jpfestival.com - Cheltenham Festival Preview 2012

JPFestival.com raceday tip

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 10:33:00 +0000

Today's JPFestival.com raceday tip for Cheltenham is Art Professor in the handicap hurdle at 4.15pm at Cheltenham. Venetia Williams took this race with the same horse last year and she has a superb record at this meeting.

I was at Kempton Park when Art Professor made his seasonal debut and that run will have put him spot on for this.

1pt ew at SP - Art Professor - 4.15pm Cheltenham

World Hurdle preview

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:09:00 +0000

The World Hurdle is the highlight of the Thursday at the festival, and has thrown up some fabulous horses, including in recent years Baracouda and Inglis Drever, and of course last year, Big Bucks entered the record books being the first horse to win three in a row. It is no surprise to see this behemoth of three mile hurdling already an odds on shot for this race. He’s not been beaten since returning to hurdling after unseating Sam Thomas in the 2008 Hennessey. When we look at the success of what he has beaten, especially Grand Crus chasing, it sinks in just how good he is. It is plainly obvious why he is such a short priced favourite so early in the year, and it will take a serious horse to beat him.

The current most fancied to do just that is the Henderson trained Oscar Whiskey. He’s already hacked up twice at Cheltenham this season, and has form over Thousand Stars too. He is avoiding the Cleve, so it is unlikely they will meet before the festival. Henderson is best associated with producing superstar hurdlers, and this gelding, by the high class national hunt stallion Oscar could throw down a strong challenge to the Nicholls giant.

There are two mares also attracting attention in the markets, Quevega and Voler La Vedette, though realistically the former of these will go and contest her race in the mares. Voler La Vedette is probably the best Irish based three mile hurdler on current form, and her recent comfortable dispatches of last years well fancied, Mourad, who finished third at the festival last year, she’s got really good place claims and it’s possible to make a strong case for her. Continuing on the Irish theme is So Young, he’s been competed mainly in 2 mile heavy events this winter, but there is a lot of talk of him going for the younger trip for the festival. He’s dipped a toe in staying hurdling, and could prove an interesting recruit to the top level. Also from the emerald isle, Mikael D’Haugenet is attracting some support, now no longer chasing, after it was established he can’t actually jump. While he has plenty of class he could have a lot to find with Voler La Vedette on their Lismullen hurdle form from November.

This is a really competitive World Hurdle, if most of the top ten in the market make it, and will not simply be a Big Bucks cake walk. While he will be a hard horse to beat, and there is more than a reasonable chance he could become the first horse to win four world hurdles, strongest cases to oppose him can be made for Oscar Whiskey and Voler La Vadette.

Thanks to @emmyKGtS for this guest post.

Five key Cheltenham Festival 2012 horses

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 19:12:00 +0000

We are now less than seven weeks away from the 2012 Cheltenham Festival. With another weekend full of high class racing lined up, we are sure to learn some more about the horses hoping to achieve festival glory. I thought I'd have a look at five of horses that many of us will be hoping to hit the headlines.

Sprinter Sacre
The Nicky Henderson trained Sprinter Sacre put down one of the most impressive displays of the season when winning the Wayward Lad Novices Chase at Kempton. The chase was a straight battle with Peddlers Cross, who arguably had the better form of the two over hurdles. Sprinter Sacre went off second-favourite behind Peddlers Cross, the same position they both occupied in the Arkle ante post market. That was soon to change though, with the bookmakers installing Sacre as a strong favourite following the convincing victory. Many will be struggling to see past Sprinter Sacre now, however there are cases to be made that Peddlers Cross wasn't at his best that day. Along with the presence of Al Ferof, this year's Arkle looks sure to be one of the best races of the festival.

Hurricane Fly
"The Fly" just had to be mentioned. Willie Mullins' superstar has yet to be seen on the racetrack this season but remains a strong favourite for the Champion Hurdle, the race he won in great style at last year's festival. He looks set to appear in this weekend's Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown against some high quality opposition. If he wins in good style, as many will be expecting, he will likely be shortened for Cheltenham. There are plenty of interesting challengers for the Champion Hurdle, although that list was weakened when Spirit Son was ruled out of the contest. There could be some big runs from his rivals but it will be hard to oppose Hurricane Fly if he arrives at the festival fully prepared.

Sizing Europe
Last year's Champion Chase winner is back to retain his crown in 2012. He won in style last year and trainer Henry De Bromhead will be hoping to make it two on the bounce. A classy win in the Tingle Creek showed him to still be in top order and he will be difficult to look past. Big Zeb, last year's nearest challenger, will be hoping to gain revenge but will have to go some to reverse the order despite two good wins this season. Finian's Rainbow will be hoping to enter calculations following a gallant effort when beaten by Somersby in the Victor Chandler Chase. It could be argued that the level of that form won't be good enough this year, however, and it could be more glory for the top class Sizing Europe.

Big Buck's
The winning machine that is Big Buck's will be back to tackle all-comers in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle. Fans of the brilliant stayer will be hoping he can make it an unprecedented fourth victory in the event, and it's very difficult to oppose him. He looks just as good as ever this year, and his nearest rival Oscar Whisky will have to produce a monster performance to beat Big Buck's on his first try over the distance. We get the chance to see Big Buck's this weekend where he bids to make it fifteen wins in-a-row when he lines up in the Cleeve Hurdle. If - or perhaps we should say when - he wins the Cleeve he will head to Cheltenham looking to make it an incredible sixteen consecutive wins.

Kauto Star
I couldn't leave Kauto Star out. He has looked a different horse this season when producing two brilliant wins over Long Run. The reaction to his win at Haydock was quite phenomenal, silencing the doubters and creating one of the most spine-tingling moments of the jump racing season. He backed that up with another huge race when winning the King George for the fifth time and we continue to be amazed by this fantastic horse. His form this year has added to the excitement for the Gold Cup and it looks like being a classic. Long Run will want to retain his crown, and race conditions will likely suit him better. But the way Kauto Star has performed this year it wouldn't be a huge surprise if he was to win his third Gold Cup. If he managed to pull it off it would be sensational. I know I'll be cheering him on!

Thanks to Simon Panting of Cheltenham-Fest for this guest post - JP.

"Great works are performed not by strength but by perseverance." ~ Samuel Johnson

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 15:52:00 +0000

Somersby; a horse that has more knockers than a good Carry On film, finally landed his much promised Grade One on Saturday in the Victor Chandler Chase. In doing so he beat joint favourite Finian’s Rainbow by just over a length. Surely Somersby is one of the most talked about horses in training. He has run at three consecutive Cheltenham Festivals and until Saturday had been placed in six Grade Ones without victory. Maybe the first time cheek pieces worked the oracle and it seems likely that he will sport them again when he lines up for what is looking like the hottest renewal of the Ryanair so far. In his story is a mantra for us all; never give up because you will get there.

So what of the performance of Finian’s Rainbow? On this showing you would have to say that neither Sizing Europe or Big Zeb are quaking in their boots. However he was far from disgraced and reading Barry Geraghty’s post race comments it could be that we see what was the UK’s leading hope for the Queen Mother diverted to the Ryanair. He would certainly add spice to that already tasty menu. The eye catcher of the race was Al Ferof in third place and it is no surprise that Timeform have rated that run as the best by a novice chaser this season. I am glad that he will now line up in the Arkle and not the Queen Mother. All in good time, as the expression goes.

Across the sea, it was heart warming to see Mikael D’haguenet put in a stylish performance to win the Limestone Lad Hurdle at Naas. It’s great to see him so full of confidence. Full credit to Willie Mullins for the way he has campaigned the horse this season. In my opinion Mikael and his stablemate Thousand Stars are the biggest dangers (if there is such a thing) to Big Bucks in the World Hurdle. With respect I think Oscar Whisky will find things tough past the 2m5f point. There is no doubting his tenacity or his ability but I am amazed that he is fancied by the bookies to serve it up to Big Bucks more than the Mullins duo.

Next weekend will set the Cheltenham Festival betting markets on fire as Cheltenham hosts Festival Trials Day and Leopardstown hold a fantastic two day meeting culminating in the Irish Champion Hurdle. I will be previewing the Leopardstown action for @narrowthefield on www.narrowing-the-field.co.uk, then reviewing what will surely be an enthralling weekend of racing right here on JPFestival.com.

@cathrynfry

Cheltenham Festival 2012 Video Previews

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:46:00 +0000

On 1 March 2012 we'll be releasing video previews of eight Cheltenham Festival races. Filmed at Cheltenham Racecourse, Jonathan Pollinger and Cathryn Fry of JPFestival.com plus special guest Ben Aitken of www.narrowing-the-field.co.uk will be providing analysis and commentary.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel:

www.youtube.com/user/jpfestivalcom

or Search YouTube for "JPFestival"

Peddlers to Cross into big time

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 17:10:00 +0000

The Arkle has a strong favourite in the shape of Sprinter Sacre following his defeat of Pedders Cross in the Wayward Lad Novices Chase on 27 December at Kempton Park. I was there to witness a very impressive performance; he jumped neatly and fluently and burnt off Peddlers Cross in the back straight coming clear to win by 16 lengths. However, I'm convinced that the Arkle at Cheltenham will suit Pedders much more and perhaps won't be to Sprinter Sacre's liking.

In last year's Supreme Novices he certainly appeared to struggle to get up the hill behind Al Ferof which is no surprise given this horse is all about speed. Flat tracks like Kempton are his natural hunting ground. On the other hand Peddlers Cross is all about stamina, probably didn't enjoy running right handed and is a proven Cheltenham horse. He won the Neptune as a hurdler in 2010 before coming a very honourable second to Hurricane Fly in last year's Champion Hurdle. I'd be surprised if Peddlers doesn't finish in front of Sprinter Sacre in the second race on the opening day of the Cheltenham Festival 2012.

As I mentioned to @cathrynfry after the Wayward Lad Peddlers just didn't look himself that day. After clouting the first he just didn't travel and his jumping wasn't anywhere near as fluent as it had been. Connections were somewhat disheartened at the time and suggested he might go up in trip and bypass the Arkle. However, since then muscle problems have come to light and the Arkle is once again on the agenda.

It's hard to see beyond the top two in the market and the race lacks strength in depth. Menorah didn't impress me as a likely winner at Kempton Park today. It's interesting to note that Hills have pushed him out to 16/1. Al Ferof may be diverted to the Champion Chase. For a real outsider I quite like For Non Stop but Peddlers is the one to beat.

He's been well backed in the last couple of days so take the standout 6/1 with Ladbrokes before they go 11/2.

1pt ew Peddlers Cross in the Arkle Challenge Trophy Chase - 6/1 Ladbrokes

@jpfestival

Rehearsing for jumping’s greatest stage

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:46:00 +0000

Berties Dream (right)

The Slaney Novices Hurdle at Naas has long been a stepping stone to the Cheltenham Festival. Monksland won Sunday’s renewal of the race in such a fashion that literally screamed 'Neptune winner'. Considering he would have found the heavy ground not to his liking this was a striking performance. He will almost certainly get better ground at Cheltenham and will surely improve further for that. It is understood that he will probably go straight to the Festival. Mikael D’Haguenet won the Slaney in 2009 en route to Neptune glory and the general 16/1 available about Monksland doing the same is outstanding value. He could be the horse that has trainer Noel Meade kissing the Cheltenham turf once again!

Berties Dream who won the 2010 Albert Bartlett at the Cheltenham Festival; secured his first win since then in the three mile beginners chase at Thurles on Saturday. He was victorious by a jaw dropping twenty four lengths. 'Bertie' is one of my favourite horses so watching him return to this kind of form was fantastic. It was a race to take note of, he made all with his rivals toiling in his wake. The signs of well-being had been there in his previous run at Navan in December where he was beaten a head by Start Me Up. Last season he was a very sick horse but still managed to run into sixth in the World Hurdle; 8 ¾ lengths behind Big Bucks after being nearly put through the rail on the bend. Connections are considering the RSA for him. On Festival form he has to come into the picture; the softer the ground the better and he stays all day.

@cathrynfry

Supreme Novices Hurdle from a trends perspective

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:14:00 +0000

STAN JAMES SUPREME NOVICES' HURDLE - GRADE 1
(Class 1) (4yo+) (2m110y) 2m½f

The last 8 winners...
Had run between 2 and 5 times that season
Finished in the first 3 last time out
Had won at 2m or 2m1f
Had no head gear
Had won at least 50% of its hurdle starts
Had run no more than five times over hurdles

7 of the last 8 winners...
Were NOT favourite for the race
Were Irish or GB bred
Finished in the first 2 last time out
Had a pre race RPR of 137+
Were favourite last time out and no bigger than 9/4

6 of the last 8 winners...
Won last time out
Were officially rated 137+

More at www.irishbigracetrends.com

Ante-Post Shortlist

Cinders And Ashes, Colour Squadron, Tetlami and Captain Conan

Cinders And Ashes – 5th in last year’s bumper, scores well on the early trends, hard to fancy.
Colour Squadron – Can only improve on his short head defeat on Saturday.
Tetlami – Nicky Henderson kept him away from the Tolworth, Trainer thinks he’s a two miler.
Captain Conan – Surprised connections winning the Tolworth, entered in this and the Neptune.

Guest post by Tony McCormick of irishbigracetrends.com. You can like Tony's Facebook Page at facebook.com/irishbigracetrends and follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/tonymacracing.

So that was Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 14:08:00 +0000

Kauto Star post King George by Emma-louise Kerwin

Rewind to Boxing Day 1990 where a fourteen year old me sits on the edge on the sofa, knuckles white from gripping the sides willing my hero Desert Orchid to win his fourth King George. Fast forward to Boxing Day 2011 a considerably older me is in the same position willing Kauto Star to win his fifth King George! As the Kempton Grandstand went into Orbit as Kauto crossed the line so did I! Ala,s where there are extreme highs there are extreme lows and the tragic death of Golden Silver in Ireland the next day affected us all. I know I am not alone in not being able to replay that race.

Twenty five years after the aforementioned flying grey first jumped his way into Kempton folklore, the almost white Grand Crus galloped his rivals into submission in the Feltham. It’s understandable that connections want to bring the blue riband of steeplechasing into the picture but personally I hope they stick to the RSA route. (I think he should go for the Gold Cup - JP)

Hidden Cyclone fired a warning shot to an already high class looking ante-post field for the RSA with his victory in a beginners chase at Leopardstown. What’s even more impressive is that he wasn’t 100% fit. A run at Fairyhouse is next on the agenda, then hopefully after that Cheltenham beckons. I have been a fan of this horse since I saw him at Leopardstown last January and it’s no secret that his trainer 'Shark' Hanlon feels he could be a future Gold Cup prospect.

I love it when horses prove me wrong as it keeps me on my toes! I am a late convert to the school of Finians Rainbow but the way he battled back to take the Desert Orchid Chase after a bone crunching error at the ninth totally won me over and is the sign of a serious horse. With this in mind plus his obvious ability to handle Cheltenham, I have to now rate him as a danger to Sizing Europe and Big Zeb in the Queen Mother.

Another horse that surprised me was Sprinter Sacre who was nothing short of spectacular in the Wayward Lad Chase. I really did sit up and take notice when Barry Geraghty said he was possibly the best he has sat on; sme accolade from the partner of Moscow Flyer. Sprinter Sacre deserves his place at the head of the Arkle market but call me stupid (and many will!) I will still be siding with Peddlers Cross come 13 March 13. (With you on that - JP). A fast two miles at Kempton would not have played to his strengths. To win an Arkle you have to be able to stay slightly longer than a bare two miles, have a bit of speed and most importantly be able to eat the Cheltenham hill for breakfast. All of these apply to Peddlers Cross; I hope connections still take the Arkle route with him.

Another three that impressed over the yuletide were Voler La Vedette, Unaccompanied and Tetlami. Fingers crossed that Voler La Vedette will make the journey to Cheltenham to take on Quevega in the David Nicholson; she was third to the Willie Mullins star mare in 2010 but is a much improved horse now. Unaccompanied continues to frank the form of an above average Triumph Hurdle; you have to say she has a live chance in the Champion Hurdle. The way Tetlami is progressing I can see him running a big race in the Supreme Novices Hurdle and next stop for him is the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown.

If I had the time I could write all day long about the fantastic racing we were treated to this Christmas. We are now only eleven weeks away from the greatest show on turf! Judging by the way the first half of the season has flown by, the next thing you will know the tapes will be up for the Supreme Novices. Bring it on!
I wish you all a very peaceful and happy New Year and want to take this opportunity to thank you all for every follow, for every #ff and thanks for reading. It is very much appreciated.

@cathrynfry

Oscars to go Well in Champion

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 12:31:00 +0000

The Champion Hurdle clearly revolves around last year's impressive winner Hurricane Fly but he's a fragile horse and missed the Festival in 2009 and 2010 due to injuries. He finally came good in this year's Champion Hurdle but this season he has yet to reappear having missed two intended engagements. There has to be a doubt about his participation without which the race is wide open.

I'm going to take a chance with Oscars Well who surely would have won the Neptune (and landed the JPFestival.com NAP) if he hadn't lost his footing after the last hurdle. So we know he acts around Cheltenham and has good form at Cheltenham at Festival time. This season he's been slow to come to hand but his effort yesterday when coming third in the Istabraq Festival Hurdle was much more like it.

The general opinion seems to be that he's more of a stayer over further than 2 miles but horses dropping back in trip to win the Champion Hurdle is not unknown; for example Istabraq and Hardy Eustace both won the Royal and Sun Alliance (now Neptune). Interestingly, Hardy Eustace wasn't fancied and started at 33/1. You need a stamina in spades to win the Champion and Oscars Well will improve again give a really strong pace and demands of Cheltenham. His trainer Jessica Harrington knows the time of day when it comes to training Cheltenham winners and despite there being lots of options the Champion has always been the aim which she restated after the race yesterday. He's take in the Irish Champion Hurdle first where I expect him once again to run well and his odds to contract. Take the 25/1 with Ladbrokes which is available on a non-runner = money back basis.

1pt ew Oscars Well in the Champion Hurdle - 25/1 with Ladbrokes NR-NB

@jpfestival

Captain to take command at Kempton and Cheltenham

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 16:25:00 +0000

If there's one horse in the King George field that's open to any amount of improvement then it's Captain Chris. Yet he's already a two time Grade 1 winner following victories in the Arkle at Cheltenham and the Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown so there's no doubting his class. Of course Long Run and Kauto Star have the better form but there are doubts about them both; the former's jumping and the latter is not getting any younger.

Captain Chris could well improve significantly for a step up in trip and gives every indication he'll do so. Take a look at the video of the Arkle and his run's at Punchestown and at Exeter and it's quite taking how he powers after the second last. He has to be ridden but always responds well. He really runs on well at Exeter as his stamina kicks in only to over jump the last and throw Richard Johnson off.

At Kempton on Monday the conditions appear to be coming just right for the Captain for whom good ground is ideal. There is hardly any rain forecast and the chase course at the time of writing (Christmas Eve afternoon) is good to soft (good in places). As past winners of the King George (4x of course with Kauto) the top two in the betting have strong course form. But Captain Chris is also a winner at Kempton having scored his first chase win in the Pendil over 2 and a half miles last season.

I make it very much a race where the 'big three' are some way ahead of their rivals with support for the 'big two' on the day the Captain will surely be value.

In the Gold Cup it's interesting that bookies have him shorter than the Queen Mother, where he's around a 10/1 shot, as he has a far better chance in the former and much better than the odds of 16/1 suggest. On the betting front this week he's been reasonably strong in the market replacing Master Minded as the clear third favourite behind the big two.

I'm putting him up as a race day tip for Boxing Day and for the Gold Cup. Race day tips are advised at 1pt each way at SP whilst ante-post Cheltenham Festival tips are advised at price at the time of selection. 16/1 is widely available but let's take the 14/1 with Ladbrokes who are offering non-runner no bet. So if I'm very wrong and Captain Chris doesn't stay the trip on Monday and ends up in the Queen Mother or if of course he gets injured we get our money back.

1pt ew Captain Chris at SP for the King George at Kempton
1pt ew Captain Chris at 14/1 with Ladbrokes for the Cheltenham Gold Cup NR-NB

@jpfestival

Our friends at Horsey Hotties launch social networking app for horse racing enthusiasts

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:07:00 +0000

Social networking for horseracing fans and equestrian enthusiasts has taken a leap in to the mobile app market courtesy of one young female entrepreneur with a passion for horseracing, equestrianism and connecting like minded people.

Ginny Rose who works for the Charity Racing Welfare as part of the fundraising team, also founded and launched the equestrian online dating website HorseyHotties.com in 2009 and sponsors female flat Jockey Laura Pike. Ginny hopes the HorseyHotties iPhone app will take the brand beyond online dating and fully in to the world of social networking.

Ginny outlined how the app works, “Our HorseyHotties app is the first of its kind location based social network solely for the equestrian community. The app uses the GPS in your smart phone to determine your location. Therefore where ever you are in the world the closest ‘HorseyHotties’ to your immediate location will be visible to you. For example if you are at the races, or any equestrian event such as Badminton, Olympia or the polo you would be able to see who is closest to you and find out a little bit of information about that person and their particular equestrian interests as well as basic information that the user chooses to share on their profile. The app affectively enables users to strike up a real time conversion with someone who could only be twenty metres away but you may never have spoken to in that particular setting before. Equally the closest ‘HorseyHottie’ may be hundreds of miles away, particularly in very rural locations. The app works solely on the closest people to your location irrelevant of distance.”

The HorseyHotties app is free to download with an additional ‘in app’ monthly subscription option to access premium features such as who’s viewed you, unlimited favourites and messaging, posting more images and connect to your own Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn profile.

You can download the HorseyHotties app from the App Store and is currently available on iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, with an Android version in development due to be released middle of 2012.

For more information visit www.app.horseyhotties.com.

@jpfestival

You can almost hear the roar

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 21:54:00 +0000

A stellar cast assembled on a freezing afternoon at Prestbury Park where the Festival markets fluctuated and pulsated throughout the day. Baby Mix literally exploded onto the scene in the Triumph Hurdle Trial, upsetting hotpot Hinterland in the process. You have to be impressed with this performance even with the tail swishing. However before you lump on for Cheltenham, check out an inmate of Nicky Henderson’s called Hammersly Lake who finished in front of Baby Mix at Auteuil in March. Some shrewd judges are earmarking him for the Triumph at very fancy prices.

There was heartbreak in the Grade Two Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle when Sea Of Thunder capsized at the last when holding a commanding six length lead. His performance in this race paid a handsome compliment to Hazy Tom who beat Sea of Thunder by twelve lengths at Wetherby. Albeit in a race a mile shorter, but most definitely a sure pointer to Charlie Longsdon’s charge. I actually highlighted Hazy Tom as an outsider for Cheltenham on JPFestival.com TV two weeks ago; shame I didn’t put on a little each way too! It seems almost poignant that Deireadh Re became the fortunate winner following Sea Of Thunder’s mishap. When translated into English the name means end of an era. Given that his trainer Paul Nicholls had retired heroic Denman the day before and that Deireadh Re was one of the last horses the late legendary Irish bloodstock agent Tom Costello had sold, the name is very fitting indeed.

Quantativeeasing who had twice been the bridesmaid in Cheltenham handicaps fully deserved his win in the really long titled Gold Cup. He had looked outpaced at the top of the hill and showed true grit to stay on. On this showing the proposed step up to three miles will hold no problems.

Grandouet is improving at a rate of knots and put himself firmly in the Champion Hurdle picture with his win in the Grade Two International Hurdle. He now stands a clear second favourite behind reigning champion Hurricane Fly. On this showing he must hold a live chance and totally silenced the “he won’t get up the hill” brigade. That said his Triumph Hurdle conqueror and the mighty Hurricane Fly are still yet to play their extremely strong cards this season.

For all the updates on Festival betting following this meeting tune into JPFestival.com TV on Friday in which I will be unveiling a dark horse for a Festival Handicap.

In the meantime turn your head towards Cleeve Hill, cup your hand around your ears and listen. We are nearly there; you can almost hear the roar.

@cathrynfry

Hit The Headlines does just that - Huntingdon review 8 Dec 2011

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:46:00 +0000

An intriguing card at Huntingdon was headlined by the Grade Two Peterborough Chase which saw Somersby, The Nightingale and Gauvain lock horns with the rapidly improving youngster Mr Moonshine. Henrietta Knight was chasing her ninth win in the race with Somersby, but her charge had to settle for second behind Nick Williams’ recent Sandown faller Gauvain, who ran out a cosy winner of the two-and-a-half-mile contest. Somersby travelled menacingly into the race under a conservative ride from Dominic Elsworth , but once again he could only plug on at the one pace to snatch second from the front-running Mr Moonshine. The Nightingale took a heavy fall at the third fence, while Surfing was also a casualty at the ninth when going backwards.

After his four-and-a-half-length victory, connections of Gauvain are now eyeing a tilt at the Ryanair Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March. The most striking winner on the card was Paul Webber’s Alasi, who ran out an impressive winner of the mares novices chase. She didn’t appear to beat anything of any note, but she jumped well and it will be interesting to see if connections choose to pitch her in against the boys next time.

It was no surprise to see the two-and-a-half-mile novice hurdle go the way of Hit The Headlines on his hurdling debut for Nicky Henderson and Barry Geraghty; the son of Flemensfirth was an easy winner of a bumper here last season, but he was very disappointing at Newbury thereafter. This time round he was ridden far more prominently, and ran on well to the line despite being knocked around in the wind. His trainer implied they would continue over hurdles this season, but he is more of a long-term prospect, and he won’t come into his own until he is seen over the larger obstacles.

@jordan__mcbride

Somersby set to score in Peterborough Chase

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 15:51:00 +0000

The Peterborough Chase is the biggest race of the year at Huntingdon, and is often used as a trial for the King George at Kempton which is over half-a-mile further. Henrietta Knight has farmed the race in recent years, winning five of the last ten renewals with the likes of Edredon Bleu, Best Mate, and more recently with the fragile, but talented Racing Demon.

This year she is represented by the strapping bay gelding Somersby, who has been a model of consistency in recent seasons, making the frame in a number of top races, but he is yet to add a Group One to his CV. He started his campaign this season with an easy victory at Kempton at around today's trip, but he was easily brushed aside by Master Minded in the Amlin Chase at Ascot last time.

Paul Nicholls last won the race in 2004 with Le Roi Miguel, and this year he is represented by The Nightingale. The son of Cadoudal is very lightly raced considering his age after only having twelve career starts, and he has already shown a preference for right-handed tracks, with his four of his five victories coming at Down Royal, Kempton, Taunton and Wincanton. That bodes well for him round here, and the return to this trip should help, after shaping as a non-stayer at Down Royal last time. He has the highest-rating in the field, and he should be on the premises.

Tchico Polos was a very smart performer for Paul Nicholls in 2009 and 2010, winning some nice novice chases before beating dual Tingle Creek winner Twist Magic in the Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter. However he has lost his way since then, and didn't show a great deal for his new yard on debut.

Another horse who has lost his way in 2011 is Tom George's Tartak, who hasn't hit the frame in 2011 since winning a big handicap at Cheltenham on New Year's Day. After disappointing efforts at Ascot, Cheltenham and Aintree he was sent on his travels to France in May and late November where he once again disappointed finishing midfield on both occasions. Although he has the ability to get involved, you couldn't fancy him after his recent efforts.

Gauvain is the oldest horse in the race, and is returning very quickly after falling when still going well in the Tingle Creek at the weekend. Prior to that he had made a winning return in a conditions event at Cheltenham over two miles, but he does seem better suited by further than that now after finishing second to Riverside Theatre in the Betfair Ascot Chase last season. He departed early on the Tingle Creek, so it would be hard to say how he would have fared, but this track and trip should be ideal, so he should go well providing he has fully recovered.

The youngest horse in the race is Nicky Henderson's Surfing, who came over from France last season with a big reputation, but he disappointed in novice chases behind Ghizao and Tail Of The Bank, so it's very interesting his trainer chooses to pitch him in here.

Mr Moonshine has made rapid progress since returning to the larger obstacles this season, winning both of his starts in authoritative fashion at around this trip. He is still a novice despite trying the chasing game last season, so this is a strange target with races like the Feltham up and coming over the Christmas period. Hidden Keel was one of the Mr Moonshine's victims earlier in the season, so it's hard to see him getting the better of that rival, let alone the others.

In what looks a competitive renewal it will be hard for The Nightingale and Tartak to concede upwards of 4lb's to the remainder of the field. This hands the advantage over to Somersby from a handicapping perspective, who is the selection given his trainers record over the improving Mr Moonshine who has any amount of improvement left in him.

@jordan__mcbride

Tataniano to take Queen Mother Champion Chase

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Back Tataniano for the Queen Mother Champion Chase before he runs in the Tingle Creek at Sandown on Saturday. Paul Nicholls has won the 2 mile race which determines the Champion Chaser on 3 occasions since his first win in 1999 with Call Equiname and with Tataniano he can make it 4.

Tataniano was a top novice in 2009/10 where he gained the crucial Cheltenham form I look for with a win in the Independent Novices Chase at the Paddy Power meeting. Last season there were no fireworks and he only ran twice. However, he was most impressive on his return at Chepstow winning a 2m 1/2 furlong handicap chase with ease on his first run for 6 months. He jumped fluently apart from one mistake, travelled nicely and dominated his field which is his style of running.

There is no outstanding candidate in this race and as yet there appears to be no horse that is likely to improve to challenge the more obvious contenders.

I can see Tataniano 'doing an Edredon Bleu' on 14 March 2012 and leading them a merry dance around Prestbury Park. Take the 16/1 with JPFestival.com's betting partner Paddy Power.

Tataniano - Champion Chase - 1 point ew with Paddy Power at 16/1.

@jpfestival

There really is “nothing queer about Carruthers”

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 16:20:00 +0000

Carruthers on the way to victory. Photo by Emma Kerwin

For the second consecutive week National Hunt racing produced a fairytale with the thoroughly deserved victory for Carruthers and jockey Mattie Batchelor in the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury. Every part of this wonderful story provokes emotion. The utterly lovable Carruthers who is so honest that he gives his heart and soul in every race he runs, had fired a warning shot at Cheltenham two weeks ago that he was back in business with a good third to Galaxy Rock. He jumped for fun that day and finished in front of Hey Big Spender who scored at Newcastle on Saturday as well as such names as Festival winner Chicago Grey and old favourite Fair Along.

Looking back at the form book, the 10/1 he returned at on Saturday was huge but you can understand why when his last victory was nearly two years ago. You can put a line through every race he ran last year as he was under the weather with a virus. He ended the 2009/2010 National Hunt season with a terrific run in the Grade One Totesport Bowl, finishing second to What A Friend where he practically made all, only to be headed by the winner at the last. Before that he was just touched off by Mon Mome for third place in the Cheltenham Gold Cup behind Imperial Commander. As a novice he won the Grade Two Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot before finishing fourth to Cooldine in the Grade One RSA at the 2009 Cheltenham Festival. So the form was there albeit a way back but his connections never lost the all important belief which has now been rewarded. There is a lot to be said for keeping the faith, granted it’s hard to do in the darker moments but a light can and will shine again
.
Next on the agenda is the Welsh National on 27 December where he will again face his Cheltenham conqueror Galaxy Rock along with the winner of last year’s race Synchronised who stays forever and like Carruthers favours the now expected soft going. Carruthers may make the odd mistake as we saw on Saturday; but he has never fallen in twenty starts over hurdles and fences.

I think I’m going to write a letter to Santa asking if for Christmas he could give me the gift of Kauto Star winning the King George and Carruthers winning the Welsh National. Just imagine that, cue unbridled euphoria.

@cathrynfry

StanJames.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:05:00 +0000

This year's Fighting Fifth Hurdle is for the first time sponsored by Stan James. Recent winners of the race underline the quality of horse required to win this, with Peddlers Cross, Go Native, Punjabi and Harchibald all adding their name to the roll of honour in recent seasons. This year's renewal features Nicky Henderson's Binocular, Donald McCain's Overturn, Paul Nicholl's Celestial Halo, and the two outsiders Stormy Weather and Kosta Brava.

Binocular has always been held in the highest regard by connections, so much so that when he was only a four-year-old they opted to run him in the Supreme Novices Hurdle, instead of the Triumph Hurdle back in 2008. He finished a game second that day, and rounded off his novice campaign with an effortless victory over Celestial Halo at Aintree. He finished third behind Punjabi and Celestial Halo in the Champion Hurdle the following year, but gained revenge on those rivals with a brilliant performance at Cheltenham a year later. He won the Christmas Hurdle last season, before disappointing at Aintree and Puchestown, after missing Cheltenham due to injury. Henderson's charge is undoubtedly the class act in the race, but he has been turned over at odds-on in the past two renewals.

Binocular will have no easy task against two match-fit performers in the shape of Overturn and Celestial Halo; both of whom have won their first start this term. Overturn gained another hurdling victory in last weekend's Coral Hurdle at Ascot, returning from a three-month break after taking the Summer Champion Hurdle at Perth in August. Although he couldn't cut it at the top level last season, he should be on the premises here, especially with an easy lead looking likely. Celestial Halo returned at Wincanton three weeks ago, with a lucky success after Grandouet took a heavy fall when travelling much the best. Despite finishing second in the 2009 Champion Hurdle, he has looked more like a stayer in recent seasons, but Overturn should make this a true test, and he should go close.

Kosta Brave and Stormy weather are decent performers in their own rights, but the top three are in a completely different league.

On the form book it's Binocular's to lose, but he doesn't have the best record fresh, so with a very strong pace likely from Overturn, the emphasis will be on stamina and not speed. Overturn looked to have had a hard enough race last weekend, so it might be worth taking a chance with Celestial Halo who stays well, and should be much sharper after his recent victory at Wincanton.

@jordan_mcbride

Stargazing, two stars in 24 hours!

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:09:00 +0000

How lucky are the Hammer and Trowell syndicate? Not only do they own the mighty mare Quevega they also own yesterday’s Morgiana Hurdle winner Thousand Stars. They are lovely people and deserve every success. Thousand Stars must be the most consistent horse in training with versatility in abundance too. His previous victory had been in the French Champion Hurdle over a distance just short of 3m2f. Just like King Kauto the day before he made all over the 2 mile trip under the man of the moment Ruby Walsh and was absolutely foot perfect at every flight. Although he will be entered for the Hatton’s Grace Hurdle on 4 December, Willie Mullins has stated that he will more than likely stay over 2 miles.

With that in mind it seems the next assignment for Thousand Stars could be the Istabraq Hurdle at Leopardstown which will see him again clash with Morgiana runner up Oscars Well who is surely running over the wrong distance. Even in the very soft underfoot conditions I think we again saw that Oscars is not a true 2 miler. For now connections are choosing to stay the 2 mile route to take in the Champion Hurdle. Whilst it’s true that you do need to be able to stay further than 2 miles to win a Champion Hurdle I just think he is vulnerable at the trip. If the Istabraq Hurdle is run in desperate bog like conditions then it would be interesting. What I am really looking forward to is seeing Oscars run in the 2m4f Aintree Hurdle in April for which he must be a strong fancy. Call me mad but I would love to see him jump a fence!

The Christmas Leopardstown meeting is shaping up to be a real yuletide feast. So Young and Last Instalment who both won in impressive fashion yesterday are heading there (The 3mile Hurdle for So Young and the Grade One Fort Leney Chase for Last Instalment). Another on course for the same event is Days Hotel who earned himself a 33/1 quote for the Arkle by winning the 2m Grade Two Novice Chase. His intended target at Leopardstown is the Grade One Racing Post Novice Chase.

@cathrynfry

When you wish upon a Star

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 10:35:00 +0000

After Kauto Star's Betfair Chase victory, Haydock Park witnessed scenes like those played out after Desert Orchid’s incredible win in the 1989 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Where there is jumping there is love, the adoration and affection for Kauto didn’t just flow out of the Racecourse gates it ran wild to every corner of the UK, Ireland & quite possibly the world.

I fully hold my hands up as after his lacklustre performance at Punchestown in May I was worried that the old boy wasn’t enjoying himself anymore. I thought retirement was the sensible option. Silly silly me! I totally eat my words for breakfast, lunch and dinner! To see him make all in a field of such quality was nothing short of awesome. His leap at the last and the roar that followed will long live in the memory.

Gold Cup winner Long Run was brave in defeat, his class and heart took him into second place. His jumping was a worry but you can be sure that connections will work on that between now and the King George, which is being seriously considered by connections. On this showing and at this stage of the season I would not readily back against him retaining his crown in March. Weird Al ran with credit and I look forward to seeing him return after a break. He fully deserves his place in races of this calibre.

I must admit to being somewhat disappointed with the performances of Diamond Harry and Time For Rupert. At this moment in time I can only draw on two conclusions. 1) There is something amiss with the both of them or 2) Maybe this level of race is asking too much.

For ten minutes on Saturday afternoon, everything was right with the world. Thank you Kauto, you are truly beautiful.

@cathrynfry

Grands Future

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 20:57:00 +0000

Photo of Grand Crus at Cheltenham Open by @emmykgts

Last weekend gave us top class jumping action on both sides of the Irish Sea, leaving us with our own particular eye catchers that we hope are destined for Festival glory. Yes it’s true that Cheltenham dominates the whole of the National Hunt season, but what’s so wrong with that?! (here, here - JP)

One of the standout performances of the Open meeting was Grands Crus’ victory on Friday in the Novice Chase. A mistake at the ditch 4 out failed to stop his momentum and the way he travelled round the home turn towards the second last was reminiscent of the way he travelled the same path to victory in the Cleeve Hurdle in January.

In recent years the 2m4f Novice Chase has become key in the education of future stars. The 2010 renewal was won by Time For Rupert with subsequent Dipper Chase winner Hells Bay in second. Outside of the first three places came the high class handicappers; Reve De Sivola, Divers, and Quantativeeasing. In 2009 the race was taken by Weird Al, who recently won this season's Charlie Hall Chase with Time For Rupert in second. The 2007 winner was Imperial Commander who went on to take the 2008 Paddy Power, the 2009 Ryanair and the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup. 2006 saw a victory for the mighty Denman who afterwards was responsible for two Hennessey’s (2007 and 2009) the 2007 RSA Chase, the 2007 Lexus, the 2008 Aon and the 2008 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Second to Denman in 2006 was the 2010 Grand National hero Don’t Push It.

It seems likely that Grands Crus is destined for the very top, there was no surprise hat his odds for the 2012 RSA have tumbled from 8/1 to a general 4/1 (6/1 available with Ladbrokes). Runner up Champion Court will also surely take more prizes. (JP has tipped Champion Court for the RSA Chase) . It was a shame Cue Card didn’t complete the race but he must not be written off, there is a big day for him.

@cathrynfry

The shape of things to come

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 17:19:00 +0000

Attentions turned to Down Royal this weekend; the jumping stars were out in force and the 2011/12 National Hunt season is now in full flow. Friday’s Grade Two Hurdle, saw the seasonal reappearance of last years's JPFestival.com NAP, Oscars Well. He travelled strongly until lack of race fitness caught up with him, finishing only a 3 ¾ lengths third behind The Real Article who is progressing at a rate of knots.

Although fitness was clearly an issue in his defeat, I wonder if two miles is the correct trip for Oscars Well? Two miles in stamina sapping ground yes, but I’m not convinced he is a true two miler. That opinion has nothing to do with my love of reigning Champion Hurdler Hurricane Fly (yeah right - JP). I would love to see a real challenger emerge to the Fly for what would make a great race spectacle. Think Monksfield and Sea Pigeon. We’ll find out more about Oscars Well and his quest for two mile glory when he clashes with the main man himself in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on 20 November.

The Real Article is a horse going places and going places fast. He can travel like a dream while oozing class. He will now be aimed at races such as The Fighting Fifth and The Hattons Grace. If he continues in this vein, I could certainly see him finishing in the frame in the Champion Hurdle.

Kalann who finished in second place showed us he is improving all the time. This was a very good performance by the four year old. He was very impressive last time out at Cheltenham and was only rerouted here due to the weight he was allotted in his intended target of the Greatwood Hurdle.

Quito De La Roque showed his staying power to full effect when grinding on past the non-staying Sizing Europe to take the Grade One JNWine.com Champion Chase. It was only three weeks ago that he was suffering from a slight leg problem and was reportedly only 90% fit for this assignment. All of that taken into account makes his win here all the more impressive.

Will we now get to see him at Cheltenham? It was widely touted last year that connections felt he was best on a flat track and swerved the Festival in favour of Aintree. However the undulations of Down Royal did not inconvenience him too much. He will now receive entries in the John Durkan Chase at Punchestown and the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas. The 20/1 for the Gold Cup is too big; there is so much improvement to come in the capable hands of Colm Murphy.

It breaks my heart to see Sizing Europe weary and legless over three miles. Connections are keen to take a shot at the King George, a plan that was last year scuppered by the bad weather. Kempton is an easy three miles but I still don’t see him winning. His class would carry him into a place but I really don’t want to see him there. He could easily win another Queen Mother Champion Chase and would win a Ryanair as he would get 2m5f. I just hope these attempts at three miles aren’t leaving a mark on this brave and talented soul.

As his famous half-brother Kauto Star enters the twilight of his career, Kauto Stone heralded his arrival onto the jumps scene with trumpet sounds and a gun salute! He was most impressive in winning the Grade Two Chase. This was an introduction that was stamped firmly with the word exciting.

I was disappointed with the performance of Galway Plate winner Blazing Tempo, sent off the 6/4 favourite. She didn’t look happy at any stage and was beaten 14 ½ lengths into third. Hopefully this is a minor blip from a mare that holds some high profile entries.

@cathrynfry

JP's Ten to Follow for 2011/12 National Hunt Season

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:35:00 +0000

I must admit I've not been a huge fan of ten to follow's as I find it can interfere with my betting judgement during the season but it's a bit of fun. I'm a huge fan of horses that run well at Cheltenham. Not only do they tend to come back and run well again but the form tends to hold up at other courses as well. All horses are on the official Totesport ten to follow list. In no particular order here we go:

Captain Chris - Philip Hobbs

This year's Arkle wiunner made his seasonal debut at Exeter on Tuesday when favourite for the Haldon Gold Cup, only to unseat at the last. I was impressed with the versatility of the Captain during last season and with the way he improved. Some will disagree but he would have won if not unseating at Exeter as he made up tremendous ground between the last two flights and was accelerating. Next stop the King George and I can see him developing into a leading contender for the Gold Cup.

Time For Rupert - Paul Webber

Starting favourite, Rupert did well to finish 5th in RSA Chase in March after struggling throughout. It turns out he had a poor blood count afterwards so can be forgiven that run. He confirmed it was a one off when running well when coming 2nd in the Charlie Hall last Saturday, finishing 27 lengths ahead of Cheltenham NH Chase winner Chicago Grey. He's a top contender for all the long distance chases this year and I'd love to see him make the Gold Cup.

First Lieutenant - Mouse Morris

After winning on his debut in a novice chase at Tipperary some where disappointed with this year's Neptune Hurdle winner's second run when beaten a nose by De Valira at Cork. However, given the conditions were all against him and it was only his second run of the season I was actually impressed. The Lieutenant is a great stamp of horse and was always going to be a chaser. He'll be better over further and is likely to develop into a leading contender in the RSA Chase.

Blazing Tempo - Willie Mullins

Fifth in the Jewson, this talented mare is highly thought of by the Willie Mullins stable. She made her seasonal debut in the Kerry National finishing around 6 1/2 lengths behind Alpha Beat. Only 7 years old there is plenty more to come. Expect to see her run well in the Hennessy for which 25/1 is widely available.

Zarkandar - Paul Nicholls

Winner at both Cheltenham and Aintree this high class hurdler is being aimed for the Champion Hurdle. He made rapid progress in the few weeks before the Festival where he picked up the Triumph Hurdle prize. This is a really tough division this year and there are going to be some great hurdle races over 2 miles in the build up to the big one. I'd be surprised if Zarkandar doesn't pick up a few along the way and perhaps will feature in the big one come March.

I'm So Lucky - David Pipe

Highly thought of by the stable and this one flies a bit under the radar. Watch the Champion Chase again and you'll see that although he was 7th it was a very good run. Mixed it with top company last year and I will that this could be the season when this 9 year old comes good.

Oscars Well - Jessica Harrington

Races with lots of enthusiasm and I love his attitude. He stumbled on landing when in the lead over the last in the Neptune which he surely would have won. Lots of options as he stays but also has speed. I'd be surprised though if he doesn't end up in the Champion Hurdle. Unlucky not to land the JPFestival.com NAP in March I'm sure he'll reward backers this season. Runs at Down Royal tomorrow.

Celestial Halo - Paul Nicholls

A long term favourite of JPFestival.com having landed the NAP at 10/1 in the 2008 Triumph Hurdle. Now that it's been established he's a hurdler not a chaser I expect him to pick up a number of races just below the top level. He can get some early money in the bank and points on the board by taking the Grade 2 Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday.

Peddlers Cross - Donald McCain

High class hurdler who looks like he'll develop into a top novice chaser. He has a great blend of stamina and speed and a determined will to win. Won 8 races before being beaten at Cheltenham (ran a cracker) and Aintree (over the top). Current favourite for the Arkle and I can see him winning a number of 2 mile novice chasers before featuring in the 2 mile novice chase championship at Cheltenham. Handled by Donald McCain who is very much an up and coming trainer. Likely to make his debut at Exeter on Wednesday where he'll take all the beating.

Champion Court - Martin Keighley

Another up and coming trainer is Martin Keighley who is already close to beating last year's total number of winners. When visiting the stables last season this was the horse that impressed me most and he's highly thought of by connections. He has a lovely way about him and is still learning his trade as a racehorse. 4th in Albert Bartlett in March he made an inauspicious start over fences when falling in his first chase at Perth. He made amends next time when taking a hot novice chase at Aintree over 2m 4f. He'll get better with more racing and when tackling a longer trip. Should pick up a few races before taking his chance in the RSA Chase for which I've tipped him.

Cathryn Fry's Ten to Follow 2011/12 National Hunt Season

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 08:53:00 +0000

It’s ten to follow time again! A few of these are not on the official Totesport ten to follow list. (TTTF) indicates those that are.

Barrakilla. 4yo, Evan Williams
Won his only point in Ireland before joining Evan Williams this summer. He had a good first run in an Ascot bumper last weekend. Considered to be an exciting prospect.

Berties Dream. 8yo, Henry De Bromhead (Ire) (TTTF)
2010 Albert Bartlett winner when in the care of Paul Gilligan. He was a very sick horse last season and still managed to finish sixth to Big Bucks in the World Hurdle. 4th on his Seasonal reappearance at Thurles. Do not give up on him!

Hidden Cyclone. 6yo, John “Shark” Hanlon (Ire) (TTTF)
Won two Grade Two’s in Ireland last season and won six out of seven races in total. Plans are to go novice chasing with him around Christmas time. His trainer believes he could be a Gold Cup horse for 2014.

Hurricane Fly. 7yo, Willie Mullins (Ire) (TTTF)
Obvious I know but I just couldn’t have a ten to follow without him in it! You know all about him and the road to Cheltenham begins again in the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown on 20 November. Savour him.

Quito De La Roque. 7yo, Colm Murphy (Ire) (TTTF)
Won at Aintree and Punchestown last year. Was only beaten once in six races last season and that was by RSA winner Bostons Angel. Apparently has a preference to flat tracks so we may not ever see him at jumping’s HQ. Due to run in Saturday’s JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal.

Rocky Creek. 5yo, Paul Nicholls
Bought literally at the track after winning his only point to point in Ireland. Was rumoured to have cost £250,000. Many a good judge considered him to be the best newcomer they had seen all season. Sent off at prohibitive odds for his first start over hurdles at Exeter yesterday and was beaten a neck. There is a lot more to come from him.

Rubi Light. 6yo, Robert Hennessy (Ire) (TTTF)
Would have beaten Sizing Europe had it not been for a last fence fall at Gowran in October. A Grade Two winner at the same track last season. Third in the Ryanair at the Festival. Needs soft ground to be at his very best. Was due to run in this weekend’s JNwine.com Champion Chase at Down Royal but has been found to be suffering from a viral infection.

Thousand Stars. 7yo, Willie Mullins (Ire) (TTTF)
Will he go chasing, will he stay hurdling? He does not know how to run a bad race. 2010 County Hurdle winner, 4th in this year’s Champion Hurdle and winner of the Grade One Grande Course De Haies D’Auteuil in France.

Wishfull Thinking. 8yo, Phillip Hobbs (TTTF)
Won at Aintree and Punchestown. Second to Noble Prince in the Jewson. Currently second favourite for the Paddy Power. Tough as nails and versatile with regards to ground. Further improvement expected.

Wyse Hill Teabags. 6yo, Jim Goldie
Unlucky not win the valuable listed handicap hurdle at Aintree in April. Third the Grade Two premier Hurdle at Kelso. Clearly useful.

@cathrynfry

Good things come to those who wait

noreply@blogger.com (Jonathan Pollinger) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 08:54:00 +0000

Review of Wetherby - Saturday 29 October 2011

It’s been a long road for Restless Harry from his 40/1 second in the 2009 Challow Hurdle to his scintillating victory in Saturday’s Grade two John Smiths Hurdle. After announcing his arrival onto the scene with an eight length win in the Classic Novices Hurdle at Cheltenham in January 2010, there came THAT fall at the last in the 2010 Albert Bartlett followed by a confidence building victory at Cheltenham’s April meeting at the end of the 2009/10 season.

Last season we saw him again campaigned at the highest level and although not disgraced at any stage there were certainly no fireworks involved. However, Saturdays win was explosive, he finished twenty lengths clear of 2009 and 2010 winner Fair Along and a further fifteen lengths clear of What a Friend.

A novice chase campaign now awaits Restless Harry and anyone who saw trainer Robin Dickin’s emotional post race interviews knows how much this horse means to him. What a prospect he has on his hands; the 33/1 for the RSA Chase could just turn out to be value.

Hot on the hoof of the John Smiths Hurdle came a win for horse who has spent many a day in the wilderness; arise Weird Al, your time has come. In taking the Grade Two Charlie Hall Chase he proved what many of us have always known. He is a decent horse who has had the misfortune to be plagued with problems and injuries. The win was not a huge surprise given his class and he had already won over course and distance at Wetherby. I have long been a fan of the eight year old since he beat Knockara Beau by a neck at Cheltenham in November 2009. Had injury not kept him out of the 2010 RSA Chase, I have no doubt he would have featured in the finish. After dead heating for first place with subsequent Paddy Power winner Little Josh on his first run of last season at Carlisle, the wheels again came off the bus. A breathing operation was required after a lacklustre performance in the Hennessy, then on his reappearance in the Cheltenham Gold Cup he broke a blood vessel. Where this season takes him next depends very much on his wellbeing. Despite being 8/1 favourite for the Hennessy it's unlikely that he will run. The King George could well be on the agenda. But wherever he goes he must be taken very seriously indeed.

Runner up Time For Rupert did not disappoint. It was said post race that he was not 100% fit with trainer Paul Webber reporting that his next engagement will be the Betfair Chase at Haydock on 19 November. Rupert is becoming something of a people’s horse and it’s easy to see why. There remains a decent prize waiting for this lovable and talented chestnut. It’s worth writing in the notebook that it was twenty seven lengths back to the third horse; National Hunt Chase winner Chicago Grey.

Just maybe good things DO come to those who wait…

@cathrynfry on Twitter