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Post by Kimmy on Feb 27, 2018 7:42:23 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 27, 2018 7:42:49 GMT
LINGFIELD
Robin Goodfellow
2.00 Awesome Allan (nb)
2.30 Walk In The Sun
3.00 Emenem
3.30 Stellar Surprise
4.00 Smiley Bagel
4.30 Ravenhoe
5.00 Loving Your Work
Gimcrack
2.00 Awesome Allan
2.30 Walk In The Sun
3.00 Emenem (nb)
3.30 Zest (nap)
4.00 Smiley Bagel
4.30 Rivers Of Asia
5.00 Loving Your Work
CHELMSFORD
Robin Goodfellow
2.15 I Was Only Joking
2.45 Babette
3.15 Tellovoi
3.45 Mambo Dancer
4.15 Shamshon
4.45 Canford Thompson (nap)
Gimcrack
2.15 Dowitcher
2.45 Our Kim
3.15 Gala Celebration
3.45 Galileo’s Spear
4.15 Jorvik Prince
4.45 Too Many Shots
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 27, 2018 8:16:02 GMT
There had been a gift for the terminally sarcastic on Tuesday, as the all-weather meeting at Chelmsford had to survive an inspection as a result of the wintry conditions sweeping across the country.
Luckily it did and the six-race card there kicks off at 2.15. Only the two all-weather meetings survive on Tuesday, after Catterick this morning joined Leicester on the cancelled list due to snow, after surviving an initial check at lunchtime on Monday.
There will be no turf racing in Britain until at least Thursday after Musselburgh's Wednesday card was also cancelled on Tuesday morning. Ludlow is the last remaining hope on Thursday, with Taunton already off.
There are no anticipated problems at Lingfield, where racing was held yesterday. The seven-race all-weather card there begins at 2.00.
Going report
Lingfield (first race at: 2.00) Standard
Chelmsford (2.15) Standard
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Post by dennisg on Feb 27, 2018 8:58:15 GMT
in today's sporting life................ Willie Mullins runs through his leading lights for the 2018 Cheltenham Festival as we get the latest on Douvan, Faugheen, Yorkhill, Killultagh Vic and more. Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle - Getabird () Getabird was very good in Punchestown the last day and I think he's improving all the time. He's not as flashy at home as the likes of Douvan. Even working the other day I wasn't impressed, but Sonny Carey rides him every day and he said he's in great order. He picked the Supreme for himself by winning so nicely in Punchestown. Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife Replying to @sportinglife The @skybet Supreme Novices’ favourite Getabird is firmly on track for the Festival opener. Here he is 1:11 PM - Feb 26, 2018 4 See Sporting Life's other Tweets Twitter Ads info and privacy Racing Post Arkle Chase - Footpad () All is well. He has just a beautiful method of jumping. He was good enough to run well in a Champion Hurdle and he always had ability, but his method of jumping has catapulted him right to the top. He stays, he could do (Gold Cup route in the future). We don’t have any problem with him staying, but you think to yourself could he be a Champion Chase horse? With his method of jumping, could he be easier to keep sound running over two miles rather than three-and-a-half? Gold Cup racing is so tough. He’s just a natural. He takes it wherever he meets it, he stands back, he’s very quick and he has no fear. Unibet Champion Hurdle – Faugheen (), Yorkhill (), Melon () Wicklow Brave () It was great when Faugheen came out the first day and won the Morgiana and you think everything is great. I thought he worked quite well, well enough to run the last day and he ran a grand race, way better than at Christmas anyhow, but he’ll have to up his game to try and win at Cheltenham. I still think he’s competitive. I was downhearted, but then when we came home we still had plenty of time to find that spark and get better from Leopardstown to the middle of March. We haven’t calmed down with him at home, perhaps a bit slower than usual, but he’s improving all the time. If they can come back and do it again that’s a bonus, if they can’t well, we all saw how good he was. Many horses have the willpower, the stamina to keep coming back year after year and I’ve been lucky enough to have a few of them, but he might not come back and reach the heights that he did. Hopefully he can come back to that, but age is not on his side, so if it isn’t to be it isn’t to be. Maybe that run, maybe it was just a building block to Cheltenham and Punchestown. Maybe it wasn’t that bad. He fires around Cheltenham, so that’s what we’re hoping, that when he gets back there that can reignite him as well. Yorkhill’s in the Champion Hurdle and the Ryanair. We’ll have to see with him. He’s not a great work horse at home, he’s very lazy, and you’ve seen at the racetrack when he gets to the front. I’m thinking Champion Hurdle, but he would be a nice one to have with Un De Sceaux in the Ryanair. I’m not going to make that decision yet. He didn’t want to jump at that speed over fences (in the Dublin Chase over two miles). Even at the second or third fence you could see he wasn’t going to jump with two-mile chasers. If you look at him at Christmas you’d say he needs to go back to two miles. I’m just wondering should he go back to hurdles. He’s won the JLT, so should you go for the Ryanair? But looking how he jumped the other day I think that’s enough reason to put him back over hurdles. We know he jumps hurdles well, we know in a Champion Hurdle there will be plenty of pace to bring his stamina into play and I think he’d be easier to ride in a Champion Hurdle - a lot easier than he would be in the Ryanair. Could he just not have been ready (at Christmas)? Maybe he just needed it. He’s been fine at home, I was very happy with his work last week. If he works like that again, we’ll leave the decision for the moment, but I’d say he’s 60-40 for the Champion Hurdle. Melon didn’t run well the last day but we put a hood on him. We’ll take all the gear off at Cheltenham and see what he can do in the Champion Hurdle. Wicklow Brave’s in good shape and he will have a crack at the Champion Hurdle. OLBG Mares’ Hurdle – Lets Dance (), Benie Des Dieux (), Vroum Vroum Mag () I think Let’s Dance is getting there. We’ll see what way the Stayers’ and the Mares’ are working out, I really don’t know what I’m going to do with her but she’ll run in one of those. Vroum Vroum Mag goes for the Mares’ Hurdle. She’s in great shape. I’m thinking the hurdle for Benie Des Dieux as well. National Hunt Chase – Rathvinden () I’m wondering whether to go the four-miler with him. He could go any trip. He could go RSA, but I’m thinking maybe four-miler is the way we will go with him. Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle – Next Destination () Samcro looks an Irish banker for Cheltenham, but what can we do? We can't just run them all in the other races. We all have to get there, too. Horses have a habit of letting you down, not that I'm putting any pressure on Gordon! I'm aiming Next Destination at the Ballymore. That's probably where he should go. It was a messy race in Naas the last day and I think a stronger gallop will suit. RSA Chase/JLT - Al Boum Photo (), Invitation Only () Al Boum Photo looks an RSA type to me. He could go for the JLT, but I’d be more tempted by the RSA I think. It was a good run in third the last day, I’m very happy with him. Invitation Only’s another one where you are looking RSA or JLT for him. Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife 🏇 Patrick Mullins on the big #CheltenhamFestival dilemmas within the yard... 1⃣ Champion Hurdle: Faugheen or Melon 2⃣ Champion Chase: Douvan or Min 3⃣ Stayers' Hurdle: Penhill or Bacardys 4⃣ Gold Cup: Killultagh Vic or Djakadam or Total Recall 📽️ Essential viewing 5:22 PM - Feb 26, 2018 86 27 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase – Douvan (), Min () Douvan is being aimed at the Champion Chase, if he gets there. It’s not that long ago we were told we couldn’t train him for the year, but he’s doing everything right at the moment. I have no plans to run him in anything else. I don’t think he needs to school, I might give him a pop before but if I don’t want to I won’t. I think he’s good enough. It was very disappointing when we found him lame and he wasn’t right. Then it was hugely disappointing when we thought he wasn’t going to run for the whole season. We’re coming back, we’re not back yet, but we’re coming back. Within a week or 10 days he was sound, when we thought he shouldn’t have been sound. We had to reevaluate so we said let’s try walking. Then trotting. And we just kept upping his work and he was proving sound and staying sound. More tests and more results followed but sometimes it’s like you’re running a hospital when you’re running a training yard and you just have to kick on. We haven’t had any setbacks since. There was obviously something there but maybe it’s something he can live with. Maybe when he runs it’ll come again, we don’t know, but the morning he got the injury I thought ‘this is awesome this bit of work’. Whether he’ll get back to that type of work, I don’t know, but his work is certainly good enough at the moment. I said afterwards, I don’t want to see him work like that again. He can save it for the racecourse. I was thinking at the time he might be hard to beat this season. Then he was lame the following morning. I’m not sure whether he’ll have a racecourse gallop or not. He’s been away a couple of time already, but it’s day-to-day with him. I just hope I can get him back to the sort of form he was in back in November. We’ve hard work to do still, we’ve got to get there. I’ll have to put the gun to his head at some stage, in the next few days. Any time a horse has an injury you worry about a re-injury. But he’s been good so far. He’ll have to be sound and working well. To me Min is unbeaten this year. He’s doing all the right things, whether he’s good enough I don’t know. Altior beat him in the Supreme two years ago and I guess it would be hard to turn that form around. Weatherbys Champion Bumper We have Hollowgraphic and Blackbow has galloped himself into the picture. Squadron Commander and Tornado Flyer both won well and we put them away. Carefully Selected galloped himself into the picture at Naas on Sunday. It might be too soon to go to Cheltenham, but we'll see. When I said to Patrick (Mullins) that win puts him on the list, he said 'he was on my list all the time'. He obviously has more faith in him than I did. To me, what Hollowgraphic did in Punchestown was a very good performance. He has to come back to the track as we've minded him to go to Cheltenham. Blackbow has produced two very good performances." Ryanair Chase – Un De Sceaux (), Djakadam () Un De Sceaux’s done tremendously well. He’s only had two runs this season and he’s in great condition. We’ve plenty to work on still for Cheltenham, which is surprising. You saw him there this morning, he’s always very stylish. Everything is going well with him. Anything can change but we’re aiming for the Ryanair. I think they’re more worried about snow at Cheltenham than soft ground, but soft would be fine for him. Djakadam’s been disappointing this year. But this could be an open Gold Cup. There’s a feeling that he should go back for the Ryanair and that might happen. I feel he should go for the Gold Cup, but other people might feel he should have a crack at the Ryanair. His form hasn’t been good enough on the track, he certainly hasn’t performed like he has other seasons. Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle – Penhill (), Bacardys (), Augusta Kate () Augusta Kate’s in the Stayers’ Hurdle and I thought that run behind Presenting Percy would be good enough to let her take her chance in that. We’ll keep the Mares’ Hurdle as a back up. Bacardys also goes for the Stayers’ Hurdle. We’ll just keep his maiden over fences for another season. He was a short price for the Ballymore and we just think he’ll take his chance in the Stayers’ Hurdle. Penhill’s going to go for the Stayers’ Hurdle. All his work has been good and the aim all year has been to try and get him to Cheltenham and Punchestown. We knew we wouldn’t have time to get a run into him and it’s a tough task to try and win that race without a run. If he runs well he can go to Punchestown. Sometimes it can be hard to step up to open class from novice class, but his work is good. View image on Twitter View image on Twitter Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife 🎧 AUDIO: "I'm happy the team is in good form and will stay in good form over the next few weeks..." Willie Mullins talks to @halo_straight on all things #CheltenhamFestival Listen 👇http://bit.ly/2CJpf13 4:11 PM - Feb 26, 2018 3 See Sporting Life's other Tweets Twitter Ads info and privacy Trull House Stud Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle – Laurina (), Salsaretta Laurina looks really good. We brought her to Tramore just because the race was there and it suited her. She is top-class and if they had a mares' chase at Cheltenham I'd be aiming her at it as she's a big, scopey filly. She's one we're looking forward to getting over there. Salsaretta, people keep asking about her. She didn’t even go to Clonmel the other day so I doubt she’ll go to Cheltenham. JCB Triumph Hurdle Mr Adjudicator goes for the Triumph Hurdle. He had a bit of a cold last week but he seems to be over that now and he's as fit as a flea. Saldier did everything right the other day and he goes for the Triumph, as does Stormy Ireland. Mr Adjudicator has done it (at Grade One level) and he has that Flat form as well. Saldier and Stormy Ireland wouldn't have the same racing experience, never mind jumping experience. It was a huge performance from Stormy Ireland in Limerick. I don't know what the time was and the ground was very bad, but she just kept galloping and pulling out more." Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup – Killultagh Vic (), Total Recall (), Bachasson () Killultagh Vic goes for the Gold Cup and I’m very happy with him. I wouldn’t have been betting against him jumping the last, he looked like he had the momentum and was going away. There’s no stamina concern, not with his pedigree. He won a three-mile hurdle against Thistlecrack. He seemed fine afterwards and he’s schooled well since. He was just too careful. It looked like he hit it and threw his legs out to the left and unbalanced himself. Hopefully he’ll be alright on the day. Total Recall’s aim has been the Grand National but I think he’ll need to go for the Gold Cup. We were going to go for the Bobbyjo but it was just too soon. He’s a relaxed horse, he jumps very economically so I think that would suit him around Cheltenham in a Gold Cup. We’ll get him switched off, he won’t be using too much energy so I think he deserves a crack at it. He was free last time, it just happened that he jumped one or two hurdles well and he got free, but we’ll be able to hide him in a Gold Cup. There’ll be some pace in that whereas there wasn’t in that hurdle. We’ve had the Gold Cup in the back of our minds as it looks fairly open. I think Bachasson’s connections are keen to go to Cheltenham but it will be tough enough for him in the Gold Cup. He’s a fantastic jumper but whether he can carry that weight over that trip. He's aiming there. Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife Replying to @sportinglife We've audio too as Mike Vince (@halo_straight) and @benlinfoot discuss Team Mullins at this year's Cheltenham Festivalhttp://bit.ly/2CmvUSZ 5:41 PM - Feb 26, 2018
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Post by dennisg on Feb 27, 2018 9:00:09 GMT
Douvan's chances of running in the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase are now "better than 50-50" - but Willie Mullins expressed concern the eight-year-old has not had a Cheltenham Festival prep run. The dual Festival winner was ruled out for the season in November but it transpired the setback was not as bad as first feared. He was entered for the Red Mills Chase at Gowan on February 17, but Mullins thought better of it. That means Douvan will be having his first run since he was well beaten in last year's Queen Mother Champion Chase, in which he suffered a different injury. to make amends for last season's disappointment in the race. Mullins said: "Douvan is doing everything right. He has a good few bits of work to do this week and he has to go for the Champion Chase, all being well. So far all is well. "If the Gowran race was anywhere else I wouldn't have entered, but it was beside us and if it cut up to three runners I might have been tempted. But when I saw the heavy ground I wasn't keen. "If he'd had a hard race or anything went wrong then he wouldn't be ready and I felt I could train him better at home. "His work is certainly good enough at the moment. I don't know if he'll have a racecourse gallop. He's been away a couple of times already but it's day to day at the moment. "It's better than 50-50 but he's got some hard work to do. It's a concern he hasn't had a run but that's what we've got to do so we'll have to live with it." View image on Twitter View image on Twitter Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife 🎧 AUDIO: "I'm happy the team is in good form and will stay in good form over the next few weeks..." Willie Mullins talks to @halo_straight on all things #CheltenhamFestival Listen 👇http://bit.ly/2CJpf13 4:11 PM - Feb 26, 2018 3 See Sporting Life's other Tweets Twitter Ads info and privacy Douvan must take on a fearsome rival in Altior, who is unbeaten over fences and made a classy return to action at Newbury earlier this month. Mullins said: "The clash with Altior should be exciting but I just hope I can get him back into the form he was in in November. Altior looked fantastic at Newbury and it should be a clash to savour if we get there. "We did say we wouldn't do it (hard work) at home after he did an unbelievable piece the day before his problem emerged, but we're going to have to, I suspect." Un De Sceaux is followed by Douvan Un De Sceaux is followed by Douvan One horse with no concerns is last year's Ryanair winner Un De Sceaux, who is bang on target to bid for a repeat. "Un De Sceaux has done tremendously well and is in great condition, we've plenty to work on still for Cheltenham," said Mullins. "He's always very strong in his work on a morning and we're very happy. Anything can change but the Ryanair is the plan at the moment. "That's his target, as far we're concerned - unless something stupid happens to the other horses or it comes up really, really soft." Yorkhill has been the big enigma for Mullins this year. With two Festival wins under his belt some marked him out as a potential Gold Cup horse, but he has looked a shadow of his former self in two runs over fences this season. It now appears as if the Champion Hurdle is his destination. Mullins said: "He's not a great work horse. He's very lazy, which you wouldn't believe when you see him on a race track. I always thought he'd be a Champion Hurdle horse but he'd be a nice one to have along with Un De Sceaux for the Ryanair. I'm not going to make that decision until I have to. "He ran in the Champion Chase at Leopardstown and you could see he wasn't comfortable jumping at two-mile pace yet at Christmas it looked like he wanted to be back at two. "That's why I think he'll be best off back over hurdles but it just so happens his next race is likely to be the Champion Hurdle. "We know he loves hurdles and in the Champion Hurdle there will be plenty of pace to bring his stamina into play. I think he'll be an easier ride in a Champion Hurdle than the Ryanair. "We're still trying to analyse his run at Christmas. Could he have just needed it? Maybe it was an overreaction going back in trip. "I was very happy with his work last week so if he works as well as that again I'd say he's 60-40 for the Champion Hurdle, but we'll leave the decision until much later." Djakadam, Yorkhill and Killultagh Vic Djakadam, Yorkhill and Killultagh Vic Djakadam has twice finished second in the Timico Gold Cup and is once again likely to try his luck in the Rich Ricci silks. "There's a lot of feeling that he should go back to the Ryanair, and that might happen, but I feel he should go for the Gold Cup," said Mullins, who has yet to win the race. "He doesn't look the same horse on the track this season. He certainly hasn't fired like he has in other seasons." Mullins is likely to be well represented in the big one on March 16. He added: "Killultagh Vic is straightforward and he goes for the Gold Cup. We were very happy with his last run (a last-fence faller in the Irish Gold Cup). "He looked in a good position and I wouldn't have been betting against him going to the last - he had the momentum going to the last. I thought he had a very good chance and I've no worries about his stamina. "Total Recall obviously had the Grand National as his main aim but I think he's going to go for the Gold Cup. He's a relaxed horse and he jumps economically so I think that will suit him in a Gold Cup. "Bachasson's connections are keen for him to run, too. He's a brilliant jumper but the Gold Cup might be a tough race for him. "I've been second six times but some good trainers won't have six runners in it in their careers so I think I've been lucky. We've a nice hand this year. It looks an open race and if you have a horse of that calibre you have a go." Another star Mullins is struggling to get back to his best is Faugheen, who was pulled up over Christmas but at least ran respectably when second to Supasundae in the Irish Champion Hurdle. "It was great that he came out and won the Morgiana and you think everything is great," said Mullins, who could also saddle Melon and Wicklow Brave in the Champion Hurdle. "He ran a grand race the last day, a lot better than Christmas, but he'll have to up his game to go and win in Cheltenham. He mightn't need to be as good as he once was and I still think he's competitive. We haven't gone downhill, anyway - we're going up. "Faugheen might never come back to what he was. I'm delighted he was what he was. He might come back to that, but age is not on his side." Faugheen comes up the gallops Faugheen comes up the gallops Footpad has run well without winning at the last two Festivals but heads there this year as possibly the Mullins banker in the Arkle. "He always had ability but his jumping has catapulted him right to the top over fences," said the Irish champion trainer. "I see him as a potential Gold Cup horse as he stays. It's never stopped horses going that route, running in the Arkle. We don't have any problems with him staying. "He's just a natural jumper, gets to the other side quickly and has no fear."
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Post by dennisg on Feb 27, 2018 9:02:04 GMT
Colin Tizzard has been dealt a blow after Fox Norton was ruled out of the Cheltenham Festival and the rest of the season. The blow to the Tizzard team comes on the same day that Ben Pauling's stable star Willoughby Court was said to be suffering with a foot problem and may miss out on the JLT Novices' Chase. Agonisingly beaten in the Queen Mother Champion Chase last season, Fox Norton was being aimed at the Ryanair Chase over further this year. Joe Tizzard, the Dorset trainer's son and assistant, said in a statement: "Unfortunately, Fox Norton will miss the Cheltenham Festival and the rest of the season due to a slight suspensory injury." A close second to Politologue in the Tingle Creek, he was upped to three miles for the King George at Christmas when he disappointed, but he was subsequently found to have been suffering with a spinal issue. Fox Norton had been second favourite for the Ryanair behind last year's winner Un De Sceaux.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 27, 2018 9:03:51 GMT
Champion jockey Richard Johnson reached 150 wins for the season when scoring on Looksnowtlikebrian in a novice chase at Ayr. Tim Vaughan's seven-year-old was all out to old Bobbie's Diamond by three-quarters of a length after a three-horse affair soon became a duel, from which the 4-9 favourite just came out on top. Johnson said: "It's fantastic. 100 winners is always the initial target but then it moves onto 150 which I'm delighted to achieve. "There's not one person or one horse that can make it happen and I couldn't do this without the fantastic support of all the owners and trainers. It's a big team effort and I'm lucky to be a part of it. "The Stobart Jump Jockeys' Championship title is in my sights but Harry Skelton and Brian Hughes are riding very well so I'll just aim to stay healthy and keep riding winners – that's always the aim of every season and I'm lucky to have a lot of support and to be enjoying it."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 27, 2018 10:12:19 GMT
The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board's investigation into market drifts on Willie Mullins-trained horses that were subsequently beaten at the Dublin Racing Festival is still to be completed but the champion trainer has reiterated that the regulator has so far found nothing untoward.
Yorkhill, Melon and Carter McKay all drifted noticeably shortly before the off in their respective Grade 1s at Leopardstown on February 3.
Each of the trio was well beaten, with Mullins' Min justifying market leadership in the Coral Dublin Chase in which Yorkhill capitulated on reverting to two miles.
The IHRB subsequently opened an inquiry on the basis of irregular betting patterns and has stated bookmakers and betting exchanges have been cooperative in providing information and data.
While IHRB chief executive Denis Egan has played down expectations of a sensational development, newspaper reports in recent days have again drawn attention to the matter by speculating that around €500,000 was laid on the three horses to lose minutes before the races began on the basis of inside information from the yard.
Mullins is not believed to be suspected of any wrongdoing and is not the subject of the IHRB investigation.
Speaking at his media day in advance of the Cheltenham Festival, he said on Monday: "The IHRB has held its investigation and told me it has found nothing untoward.
"When you have races with big markets like these there is a lot of activity. We'd have lots of horses that would go out in price and win as well – that's the nature of racing."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 27, 2018 10:13:23 GMT
Despite the Beast From The East starting to bite into the racing programme, Cheltenham clerk of the course Simon Claisse is feeling upbeat with the Festival due to kick off in two weeks' time.
He is expecting cold conditions at Prestbury Park in the coming days, but reports the long-range forecast to be favourable at this stage.
He told Racing UK: "Undoubtedly this cold spell of weather that's coming from the east is heading our way Temperatures have been down to minus 5C so far on the track this week, we expect those to go down to minus 7C or minus 8C. We've not covered the course because there's some significant snowfall forecast on Thursday and Friday.
"Beyond that, it's looking as though the weather will turn considerably less cold, with rain coming in possibly Sunday or Monday next week with temperatures slowly going upwards.
"It's a long way off at the moment, but there are some strong signals that come a fortnight at the beginning of the Festival, we will be into a mild airflow."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 27, 2018 17:20:13 GMT
Catterick Bridge, 27 Feb 18 Fixture Note Abandoned - Snow Nothing to report View Stewards report Leicester, 27 Feb 18 Fixture Note Abandoned - Frozen Nothing to report View Stewards report Lingfield Park, 27 Feb 18 Fixture Note An inspection was held prior to racing due to concerns that recent heavy snow showers had caused some ice to form on the track. Riders, Josephine Gordon, Shane Kelly, Robert Winston; Trainers, John Bridger, Luke Dace; The Veterinary Officer and The Clerk of the Course who was also representing the Racecourse Managing Executive were interviewed. Having considered the evidence, the Stewards were satisfied that the track had been sufficiently harrowed and cleared and that racing could continue.
Race 5 was delayed by approximately 10 minutes due to a heavy snow shower prior to the race. Race 1 - 2:00pm THE BETWAY SPRINT HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for HURRICANE ALERT to go early to post.
The performance of PHAROH JAKE which finished eighth, was considered. John Bridge could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance other than that the gelding was coughing after the race.
Following the race, Hollie Doyle reported that DRAMATIC VOICE, placed seventh, stopped quickly.
Race 2 - 2:30pm THE 32Red CASINO NOVICE STAKES (CLASS 5) Leaving the stalls, BELATED BREATH, placed third, shifted left leaving NEW ORLEANS (IRE), placed second, tight for room, but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race, Dougie Costello reported that TURN OF LUCK (IRE), placed fourth, ran green.
Race 5 - 4:00pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Approaching 2 furlongs out INTERMODAL, placed fourth, hung quickly right-handed, causing interference to POYLE THOMAS, placed seventh, which in turn interfered with SMILEY BAGEL (IRE), placed second, which having become unbalanced edged back left-handed causing Jane Elliott, the rider of POYLE THOMAS, to become short of room between the two. After viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved. View Stewards report Chelmsford City, 27 Feb 18 Fixture Note ORIGINAL CHOICE (IRE) and DAL HARRAILD, trained by William Haggas, were given permission to gallop prior to racing. Race 1 - 2:15pm THE BET PLACEPOT AT totesport.com MAIDEN FILLIES' STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for WIDE ACCLAIM (IRE) to wear a hood in the parade ring.
Race 2 - 2:45pm THE BET EXACTA AT totesport.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 7) Permission was given for OUTLAW TORN (IRE) to go early to post.
Following the race Callum Shepherd reported that CHORUS OF LIES, unplaced, was never travelling. Franny Norton reported that NORWEGIAN REWARD (IRE), unplaced, was never travelling. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the geldings failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 3 - 3:15pm THE BET QUADPOT AT totesport.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) TELLOVOI (IRE) wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
Following the race Ben Robinson reported that FROZEN LAKE (USA), placed second, hung right throughout.
Race 4 - 3:45pm THE BET TRIFECTA AT totesport.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Following the race Edward Greatrex reported that EURATO (FR), placed sixth, was never travelling.
Race 5 - 4:15pm THE BET SCOOP6 AT totesport.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Permission was given for CAPTAIN LARS (SAF) to go early to post.
Race 6 - 4:45pm THE totepool BETS AT totesport.com HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 7) Following the race Joey Haynes reported that GEE SIXTY SIX, unplaced, ran too free.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 27, 2018 17:25:26 GMT
Wednesday: going, weather & non-runners Newcastle (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Snow STALLS: 1m2f - Far side; Remainder - Centre NON RUNNERS: 6:45 Babette (11) 7:15 Wazin (3) Wolverhampton (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Partly cloudy STALLS: Inside NON RUNNERS: 2:45 Three's A Crowd (11) 3:50 Filament Of Gold (5)
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 27, 2018 17:34:25 GMT
Prospects table
WEDNESDAY
Market Rasen cancelled
Musselburgh cancelled
Newcastle standard
Wincanton cancelled
Wolverhampton standard
THURSDAY
Kempton standard to slow
Ludlow cancelled
Newcastle standard
Taunton cancelled
Clonmel soft; forecast extremely cold with severe frosts, situation being monitored
FRIDAY
Chelmsford standard
Doncaster good, good to soft in places (see
Lingfield standard
Newbury soft, good to soft in places (see story)
Southwell additional 'bumper for jumpers' all-weather meeting
Dundalk standard
SATURDAY
Chelmsford standard
Doncaster good, good to soft in places.
Kelso soft (see story)
Lingfield standard
Navan going not available
Newbury soft, good to soft in places.
Newcastle additional 'bumper for jumpers' all-weather meeting
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 28, 2018 8:13:47 GMT
King Kevin is unbeaten in three starts at Wolverhampton and has recorded solid second places elsewhere the last twice. Jamie Spencer keeps the ride and this hold-up performer can swoop late in the 3.20.
Sunshineandbubbles runs in the 3.50 at Wolverhampton, where he is 4lb well in as he’s able to race off the same mark as when beaten a nose there last week. Stepping back up to 1m4f looks worth a go after that strong-staying effort.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 28, 2018 8:14:42 GMT
8:00PM, FEB 27 2018 King Kevin 3.20 Wolverhampton
King Kevin will be hard to beat on his return to this course and distance and this strong-travelling hold-up performer should have too many gears for the opposition.
Ed Dunlop’s four-year-old gelding already has an excellent record in all-weather handicaps with form figures of 31121122 – and his last three wins have come over this track and trip.
Although he has taken a hike in the ratings, he is still only 9lb higher than for his last win and weight shouldn’t stop him.
King Kevin’s last two runs came over further, with the 1m4f trip probably too far at Lingfield last time out while the gaps didn’t open in time when a close second over 1m2f at Chelmsford prior to that.
There is a chance that could happen here from his draw, but Jamie Spencer is the right man for the job.
Sunshineandbubbles 3.50 Wolverhampton
Jennie Candlish has made a bright start to the year on the all-weather with five wins from eight runners and she has a good chance here with Sunshineandbubbles.
The mare landed a brace of handicaps around the turn of the year and probably found a mile too sharp when sixth at Southwell next time.
Her two subsequent runs over 1m1½f here were better. She went down by a length in third and was then a nose second behind a gambled-on Ian Williams runner last week, battling throughout the final stages and unlucky to be beaten. There was a six-length gap back to the third and the form looks good for the grade.
Sunshineandbubbles has not won in five runs over this far, but she should be stronger than when she last tried it given the last of those attempts was more than a year ago.
She won over 1m2f at Lingfield in December 2016 and there’s no reason why she can’t be just as effective here.
Afandem 4.25 Wolverhampton
It’s worth taking a chance on Afandem returning to form on his first start for Mark Johnston and since being gelded.
He was one of the better two-year-olds a couple of seasons ago when in the care of Hugo Palmer, ending 2016 with a rating of 107.
Big things were expected last year and it never happened for him – perhaps he was feeling the effects of a busy juvenile campaign – but it’s not uncommon for horses to bounce back from a poor three-year-old season.
If that’s the case, then he will be hard to beat as he has plummeted in the weights and is now rated just 87.
Displaying Amber 7.15 Newcastle
Displaying Amber didn’t show a great deal when sent off at huge prices in three 6f all-weather maidens last year, but he looks like doing much better in handicaps.
Allotted a mark of 51 for his handicap debut at Newcastle over the minimum trip at the end of January, he showed much more promise.
He was slowly away there and was running quite freely in last place, but the penny finally dropped inside the last two furlongs and he came home with a rattle to snatch third on the line, just over a length off the winner.
Now that Ben Haslam’s runner has that experience behind him, he should be much more competitive, especially back over 6f, and a big run is expected.
Displaying Amber gets in here off bottom weight and this is not a strong contest.
Get the best bets for every day's racing from Wednesday to Sunday in this week's Racing Post Weekender - out every Wednesday
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 28, 2018 8:15:20 GMT
North: Colin Russell
Kings Full (5.45 Newcastle, nap)
Has shown promise on both starts so far, and though last of three over course and distance last time, that looked a strong contest and the form was boosted as the runner-up won on Monday. He's fancied to get off the mark this time.
Others to follow Newcastle 5.15 Bob Maxwell, 6.15 Tommy G, 6.45 Optima Petamus, 7.15 Gabrial The Devil, 7.45 Fintry Flyer. Wolverhampton 2.15 Steel Helmet, 2.45 Scrutiny, 3.20 Perceived, 3.50 Cool Music, 4.25 Afandem, 4.55 Dubai Acclaim.
9/2 Kings Full 5:45 Newcastle (AW) Newmarket: David Milnes
Stealth (5.45 Newcastle, nap)
The son of Kodiac was up against a couple of decent types when third at Lingfield last time and may find this easier. John Gosden's three-year-old has since moved well on Warren Hill and is fitted with blinkers for the first time.
Others to follow Wolverhampton 2.15 Lunar Mist, 3.20 King Kevin. Newcastle 5.15 Keir Hardie, 7.15 Wazin.
5/2 Stealth 5:45 Newcastle (AW) Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Nautical Haven (4.25 Wolverhampton)
Has found one too good in each of his last four starts but there's nothing wrong with his attitude and he would not be winning out of turn.
5/2 Nautical Haven 4:25 Wolverhampton (AW) Longshot: Ed Quigley
Union Rose (4.25 Wolverhampton)
Shaped on his last couple of starts as though the step up to 6f would suit, and is more than capable of landing a blow off a mark of 79.
10/1 Union Rose 4:25 Wolverhampton (AW) The Raceform Interactive nugget
Graham Lee is three from six when riding for Andrew Balding since the start of 2016 (+£19.85 to £1 stakes.) Balding is in decent form with six winners from ten runners in the last fortnight and he has booked Lee to ride Queen Moon in the 1m handicap at Newcastle (6.45).
11/2 Queen Moon 6:45 Newcastle (AW) There are no Lambourn, West Country or Irish tips on Wednesday
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 dennisg on Feb 28, 2018 8:28:36 GMT
in today's sporting life............. Anita Chambers feels Upavon can make a perfect start for new trainer Tony Carroll in the Betway Handicap at Wolverhampton and she has a tip for every race. Upavon can make a perfect start for new trainer Tony Carroll in the Betway Handicap at Wolverhampton. The eight-year-old is a veteran of some 55 races now so while he probably holds few secrets from the handicapper, a fresh environment might be just the thing to reinvigorate him. An admirable performer for David Elsworth and then Stuart Williams, Upavon has a total of 11 wins to his credit which is not a bad strike rate at all, with his most recent success coming at Brighton back in August. He has failed to add to that win in eight subsequent outings, but his neck second to Tropics last time was a decent effort, although he just fell short on the run for home. The handicapper has seen fit to nudge him up 2lb for that run, but he remains a good way short of his highest mark which might leave Carroll a little something to work with. Scrutiny was a shock 66-1 winner of an amateur riders' event on his most recent outing and while no world beater, he could just follow up in the sunbets.co.uk Handicap. He seemingly appreciated both the switch away from Southwell, where he had disappointed on two previous runs, and the application of cheekpieces as he prevailed by just a neck over an extended mile. A 3lb rise seems a bit harsh perhaps, but he is still some way below the mark of 70 off which he was triumphant a few years ago. Mrs Burbidge is a versatile performer, proving pretty capable over fences, hurdles and on the level, and she is one to follow in the Betway Live Casino Handicap. A winner over hurdles back in September, she finished second in a chase in October before returning on the all weather at Lingfield earlier this month. She finished strongly that day to be beaten just under a length and remains well treated on a mark of 50. King Kevin was another to hit the bar last time but he can redeem himself in the Betway Casino Handicap. He has paid for his consistency with a steep rise in the ratings and starts here off a 27lb higher mark than he won off back in November, but as he has added three further wins and a slew of places, it is hardly surprising. Gorse was beaten a neck at Newcastle last time but can right that wrong in the 32Redsport.com Handicap back at Gosforth Park. Returning after a 72-day break, he just fell short for Ann Duffield but at least signalled his intent in running such a fine race. He can score a first career success here. Keir Hardie makes a belated debut in the Betway Novice Stakes but should not be ruled out for George Scott. Initially with Richard Hannon, Keir Hardie is related to a Listed winner and could well be up to winning a moderate event like this at the first time of asking. Sporting Life suggestions: NEWCASTLE: 5.15 Keir Hardie, 5.45 Kings Full, 6.15 Hadley, 6.45 Urban Spirit, 7.15 Gorse, 7.45 Fintry Flyer. WOLVERHAMPTON: 2.15 Smart Mover, 2.45 Scrutiny, 3.20 King Kevin, 3.50 Mrs Burbidge, 4.25 UPAVON (NAP), 4.55 Dubai Acclaim. DOUBLE: Upavon and Scrutiny.
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Post by dennisg on Feb 28, 2018 8:31:30 GMT
Jessica Harrington takes us through her team for the 2018 Cheltenham Festival including defending Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Sizing John. Sizing John - Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup () We had a bit of a hiccup over Christmas and since then we’ve been chugging along. You saw him go up there this morning and he tanked away, all we wanted to do was get past Supasundae. He’s coming down to the racing weight we like him at, especially this week now he’s done a bit more. We’ve still got another two weeks on Friday. He may go to Leopardstown all being well one day after racing or early Tuesday morning. He might jump a couple of fences there or I may just work him on the flat, we’ll just have to see what the weather does. We worked him yesterday as we weren’t sure what was going to happen today and for the rest of the week, but all being well we’re on song with him and all we can do is get him there in one piece and hope for the best. He seems to be in good form, he’s shaking his head and doing his bits and pieces. It covers a multitude of things (the term clinically abnormal, as he was found to be after his run at Leopardstown at Christmas). He overheated a bit, whether that was from tying up a bit I don’t know. As soon as we discovered it we let him right down and then started building him back up again. Once that had happened we were never going to run him again before Cheltenham as we’d have been very rushed to get him to Leopardstown to the Gold Cup. Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife 🎥 @jessica_Racing on; 🏇🏻 Sizing John's Gold Cup preparation 🏇🏻 Our Duke's first trip to @cheltenhamraces 🏇🏻Supasundae's Stayers' Hurdle bid 👊 Two-pronged attack in Grand Annual 1:36 PM - Feb 27, 2018 33 See Sporting Life's other Tweets Twitter Ads info and privacy I think it maybe came a bit soon after the John Durkan without realising it, maybe him and Djakadam had harder races in the Durkan than we realised. It was one of those things, we started off the season great and then this goes and scuppers things. But if it was all plain sailing it would be much too easy. He’s good. We’ve not really put the gun to his head yet. He had a little breeze yesterday and then that this morning. That is a complete non story (Robbie Power riding Sizing John). Robbie was contracted by Alan and Ann Potts to ride their horses and provided they both get there, he rides Sizing John. You all made a great big story of it, but there was never a story there. Our Duke - Cheltenham Gold Cup () Last year, when he won the Grade One at Leopardstown (he came into the Gold Cup reckoning). The owners said to me they didn’t want to go to Cheltenham last year, we’ll go for the Gold Cup next year, their decision, and then he went to Fairyhouse and won the Irish National. He had a bad start to the season but we discovered his problem with the kissing spine and he came back there and looked good the other day so he’s in good order. They are two very big, good strong horses and they both stay very well. He would never have run at Gowran had he not made the mistake at Leopardstown, as he would’ve had to have finished that race under pressure. He would’ve ended up having a hard race, but the fact he made the mistake and Robbie gave him the chance to recover meant he pinged the last and galloped the whole way to the line. In a way he didn’t have a hard race so the decision to go to Gowran was easy really as I knew he hadn’t had a hard race and I really needed him to run again. He just needed to go and jump a bit quicker and he’s not had a lot of chases. He had four last year, three this year, so seven races in all. Most horses have seven races in one season, he’s had seven in two. He decided to pull that one fence out of the way but when he’d done that he jumped the last three very well. I just think he lacks a little bit of concentration when they aren’t going quick enough. They went a good gallop in the Irish National, but when he gets into a good rhythm he has a high cruising speed and when he’s running below that he doesn’t concentrate. He’s won around Leopardstown, left-handed, he won the Irish National, right-handed, and he went around Gowran which is a bit like Cheltenham in one way even though it’s the other way round as they go up and down hills there and he seemed to cope with that fine. I think he does like good ground. He is by Oscar and they do like a bit of nice ground and he hated the ground the other day in Gowran. Our Duke and Sizing John with their trainer Our Duke and Sizing John with their trainer On the Gold Cup opposition… I hate every single one of them. Yet it is probably an open Gold Cup, they said last year it was an open Gold Cup as well, it’s going to be a very competitive race. The one that hasn’t blotted his copybook this year is Might Bite, he’s the younger improving horse, you’ve got Edwulf who put up a good performance in Leopardstown, you’ve got a lot of horses there with a chance and it just depends on who performs on the day. Supasundae - Sun Bets Stayers’ Hurdle () Supasundae does what Supasundae does. He’s always very laid back. Last year you had to kick and beat him to get him down to the gallop, everything was about making him doing it. This year, all of a sudden, he’s doing everything easily within himself, travelling much better in his races and he’s actually jumping much better. Whether he’s just got confidence I’m not sure, but he’s a horse that wants good ground. As soon as spring is in the air it does suit him. I was so cross with him at Christmas last year, he ran in a handicap hurdle and didn’t do anything so I ran him three days later at Punchestown and he won. Then he had two hard races in graded races, just purely as I knew I was going to go for the Coral Cup. I needed to get him jumping better than he had been. He had four races between Christmas and Cheltenham, then the Coral Cup so when he went to Aintree he was a tired horse, he was almost off the bridle the whole way. So I hope he can reverse that form (with Yanworth). He won’t have to make his running or be up there, he can be dropped in a little bit. He had to make the running at Christmas and was then upsides Faugheen last time, so if we just drop him in a bit it might suit him. He doesn’t have any other entries and I ain’t going to supplement him for the Unibet Champion Hurdle. Buveur d’Air is a proper two-miler, Supasundae isn’t. Maybe I’ll be wrong and he’ll go over two miles at Punchestown, but I’m pretty certain he’ll stay in the Sun Bets Stayers' Hurdle. I don’t see any problem. Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife 🎙Jessica Harrington talks @halo_straight through her team for the Cheltenham Festival including defending Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Sizing John.https://soundcloud.com/sportinglife/cheltenham-preview-jessica-harrington … 2:25 PM - Feb 27, 2018 1 See Sporting Life's other Tweets Twitter Ads info and privacy Don’t Touch It, Rock The World - Grand Annual Don’t Touch It () would have more class. He’s won a Grade One hurdle and he’s won at Punchestown. He’s a funny horse, again, he needs good ground. He’ll have his cheekpieces on, or he may even have blinkers on to make him concentrate. He’s coming to himself, he’s better this week than he was last week. He doesn’t like the cold weather. I couldn’t predict anything with him. If he can get into a rhythm and get jumping he’ll be fine. He’s a good jumper but he can get a little bit spooky at times. Grand Annual hope Don't Touch It Grand Annual hope Don't Touch It Rock The World () is in great order. He’s in super form actually. I know he’ll have top weight probably, but he did it well last year and he goes in the same form this year. He’s a big horse, he’ll have no problem carrying the weight. I suppose Rock The World has been there and done it, while the other fellow is younger and if he puts his best foot forward he has a bit more class. Rock The World: 12/1 for the finale of the Festival
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Post by dennisg on Feb 28, 2018 8:33:32 GMT
JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Apple's Shakira was among a host of horses Nicky Henderson sent for a gallop at Kempton in preparation for the Cheltenham Festival. She completed a piece of work with Albert Bartlett hope Santini and Stayers' Hurdle possible Thomas Campbell. Others at the track included L'Ami Serge, Festival veteran My Tent Or Yours and Arkle challenger Brain Power. Jockeys Nico de Boinville, Jerry McGrath, Daryl Jacob and Sean Bowen were in attendance. "The boys were all pleased and it looked very good to me," said Henderson. "It is an away day more than anything else. Some need gallops more than other needed the gallops. It does put an edge on them. "I purposely did those three (Might Bite, Buveur D'Air and Theinval) on Saturday as I wanted them to come into a raceday environment as that does get them sparked up a bit. "They've got some more work to do but that is the serious bits out of the way. Nothing did anything wrong, that was the good thing. Nothing dropped out or fell out the back and they finished as I expected to." Apple's Shakira is not a great work horse but appeared to show a bit more at Kempton. Henderson said: "Apple's Shakira was great. She is very laid-back at home. It was just nice to see her come to the racecourse, switch on and do that. She doesn't do much of that at home. She has got a great temperament and she has enjoyed herself." SKY BET FESTIVAL FEVER: 13/2 Apple's Jade and Apple's Shakira win at Cheltenham In the other camp is Brain Power, who sometimes has the unenviable task of keeping tabs on Altior at home. He came out on top over Burbank and Days Of Heaven. "As I've always said, Brain Power is a very good horse and he could do that to anything," said the Seven Barrows handler. "He looked very good doing that and I would have expected him to. "Burbank has been working very well and with them was Days Of Heaven, who went very well. He comes into the two-and-a-half-mile handicap (Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Handicap Chase) and Burbank will go for the Coral Cup. "L'Ami Serge is very good. He runs like a two-miler all the time but he proves he stays three miles in France. He is a very pacey horse. Tent was good. He just needed it had a good blow. He has got another bit of work to do. He did need a gallop." With Yorkhill now seemingly set to take on Buveur D'Air in the Champion Hurdle and Douvan creeping ever nearer towards a clash with Altior in the Queen Mother, two of Henderson's Cheltenham bankers may have tougher asks than at once seemed likely. Henderson said: "Yorkhill is a very talented horse - hugely talented - and of course he is going to be a threat. Willie (Mullins) knows him backwards and all I know is that he is a very good horse and he will be a very potent danger. "There will be lots out there and I take zero for granted. We've just got to concentrate on our own thing and Buveur D'Air came out of his gallop great. "Altior worked this morning and he was very well. He was perfect. It was absolutely superb. He had his race the other day. That was his first gallop he has had since Newbury. He will do a bit at the weekend."
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Post by dennisg on Feb 28, 2018 8:35:23 GMT
Ben Pauling admits it is 70-30 against Willoughby Court running at the Cheltenham Festival at the moment. Having provided the trainer with a first Festival win last March, Willoughby Court was favourite to strike again in the JLT Novices' Chase. However, Pauling revealed on Monday the seven-year-old had pus in a foot and time is ticking away. "Every day that goes by is another day we are missing. It is getting very close and, in all honesty, he is not the sort of horse I am going to take there unless I am 100 per cent happy," said Pauling. "I'm afraid pus in the foot is a very insignificant injury long term, but short term it can be quite sore and slow you down considerably. You don't want to work a horse which is favouring one leg over another otherwise they might get an injury. "It's look scarily like we are struggling. I would say it 70-30 against him running at the moment. I'm not going to risk a horse of that ability. "Believe you me, having a horse that is favourite for the JLT is not something you want to give up, but at the same time you have to be realistic about it. You also have to think about the long-term future of the horse. "I've no reason to believe he wouldn't be firing on all cylinders for Aintree and there is a two-and-a-half-mile novice there. That might be even more competitive as a lot of the two--milers are stepping up. You can't get too down as this is the game and I'm not the only one it has happened to."
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 28, 2018 11:44:05 GMT
Newcastle's all-weather fixture scheduled for this evening has been cancelled, it was revealed following a second inspection at 11am.
The racecourse and surrounding areas had been hit by snow and there was the prospect of more to come.
There is better news at Wolverhampton, with racing expected to go ahead this afternoon. The six-race card commences at 2.15.
Clerk of the course Fergus Cameron said at 8.30am: "We've had a few snow flurries this morning but as we speak I don't anticipate any problems. But that's not to say we're not continuing to monitor.
"We're raceable at the moment. The roads are fine.
"If we get snow then clearly the situation may change, but at the moment we're absolutely fine."
Doncaster's Friday card cancelled
Snow and freezing conditions had already claimed today's three scheduled jumps fixtures at Market Rasen, Musselburgh and Wincanton, and prospects for later in the week look gloomy.
Doncaster's Friday card has been cancelled after four inches of snow fell on the track.
Officials at Kelso are inspecting today for Saturday's fixture, while an inspection has been called at Chelmsford for 1pm tomorrow to assess the prospects for racing on Friday.
Ireland hit
The cold weather front has also hit Ireland and tomorrow's meeting at Clonmel has been cancelled due to an adverse weather forecast and hazardous driving conditions. Dundalk's Friday card has been cancelled for the same reasons.
Navan is due to race on Saturday but HRI tweeted that the course is currently unfit for racing.
Going report
Wolverhampton (first race 2.15) Standard
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 28, 2018 17:26:46 GMT
Cheltenham is braced for four to six inches of snow towards the end of the week, but clerk of the course Simon Claisse does not anticipate any problems with the racing surface, which has dried out considerably in recent days and is currently "good to soft, good in places on all three courses".
However, Claisse has raised the possibility that the ground might be easier than the usual good to soft for the opening day of the festival on March 13.
He revealed that John Kettley, the weather expert used by Cheltenham and who is reckoned a good judge, has said he would not be betting on the meeting starting on good to soft, the implication being that it will probably start somewhat easier than that
Mild weather next week should clear any snow from the course, which is largely uncovered, but the forecast is such that Claisse is finding it hard to predict exactly how it might ride when the festival kicks off.
As he cast his eye over a site which had just a light dusting of snow on Wednesday, Claisse said: "John Kettley forewarned us a week or so ago that a weather front moving up from the south might hit the cold air and give us some snow, and the other forecasters have generally become aligned now, with the Met Office having weather warnings out for Gloucestershire through Thursday, Friday and Saturday in terms of probable disruptions to travel.
"They are talking about four to six inches, or 10-15cm, and, while that will present some operational challenges around the site, we are geared up to deal with it. Then all the indications are that from Monday onwards we will be frost free, with temperatures rising to six, seven or eight degrees, so we're pretty confident that the snow will have gone by midweek.
"It looks as if festival week will be quite mild."
Claisse's rule of thumb guide equates 10-15cm of snow to 10-15mm of precipitation, and with that in mind he said: "On what I know now – given that we are 13 days away – it's looking as if conditions will be on the easier side for the start of the meeting. I don't think I'd want to be any more specific than that."
Read The Briefing from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com with all the day's latest going, weather, market moves and non-runner news
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 28, 2018 17:27:54 GMT
Newcastle is due to stage racing on Thursday and the forecast offers some hope.
"We're putting all our efforts into getting tomorrow on," said Barker. "The forecast through the night suggests it will possibly be colder but not as much snow, which is what did for us today. If we don't get the snowfall hopefully we'll be fine."
Kempton has called an inspection at 11am for Thursday evening's racing due to snow.
Doncaster's Friday card cancelled
Snow and freezing conditions had already claimed Wednesday's three scheduled jumps fixtures at Market Rasen, Musselburgh and Wincanton, and prospects for later in the week look gloomy.
Doncaster's Friday card was cancelled after four inches of snow fell on the track, while Newbury's fixture was abandoned due to frozen ground after a 4pm inspection. There will be an inspection on Thursday afternoon to decide whether racing can take place on Saturday
An inspection has been called at Chelmsford for 1pm on Thursday to assess the prospects for racing on Friday.
Kelso's high-quality card on Saturday, which was set to feature the Grade 2 totescoop6 Premier Novices' Hurdle, was on Wednesday cancelled due to snow, but officials are hopeful some or all of the races can be rescheduled.
Ireland hit
The cold weather front has also hit Ireland and Thursday's meeting at Clonmel was cancelled due to an adverse weather forecast and hazardous driving conditions. Dundalk's Friday card was cancelled for the same reasons.
Navan is due to race on Saturday but HRI tweeted that the course is currently unfit for racing.
Weather prospects
Thursday
Kempton (AW) standard to slow
Ludlow cancelled
Newcastle (AW) standard INSPECTION 8AM THURSDAY
Taunton cancelled
Clonmel cancelled
Friday
Chelmsford (AW) standard INSPECTION 1PM THURSDAY
Doncaster cancelled
Lingfield (AW) standard
Newbury soft, good to soft in places INSPECTION 4PM WEDNESDAY
Southwell (AW) standard
Dundalk (AW) cancelled
Saturday
Chelmsford (AW) standard
Doncaster good, good to soft in places (Friday's card cancelled)
Kelso cancelled
Lingfield (AW) standard
Newbury soft, good to soft in places (Friday's card subject to inspection)
Newcastle (AW) standard
Navan soft
Read The Briefing from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com with all the day's latest going, weather, market moves and non-runner news
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 28, 2018 17:28:43 GMT
It's hard to believe the extent to which Irish racing's integrity in terms of anti-doping matters continues to be undermined.
This is another embarrassing chapter in a lamentable tale that stretches back to 2012, when the Department of Agriculture found trainers Philip Fenton and Pat Hughes in possession of performance-enhancing anabolic steroids.
They were both duly convicted in court, while Hughes's brother John, a former department vet, pleaded guilty to a similar charge after being found in possession of "commercial" quantities of anabolic steroids.
The Turf Club, as it was then, found out about the charges around the same time as the rest of the world. While the regulator has since established a working relationship with the department, the impression persists that it is always a step behind rather than a step ahead. That's an unfortunate impression.
It didn't cover itself in glory in its handling of a mailing list of 20 trainers that emerged in the John Hughes investigation, and the anti-doping task force that was formed in 2014 to address shortcomings in the Irish Horse Racing Board's testing procedures as a matter of priority has not delivered on its ambitious and well-constructed report, which, somewhat tellingly, was published six months later than forecast. Always behind.
The Racing Post revealed in the autumn of 2016 that the regulator was unable to test for excessive levels cobalt and TC02 – better known as milkshaking – and we have also observed how the lack of any positive test for steroids was a damning indictment, given the quantities that were unearthed by the department.
It is deeply ironic, then, that a false positive test for an anabolic steroid would be the rock on which its long-standing association with BHP would finally perish.
Neither party comes out of this with its reputation enhanced.
The Racing Post understands that, when the last procurement process was initiated, the two companies that pitched, BHP and a British-based lab, were found not to meet the minimum requirements.
The latter then removed itself from the process, after which an arrangement was formed for BHP to continue the provision of testing services between 2014 and 2017.
In March 2015, Terence Wan's still unpublished report is understood to have crystalised the extent of investment required in equipment and methodology to get BHP up to the appropriate level in accordance with best international practice.
The IHRB has since been sending some samples to International Federation of Horseracing Authorities-recognised foreign labs, but surely more definitive action should have been taken when BHP was initially found not to meet the minimum standard.
It eventually agreed terms with BHP to reimburse the company for certain pieces of lab equipment with a view to upgrading its testing capabilities. That agreement was the genesis of BHP's claim, but it is believed that only one of three proposed instruments had been acquired in the meantime.
As such, BHP must accept some responsibility for not getting up to the standard required in expedient fashion, and the return of false positives speaks for itself.
That a trainer's reputation and career could be at stake as a result of flawed reading is unconscionable.
In the circumstances, it is understandable that the regulator would lose confidence and patience after such a potentially damaging occurrence, but its handling of the whole saga has left a lot to be desired.
At the end of the day, the episode has cost Irish racing – and by extension the Irish taxpayer – around €500,000, and probably considerably more in real terms.
Such shoddy management and implementation of what should be a fundamental aspect of Irish racing's regulatory policy is hardly consistent with assertions that this is a sport or industry in which we are world leaders. Sadly, that line rings rings a little more hollow every time a hole is punched in the hull of the good ship integrity.
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 Feb 28, 2018 17:30:28 GMT
There has been no jumps racing since the meetings at Ayr and Plumpton on Monday.
But to help keep the show on the road, an additional all-weather Flat fixture will at least take place at Southwell on Sunday.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 28, 2018 17:31:03 GMT
Ninety horses have been left in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree on April 14 following the latest forfeit stage.
Becher Chase winner Blaklion and Willie Mullins' Ladbrokes Trophy hero Total Recall currently head the betting.
Among those available at a bigger price is Captain Redbeard, winner of the Tommy Whittle and second in the Peter Marsh at Haydock this season.
"Captain Redbeard is in excellent form at home and has come out of his latest race at Haydock in great shape," said his trainer Stuart Coltherd.
"That was a really good performance over the longest trip he's tried, so we were delighted with that run, particularly off a career-high mark.
"Everything's good and his work has been good at home."
Plans to warm up for the National at Kelso this weekend have been thwarted by the weather, and Coltherd said: "If we can't run on Saturday, then we'll look to run him somewhere else as I'm keen to get another outing into him before the Randox Health Grand National.
"There are plenty of options for him and everybody else is in the same boat - you can't account for the weather,
"If the worst came to the worst, we could go for a couple of racecourse gallops just to keep him sharp, but we'll see."
Bristol De Mai, Vyta Du Roc, Noble Endeavor, Abolitionist, Silsol, Three Faces West and Missed Approach were among the 14 horses taken out at the latest forfeit stage.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 28, 2018 17:31:44 GMT
Mala Beach will have to carry top weight in the Ultima Handicap Chase if Gordon Elliott decides to run him on the first day of the Cheltenham Festival.
The 10-year-old is one of 83 possible entries, 18 of which are from Ireland, and British Horseracing Authority senior handicapper Phil Smith said this year's renewal is, on paper, the best "by some degree".
Smith believes a mark of 138 may be the cut-off point for the race on March 13.
Neil Mulholland has high hopes for Kalondra in the Close Brothers Novices' Handicap Chase on the same afternoon.
The Wiltshire handler said: "He's got course-and-distance form. He also ran very well in the Coral Cup last year.
"He was only beaten 10 lengths in that so he runs well round here (Cheltenham).
"He was 147 a couple of runs ago and he is now 145, which is great as it means he is guaranteed a run."
Ante-post favourite William Henry (11st 8lb) is one of the main players for the Coral Cup on March 14.
Stablemate Thomas Campbell is currently top-weight but trainer Nicky Henderson is leaning more towards running him in the Pertemps Network Final a day later.
In the likely absence of Redicean, the weights for the Boodles Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle are set to go up by 10lb.
Nube Negra (10st 10lb) and Act Of Valour (10st 11lb) feature amongst 40 entries along with Olly Murphy's Oxford Blu (10st 3lb).
"Oxford Blu was unfortunate not to win a £20,000 handicap on his last run. He got a bit lonely in front," said Murphy.
"I think he will outrun his price in the Fred Winter and we will put a pair of blinds on him.
"I'd imagine Richard Johnson would ride him as he hasn't got a ride."
The Elliott-trained Ball D'Arc is top-weight for the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate on March 15, in which long-time ante-post favourite Tully East is on 11st 3lb.
Smith warned that big Irish hope Squoateur (11st 2lb) is only 50-50 to make the cut in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Handicap Chase on the same day.
Mick Jazz is at the summit of the weights for the Randox Health County Handicap Hurdle on the final day of the Festival on March 16.
Elliott's inmate is one of 39 Irish entries in the Grade Three, including ante-post favourite Max Dynamite (10st 11lb).
Murphy has protected Hunters Call's mark since a big win at Ascot but with just 10st 7lb, he may have done too good a job.
"It looks like he has got 20 to come out so we will be keeping our fingers crossed," said Murphy.
"I've had a bit of guidance off a few people and hopefully I have done the right thing.
"He is in good form and his preparation has gone well. Off his Ascot run, he looks like he is good fresh."
Flawless Escape, who is also trained by Elliott, has been allotted 11st 2lb for the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle on the same day.
Ball D'Arc has also been entered for the final race of the Festival, the Johnny Henderson Grand Annual Chase, in which he would carry joint-top weight of 11st 12lb alongside Ordinary World.
Ante-post favourite Theinval has been given 10st 10lb for the Henderson team.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 28, 2018 19:17:32 GMT
Musselburgh, 28 Feb 18 Fixture Note Abandoned - Abandoned Nothing to report View Stewards report Newcastle, 28 Feb 18 Fixture Note Abandoned - Snow Nothing to report View Stewards report Wincanton, 28 Feb 18 Fixture Note Abandoned - Frozen Nothing to report View Stewards report Market Rasen, 28 Feb 18 Fixture Note Abandoned - Frozen Nothing to report View Stewards report Wolverhampton, 28 Feb 18 Race 1 - 2:15pm THE BET AND WATCH AT sunbets.co.uk HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 7) Ian Williams was fined £510 for doubly declaring BABETTE (IRE) to run in THE BET AND WATCH AT SUNBETS.CO.UK HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 7) at Wolverhampton and THE SUNBETS.CO.UK HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 7) at Newcastle, but the filly ran in neither race.
Franny Norton, the rider of FINAL ATTACK (IRE), placed third, was suspended for 2 days for using his whip without allowing his mount time to respond inside the final furlong.
Following the race, Dougie Costello reported that LADY NAHEMA (IRE), unplaced, was slowly away.
Race 2 - 2:45pm THE sunbets.co.uk HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Following the race, Cam Hardie reported that BEATBYBEATBYBEAT, unplaced, ran flat. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the mare failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 3 - 3:20pm THE BETWAY CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) Approaching the final furlong, the winner, BLUE ROCKS, hung sharply left-handed, causing KING KEVIN, placed third, to be checked in its run, 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 BLUE ROCKS.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that the winner, BLUE ROCKS, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 4 - 3:50pm THE BETWAY LIVE CASINO HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Edward Greatrex, the rider of SUNSHINEANDBUBBLES, drawn 6, had appeared not to keep straight from the stalls. After being interviewed and shown recordings of the incident, the rider was suspended for 1 day.
Race 5 - 4:25pm THE BETWAY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Permission was given for JACOB'S PILLOW and ROSE BERRY to go early to post.
ROSE BERRY, trained by Chris Dwyer, ran without its right fore shoe as the trainer had not indicated at declaration stage that the filly should be withdrawn in the event of losing a shoe on the way to post.
Following the race, Charles Bishop reported that UNION ROSE, placed seventh, hung right-handed and Cameron Noble reported that down the back straight the saddle slipped on NAUTICAL HAVEN, which started favourite and finished eighth. The Veterinary Officer reported that the winner, UPAVON, had bled from the nose.
Race 6 - 4:55pm THE BETWAY MAIDEN STAKES (CLASS 5) Permission was given for VJ DAY (USA) to go early to post.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 1, 2018 6:49:25 GMT
IN TODAY'S SPORTING LIFE.............. Alex Hammond answers the big questions from the weekend - and has a fancy for the Fred Winter at Cheltenham. How impressed were you with Redicean at Kempton – how big a player is he in the JCB Triumph Hurdle? I was impressed with his performance on Saturday, he jumped more professionally than he had in his previous couple of starts and the way he pulled clear of the rest was impressive. With regards the Triumph, you all know by now that my belief in Apple’s Shakira won’t be shaken and he didn’t do enough to change my mind on that one. However, Redicean’s trainer Alan King is a dab hand at producing this type of horse for the Triumph and he was full of praise for his juvenile hurdler after Saturday’s win. He compared him favourably to his former Cheltenham winners Katchit and Penzance and said he is blessed with plenty of gears and a smart turn of foot. He is certainly a leading player at the Festival, but I hope he won’t quite be good enough to beat the ante-post favourite. Apple’s Shakira is , whilst Redicean is now second best, after that win. Redicean displays an impressive jumping technique Redicean displays an impressive jumping technique Douvan is seemingly back on track for the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase – how big a threat is he to Altior? I was blown away by Altior in the Game Spirit at Newbury and think in this case a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. The good news is that Douvan has been seen in recent action at Willie Mullins’ stables, but his niggly problems keep resurfacing and have kept him on the sidelines so far this season. That is reflected in the market with Altior a and Douvan as big as . That would have been unheard of in the past and reflects the uncertainty surrounding his participation at the Festival. He has, according to Mullins, a couple of serious bits of work to do before the meeting and that will be a real test of his soundness. Sky Bet are non-runner no bet of course, so nothing to lose if you fancy a bit of the 7/2. If he turns up 100% that could look very decent value indeed. Willie Mullins opened his door to the media on Monday – which of his Cheltenham team excite you most? Well, maybe Douvan if he gets there! Let’s forget about him for a moment though. I like the look of Getabird in the Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. He could be the horse to get our week off to a flyer and at might be a bet. When you look at the ante-post market, he’s favourite ahead of Kalashnikov () who also has the option of the Ballymore which may well be his preferred target. Next in the betting it’s Apple’s Shakira () who seems to be Triumph bound. Getabird is unbeaten under rules and is also the winner of one of his two point-to-points. He is such an impressive individual and despite the slight concern about his ability on decent ground, I’m hoping he can start the four days with a bang for his supporters. Getabird Getabird: Can get our Festival off to a flier Jessica Harrington was upbeat over Sizing John at her media day – can you see him winning a second Timico Cheltenham Gold Cup? Yes, I love this horse. Actually, I’m a fan of both Sizing John () and Harrington’s other big hope, Our Duke (), in the Gold Cup. I’m already clutching an ante-post voucher for Sizing John, so hope he can do the double. It’s no mean feat to win back-to-back Gold Cups though as we’ve seen in the past, but he’s a gorgeous horse and hopefully he can put that below par run in the Leopardstown Christmas Chase behind him back at the scene of his most prestigious win. Might Bite is , with Native River at , then the Harrington pair and don’t discount Noel Meade’s Road To Respect at . All in all, this is a top, top class championship race and it won’t be easy for Sizing John, but I’m happy to have backed him in what is a wide-open race. The weights have been published for the Cheltenham handicaps – go on give us a bet in one of them! I’ve just had a small each-way bet on Oxford Blu in the Fred Winter. Olly Murphy needs no introduction by now as he continues to impress in his first year of training. He has had a superb grounding with Gordon Elliott and it appears to have rubbed off on him. This horse won impressively on debut for the trainer in a little juvenile hurdle at Fakenham in December and whilst he hasn’t won since in three subsequent outings, he put up a decent performance to finish second at Market Rasen on his handicap debut last time out. He ran off a mark of 125 there and is off 128 for the Festival juvenile handicap hurdle, which looks fair. What attracted me was the way he stayed on last time (all too late) and a track like Cheltenham could be just the ticket for him. He was only ordinary on the level for Sir Mark Prescott, but won over 2m 2f at Chepstow on his final start for the shrewd Newmarket handler so has plenty of stamina. I bet there were a host of the jumps crew that would have loved to get their hands on this horse and I can see him doing his best work up the stiff Cheltenham hill in two weeks’ time.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 1, 2018 6:51:13 GMT
Paul Woloszyn focuses on previous Cheltenham Festival form as he bids to unearth a couple of candidates who may have been underestimated this year. In the countdown to the Cheltenham Festival there are certain things that you can rely on year on year. Simon Claisse’s daily going updates, word of an Irish handicap blot coming from a festival preview night and that there will be a day one acca which has got the bookies running for cover. As well as all that a phrase you’ll hear a lot at this time of year is the importance of ‘festival form’. A crucial factor when putting together your shortlists for those all important winners, the experts will tell you, and history tells us that they would be right. National Hunt legends Arkle, Istabraq and Big Buck’s all tasted festival success four times, while wondermare Quevega visited the winner’s enclosure on no less than six occasions. However, all were strongly fancied to do so. Much better cases of horses who left their best form for that week in March include Albertas Run, the winner of an RSA and two Ryanairs, who narrowly failed to claim another when beaten half a length in 2012, and the legendary Willie Wumpkins, a festival stalwart who won the race now known as the Pertemps three years in a row from 1979 to 1981 at prices of 25/1, 10/1 and 13/2 – the last of which at the grand old age of 13. In recent years Cause Of Causes is without doubt the biggest flagbearer for festival form. Victory for Gordon Elliott’s charge in last year’s cross country followed success in the four-miler in 2015 and the Kim Muir a year later, a race he also finished a narrow runner-up in 12 months before that. It’s fair to say the 10-year-old likes Cheltenham and will look to etch his name further into festival folklore in a couple of weeks’ time when he attempts to defend his cross country crown. Lining up against him, however, is another horse with a penchant for Prestbury Park. When Tiger Roll won the Triumph Hurdle under Davy Russell in 2014 few would have predicted that three years later the son of Authorized would return to taste glory again in the National Hunt Chase. Yet that is exactly what he did, powering up the hill for a three-length success to the delight of punters on at a starting price of 16/1. He hasn’t won since that day but a 10-length third at Wexford in the run before his victory last year wouldn’t have exactly filled you with confidence then either. That’s the magic of festival form. So, who else goes into this year’s showpiece with previous enhancing their claims? One of the most fascinating is the enigma that is Yorkhill. Although he’s disappointed on both of his outings this term, the two times he’s had the Cheltenham air in his nostrils before he’s emerged victorious and if anyone is going to get him back to his best it’s Willie Mullins. Whether even that would be good enough to deny Buveur D’Air in the Champion Hurdle (assuming that’s where he goes) is debatable, but the 9/2 on offer in the market without the favourite offers plenty of appeal. Click on the image below for Sky Bet's 'betting without Buveur D'Air' market... Can Yorkhill make it three Festival wins in a row? Un Temps Pour Tout underlined the merits of festival form last year when gaining back-to-back wins in the Ultima Handicap Chase. Injury has denied David Pipe’s charge the chance of a famous day one hat-trick but lurking at 20/1 for the 2018 renewal is another contender with a fine festival record. Second last year in the Kim Muir, when looking like the winner after the last, Pendra was also placed at the 2014 festival, while in 2015 Charlie Longsdon’s 10-year-old was again in the mix, finishing fifth. As well as the Ultima he once again has the Kim Muir as an alternative option. Another handicap featuring a couple of contenders with good memories of the festival is the Brown Advisory Plate where Tully East, a winner last year who was also fourth at the 2016 meeting, meets Ballyalton, whose two appearances have seen him win and before that finish second behind Faugheen in the 2014 Neptune. Ian Williams’ charge is a very interesting 25/1 shot for the 2m 4f chase. Meanwhile, in the Gold Cup, Might Bite, Sizing John, Killultagh Vic, Road To Respect and Minella Rocco all have past Cheltenham Festival success to their names, but it is undoubtedly the last named who has been the horse to show the biggest improvement from their form over the rest of the season during festival week. A winner, beating Native River, of the 2016 National Hunt Chase, he again left a miserable campaign behind last year when arriving at Cheltenham an 18/1 shot to be a Gold Cup runner-up. If festival form is anything to go by, Jonjo O’Neill’s eight-year-old will be a player again this time.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 1, 2018 6:53:03 GMT
The country is gripped by a big freeze but Cheltenham clerk of the course Simon Claisse expects much milder weather during Festival week. Prospects of racing anywhere on turf for the rest of this week look slim, but Claisse is in an optimistic frame of mind. "We've had a relatively dry fortnight," he said. "We've not had significant rain since Festival Trials Day when it was heavy ground, but the track went back well after that. "We were forewarned 10 days ago to expect a period of snow on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. That in terms of rainfall equivalent could be anywhere between 10 to 15 millimetres of rain, which would put the course back to soft with a week to go. "Beyond the weekend, we look like we are out of the frosts and daytime temperatures are anywhere between 5 and 8C. Depending on the extent of which that snow might blow around and drift we would anticipate seeing the back of it by the middle of next week. "There are a few bits of rain in the forecast from Wednesday onwards. Although it is a longer range forecast, Festival week is looking on the milder side with bits and pieces of rain."
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