Yesterday's racing certainly did not disappoint, with Simonsig and Puffin Billy laying down big Cheltenham markers for their respective races. It was hard not to be impressed with both, but a full run down will be available on Cheltenham Watch once the weekend is over. Moving on to today's cards and there is some really good action to get our teeth into. Haydock has a precautionary morning inspection, but at the moment the signs are very good and racing should be taking place there to compliment the great card at Ascot.
14.00 Ascot
The unfortunate absence of Big Buck's means this Grade 1 prize is wide open and someone will be hoping their horse can stake a claim for the World Hurdle prize in March. Smad Place seems the obvious starting point, coming third at Cheltenham last season before disappointing on his reappearance when favourite at Wetherby 49 days ago. He's been given plenty of time to rediscover his form, but in the testing conditions I will be looking to take him on. Paul Nicholls runs Prospect Wells in a bid to fill the void left by Big Buck's. He's been stepped up in trip after a season of being a reasonably high class two miler, and consequently is watched rather than backed on this outing. Reve De Sivola showed his staying qualities when second behind Big Buck's at Newbury, but instead TRUSTAN TIMES is taken to land the hattrick and follow up on his recent Fixed Brush Hurdle win. He has room for improvement and in this weak Grade 1 affair can take the step up from handicap company. His ability to stay is also undoubted and he should put up a good display here. 10/3 William Hill
14.35 Ascot
After his inteded reappearance in the Peterborough Chase was scrapped, there's little reason to oppose HEY BIG SPENDER, who was advised to win that day. Today's 3 mile trip and soft conditions will suit him more than that encounter would have and his good record fresh instills further confidence. It won't be an easy task though, with recent course winner Roberto Goldback and Hold On Julio involved after differeing fortunes in the Hennessey. The former fell with much of the race left whilst the latter gets to race off a 2 pound lower mark after coming a reasonable fifth that day. Both should be involved but the selection is preferred for his proven performance in testing conditions. Ackertac returns to Ascot after winning last time out around the Berkshire venue, but this trip may just be beyond him today. 9/2 William Hill
15.10 Ascot
The feature race of the day, as always with a competitive handicap many are in with a chance. Working down the racecard, Petit Robin looks to continue his resurgance over hurdles, and enjoys a handy 7 pound claimer, but others make more appeal today. Balder Success, a course and distance winner, is currently favourite and will have no problem with the going. Olofi, the recent Racing Post Hurdle winner, has to defy a career high mark to win today, and on top of that is worse off with some of his rivals today, primarily CASH AND GO who is chosen here. First choice by Geraghty, he is 4 pounds better off with Olofi today, he will have no problem dealing with the heavy going and this Grade 1 winner can take the big prize today. Of the rest Rattan, Ranjaan, It's A Gimme, Into Wain and Lyvius will all have their supporters, with the latter of those 5 most likely to get involved today. 8/1 Totesport, William Hill, Betfred
15.40 Ascot
ULCK DU LIN has to cope with a 10 pound rise for his win at Newbury three weeks ago, and although at the bottom of the weights that day, you got the feeling there was more to come from him and this mark should be well within his range. Vino Griego, Gus Macrae and My Brother Sylveste can all be given a chance, but the main threat may come from Majala who should find this easier than some of his recent encounters and looks a good each way bet. 7/4 Paddy Power, Betvictor, Bet365
13.10 Haydock
Of today's selections, this is one of the more tentative ones. The race seems to narrow down on bare form to She Ranks Me and DANCINGTILMIDNIGHT based on good runs by the pair at Newbury in separate races. The former was unfancied before using her stamina to account for her opposition, and today's step up in trip is therefore sure to suit. However in the selection she faces another who should relish the trip and should have no problem with conditions, and consequently in receipt of 5 pounds I just fancy Harry Fry's mare to take this. Although these two appeal most, Alder Mairi, Hannah Jacques and Scholastica arrive with winning form but the featured pair's class should shine through. 11/4 Bet 365, Paddy Power
13.45 Haydock
Donald McCain is always a huge supporter of northern meetings, and if he fails to land the spoils with She Ranks Me in the previous race, then HOLLOW TREE can certainly be given a favourite's chance in this encounter. We know how good this horse is from his form last year and this move into handicap company shouldn't prevent him from returning to the winners enclosure. He may have to carry top weight, but he is one of the best hurdlers in testing ground and I'm not sure many in this race should be as close as they are on official ratings to him today. Mwaleshi is the obvious contender, seeking a fourth win and coping with a huge 30 pounds rise in the weights last time to win at Wetherby easily. He's up another 13 pounds today and arguably may not have reached his ceiling yet, but against Hollow Tree this looks a big ask, even with his claimer on board. Bakbenscher disappointed last time out when fancied at Newbury and therefore has a bit to prove. 4/1William Hill, Paddy Power
14.15 Haydock
After taking a chance in the Betfair Chase, CANNINGTON BROOK was unable to win in handicap company at Chepstow, but back around his favourite track in ideal conditions he can follow up on last year's victory. Although rated 14 pounds higher than when he won this race last year, this mark is certainly within his reach, and if well there's little doubt he should be involved at the finish. Mumbles Head and Carrickboy race after trying their hand over Aintree's National fences. Of the two the former is preferred whilst Merry King is entitled to perform well after the form of his second behind Rolling Aces was franked earlier this week. 6/1 Paddy Power
Good luck!
The Horse Whisperer
Friday, 21 December 2012
Thursday, 20 December 2012
21st December 2012
Welcome again to The Horse Whisperer and with the Festive calendar really kicking off tomorrow, here are my selections for the upcoming big races, with the starred (*) horses the most fancied.
The Ladbroke - Cash And Go
Long Walk Hurdle - Trustan Times
King George - Cue Card*
Christmas Hurdle - Darlan
Racing Post Novice Chase - Arvika Ligeonniere*
Welsh National - Teaforthree*
Dial-a-bet Chase - Sizing Europe*
Lexus Chase - Sir Des Champs
Friday racing is centred around Ascot, with Simonsig's long awaited chasing debut the likely highlight of the day. There's no surprises with today's two selections.
13.55 Ascot
PUFFIN BILLY has to be one to follow for the foreseeable future. His trainer will soon run out of superlatives to describe him and he will surely extend his unbeaten sequence to four. Meganisi is probably the strongest opposition he has had to face yet though, and on bare times from their respective Newbury runs three weeks ago, should certainly have enough to give the selection something to think about. Up To Something looks set to take third. 8/15 several
14.30 Ascot
One of the most eagerly awaited chasing debuts of the season, it is again hard to see past the odds on favourite SIMONSIG. Last year's Neptune winner is antepost favourite for the Arkle, and whilst I think he is potentially vulnerable in March over the shorter 2 mile trip, today's 19 furlongs will be right up his street. It is also yet to be seen how he copes with ground as soft as he faces at Ascot, but he was in a different league to the rest of these over hurdles, is a former winning pointer and therefore it would take something monumental for him to be beaten. Dare Me is the forecast selection. 2/9 several
Good luck!
The Horse Whisperer
The Ladbroke - Cash And Go
Long Walk Hurdle - Trustan Times
King George - Cue Card*
Christmas Hurdle - Darlan
Racing Post Novice Chase - Arvika Ligeonniere*
Welsh National - Teaforthree*
Dial-a-bet Chase - Sizing Europe*
Lexus Chase - Sir Des Champs
Friday racing is centred around Ascot, with Simonsig's long awaited chasing debut the likely highlight of the day. There's no surprises with today's two selections.
13.55 Ascot
PUFFIN BILLY has to be one to follow for the foreseeable future. His trainer will soon run out of superlatives to describe him and he will surely extend his unbeaten sequence to four. Meganisi is probably the strongest opposition he has had to face yet though, and on bare times from their respective Newbury runs three weeks ago, should certainly have enough to give the selection something to think about. Up To Something looks set to take third. 8/15 several
14.30 Ascot
One of the most eagerly awaited chasing debuts of the season, it is again hard to see past the odds on favourite SIMONSIG. Last year's Neptune winner is antepost favourite for the Arkle, and whilst I think he is potentially vulnerable in March over the shorter 2 mile trip, today's 19 furlongs will be right up his street. It is also yet to be seen how he copes with ground as soft as he faces at Ascot, but he was in a different league to the rest of these over hurdles, is a former winning pointer and therefore it would take something monumental for him to be beaten. Dare Me is the forecast selection. 2/9 several
Good luck!
The Horse Whisperer
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
20th December 2012
The focus of tomorrow's racing has to be Exeter's rescheduled Peterborough Chase meeting. The fixture is looking to beat the weather though with an 8am inspection, but I'm hopeful of it proceeding and these are my two favoured selections.
13.20 Exeter
This should be third time lucky for DOMTALINE who has been very close to winning his two previous races when advised on here. His second to Kumbeshwar has been boosted since and he should have enough to see of Lidar. 7/4 Boylesports
13.50 Exeter
The main race, Wishfull Thinking is the current market leader but I fully expect him to be overturned. This is a much harder race than his recent confidence boosting win at Cheltenham but with the soft conditions I can see him outstaying Ghizao, who finished tamely enough at Ascot to suggest he is vulnerable here. Instead HEY BIG SPENDER is taken to make a winning reappearance here with the stamina test sure to suit. He should be finishing stronger than anything. In the race and he looks a great value bet. 5/1 Ladbrokes
Good luck!
The Horse Whisperer
13.20 Exeter
This should be third time lucky for DOMTALINE who has been very close to winning his two previous races when advised on here. His second to Kumbeshwar has been boosted since and he should have enough to see of Lidar. 7/4 Boylesports
13.50 Exeter
The main race, Wishfull Thinking is the current market leader but I fully expect him to be overturned. This is a much harder race than his recent confidence boosting win at Cheltenham but with the soft conditions I can see him outstaying Ghizao, who finished tamely enough at Ascot to suggest he is vulnerable here. Instead HEY BIG SPENDER is taken to make a winning reappearance here with the stamina test sure to suit. He should be finishing stronger than anything. In the race and he looks a great value bet. 5/1 Ladbrokes
Good luck!
The Horse Whisperer
Tuesday, 18 December 2012
19th December 2012
With the recent decimation of my ante post bets for Cheltenham, the following horses have formed the make up of small accumulators for interest, with the starred horses the most favoured.
Zarkandar/Darlan (Champion Hurdle) *
Quevega (Mares Hurdle)
Rival D'Estruval (National Hunt Chase)
Dynaste (RSA Chase) *
Sprinter Sacre (Champion Chase) *
Tidal Bay (World Hurdle)
Far West (Triumph Hurdle) *
Coneygree (Albert Bartlett)
Bobs Worth/Sir Des Champs (Gold Cup) *
Onto today's racing and here are the best selections.
12.50 Newbury
Chartreux was able to capitalise on Fingal Bay's bizarre run last time out, and may have some improvement in him as he was rated higher over hurdles. However he showed little before that day to be considered seriously over fences and others are far more attractive here. Honest John arrives in good form seeking the hattrick, and the 5 pound rise he faces is certainly within his range, but off the same mark as a good third a fortnight ago, HANDY ANDY makes most appeal. His mark of 115 seems to be about right based on past form, but this step up in trip could be what brings about an improvement. He's often been outpaced in his races, and after staying on again at the course last time, today's trip could just be what he needs. His form on soft ground isn't great but I'll excuse the runs as one was over 2 miles and the other was after a long lay off. His form around Newbury also reads 311 which only helps his cause further. 4/1 Ladbrokes, Betvictor, Bet365
14.25 Newbury
Rose Of The Moon is another seeking a hattrick, and has had a pretty easy time in getting into the position, but the opposition he faces today is much stiffer. Restless Harry returns to 3 miles and certainly has the class if performing like the horse of old to take this. He receives 7 pounds from Rose Of The Moon, and has only 3 chase runs to his name, but hasn't set the world alight in any of those and is overlooked. Instead TULLAMORE DEW is given a chance to show why he's been campaigned in much better opposition. He's been one of those easy names to cross off in past races at Aintree and Cheltenham, but there must be some talent there and this looks a chance to secure a long awaited win with Denis O'Regan is in the saddle hoping to follow up on winning the race last year. 4/1 several
Good luck!
The Horse Whisperer
Zarkandar/Darlan (Champion Hurdle) *
Quevega (Mares Hurdle)
Rival D'Estruval (National Hunt Chase)
Dynaste (RSA Chase) *
Sprinter Sacre (Champion Chase) *
Tidal Bay (World Hurdle)
Far West (Triumph Hurdle) *
Coneygree (Albert Bartlett)
Bobs Worth/Sir Des Champs (Gold Cup) *
Onto today's racing and here are the best selections.
12.50 Newbury
Chartreux was able to capitalise on Fingal Bay's bizarre run last time out, and may have some improvement in him as he was rated higher over hurdles. However he showed little before that day to be considered seriously over fences and others are far more attractive here. Honest John arrives in good form seeking the hattrick, and the 5 pound rise he faces is certainly within his range, but off the same mark as a good third a fortnight ago, HANDY ANDY makes most appeal. His mark of 115 seems to be about right based on past form, but this step up in trip could be what brings about an improvement. He's often been outpaced in his races, and after staying on again at the course last time, today's trip could just be what he needs. His form on soft ground isn't great but I'll excuse the runs as one was over 2 miles and the other was after a long lay off. His form around Newbury also reads 311 which only helps his cause further. 4/1 Ladbrokes, Betvictor, Bet365
14.25 Newbury
Rose Of The Moon is another seeking a hattrick, and has had a pretty easy time in getting into the position, but the opposition he faces today is much stiffer. Restless Harry returns to 3 miles and certainly has the class if performing like the horse of old to take this. He receives 7 pounds from Rose Of The Moon, and has only 3 chase runs to his name, but hasn't set the world alight in any of those and is overlooked. Instead TULLAMORE DEW is given a chance to show why he's been campaigned in much better opposition. He's been one of those easy names to cross off in past races at Aintree and Cheltenham, but there must be some talent there and this looks a chance to secure a long awaited win with Denis O'Regan is in the saddle hoping to follow up on winning the race last year. 4/1 several
Good luck!
The Horse Whisperer
18th December 2012
Apologies for the previous few days where I've not been able to get full race previews out. In anticipation of tomorrow as well I am off on holiday but will still be providing posts from abroad over the busy Christmas period. They may however be up at unusual times.
The weekend was a positive one in terms of racing results, and as always Cheltenham Watch 2013 will be updated, but the news of Big Buck's and Al Ferof's injuries has managed to completely dampen my mood. As many of you will know, the former is my favourite and the crux of my antepost Cheltenham betting and the latter was my King George pick. For 4 years I've journeyed to Cheltenham to watch Big Buck's on the Thursday and it's such a shame I won't be able to so this year. Thankfully the two have not suffered life threatening injuries, and there does seem hope that they will return next season. Until we hear otherwise, then my sympathy goes out to those whose bets have also been ruined!
Here's a selection for today.
13.00 Folkestone
A couple of names stand out here, but arguably because they have to bounce back from poor performances. Godsmejudge and BARLOW both performed poorly last time out, but the latter is expected to improve for a return to a sounder surface. Talkonthestreet hasn't seemed the same horse this year as last season so again is taken on. The rest of the field leaves little on form grounds to be desired and this should hopefully be an easy one for Warren Greatrex's horse. 11/4 Bet365, Coral
Good luck!
The Horse Whisperer
Apologies for the previous few days where I've not been able to get full race previews out. In anticipation of tomorrow as well I am off on holiday but will still be providing posts from abroad over the busy Christmas period. They may however be up at unusual times.
The weekend was a positive one in terms of racing results, and as always Cheltenham Watch 2013 will be updated, but the news of Big Buck's and Al Ferof's injuries has managed to completely dampen my mood. As many of you will know, the former is my favourite and the crux of my antepost Cheltenham betting and the latter was my King George pick. For 4 years I've journeyed to Cheltenham to watch Big Buck's on the Thursday and it's such a shame I won't be able to so this year. Thankfully the two have not suffered life threatening injuries, and there does seem hope that they will return next season. Until we hear otherwise, then my sympathy goes out to those whose bets have also been ruined!
Here's a selection for today.
13.00 Folkestone
A couple of names stand out here, but arguably because they have to bounce back from poor performances. Godsmejudge and BARLOW both performed poorly last time out, but the latter is expected to improve for a return to a sounder surface. Talkonthestreet hasn't seemed the same horse this year as last season so again is taken on. The rest of the field leaves little on form grounds to be desired and this should hopefully be an easy one for Warren Greatrex's horse. 11/4 Bet365, Coral
Good luck!
The Horse Whisperer
Monday, 17 December 2012
Saturday, 15 December 2012
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