13:20, Ryanair Mares' Novices' Hurdle
La Conquiere 16/1, 1pt each-way (4 places)
The Mares' Novices' Hurdle seems to revolve around last year's Bumper winner Bambino Fever. She's only raced twice over hurdles (winning once) but has looked classy nonetheless. She is likely to turn around form with Oldschool Outlaw but she doesn't have that bombproof look about here, being so lightly raced. The Irish hold a strong hand here but Jamie Snowden thinks he has the best of the British here and has won his race before. He runs La Conquiere here. The 7 year old is lightly races herself for her age but ran a cracker to finish 2nd in a big Bumper at Aintree last Spring and won her first two hurdles very well (strong form). She came unstuck the last day when finishing 2nd at Ascot but it was a messy race and she was taking on her elders. She's well thought of and this has been the plan all winter. Must have a fair chance.
///
14:00, Jack Richards Novices' Limited Handicap Chase
Regent's Stroll 11/2, 2pts win
This looks like a strong renewal and Sixmilebridge brings Grade 1 winning form to the table. The worry for him is that he seems to be better on soft ground and hasn't performed on his 2 previous visits to this meeting. Meetmebythesea is respected for Ben Pauling and looks to have been trained for the race but preference is for Paul Nicholls' Regent's Stroll. Connections took this race last year and look to have trained Regent's Stroll for this. He's a classy sort who's just taken time to get his act together over fences, although he put in a much improved run the last day. He's a great jumper when he's right and could be well ahead of his mark.
///
14:40, Close Brothers Mares' Hurdle
Woodhooh - Fact To File double 5/2, 3pts win
We can't beat about the bush, this is a very poor Grade 1. It's not the race of old and Woodhooh seems to have frightened a lot off. Jade De Grugy was 2nd in this last year and must have a chance 12 months on but this is her first hurdles run since (has been chasing this season) and will need to be at her absolute peak to down the favourite who could start to turn Gordon Elliott's week around. Put her in a double with Fact To File.
///
15:20, Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle
Kabral Du Mathan 9/2, 2pts win
Honesty Policy 15/2, 2pts win
Honesty Policy 15/2, 2pts win
A really interesting Stayers' Hurdle this year. Teahupoo is back once again and continues to lead the way in this division. Older legs may start to take their toll on him however and he's had a harder season than other years, although he has looked as good as ever. On lively ground it may be worth taking him on. Bob Olinger is entitled to go well whilst Ballyburn needs a huge turnaround to get in front here. Impose Toi looked good in the back end of last year before being stuffed by Ma Shantou. He could get closer to that rival now on better terms but it's tricky to see him turning it around. Emma Lavelle's stable star Ma Shantou must have a chance here but it is Dan Skelton's Kabral Du Mathan who brings the classy edge into this. He's looked imperious on his 2 starts for this yard and bolted up in the Relkeel last time out from Jinko Blue. He's shaped as though this trip is within range and could come their swinging. At bigger odds, Honesty Policy has been weak in the market recently but must have a big chance here. He looked like a horse with a big future when winning at Aintree last April and ran a stormer to finish 3rd in the Long Walk on his only run since. He comes here fresh and with the world at his feet.
///
16:00, Ryanair Chase
See Mares' Hudle
Fact To File has been drifting but the reality is that if he turns up, he should win this. Jonbon and Banbridge are both classy horses with good runs this season but the favourite should be in the Gold Cup and is the star of the show.
///
16:40, Pertemps Network Final Handicap Hurdle
Supremely West 4/1, 2pts win
Absolutely Doyen 14/1, 1pt win
Absolutely Doyen 14/1, 1pt win
One of the hardest races of the week. However. Supremely West could take all the stopping here. The price has collapsed and although the Skelton's didn't have a great Wednesday, their runner here is now lower in the handicap than when 3rd to Ma Shantou and Electric Mason here in October (giving both weight). At bigger odds, Absolutely Doyen just keeps on winning and connections seem to think he's a very good horse.
///
17:20, Rosconn Group Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Jockeys' Handicap Chase
Herakles Westwood 9/1, 1.5pts each-way (5 places)
An open race and whilst Jeriko Du Reponet and Waterford Whispers both could be well ahead of the handicapper, they look ripe to take on in a race that can throw up an upset. Kim Roque is respected but Herakles Westwood brings good course form to the table here and is game as a pebble. He's in form and looks a fair bet.
No comments:
Post a Comment