Friday's Meetings Newbury N/H 7 Races 12:15-3:35p.m. Limerick N/H 7 Races 12:30-3:55p.m. Southwell A/W 7 Races 12:55-4:15p.m. Kempton(E) A/W 8 Races 4:30-8:00p.m. Dundalk(E) A/W 8 Races 5:15-8:45p.m. Doncaster Abandoned Racecards At The Races Racing Post Sporting Life Good Luck
Am very disappointed that The Lieutenant hasn’t declared a couple at Newbury tomorrow (Chantry House and Downtown Getaway). Note though that they do have other options this weekend so hopefully we may still see them on a racetrack very shortly. One that does go though is CHAMP (2.25) and it will be fascinating to see how he gets on upped to Graded level over fences. Would expect him to oblige again of the morrow before then being upped to Grade 1 company – probably the ‘Kauto Star’ on St Stephen’s Day. Then, after this, I guess the owner and/or his management team need to decide whether from that point on they remain in novice company, this term, or shoot for the old stars. But that is, very much, in the future first Champ needs to deliver tomorrow and I think he will. Good luck all.
Looking forward to seeing Glen Forsa in the 1.50 at Newbury. Probably a bit of a fact-finding mission for connections but hopefully a clear round.
Shame Doncaster is called off, that track has been in serious decline in my book for so many years now. Newbury looks really tricky to me (I.e no FOB runners) the only one I’m betting is Vision Des Flos at 13/2 in an EW play against Champ and Black Ops. I think better company and being taken on will show the Black Ops of last season and Champ should win, but at bigger prices I like the form of VDF over hurdles around this trip. it’s the trip that’s the key for me, I see Champ as a three miler and if he doesn’t jump to his best I can see this being a race to take him on in. 13/2 is too big in my opinion, just a shame we don’t have 8 running!!
The usual packed Winter fields of 17 runners at Dundalk once again on Friday evening. At least the rain will have dissipated, for a short while at least. Wooly caps and scarves at the ready... A couple of runners come to my attention on the card - the first one being Nimitz @ 4/1 in the 5.45 who was heavily backed last time out here only to go down by a neck after Declan McDonagh got his fractions wrong from the rear, gamble well and truly foiled. Billy Lee takes the reigns for this one and I think he's one of the best around in terms of knowing when to push the button and when to hold, given Nimitz is typically held up and delivered late, Billy will prove crucial to the outcome and I think Nimitz should go very close to gaining a 6th win of his career under his guidance. (check out his rides aboard One Cool Poet throughout the August/September period) Brilliant. There's a maiden to open the card and I reckon Joseph's Dark Vader @ 5/4 is unopposable - this Dark Angel colt has ran very creditable In his first 3 goes and it would be hugely disappointing if he doesn't oblige upped to 7f in what looks his easiest assignment to date. Nimitz was just about the price I would want in this race for the type of horse he is and Dark Vader I feel will oblige, so therfore, I am happy to take the shorter price about him. Good luck everyone as per usual.
For me, it's all about the brilliant Paisley Park on Friday. 8/13 so no betting proposition but hopefully will see one of the most exciting staying hurdlers for some time saunter home. 13lbs clear top rated by Timeform, and with a "p". 2/1 fav for the Cheltenham Stayers Hurdle. Could be odds on after this run
Thought i'd have a go at the placepot today at Newbury. 12:15 - King Roland 12:45 - Champagne City 1:20 - Shan Blue/Hawk's Well 1:50 - San Benedeto 2:25 - Champ 3:00 - Unowhatimenaharry EW Lucky 63 on: 12:15 - King Roland 15/8 12:45 - Champagne City 14/1 1:20 - Shan Blue 3/1 1:50 - San Benedeto 18/1 3:00 - Unowhatimenaharry 9/1 3:35 - Captain Tommy 12/1 EW single on Hawk's Well in the 1:20 at 50/1.
Nothing wrong with the jockey - the horse was broken by Many Clouds IMHO - he has never looked the same horse since. I think that day he went to a place that really scared him.
I think you’re right, I’ve got a story about that. Many clouds used bands called mojo bands that can enhance performance that were eventually band by the bha just before many clouds untimely death. Was there a connection I wonder.
The Blake’s must be doing a little dance of mini-triumph right now. Tis Fantastic won’t be opposed by any 3YOs (with that ‘dreaded’ allowance) at Southwell next Tuesday! Meanwhile, not great news to see Leicester off on Sunday and Newcastle with 'big doubts' re tomorrows meet.
