Category: Horse Racing

Cheltenham Thursday Preview

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Wednesday’s Cheltenham card began with a victory for Nicky Henderson and Nick de Boinville with Might Bite but that only tells half of the story. He cruised into the lead at the last but began pulling himself up and drifted out to 40-1 on the exchanges before consenting to run on and regain the lead close home.

The same team could be in the winner’s enclosure again on Thursday with Broxbourne in the Mares’ Hurdle race at 3.15. Racing fans will remember Broxbourne winning the Goodwood Stakes and the Brown Jack Stakes on the flat when trained by Mark Johnston. She prefers good or fast ground so her opportunities have been limited over hurdles but the Lambourn trainer appears to have saved her for this meeting.

She warmed up with an effortless victory on ground softer than she likes at Ludlow and looks well handicapped on a mark of 127. There are some good mares in opposition including her stable companion Mayfair Music. She has run poorly on soft ground in her two previous races this season but it is safe to put a line through those. Top weight L’Unique would have finished fifth or sixth in the David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle at Cheltenham had she not fallen. She could run well despite top weight while The Govaness won well last time and could be improving.

Sean Bowen continues to impress in the saddle and he rode another winner at Cheltenham on Wednesday. Tomorrow he rides two for his father, Peter, including Rolling Maul in the staying handicap hurdle at 4.25.

The seven-year-old son of Oscar has really paid his way this season, winning handicaps at Cheltenham and Warwick. He defied top weight of 11st 12lbs last time out on soft ground but conditions were faster when he fought back to beat Knight Of Noir in first-time blinkers on New Year’s Day.

His first four victories were on good ground so he should not be inconvenienced by conditions on Thursday. It is more a question of whether the handicapper has caught up with him with another 7lbs on his back. Aqalim ran well at the festival but I’m still not convinced that he stays three miles while Milan Bound needed all of McCoy’s persuasion to win last time out. Sybarite would also have a chance if he decides to put his best foot forward.

Broxbourne 3.15 @7-2 Bet365

Rolling Maul 4.25 @7-1 Ladbrokes

Newmarket Craven Stakes Day Preview

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The Craven Stakes is the highlight of Thursday’s card at Newmarket with a field of seven set to go to post. The race looks unlikely to have any great impact on the 2000 Guineas but could hold some Epsom Derby clues.

Nafaqa was a top quality two-year-old for veteran trainer Barry Hills and got within a length of Elm Park in the Royal Lodge Stakes on his last run. That was over a mile in September and the son of Sir Percy may already be crying out for a longer trip. He had previously beaten Toocoolforschool by half a length at Doncaster and that horse boosted the form with an impressive win in the Mill Reef Stakes.

Frankie Dettori had a great day at Newmarket yesterday, winning the Nell Gwyn and the Feilden Stakes. He rode Osaila for Al Shaqab Racing and now teams up with Moheet, an unbeaten son of High Chaparral. He won by seven lengths on his debut at Salisbury last year and could be anything. White Lake could also have a big future but has to improve on his disappointing defeat at Doncaster in September.

He was odds-on favourite that day but could never land a blow, finishing a length and a half behind Nafaqa. The Hills’ colt just gets the vote in a fascinating contest.

Music Master deserves to take the Abernant Stakes for Henry Candy after some fine efforts in Group 1 company. He usually runs well fresh and was third to G Force in Haydock’s Sprint Cup in September. He was also fourth in the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot which will probably be his main summer target again this season.

Following the All-weather form on turf can be the quick way to the poor house but it may be worth making an exception with Rocky Rider in the £200,000 Tattersalls Millions Trophy. Andrew Balding’s son of Galileo made hard work of winning his maiden at Windsor in soft ground in October but was very impressive at Chelmsford last time. Secret Brief is probably the one to beat if you overlook his last start when outclassed in the Dewhurst.

The globetrotting Grandeur could gain his first Group victory in the UK when he lines up for the Earl Of Sefton Stakes at 4.40. Arod was fourth in last year’s Derby but connections don’t seem certain about his best trip while French Navy will be hard to beat on his best form. There are some promising three-year-olds in the last and Muqtaser is just preferred to Mohatem.

Rocky Rider 2.55 @4-1 Paddy Power
Music Master 3.30 @5-2 Bet365
Nafaqa 4.05 @4-1 William Hill
Grandeur 4.40 @5-1 Coral
Muqtaser 5.40 @11-2 Paddy Power

Might Bite can strike for Henderson at Cheltenham

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The National Hunt season is in its final stages and the clock is running down on Tony McCoy’s magnificent career. The twenty times Champion jockey produced a power-packed finish to win on Un Ace at Ascot recently and he has a chance to repeat the dose on Wednesday.

Kim Bailey’s gelding looked well beaten until Royal Regatta began to tie up in front of him. This is a very quick return to action for Un Ace but he only has three rivals. The pick of them looks to be Cloud Creeper who was very impressive last time out at Leicester on softer ground.

The feature race is the Teenage Cancer Trust Silver Trophy at 3.50.  There are three course winners in the field and preference is for Paddy Power Gold Cup winner Caid Du Berlais. He can be forgiven his pulled up next time as he slithered to a halt after jumping the water. He is better judged on his big race form and the Nicholls team are ending the season in fine form.

The best bet of the day could be Nicky Henderson’s Might Bite in the opening novices’ hurdle. He won very easily at Newbury last time over a similar trip and looks one to follow. Financial Climate doesn’t know how to run a bad race and represents the Grand National winning trainer Oliver Sherwood in the 2.40.

Sean Bowen enjoyed his first Grand National ride aboard Mon Parrain for Nicholls on Saturday and he has a winning opportunity on San Benedeto in the 5.30. He was long odds-on when getting off the mark last time out and this is a lot more competitive but he seems to have got in on a lenient weight.

Bowen qualified to ride in the National with only days to spare but rode two trebles to show that he is a young rider going places. He can enhance his reputation with a Cheltenham winner here.

Races don’t come much tougher to sort out than the twenty-runner Novices’ Hurdle at 4.25. The bookmakers were going 8-1 the field on Tuesday evening and that says it all. New Horizons stuck on well last time out for Henderson and is a tentative selection while Polamco would not be out of it if you forget his poor run last time.

Might Bite 2.05 @11-8 Ladbrokes

Financial Climate 2.40 @6-1 BetVictor

Greybougg 3.15 @13-2 BetVictor

Caid Du Berlais 3.50 @6-1 Ladbrokes

New Horizons 4.25 @6-1 Ladbrokes

Un Ace 5.00 @5-4 Bet365

San Benedeto @7-4 Coral

Faydhan to stake Guineas claim at Newmarket

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The Craven meeting gets under way at Newmarket on Wednesday with a fascinating eight-race card. All eyes will be on 2000 Guineas second favourite Faydhan, trained by John Gosden. He created a big impression with a six lengths victory on his debut over Dutch Connection at Haydock.

That was way back in July last year and he was unable to race again at two due to injury. Gosden has elected to go for the seven furlong Free Handicap rather than the Craven over a mile. His four rivals don’t look Guineas class and it will be a major surprise if he is beaten.

The fillies take centre stage with the Nell Gwyn Stakes at 4.05. There are some proven performers in here and a couple of unbeaten fillies with great potential. Marsh Hawk is probably the pick of the field on two-year-old form but more likely classic contenders are Beautiful Romance and Lady Correspondent.

Godolphin’s Beautiful Romance won in the style of a staying filly on her debut and looks more of an Oaks prospect. I’m just going to side with Gosden’s Lady Correspondent who won a decent maiden in good style and will be ridden by Ryan Moore.

Moore has an excellent book of rides and can also take the £100,000 Tattersalls Millions Sprint aboard The Warrior for Aidan O’Brien. He may be more exposed than some of his rivals but I liked the way he sliced through a big field first time out and he will lack nothing for fitness.

Richard Fahey has a high opinion of Akeed Champion who disappointed in soft ground on his second start last season. He can make amends in the opener while it is difficult to oppose Brocklesby winner Ravenhoe in the two-year-old race.

The Feilden Stakes sometimes throws up a classic contender and there are some promising colts in action including the Queen’s Peacock. It is dangerous backing all-weather form on the turf but Festive Fare looked very good last time and can win this for Godolphin. Disegno and Golden Horn are others to consider in another excellent contest.

Whatever happens to Golden Horn, Storm The Stars should run well in the maiden. He was just edged out by the Gosden horse last time and still holds some ambitious entries. The closing handicap looks wide open but it may be worth taking a chance on Navigate who improved with every race as a juvenile.

Akeed Champion 1.45 @2-1 Betfair

Ravenhoe 2.20 @6-4 Bet365

The Warrior 2.55 @9-4 Stan James

Faydhan 3.30 @4-9 Coral

Lady Correspondent 4.05 @5-1 William Hill

Festive Fare 4.40 @3-1 Coral

Storm The Stars 5.10 @2-1 Paddy Power

Navigate 5.40 @12-1 Bet365

Many Clouds battles to Grand National glory

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The Grand National produced another thrilling finish with Many Clouds holding off Saint Are. Monbeg Dude managed to salvage some each-way money from our ante-post portfolio in third with Alvarado in fourth for a second consecutive year.

The main story was Leighton Aspell winning back-to-back Grand Nationals after Pineau De Re in 2014. The winner carried 11st 9lbs and was making a quick reappearance after finishing a disappointing sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Most pundits shared the trainer’s view that perhaps he was past his peak for the season but owner Trevor Hemmings stuck to his guns and was rewarded with a third National triumph.

Alvarado’s effort in finishing fourth under Paul Moloney was maintaining a remarkable record of the Rucker family. They have now finished placed in the last seven Grand Nationals through State Of Play, Cappa Bleu and Alvarado. When you consider how easily things can go wrong, it is quite astonishing that Moloney has managed to weave his way around Aintree seven years in a row.

The fairytale ending for Tony McCoy looked a possibility at one stage but the champion jockey was sending out distress signals as soon as Aspell committed for home. The best news of all was that all horses and jockeys returned safely, although Balthazar King did suffer some painful injuries. I’m afraid that our Irish duo of Cause Of Causes and Spring Heeled never got into the race and did not look like Aintree naturals.

The horse which caught my eye for next year was definitely The Druids Nephew. His fall was desperately unlucky, just failing to get his under-carriage in place and slithering along the deck. That usually happens when horses are travelling so well that they over-jump. It was bad luck for Aidan Coleman who must have been starting to believe he was going to taste National glory having given  up the ride on Mon Mome in 2009.

Of course the weights are key to the National but we’ve seen horses like West Tip and Hedgehunter come back a year older and wiser. I wouldn’t be surprised if The Druids Nephew is trained for the race again in 2016 and 25-1 does not look too bad. If Many Clouds returns he is almost certain to be carrying top weight. His National run suggests that he has a leading chance in next year’s Gold Cup.

The Druids Nephew 2016 Grand National @25-1 Skybet

Grand National 2015 – Final field and ratings

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There were no withdrawals from the top forty at the final declaration stage for Saturday’s Aintree Grand National. That means no place in the field for the David Pipe trained duo, The Package and Broadway Buffalo. Unless there are any late jockey changes, Katie Walsh will not get the chance to complete the Irish/English Grand National double.

Here are the final forty with our star ratings from 1 to 5 and the best prices available.

Lord Windermere ***

The winner of the 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup but pulled up this year on unfavourable ground. Has the right conditions here but will surely be anchored by his weight. 40-1 Bet365

Many Clouds ***

Won the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury and took his chance in the Gold Cup, finishing sixth. Leighton Aspell bids to follow up last year’s win on Pineau De Re but this one also has plenty of weight. 33-1 William Hill

Unioniste ***

Runs in the same colours as 2012 winner Neptune Collonges but does not look likely to get the soft ground that he loves. 33-1 Sportingbet

Rocky Creek *****

A very impressive winner at Kempton in February and looks capable of improving on his fifth place from last year. 10-1 Ladbrokes

First Lieutenant **

Trainer Mouse Morris had two horses in the frame in the Irish National on Monday and hopes are high for Nina Carberry’s mount. Stamina may be the problem here as his only three-mile win came on the Mildmay course here. 33-1 Sportingbet

Balthazar King *****

Runner-up last year to Pineau De Re and missed the Cheltenham festival to go straight for the National. Jockey Richard Johnson is still trying to win the race after 18 attempts. 10-1 Bet365

Shutthefrontdoor ****

Bidding to give Tony McCoy a fairytale send-off. He won the Irish National last year but Jonjo O’Neill would like to have been able to get one more race into him this season. 15-2 Sportingbet

Pineau De Re ****

Trying to emulate Red Rum by winning back-to-back Grand Nationals but is now 8lbs higher in the handicap. Daryl Jacob takes over in the saddle with Leighton Aspell claimed for Many Clouds. 25-1 Ladbrokes

Ballycasey ***

Ruby Walsh won on Papillion and Hedgehunter but Ballycasey still has a lot to prove. Very light on experience for the hurly-burly of the Grand National. 40-1 Skybet

Spring Heeled *****

Stable companion of Lord Windermere and a winner at Cheltenham last year. Nick Scholfield was third on Teaforthree in 2013 and fancies his chances of improving on that here. 22-1 William Hill

Rebel Rebellion ***

Won veterans’ race at Newbury last month and does not look the pick of the four Nicholls runners. Stamina could be an issue for this one. 66-1 Sportingbet

Dolatulo **

The winner of the Rowland Meyrick Chase at Wetherby in December but has been well beaten over hurdles since. Warren Greatrex enjoyed his first Cheltenham festival victory last month but it’s difficult to see him adding a Grand National with this one. 66-1 Sportingbet

Mon Parrain **

He was runner-up to Always Waining in the Topham Chase way back in 2011 but that was about as good it as it got. Will be a first National ride for 17-year-old Sean Bowen who has ridden two trebles in the last seven days. 50-1 Coral

Carlito Brigante NON-RUNNER

Night In Milan ***

Won the Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster last season but missed the cut for the National. He looks the sort to be up with the pace in the early stages but may struggle on the second circuit. 33-1 Ladbrokes

Rubi Light **

Has won his last two starts over shorter distances at Thurles and Wexford. Was at his peak back in 2012 and it will be a surprise if he stays the marathon journey. 100-1 Coral

The Druids Nephew ****

Won a big handicap at the Cheltenham festival for Neil Mulholland who has booked Aidan Coleman to replace the injured Barry Geraghty. Cheltenham festival winners generally have a poor record here but could he buck the trend? 14-1 Paddy Power

Cause Of Causes *****

Gordon Elliott won with Silver Birch in 2007 and has a good each-way chance with Cause Of Causes. He won over four miles at Cheltenham last time but this is his first sight of the National fences. 18-1 Bet365

Godsmejudge ****

Won the Scottish National in 2013 and finished second in the same race last year. He has been very disappointing this season but would have a great chance on his best form. 22-1 Skybet

Al Co ****

Won the Scottish National at 40-1 last season and Denis O’Regan takes over in the saddle from the injured Jamie Moore. Has been brought along quietly for this race and connections are optimistic. 25-1 Ladbrokes

Monbeg Dude ***

A respectable seventh last year and a past winner of the Welsh National at Chepstow. Disappointing in his trial at Cheltenham and most of his best form has been on soft ground. 40-1 BetVictor

Corrin Wood **

One of two runners for Donald McCain who won with Ballabriggs in 2011. Has struggled to recapture his novice chasing form. 80-1 Sportingbet

The Rainbow Hunter **

Has unseated his rider in the past two Grand Nationals and pulled up on his only run this year. 66-1 BetVictor

Saint Are ***

Finished ninth here in 2013 and was third in the Becher Chase in December. Warmed up for this with a minor victory at Catterick. 33-1 Bet365

Across The Bay **

Was going well in the lead when carried across the track by a loose horse last year. That was a long way from the finish but will surely be up with the pace again this year. 50-1 Paddy Power

Tranquil Sea *

Past his prime at thirteen years of age and held by Soll on Newbury form. 100-1 BetVictor

Oscar Time **

The oldest horse in the field at fourteen and placed in two previous Nationals. Would need to re-write the record books to win at his age. 50-1 Bet365

Bob Ford *

Won the West Wales National at Ffos Las in terrible ground and not going to get his conditions here. 100-1 BetVictor

Super Duty **

Was a useful novice with Donald McCain but has shown nothing so far for Ian Williams. 80-1 Sportingbet

Wyck Hill **

Was bought by JP McManus for the 2013 National but lost his form. Repaid some of the investment by winning the Eider Chase last year for David Bridgwater. 66-1 Sportingbet

Gas Line Boy *

Stable companion of Balthazar King but not in the same league and has been hit hammered by the handicapper for a win at Haydock in November. 100-1 Paddy Power

Chance Du Roy ***

One of three runners for Philip Hobbs and a regular visitor to Liverpool. He is one of the most experienced runners over these fences and should put in a clear round without quite having the pace to win it. 40-1 William Hill

Portrait King **

Won the Eider Chase in 2012 but has dropped down the handicap since and looks past his prime. 80-1 Sportingbet

Owega Star *

Peter Fahey’s eight-year-old was well beaten at Naas last month and looks out of his depth here. 100-1 Sportingbet

River Choice *

A rare French raider but little to suggest that he will do anything other than make up the numbers. 150-1 Sportingbet

Court By Surprise ***

Emma Lavelle is bidding to become the fourth woman to train a Grand National winner and this is her first runner in the race.  Was awarded the race at Wincanton last time but capable of putting in a clear round. 50-1 Coral

Alvarado ***

The Rucker family have been placed in the last six Grand Nationals and Alvarado has the responsibility of making it seven. Paul Moloney will try to pop him round safely and worry about getting a place on the second circuit. 20-1 Paddy Power

Soll ***

David Pipe’s only runner as he bids to follow up his victory with Comply Or Die in 2008. He was seventh in 2013 when trained by Jo Hughes and has won both of his races since joining Pipe. 22-1 Betway

Ely Brown *

He was off the track for nearly year after picking up an injury and surely lacks the experience for this race. 100-1 BetVictor

Royale Knight **

Scraping in at number forty, Royale Knight is a stable companion of Pineau De Re but that is probably the best thing that you can say about his chances here. 33-1 Ladbrokes