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Post by Kimmy on Jan 18, 2018 9:57:14 GMT
Thursday: going, weather & non-runners Chelmsford (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Scattered showers STALLS: 6f - Centre; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 6:30 Georgian Bay (1) 8:30 Lady Cristal (3)Bobby Vee (7) Ludlow GOING: Hurdle course - SOFT; Chase course - GOOD TO SOFT (Soft in places) (GoingStick 5.4) WEATHER: Scattered showers NON RUNNERS: 1:00 Secret Escape (12) 3:10 Now Ben (2) Southwell (AW) GOING: FIBRESAND: STANDARD WEATHER: Scattered showers STALLS: 5f - Centre; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 1:20 Angel Palanas (1) 3:30 Dazeekha (5) 4:05 Master Of Song (9) Wincanton GOING: HEAVY (GoingStick: Chs 5.3, Hdl 5.4) (Stable hurdle, 2nd fence in back straight & cross fence will be omitted) (Rail movements: R1 & 4 +168y, R2 +58y, R3 +224y, R5 & 6 +28y) WEATHER: Showers NON RUNNERS: 2:10 Twojayslad (10) 3:55 Solstice Twilight (13)Stand By Me (10)
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 18, 2018 9:57:44 GMT
BANKER
Show On The Road (3.20 Wincanton)
Philip Hobbs's unexposed seven-year-old Show On The Road proved he is one to follow when dotting up on heavy ground at Exeter on New Year's Day, pulling 13 lengths clear of subsequent Newbury scorer Friday Night Light with ease. The runner won off a mark of 111 yesterday, which suggests Show On The Road definitely has a race in him off 118. The trip, ground and race conditions all look perfect.
- Show On The Road 3:20 Wincanton EYECATCHER
Hatchet Jack (1.40 Wincanton)
Ex-pointer has been improving with every start under rules for trainer Paul Henderson and has caught the eye the last twice at Plumpton and Ascot. Given an extreme waiting ride by Tom O'Brien at the Sussex venue two starts back, he crept into the contest and looked like having a good chance of landing the maiden hurdle prize before he flattened out up the hill, coming home a respectable fourth. The same happened again at Ascot on handicap debut, but that was a good race and it's interesting that the handicapper has left him on a mark of 120.
- Hatchet Jack 1:40 Wincanton 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 Jan 18, 2018 10:02:31 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 18, 2018 10:02:57 GMT
LUDLOW
GOODFELLOW
1.00 Passing Call
1.30 Happy Diva
2.00 Actinpieces
2.35 Lygon Rock
3.10 Now Ben
3.45 The Sweeney
4.20 Rebound
GIMCRACK
1.00 Melangerie
1.30 Happy Diva
2.00 Mystical Knight
2.35 Darius Des Bois
3.10 Virak
3.45 Pennywell
4.20 Ligny
SOUTHWELL
GOODFELLOW
12.20 Tilly Devine
12.50 Sunshineandbubbles
1.20 Angel Palanas (nap)
1.50 Decision Maker
2.20 Aleef
2.55 Luv U Whatever
3.30 Coiste Bodhar
4.05 Ochos Rios
GIMCRACK
12.20 Outlaw Torn
12.50 Secret Lightning
1.20 Swot
1.50 Axe Cap
2.20 Handsome Dude (nb)
2.55 Ingleby Spring
3.30 Roy’s Legacy
4.05 Star Ascending
WINCANTON
GOODFELLOW
1.10 Tacenda
1.40 Tudors Treasure
2.10 Themanfrom Minella
2.45 Behind Time
3.20 Show On The Road
3.55 Grand Sancy
GIMCRACK
1.10 Tacenda
1.40 Contented
2.10 Dawson City
2.45 Triopas
3.20 Acaro
3.55 Big Fred
CHELMSFORD CITY
GOODFELLOW
5.55 Haraz
6.30 Loyalty
7.00 Garsington
7.30 Wimpole Hall (nb)
8.00 Reiffa
8.30 Pulsating
9.00 Marshall Aid
GIMCRACK
5.55 Billyoakes
6.30 Enigmatic
7.00 Surrey Blaze (nap)
7.30 Nonios
8.00 Reiffa
8.30 Pulsating
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 18, 2018 17:19:39 GMT
Fairyhouse manager Peter Roe has defended the decision to cancel Wednesday's fixture as well as the date chosen by Horse Racing Ireland for the rescheduled meeting at the track, almost a month later on February 14.
After the course was deemed unfit for racing due to overnight snow, Denis Hogan, among other trainers, took to social media to vent their frustration over the length of time between the original and rescheduled meeting and questioned why HRI didn't try to run the card elsewhere.
Hogan said on Thursday: "Fair enough, the meeting was called off, but for HRI not to reschedule the card this week, be it at Fairyhouse or another track that was suitable for racing, it's just so frustrating.
"We've had no National Hunt racing all week. I'm sure we could have run the card somewhere else if Fairyhouse couldn't stage it.
"The end result isn't satisfactory because who's to say the horses we were going to run on Wednesday will be ready to run again in a month's time? It's very annoying, more so for the owner than anyone else.
"It wasn't a quality card and, while it wouldn't have received a massive attendance, these are the types of owners we need to facilitate as there aren't too many other opportunities for some of the horses that were declared. Maybe there would have been a quicker turnaround had this been a better card." Roe argues Fairyhouse would have been in no shape to stage the meeting 24 hours later and cited the fear of having to cancel again as the main reason why the meeting wasn't rescheduled for next week.
He said on Thursday: "We had snow on the course until yesterday afternoon followed by 10mm of rain so there was no way we could have raced today.
"The forecast for the next week is quite bad and we didn't want to face the prospect of having to cancel again. We also have two meetings scheduled here – January 27 and February 7 – between now and February 14.
"Also, the race programmes for Down Royal [January 30] and Punchestown [January 31] are quite similar to our rescheduled meeting. For those reasons, and following discussions with HRI, we decided on February 14 as the best date for the rescheduled card."
Despite his frustrations, Hogan acknowledged the positive changes HRI have made throughout the past year, and added: "I think this meeting didn't get much of a chance, and maybe they called it off too early, but in the grand scheme of things HRI have brought in some fantastic initiatives throughout the past season.
"The opportunity maiden hurdles and the general conditions of races has improved. It's been good to see."
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 18, 2018 17:20:48 GMT
Haydock clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright is cautiously optimistic the track's valuable Saturday card will win its battle against the weather, although he warned on Thursday it will be a close call.
As has been the case all winter, heavy and gruelling conditions prevail at Haydock, where 13 horses have been declared to contest the Peter Marsh Chase, while The New One is due to bid for his fourth consecutive success in the Unibet Champion Hurdle Trial. We may call a precautionary inspection for Saturday morning, but I have measured optimism," said Tellwright.
"If the forecast is correct we should scrape through by a hair's breadth.
"We've had a lot of rain but it hasn't fallen as snow. The risk of snow is diminishing now as well, although there's then a risk of frost. We're due to go down to only -2C on Friday night but the ground is now so wet that it's a ready conductor."
Asked about a racing surface that is sure to be demanding, Tellwright added: "The jockeys will have to set the pace according to the ground, there will be winners and there will be losers."
Dual previous winner Un De Sceaux and ante-post plunge Brain Power head five declarations for the Royal Salute Whisky Clarence House Chase, whose Ascot venue is in a safer state than Haydock. Clerk of the course Chris Stickels said: "The overnight forecast into Saturday is only -1C, which wouldn't generally pose any problems. We're also forecast the odd wintry shower, but there's nothing to indicate the meeting will be threatened.
"The ground is a mixture of soft and good to soft. I don't really see that changing significantly but I do think the ground will ride dead."
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 Jan 18, 2018 17:22:04 GMT
Trainer John Butler spoke on Thursday of his great pride in Stand Guard, the winner of a record 28 of his 84 starts on the all-weather, who has been retired at the age of 14.
Stand Guard ran what turned out to be his final race at Kempton on Tuesday, when he faded to eighth after looking a real danger to add to his impressive total.
The well-bred son of Danehill will stay at Butler's base at Brickfields Stud near Newmarket and will be shown regularly by his owner, Alice Haynes.
"We were happy with him and he'd done a nice piece of work at Kempton the week before," said Butler on Thursday. "We thought we had him pretty right and Liam [Keniry] was happy with him in the race and moved into a nice challenging position.
"We were disappointed with the way he didn’t finish his race the way he usually does, and clearly there's an issue somewhere. We’re a little bit gutted but we’re not going to fix it. He doesn’t deserve that, to be put under the knife at this stage of his life. Retire him and he can have a happy life."
Record-holder has a big heart
Stand Guard enjoyed a purple patch during his first full winter campaign under the care of Butler, winning nine times in the space of 129 days between December 2012 and the following April.
He also made the headlines in late 2016 when trading blows with Southwell specialist La Estrella as the winningmost horse in British all-weather racing history, securing his 28th success at Kempton last January. La Estrella retired on 27.
We're very proud of him and he holds the all-weather record," said Butler. "It’ll take a fair horse to beat it. Conor Dore had a horse get to 25 or something last year but I think he's retired now.
"It takes a long time and it takes a very sound horse. A lot of work goes into a horse that sound and Stand Guard has a big heart. I’m convinced that, bar a little issue the other night, he'd have won that race. Liam said that well past halfway he was 100 per cent certain he was going to win."
Butler had hinted at retirement when Stand Guard went on a break in February 2017 but brought him back for another winter campaign last October.
Butler said: "We put a lot of work and effort into him this year to see if we could get him to win again and we're disappointed, but at the same time happy he’s sound.
"Last year he did a few shows for retired racehorses and he’ll do some more this year. We’ll keep his body in good shape and it makes a difference to those older horses. It’s like an old person, the more active they are the longer they live."
Senior service: Stand Guard in numbers
84 all-weather starts
4 races on turf (most recent at York in September 2011)
£88,683 prize-money
96 Peak Racing Post Rating (November 2009)
11 wins at Wolverhampton (Kempton 7, Southwell 6, Lingfield 4)
1 runs for Sir Michael Stoute
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 18, 2018 18:12:38 GMT
Southwell, 18 Jan 18 Race 1 - 12:20pm THE sunbets.co.uk HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV I) Permission was given for QUICK MONET (IRE) to go early to post.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that BIB AND TUCKER, placed seventh, lost a left fore shoe.
Race 3 - 1:20pm THE sunbets.co.uk HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for CALEDONIAN GOLD to go early to post.
Following the race, B. A. Curtis reported that BIG AMIGO (IRE), placed fifth, missed the break and Robert Winston reported that SWOT, placed second, hung badly left.
Race 4 - 1:50pm THE BETWAY MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for AXE CAP (IRE) to go early to post.
Leaving the stalls, NALAINI (IRE), unplaced, jumped left interfering with ALESANDRA, unplaced, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, Phillip Makin reported that MEARING, unplaced, hung left.
Race 5 - 2:20pm THE BETWAY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) The performance of ECCLESTON, which finished seventh, beaten 16¾ lengths, was considered. Paul Mulrennan reported that the gelding was never travelling and the representative of Julie Camacho explained that ECCLESTON didn’t face the kickback. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 6 - 2:55pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for both FREE BOUNTY and INGLEBY SPRING (IRE) to be mounted in the chute.
The winner, BROTHERLY COMPANY (IRE), appeared to show an improvement in form compared with its previous run at Newcastle on 4 January 2018 where the gelding finished sixth of eight, beaten 17 lengths. The representative of Joanne Foster explained that BROTHERLY COMPANY (IRE) appreciated the return to the fibresand surface.
Following the race, Fran Berry reported that FREE BOUNTY, unplaced, was never travelling and B. A. Curtis reported that LAST CHANCE PADDY (USA), placed sixth, stumbled leaving the stalls.
Race 7 - 3:30pm THE BETWAY SPRINT HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Approximately 1½ furlongs out, FURNI FACTORS, placed second, edged right at the same time as ARCHIE STEVENS, placed third, edged left, which caused ROY’S LEGACY, placed fourth, to be briefly tightened for 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 placings of either FURNI FACTORS or ARCHIE STEVENS.
Following the race, Hollie Doyle reported that ELEGANT JOAN, placed sixth, hung right.
Race 8 - 4:05pm THE BETWAY LIVE CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) The Veterinary Officer reported that upon inspection, RED DOUGLAS was a gelding and not a colt as published in the racecard.
Eoin Walsh, the rider of LEONARD THOMAS, placed second, was suspended for 6 days for using his whip above the permitted level and without time to respond from 2 furlongs out.
Following the race, Hollie Doyle reported that ROSIE HALL (IRE), unplaced, hung right throughout and stopped quickly. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the mare failed to reveal any abnormalities. View Stewards report Ludlow, 18 Jan 18 Race 1 - 1:00pm THE PLYMOUTH CARVERY MARES' NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (Novices' Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) MELANGERIE wore earplugs throughout the race.
An enquiry was held into the running and riding of HIJRAN (IRE), ridden by Tommy Dowling and trained by Henry Oliver, which appeared to be tenderly handled from approaching the home turn to finish sixth, beaten 32¼ lengths. The rider and the trainer were interviewed and shown recordings of the race; the Handicapper offered observations and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of HIJRAN (IRE) revealed that the mare had a slight wound on its left fore and had also lost its right fore shoe. The rider stated that his instructions were to jump the mare off handy and get her settled and jumping in the early stages. He added that HIJRAN (IRE) ran very keenly and jumped sharply to the right over the first few hurdles. He further added that he was keen to ensure that the mare finished the race as well as possible and therefore delayed his effort until the home straight. The trainer confirmed the instructions, adding that he instructed the rider not to use his whip unless in serious contention for prize money. He also added that following her previous run at Catterick he was concerned that HIJRAN (IRE) may not quite stay the trip. Their explanations were noted.
Following the race, Sean Bowen reported that QUINE DES CHAMPS, unplaced, was never travelling and Alastair Ralph reported that the mare had a breathing problem.
Race 3 - 2:00pm THE JANUARY HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of MYSTICAL KNIGHT, which was pulled up, revealed the gelding was suffering from atrial fibrillation. The Veterinary Officer also reported that SEGO SUCCESS (IRE), placed third, lost its left hind shoe.
Race 4 - 2:35pm THE JUBILEE RESTAURANT MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) GORTROE JOE (IRE) wore earplugs throughout the race.
David Bass, the rider of the winner, CALL ME SID, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip above the permitted level from approaching the second last hurdle.
Following the race, Jamie Bargary reported that GENERAL MALARKEY (IRE), which was pulled up, hung badly left-handed.
Race 5 - 3:10pm THE CHASE MEREDITH MEMORIAL TROPHY OPEN HUNTERS' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) At the end of the back straight, TUGBOAT (IRE), placed third, momentarily rolled in on REAL MILAN (IRE), placed second, causing that gelding to be checked and stumble, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that MENDIP EXPRESS (IRE), placed fourth, bled from the nose and TUGBOAT (IRE), placed third, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 6 - 3:45pm THE RACING UK WINTER SEASON TICKET HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) Following the race, Nigel Hawke reported that DEAUVILLE CRYSTAL (FR), which was pulled up, had a breathing problem. View Stewards report Wincanton, 18 Jan 18 Race 2 - 1:40pm THE HIGOS INSURANCE SERVICES SOMERTON HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) Permission was given for MAGUIRE'S GLEN (IRE) to go early to post.
The winner, SAVOY COURT (IRE), appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Ffos Las on 18 December 2017 where the gelding finished fifth of ten beaten 53 lengths on heavy ground. Warren Greatrex’s explanation that the gelding needed the run at Ffos Las and was suited by running in a handicap on this occasion was noted. SAVOY COURT (IRE) was routine tested.
Following the race the representative of Philip Hobbs reported that CONTENTED (IRE), placed eighth, was unsuited by the heavy ground and would prefer a faster surface.
Race 3 - 2:10pm THE HIGOS INSURANCE SERVICES SOMERSET NATIONAL HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Following the race the representative of Tom George reported that WUFF (IRE), which was pulled up, had a breathing problem.
Race 4 - 2:45pm THE HIGOS FOR YOUR COMMERCIAL INSURANCE STEEPLE CHASE (A NOVICES' LIMITED HANDICAP) (CLASS 4) The winner, SPEEDALONG (IRE), appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Huntingdon on 26 December 2017 where the gelding finished sixth of nine, beaten 52 ¼ lengths. Jeremy Scott’s explanation that the gelding jumped better on this occasion than at Huntingdon, which was its first run over fences, was noted. SPEEDALONG (IRE) was routine tested.
Race 5 - 3:20pm THE HIGOS INSURANCE SERVICES YEOVIL HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) (Qualifier for The Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final) Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that THE BROTHERS (IRE), placed third, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 6 - 3:55pm THE HIGOS FOR YOUR THATCH INSURANCE 'NATIONAL HUNT' NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) JURBY wore earplugs which were removed at the start. View Stewards report Chelmsford City, 18 Jan 18 Race 1 - 5:55pm THE BET toteplacepot AT betfred.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) SPARE PARTS (IRE) ran yesterday, 18 January 2018, at Lingfield. The Veterinary Officer reported that a pre-race examination of the gelding deemed it fit to race.
Race 5 - 8:00pm THE BET totetrifecta AT betfred.com NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for GLOBAL PASS to go early to post.
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Post by dennisg on Jan 19, 2018 8:27:34 GMT
in today's sporting life................... Ben Pauling gives us the latest on his team and admits he's not willing to run Barters Hill while the stable is under a bit of a cloud. I'm sure it's no great surprise to hear that there's a bit of a head cold going around the yard at the moment and in the circumstances I'm afraid I'm not willing to run BARTERS HILL this weekend after such a long injury layoff. It’s nothing more than a winter cold but unfortunately you do get a bit of this at this time of the year and a few of ours have been running in and out to be honest. This is what training is all about, it's about making judgements without being too rash, and when it comes to Barters, his tracheal wash isn't that bad at all. I'm just not prepared to run him as things stand. He's obviously become quite close to a lot of racing fans' and punters' hearts and I just want him to have a fair crack when he does finally return. I was really keen to run him up at Haydock and the ground has gone very heavy, but that twinned with the yard not quite firing means we won't be going. I would like to stress the fact that if treated the right way we'll all be off again after a week or 10 days and it's such a shame because Barters has been showing all the signs he used to show, he looks fabulous, but it’s not fair on the horse to put that on him. There are plenty of options for him in the near future, there's a race at Sandown on the February 3, there are races at Huntingdon and Newbury coming up too – all of which are options. What's really frustrating is that not all the horses are under the weather and I'm certainly happy to run LE BREUIL at Ascot this weekend. It was an option of top weight at Haydock or Fontwell, or here, but with them now heavy I thought Ascot was more suitable. He seems very well in himself and I’ve always liked him a lot. He was beaten at Aintree last time but had a huge weight and the winner has won since so that wasn't a complete disaster at all. We'll almost certainly run OISTRAKH LE NOIR too. He won nicely last time out in France and he's done nothing but please us. I'd be looking forward to seeing him run. I’m not risking anything so what I do run you can rest assured I have absolutely no doubts over whatsoever and I won't risk KILDISART, whose trach-wash wasn't perfect. You've got to do the sensible thing, it's a real shame as he's talented and probably on the right side of the handicapper too, but given a week easy he’ll be absolutely fine.
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Post by dennisg on Jan 19, 2018 8:29:18 GMT
David Ord heads to Lingfield for the Sporting Life Daily Nap on Friday with one of Michael Atxxxxer's fancied to prevail. Recommended bet: Sporting Life's Daily Nap, January 19 Music Major looked an unlucky loser at Lingfield in December and can gain compensation by landing the Betway Handicap at Lingfield on Friday. Michael Atxxxxer’s charge was bidding to follow up a course and distance win last time but after travelling strongly, was denied a clear run at a crucial stage and finished full of running in second behind Bayston Hill. He’s 2lb higher here but 4lb better off with the winner that day and is taken to get the better of hat-trick seeking Miss Minuty. She’s on a roll right now but is 4lb higher than when winning here earlier in the month and the assessor could be closing in now. Daily Nap record: -15.82pts
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Post by dennisg on Jan 19, 2018 8:31:06 GMT
A round-up of the action from Wincanton on Thursday as Themanfrom Minella ground out a victory in the feature. It was a case of third time lucky for trainer Ben Case after Themanfrom Minella ground out a resolute success in the Higos Insurance Services Somerset National at Wincanton. Recent abandonments at Newcastle and Plumpton proved a blessing in disguise for the Edgcote handler, as the nine-year-old put in an assured round of jumping in the three-mile-three-furlong contest to defeat Blameitalonmyroots by two and a half lengths. Case said of the 9/2 joint-favourite: "I had him in at Newcastle and that was called off, and I had him in at Plumpton on Monday and that got called off. It is fantastic for me, as today didn't get called off and it was the biggest prize of all three of them and my first National winner. "He is improving all the time. He just seems a much stronger horse this season and is seeing out his races better and the blinkers seemed to have helped." Plans for a shot at more National glory could now be on the cards for the Carolyn Kendrick-owned gelding. Case added: "I was discussing with the sponsors after the race about the Devon National at Exeter, as they also sponsor that and that could be an option. "He could be the sort of horse for a Welsh National next season, he loves that really soft ground." A switch back to hurdles could be on the agenda for The Nipper following her three-and-a-quarter-length success in the Higos Insurance Services Platinum Mares' Handicap Chase, which initiated a double for trainer Warren Greatrex and rider Gavin Sheehan. Greatrex said of the 6/4 winner: "She is obviously getting better and she jumped very well today. She had plenty of running left in her and is going the right way. "I might switch her back to hurdles now for the Grade Two mares' race at Doncaster a week on Saturday. It looks likely to be soft and she handles this ground very well." Taking on board advice from champion jockey Richard Johnson proved to be a wise decision for the Lambourn handler after Savoy Court (14/1) completed his and Sheehan's brace with a 10-length win in the Higos Insurance Somerton Handicap Hurdle. Greatrex said: "To be fair Richard Johnson said after Ffos Las to run him in a handicap as he thought he would be fine and he was bang on. He surprised me a bit how he did it, but it was probably because he handled the ground better than the others. Gavin was very good on both rides." Chris Gordon celebrated his first winner of 2018 as Sea Wall opened his account for the campaign when defying top-weight in the Higos Insurance Services Yeovil Handicap Hurdle. Gordon said: "He has run a cracking race and is a good, consistent horse that is great fun for the owners. They have been running well and we've hit the bar a few times. It is lovely to have our first winner of the new year.
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Post by dennisg on Jan 19, 2018 8:32:35 GMT
Missed Approach will bid to bolster his chances of appearing in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree with an outing in the bet365 Edinburgh National Handicap Chase at Musselburgh. Trainer Warren Greatrex has earmarked the four-mile contest on February 3 as the next port of call for the eight-year-old, after he finished third in the Classic Chase at Warwick last weekend. The Lambourn handler said: "I think he ran well the other day. He did everything right, he just hit a flat spot with a mile to go but he did stay on well considering he was fifth turning in. "Nothing was going to beat the winner (Milansbar) as it just seemed like the blinkers brought out a lot of improvement. "I think he is a Grand National-type of horse, but he needs to go up in the weights. I am now going to look at the Edinburgh National. "If he wins that it should see him into the National weights. If he doesn't do it, then he doesn't deserve to have a crack at Aintree this year. "There are plenty of other races around that could be of interest and there is always next year's National. "If he improves for Warwick, then he should run very well at Musselburgh."
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 9:31:59 GMT
Friday: going, weather & non-runners Chepstow GOING: HEAVY (GoingStick: Chs 4.7, Hdl 5.1) (Rail movements: R1, 4 & 6 +14y, R2, 3 & 5 +23y) (The 4th fence in the back straight & the 2nd last hurdle in the home straight will be omitted) WEATHER: Partly cloudy Dundalk (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Mostly cloudy Lingfield (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: 5f - Outside; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 3:05 Sanches (7) Musselburgh GOING: SOFT (INSPECTION 10am) (Rail movements: R1, 6 & 7 +27y, R2 & 5 -84y, R3 & 4 +15y) WEATHER: Partly cloudy NON RUNNERS: 12:40 Red Ochre (4) 2:55 Running In Heels (7) 3:30 Apachee Prince (7) Newcastle (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Cloudy STALLS: Centre
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 9:32:35 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Native Appeal (3.40 Lingfield, nap)
Ran into a smart type when runner-up to Three Weeks at Newcastle a week ago and expected to thrive over this longer trip. Charlie Appleby's three-year-old is fancied to concede 5lb all round.
Others to follow Lingfield 1.25 Cool Baby, 2.00 Colourful Career, 2.30 Human Nature, 3.05 Strictly Art. Newcastle 5.45 Completion, 6.15 Argon, 6.45 Choice Encounter, 7.15 High Seas
4/9 Native Appeal 3:40 Lingfield (AW) West Country: Tim Mitchell
Ramses De Teillee (2.10 Chepstow, nap)
Impressive winner on chase debut over course and distance and not disgraced when trying to give 9lb to subsequent Rowland Meyrick Chase winner Get On The Yager next time. Will handle conditions better than most and another bold bid is expected.
Others to follow Chepstow 2.45 Daytime Ahead, 3.20 Alberobello, 3.50 Ballyegan.
5/4 Ramses De Teillee 2:10 Chepstow North: Colin Russell
Breathoffreshair (8.15 Newcastle, nap)
This progressive sort rattled up three wins on the trot at this course when last seen. He's capable of further progress and is fancied to go well again.
Others to follow Lingfield 2.30 Udontdodou. Musselburgh 12.40 Haulani, 1.15 Attention Please, 1.45 Simone, 2.20 Je Suis Charlie, 2.55 Swing Hard, 3.30 Jump For Dough, 4.00 Forewarning. Newcastle 5.45 Chingachgook, 6.15 Cherry Oak, 6.45 Nearest Green, 7.15 Barbara Villiers, 7.45 Justice Pleasing, 8.45 Star Cracker.
9/4 Breathoffreshair 8:15 Newcastle (AW) Lambourn: James Burn
Naranja (2.45 Chepstow, nap)
Jamie Snowden continues to enjoy a decent campaign and a mark of 112 is reasonable for this capable mare, who should relish the testing ground.
Others to follow Chepstow 1.05 Scorpion Sid, 1.35 Jammin Masters. Lingfield 12.55 Summer Thunder, 1.25 Inuk, 2.00 Bayston Hill, 3.05 Conkering Hero.
11/4 Naranja 2:45 Chepstow Longshot: Ed Quigley
Alberobello (3.20 Chepstow)
Not much to write home about lately, but is starting to look well handicapped and can't be ruled out with track and ground to suit.
6/1 Alberobello 3:20 Chepstow Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Haulani (12.40 Musselburgh, nap)
No match for the smart Redicean at Kempton last month, but this gelding was a fair performer on the Flat and he showed enough to suggest he could prove well treated on his first run in a handicap over hurdles.
5/4 Haulani 12:40 Musselburgh Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Breathoffreshair (8.15 Newcastle)
Struck a purple patch with three course victories in November and Richard Guest's progressive four-year-old can stretch his successful sequence to four.
9/4 Breathoffreshair 8:15 Newcastle (AW) Ireland: Tony O'Hehir
Hello Brigette (8.00 Dundalk)
A four-length winner over tonight’s trip at Wolverhampton on her third start last month, the daughter of Kodiac can follow up against six rivals. She gets the vote to score for Michael O’Callaghan and Gary Halpin.
7/4 Hello Brigette 8:00 Dundalk (AW) Raceform Interactive nugget
Alberobello, who has had a win op since he was last seen, is two from four over three miles at Chepstow. He lines up for the 3.20 at the Welsh track.
6/1 Alberobello 3:20 Chepstow Members can read the latest exclusive tipping content such as Pricewise and Paul Kealy from 8pm daily on racingpost.com
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 9:33:01 GMT
BANKER
Music Major (2.00 Lingfield)
This five-year-old is much better over 1m2f (rather than the mile he's been generally campaigned at) and he has proved that on his last two runs, recording a win and an unlucky second. That runner-up effort was in behind Bayston Hill, who reopposes, but he gets a nice turn around in the weights and he would have finished a lot closer than two-and-a-half lengths had he found an opening down the straight. Martin Harley, who has had five winners from 14 runners in the last two weeks, gets aboard for the first time.
10/3 Music Major 2:00 Lingfield (AW) EYECATCHER
Cherry Oak (6.15 Newcastle)
Ben Haslam's three-year-old filly has been in my notebook since she finished fifth on her all-weather debut at Wolverhampton back in August and, with two further decent runs on the synthetic surface, she looks to have been found a winnable task off what is almost certainly a winnable mark. Her reappearance second after two months off the track was certainly eyecatching and the one she found too good that day has since bolted up off a 7lb higher mark.
5/2 Cherry Oak 6:15 Newcastle (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 Jan 19, 2018 9:33:54 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 9:34:25 GMT
CHEPSTOW
GOODFELLOW
1.05 North West Wind
1.35 Jammin Masters
2.10 Ramses De Teillee
2.45 Naranja
3.20 Back To The Thatch
3.50 Becauseshesaidso
GIMCRACK
1.05 Scorpion Sid
1.35 Equus Flight
2.10 Impulsive Star (nb)
2.45 Skewiff
3.20 Greyed A
3.50 Finnegan’s Garden
LINGFIELD
GOODFELLOW
12.55 Red Snapper
1.25 Inuk
2.00 Colourful Career
2.30 Udontdodou
3.05 Strictly Art
3.40 Native Appeal
GIMCRACK
12.55 Red Snapper
1.25 Sir Hector
2.00 Music Major
2.30 Udontdodou (nap)
3.05 Conkering Hero
3.40 Shakour
MUSSELBURGH
GOODFELLOW
12.40 Alizee De Janeiro
1.15 Attention Please
1.45 Simone
2.20 Traditional Dancer (nb)
2.55 Swing Hard
3.30 Jump For Dough
4.00 I’m To Blame
GIMCRACK
12.40 Spectator
1.15 Misfits
1.45 Northern Beau
2.20 Treshnish
2.55 Nefyn Bay
3.30 Jump For Dough
4.00 I’m To Blame
NEWCASTLE
GOODFELLOW
5.45 Chingachgook
6.15 Cherry Oak (nap)
6.45 Choice Encounter
7.15 Barbara Villiers
7.45 Picks Pinta
8.15 Jessie Allan
8.45 Windforpower
GIMCRACK
5.45 Completion
6.15 Lady Lintera
6.45 Nomorecalls
7.15 High Seas
7.45 Picks Pinta
8.15 Herm
8.45 Novabridge
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 10:03:30 GMT
Friday offers a feast for all-weather fans with evening action from Dundalk and Newcastle following Lingfield's afternoon card, while jump racing aficionados can look forward to Chepstow and hopefully Musselburgh if the track passes an inspection at 10am.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 10:20:10 GMT
FURTHER INSPECTION 11.30 MUSSELBURGH.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 11:31:08 GMT
There will be a full quota of meetings in Britain and Ireland, as Musselburgh's meeting was given the green light at 10.45am. Frost had lingered in some areas of the course, leading to checks at 8am and 10am, but with temperatures rising through the morning officials were able to give the all-clear following a third look.
Clerk of the course Harriet Graham said: "We had a shower of rain which really helped us and temperatures are rising. The forecast is for sleety showers and periods of sunshine."
Along with Musselburgh, there is jumps action at Chepstow, plus a feast of fixtures for for all-weather fans with evening action from Dundalk and Newcastle following Lingfield's afternoon card.
Udontdodou is one of the all-weather stars on show and puts the finishing touches to preparations on home soil for a $200,000 conditions race at Santa Anita a fortnight on Saturday as he tackles the Class 2 Betway Sprint Handicap (2.30) at Lingfield.
The star of Richard Guest's squad in Wetherby, Udontdodou was too hot for his rivals to handle over 5f at Chelmsford last time but also boasts a fine record over today's 6f trip.
Going report
Musselburgh - first race 12.40 Soft
Lingfield - 12.55 Standard
Chepstow - 1.05 Heavy (GoingStick 4.7 Chase, 5.1 Hurdle at 6am on Friday)
Dundalk - 5.00 Standard
Newcastle - 5.45 Standard
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 12:16:55 GMT
SATURDAY.
FREE TO AIR TV RACES 1:50 ASCOT olbg.com Mares' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The Warfield) Cl1 (4yo+) 2m7½f ITV4 2:05 HAYDOCK Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) Cl1 (4yo+) 1m7½f ITV4 2:25 ASCOT Ascot Spring Garden Show Holloway's Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) Cl1 (4yo+) 2m3½f ITV4 2:40 HAYDOCK Unibet Champion Hurdle Trial Hurdle (Grade 2) Cl1 (4yo+) 1m7½f ITV4 3:00 ASCOT bet365 Handicap Chase Cl2 (5yo+) 2m5f ITV4 3:15 HAYDOCK Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (A Limited Handicap) (Grade 2) Cl1 (5yo+) 3m1½f ITV4 3:35 ASCOT Royal Salute Whisky Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) Cl1 (5yo+) 2m1fITV4 Open Account Open account offer Open Account Open Account Bet £10 get £30 free Open Account Max £30 free bet
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 14:14:19 GMT
SCOOP 6 12:55 HAYDOCK Jockey Club Haydock Park Racing Club Handicap Hurdle (Northern Lights Two Mile Hurdle Qualifier) Cl4 (4yo+ 0-115) 1m7½f RUK 2:25 ASCOT Ascot Spring Garden Show Holloway's Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) Cl1 (4yo+) 2m3½f ITV4 3:00 ASCOT bet365 Handicap Chase Cl2 (5yo+) 2m5f ITV4 3:15 HAYDOCK Peter Marsh Handicap Chase (A Limited Handicap) (Grade 2) Cl1 (5yo+) 3m1½f ITV4 4:10 LINGFIELD (AW) POLYTRACK Betway Sprint Handicap Cl5 (4yo+ 0-70) 6f ATR 4:15 HAYDOCK Peover Handicap Hurdle Cl3 (4yo+ 0-140) 2m7f
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 18:49:02 GMT
Musselburgh, 19 Jan 18 Race 2 - 1:15pm THE GERRY MCGLADERY 50TH BIRTHDAY HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) The Veterinary Officer reported that SMILING JESSICA (IRE), which was pulled up, had bled from the nose.
Race 3 - 1:45pm THE COSMIC CASE MARES' NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (NHMOPS Bonus Race) Following the race, Derek Fox reported that SIMONE (IRE), which was pulled up, made a mistake at the third hurdle and was never travelling thereafter. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the mare during routine testing found the mare to have an overreach left fore.
Race 4 - 2:20pm THE GERRY MCGLADERY IS 50 HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) (Qualifier for the Challenger Two Mile Hurdle Series Final) Ross Chapman, the rider of TRADITIONAL DANCER (IRE), placed fourth, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip with excessive force after the last hurdle in the back straight.
Race 5 - 2:55pm THE GERRY MCGLADERY 50 YEARS HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) (Qualifier for the Northern Lights Middle Distance Chase Series) On the run to the line, Stephen Mulqueen the rider of BOYS ON TOUR (IRE), placed second, dropped his left rein causing the gelding to lug right towards the rail, resulting in the winner NEFYN BAY, to be tightened for room. However, after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that it did not involve a riding offence.
Race 6 - 3:30pm THE HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY GERRY MCGLADERY HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (Qualifier for the Northern Lights Stayers Hurdle Series) Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that WALTZ DARLING (IRE), placed fifth, finished lame left fore, and that FRASER CANYON, placed second, finished lame left hind.
Race 7 - 4:00pm THE GERRY MCGLADERY CELEBRATES 50 STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 5) Permission was given for WIMPOLE to be led to post early.
Following the race Callum Whillans reported that DANCED EVERY DANCE (IRE), unplaced hung badly left. View Stewards report Lingfield Park, 19 Jan 18 Race 1 - 12:55pm THE 32Redsport.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) An enquiry was held into the apparent improvement in form of the winner, QUICK RECOVERY, ridden by Charlie Bennett and trained by Jim Boyle, which had never previously been placed. The trainer was interviewed. Boyle explained that the filly had benefited from a break during which she had strengthened up. He added that QUICK RECOVERY had benefited from what he considered to be a very poor race, and that she had appreciated her first run on the all-weather surface. His explanation was noted.
Following the race, Fran Berry reported that LASTONEFORTHECRAIC (IRE), placed sixth, hung badly right-handed.
Race 3 - 2:00pm THE BETWAY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) An enquiry was held to consider interference inside the final furlong when NATIVE FIGHTER (IRE), placed third, ridden by Oisin Murphy, had interfered with BUCKLAND BEAU, placed fifth, ridden by Stevie Donohoe. Murphy was cautioned for careless riding as he had allowed his mount to hang right-handed without timely correction, leaving BUCKLAND BEAU short of room with Donohoe having to take a slight check.
Approaching 2 furlongs out, the rider of MISS MINUTY, placed fourth, had to take a check when going for an insufficient gap on the inside of MUSIC MAJOR, placed fifth, but after viewing a recording of the incident it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, Nicola Currie reported that BAYSTON HILL, placed eighth, was never travelling. Robert Havlin reported that COLOURFUL CAREER (USA), placed seventh, stopped quickly, and the Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding railed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 4 - 2:30pm THE BETWAY SPRINT HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 2) Permission was given for UDONTDODOU to go early to post.
Following the race, Nicola Currie reported that CERTIFICATE, unplaced, was outpaced.
Race 5 - 3:05pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Prior to this race, Alan Bailey’s representative was asked to explain the reason why STRICTLY ART (IRE) was running here at Lingfield on 19 January 2018, 15 days after its previous run on at Newcastle on 4 January 2018, when it was reported after that race that the gelding could be feeling the effects of a long campaign and may benefit from a break, having raced only 18 days previous to that. The trainer’s representative explained that STRICTLY ART (IRE) had pulled out fresh after its run at Newcastle which made the trainer believe that the journey from Newmarket to Newcastle may have been the reason for its disappointing run, rather than the fact that it needed a break, so they are happy for the gelding to take his chance on this occasion. The explanation was noted.
Following the race, Robert Havlin reported that MALT TEASER (FR), placed second, was denied a clear run for a sustained period in the home straight, and the Veterinary Officer reported that STRICTLY ART (IRE), placed sixth, was lame on its right-fore leg.
Race 6 - 3:40pm THE 32Red.com NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) Inside the final furlong, SHAKOUR (IRE), placed third, shifted quickly left-handed, making brief contact with NATIVE APPEAL(IRE), placed second, and leaving the colt short of room, but after viewing a recording of the incident it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, Tom Marquand reported that NATIVE APPEAL (IRE), which started favourite and finished second, hung left-handed throughout, and Hollie Doyle reported that ICONIC BOY, unplaced, ran too free in the back straight. View Stewards report Chepstow, 19 Jan 18 Race 3 - 2:10pm THE DAILY RACING SPECIALS AT 188BET NOVICES' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that IMPULSIVE STAR (IRE), placed third, and RONS DREAM, placed second, both lost their left fore shoe.
Race 4 - 2:45pm THE IN PLAY BETTING AT 188BET MARES' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) (Qualifier for The Challenger Mares' Hurdle Series Final) LERICHI BELLE (IRE) wore a nose net.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that LERICHI BELLE (IRE), placed second, lost its left fore shoe.
Race 5 - 3:20pm THE PLAY ROULETTE AT 188BET HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) Lee Edwards, the rider of KINGSTON (GER), which was placed sixth and beaten 1 length for fifth, had appeared to stop riding shortly before the winning post. After being interviewed and shown recordings of the incident, Edwards’ explanation that he felt that the gelding was tired on the Heavy ground after having a long lay-off and had no more to give, which he reported to scales, was noted.
PINE WARBLER, placed fourth, did not enter the winner's enclosure due to concerns from the trainer, Stuart Edmunds, that the gelding was distressed.
Race 6 - 3:50pm THE DOWNLOAD THE APP AT 188BET HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) Following the race, Jeremiah McGrath reported that BADILOU (FR), placed third, hung right-handed throughout. View Stewards report Newcastle, 19 Jan 18 Race 1 - 5:45pm THE 32Red.com MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for HARRY CRUMB to go early to post.
Race 2 - 6:15pm THE 32Red CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for LADY LINTERA (IRE) to go early to post.
Following the race, Andrew Mullen reported that ISTANBUL PASHA (IRE), placed fifth, was never travelling. The gelding was routine tested.
Race 5 - 7:45pm THE sunbets.co.uk TOP PRICE ON ALL FAVOURITES HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV I) Permission was given for MR POTTER to go early to post and the gelding wore earplugs.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 18:50:58 GMT
Haydock faces a last hurdle to clear for Saturday's Peter Marsh Chase meeting with a dip in temperature taking over from rain as the concern.
Clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright remains "cautiously optimistic" after announcing an 8am inspection, which has also been called by Newcastle to assess the chances of hosting jump racing on Sunday.
Tellwright said on Friday: "We had another 14mm of rain overnight to make it around two inches of rain in the week but we have been spared snow so far and the chances are receding now.
"The only remaining challenge is frost with the worst forecast of -1C to -2C overnight and what we don't need is snow as we have put sheets down on all the at-risk areas on bends and around fences and we wouldn't be able to lift them if we got snow on top of them.
Ascot had a "light frost" on Thursday night but had put the covers down on exposed areas and a changed forecast overnight Friday has rain replacing the cold clear forecast.
Chris Stickels, Ascot's clerk of the course, said on Friday: "We are now forecast rain from the early hours and through tomorrow morning with sleety rain and feeling cold during racing.
"The ground is currently a mixture of soft and good to soft but it would go soft all over with 3-4mm or rain – it wouldn't take much."
Ascot has covered take-off and landing areas and the shaded area under the grandstand in the straight.
Taunton is anticipating no problems with clerk of the course Jason Loosemore reporting: "We are expecting a little bit of rain overnight and into the morning but it shouldn't cause us any problem with the ground soft and heavy in places."
Newcastle is "up against it" for racing on Sunday according to clerk of the course James Armstrong having maintained two inches of snowfall on Thursday morning and the course remaining unraceable on Friday.
Armstrong said: "There has been a bit of improvement, you can see a few blades of grass, but there is a very cold forecast for Saturday night into Sunday – possibly as low as -3, which is a concern."
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 Jan 19, 2018 18:52:09 GMT
Dr Hooves, runner-up in the bumper at Musselburgh, fared best of the four runners who kickstarted a new era on Friday as the first to compete with notice of a wind operation made available to punters.
Best backed of the four, Dr Hooves finished a two-and-a-quarter-length second to even-money favourite I’m To Blame, improving significantly on his only previous outing when fifth of 11 in a similar event at Carlisle last April.
His trainer Lucinda Russell reported prior to the race that Dr Hooves had undergone a hobday operation after his debut.
Russell’s Dancing Amy had earlier made history as the first to run under the new instruction.
Starting the 50-1 rank outsider of the seven-runner field in Musselburgh’s mares’ novice hurdle, Dancing Amy briefly threatened to get competitive at the top of the home straight but could keep on at just one pace from the penultimate flight to finish fifth to Toboggan’s Fire.
The mare’s starting price looked a fair reflection of her chance based on the form of two previous starts, after which she had her soft palate cauterised, and Peter Scudamore, assistant trainer to Russell, is adamant wind surgery provided the catalyst for the improved performance.
He said: "Some horses it works for and some horses it doesn’t, but we’ve had two today where it has improved their performance. They’ve both raced to the line. When that happens you think they've got a chance of winning a race. But when they go backwards, then you’re struggling.
"Dr Hooves needs a test of stamina, but it wasn’t allowed to be used before because his wind was stopping him.
"Dancing Amy was not breathing properly before. She was more uptight and worried about her wind, even after two furlongs. Sometimes they'll make a noise through tension.
"But she’s had her wind done and today was more relaxed and galloped to the line. Now you know, next time you can ride her more handily."
RPR jumps expert Steve Mason gives his take on the four Friday runners
"Dancing Amy, making her hurdling debut at Musselburgh, improved on her bumper RPR, but in a very slow time, so the form is suspect.
"Alberobello was pulled up at Chepstow but Dr Hooves improved his RPR by in excess of 25lb in Musselburgh's bumper. Lucinda Russell said in her trainer file in October she expected wind surgery to help him.
"In the same race Wimpole again ran well below the level of his Newton Abbot debut after pulling into the lead. It's impossible to say if the operation made any difference."
Misfits, winner of the 3m handicap chase for Russell, was getting off the mark at the 17th attempt.
Scudamore revealed: "He’s had his wind done, too, a couple of runs back. My father always used to say that after having their wind done they need a couple of runs to get their confidence from it because they know it’s not going to hurt them."
He added: "It’s not a magic wand, but we’ve got to let the punters know what’s going on."
However, the Nicky Martin-trained Alberobello failed to replicate his home work in Chepstow’s 2m7f handicap chase – his trainer reported in Friday’s Racing Post he had been “working like a demon” after a wind op – and was pulled up before three out.
The Michael Scudamore-trained Wimpole, who lined up against Dr Hooves on the back of a wind op, also failed to trouble the judge, finishing last at 14-1.
Four horses are due to run in Britain over the weekend who have been declared to have undergone wind surgery since their last start, commencing with the Warren Greatrex-trained Boite in the 2m3f handicap hurdle at Taunton on Saturday.
Fourth Act, who tackles Fontwell’s 2m5f handicap hurdle on Sunday, Red Mohican (7f handicap at Chelmsford) and Black Kettle (2m handicap chase at Newcastle) complete the quartet.
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 Jan 19, 2018 18:52:40 GMT
By Scott Burton 6:00PM, JAN 19 2018 2.15 Taunton Boite
A more than useful dual-purpose campaigner, Boite made his reappearance on the Flat at Kempton before chasing home Protek De Flos at Wincanton on Boxing Day. Here he lines up in a hot-looking Class 2 handicap hurdle with Irving and the reappearing Monbeg Legend in opposition.
Trainer Warren Gretrex said: "He ran in a Pertemps Qualifier at Wincanton and Gavin [Sheehan] felt that his wind was just stopping him. He probably would have won but Gavin had to look after him because he was making a bit of a noise from some way out. We did a soft palate cauterisation straight away and he has come out of it very well."
Greatrex has the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham as the longterm aim for Boite and has chosen this race over the Champion Hurdle Trial at Haydock as a stepping stone.
"He handles very soft ground and, looking at the race, not a lot of them have encountered it or else shown their best form on it," he added. "First time after a wind op there is always a question mark as to whether it has worked but he seems fine at home."
3.10 Lingfield American Gigolo
Makes his Flat all-weather debut having finished second in an Ascot novice hurdle on his last start back in early November. That was his first run for Harry Fry, who sounded a confident note on his Betway blog.
"This is first time out after a wind op," said Fry. "He’s a horse that needs better ground so that’s why we’re running him on the all-weather, and we think he can be very competitive at this level.
"If he runs to the level that he has been showing over hurdles then he should go very close, and is arguably my best chance of a winner this weekend."
6.45 Chelmsford No More Thrills
Showed promise on her debut on Kempton Polytrack in October but was a well-beaten sixth of 14 when tried on soft ground at Newbury later the same month.
Read exclusive previews from 6pm daily on racingpost.com
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 19, 2018 18:54:01 GMT
Kim Bailey, trainer Declaring wind operations is a positive move and we already put this information on our website. But the thing about these ops is that often they don’t work, which will confuse the punters even more.
Ben Case, trainer I've had two wind ops done. The horses aren't entered up to run yet but I've put them down as being done. It would be easier for me if I had to just put wind op, but on the BHA site you have to list which wind op you've had. That is more confusing as there are about five different ones you can have. I think it's good they're announcing having a wind op but think the best way to show is just as wind op. It can't be a bad thing; whether it's a good thing only time will tell.
David Dennis, trainer It's probably going to prove inconclusive but we'll watch this space with interest.
Robin Dickin, trainer I have no problem with it. There seems to be more and more emphasis on gaining as much information as possible, although you can get bogged down with too much information sometimes.
Warren Greatrex, trainer This decision won't affect me much as we have to declare plenty of other things these days and wind operations are no different.
Micky Hammond, trainer Most trainers and owners will tell you not all wind ops are successful. There are different types and without doubt the most successful is the cauterising or lasering of the soft palate. The hobday would probably be the next most successful, but once you start on tie forwards or tie backs the success rate is far less. All horses are different, some horses react to a wind op well, whereas others don't, and I think the BHA should put out to the general public that just because a horse has had a wind op it's not going to improve 20 lengths, although it may improve two lengths.
Alan King, trainer I have no issue with it. Punters will find they're not always as successful as we hope.
Gary Moore, trainer It will be about as much use as an ashtray on a motorbike, a complete waste of time.
William Muir, trainer All I'd say is punters beware. As trainers it's no different to if we put blinkers on or a tonguestrap. I had six or seven last year and do I think it made any difference? Not really. The jumping boys make it sound magnificent, but would Altior have won the Tingle Creek without it? Probably. It does work with some, and it makes a big difference for some, but I'd say it's one in ten and if it's a bit like a filly in foal. Punters thinking, 'Oh that'll make a massive difference' will soon learn. Some operations work, but a lot of them, you think you've done something and nothing changes.
Evan Williams, trainer It surely makes no odds to anyone. It will just make punters more skint than they were to start with. It's a complete and utter load of nonsense.
Ian Williams, trainer If the information is of use to the general public then great, but I'm not sure how much use it will actually be.
Gary Wiltshire, bookmaker Any help that can aid punters and bookmakers can only be a positive. Tracks are trying their hardest to get as many punters here and any improvements and additional information to aid punters can only be a bonus. As long as they don't give bookmakers a wind op on the way out from the track, it will be okay. I'd definitely fail it!
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 Jan 19, 2018 19:02:17 GMT
Dennisg is now the new owner of this forum. I am taking a back seat after 9 years. Thanks to all who have supported this forum in the past 9 years and I hope you will all continue to do so in the future. Over to you Dennisg.
All The Best.
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Post by dennisg on Jan 20, 2018 7:11:46 GMT
in today's sporting life............... The Nicky Richards-trained Guitar Pete features among Chris Wilson's Ascot fancies on Saturday - he has a tip for every race. Forest Des Aigles' fondness for a ruck in the muck should serve him very well in the Peter Marsh Chase at Haydock. Lucinda Russell's seven-year-old has plenty to find on the ratings, but he is in pretty inspirational form, having won his last three races over fences. The expectancy, too, is that he is still progressing ahead of what will be just his ninth start since thoughts turned to chasing. Forest Des Aigles has gone up 21lb since his winning spree began at Hexham in October, but above all else with this race in mind is his expertise on heavy ground. Conditions are likely to be pretty desperate on Merseyside, which must surely be a worry for a good chunk of the field. Not so Forest Des Aigles, who cannot have it wet enough. And after having proven his stamina with a fine success over three miles at Bangor in mid-December, everything looks in place for a big show. Un De Sceaux is expected to put the novice Brain Power firmly in his place when he goes for a third consecutive victory in the Clarence House Chase at Ascot. Brain Power has been the talking horse in the build-up to the Grade One, with the bookmakers desperate to tell us about the big-money gamble on him. But Un De Sceaux has been there and done it all before and is unlikely to be too ruffled by this latest pretender to the crown. Willie Mullins' 10-year-old is arguably one of the most underrated jumps horses in training. Despite having won an extraordinary number of races, seven of which at the highest level, he rarely gets a mention in the same bracket as the more-vaunted leviathans from the Mullins yard. There is, of course, little argument he is better when the mud is flying, so the forecast for further wintry showers in Berkshire will be greeted with quiet satisfaction in Closutton. In any case, Un De Sceaux's class and course nous are likely to overwhelm Brain Power, who unseated at Sandown on his last start and meets the hot favourite on level weights. Un De Sceaux in action Guitar Pete was an unheralded winner of the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup but deserves another day in the spotlight when he runs in the bet365 Handicap Chase. The grey's big-race success at Cheltenham was rightly shuffled into the background following the demise of Starchitect, who appeared to have the Grade Three handicap in safekeeping. Guitar Pete still tidily outmanoeuvred a better field than this and has only gone up 5lb, which seems fairly generous. One blip in the BetVictor Gold Cup aside - and even then he was victim of fate - Nicky Richards' inmate has been in cracking form this season. There seems very little reason to suggest his hot streak will be coming to an end any time soon. La Bague Au Roi would appear to have the olbg.com Mares' Hurdle at her mercy. Warren Greatrex's seven-year-old arrives in Berkshire on a four-timer, with her defeat of the Irish mare Jer's Girl, to whom she was conceding weight, at Kempton last time seriously impressive form. Sporting Life suggestions ASCOT: 12.40 Nayati, 1.15 Drumcliff, 1.50 La Bague Au Roi, 2.25 Night Of Sin, 3.00 GUITAR PETE (NAP), 3.35 Un De Sceaux, 4.05 Santini. CHELMSFORD: 6.15 Fast Act, 6.45 Kath's Lustre, 7.15 Crumblecreek, 7.45 Titan Goddess, 8.15 Satchville Flyer, 8.45 Authentic Art. HAYDOCK: 12.55 Le Frank, 1.30 Testify, 2.05 Lostintranslation, 2.40 The New One, 3.15 Forest Des Aigles, 3.45 Lake Field, 4.15 Southfield Royale. LINGFIELD: 12.20 Pearl Spectre, 12.50 Motown Mick, 1.25 Broughtons Story, 2.00 Epicurious, 2.35 Lawless Secret, 3.10 Fearsome, 3.40 Morning Has Broken, 4.10 Secret Strategy. NAVAN: 12.25 Stooshie, 1.00 Roundstone, 1.35 Burren Life, 2.10 Smokey Joe Joe, 2.45 Bonbon Au Miel, 3.20 Bandon Bridge, 3.50 Castlebawn West. TAUNTON: 1.05 Diamant Bleu, 1.40 Enola Gay, 2.15 Irving, 2.50 Geordie Des Champs, 3.25 Brianstorm, 3.55 Space Oddity. DOUBLE: Forest Des Aigles and Guitar Pete.
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Post by dennisg on Jan 20, 2018 7:13:24 GMT
Ben Linfoot seeks out the best Value Bets at Ascot and Haydock on Saturday with the focus on the Holloways Handicap Hurdle and Peter Marsh Chase. Recommended Bets Value Bet, January 20 With Bryony Frost and James Bowen hogging the limelight in recent weeks it’s clear claiming jockeys are having a big say in the feature handicaps and that trend might well continue at Ascot on Saturday. Indeed, the feature handicap at Ascot, the Ascot Spring Garden Show Holloway’s Handicap Hurdle, over the extended 2m3f, features no less than nine claiming jockeys in a field of 14. Bowen has the chance to win a big Saturday handicap for the third successive week as he rides likely favourite Jenkins, a horse that won just seven days ago over almost half a mile shorter. He’s favourite, but this comes around quickly and he’s not straightforward, while the handicapper has burdened him with 11lb extra before you take into account Bowen’s more-than-handy 5lb. On balance I want to take him on and Crossed My Mind, a 6/1 chance, looks short enough on the bare form as well. He could improve sufficiently over this sort of trip on softer ground, but he’ll have to and I’m happy to put a line through him at 6s. With Ben Pauling’s stable under a cloud Le Breuil has an added factor to overcome and he was brushed aside (albeit by a subsequent winner) in any case off Saturday’s mark when second at Aintree in December. But of the four dominating the top of the market, the one I can’t put a line through is Evan Williams’ OXWICH BAY and at 6/1 (General) he’s worth a bet. A full-brother to Pobbles Bay, a 146-rated chaser at his best, Oxwich Bay has made just as promising a start to his career and has plenty more to offer now he’s been stepped up in trip, just like his sibling. Pobbles Bay has won over three miles and that’s probably where Oxwich Bay will end up eventually, but, for now, two and a half miles on testing ground (further rain forecast could turn the ground even softer) looks ideal and he looked as good as ever when trying the distance for the first time on his latest start. He was entitled to win that - an average Ffos Las maiden hurdle - but the way he did it, which was very easily, suggests he’s one to keep on the right side of over the distance, especially now he’s back in a handicap off a mark of 124. Which brings us back to the claimers, as Mitchell Bastyan is another young jockey well worth his 5lb and taking that off Oxwich Bay on Saturday could prove to be crucial. Given the question marks about his market rivals and considering his potential for further improvement at the trip, I’d make Oxwich Bay a narrow favourite. Anything around 6/1 looks a good bet. At the other end of the market there is one that looks a touch overpriced and that horse is Sophie Leech’s MAN OF PLENTY at 20/1 (General). It’s 17 races since he last got his head in front, but he’s run some cracking races in defeat including here last time when he was fifth behind Hunters Call in the Racing Welfare Handicap Hurdle from out of the weights. Earlier in the season he ran a good race in heavy ground at Haydock when second behind Limited Reserve and the thing I really liked about that effort was that he pulled 12 lengths clear of Clyne, a real specialist in the Haydock mud. A visor has sharpened his efforts over two miles on his last two starts, but I’m interested to see how he gets on in the headgear now he’s stepped back up in trip. He stays well, handles testing ground, has form at the course and with a few front runners in here could well get the race run to suit. Sean Houlihan, taking off 7lb, rides him well and if he times his challenge right Man Of Plenty could well cause a shock. Man Of Plenty Man Of Plenty: Looks a big price at 20/1 Finally, Haydock faces a morning inspection with frost forecast, but if it thaws out in time and passes that then it’s going to be brutally testing ground for the Peter Marsh Chase. They’ve had 55mm of rain in the past week and that brings Hainan into things as he improved over three-and-a-half miles at Haydock in heavy ground a couple of months ago. However, he’s come in for support this week and looks about right in the market now, so I’m going to take a chance on Lucinda Russell’s FOREST DES AIGLES at 10/1 (General). This seven-year-old takes a step up in class on Saturday, which is partly why he’s 10/1. It’s very difficult to argue a form case for him as this is the best opposition he’s faced in his career and we just don’t know if he’s up to it. But he’s been very impressive in a lower grade this season, winning three from three, all handicap chases, all in testing ground, twice over two-and-a-half miles and then on his first go over three last time. He’s gone up 21lb in the weights, from 112 to 133, and has done so because he’s outclassed his opposition, travelling like a class operator and jumping like one too. His only semblance of an error in his last three runs came at the final fence last time at Bangor, but it looked like a lack of concentration more than anything, probably due to another easy assignment, and he responded to it well by motoring away to the line. That was really encouraging on his first go at three miles and there is plenty of potential improvement to come from him over this sort of trip. For me, he’s the one horse in the race that could be much better than his current mark. With conditions holding no fear, he’s worth chancing to get the better of some more experienced rivals, getting weight from pretty much all of them. Posted at 1700 GMT on 19/01/18. 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: +369.89pts to advised stakes/prices (from inception of Value Bet column in January 2010 to current).
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