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Post by Kimmy on Mar 26, 2018 8:11:30 GMT
When Paddy Brennan rides for Fergal O’Brien at Market Rasen it’s worth taking note – they have a 29 per cent strike-rate when combining at the course. They combine with Benechenko (3.45) who should appreciate the ground.
Brian Hughes is a jockey riding at the top of his game at the moment and does particularly well at Huntingdon and he goes there for three rides. His best chance is the Jedd O’Keefe trained Instant Attraction (2.00) who performed well on the Flat and makes his debut over hurdles.
Trainer Harry Whittington has a 21 per cent strike-rate at Taunton and sends just the one runner to the Somerset venue, Bridge Of Cally in the 2.50. The five-year-old was a respectable third last time in a race that has worked out well and he is Harry Bannister’s only ride of the day.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 26, 2018 8:11:51 GMT
Musthavea Flutter 4.20 Market Rasen
6/5 Must Havea Flutter 4:20 Market Rasen Impressive winner over course and distance on his penultimate start, and unlikely the handicapper has caught up with him yet.
The fact that he acts so well at Market Rasen rates a significant plus point, and he should go in again.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 26, 2018 14:37:37 GMT
The curtain will come down on the career of jumping's most popular elder statesman on the season's final day after it was announced Cue Card is to have what owner Jean Bishop is calling his "retirement race" at Sandown on April 28.
The nine-time Grade 1-winning 12-year-old will line up in the bet365 Oaksey Chase, a Grade 2 prize this year being staged for the Menorah Challenge Trophy, in honour of the horse who won the first running of the race in 2014 and all three staged thereafter.
Menorah bowed out in style when landing last season's running of the £50,000 contest and Bishop hopes Cue Card can do the same following a glorious career in which he has won three Betfair Chases, two Betfair Ascot Chases, the King George VI Chase, Ryanair Chase, Weatherbys Champion Bumper and Betfred Bowl.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 26, 2018 14:38:30 GMT
Executives at Arena Racing Company have admitted they are responsible for mistakenly not changing race conditions which might deny Spare Parts the chance of a winning end to his outstanding all-weather season at Lingfield on Friday.
Spare Parts has been one of the stars of the winter campaign, winning seven times, but may yet be denied a place in the line-up for the Sunbets All-Weather Championships Apprentice Handicap which opens the card and which, unlike the other six races on the day does not require participants to have run a minimum of three times in the current season.
Spare Parts is currently number 17 in the list for a race with a safety limit of 14.
Several of those above him on ratings having not run three times this season, a situation which left owner Steve Jakes "raging" on Sunday.
Arena racing director Jon Pullin said: "It was our intention that the race conditions for the £50,000 apprentice race on Good Friday to mirror those of the six championships races in requiring horses to have had three runs during Season 5 of the All-Weather Championships. However, these conditions were omitted in error which we apologise for and they will be included for 2018-19."
Spare Parts is currently tied with Captain Lars in the race to be crowned the leading horse for the all-weather season and has been declared to run at Southwell on Tuesday by trainer Phil McEntee.
The Choisir gelding also holds entries in two other championship races over six furlongs and a mile on Friday, although connections admit he would stand no chance of adding to his haul in either.
This story is being updated and more news will follow shortly. You can also follow the Racing Post on Twitter (@racingpost) to get the latest alerts
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 26, 2018 14:40:03 GMT
Jump racing had to move over for the start of the Flat season on the turf this weekend and there were plenty of talking points and horses to note . . .
Performance of the week
Nothing else came close to that of Addeybb’s in the Lincoln. Rarely can a heritage handicap been won with such complete authority. Rarely can that cliche ‘a Group horse masquerading as a handicapper’ have been so appropriate for Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum’s colt. When trainer William Haggas said as much after the runaway win many punters already have a horse to follow for the year.
Disappointment of the week
Some traditions are worth keeping and the reaction of racing insiders to the continuing discrepancy of the jockeys' title not starting until Guineas weekend at Newmarket on May 5 is one modernisation not entirely embraced. Yes the top names were off to Dubai for the week for the World Cup build-up but many still believe a champion jockey has to work for his or her title – the jumping fraternity have no such quibbles about rolling up their sleeves for the long haul. Perversely with the move made to try and benefit the Group 1-winning riders it is the hard-working Silvestre de Sousa who has made it his own.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 26, 2018 14:40:22 GMT
One for the quiz books
Mick Channon, footballer and racehorse trainer, has launched plenty of quiz questions but he outdid himself this week. After sending out Mister Whitaker to win the Close Brothers novice handicap chase at the Cheltenham Festival last week the West Ilsley trainer won the first two-year-old race of the Flat season that is the Brocklesby with Izzer (above). In both cases there was quite a gamble landed so it was far from unexpected.
Can’t keep them out of the news
That is, Gordon Elliott, Davy Russell and Jack Kennedy after their memorable Cheltenham Festival. The winners just kept flowing through the week with Elliott adding 16 this week including the Ulster National at Downpatrick on Sunday with Kennedy and Russell fighting out the finish until a loose horse intervened in the trainer's one-three rather than one-two.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 26, 2018 17:50:47 GMT
Huntingdon, 26 Mar 18 Race 1 - 1:30pm THE ENHANCED PLACE ODDS AT 188BET MARES' NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Approaching the first hurdle, HER DREAM (IRE) slowed and jumped left interfering with TIKK TOCK BOOM (IRE), unseating the rider but after viewing a recording of the incident, it was found that no riding offence was involved.
Following the race Brian Hughes reported that SCHIAPARANNIE, placed third, was reluctant to jump off. The Veterinary Officer reported that HER DREAM (IRE), which was pulled up, was lame right fore and TARAS DAY, unplaced, lost its left hind shoe.
Race 2 - 2:00pm THE DAILY RACING SPECIALS AT 188BET MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) (DIV I) SUNADER (FR) wore earplugs.
Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that SUNADER (FR), unplaced, lost its left fore shoe and the winner SPARKLEANDSHINE, lost its right hind shoe.
Race 3 - 2:30pm THE DAILY RACING SPECIALS AT 188BET MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) (DIV II) Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that MAHARI (IRE), which was pulled up, had bled from the nose.
Race 4 - 3:05pm THE BEST ODDS GUARANTEED AT 188BET STEEPLE CHASE (A NOVICES' LIMITED HANDICAP) (CLASS 4) Following the race Trevor Whelan reported that KILINAKIN, placed seventh, jumped poorly and the Veterinary Officer reported that the gelding had lost its right hind shoe.
Race 5 - 3:35pm THE DOWNLOAD THE APP AT 188BET HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 3) Permission was given for WIND PLACE AND SHO to go early to post.
Following the race Nico de Bionville reported that ROYAL RUBY, unplaced, ran too free. Kielan Woods reported that ESKENDASH (USA), placed second, was denied a clear run turning into the home straight and the Veterinary Officer reported that the gelding had lost its right hind shoe. The Veterinary Officer reported that WIND PLACE AND SHO, placed sixth, had lost its right hind shoe.
The winner, MAQUISARD (FR), appeared to show improved form, compared with its previous run at Kempton on 13 January 2018 where the gelding finished eighth of nine, beaten by 75 ¾ lengths on Soft, Good to Soft in places. The explanation given by the Gary Moore’s representative that the gelding may have appreciated the quicker ground on this occasion, which was officially described as Good to Soft, Good in places was noted. MAQUISARD (FR) was routine tested.
Race 6 - 4:10pm THE 188BET MOBILE HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) Prior to this race, the representative of Fergal O’Brien was asked to explain the reason why the trainer was running INDIAN REEL (IRE) here at Huntingdon on going described as Good to Soft, Good in places, having reported that INDIAN REEL (IRE) would prefer faster going following its run at Southwell on 25 February 2018 on Soft, Good to Soft in places. The explanation given by the trainer’s representative that there was a slight miscommunication and the gelding would have been better suited to a slower surface over the 1 mile 7 furlong trip at Southwell and they were happy for the gelding to take its chance on the faster ground over the extended trip of 3 miles 1 furlong today was noted.
Following the race Kielan Woods reported that RED AMIRABLE (IRE), placed seventh, jumped the last hurdle poorly.
Race 7 - 4:40pm THE BET & WATCH AT 188bet.co.uk HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) Following the race Trevor Whelan reported that BROTHER BENNETT (FR), placed fifth, jumped left throughout.
The winner, JACKTHEJOURNEYMAN (IRE), appeared to show improved form, compared with its previous run at Taunton on 30 December 2017 where the gelding finished fifth of seven, beaten by 23 ½ lengths on Soft ground. Tom Gretton’s explanation that the gelding may have appreciated the quicker ground on this occasion, which was officially described as Good to Soft, Good in places was noted. View Stewards report Market Rasen, 26 Mar 18 Race 1 - 2:10pm THE ENHANCED PLACE ODDS AT 188BET 'NATIONAL HUNT' NOVICES' HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) It was noted that a section of running rail was dismantled and on the racecourse shortly after the winning post on the first circuit. Being satisfied that this was due to a loose horse, which was running in front of the field, crashing through the rail from the in-field leaving insufficient time for the Groundstaff to replace it prior to the runners passing, and further noting that the rail was replaced for the second circuit, no further action was taken.
Race 4 - 3:45pm THE 188BET UP TO £75 CASH BONUS HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) The winner, ON A PROMISE (IRE) did not enter the Winner’s Enclosure on Veterinary advice.
Following the race, Henry Brooke reported that ITS PANDORAMA (IRE), unplaced, made a bad mistake at the third hurdle and Ross Chapman reported that SULTANS PRIDE, placed seventh, jumped violently left throughout.
Race 5 - 4:20pm THE IN PLAY BETTING AT 188BET HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that CELTIC FLAMES (IRE), placed fourth, lost its left hind shoe and LAS TUNAS (FR), placed third, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 6 - 4:50pm THE RACING TICKET GIVEAWAYS AT @188bet NOVICES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) A query was raised with Micky Hammond prior to this race, into the reasons why he was running KNOCKNAMONA (IRE), when his representative had reported on its previous run at Market Rasen on 11 March 2018, 15 days ago, that the gelding was feeling the effects of a busy season. Hammond stated that he felt the gelding was disappointing last time but after being thoroughly checked over at home, and as he has been working well, Hammond is happy for KNOCKNAMONA (IRE) to take his chance before the ground gets too quick.
The performance of ALF ‘N’ DOR (IRE) which started favourite and finished unplaced, was considered. Peter Bowen could offer no explanation for the gelding’s performance. ALF ‘N’DOR (IRE) was routine tested.
On a request from the Integrity Department at the Head Office of the British Horseracing Authority, an enquiry was held due to betting concerns surrounding KNOCKNAMONA (IRE), placed sixth of six, beaten 70 ¾ lengths, ridden by Joe Colliver. The rider and the trainer were interviewed. Hammond stated that he had been hopeful of a good performance from the work he had been doing at home. However, after this second disappointing run he has suspicions that KNOCKNAMONA (IRE) is becoming quirky and will be turning the gelding away for a rest. The rider stated that having jumped off prominently, after some deliberate jumping, gradually lost ground and raced is if in need of a break. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of KNOCKNAMONA (IRE) failed to reveal any abnormalities. Their explanations were noted.
Race 7 - 5:20pm THE PLAY BLACKJACK AT 188BET CASINO MARES' MAIDEN OPEN NATIONAL HUNT FLAT RACE (CLASS 5) The Clerk of the Scales reported that he had seen Sam Twiston-Davies using his mobile phone outside the phone zone. As this was his second offence within the previous twelve months, Twiston-Davies was fined £580.
Following the race, the Veterinary Officer reported that TRULY AMAZING (IRE), unplaced, lost its left hind shoe, LADY MALEFICENT, unplaced, lost its left fore shoe and SWEET VINETTA, unplaced, lost its right hind shoe. View Stewards report Taunton, 26 Mar 18 Race 1 - 2:20pm THE CLARKE WILLMOTT TAUNTON MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race Harry Cobden reported that MOUNT RUSHMOORE (IRE), placed fourth, hung left-handed. MOUNT RUSHMOORE (IRE) was routine tested.
Race 2 - 2:50pm THE CHETWOOD WEALTH MANAGEMENT HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) BRIDGE OF CALLY (IRE) wore earplugs which were removed at the start.
Following the race Adam Wedge reported that NORTH WEST WIND, which was pulled up, stopped quickly. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 4 - 3:55pm THE JACKSON-STOPS TAUNTON HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Permission was given for TOBACCO ROAD (IRE) to go early to post. It was noted that the gelding wore earplugs.
Following the race Adam Wedge reported that FLIGHT TO MILAN (IRE), placed fifth, hung left-handed and Denis O’Regan reported that CAP DU NORD (FR), which was pulled up, was never travelling. CAP DU NORD (FR) was routine tested. Colin Tizzard reported that RUBY RUSSET, which was pulled up, had a breathing problem.
Race 6 - 5:00pm THE PKF FRANCIS CLARK LLP CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) (Racing Excellence Conditional Jockeys' Training Series) Permission was given for RIVER DUN to go early to post.
The apparent improvement in form of the winner MOVING IN STYLE (IRE), which had never previously been placed, was considered. Neil Mulholland was interviewed. His comments that he couldn’t account for the improvement but he considered this race was a drop in class, were noted.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 26, 2018 17:51:46 GMT
Harry Herbert will leave his role as Sheikh Joaan Al Thani's racing adviser from the end of April to concentrate on his Highclere Thoroughbred Racing operation.
Herbert was given the Al Shaqab Racing role in December 2013 and has overseen a fruitful spell for the Qatar-based team, including a Royal Ascot treble in 2014 and the 2000 Guineas success of the Hugo Palmer-trained Galileo Gold in 2016.
However, with the Al Shaqab squad having become increasingly concentrated in France, Herbert feels the time is right to leave his position and put all of his efforts into the successful Highclere syndicate he started in 1992.
"Highclere is growing, particularly in Australia, and we are growing the National Hunt side of things, too. We have some great ideas and it's exciting times," Herbert told Press Association Sport.
"Al Shaqab have less horses in Britain than they do in France at the moment and the office has moved over there as well.
"I discussed it with the Al Shaqab team and they were very understanding. Highclere needs my attention and it was very much a mutual decision.
"It seems like the right time to do it, before the season really gets going.
" I'm very proud of everything we've achieved with Al Shaqab in the last four years."
Khalifa Al Attiya, general manager of Al Shaqab Racing, said in a statement: "I would like to thank Harry for everything he and his team have done for Al Shaqab Racing since he became racing adviser in December, 2013.
"We have enjoyed some great success over the years and I wish him the very best of luck for the future."
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 26, 2018 19:44:40 GMT
Tuesday: going, weather & non-runners Hereford GOING: SOFT (Good to soft in places) (GoingStick 5.8) (Rail movements: Race 1 +101yds, Race 2 +51yds, Race 3 +126yds, Race 4 +43yds, Race 5 +148yds and Races 6 & 7 +109yds) WEATHER: Cloudy NON RUNNERS: 2:45 Pauls Hill (4) Newcastle (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Showers STALLS: 5f & 1m - Centre; 1m2f & 1m4f - Far side; 2m - Inside Southwell (AW) GOING: FIBRESAND: STANDARD WEATHER: Showers STALLS: 5f - Centre; Remainder - Inside
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 26, 2018 19:45:29 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Amuletum (7.10 Newcastle, nap)
The daughter of New Approach ran a decent race when third over this course and distance last month and could be well treated in her first handicap. Peter Chapple-Hyam's filly has since worked well on the Al Bahathri.
5/4 Amuletum 7:10 Newcastle (AW) Others to follow Southwell 2.30 Walk On Walter, 4.00 Spare Parts, 4.30 Spun Gold. Newcastle 5.40 Western Way, 7.40 Samharry. Lambourn: James Burn
Jurby (3.15 Hereford, nap)
Oliver Sherwood's string are in good nick and step up in trip should help this lightly raced eight-year-old go close.
11/4 Jurby 3:15 Hereford Others to to follow Hereford 2.15 Aardwolf, 2.45 Three Ways, 3.45 Hepburn, 4.15 Ruby Yeats, 5.15 Howaboutnever. Newcastle 6.10 Sam Missile. Southwell 2.30 Kion, 3.00 Sea Ess Seas, 4.00 Volatile, 5.00 De Little Engine. West Country: Andrew King
Westend Story (3.15 Hereford, nap)
Race wasn't run to suit when turned over as favourite at Sandown last time. Granted a better test, Philip Hobbs's gelding is expected to regain the winning thread back in novice company.
8/11 Westend Story 3:15 Hereford Others to follow Hereford 2.45 Rolling Dylan, 3.45 Mrs Burbidge, 4.15 Act Now, 4.45 Breaking Ground. North: Colin Russell
Port Soif (5.30 Southwell, nap)
Showed improved form on handicap debut when winning over this course and distance. Fared less well at Wolverhampton last time but expected to do much better now back on Fibresand.
5/1 Port Soif 5:30 Southwell (AW) Others to follow Hereford 2.15 Titan. Newcastle 5.40 Bal De Rio, 6.10 Jamacho, 6.40 My Renaissance, 7.10 Ce La Vie, 7.40 Imperial Focus, 8.10 Coastal Drive. Southwell 2.00 Siege Of Boston, 2.30 Dubai Classic, 3.00 Kingstreet Lady, 3.30 Serenity Now, 4.00 Holiday Magic, 4.30 Zaeem, 5.00 Captain Revelation. Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Braventara (4.15 Hereford, nap)
Won a Warwick novice for previous yard and has shown enough on two starts for current stable to suggest she is capable of picking up a handicap off her current mark.
10/3 Braventara 4:15 Hereford Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Volatile (4.00 Southwell)
Completed his hat-trick when successful over this course and distance 13 days ago and can stretch his winning sequence to four at a track where he is unbeaten.
9/4 Volatile 4:00 Southwell (AW) Longshot: Ed Quigley
Sooqaan (4.30 Southwell)
Not at his best last time out, but should appreciate the return to this surface and can't be ruled out in an open-looking race.
12/1 Sooqaan 4:30 Southwell (AW) *There are no tips from Ireland on Tuesday Raceform Interactive nugget
Western Way has form figures of 112 when racing over 2m on the Flat, compared to 829007285 at any other distance. He's back to his favourite distance in the 5.40 at Newcastle.
13/2 Western Way 5:40 Newcastle (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 26, 2018 19:46:12 GMT
Easter In Paris looks to have a good chance in the 3.45 at Hereford, a race she won last year off a 4lb higher mark. A return to this favoured trip and the prospect of slightly better ground can see her go well.
Peter Chapple-Hyam’s overall strike-rate improves from 13 per cent to 37 per cent with runners travelling over 245 miles. He sends Amuletum (7.10) to Newcastle and she looks to have a great chance on handicap debut.
Tom Tate and Andrew Mullen operate at an impressive 40 per cent strike-rate when combining at Newcastle. The pair team up with Leodis (5.40). His best effort came over course and distance two starts ago and he can get off the mark on his return to Gosforth Park.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 26, 2018 19:46:47 GMT
9/2 Mambo Dancer 5:40 Newcastle (AW) There’s a suspicion that Newcastle may suit Mambo Dancer better than Chelmsford and Lingfield, where he has been running most of his races lately.
Mambo Dancer’s principal attribute is stamina, and the uphill climb to the finish will be in his favour.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 27, 2018 7:27:19 GMT
in today's sporting life................. Richard Fahey takes us through his team for the new Flat season and - along with assistants Robin O'Ryan and Jess McLernon - provides a horse to follow. Horses to follow Richard Fahey: Sands Of Mali Robin O'Ryan: Calvados Spirit Jess McLernon : Maybride (Click on the horse's name for full profile, complete video form and to add to your My Stable tracker) ANOTHER TOUCH: I’m just worried he might be a twilight horse but he ran well to be third in the Unibet Doncaster Mile on Saturday. He’s rated 102 which doesn’t give us too many options. BENGALI BOYS: A bit like Another Touch, he needs to step up - maybe he’s not Group class but he ran really well at Newcastle the other day and I’m delighted with him. There aren’t many races for him and I hope he doesn’t end up in no man’s land but the three-year-old sprint at York in June will be on his agenda. BOUNDSY: Wintered very well and won three of his last four starts in 2017. He seems to be progressing. He needs to but I’m very happy with him and he looks fantastic right now. He was in at Doncaster at the weekend but we swerved that and he could end up at Newmarket in the big handicap at the Craven Meeting. BRIAN THE SNAIL: He’s had his wind done over the winter and hasn’t done any fast work yet. We’re very happy with him physically and mentally he seems in good order. He’s a horse we liked a lot and he just needs to get his confidence back and go on from there. He’s rated 95 and I’d like to think he might develop into a Wokingham horse. CALVADOS SPIRIT: He’s new to the yard and seems a nice horse. We’ve been happy with him and his work – we’re still learning about him and are playing it by ear. CARNAGEO: Tough, hardy horse who ran well in Irish Lincoln from a poor draw. Soft ground and a mile are his forte and he’s sure to pick up a race or two this year. CHINGACHGOOK: He’s quite a backward horse and has been placed a few times. His work is better than his form but he’s quite a late maturing horse both mentally and physically and is one I hope will progress as the season goes on. CONSTANTINO: He ran ok the Lincoln trial and will go to Bath on Friday. There’s no reason he won’t be as effective on the turf despite a lower rating than the all-weather. It’s a £50,000 pot so we’ll give it a go and see what happens. Constantino is away and clear at Lingfield Constantino is away and clear at Lingfield CROWNTHORPE: Ran in Ireland on Sunday and had been working extremely well so it was no surprise to see him run a big race to finish third. We’re very happy with him and he’ll be a decent handicapper this term. DANCE DIVA: She’s wintered extremely well. I’m a little worried she might be another twilight horse but she’ll run in either the Fred Darling or Nell Gwynn and we’ll get an idea there . I’m very happy with her and she’s done very well both mentally and physically. I didn’t put her in the Guineas, she has 15 or 16 pounds to find on ratings, and I hope I’ve made a mistake but there are plenty of other races for her. EASTERN IMPACT: He is what he is and was in and out last year – a typical sprinter. I just hope his turn comes some time this season. He’ll start off at Newmarket in the race he finished second to Mr Lupton in last year. EQUITANT: He’s a horse we like. He’s well handicapped on the work we see at home and he’s done very well over the winter. While his last run was disappointing he will progress. He has the scope to do it. EXHORT: She’s quite a nice filly and has done extremely well over the winter. She’s another with plenty of scope and could progress into a decent filly this year. FOREST RANGER: There’s no easy place for him with a rating of 110 and he’s going to have to run in pattern races and see how he goes. The Earl Of Sefton might be a starting point for him but he did very well over the winter and we’re just struggling to get the fat off him at the moment. He’s been gelded and has done well but until we have him fit we won’t firm up plans. We’re undecided whether he’s better over a mile or ten furlongs at the minute. GABRIAL: We were very happy with going into the Lincoln on Saturday and he ran well to finish fourth. He could tell you himself about the season ahead but he’s still capable of competing at a high level. Gabrial: Showed at Doncaster he can still compete at a high level GREAT PROSPECTOR: We liked him an awful lot last year but I was a fraction disappointed with a couple of his runs. He might start off at Newcastle on Good Friday, if not, he’ll go to the Free Handicap. He’s in the Guineas but that looks unlikely as we stand for all we’ve been very happy with him. GROWL: He’ll be in every big sprint handicap. He was another I was a little disappointed with in 2017 but he’s gone from 114 to 103 and that gives him a chance to operate again. The Ayr Gold Cup will be high on his list. HEAVEN’S GUEST: I was delighted to see him win at Newcastle the other day. He was well beaten at Doncaster on Sunday but I do think he’s well handicapped now and I’d like to think he’ll get his head in front again this season. INDOMENEO: He won five last season and is another to have done well over the winter. He’ll start off in the valuable three-year-old handicap at Musselburgh and will be aimed at all those sort of races. KIMBERELLA: He returns to Lingfield on Good Friday for the Sprint he won last season. It’s been frustrating to try and get him qualified this year. I had to run him over five furlongs which I didn’t think suited him. We’ve freshened him having had to get three runs into him. He’s in good form and can hopefully defend his title. Kimberella is reported in good heart Kimberella: Defends his title at Lingfield on Good Friday MARIE OF LYON: We’ve always liked her. She did win a couple last year and picked up some Black Type but we still think she can progress. She works really well at home and looks fantastic. The owner is keen on Black Type but I think there’s a big handicap in her. MAYBRIDE: Big, scopey, filly who has wintered extremely well. She could end up a Black Type performer so should be doing something for us in handicaps first off a mark of 86. The fillies are a little behind this year and we haven’t made any plans for her yet. MILITIA: He works well. He was a breeze-up horse and very keen so we didn’t do a lot with him last year and he ran respectably. He’s more relaxed this time around and hopefully we’ll be able to control his mind and speed. He has plenty of natural pace and should do well. MR LUPTON: He finished second in the Cammidge and always runs well fresh. He’s not good enough for Group races but can run well in big handicaps. Mr Lupton: Faces tough test in the Darley July Cup Mr Lupton can build on his comeback run PENWORTHAM: A Chester specialist who had some terrible draws last year. The only time he got a good one – he won. He’ll head to the May Meeting there and is a good, hardy, horse who is progressing. PRIVATE MATTER: He was a very good two-year-old but had a bit of a blank season last year. He had been working really well ahead of his reappearance at Doncaster on Sunday but didn’t run up to expectations. I hope we can get him back on track. QUEEN PENN: Quite a backward filly. She did win last season but was always going to be better at three. Off a rating of 77 she can hopefully do some damage. REGULATOR: He’s a horse we liked a lot and he is progressive. He’s done well over the winter and you’d like to think something like the Britannia at Royal Ascot might come into play for him. SANDS OF MALI: His form seemed to tail off last season. I don’t know what happened in the Middle Park and he didn’t stay a mile over at the Breeders’ Cup but he’s done exceptionally well over the winter. He’s worked a couple of times and we were delighted with him. He’ll probably start out in France in a Group Three at Chantilly and we hope turns out to be a Group One horse. He’s rated to be one. We’re thinking six or seven furlongs with him now and will definitely start at six with the Commonwealth Cup in mind. It’s easy to find races for him as there are only four before Royal Ascot and he’ll run in one or two of them. Sands Of Mali pictured winning the Gimcrack Sands Of Mali: Likely to start his season in France SCOFFLAW: He progressed last year – hopefully he’ll improve again as he’s done well over the winter. With a bit of luck he’ll win again this term. SHOWMETHEDOUGH: Was bought for Marwan Koukash so will be running at Chester. We like the horse and off 84 he could sneak into some of the better races. SOCIETY RED: A big, backward horse who ended up winning a £50,000 pot last season. He’s going to keep improving and does stay well. He is maturing and there’s a bit left in the tank with him. He has a chance off 82. STAMP HILL: He ran in the Lincoln and I’m not sure he truly stays a mile. He’s a horse who can compete in the high level handicaps and he’ll go in them again this year. THIRD TIME LUCKY: I was very happy with him going into the Irish Lincoln but he finished 18th. He’s off the rating he won the Cambridgeshire from a couple of years ago – he’s only won one race since. He should be competitive and the draw didn’t help him at Naas. WILDE OSCAR: He’s only rated 52 but is a huge horse who hasn’t got it together yet. He was again slowly away at Wolverhampton on Saturday night and keeps getting himself into trouble but if he can’t win off his current mark I’ll pack up training. WIRRAL GIRL: She cost a few quid from the breeze-up sales but sadly only had two speeds – slow or flat out. She’s wintered well and is more manageable now so should be winning races off 75. WITHERNSEA: He ran in the Lincoln. He loves soft ground but will find it tough off 97. Hopefully the handicapper will give him a bit of help. ZAP: He’ll be running in those three-year-old sprint handicaps at Windsor, Newmarket and York. He was gelded at two but seems to have settled down. He hasn’t done any fast work yet but we’re pleased with his progress. TWO-YEAR-OLDS: We’re very happy with them. We’re a little behind in sorting them out as we haven't been able to get them onto the grass gallop at Malton. We’re in the dark but as a bunch they look very good and it was encouraging to see our first runner Wasntexpectingthat shape well when third in the Brocklesby.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 27, 2018 7:29:04 GMT
Ashley Iveson previews the action on Tuesday and is backing Volatile to make it a hat-trick of wins at Southwell - he's got a selection for every race. Volatile can continue his tremendous run of form in the sunbets.co.uk Handicap at Southwell. The four-year-old's career looked to going backwards last summer, but he appears to have been completely reinvigorated since moving to Jamie Osborne's yard for 32,000 guineas last October. Since making a pleasing debut for his new connections at Lingfield early in the new year, Volatile has racked up a hat-trick of victories, including two on the Fibresand at Southwell. Despite not having his own way out in front like he had on his previous two outings, Osborne's charge showed a willing attitude to prevail once more on his latest start a fortnight ago and in current mood a 5lb hike might not be enough to stop him going in again. Acker Bilk won as he liked at Southwell less than a week ago and can strike again while the iron is hot in the Betway Middle Distance Handicap. The son of Rip Van Winkle broke his duck in some style at Wolverhampton in early January and following two solid runner-up efforts, the application of cheekpieces eked out enough improvement to help him get back in the winner's enclosure. Assuming the headgear does the same job at the second time of asking, he must have every chance of following up under the 6lb penalty. Theglasgowarrior looks set to claim a third Newcastle success in the Betway Handicap. Jim Goldie's charge won here in December and January and ran a perfectly sound race when third on his latest visit to Gosforth Park last month. He occupied the same finishing position at Wolverhampton last time out and with Phil Dennis taking a handy 3lb off his back, this looks a good opportunity for him to get back on the winning trail. Amuletum is of definite interest in the 32Red.com Fillies' Handicap. The New Approach filly shaped with promise on each of her two starts at Dundalk for Mick Halford and Godolphin and changed hands for 75.000 guineas at Tattersalls in December. There was plenty to like about her first start for Peter Chapple-Hyam over the course and distance just under three weeks ago as she finished third and she makes her handicap debut off what appears a very workable mark of 65. Jumping fare comes from Hereford, where Geordie Des Champs should be backed in the myracing.com Novices' Chase. It has been a tough season for trainer Rebecca Curtis, who has saddled less than 10 winners this term, but there have been signs of a resurgence in the last few weeks. Geordie Des Champs was a very useful hurdler last season, notably finishing a close-up third in a competitive handicap at Aintree's Grand National meeting. He was bitterly disappointing on his chasing debut on Merseyside in November, but won as he liked on his latest appearance at Taunton in January and should go close again. Sporting Life tips HEREFORD: 2.15 Salix, 2.45 Geordie Des Champs, 3.15 Jurby, 3.45 Mrs Burbidge, 4.15 Bridane Rebel, 4.45 Pink Tara, 5.15 Scales. NEWCASTLE: 5.40 Bal De Rio, 6.10 Theglasgowwarrior, 6.40 Ghostly Arc, 7.10 Amuletum, 7.40 Samharry, 8.10 Lucky Lucky Man. SOUTHWELL: 2.00 Space War, 2.30 Big Brave Bob, 3.00 Kingstreet Lady, 3.30 Acker Bilk, 4.00 VOLATILE (NAP), 4.30 Spun Gold, 5.00 Romantic, 5.30 Port Soif. DOUBLE: Acker Bilk and Volatile.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 27, 2018 7:31:13 GMT
Matt BrocMatt Brocklebank's Monday nap won at 3/1 and he provides Tuesday's selection, along with a next best and treble suggestion. Recommended bet: Sporting Life's Daily Nap, March 27 Nap: Braventara (4.15 Hereford) Next Best: Hammer Gun (4.00 Southwell) Treble: Rainbow Rebel (6.10 Newcastle) 2 Braventara41 711-12OR: 120D 7/2 Form: 17FF-32T: T R GeorgeJ: Mr N George (7) Last run Live betting powered by 7 3 Hammer Gunv6 59-8OR: 84BFCD 11/2 Form: 4-71442T: D ShawJ: P Mathers Last run Live betting powered by 7 9 Rainbow Rebel15 59-2OR: 80BF 3/1 Form: 743-736T: M JohnstonJ: J Fanning Last run Live betting powered by Quality may be thin on the ground on Tuesday but there’s enough betting opportunities across the cards at Hereford, Southwell and Newcastle, with the nap selection running in the Myracing.com Free Tips Every Day Mares’ Handicap Hurdle (4.15) at the former track. BRAVENTARA is one of two horses with a mark of 120, which is the ceiling rating for this extended three-mile event, and trainer Tom George obviously has one or two concerns over her mark creeping up as he’s entrusted the ride to amateur jockey and son, Noel, who claims 7lb. But the seven-year-old hasn’t been with her current handler long, shaping with credit when third at Ludlow on her first run for the team and then looking like she had victory in the bag before finishing second at Towcester last month. So another small rise in the weights looks perfectly justified, especially as she’s just back up to the mark she was allotted after bolting up at Warwick in a novice hurdle in November 2016 for previous connections. She’s one of the least exposed runners in the field, handles soft ground perfectly well and also has some experience of the track, having been third here on her hurdling debut. Hammer Gun is the best bet at Southwell as he looks to go one better than when beaten a neck here last week. Derek Shaw’s charge gets into the sunbets.co.uk Handicap (4.00) off a 1lb lower mark due to a quirk in the system and a fourth win on the Fibresand surface looks just around the corner based on that latest effort. Mark Johnston’s yard looks to be going through the gears now and Rainbow Rebel can add to the recent success for the Middleham trainer when he lines up in the Betway Handicap (6.10) on his return to Newcastle. He’s back at Gosforth Park on a 7lb lower mark than when second to Sir Chauvelin on his last vist here in November and should relish the return to 1m4 after struggling when favourite over 10 furlongs at Chelmsford last time. Daily Nap record: -21.74pts
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 27, 2018 7:34:14 GMT
HEREFORD
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
2.15 Salix
2.45 Geordie Des Champs
3.15 Lygon Rock
3.45 Mrs Burbidge
4.15 Act Now
4.45 Scartare
5.15 Sackett
GIMCRACK
2.15 Salix
2.45 Geordie Des Champs
3.15 Jurby
3.45 Mrs Burbidge
4.15 Bridane Rebel
4.45 Pink Tara
5.15 Scales
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 27, 2018 7:34:36 GMT
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 27, 2018 7:35:00 GMT
SOUTHWELL
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
2.00 Crosse Fire
2.30 Big Brave Bob
3.00 Archimedes
3.30 Luv U Whatever
4.00 Holiday Magic (nb)
4.30 Spun Gold
5.00 Captain Revelation (nap)
5.30 Cockney Boy
GIMCRACK
2.00 Space War
2.30 Big Brave Bob
3.00 Kingstreet Lady
3.30 Acker Bilk (nap)
4.00 Volatile (nb)
4.30 Spun Gold
5.00 Romantic
5.30 Port Soif
NORTHERNER – 4.00 Holiday Magic (nb); 5.30Kaylen's Mischief (nap).
NEWCASTLE
GIMCRACK
5.40 Bal De Rio
6.10 Theglasgowwarrior
6.40 Ghostly Arc
7.10 Amuletum
7.40 Samharry
8.10 Lucky Lucky Man
ROBIN GOODFELLOW
5.40 Volpone Jelois
6.10 Theglasgowwarrior
6.40 Raven Banner
7.10 Dose
7.40 Samharry
8.10 Lucky Lucky Man
NEWMARKET – 7.10 Amuletum (nb); 7.40 SAMHARRY (nap).
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Post by dennisg on Mar 27, 2018 7:38:50 GMT
Three-time Cheltenham Festival winner Tiger Roll will spearhead Gordon Elliott's team in the Randox Health Grand National at Aintree. With stamina no issue, having landed the four-mile National Hunt Chase last season, the 2014 Triumph Hurdle winner showed he has the aptitude for something different when successful in this season's Glenfarclas Chase on the Cheltenham cross-country track. Tiger Roll can be backed at . "He's had a great preparation. That cross-country race has been a lucky stepping-stone over the years," said Elliott. "He's in great form, he's well and the more the ground dries out between now and Aintree, the better the chance he'll have. "He's a horse who when he's on song he's very good. It's the Grand National. If you're not in you can't win and it's definitely the plan. "Soft ground wouldn't suit him. We haven't any firm plans who'll ride but it will be either Davy Russell or Jack Kennedy." Elliott's Cause Of Causes won the Glenfarclas Chase last year and beat all bar One for Arthur at Aintree. He was pulled up at Cheltenham this year, though, and his participation is not yet certain. "Cause Of Causes was a bit sore after Cheltenham, we'll have to see how he is over the next couple of weeks," Elliott told At The Races. A third possible is Ucello Conti. The 10-year-old was sixth two years ago but came down at Becher's Brook on the second circuit when still going well last year. Elliott said: "He was travelling very well last year when he came down. If there's a horse in our yard who deserves to win a big one it's him - he's been placed in all the big handicaps. "The ground was very soft the last time he ran but on his run behind Anibale Fly in the Paddy Power he's got a very good chance." Paul Nicholls is favouring letting Vicente bid for a record-equalling third Coral Scottish Grand National rather than take in the Aintree version. He has won the last two renewals at Ayr under Sam Twiston-Davies off the same mark of 146 but is rated 150 this year. Last year connections went to Aintree first but he was an early casualty which enabled him to return to Scotland. But Nicholls is unlikely to send him to Merseyside this time unless the ground is good. "I've got Vicente, As De Mee and Warriors Tale in the National," said the Ditcheat handler. "Vicente has got to have a question mark over his style of jumping whether he would jump round there unless the ground was really good. "He is in it still, but he has got Ayr the week after. Trevor (Hemmings, owner) has also got Warriors Tale now so we will make a plan nearer the time. "Vicente wouldn't be going to Aintree if it was soft - that is an absolute certainty. If it was good ground and it dried a fraction he could go, but he has Ayr, too."
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 27, 2018 17:48:14 GMT
Jockey Andrew Thornton has paid tribute to 1998 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Cool Dawn, who has died at the age of 30.
Trained by Robert Alner and owned by Baroness Dido Harding, he caused a 25-1 shock in the blue riband event, holding off Strong Promise and Dorans Pride.
Thornton said: "There's no doubt I wouldn't have ridden 1,000 winners if it wasn't for him. He kick-started my career and was the first big horse me and Robert had together."
Cool Dawn was a prolific winner in the point-to-point and hunter chase spheres before joining Alner where he realised his potential which he had shown when second in the 1996 Cheltenham Foxhunter.
His time with Alner was interrupted by injury, but in one golden spell he won three times at Ascot under Thornton.
Cool Dawn was then pulled up at Sandown but that was rectified in the best possible way with victory in the Gold Cup.
Thornton said: "I remember the first time I won on him at Ascot when he was supposed to have 10st. I told Robert I could get down to 10st 2lb and he said he'd let me ride as long as I was no heavier. It was a good job I managed it.
"He was only such a big price in the Gold Cup because he'd pulled up the time before at Sandown, but we subsequently found he just didn't like Sandown. Also that run probably came at a time when the yard were quiet.
"He was cherry-ripe on the day, his coat was gleaming and the ground was probably good to firm, which really suited him. It couldn't be quick enough for him.
"Robert was a master with getting years out of chasers and I'm glad I was able to ride a Gold Cup winner for him.
"Nobody can take it away from us."
Cool Dawn only managed four more races under Rules after his big win, and was pulled up in three of them, but he certainly enjoyed his retirement hunting with Baroness Harding.
Thornton added: "He was still hunting when he was 25. I haven't come across many horses older who have still been hunting.
"If you'd seen them out hunting there was only one person in control - and it wasn't Dido! There was one point-to-point when she was 30 lengths clear, he ran out at the horse boxes, lost 40 lengths and still ended up winning by 15."
"I spoke to Dido about him and she was saying how lucky she'd been. She's only ever owned three horses in her life and she might have a Grand National runner this year in Walk In The Mill."
Cool Dawn raced 17 times under Rules, winning six times and earning over £210,000 in prize-money.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 27, 2018 17:50:17 GMT
Musselburgh chief executive Bill Farnsworth fears the track could be left "at the bottom of the racecourse heap" if East Lothian Council carries out its intention to take over the running of a venue whose staff remain minded to take industrial action.
In the week in which Musselburgh will be the principal site on ITV4's Saturday racing coverage thanks to the £100,000 Totepool Queen's Cup, there continues to be a massive uncertainty about its immediate and long-term future, with the BHA yet to announce if it will extend the racecourse's licence to stage fixtures beyond April 7.
As an interim measure, pending a full council meeting on April 27, ELC has announced that Musselburgh's 15 full-time staff will become council employees from April 7.
That is also the point when the current governance by the Musselburgh Joint Racing Committee is to cease and be replaced by a new council-led associated committee, in which racing's minority representation will fall from three members to two.
At a meeting between two senior council figures and racecourse staff last Friday, Musselburgh's employees urged ELC to put out a tender for an outside third party – such as the Jockey Club or Arc – to run the business, with the council thereafter acting solely as landlord. Farnsworth said: "The position of the staff is if Musselburgh becomes a council-run racecourse when better alternatives are available, and we therefore all become council employees, the staff would ask the GMB trade union to ballot everyone for strike action.
"The reason the staff would do this is they believe that if the racecourse becomes part of the council Musselburgh would go into decline and so would our careers.
"The way a local authority is run is very different to how a private business is run. It's also the case that the catalyst for the recent governance review was the problems linked to a 4:3 structure. How would replacing that with a 4:2 structure work?"
Farnsworth added: "Our ambition is to stage five £100,000 races. Sooner or later a future council is going to ask why, when it can't afford to maintain services, is the council-owned racecourse running £100,000 races for rich owners? "We have confidence the current councillors wouldn't do that. However, a future council might, as the current council obviously cannot give future protection.
"It has taken us 25 years to build Musselburgh to what it is today. All that good work could very quickly be taken away with Musselburgh left at the bottom of the racecourse heap."
An ELC spokesperson said: "The council is determined to make the required changes and secure the future of Musselburgh racecourse. "We have noted the preference of racecourse employees for a third party being procured to run the racecourse. Elected members have unanimously agreed that a report will be presented to a future meeting of the council, with recommendations assessing the merits of continuing with the interim option of a new associated committee, setting up or progressing with an arm's length external organisation or procuring a third party supplier.
"In the meantime, the racecourse’s current temporary licence expires in April, which means we need to make progress with implementation of recommendations from the independent governance review – which is expected by the British Horseracing Authority."
The spokesperson added: "There is recognition the status quo cannot continue. Members have agreed to progress the review’s option of forming the new/compliant associated committee – initially on an interim basis – to oversee the racecourse’s governance.
"We will continue to work with and communicate with employees, who are Musselburgh racecourse’s greatest asset."
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 27, 2018 17:51:29 GMT
This well-bred daughter of New Approach fared well on debut for her new yard when third over course and distance earlier this month, beaten by two useful sorts.
Making her handicap debut this evening, there is every chance she will have improved from her third start on the track.
Paul Mulrennan, who has a 21 per cent strike-rate in the last two weeks, takes the ride.
11/8 Amuletum 7:10 Newcastle (AW) Samharry 7.40 Newcastle John Gosden's four-year-old gelding made an encouraging start when winning a decent maiden at Doncaster in July 2016.
A 600,000gns purchase as a yearling, the son of Exceed And Excel then spent 498 days on the sideline and was well beaten when returning to action in December.
He would have undoubtedly needed the run and remains unexposed with only two starts under his belt, so cannot be discounted.
4/5 Samharry 7:40 Newcastle (A
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 27, 2018 19:03:16 GMT
Newcastle, 27 Mar 18 Race 1 - 5:40pm THE BETWAY STAYERS' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) The performance of TOR which started second favourite but finished last of seven, was considered. Iain Jardine explained that the gelding possibly needs to be ridden with more restraint in the future. The Veterinary Officer reported that a post-race examination of the gelding during routine testing failed to reveal any abnormalities.
Race 2 - 6:10pm THE BETWAY HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 4) Following the race, Ben Robinson reported that JAMACHO, placed seventh, ran too free.
Race 3 - 6:40pm THE BETWAY APPRENTICE HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) Permission was given for KIWI BAY to go to post early.
Following the race, Connor Murtagh reported that GHOSTLY ARC (IRE), placed sixth, hung right in the home straight.
Race 4 - 7:10pm THE 32Red.com FILLIES' HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 5) An enquiry was held into the start of this race, when CE LA VIE, drawn 5, appeared to be held in the stalls as the gates opened and was slowly away. The Starter, the Stalls Handler and rider Connor Beasley were interviewed. Having heard their evidence the Stewards were satisfied that the handler had released the filly, but as the gates opened she moved her head back over the top of the stalls towards him, making it appear she was being held. Their explanations were noted.
Following the race, Connor Beasley reported that CE LA VIE, placed, fourth, was very fractious in the preliminaries. View Stewards report Southwell, 27 Mar 18 Race 7 - 5:00pm THE sunbets.co.uk DOWNLOAD THE APP HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV I) Permission was given for QUICK MONET (IRE) to go early to post.
Following the race, Dougie Costello reported that DE LITTLE ENGINE (IRE), placed fourth, was slowly away and Nicola Currie reported that POWERFUL SOCIETY (IRE), placed fifth, was slowly away.
Race 8 - 5:30pm THE sunbets.co.uk DOWNLOAD THE APP HANDICAP STAKES (CLASS 6) (DIV II) The winner PORT SOIF, appeared to show improved form, compared with its previous run at Wolverhampton on 10 February 2018 where the filly finished twelfth of thirteen, beaten by 14 ½ lengths. Kenneth Slack’s explanation that PORT SOIF appreciated the return to Southwell was noted.
The Veterinary Officer reported that the winner, PORT SOIF , bled from the nose. View Stewards report Hereford, 27 Mar 18 Race 1 - 2:15pm THE myracing.com FOR FREE HEREFORD TIPS JUVENILE MAIDEN HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Following the race Kevin Jones reported that ROMANOR, placed second, was keen and hung right-handed.
Race 2 - 2:45pm THE myracing.com NOVICES' STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 4) Following the race the Veterinary Officer reported that THREE WAYS, placed third, lost its right fore shoe.
Race 4 - 3:45pm THE myracing.com FOR FREE BETS AND TIPS MARES' HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE (CLASS 5) Following the race James Davies reported that the saddle slipped on ARMEDANDBEAUTIFUL, which was pulled up,
Race 5 - 4:15pm THE myracing.com FREE TIPS EVERY DAY MARES' HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 4) Permission was given for DAHILLS HILL (IRE) to go early to post.
The winner, ROYAL CLARET, appeared to show improved form compared with its previous run at Fontwell Park on 26 December 2017, where the mare was pulled up. Tom Symonds could offer no explanation for the improvement other than that ROYAL CLARET may have appreciated having the tongue tie taken off on this occasion.
Race 6 - 4:45pm THE myracing.com FOR GRAND NATIONAL TIPS HANDICAP HURDLE RACE (CLASS 5) (DIV I) Permission was given for SCARTARE (IRE) to go early to post.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 28, 2018 6:51:27 GMT
in today's sporting life.................... Chris Wilson previews the pick of the action across Wednesday's meetings and provides a selection for every race. Dream Malfunction can be backed to stay true and straight in the 32Red.com Handicap at Wolverhampton. Trainer Joe Tuite is probably still getting to know the three-year-old filly, having been based with Joseph O'Brien as a juvenile. But Dream Malfunction showed at Lingfield last month that she could make into a decent operator over middle distances. As such, she is taken to poke her head in front at the sixth attempt. Tuite made the bold call to step her up to a mile and a half on her most recent visit to the racecourse, and the gamble nearly paid off. The daughter of Mastercraftsman finished second to favourite Sotomayor on what was her first spin since November. It was awfully reassuring, most tellingly from a stamina perspective, to see her arrive fast and late to get to within a length and three-quarters of the winner. Dream Malfunction has only gone up a few pounds in the handicap for this encounter, which is not exactly off-putting when one factors into the equation that Sotomayor renews rivalry off a 5lb higher mark. Berlios perhaps holds the key to the Betway Sprint Handicap. Rebecca Bastiman's five-year-old has been a largely consistent presence throughout the winter - and yet he has not won in nine starts since his transfer from David Barron's yard. Berlios did, however, get very close at Newcastle last time when he came from well off the pace to finish second behind Windforpower, who held a one-length advantage at the line. His trainer's decision to revert to six furlongs with the gelded son of Excellent Art could finally tip the scales in his favour in what is a fairly workaday sprint. Esspeegee should once again run with honour in the Betway Handicap at Newcastle. The five-year-old son of Paco Boy has been a grand servant for Alan Bailey and won four on the spin - two of which at this track - between October and January. Esspeegee came mightily close to a five-timer at Lingfield on February 16 but succumbed to Smiley Bagel by just a neck. That was another feisty performance from Baily's inmate and it would be foolhardy to dare suggest he has now reached the end of his tether. Esspeegee returns to Newcastle off a 3lb higher mark, but it is interesting Bailey has appointed Darragh Keenan, who claims an exceedingly handy 7lb. Super Florence has every chance in the 32Redsport.com Handicap. This grey daughter of Zebedee caught the eye on her debut for the Iain Jardine yard at Wolverhampton last month, when she finished second to Brockey Rise in a six-furlong handicap. That was her first start since October so it should have done her the power of good. It will be interesting to see how she gets on back over five furlongs and running off the same handicap mark. Sporting Life tips: DUNDALK: 5.30 Smart Flies, 6.00 View The Bay, 6.30 Oneoveryou, 7.00 Bond Street, 7.30 Elysees Palace, 8.00 Eacharn, 8.30 Colla Pier, 9.00 Hurricane Volta. NEWCASTLE: 5.45 Esspeegee, 6.15 Adventureman, 6.45 Harmonica, 7.15 Super Florence, 7.45 Fountain Of Time, 8.15 Lord Caprio, 8.45 Suwaan. WARWICK: 2.10 Mankala, 2.40 Harefield, 3.15 Red Infantry, 3.50 Young Lou, 4.25 The Last Bridge, 4.55 Galactic Power. WINCANTON: 2.00 Run To Milan, 2.30 Innisfree Lad, 3.05 Rouergate, 3.40 Bramble Brook, 4.15 Invicta Lake, 4.45 Carraig Mor, 5.15 Cloudy Glen. WOLVERHAMPTON: 2.20 Berlios, 2.50 New Street, 3.25 Kristal Hart, 4.00 DREAM MALFUNCTION (NAP), 4.35 Custard The Dragon, 5.05 Jeremy's Jet. DOUBLE: Dream Malfunction and Esspeegee.
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Post by dennisg on Mar 28, 2018 6:53:17 GMT
Matt Brocklebank previews Wednesday's racing with the nap and next best running at Wolverhampton - the treble goes at Newcastle in the evening. Recommended bet: Sporting Life's Daily Nap, March 28 Nap: Sotomayor (4.00 Wolverhampton) Next Best: Joyful Dream (5.05 Wolverhampton) Treble: Highwayman (6.15 Newcastle) 1 6 Sotomayorb,t30 39-7OR: 75D 7/2 Form: 27-9321T: R HannonJ: Tom Marquand Last run Live betting powered by 1 6 Joyful Dreamv125 49-6OR: 50 9/2 Form: 537-044T: J ButlerJ: S De Sousa Last run Live betting powered by 8 6 Highwaymanh19 59-5OR: 55CD 13/2 Form: 08-6271T: D ThompsonJ: Jonathan Fisher (5) Last run Live betting powered by Something’s clicked with SOTOMAYOR recently and he looks a three-year-old worth sticking with after getting off the mark at Lingfield last month. Sent off the 2/1 favourite that day after fast-finishing placed efforts over 1m2f and 1m4f at Kempton and Lingfield respectively, he was held up by Tom Marquand before coming with a storming late run to win readily and a 5lb rise in the ratings doesn’t look enough to anchor his progress if turning up in a similar mood for the 32Red.com Handicap (4.00) on Wednesday. The addition of blinkers has clearly helped Richard Hannon’s charge, who remains unexposed over middle distances and his entry in a relatively valuable event at Bath later in the week indicates the regard in which he must be held. The booking of Silvestre De Sousa for Joyful Dream in the Bet & Watch At Sunbets.co.uk Handicap (5.05) on the same card looks a decent pointer to her claims. She’s slipped to a mark of 50 for the first time in her career and this will be among the least competitive races she’s ever contested. With any luck it’ll be 23th time lucky for the long-standing maiden. Highwayman is backed to pinch another victory when he lines up for the Sun Bets Download The App Apprentice Handicap (6.15) at Newcastle. The drop to a mile worked a treat here earlier in the month and he should get another strong pace to aim at. Daily Nap record: -22.74pts
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Post by dennisg on Mar 28, 2018 6:55:10 GMT
Timeform Chief Correspondent Jamie Lynch answers our Racehorses Of 2017 inspired questions on the top sprinters, Aidan O'Brien, Frankel at stud and of course Cracksman v Enable. Timeform's Racehorses of 2017 has been published and as ever the fascinating essays on the leading stars raise many subjects and discussion points. We put five key questions that arise from them to their Chief Correspondent Jamie Lynch. The essay on Battaash is fascinating and clearly Timeform see the current crop of sprinters as being outstanding. How do they compare to recent generations? What was remarkable about the sprinting class of 2017 was the standard at the top end. In ratings terms, we often talk about 130 being the gateway to greatness on the Timeform scale, and once every four or five years on average a speedster will come along who can break that barrier. Last season, the number of sprinters rated 130 or higher by Timeform operating in Britain was not one, not two, not three, but four! That has never happened before, in Timeform’s experience. And the exciting element for the sprinting scene this year is that, of those four, only Marsha has retired, while the rest will be providing more fast-and-furious fireworks in the months ahead. With five Group One wins between them already, Harry Angel, Lady Aurelia and Battaash are on a collision course to determine the King, or Queen, of a golden age for sprinters. With his rating of 136 - the same, incidentally, that Black Caviar achieved – Battaash looks the next in line to the throne. At The Races ✔ @attheraces Battaash! ✈️ 10:11 AM - Oct 2, 2017 62 16 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy Cracksman’s win in the QIPCO Champion Stakes was significant on a number of fronts but not least another Group One winner for Frankel as a stallion. What have you made to his start at stud, and which horses are most likely to provide him with a first European Classic success? Frankel has made as good a start to his stud career as almost any stallion of recent times. His first two crops have contained 14 individual European Group-race winners so far, which is just four fewer than record-holding Dubawi achieved in the in his first two years as a stallion. Frankel’s sire Galileo, whose stud career started relatively slowly, is the undisputed Daddy amongst stallions of the modern age, but he’s twenty now, and Frankel is shaping up like the heir apparent. There are a number of his three-year-olds of 2018 who look to have the power and potential to give Frankel a first European Classic, chief amongst them Elarqam, who’s towards the front of the 2000 Guineas market after two bulldozing wins last September. He’ll go straight to Newmarket without a prep run, which worked for Elarqam’s dam, Attraction, likewise trained by Mark Johnston. And there are many of us at Timeform Towers holding an ante-post slip on Contingent for the Oaks, in the hope and expectation that Dermot Weld’s filly proves as special as she looked in winning her only juvenile start. Elarqam: Can the colt return to Newmarket and win again? Elarqam: Can the colt return to Newmarket and win the Guineas? The essay on Desert Skyline offers a number of talking points, principally the argument that geldings should be allowed to contest classic races. What’s the thinking behind that? The traditional theory goes that elite Group One races exist for the purposes of selecting the best colts for breeding. ‘I don’t know why geldings can’t run in the classics,’ said David Elsworth, speaking about Desert Skyline who won the Doncaster Cup, because he was ineligible for the St Leger the following day. ‘We want to know what the best three-year-old is and if it happens to be a gelding then so be it.’ Timeform, via various essays in our Annuals, has been advocating for half a century that geldings should be allowed to run in the top weight-for-age events, including the Classics. Admitting the best geldings can only provide a stiffer test for the colts which, for breeders, as well as the entertainment of the racing public, should be welcomed and even encouraged. The Triple Crown series in America hasn’t been damaged in any way by being open to geldings, nor the Australian Classics. What makes the British ruling all the more bizarre is that, for years, they’ve been allowed to run in races like the King George at Ascot, which is potentially a more defining event than any of the Classics as it brings different generations together. Much was made of the end-of-year ratings given to stablemates Cracksman and Enable. How did Timeform end up with the pair – and just how good a filly was the latter, purely on the formbook? The bottom line with Enable is that, according to Timeform measurement, there hasn’t been a better British-trained filly than her since Pebbles over 30 years ago. But she doesn’t need a rating to speak on her behalf, as her three-year-old CV does that, and she’s unique among fillies for her achievement in landing the King George/Arc double, something only six colts have done in history. Her figure of 134 is exceptional for a filly. And yet, by the end of the season, Enable’s later-maturing stable-companion was rated higher still by Timeform, Cracksman earning 136 – the joint-best performance by any racehorse anywhere in the world in 2017, alongside Battaash – when he ran away with the Champion Stakes at Ascot in October. Champions Series ✔ @championsseries A stunning performance by Cracksman who streaks clear of his field under @frankiedettori to emulate his sire Frankel 4:23 PM - Oct 21, 2017 411 207 people are talking about this Twitter Ads info and privacy There are two statues 50 yards apart at Ascot, one of Frankel and another of Frankie Dettori, and they should serve as a reminder in years to come of the occasion the pair combined in Cracksman’s explosive performance which gave British Champions’ Day of 2017 a real champion it could celebrate. Even with the sex allowance, Enable with have her hands full against Cracksman if (and indeed when) they meet in 2018, and it’s Paracetamol at the ready for Dettori for his happy headache at having to choose between them. The only thing missing from the Aidan O’Brien CV now is a Triple Crown winner. Could Saxon Warrior be the horse to provide it? The first cut is the deepest if Saxon Warrior is to have a cut at the Triple Crown as the first leg of the Guineas demands the deepest reserves, not only for the fact that Newmarket will be his first run of the season but also for the feeling that he’ll be more comfortable and classy the further he goes up in trip. He needed every yard of the mile as a two-year-old to rally past Roaring Lion in the Racing Post Trophy, when the ground was on the soft side, and he’ll have faster horses to fend off in the Guineas. If Saxon Warrior manages to clear that hurdle successfully, then he’ll be a short-priced favourite for the Derby, and beyond that it’s just a question of ambition for Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore partners, but the campaigning of Camelot in 2012 shows that reigniting the fire of the British Triple Crown is something they are very keen to do. Saxon Warrior (far side) gets back up Saxon Warrior (far side): Will he have the speed for a 2000 Guineas? Racehorses of 2017 is published now and available from www.timeform.com. Features include: An individual entry for every horse that ran on the Flat in Britain during the season and the best global stars, including a Timeform rating and commentary Extended essays on the leading performers 1,216 pages and over half a million words Action and posed portrait photographs Examination of the wider issues in the sport through the essays and forthright introduction. It doesn't pull its punches! Top 100s, promising horses lists, International Review & more
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Post by dennisg on Mar 28, 2018 6:57:06 GMT
Alex Hammond looks ahead to the Good Friday action at Lingfield, with Second Thought considered a banker bet as he looks to repeat last year's success. All eyes on Lingfield this weekend – how excited are you about All-Weather Finals Day? I'm really looking forward to Finals Day. It’s now in its fifth year and is an established finale to the winter flat racing calendar. I think it’s appropriate to have a championship day to wrap up the winter season, it rewards the horses, jockeys, trainers, staff and owners for their hard work in the bleakest months and for consistently patronising the all-weather meetings. The quality has improved year on year and like last season, I'm lucky enough to be presenting the show on At The Races. Second Thought is a warm favourite for the Mile – is he your idea of the winner? I had a good look at the card over the weekend and have to say, Second Thought jumped out at me as being my banker. There is so much to recommend him, not least the fact he’s trained by William Haggas, who started his turf season with a bang on Saturday with the runaway win of Addeybb in the Lincoln at Doncaster. Haggas is extraordinary in that his strike rate remains consistently high throughout the year on the turf and artificial surfaces and those impressive figures rarely wane. Over the past five years Haggas' strike rate on the all-weather at Lingfield is an impressive 28%. So the trainer ticks all the boxes. Second Thought isn't doing too badly either, he is unbeaten on the all-weather in six outings including in the 3YO Championships (6f) on this card 12 months ago. He was given a nice mid-winter break and came back with a win at Wolverhampton in the Lady Wulfruna Stakes earlier this month, which is expected to have brought him on. He’s only had the one run over a mile, but that was also a winning one and it looked well within his range. The bookies aren't falling over themselves with his ante-post price (), but anything better than odds-on looks an attractive bet. Kempton Park ✔ @kemptonparkrace Second Thought takes a thrilling British Stallion Studs EBF Hyde Stakes for William Haggas and James Doyle 7:52 PM - Nov 22, 2017 10 See Kempton Park's other Tweets Twitter Ads info and privacy What about Kimberella in the Sprint – what are the chances of him recording back-to-back wins? Kimberella has an obvious chance of landing this for the second year running, but he faces some tough opposition. If you fancy him, don't be too despondent that he could only finish sixth at Wolverhampton on his final start coming into this, things didn't go his way there and he can be excused that finishing position. His trainer Richard Fahey has a good record at this meeting and I can't see any reason why he shouldn't be feeling confident coming into this. However, there are a couple of interesting rivals including Kachy, who heads the market at . Tom Dascombe's five-year-old comes here off the back of two wins on the all-weather, both over this course and distance. They have been his only starts on an artificial surface. He has some really decent turf form, notably finishing second in the Group One Commonwealth Cup to Quiet Reflection two seasons ago. He also has the beating of a few of these when he won a fast track qualifier here at beginning of February including Kimberella (short-head), he had to overcome a wide (11) draw there, so it made it a particularly good performance. He’s been kept for this since and will be a big danger to the admirable 8 year-old Kimberella. I haven’t event mentioned Gifted Master yet! Another that comes into the mix for Hugo Palmer. Kimberella goes for back-to-back victories in the Sprint Corinthia Knight is short for the three-year-old final – should he be? Corinthia Knight and a bit like Second Thought, that may not end up looking too stingy. He hails from the Archie Watson stable and the Lambourn handler is in red hot form at the moment. This horse has taken to the all-weather like a duck to water, with all six of his career wins coming away from the turf. He seems versatile and uncomplicated and is thriving at the moment and whilst he’s not my banker, he should be in the thick of it. Master The World is among the market leaders for the middle-distance championships – who do you like in here? This is an interesting race because it features the first two past the post in last month’s Winter Derby, which is run over this same course and distance (10 furlongs). I say the first two past the post because Mr Owen was the 'winner' that day, but was demoted to second by the stewards after causing interference to Master The World who was awarded the race. It looked like the correct decision because Mr Owen lugged badly to his right in the closing stages and bumped Master The World whose momentum was affected at a crucial stage. At the time of writing though it’s so tight that Sky Bet can’t separate the pair at the head of the market and have thrown Victory Bond into the mix to further complicate matters; the trio are 7/2 co-favourites. This is a tricky race and I’d be inclined to back Jeremy Noseda’s Abe Lincoln each-way. He is currently a 10/1 shot and has some very smart form in the past including finishing second in the Britannia Handicap at Royal Ascot in 2016. It should be a cracking conclusion to the card. What else catches your eye at the meeting? Earlier in the afternoon Red Verdon (3/1 with Sky Bet) catches my eye as he tackles two miles for the first time in the Marathon. Ed Dunlop does well with this type of horse (remember Red Cadeaux who ran in the same colours?) and harbours long-range Melbourne Cup plans if he copes with the extra distance. The five-year-old won here over 12 furlongs very comfortably last time out in mid-February and he has a decent record on the all-weather. He looks up to it and it’s worth remembering he was sixth in the Derby and fourth in the Irish Derby, he was also a leading contender for the St Leger, although he never ran in the final Classic of the season after an early end to his three-year-old season which culminated with a runner-up spot in the Goup One Grand Prix de Paris in July. So, plenty of opportunities to back some winners on the card and there should be a real buzz to the day. You can catch all seven races with me on At The Races, Sky channel 415, hopefully see you there.
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 28, 2018 7:31:16 GMT
PWednesday: going, weather & non-runners Dundalk (AW) GOING: POLYTRACK: STANDARD WEATHER: Scattered showers Newcastle (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Showers STALLS: 1m 4f - Farside; Straight races - Centre NON RUNNERS: 6:15 Cookie Ring (7) Warwick GOING: GOOD TO SOFT, Soft in places on the chase course, SOFT, Good to Soft in places on the hurdles track(Hurdle races will be run on the Outer hurdle track) (Rail movements: Races 1 & 6 +17yds, Race 2 +11yds, Races 3 & 5 +112yds and Race 4 +23yds) WEATHER: Showers NON RUNNERS: 3:50 Banco De Logos (1) Wincanton GOING: HEAVY (GoingStick: Chase 6.4 Hurdle 6.7 on Monday at 09:30) (Rail movements: Races 1 & 2 +102yds, Races 3 & 7 +64yds, Race 4 +78yds and Races 5 & 6 +104yds) WEATHER: Rain NON RUNNERS: 2:30 Burst Ya Bubble (4) Wolverhampton (AW) GOING: TAPETA: STANDARD WEATHER: Showers STALLS: Inside
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Post by Kimmy on Mar 28, 2018 7:33:31 GMT
Newmarket: David Milnes
Playfull Spirit (7.45 Newcastle, nap)
Was badly in need of the experience when finishing sixth behind reopposing rival Fountain Of Time on her debut at Lingfield 12 days ago. John Gosden's filly has since moved well on Warren Hill.
7/2 Playfull Spirit 7:45 Newcastle (AW) Others to follow Wolverhampton 4.35 Glory Awaits, 5.05 Joyful Dream. Newcastle 6.45 Harmonica. Lambourn: James Burn
Mahlervous (4.55 Warwick, nap)
This five-year-old is capable of winning from a mark of 120 and should appreciate the 2m5f trip.
3/1 Mahlervous 4:55 Warwick Others to follow Newcastle 7.45 Sketching, 8.15 Breakfast. Warwick 2.40 Harefield, 3.15 Ceann Sibheal, 4.25 Fight Commander. Wincanton 2.30 Lex Talionis. Wolverhampton 2.20 Strategic Heights. West Country: Andrew King
Run To Milan (2.00 Wincanton, nap)
Found things happening a bit to quickly in the EBF Final last time but expected to regain the winning thread back in novice company.
15/8 Run To Milan 2:00 Wincanton Others to follow Wincanton 2.30 Quiz Master, 3.05 Litterale Ci, 3.40 Bramble Brook, 4.15 The Cider Maker, 4.45 Unioniste, 5.15 Dont Be Robin. Warwick 3.15 Cadeau Du Bresil, 3.50 Ambion Lane, 4.25 Shanann Star. North: Colin Russell
One Second (4.00 Wolverhampton, nap)
Showed plenty of promise in two of her three runs last season and, with this step up in trip in her favour, is fancied to get off the mark on her handicap debut.
2/1 One Second 4:00 Wolverhampton (AW) Others to follow Newcastle 5.45 Something Brewing, 6.15 Nature Boy, 6.45 Woody Bay, 7.15 Carpet Time, 8.15 Lord Caprio, 8.45 Suwaan. Wolverhampton 2.20 Thorntoun Lady, 2.50 Vigee Le Brun, 3.25 Dyna Might, 4.35 Energia Flavio. Racing Post Ratings: Steve Mason
Now McGinty (4.55 Warwick, nap)
Much improved when beating a well-handicapped subsequent winner over course and distance earlier this month and can defy a 10lb higher mark.
4/1 Now McGinty 4:55 Warwick Topspeed: Dave Edwards
Harmonica (6.45 Newcastle)
Escapes a penalty for her emphatic wide-margin Lingfield romp five days ago and impossible to oppose.
1/3 Harmonica 6:45 Newcastle (AW) Longshot: Ed Quigley
Ambion Lane (3.50 Warwick)
Wheels have come off lately, but trip and ground will suit and is now on an appealing mark.
15/2 Ambion Lane 3:50 Warwick Ireland: Tony O'Hehir
Nam (8.00 Dundalk)
The Tom Mullins-trained four-year-old has been in good form at this track recently, winning over the course and trip last month and finishing fourth on his most recent trip. Although he has a high draw to overcome, he gets the vote to score under Niall McCullagh.
15/2 Nam 8:00 Dundalk (AW) The Raceform Interactive nugget
The gelding A Sure Welcome is 2-2 following an absence of at least 72 days and never been out of the places on three previous starts over Wolverhampton's 6f track. He runs over the same course and distance again in the 2.20.
6/1 A Sure Welcome 2:20 Wolverhampton (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 28, 2018 7:34:30 GMT
BANKER
Fountain Of Time (7.45 Newcastle)
Charlie Appleby has his string in fine form (five winners from ten runners in the last two weeks) and his only runner on Wednesday, Fountain Of Time, can land the mile fillies' novice event at Newcastle. Sent off the 3-1 joint favourite, she badly missed the kick and found herself on the backfoot from the outset, but travelled well through the middle part of the contest and exhibited an exciting turn of foot when asked by George Wood. She ran green in the final stages and will have improved markedly for the run. A penalty should be no problem for this potential Group-class filly.
11/10 Fountain Of Time 7:45 Newcastle (AW) GOOD THING
Darcy Ward (2.00 Wincanton)
This is a pretty good novice hurdle for the time of year and Darcy Ward, who looked useful when winning on Rules debut for Jack Barber, can maintain his 100 per cent record over this extended 2m5f trip. The five-year-old seemed to relish the soft ground when winning at Taunton, beating the very useful King Of Realms by three-quarters of a length. He travelled and jumped well on that occasion and the same performance should see him beat the more experienced Captain Cottistock.
9/4 Darcy Ward 2:00 Wincanton Let our experts point you in the direction of the winners with invaluable punting pointers delivered directly to your inbox. Sign uphereto get our free newsletter every week
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