Horse Racing News Etc.

[Kimmy]

Jim Crowley is having a decent season at Newbury (profit of £28.00) and rides Cinnilla (1:15)
Cinnilla
1:15 Newbury

[Kimmy]

TIP OF THE DAY
Good to see an open, competitive Racing Post Trophy to bring the UK Group 1 curtain down at Donny. Godolphin's Pinzolo and Roger Varian's Kingston Hill have been the two backed all week, and of the pair we prefer the latter, who has a Group 3 win to his name already. Aidan O'Brien has won 3 of the last 4 runnings, but unlike when Kingsbarns, Camelot and St Nic won he doesn't have a clear #1; Joseph rides once-raced Montjeu colt Century, Hanagan is on Buonarroti and Ryan Moore rides Johann Strauss. The last named was beaten at 2/7 last time but clearly is one of their best home, and the fact they've persisted this season suggests following the market at 14/1 might not be a bad idea.

[Kimmy]

NOTEBOOK.

We highlight a selection of the runners from the past week’s races
who may be
ones to watch out for in future races.


Trainer Alan King looks to have a nice chasing
prospect on his hands for this season in the
form of
TURN OVER SIVOLA
, who finished only
four lengths behind the smart Dodging Bullets
when runner-up in the beginners' chase at
Kempton last Sunday. The six-year-old gelding
was gently progressive in two-mile hurdles last
season, finishing the campaign on an
above-average mark of 129, having won a
handicap hurdle at Wincanton and then
finished midfield when favourite for the
Swinton Hurdle at Haydock in May.
Given that Dodging Bullets, a Grade 2-winning
novice hurdler last season, was rated 156 over
timber, Turn Over Sivola's performance on his
chasing debut has plenty of merit about, given
that he looked as though he could have given
the winner something to think about but for a
mistake at the last. Expect both Dodging Bullets
and Turn Over Sivola to be tried at a decent level
this season, with the latter looking very capable
of landing an ordinary novice or beginners'
chase before going on to better things.
In the same race, the Ian- Williams-trained
EARLS QUARTER
showed some promise on his
first run for connections, and his first for nearly
18 months, in finishing third between the
classy winner and runner-up. Although beaten
13 lengths by the runner-up, he was staying on
at the one pace on ground that probably wasn't
ideal (officially good, but possibly on the slow
side) and maybe one to watch out for in more
modest company, or if going handicapping.
Last season's Welsh National winner had a very
nice run out in the opening race at Cheltenham
last Saturday, the 3m ½f novices' hurdle, when
staying-on third at 25/1. Although the combi-
nation of Cheltenham and more than 3m
brought out Monbeg Dude's stamina, he still
looked outpaced in this company before stay-
ing on up the hill. He should be a major force
in the staying handicap chases this season.
Also at Cheltenham, the 2m 4f handicap chase
looked a decent renewal, and the Nigel Twiston-
Davies-trained
ASTRACAD
arguably ran one of
his best races in a while when finishing fifth.
Further credit is due to the seven-year-old as
this was his first run since May and his best run
to date over this distance. With the majority of
his better form over 2m, or thereabouts,
Astracad is also 3lb lower than his last winning
rating, and it will be interesting whether
connections elect to revert to 2m or stay over
2m 4f. The yard usually finds its form at this
time of year, so he may pop up in similar com-
pany in the coming weeks.
One who looked in need of further was
the Fearghal O'Brien-trained
BRADLEY,
in
Cheltenham's feature race of the day, the 3m ½f
handicap chase. Having been second in the
Grade 3 handicap chase at Cheltenham last
November, over 3m 4f, as may have been ex-
pected, Bradley was doing all his best work at the
close on this latest start, staying on nicely to fin-
ish fifth of the 17 runners. This was also his first
run five months and he can be expected to come
on a touch, and is currently 3lb below his last
winning rating. He can make his presence felt in
staying handicap chases this season.
==============================================================

STAT WATCH.

While form can only tell you what's happened previously, having an idea of which trainers are currently
in form, or which jockeys have the best record at a certain racecourse, can help you to keep on the win-
ning track. With relevance to this Saturday's televised races, this column highlights the current trends

With a number of our stats-influenced selections
apparently struggling on the more testing-than-
anticipated ground at Ascot last Saturday, we
hope for better fortune. The Channel 4-televised
action is split between the Jumps (Aintree - 1.55
and 3.05) and the Flat (Doncaster - 2.40, 3.15
and 3.50, and Newbury - 2.20, 2.55 and 4.05).
With racing to follow under both codes, let's look
at the Flat stats first. The leading Flat trainer of
the past 7 days (to Sunday, 20 October) is Marco
Botti, who not only heads the table by wins (5),
but because his winning tally was achieved from
just 10 runners, he also boasts a fantastic 50%
strike rate. In behind him were Aidan O' Brien and
Roger Varian, with 4 wins apiece, and the latter's
23% strike rate giving him the edge over O'Brien.
Flat jockey of the period Ryan Moore, whose 9
wins meant that he made up some ground on
champion elect Richard Hughes (7 wins), and
chalked up a marginally superior 24% strike rate,
which just bettered the 23% of Paul Hanagan. Top
strike rate of the week was Martin Harley's 26.7%.
Over Jumps, Paul Nicholls' powerful team at
Ditcheat yielded 6 winners in the week to last Sun-
day, and also recorded the best strike rate: 46%.
There was little to separate Nicholls' pursuers
Jonjo O'Neill and Nigel Twiston-Davies, who tied by
wins (4 each) and strike rate (22% each.) As Paul
Nicholls' new stable jockey, Daryl Jacob has a big
pair of shoes to fill in taking over from Ruby Walsh,
but he set about his new role with gusto last week,
riding 6 winners and achieving an excellent 42.7%
strike rate. As ever, Tony McCoy was banging in
the winners, with 4 victories in this period suffi-
cient to place him second to Jacob.
Aintree's Old Roan Chase looks a potentially de-
cent renewal this weekend, and both trainers
Phillip Hobbs and Paul Nicholls have won this race
in years past. The latter looks to have a fair chance
with his course winner Edgardo Sol, who is 2 from
9 on the expected good-soft ground, and is also
unbeaten at this course in two starts. Alan King's
horses are bang in form at the moment, with a
29% strike rate in the past 14 days, and the Wilt-
shire trainer could saddle last season's Topham
Chase-placed Walkon in this race, who has win-
ning form on the ground and over distance.
At Doncaster, the key race of the day is the Group
1 Racing Post Trophy, won 3 times in the past 4
years by a runner of Irish master trainer Aidan
O'Brien. He has several options up his sleeve at
the latest entry stage, with Century's winning
form on the expected ground and over the 1m trip
making him the pick. Roger Varian's late-supple-
mented Kingston Hill is interesting on his form
and also his trainer's leading 26% strike rate at
the course, but Richard Hannon's Toormore looks
the pick overall, is unbeaten in two starts on the
expected ground and Hannon is the leading
trainer at the course by wins in the past five sea-
sons. Also, take a look at the markets for this
race, as 7 of the last 10 races have been won by
the favourite.
The Group 3 St Simon Stakes over 1m 4f at New-
bury looks an interesting option for Lady Cecil's
Frankel, who will forever live in the shadow of his
illustrious sibling Frankel, but has fair claims in
this race as one of the few entrants with winning
form over distance, on the expected soft ground
at this course. While Lady Cecil's 18% strike rate
for the last 14 days betters that of her fellow
trainer Ed Walker, the latter's charge, Nicholas-
copernicus, is 2 from 3 on soft ground, won his
only start at the course and 3 from 8 over dis-
tance. He has been gently progressing up the
handicap and may go well at a nice price. The in-
form trainer Marco Botti could saddle Sugar Boy,
who as a three-year-old, enjoys a weight advan-
tage over the older horses, and has winning form
on the ground.
======================================

Race Ratings
3.05 Aintree - Saturday, 26 October
Old Roan Handicap Chase (Grade 2) 2m4f .

The following horses were entered for this race but many may not run. The runner with the highest rating will be the selection
of our team.

47F-45 Astracad 7 7 N Twiston-Davies
This tough son of Cadoudal ran a sound comeback race at
Cheltenham last weekend, when he contested a highly com-
petitive chase over two and a half miles. This horse has been
very consistent over the years and is pretty versatile as far
as ground is concerned. This may come a bit quick after
Cheltenham, but he could run a big race here. RATING 98
61P16- Carrickboy 192 9 Venetia Williams
Last season's Byrne Group Plate winner is a bit of an
enigma, but he is very good on his day and he can run
well fresh. His career best effort at Cheltenham in March
earned him a huge hike in the weights and he could just
struggle in this company. He handles most types of
ground and should be staying on at the end. RATING 95
2131-2 - Conquisto 168 8 Steve Gollings
A useful horse for Clive Cox on the Flat, Conquisto has
taken well to the jumping game, particularly now that he
is jumping the larger obstacles. He won a valuable Listed
chase at Ayr's Scottish Grand National meeting in April
and is now rated accordingly. Conquisto is likely to run
his race, but he probably lacks the bit of class to land a
prize like this. RATING 93
23364- Edgardo Sol 192 6 Paul Nicholls
A versatile and talented horse, Edgardo Sol did not
manage to get his head in front last season, but still ran
some game races in defeat. A lover of decent ground,
Edgardo Sol is unlikely to get his optimum conditions
here, but he can be relied upon to put his best foot
forward. He has form at the track, having won a Grade 3
over 2 miles in 2012, and this step-up in trip will suit.
RATING 99
264P2- Mr Moonshine 190 9 Sue Smith
This tall horse by Double Eclipse has not got his head in
front for nearly two years and is probably not quite as good
as he was. A well-beaten second at Wetherby's Christmas
meeting behind the useful Cape Tribulation in a Grade 3,
Mr Moonshine was pulled up in the Grand National in May
and has questions to answer. RATING 92
66314- Oiseau De Nuit 182 11 Colin Tizzard
The oldest horse in the field, Oiseau De Nuit is high-class
on his day and enjoyed a brilliant return to form when
landing a Grade 3 at this track at the Grand National
meeting in April. It was a very impressive performance
and he has decent form in top races, winning the Grand
Annual at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival and was third
in last season's renewal. There is a slight question mark
over the trip, but this is an easy two and a half miles and
he should run well. RATING 97
122510 Pure Faith 8 9 Peter Bowen
Second in this race two years ago, Pure Faith is probably
in the twilight of his career and although he won over
hurdles at Southwell in August, he was well beaten at
Cheltenham last weekend. This horse needs decent
ground and that looks unlikely. He is likely to struggle in
this company. RATING 90
43090- Saint Are 182 7 Tim Vaughan
This French import won a Listed chase over an extended
three miles around here last season and should not be
overlooked. This represents a big test for Saint Are, but
he's a sound jumper and it would be no surprise to see
him bounce back to form. The biggest concern is that he
appeared to lose his confidence at Sandown on his last
start of the season after jumping around the big fences
at Aintree in the Grand National. RATING 91
141213 Sergeant Pink 15 7 Dianne Sayer
By the failed Flat sire, Fasliyev, Sergeant Pink has been
a revelation this summer, winning five chases and going
up a whopping 32 pounds in the handicap. Previously
with Steve Gollings, Sergeant Pink will surely struggle in
this company and although he's consistent, he will need
to sprout wings to win this. RATING 85
11P5-0 Viva Colonia 98 8 Brian Ellison
As adept with his Flat horses as he is with his Jumpers,
Brian Ellison's season continues to go very well. A winner
of a novice chase at Musselburgh back in February, Viva
Colonia is decent on his day and the expected soft
ground should suit him. That said, his form is patchy to
say the least and he's not one to trust. RATING 90
14133- Wishfull Thinking 182 10 Philip Hobbs
A seriously talented horse, Wishfull Thinking won the
Grade 2 Game Spirit at Newbury last season on really
testing ground. Wishfull Thinking has well documented
breathing issues, but he seems to cope, although two
and a half miles on testing ground would have to be a
concern as he has plenty of speed. He should be there
or thereabouts. RATING 97.
22P52- Walkon 204 8 Alan King
Still only eight years old, Walkon is a seriously high-
class horse on his day and was sent off a strong
favourite for the Triumph Hurdle in 2009. He had a
season or two in the wilderness but ran some game
races last season, including when second to Al Ferof
in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and when runner-up
again in the Topham at Aintree in April. He will han-
dle conditions and looks the one to beat.
RATING 100
==================================

RACING NEWS.

Jumps star Hunt Ball is set to return to the
UK after an unsuccessful spell in the US. The
former Cheltenham Festival winner was
trained by Keiran Burke until last season,
when the eight-year-old's then-owner
Anthony Knott sold him. Now owned by a
US-based syndicate, Hunt Ball will enter
training with Nicky Henderson this season.
There was uproar among jockeys who rode at
Bath racecourse's meeting last Sunday, after
their changing room was flooded with sewage,
which led to the abandonment of the meeting.
It is thought that overnight thunderstorms
caused the flooding. The racecourse's
owners, Arena Racing Company, are holding
an investigation.
Irish hurdling star Our Conor remains as
prominent in the 2014 Champion Hurdle
ante-post markets, despite finishing a
beaten fourth on his return to action in a
Flat race at Naas last Sunday. However,
trainer Dessie Hughes was pleased with Our
Conor's performance, his first outing since
landing the Grade1 Triumph Hurdle in
March, and expects him to come on for the
race, with the Morgiana Hurdle planned to
be Our Conor's next race.
The Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained The New One
has been installed as the new ante-post
favourite for the Champion Hurdle, after
winning impressively from the former Cham-
pion Hurdler Rock On Ruby. Having won the
Neptune Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival,
doubts were raised about The New One's turn
of foot back over 2m, but he accelerated clear
of Rock On Ruby to win by 10 lengths. He is
now generally 7/2 favourite for the Champion
Hurdle, or joint-favourite with last season's
winner, Hurricane Fly.
Farhh, the Godolphin-owned winner of the
Champion Stakes at Ascot last Saturday,
has been retired to stud. The five-year-old
son of Pivotal's career was interrupted by
injury on several occasions, but he proved
himself at the highest level, finishing second
or third five times in Group 1 races last
season, before breaking his Group 1 duck in
the Lockinge Stakes in May.
Johnny Murtagh registered an emotional
success in the opening race of Ascot's
Champions meeting, having not only ridden
but also trained the winner, Royal Diamond,
in the Group 3 Long Distance Cup. Murtagh
said "It's the best day of my life."
Champion trainer-elect Richard Hannon had
a weekend to remember after virtually seal-
ing his fourth trainer's title when Olympic
Glory won the QEII Stakes at Ascot. The day
previously, Hannon also saddled his 219th
winner of the season, which set a new
British record for the most winners trained
in a calendar year, previously set at 218 by
Hannon in 2011, and equalled last season.
German Flat star Novellist, winner of the King
George and Queen Elizabeth Stakes this sea-
son, has been retired to stud. Earlier this
month the four-year-old son of Monsun was
withdrawn from his intended run in the Prix de
l'Arc de Triomphe at a late stage, but having
already had a successful season - in addition
to Ascot, he won the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud
and the Grosser Preis von Baden - the deci-
sion was made to retire him to the covering
shed. He will stand in Japan.
Paul Nicholls has reported that stable stars
Big Buck's and Al Ferof are back cantering
after both incurred leg injuries last season.
Nicholls hopes that Al Ferof will make his
seasonal debut in time to then run in the
King George VI Chase at Kempton's Boxing
Day meeting, while he anticipates that Big
Buck's will return to action in January.
====================================

[Kimmy]

Dry at Wexford
HRI tweeted: "The ground at Wexford (today and tomorrow) remains yielding, soft in places. No overnight rain." Racing starts at 1.40pm. 46 mins ago

[Kimmy]

No concern at Newbury
Any heavy rain could have caused problems but the course tweeted: "Ground heavy, no rain overnight. No concerns, dry day." It's an early start with the first race at 1.15pm. 1 hour ago

[Kimmy]

View from Leopardstown
The racecourse tweeted: "GOING for @leopardstownrc SOFT, SOFT TO HEAVY IN PLACES, no overnight rain. Dry this morning with likelihood of rain mid-afternoon." The action starts at 2pm. 2 hours ago

[Kimmy]

Ayr abandons sprint races
Due to waterlogging on the straight course, Ayr has been forced to abandon the two sprint races on Wednesday's card. Two new races will be added as replacements, a 7f handicap and a 1m2f handicap. 19 hours ago

[Kimmy]

SCOOP6 RACES
2:20 NBY
2:40 DON
2:55 NBY
3:15 DON
3:30 NBY
3:50 DON

[Kimmy]

Hi Kim





Horse Racing Tips

2:30 Aint - Pigeon Island @ 6/1 (PaddyPower)

3:00 Chep - Ballinvarrig @ 2/1

4:45 Chep - Sire De Grugy @ 11/4

[Kimmy]

15:50 Saturday 26th October
Racing Tips - 26/10/2013

The top 2 in the betting for the Racing Post Trophy are unbeaten and have strong claims of maintaining that record. The Godolphin colt was supplemented for the race on Monday and handles soft ground and I'm surprised he's not a clear favourite. Kingston Hill has perhaps has the best form coming into this and, also supplemented on Monday, will appreciate a strongly run race on testing ground. However, with the last 4 renewals being won by strong favourites, I'm keen to find something to cause a shock and like the chances of the progressive Kevin Ryan challenger The Grey Gatsby at 22/1. The yard won this in 2005 with Palace Episode and this year's colt, who still looked a little green last time here over a furlong shorter, has taken a similar path. He should continue improving and looked to handle cut in the ground last time. He will not want to much competition up front but could be a real threat if allowed to race prominently. He just gets the vote over O'Brien's second string Johann Strauss who has had excuses on 2 starts and we haven't seen anything like the best of him yet.
Doncaster 15.50 - The Grey Gatsby 1pt e/w

It's last chance time for Anton Chigurh who was tipped up here last time out but was a little luckless in running. That was in less competitive company than this but I said I'd back him blind if he went up to 10 furlongs on softish ground and this is the day. Tom Dascombe's horses have been running well without really winning but this 4 year old was so progressive on heavy ground last season that he must be competitive off this sort of mark at 8/1. Though technically tougher than at Haydock, that race was a classy looking contest and the extra 2 furlongs may be exactly what he needs. Hi There is an obvious danger after a good win on soft ground last time. Up 5lb, Samantha Bell takes off a useful 7lb and has been going well for the yard this term. He won at Ayr after pulling quite hard and more can be expected from a reasonable draw where cover should be relatively easy to come by.
Newbury 15.30 - Anton Chigurh 1pt e/w

Horses are creatures of habit and for some reason Secret Witness is at his best when turned out 24 hours after a modest run. The fact that he ran here yesterday and was staying on over an extra furlong explains his 40/1 price but this is the first time he has faced 5 furlongs on soft ground since short of room here last year off 5lb higher. Shane Kelly gave him a decent ride when the pair were 3rd over 6 furlongs here in September and, while he will not want it too tacky underfoot, he is only 4lb higher than his last win and looks overpriced, especially if they go a fierce gallop. The other to side with comes from 4 likeable types from a York contest 2 weeks ago. Take Cover made all but set a good gallop and the race was truly run. He will have competition up top though and I like the chances of one of the fillies that finished in behind. Kyleakin Lass is interesting in cheekpieces and finally gets soft ground but she is up 3lb for the run and preference is for Pearl Blue at 12/1. There is pace across the track but she should get a good tow through from Addictive Dream and the classy and hopefully prominently raced Jamaican Bolt, who also has a massive chance but is a little shorter than the aforementioned in the betting. Pearl Blue is 3lb higher than her last win and will have to improve to win in this company but she has only had 4 runs this term and has won on heavy ground over course and distance.
Doncaster 15.15 - Secret Witness 1pt e/w
Doncaster 15.15 - Pearl Blue 1pt e/w

I want Walkon to win the Old Roan Chase but really don't think he is the best bet at a very short 9/2. He is 8lb higher than for the start of last season and ultimately looks like he may want a little further, for all that he is the best in the race on paper. Wishfull Thinking looked to have turned a corner at Newbury last term but never really capitalised, though he does line up after finishing 2nd in the same race last term off 4lb higher. This is a really classy field though and the standout runner for me at the trip looks to be Edgardo Sol who was a few lengths behind Philip Hobbs' runner at Newbury but is in receipt of 5lb today. He was winless last term but very consistent and is 2 from 2 at the track over half a furlong shorter. He was staying on in the County Hurdle and this looks the right trip for him now back over fences. The yard are in typically good form and it's difficult to see him out of the frame at 6/1.
Aintree 15.05 - Edgardo Sol 1pt e/w

[banger]

Rock On Ruby could be set for a step up in trip following his disappointing defeat at the hands of The New One.
.

Rock On Ruby: Could step up in trip

Harry Fry's stable star, who has finished first and second in the last two Stan James Champion Hurdles, was 10 lengths behind Nigel Twiston-Davies' The New One in the William Hill - Download The App Hurdle at Kempton last Sunday.

The New One is now Sky Bet's 4/1 favourite for the Stan James Champion Hurdle and Rock On Ruby, a 20/1 chance, may not even be aimed at the race.






Fry wrote in his Stan James blog: "To be quite honest, we were beaten fair and square by a very talented young horse who potentially could be a real champion.

"It was obviously very disappointing we weren't able to give The New One a bit more of a race so we're back to the drawing board and just assessing our options at the moment.

"Plans are on hold while we assess him and we'll probably have some news in the middle of next week. Noel wasn't overly happy when he came back and he said he didn't give him a great feel out on the course.

"Afterwards I said we probably wanted to step up in trip for the Ascot Hurdle but those plans are on hold until we've carried out all the assessments.

"But going up in trip is probably the way we'd have to head because, with the likes of The New One and other exciting youngsters coming through, it'll be very hard in that two-mile division for us now as an eight-year-old."

[banger]

Willie Mullins' success on the world stage has been rewarded with a high-profile French recruit for the new season.


Briar Hill: Potentially high class recruit to hurdling




An unprecedented win with Blackstairmountain earlier this year in Japan's premier jumps contest, the Nakayama Grand Jump, brought with it a winner's prize equivalent to £465,000.

That was swiftly followed by a victory for Dikali in the Grade One Juvenile Hurdle at Auteuil two months later, the latest in a long line of success for Mullins in France, who has won the Grade One Grande Course de Haies d'Auteuil on no less than four occasions.

These successful exploits across the Channel have not gone unnoticed in French racing circles and indeed Mullins has broken new ground in attracting the French Triple Grade One winner Rubi Ball to his Closutton base.

"Rubi Ball is an interesting horse that came to us from France. We might find a conditions race for him because he hasn't won for a while so he could actually slot into a conditions chase, which would be a nice start," he told sportinglife.com.

"He's good and strong. The form book suggests he goes on heavy ground although he lost his form in Auteuil on very heavy ground and then he better form at Pau, where the ground wouldn't be as heavy. We'll see, we'll have to learn about him and if we find a nice conditions race that will help us.

"Even though he has a lot of miles on the clock, he's quite young in our terms and he could be a horse to look forward to. He seemed to go off the boil a bit last year and connections thought that maybe a change of training quarters might do him good.

"He owes no one anything so it will all be a bonus, what he will do over here. It's great to get French owners to have horses here in Ireland, its broadening the spectrum of steeplechasing, internationalising it. Very few French people would consider having a horse over here so it's an honour."

Another French-bred, Un De Sceaux, won by six lengths on his Irish debut at Punchestown before announcing himself as a hurdler to follow by slamming Moscow Mannon by 13 lengths at the same track in April.

"Un De Sceaux was a relatively unheralded horse that didn't come with a huge reputation, but he had some nice form. His two runs in Ireland showed that he could be a horse with tremendous potential. I'd be trying to find a second season novice hurdle for him to start off in.

"I have him entered in the Morgiana and who knows what will happen when November comes around but we will probably go for an easier option. However he has shown tremendous form at Punchestown, where the Morgiana is run, so we'll see."

The way Annie Power has been running, connections could consider changing her first name to 'Too Much' as she is unbeaten in seven starts, winning by an average margin of 16 lengths.

"Annie Power is another that has shown huge potential. She is seven from seven and we really don't know just how good she is. She's another one that I'd be trying to start off in a second season race rather than take on the big guns but she is entered in the Morgiana. We'll see how we go, she has come in well from grass and I'm looking forward to her," Mullins added.

Ruby Walsh took the ride on the unbeaten Briar Hill in the Cheltenham bumper last season but despite that star combination, the horse was allowed to go off a 25/1 shot.

He belied those odds to run out one of the most impressive winners of the race in recent years, in the process giving the trainer a record eighth winner of the race - an achievement all the more astonishing when you consider there have only been 21 renewals.

"Briar Hill is a very understated horse. He doesn't show off and has never really advertised his ability at home. He is closely related to Boston Bob and even though his first bumper appeared very ordinary on paper, he couldn't have won it an easier than the way he did. Giving him the benefit of the doubt, we decided to go to Cheltenham because we didn't know how good he was" the trainer said.

"When he got to the big stage, he really blossomed and he showed us a lot more than he ever did in his life so he has to be a horse we are looking forward to coming out over hurdles. With his pedigree, it would point to him going over a trip of two and a half miles plus. We know he likes Cheltenham and he has form there now, so we would like to point him towards the Neptune or the Albert Bartlett."

His previous winner of the champion bumper, Champagne Fever went on to record a second successive Festival success in last season's Supreme Novices' Hurdle and he promises to prove an exciting recruit to the chasing ranks this season.

"Champagne Fever will go jumping. He did very well at the end of his bumper career and also last year, before we went hurdling, he showed he was a natural jumper. However I felt he would need the experience of a year over hurdles to teach him how to race. We learned an awful lot about him too, last season. He looks a natural to go chasing over the minimum trip," said Mullins.

One of the big talking horses in Ireland last season was Faugheen, who was the subject of support for the champion bumper at Cheltenham prior to setting foot on the racecourse.

As it transpired, he didn't run at Cheltenham but when he did make his debut in May, he proved worth the wait, displaying an amazing turn of foot to rout his rivals.

"Faugheen put in a great performance to win his only bumper start at Punchestown by 22 lengths so if he can transform that form to hurdle races, I'll be looking forward to him as one of the better staying novice hurdlers," his trainer beamed.

Mullins also has as small but select Flat team which have amassed ten domestic winners this year from just 44 runs. He is no stranger to big race success in that sphere either, having won the Ebor at York with Sesenta before landing the Ascot Stakes and the Queen Alexandra with Simenon at the 2012 Royal meeting.

The same combination returned to this year's June showpiece where Simenon went down by a neck in the Group One Ascot Gold Cup.

He will hopefully become a second representative for Mullins in the Emirates Melbourne Cup, ten years on from Holy Orders.

"Simenon is doing everything right in Australia. We were very pleased how he took his quarantine in Newmarket and again in Australia," he said.

"He travelled really well and was doing some nice work before he ran in the Herbert Power. We were very happy with that run. He met a bit of trouble in running which wasn't any advantage to us but he finished well and has come out of the race sound.

"He's done two bits of work since, he second of which was Thursday and they have both gone well. At the moment, fingers crossed, everything is going to plan."

Mullins also mentioned a dark horse to follow, an Irish-bred son of Beneficial who finished third of 15 in a €50,000 hurdle at Auteuil in France, on his only start to-date.

"We bought a nice horse for Archie O'Leary of Florida Pearl and Cooldine fame called Abbyssial. He's a big chasing type, a three-year old by Beneficial that has been placed over hurdles in the spring in France.

"His real potential will be as a big chaser but I'm hoping when the ground gets heavy that he will show us good form over hurdles as well.

"We have a real nice team of horses to go to war with this year and if we can keep virus free and keep sickness out of the yard - and even though they are going to be a bit late coming on stream, as normal - we are really looking forward to them," Mullins concluded.

[banger]

Joshua Tree will attempt to defend his crown in the Pattison Canadian International Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday.


joshua-tree-chasing-canadian-double
Joshua Tree: Woodbine hopeful




The six-year-old entire landed the Grade One by half a length 12 months ago, when trained by Marco Botti, and is back for another go under the supervision of new handler Ed Dunlop.

Joshua Tree struggled in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, but he had previously finished an encouraging second in the Prix Kergorlay at Deauville in August.

Dunlop said: "He's a year older but he's still in good form. He was beaten a neck (in the Prix Kergorlay). He made the running, the ground was a little slower and just got caught out.

"It was a very good run as he had a Group One penalty. I expect the German horse, Seismos, might make the running, but we'll be close (to the pace).

"We have an excellent jockey in Ryan Moore who knows the horse well and he knows Toronto well."

Former Luca Cumani inmate Forte Dei Marmi has won his last three races, all at Woodbine, and will be popular runner for trainer Roger Attfield, while Nicolas Clement sends Now We Can across to Canada from his stables in Chantilly.

Moore will also receive the leg-up aboard the David Simcock-trained Moment In Time in the EP Taylor Stakes.

Despite having won the Group Three Pinnacle Stakes at Haydock in June, the four-year-old filly needs to show distinct improvement following two subdued displays in the Nassau Stakes and the Yorkshire Oaks.

Simcock was narrowly denied in the Grade One over a mile and a quarter two years ago when I'm A Dreamer went down by a head to Miss Keller.

[banger]

Sunday: Going, weather and non-runners
AINTREE
GOING: Mildmay - GOOD (Good to soft in places); Hurdle - GOOD TO SOFT (Good in places) (GoingStick: Mildmay 7.1, Hurdle 6.7) (All bends and hurdles on inside line) (Bends and hurdles will be moved from Saturday)

WEATHER (Showers, windy)

NON RUNNERS 2:40 Have You Seen Me (5)
WINCANTON
GOING: GOOD (Good to soft in places; GoingStick: Chase 8.4, Hurdle 8.5)

WEATHER (Showers)

NON RUNNERS 4:05 Joaaci (9)
GALWAY
GOING: SOFT

WEATHER (Scattered showers, windy)
WEXFORD
GOING: YIELDING (Soft in places

[Kimmy]

Doncaster, 26 October 2013

2.40, second race

The Stewards noted that the winner, THOMAS HOBSON, had interfered with VOODOO PRINCE, placed fourth, approaching the final furlong but after viewing a recording of the incident they were satisfied that it neither involved a riding offence nor improved THOMAS HOBSON’s placing.

4.25, fifth race

The Stewards noted that DANDANA (IRE), unplaced, had interfered with DONNY ROVER (IRE), placed third, inside the final three furlongs but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence.

5.30, seventh race

The Stewards held an enquiry into the use of the whip by Jacob Butterfield, the rider of LAZARUS BELL, placed second, from one and a half 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 Butterfield for 4 days as follows: Saturday 9, Monday 11, Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 November 2013.

26/10/2013

Stratford, 26 October 2013

2.10, second race

The Stewards held an enquiry following a report from the Clerk of the Scales that James Davies, the rider of LAYAUTE (FR), placed fifth, had weighed in at 11st 13lb having weighed out at 11st 2lb. They interviewed the rider, Chris Down, the trainer, and the Clerk of the Scales. Having heard their evidence the Stewards found the trainer in breach of (C)43.3.3, in that whilst saddling up he had inadvertently put two weight cloths and the wrong number cloth on the mare. The Stewards find him £140.

26/10/2013

Newbury, 26 October 2013

1.45, second race

The Stewards noted that SUPER MOMENT (IRE), unplaced, had interfered with YEAH BABY (IRE), placed fourth, which then interfered with CAY DANCER, unplaced, which then interfered with ACCLIO (IRE), placed third, which then interfered with OLYMNIA, unplaced, approaching the two furlong marker, but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence.

26/10/2013

Wolverhampton, 26 October 2013

6.15, second race

The Stewards held an enquiry under Rule (B)11.6 into possible interference approaching the finishing line. Having heard their evidence and viewed recordings of the race they found that SIMPLY BLACK (IRE), placed second, ridden by David Nolan, had interfered with BOUNTY GIRL (IRE), placed third, ridden by David Allan. They found the interference was accidental and had not improved SIMPLY BLACK (IRE)’s placing. They ordered the placings to remain unaltered.

8.15, sixth race

The Stewards noted that CHAMPAGNE BABE, unplaced had interfered with LILO LIL, unplaced, at the start but after viewing a recording of the race they were satisfied that it did not involve a riding offence.

26/10/2013

[Kimmy]

Newbury, 26 October 2013

1.15, first race

Pat Dobbs, the rider of CAMEO TIARA (IRE), unplaced, reported that the
filly clipped heels.

1.45, second race

Jimmy Quinn, the rider of OLYMNIA, unplaced, reported that the filly suffered interference in running.

Cameron Hardie, the rider of ROYAL CONNECTION, unplaced, reported that the filly hung right.

2.20, third race

The representative of Kevin Ryan, the trainer of MORNING POST, unplaced, reported that the colt was unsuited by the heavy going.

2.55, fourth race

The representative of Saeed bin Suroor, the trainer of PRINCE BISHOP (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding was unsuited by the heavy going.

26/10/2013

Doncaster, 26 October 2013

2.40, second race

The Stewards considered the running of CENTRED (IRE) ridden by Ryan Moore and trained by Sir Michael Stoute, which finished unplaced. The Stewards noted the explanation of the trainer’s representative that the filly was unsuited by the Soft going. They ordered CENTRED (IRE) to be routine tested.

3.15, third race

Bryan Smart, the trainer of FREE ZONE, unplaced, reported that the gelding lost its left front shoe.

The Stewards considered the running of TAKE COVER, ridden by Johnny Murtagh and trained by David C Griffiths, which finished unplaced. The Stewards noted the trainer’s explanation that the gelding was unsuited by the Soft going.

5.30, seventh race

Lewis Walsh, the rider of GLANELY (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding ran flat.

26/10/2013

Chepstow, 26 October 2013

3.00, third race

Tim Vaughan, the trainer of SKI SUNDAY, which was pulled up, reported that the gelding was unsuited by the soft, heavy in places, going.

3.35, fourth race

REPORT: Daryl Jacob, the rider of CEASAR MILAN (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding stopped quickly. Subsequently the trainer’s representative reported that CEASAR MILAN (IRE) bled post race.

4.10, fifth race


Paul Nicholls, the trainer of VIRAK (FR), unplaced, reported that the gelding choked turning into the home straight.

4.45, sixth race

The Veterinary Officer reported that REBEL REBELLION (IRE), unplaced, trained by Paul Nicholls, lost a near fore shoe.

5.15, seventh race

Richard Phillips, the trainer of UPPER DECK, which was pulled up, reported that the gelding had a breathing problem.

26/10/2013

Aintree, 26 October 2013

3.40, fourth race

Liam Treadwell, the rider of HOWARD’S LEGACY (IRE), which was pulled up, reported that the gelding made a mistake at the first and was never travelling thereafter.

5.20, seventh race

Lucy Alexander, the rider of BLACKMORE, unplaced, reported that the gelding hung right.

26/10/2013

Stratford, 26 October 2013

2.10, second race

Denis O’Regan, the rider of DEFINITELY GLAD (IRE), unplaced, reported that the mare lost her action.

26/10/2013

Wolverhampton, 26 October 2013

6.15, second race

Adam McLean, the rider of DON’T TELL NAN, unplaced, reported that the filly hung right.

6.45, third race

Martin Dwyer, the rider of CAVALEIRO (IRE), unplaced, reported that the gelding hung right.

Tom Eaves, the rider of KIAMA BAY (IRE), placed third, reported that the gelding hung left.

William Twiston-Davies, the rider of MASTERFUL ACT (USA), unplaced, reported that the gelding hung left throughout.

7.45, fifth race

The representative of David Simcock, the trainer of GABRIAL THE BOSS (USA), unplaced, confirmed that the gelding made a noise.

8.15, sixth race

Darren Egan, the rider of LILO LIL, unplaced, reported that the filly suffered interference leaving the stalls and then did not face the kick back.

26/10/2013

[Kimmy]

Tips Tables Naps table

NAPS TABLE
PRESS CHALLENGE

TODAY'S NAPS TIME CRS TIPSTER LEVEL STAKES

Southfield Theatre 1:45 Winc Daily Post Mercury +4.41
Midnight Oscar 2:20 Winc Sussex Express Downsman +4.23
Highland Lodge 2:55 Winc The Guardian +4.00
Spirit Of Shankly 3:50 Aint Sunday Mail Rockavon +3.50
Hellorboston 3:50 Aint Racing and Football Outlook +3.50
Deciding Moment 2:20 Winc Weekender +2.50
Eastlake 2:40 Aint Daily Record Garry Owen +2.50
My Mate Vinnie 1:30 Aint Sunday Telegraph Whistler +2.50
Vicente 3:30 Winc The Star Patrick Weaver +1.88
Revocation 3:50 Aint Sunday Express Chris Goulding +1.73
Southfield Theatre 1:45 Winc Western Morning News West Tip +0.50
Spirit Of Shankly 3:50 Aint Glasgow Evening Times Jeffrey Ross +0.50
Polisky 2:20 Winc Blackpool Gazette Steve Simpson 0.00
Southfield Theatre 1:45 Winc Daily Telegraph Marlborough -0.09
Kings Lodge 2:20 Winc Western Daily Press Bob Watts -0.09
Vicente 3:30 Winc Racing Post West Country -0.27
Lovcen 2:05 Aint Oldham Evening Chronicle Keith McHugh -0.27
Bold Cuffs 4:35 Winc The Times Rob Wright -1.00
Party Rock 3:15 Aint The Scotsman Glendale -1.00
Global Warming 4:05 Winc The Sun Templegate -2.00
Brackloon High 2:55 Winc Racing Post Lambourn -2.00
Revocation 3:50 Aint Carlisle News & Star Phil Rostron -2.00
Ely Brown 2:05 Aint Daily Mirror Newsboy -2.00
Polisky 2:20 Winc Racing Post Postdata -2.00
Powerful Ambition 1:30 Aint Racing Post The Edge -2.00
Pair Of Jacks 4:20 Aint The Press, York Ebor -2.00
Southfield Theatre 1:45 Winc Racing Post Spotlight -2.00
Wakanda 3:50 Aint Racing Post The North -2.00
Highland Lodge 2:55 Winc Racing Post RP Ratings -2.00
Amuse Me 1:15 Winc Yorkshire Post The Duke -2.00
Royal Chatelier 4:05 Winc The Express Computerman -2.00
Bois Des Aigles 1:15 Winc Morning Star Farringdon -2.00
Highland Lodge 2:55 Winc Sheffield Star Fortunatus -2.00
Highland Lodge 2:55 Winc Sunday Mirror Gary Nutting -2.00
Ely Brown 2:05 Aint Daily Mail Robin Goodfellow -2.00
Decimus 2:20 Winc The Irish Field Karl Hedley -2.00
Spirit Of Shankly 3:50 Aint Liverpool Echo Chris Wright -2.00
Party Rock 3:15 Aint Belfast Newsletter Wise Owl -2.00
Spirit Of Shankly 3:50 Aint Daily Star Sunday Moorestyle -2.00
Ely Brown 2:05 Aint The Mail On Sunday John Martin -2.00
Polisky 2:20 Winc Coventry Telegraph Derek Brown -2.00
Vicente 3:30 Winc Yorkshire Evening Post Lee Sobot -2.00

[Kimmy]

MOST TIPPED
Southfield Theatre 1:45 Wincanton
MOST TIPPED OUTSIDER
Ruler Of All 3:15 Aintree
MOST NAPPED
Southfield Theatre 1:45 Wincanton
MOST NAPPED OUTSIDER
Brackloon High 2:55 Wincanton

[Kimmy]

Trainer Jonjo O’Neill: BURTON PORT
" “He’s alright but he doesn’t excite you at home to be honest. I don’t know what he was like before but I hope he does more on the track. He’s schooled well over hurdles - we’ve also schooled him over fences - and this is a nice starting point to see where we’re going.” "
Burton Port 2:05 Aintree

[Kimmy]

Non-Handicap Hurdles at Aintree have been profitable for favourites (£9.31) over the last five seasons

[Kimmy]

ALL three British tracks on Monday must pass inspections after the threat of heavy rain and strong winds forced officials at Bangor, Leicester and Redcar to schedule morning checks.

[Kimmy]

Aintree going change
It's now good, good to soft in places on both the chase and the hurdle course at Aintree. It was good to soft, good in places on the hurdle course and the latest GoingStick readings are Mildmay 6.8 and Hurdle 6.7. 21 mins ago

[Kimmy]

Irish ground update
HRI Racing ‏(@hri_Racing) tweeted: "Wexford soft, yielding in places (9mm of rain since declaration time). Fresh ground on the hurdle track and on the bends on the chase course. Following 4mm of rain overnight Galway remains soft." 2 hours ago

[Kimmy]

One lucky Scoop6 winner
One lucky Scoop6 punter bagged £239,621 this afternoon following Kingston Hill's Racing Post Trophy victory. Early indications are the winner is an overseas punter who staked £12, and they can now chase the £206,002 bonus fund.

[banger]

Racecourses in action in England on Monday have all announced precautionary inspections in light of the severe forecast for storms.

Redcar: One of the racecourses to call inspection


With large parts of the country expected to be hit by heavy rain and wind, Leicester, Redcar and Bangor are taking no chances.

Leicester and Redcar's Flat fixtures must survive 7.30am precautionary inspections, while Bangor's jumps card is subject to a 6.30am precautionary check.

Leicester clerk of the course Jimmy Stevenson said: "It's very much precautionary at this stage.

"The storm is due to start at 10pm this evening and continue through to the early hours. We are really none the wiser until we see what it brings."

The going at Leicester is currently heavy, soft in places.

Redcar could get up to 20 millimetres of rainfall within the next 24 hours.

General manager Amy Fair said: "Sometimes we get the rain that is forecast, sometimes we don't. It very much depends on what we get overnight. It's a precautionary, not a full inspection."

The going at Redcar is soft.

Bangor has also been given an ominous forecast of up to 25mm of overnight rainfall.

Clerk of the course Andrew Morris said: "Everyone is aware there is a nasty storm coming across.

"The track is perfectly fit for racing, but it is the forecast rainfall totals, rather than the high winds, which we are worried about. If we get what has been forecast, it should make it quite an interesting morning."

The going at Bangor on Sunday morning was soft.

[Kimmy]

Jacob to hospital after fall
Daryl Jacob has been sent to Yeovil Hospital for x-rays on his shoulder and ribs after falling from Polisky in the 2.20 at Wincanton.

[Kimmy]

Low sun at Aintree reports David Carr
Each of the three hurdles in the home straight will be omitted in the 2.05 due to the low sun - and the race may be slightly delayed.

[banger]

The Fugue appears to have taken the long journey from Britain to Los Angeles well ahead of the Breeders' Cup meeting at Santa Anita next weekend.


The Fugue: Arrived safely



John Gosden is hoping the three-times Group One winner will have better luck than 12 months ago when she was third in the Filly & Mare Turf after enduring a rough passage in the mile-and-a-quarter race.

Although she holds an entry in that race again, The Fugue is more likely to take on the colts in the Breeders' Cup Turf over a mile and a half.





"They all flew from Stansted on Saturday on a direct cargo flight to Los Angeles rather than having to refuel somewhere," trainer Gosden told At The Races.

"She seems to have travelled well. It's early days, and we know from travelling horses long distance you have to be careful.

"Her first preference is stated as being in the Turf over a mile and a half against the colts.

"I'll be track-side Wednesday morning. We'll have a feel of the turf, all being well.

"She seemed happy in herself when she left. She had a solo breeze on Friday before flying on Saturday.

"Apart from the length of the journey I'd have been very happy with everything

[banger]

Paul Carberry is unlikely to be back in racecourse action after injury until around a month's time
Paul Carberry: Unlikely to be riding within a month




The Irish jump jockey has been sidelined since the end of April due to a shoulder injury which required surgery in July.

He is riding out again and his sister Nina, who is assistant to trainer Noel Meade for whom he is stable jockey, explained he was not rushing his return.

"It will be another four weeks or so before Paul is back. He's still very weak and it's taking time. He's back riding out for both Noel and Gordon (Elliott)," she said.

Another of Meade's riders, Davy Condon, is set to be on out for about three months after fracturing his left tibia in a fall at Cork a week ago.
Paul Carberry is unlikely to be back in racecourse action after injury until around a month's time


Paul Carberry: Unlikely to be riding within a month




The Irish jump jockey has been sidelined since the end of April due to a shoulder injury which required surgery in July.

He is riding out again and his sister Nina, who is assistant to trainer Noel Meade for whom he is stable jockey, explained he was not rushing his return.

"It will be another four weeks or so before Paul is back. He's still very weak and it's taking time. He's back riding out for both Noel and Gordon (Elliott)," she said.

Another of Meade's riders, Davy Condon, is set to be on out for about three months after fracturing his left tibia in a fall at Cork a week ago.

[Kimmy]

Monday: Going, weather and non-runners
REDCAR

GOING: SOFT (Heavy in places; GoingStick 6.2) (FURTHER INSPECTION 9.00am Monday)

WEATHER (Light rain showers)

STALLS Straight - Centre; Round - Inside

NON RUNNERS 12:40 Queen Of Arts (4), 2:10 Lincolnrose (8), 3:40 Insolenceofoffice (15)
GALWAY

GOING: HEAVY

WEATHER (Scattered showers)
NAAS

GOING: YIELDING TO SOFT

WEATHER (Scattered showers)