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Post by dennisg on Feb 4, 2018 8:44:32 GMT
in today's sporting life................. Ben Linfoot was impressed with Min on day one of the Dublin Racing Festival, as Willie Mullins landed an 89/1 four-timer despite the defeat of Faugheen. Faugheen blown away by Supa effort Surprise, surprise. Day one of the inaugural Dublin Racing Festival threatened to be a Willie Mullins benefit. When Patricks Park won the handicap chase for the Irish champion trainer, hot on the heels of superb victories for Min and Footpad, it certainly looked that way. A hell of a lot of Mullins momentum was behind Faugheen heading into the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle, that’s for sure. Indeed, the punters believed. They came for him and he was sent off at odds-on, the 9/10 favourite, despite being pulled up last time in that desperately disappointing performance at Christmas. This time he looked more Faugheen-like. He led, things were going okay, Paul Townend looked happy. But going okay wasn’t the old Faugheen. The old Faugheen used to bulldozer his opposition with pure power and class. Today’s Faugheen, it just wasn’t quite there. He failed to shake off Supasundae, a staying hurdler thrown into this party just to sharpen up his jumping, and his goose was cooked by the time they jumped the last. The will of the Leopardstown crowd couldn’t help him, the Mullins momentum couldn’t help him. He just couldn’t go as fast as Supasundae and yet this wasn’t a bad performance. There were nearly five lengths back to the third. It just wasn’t the old Faugheen. “When he winged the second last you expected him to go on and win his race,” said his clearly despondent owner Rich Ricci afterwards. “For whatever reason, he didn’t. He just wasn’t as good as he was first time out. It was better than last time and we’ll have to keep carrying on. “Supasundae has improved beyond recognition and they were a long way clear of the third. It wasn’t what we expected or hoped. We’ll crack on, head to Cheltenham, he has nothing else to do and hopefully he’s got one more left in him. “I don’t know. He is 10. His work was very good on Tuesday. It was better than the last day, so we’ll take some comfort and head towards Cheltenham.” So he does head to the Unibet Champion Hurdle, it could’ve been a lot worse. He remains second favourite, though the disparity between Buveur D’Air’s odds of 2/5 and Faugheen’s 6/1 could only really be wrong if you thought they should be further apart. As for Supasundae, he’s probably not going to make the Champion Hurdle because, well, he’s not entered in it. “We might change our mind, we could supplement,” said winning trainer Jessica Harrington. “But at the moment I’m happy to go three miles, that was the plan all year. “The only reason we came here was to get him jumping real quick. Even in a three-mile Grade One at Cheltenham they’re going to go very quick and I just thought it would sharpen up his jumping. “But he jumped super today, he really did, every hurdle he was actually gaining ground on Faugheen and I’ve never seen him jump as well. “He is a much better horse on better ground. He does not like slogging around on very muddy ground so he comes into his own in the spring.” With that in mind, Sam Spinner and co have plenty to fear. It was with good reason that Sky Bet make him their outright favourite for the Sun Bets Stayer’s Hurdle at 3/1 (Non Runner No Bet). On this evidence, with potential improvement to come over a trip on better ground, he looks the one to beat. Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife Our Ben Linfoot was at Leopardstown for day one of the Dublin Racing Festival and he was most impressed by... 5:33 PM - Feb 3, 2018 2 2 Replies 1 1 Retweet 1 1 like Twitter Ads info and privacy Min looks Champion material While Rich Ricci and Willie Mullins were dealt a blow with what could well be the decline of Faugheen, they were earlier cheered by the superb performance of Min in the Coral Dublin Chase. He was super professional under David Mullins, travelling well off the strong pace set by Special Tiara, who might well have got away on another day had Min’s jumping not been so slick. But slick and quick it was, so much so he took things up cantering between the second last and the last, his good jump at that obstacle in stark contrast to that of Ordinary World who almost unseated Davy Russell when they were about to mount a challenge. Min, though, looked in control. His easy 12-length win might well have been less than that had Ordinary World not made the mistake, but victory looked his regardless. “They went very, very fast and David just settled him in, got him settled, and it made a huge difference to him,” Mullins reflected afterwards. “It showed today the difference it made [getting him settled], we took steps to make sure that wouldn’t happen again. It didn’t, we changed our tactics a little bit. “I imagine that’s where he’ll go [the Champion Chase], we don’t have anything else in mind.” It’s back to the drawing board with Yorkhill who ran no sort of race. Mullins pondered the possibility of him just struggling to go that pace over two miles over fences, so the Champion Chase looks out of bounds now. But what about Douvan? “Douvan is in good order, he did nice work during the week, but as far as anything else goes I don’t know,” said Mullins. “Everything we’re asking him to do he’s answering the questions but we’ve a good bit to go yet.” That sound less positive than Rich Ricci’s 50-50 assessment last week, doesn’t it? “What my owner says, I don’t know, I’m telling you what I’m saying, you can take it, I told you what I said and that’s it.” The Douvan story, you sense, will roll on into Cheltenham week. But today was Min’s day and, on this evidence, even a top-form Altior will have a fight on his hands in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase. Footpad has the measure of Petit Mouchoir Footpad had the measure of Petit Mouchoir on Saturday And then there’s Footpad… Yes, Footpad. Brilliant again in the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase. Petit Mouchoir is a good horse, a very good horse, a horse that was better than Footpad over hurdles, but he couldn’t live with him today. Petit Mouchoir ran well. It was his first run in four months and early mistakes didn’t help his cause. But Footpad looks a horse that gets good horses out of their rhythm, because he’s so quick and accurate over a fence. Mullins said: “He’s made the running, jumped well in front, pecked at the last a little bit but it was a very good performance, I’m very happy. “It wouldn’t do him any harm , but as long as he keeps winning like that… we didn’t set out to make it, but Paul wasn’t happy so he took them along.
“He was fourth in a Champion Hurdle so we knew he was good, the surprise is how well he jumps. He’s certainly doing everything right so far.”
The prospect of him spinning around Cheltenham is exciting. There’s little doubt he’s the one to beat, as odds of 4/5 with Sky Bet (Non Runner No Bet) reflect. And while Petit Mouchoir didn’t dent his Arkle claims today either, he’ll have to show that he can lay up with Footpad when they face off at Cheltenham.
On today’s evidence, it looks unlikely.
The last laugh While Joseph O’Brien landed the opening Nathaniel Lacy and Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle with 25/1 outsider Tower Bridge, the lucky last went to, you guessed it, that man Mullins as Blackbow took home the Grade 2 bumper.
A winner at Leopardstown on Boxing Day, he was backed into 11/4 favouritism to ensure a Dublin Racing Festival day one four-timer, at odds of 89/1, for his handler.
He might’ve lost out in the big one. The ultra-game Supasundae saw to that. But at this new and brilliant weekend, day one belonged to Mullins. Some things never change.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 4, 2018 8:46:02 GMT
Chris Wilson makes General Mahler his best bet on Sunday and has a tip for every race in the UK and Ireland. General Mahler can lead by example on a cracking card at Musselburgh. Brian Ellison's inmate competes in one of the more workaday races at the meeting, the bet365 Handicap Chase, but he should offer pretty good value in his quest to get off the mark over fences. General Mahler made a really encouraging chasing debut at Market Rasen, when a neck runner-up in a better race than this. He could not quite replicate that stepped up in distance at Doncaster last month, but a last-fence error did him no favours. The eight-year-old finished fourth, but he was only beaten four and three-quarter lengths by the useful winner Red Infantry and he clearly got the three-mile trip well enough. Ellison seemingly feels that way as he goes up another quarter of a mile off the same handicap mark of 113. This looks a really nice opportunity for him. The rest of the card really ought to be owned by Nicky Henderson. We Have A Dream is unlikely to slip up in the bet365 Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial, while stablemate Claimantakinforgan should also get the job done in the Sky Bet Supreme Scottish Trial Novices' Hurdle. The Henderson-trained Mr Whipped is similarly going places in a hurry and will be a warm order for the Albert Bartlett Scottish Trial Novices' Hurdle. Taunton's meeting is a little subdued, by comparison, though it might be worth chucking a few bob the way of Exeter runner-up Vocaliser, who runs in the Bathwick Tyres Midsomer Norton Chase. Day two of the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown is mildly jaw-dropping, with no fewer than four Grade Ones on the card. One is unlikely to make millions supporting Samcro in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle, but he has looked awesome this season and should further strengthen his Cheltenham Festival profile for the Gordon Elliott team. The Unibet Irish Gold Cup is a really fascinating race, too, with a clutch of big names in need of a pick-me-up before Cheltenham. Not so Anibale Fly, who was resurgent at Leopardstown over Christmas and will have been trained to the minute by the excellent Tony Martin. Expect his Cheltenham Gold Cup odds to dramatically shorten if he does what is expected of him in the JP McManus silks. McManus is also taken to plunder another Grade One on the day with Espoir D'Allen, who puts an unbeaten record on the line in the Spring Juvenile Hurdle. It is quite difficult to see anything passing him if his cosy Grade Two triumph over this course and distance over Christmas is factored into the equation. Willie Mullins and Elliott are well represented in the Flogas Novice Chase, but perhaps Henry de Bromhead can seize the day with Monalee. It all went wrong on his last start when he fell in the Neville Hotels Novice Chase, but he looked a class act at Punchestown before that. Redemption can be sweet and satisfying. Sporting Life suggestions: LEOPARDSTOWN: 12.40 Lady Buttons, 1.15 Espoir D'Allen, 1.50 Samcro, 2.25 Delta Work, 3.00 Monalee, 3.35 Anibale Fly, 4.10 Jett, 4.40 Relegate. MUSSELBURGH: 12.50 Cousin Oscar, 1.25 We Have A Dream, 2.00 Claimantakinforgan, 2.35 Mr Whipped, 3.10 Beeves, 3.40 GENERAL MAHLER (NAP), 4.20 Chanceanotherfive. TAUNTON: 1.05 Grand Sancy, 1.40 It's Obvious, 2.15 Vocaliser, 2.50 Go Long, 3.25 Local Show, 4.00 Scales, 4.30 Tactical Manoeuvre DOUBLE: General Mahler and Samcro.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 4, 2018 8:47:36 GMT
Samcro puts his unbeaten record and huge reputation on the line in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday. The imposing chestnut gelding was knocked down to Michael O'Leary's Gigginstown House Stud operation for a mammoth £335,000 after winning his only start in the point-to-point field. He has lived up to the billing so far, however, winning three bumpers and twice over hurdles, most recently claiming Grade Three honours in the "Monksfield" Novice Hurdle at Navan. Saturday's Nathaniel Lacy & Partners Solicitors Novice Hurdle over two and three-quarters miles appeared his most likely target this weekend, but Gordon Elliott's charge instead returns to two miles for his first assignment at Grade One level. Elliott said: "He's in great form. I couldn't be happier with the horse. We just decided on the real heavy ground the two-mile-six might be a bit much for him this weekend. Shane McCann rides him every day, he's a very good judge of a horse and he was very keen for me to go for the two-mile race, as were Michael and Eddie (O'Leary). We all had a chat together and we felt this was the best race to go for." A much-anticipated clash with the Willie Mullins-trained Next Destination at Naas last month failed to come to fruition after Samcro returned a dirty scope in the days leading up the race, but Elliott is confident his charge is back in peak condition. He added: "He's been 100 per cent. He didn't miss a day riding out (after the dirty scope), but with horses like that you can't mess with them." Sporting Life Racing Podcast Listen to the Sporting Life Racing Podcast – this week we’re joined by Ed Chamberlin, Oli Bell and Daryl Jacob to preview racing at Leopardstown plus a boxing bombshell and much more! Download and subscribe on iTunes here. Listen to the Sporting Life Racing Podcast Listen to the Sporting Life Racing Podcast Willie Mullins has saddled a record six previous winners of the Deloitte, including each of the last five, and this year fires a four-pronged assault. Sharjah appears the champion trainer's main hope, having tipped up at the final flight when travelling like the winner in the Future Champions Novice Hurdle here over Christmas. He is joined by Real Steel, who also fell at the last when upsides Sharjah in December, the eventual winner Whiskey Sour and Duc Des Genievres, who was an eyecatching third behind the aforementioned Next Destination at Naas at the start of January. Patrick Mullins, assistant to his father, said: "I think Sharjah has gone a little bit under the radar. "Obviously he fell at Christmas, but he was in the process of putting up a huge performance at the time and the way I see it Samcro has to come up to his level of form, not the other way round. It's certainly going to be interesting. It looks a red-hot race, as good as any novice hurdle that will be run in Cheltenham I would think. "Real Steel ran a funny race at Christmas as he gave them a head start before running on and was upsides in front when he fell at the last. If he isn't as lackadaisical on Sunday then he should run well. "Whiskey Sour is in a similar boat. He's won over a mile and a half on the Flat at Galway, so he shouldn't be too slow to lie up in a two-mile hurdle race, but it took him a while to get into it as well. "Duc Des Genievres ran his fantastic race on his Irish debut in a Grade One. He's coming back to two miles and this will tell us plenty about where we're heading with him." Debuchet is an interesting contender for Mags Mullins. The five-year-old grey was runner-up to the ill-fated Fayonagh in the Champion Bumper at last season's Cheltenham Festival, but was beaten into fourth on his hurdling debut at this venue over Christmas. Mullins said: "It was a bit of a rush to get him to Christmas and he just blew up. He seems in good form since and hopefully he's improved. It's a very strong race on Sunday and if he could be placed I'd be charmed. He's taking on horses with more experience than him and it won't be easy, but he's got to take these horses on if he's going to take them on again in March. We'll find out if he's up to it or not." Henry de Bromhead runs course and distance winner Paloma Blue, as well as the Gigginstown-owned Trainwreck. Joseph O'Brien's pair of Early Doors and Le Richebourg and the Tom Mullins-trained Top Othe Ra complete the 11-strong field.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 4, 2018 8:49:21 GMT
Footpad made every yard of the running to come home an impressive winner of the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase at Leopardstown. Paul Townend was positive from flag-fall aboard the 4/9 favourite and only main market rival Petit Mouchoir opted to go with him, as he set a strong pace up front in the two-mile-one-furlong Grade One contest. Petit Mouchoir, who was returning from 108 days off the track, was noticeably on his toes before the race and clattered the second fence before eventually settling on Footpad's heels as the other three runners toiled some way behind. With two to jump, Townend turned up the pace on Footpad and while he clipped the final obstacle, the Willie Mullins-trained victor never looked in danger as Petit Mouchoir ploughed on for second with Any Second Now third. At The Races ✔ @attheraces He's good, isn't he? Footpad wins the Frank Ward Solicitors Arkle Novice Chase! @leopardstownrc #DublinRacingFestival 2:26 PM - Feb 3, 2018 5 5 Replies 76 76 Retweets 164 164 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy at Cheltenham, spokesman Michael Shinners saying: "He jumped his rivals into submission. He looks like one of the Festival bankers and is now 4/5 to win on the opening day." Mullins admitted it had not been the plan to make all, but felt his charge had posted a fine effort. He said: "He did it the hard way and jumped well in front. I think he pecked a bit at the last, but it was a very good performance. "We didn't set out to make it, but Paul wasn't happy there was enough pace so he went on. "We are heading for the Arkle unless something else changes." He added: "Footpad was fourth in a Champion Hurdle, but we thought he would be going two and a half miles or more over fences. The first day he jumped he was very good and when you can jump, you can go any trip." Townend said: "We didn't hang around and kept it up. He jumped super and came up for me at the last when he was very long and got to the other side. He jumps like a stag, you'd swear he's (been) jumping fences all his life. It was a great thrill riding him, he was deadly! "I thought it was a really good performance and he did it the hard way, making all his own running." Mullins also saddled Demi Sang, who crashed into the first fence and eventually came home last of the four finishers. He said: "Demi Sang made a hash of the first fence and lost his confidence a bit, so David (Mullins) tried to get him back jumping and he did. "It would be hard to see him competing at Grade One level over two miles, so he'll probably have to drop down a grade or go out in trip. I would prefer to go out in trip, but we'll have a word with Frank (Berry) and JP (McManus) and see what they want to do." Davy Russell, rider of the Henry de Bromhead-trained Petit Mouchoir, felt a bit deflated in defeat. He said: "We were a bit disappointed because at the start of the season we thought we had the best, but it seems there's one better than us. He made two early mistakes and that put manners on him."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 4, 2018 9:06:05 GMT
Sunday: going, weather & non-runners Leopardstown GOING: SOFT (Yielding in places on Chase course) WEATHER: Partly cloudy Musselburgh GOING: SOFT (GoingStick 5.6) (Rail movements; R1 & 6 +35y, R2, 3 & 7 +21y, R4 & 5 +40y) WEATHER: Partly cloudy NON RUNNERS: 3:10 Mac N Cheese (12) 4:20 Mon Ami Bob (4)Sai Kung Sing (10) Taunton GOING: SOFT (GoingStick 4.7) (Rail movements: R1, 4, 6 & 7 +150y, R2 +186y, R3 +39y, R5 +48y) WEATHER: Partly cloudy NON RUNNERS: 1:40 Kalmbeforethestorm (9)
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 4, 2018 9:07:07 GMT
North: Colin Russell
Attention Please (3.45 Musselburgh, nap)
Still in with a chance when coming down at the second last on his latest outing having previously won at Doncaster and Catterick. Stable going well and another bold bid expected.
Others to follow Musselburgh 12.50 Boy's On Tour, 1.25 The King Of May, 2.00 Beyond The Clouds, 2.35 Ravenhill Road, 3.10 Tantamount, 4.20 Chancenanotherfive.
11/2 Attention Please 3:45 Musselburgh Lambourn: James Burn
Claimantakinforgan (2.00 Musselburgh, nap)
Perhaps Britain's brightest hope in the Supreme and highly regarded by top connections, he has looked a class act in two starts this term and should take all the beating in his festival prep.
Others to follow Musselburgh 1.25 We Have A Dream, 2.35 Mr Whipped, 3.10 Some Kinda Lama. Taunton 1.05 the Groovy Hoovy, 1.40 Groundunderrepair, 2.15 Ruby Yeats, 2.50 Mahlervous, 3.25 Royalraise.
Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
River Dun (4.30 Taunton, nap)
Below par over a longer trip at Uttoxeter latest, but it could pay to ignore that run and looks nicely treated on the form her Fontwell reappearance.
3/1 River Dun 4:30 Taunton Longshot: Ed Quigley
Duc Des Genievres (1.50 Leopardstown)
Travelled eye-catchingly well over 2m4f in Grade 1 company last time out and looks worth a crack at this.
18/1 Duc Des Genievres 1:50 Leopardstown West Country: Tim Mitchell
It's Obvious (1.40 Taunton, nap)
David Pipe-trained six-year-old who shaped encouragingly when upped in distance on handicap debut and a mark of 117 should not be beyond him. He's expected to be in the mix now fitted with cheekpieces.
Others to follow Musselburgh 12.50 The Last But One, 2.35 Present Man, 3.10 Connetable. Taunton 1.05 Grand Sancy, 2.50 Friday Night Light, 3.25 Theatrical Star, 4.00 Mr Lando.
15/2 It's Obvious 1:40 Taunton Ireland: Tony O’Hehir
Anibale Fly (3.35 Leopardstown)
A seven length winner of the valuable Paddy Power Handicap Chase over today’s course and distance at Christmas, the Tony Martin-trained eight-year-old can find the improvement required to land today’s Unibet Irish Gold Cup under Barry Geraghty.
5/1 Anibale Fly 3:35 Leopardstown The Raceform Interactive nugget
Aidan Coleman has figures of 111U2 (60 per cent strike-rate when riding in handicaps for Anthony Honeyball at Taunton, for a £1 level-stakes profit of £10.12. He takes the mount on Cloudy Bob in the 2m7f contest at 3.25.
11/4 Cloudy Bob 3:25 Taunton There are no Newmarket or Topspeed tips on Sunday
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 Feb 4, 2018 9:07:29 GMT
BANKER
Total Recall (2.25 Leopardstown)
Rated a whole 31lb lower over hurdles, Total Recall, who was last seen winning the Hennessy at Newbury, looks a handicap blot and should really justify the strong market support he received earlier in the week. The former Sandra Hughes-trained nine-year-old is unbeaten since moving to Willie Mullins and this looks to have been the plan en route to contesting either the Ryanair or Gold Cup at the Cheltenham festival.
5/4 Total Recall 2:25 Leopardstown EYECATCHER
Killultagh Vic (3.35 Leopardstown)
One of my favourite horses in training, Killultagh Vic gets the vote to land the Irish Gold Cup on just his second start of the season due to injury. He is the most talented runner in the field – which is saying something given the quality of his rivals – but you have to take his confidence over fences on trust given the last time he encountered them he almost came down at the last before rallying to record one of the most incredible victories in the last few years. Despite having almost a year off, he returned to score over hurdles last month (over an inadequate trip) and this will be more his cup of tea.
5/1 Killultagh Vic 3:35 Leopardstown 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 Feb 4, 2018 9:08:12 GMT
At Musselburgh, Keith Dalgleish and Brian Hughes have individual records of 14 and 20 per cent. When they team up that increases to 57 per cent. They do so today with Chanceanotherfive in the 4.20.
Nigel Hawke has an overall record of 11 per cent. When turning a horse out within a week of them winning that rises to 47 per cent. Camron De Chaillac fits that criterion and runs in the 1.40 at Taunton.
Outlander has a notable fondness for Leopardstown. His record is four wins from five runs at the venue and he comes into the Irish Gold Cup (3.35) off the back of a close third over course and distance in the Christmas Chase.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 4, 2018 14:02:25 GMT
Scoop6 Results for 3rd February 2018 Win Fund: No Winner - £202,689 rolled over to next time Place Fund: There were 237 correct selections each winning £87.50
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 4, 2018 19:47:50 GMT
Musselburgh, 04 Feb 18 Race 1 - 12:50pm THE bet365 STEEPLE CHASE (A NOVICES' LIMITED HANDICAP) (CLASS 4) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that IMPERIAL PRINCE (IRE), placed eighth, had lost its right hind shoe and RAINY CITY (IRE), placed second, was lame right hind, having spread its plate.
Race 3 - 2:00pm THE SKY BET SUPREME SCOTTISH TRIAL NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 2) Permission was given for BEYOND THE CLOUDS to go early to post and it was noted that SIMPLY THE BETTS (IRE) wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
Race 4 - 2:35pm THE ALBERT BARTLETT SCOTTISH TRIAL NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 2) Permission was given for WONDEROFTHEWORLD (IRE) to be led in at the start.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that RAVENHILL ROAD (IRE), which was pulled up, had bled from the nose.
Race 5 - 3:10pm THE PERTEMPS NETWORK GROUP HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 2) (Series Qualifier) Permission was given for CALETT MAD (FR) to go early to post.
Following the race, Lucinda Russell, reported that TANTAMOUNT, which was pulled up, failed to stay the 3 miles 2 furlongs on this occasion. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities. View Stewards report Taunton, 04 Feb 18 Race 1 - 1:05pm THE BATHWICK TYRES BATH NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race Sam Twiston-Davies reported that GRAND SANCY (FR), placed second, ran too freely and Mitchell Bastyan reported that FLIGHT TO MILAN (IRE), placed third, hung left handed throughout. The Veterinary Officer reported that GOG ELLES (IRE), unplaced, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 2 - 1:40pm THE BATHWICK TYRES YEOVIL HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race Robert Hawker reported that CAMRON DE CHAILLAC (FR), which was pulled up, ran flat. Nigel Hawke subsequently reported that the race may have come too soon for the gelding following its run seven days ago. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of CAMRON DE CHAILLAC (FR), during routine testing, failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 3 - 2:15pm THE BATHWICK TYRES MIDSOMER NORTON STEEPLE CHASE (A NOVICES' LIMITED HANDICAP) (CLASS 4) BROUGHTONS RHYTHM wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
Race 5 - 3:25pm THE BATHWICK TYRES HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that CASTARNIE, which was pulled up, had bled from the nose.
Race 6 - 4:00pm THE BATHWICK TYRES BRIDGWATER CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) (DIV I) An enquiry was held to consider interference on the bend turning out of the home straight when the winner, MINELLATILLMORNING (IRE), ridden by Philip Donovan, changed legs and hung off the rail interfering with SCALES (IRE), which was later pulled up, ridden by Richard Patrick. The interference was found to be accidental as MINELLATILLMORNING (IRE) had hung left before being quickly corrected.
The winner, MINELLATILLMORNING (IRE), appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Lingfield Park on 28 November where the gelding finished ninth of sixteen, beaten by 53 ½ lengths on soft ground. Neil Mulholland’s explanation that the gelding was better suited by the ground on this occasion, which in his opinion, was not as soft as at Lingfield was noted. MINELLATILLMORNING (IRE) was routine tested.
Following the race Robert Hawker reported that SCRUMPY BOY, which was pulled up, hung violently left-handed throughout.
Race 7 - 4:30pm THE BATHWICK TYRES BRIDGWATER CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) (DIV II) Permission was given for RIVER DUN to be mounted on the course and go early to post.
IT’S ALL AN ACT (IRE), trained by Tim Vaughan, was late in the Parade Ring, due to the trainer having difficulty in fitting the tongue strap.
Following the race Michael Heard reported that RIVER DUN, which was pulled up, was never travelling. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the mare failed to reveal any abnormalities.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 4, 2018 19:48:43 GMT
Richard Johnson was stood down from duty after he was unseated from a horse at Taunton.
The champion jockey fell from Mahlervous at the fourth flight in an extended two-mile handicap hurdle and received a blow to a knee.
Taunton clerk of the course Jason Loosemore said: "He was down for a while, but was attended to at the site and got up. He was uncomfortable, but as far as I know he went home and walked out of the racecourse."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 4, 2018 19:49:09 GMT
Monday: going, weather & non-runners Newcastle GOING: Jumps course - SOFT (Heavy in places) (GoingStick 4.9); All-Weather - TAPETA: STANDARD (Rail movements; R2, 4 & 6 +22yds, R3 +28yds, R5 +25yds) (Precautionary INSPECTION 8am Monday) (Hurdle 7 omitted for all races) WEATHER: Mostly cloudy Southwell GOING: SOFT (Heavy in places) (Rail movements; R1, 3 & 5 +182yds, R2 & 4 +71yds, R6 +216yds) WEATHER: Partly cloudy Wolverhampton (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: 7f - Outside; Remainder - Inside
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Post by dennisg on Feb 5, 2018 7:31:30 GMT
in today's sporting life................. Warren Greatrex is set to saddle a Flat winner at Wolverhampton on Monday, according to Chris Wilson - he previews the action. First-time cheekpieces can do the trick for Wolverhampton contender Great Return in the Betway Casino Handicap. The five-year-old son of New Approach is still a maiden after nine races in a nomadic career that has seen him end up at Warren Greatrex's stable. Great Return has shaped promisingly for new connections, having hit the frame in three starts, but he probably still needs to step things up a bit if he is to get on the scoresheet. The headgear could help in that respect, as might the return to two miles. Samovar should be supported in the 32Red.com Handicap. Scott Dixon's three-year-old has finished runner-up on his last two starts and was probably an unlucky loser at Southwell at the start of the month. Samovar completely missed the break and was four lengths down from flag-fall. Jockey Kieran O'Neill never gave up, though, and his partner showed good pace to even get into contention. The gelded son of Finjaan only went down by a neck to Magic Pulse and runs here off the same mark. Samovar will obviously need to start better, but he will not get many better opportunities than this. Spryt looked in good nick on his return from a long absence at Lingfield and should be a threat to all in division two of the apprentice riders' handicap. John Butler's six-year-old came fast and late to take third spot in January - his first outing since he won at Lingfield last June - and should be ready to roll with that spin in safekeeping. First Selection might be worth a bash against likely favourite Arcanada in the sunbets.co.uk Conditions Stakes. Simon Crisford's five-year-old has kept good company for what seems like an age now, but has not been seen since he was gelded back in August. His only run on the all-weather in Britain to date was a winning one, coming on his debut as a two-year-old. Keel Haul looks poised to finally poke his nose back in front when he runs over fences at Southwell. Henry Oliver's 10-year-old was a bright prospect way back in November 2015 when he won a big two-mile handicap chase at Cheltenham. Sadly for connections, things have not gone to plan as that was the last time he claimed top honours. There were, though, signs of a renaissance at Fontwell last month when he stuck valiantly to his task to finish second behind Atlantic Roller. A scruffy leap at the last did him no favours that day, while an argument could be made that the two-and-a-quarter-mile trip was probably a wee bit too far for him. Back over the minimum distance for what looks an eminently winnable handicap chase, Keel Haul can finally kick on off a mark of 112. Titian Boy can make light work of top weight in the 188Bet-sponsored handicap chase at Newcastle. Nick Alexander's nine-year-old has perhaps looked a touch sluggish this season, but he has only had two starts and is surely going to get sharper. Titian Boy is nicely handicapped on his winning form last season, so it will be interesting to see how get on stepped back up in trip to two and a half miles. Sporting Life suggestions: NEWCASTLE: 1.40 Hills Of Connemara, 2.15 Undefined Beauty, 2.45 The Young Master, 3.20 Sky Full Of Stars, 3.50 Titian Boy, 4.20 Absolutely Dylan. SOUTHWELL: 2.00 Get On The Yager, 2.30 KEEL HAUL (NAP), 3.00 Don Lami, 3.35 Global Citizen, 4.05 Reckless Behaviour, 4.35 Tara Well. WOLVERHAMPTON: 4.45 Burauq, 5.15 Spryt, 5.45 Beauden Barrett, 6.15 First Selection, 6.45 Great Return, 7.15 Natch, 7.45 Samovar. DOUBLE: Keel Haul and Great Return.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 5, 2018 7:33:16 GMT
Ben Linfoot digests a feast of top-class action at Leopardstown on Sunday with his five big talking points, including classy novices Monalee and Samcro. Joseph O'Brien could be the next Aidan O’Brien Joseph O’Brien has won a Melbourne Cup and now an Irish Gold Cup. He’s only 24. Going into the weekend, he was winless in Grade One races over jumps (officially, his father trained Ivanovic Gorbatov) but he put that right in the first race of the meeting with 25/1 chance Tower Bridge. The Irish Gold Cup, won by 33/1 outsider Edwulf, was the sweetest icing on the fattest of cakes. But that’s not even the most remarkable aspect of this story. Rewind 11 months and the horse, Edwulf, was flat out on his back on the Cheltenham turf, exhausted after giving his all in the four-miler. He took an age to get up, but get up he did, and he only returned in the Leopardstown Christmas Chase here in December, where he was pulled-up. And then there’s his jockey, Derek O’Connor, an amateur jockey, and one that was riding in a point-to-point at Belharbour earlier in the afternoon. Remarkable. Joseph O’Brien picks up the story on that spring afternoon at Cheltenham last year. "Basically he ran out of oxygen, the vets at the track did such a good job with him. He was on the ground for an hour. "But he's done well this year. Everyone was saying he looks in unbelievable form, he looks unbelievably well. He's improved enormously this year. I'm over the moon. "He was 100/1 earlier in the week and I'd say there would be a few people around the yard that had a fiver each-way on it." As for his Cheltenham target, it's all very obvious now. O'Brien said: "It's not too often you get a horse good enough to run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, so we'll go that way." O'Connor just looked stunned as the media swirled around him. He said: "It's a fairytale story. A remarkable training performance, the whole team, Mr McManus. "I was quite surprised when we jumped the third last that there was so many horses under pressure around me. I had loads of horse left and Edwulf has given me absolutely everything. It's a special day. "I was disappointed having to leave Belharbour PTP to come to Leopardstown but not any more!" Whether this was a flash in the pan for Edwulf, we'll see. As for his young trainer, the evidence is stacking up that will most certainly not be the case. He looks a chip off the old block. View image on Twitter View image on Twitter Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife "It's been a long road to get him back from where he was at Cheltenham when we thought he was gone." Edwulf's story really is a remarkable one - hats off to @josephobrien2 4:35 PM - Feb 4, 2018 Replies 1 1 Retweet 2 2 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy Samcro definitely goes for the Ballymore, unless... Samcro was sensational. He's the best novice we've seen on either side of the Irish Sea, over any trip, this season. There is no doubt now. He took apart the Grade One Deloitte Novice Hurdle field with a menacing superiority. It's very hard not to get excited about him. That is, unless, you're Michael O’Leary. "He’s still not Jesus Christ," said the winning owner in the aftermath of the race. The Gigginstown boss has not been one to hype up this horse. He's not about to start now. "He will be hopefully when he wins a chase, a proper race, but he's going the right way," O’Leary continued. "He scoped badly at Christmas and we were sorry to miss the race at Christmas but this makes up for it. "It was a bit of a risk taking him back to two, but he handled it well on that type of ground." But what about his Cheltenham target? He’s clearly got the gears to win over two miles. The Sky Bet Supreme has to be an option, doesn’t it? "If he’s fit and well and he gets to Cheltenham in one piece we'll have a shot at the Ballymore," O’Leary says, emphatically. And his trainer? "I wouldn’t rule it out," Gordon Elliott says. "Obviously we'll have a chat in the next few weeks. I think he's very good. It's a possible, everything is a possible." However, on balance, it sounds like it will very much be the Ballymore for Samcro at Cheltenham. Only minutes earlier, Elliott joked to RTE he might not even run at the Festival before laughing to the huddled press "of course he runs at Cheltenham, I was only joking." And between all the jokes and the wry smiles and the act of trying to calm the hype down, the most important quote from Elliott could be this one: "I think he’ll be better going back up in trip." O'Leary usually gets his way. And while he didn't convince when he said "we have Mengli Khan for the Supreme," it seems both owner and trainer are on the same page, really. View image on Twitter View image on Twitter Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife Are we all believers now? The awesome Samcro after cruising to victory in the Deloitte#DublinRacingFestival 2:00 PM - Feb 4, 2018 Replies Retweets 2 2 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy Monalee has the guts to match his ability The Flogas Novice Chase had the look of a proper horse race beforehand and it lived up to the billing. Five had a chance jumping the last and it looked like long-time leader Monalee might be in trouble as he was attacked from all angles up the straight. But Noel Fehily and Monalee had other ideas. The son of Milan responded to maximum pressure and won by three-quarters of a length from the staying-on Al Boum Photo, with just a head back to the third, Invitation Only. What guts this horse showed. Especially after such a heavy fall at this track last time. Co-owner Mike Maloney, in the game with his brother, Barry, was quick to praise the talents of his trainer Henry de Bromhead, a man renowned for his prowess at getting a steeplechaser to jump, and jump well. "We're delighted, Henry's done a superb job with him," (Mike) Maloney said. "It was a horrific fall, he got hit by horses in behind and to get him back here over a trip that might be a little short of his best was really really good in a high-class field. "He jumped super, Noel gave him a great ride." As for his Cheltenham target, it's not cut and dried just yet, even if the RSA Chase would be a strong favourite at this stage. "The RSA is a possible but the JLT might be an option as well, we'll have to see how he comes out of this now but he's got the pace for the JLT, too, I think. "We'll all have a chat, but I'd say the RSA remains his most likely target." Wherever he goes, he'll go there with arguably the strongest piece of novice chasing form from this season under his belt. Certainly, there hasn’t been one as deep and competitive as this. Monalee played a blinder. View image on Twitter View image on Twitter Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife Replying to @sportinglife @leopardstownrc Some performance after a heavy fall last time #Monalee 3:15 PM - Feb 4, 2018 Replies Retweets likes Twitter Ads info and privacy The Irish Triumph Hurdle challenge just stepped up a notch… It promised to be an important 10 minutes for the JCB Triumph Hurdle picture from 1.15, and so it proved. We Have A Dream justified 1/5 favouritism at Musselburgh under a penalty, his fluent leaps over the last few when challenged a real positive as far as his Cheltenham chances go. But the Grade One form came at Leopardstown where familiar foes went toe-to-toe in the Tattersalls Ireland Spring Juvenile Hurdle. It was Willie Mullins v Gordon Elliott yet again as the former's Mr Adjudicator and the latter’s Farclas went head-to-head up the long run-in. It could have gone either way, but Paul Townend got the better leap at the last to ensure it was Mullins that took home the bulk of the Euros. "It was a good ride by Paul I thought," said Mullins. "We didn’t think there was going to be that much pace and I said to Paul get him dropped in behind and he dropped him in lovely. "There was actually quite a lot more pace than we anticipated. Although he was travelling, Paul didn't want to give him a squeeze too early, so he was just sitting, holding what he thought was a little bit in hand turning for home. "He met the last spot on and it was two good horses, two good battlers, neck and neck the whole way up the straight and our fellow just out-stayed him, I think. "He’ll go for the Triumph Hurdle, it looks the obvious thing. He's improving. "I'd imagine he'll go straight there. Spring ground will suit him but it will suit a lot of the opposition too, a lot of them are Flat horses and he's an ex-Flat horse too, and I was really taken with how he jumped on just his second run over hurdles." Mullins looked to have a stronger candidate for this race in the shape of Stormy Ireland earlier in the week, a mare that won her maiden hurdle by 58 lengths at Fairyhouse in December. Though absent on Sunday, she's still in the mix for a crack at the Cheltenham Festival. "We don’t know how good she is or what she is," Mullins said. "She just wasn't right the last couple of days and I decided not to run her. There will be plenty of time to get another run into her if we need to, or whether we go straight to Cheltenham, I don't know." Whatever happens with Stormy Ireland, Mullins looks to have a bona fide Triumph Hurdle alternative now. Nicky Henderson isn't likely to have it all his own way. The challenge from Ireland looks ever-so-slightly stronger. Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife 🇮🇪 Our @benlinfoot somehow sums up a fantastic day of racing at @leopardstownrc in less than a minute! 🏇 7:13 PM - Feb 4, 2018 1 1 Reply 2 2 Retweets 4 4 likes Twitter Ads info and privacy Sometimes it pays to keep things simple… Two horses went into Sunday's racing at Leopardstown way ahead of the handicapper. First up was Jessica Harrington's Alletrix in the opening Irish Stallion Farms EBF Paddy Mullins Mares Handicap Hurdle. Due to go up 9lb to 125 in the future, Robbie Power made no mistake on this handicap snip, ensuring his mare justified 4/1 favouritism. A slight guess at the last hurdle didn't stop her momentum and she scampered away for a decisive seven-and-a-half length success. "I suppose she was entitled to do that as she's going up to 125 and ran off 116," Harrington said. "Robbie Power was sure she was going to run a huge race." Willie Mullins will have watched on with interest. His Laurina, 7/4 favourite with Sky Bet for the Mares' Novice Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, easily beat Alletrix by 11 lengths in the Grade Three Solerina Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse just last week. And Mullins was responsible for the next handicap good thing. This one was chucked in. Total Recall, Ladbrokes Trophy-winning Total Recall, was running in a handicap hurdle off an Irish hurdle rating of 125, fully 31lb below his chase mark. In a 16-runner €75,000 handicap, Total Recall went off the 5/6 favourite. The only surprise was he didn't go off any shorter. Paul Townend didn't mess about, making all, making sure. He didn't win like a horse that was 31lb well-in, Oscar Knight briefly threatened on the run for home, but there was never a doubt. He won by three lengths, without Townend resorting to the whip. Keeping things simple. It's what Leopardstown have done this weekend. Fantastic races, fantastic prize-money. They've been rewarded with a huge crowd (over 14,000 turned up on Saturday) and some horse racing out of the very top drawer. The Dublin Racing Festival has been a massive success. I’m already looking forward to next year.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 5, 2018 7:34:57 GMT
John Gosden's Natch can get off the mark at the third time of asking at Wolverhampton's evening fixture, according to Matt Brocklebank. Recommended bet: Sporting Life's Daily Nap, February 5 Natch should be up to opening his account before long and Monday’s 32Red Casino Novice Stakes appears a decent opportunity for the John Gosden-trained colt. He made a fairly encouraging debut when fourth behind Best Blue in what looked a reasonable race of its type at Chelmsford in December and the third Winds Of Fire, has since scored with authority at Newcastle. Natch arguably didn’t quite live up to that level of form when second on his next start over this course and distance last month, but time may tell he bumped into a smart rival in Cross Counter, who was heavily supported and made it two out of two with an impressive performance. The winner did get first run on Natch that day and while there were no excuses for him coming out second best, he did end up over three lengths clear of the third. The son of Nathaniel is likely to want an extra furlong or two in time but he’s shown more than enough in two starts to date to suggest he can figure prominently and it’s not exactly clear what main market rival Galactic Spirit achieved when just denied first time out. Jackfinbar may emerge as the main danger but he’s been off 49 days and returns under a penalty and a wider-than-deal draw which won’t be easy to overcome. Daily Nap record: -5.07pts
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Post by dennisg on Feb 5, 2018 7:36:37 GMT
Outsider Edwulf won a dramatic renewal of the Unibet Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown for Joseph O'Brien, prompting Cheltenham quotes of 25/1 for Cheltenham. In what was a tremendous training performance - Edwulf nearly died at last season's Cheltenham Festival - O'Brien has somehow managed to coax him back to his best. There were plenty of thrills and spills during the race, with Killultagh Vic jumping the last in front only to sprawl on landing. Anibale Fly also took a crashing fall, while Our Duke seemed to be just starting to feel the pinch when he made a mistake at the second-last. Valseur Lido never threatened, either. Djakadam was prominent throughout but gave best on the run to the last where Outlander took over. The Leopardstown specialist Outlander looked sure to add another Grade One but amateur jockey Derek O'Connor had other ideas as 33/1 chance Edwulf got on top close home and won by a neck. Djakadam ended up finishing third, another 10 lengths away. (in from 66/1) for the Cheltenham Gold Cup next month. O'Brien said: "He's always been a great horse. It's a credit to everyone involved - the staff at home, the vets at Cheltenham last year and JP (McManus, owner) and Frank Berry (racing manager) who gave him all the time in the world. "It's been a long road to get him back from where he was at Cheltenham when we thought he was gone. Derek is an unbelievable horseman. Horses just jump unbelievably well for him and he gets on great with this fella. We're over the moon. "We'll see how he comes out of this first and we'll think about Cheltenham then. It's not too often you get a horse good enough to run in the Gold Cup so if he's well, I'd imagine he might go there." O'Connor said: "I'm exceptionally happy for the horse. I never had a horse to do what he did. He ran himself into the ground for me at Cheltenham and we thought his career was over but he's after coning back to his best." Killultagh Vic (left) makes a mistake at the last Killultagh Vic (left) makes a mistake at the last Gordon Elliott is keen to run Outlander in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. The County Meath handler said: "He ran his heart out and seems to like it here. We have to run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Where else would you go?"
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2018 9:05:12 GMT
Nick Alexander is operating at a 33 per cent strike-rate (two winners from six) with horses sporting a first-time tongue-tie. McGinty’s Dream gets the aid in the 3.50 at Newcastle.
Malaysian Boleh is now 13lb lower than his last winning mark. He showed signs of a revival last time and takes his chance in the 5.15 at Wolverhampton.
Mick Appleby has a terrific record when dropping horses into selling company. He’s had eight winners from 12 runners in sellers over the past couple of years and Raven’s Raft bids to enhance that record in the 5.45 at Wolverhampton.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2018 9:05:43 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Natch (7.15 Wolverhampton, nap)
May have run into a decent type when second to Cross Counter over course and distance last time but has since worked nicely on the Al Bahathri Polytrack.
Others to follow Wolverhampton 4.45 Tasaaaboq, 5.15 Malaysian Boleh, 6.15 Mr Owen, 7.45 Nampara
5/2 Natch 7:15 Wolverhampton (AW)
Lambourn: James Burn
Great Return (6.45 Wolverhampton, nap)
Five-year-old has shown some handy form since joining Warren Greatrex and could be poised to land a maiden victory with the help of first-time cheekpieces.
Others to follow Southwell 3.35 Euxton Lane Wolverhampton 5.45 Kingofmerrows, 7.15 Jackfinbar, 7.45 Avon Green
17/2 Great Return 6:45 Wolverhampton (AW)
West Country: Tim Mitchell
Shee's Lucky (2.15 Newcastle, nap)
Modest maiden on the Flat but promises to do better judged on her two placed efforts over hurdles. Progressive four-year-old who is fancied to open her account now switching to handicaps off a fair mark.
Others to follow Newcastle 2.45 The Young Master Southwell 3.00 Don Lami, 4.05 Champagne George
- Shee's Lucky 2:15 Newcastle
North: Colin Russell
Smooth Stepper (2.45 Newcastle, nap)
Has a good record on the course and with the ground in his favour and with his stable remaining in good form is fancied to go well on his return from a break.
Others to follow Newcastle 1.40 Bournville, 2.15 Beyondtemptation, 3.20 Sky Full Of Stars, 3.50 Orioninverness, 4.20 Absolutely Dylan Southwell 2.00 Solid Strike, 3.35 Banny's Lad Wolverhampton 4,45 Kyllach Me, 5.15 Sir Lancelott, 5.45 Beauden Barrett, 6.15 Arcanada, 7.45 Elegant Joan
3/1 Smooth Stepper 2:45 Newcastle
Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Keel Haul (2.30 Southwell, nap)
Well handicapped as a result of a lengthy losing run and has shown enough on his last two completed starts to suggest he is still good enough to win in this grade.
11/4 Keel Haul 2:30 Southwell
Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Arcanada (6.15 Wolverhampton)
Has been in sparkling form at Lingfield and Tom Dascombe's improving five-year-old can complete a hat-trick.
8/11 Arcanada 6:15 Wolverhampton (AW)
Longshot: Ed Quigley
Gabrial The Terror (6.45 Wolverhampton)
On a long losing run, but is handicapped to go well and this course-and-distnace winner can't be ruled out.
7/1 Gabrial The Terror 6:45 Wolverhampton (AW)
The Raceform Interactive nugget
Harry Bannister has figures of 21211 when riding in hurdle races for Harry Whittington at Southwell, for a £1 level-stakes profit of £17.17. He rides Bridge Of Cally in the 2m novices' hurdle at 3.35.
14/1 Bridge Of Cally 3:35 Southwell There are no tips from Ireland on Monday
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 Feb 5, 2018 9:06:20 GMT
Baywing 2:45 Newcastle Needs a test of stamina on bottomless ground, and Nicky Richards appears to have found a good opportunity in this 2m7f handicap chase.
Newcastle’s stiff uphill finish will play to the strengths of Baywing, who has been dropped 2lb since a highly creditable effort in Wetherby’s Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase on Boxing Day.
The runner-up Wakanda gave the form a big boost when landing the Sky Bet Handicap Chase at Doncaster.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2018 9:06:45 GMT
EYECATCHER
Get On The Yager (2.00 Southwell)
Let's take a look back through Get On The Yager's form.
On December 11 he gave an 11-length beating to Ramses De Teillee and Leo Luna. Ramses De Teillee bolted up on his next start at Chepstow and Leo Luna triumphed at Plumpton last Monday.
On his next start, Get On The Yager snatched victory in the Rowland Meyrick from subsequent Sky Bet Chase winner Wakanda (second) and Actinpieces (fourth) has since won impressively at Ludlow.
Although the diminutive Two Swallows is receiving a whopping 19lb from Dan Skelton's charge, his form reads exceptionally well and a mark of 140 may not be beyond him.
11/8 Get On The Yager 2:00 Southwell STAT ATTACK
Don Lami (3.00 Southwell)
Ben Pauling isn't having a great time of things of late, so it may be worth taking on his Boreham Bill, who looks likely to start favourite.
In contrast, Anthony Honeyball is enjoying one of his best seasons, with Fountains Windfall, Ms Parfois, Cresswell Breeze and Midnight Tune all claiming valuable prizes. He's also had three winners from his last eight runners (38 per cent).
His Don Lami created a favourable impression in his bumper at Fontwell and wasn't disgraced when putting up a bold show over 3m½f at Doncaster last time. This 2m4½f trip should be perfect and he can make it two wins in three starts under rules.
6/4 Don Lami 3:00 Southwell 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 Feb 5, 2018 9:07:32 GMT
WOLVERHAMPTON
Robin Goodfellow
4.45 Tasaaboq
5.15 Three Majors
5.45 Beauden Barrett
6.15 Arcanada
6.45 Temasek Star (nap)
7.15 Jackfinbar
7.45 Avon Green
Gimcrack
4.45 Burauq
5.15 Spryt
5.45 Beauden Barrett
6.15 First Selection
6.45 Great Return (nb)
7.15 Natch
7.45 Samovar
NEWMARKET - 6.45 Indian Red (nb); 7.15 Natch (nap)
NORTHERNER - 6.15 Gabrial (nb); 7.45 Samovar (nap)
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2018 9:08:04 GMT
NEWCASTLE
Robin Goodfellow
1.40 Bournville
2.15 Morning With Ivan
2.45 Firth Of The Clyde
3.20 Sky Full Of Stars
3.50 Rosquero
4.20 Empire De Maulde
Gimcrack
1.40 Hills Of Connemara
2.15 Undefined Beauty
2.45 The Young Master
3.20 Sky Full Of Stars
3.50 Titian Boy
4.20 Absolutely Dylan
SOUTHWELL
Robin Goodfellow
2.00 Get On The Yager
2.30 Elkstone
3.00 Monbeg Oscar
3.35 Ashkoul
4.05 Lex Talionis (nb)
4.35 Tara Well
Gimcrack
2.00 Get On The Yager
2.30 Keel Haul (nap)
3.00 Don Lami
3.35 Global Citizen
4.05 Reckless Behavior
4.35 Tara Well
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2018 9:08:35 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2018 9:46:34 GMT
Adam Wedge returns to the saddle at Southwell on Monday having been forced to sit out the last three weeks after receiving a ban for erroneously bypassing a fence at Exeter on New Year’s Day.
Wedge was “devastated” after steering odds-on favourite Report To Base around the third-last fence, having mistakenly thought it was not to be jumped on a day several obstacles had been omitted, and was banned for 21-days by the stewards.
He returns on Monbeg Oscar (3.00) and Golden Whisky (3.35), who are trained by boss Evan Williams for owners William and Angela Rucker
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2018 19:17:59 GMT
Towcester is stepping in to stage an additional jump fixture on Thursday due to the forecast cold weather in certain parts of the country this week, the British Horseracing Authority has announced.
Entries will close at noon on Tuesday with declarations as normal at the 24-hour stage on Wednesday.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2018 19:18:30 GMT
The National Hunt fixtures at Sedgefield and Market Rasen on Tuesday must pass course inspections on raceday morning.
Officials at Market Rasen have called a 9am precautionary inspection as overnight temperatures could dip to as low as minus 2C.
Snow and sleet showers are also expected on Tuesday morning.
Sedgefield will stage a precautionary inspection at 8am "due to the forecast of low overnight temperatures and possible wintry showers".
Newbury has already taken steps to ensure its big meeting on Saturday beats the frost.
Covers have been placed on the whole course, with midweek overnight temperatures expected around minus 3C and rising slightly towards the end of the week to minus 1C.
The going is currently soft, good to soft in places.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2018 19:18:51 GMT
Paul Townend will have to wait a few days to find out for certain if there is any real damage to the ankle he hurt in a dramatic fall at Leopardstown on Sunday.
The jumps jockey was taken to St Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin for an X-ray which was found to be clear, but he is to have an MRI scan as a back-up.
Townend was stood down for the rest of the meeting after taking a tumble from the Willie Mullins-trained Killultagh Vic at the final fence of the Irish Gold Cup .
Irish Turf Club senior medical officer Dr Adrian McGoldrick said: "The X-ray on Paul's ankle was perfectly clear, but he's going to have an MRI scan so it will be Tuesday or Wednesday before it is done.
"We won't have the report until a day or two later and we'll take it from there."
Mark Enright also appears to have escaped serious injury after he was unseated from Landofhopeandglory at the fourth fence of the Chanelle Pharma Handicap Chase.
He, too, was also taken to St Vincent's to be checked out before being allowed home.
Dr McGoldrick said: "Mark got a kick on his left elbow and a kick on his right kidney.
"His elbow was swollen, nothing else, but he'll be fine in a few days.
"He should be riding before the end of the week."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2018 19:19:54 GMT
Wolverhampton, 05 Feb 18 Race 1 - 4:45pm THE sunbets.co.uk ALL WEATHER 'HANDS AND HEELS' SERIES APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (Part of the Racing Excellence Initiative) (DIV I) TASAABOQ, ridden by Jack Osborn and trained by Phil McEntee, failed to parade, planted on its way to the start and had to be led riderless to post. The trainer was interviewed. Taking into consideration that TASAABOQ has a history of unruly behaviour, McEntee was informed that any future similar behaviour from the gelding may result in it being reported to the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority.
BROUGHTONS FANCY, ridden by Patrick O’Hanlon, failed to parade. Being satisfied that this due to the filly’s unruly behaviour and the rider made every attempt to parade despite the filly’s reluctance, no further action was taken.
An enquiry was held to consider interference halfway down the back straight when PRINCE JAI, placed second, ridden by Luke Catton, interfered with MOI AUSSIE, placed sixth, ridden by Keelan Baker. Catton was cautioned for careless riding as he manoeuvred left-handed when insufficiently clear of MOI AUSSIE, causing Baker to have to take back slightly.
In the closing stages, MOI AUSSIE, placed sixth, edged left-handed towards the rail, causing Ryan Holmes to have to stop riding on the run to the line on BINKY BLUE (IRE), placed eighth, 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 MOI AUSSIE.
Following the race, Aled Beech reported that TESS GRAHAM, placed fifth, was slowly away. The Veterinary Officer reported that CYFLYMDER (IRE), unplaced, lost its left hind shoe.
Race 2 - 5:15pm THE sunbets.co.uk ALL WEATHER 'HANDS AND HEELS' SERIES APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (Part of the Racing Excellence Initiative) (DIV II) MALAYSIAN BOLEH, unplaced, jumped left-handed leaving the stalls, giving a bump to NARALSAIF (IRE), placed eighth, which in turn interfered with LOUIS VEE (IRE), unplaced, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Approaching the first bend, there was interference involving PITCH HIGH (IRE), placed sixth, RISING SUNSHINE (IRE), placed third, the winner, SIR LANCELOTT, BE BOLD, placed second, and LOUIS VEE (IRE), unplaced, but after viewing a recording of the incident it was not possible to apportion blame.
A furlong out, the winner, SIR LANCELOTT, hung right-handed despite the rider’s best efforts, causing interference to BE BOLD, placed second, which in turn interfered with THREE MAJORS (IRE), placed fourth, 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 SIR LANCELOTT.
Race 3 - 5:45pm THE BET & WATCH AT sunbets.co.uk CLASSIFIED SELLING STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for MORACHE MUSIC to go early to post.
Inside the final furlong, RAVEN'S RAFT (IRE), unplaced, hung right-handed, giving a bump to SMOKETHATTHUNDERS (IRE), placed eighth, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, Dougie Costello reported that KINGOFMERROWS (IRE), placed fifth, hung right-handed in the home straight and Shelley Birkett reported that MAAZEL (IRE), placed sixth, was slowly away. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of SMOKETHATTHUNDERS (IRE) revealed the gelding to be lame on its right fore.
Race 4 - 6:15pm THE sunbets.co.uk CONDITIONS STAKES (CLASS 2) Paul Hanagan, the rider of GABRIAL (IRE), placed third, was slow to remove the blindfold resulting in his horse being slow to start. After being interviewed and shown recordings of the incident, Hanagan’s explanation that the gelding was difficult in the stalls causing him to have trouble in removing the blindfold at the first attempt was noted.
Race 5 - 6:45pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for MISS DUSKY DIVA (IRE) to go early to post.
Approximately 2½ furlongs out, MEDIEVAL BISHOP (IRE), unplaced, lugged left-handed, interfering with LA GOULUE, unplaced, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Race 6 - 7:15pm THE 32Red CASINO NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) TRUE DESTINY will wear earplugs throughout the race. View Stewards report Newcastle, 05 Feb 18 Fixture Note Hurdle 7 omitted for all races. Race 1 - 1:40pm THE ENHANCED PLACE ODDS AT 188BET (ALL WEATHER) MARES' STANDARD OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 5) (NHMOPS Bonus Race) An enquiry was held to consider interference approaching 1 ½ furlongs out, when ORIENTAL CROSS (IRE), placed second, ridden by Alan Johns interfered with SWEET VINETTA, placed third, ridden by Ross Chapman. Johns was cautioned for careless riding as he had angled right for a run causing slight interference to Chapman.
Joe Colliver, the rider of IT’S ALL ABOUT ME (IRE), placed fourth, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip above the permitted level from approaching 2 furlongs out.
Race 2 - 2:15pm THE FOLLOW 188BET ON TWITTER MARES' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) (Qualifier for The Northern Lights Mares' Hurdle Series Final) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that the winner, BEYONDTEMPTATION, had lost its left fore shoe.
Race 3 - 2:45pm THE READ NOEL FEHILY AT 188BET HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 3) The performance of THE YOUNG MASTER which started favourite and was pulled up, was considered. Neil Mulholland’s explanation that the gelding had sulked was noted. THE YOUNG MASTER was routine tested.
Race 4 - 3:20pm THE IN PLAY BETTING AT 188BET HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) Permission was given for NOTEBOOK to go early to post.
Race 5 - 3:50pm THE PLAY CASINO AT 188BET HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) Following the race, Harry Reed reported that ROSQUERO (FR), which was pulled up, was never travelling.
Race 6 - 4:20pm THE PLAY SLOTS AT 188BET CASINO NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Permission was given for ABSOLUTELY DYLAN (IRE) to be mounted in the pre-parade ring. View Stewards report Southwell, 05 Feb 18 Race 2 - 2:30pm THE FREE BETTING OFFERS AT freebetting.co.uk HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) ULIS DE VASSY (FR), trained by Laura Morgan, was given permission not to enter the Parade Ring due to the girth having to be re-fitted.
Race 3 - 3:00pm THE FREE CASINO OFFERS AT freebetting.co.uk MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) Permission was given for GOLDEN SANDSTORM (IRE) to go early to post.
Following the race Sam Twiston-Davies reported that GENERAL MALARKEY (IRE), unplaced, hung badly left.The Veterinary Officer reported that DON LAMI (FR), placed third, suffered from mild heat stress.
Race 4 - 3:35pm THE freebetting.co.uk SUPPORTERS OF UK HORSE RACING NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) BRIDGE OF CALLY (IRE) wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
The performance of ASHKOUL (FR) which finished unplaced, was considered. The representative of Dan Skelton could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance.
Race 5 - 4:05pm THE COMPARE FREE BETS AT freebetting.co.uk HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race Charlie Deutsch reported that D’ARCY’S SOUND (IRE), unplaced, was never travelling. Sean Bowen reported that RECKLESS BEHAVIOUR (IRE), unplaced, was never travelling. Caroline Bailey reported that the gelding was unsuited by the Soft, Heavy in places going on this occasion and would prefer a faster surface. RECKLESS BEHAVIOUR (IRE) was routine tested.
Race 6 - 4:35pm THE COMPARE FREE BETS AT freebetting.co.uk MARES' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) Following the race the representative of Tom George reported that MISS FLEMING, which was pulled up, had a breathing problem. The Veterinary Officer reported that BONNIE BLACK ROSE, which was pulled up, had bled from the nose.
The winner, THE MODEL COUNTY (IRE), appeared to show improved form, compared with its previous run at Warwick on 31 December 2017 where the mare was pulled up. Alan Phillips’ explanation that the horses in the yard appear to be in better form was noted. THE MODEL COUNTY (IRE) was routine tested.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 6, 2018 8:06:25 GMT
in today's sporting life............ Robbie Power thinks Samcro's connections should consider a crack at the Unibet Champion Hurdle at next month's Cheltenham Festival rather sticking to the novice route. With the two-mile showpiece lacking a little in depth, the Irish jockey believes the Gigginstown House Stud-owned Samcro would not be out of place in the big one on the opening day of the meeting despite his relative inexperience. Samcro is not yet quoted in the betting as he does not hold an entry, with to win any Festival race. "Samcro is living up to all of the hype," Power said in his blog for BoyleSports. "There just is no inadequate trip for this horse. He can run two miles, two and a half miles or three miles, it won't make any difference to him with his high cruising speed. "If I were Eddie O'Leary or Michael O'Leary (owners), I'd be thinking of having a crack at the Champion Hurdle - it's wide open this year. "After Buveur D'Air the strength is not too deep in that race. "In saying that, if he goes the novice hurdle route, he's going to be banker of the week." The six-year-old, trained by Gordon Elliott has yet to taste defeat and was mightily impressive when winning the Grade One Deloitte Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown on Sunday. Samcro would have to be supplemented for the Champion Hurdle as his Cheltenham entries are in the three novice hurdles - the Sky Bet Supreme, the Ballymore and the Albert Bartlett.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 6, 2018 8:07:25 GMT
Tuesday: going, weather & non-runners Market Rasen GOING: SOFT (GoingStick: Hurdle 6.0, Chase 5.8) (Precautionary INSPECTION 9am Tuesday) (Rail movements: Race 1 +63yds, Races 2 & 5 +93yds, Races 3 & 4 +84yds and Race 6 +144yds) WEATHER: Snow showers NON RUNNERS: 1:50 Sable Island (4) 4:00 Romulus Du Donjon (5) Sedgefield GOING: SOFT (GoingStick; Hurdle 6.6, Chase 6.7) (Precautionary INSPECTION 8am Tuesday) (Rail movements: Race 1 -40yds, Race 2 +45yds, Race 3 -30yds, Race 4 +55yds, Race 5 -49yds & Race 6 -54yds) (Fence 3 will be omitted) WEATHER: Snow showers Southwell (AW) GOING: FIBRESAND: STANDARD WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: 5f - Centre; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 2:30 Montague (1)
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