Category: Horse Racing

Ryanair Chase Preview

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With reigning champion Dynaste and 2013 winner Cue Card both injured, there will be a new name on the roll of honour for the Ryanair Chase next week.

The two and a half mile race was added to the Cheltenham festival programme in 2005 to provide a viable alternative for horses that were not suited to the Champion Chase or Gold Cup distances. The favourite is Don Cossack who has won his last four races for Gordon Elliott including the Punchestown Chase in December. He had four and a half lengths to spare over Boston Bob that day but fell at the corresponding meeting in the RSA Chase.

Alan King has been bullish about the chances of Balder Succes since he beat Ma Filleule at Ascot. He had originally been regarded as a Champion Chase prospect but King has switched him up in trip with excellent results. The big worry for his supporters is his appalling record at Cheltenham having failed to complete in all three previous visits.

Nicky Henderson does not appear to have such a strong hand at the festival this year, although he would probably settle for Sprinter Sacre winning. He is confident that this is the race for Ma Filleule and the grey mare should give her supporters a good run for her money. Having won the Topham at Aintree, I just wonder if she will find this a bit sharp.

Quicker ground would bring Johns Spirit into contention. He was a fine second to Caid Du Berlais in the Paddy Power Gold Cup and ran well for a long way in the King George. He has won three times here in big handicaps, all on good or good to soft ground.

The absence of the previous two winners has persuaded John Hanlon to divert Hidden Cyclone from the Champion Chase. The ten-year-old seems equally effective over two and two and a half miles and was only beaten by Dynaste here a year ago. His jumping has not always been the best but he looks a lively contender in a wide open race.

It looks worth opposing the favourites here with a couple of sporting each-way bets on Johns Spirit and Hidden Cyclone.

Johns Spirit @9-1 William Hill

Hidden Cyclone @10-1 William Hill

Each-way ¼ odds, 1,2,3 (Non-runner – no bet)

Champion Chase Preview

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If you were only allowed to watch one race at the Cheltenham festival this year, it would surely be the Queen Mother Champion Chase. Sprinter Sacre and Sire de Grugy have their own fanatical following but both have endured a troubled lead-up to the race.

Up against them are the young pretenders, Dodging Bullets and Champagne Fever. Paul Nicholls must be delighted that Dodging Bullets has dodged the spotlight despite victories in the Tingle Creek and the Clarence House Chase (tipped on both occasions on Betcirca).

If Sprinter Sacre returns to his best form it is difficult to see him being beaten. However, it is impossible to know whether he will ever be as good as he was before that unfortunate incident at Kempton. Nicky Henderson has been cautiously optimistic and he did travel well for a long way at Ascot but there is always the dreaded “bounce factor” to consider.

Sire de Grugy will have his usual entourage of scarf-waving supporters after a comfortable win at Chepstow put him back on course for the race. His jumping went to pieces at Newbury on his previous start and we have now been told about his special shoes to cope with a corn on his foot. Both he and Sprinter Sacre are proven champions but it has been a difficult road to Cheltenham.

Dodging Bullets started his season with a third behind Uxizandre and he may just have needed the run that day. He gave us a 9-1 winner in the Tingle Creek when beating Somersby and followed up at 7-2 by spoiling Sprinter Sacre’s return party. I fancied him for the Arkle last year but he ran too freely and didn’t get home, finishing back in fourth behind Western Warhorse.

The unlucky horse that day was Champagne Fever who had been given a super ride by Ruby Walsh only to be collared by a 33-1 shot. Mullins has so many favourites running next week that Champagne Fever has also missed the headline makers. He won easily recently to restore his confidence over fences and he has won at this meeting twice before. With so much speed in the field, they won’t be hanging about and I can see Champagne Fever battling his way up the hill once again.

It is difficult to oppose Dodging Bullets but I just have reservations about him at this track. He has just curled up here in the past on the run-in so I am siding with Champagne Fever at 6-1 with Paddy Power.

World Hurdle Preview

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The World Hurdle is the big staying hurdle of the Cheltenham festival and looks wide open this year. Big Buck’s dominated the event for Paul Nicholls between 2009 and 2012 but has now been retired while More Of That is not able to defend his title due to injury.

Annie Power remains favourite with some firms but looks virtually certain to run in the Mares’ Hurdle instead. Willie Mullins is presumably leaving her in here until the last moment in case of any calamities in the earlier race. Nicholls could easily start with the two joint-favourites here in Saphir Du Rheu and Zarkandar.

Saphir Du Rheu did this column a couple of favours last season when winning at Kempton and Chepstow. His excursion over the bigger obstacles did not go to plan and connections wisely decided to revert to hurdling after he failed to complete for the second time in three starts. He only had a neck to spare over the gallant Reve de Sivola at Cheltenham in the Cleeve Hurdle but he travelled like the winner throughout.

Zarkandar won a valuable race in France over three miles earlier this season and looked set to follow up in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. He found very little off the bridle from the last and allowed Reve de Sivola to get back up and beat him. He was probably just idling but you can be sure that Noel Fehily will be delaying his challenge until as late as possible here. Of the Nicholls duo, I just prefer Saphir Du Rheu who looks a straight-forward ride.

If you fancy Saphir Du Rheu, it is very difficult to ignore the claims of Whisper at 14-1. Nicky Henderson’s gelding won the Coral Cup last season to give us a 28-1 winning ante-post tip. He showed that he was better than a handicapper when winning the Aintree Hurdle and he is another one who did not take to fences. He could still be improving and must have each-way claims.

Rock On Ruby has been winning over two and a half miles but is yet to show that he stays this trip. The Irish pair Monksland and Dedigout surely need plenty of cut in the ground and that seems unlikely at present. There is even talk of the possibility of watering during the meeting. Un Temps Pour Tout would also appreciate some give in the ground and looks more of a chaser in the making.

Saphir Du Rheu @5-1 Bet365

Whisper @14-1 William Hill

Each-way ¼ odds, 1,2,3 (non-runner – no bet)

Sunday 1st March Sha Tin Tips

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HONG KONG RACING SUNDAY 1 MARCH 2015

SHA TIN

Hong Kong Wrap Up

The racing just keeps getting better at Sha Tin and once again today we have an outstanding group one race in the CitiBank Gold Cup. Small field but packed full of talent. Looks to be a very exciting race with the likes of Designs On Rome and Military Attack in the field. It does look to be a sensational race with those runners involved. To add to that we have Blazing Speed and California Memory just breathing down their necks along with Harbour Master who certainly has shown potential. Yet another great days racing in Hong Kong and we certainly found some winners there last week. On top selections and value selections as well as six exactas. Get amongst it and enjoy the day.

Track and Conditions: Turf B+2 Course with the exception of Races 2-5  which will be on the All Weather Dirt Track.

Expected Weather:  Mainly cloudy with one or two rain patches and a top temperature of 20 degrees. Wind will be from the northeast up to 30 Km/h and on occasions up to 40 Km/h. This will create a direct head wind down the straight which will aid on paced runners.

Best Bet: Race 3 No 7 Pop-Bear

Best Value: Race 8 No 1 Celestial Smile

Exotic Races: Race No’s 7-8-9-10

Quaddie: – Race 7: 1-2 Race 8: 9-1-13-7-5 Race 9: 4-1 Race 10: 2-11-9-1-6

 

Race 1: — Time: 5.00am GMT—Distance: 2000m—Class 5

Top Pick: No 1 Enjoy The Game

Value Selection: No 10 Win Chance

Exotic Inclusions: No 12 Glamorous Ryder and No 4 Super Strike

Race Overiew

Not the sort of race you want to get too involved in first up today. Looks a bit of a minefield over this distance at this class. But there may be a bit of value just the same if keeping your stakes small. Enjoy The Game went well recently when going up to class four and certainly enjoyed the weight drop. Back to top weight today with the class rise but his previous form was very good at this class so if he can carry the weight he has to be a bit of a chance here.  Win Chance has never looked like making it at lesser distances and performed as such. However after stepping up in distance has shown a fair bit of improvement. Both his last starts all be it have been at Happy Valley and he did close off exceptionally well last start over the 2200m. Looks suited today over the 2000m Has a senior hoop in Brett Prebble in the saddle and you would have to expect he should be value as well.

 

Race 2: — Time: 5.30am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 4 – AWT

Top Pick: No 4 Kingston Jumbo

Value Selection: No 10 Horse Supremo

Exotic Inclusions: No 9 Modern Fortune – No 7 Lovely Naughty – Hello Kimberly

Race Overview

Kingston Jumbo Is an Australian breed four year old who appears to have matured very well this season. Improved a fair bit since going to the All Weather Track and has won both his last two starts at this class on that surface. Up a bit in the weights as a result of that but still looks ok and has to be another strong chance with Joao Moreira retaining the ride today. Horse Supremo has mixed his form this season at Happy Valley and the AWT at Sha Tin and looks to prefer this surface going on his last two starts. They are both tight tracks and the draws are important. Just gets in with gate eight today and is well weighted. Only has to repeat his last two starts to be a good chance once again today.  Hello Kimberley normally when he drops back in class he performs very well but had a few issues last start and coped a few knocks early so may pay to forgive that effort. Not drawn well in gate 10 but does get a 2 Lb claim here and this is certainly not a strong class four and may very well pay to follow here. Goes in as my BOLTER of the day.

 

Race 3: — Time: 6.00am GMT—Distance: 1400m—Class 4

Top Pick: No 4 Bear Rapper

Value Selection: No 5 Thor The Greatest

Exotic Inclusions: No 1 Fun Tapestry and No 2 How Speedy

Bear Rapper has never been very far away in all his races since arriving in Hong Kong and closed off very well from a wide gate last start and was not very far away in the wash up at all. Comes up with a nice draw today in gate four and I expect this will certainly help. Interesting to see a bit of hoop swapping going on here with Joao Moreira off Thor The Greatest and onto Bear Rapper and Brett Prebble off Bear Rapper and onto Thor The Greatest as they both certainly have appeal here although. Thor The Greatest has drawn wide but he has been very consistent this season. He will most likely try to cross early and if he gets in with cover he certainly has to come under consideration as well.

 

Race 4: — Time: 6.30am GMT—Distance: 1200 —Class 4

Top Pick: No 13 Winner St Paul’s

Value Selection: No 4 Forever Accurate

Exotic Inclusions: No 3 Telecom Boss and No 1 Kokoda

Race Overview

Very open affair here and it does look like it will be each way the field. Winner St Paul’s just the three starts in Hong Kong and is improving with racing. Went to the line well last start and was only 1 1/4 lengths of the winner on that occasion. Comes up with a nice draw in gate 2 and always has a good hoop in the saddle and nothing has changed today with the master of the weave in Brett Prebble taking the over. Forever Accurate is much better than last run would suggest as he lost a plate in the running on that occasion and it did appear to affect his chances. Previous runs leading into that start were very good and is expected to do much better today. each way chance here. Telecom Boss Dropped back to this class last start and although he did not get into a place he did get much closer in the wash up only 1 3/4 lengths from the winner. That was his first go with the extra weight with the class drop and would not have to improve very much to be a good chance here.

 

Race 5: — Time: 7.00am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class 1 – AWT

Top Pick: No 9 Master Kochanwong

Value Selection: No 4 Access Years

Exotic Inclusions: No 8 Super Jockey and No 7 Lord Sinclair / No 1 Sterling City

Race Overview

Interesting Class 1 race here with some good runners engaged. But when looking at the AWT form it is hard to go past  Master Kochanwong who does look the best weighted runner in this race as he handled the class rise last start and recorded a nice win with 122Lbs on his back. Drops to 119 Lbs today and comes up with a great draw in gate 2. Retains Douglas Whyte in the saddle and certainly has to come under consideration here. Access Years as a few of these are untried over this surface. Make no bones about it this is a very classy race but he has been a very consistent type since arriving in Hong Kong and certainly deserves to be in this company. Drops 7 Lbs on his last start 2nd at this class and should be very competitive here. I currently at each way odds which does make him value here.

 

Race 6: — Time: 7.30am GMT—Distance: 1400m —Class 3

Top Pick: No 12 Bossie

Value Selection: No 5 Da Vinci

Exotic Inclusions: No 4 Cheeky Too and No 1 Noble Alpha

 

Race Overview

Bossie Only the four starts in Hong Kong and does look like a nice type. Went up to this class last start and ran a very nice 2nd. Looks extremely well weighted and should get a very nice trail in the running from gate 2 and retains Joao Moreira in the saddle. Should go close here. Da Vinci does look like a very nice type and will certainly get away with a win or two at this class before too much longer. Well beaten last start but looking at the margins he was not very far away at all , only 1 1/2 lengths in the wash up and does look a bit of a hope today as he goes around with the same weight as last start.

 

 

Race 7: — Time: 8.00am GMT—Distance: 2000m—Class- Group One

Top Pick: No 1 Designs On Rome

Value Selection: No 2 Military Attack

Exotic Inclusions: No 3 Blazing Speed and No 4 California Memory

Race Overview

At set weights this should be a great race. Let’s put it under the microscope 🙂  Well looking at Designs On Rome and Military Attack there is never much between them and only the Jockey has managed to time their runs to perfection. Designs On Rome has managed to come out in front on most occasions and did so the last time these two met over this distance all be it by a short head. On that occasion it was at set weights so if their form is up to par it is a bit of a toss up today. Military Attack has a huge heart and will never stop trying so if any hiccups he will certainly take advantage of it. On the other side of the coin we also must look at California Memory. He has been a bit out of sorts since his early career wins at very good class races.. What I did notice was the way he finished off his last start. He did on that occasion have a very light weight but gets into this race today with a nice weight as well. He finished 7th at his last start which was won by Designs On Rome over the 1800m but what you can read into it is that he was only 1 1/2 lengths from the winner on that occasion and was closing off very well. Gives you the impression he has been set for this and the extra distance will be right up his ally. Should certainly be a bit of value here. Blazing Speed and Harbour Master can also figure on recent form. Interesting Race just the same.

 

Race 8: — Time: 8.35am GMT—Distance: 1600m—Class 3

Top Pick: No 9 Colossus

Value Selection: No 1 Celestial Smile

Exotic Inclusions: No 13 So Café and No 7 Renaissance / No 5 Jun Huo

Race Overview

Colossus has only had the one start in Hong Kong but it was for a very nice third over the 1400m. Closed off very well on that occasion indicating that the extra distance up to the Sha Tin mile may very well be his go. Does look like Tommy Berry’s better chances today. Celestial Smile is far too consistent to leave out here even with top weight. Only needs a sniff over the concluding stages and will be hard to hold out at this class.

 

Race 9: — Time: 9.10am GMT—Distance: 1200m—Class – 3

Top Pick: No 4 Why Why

Value Selection: No 1 Eroico

Exotic Inclusions: No Mutimax and No 14 Blizzard / No 7 Happy Meteor

Race Overview

Why Why has been in sensational form of late and does appeal as another very good chance once again today. Won at his first go at this class last start and still looks well treated at the weights today. Drawn well and retains his regular hoop. May very well pay to follow here. Eroico will be the one they will be wanting to be on here with Joao Moreira retaining the ride. Went a bit a miss over the concluding stages last start but can improve on that effort. May have been the weight but will certainly see today if that was the case. However not a strong class three and if on song can get away with this.

 

Race 10: — Time: 9.45pm GMT—Distance: 1800m—Class 2

Top Pick: No 2 Packing Llaregyb

Value Selection: No 11 Contentment

Exotic Inclusions: No 9 Obliterator and No 1 Flame Hero / No 6 Mr Gnocchi

Very nice class two here. I do like Packing Llaregyb in a race of this type. Certainly showed that he is very well up to Group racing with his effort last start in finishing a very close up 2nd over this distance at G3. He had on that occasion a very light weight and closed off extremely well. Gets a big weight rise today but on the same token this is a good class drop as well. I must say some of the lower weighted runners certainly have very good chances as well. Great Race. Without doubt Contentment does look extremely well weighted today with just 114Lbs on his back. Drawn well and has Joeo Moreira in the saddle and has to be respected at the weights as well as he was only 3 Lengths away last start at HKG1.       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Scoop6 could hit £400,000 on Saturday

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The Tote have forecast a massive £400,000 Scoop6 jackpot this Saturday. With the Cheltenham festival almost upon us, the quality of the racing this weekend is not the greatest and winners may be difficult to find.

This Saturday’s Scoop 6 covers action from Doncaster, Lingfield and Newbury and syndicates are bound to busy burning the midnight oil to find the winning combination. Five of the races are live on Channel 4 and here is our guide to this week’s Scoop6.

Totesport Scoop6

Leg 1: 1:45 Newbury

A tough introduction with a sixteen-runner handicap hurdle over two miles and five furlongs. Very few of these are at the top of their game at present but Bothy has run some fine races around here in his time. Brian Ellison’s nine-year-old has Jamie Moore in the saddle and could go close while Winning Spark should be in the money after a couple of decent runs for Jackie Du Plessis.

Bothy

Winning Spark

Leg 2: 2:15 Newbury

Things do not get any easier in the next with thirteen veteran chasers lining up over three and a quarter miles. Several of these are familiar stayers that have seen better days including West End Rocker, a one-time Grand National fancy for Alan King. Soll looks to have a major chance for David Pipe after winning at Exeter last time while Ballyoliver is likely to plug on up the home straight.

Soll

Ballyoliver

Leg 3: 2:50 Newbury

Yet another Newbury handicap makes up leg three with nine lining up over two miles. First Mohican has been disappointing over hurdles so far but this looks a good opportunity for the formerly useful flat performer. Kiama Bay has been keeping better company and also has claims in a modest contest.

First Mohican

Kiama Bay

Leg 4: 2:55 Lingfield

The action switches to the all-weather at Lingfield and the one-mile Ladbrokes Handicap. Holiday Magic is sure to be popular after finishing a slightly unlucky fifth behind Baddilini in a much stronger heat last weekend. Halation could be sharper for his recent run here and David Simcock’s runners are always noting at this venue.

Holiday Magic

Halation

Leg 5: 3:25 Newbury

Back to Newbury for another very tricky race, the two and half-mile Greatwood Gold Cup. Sound Investment is not out of it despite shouldering top weight while the danger could come from the opposite end of the handicap in Saint Raph.

Sound Investment

Saint Raph

Leg 6: 3:45 Doncaster

If we are still standing by this stage it will be a minor miracle but the final leg is no easier than the previous five. The Grimthorpe Handicap Chase over three and a quarter miles has attracted twelve runners. Aachen only won a veterans race last time but this does not look that much better while Theatre Queen won’t mind the ground, providing she agrees to start!

Aachen

Theatre Queen

William Hill money-back offer on Supreme Hurdle

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The Cheltenham Special offers are coming thick and fast now with William Hill announcing a great money-back offer on the opening race of the meeting.

Paddy Power are offering money back on losing bets in the Supreme Hurdle and the Arkle Chase if the Willie Mullins-trained Douvan or Un De Sceaux prove successful. The offer applies up to £50 per customer.

William Hill are also focussing on the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle but will refund ALL losing bets, irrespective of the result, up to maximum of £25 per customer. The stakes will be refunded as free bets in your William Hill account and the offer starts from 8.30am on Friday.

You need to bet via mobile or online to claim back the £25 which must then be staked within 24 hours. Betting shop customers can claim a refund of £10 which must be invested in the following race at the meeting, the Ultima Business Solutions Handicap Chase.

The Supreme will be a very significant race for bookmakers this year, even more so than usual. Mullins, top trainer at the meeting for the past two seasons, saddles 7-4 favourite Douvan who is the first of four (possibly five) favourites for the stable on the opening day. There will doubles, trebles and accumulators in their thousands resting on the shoulders of Ruby Walsh in the opener.

The big danger is Nicky Henderson’s L’Ami Serge who would be favourite in a normal year. He won the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown by 14 lengths and is unbeaten in three races since arriving from France. There was no disguising Henderson’s confidence in the horse at his recent media day at the Lambourn stables and there will be plenty willing to take the 4-1 on offer with a money-back guarantee!

Although there are currently 83 entries for the race, there are relatively few serious contenders. Several have entries in the other novice races at the meeting but Jollyallan will have his supporters with Tony McCoy likely to take the ride. Harry Fry’s gelding is owned by JP McManus and was just beaten by Garde La Victoire in a Listed race last time. You can currently get 9-1 about Jollyallan with William Hill.

Remember, the refund only applies up to a maximum of £25 per customer or £10 to retail customers. (Open to win and each-way bets)

Latest William Hill prices; 7-4 Douvan, 4-1 L’Ami Serge, 9-1 Jollyallan