Was looking through the old weekend entries earlier on and must confess that a couple caught my eye. Both trained by Mr Henderson, the forumâs favourite trainer, and both on the Flat this Saturday. I would recommend that members check them out as both, I guarantee, will lead to at least one raised eyebrow. Although Iâm sure not out of doubt as given Mr Hendersonâs record only a fool would query his logic. The first is the 7YO Cucumber Run in the televised Listed Stowe Family Law Llp Grand Cup (3.10 York) who up until now has never raced on the level. In the NH sphere this one is, of course, more than decent being a 6 time winner but his possible opponents at the weekend are rated as highly as 114 and I do wonder if a horse has ever been set such a stiff task on its Flat debut as he could be taking on a Grade 1 Canadian International winner (Joshua Tree) and a horse placed in the Arc (Cavalryman) amongst others. The other entry is at Chester in the 13.5 furlong Duval-leroy Champagne Handicap (5.10). This is Cape Express who hasnât run on the flat for almost 3 years but is 1 from 2 for Mr Henderson (or 1 from 3 if you count the Charity race at Aintree on Grand National day) since resuming his career in March after a long absence. That win was as recent as 15 May when winning a Southwell Maiden Hurdle nicely. Again though, at this stage, the race looks extremely strong with many in form and potentially well treated animals in the line-up. Mr Henderson may though be keen to exploit Cape Expressâ handicap mark which is now 12 pounds lower than the last time he competed in this sphere. His recent winning form is another positive indicator. Meanwhile, although it may be a huge leap from this handicap to Royal Ascot I do wonder if Mr Henderson has that in mind re this one. In conclusion then I find these couple of entries intriguing and await with interest to see if they turn into actual declarations. Both should be decent prices if they turn up and Cape Express probably represents the best chance of the old boy chalking up yet another success given he is in the unusual position of being in good recent form but having dropped in the ratings. Cucumber Runâs entry though whilst being somewhat baffling has to be viewed as potentially the most audacious of all time.
Parish Hall was my original selection for the English 2000Gns before being taken out. How come he is now favourite for the Irish version?
I see that the Racing Post are reporting that Mr Bolger's plans to claim Classics with Parish Hall âon consecutive weekendsâ! Stick, when running one 'on the level' Mr Henderson is always to be respected. Was 1/1 at Royal Ascot last term and 1/1 at 'Glorious' Goodwood in 2010. I'm sure most Flat trainers are relieved that he doen't ply his trade in there sphere more often.
I see that Mr Henderson hasn't declared Cucumber Run for the Listed heat at York on Saturday. Hardly surprising as it would have been a monumental task for the old boy to compete, on level weights on his flat bow, with beasts rated as high as 113! However, Cape Express does go in the 5.10 at Chester and Neil Callan has been booked. Quite a few have dropped out of this heat and the 7YO has just 8 opponents now. Sporting Life are predicting odds of 11/2. Although several of his rivals are in form would expect Cape Express to go in here as he's the sort that Mr Henderson drops back onto the level and excels with. Get on!
