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Post by Kimmy on Jan 29, 2016 13:20:11 GMT
RACING NEWS.
Vroum Vroum Mag continued Willie Mullins' total domination of the major jumps races when winning the Grade 2 mares' hurdle at Ascot last weekend. The mare has been unbeaten since joining Mullins from France, and has proved her versatility by winning over both hurdles and fences. She has options in the Ryanair Chase and the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, but perhaps the most obvious race for her to contest is the OLBG Mares' Hurdle at the Festival. Much could depend on whether the sidelined Annie Power returns to the track in time, as she is in the same ownership and was most unlucky when falling at the final flight with the Mares' Hurdle at her mercy last season. Un De Sceaux landed the Clarence House Chase at Ascot to give the Mullins stable a double on the day. He made all and jumped very sensibly for Ruby Walsh, having fallen at Leopardstown on his reappearance, after being typically exuberant at his fences. Un De Sceaux has now gone odds-on for the Champion Chase, Nicky Henderson has stated that he intends to send Sprinter Sacre straight to the Champion Chase without another race. The former Champion has not run since 27 December, when beating Sire De Grugy in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton. Henderson intends to run the troubled Simonsig in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury next month, having not raced the horse since November. The prolific grey had not run for almost three years, when returning to finish second to Bobs Worth at Aintree, but is reported to be in fine fettle by his trainer.
The former Gold Cup winner, Long Run, will not be ready in time to take up his entry in the Foxhunters' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival this year. The consistent chaser, owned by Robert Waley- Cohen and ridden by his son Sam, has been held up by a minor foot issue, and will not be ready to make his reappearance in the amateur feature, having not raced since May 2014. He may continue to run in hunter chases this season, with the possibility of making a second attempt in the Grand National in April, having fallen at Valentine's Brook in 2014. Newcastle Racecourse has lost its third meeting of the year due to waterlogging, and has issued a statement suggesting that the course must dry out before its next fixture on 3 February. The course is currently undergoing development, as the flat turf course is being replaced with an all-weather surface.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 29, 2016 13:22:27 GMT
RACE RATING 1.50 CHELTENHAM.
TOP RATED:
812-21 DJAKADAM 7 55 11-10 Willie Mullins (Ire) Djakadam has made the progression from a decent handicapper to a genuine Gold Cup horse in a short space of time. His best run came when finishing second to Coneygree in the Gold Cup, beaten just a length and a half. He looked like a thorough stayer who is well suited by soft ground. He won his last race at Punchestown by twelve lengths, beating his stable-mate Valseur Lido, who has since disappointed in the King George. He must win here to confirm punters' faith in him for the Gold Cup, as he is seen as a very good prospect for the big race in March. RATING 100
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 29, 2016 13:29:58 GMT
NOTEBOOK.
Last Saturday's big race was the Sodexo Clarence House Chase at Ascot and, although the winner UN DE SCEAUX will more than likely go on to win again this season, probably at the Cheltenham Festival, it was the third-placed horse, TRAFFIC FLUIDE, who very much caught the eye. This six-year-old gelding from the Gary Moore stable returned from a nine-month layoff to finish a very close third behind stablemate, Sire De Grugy. Having been off the track for so long and with no benefit of a run prior to this race, he will certainly be one to look out for next time he hits the track. Alan King's newcomer GIBRALFARO made his second racecourse appearance last Saturday at Ascot in a juvenile hurdle. He made it two wins out of two and looks to be a very good prospect for the future. MR MIX, trained by Paul Nicholls, opened his account over hurdles at Taunton on the same day, scoring easily by 17 lengths beating other promising novices, making him another to note. At Lingfield last Saturday, SEA OF FLAMES followed up his modest debut in July last year to win, beating a promising Godolphin horse, amongst others. He has clearly benefitted from his gelding operation and looks a promising horse. In the same race, JINTSHI, a three-year-old owned by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum and trained by Mark Johnston is also one to take note of. MARIEE is another of interest from the Mark Johnston stable, as she is now two from two following another comfortable win at Wolverhampton recently. BARTON LODGE made a winning debut at Lingfield recently for the in-form combination of David Simcock and Jamie Spencer, and although it's unlikely the other runners are future world- beaters, he was very green and should come on for the run. Earlier last week on the fibresand at Southwell, DAISY BERE won on just her second start for Karl Burke at odds of 66/1. She was very green on this occasion and she beat some interesting runners, so she's one to look out for from one of the smaller stables. In the same race, RAIN IN THE FACE was just touched off in second for Ralph Beckett and this horse has been quite frustrating so far, but has improved with each start to date. If he can improve from this experience once again, he should be finishing first past the post sooner rather than later. More recently, on Monday there was an interesting novices' hurdle at Kempton with a number of runners worth mentioning. WAIT FOR ME, the 1/5 favourite, is the obvious one to point out having not finished outside the first three in all five starts to date, three of which he has won. At a price when stepped up in class in the future, he would well be of interest. The second-placed QUERRY HORSE is one to note from the Oliver Sherwood stable, as is HELL'S KITCHEN who made his debut in this race for JP McManus and trainer, Harry Fry.
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Post by Kimmy on Jan 29, 2016 13:36:06 GMT
STAT WATCH.
Willie Mullins continues to dominate the Jumps season both sides of the Irish Sea and he notched up an impressive 45% strike-rate last week with some high-profile victories at both Ascot and Leopardstown. Looking ahead to this weekend, Mullins could potentially be sending over quite a powerful team of horses to Cheltenham and Doncaster. MORNING RUN makes plenty of appeal in the Grade 2 Mares' Hurdle and this daughter of King’s Theatre could well bounce back after a disappointing run at Leopardstown over Christmas. This drop back to two miles is just what she needs and she’s expected to regain the winning thread. Mullins also has WHITEOUT and PETITE PARISIENNE engaged, so whoever he runs should be noted. The next race on Doncaster's excellent card is another Grade 2 hurdle race for novices. Usually a strong renewal, Willie Mullins has four possible runners in this race and the pick is probably UP FOR REVIEW, who won a similar Grade 2 event at Punchestown on New Year's Eve. In the final race on Cheltenham's card, TOWNSHEND could make his debut in a cracking handicap hurdle. A French import, this classy looking individual could easily defy his handicap mark and is of major interest. Philip Hobbs continues to send out the winners and he achieved a 33% strike-rate last week. POPPY KAY was an impressive bumper winner at Ludlow back in December and she could be an above average mare. She is entered in the bumper at Doncaster on Saturday and connections will be hoping for another solid run. Hobbs may also run SANDYGATE in the opening handicap hurdle. Yet to record a win, he will surely come good soon as he is slipping down the weights and has a degree of ability. Dan Skelton has enjoyed a tremendous season and he boasted a very respectable 25% strike-rate last week. PAIN AU CHOCOLAT should have a decent chance in the Grade 2 novices' chase at Doncaster. Formerly trained in France, this tough individual won at Haydock last time and is progressive. Ben Pauling only sent out five runners over the last seven days, but he managed a whopping 60% strike-rate. The unbeaten BARTERS HILL could be anything and he runs in the Grade 2 novices' hurdle at Doncaster.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2016 14:43:06 GMT
RACING NEWS.
Dodging Bullets has thrilled work-rider Harry Derham in his latest gallop in his build up to his belated return in the Game Spirit Chase at Newbury on 13 February. He has been unraced this season due to problems with a splint, which has delayed his return to the track. He worked with Qualando, and quickened clear in the final three furlongs, allowing trainer Paul Nicholls to put the finishing touches on last season's Champion Chase winner, ready for his race at Newbury. Vautour may join Dodging Bullets in receiving an entry at Newbury, as trainer Willie Mullins has announced he intends to run the King George runner-up once more before Cheltenham. He could run at either Newbury or Gowran Park on the 13 February to complete his build up to the Festival, where he is as short as 2/1 for the Ryanair Chase. Willie Mullins endured a disappointing afternoon with his runners in Britain last Saturday, with all four of his fancied horses being beaten. Gold Cup favourite, Djakadam, fell in the Trial Chase at Cheltenham, while his three beaten runners at Doncaster are believed to have picked up a chill when travelling over on the ferry. The stable was soon back to form the following day in Ireland, however, with Felix Yonger winning the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown. Alan King trained a remarkable five winners last Saturday, including four big-race wins. Yanworth has rocketed to the head of the betting for the Neptune Hurdle after an impressive win at Cheltenham, while Smad Place and Annacotty supplemented their wins earlier in the season with wins at Cheltenham in the Grade 2 Trial Chase and the Grade 3 Trophy Chase respectively. The stable also collected the Listed Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster with the progressive Ziga Boy, who was the second part of a double at the northern venue. Alan King is enjoying a phenomenal year, and is up to 50 winners already this season, having trained 75 winners in total in each of the past two seasons. Sadly, Wayne Hutchinson missed the rides, as he was injured in a fall at Doncaster the previous day, and failed to pass the doctor on the morning of the races. Nicky Henderson has led the tributes to Sir Terry Wogan, who has passed away at the age of 77 after a short battle with cancer. Sir Terry was a keen racing enthusiast, and had the occasional horse in training with Henderson and Barry Hills. He part-owned a horse named after him with Peter Deal, with Wogan winning the 2010 Grimthorpe Chase under Andrew Tinkler. Victoria Pendleton was denied her first win in a point-to-point by a head, after riding the former Paul Nicholls-trained Pacha Du Polder at the South Dorset point-to-point last weekend. She was beaten by the more experienced Bryony Frost on Queen's Bay, but a delighted Nicholls commented afterwards that Pendleton gave her horse an excellent ride, and followed his instructions perfectly. Colin Tizzard was thrilled with the performance of favourite of Thistlecrack when winning the Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham last weekend. The son of Kayf Tara was a very easy twelve-length winner of the feature contest, despite public concerns that he wouldn't act at Cheltenham. He gave 8lbs to the majority of the field, except the disappointing Camping Ground, who failed to stay the trip. Thistlecrack has now been installed a firm favourite for the World Hurdle after remaining unbeaten this year. The late Sir Henry Cecil's domain, Warren Place, will remain empty during 2016, while Godolphin complete the purchase of the historic racing stables. Lady Cecil will continue to live on-site for the time being, as she sorts out many things, before moving to her new house in Newmarket.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2016 14:44:27 GMT
RACE RATING TOP RATED 2.25 SANDOWN.
11/3-11 MORE OF THAT 56 8 11-3 Jonjo O'Neill More Of That was an impressive winner of the World Hurdle in 2014, emerging from obscurity in the process. His only run last season was well below par after a troubled preparation, so it was no surprise to see him on the sidelines for the remainder of the season. He has returned with a vengeance, winning both his starts over fences this season at Cheltenham, where he has displayed sound jumping and his old vigour. He is lightly raced and could well still be improving. RATING 100
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2016 14:45:27 GMT
NOTEBOOK.
Last Saturday's afternoon of racing was certainly one to remember for Alan King. Perhaps the best performance was from his gelding YANWORTH, who is now four from four over hurdles and his win last Saturday, beating some quality horses, was extremely comfortable. At Doncaster, ZIGA BOY ran out an easy winner in a Listed handicap chase, beating some experienced handicappers. On the same card, BARTERS HILL won the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle and is now unbeaten in seven starts to date for trainer Ben Pauling. He could still be anything and will be of interest wherever he goes. In Ireland, LIMINI was an 11-length winner of a novice hurdle and is one to note for the future from the Willie Mullins yard. Recently, MOABIT made his British racecourse debut for Paul Nicholls in a novice hurdle, finishing a clear second behind a more experienced horse. This run was very promising and he's a likely future winner. CYRIUS MORIVIERE was the winner in this race and although he had already run over hurdles prior to this, he's still lightly raced and is another from the Ben Pauling stable to take note of. On the Flat last Saturday, Sir Mark Prescott’s BEAR FACED made his first appearance since June 2015, winning a maiden at Lingfield. He definitely showed the benefit of a gelding operation and will be of interest again next time out. At a different Lingfield meeting recently, HE'S A DREAMER dropped his maiden status in good style for David Simcock and Jamie Spencer, whilst second home in this race was STEAM AHEAD for Ralph Beckett, which was his first racecourse appearance. He looked a bit one-paced, but it was a promising run and he will likely learn a lot from the experience, making him of interest next time out. Finally, Roger Varian's NEZWAAH is now two from two on the all-weather and this daughter of Dubawi will be one to look out for next time.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 5, 2016 14:47:31 GMT
STAT WATCH.
It was an unusually quiet afternoon for Willie Mullins last Saturday and both Morning Run and Up For Review, mentioned in last week's Stat Watch, failed to perform. Of the others mentioned last week that ran, Barters Hill won the Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle for Ben Pauling, maintaining his unbeaten record with seven wins from seven so far. Action comes from three courses this Saturday, live on Channel 4, starting with Sandown, and also featuring Ffos Las and Wetherby. Alan King trained five winners last Saturday alone, whilst Nicky Henderson and Harry Fry have also enjoyed good fortunes this week. Brian Hughes rode 5 winners last week from 25 rides, whilst Tom Scudamore and Noel Fehily rode 4 each. Starting with the 1.50 at Sandown, Mr Mole heads the weights in this 2m handicap chase, which means most of the horses will be running from a very low weight, or out of the handicap. BOLD HENRY catches the eye, as he won over course and distance in the New Year and represents the in-form Philip Hobbs stable, who are mounting a serious challenge to Paul Nicholls in the championship this year. He is up 10lbs, but is proven under the conditions. CHRIS PEA GREEN is a bit of a forgotten horse, but has been freshened up since October, before which his below-par form was all on good ground. He won on heavy ground at Plumpton last year, and could go well at a decent price. The 2.25 from Sandown is the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase, which boasts an excellent entry. MORE OF THAT won the 2014 World Hurdle, and is unbeaten in two starts over fences. He is very lightly-raced, having run just once last season when he was well below-par. BLACK HERCULES is an alternative, if running here rather than in Ireland. He has looked most impressive this season, and represents the all-conquering Mullins stable. BITOFAPUZZLE is preferred in his absence, and she is discussed later. Sandown's 3.00 race is a Grade 3 handicap hurdle, where BAYWING will be looking to win his fifth consecutive race. He has made giant strides up the weights this season, as the handicapper keeps failing to get a grip on him. He has won all 4 of his races on heavy ground, which will obviously stand him in good stead today. Nicky Henderson has been typically patient with DIFFERENT GRAVEY, who looks a very decent horse in the making, but comes here after a lay-off. He looked most impressive last season, and should stay well, having won an Irish point-to-point. The 3.35 is a 3m handicap chase, where DROP OUT JOE may run if his trainer feels the ground is acceptable. He has not run since winning the Badger Ales Chase at Wincanton in November, but is already looking like a really decent prospect. KNOCK HOUSE is a worthy alternative, as he has a bit of class in what looks an open race. He probably prefers better ground, but may have the ability to cope. The 2.05 at Ffos Las is the Welsh Champion Hurdle, a limited handicap run over 2m 4f. The most interesting runner is the returning MEDINAS, trained by the in-form Alan King. He is a very classy horse that won this race three years ago, and usually contests races over 3m. He has been off the track for over 400 days, but is a cut above his opposition. TOP BILLING has gone from strength to strength this season, and could chase him home, as he keeps improving and coping with the handicapper's punishment. The 3.15 at Ffos Las is the West Wales National over an extended 3m. TOUR DES CHAMPS runs in some top races and won in similar conditions at Chepstow in December. He is on a reasonable mark at present, and is quite capable on his day. The locally-trained RED DEVIL LADS could be an alternative, as he has won several times on heavy ground. He was also a course and distance winner last season. The only race from Wetherby is the 2.45, the Towton Novices' Chase over 3m. BITOFAPUZZLE is a wonderful mare that loves very soft ground and a test of stamina. She won a Grade 1 hurdle at Fairyhouse last season in similar conditions, and was faultless on her chasing debut at Exeter. Unfortunately, she tipped Noel Fehily out of the saddle last time, but they can atone here. SEEYOUATMIDNIGHT is a very deserving alternative after winning at Cheltenham last time out. He also jumps and stays well, and is a very classy horse. Both of these are front-runners, so it will be interesting to see what the jockeys do, as they're both on great horses for the future.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2016 18:35:22 GMT
RACING NEWS.
Paul Nicholls has praised his staff after they helped to evacuate 15 horses from his Highbridge yard after being inundated by four feet of flood water after excessive rainfall last weekend. The horses were stood in three feet of water in their stables before they were moved to new stables around the village of Ditcheat, before the water dispersed and the stables were cleared out by the doting staff. Normality has now returned to the stables, with the hope that no more rain will accompany the high winds endured though the week. Mshawish is set to head to the Dubai World Cup after winning the Grade 1 Donn Stakes for US-trainer, Todd Pletcher. The horse was previously trained in France, but has blossomed in America and has really taken to racing on a dirt surface. He is attempting to follow in the footsteps of Cigar, Captain Steve and Invasor in his attempt to follow up in the world's richest race in Dubai next month. Outsider Carlingford Lough won his second Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown last weekend, having won the race last year under an inspired ride from Sir Anthony McCoy. This time, under Mark Walsh, he benefitted from the last fence blunder of challenger Valseur Lido, who unshipped Ruby Walsh after travelling sweetly into the race. Trainer John Kiely had hoped that his best horse would finish in the first four places, but was delighted as he stayed on well. Walsh had appeared to time his challenge to perfection on Valseur Lido, tipped as trainer Willie Mullins' best chance in the race in the Racing Post, but the last-fence blunder caused Walsh to be uncharacteristically unseated. Carlingford Lough holds entries in the Gold Cup and the Grand National, a race for which he looks very well suited. Bristol De Mai was a most impressive winner of the Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown last weekend, after making all to win under Daryl Jacob. He defeated the favourite, Tea For Two, who had created history when winning the Grade 1 Feltham Novices' Chase under female jockey Lizzie Kelly. Bristol De Mai jumped superbly out in front, despite being just five years of age, and looks on the upgrade. He holds entries in both the JLT Novices' Chase and the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, and appears to be improving with every run. Ffos Las was forced to call off their most important fixture last weekend due to waterlogging. Racing was set to proceed after passing a 9am inspection last Saturday, which meant racegoers and horses arrived at the course, only to hear that racing had been abandoned a couple of hours later. The course was due to feature the Welsh Champion Hurdle and the West Wales National, both valuable races. Several of the Cheltenham Festival favourites suffered surprise defeats last weekend, including Bellshill and Ivanovich Gorbatov in Ireland, and Triumph Hurdle winner Peace And Co at Sandown. All three were odds-on losers last weekend, which has had an effect on the betting markets for next month's feature. Ruby Walsh has suggested that he feels Alan King's Yanworth could be difficult to beat at the Cheltenham Festival, having finished second to him at Cheltenham last week in a trial race. Walsh is also yet to decide on his mount for the Gold Cup, as it remains undecided where Vautour will run. The King George runner-up is a short-price for the Ryanair Chase, but is also fancied for the Gold Cup, in which Walsh could also ride Djakadam, who finished second in the race last year.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2016 18:36:55 GMT
TOP RATED..
2.05 Warwick.
1-4112 JESSBER'S DREAM 45 6 11-0 Harry Fry Jessber's Dream is an Irish point-to-point winner who has already enjoyed a good season, having won two novice hurdles in heavy ground. She confirmed her wellbeing by chasing home the Mullins-trained Myska at Taunton after Christmas in the most appalling ground possible. She is clearly open to some improvement, as she is aged just six, and has been freshened up since the hard race she had at Taunton last time (Myska has finished last on only start since). She has a great chance of winning her biggest race to date this afternoon. RATING 100
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2016 18:37:35 GMT
NOTEBOOK.
Paul Nicholls' CONNETABLE is certainly one to note from last Saturday's racing at Sandown. He beat Peace And Co, who, admittedly, we should see the best of later this season, but Paul Nicholls has compared him to Zarkandar, which makes him one to stay on the right side of in the future. Also winning at Sandown last Saturday was Nigel Twiston-Davies' impressive gelding, BRISTOL DE MAI, who should definitely be on the shortlist next time out, after completing his hat-trick with the minimum of fuss. At Leopardstown, there were two impressive performances from the Willie Mullins yard in the form of FOOTPAD and BLEU ET ROUGE. The former triumphed over the highly- regarded Ivanovich Gorbatov, whilst the latter beat the similarly highly-regarded Bellshill. Earlier in the week, we saw the progressive JALEO win another juvenile hurdle for John Ferguson and he's another worth highlighting. LIFEBOAT MONA won a novices' hurdle recently in good style, proving that her previous effort was just a blip, making her one to keep an eye on. On the Flat, we saw the lightly raced MEDICEAN QUEEN make her second racecourse appearance for James Tate. She was beaten by a well-supported favourite and should come on for the run. Roger Varian's recently-recruited colt APPEARED made an interesting racecourse appearance recently after over 10 months off, beating an interesting field at odds-on. It wasn't as straightforward as you might have expected, but being a lightly raced four- year-old, he should improve a lot for this run and will be of interest next time.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 12, 2016 18:39:06 GMT
STAxxxxCH.
Last week was a poor week for Staxxxxch, with a number of non-runners and a faller. This week we will try to contend with the very heavy ground blighting British racecourses this winter, and hope to find a few winners for you all. Richard Johnson continued his pursuit of the championship last week with another six winners, four of them trained by his main trainer, Philip Hobbs. The Paul Nicholls/Sam Twiston-Davies duo have returned to form with four winners each last week, while Willie Mullins trained twice that number, albeit mainly in Ireland. Alan King has trained seven winners in the last fortnight, continuing the fine form of his stable this season. Televised action comes from Newbury and Warwick this weekend, as trainers put the finishing touches to their Cheltenham candidates. Starting with the 1.50 at Newbury, it is hard not to be drawn to the Nicky Richards-trained pair BAYWING and TOP BILLING. Both have run up sequences this season, and have shot up the handicap as a result. They have continued to defy the handicapper on numerous occasions, and one of them should win this 3m handicap hurdle, assuming they still have some improvement left in them. They are both proven on heavy ground. The 2.25 is the Denman Chase, and contains a very poor entry of seven out-of-form horses. ROCKY CREEK should win if reproducing the form of his second-place to Don Cossack at Down Royal earlier in the year, rather than his disappointing effort over the Grand National fences last time out (he appears to have fallen out of love with Aintree). BALLYNAGOUR has the best past form as an alternative, based on his third-place in the Charlie Hall Chase three runs ago, but his recent form is appalling, sadly. The 3.00 is the Game Spirit Chase over 2m, and marks the return of DODGING BULLETS. Remarkably, he hardly ever starts favourite, but won three top races last season, including the Champion Chase. He has been off all season and is therefore unlikely to be at his best today, but that may still be good enough. It may be tempting for Nicky Henderson to run the novice L'AMI SERGE against him, as his two other entries have question marks surrounding them. L'Ami 18 Serge could go well, having run two lesser races leading up to this challenge. The 3.35 at Newbury is the Grade 3 Betfair Handicap Hurdle over 2m. This is obviously very competitive, but JOHN CONSTABLE looks unexposed, having won two of his three races over hurdles. He has not run since finishing a four-length second to Sternrubin over course and distance in November, so he is likely to have improved for the experience and will be a fresh horse who hasn't been running on heavy ground all winter. STERNRUBIN has become a tough and consistent horse, having looked uncooperative at times last season. He dead-heated in the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot last time, when showing some character to get back up to force a victory, having made most of the running. He is also likely to have the benefit of Richard Johnson on board, who has been on fire this season. The 2.05 at Warwick is a Listed Mares' hurdle, where Willie Mullins has several entries. Harry Fry does particularly well with his mares, and JESSBER'S DREAM catches the eye here. She was impressive when winning two novices' hurdles in heavy ground earlier in the year, and defied a drop- back in trip to finish second to Mullins' Myska at Taunton last time out. That race was run on the worst ground imaginable, so she will be more at home on 'normal' heavy ground today. Mullins' best shout appears to be MORNING RUN, who won her first six races, and then spent some time on the sidelines. She has been below-par in her last two races, having been beaten at Doncaster on 30 January, when her trainer suggested that she may have caught a chill on the ferry as she travelled over. If that was the case, she hasn't had long to recover, but boasts the best form of his entered horses. The 2.40 at Warwick is the Kingmaker Novices' Chase over 2m. This looks a very good race on paper, with nine horses entered that have already achieved plenty of success over fences. A tough and dour individual is probably still needed in the heavy ground, however. KYLEMORE LOUGH fits the bill for the in-form Kerry Lee yard, having won his last two races. ASO is proven in the conditions and has improved with each race this season, gaining a well- deserved win at Market Rasen last time out.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 19, 2016 14:03:59 GMT
RACING NEWS.
Conditional jockey Lizzie Kelly won another major race last weekend, as she won the Betfair Hurdle on Agrapart for her stepfather, Nick Williams. Kelly became the first female jockey to win a Grade 1 race when winning the Feltham Novices' Chase on Boxing Day, and has now won the country's richest handicap hurdle. She came with a strong run at the last flight to challenge Starchitect, who had gone on under Tom Scudamore. He blundered at the last flight and landed awkwardly, handing a long lead to Agrapart. Top Gamble gave fledgling trainer Kerry Lee another feature win in the Game Spirit Chase last weekend. He came in for great support through the day from punters, who made him favourite over the returning Champion Chase winner, Dodging Bullets, who had been sidelined until this race. Very testing conditions prevented Paul Nicholls' horse from showing his best form after a long lay-off, as he finished second behind the improving Top Gamble. Lee has said she is 'living the dream' with the feature race winners she has been enjoying since taking over the licence from her father, Richard. L'Ami Serge was surprisingly beaten at 1/5 in the Kingmaker Chase at Warwick last weekend, but has been reported to be completely fine after the race by trainer, Nicky Henderson. The race was won by last season's Betfair Hurdle winner, Violet Dancer, who completed a double at the meeting for Gary and Jamie Moore. Henderson has suggested that L'Ami Serge could still line up for the Arkle, as long as all post-race tests reveal nothing untoward. Flat jockey Harry Bentley will join forces with Newmarket trainer Roger Varian this season. He will ride for the stable when Andrea Atzeni is unavailable, as Atzeni is now retained by leading owner Sheikh Mohammed Obaid, who switched all of his horses to Varian at the end of last season. Bentley also has a retainer, but both jockeys should be busy for the stable, which instantly grew by over twenty horses when Sheikh Obaid moved his string of horses from Luca Cumani last season. At Navan last weekend trainer Willie Mullins was in great form, as you would expect at this time of year. He won the Grade 2 Ten Up Novices' Chase with his second string, after favourite Black Hercules fell at the last under Ruby Walsh. Paul Townend was the beneficiary on this occasion, as he steered Measureofmydreams home, having looked destined to finish runner-up for much of the race. Walsh had enjoyed better fortunes earlier in the day when benefitting from the fall of Tell Us More in the Flying Bolt Novices' Chase, despite trailing for much of the race on his mount, Sambremont. The great race-mare Flakey Dove has been put to sleep at the tremendous age of 30, after old-age began to take its toll. The mare won the Champion Hurdle in 1994, a stellar season for her and her small trainer, Richard Price, whose family bred the mare. Flakey Dove went on to breed three winners as a broodmare after she retired from racing and will be much missed by her Leominster owner-breeders. Houblon Des Obeaux beat a disappointing field of horses in the Denman Chase at Newbury last weekend. Denman paraded prior to the race and led the runners to post, and prompted part-time Channel 4 Racing pundit Sir Anthony McCoy to comment that he would probably still win the race if he could have run in it. Favourite, Rocky Creek ran a lacklustre race, which allowed the revitalised Houblon Des Obeaux to skip to victory. He was running his best race since finishing second to Coneygree in the same race last season, and was wearing cheek-pieces for the first time. Former Irish champion, Paul Carberry, has advised that he has no thoughts to retire from racing, despite suffering his second broken leg in a short space of time. The 42-year-old will miss the spring festivals this season as he recovers from damaging some of the screws inserted into his femur when he initially broke his leg last September. Carberry is renowned as the most fearless horseman, and cannot wait to get back in the saddle.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 19, 2016 14:07:08 GMT
RACING RATING TOP RATED.
3.35 Ascot , Saturday, 20 February Betfair Ascot Chase (Grade 1) 2m 5f
71-22P SILVINIACO CONTI 56 10 11-7 Paul Nicholls Silviniaco Conti needs little introduction, and is most definitely the best horse in this race. He has been enduring a rare poor season, however, by his high standards. He has proved in the past that he is almost unbeatable on a flat track over fences (has won here over hurdles), but he comes here after below-par runs in the Betfair Chase and the King George. He has been more difficult to train this season due to suffering from 'sarcoids' (warts) that had to be removed in the summer, which delayed his build-up schedule. His stable is in much better form than they were around Christmas time, so expect a better run today under conditions that should suit. It would be excellent to see this old warrior return to his best this season. RATING 100
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 19, 2016 14:08:00 GMT
NOTEBOOK.
Over Jumps last week was ROCK ON OSCAR, who won an interesting novices' hurdle at Doncaster and he's one to look out for next time. WINTER ESCAPE also won at Doncaster on the same card at odds-on for owner, JP McManus, and this gelding is now 2 from 2 over hurdles. When stepped up in class in the future, he is likely to be on the shortlist. In Ireland last Saturday, SHE'S OTTO came up trumps on only her second career start, winning very easily in a bumper at odds-on. Also in Ireland last weekend at Navan was BLOW BY BLOW from the Willie Mullins stable. This five-year-old gelding won well, making him one to note for the future from a powerful yard. Second in this race was JETT, trained by Jessica Harrington, who ran well on his fourth start to date. He is related to 2014 Champion Hurdle winner and multiple Grade 1 winner Jezki, so he should improve with age. Saturday on the all-weather, beating an odds-on shot, making this three-year-old filly of interest in the future. Also on the all-weather last week was CAPTAIN JOY, who returned from over a seven-month layoff to win at Dundalk, beating a small but tough field, which included course specialist Political Policy. BIG AMIGO improved on his racecourse debut at the end of last year to win at Wolverhampton recently for trainer Tom Dascombe and is one to keep an eye on. Richard Hughes regularly visits the all-weather tracks with his horses and at Chelmsford last week, CULTURED KNIGHT won a 5 furlong maiden, which was his third career start. He is one to note, but perhaps the most interesting runner in this race was stablemate, ONE BIG SURPRISE, who was badly hampered when travelling extremely well and looking a real danger before finishing third. She will definitely be on the shortlist next time, and granted some luck in running should be thereabouts.
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Post by Kimmy on Feb 19, 2016 14:09:12 GMT
STAT WATCH.
Paul Nicholls's team seems to be getting back on track just in time for the big Spring festivals around the corner and he enjoyed a 33% strike-rate last week. Nicholls traditionally has a quiet January, but it was unusual to see him train so few winners in December, but now, half-way through February, his yard looks to be thriving again. He has an excellent record at his local track, Wincanton, and is sure to have a few runners this weekend. The ground at most tracks, but especially in the south west, has been very testing of late, so trainers will be hoping for slightly better conditions this weekend. In the Class 3 handicap chase over 2m4f, Nicholls could be double-handed with both WUFF and STILLETTO. The former is consistent but frustrating and the latter was unlucky when falling at the same venue at the beginning of the month. He should be able to make amends here and looks like a decent horse in the making. The Class 2 handicap chase over 2m looks like a fascinating race and again, Nicholls could have two representatives. The selection is ORBASA who had decent form in France and looks set to make his British debut this weekend. Willie Mullins, despite having a few short-priced favourites turned over last Saturday and his Betfair Hurdle squad being made to look pedestrian, is still enjoying a decent strike-rate with his British runners. This weekend, he has no runners, presumably as he readies his team for the Cheltenham Festival. Dan Skelton and Alan King will have plenty of runners between them though and they enjoyed strike-rates of 26% and 29% respectively last week. Alan King has a good record with mares and AWESOME ROSIE has options at Wincanton on Saturday and Market Rasen on Sunday. Wherever she runs, she should go close. King also does well with his Flat horses and CELESTRA looks an interesting runner at Lingfield this weekend. This daughter of Doyen could well be sent over hurdles later in the season but she obviously possesses enough speed for Alan King to be entering her in a maiden on the Flat. Dan Skelton's season gets better and better and it is only a matter of time before he trains his first Cheltenham Festival winner. This weekend, he has an interesting runner in the form of DEBDEBDEB, who won well on her stable debut at Kempton at the end of January having been trained by Donald McCain previously. This daughter of Teofilo could still be improving and Ascot should suit her well. She runs in the Class 2 handicap hurdle over 2m3f.
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