taken off the course by the loose-running Tidal Bay before rejoining the contest and completing for 14th. "It was absolutely devastating," said rider Henry Brooke. "But he ran some race to get back into it and complete the course. He was on the tails of the leaders again going right down to the last, but the effort to get back into it told then. "He jumped brilliantly the whole way round. I am gutted to think that the problem is supposed to be the obstacles and not the other horses, but there's another year." Last to complete in 18th was Ryan Mahon, who partnered Hawkes Point. Mahon said: "He jumped well and I half thought I was going to get into it with a circuit to go, but the ground was a bit quick along the back and I could never get a blow into him." Wayward Prince's jockey Jack Doyle felt the wrath of the stewards after the race, as they felt he should have pulled his mount up when he had lost touch with his rivals. Instead, Wayward Prince fell three out and he was banned for 12 days. The jockey said: "I had a great spin for two miles, but then he got a bit outpaced going out on to the second circuit away from the stands. "He jumped brilliantly until the fall. We were out of contention but he was still happily going at his own speed. Lack of concentration was probably to blame for the fall." Of the fancied runners who failed to complete, Teaforthree's rider Nick Scholfield was left to reflect: "He was going okay when he came down at The Chair. But he didn't wing along like last year and we were a bit further back. "He just missed it and came down, but he's okay and that's the main thing." Tidal Bay's rider Sam Twiston-Davies said: "He got into a nice rhythm but it was obviously very early on. He jumped into Golan Way, who fell, and had nowhere to go. He's back in one piece though."
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Post by banger on Apr 5, 2014 20:29:29 GMT
A stewards' enquiry ordered into the Grand National start ended in chaotic scenes when jockeys refused to take part. The starter waves his flag to signal a flase start in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree A stewards' enquiry ordered into the Crabbie's Grand National start and an incident in which assistant starter Simon McNeill was knocked down by a horse has ended in chaotic scenes when jockeys refused to take part in the hearing. An initial enquiry took place after the National, during the following conditional jockeys' race, which was attended by most of the 39 riders who took part in the contest, won by 25/1 chance Pineau De Re. At that hearing, Tony McCoy acted as a spokesperson for the jockeys, but when the enquiry was reconvened following the final race the jockeys refused to take part. As a consequence, the entire incident has now been referred for a full hearing at British Horseracing Authority headquarters at High Holbron in London, at which the 39 riders may now face further punishment for refusing to participate in the enquiry. Professional Jockeys Association chief executive Paul Struthers, speaking at the track some three hours after the end of the race, said that jockeys were unhappy over "certain aspects of the conduct of the enquiry". "I wasn't invited to be present for the initial hearing, but I know that certain conversations took place between jockeys and stipes took place afterwards, and the jockeys - to a man - decided that they would not take part when the hearing was due to re-commence," he said. "Only one of them would have needed to be present, but they all decided that they would not take part. Timewise, a number of the Irish jockeys were under pressure to catch ferries and flights, but that wasn't the reason why they refused to go back in. They all agreed that they just weren't happy about the way in which matters were being conducted." Asked if the jockeys felt responsibility for taking part in an event that now threatens to overshadow the victory of Pineau De Re, Struthers responded: "I think it would be unfair to lay the blame for that at the door of the jockeys. Yes, it is a shame that it has come at the end of three great days of racing, but they felt very strongly that matters were not being conducted correctly." Struthers said that he had already been in contact with his counterpart at the Irish Jockeys' Association, Andrew Coonan "and other solicitors". "What we need to do now is establish a timeline as to exactly what happened and we will take it from there," he said. "Copies of the DVD of footage of the incidents will be distributed to everyone and a hearing will be called by the BHA." Ironically, the only jockey not facing punishment from the BHA is Brendan Powell, whose mount Battle Group caused the problems at the start by refusing to line up with the others.
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Post by banger on Apr 5, 2014 20:39:10 GMT
Sunday: Going, weather and non-runners MARKET RASEN GOING: GOOD (Good to soft in places) (GoingStick: Chase 7.2, Hurdle 7.8) (Both tracks moved onto fresh ground on Summer lines)
WEATHER (Rain)
NON RUNNERS 2:15 Choral Bee (15) FAIRYHOUSE GOING: SOFT TO HEAVY
WEATHER (Showers) CORK GOING: HEAVY
WEATHER (Showers) FFOS LAS GOING: SOFT (GoingStick 6.3) (Hurdles sited on innermost positions, clean ground. All bends moved. Track aerated since last meeting)
WEATHER (Light rain/windy
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 6, 2014 8:37:25 GMT
Lingfield Park, 5 April 2014
3.40, fifth race
The Starter reported that SLOANE AVENUE (USA), trained by Jeremy Noseda, broke out from the stalls and was withdrawn. The trainer’s attention was drawn to the restriction incurred under Rule (B)44 and informed that the colt could not run until the day after passing a stalls test.
The Starter reported that ZAMPA MANOS (USA), trained by Andrew Balding, broke out from the stalls and was withdrawn. The trainer’s attention was drawn to the restriction incurred under Rule (B)44 and informed that the gelding could not run until the day after passing a stalls test.
05/04/2014
Newcastle, 5 April 2014
1.40, first race
The Stewards held an enquiry following a report from the Starter that Sam James, the rider of CONVEYOR BELT (IRE), had entered the wrong stall. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the start they found him in breach of Rule (D)44.2 and cautioned him as to his future conduct in races.
The Stewards noted that the winner, BARLEYCORN LADY (IRE), had interfered with HEAVENLY RIVER (FR), unplaced, approaching the final furlong, but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved BARLEYCORN LADY (IRE)’s placing.
2.45, third race
The Stewards noted that BEAR BEHIND (IRE), unplaced, had interfered with the winner, AETNA, leaving the stalls, but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence.
3.55, fifth race
The Stewards noted that Jason Hart, the rider of MEDIEVAL BISHOP (IRE), unplaced, had struck MAGNOLIA RIDGE (IRE), unplaced, ridden by Jacob Butterfield, on the nose with his whip. They found it was accidental.
5.35, seventh race
The Stewards held an enquiry into the use of the whip by Shirley Teasdale, the rider of the winner, GRACEFUL ACT, from approximately one and a half furlongs out. Having heard her evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found her in breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 in that she had used her whip above the permitted level. The Stewards suspended Teasdale for 2 days as follows: Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April 2014.
6.05, eighth race
The Stewards held an enquiry into the use of the whip by Kevin Lundie, the rider of ECHO OF LIGHTNING, placed second, from approximately three furlongs out. Having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found him in breach of Schedule (B)6 Part 2 in that he had used his whip above the permitted level. The Stewards suspended Lundie for 7 days as follows: Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21, Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23, Thursday 24 and Friday 25 April 2014.
The Stewards held an enquiry following a report from the Clerk of the Scales that Kevin Lundie, the rider of ECHO LIGHTNING, placed second, had weighed in at 8st 2lb having weighed out at 8st 0lb. They interviewed the rider, Brian Ellison, the trainer and the Clerk of the Scales. Having heard their evidence the Stewards found the rider in breach of Rule (B)67.4.3 and suspended him for 3 days as follows: Saturday 26, Sunday 27 and Monday 28 April 2014.
05/04/2014
Aintree, 5 April 2014
1.30, first race
The Stewards noted that the winner, LAC FONTANA (FR), and DELL’ ARCA (IRE) placed third, had both interfered with WILDE BLUE YONDER (IRE), placed fourth, on the bend leaving the back straight but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved either LAC FONTANA (FR)’s or DELL’ ARCA (IRE)’s placing.
2.50, third race
The Stewards noted that AT FISHERS CROSS (IRE), placed second, had interfered with SALUBRIOUS (IRE), placed fifth, jumping the second-last flight of hurdles but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved AT FISHERS CROSS (IRE) ’s placing.
3.25, fourth race
The Stewards held an enquiry into the fall of Nico de Boinville, the rider of CARRUTHERS, at the start. They interviewed de Boinville and, having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the incident, the Stewards found that CARRUTHERS brushed the rail, making the gelding jink to its right and catch the quarters of RENARD (FR), ridden by Aidan Coleman, causing de Boinville to be unseated. Being satisfied that the incident was accidental, the Stewards took no further action.
4.15, fifth race
The Stewards held an enquiry following a report from the Starter that Sam Twiston-Davies, the rider of TIDAL BAY (IRE), Mr S Waley-Cohen, the rider of LONG RUN (FR), Andrew Tinkler, the rider of HUNT BALL (IRE), Barry Geraghty, the rider of TRIOLO D’ALENE (FR), Noel Fehily, the rider of ROCKY CREEK (IRE), Brian O’Connell, the rider of QUITO DE LA ROQUE (FR), Mark Walsh, the rider of COLBERT STATION (IRE), Wayne Hutchinson, the rider of WALKON (FR), Richard Johnson, the rider of BALTHAZAR KING (IRE), Jack Doyle, the rider of WAYWARD PRINCE, Ryan Mania, the rider of MR MOONSHINE (IRE), Nick Schofield, the rider of TEAFORTHREE (IRE), Henry Brooke, the rider of ACROSS THE BAY (IRE), A P McCoy, the rider of DOUBLE SEVEN (IRE), A E Lynch, the rider of BUCKERS BRIDGE (IRE), Davy Russell, the rider of LION NA BEARNAI (IRE), Paul Townend, the rider of PRINCE DE BEAUCHENE (FR), Paul Carberry, the rider of MONBEG DUDE (IRE), Peter Buchanan, the rider of BIG SHU (IRE), Brian Harding, the rider of BURTON PORT (IRE), Denis O’Regan, the rider of OUR FATHER (IRE), Jamie Moore, the rider of MOUNTAINOUS (IRE), Aidan Coleman, the rider of THE RAINBOW HUNTER, Brian Hughes, the rider of VINTAGE STAR (IRE), Tom O’Brien, the rider of CHANCE DU ROY (FR), Ryan Mahon, the rider of HAWKES POINT, Wilson Renwick, the rider of KRUZHLININ (GER), Leighton Aspell, the rider of PINEAU DE RE (FR), Michael Byrne, the rider of GOLAN WAY, Richie McLernon, the rider of TWIRLING MAGNET (IRE), Katie Walsh, the rider of VESPER BELL (IRE), Tom Scudamore, the rider of THE PACKAGE, Davy Condon, the rider of RAZ DE MAREE (FR), Jake Greenall, the rider of ROSE OF THE MOON (IRE), David Bass, the rider of SHAKALAKABOOMBOOM (IRE), Paul Moloney, the rider of ALVARADO (IRE), Robert Colgan, the rider of LAST TIME D’ALBAIN (FR), Adam Wedge, the rider of ONE IN A MILAN (IRE) AND Conor O’Farrell, the rider of SWING BILL (FR) had lined up despite being advised by the Assistant Starter, who was positioned in front of the field, that it was not yet race time and then proceeded towards the start.
When these riders moved forward towards the start they knocked down the Assistant Starter, thereby comprising the welfare of an Official. After taking initial evidence from the riders and the Starting Team, the Stewards adjourned the Enquiry to consider the matter. In attempting to re-convene the Enquiry after the last race, the riders, who had not been given permission to leave the course, refused to attend the Enquiry. The Stewards have referred the matter to the British Horseracing Authority.
The Stewards held an enquiry to consider why Jack Doyle, the rider of WAYWARD PRINCE, which fell at the fourth-last fence, had continued in the race when his horse appeared to be exhausted. They interviewed the rider and having heard his evidence and viewed recordings of the race the Stewards found him in breach of Rule (D)45.3 and suspended him for 12 days as follows: Saturday 19 April to Saturday 26 April inclusive and Thursday 1, Friday 2, Saturday 3 and Monday 5 June 2014.
5.45, seventh race
The Stewards noted that ROYAL SUPREME (IRE), unplaced, had interfered with BEATU (IRE), unplaced, which in turn interfered with HURRICANE HOLLOW, unplaced, on the first bend but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence.
The Stewards noted that AQALIM, placed third, had interfered with CLONDAW BANKER (IRE), unplaced, which in turn interfered with MODUS, unplaced, on the bend turning into the back straight, but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved AQALIM’s placing.
05/04/2014
Chepstow, 5 April 2014
2.30, third race
The Stewards considered the apparent improvement in form of the winner, ENTERTAIN ME, ridden by Charlie Poste, and trained by Robin Dickin, compared with its previous run at Warwick on 19 March 2014, where the mare finished 6th, beaten 56 lengths. They noted the trainer’s explanation that ENTERTIN ME was unsuited by the fast early pace at Warwick and was better suited by this track. They ordered the mare to be routine tested.
05/04/2014
Wolverhampton, 5 April 2014
6.20, second race
The Stewards noted that CATALYZE, placed third, and DIAMOND VINE (IRE), unplaced, had interfered with DANCING WELCOME, unplaced, shortly after the start, but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved CATALYZE’s placing.
6.50, third race
The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference inside the final furlong. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found that the winner, BARRACUDA BOY (IRE), ridden by Richard Kingscote, had interfered with MAPPIN TIME (IRE), placed second, ridden by Robert Winston. The Stewards found Kingscote in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding, in that he had allowed his horse to drift right-handed. They cautioned him as to his future conduct in races.
7.20, fourth race
The Stewards held an enquiry into possible interference approaching the two-furlong marker. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race, they found that SHAMROCK SHEILA (IRE), unplaced, ridden by Philip Prince, had interfered with MARK’S WHISPER (IRE), unplaced, ridden by Ryan While. The Stewards found Prince in breach of Rule (B)54.1 and guilty of careless riding, in that he had manoeuvred to his right. They suspended him for 1 day as follows: Saturday 19 April 2014.
05/04/2014 ===================================================
Lingfield Park, 5 April 2014
4.45, sixth race
Amir Quinn, the rider of BORN TO SURPRISE, placed fourth, reported that the gelding was slowly away.
5.15, seventh race
Ryan Moore, the rider of BUSTER BROWN (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding moved poorly in the closing stages.
Shane Kelly, the rider of THE FIRM (IRE), placed fourth, reported that the gelding hung left.
05/04/2014
Newcastle, 5 April 2014
1.40, first race
The Stewards considered the running of VIVERE (IRE), ridden by Daniel Tudhope and trained by David O’Meara, which finished unplaced. They noted the trainer’s representative could offer no explanation for the filly’s performance. They ordered VIVERE (IRE) to be routine tested.
2.15, second race
Daniel Tudhope, the rider of HIGHLAND ACCLAIM (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding ran too free and hung left in the final furlong.
2.45, third race
Joey Haynes, the rider of ANGUS OG, unplaced, reported that the gelding missed the break.
3.15, fourth race
Geoffrey Harker, the trainer of SHAMAHEART (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding was unsuited by the ground which was soft, heavy in places.
3.55, fifth race
Kristin Stubbs, the trainer of MAGNOLIA RIDGE (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding was unsuited by the ground which was soft, heavy in places.
Jason Hart, the rider of MEDIEVAL BISHOP (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding hung left handed in the straight.
5.00, sixth race
The representative of David O’Meara, the trainer of MARINERS MOON (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding was unsuited by the ground which was soft, heavy in places.
5.35, seventh race
The Stewards considered the running of MICK SLATES (IRE), ridden by Jason Hart and trained by Declan Carroll, which finished unplaced. They noted the trainer could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance.
05/04/2014
Aintree, 5 April 2014
1.30, first race
The Veterinary Officer reported that the gelding UN ACE (FR), which was pulled up, trained by Kim Bailey, had bled from the nose. The Stewards ordered UN ACE (FR) to be routine tested.
2.05, second race
Noel Fehily, the rider of HINTERLAND (FR), placed seventh, reported that the gelding ran too freely. The Stewards ordered HINTERLAND (FR) to be routine tested.
The representative of Paul Nicholls, the trainer of HINTERLAND (FR), subsequently reported that, when scoped post-race, the gelding was found to have signs of blood in its trachea.
2.50, third race
Jeremy Scott, the trainer of MELODIC RENDEZVOUS, placed seventh, reported that the gelding failed to stay the three miles and half a furlong.
The Stewards considered the running of UNIONISTE (FR) ridden by Sam Twiston-Davies and trained by Paul Nicholls, which finished unplaced. They noted the trainer could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. They ordered UNIONISTE (FR) to be routine tested.
4.15, fifth race
The Veterinary Officer reported that QUITO DE LA ROQUE (FR), trained by Colm A Murphy, which was pulled up, had bled from the nose.
The Veterinary Officer reported that ROSE OF THE MOON (IRE), which fell, trained by David O’Meara, had bled from the nose.
Nicky Henderson, the trainer of TRIOLO D’ALENE (FR), unplaced, reported that the gelding had a breathing problem.
The Veterinary Officer reported that WALKON (FR), which was pulled up, trained by Alan King, was lame behind.
5.10, sixth race
The Veterinary Officer reported that TWOWAYS (IRE), which was pulled up, trained by Mark Rimell, was lame.
05/04/2014
Chepstow, 5 April 2014
1.20, first race
Sean Quinlan, the rider of ASTER’S APPROVAL, which was pulled up, reported that the gelding hung violently right.
Mattie Bachelor, the rider of KIAMA BAY (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding hung left in the home straight.
2.30, third race
The Veterinary Officer reported that THE MUMPER (IRE), placed third, trained by Alan King, lost a left fore shoe and was sore.
4.50, sixth race
Felix De Giles, the rider of CHEMISTRY MASTER, unplaced, reported that the gelding was never travelling.
The representative of Charlie Longsdon, the trainer of NO NO CHARLIE (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding had a breathing problem.
05/04/2014
Wolverhampton, 5 April 2014
5.50, first race
Eoin Walsh, the rider of ONE WAY OR ANOTHER (AUS), unplaced, reported that the gelding was never travelling.
The Stewards considered the running of CADMIUM LOCH, ridden by Jack Duern and trained by Andrew Hollinshead, which finished unplaced. They noted that the trainer’s representative could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance.
6.20, second race
Robert Winston, the rider of RISE TO GLORY (IRE), unplaced, reported that the horse moved poorly.
James Sullivan, the rider of HINTON ADMIRAL, unplaced, reported that the gelding was slowly away.
8.50, seventh race
Adam Kirby, the rider of TENOR (IRE), placed fourth, reported that the gelding moved poorly throughout.
05/04/2014 ================================================
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 6, 2014 8:43:43 GMT
Ryan hopes for a Foildubh repeat
John Ryan has high hopes that Foildubh can repeat last year's victory in the Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse.
The Templemore handler believes he has his stable star back on top form ahead of the Grade Two contest.
The 10-year-old faded badly when third behind Un De Sceaux over timber at Navan in January but Ryan regrets running his charge then, just 15 days after finishing a respectable sixth in the Lexus Chase.
"He's in tremendous form. I ran him back too soon after the Lexus when he was taking on Un De Sceaux on desperate heavy ground," said Ryan.
"I shouldn't have run him - I'm really sorry I did but it's one of those things. He got a very bad cut on the hind leg then and credit to my vet Rob Morris, who did a brilliant job on him - it took a bit of time. Paul Carberry has schooled him recently after racing at Leopardstown and Thurles. He's lovely and fresh and that's when he's at his best.
"He was only beaten eight lengths in the Lexus and ran well in it. We're hoping to win on Sunday - he won it last year. I think we might have beaten Arvika Ligeonniere at Clonmel (in November) only for a mistake two out."
Arvika Ligeonniere heads the six-runner field and will be bidding to bounce back to winning ways after another poor Cheltenham effort last month. Trainer Willie Mullins has a strong hand in the €37,500 contest with Twinlight and Turban also set to line up.
Tony Martin saddles Grand Annual winner Savello and is hoping the race doesn't come too soon after his battling success at Cheltenham.
"We're very happy with him. He's in good form and we're hoping he gives a good account of himself," said Martin. "He's won in that ground before and it's just a matter of whether he's got over Cheltenham but we've been pleased with him since."
The field is completed by the sole mare Kates Benefit, who takes a big step up in class after a beginners chase success at Gowran Park last month.
========================================== Gilltown sire Azamour put down
Multiple Group One winner Azamour was humanely put down at the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud in Ireland on Saturday.
Trained by John Oxx, the son of Night Shift won the Beresford Stakes as a juvenile before claiming the St James's Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown in his three-year-old career.
Kept in training as a four-year-old, he won the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at the Royal meeting when it was run at York and triumphed in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which was run that year at Newbury.
He finished his racing career with a third place to Shirocco in the Breeders' Cup Turf of 2005.
A tweet from Aga Khan Studs read: "We are sad to announce that the stallion Azamour was put down after sustaining a serious injury in his box this morning.
"Despite the best efforts of both vets and attending staff, the four-time Group 1 winner had to be euthanised on humane grounds today."
================================================ Creek mows down hotpot Barley
Bow Creek turned in a brave front-running display under Joe Fanning to cause an upset in the feature 32Red International Trial Stakes at Lingfield.
The Richard Hannon-trained Barley Mow was the 8-13 favourite on his first appearance since finishing fifth in the Group One Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp in October, and tracked Mark Johnston's 10-1 shot Bow Creek from the outset.
Bow Creek kicked for home rounding the home turn, briefly catching the odds-on market leader flat-footed. Barley Mow began to find top gear in the final furlong, but it was all too late, with Bow Creek finding plenty to take the prize.
American Hope was not beaten far in third.
There was drama before the one-mile Listed contest with both Sloane Avenue and Zampa Manos having to be withdrawn after breaking through the stalls, reducing the field to just the three runners.
Brass Ring arrived for the coral.co.uk handicap with the profile of a typical John Gosden improver having won his final two starts last season, but the 5-6 favourite was made to pull out all the stops by Viewpoint, winning by a head. The son of Rail Link holds entries in the Yorkshire Cup and Coronation Cup.
============================================ Duke edges home in thriller
Duke Of Lucca got the better of the rallying Vino Griego to come out on top in a pulsating climax to the Betfred TV Handicap Chase at Aintree.
With Our Mick running with more enthusiasm than has been the case in recent starts at the head of affairs, there was a sound gallop from the outset and the front-running grey still had the advantage rounding the final turn. However, Vino Griego loomed up ominously, with Duke Of Lucca and Gullinbursti also in contention.
Vino Griego was just about in front jumping the final fence, but 12-1 shot Duke Of Lucca reeled him in on the run to the line and got up in the dying strides to take the spoils by a head in the hands of Richard Johnson.
Gullinbursti and Kian's Delight finished third and fourth respectively, while 5-1 favourite Victor Hewgo made a number of jumping errors early on and was pulled up by James Reveley with over a circuit to run.
Winning trainer Philip Hobbs said: "Thankfully he just hung on. He's a horse that wants decent ground. My owner decided not to come as he thought if he travelled all the way here, looking at the forecast it was going to rain too much before the race and I would take him out.
"He finished fourth in the cross-country race at Cheltenham, so I think he's probably going to run in Ireland in the La Touche (at Punchestown).
"I thought when he missed the third-last his chance had gone as he'd jumped really well until then, but he stayed on very well. I think running in the cross-country did him the world of good as he travelled really well today. Richard went wide on him because sometimes that helps him."
Nigel Twiston-Davies was narrowly denied an earlier winner with Splash Of Ginge, but his Ballybolley (14-1) stayed on powerfully to beat Relic Rock in the Weatherbys Private Banking Champion Standard Open NH Flat Race. Sam Twiston-Davies needed all his strength to pip Tony McCoy by a head.
Twiston-Davies snr, who has won this race in the past with the likes of The New One, said: "Let's hope he's as good as The New One. He had to knuckle down and I think it was a good race. That will do for him now and it's all go for next season, novice hurdling. He's an exciting horse. He'd run in point-to-points before we had him, so he had experience."
Court Minstrel (16-1) defied top weight in the Maxilead Metals Handicap Hurdle for Evan Williams and conditional jockey Adam Wedge. Having struggled in soft ground earlier in the campaign, he was having his first run for 112 days.
Williams said: "This is his time of year. He ran with credit during the winter, we were just waiting for spring. I wanted to go to Scotland next week and the owners wouldn't let me, they wanted to come here. And they have been proven right. This horse needs a fast gallop. There's no point running him where they go a dawdle."
============================================ Fontana in big-race follow-up
Lac Fontana benefited from a typically power-packed Tony McCoy ride to clinch the Pertemps Network Mersey Novices' Hurdle at Aintree.
The Paul Nicholls-trained five-year-old was the 9-2 favourite for the two-and-a-half-mile Grade One, stepping up in class and trip following a similarly determined display in the County Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival.
Lac Fontana travelled powerfully but looked to have his work cut out when Splash Of Ginge committed at the top of the home straight, and Dell' Arca and Wilde Blue Yonder were also in the mix. But it turned into a straight shootout after the final flight, with Lac Fontana eventually wearing down Splash Of Ginge to take the prize by a length and a half.
Nicholls said: "He stayed very well at Cheltenham so we thought we'd go two and a half miles on this ground. He's tough. He made it hard for himself by missing the last two hurdles, but he stayed on a little bit.
"He looks like he'll make a nice staying hurdler next year, but he could just jump a fence. I'll keep all options open and I'm not sure there's much left for him this season - maybe there's a Grade One at Punchestown, but I haven't really looked into it."
McCoy added: "I felt from three out that he was keeping a bit for himself, but when I grabbed a hold of him at the last he picked up. He beat a good yardstick in Splash Of Ginge so it is solid form, and it was easy enough to ride him.
"I don't see why he wouldn't get further as he does keep a bit for himself and he goes through his races relaxed. He might even be better as he goes further."
The locally-owned Splash Of Ginge again did his connections proud, adding another sizeable chunk of prize-money to go with his victory in the valuable Betfair Hurdle at Newbury.
His trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies said: "He was brilliant again. I thought we'd got it but it wasn't to be this time. He's had a smashing season. He'll stop now and go again next season. He'll go chasing."
David Pipe, trainer of third-placed Dell' Arca, said: "He's run a cracking race. He's been very consistent. All year he's been running in the top handicaps. He's only a novice and he'll be a lovely horse for next season.
"He stayed the trip well and we might even step him up in trip again. We'll decide whether to stay hurdling or go chasing with him when he comes back. He's run in all the good races. He's the ultimate professional."
================================================= King strikes with Balder
Alan King secured his third winner of the Grand National meeting as Balder Succes played the starring role in the Doom Bar Maghull Novices' Chase.
Winner of the Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick and the Pendil Novices' Chase at Kempton, Balder Succes bypassed last month's showpiece meeting at Cheltenham to ensure he was primed for his trip to Liverpool.
With Next Sensation predictably setting a strong gallop from the outset, Balder Succes was waited with in the hands of Wayne Hutchinson before looming up ominously in the straight. The 7-2 chance moved stylishly to the lead on the run to the final fence and a spring-heeled leap sealed victory.
Nicky Richards' outsider Simply Ned ran a super race to finish second, beaten four lengths, with 11-4 favourite Trifolium back in third, just as he was in the Arkle Trophy at Cheltenham.
Hutchinson said: "I got in tight to the ditch, but he was very good. I set sail and it was do or die - he was very honest and he's come for me all the way to the the line. It just took me three fences to hit my rhythm, but when we steadied up going to the back his jumping got me going again."
King added: "He was good today. He needed one at the last and got it, his jumping was great all the way round. It's paid off not going to Cheltenham with him, he was fresh and well. I'm delighted.
"He's just gained confidence all season and fences have toughened him up a little bit. He's always been a good horse, but he was a bit soft over hurdles. He couldn't cope with big fields in those handicaps.
"You'd have to say he's getting better. If he does go anywhere else it will be Punchestown. The owner likes to go to Punchestown, so if he does go anywhere it will be there, otherwise we'll put him away for next season.
"To begin with (next season) we'll stick to the two-mile route and see where we are. He just got home over two and a half at Kempton."
Richards said of Simply Ned: "He's had a good, consistent season. The handicapper won't be kind on him, I don't think, but I'd like to try him right-handed around places like Ascot and Sandown. We'll have to mix it with the big boys, maybe we'd start off in something like the Jenny Mould Chase (at Cheltenham in December)."
Charles Byrnes said of Irish raider Trifolium: "It was a good run, although he didn't jump as well as he can. He'll definitely go to Punchestown."
================================================= Whisper pulls out the stops
Whisper wore down At Fishers Cross to grind out victory in the Silver Cross Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree.
At Fishers Cross was the 11-8 favourite following a fine third in the World Hurdle at Cheltenham, with Nicky Henderson's Whisper a 4-1 shot, graduating from handicap company following success in the Coral Cup.
At Fishers Cross and Zarkandar disputed the lead from flag-fall and while Zarkandar dropped away tamely in the straight, the market leader stuck to his guns. But Barry Geraghty was soon in his slipstream aboard Whisper, who had set off bathed in sweat, and after a brief battle after the final flight, the Seven Barrows runner won by a length.
At Fishers Cross was not disgraced given he jumped out to his right for much of the extended three-mile journey, and having looked likely to be tailed off at one stage, admirable grey Thousand Stars made late headway to pick up minor honours in third.
Geraghty said: "He got himself into a bit of state beforehand and was over-hyped and over-revved and I thought for most of the way I had no chance, but he does stay.
"At Fishers Cross is hard to pass and even when I did I thought I was in trouble again, but in fairness to my lad, and considering the state he was in, he didn't give up and stayed really well."
Henderson added: "You've got to admire him, he's been in two mega-battles already (Ffos Las and Cheltenham). His Gold Cup was months ago at Ffos Las, the Welsh Champion Hurdle, when he was beaten a nose.
"When the handicapper put him up 6lb I thought his chance in the Coral Cup had gone, but Nico (De Boinville) rode him and took 5lb off.
"It was just a question of whether we could go to the well once more. He got very warm before the race, which is usually a sign of a horse who has done enough, but he's very brave. He should be going chasing, but we'll see."
At Fishers Cross's trainer Rebecca Curtis said: "He's run a blinder and has been beaten by a good horse. He lost a shoe on the first circuit. Whether that's made a difference, I doubt it."
Frank Berry, racing manager for owner JP McManus, added: "He's been beaten by a better horse on the day. We'll see how he is in the next week or two. Punchestown is there if that's where we want to go."
Willie Mullins, trainer of third home Thousand Stars, said: "He showed there's spark there yet and we're looking forward to going to Punchestown with him. I think he took a little blow, maybe, going down the back and when he got his second wind and passed a horse it spurred him on."
==================================================== Hobbs thrilled with Balthazar run
Trainer Philip Hobbs was full of praise for Balthazar King after the 10-year-old finished a brave second to Pineau De Re in the Crabbie's Grand National.
Best known for his exploits in cross-country races, Balthazar King finished only 15th in the showpiece contest last season, when it was won by Auroras Encore.
This time the 14-1 shot battled on all the way to the line under Richard Johnson to hold off the Tony McCoy-ridden Double Seven for second spot, beating him by a length and a quarter.
Hobbs said: "He's amazing. He ran well in the race last year, but finished much better this time. When he jumped the third-last I thought he'd finish fifth or sixth, but he ran on really well and it's fantastic.
"I have enormous pride in the horse, he's one of the best, most consistent, tough horses - he tries so hard. It's frustrating to be second, but we'd have settled for that this morning."
Hobbs said of his other runner Chance Du Roy, who was sixth: "Going to three out I thought he had the better chance, but it was not to be with either."
McCoy said of Double Seven: "Martin (Brassil, trainer) had the horse in great form, but the ground was a fraction dead for him. Jumping the third-last I thought I had a chance of winning, but then I think the dead ground found him out. Dr Newland and Leighton are nice people and it's great for them to win it."
Fergal O'Brien, who sent out Alvarado to finish fourth, was proud of his stable star, who was making his first appearance since pulling up at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.
He said: "We're over the moon. It was a great effort to come back like that after the lay-off and all credit to the team for getting him here in such good form. We would love to come back and have another crack next year."
Long Run's owner, Robert Waley-Cohen, revealed his horse had suffered a minor injury when he exited the race, but that he would live to fight another day.
He said: "I suppose there's France and Punchestown, but we'll have to see how the horse is. The jockey (his son Sam Waley-Cohen) is all right. The horse has got a bit of a haematoma on his shoulder. It's a very minor injury. It's like a big bruise. Otherwise, he's OK. He didn't go very far and he pulled himself up."
Jack Doyle was given a 12-day suspension by the stewards for, in their view, failing to pull up a horse who was clearly exhausted in Wayward Prince, who fell at the third-last.
================================================= National glory for Pineau
Leighton Aspell clearly made a wise decision to make a U-turn from retirement as the jockey in his most successful season to date rose to new heights when Pineau De Re forged five lengths clear of Balthazar King in the Crabbie's Grand National at Aintree.
Despite being a rather reserved character, Irishman Aspell has long been something of a cult hero, with his own fan club, and felt he missed the challenge and the camaraderie of the weighing room as he returned from an 18-month hiatus exactly five years ago.
Thankfully all horses and riders returned safely in what was still a typically eventful renewal, and Aspell had a charmed trip through the field on the 25-1 chance, who comes from the respected Worcestershire stable of Dr Richard Newland, who trains only 12 horses at any one time for what he describes as a hobby.
Eighteen of the 40 intended starters completed the four and a half miles, with Battle Group refusing to participate after a false start, but Tony McCoy's mount Double Seven (10-1 joint-favourite) fared best of the fancied runners as former Gold Cup hero Long Run fell at Valentine's on the first circuit and last year's third and other market leader Teaforthree unseated his rider at The Chair (15th).
Pineau De Re has only been with Newland for a year, having been sold by Barry Connell from Philip Fenton's yard due to lack of opportunities in Ireland, but he had easily won a veterans' chase in January and proved his well-being by finishing third in the Pertemps Final over hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival.
In the most notable incident of the race, long-time leader Across The Bay was very nearly carried out by a loose horse as the field headed out for the second circuit, effectively ending his chance of victory.
Aspell was relaxed in behind the leaders and then had eventual fifth Rocky Creek in his sights, kicking clear well before The Elbow and always seeming to have the measure of both the cross-country specialist Balthazar King (14-1), and Double Seven, while Alvarado stayed on from a long way back to finish fourth at 33-1.
"I was second on my first National ride in 2003 on Supreme Glory, came off a few times and did get around again but this was the first ride I've had since 2003 that I thought had a live chance," said Aspell, 37.
"I was very excited and he took to it very well. I was a bit closer than I planned as the pace was only medium, but I had a lovely passage all the way. We got close at a couple, but that's the National."
Referring to his retirement, he said: "It was in the summer, I was a bit low and it didn't look good, rides-wise. I should have just taken the summer off and freshened up but I took a job with (now-retired trainer) John Dunlop. I was there for a few months and it was a good job, but I felt there was some unfinished business and some life in the old dog.
"I've been watching the National since I was a very young boy. As much as you enjoy sharing everyone's success, you crave a bit too. To get a chance to ride in the National is a great thing, and to get on one with a chance is even better."
Newland used to own horses with other trainers and was until recently still actively working as a GP at his business, Newhall Medical Practice in Birmingham. He sold the horse to his old friend, John Provan, who runs a print and packaging business but was once an amateur rider.
Newland's biggest previous winner was in the 2007 Coral Cup at Cheltenham and he said: "When something like this happens you think perhaps I should stop now, as it won't get any better than this. When I got him he was 10, he's 11 but he doesn't act like an 11-year-old. He's a classy, classy horse and he has the combination of stamina and a touch of speed.
"This is a hobby for me, really, and I have no plans to change anything at the minute. I'm involved in a few businesses, I have great colleagues at Newbridge and I'm lucky enough to be able to do this and enjoy it. If you do it as a job there's a higher level of stress.
"I feed the horses in the morning, harrow the gallop and leave instructions for the day. The team are great and John's my oldest racing friend. I knew I'd be able to sell the horse to him within 30 seconds. For us to have one running in the National was a dream and to win it is unspeakable really. We have one in a selling handicap at Market Rasen tomorrow!"
Provan said: "We have brought everybody today, we are all sharing in the magic moment in time. It's fantastic, absolutely fantastic. We love taking on the big guys.
"Leighton Aspell did the job absolutely perfect today - we couldn't have asked any more from a jockey. I have to say a big thank you to all of Richard's staff, such lovely staff. They all do their job 100 per cent and it's just fantastic for them. They will all be in the celebrations tonight."
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 6, 2014 8:53:42 GMT
14:10 Sunday 6th April Racing Tips - 06/04/2014
Yesterday's words "I was all out to back Pineau De Re" may haunt me for some time. Ultimately I did back him but this column and the support of it is important to me and boy I wish I'd tipped him. Onwards… Arvika Ligeonniere goes back right handed today but he's no bet at 4/7. I'm much happier supporting stable companion Twinlight who looks a likely 2nd and can cause an upset at 6/1. He had a throat infection when not showing up at Naas and didn't jump that well at Kempton on penultimate start but that was also over a trip that really doesn't suit him. A strongly run 2 miles or 2 miles 1 is best and he'll get that today. He has been rated just 4lb lower than the favourite in the past and there's too much between them at the prices. Fairyhouse 14.10 - Twinlight 1pt e/w
The Novice Handicap Chase is wide open but there's only 1 I want to back. Barry Geraghty is riding out of his skin at the moment, having had a superb couple of festivals, and any booking with his name is a positive one. He rides the recently below par Some Tikket this afternoon and 10/1 is bigger than it should be. First and foremost he will handle conditions. All his wins have come on soft or heavy and, though former trainer Dermot Weld once said he'd prefer better ground, he is bred to handle plenty of cut and should be at home this afternoon. He gets further but Weld also said he'd make a nice flat horse and he has a fair bit of speed in his armoury. A decent test here should suit and he looks well treated for this handicap debut on the basis of his win at the start of the year. Dogora is a danger but has a stiff opening mark and perhaps the other Mullins runner is the threat in these conditions. Fairyhouse 14.40 - Some Tikket 1pt e/w
Wicklow Brave is a strong favourite to win today and, though a fan of Valseur Lido, the former may be that much better. If he does win then it will be another boost to the form of Lieutenant Colonel who I think deserves another chance at middle distances after running a touch below expectation in the Neptune. Faugheen, for example, was always likely to handle good ground but not so Dessie Hughes' 5 year old. He should be better with some cut and he has won here over hurdles before. 2 and a half miles should be no problem on breeding and he's worth backing at 13/2 given Apache Stronghold has to give weight all round and Renneti doesn't convince a truly run 2 and a half miles will suit. Fairyhouse 15.50 - Lieutenant Colonel 1pt e/w ==========================================
Today's Pointers Hot Trainers Trainer Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Races J S Bolger 5 13 38.46 6 46.15 Today's entries N J Henderson 4 32 12.5 8 25.0 Today's entries N A Twiston-Davies 3 15 20.0 7 46.67 Today's entries A King 3 13 23.08 6 46.15 Today's entries D Pipe 3 20 15.0 6 30.0 Today's entries J W Mullins 2 10 20.0 7 70.0 Today's entries J R Jenkins 2 9 22.22 3 33.33 Today's entries D T Hughes 2 14 14.29 3 21.43 Today's entries Jonjo O'Neill 2 14 14.29 3 21.43 Today's entries K C Bailey 2 8 25.0 2 25.0 Today's entries O Sherwood 1 6 16.67 4 66.67 Today's entries R Harris 1 6 16.67 3 50.0 Today's entries P A Kirby 1 9 11.11 3 33.33 Today's entries B Ellison 1 14 7.14 3 21.43 Today's entries Miss V Williams 1 18 5.56 3 16.67 Today's entries P D Deegan 1 2 50.0 2 100.0 Today's entries T Stack 1 3 33.33 2 66.67 Today's entries D K Weld 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's entries A J Honeyball 1 7 14.29 2 28.57 Today's entries P Fenton 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries N B King 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries R Sweeney 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries Evan Williams 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's entries Jennie Candlish 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's entries Dr R D P Newland 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's entries K Prendergast 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries Miss S Smith 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's entries P R Webber 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Today's entries H De Bromhead 1 6 16.67 1 16.67 Today's entries Mrs Dianne Sayer 1 7 14.29 1 14.29 Today's entries W P Mullins 1 9 11.11 1 11.11 Today's entries A W Carroll 1 13 7.69 1 7.69 Today's entries ============================================ Hot Jockeys Jockey Wins Rides Win % Place Place % Races A P McCoy 5 26 19.23 10 38.46 Today's rides J P Spencer 5 16 31.25 9 56.25 Today's rides S Twiston-Davies 4 26 15.38 9 34.62 Today's rides W Hutchinson 4 11 36.36 5 45.45 Today's rides B J Geraghty 4 19 21.05 5 26.32 Today's rides T Scudamore 3 23 13.04 7 30.43 Today's rides R Johnson 2 16 12.5 7 43.75 Today's rides N Fehily 2 20 10.0 7 35.0 Today's rides G Sheehan 2 13 15.38 5 38.46 Today's rides L Treadwell 2 7 28.57 4 57.14 Today's rides T J O'Brien 2 18 11.11 4 22.22 Today's rides Nico de Boinville 2 5 40.0 3 60.0 Today's rides Trevor Whelan 2 7 28.57 3 42.86 Today's rides L P Aspell 2 11 18.18 3 27.27 Today's rides James Best 2 11 18.18 3 27.27 Today's rides J E Moore 1 16 6.25 5 31.25 Today's rides Aidan Coleman 1 23 4.35 5 21.74 Today's rides R Thornton 1 7 14.29 3 42.86 Today's rides D F O'Regan 1 11 9.09 3 27.27 Today's rides P J Brennan 1 15 6.67 3 20.0 Today's rides P Townend 1 4 25.0 2 50.0 Today's rides M G Nolan 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's rides J Reveley 1 6 16.67 2 33.33 Today's rides B Hughes 1 11 9.09 2 18.18 Today's rides L Dettori 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's rides F Keniry 1 1 100.0 1 100.0 Today's rides L Heard 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's rides Conor Ring 1 2 50.0 1 50.0 Today's rides Maurice Linehan 1 3 33.33 1 33.33 Today's rides E Cookson 1 4 25.0 1 25.0 Today's rides P Carberry 1 6 16.67 1 16.67 Today's rides Adam Wedge 1 6 16.67 1 16.67 Today's rides D Tudhope 1 9 11.11 1 11.11 Today's rides D Bass 1 10 10.0 1 10.0 Today's rides Brendan Powell 1 12 8.33 1 8.33 Today's rides ============================================ First-time Blinkers Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Maller Tree b1 4 29 13.79 11 37.93 Flas 14:30 Tullyraine v1 4 15 26.67 7 46.67 Flas 15:05 Boyfromnowhere b1 3 11 27.27 5 45.45 Flas 15:05 Material Boy bt 1 14 7.14 3 21.43 Flas 15:40 Lucky Cody b1 0 4 0.0 0 0.0 Mras 15:20 =============================================== Tonguestraps Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Le Grand Chene t 5 27 18.52 9 33.33 Flas 16:45 Nicene Creed pt 4 27 14.81 8 29.63 Flas 16:45 Taffy Thomas t 3 24 12.5 7 29.17 Mras 15:55 Gap Of Dunloe pt 3 16 18.75 3 18.75 Flas 14:30 Lamboro Lad pt 2 25 8.0 13 52.0 Flas 15:05 Simplified t 2 72 2.78 9 12.5 Mras 13:45 Vinomore pt 2 11 18.18 3 27.27 Mras 13:45 Ifonlyalfie bt 1 18 5.56 8 44.44 Mras 15:55 Material Boy bt 1 14 7.14 3 21.43 Flas 15:40 Garde Fou t 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Flas 16:10 Accordingtopalm t 1 8 12.5 1 12.5 Flas 15:40 Thomas Junior pt 0 6 0.0 4 66.67 Flas 14:00 Possibly Flora t 0 9 0.0 3 33.33 Flas 16:45 Scuderia t 0 5 0.0 0 0.0 Flas 15:40 Steepleofcopper t1 0 4 0.0 0 0.0 Mras 15:20 ========================================= Cheekpieces Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Vertueux p 6 54 11.11 17 31.48 Mras 13:45 Halucha p 4 27 14.81 8 29.63 Mras 14:45 Nicene Creed pt 4 27 14.81 8 29.63 Flas 16:45 The Last Bridge p1 4 13 30.77 5 38.46 Flas 15:40 Touch Back p 3 14 21.43 4 28.57 Flas 16:10 Gap Of Dunloe pt 3 16 18.75 3 18.75 Flas 14:30 Lamboro Lad pt 2 25 8.0 13 52.0 Flas 15:05 Allied Answer p1 2 13 15.38 4 30.77 Mras 14:15 Tullyesker Hill p 2 6 33.33 3 50.0 Flas 16:10 Titchwood p1 2 8 25.0 3 37.5 Flas 15:05 Vinomore pt 2 11 18.18 3 27.27 Mras 13:45 Paddy The Oscar p1 1 9 11.11 2 22.22 Flas 14:30 Fishing Bridge p 1 5 20.0 1 20.0 Flas 16:10 Thomas Junior pt 0 6 0.0 4 66.67 Flas 14:00 ================================================ Course & Distance Winners Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Church Field 4 12 33.33 4 33.33 Mras 14:45 Taffy Thomas 3 24 12.5 7 29.17 Mras 15:55 Jack Albert 3 15 20.0 4 26.67 Mras 14:45 King of Dubai 2 10 20.0 5 50.0 Flas 16:10 ============================================= Longest Travellers (310 miles) Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Book'em Danno 4 16 25.0 8 50.0 Mras 16:25 Taffy Thomas 3 24 12.5 7 29.17 Mras 15:55 ============================================= Most Naps Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Ardkilly Witness 2 12 16.67 8 66.67 Mras 15:20 ============================================ Running Hot Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries Carlingford Castle 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries Karinga Bay 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries Brass Castle 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Todays Entries 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 ============================================ Money Talks Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Feenakilmeedy 1 5 20.0 2 40.0 Fai 15:50 Chief Admiral 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 Cla 12:00 ================================================ Switching Stables Horse Wins Runs Win % Place Place % Race Maarek 10 32 31.25 18 56.25 Cor 14:55 Viking Blond 3 34 8.82 11 32.35 Flas 14:30 Sendmylovetorose 3 7 42.86 3 42.86 Cor 14:55 King of Dubai 2 10 20.0 5 50.0 Flas 16:10 Don Padeja 1 7 14.29 2 28.57 Mras 14:15 Maygo's Joy 0 6 0.0 0 0.0 Mras 14:15 Alainn 0 1 0.0 0 0.0 Cor 13:55 ========================================== Going and Stalls Meeting Conditions Ffos Las Going : Heavy Market Rasen Going : Good, Good to Soft in places
Information correct at Sunday 6th April 2014 09:15 ==============================================
Tips Tables Naps table
NAPS TABLE PRESS CHALLENGE
TODAY'S NAPS TIME CRS TIPSTER LEVEL STAKES Thomas Junior 2:00 Ffos South Wales Argus Melissa Jones +53.30 Book´Em Danno 4:25 MRas Daily Mail Robin Goodfellow +29.16 The Last Bridge 3:40 Ffos Sunday Telegraph Whistler +27.68 Ben Cee Pee M 2:45 MRas Weekender +19.13 Drussell 1:45 MRas Western Morning News West Tip +16.00 Jack Albert 2:45 MRas Liverpool Echo Chris Wright +15.38 The Last Bridge 3:40 Ffos Belfast Newsletter Wise Owl +14.90 Thomas Junior 2:00 Ffos Glasgow Evening Times Jeffrey Ross +12.29 Ardkilly Witness 3:20 MRas Daily Post Mercury +12.00 Makethe Mostofnow 3:05 Ffos Yorkshire Post The Duke +11.99 Thomas Junior 2:00 Ffos The Star Patrick Weaver +5.63 Lamboro Lad 3:05 Ffos Racing Post The Edge +4.56 Ardkilly Witness 3:20 MRas Daily Star Sunday Moorestyle +4.34 Astigos 4:10 Ffos Coventry Telegraph Derek Brown +3.33 Book´Em Danno 4:25 MRas Daily Telegraph Marlborough +2.90 Ardkilly Witness 3:20 MRas Blackpool Gazette Steve Simpson +2.54 Beforeall 3:05 Ffos Racing Post Lambourn +0.23 Ben Cee Pee M 2:45 MRas Racing Post The North -2.63 Royal Salute 5:15 Ffos Racing Post West Country -8.10 Ifonlyalfie 3:55 MRas Sheffield Star Fortunatus -8.17 Milborough 3:20 MRas Western Daily Press Bob Watts -9.00 Barton Gift 3:05 Ffos Daily Mirror Newsboy -11.73 Attwaal 2:15 MRas Sunday Express Chris Goulding -16.66 Book´Em Danno 4:25 MRas The Sun Templegate -19.40 Ardkilly Witness 3:20 MRas Racing and Football Outlook -20.50 Laughton Park 2:45 MRas Sussex Express Downsman -22.02 Tom Bach 3:40 Ffos Daily Record Garry Owen -24.11 The Last Bridge 3:40 Ffos The Scotsman Glendale -25.14 Barton Gift 3:05 Ffos The Guardian -25.61 Barton Gift 3:05 Ffos Racing Post RP Ratings -26.43 Madame De Guise 2:45 MRas Oldham Evening Chronicle Keith McHugh -28.28 Cawdor House Bert 4:10 Ffos The Irish Field Karl Hedley -29.25 Nether Stream 2:45 MRas Morning Star Farringdon -32.53 Thomas Junior 2:00 Ffos The Times Rob Wright -33.33 Book´Em Danno 4:25 MRas Racing Post Spotlight -33.65 Jack Albert 2:45 MRas Sunday Mail Rockavon -38.19 Ardkilly Witness 3:20 MRas Yorkshire Evening Post Lee Sobot -39.54 Ardkilly Witness 3:20 MRas The Press, York Ebor -41.16 Barton Gift 3:05 Ffos Sunday Mirror Gary Nutting -51.49 Dalmo 1:45 MRas Carlisle News & Star Phil Rostron -71.18 Heavenstown 4:10 Ffos Racing Post Postdata -75.15 =============================================== MOST TIPPED Bwana 1:55 Cork MOST TIPPED OUTSIDER Halucha 2:45 Market Rasen MOST NAPPED Ardkilly Witness 3:20 Market Rasen MOST NAPPED OUTSIDER Nether Stream 2:45 Market Rasen ================================================== Martin Bosley (Drussell) is having a decent season returning a £1 level stake profit of £64.00 Drussell 1:45 Market Rasen
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Post by Kimmy on Apr 6, 2014 11:16:08 GMT
Newland eyes Pineau repeat
Dr Richard Newland is already looking forward to seeing Pineau De Re defend his crown in next year's Crabbie's Grand National following his brilliant display at Aintree on Saturday.
The 11-year-old produced prodigious leaps at the final two obstacles and galloped all the way to the line up the famously punishing run-in to seal a momentous victory in the hands of Leighton Aspell.
The veteran warmed up for his Merseyside mission with a superb effort in defeat in the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham over hurdles and Newland intends to take in a few races over the smaller obstacles as part of his preparation for the world's greatest steeplechase next term.
With the press gathered at the trainer's Worcestershire base to see the latest National hero the morning after his heroics, Newland was delighted to report his stable star to be none the worse for his exertions, and he will now be given a well-deserved holiday.
Newland said: "He gave 110 per cent yesterday but he's fine this morning. He's going to go up in the handicap now and it won't be easy for him next season as there aren't a lot of races.
"We'd like to bring him back and have another go at the National, so perhaps we'll go down the hurdling route and maybe do a similar thing to this year. He deserves a nice summer break now."
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Post by banger on Apr 6, 2014 20:58:13 GMT
Insights emerged on Sunday as to the events which led to the fall-out between jockeys involved in the Crabbie's Grand National and British Horseracing Authority representatives on track which saw an enquiry into events at the start of the race descend into farce when the jockeys refused to participate. McNeill is sent flying as the tapes go up Another hearing into these events - and the situation that unfolded afterwards with the stewards - will now take place at the BHA's London headquarters, the date for which is unlikely to be confirmed for at least a couple of days. The matter was passed on to the BHA by racecourse stewards after the 39 jockeys who took part in the race and Professional Jockeys Association chief executive Paul Struthers refused to return to the stewards' room after an initial adjounrment. Officials had initially called an inquiry after the starter reported the riders had lined up despite being advised by the assistant starter, Simon McNeill, who was positioned in front of the field, that the race's 4.15pm start time had not yet been reached. McNeill was subsequently knocked down in a melee when the starting tape was broken. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, former champion jockey Peter Scudamore, whose son Tom was one of the riders involved, said: "We're in 2014 and have not got a system that works. "It's depressing. I don't blame the starters, the starters' assistants or the jockeys. We have an archaic system that is not fit for purpose." Scudamore said that the stewards had indicated an intention to hand out two-day suspensions to riders involved, a move which helped to prompt the rebellion. "There was confusion and the jockeys felt slightly aggrieved the inquiry was not held straight after the race," he said. "They did attend the first inquiry but were sent out because they did not have enough time to conclude it [as another race was taking place in which a number of the jockeys were involved]. "They were told that some could go because they had two-day suspensions anyway. "The jockeys thought that, since it had been decided to ban them and their arguments had not been listened to, what was the point of going back in?" Winning rider Leighton Aspell, also involved in the hearing, told At The Races: "It's a very, very high pressure situation. Everybody is geed up, they've got their plans and their instructions and it's a very fine line. "I promise you, we're talking fractions of a second away from it (the start) being absolutely perfect. "I think the second time it was almost perfect again, but the tape caught one of the horses. "No jockey wanted this to happen. We all got briefed and we all wanted to get off to a good start and get off well. "It's very tight down there at the start, we're getting instructions left, right and centre and we're all doing our very best to get off to a good start. "Unfortunately we had a couple of incidents at the start, the stewards had their say and we put our points across. "It's going to be reffered to the BHA and hopefully it can get resolved as soon as possible." BHA media manager Robin Mounsey said he had "very little to add" before matters were re-convened at High Holborn. "There has been no chance to arrange a date yet. I would think it would take a couple of days to arrange it," he said. "It's going to be slightly complicated because the jockeys will need to work out between them who's coming, how many of them are coming and when it is suitable for them who want to come to attend. "From the jockeys' end it might take a bit of time to get a suitable date. I'm sure we'll try and have a date within the next couple of days or something like that, but it's going to take a little bit of time. "This process will allow all involved the opportunity to review the chain of events and consider all relevant factors, hopefully in a more constructive environment. "The hearing will consider the start and what prompted the initial inquiry and also the events which unfolded during and after the stewards' inquiry." Insights emerged on Sunday as to the events which led to the fall-out between jockeys involved in the Crabbie's Grand National and British Horseracing Authority representatives on track which saw an enquiry into events at the start of the race descend into farce when the jockeys refused to participate. McNeill is sent flying as the tapes go up Another hearing into these events - and the situation that unfolded afterwards with the stewards - will now take place at the BHA's London headquarters, the date for which is unlikely to be confirmed for at least a couple of days. The matter was passed on to the BHA by racecourse stewards after the 39 jockeys who took part in the race and Professional Jockeys Association chief executive Paul Struthers refused to return to the stewards' room after an initial adjounrment. Officials had initially called an inquiry after the starter reported the riders had lined up despite being advised by the assistant starter, Simon McNeill, who was positioned in front of the field, that the race's 4.15pm start time had not yet been reached. McNeill was subsequently knocked down in a melee when the starting tape was broken. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, former champion jockey Peter Scudamore, whose son Tom was one of the riders involved, said: "We're in 2014 and have not got a system that works. "It's depressing. I don't blame the starters, the starters' assistants or the jockeys. We have an archaic system that is not fit for purpose." Scudamore said that the stewards had indicated an intention to hand out two-day suspensions to riders involved, a move which helped to prompt the rebellion. "There was confusion and the jockeys felt slightly aggrieved the inquiry was not held straight after the race," he said. "They did attend the first inquiry but were sent out because they did not have enough time to conclude it [as another race was taking place in which a number of the jockeys were involved]. "They were told that some could go because they had two-day suspensions anyway. "The jockeys thought that, since it had been decided to ban them and their arguments had not been listened to, what was the point of going back in?" Winning rider Leighton Aspell, also involved in the hearing, told At The Races: "It's a very, very high pressure situation. Everybody is geed up, they've got their plans and their instructions and it's a very fine line. "I promise you, we're talking fractions of a second away from it (the start) being absolutely perfect. "I think the second time it was almost perfect again, but the tape caught one of the horses. "No jockey wanted this to happen. We all got briefed and we all wanted to get off to a good start and get off well. "It's very tight down there at the start, we're getting instructions left, right and centre and we're all doing our very best to get off to a good start. "Unfortunately we had a couple of incidents at the start, the stewards had their say and we put our points across. "It's going to be reffered to the BHA and hopefully it can get resolved as soon as possible." BHA media manager Robin Mounsey said he had "very little to add" before matters were re-convened at High Holborn. "There has been no chance to arrange a date yet. I would think it would take a couple of days to arrange it," he said. "It's going to be slightly complicated because the jockeys will need to work out between them who's coming, how many of them are coming and when it is suitable for them who want to come to attend. "From the jockeys' end it might take a bit of time to get a suitable date. I'm sure we'll try and have a date within the next couple of days or something like that, but it's going to take a little bit of time. "This process will allow all involved the opportunity to review the chain of events and consider all relevant factors, hopefully in a more constructive environment. "The hearing will consider the start and what prompted the initial inquiry and also the events which unfolded during and after the stewards' inquiry."
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