Thursday's Meetings Huntingdon N/H 7 Races 1:40-4:55p.m. Chester Flat 7 Races 1:50-5:05p.m. Worcester N/H 7 Races 2:00-5:20p.m. Chelmsford(E) A/W 7 Races 5:30-8:30p.m. Tipperary(E) N/H 7 Races 5:40-8:40p.m. Wincanton(E) N/H 6 Races 5:50-8:20p.m. Racecards At The Races Racing Post Sporting Life Good Luck
All winners gratefully received Unfortunately the weather is going to play a big part as the forecast is for yet another day of rain.
One of the easiest questions asked of racing folk is ‘Are you for Lieutenant Henderson???’. ‘Why yes’, everyone responds enthuasitically, ‘I’ll follow him for eternity. He is our sports shining star. In him we trust.’ However, will that be the rejoinder tomorrow re the bumper at Huntingdon – the lucky last (4.55). Even The Lieutenant’s most earnest of devotees must be having their doubts. Since the commencement of 2016 the forum’s favourite trainer has had 19 runners in Huntingdon bumpers and just one, I say one, has been victorious. Furthermore of the losers 9 went off favourite and 7 were 15/8 or lower in the market. A rare blip on his record those stats. Tomorrow in the Huntingdon bumper the great man saddles the unraced 4YO Pipesmoker (is this a lovely name for a gelding??? I guess that’s a debate for another day). He wasn’t a comparatively costly purchase as the old boy went for €20,000 in ’16. ‘Sporting Life’ currently have this son of Authorized favourite. It will be fascinating to see if The Lieutenant can break this hoodoo re his Huntingdon bumper runners. I won’t be punting either way but thought I’d flag up a run of results that The Lieutenant certainly wouldn’t get a medal for! Will Pipesmoker win or lose of the morrow??? What do we think, team?!?
I'll tell you what IS a lovely name for a gelding - Earl Biffy Biffen who runs in the same race. What-ho old chap.
The Lieutenant trained his half-brother. The much more soberly monikered Christmas In April (2 wins and eye-catchingly he won on his bumper bow).
Two strong fancies for tomorrow already - 1.50 Copper Knight- 3/1 has the plum draw in 1- gets on extremely well at Chester winning here twice. Had a very satisfactory run a couple of weeks ago proobably to come on for this race 4.05 - Full Authourity- 5/1 Omearas 2yo have made a cracking start as they do seem to be a lot more forward than the others. Has a decent draw in 3 is beautifully bred and the winner today makes it even more attractive
It's a big factor for me as to the trainers record in bumpers at the track. From memory Henderson fares well at Southwell of all places. Harry Whittington is the trainer at Huntingdon and Gav Sheehan the jockey, they team up with 12/1 SHANTOU VOW who is pretty nicely bred. That one will do for me!
Fancy a few tommorow 1.50 copper knight 2.25 circus maximus nap ( moore on the right one today) 3.00 drogon ( yard will be keen for a winner around here and the jockey booking stands out) 3.35 magic circle ( saves his best for chester like his connections burst blood vesel a concern lto) kew gardens may not like the ground. 4.05 the new Marwan (see above ) 4.35 Mr Chang ew shout 5.05 Crownthorpe turned out quicky after convincing 3 lgt win under same promising claimer.( the kid is going places) Good luck
In the first at Chester I'm inclined to agree with the above posts that Copper Knight looks the most likely winner but at a bigger price for those who might be looking for an each way then Confessional looks a very decent bet at around 12/1. I don't tend to go ew myslef unless it's at a big price so I'll be having a small win bet on Confessional and the reverse forecast with Copper Knight
Following the comments made yesterday 're Moore and Donnacha on here..do you see Kew Gardens as the right pick for Moore? Or is he on the wrong one again? Kew Gardens is a St Leger winner, the rain is gonna make it a greater test on stamina so has a lot in his favour. Has won on soft earlier in his career too - I would back Kew Gardens today. Dropping in grade as well... No bet for me though as work calls...have a good day Simonj.
The Skelton horse, who had been 2nd fave, is now a non-runner in that Huntingdon bumper. Most horses, in the contest, shortened up as a result. Meanwhile I see that the horses drawn 7, 10 and 12 in Chester’s 5 furlong handicap, the card commencer (1.50) are also out!
Have you seen the Bumper at Warwick on Saturday eve??? If only a fraction of those entered stand their ground then it should be a corking and informative contest. The Racecourse Executive must be delighted with the entries. All of those for just £4k prizemoney!
lBad news for those that have backed Siyarafina for the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches[french 1000] on Sunday - she does not run,according to her trainer she has failed to impress in her work.
My selections, then, just before I go and do my hair 13.05 Copper Knight 14.25 Circus Maximus 15.00 Lola's Theme 15.35 Kew Gardens 16.05 Full Authority 16.35 Katiesheidinlisa 17.05 Crownthorpe In the last 3 I may just put a small change treble on The New Marwan, Gabriel the One and Gossip Column, for obvious reasons. Also an each way play from the family for Dance King in the last. Betting wise, I'm leaving the 14.25 and15.35 races out - not for me. Good luck all
Talking of Saturday, Lieutenant Henderson seems to be aiming a few at the old Swinton Hurdle, on what can only be described as a lovely mixed card up in Lancashire. Mister Fisher, Jenkins and Dream Du Grand Val all currently entered and Mister Fisher vying for favouritism with the Skelton animal Sofias Rock and Mr Nicholls' Christopher Wood. Personally I'd like to see old Sternrubin get his head in front after solid efforts at Cheltenham and Aintree and hopefully the ground will stay goodish for him. Hard to believe he is still only 8 years old, seems to have been around forever and always a great sight to see him bowling along in front.
Will be taking on the fav in the 2.25 Chester. Although this is a listed race Mohawk has a group race under his belt,whereas Circus maximus has come up short in group races. Only win was in a maiden - Just hope that the 5lb penalty MOHAWK carries will not be a problem.