Saturday's Meetings Punchestown N/H 8 Races 11:30-3:25p.m. Haydock N/H 7 Races 12:08-3:40p.m. Huntingdon N/H 7 Races 12:15-3:45p.m. Ascot N/H 7 Races 12:25-3:50p.m. Newcastle(E) A/W 9 Races 3:33-7:40p.m. Wolverhampton(E) A/W 9 Races 4:25-8:25p.m. Racecards At The Races Sporting Life Racing Post Good Luck
Ascot 15,20 Marvel De Cerisy 13/2 e/w Lads and Coral three places, 6/1 sky four places Haydock Small bet 14,30 Twig 66/1 e/w Lads and Coral five places, 50/1 others
Two Grade 1 races on Saturday - the Lancashire Chase at Haydock and the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown. The Morgiana Hurdle once again demonstrating that Willie Mullins is not afraid to run his best horses against each other outside Cheltenham as Lossiemouth takes on State Man in a mouth-watering clash. The mare has 13lbs to find with State Man and even with the 7lbs mares allowance I can't see her beating the Champ. With 3 other entries Mullins is clearly looking to mop up some prize money but the unknown in the race is Gordon Elliott's Brighterdaysahead and it will be interesting to see how close she can get to State Man and Lossiemouth in what is a huge step up in class for her. Over at Haydock the Lancashire Chase has probably the best field we have seen for several years with last season's best staying novice chaser, Grey Dawning, stepping into open company for the first time against a host of proven Grade 1 regulars. Going through them in racecard order: Ahoy Senor - admirable if somewhat frustrating it feels like this is probably his last season in the top Grade 1 races (9 going on 10) and I could imagine Lucinda Russell has this race as his main target this season. He had a really nice pipe-opener in the Old Roan Chase, doing all his best work at the end of the inadequate trip. I'd love to see him win this. Bravemansgame - another who has become a tad frustrating (almost 2 years since his last victory) and Nicholls pins his hopes on first-time blinkers. Beaten at odds-on in this last year I can't help thinking he should be running at Newbury next week (a la Denman). Capodanno - picked up the pieces in a weak Cotswold Chase in January (another no-show from Ahoy Senor) with race conditions in his favour and this is probably his starting point for another tilt at the Grand National. I'm amazed to see him around the 8/1 mark. Gold Tweet - French raider who shouldn't be troubling the main protagonists - but you've got to try haven't you? Grey Dawning - hugely admirable grey who just refuses to lie down. Ginny's Destiny let the form down badly last weekend but there is no denying the talent and tenacity of Dan Skelton's charge. Would I back him at 2/1 in this? Absolutely NOT. It is a huge ask for his first race in open company and I just hope it doesn't overface him. Hewick - ran a massive race to be second to Down Royal specialist Envoi Allen and I think 10/1 is a bit of an insult to his ability - maybe ground related because if the forecast deluge turns it testing he may well struggle. If it stays good or good-soft he is a very solid e/w bet. Royal Pagaille - the 2023 winner will surely be the one to benefit most if the ground becomes testing. Not seen since falling in the Cotswold Chase but goes well fresh and no doubt Venetia Williams will have him spot on for this. The Real Whacker - a fantastic advertisement for his small yard and he ran away with the Charlie Hall 3 weeks ago - admittedly handed a soft lead which he won't get here. Likely to find a few too good. Limerick Lace - admirable mare who won the mares chase at the festival before finishing 10th in the Grand National (not seen since). Looks to have plenty on her plate here. Summary: If the rains come I think Royal Pagaille will have every chance of following up last year`s victory. It is certainly a brave decision to pitch Grey Dawning straight into this (might they regret not going to Newbury next weekend off a mark of 157?) whilst this may be Ahoy Senor's cup final. A fascinating contest.
Punchestown 14,50 Whatsafellatodo 14/1 e/w bet365 five places, 12/1 PP six places, 10/1 sky six places
15:05 Haydock - Grey Dawning Grade-1, Class-1, Chase over an extended 3m1f on soft ground. Probably still more to come from this classy chaser, First run after 226-day break, but sure to be produced fit enough to run a big race. 3/1 (Wm.Hill/SkyBet) best price early-doors, on the ATR site.
Did Skelton go too soon there on Grey Dawning? Or did that last fence error cost him? Great finish and well done Royale Pagaille.
Grade 1 and it looked like my tv was on slow motion in the finish there. Great race between those 2 up the straight like 2 heavyweight boxers with very little petrol in the tank. Once Venetia gets on a roll she fires them in. Only a matter of time before trainers complain ground is too soft though
Late shout for QUEEN OF THE ROSES 510 Newcastle... half sister to Big Evs.... tack issue on first appearance.
The Lancashire Chase was a great race. Well called, Oddy, experience won the day as you intimated in your post. But, my goodness, what a remarkable jumper Grey Dawning is, some of his leaps were quite astounding. Royal Pagaille was a deserved winner though. At last, a fine advert. for NH racing!
Deutsch showing what a vastly underrated or is that understated jockey he is.... won the next too,...
