I tipped Ripp Orf last week but he was ballotted out of the Balmoral. I said then that he was likely to find another opportunity so had to back him even though 4/1 wasn't great value. His last race has not worked out well but he's consistent and likely to have been primed for the bigger prize last week, so is likely to run well in an awkward race. 4.35 Doncaser Ripp Orf 4/1 to make up for missing the cut last time.
kelso,3 00: I JUST KNOW had a recent pipe-opener over hurdles,so any cobwebs will be blown away now for sure,and hes a very slick and tough jumper,so big shout here..
Done in with Azano by a 33/1 shot. The Gosden colt was clear of the others. Typical bookies benefit. Chairmanoftheboard was terrible. He never travelled a yard and his old sparring partner Sir Busker also ran like a drain earlier.
Well I felt he should have won that. It was the second day running I've seen a jockey doing a 'look how still I can look' on this horse. He should have kicked on 2 furlongs out, as Atzeni should have done yesterday. Well done Hornby, he's really coming on as a jockey. In fact Balding has 2 good young jockeys in Watson and this one, having produced Murphy as well. And Probert's pretty good too.
cheltenham,3 10: a strong renewal. FOXTAIL HILL,though,has a very solid record round here,and he won this race off 2 lbr higher last year,so should give his running once again..
Nice to see Tregoning have a useful horse. Can't help thinking he's not a Kris, and his target is likely to be the Gordon Lennox at Goodwood rather than the 2000G.
I know he's getting on a bit but 20/1 Duke Of Navan is a little insulting -very capable of winning this
O'Brien's Norway was poor, well beaten in 4th in the Grand Criterium at Saint Cloud. Stablemate Sydney Opera House did better as runner up but he is well exposed after seven runs and came in rated 106. Finishing beaten a neck and with the 3rd close up behind, this looked a Group 1 in name only. This is the weakest season for French 2YOs that I can remember in over 30 years. I have just Persian King in my notebook and that is pretty bad. I cottoned on to him after his first run and have nice prices for Guineas and Derby. There is simply nothing in France that I fear as a danger to the Fabre colt. This race also makes Aidan's hand look very thin in Derby terms. He really needs Magna Grecia to perform today.
cheltenham,3 45: THECLOCKISTICKING has a good profile for a race like this.hes been running with credit in the silver trophy at chepstow last time out(where he was well fancied),and is only 2 lbr higher here,so can run a big race,on a course,he goes well too..also unexposed over this trip..
kelso,4 10: a tricky,little race.SUDSKI STAR has quite a good record here,even though he hasnt been at his best in three starts this season.but if able to improve a notch or two today,probably wont be too far away..
