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Post by dennisg on Mar 1, 2018 6:55:45 GMT
Harry Whittington believes the prospect of quicker ground could jeopardise the chances of leading Racing Post Arkle Challenge Trophy contender Saint Calvados. The five year old, who is for the Grade One contest at the Cheltenham Festival on March 13, has yet to tackle ground quicker than soft in seven career starts. After winning two Newbury handicaps on his first two outings for the Sparsholt handler, the Andrew Brooks-owned gelding outlined his Festival credentials earlier this month with a decisive success in a Grade Two contest at Warwick. But Whittington said: "He would not run on good ground. As long as there is cut in it he will be fine. "I've more reservations better ground than what he has been running on as he is by Saint Des Saints and he has got that knee action and he seems to have handled that soft ground very well. "Aidan (Coleman) felt it wasn't that soft at Warwick and he feels that he will be fine. The lad that rides him every day feels that he will be better on better ground as he will be able to lengthen and just go quicker. "I would have more reservations about the ground than the track. I'd be more hopeful of a bigger performance on soft ground than better ground, that's for sure." Looking beyond the Festival, Whittington does not anticipate stepping Saint Calvados up in trip any time soon. He added: "I wouldn't be surprised if he was kept at two miles next season and we aim him at something like the Tingle Creek. He looks like he is getting quicker all the time. He has got so much natural speed it looks like he is going a million miles an hour but he is just hacking." Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife "...you've got feel he's in with every chance of running a might race." We spoke to trainer Harry Whittington ahead of Saint Calvados' day of destiny in the Racing Post Arkle 😇#CheltenhamFestival
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 1, 2018 7:22:10 GMT
Thursday: going, weather & non-runners Kempton (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD TO SLOW (INSPECTION 11AM) WEATHER: Cloudy STALLS: Inside Newcastle (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD (INSPECTION 8AM THURSDAY) WEATHER: Snow showers STALLS: Straight - Centre; 1m 2f & 1m 4f - Farside; 2m - Inside NON RUNNERS: 1:50 Dalasiri (1)Indian Red (6) 5:15 Oriental Lilly (8)
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 1, 2018 7:22:55 GMT
Lambourn: James Burn
New Rich (6.30 Kempton, nap)
Consistent eight-year-old who performs well at the track, so should be capable of going close once more.
7/2 New Rich 6:30 Kempton (AW) Others to follow Kempton: 7.30 Fortune's Pearl, 8.00 Believe It, 8.30 Haraz, 9.00 Mezmar. Newcastle: 2.55 Yabass, 4.05 Make Music.
North: Colin Russell
Bint Arcano (4.05 Newcastle, nap)
Faces a stiffer task than when winning the race a year ago, but shaped well on her reappearance in a good race at Wolverhampton and fancied to give another good account.
6/1 Bint Arcano 4:05 Newcastle (AW) Others to follow Kempton: 5.55 Montague, 6.30 Lambrini Legacy, 7.30 Ventura Knight. Newcastle: 1.50 Leodis, 2.20 Paddyplex, 2.55 River Glades, 3.30 Theglasgowwarrior, 4.40 Deansgate, 5.15 Oriental Lily.
Newmarket: David Milnes
Gronkowski (7.30 Kempton, nap)
Fancied to book a spot for a possible crack at the Kentucky Derby after his scintillating win under a penalty at Newcastle last time. Jeremy Noseda's hope has since impressed in his work on the Al Bahathri.
10/11 Gronkowski 7:30 Kempton (AW) Others to follow Kempton: 5.55 Cloud Eight, 7.00 White Desert, 8.00 Arsene Lupin, 9.00 Sonnet Rose. Newcastle: 1.50 Katie Gale, 2.55 Natch, 4.40 Arnarson.
Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Gronkowski (7.30 Kempton)
Has won both starts on the all-weather with the minimum of fuss and although upped in class this improving colt can complete his hat-trick.
10/11 Gronkowski 7:30 Kempton (AW) Racing Post Rating: Paul Curtis
Kensington Star (2.20 Newcastle)
Finished close up in the consolation race for the Northumberland Plate off 4lb higher last year and has good claims at this level if rediscovering that level of form.
6/1 Kensington Star 2:20 Newcastle (AW) Longshot: Ed Quigley
Light From Mars (8.30 Kempton)
Veteran who has a good record over C&D and can bounce back to winning ways off a career-low mark.
10/1 Light From Mars 8:30 Kempton (AW) * There are no tips from Ireland or the West Country.
The Raceform Interactive nugget
Don't Give Up is 3/3 over exactly 1m2f, 2/2 at Meydan and 1/1 under Christophe Soumillon, so his claims are obvious in the 5.25.
6/5 Don't Give Up 5:25 Meydan 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 Mar 1, 2018 7:23:33 GMT
Olly Murphy is 5-12 with horses reappearing within seven days of a win. World Of Good obliged comfortably at Wolverhampton on Saturday and looks set to defy a penalty in the 8.30 at Kempton.
With a record of 58-206 (28 per cent), Jeremy Noseda boasts an impressive strike-rate at Kempton. He can score with Gronkowski in the 7.30, his only runner at the meeting.
Jim Goldie and apprentice Phil Dennis strike at 26 per cent when combining at Newcastle. They team up for Theglasgowwarrior in the 3.30 and Oriental Lilly in the 5.15.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 1, 2018 8:42:28 GMT
Newcastle's all-weather meeting today is now subject to a 9am inspection.
Officials at the track inspected at 8am, but strong winds blowing snow onto the track have forced another check.
The fixture is due to begin at 1.50, while Kempton's card this evening will hinge on an 11am inspection.
An update from that venue before 7am read: "Very cold with a band of snow forecast to arrive from noon on Thursday; potential for 5cm to 10cm through out the day, which would put racing in doubt on access/safety grounds."
The freezing temperatures gripping Britain and Ireland have already claimed Ludlow, Taunton, Clonmel, Doncaster, Newbury and Dundalk, which were due to race today and tomorrow, while Newcastle cancelled its meeting yesterday.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 1, 2018 10:24:47 GMT
The Beast from the East has been laying waste to the racing schedule even leaving its mark on the all-weather schedule, and forcing Newcastle and Kempton to cancel cards today.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 1, 2018 13:24:41 GMT
There were no signs of the weather relenting on Thursday as Newcastle and Kempton were forced to cancel their meetings in the morning and all jump meetings in Britain and Ireland scheduled for Saturday were abandoned.
Kelso, Newbury, Navan and Doncaster have been called off, while Chelmsford's all-weather card hinges on an inspection at 1pm on Friday. In addition, Leopardstown's meetings on Sunday and Monday have already been lost.
An additional all-weather card for jumps horses has been created on Friday at Southwell, where the BHA has also programmed extra Flat racing on Sunday, when Huntingdon also hopes to race.
Chelmsford's meeting on Friday is also off, while Lingfield will be determined by an 8am inspection.
If that is on, the BHA offered some good news for jockeys as the organisation's head of media Robin Mounsey explained: "Owing to the ongoing extreme weather conditions, the BHA has informed jockeys that the winter weight allowance – which allows jockeys a 1lb weight allowance to wear an extra warm item of clothing – will be extended to those Flat all-weather meetings which go ahead on Friday.
"The allowance usually applies to all-weather race meetings staged between December and February, but due to the weather it has been agreed to extend this. The BHA will then revisit the situation on Friday as regards racing on Saturday."
An additional all-weather card for jumps horses has been created on Friday at Southwell, where the BHA has also programmed extra Flat racing on Sunday, when Huntingdon also hopes to race.
It is offering entry to members of tracks denied their fix this week.
"It’s been a hugely frustrating for the racing industry and its followers, with many meetings called off because of the wintry blast," the track's general manager Liam Johnson said today.
"At Huntingdon, the whole team is working as hard as possible to get Sunday’s meeting on. Of course, we are in the hands of the weather gods as well, but we'll do all we can and we're inviting annual members from all those racecourses which have lost fixtures this week to visit us free of charge."
Read The Briefing from 8.30am daily on racingpost.com with all the day's latest going, weather, market moves and non-runner
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 1, 2018 15:05:14 GMT
Weather prospects
Friday
Chelmsford (AW): cancelled
Doncaster: cancelled
Lingfield (AW): covered in light snow with more snow showers forecast
Newbury: cancelled
Southwell (AW): course to be worked on overnight
Dundalk (AW): cancelled
Saturday
Chelmsford (AW): snow forecast; Friday card cancelled
Doncaster: cancelled
Kelso: cancelled
Lingfield (AW): covered in light snow with more snow showers forecast
Newbury: cancelled
Newcastle (AW): heavy snow showers forecast
Navan: cancelled
Sunday
Huntingdon: course frozen, snow forecast Friday
Sedgefield: inspection 7am Friday, course under 15cm of snow
Southwell (AW): course being worked on overnight
Leopardstown: cancelled
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 Mar 2, 2018 7:32:40 GMT
Friday: going, weather & non-runners Lingfield (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD (INSPECTION 8AM) WEATHER: Snow STALLS: 1m - Outside; Remainder - Inside Southwell (AW) GOING: FIBRESAND: STANDARD WEATHER: Cloudy NON RUNNERS: 3:20 Spectator (6)
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 2, 2018 7:33:15 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Jazirat (4.45 Lingfield, nap)
James Doyle jets back from Dubai to take his first rides in Britain this year and Jazirat makes plenty of appeal after running into the useful Vale Of Kent over course and distance last time. He has since thrived at Moulton Paddocks.
Others to follow Lingfield 2.30 Nick Vedder, 3.05 Envisaging, 4.10 Swift Approval, 5.15 Sportswriter.
Lambourn: James Burn
Assanilka (2.30 Lingfield, nap)
Placed on last two starts and can overcome 2lb ratings rise under in-form rider Eddy Greatrex, who gets the call up for the first time.
Others to follow Lingfield 3.35 Van Huysen, 4.10 Take The Helm, 4.45 Golden Footsteps, 5.15 Petruchio.
North: Colin Russell
Brotherly Company (3.20 Southwell, nap)
Dual winner over hurdles who is also a fair performer on the Flat, winning on the Fibresand in January. Stable going great guns at present and fancied to go well again.
Others to follow Lingfield 3.05 Mickey, 4.10 Poet's Society, 4.45 Illusional, 5.15 Juneau. Southwell 1.45 Swashbuckle, 2.15 Tomngerry, 2.45 Volcanic, 3.50 Green Light, 4.25 Fin And Game.
Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Brotherly Company (3.20 Southwell, nap)
Winner of a class 5 handicap at this course in January, he ran well over hurdles last month and looks to have plenty in his favour.
Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Jazirat (4.45 Lingfield)
Just denied when favourite on his reappearance over course and distance recently and should be given a chance to make amends.
Longshot: Ed Quigley
Scottish Glen (2.30 Lingfield)
The veteran is on a long losing run but has some smart form over course and distance and can't be ruled out.
There are no tips from the West Country or Ireland
The Raceform Interactive nugget
The two times Constantino has returned to the track on the AW following a 124 day break or longer, he's finished first and second. Therefore, today's absence of 153 days shouldn't detract from his chances in the 4.10 at Lingfield.
For the freshest betting advice, based on latest going and market conditions, don't miss the Live Tipster. Just click Raceday Live at racingpost.com or the mobile app
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 2, 2018 7:33:44 GMT
Scottish Glen (2.30) is interesting at Lingfield as he has won six times from 14 all-weather starts at the venue. The 12-year-old can take advantage of his declining mark now in Class 5 company.
Envisaging (3.05) is worth noting at Lingfield for James Fanshawe and Daniel Muscutt. The pair operate at a 35 per cent strike-rate at the venue and Muscutt tops the hot jockeys’ list.
Expect an improved effort from Sportswriter (5.15) at Lingfield now he is fitted with cheekpieces. Trainer Charlie Appleby operates at a 38 per cent strike-rate when employing the aid and the step up to ten furlongs should suit.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 2, 2018 7:37:16 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 2, 2018 7:37:39 GMT
LINGFIELD
Robin Goodfellow
2.30 Assanilka
3.05 Mickey
3.35 Cayuga (nb)
4.10 Mitchum Swagger
4.45 Jazirat (nap)
5.15 Petruchio
Gimcrack
2.30 Wicker
3.05 Envisaging
3.35 Cayuga
4.10 Poet ’s Society (nap)
4.45 Jazirat
5.15 Petruchio
SOUTHWELL
Robin Goodfellow
1.45 Magic Dancer
2.15 Charbel
2.45 Nautical Nitwit
3.20 Spectator
3.50 Hammersly Lake
4.25 Fin And Game
5.00 Flash The Steel
Gimcrack
1.45 Swashbuckle
2.15 Charbel
2.45 Volcanic
3.20 Spectator
3.50 Hammersly Lake
4.25 Fin And Game
5.00 Flash The Steel
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Post by dennisg on Mar 2, 2018 7:50:59 GMT
in today's sporting life................... We're down to two meetings on all-weather surfaces on Friday, but Anita Chambers has some strong fancies at Southwell and Lingfield. Poet's Society should make the most of a drop back in trip for the Play Jackpot Games At sunbets.co.uk/vegas Handicap at Lingfield. Mark Johnston opted to step his charge up to a mile last time and while he was not disgraced in being beaten just under six lengths in seventh, the strong pace that day clearly exposed his stamina limitations. Admittedly he was racing off a 4lb higher mark after winning over seven furlongs on his penultimate start, but the way he dropped away at the finish suggested that perhaps the trip was not ideal. He had finished with real purpose over the shorter trip previously and dropped 1lb in the ratings for his recent defeat, Poet's Society remains of interest. Jazirat let down favourite backers when held in second on his first outing of 2018, but those that keep the faith can be rewarded in the 32Redsport.com Handicap. Charlie Appleby's runner has been placed on each of his three starts to date, most recently when going down by just half a length on his return from 220 days off the track. He made a game effort from the front that day and this might provide an easier opportunity to get off the mark. Envisaging can regain the winning thread after three placed efforts in the £10 Free At 32Red.com Novice Stakes. Winner of a Newcastle maiden back in November, James Fanshawe's charge has possibly not quite made the progress one might have expected, but a switch to seven furlongs here can change his luck. Studying for the Cheltenham Festival? We have FREE and unlimited video replays from ALL UK and Irish racecourse - click here for full details... Labaik won last year's Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle Charbel could be the class act on show on the jumpers' bumper card at Southwell. Kim Bailey's runner looked set to make a race of it with Altior in the Arkle at last year's Festival only to crash out two fences from home. Three subsequent outings have failed to yield compensation, but his most recent effort when fourth in the Tingle Creek was hardly a bad run, although it does look as though he is a touch short of Grade One calibre. That said, there are plenty of opportunities for Charbel and this two-mile outing in the Betdaq #ChangingForTheBettor 'Jumpers' Bumper' NH Flat Race should keep him ticking over nicely. Donald McCain sends a clutch of runners to the Nottinghamshire venue and his Fin And Game looks the pick in the Free Trading Tools On Betdaq "Jumpers' Bumper". He was out of luck in two bumper starts on the turf, but has won twice over hurdles this term and is a decent prospect. Volcanic can also strike for McCain in the Betdaq Exchange Virtuals "Jumpers' Bumper". The nine-year-old spent well over a year on the sidelines but has shaped with promise in two outings since his return, claiming third at both Kempton in November and Musselburgh in January. He was a three-times bumper winner earlier in his career and that experience should stand him in good stead here. Sporting Life tips: LINGFIELD: 2.30 Wicker, 3.05 Envisaging, 3.35 Cayuga, 4.10 POET'S SOCIETY (NAP), 4.45 Jazirat, 5.15 Petruchio SOUTHWELL: 1.45 Swashbuckle, 2.15 Charbel, 2.45 Volcanic, 3.20 Spectator, 3.50 Hammersly Lake, 4.25 Fin And Game, 5.00 Flash The Steel DOUBLE: Poet's Society and Charbel
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Post by dennisg on Mar 2, 2018 7:52:52 GMT
Storm Emma has hit Great Britain and we have the list of all the racing abandoned as well as the postponed matches in football, rugby union and rugby league. Racing Friday Chelmsford Newbury Doncaster Dundalk Saturday Newbury Doncaster Navan Kelso Sunday Leopardstown Monday Leopardstown 'I must nearly have reached Leopardstown' 'I must nearly have reached Leopardstown' Football Sky Bet Championship Saturday Sheffield United v Burton Sky Bet League One Saturday Bradford v Portsmouth Gillingham v Rotherham Oxford v Fleetwood Sky Bet League Two Saturday Newport v Accrington Vanarama National League Boreham Wood v Macclesfield Chester v Bromley Ebbsfleet United v Wrexham Guiseley v Dagenham and Redbridge Halifax v Sutton Maidenhead v Woking Tranmere v Gateshead Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership Saturday St Johnstone v Hamilton Ladbrokes Scottish Championship Friday Dundee United v St Mirren 'I walked all this way and Dundee United v St Mirren has been postponed!' 'I walked all this way and Dundee United v St Mirren has been postponed!' Saturday Dunfermline v Livingston. Ladbrokes Scottish League One Airdrieonians v Stranraer Albion Rovers v Queen's Park Ladbrokes Scottish League Two Berwick Rangers v Stirling Albion Clyde v Elgin City Edinburgh City v Cowdenbeath Peterhead v Stenhousemuir Rugby union Aviva Premiership Saturday Exeter Chiefs v Saracens (to be played on Sunday at 1500 GMT) Guinness Pro 14 Friday Cardiff v Benetton Edinburgh v Munster Ulster v Glasgow Saturday Scarlets v Leinster Zebre v Ospreys 'My phone isn't working but I'm sure the Scarlets game will be on' 'My phone isn't working but I'm sure the Scarlets game will be on' Rugby league Betfred Super League Thursday Hull KR v Castleford Friday Leeds v Catalans Dragons Wakefield v Huddersfield St Helens v Salford Darts Thursday Unibet Premier League Darts in Exeter View image on Twitter View image on Twitter Sporting Life ✔ @sportinglife Replying to @sportinglife 🎯🤞 Tonight's Premier League Darts may have gone but as things stand, the UK Open in Minehead (Friday to Sunday) is still on Full details 👉 www.sportinglife.com/darts/news/pl-darts-cancelled-due-to-snow/143786?aff=1197317997&dcmp=SL_TWITTER_DARTSOFF0103 … 2:52 PM - Mar 1, 2018 See Sporting Life's other Tweets Twitter Ads info and privacy Basketball British Basketball League Friday Newcastle Eagles v Worcester Wolves Leeds Force v Surrey Scorchers
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Post by dennisg on Mar 2, 2018 7:57:00 GMT
Donn McClean with five Irish handicappers to follow at the Cheltenham Festival - including a 25/1 chance in the Grand Annual. Click on the horse's name for full profile and complete and FREE video form All Sky Bet Cheltenham Festival prices are non-runner/no bet and Best Odds Guaranteed Tully East (Trainer: Alan Fleming) Tully East put up an impressive performance to win the Close Brothers Chase at last year’s Cheltenham Festival. Racing off a handicap rating of 138, the Alan Fleming-trained gelding made nice progress from the rear and arrived there at the final fence under a well-timed ride from Denis O’Regan before keeping on well up the hill to get home by just over a length from Gold Present. Gold Present obviously enhanced the form of that race this season by winning a decent handicap chase at Newbury in December, and by beating Frodon and a field of high-class handicappers in the Silver Cup at Ascot in December. Nicky Henderson’s horse is now rated 155, 18lb higher than the mark off which he raced in the Close Brothers Chase. Tully East has been given a mark of 148 by the British handicapper, 10lb higher than the mark off which he won at Cheltenham last March and just 2lb higher than his Irish mark, and that gives him a chance in the Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate. He ran a cracker at the Dublin Racing Festival at Leopardstown four weeks ago, when he finished third behind Patricks Park and Three Stars on ground that was softer than ideal and over two miles and one furlong, a distance that was probably shorter than ideal. He should be happier back on better ground and back over the intermediate trip. Barry Connell’s horse is proven at Cheltenham and under Cheltenham Festival conditions. As well as his win in the Close Brothers Chase last year, he belied odds of 50/1 when finishing fourth in the Martin Pipe Hurdle in 2016. He has plenty in his favour. Sky Bet: 8/1 Tully East - Brown Advisory & Merriebelle Stable Plate Cheltenham Festival 2017 | Day 1 | Champion Day | Highlights | ITV Three Stars (Henry de Bromhead) Three Stars finished second in that handicap chase at Leopardstown, and Henry de Bromhead’s horse could be a player in the Grand Annual. Always prominent that day, he was sent to the front on the run to the second last fence, and he went fully five lengths clear around the home turn. He was just worn down in the end by Patricks Park, a mistake at the final fence not helping, but he still ran all the way to the line. He finished over five lengths clear of Tully East in third. It was a fine run by Three Stars in his first-time cheekpieces, dropped back down to an extended two miles, having been tried over three in the Paddy Power Chase on his previous run. A fast-run stiff two miles suits Robert Finnegan’s horse well, and that is what he should get in the Grand Annual. His British mark of 144 is just 3lb higher than his Irish mark, which is fair, and he could be an interesting outsider in the Grand Annual. Squouateur (Gordon Elliott) Squouateur is fashionable, he has been fashionable for a while, but he still merits inclusion here for the Kim Muir. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding was a fair way back when he unseated his rider at the fourth last fence in last year’s renewal of the race, but he was travelling well at the time. Jamie Codd was just starting to ask him for his effort. He did well to finish third in the Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown on his penultimate run. His jumping was not overly fluent that day, and he was always a little further back than ideal, but he stayed on well from the home turn over the last fence and up the run-in to take third place behind Anibale Fly and Ucello Conti. The extra two furlongs of the Kim Muir should suit JP McManus’ horse well. He has been given a British handicap rating of 135, which is close enough to bordlerline for the Kim Muir. The lowest-rated horse in last year’s Kim Muir raced off a mark of 133, and you wouldn’t have minded another 1lb or 2lb, just to be sure. However, as long as he gets into the race, he will get in on a nice racing weight and a nice mark, the same as last year’s mark. He is only seven years old, and he still has plenty of scope for progression as a staying chaser. Sky Bet: 6/1 Squouateur - Kim Muir Will it be another big week for Gordon Elliott? Sort It Out (Eddie Harty) Sort It Out stayed on well to force a dead-heat for third place in the Pertemps qualifier at Punchestown last Wednesday, and he will be of interest if he lines up in the final at the Cheltenham Festival. Zero for four over fences in the early part of the season, that was the Milan gelding’s first run over hurdles since he finished down the field in a handicap hurdle at the 2016 Punchestown Festival, and it was his first run under any code since December. JP McManus’ horse is a talented hurdler though, as he proved during the 2014/15 season, when he won handicap hurdles at Punchestown and Leopardstown and finished second on the County Hurdle at Cheltenham. He rounded off that campaign by winning a big two-and-a-half-mile handicap hurdle at the Punchestown Festival off a mark of 136. The British handicap rating of 141 which he has been allotted is 4lb higher than his Irish mark and it is 7lb higher than the mark off which he raced in the 2015 County Hurdle, but it is 3lb lower than his peak and it is a mark off which he should be competitive. That County Hurdle run proved that he can operate under Cheltenham Festival conditions, and his latest run proved that he can stay three miles. That was his first run ever over that distance, and he is unexposed at staying trips. Flawless Escape (Gordon Elliott) Flawless Escape holds four entries at the Cheltenham Festival, but it looks like connections are leaning towards the Martin Pipe Hurdle, and he will be of interest if he lines up in that. The Gordon Elliott-trained gelding has run just three times over hurdles, but he has progressed with each run. Second, beaten just a length by Mr Whipped – who has won three of his four hurdle races for Nicky Henderson and is now rated 145 – in his only point-to-point, and winner of his only bumper, he finished second in a maiden hurdle at Punchestown in November before stepping up on that to win his maiden over two and a half miles at Leopardstown’s Christmas Festival. He showed lots of determination to win that day, he stayed on well up the long run-in with the final flight omitted to get home by a length from Jetez, with subsequent Grade 1 winner Tower Bridge back in fourth. Tim O’Driscoll’s horse stepped up on that last time back in a three-mile handicap hurdle at Leopardstown. Racing off a mark of 128, he kept on to finish third behind the seriously well-handicapped Total Recall, with Delta Work, who dead-heated for third place with Sort It Out in that Pertemps qualifier at Punchestown, a short head back in fourth. The drop back to two and a half miles should suit him well, and he has the potential to progress beyond his British handicap rating of 137. For more of Donn's articles visit www.donnmcleanracing.comRelated links Cheltenham Festival guide
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Post by dennisg on Mar 2, 2018 8:02:38 GMT
Mike Cattermole reflects on the recent action and predicts a big year for Jeremy Noseda's Newmarket string and Phoenix Thoroughbred Ltd. CATCHING UP IS HARD WORK! The weather is incredibly frustrating right now but one good thing about this 'Beast from the East' is that it gives you a chance to re-evaluate things ahead of Cheltenham or, in my case, have a good old catch-up after being away on holiday last week (I picked the wrong week, didn't I?) First up, I am not surprised that Alan King was delighted with Redicean in the Adonis Hurdle. Up to now, his jumping had been questionable but not this time and he fairly flew over the last two flights at full pelt to win emphatically. King is a dab hand at training juvenile hurdlers and all the work on him at home fine-tuning Redicean’s jumping technique had clearly paid off. He has to have a chance in the JCB Triumph, which is one of the Festival's most competitive races. When you look at the top contenders, it is hard to know which ones will not make the frame. Ben Pauling's Global Citizen also very much took the eye in the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle and in fact beat Redicean's time by over two seconds. Global Citizen had no entry at the Festival – yet – but the proposal to run him in the County Hurdle was blown apart when his new rating came through this week at 149, some 19lb higher than on Saturday morning. The best laid plans, eh? Chasing him home in second place was the King-trained Scarlet Dragon and although the winning margin was nine lengths, I don't think this represented the true difference between them. Scarlet Dragon, rated 107 on the Flat, was given a lovely, educational ride by Wayne Hutchinson in spite of pulling and exhibiting some novicey jumping – he gave the third flight a right whack. Still happy to sit and wait, Scarlet Dragon made up a tremendous amount of ground up the home straight when allowed his head. Connections are considering the Sky Bet Supreme Novices' Hurdle and there won't be a higher-rated Flat horse in the line-up. Sure, he needs to improve his jumping fast, but the strong gallop will suit him and he is a standout 33/1 with the sponsors. Check that Kempton run out (click for free video replay) and see if you agree with me... Redicean displays an impressive jumping technique JEREMY NOSEDA ONE TO WATCH THIS YEAR Jeremy Noseda was one man smiling in the frozen atmosphere of Lingfield – it was bitter - on Tuesday when he saddled a double at the track. The ardent Spurs fan was pleased with Abe Lincoln, who won the good quality 10f handicap well enough, but was more guarded about Walk In The Sun, a fine- looking son of Street Sense who was no more than workmanlike in the novice conditions stakes. "If I’m being honest, I was a touch disappointed", admitted the trainer to me as I interviewed him on ATR. "He didn’t really handle the track. I think he has a big future but we might have to be patient." Walk In The Sun, an Irish 2,000 Guineas entry, was bought for a whopping 1.4m EUROS at the Arqana Breeze-Up Sale last May and carries the colours of Phoenix Thoroughbred Ltd who made an impression in its first season last year. Phoenix operates a bit like a venture capital company with some very rich people investing in their thoroughbred investment portfolio, which is based in Luxemburg. Noseda has always been a dab hand at placing his horses, and indeed mapping out a plan for them, and I am looking forward to seeing what he does with Phoenix's Take Me With You this summer. He regards this Scat Daddy filly very highly and she was first home of those drawn on the near side in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot before winning her maiden easily at Windsor last September. Plans to take her to the Breeders' Cup had to be shelved after she suffered a setback. The same owner’s Gronkowski was due to run at Kempton on Thursday with high expectations, so keep an eye on him, too. A decade or so ago, Group One wins were a pretty regular occurrence at Shalfleet Stables and now that Noseda has some quality material to work with again, I have a feeling that there will be more big race success coming his way pretty soon. WEST BERKSHIRE RACING CLUB QUIZ After Lingfield on Tuesday, I had a surprisingly trouble-free journey across to Newbury racecourse to take part in the annual West Berkshire Racing Club Quiz. The event had been rearranged following the untimely death of Phil Brown who had been the question master for years. Phil, a tremendous enthusiast, had sadly passed away just before Christmas but had still set most of the questions. He must have had a laugh looking down because they were his toughest yet. At least they were for me and my team-mates, made up of Geoff Lester, Neil Morrice and Bernard Mills, who subbed for the absent Nick Deacon whose father, the legendary Darkie, had been taken unwell. Best wishes to him, Fulke Walwyn’s right-hand man, of course, in the glory years. Anyway, the Freelance Four were upsides to halfway but we faded alarmingly and our “joker” round of "best horses of the 1970s" was an absolute disaster. Raceform romped home, chased up by Richard Phillips’s team, which contained Charlie Poste, former commentator John Hanmer (“still alive”) and the legend that is Sir AP McCoy, who is a regular on the night. Phillips couldn’t help quipping: “No wonder you’re all freelance!” He had a point. I will be back at Newbury next Tuesday March 6 for their Festival Preview Night alongside Jamie Snowden, Charlie Mann and Lizzie Kelly. If you can make it, it would be good to see you. It starts at 8pm and proceeds go to the IJF. EDDIE JONES DONE WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT – WHO CAN BLAME HIM? The BBC’s sports correspondent, Dan Roan, tweeted a film of some Scottish rugby “fans” hassling and abusing England rugby coach Eddie Jones at Manchester railway station earlier this week as he was getting into a taxi. The lack of respect and common courtesy was risible, especially as Jones had posed for some photos with them moments earlier. Yet still they shouted abuse at him. What a pity that the likes of Dylan Hartley or Chris Robshaw weren’t nearby! I enjoyed watching the Scotland/England game when my loyalties, as usual, were divided (I am half of each) and again admired the spirit of the players and their respect for the officials. But watching this film made me cringe. As they say in Scotland, "nae class." ARSENE WENGER IS CLASS, BUT HIS TIME IS UP The long-serving Arsenal manager got a grilling from the press at his latest pre-match conference ahead of the rematch with Manchester City on Thursday night. He bristled as they repeatedly asked questions about his future. But Wenger stood his ground and didn't storm out in a fit of pique as others often do. Fair play to him. Surely he must know, deep down, that his time at Arsenal is up. Arsenal have a strong squad but they are not performing for him right now and something is clearly out of step at the club. It is not likely to get better any time soon until Wenger goes.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 2, 2018 8:23:43 GMT
Racing returns in Britain this afternoon following a rare blank day on Thursday, with Southwell's jumpers for bumpers card beating the elements.
But Lingfield's all-weather card has been cancelled due to overnight frost and severe wind chill.
While the track at Southwell is raceable, the treacherous conditions are making it difficult for yards to operate and the bad weather means Kim Bailey does not think one of his stars, Charbel, will be in attendance.
Speaking on Friday morning, Bailey said: "The roads around the yard are very bad and I think it's unlikely that he'll be running."
Donald McCain is sending five runners while also taking some of his Cheltenham Festival contenders for a gallop.
The bad weather continues to ravage the jumps programme, as Huntingdon and Sedgefield were forced to cancel their respective Sunday cards.
Going report
Southwell (first race at: 1.45) Standard (AW)
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 2, 2018 16:41:41 GMT
SATURDAY.
FREE TO AIR TV RACES 1:45 LINGFIELD (AW) POLYTRACK Play For Free At sunbets.co.uk/vegas Handicap Cl3 (4yo+ 0-95) 1m ITV 8 runners 1:50 DONCASTER William Hill High 5 Handicap Hurdle Cl2 (4yo+ 0-145) 3m½f ITV 18 runners 2:05 NEWBURY Elite Racing Club Supporting Greatwood Veterans' Handicap Chase (Qualifier) (Leg 3 Veterans' Series) Cl2 (9yo+ 0-150) 3m2f ITV 12 runners 2:20 LINGFIELD (AW) POLYTRACK Betway Casino Handicap Cl5 (4yo+ 0-70) 1m4f ITV 11 runners 2:25 DONCASTER William Hill Great Cheltenham Offers Handicap Chase Cl2 (5yo+) 2m½f ITV 15 runners 2:40 NEWBURY William Hill Supporting Greatwood Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Cl1 (5yo+) 2m4f ITV 0 runners 2:55 LINGFIELD (AW) POLYTRACK Betway Handicap Cl2 (4yo+ 0-105) 5f ITV 8 runners 3:00 DONCASTER William Hill Join Plus In Shop Mares' Novices' Hurdle (Listed Race) Cl1 (4yo+) 3m½f ITV 11 runners 3:20 KELSO totescoop6 Premier Kelso Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) Cl1 (4yo+) 2m2f ITV 18 runners 3:30 LINGFIELD (AW) POLYTRACK 32Red Spring Cup Stakes (Listed Race) Cl1 (3yo) 7f ITV 6 runners 3:35 DONCASTER William Hill Grimthorpe Handicap Chase Cl2 (5yo+) 3m2f ITV 17 runners
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 2, 2018 18:57:30 GMT
In a week when Britain and Ireland have been buffeted, blanketed and brought to a standstill by first the 'Beast from the East' and then Storm Emma, it will be an irony lost on no-one that the ITV-broadcast Lingfield meeting which racing hopes will fly the flag this weekend is headlined by the Spring Cup.
Nothing could be less spring-like than the conditions that have frozen out racing this week, causing a rare blank day on Thursday, when all five British and Irish meetings were cancelled, and leaving yards battling snow drifts and sub-zero temperatures.
Three meetings are scheduled for Saturday but with 8am inspections planned for all three another wipeout is a grim possibility. Prospects of Lingfield's feature card going ahead are on a knife-edge and groundstaff are set to work through the night in a bid to save the meeting.
Clerk of the course George Hill had to cancel the track's Friday fixture due to overnight frost and severe wind chill, which hit punishing lows of -12C, and while temperatures are forecast to rise on Saturday it will be be touch and go whether the improvement materialises in time.
Hill said: "We're not raceable today, we'll keep on working the track to keep it moving, the air temperatures aren't helping as they're below zero, and ideally we need to get above 0C by tomorrow morning, which it has a chance of doing.
"We've got light snow showers this afternoon which aren't going to help but we'll keep going and working the track – we've got three tractors out and we'll be out all night. It was -12C on wind chill last night - it was horrendous - and that's what lost us today, but we're doing our best to try to have a chance tomorrow.
"I've got four ITV lorries parked in the car park and it would be our first time on the main channel so it'd be lovely getting it on – we'll do our best."
If Lingfield does get the all-clear four races will be broadcast on the main ITV channel headlined by the 32Red Spring Cup, in which Gimcrack third Headway is set to take on a field of five, including Super Sprint winner Bengali Boys.
While Lingfield's card hangs in the balance the vibes coming from Newcastle are more positive, although an inspection at 8am is planned for the track's all-weather meeting for jumps horses. Like at Lingfield the groundstaff will be working through the night to keep the surface raceable.
Raceday clerk of the course Paul Barker said: "We're currently raceable and if we get what we're forecast we should be fine. It's been a great effort from the whole team."
Saturday evening's meeting at Chelmsford is also subject to an 8am inspection, with clerk of the course Andy Waitt hoping snow that began falling on Friday afternoon stops in good time for his team to go to work preparing the racecourse.
"If the forecast is right and we get everything cleared we'll be okay, but it's in the lap of the gods," he said.
Bookmakers expect strong turnover on any card that survives, albeit considerably down on what it would have been had the scheduled jumps fixtures at Newbury, Doncaster, Navan and Kelso taken place, and also noted a spike in ante-post betting for Cheltenham.
Nicola McGeady of Ladbrokes said: "Turnover tomorrow will definitely be significantly reduced. It's fantastic ITV are covering Lingfield though, as it's a very good, strong, competitive card.
"Normal betting activity on Lingfield will vastly increase. However, it still wouldn't make up for lost turnover from the jumps meetings.
"The cancelled meetings have given punters a chance to really get down and study the Cheltenham Festival and that's led to a spike in ante-post turnover. The handicaps have been particularly lively today, with Vieux Morvan in the Plate and Ivanovich Gorbatov in the County proving especially popular."
Coral PR director Simon Clare added: "It's challenging times like these that all-weather racing was invented for, and the fixtures at Lingfield, Newcastle and Chelmsford would see up to three times as much money bet on them in the absence of any jumps meeting."
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 2, 2018 18:59:30 GMT
Southwell, 02 Mar 18 Race 1 - 1:45pm THE BACK OR LAY ON BETDAQ "JUMPERS' BUMPER" NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 4) Having reviewed the start, the Stewards were satisfied that INVESTIGATION had refused to race and was deemed to be a runner.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 2, 2018 19:00:26 GMT
The three all-weather meetings on Saturday face 8am inspections to see if racing can go ahead.
Newcastle's hastily-arranged jumpers bumpers card has attracted some healthy fields and originally the meeting was in no danger with conditions much improved in the north.
However, on Friday afternoon an inspection was announced, with stand-in clerk of the course Paul Baker saying: "We've had very high winds this afternoon which has caused a bit of snow drifting on to the track."
He continued: "It's similar to the issue we had the other day for the Flat fixture. We are just trying to formulate a plan to doll the area out. Hopefully we should be fine.
"We've got some nice horses coming, it will be good for the north to get some racing back on and good for the punters as well to see some competitive racing.
"It's just the weather is challenging us somewhat at the moment. Hopefully by 8am when the course inspectors come and have a look, we'll be fine."
Lingfield's all-weather action has also been impacted by the cold weather, with Friday's card called off due to "frost and severe wind chill".
Saturday's fixture is due to feature the Listed 32Red Spring Cup, but clerk of the course George Hill will assess conditions at 8am ahead of that meeting.
Chelmsford will also inspect at 8am ahead of the evening meeting at the Essex venue.
Friday's card was called off on Thursday, but clerk of the course Andy Waitt is more hopeful for Saturday's action.
He said: "We've had no snow so far today, but looking at the images, it will reach us this afternoon and snow intermittently until about 11pm, but it is only supposed to be light snow.
"The temperature is due to rise so if we only have that to clear, we'll be in a better position to make a decision at 8am.
"Surrounding areas are fine, local roads are all clear, we're pretty much on top of the site but we couldn't make the decision now because of the forecast we've got.
"My overriding concern is health and safety."
Heavy snow claimed Sunday's card at Sedgefield following a 7am inspection on Friday, while Huntingdon was abandoned an hour later due to a frozen track.
Clerk of the course Jack Pryor said: "We were looking more positive yesterday, we had three centimetres of snow and that was doing quite a nice job of insulating the track, but the frost has really got in the ground now and it is pretty solid."
The next scheduled National Hunt fixtures are at Lingfield and Southwell on Monday.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 3, 2018 8:18:50 GMT
in today's sporting life.............. Ben Linfoot is taking a punt on Lingfield beating the big freeze on Saturday as he puts up two Value Bets for the all-weather action. Recommended Bets: Value Bet March 3 For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record The freezing weather has decimated the jumps fixtures for the foreseeable and The Beast From The East might well see off all of Saturday’s terrestrial TV action yet, with Lingfield’s all-weather card subject to an 8am inspection. If it does go ahead it’s not a bad card at all, with the Listed 32Red Spring Cup Stakes taking centre stage at 3.30. Headway sets the standard, marginally, on juvenile form and he heads the betting at around 11/8, but that looks plenty short enough. He was placed in the Coventry Stakes and the Gimcrack, but he is only one from five and isn’t too far ahead of Saturday’s rivals on the bare form. With plenty of guesswork involved following the winter breaks for these horses, he’s worth taking on. I’m not sure seven furlongs on the all-weather is what Bengali Boys wants seeing as his best effort as a two-year-old came on soft ground in the Super Sprint, while Albishr could be out of his depth in this. Lansky looks a danger and there were nibbles of support for him at 3/1 on Friday afternoon, but the underestimated ones could be Mark Johnston’s pair Lake Volta and RUFUS KING, with the latter worth a bet at 7/1 (Sky Bet 5pm-6pm, Betfair Sportsbook, Paddy Power). Lake Volta is worthy of a second look just because he has a run under his belt and that fitness edge could prove vital, but he does have a bit to find here and may well set things up for the others from the front end. With that in mind it could well be stablemate Rufus King that can capitalise, as his best run came from the front at Newmarket last October - an impressive handicap win on the Rowley Mile on the 10th run of his juvenile campaign. That was a very smart effort off 97 and the form looks good. The horse in second that he had a sustained battle with, Porth Swtan, dead-heated for second in a big-field novice race back at Newmarket on his next start, while the sixth, Clubbable, won on her next start at Leicester. He has experience, then, and plenty of it, and he has a good bit of ability, too, after winning handicaps off 94 and 97 on his way to a rating of 103, a number that puts him right in the mix on Saturday. The Mark Johnston-Joe Fanning team are already firmly in the groove on the all-weather this year and this horse could well find improvement after a break during which he was gelded. If he can take a lead from his stablemate he could well be best positioned to make his move rounding the home turn, with that experience coming in handy if he’s asked to repel the late swoopers. Constantino Constantino: Goes really well fresh The Betway Handicap over five furlongs at 2.55 is a good race but I struggled to get away from the front two in the market, Encore D’Or and Atletico, so for another bet it could be worth concentrating on the opening Play For Free At sunbets.co.uk/vegas Handicap at 1.45. Humbert heads the market here, but he is stepping back up in class and didn’t look to have that much in hand when he won at Kempton last time. Chevallier has beaten Towerlands Park, Sea Fox, Poet’s Society and Franco’s Secret this year and he’s a threat if he doesn’t miss the break like last time, but the two that interest me are the pair returning from a good few months off the track. Mr Minerals has gone well fresh and has won both his starts on the all-weather, but at an even bigger price it could be worth chancing Richard Fahey’s CONSTANTINO at 12/1 (Sky Bet 5pm-6pm, Betfair Sportsbook, Paddy Power). This five-year-old son of Danehill Dancer goes really well after a break, as he’s finished 221 following his last three absences of more than 50 days. The victory in that sequence came on his seasonal reappearance at Newcastle last June, where he won on the Tapeta by a length-and-a-half off a handicap mark of 90. He didn’t fire on turf in a couple of runs after that, but he put in a respectable effort at Chelmsford last September where he wasn’t beaten far at all in a good race won by Masham Star, where he was a two-length fifth off 94. Dropped to 91 following one poor run in heavy ground at Haydock, he starts the year off a competitive rating and could well pop up following a break at a track where has run well twice before fresh (those two seconds in the earlier sequence). He’ll have to be produced late by Paul Hanagan, as he’s not a horse that does a lot in front, but that’s the way to get things done at Lingfield and, remarkably, his jockey has ridden him only once before – in victory at Ayr on his second start as a juvenile. Studying the form ahead of the Cheltenham Festival? You can access FREE and unlimited racing replays from EVERY racecourse in the UK and Ireland - Click here for full details... Watch last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup again Posted at 1700 GMT on 02/03/18. Ben Linfoot's Value Bet aim: The Value Bet is designed to generate long-term profit by searching for overpriced horses in the feature weekend races and at the big Festivals in the UK. Running total: +353.89pts to advised stakes/prices (from inception of Value Bet column in January 2010 to current). Click here for the full Value Bet record
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Post by dennisg on Mar 3, 2018 8:20:22 GMT
Racing commentator Simon Holt previews Saturday's card at Lingfield where Royal Ascot second Headway rates a strong fancy. Simon Holt's recommended bets For details of advised bookmakers and each-way terms, visit our transparent tipping record Should Lingfield survive a morning inspection on Saturday, HEADWAY looks the one to beat in the Listed 32Red Spring Cup. William Haggas’ colt will be making his all-weather debut, but could have a class edge judged on his efforts last season which included being beaten a head in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot and, later, a third behind Sands Of Mali in the Gimcrack Stakes at York. Probably at his best on good or faster ground on turf (his only disappointing run came on soft going at Goodwood), Headway shapes as though this first try at seven furlongs will suit him well and he has a few pounds in hand on official ratings. The likely danger is Lansky, who now wears a tongue-tie along with the blinkers he wore to victory when odds-on at Kempton in October. That was a race he had to win and there is more substance to earlier efforts when third to Wells Farhh Go in the Acomb Stakes at York (7f good to soft) and fourth to James Garfield in the Mill Reef at Newbury though on neither occasion could he get seriously competitive. Six furlongs at Newbury looked on the sharp side for Ryan Moore’s mount but it remains to be seen if he has quite enough pace to beat Headway even over this longer trip. Earlier, Moore should deliver the goods aboard ENCORE D’OR, who bids to repeat last year’s victory in the Betway Handicap. Now up 5lb in the weights, the six-year-old went on to finish third behind Kimberella on All-Weather Finals Day, has a good record at Lingfield and, like Headway, may just have too much class for his rivals having won a Listed race at Doncaster last September and chased home Gracious John at the same level a week ago. Atletico, second in his last three starts, looks Encore D’Or’s main rival, though could find five furlongs on this course sharp enough after narrowly failing to peg back Reflektor over six furlongs at Wolverhampton on Monday. George Dryden, successful over the course and distance in a Class 4 contest last month (this is Class 2), seems to have been revitalised by new trainer Charlie Wallis and, despite going up 5lb for that win, is still well handicapped on past form.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 3, 2018 8:22:17 GMT
The snow hasn't denied our Catching Pigeons mole bringing you the latest from the training centres ahead of Lingfield on Saturday and more. Lansky can strike an important blow for in-form Jeremy Noseda in the Listed 32Red Spring Cup at Lingfield on Saturday. The Noseda team were very happy with their delivery of the 2017 crop of juveniles and Lansky was not far off the best. A son of Dark Angel, he was well fancied when landing a novice event at Windsor on his debut in August, and performed with credit when sent into group company on his next two attempts, before winning another novice on his final start. Lansky looks the sort to progress further in his second season, and has been working very well in his prelims. His gallop partner Walk In The Sun boosted his chance with a win - albeit at very short odds here on Tuesday - and Ryan Moore takes the ride. It may pay to take an each-way chance on Leoro in the Betway Casino Handicap. Charlie Mann is not averse to having a winner or two on the Flat, and a move away from jumping hurdles may prove beneficial for this well regarded German import. He won on the level in his native country, and would, if he can recapture anything like that form, make his presence felt off his low rating. Cartographer can find his way back to the winners' enclosure in the Betway Handicap. Martyn Meade's four year old developed into a useful performer in the first half of last season, and showed signs of a return to something like his best on his return from a ten week absence at Kempton last month. One of the more unexposed performers in this field, he looks open to improvement, and could be the value to beat Roger Varian's Atletico, who looked a shade unlucky when beaten at Wolverhampton last time. Noteworthy caught the eye on his only outing so far on this course in November, and should step up on that performance in the Betway Maiden Stakes. Although she is sure to come on again for the experience, the opposition look ordinary, and she should go off at a decent price. Newcastle will be hoping the roads will be clear to reward their decision to hold an impromptu jumping bumper card, and the meeting can get off to a good start with Akartita Lights in the opening 188Bet National Hunt Flat Race. John Quinn's newcomer is a half brother to useful flat handicapper Little Lady Katie among others, and should be able to cope with the fibresand surface. Trainer Andrew Balding Andrew Balding: Interesting runner on Sunday Andrew Balding has his all weather team in good nick and Dawn Dancer should underline the point with his first win in the sunbets.co.uk Maiden Stakes at Southwell on Sunday. He was returning from a 70 day break when chasing home Silchester here 26 days ago and will be sharper for the run. Although the winner has been beaten since, the form looks solid enough, and this looks a run-of-the-mill event. Trainers will be decidedly nervous about prospects for Cheltenham if Sandown's Grand Military meeting falls to the weather next weekend, and so will all the military types, who so look forward to the traditional two day fixture on the Esher slopes. Names like Alers-Hankey, Snowden, Sole and Disney have performed fairytale heroics in the races reserved for the armed forces in recent years, but one man can boast that his tales of derring-do go back way into the distance past, both as a jockey and an owner. We refer of course, to Henry Ponsonby, who entertained one and all back in 1985 when he steered his syndicate's appropriately named Desert Hero to victory in the Past And Present Handicap Hurdle, and earned more than one mention in dispatches with a performance well above and beyond the call of duty! As a result, he has been keen to win the race even after reluctantly having to hang up his boots, and took home the money ten years ago when Bonchester Bridge prevailed under Mr Snowden. This time around, he relies on the lightly raced No Hiding Place, a very promising second in his warm up race at Kempton last month. The son of Stowaway is reported in good nick by the Nicky Henderson team, and hopes are high he can now follow up the win of the same stable's Silverhow 12 months ago. He was steered to victory by adventurous Italian corinthian Major Domenico D'Alo, and we can assure you that our source is not contravening the Official Secrets Act by revealing that H P has booked the same coachmen for the follow up bid on Friday. The four mile National Hunt Chase may still be one of the bit part actors at the Cheltenham Festival, but it has certainly grown in stature over the past few years, and there are some lively players for the 2018 renewal on Tuesday week. Home team trainers are likely to be well represented, but the Irish love to win this race, and there was a strong whisper for Willie Mullins' Rathvinden at his press preview on Tuesday. Owned by potato baron Ronnie Bartlett of Simonsig fame, he has yet to tackle such an extreme distance, but he has won on all types of surfaces, and connections seem quietly confident he will see out the marathon trip. Few trainers can boast the strength of the Kim Bailey team when it comes to producing potentially smart young hurdlers at the moment, and they were very disappointed to see Newbury fall foul of the Siberian blast on Friday. They were due to run a very promising sort in the bumper, so our best advice is to keep an eye out for Rose To Fame when she steps out for the first time after the weather relents. A very close relation to Fulke Walwyn’s controversial Stayers Hurdle winner Rose Ravine, her preparatory work has been very sound, and connections are hoping she can ultimately live up to name in the weeks and months ahead. Studying the form ahead of the Cheltenham Festival? You can access FREE and unlimited racing replays from EVERY raceccourse in the UK and Ireland - Click here for full details... Buveur D'Air at Cheltenham Buveur D'Air - watch his Champion Hurdle win again
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Post by dennisg on Mar 3, 2018 8:24:07 GMT
Hugo Palmer's Humbert features among Anita Chambers' selections for Saturday's racing action - she has a tip for every race. Lansky might be a bit of a quirky individual but he certainly seems to have the ability to win a race like the 32Red Spring Cup at Lingfield. A 300,000 guineas purchase at the breeze-ups last spring, Lansky was off the mark at the first time of asking for Jeremy Noseda, overcoming a slow start at Windsor in August to win in cosy style. That victory prompted a swift step up in class and he was hardly disgraced in finishing third in the Acomb before going on to claim fourth in the Mill Reef at Newbury. Noseda evidently wanted to end the year on a high as he pitched the Dark Angel colt into an average novice heat at Kempton in October and Lansky duly obliged, defying a 7lb penalty and a tardy start to triumph in first-time blinkers. The headgear is back on today and while Lansky has a little to find with Headway and a couple of others on the ratings, he looks a horse on the upgrade. Cartographer should feel the benefit of a recent outing as he lines up in the Betway Handicap. Off the track for the previous 80 days, Martyn Meade's runner finished with a real flourish to come home fourth, two lengths behind the race-fit Carolinae. That certainly was not a bad run and Cartographer might be the one here. Humbert is three from three this winter and can extend that to four victories in the Play For Free At sunbets.co.uk/vegas Handicap. Hugo Palmer's charge opened his account with the minimum of fuss at Kempton in December and has followed up with victories in competitive heats at Wolverhampton and Kempton. He has raced a bit freely on each occasion so while he likely has a little to find now off his new perch of 90, he can rise to the challenge if his early enthusiasm can be slightly tempered here. Snowy Winter is sure to be a popular choice at Chelmsford given the recent cold snap, but she is certainly not without a chance in the totequadpot Races 3 To 6 Handicap at Chelmsford. Her previous effort over this one-mile-six-furlong trip last September can be forgotten as her last place finish was clearly too bad to be true. She has been running consistently well since that disappointment and while a step back up is not certain to suit, she has been running well over 12 furlongs and may be worth another try. Jellmood hit the bar at Newcastle last time but can go once place better in the toteexacta Pick The 1st And 2nd Novice Stakes. He got upset in the stalls that day and did not seem to relish dropping back to seven furlongs, so he is worth another chance back over a mile. Forest Bihan is an eyecatching runner in Newcastle's 188Bet Best Price Mullins Cheltenham Wednesday "Jumpers' Bumper" National Hunt Flat Race. The seven-year-old was good enough to be placed at Grade One level last term, but has so far struggled to find that kind of form this season. While he was a winner at Kelso on his return in October, he twice found Politologue too good in Grade Two company while a drop in class failed to yield a victory at Doncaster in January. However, he was conceding plenty of weight on that latter occasion so there were some positives to take from the performance and he can get a nice confidence boost here on the way to some bigger targets in the spring. Sporting Life tips: CHELMSFORD: 5.45 Kodiac Express, 6.15 Jellmood, 6.45 Snowy Winter, 7.15 Major Valentine, 7.45 Rock On Baileys, 8.15 The Lacemaker, 8.45 Ravenhoe. LINGFIELD: 1.45 Humbert, 2.20 Attain, 2.55 Cartographer, 3.30 LANSKY (NAP), 4.00 Blastofmagic, 4.35 Porrima, 5.10 Silver Quay. NEWCASTLE: 2.05 Bournville, 2.40 Ballycrystal, 3.15 Shake It Up, 3.50 Forest Bihan, 4.20 Tyrell, 4.55 Wor Verge, 5.30 Stipulate. DOUBLE: Lansky and Humbert.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 3, 2018 8:33:21 GMT
Key news
Lingfield and Chelmsford on Newcastle gets go-ahead as well
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 3, 2018 8:33:57 GMT
Saturday: going, weather & non-runners Chelmsford (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Showers STALLS: 6f - Centre; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 6:45 Velvet Revolution (4) Lingfield (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Showers STALLS: 5f & 1m - Outside; Remainder - Inside NON RUNNERS: 4:00 Blastofmagic (4) 4:35 Maximum Power (3) Newcastle GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Snow showers NON RUNNERS: 2:05 Amarone Gentleman (1)Sodoi (7)Tupence (11) 3:15 Ahead Of The Curve (1) 3:50 Morning With Ivan (5) 4:20 Rose Tree (7) 4:55 Wor Verge (4) 5:30 Heartasia (5)
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 3, 2018 8:34:45 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Lansky (3.30 Lingfield, nap)
Jeremy Noseda’s runners can do no wrong on the all-weather of late and this three-year-old is expected to make a bold bid from stall one. The son of Dark Angel is fit from recent work on the Al Bahathri.
Lansky 3:30 Lingfield (AW) Others to follow Lingfield 1.45 Humbert, 2.55 Encore d’Or. Chelmsford 5.45 Expediate, 6.15 Intense Pleasure, 6.45 Ocean Of Love, 7.15 Excellent George, 7.45 Rock On Baileys, 8.15 Bernie’s Boy.
Lambourn: James Burn
Snowy Winter (6.45 Chelmsford, nap)
Has thrived since being switched back to the all-weather and, while there might be a question mark over the trip, it is not a major one.
Snowy Winter 6:45 Chelmsford (AW) Others to follow Chelmsford 7.15 Captain Lars, 8.15 Pulsating. Lingfield 1.45 Chevallier, 2.20 Attain, 5.10 Barye.
North: Colin Russell
Golden Jeffrey (4.20 Newcastle, nap)
Decent Flat performer who has developed into a useful hurdler. Makes his all-weather debut but gets the trip well and looks the one to beat.
Golden Jeffrey 4:20 Newcastle Others to follow Chelmsford: 6.45 Luv U Whatever, 7.15 Duke Cosimo, 7.45 Bungee Jump, 8.15 Mr Potter, 8.45 Ravenhoe. Lingfield: 1.45 Poet's Society, 2.55 Brother Tiger, 3.30 Rufus King, 4.35 Porrima, 5.10 Mambo Dancer. Newcastle: 2.05 Mon Ami Bob, 2.40 Thankyou Very Much, 3.15 Western Rules, 4.55 Wor Verge, 5.30 First Up.
Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Bournville (2.05 Newcastle, nap)
Created a good impression when making a winning debut over course and distance last month and is open to plenty of improvement.
Bournville 2:05 Newcastle Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Atletico (2.55 Lingfield)
Has finished second on each of his last three starts but his recent timeline confirms he is in top form and he would not be winning out of turn.
Longshot: Ed Quigley
Havana Beat (5.10 Lingfield)
Not the force of old, but is capable of getting involved off a mark of 77 if showing any of his old spark.
Havana Beat 5:10 Lingfield (AW) There are no tips from the West Country or Ireland
The Raceform Interactive nugget
The Olly Murphy/Luke Morris combination is quickly gathering steam, as they've only paired up six times so far, with four of them winning (67% +£7). Yensir, a newcomer to the stable, represents them in the 2.20 at Lingfield.
Yensir 2:20 Lingfield (AW) 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 Mar 3, 2018 8:35:19 GMT
Hector Crouch and the Saeed Bin Suroor-trained Ocean Of Love have a perfect partnership with two wins from two starts together and they team up once again in the 6.45 at Chelmsford. The filly was a convincing course-and-distance winner last time and there looks to be plenty of improvement to come.
Ross Chapman is a jockey in form at present, with a 50 per cent strike-rate with his rides over the past two weeks. He goes to Newcastle for one mount, Golden Jeffrey in the 4.20 for in-form trainer Iain Jardine.
When James Doyle rides for Hugo Palmer at Lingfield it’s worth taking note as they have a 36 per cent strike-rate when combining at the course. They do so once more with Humbert in the 1.45 and the four-year-old has solid prospects of making it four wins in a row since being gelded.
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