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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 9:05:44 GMT
BANKER
Just A Thought (1.20 Warwick)
Getting the fillies and mares allowance of 7lb, Just A Thought looks a sure thing to score at the second time of asking over hurdles for trainer Rebecca Curtis. A talented bumper performer, the daughter of Stowaway ran extremely well to finish second in a Chepstow novice hurdle last month – form that has been boosted since. She faces the exposed No Buts and Paul Nicholls' Bill And Barn, but this presents a much easier opportunity than last time out and she should win.
11/8 Just A Thought 1:20 Warwick STAT ATTACK
Maricruz (5.45 Newcastle)
Paul Hanagan has ridden four winners from just seven rides for Irish trainer John McConnell this year and he can enhance that record aboard the two-year-old Maricruz. The daughter of Most Improved showed clear signs of ability when sixth on debut at Dundalk behind a talented winner and any improvement will see her at the forefront of this contest.
5/1 Maricruz 5:45 Newcastle (AW) IRISH ANGLE
Glenmoore (8.30 Dundalk)
Padraig Beggy is banging in the winners of late and he can help Glenmoore follow up his recent victory in division one of the 7f handicap. The son of Equiano ran an absolute cracker two starts back to narrowly go down to an in-form rival and made amends when scoring easily over this course and distance off a mark of 57 last time out. Only raised 2lb for that victory, he looks certain to run well.
13/2 Glenmoore 8:30 Dundalk (AW) Let our experts point you in the direction of the winners with invaluable punting pointers delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up here to get our free newsletter every week
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 9:06:13 GMT
Nico de Boinville is in great form and has one ride at Fontwell, Two Swallows, who goes in the 2.00. When riding for Ben Pauling at the track he operates at an impressive 43 per cent strike-rate. The mare may not have the build of a chaser but jumped very well over hurdles and can go well.
Paul Nicholls and Sam Twiston-Davies have a 42 per cent strike-rate when combining at Warwick. Bill And Barn goes for the pair in the 1.20. He didn’t show a lot in bumpers but was outpaced both times and this dual point-to-point winner will relish this longer trip.
Testa Rossa, who has four wins from 16 runs at Newcastle, can go well in the 7.15 at a track he loves. He is drawn next to the pace so should get a lovely tow into the race and runs off a nice weight, taking the jockey’s claim into account.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 9:06:48 GMT
Friday: going, weather & non-runners Dundalk (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Light rain Fontwell GOING: GOOD (GoingStick 7.2) (Rail movements: R1 +126y, R2 +75y, R3, 4 & 6 +84y, R5 +66y) WEATHER: Mostly cloudy Hexham GOING: SOFT (Rail movements; R1, 2 & 5 +106y, R3 +122y, R4 & 7 +110y, R6 +136y) (Second last hurdle omitted) WEATHER: Partly cloudy NON RUNNERS: 3:10 Beyondtheflame (15)Bertalus (3)Turtle Cask (4) Newcastle (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: Centre Warwick GOING: GOOD TO SOFT (Soft in places; GoingStick: Chs 6.4, Hdl 6.2) (Hurdle and NHF races will be run on the Outer track) (Rail movements; R3 +59y, R5 +119y, R6 +80y) WEATHER: Mostly cloudy NON RUNNERS: 12:50 He's A Toff (6) 2:20 Tinted Rose (12) 3:20 Anti Cool (10)
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 9:07:31 GMT
SATURDAY.
FREE TO AIR TV RACES 1:50 WINCANTON Z Hotels Mares' Handicap Hurdle Cl2 (4yo+) 2m5f82y ITV4 2:05 DONCASTER Betfred Mobile Wentworth Stakes (Listed Race) Cl1 (3yo+) 6f2y ITV4 2:25 WINCANTON John Romans Park Homes "Rising Stars" Novices' Chase (Grade 2) Cl1 (4yo+) 2m4f35y ITV4 2:40 DONCASTER Betfred TV EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Gillies Fillies' Stakes (Listed Race) Cl1 (3yo+) 1m2f43y ITV4 3:00 WINCANTON Unibet Elite Hurdle (A Limited Handicap) (Grade 2) Cl1 (4yo+) 1m7f65y ITV4 3:15 DONCASTER Betfred November Handicap Cl2 (3yo+) 1m3f197y ITV4 3:35 WINCANTON Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase (Listed Race) Cl1 (4yo+ 0-155) 3m1f30y ITV4
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 13:42:57 GMT
SATURDAY.
SCOOP 6 1:00 DONCASTER Betfred "Home Of Goals Galore" Apprentice Handicap (Future Stars Apprentice Series) Cl3 (3yo+ 0-90) 7f6y ATR 1:35 DONCASTER Betfred "Supports Jack Berry House" Handicap Cl2 (3yo+ 0-105) 7f6y ATR 1:50 WINCANTON Z Hotels Mares' Handicap Hurdle Cl2 (4yo+) 2m5f82y ITV4 2:05 DONCASTER Betfred Mobile Wentworth Stakes (Listed Race) Cl1 (3yo+) 6f2y ITV4 3:15 DONCASTER Betfred November Handicap Cl2 (3yo+) 1m3f197y ITV4 3:35 WINCANTON Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase (Listed Race) Cl1 (4yo+ 0-155) 3m1f30y ITV4
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 21:17:20 GMT
Fontwell Park, 10 Nov 17 Race 3 - 2:30pm THE SOUTHERN CRANES AND ACCESS MARES' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) (Qualifier for the Challenger Mares' Hurdle Series Final) Permission was given for CASTAFIORE (USA) to go early to post and be mounted in the chute.
Race 6 - 4:00pm THE JEB CONSTRUCTION LTD 'THE BARON OF HOLYBOURNE' STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 6) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MIDNIGHT FROLIC, which was pulled up, was lame on its right-fore leg. View Stewards report Hexham, 10 Nov 17 Race 1 - 12:40pm THE JOHN SMITHS MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (DIV I) Permission was given for OURO BRANCO (FR) and THE LINKSMAN (IRE) to go to post early, and for BULKOV (FR) to wear a hood in the parade ring, which was removed before going to the start.
Following the race, Jonathan England reported that THE LINKSMAN (IRE), unplaced, hung badly left throughout. Colm McCormack reported that FLEMINATOR, which was pulled up, ran too free. The Veterinary Officer reported that MICHAEL JAMES (IRE), placed fourth, had been struck into right hind.
Race 2 - 1:10pm THE JOHN SMITHS MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (DIV II) It was noted that CRIXUS'S ESCAPE (IRE), was kicked by another runner at the start. However, having been examined by the Veterinary Surgeon at the start, the gelding was deemed fit to race.
Jamie Hamilton reported that WAR JOEY (IRE), which was pulled up, hung badly right throughout.
Race 3 - 1:40pm THE WEATHERBYS BANK FOREIGN EXCHANGE NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) The Veterinary Officer reported that BAFANA BLUE, placed second, had been struck into right hind.
Race 4 - 2:10pm THE WEATHERBYS RACING BANK NOVICES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) The Stewards noted that Danny Mullins, the rider of BITVIEW COLIN (IRE), which fell at the final fence, had remounted and walked the gelding home. As the gelding had been checked by the Veterinary Surgeon prior to being remounted, no further action was taken.
The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination during routine testing of RONN THE CONN (IRE), placed second, found the gelding to have lost its right hind shoe.
Race 5 - 2:40pm THE FOLLOW HEXHAM RACECOURSE ON FACEBOOK HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) On Veterinary Advice, MRS GRASS, placed second, did not enter the winners enclosure, as the mare finished lame right fore.
Henry Brooke reported that CARNAROSS, unplaced, was badly hampered by SKY FULL OF STARS (IRE) unseating its rider at the first hurdle.
Race 6 - 3:10pm THE HEXHAM RACECOURSE MEMBERSHIP AN IDEAL XMAS PRESENT HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) The Clerk of the Scales reported that Sam Coltherd, the rider of POETIC PRESENCE (IRE), placed third, trained by Stuart Coltherd, had weighed in at 9st 13lbs having weighed out at 9st 11lbs. The rider, the trainer and the Clerk of the Scales were interviewed. Rider Sam Coltherd was suspended for 7 days in that he weighed in 2lbs heavy having had a drink of water after weighing out, and had weighed in without his surcingle which was carried during the race.
The Veterinary Officer reported that SPERONIMO (FR), which was pulled up, had an overreach injury right fore.
Race 7 - 3:40pm THE FOLLOW HEXHAM RACECOURSE ON TWITTER CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) The winner, FRANK THE SLINK, appeared to show an improvement in form, compared with its previous run at Towcester on 11 October 2017 where the gelding finished sixth of nine, beaten 48 lengths. The representative of Micky Hammond explained that that the gelding had benefited from the first-time application of a tongue-tie and appreciated the return to Hexham having won here previously. View Stewards report Warwick, 10 Nov 17 Race 4 - 2:20pm THE TRIAL RACING UK FOR FREE NOW HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) ZEN MASTER (IRE) wore ear plugs which were removed at the start.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that ZEN MASTER (IRE), unplaced, lost its left hind shoe.
Race 5 - 2:50pm THE RACING UK FREE FOR A MONTH HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination during routine testing of BRONCO BILLY (IRE), unplaced, found the gelding to have an over reach to its left fore.
Race 6 - 3:20pm THE racinguk.com/freetrial HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) An enquiry was held to consider interference on the run to the line when the winner JARLATH, ridden by Kevin Jones interfered with ZAYFIRE ARAMIS, placed third, ridden by Liam Treadwell. The riders were interviewed and shown recordings of the incident. Jones was cautioned for careless riding as he had allowed his mount to drift left-handed away from the whip, without correction, causing Treadwell to stop riding and steady ZAYFIRE ARAMIS.
Race 7 - 3:50pm THE GEORGE MERNAGH MEMORIAL MARES' STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 6) (NHMOPS Bonus Race) Permission was given for NEETSIDE (IRE) to wear a hood in the Parade Ring.
Mikey Hamill, the rider of the winner, DIAMOND GAIT, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip above the permitted level from approximately 1 1/2 furlongs out. View Stewards report Newcastle, 10 Nov 17 Race 1 - 5:45pm THE 32Red CASINO NOVICE AUCTION STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for SIOUX FRONTIER (IRE) to go early to post.
Race 2 - 6:15pm THE 32Redsport.com MAIDEN FILLIES' STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for EVIES WISH (IRE) to go early to post.
The Starter reported that GOLDEN EASTER (USA), trained by Robert Cowell, refused to enter stalls and was withdrawn at 18.21. The trainer was informed that the filly could not run until the day after passing a stalls test.
Kevin Stott reported that CHARLESTON BELLE, placed third, was denied a clear run inside the final 2 furlongs.
Race 3 - 6:45pm THE 32Red.com FILLIES' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Permission was given for FRUIT SALAD to go early to post.
VEENA (FR), trained by David Simcock was late in the Parade Ring due to the previous race being six minutes late off which resulted in the rider weighing out late and the filly being difficult to saddle.
Following the race, Robert Havlin reported that CASHLA BAY, unplaced, hung left-handed.
The performance of FRUIT SALAD, which finished unplaced, was considered. The representative of James Bethell could offer no explanation for the fillly’s performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of FRUIT SALAD failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 4 - 7:15pm THE sunbets.co.uk HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Permission was given for ESCAPE CLAUSE (IRE) to go early to post.
Race 5 - 7:45pm THE SUN BETS ON THE APP HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV I) Permission was given for MR POTTER to go early to post.
Following the race, Dougie Costello reported that ARROWZONE, unplaced, ran too free and Phil Dennis reported that NELLIE DEEN (IRE), unplaced, ran too free.
Race 6 - 8:15pm THE SUN BETS ON THE APP HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV II) Permission was given for SUBOTAL (IRE) to go early to post.
Approaching the winning line STREET POET (IRE), placed second edged right at the same time as the winner, TIFL, edged left causing SUPREME POWER (IRE), placed third, to be momentarily short of room, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved and that it had not improved the placing of TIFL.
Robert Winston, the rider of STREET POET, placed second, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip above the permitted level from approaching the final furlong.
Following the race, Tony Hamilton reported that URBAN SPIRIT (IRE), unplaced, ran too free.
Race 7 - 8:45pm THE BET & WATCH AT sunbets.co.uk HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for MY GIRL MAISIE (IRE) to go early to post.
Following the race, Jason Hart reported that INSHAA, unplaced, was denied a clear run approaching the final furlong.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 21:18:39 GMT
Trainer Amy Murphy questioned the decision to suspend jockey Raul da Silva for one day for throwing sand at a horse at Chelmsford on Thursday night.
Da Silva was aboard the Murphy-trained Sandkissed and was banned after he "appeared to gently throw a handful of the Polytrack surface at his filly's quarters to encourage it into the stalls".
The two-year-old finished last of eight runners in a six-furlong novice auction stakes.
The Chelmsford stewards said in a statement that Da Silva displayed "improper behaviour" in what was deemed "an unacceptable method of encouragement".
But Murphy tweeted: "Unbelievable! The kickback a horse receives during a race is 100 times the force of a small flick of sand!
"I can confirm Sandkissed is absolutely fine this morning. As you will all see, what Raul did had a positive effect as she walked straight forward into the stalls. #Madness."
Renato Souza was banned for 14 days for his efforts aboard fourth-placed Demons And Wizards in the same race, with the stewards deciding he had failed to take all reasonable and permissible measures to ensure his horse was run on its merits.
Trainer Sylvester Kirk was also fined £290 for failing to inform his representative of the rider's instructions.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 21:19:06 GMT
Unsuitable ground at Hereford has seen Tuesday's card transferred to Worcester on the same day.
The going at Hereford is currently described as good to firm, firm in places and with predominantly dry weather forecast and limited capacity to water, the British Horseracing Authority has switched the card.
Emma Marley, the BHA's head of raceday operations, said: " We must always put the welfare of our participants, both equine and human, first and I am confident that Tuesday's meeting at Worcester will be successful based on the fixture transfer between the two courses last month."
The card will reflect the races programmed at Hereford, with race distances adjusted to Worcester's race starts and safety factors where necessary.
Entries for the races at Worcester will reopen and close at noon on Saturday and declare as normal at the 24-hour stage on Monday.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 21:28:13 GMT
Brian Meehan is looking forward to attacking 2018 with renewed vigour after following in the footsteps of Martyn Meade in buying a part of the historic Manton training estate in Wiltshire.
The Racing Post broke the news on Thursday night that Meade would relocate from Newmarket to Manton, but, unlike his new neighbour, Meehan will not need a settling-in period as he has been there since 2006.
Meade, who savoured his first top-level strike this term when Aclaim won the Prix de la Foret, described his move from Sefton Lodge as "incredibly exciting", and the view was echoed by Meehan.
"We'll be getting on for a 100 horses, which is up from the last couple of years, and it's been a good season," he said on Friday.
"There are lots of things going on, with Sam Sangster helping me buy the horses and James Ferguson starting as assistant trainer. I've got a great team.
"Looking for Group 1 horses is what we're after, it's what we hunger for and it's what the team are used to."
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 21:29:07 GMT
ITV Racing presenters dominate the shortlist for the Horserace Writers and Photographers Association broadcaster of the year award for 2017. The channel, in its first year as the terrestrial rights holder since 1985, supplies three of the four contenders for the award, which has been won by Nick Luck seven times. Main presenter Ed Chamberlin is joined by Opening Show host Oli Bell and co-presenter Luke Harvey, plus Racing UK's Lydia Hislop, on the list of possible winners of the prestigious accolade, which will be presented at a ceremony at London's Royal Lancaster Hotel on December 4. Karl Burke, who enjoyed two more Group 1 successes this season, is shortlisted for two awards, while the Two Golf Widows partnership who tasted glory with One For Arthur in the Grand National in April are nominated for owner of the year. A small number of tickets for the ceremony are still available at £95 each from www.hwpacontacts@gmail.com. HWPA SHORTLISTS Broadcaster Lydia Hislop Oli Bell Luke Harvey Ed Chamberlin Owner Ann & Alan Potts Two Golf Widows Khalid Abdullah Bill Gredley Flat trainer Aidan O’Brien Karl Burke John Gosden Clive Cox Flat jockey Silvestre de Sousa Ryan Moore Frankie Dettori PJ McDonald Jumps trainer Nicky Henderson Jessica Harrington Colin Tizzard Lucinda Russell Jump jockey Richard Johnson Robbie Power Brian Hughes Noel Fehily International trainer Charlie Appleby Karl Burke Roger Charlton John Gosden
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 21:31:41 GMT
Danny Mullins has appealed against the five-day ban imposed on him at Thurles on Thursday, when stewards found him in breach of Rule 212(a) – which covers horses not run on their merits – when riding Omega Springs to finish seventh in a 2m2f chase.
Omega Springs, a nine-year-old who was running over fences for the first time, was a 50-1 shot and was beaten 17 lengths by the winner.
Trainer Liam Casey – who also owns the horse – was fined €2,000, and Omega Springs banned from racing for 42 days.
Mullins' appeal will be heard at Turf Club headquarters on Monday, November 20.
The appeals body will also deal with the appeals lodged by Gordon Elliott and Jack Kennedy on the same day. The pair received similar penalties for the same alleged breach of Rule 212(a) after Suitor had finished third in a maiden hurdle at Down Royal on November 4.
Suitor, who was making his hurdling debut, was banned for 42 days.
The appeal lodged by trainer David O'Meara against the decision to relegate Larchmont Lad to second place after beating Making Light by a nose in the Knockaire Stakes at Leopardstown on October 28 will also be heard.
Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 10, 2017 21:35:42 GMT
Who will be the horse that dominates the 2017-18 season?
James Pyman Altior. Unbeaten over hurdles, yet to be conquered over fences – and I don’t see that changing.
David Jennings Defi Du Seuil. Mega Fortune and Bapaume are good horses and he beat them silly in the Triumph. He has everything and he could dominate well past 2017/18.
Tom Park I can't wait to see Faugheen back on a racecourse. If he is anywhere near back to the level he was at before his injury there's not a horse in training able to lay a glove on him – he's known as the machine for a reason.
Keith Melrose Altior. He has ability, charisma and owners that count as the little guy in these days of high-rollers. On top of that, the campaign that's been floated for him is the type a boxing promoter would pick for a top two-mile chaser.
Stuart Riley One bad run, when something was clearly amiss, and everyone seems to have forgotten how wondrously talented Douvan is. The horse he used to beat for fun is now the Gold Cup hero and I'm sure he’d put Altior in his place if they met.
And who is the horse you are most looking forward to seeing?
Pyman I’m going to be greedy and name two from the same stable – Colin Tizzard’s Thistlecrack and Cue Card. With Thistlecrack it’s unfinished business; he was brilliant in the King George then lost nothing in defeat when outstayed by Many Clouds. Fingers crossed he returns from injury the same horse and has an uninterrupted season culminating in the Gold Cup. Cue Card is a legend – by miles my favourite horse of recent times.
Jennings Altior. We’ve been blessed with some absolute superstars in recent years and this onde is right up there. Every time he runs it’s box office.
Park I can't wait to see Might Bite be unleashed. I’ve never seen a horse do what he did at the festival and if there is a horse who is untouchable it could be him. Odds of 50-1 to win the Triple Crown is good value given we don't know just how good he is yet.
Melrose For better or worse, Yorkhill. His temperament's on a knife edge and he might lose the plot altogether at some point, but hopefully not before we get to see him prove that he's the most talented chaser in training.
Riley There are few more mesmerising sights than Ar Mad attacking the Railway fences and I hope they go to the Tingle Creek because there’s not a horse alive he couldn’t put under pressure around there.
Which horse will dominate all winter but disappoint come Cheltenham?
Pyman This describes Death Duty last season – and I’m sensing a Groundhog Day moment. He is a top-class chaser in the making on soft ground, and could mop up Grade 1 novice chases in Ireland this winter, but there is a question mark hanging over his effectiveness on decent spring ground so you couldn’t back him ante-post for Cheltenham.
Jennings Death Duty. I’m not saying he won’t get there eventually, but his tall reputation scared everything off last year and he found it all so easy beating up small fields all winter that when stepped into the heat of festival combat he looked all at sea. I can’t see him getting any more experience at the coalface before March.
Park Dare I say it, Altior. The 2m chasing division looks as competitive as it has been for many years and Willie Mullins holds three almighty threats in Douvan, Min and Great Field.
Melrose Counter intuitively, I think it might be Sizing John. The evidence says he's a speed-and-class model of staying chaser and they tend to suit 3m at Haydock, Kempton and Leopardstown at least as well as 3m2f at Cheltenham. Additionally, going by the current Gold Cup market (alas, it rarely materialises), many of his main rivals will want to make it into a war.
Riley Our Duke. He gallops for for fun but he can’t jump for toffee. His dominant style and the slower pace of Irish races should allow him to get away with it all winter, but come the spring he’ll blunder away his chance.
How was that favourite? Give us a horse currently at the head of a Cheltenham market whose ante-post prominence will spark incredulity come March.
Pyman Gordon Elliott has paid £210,000 for maiden point winner Invincible Cave and he could be anything. However, the probability of a horse who has yet to run in a bumper winning a Grade 1 which attracts 20-odd runners each season is surely less than the 3.8 per cent implied by his 25-1 odds.
Jennings Fox Norton in the Ryanair. With Altior around at 2m and the staying division stacked those 2m4f races could be deep this year. It is easy to see him turning up at Cheltenham without a win to his name and double the price.
Park I'm surprised Buveur D'Air is as short as he is for the Champion Hurdle. You have to go all the way back to Hardy Eustace for the last back-to-back winner of the race and I don't think last season's race was the strongest. Should Faugheen return and Defi Du Seuil prove himself in senior company, Buveur D'Air may be struggling to even place.
Melrose Yanworth in the RSA – or any festival novice chase for that matter. He's got a kink and I would have doubts over whether he's really cut out for fences, though his ability will obviously carry him so far.
Riley Stayers’ winner Nichols Canyon. Since the start of 2016 he has won just two of his nine starts, so a few defeats and a walk in the market seems probable.
Who is the best handicapped horse in training?
Pyman You need to be Nostradamus to find the correct answer but a horse who is well-treated is The Organist. She has been revitalised by returning to hurdles and would have gone close to winning a handicap at Cheltenham on her final start last season but for being badly hampered. Midnight Tour won that race and was raised 12lb.
Jennings No Comment. He was second in handicaps at Aintree and Punchestown and is absolutely thrown in off a mark of 145. They may want to go novice chasing, but something like Haydock’s Fixed Brush Hurdle would be his for the taking.
Park When Willie Mullins picks up a new recruit from a different yard he often finds a stone in improvement. This was highlighted by Total Recall, formerly of Sandra Hughes, and her best horse last season, Acapella Bourgeois, has also moved to Mullins. He looks sure to win a big handicap off 149 – he could be a Gold Cup candidate by the end of the season.
Melrose It's still If In Doubt if he can ever get the hang of jumping fences. Otherwise, the horse who is going to turn up in a big handicap and make me wonder how it has ever got in off 144 is River Wylde.
Riley Brian Ellison’s Nietzsche. He was third in the Fred Winter – beaten half a length – and a mistake at the last did not help. The form’s worked out well with the runner-up ruffling Defi Du Seuil at Aintree and the fourth winning a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse. He is just 6lb higher.
If you could target any horse at any race, who would it be and why?
Pyman Tully East in the BetVictor Gold Cup. Last season's Grade 1 festival novices are usually too high and he won the novice handicap at the festival with authority and remains on a favourable mark. The third and sixth then ran well at Aintree, so the form looks solid enough. Cheltenham is his track as he is usually strong at the finish.
Jennings Djakadam for the King George. He doesn't stay 3m2f at Cheltenham, but 3m around Kempton, where his electric jumping would be a huge asset, looks right up his street.
Park I'd be pitching Apple's Jade up against the boys in the Stayers' Hurdle. You can ignore whatever she does in the winter because she is an absolute superstar come spring and I'd be shocked if she wasn't good enough to beat Nichols Canyon and company.
Melrose Yorkhill for the Queen Mother. Putting him up against Altior and Douvan at Cheltenham would have 2004 Tingle Creek potential.
Riley Un De Sceaux in the King George. If ever there were a horse designed for a race it is this combination. He would make it a fantastic spectacle and it would take a mighty good one to get past him.
Which handicapper can win a Grade 1?
Pyman There is room for a handicapper to transition to Grade 1s in the 2m hurdle division given the lack of depth. Campeador was in the process of easily defying a mark of 142 in a valuable handicap at Fairyhouse last December when crashing out at the last. The way he travels in his races suggests he could be a Grade 1-horse in the making.
Jennings: Can you hear that? It’s the No Comment drum. I’m not going to stop banging it. If and when he goes chasing expect him to clean up, but I’d keep him over hurdles and win a Stayers’ Hurdle personally.
Park Sizing Codelco looked supremely talented when demolishing two competitive handicap fields to score at Aintree and Punchestown. A mark of 160 puts him just a few pounds behind the main Gold Cup contenders and he could be the dark horse this season.
Melrose Fred Winter fifth Diable De Sivola was one of the eyecatchers of the festival last year. He is rated 132, very much built for fences and is trained by Nick Williams. That last point is important, because Williams has just the sort of race-planning flair to win a decent handicap hurdle before taking him over fences, where he could easily prove graded-class as a novice.
Riley Fountains Windfall. He had them all beaten out of sight before the home turn when winning a Grade 3 handicap at Aintree, only being kept up to his work and maintaining his eight-length margin all the way up the straight. He could develop into a serious staying hurdler in what is easily the sport’s weakest division, or target a top-level novice chase.
Who/what will be this season's surprise package?
Pyman Pingshou. The decision to stay over hurdles suggests he is viewed as a potential Champion Hurdle horse and he is generally on offer at 50-1 for that festival race. He proved at Aintree last season that he has the pace to be competitive against the best hurdlers and is open to further improvement.
Jennings Well this may not actually surprise you now but, wait for it . . . No Comment.
Park I think it would be foolish to rule Colin Tizzard out of the trainer's title race. He has bundles of young talent at his disposal and, in Sizing Codelco and Native River, has two early candidates for the Grand National, which can play a huge part in deciding the title. I think there are worse 9-1 bets out there.
Melrose Given where the money is concentrated these days I wouldn't be expecting miracles, but the north appears in slightly better shape than in the last couple of seasons. Lucinda Russell might expect a spike on the back of training the National winner, Donald McCain is just a Graded horse or two away from a fully fledged comeback and you would hope it's only a matter of time before Sandy Thomson gets some more smart types.
Riley Jonjo O’Neill. He’s had a quiet few years by his standards with his last two tallies lower than anything he’s posted since the foot-and-mouth-interrupted 2000-01 season. But consequently he has a stable full of well-handicapped horses and there aren’t many better at capitalising on a favourable mark.
Which horse will improve most for the switch to fences?
Pyman Willoughby Court was a smart novice hurdler but has the faculties to be a stone better over fences. He has the right frame for chasing, an unflinching attitude, and his inclination to make the running will mean he will get a good sight at his fences.
Jennings Can I say No Comment? Okay, I’ll give you another one. Topofthegame. He just screams chaser in the making and I can’t wait to see him over a fence.
Park Petit Mouchoir. He was running a superb race in the Champion Hurdle before making a mess of the penultimate flight. He jumped well in his sole point-to-point and looked a natural on debut.
Melrose Finian's Oscar had the air of a chaser playing in the shallows last season and would be a fairly obvious choice, for all he'll need to sharpen up from Chepstow. I'll also be watching out for Monalee, who still seemed a bit raw over hurdles but has the looks and technique of a chaser as well as demonstrable class.
Riley Movewiththetimes. He chased home Ballyandy in the Betfair Hurdle and was well fancied for Cheltenham before a niggle ruled him out. He’s an impressive-looking, scopy sort and fences should be the making of him. He made a pleasing start at Cheltenham on Friday and there should be plenty more to come.
Which horse will not sparkle over fences, revert to hurdles and become a major player?
Pyman I'll remember to ask Santa for a crystal ball this year! It’s not that big a stretch to believe Thistlecrack could run in the Stayers’ Hurdle. Connections are hopeful he will be back for the King George, but to be pitch-perfect in the Gold Cup he might need at least a couple of spins over fences and should he return any later than Christmas it might be a struggle to get his preparation right. The Stayers’, which he won two seasons ago, might then look an attractive option.
Jennings Sutton Place. He could have won the Champion Hurdle but they didn’t run him and it’s easy to see them doing a Buveur D’Air and working that out halfway through this season.
Park The obvious candidate is Yorkhill, whose jumping problems have been well documented. I don't think there is a more talented horse in training and if connections decide to go for the Champion Hurdle I certainly wouldn't back against him. However, his jumping was fine in the JLT and he is surely Willie Mullins' best chance of winning the Gold Cup.
Melrose Yanworth is the instant reaction, but is there any chance at all we will see Thistlecrack back over hurdles? He didn't string two good rounds of jumping together last season and connections are reportedly already considering a dabble at Newbury, so the seed will have been sewn if he doesn't light it up back over fences.
Riley Our Duke isn't the best over his fences and he's in the same yard as the Gold Cup winner, so a few costly mistakes this winter could cause connections to consider the switch.
Which novice could be capable of winning in Grade 1 open company?
Pyman I don’t think those trainers with top novice chasers will be in a hurry to take on Altior, so staying novices are more likely to be pitched in at the deep. I will nominate Willoughby Court given I’m predicting he will improve markedly for fences.
Jennings Petit Mouchoir. Under-rated over hurdles, he looked a natural over fences on debut and if Douvan does step up in trip the two-mile scene becomes a very soft division in Ireland.
Park I'm really looking forward to seeing Finian's Oscar over fences. While I'm sure connections will keep him in novice company, he wouldn't be out of his depth against the senior brigade – he's a future Gold Cup winner in my opinion.
Melrose The two main chasing divisions look so strong at this early stage. If Barters Hill still has his impressive engine intact and he jumps a fence better than a hurdle, it's possible connections will be tempted into a Gold Cup trial given they've already lost a season with him.
Riley The staying hurdlers look a moderate bunch so if I had a talented novice I’d be sorely tempted and given his reputation Samcro looks an early contender. More Of That proved inexperience is no barrier.
Who will roll back the years and be this season's comeback kid?
Pyman Donald McCain trained 100-plus winners every season between 2010-11 and 2013-14, and was just one shy in 2014-15. However, two seasons ago he managed just 53. 80 winners last season was a step back in the right direction, and the yard has hit the ground running this time with 36 successes on the board and a healthy 19 per cent strike-rate. The stable’s recent resurgence suggests big-race winners could start to flow again this winter.
Jennings Coneygree. That run at Punchestown was something else and having got that out of the way they can get stuck into him with real confidence. He could do a Denman in the Hennessy, the gallop he’s capable of going is just so hard to live with.
Park Comebacks are so rare, which is what makes them so special. Faugheen will be unbeatable if he returns the same horse and Douvan's run at Cheltenham was too bad to be true. Both will dominate their races in Ireland but their day of destiny will come at Prestbury Park.
Melrose All or nothing, this, because he could as easily be retired on the quiet before November's out, but the Faugheen of old would have half a dozen lengths on Buveur D'Air so I hope it's him.
Riley Thistlecrack. I would love to see him back and as good as ever because he is just outrageously talented. It’s not an easy injury from which to fully recover, but Colin Tizzard is a genius.
Who will improve for a step up in trip?
Pyman Disko ran a fine race to finish third in the JLT, but he lacked the finishing speed to match Yorkhill and Top Notch in the closing stages and then improved for a longer when landing the 3m½f Grade 1 at Punchestown. I'm convinced he'll be even better over the Gold Cup trip and at 33-1 is an interesting outsider for the premier staying chase.
Jennings It’s rare you come across a Trevor Hemmings horse that doesn’t improve for a step up in trip and given what Cloudy Dream has done 2m and 2m4f, he could be a star by the end of the season.
Park I don't think we will see it but I'd love to see Douvan step up in trip. You can put a line through his Cheltenham run last season – he clearly wasn't right – but he would surely be a force in races such as the King George and possibly the Gold Cup. Sizing John couldn't get close to Douvan when they faced each other over 2m and I imagine the result would be the same over any trip.
Melrose It's still not clear to me if Apple's Jade is a top-notch stayer in the making or just lacks gears over shorter. I would very much like to see her tried over 3m this winter and, if it works out, it would take a genuine champion to beat her in the Stayers' Hurdle.
Riley Douvan. The horse he used to toy with won a Gold Cup with ease. Just imagine what he could be capable of stepped up in trip.
And who needs to come back down in distance?
Pyman Barney Dwan stays three miles, but given how strongly he travelled in last season’s Pertemps Final I would be inclined to believe his best trip might be an intermediate 2m4f.
Jennings Vroum Vroum Mag. She's won the Grade 1 Champion Hurdle at the Punchestown festival two seasons ago but raced over two and a half and three miles until the same festival this year. With the likes of Apple's Jade, Let’s Dance and Limini about the Champion Hurdle may even be the softer race.
Park I can't believe I'm saying this, but Cue Card. I've spent years convinced he is the best stayer in the game but he was so impressive in what was admittedly a poor Ascot Chase there could be more to come from him at that distance, even as a 12-year-old. He isn't good enough to win a Gold Cup anymore but I wouldn't back against him in the Ryanair should he show his usual enthusiasm.
Melrose Maybe Whisper. I'm not sure he'll truly stay a stiff 3m2f but we should at least get to see in the Hennessy. Even if he sticks to staying trips beyond that, he will run into better horses. A mid-160s horse like him would have more chance of top honours going down the 2m4f route and I think he'd cope with the increased pace.
Riley Sutton Place. You won’t convince me he wouldn’t have won the Champion Hurdle if he’d run in it and I’d like to see the three-mile experiment shelved.
Which horse wins a Grade 1 this season by the biggest margin? And name the race?
Pyman There have been 19 Grade 1s since 2005 won by 19 lengths or more, 17 were chases, with 15 run over 2m4f or further. Given I think Altior will be the dominant force in the chasing division, I’m predicting a landslide victory for this exceptional horse in the 2m4f Melling Chase at Aintree.
Jennings Altior in the Tingle Creek. He’ll scare off anything with the engine to beat the ambulance home.
Park Although the Irish may have the arsenal to properly test Altior at the festival, he will have it his own way in Britain and he's looked a different league to his rivals in his two chase starts at Sandown and I imagine he will win the Tingle Creek by a long way.
Melrose A front-running staying chaser who beats up a small field in a bog – so let's say Our Duke in the Lexus.
Riley Nicky Henderson will have the trainers' title sewn up before the final day of the season and the chance to avenge his Cheltenham defeat by Douvan will tempt him into running Altior at Punchestown, so Ar Mad in the Celebration Chase.
And finally, one bold prediction please?
Pyman Cue Card to win the Grand National. I would love to see connections gear his season around a tilt at the most famous chase. You couldn’t be confident he will stay 4m3½f, but he was not stopping at the finish of the 3m1f Betway Bowl last season and loves Aintree with form figures at the venue of 122212.
Jennings Lad Of Luck to win Supreme Novices' Hurdle. You heard it here first.
Park Forget returning with a bang, Faugheen is going to explode back into racing like a nuclear bomb and nothing will be able to even get near him. Fair play to Buveur D'Air last season, he did a good job keeping the Champion Hurdle throne warm, but Faugheen is the rightful king.
Melrose Minella Rocco to go off bigger for the Gold Cup than he was last year- and win it.
Riley This year’s King George winner to earn a higher RPR than Kauto Star’s 191 – for his 36-length beating of Madison Du Berlais. It could be an incredible field, with a ton of pace, and the last one standing could put serious distance into high-class horses.
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Post by dennisg on Nov 11, 2017 7:36:17 GMT
in today's sporting life............. Our intrepid gallops guru rounds up all the gossip from the major training centres ahead of another big Saturday. Royal Line can end another great turf season for John Gosden with victory in the Betfred November Handicap at Doncaster on Saturday. Gosden has to uphold a proud family tradition in this race, thanks largely to his father, "Towser", who farmed the race in the sixties. Gosden junior has also shown he can ready one to prevail here, and Royal Line looks a nicely unexposed sort with which to go to war in a typically competitive renewal. Although beaten on his latest start in a three horse race at Newbury, he had won his previous two outings at Windsor and Haydock, and has worked very well since his recent disappointment. He looks nicely handicapped, and gets the vote ahead of the quietly fancied, and equally lightly raced Towerlands Park. Henry Candy has a chance of taking both divisions of the Betfred Mobile Cock O'The North EBF Maiden Stakes with two Cheveley Park Stud-owned juveniles. Hidden Affair, a son of Equiano, out of a Motivator mare will handle the soft ground well and should step up on his only outing so far at Salisbury in July. He shaped well in fifth behind Fighting Irish, and he has gone on to boost the form with a Group 2 success in France. One or two other winners have come out of the race, and Hidden Affair knows more of what is required this time. Ornamental, has always been highly rated by the Kingstone Warren team and he is preferred to Gilded Hour in Div II. Although he could never get into the race after a slow start on his bow at the same Wiltshire course, he stuck on well in the closing stages in what has worked out to be a very good class novice event. He should also be more effective this time around and like his stablemate, should represent each-way value. Easy Victory catches the eye on her first run of the season under George Wood in the Betfred "Home Of Goals Galore" Apprentice Handicap. Saeed bin Suroor is well capable of readying one after a layoff and his record at Doncaster this time of the year is also pretty striking. The daughter of Dubawi was mixing in pretty hot company last autumn and while she's clearly had one or two issues, it's noteworthy she scored first time out in a Newmarket maiden. A mark of 87 could vastly underestimate her raw ability and the market should be monitored, at the very least. Bin Suroor could also be on the target with his sole representative on the card at Wolverhampton. Ocean Of Love has her third start in the Betway Live Casino Maiden Stakes and though clearly not blessed with much natural speed, a race of this type should could her way on the evidence of her comeback run at Chelmsford, when perhaps a little too keen to do herself justice.Dream Of Dreams has fully justified his former trainer Kevin Ryan's high opinion of him with his new handler for 2017, Sir Michael Stoute, and he is fancied to end his turf campaign with a second win in the Listed Betfred Mobile Wentworth Stakes. He hosed up in a conditions event on his second start for the Newmarket maestro at Lingfield, but then pulled too hard for his own good when fifth to Tathmeen at Newbury on his only subsequent start. This step back to six from seven furlongs should help him to settle better, and his recent homework has been of a high order. Ben Pauling has made a good start to the autumn campaign with his team of youngsters and French import Delire d'Estruval should go well on his first appearance for this stable in the 188Bet EBF Stallions National Hunt Novices' Hurdle qualifier at Aintree. This sharp two and a half miles should pose no problems for him, he acts in the likely soft ground, and his preparatory schooling at home has been precise. Charbel could prove the value bet to beat the well fancied Lough Derg Spirit in the Unibet Elite Hurdle at Wincanton. Kim Bailey has made a brave move in switching this high class chaser back to timber after a very good debut campaign over the larger obstacles last term. Connections figure that he was also a smart performer at this discipline a couple of years back, and looks to have a very workable rating, even though he must carry top-weight here. He seems to have form in the mud, and his trainer has him in hearty nick for what should prove a lucrative campaign. Henllan Harry may have been a little lucky to beat Vyta Du Roc and scoop a big pot at Sandown on the final day of last season, but he remains at the right end of the handicap and should go well for star 7lb claimer James Bowen in the Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase. Peter Bowen's gelding seems to handle all surfaces and should be able to take maximum advantage if the forecast rain materialises and turns this into a real stamina test. A recent outing at Worcester should have sharpened him up and he looks solid each-way material in a very open heat. Caribert is considered one of Harry Fry's best youngsters for the new jumps season and he should want plenty of beating in the Jaytrack Employees Day bumper at Wincanton. The son of Ballingarry did not quite make it to the course during the dry spring, but he has thrived for his summer break and works very well. Might Bite will not start at a particularly lucrative price after ending last season as a leading 2018 Gold Cup hope in the 188Bet Future Stars Intermediate Chase at Sandown on Sunday, but it is worth reporting how well things have gone in his preparation for this eagerly waited comeback. Something of a quirky sort last term despite his high class performances, he seems a more relaxed individual so far this season, and his schooling on the Lambourn Downs has been a joy to behold. He heads to Kempton for the King George after his comeback effort this weekend and it will be interesting to see how he tackles those sometimes tricky railway fences in the back straight.
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Post by dennisg on Nov 11, 2017 7:40:33 GMT
Ben Linfoot seeks out the best Value Bets for the November Handicap at Doncaster and the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton on Saturday. The Betfred November Handicap brings the curtain down on another Flat season at Doncaster on Saturday and John Gosden could well sign off in style after a stellar campaign. Enable and Cracksman might be safely tucked away for the winter, but Royal Line represents the Newmarket handler in the old maroon and white Sheikh Mohammed colours and the three-year-old has a fine chance of winning his third race in four starts. The most unexposed and progressive horse in the field, he paid the price for doing battle with Time To Study a long way from home at Newbury last time and it’s no surprise to see him chalked up as the 6/1 favourite here. The only issue I have with him is his inexperience and whether he’s battle-hardened enough to win what will be a tough and testing race up the Town Moor straight on Saturday afternoon. With that in mind I’d rather have a go at something at a bigger price and I really like the look of the horse right at the foot of the weights, AL DESTOOR, at 33/1 (Betfair Sportsbook, Paddy Power, BetVictor), for Jennie Candlish. This son of Teofilo, who started life at John Oxx’s, is completely unexposed over a mile-and-a-half on soft ground, but there are plenty of clues that suggest they could be his optimum conditions. His career-best run came at Chester in June when he hosed up over 10 furlongs on soft ground, staying on strongly to the line, while he didn’t run far off that form on much better ground over 1m4f at Hamilton next time. Then, off a mark of 91, he ran well at Doncaster behind Erik The Red back at 10 furlongs, not quite having the pace of the first two home but he battled on well for third. That form worked out well, too, with three of the five horses he beat that day winning subsequently. Last time he ran another belter at Chester when second in heavy ground and he just loves these autumn conditions, as he showed at the backend of last season when winning and running well at Nottingham and Pontefract respectively. He stays well enough to have been tried six times over hurdles but has hardly run over 1m4f, especially in testing ground, and now he gets a go at such a test in a big field from the foot of the weights he's of major interest. Franny Norton is booked for the job and at 33s he looks underestimated. Franny Norton: Rides the bottom weight in the November Handicap Al Destoor has a perfectly fine middle berth in 11, but a wide draw has not been a barrier to success in this race in recent history so I also want to take a bit of the 20/1 available about Neil Mulholland’s NIBLAWI (20/1 General). This horse breaks from 21, but he’s going to be held up by 7lb claimer Jack Osborn anyway and he should relish a strong gallop on a soft surface judging by his running-on second at Ascot in the handicap that closed King George day. You’ll remember it was soft that day as Enable stormed to victory in the big one and Niblawi did really well to finish second in his race, giving 13lb to the winner and pulling two lengths clear of the third. He ran well in the Shergar Cup after that, too, but wasn’t so good at Haydock last time which is a slight concern. However, that was on good ground and I’m hoping the softer conditions play to this horse’s strengths, while he’s still got potentially more improvement to come having had just four runs for his new yard. Two of those, at Ascot, were highly encouraging and on that sort of form he’s got a good chance off a mark of 91 this weekend. The big jumps race of the day is the Badger Ales Trophy at Wincanton and the first thing to note here is the unpleasant weather forecast which is predicting lots of rain. It could be very testing ground by the time they line up for the feature and if that’s the case the one horse I’d want on my side is Venetia Williams’ YALA ENKI at 10/1 (General). He loves really soft conditions and he goes well fresh as well, so there are plenty of ticks in the right boxes even if he will need a lifetime-best off a career-high mark of 151. However, despite the big field there doesn’t look to be much competition for the lead in this and it’s not hard to envisage him getting into a nice rhythm up front in conditions he loves. Finally, I also want Paul Nicholls’ MR MIX on my side at 12/1 (Sky Bet, bet365, BetVictor). This horse won the same Wincanton race that Gentleman Jon did last year before he followed up in the Badger Ales and that he did it on his handicap debut over fences bodes well. He’s got major room for improvement in the jumping department which may put some punters off, but I see it as a positive that he could take a big leap forward if he puts in a really good round over his fences. The softer ground could well help him, he certainly handled such conditions in his novice hurdling days, and at 12s he’s worth chancing to follow up his recent course success off just a 5lb higher mark. Value Bet Selections: November Handicap & Badger Ales Trophy Sky Bet Price Promise Sky Bet are offering EXTRA VALUE to followers of the Sporting Life Value Bet column with guaranteed advertised prices for at least 15 minutes from 1715 BST on the day of publication. Ben Linfoot's Value Bet aim: The Value Bet is designed to generate long-term profit by searching for overpriced horses in the feature weekend races and at the big Festivals in the UK. Running total: +378.39pts to advised stakes/prices (from inception of Value Bet column in January 2010 to current).
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Post by dennisg on Nov 11, 2017 7:42:12 GMT
Oli Bell looks ahead to a fantastic day's racing and provides his selections for the live ITV action at Doncaster and Wincanton. After an incredible time at one of the true highlights of our sport, it’s great to be back at a racecourse that’s so close to my heart this weekend - Wincanton. With the south Somerset track celebrating 150 years, I can’t wait to be part of ITV’s live coverage there. Everyone has their ‘own’ course ... a track they are most familiar with and one that they feel most at home at while growing up. For me, that’s Wincanton. As a kid, every opportunity I had to go racing was at this historic course and it’s arguably the one I like the most because some of my earliest and fondest racing memories are from there. It’s brilliant that we’re going to be broadcasting there this weekend on what’s a really good day with two Grade 2 races and The Badger Ales Trophy jostling for top billing. I’ll be starting the day with The Opening Show alongside Alice Plunkett, Luke Harvey and Matt Chapman from 9.30pm on ITV4, before we bring you four races from Wincanton and a further three on the flat from Doncaster at 1.30pm on the same channel. I have just come back from America, covering the Breeders’ Cup, which – admittedly – was a bit of a betting bloodbath for punters, including myself. With the Melbourne Cup so soon after, there’s a real international feel about racing at the moment and Joseph O’Brien’s feat with Rekindling was a fantastic one. Rekindling (near) edges out Johannes Vermeer and Max Dynamite Rekindling (near) edges out Johannes Vermeer and Max Dynamite These events serve as an annual reminder of just how they capture the imagination of an entire nation. Trainers like Hughie Morrison and Hugo Palmer, enjoying their first experiences of the Melbourne Cup, left feeling like rock stars. In the pre-parade, people were queuing in the streets to see them. Now Hughie’s a good looking guy, but I don’t think he’s ever been treated like Mick Jagger before! I know there’s a nationwide appetite for racing in both Australia and the United States and it’s easy to say we should treat our own big events like they do the Breeders’ and Melbourne Cups. But, on the back of what we see year-in, year-out in Australia, I do think there should be an effort to try and make our big racing events stop the nation. I remember as a child getting up on Grant National day and running down to the independent bookie in Somerton, the small Somerset town I grew up in, and the shop was heaving with people. I understand mobile technology has made gambling elsewhere that much more accessible, but we have sometimes lost that conversation about the biggest races now to an extent. In America every horse has a story attached to it. It’s not different in this country, but with big hitters such as Coolmore, Juddmonte and Godolphin regularly – and deservedly – taking top honours we have to remember that there are those heart-warming stories in every race. It all acts as a further reminder that British racing must continue to tap into those remarkable stories because that’s what makes our sport so special. Seventy-year-old trainer Udyta Clarke stole the headlines – and hearts – on Derby Day in Australia when Rich Charm stormed to victory. She has just four horses and scenes after the race really tugged at the heartstrings. Jockey Patrick Moloney and Udyta Clarke Jockey Patrick Moloney and Udyta Clarke There is a risk that emulating the American example could see coverage becoming unnecessarily over the top, but racing clearly does strike a chord with the public and we must continue to evoke those emotions. As we gear up for a day of racing that will no doubt create its own stories, take a look at who I’m backing ... 1.50pm Wincanton - Z Hotels Mares’ Handicap Hurdle, 2m 5f 82yds Jessber’s Dream for Ditcheat Thoroughbreds and Paul Nicholls is a massive price in this one. This horse has got real talent, even though her first year at Manor Farm didn’t quite go to plan. I’m not sure quite what happened at Ayr last time out in April, but that run was too bad to be true. The time before she finished second behind Rons Dream at Warwick - who is an able mare in her own right – improving on a fourth at Cheltenham in December 2016 in a race won by Briery Queen. Colin Tizzard’s On Demand was second on that day and runs again in this race, defending her crown earned 12 months ago. However, it’s likely to rain heavily on Saturday and conditions will better suit Jessber’s Dream, who I believe is a good bet. 2.05pm Doncaster - The Betfred Mobile Wentworth Stakes, 6f 2yds I think Danzeno is overpriced in this company – he’s recently been running against much better horses than his competition. It had been hoped he would develop into a Group 1 horse, but that didn’t quite work out. However, he’s better than a listed horse and the gap in the market between him and favourite Sir Dancealot is too big. 2.25pm Wincanton - John Romans Park Homes Rising Stars Novices’ Chase, 2m 4f 35y There’s only one winner in this for me and that’s the favourite Modus. Owner JP McManus perhaps had to be slightly patient with the now seven-year-old before he showed just how good he was with a fine year hurdling last term, winning January’s 32Red Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton. Kalondra is a good horse, but Modus made light work of his novice chase at Bangor at the end of October and there is little reason to suggest he can’t do similar in this. 2.40pm Doncaster - Betfred TV EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Gillies Fillies’ Stakes, 1m 2f 43yds It might not be the most risky selection, but I think Vintage Folly should win. She came second to Shutter Speed in May’s Musidora at York and that form is really solid. She’s only ran three times this year and you would’ve thought for a runner-up in the Musidora that she would’ve ran more. Therefore you might need to be a little bit careful with how you play it and I wouldn’t be keen to have a massive bet on her. But ultimately Vintage Folly has class. Time Chaser is also a very good horse, but was third last time out at Haydock in September when heavy conditions may have played a big part. 3.00 Wincanton - Unibet Elite Hurdle, 1m 7f 65yds I think Charbel is very interesting. Obviously he was a very good chaser last year and led the Arkle when falling two out. The six-year-old drops back to hurdles here and although that may raise an eyebrow or two, I’m not sure Kim Bailey is really one to just give him a spin – they’ll be going to Wincanton to win. Lough Dergh Spirit justifies his place near the top of the market as well, but Charbel is the one for me. 3.15pm Doncaster - Betfred November Handicap, 1m 3f 197yds There’s been plenty of money for Saunter over the past couple of days and he’s my main choice. This horse did well on his debut for Ian Williams behind Torcello at Newmarket. The trainer is having a fantastic run of form and I can see this four-year-old taking another step forward now Ian and his team have had more time to work with him. At a price, I would keep an eye on Sepal who can handle the conditions, which is pretty important for this time of year. 3.35pm Wincanton - Badger Ales Trophy Handicap Chase, 3m 1f 30y The two horses I like in this are Fletchers Flyer and Yala Enki. The former was pulled up on his last run at Fairyhouse in April, but showed his class a year before when winning impressively a competitive handicap race at Punchestown. Harry Fry’s nine-year-old didn’t fire on a couple of occasions last season, but if he’s on song he will be a dangerous competitor. I’m taking a bit of a punt with Fletchers Flyer as this is one of those races at a time of year where you have to roll the dice with horses that disappointed on their final start of the previous term to make sure they’re ready first time out now. But his trainer wouldn’t be running him in this as a seasonal reappearance if there was something properly amiss as this isn’t the race to enter if there’s something wrong with the horse. If the heavens open as expected, Yala Enki will be in his element as something of a proven mud lark. But I would keep an eye on him in the preliminaries as I’ve seen him be a bit of a lunatic on the way to the start before.
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Post by dennisg on Nov 11, 2017 7:44:08 GMT
Richard Fahey reflects on a fine year for his Musley Bank team and looks ahead to his Saturday runners at Doncaster and Wolverhampton. It’s been another good season at Musley Bank and at the time of writing we’ve had 191 winners and picked up over £4million in prize money. But this is an industry where greed is good and you always want more. We’ve had too many seconds this year – 206 in total – but they weren’t horses that should have won. They were in the main handicappers who went up a couple of pounds for the run and that made life very difficult. Ribchester was of course our flagbearer and a fantastic horse. We miss him already. The beauty of training a horse like him is you want another – in fact I want three – one at six furlongs, one at a mile and one a ten furlongs/a mile-and-a-half. I don’t know what makes a stallion but if I was a betting man I’d say this guy has every chance of being a huge success. He had a great mind, loved his work and possessed plenty of speed. That’s a big thing in any racehorse – all the good ones we’ve had had that quality. They can go fast very easily – and none did it easier than Ribchester. Play Video Royal Ascot 2017: Ribchester wins the Queen Anne Stakes Looking ahead to next year we’ve sold a lot of horses recently – 65 or so – and have a few empty boxes. Hopefully we’ll get the opportunity to fill them and look for more success in 2018. I say it every year but it’s a real team effort there at Musley Bank and I’d like to thank all the staff for their contribution this year. It’s been a great campaign and we’ll be ready to go again when Doncaster comes round next March. Town Moor stage the final meeting of the Turf season on Saturday and we have three in the Betfred 'Home Of Goals Galore' Apprentice Handicap. Khelman is proving extremely disappointing at the moment, he’s training well but not firing on the track. He can do that though and suddenly bounce back with a big run. Lady In Question has been running consistently well and this is her last race this year. I’m a little worried about the testing ground for her but we’ll let here take her chance as she goes there in good form. I don’t think Luis Vaz De Torres has anything in hand of the handicapper and it remains to be seen if a straight seven furlongs is really ideal for him but we’ll see. I’d love to see Heaven’s Guest get his head in front again in the Betfred 'Supports Jack Berry House' Handicap but he was a fraction disappointing at Musselburgh last time. The handicapper has finally given him a chance but I hope it isn’t too late and his ability hasn’t dipped below his rating. Everything is ideal for him here though and I hope he runs well. Right Touch ran a blinder to be second in that Musselburgh contest and while he has nothing hidden at all – he’d have a chance here if in the same form. Melesina came back from Dubai to win at Deauville but has struggled a bit since. She needs to bounce right back to be competitive in the Betfred TV EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Gillies Fillies' Stakes. We took Gangland to the sales last week and couldn’t get £15,000 for him – which I was stunned by. He’s a grand, hardy horse who heads to the Betfred 'Racing's Biggest Supporter' Nursery with an each-way chance. Rajar has been running consistently well and while she had no excuses at Newmarket last time – it was still a creditable effort though and she’d have a good chance in the 32Red.com Fillies' Conditions Stakes at Wolverhampton. Ocean Voyage runs in the 32Red.com Novice Auction Stakes. She’s a filly we like and only cost £3,000. It was a warm race she ran in last time and she’s going to be a fun horse in time. She’ll get a handicap mark after this and is capable of going well.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 9:27:03 GMT
Saturday: going, weather & non-runners Aintree GOING: GOOD TO SOFT (GoingStick: Chase 6.4, Hurdle 6.5) (Rail movements; R1 & 5 +43y, R2 +51y, R3 +55y, R4 +38y, R6 +30y, R7 +34y) WEATHER: Cloudy Doncaster GOING: SOFT (Good to soft in places on Straight course) (GoingStick 6.6) WEATHER: Mostly cloudy STALLS: Straight course - Centre; Round course - Inside NON RUNNERS: 12:25 Iron Sky (3) 1:00 Ce La Vie (21)Rebel Surge (8) 3:50 Picture No Sound (3) Kelso GOING: GOOD (GoingStick 7.1) (Rail movements: R1, 3, 4 & 6 +35y and R2, 5 & 7 +22y) WEATHER: Mostly sunny NON RUNNERS: 3:10 Craig Star (5) Naas GOING: SOFT TO HEAVY (heavy in places) WEATHER: Rain Wincanton GOING: SOFT (Good to soft in places; GoingStick: Chase 6.2, Hurdle 6.5) (Rail movements; R1, 5 & 7 +12y, R2, 3 & 4 +18y, R6 +24y) WEATHER: Rain NON RUNNERS: 1:50 Indian Stream (1) Wolverhampton (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Scattered showers STALLS: 7f - Outside; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 4:50 Exquisite Ruby (9)Fikhaar (10) 5:50 Impart (1)Bahango (3) 6:50 Tael O' Gold (7)
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 9:27:56 GMT
TODAY'S NAPS TIME CRS TIPSTER LEVEL STAKES Saunter 3:15 Donc attheraces.com, Lawrence Taylor +29.88 Al Destoor 3:15 Donc sportinglife.com +13.68 Final Nudge 3:35 Winc Racing UK, The Score +12.69 Teruntum Star 2:05 Donc Racing Post, The North +12.25 Cohesion 3:15 Donc Racing Post, Spotlight +11.7 Coole Hall 12:15 Kels Daily Telegraph, Marlborough +9.71 Lady Willpower 11:55 Donc Glasgow Evening Times, Jeffrey Ross +4.78 Heaven's Guest 1:35 Donc Sheffield Star, Fortunatus +3.75 The Fresh Prince 2:15 Aint Gloucestershire Echo, Melissa Jones +3.26 London Prize 3:00 Winc Weekender, Paul Kealy +3 Towerlands Park 3:15 Donc Chester Leader, Charlie Croasdale +0.04 Double Shuffle 3:35 Winc Daily Mirror, Newsboy -0.42 Louis' Vac Pouch 1:40 Aint Racing Post, West Country -0.47 Sainted 2:05 Donc The Sun, Templegate -0.79 Lough Derg Spirit 3:00 Winc Sky Sports News, Alex Hammond -0.9 Triple Chief 1:15 Winc Oxford Mail, Mark Edwards -1.38 Ballyhill 3:25 Aint The Irish Field, Rory Delargy -1.83 Machine Learner 3:15 Donc Racing Post, Lambourn -1.84 Top Notch 2:50 Aint Racing and Football Outlook -1.89 Niblawi 3:15 Donc Western Morning News, West Tip -2 Royal Line 3:15 Donc Yorkshire Evening Post, Lee Sobot -2.94 Perfect Pasture 2:05 Donc Sunday Express, Jason Heavey -2.97 Bertiewhittle 1:35 Donc Yorkshire Post, The Duke -3.31 Louis' Vac Pouch 1:40 Aint The Guardian -3.34 Hajjam 1:00 Donc Daily Mail, Robin Goodfellow -3.5 Melodic Rendezvous 3:00 Winc Racing Post, RP Ratings -3.86 Present Man 3:35 Winc Scottish Sun, Jim Delahunt -4.31 Yala Enki 3:35 Winc Scottish Express, Chris Goulding -5 Muntadab 1:35 Donc Wolverhampton Express & Star, Andrew Bladen -5 Sea Fox 1:35 Donc Morning Star, Farringdon -5 Warriors Tale 2:15 Aint Liverpool Echo, Chris Wright -5.38 Pilgrims Bay 3:35 Winc Sunday Telegraph, Whistler -6.18 Right Touch 1:35 Donc Racing Post, Postdata -7 Vintage Folly 2:40 Donc Blackpool Gazette, Steve Simpson -7.15 Dance The Dream 3:15 Donc Shropshire Star, Andy Morris -8.25 Charbel 3:00 Winc Irish Herald, Ian Gaughran -8.5 Lough Derg Spirit 3:00 Winc The Sun On Sunday, Sirius -8.56 Mr Mix 3:35 Winc Daily Record, Garry Owen -8.68 Peach Melba 6:50 Wolv The Star, Patrick Weaver -8.79 Towerlands Park 3:15 Donc Sunday Mail, Rockavon -9 Royal Line 3:15 Donc Daily Express, The Scout -9.07 Zubayr 3:00 Winc Glasgow Herald, PicksfromthePaddock -9.22 Ballybolley 2:15 Aint Belfast Newsletter, Wise Owl -9.38 Ordinary World 12:35 Naas Daily Post, Mercury -10.25 Cohesion 3:15 Donc The Times, Rob Wright -10.25 Hear No Evil 12:30 Aint Daily Star Sunday, Moorestyle -10.25 Lady Willpower 11:55 Donc The Press, York, Ebor -11 Sudski Star 2:00 Kels The Scotsman, Glendale -11.99 Oscar Knight 2:55 Naas The Irish Sun -14 Vic De Touzaine 3:35 Winc Irish Post, Karl Hedley -15
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 9:28:44 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Towerlands Park (3.15 Doncaster, nap)
Michael Bell’s lightly raced type has been laid out for this since his encouraging return from injury at Newbury last month. The four-year-old will like the soft ground and has worked nicely on the Cambridge Road Polytrack of late.
8/1 Towerlands Park 3:15 Doncaster Others to follow Doncaster 11.55 Al Asaf, 12.25 Tallow, 1.00 Pastime, 1.25 London, 2.05 Dream Of Dreams, 2.40 Vintage Folly. Wolverhampton 4.20 Reedanjas, 4.50 Rockley Point, 5.20 Stylish Dancer, 6.20 Global Exceed, 6.50 Show Stealer, 7.50 Luang Prabang.
Lambourn: James Burn
Machine Learner (3.15 Doncaster, nap)
If you put a line through the four-year-old’s latest effort he looks progressive. Trainer Joe Tuite won this race two years ago with Litigant and a big run is on the cards.
16/1 Machine Learner 3:15 Doncaster Others to follow Aintree 12.30 Flemeskill, 1.40 Vyta Duc Roc, 2.15 The Fresh Prince, 2.50 Top Notch, 4.00 Ned Curtis. Doncaster 11.55 HIdden Affair, 2.40 Star Rock. Wincanton 1.50 The Organist, 3.00 Lough Derg Spirit, 3.35 Fact Of The Matter. Wolverhampton 4.20 Zenovia, 4.50 Exquisite Ruby.
North: Richard Young
Teruntum Star (2.05 Doncaster, nap)
Progressive sort and regular winner who looks well worth a crack at Listed company following victories in good-quality handicaps at Ripon and York. Fully effective on soft ground and fancied to extend the winning run.
7/1 Teruntum Star 2:05 Doncaster Others to follow Aintree 12.30 Barton Knoll, 1.40 Bon Chic, 3.25 Duke Of Navan, 4.00 Henry’s Joy. Doncaster 11.55 Lady Wilpower, 12.25 The British Lion, 1.00 Hajjam, 1.35 Get Knotted, 2.40 Empress Ali, 3.15 Sepal, 3.50 Mable Lee. Kelso 12.15 Coole Hall, 12.50 Oak Vintage, 1.25 Tawseef, 2.00 Sudski Star, 2.35 Welcome Ben, 3.10 Benny’s Secret, 3.45 Derriana Spirit. Wolverhampton 4.50 Fikhaar, 5.50 Fast Act, 6.50 Peach Melba, 7.20 Guvenor’s Choice, 7.50 Doria Road.
West Country: Tim Mitchell
Louis’ Vac Pouch (1.40 Aintree, nap)
Shaped as though this step up in distance would suit when catching the eye at Chepstow on his reappearance. With that run under his belt he is expected to go close.
15/8 Louis' Vac Pouch 1:40 Aintree Others to follow Aintree 12.30 The Dellercheckout, 2.15 Voix D’Eau, 2.50 Unowhatimeanharry. Wincanton 12.40 If The Cap Fits, 1.15 Master Burbidge, 1.50 Copper Kay, 2.25 Modus, 3.00 Flying Tiger, 3.35 Southfield Theatre, 4.10 Caribert.
Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Melodic Rendezvous (3.00 Wincanton, nap)
Mud-loving veteran who won this race on his reappearance in 2013 and has run well in defeat first time up in the three subsequent seasons. Showed enough over course and distance in February to suggest he can go well off 135.
20/1 Melodic Rendezvous 3:00 Wincanton Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Lough Derg Spirit (3.00 Wincanton)
Pulled up at Aintree on his final outing last term but better judged on victories at Kempton and Musselburgh and Nicky Henderson’s four-year may have been let in lightly.
10/3 Lough Derg Spirit 3:00 Wincanton Longshot: Ed Quigley
On Tour (2.15 Aintree)
Enigmatic character, but he wasn’t beaten far in this race last year and has a good record fresh. Should go well off his current mark.
4/1 On Tour 2:15 Aintree Ireland: Tony O’Hehir
Ordinary World (12.35 Naas)
Although seeking only his second win over fences, last season’s form, when placed in Grade 1s won by Min, Altior and Great Field, gives him outstanding claims.
12/5 Ordinary World 12:35 Naas Members can read the latest exclusive tipping content such as Pricewise from 8pm daily on racingpost.com
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 9:29:22 GMT
BANKER
Danzeno (2.05 Doncaster)
This isn't the strongest of Listed contests and the market will be focused around the ultimately disappointing three-year-old Sir Dancealot. At the prices it looks wise to take him on and Danzeno is certainly the best of the rest. The six-year-old gelding comes into this on the back of two creditable efforts in Group company – the latter in the Group 1 Champions Sprint – and looks primed to strike on his third start back from a break. Drawn well in nine and partnered by Oisin Murphy for the first time, he can return a decent-priced winner. (Tom Collins)
15/2 Danzeno 2:05 Doncaster EYECATCHER
Royal Line (3.15 Doncaster)
John Gosden has won the November Handicap twice since 2009 but he also landed the prize in the 1990s with a lightly raced three-year-old, a very similar profile to that of Royal Line. He wasn't at his best in a tactical three-runner affair at Newbury last time but showed his worth in a truer run race at Haydock on his handicap debut prior. That came on a testing surface so conditions on Town Moor this weekend should be ideal for him. (Kevin Morley)
11/2 Royal Line 3:15 Doncaster DARK HORSE
On Tour (2.15 Aintree)
On Tour was an unlucky second in this race last year off a higher mark and looks to have to be trained for the race again by his in-form trainer Evan Williams. Badly hampered three out 12 months ago, On Tour still looked likely to win before being a bit slow at the last. With a good 5lb claimer booked, there is no reason why he can't go one better. (Tom Segal)
4/1 On Tour 2:15 Aintree Let our experts point you in the direction of the winners with invaluable punting pointers delivered directly to your inbox. Sign up here to get our free newsletter every week
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 9:29:56 GMT
When Archie Watson and Luke Morris team up at Wolverhampton it’s worth taking note as they have a 75 per cent strike-rate. They combine with course-and-distance winner Zenovia (4.20), who can make it back-to-back wins at the track.
Sir Michael Stoute does very well at Doncaster and Dream Of Dreams (2.05) is his only representative of the day. This colt will appreciate the step down to six furlongs.
Ken Slack has a 31 per cent win rate at Kelso and sends one horse to the Scottish track, Oh So Gigolo (12.50). This chase debutant can outstay his rivals.
Nico de Boinville, riding well at present, goes to Wincanton for one ride, Lough Derg Spirit (3.00). Nicky Henderson’s gelding is making his handicap hurdle debut.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 9:31:00 GMT
3.00 Wincanton.
London Prize.
Runner-up in the Cesarewitch on his latest start, London Prize will hold a significant race-fitness advantage over several of his Wincanton rivals.
He looks well-handicapped on the pick of his Flat form, and will hopefully set out to make it a good test at the trip.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 9:38:15 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 9:38:51 GMT
Doncaster GOODFELLOW 11.55 Al Asef 12.25 Tallow 1.00 Hajjam (nap) 1.35 Muntadab 2.05 Sir Dancealot 2.40 Vintage Folly 3.15 Towerlands Park 3.50 Excellent Times GIMCRACK 11.55 Hidden Affair 12.25 Ornamental 1.00 Pastime 1.35 Shady Mccoy 2.05 Teruntum Star 2.40 Vintage Folly (nb) 3.15 Top Tug (nap) 3.50 Excellent Times Aintree GOODFELLOW 12.30 Delire D’estruval 1.05 Captain Chaos 1.40 Louis’ Vac Pouch 2.15 Virgilio (nb) 2.50 Unowhatimeanharry 3.25 Ballyhill 4.00 Going Gold GIMCRACK 12.30 Spider’s Bite 1.05 Captain Chaos 1.40 Nautical Nitwit 2.15 On Tour 2.50 Top Notch 3.25 Ballyhill 4.00 Welsby Wincanton GOODFELLOW 12.40 Mont Des Avaloirs 1.15 Dance Floor King 1.50 Copper Kay 2.25 Modus 3.00 Lough Derg Spirit 3.35 Mr Mix 4.10 The Russian Doyen GIMCRACK 12.40 If The Cap Fits 1.15 Master Burbidge 1.50 Secret Door 2.25 Modus 3.00 Flying Tiger 3.35 Southfield Theatre 4.10 Caribert Hexham GOODFELLOW 12.40 Bulkov 1.10 Handy Hollow 1.40 Niceandeasy 2.10 Western Jo 2.40 Ange Des Malberaux 3.10 On A Promise 3.40 Flying Jack GIMCRACK 12.40 Go Go Lucas 1.10 Silk Or Scarlet 1.40 Niceandeasy 2.10 Ronn The Conn 2.40 Who’s Cross 3.10 On A Promise 3.40 More Madness Kelso GOODFELLOW 12.15 Coole Hall 12.50 Oak Vintage 1.25 Tawseef 2.00 Sudski Star 2.35 Chain Of Beacons 3.10 Helmsley Lad 3.45 Rashee GIMCRACK 12.15 Manitowoc County 12.50 Oak Vintage 1.25 Scotswell 2.00 Cup Final 2.35 Fair Loch 3.10 Cape Of Glory 3.45 Harrisons Promise Read more: www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/racing/article-5071875/Robin-Goodfellow-s-racing-tips-Best-bets-November-11.html#ixzz4y79xkMop Follow us: @mailonline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 9:39:27 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 19:09:43 GMT
Aintree, 11 Nov 17 Race 1 - 12:30pm THE 188BET EBF STALLIONS 'NATIONAL HUNT' NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (Qualifier) Permission was given for FLEMENSKILL (IRE) to go early to post.
The sponsorship in relation to HEAR NO EVIL (IRE), trained by Dan Skelton, did not comply with the Sponsorship Code of Conduct. Skelton was warned as to his responsibility to ensure that the correct sponsorship is carried.
Daryl Jacob, the rider of DELIRE D’ESTRUVAL (FR) had appeared to ride less vigorously approaching the winning post to finish fourth beaten a neck. After being interviewed and shown recordings of the incident, Jacob’s explanation was noted that he felt the gelding was tiring in the closing stages, and so had held him together and considered that he had lost no momentum, but was passed by the stronger finishing SPIDER’S BITE (IRE).
Following the race, Harry Bannister reported that FLEMENSKILL (IRE), unplaced, boiled over in the preliminaries and the Veterinary Officer reported that SPIDER’S BITE (IRE), placed third, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 2 - 1:05pm THE BET £10 GET £20 AT 188BET NOVICES' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Permission was given for CLONDAW CIAN (IRE) to be mounted in the chute.
Race 3 - 1:40pm THE PERTEMPS NETWORK (SUPPORTING BTRC) HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 2) (Series Qualifier) Fergus Gregory, the rider of HOLLY BUSH HENRY (IRE), placed fourth, was suspended for 4 days for using his whip above the permitted level from approaching the second last hurdle. Being a 7lb claimer, Gregory was accompanied by a senior rider.
The Clerk of the Scales reported that Killian Moore, the rider of FORZA MILAN (IRE), placed second, trained by Jonjo O’Neill, had weighed in at 10st 1lbs having weighed out at 9st 13lbs. The rider, the trainer’s representative and the Clerk of the Scales were interviewed. Moore was suspended for 3 days in that he had taken a drink of water after weighing out.
The performance of WINNINGTRY (IRE) which finished unplaced, was considered. The representative of Paul Nicholls could offer no explanation for the gelding's performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of WINNINGTRY (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that FORZA MILAN (IRE) had lost its left hind shoe.
Race 4 - 2:15pm THE RUGBY BETTING AT 188BET HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 2) BALLYBOLLEY (IRE) wore earplugs throughout the race.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that GARDEFORT (FR), placed fourth, lost its left hind shoe and MATORICO (IRE), which was pulled up, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 6 - 3:25pm THE FREE SPINS AT 188BET CASINO HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Permission was given for INK MASTER (IRE) to be mounted in the chute and go early to post, and BALLYHILL (FR) wore earplugs throughout the race.
Race 7 - 4:00pm THE 188bet.co.uk STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that HENRY’S JOY (IRE), placed second, lost its right fore shoe. View Stewards report Doncaster, 11 Nov 17 Race 1 - 11:55am THE BETFRED MOBILE COCK O'THE NORTH EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 4) (PLUS 10 RACE) (DIV I) Following the race, Daniel Muscutt reported that AL ASEF, unplaced, ran too free and Jason Hart reported that LADY WILLPOWER, placed second, hung left.
Race 2 - 12:25pm THE BETFRED MOBILE COCK O'THE NORTH EBF MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 4) (PLUS 10 RACE) (DIV II) Following the race, Jack Garritty reported that COCKTAIL (IRE), unplaced, hung left throughout.
Race 3 - 1:00pm THE BETFRED 'HOME OF GOALS GALORE' APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 3) (Future Stars Apprentice Series) Permission was given for PASTORAL PLAYER and EL PRINCIPE to go early to post.
Following the race, Theodore Ladd reported that PASTORAL PLAYER, unplaced, was slowly into stride and Jack Duern reported that GOLDEN AMBER (IRE), unplaced, missed the break. The Veterinary Officer reported that LADY IN QUESTION (IRE), placed fourth, lost its left fore shoe and EASY VICTORY, unplaced, bled from the nose.
Race 4 - 1:35pm THE BETFRED 'SUPPORTS JACK BERRY HOUSE' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) Permission was given for HELLS BABE to wear a hood in the Parade Ring and to go early to post and for BEACH BAR (IRE) to be led early to post.
The Starter reported that SPECULATIVE BID (IRE), trained by David Elsworth, was the subject of a third criteria failure. The trainer was informed that the gelding could not run until the day after passing a stalls test.
The performance of MUNTADAB (IRE), which started joint favourite and finished unplaced, was considered. Roger Fell explained that the gelding was feeling the effects of a long season and is in need of a break. MUNTADAB (IRE) was routine tested.
Following the race, Callum Shepherd reported that MOBSTA (IRE), unplaced, was denied a clear run.
Race 5 - 2:05pm THE BETFRED MOBILE WENTWORTH STAKES (CLASS 1) (Listed Race) PERFECT PASTURE, drawn 11, anticipated the start and accelerated the gate at the same moment as the race had been started. Being satisfied that it was not caused through a faulty action of the starting stalls, no further action was taken.
G. F. Carroll, the rider of G FORCE (IRE), unplaced, had appeared to stop riding shortly before the winning post to be beaten a nose for sixth place. After being interviewed and shown recordings of the incident, Carroll was suspended for 2 days for failing to take all reasonable and permissible measures to obtain the best possible placing on a horse that would have finished sixth.
The performance of STAKE ACCLAIM (IRE), which finished unplaced, was considered. The representative of Dean Ivory explained that the gelding was feeling the effects of a busy season and is in need of a break. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of STAKE ACCLAIM (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6 - 2:40pm THE BETFRED TV EBF STALLIONS BREEDING WINNERS GILLIES FILLIES' STAKES (CLASS 1) (Listed Race) Permission was given for VINTAGE FOLLY to wear a hood in the Parade Ring.
Race 7 - 3:15pm THE BETFRED NOVEMBER HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) Permission was given for both SIR CHAUVELIN and EUCHEN GLEN to go early to post.
Approaching the final furlong, ROYAL LINE, unplaced, shifted quickly left before correction, carrying GAWDAWPALIN (IRE), placed fifth, off its intended line, which in turn interfered with WILD HACKED (USA), unplaced, which in turn slightly carried CHELSEA LAD (IRE), placed second, off its intended line. After viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, Robert Havlin reported that EDDYSTONE ROCK (IRE), placed third, was denied a clear run. The riders of CHELSEA LAD (IRE), placed second, and STORM KING, placed fourth, both reported their mounts hung right. David Probert reported that TOWERLANDS PARK (IRE), unplaced, stopped quickly and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 8 - 3:50pm THE BETFRED 'RACING'S BIGGEST SUPPORTER' NURSERY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Permission was given for BIDDY BRADY (USA) to go early to post.
Approximately 1½ furlongs out, MABLE LEE (IRE), unplaced, hung quickly left causing TATHMEEN (IRE), unplaced, to be briefly checked, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
An enquiry was held to consider interference inside the final half a furlong, when the winner, CAPTAIN JAMESON (IRE) hung right, interfering with GANGLAND, placed third. The riders were interviewed and shown recordings of the incident. Jason Hart was cautioned for careless riding as he allowed his mount to drift right causing GANGLAND to be briefly checked.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that EVA DOCC (IRE), unplaced, lost its left fore shoe. View Stewards report Kelso, 11 Nov 17 Race 1 - 12:15pm THE GEORGE HARROW MEMORIAL NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) The Veterinary Officer reported that MANITOWOC COUNTY (IRE), unplaced, had bled from the nose, and that BURLINGTON BERT (FR), placed fourth, had lost its left front shoe.
Race 2 - 12:50pm THE MORRISON CONSTRUCTION NOVICES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of BETANCOURT (IRE), unplaced, found the gelding to be struck into right hind.
Race 4 - 2:00pm THE FRANK FLANNIGAN SKIPHIRE & BORDER SKIPHIRE HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) The Veterinary Officer reported that AMILLIONTIMES (IRE), placed fourth, had bled from the nose and as a result did not enter the winners enclosure.
The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of DIMPLE, which was pulled up, found the gelding to have an irregular heart rate.
Race 5 - 2:35pm THE MAYFIELD RESTAURANT HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Jamie Hamilton reported that his saddle on TRUST THOMAS, placed third, slipped after the final fence. Tony Kelly reported that AZERT DE COEUR (FR), unplaced, did not jump fluently throughout. View Stewards report Wincanton, 11 Nov 17 Fixture Note After Race 1 the going was changed to Soft (from Soft, Good to Soft in places). Race 3 - 1:50pm THE Z HOTELS MARES' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 2) (NHMOPS Bonus Race) INDIAN STREAM, trained by Neil Mulholland, which was the top weight in this race, was withdrawn. Mulholland’s explanation that he had hoped that the rain forecast would not materialise, but after the rainfall overnight he felt that the Soft, Good to Soft in places going was, in his opinion, slower than described and not suited to the filly, was noted. Following race 1, the going was changed to Soft.
Following the race, James Bowen reported that SECRET DOOR (IRE), unplaced, was never travelling and Harry Fry could offer no explanation for the filly's performance. The Veterinary Officer reported that TARA VIEW, which was pulled up, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 5 - 3:00pm THE UNIBET ELITE HURDLE RACE (A LIMITED HANDICAP) (CLASS 1) (Grade 2) FLYING TIGER (IRE) wore ear plugs, which were removed at the start.
The Clerk of the Scales reported that Matt Griffiths, the rider of MELODIC RENDEZVOUS, unplaced, trained by Jeremy Scott, had weighed in at 10 stone 12 lbs having weighed out at 10 stone 10 lbs. The rider, the trainer and the Clerk of the Scales were interviewed. Griffiths was suspended for 1 day for having taken a drink after weighing out.
Race 6 - 3:35pm THE BADGER ALES TROPHY HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 1) (Listed Race) Permission was given for YALA ENKI (FR) to go early to post.
The performance of MR MIX (FR) which started favourite and was pulled up, was considered. The representative of Paul Nicholls could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. MR MIX (FR) was routine tested.
Following the race, the representative of Peter Bowen reported that HENLAN HARRI (IRE), which was pulled up, was unsuited by the Soft going on this occasion and would prefer a quicker surface. View Stewards report Wolverhampton, 11 Nov 17 Race 1 - 4:20pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV I) Following the race, Phil Dennis reported that PORTRUSH STORM, unplaced, was denied a clear run early in the home straight.
Race 2 - 4:50pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV II) Following the race, Martin Harley reported that FAIRWAY TO HEAVEN (IRE), unplaced, lost its action inside the final furlong, and Phil Dennis reported that JACKSONFIRE, unplaced, lost its action inside the final furlong. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of both geldings failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 4 - 5:50pm THE BETWAY SPRINT HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for BLAZED (IRE) to go early to post.
It was noted that Luke Morris, the rider of BONDI BEACH BOY, placed fourth, was momentarily impeded in the early stages of the race when his mount’s blindfold had landed across his face, impairing his vision.
Following the race, Paddy Pilley reported that the winner, BLAZED (IRE), was slowly away, and Robert Winston reported that POINT NORTH (IRE), unplaced, jumped awkwardly leaving the stalls.
Race 5 - 6:20pm THE 32Red CASINO NURSERY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for TONKOLILI (IRE) to be mounted on the course and NAMPARA wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
Following the race, Luke Morris reported that GLOBAL EXCEED, unplaced, was never travelling.
Race 6 - 6:50pm THE 32Red.com FILLIES' CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) Permission was given for SEXY LEGS to go early to post.
The Starter reported that BUMPTIOUS, trained by Ismail Mohammed, was the subject of a third criteria failure. The trainer was informed that the filly could not run until the day after passing a stalls test.
Following the race, Fran Berry reported that PEPITA (IRE), placed second, hung left-handed.
Race 8 - 7:50pm THE sunbets.co.uk HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for DANA'S PRESENT to go early to post and be mounted in the chute. View Stewards report
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 19:10:46 GMT
Jim Crowley's dash to Doncaster after a successful whirlwind trip to Abu Dhabi paid off when he took the riding honours with a 181-1 treble on the last day of the turf season.
The 2016 champion jockey only landed at Heathrow airport at 7am from the Middle East, where he won the world's most lucrative race for pure Arabian horses on Muraaqib for his boss Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum following a stewards' inquiry.
Crowley showed no signs of jet lag as he enjoyed a terrific trio on Tallow (100-30), Dream Of Dreams (5-1) and Saunter (6-1).
The latter was the highlight as it came in the Betfred November Handicap and was the second leg of an across-the-card double for trainer Ian Williams. He had been successful 15 minutes earlier with London Prize in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton.
"It's been great," said Crowley.
"Michael Watts (Saunter's owner) was a supporter of mine when I was jumping. They went quick and I wasn't worried about being caught three wide with the ground chopped up on the inside.
"He loved the ground and he's a nice horse. Ian's done a great job with him."
Dream Of Dreams, trained by Sir Michael Stoute, quickened up in good style to lift the Betfred Mobile Wentworth Stakes by a length from Perfect Pasture.
"He's had niggly problems but has got over them now," said Bruce Raymond, racing manager to owner Saeed Suhail.
"He's going to have to step up into Group company, but he needs soft ground."
Crowley's spree began on Tallow for trainer William Haggas as she claimed division two of the Betfred Mobile Cock O'The North EBF Maiden Stakes.
Division One went to David Simcock's newcomer Raid (9-2), who landed a cosy success under Oisin Murphy.
"He was bought here at Doncaster at the breeze-ups and was ready to go in April, but it didn't work out like that. He had sore shins and one thing and another. It was just nice to get a run into him," said Simcock.
David Elsworth spoke highly of Speculative Bid (7-1) after the six-year-old defied top weight of 9st 10lb in the Betfred 'Supports Jack Berry House' Handicap, beating Shady McCoy by a neck in the hands of Sean Levey.
"It was a hell of a performance under that weight," said Elsworth.
"This horse had had a history of leg problems and to come back with that weight, he's obviously a Group horse. He's got high-class form, hence his rating.
"He goes on the all-weather as well. We'll look at the Listed races and there's the Good Friday do."
What's The Story (9-1) routed the opposition in the Betfred 'Home Of Goals Galore' Apprentice Handicap as he made light of a 210-day absence.
The Keith Dalgleish-trained three-year-old had been out since winning at Musselburgh in April but fairly sprinted away in the final furlong under Callum Rodriguez to score by two and a half lengths from Hajjam.
"He missed a lot of the year with a setback. We thought we'd give him all the time he needed and try to get a race at the back end, and we've just done it," said Dalgleish.
"It's a shame as we were looking forward to him this year, but he can have a good four-year-old career now."
Hughie Morrison's Star Rock (5-1) battled on resolutely to land the Betfred TV Stallions Breeding Winners Gillies Fillies' Stakes by a length from the 2-1 favourite Vintage Folly.
Captain Jameson took the concluding Betfred 'Racing's Biggest Supporter' Nursery Handicap to give trainer John Quinn his best year with 53 winners.
PERFORMANCE OF THE DAY
Keith Dalgleish has a decent prospect for 2018 in What's The Story, who spreadeagled a big field in the seven-furlong Betfred 'Home Of Goals Galore' Apprentice Handicap. The Harbour Watch colt had been off the track since April but that could be a blessing in disguise and Dalgelish is already looking forward to next year.
RIDE OF THE DAY
Sean Levey showed nerves of steel on Speculative Bid in the Betfred 'Supports Jack Berry House' Handicap. Holding the top-weight back at the rear of the field for most of the seven-furlong contest, he weaved David Elsworth's charge through the pack from two furlongs out to lead 50 yards from home and land the spoils.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"It's not a bad 20 minutes to have in any training career. It's lovely to do it on the Flat and over jumps," said Ian Williams after completing an across-the-card double with London Prize in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton and Saunter in the November Handicap at Doncaster.
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Post by Kimmy on Nov 11, 2017 19:14:34 GMT
Today's LIVE Scoop6 Results Win Fund: No Winner - £364,182 rolled over to next time Place Fund: There were 3 correct selections each winning £6,942.90
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Post by dennisg on Nov 11, 2017 21:58:21 GMT
in today's sporting life............. Ben Linfoot reflects on the 2017 Flat season and dishes out awards for top horse, top trainer, top ride, top performance, top sprinter and more. Horse of the Year – ENABLE To be honest, this wasn’t even close. No other horse got near a campaign that yielded five Group One victories, collected on a range of tracks and ground in a style that signified the arrival of another Juddmonte Farms-bred top-notcher. A daughter of Nathaniel, Enable ended up at the training base of her sire, John Gosden’s, and, like her old man, she was lightly-raced as a juvenile, running and winning just the once, over a mile on Newcastle’s Tapeta surface at the end of November. Her three-year-old career started almost five months after that on April 21, and it started inauspiciously. It was her first go on turf and she raced keenly, finishing third behind her better-fancied stablemate Shutter Speed and Raheen House. Shutter Speed was cut to 8/1 for the Investec Oaks after that, but when Enable turned up at Chester on her next start and demolished them in the Cheshire Oaks things changed. Teddy Grimthorpe doubted Shutter Speed’s stamina in the aftermath of Enable’s win, knowing full well he’d just seen a stronger contender skip around the Roodee. And so it were. A thunderstorm heralded the start of the Oaks and Enable was lightning quick on the track, seeing off Rhododendron by five lengths with a further six lengths back to the third. She was every bit as brilliant as the same stable’s Taghrooda was three years previously, so it was no wonder the King George was mentioned in the aftermath. Ascot would have to wait, though, as Enable went to the Curragh first to land the Irish Oaks at odds of 2/5. It was never in doubt and the five-and-a-half length winning margin is only misleading because it doesn’t illustrate just how easily she won. The King George came just two weeks after her Irish jig and it turned into a will-she-won't-she mini saga, but this was one gig she was destined for. Just like her sire did in 2011, she turned up and won the midsummer highlight, carrying her owner Khalid Abdullah’s famous silks across the King George winning line in first place for the first time in 31 years. The first time since Dancing Brave. She spanked the Coral-Eclipse winner Ulysses by over four lengths and after that the rest of her season was set in stone. It would be the Yorkshire Oaks, it would be the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. The Knavesmire race turned into the procession it was meant to be, even if she did do things differently from the front end. She didn’t have to be as brilliant as she was in the King George, but it was job done ahead of her biggest test; that Chantilly Arc. Ulysses, fresh from his Juddmonte International success, was there to take her on again and there were new challenges too, like the French Derby winner, Brametot, and Ballydoyle’s battalions that included quadruple Group One heroine Winter, emphatic Irish St Leger hero Order Of St George and Doncaster St Leger winner Capri. They didn’t have a sniff, though, not after Frankie Dettori made use of her good low draw in two to manoeuvre her into a winning position in the first couple of furlongs. She raced with zest, put the race to bed with a burst of speed two furlongs out and galloped her way into Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe history. The debate will rage on over which John Gosden-trained horse is the best, Enable or Cracksman, until the day they meet on the track, if indeed they do. Both stay in training at four, so at least there’s a chance, but there is no doubt that Enable’s three-year-old career as a whole was much the better. She simply lit up the Flat season and fully deserves the Horse of the Year mantle. Play Video 2017 Investec Oaks - Enable - Racing UK Performance of the Year – CRACKSMAN (Champion Stakes) But that Champion Stakes. It was a marvellous performance from Cracksman. A coming-of-age, bloodless victory. They said he’ll be even better at four, but if he’s better than this he will be a monster. The best yet of Frankel’s progeny, the fledgling stallion’s first Group One winner in Europe, at one stage in his three-year-old career it looked a case of what might have been. Pulled out of the Dante, third in the Derby, then his best effort yet, a neck second to Capri in the Irish Derby. But, come August, the only victory he had to his name as a three-year-old was a short-head Derby trial verdict over Permian at Epsom in April. That was rectified in an emphatic Great Voltigeur win at York’s Ebor meeting, while a slightly more workmanlike success in the Prix Niel in September fanned the flames for those that thought he might just turn up at Chantilly for the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe after all. John Gosden was always pretty adamant that wouldn’t be the case, though, and, whether you think this year’s Arc represented Cracksman’s best chance of winning the race or not, I think it’s undeniable, an understatement, that the Clarehaven handler did a pretty fine job of keeping both sets of connections happy, priming their horses to perfection for their big days. Cracksman never struck me as a 10-furlong horse, and he was up against some very good horses at the distance on Champions Day. But he outclassed them. He outpowered them. As Frankie said, ‘he put a good field to bed in the manner of a champion,’ and that’s exactly what all the ratings bodies concluded in the aftermath. Timeform rated him 136, 2lb superior to Enable. The BHA rated him 130, 2lb superior to Enable. And Racing Post Ratings allotted the performance 131, 2lb superior to Enable’s Arc. It was a stunning effort, one that the Champions Day concept was designed to produce. Performance of the Year? Absolutely. Play Video 2017 Qipco Champion Stakes - Cracksman - Racing UK Race of the Year – CORAL-ECLIPSE Ulysses v Barney Roy If you’re talking race of the year, I think you’re looking at a couple of things. The spectacle itself, and a tight battle for the line always helps on that score, and how the form works out. This year’s Coral-Eclipse excelled on both counts. It wasn’t all satisfactory and it was a bit rough early on with Cliffs Of Moher badly hampered down the back, losing three lengths and his chance of winning. But things really developed in the famous straight with five or six of them seemingly having a chance within the final quarter mile. At that moment it became apparent that Ulysses was travelling all over them and as they passed the one-furlong marker you’d every right to think he’d score by a couple of lengths. Yet at the same time Barney Roy was just hitting his considerable stride and he proved a really tough nut to crack, the pair hitting the line almost as one in a barnstorming finish. A nose separated them in the photo, Ulysses’ nose, the older horse edging out the three-year-old in the first battle of the generations of the campaign. At the time the form looked suspect, but it couldn’t have worked out much better. Ulysses went on to win the Juddmonte International, the third home Desert Encounter got his just reward in a Group 3 at Newbury, fifth home Eminent won a Group 2 at Deauville on his next start and the sixth home, Decorated Knight, landed the Irish Champion Stakes. And, for pure excitement, you couldn’t really beat that epic finish. Ulysses beats Barney Roy Ulysses beats Barney Roy Training Performance of the Year – CLIVE COX (Harry Angel) Clive Cox is a master at training sprinters, he's shown that over the years with the likes of Lethal Force and Reckless Abandon, and he showcased his talents with a speedster again this season thanks to his campaigning of Harry Angel. You only have to watch Harry Angel’s seasonal reappearance at Ascot to see how keen he was and that trait never left him all season, but he was still able to land two victories at the top level. Plenty of credit has to go to his rider, Adam Kirby, as well, but Cox’s preparation of this son of Dark Angel allowed him to be at his very best both in the Darley July Cup at Newmarket and the 32Red Sprint Cup at Haydock a couple of months later. Getting him to relax early on was absolutely key to his July Cup success, while resisting the temptation to run in the Nunthorpe looked crucial to him bouncing to a career-best performance in the heavy ground at Haydock in September. He couldn’t quite keep his top form going into Champions Day, but Cox had already worked his magic to conjure two Group Ones out of his pride and joy and the good thing is he stays in training at four so he can do it all over again. Adam Kirby celebrates after winning the July Cup on Harry Angel Fastest Thing On Four Legs of the Year – BATTAASH It was a tremendous year for the sprinters. Over six furlongs we had the aforementioned Harry Angel and Caravaggio flying the flag for the three-year-olds, while older horses like The Tin Man, Brando and Librisa Breeze had their days in the sun as well. Yet it was over five furlongs we were really treated to the spectacular. Lady Aurelia’s King’s Stand. Marsha’s Nunthorpe. And then there was Bataash. He was well beaten by the two fillies at York when he didn’t run his race, largely ruining his chance in the preliminaries when he was reluctant to load, but at Goodwood and Chantilly he was simply breathtaking. At Goodwood in the King George Stakes he thrashed Profitable, Marsha and dual winner of the race Take Cover, while in the Prix de l’Abbaye he put up an unbelievable performance off the front end to win by four lengths. Keeping a lid on him looks the key to his success and, when they do, he looks unstoppable. It’ll be fun charting his progress again in 2018. Battaash pictured winning the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines Jockey of the Year – SILVESTRE DE SOUSA It's been said plenty of times throughout the Flat season, but it's worth asking the question again. Why doesn’t Silvestre de Sousa get more big-race rides? Sometimes overlooked on the big days, you often wonder where the Brazilian is when the top-class action is going on only to look at the away meetings and see he’s racked up another treble. This season he cantered to his second jockeys’ championship, having it sewn up well before he collected his trophy on Champions Day (where he only had one ride) and he’s got over 200 winners on the board in the calendar year now. His biggest win came on Withhold in the Cesarewitch (Gamble of the Year), so at least Tony Bloom had the sense to book him for that no-nonsense steering job, but his best day of the season came at Sandown on June 16. He was a neck away from winning on all six of his rides at the Esher track, having to make do with a 968/1 five-timer, before he hot-footed it to Goodwood’s evening meeting to ride his sixth winner of the day. The horse in question? I’vegotthepower. He has indeed. Great British Racing ✔@gbracing Silvestre De Sousa's incredible journey of becoming the 2017 Stobart Champion Flat Jockey 🙌🇧🇷 (with Portuguese subtitles) @silvdsousa 12:30 PM - Oct 19, 2017 Replies 14 14 Retweets 19 19 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy Trainer of the Year – AIDAN O’BRIEN There could only be one winner in this category. It was always a matter of when, not if, Aidan O’Brien would break Bobby Frankel’s world record for number of top-level wins in a calendar year, and he’s done it in style in 2017. The record was 25, it’s now 27, and there’s time for more yet. Getting four Group Ones out of Roly Poly and two out of U S Navy Flag are good examples of his incredible talent, even if it’s his relentless pursuit of Classics that hit the headlines. And there were plenty of headlines in that respect this year. Churchill, x2. Winter, x2. Wings Of Eagles. Capri x2. Only Enable’s two Oaks wins denied O’Brien a remarkable Classic clean sweep. He’s the trainer of this year, last year, next year, of every year. He’s the greatest of all time. Meeting of the Year – YORK’S EBOR FESTIVAL Hands up, I’m a biased northerner. But where else could you have seen Enable, Cracksman, Marsha v Lady Aurelia and the richest handicap in Europe this season? Nowhere but the Knavesmire. And after Goodwood’s unfortunate rain-affected five days, it’s York that just edges out Royal Ascot by about half-a-length. Play Video 2017 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes - Racing UK Ride of the Year – ANDREA ATZENI (Decorated Knight in the Irish Champion Stakes) This is always a good debate and plenty spring to mind. James Doyle’s super sub appearance on Big Orange in the Ascot Gold Cup was a great ride from the front end, while Padraig Beggy’s remarkable run through the Derby field on Wings Of Eagles was incredible on many levels. However, the one that sticks in my mind is Andrea Atzeni’s last-to-first effort on Decorated Knight in the Irish Champion Stakes. A jockey riding right at the top of his game, Atzeni was ice-cool aboard the Roger Charlton-trained horse, settling him way off the pace at the back of the field before motoring up the centre of the track, timing his challenge to perfection to deny Poet’s Word by half-a-length. Charlton said: “Andrea is very good. He is very confident and he rides a lot of good horses, which helps. I thought he gave the horse a wonderful ride." Jamie Spencer, who you could easily argue deserved ride of the year for his efforts on the likes of Banksea and Con Te Partiro, tweeted his own praise for Atzeni following the Irish Champion, saying: “Atzeni, probably the most naturally gifted rider born to ride a horse, lovely to watch.” Observing the Sardinian jockey at Leopardstown, it’s hard to disagree with that.
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Post by dennisg on Nov 11, 2017 22:00:58 GMT
Matt Brocklebank looks ahead to Sunday's quality action with recommended bets at Sandown and Ffos Las, including the popular Houblon Des Obeaux. There are few more enticing prospects at this stage of the National Hunt season than high-class, second-season chasers returning to the fold with the promise of untold improvement. Sunday's 188Bet Future Stars Intermediate Chase at Sandown should make for unmissable viewing on that front with the magnificently gifted and ever-so-slightly quirky antepost King George favourite Might Bite among the four declared runners. Might Bite was beaten first time out this time last year and he must give 6lb to a horse officially rated 'only' 9lb his inferior in Label Des Obeaux, but that's just about where it stops when it comes to constructing any kind of case against the RSA Chase and Mildmay winner. Paul Nicholls saddles the two others in the field and the continually underestimated Frodon may ultimately be the one to get closest to Nicky Henderson's star if stripping fitter for his Newton Abbot spin, as one might expect, but the odds-on favourite should be different class if staying on all fours. There's no desire to part with any cash in the Listed feature but the Rugby Betting At 188Bet Novices' Limited Handicap Chase has a great shape to it and JAMESON (9/2 General) looks rock solid on his second start for Nigel Twiston-Davies and his first in a handicap. Twister should know exactly where he stands with the Dai Walters-owned gelding as he hammered the yard's Ballyarthur over two and a half miles at Ffos Last back in April when in the care of Henderson, and there was tons to like about his recent reappearance run when second to the 157-rated West Approach on chasing debut. Horses rated 144, 140 and 134 finished 10 lengths and more behind the runner-up. He jumped big and bold at the head of affairs before just weakening late on and it's expected to have tightened him up physically. The deep ground also appeared to catch him out slightly and despite no return yet of the hood he wore over timber for his previous handler, dropping back a furlong in trip on a better surface is bound to play to his strengths. It's a warm race of its type with Chalonnial, Touch Kick and Bally Gilbert - who has had his wind tinkered with and is seemingly made for fences - both highly respected, but the prep run puts Jameson in the box seat fitness-wise, we already know how well he can jump and while a mark of 129 isn't exactly a gift, it looks lenient enough based on that comeback run in Wales. At The Races ✔@attheraces Half-brother to the mighty Thistlecrack, 157-rated West Approach wins nicely on chase debut for the @colintizzard team at @ffoslasrc: 2:35 PM - Oct 21, 2017 4 4 Replies 45 45 Retweets 159 159 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy HOUBLON DES OBEAUX gets to race off a career-low chase mark on his first outing in the veteran ranks (188Bet.co.uk Veterans' Handicap Chase) and it wouldn't be a surprise to see him really enjoy himself in this company. On his seasonal return last December he finished third to Native River in the Welsh National and there was nothing wrong with four subsequent outings either including when 10th in the National off a mark of 149. Dropping him to 141 following the year he had last time strikes as a rare act of kindness from the assessor, and with the Venetia Williams yard back among the winners, Houblon Des Obeaux is not to be missed at 7/1 (bet365). If you're into trainers called Williams, then look no further than the Bayliss Metals Handicap Chase at Ffos Las, in which Venetia, Evan, Nick and Christian all represent the clan. Apples Jade (1.40 Navan), Might Bite (2.20 Sandown) & Footpad (2.45 Navan) all to win - enhanced to 15/8 It's not a bad little race, and nor is the Ethical Power Handicap Hurdle which follows at the same venue, in which ACT NOW (5/1 bet365) looks worth chancing on her seasonal reappearance. Her trainer Anthony Honeyball has quite a tidy course record in South West Wales, sending out 12 winners from 65 runners over the last five seasons, and he's had two comeback winners already this week at Fontwell, which bodes well for Act Now. She likes nothing more than a battle in the mud and produced a career-best effort when winning over the extended three miles, one furlong at Hereford when last seen in March. A 7lb rise obviously demands a bit more here but she's basically unexposed in handicap hurdles, despite her age, and could be very hard to catch out in front under a feather weight if ready to rock on her return, as the stable form indicates she might.
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