Horse Racing – Page 3

My Picks: York Ebor Meeting Day 2

13:50 York – Sky Bet Lowther Stakes (Fillies’ Group 2) – Dramatised

KARL Burke’s unbeaten two-year-old filly shone bright two months ago when she ran out an impressive winner of the group 2 Queen Mary Stakes at Royal Ascot. This was a field with 21 runners and quality in depth, with the likes of Love Reigns finishing in behind, and could be considered on par with the field that ran in the Albany Stakes where Mawj finished second. Mawj is the other runner here that receives a 3lb penalty for winning a group two at Newmarket last month but I believe Dramatised has the edge on form and is the rightful favourite here.

15:35 York – Darley Yorkshire Oaks (Fillies’ & Mares’ Group 1) – Alpinista

THIS Frankel filly ran out an impressive winner of the Grand Prix Saint-Cloud last month in France. She travelled brilliantly in a class field featuring multiple winners at group level, including Hurricane Land and Lone Eagle, before accelerating impressively to pass her rivals. This victory lengthened her win streak to an impressive six and now Sir Mark Prescott’s mare returns to British soil in search of another group one win. Her main rivals include French raider Raclette who is fresh from a group two win at ParisLongchamp, Epsom Oaks winner Tuesday and Irish Oaks winner Magical Lagoon. She won’t have preferred conditions here with no rain forecast but providing the ground doesn’t firm up she should be able to show her class again here.

Forecast Pick

1st Alpinista

2nd Magical Lagoon

With both likely to be in the picture, Magical Lagoon and Tuesday appear easily interchangeable for second place and is a decision that boils down to personal preference. Considering that Tuesday’s previous effort in fourth in the Irish Derby was a bold attempt to take on the colts, it can easily be seen as a more competitive race than the Irish Oaks Magical Lagoon won, explaining the worse placing . Tuesday’s Oaks winning form means she finished ahead of Concert Hall, a horse that beat Magical Lagoon in her first run of the season in a close finish. Magical Lagoon gets my pick here however, with my preference for the horse who won in her previous run and appears to be an improving filly who has battling qualities late on. She is yet to have finished outside the top two this season and she might be a bit fresher than Tuesday who has taken on such grand tasks throughout the season already.

Ladbrokes Punchestown Gold Cup: Runner by Runner Preview

1. Al Boum Photo

Trainer: W P Mullins

Jockey: B J Cooper

Form: 1/132 – 16

10yo BG

Wgt: 11st 10lb p

OR: 165

DUAL Gold Cup champion Al Boum Photo began his usual path to Cheltenham by winning his fourth Savills Chase at Tramore in January. He still showed a great turn of foot for a stayer. He finished a respectable sixth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, but was near the back of a chasing group of horses who were in the picture before A Plus Tard showed devastating speed in the closing stages. Al Boum Photo has twice finished runner-up in this race, finishing just over a length behind Clan Des Obeaux in last year’s renewal and 17 lengths ahead of Joseph O’Brien’s Fakir D’oudairies. Both run again here and Willie Mullins’ charge will wear cheekpieces again after their first use last time out at Cheltenham.

2. Allaho

Trainer: W P Mullins

Jockey: P Townend

Form: 112-111

8yo BG

Wgt: 11st 10lb t

OR: 176

THE reigning Ryanair Chase champion is stepping up to three miles for the first time since finishing a distant fourth in the Savills Chase at Leopardstown in 2020. Kemboy, who also runs here, finished a close second to A Plus Tard on that occasion. Since then Allaho has five wins in six starts, all over a distance of two and a half miles and he has course form having won the grade one John Durkan in December last year. Mullins has opted for the three mile race at Punchestown as there isn’t the option of a race over two and a half miles and he thinks the stamina test will suit his powerful front runner.

3. Clan Des Obeaux

Trainer: P F Nicholls

Jockey: H Cobden

Form: 211-231

10yo BG

Wgt: 11st 10lb b

OR: 172

PAUL Nicholls’ multiple grade one winner has followed a similar pattern in form to last season. He ran bravely at Kempton, finishing third in the King George VI Chase in testing conditions and finished third at Newbury, before landing his second Betway Bowl success at Aintree earlier this month. Much like last season, the success came after the application of new headgear and he will wear blinkers again this time around. Last year’s renewal means Nicholls’ runner has form ahead of the likes of Al Boum Photo, Fakir D’oudairies and Kemboy who all go again here.

4. Fakir D’oudairies

Trainer: J P O’Brien

Jockey: M P Walsh

Form: 3-14211

7yo BG

Wgt: 11st 10lb

OR: 165

LAST year’s third in this race, Fakir D’oudairies showed impressive stamina and turn of foot when winning the Melling Chase at Aintree earlier this month. He has never beaten Allaho in the three starts he has met the Ryanair champion, so the decision was made to avoid Cheltenham and it paid off. The performance was an impressive one, finishing five-and-a-half lengths ahead of Hitman, a horse who consistently places in graded company. He can win on soft going as he showed when beating Two For Gold in the Ascot Chase, where conditions arguably favoured his rival. In a field deep in quality however, it may help his chances if the rain stays away here. At only seven years old O’Brien’s grade one winner is improving.

5. Galvin

Trainer: G Elliott

Jockey: D N Russell

Form: 11-1214

8yo BG

Wgt: 11st 10lb

OR: 167

CHELTENHAM Gold Cup fourth Galvin is a class staying chaser whose season started with a win at Punchestown. He was then defeated by multiple grade one winner Frodon before beating A Plus Tard by a short head in the grade one Savills Chase at Leopardstown in December. A Plus Tard went on to win the Gold Cup, reversing form over Gordon Elliot’s horse but the race wasn’t ran at a great pace. This horse thrives on a true test of stamina, with a win over three miles six furlongs at last year’s Cheltenham Festival great proof of that. If Allaho leads and forces the field to go at an honest pace it will help Galvin’s cause.

6. Janidil

Trainer: W P Mullins

Jockey: J S McGarvey

Form: 2-2532F

8yo BG

Wgt: 11st 10lb

OR: 164

RUNNER-UP to Allaho at Cheltenham where he finished 14 lengths behind the impressive winner in the Ryanair Chase. Janidil’s last run was just nine days ago in the grade two Devenish Chase at Fairyhouse, where he suffered a heavy fall halfway through the race. He steps back up to three miles here for the first time since finishing third to Conflated in the Irish Gold Cup in February where he finished in third, a neck behind Minella Indo in second and over five lengths ahead of Kemboy in fifth. He often places in top class races but his last win came in April last year in the Gold Cup Novices’ Chase at Fairyhouse.

7. Kemboy

Trainer: W P Mullins

Jockey: S F O’Keeffe

Form: 94-8353

10yo BG

Wgt: 11-10 p¹

OR: 165

AT his best Kemboy is an Irish Gold Cup winner, but he hasn’t won since that result last season. His best effort this season was a respectable third just 3/4 of a length behind Galvin and A Plus Tard in the grade one Savills Chase in December. He was last seen finishing third in the Betway Bowl earlier this month, where he finished nine lengths behind the eventual winner Clan Des Obeaux. He matched the winner until Paul Nicholls’ runner started pulling away halfway down the straight. He will wear cheekpieces for the first time.

8. Minella Indo

Trainer: H De Bromhead

Jockey: R M Power

Form: 41-3P22

9yo BG

Wgt: 11st 10lb t¹

OR: 170

THE 2021 Gold Cup winner started the season slowly but finished the runner-up in both the Irish Gold Cup and the Cheltenham Gold Cup. He took strong hold of the race at Cheltenham going into the straight but stablemate A Plus Tard quickened away impressively. Minella Indo’s jockey, Robbie Power, has said that A Plus Tard was unbeatable, especially once he drew level in the closing stages due to his finishing speed. If he can reproduce that form, Henry De Bromhead’s runner should be in the picture here. He will wear a tongue-tie for the first time.

9. Tornado Flyer

Trainer: W P Mullins

Jockey: D E Mullins

Form: 543-51P

9yo BG

Wgt: 11st 10lb

OR: 165

THIS horse has form ahead of Clan Des Obeaux and Minella Indo after winning the King George VI Chase in December at odds of 28/1. The win came in a race where conditions were extreme on stamina-sapping ground. He was pulled up in his following run in the Cheltenham Gold Cup last month, and multiple runners here have recorded form finishing ahead of this horse. He is unlikely to get a repeat of such tough conditions here.

My Verdict

1^st Clan Des Obeaux

2^nd Fakir D’oudairies

3^rd Allaho

CLAN DES OBEAUX comes into this race as the defending champion with form ahead of many of his most challenging rivals and is hitting all the same trends that led to last year’s success. Paul Nicholls’ runner has yet again flourished late in the season and new headgear could offer some improvement necessary to take on an improved field compared to what he faced last season. FAKIR D’OUDAIRIES has showed great improvement in the second half of the season and his strong finish at Aintree might suggest he will get the three-mile-trip much better this time around. ALLAHO although is a top class horse has achieved his best results exclusively at two-and-a-half miles. His improvement has been staggering, but it might be that he leads for the race, setting an honest gallop, before being picked off by the strong, more established three-milers in the closing stages. His victories have come by running a post-to-post gallop and an extra half a mile is a lot.

My Picks

COMBINATION TRICAST

WIN – Clan Des Obeaux

EACH WAY – Fakir D’0udairies

Aintree Grand National Festival: Grand National Day 3 Tips

14:25 – Betway Mersey Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Walking On Air

This horse was last seen winning a novices’ hurdle at Newbury, pulling away emphatically and was a similar path Nicky Henderson’s star two miler, Shishkin, took in 2020. This horse however, gave Cheltenham a miss so goes into this race fresh and will get good ground which can only benefit his speed. He will face tough competition from multiple graded winners with more form to reference. Nicky Henderson said he missed Cheltenham because he wasn’t ready and is a “big baby” but he could be anything. This horse is fresh and appeared to have excellent finishing speed last time out and could be a lightly raced, quality horse.

15:00 – Poundland Maghull Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – Edwardstone

Edwardstone is the reigning Arkle winner and has been the star novice two miler this season. Currently on an unbeaten run of five wins, with four at graded level, this horse has shown exceptional consistency all season. His trainer Alan King has said he has no concerns ahead of the race after giving the horse a two month break after Christmas. He already holds form where he finished ahead of For Pleasure and Third Time Lucki who run here. The most threatening rival here is Gentleman De Mee but he doesn’t have the leading form claims of Alan King’s stable star. This is a great chance for him to complete a rare Cheltenham-Aintree double.

15:35 – JRL Group Liverpool Hurdle (Grade 1) – Thyme Hill

Thyme Hill won last year’s renewal of this race and comes into this race as a very respectable runner-up of the Stayers’ Hurdle at Cheltenham last month. With the likes of Clan Des Obeaux, Ahoy Senor and Fakir D’oudairies all claiming victory so far at the festival, course and festival form is at a premium. If Flooring Porter turns up at his best the reigning Stayers’ Hurdle champion will take some beating, but he can be quirky and Thyme Hill only has about 3 lengths to make up based on the Cheltenham form. He also has form ahead of many of the runners here, from last year’s renewal of this race and the Stayers’ at Cheltenham.

16:15 – Betway Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Killer Kane

This horse has made five starts this season but has won both starts since the application of a tongue-tie in February. He was last seen achieving a career best by winning a listed success at Sandown last month. He comes into the race carrying the 2^nd lowest weight in the race and the jumping test at Aintree will suit this horse if his last run was anything to go by. He faces tough opposition in winner at grade one level Shan Blue, but he will be carrying 1 stone 3lbs more than Colin Tizzard’s runner and is winless since Boxing Day last year. Shan Blue has been competing at a higher level than this horse, but this horse showed a lot of promise at Sandown. He also has a win over the three mile trip which makes this horse less of an unknown quantity.

Randox Health Grand National Handicap Chase (Grade 3)

Longhouse Poet

This horse made a good impression when winning an ungraded event at Gowran Park in January. Escaria Ten, Death Duty, Coko Beach, Brahma Bull and Class Conti all finished in behind and all run here. His best results have come over long distances, having run twice over trips that were three miles one furlong and he won both. He will carry 11lbs more than Death Duty here who is a well fancied runner for Gordon Elliott but the winning margin when they last met was over 20 lengths in this horse’s favour whilst 6lbs worse off in the weights. Longhouse Poet also has form ahead of Run Wild Fred, another fancied runner, in a beginners chase in December 2020. Longhouse Poet has had two months off the racecourse and will be relatively fresh. His last run he finished a disappointing 7^th of nine runners in the Boyne Hurdle at Navan. This is a race that Tiger Roll often won in the build up to the Grand National and although he lost, this will have acted as a good prep-run for Martin Brassil’s runner. The return to a longer trip and fences will suit his strengths and he is in with a great chance in the big one.

18:20 – Weatherbys nhstallions.co.uk Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) – Henri The Second

This horse was last seen winning a listed NH flat race at Ascot in December. The race produced two smart winners in Authorised Speed and Top Dog, with many of the others finishing in the places in their following races. Paul Nicholls has kept this horse fresh with a three month lay off. Paul Nicholls told Betfair that he could be his best chance on the day but has stated that if the ground gets too good it could be a worry. Henri The Second has followed the same path this season as Nicholls’ Knappers Hill, who completed the hattrick last season and this horse has a good chance of emulating that success.

Aintree Grand National Festival: Day 2 Tips

13:45 – 20 Years Together, Alder Hey & Aintree Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) – Cobblers Dream

Moved to Ben Case’s yard for £85,000 and won his first start for new connections in September last year. Cobblers Dream has made six starts over hurdles this season, not once finishing outside the top three and, more recently, won the listed Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton. He then went on to be runner-up in the Martin Pipe at Cheltenham and these two results have shown smart speed in the closing stages in fields with lots of runners. The runner-up in the Lanzarote, Highway One O Two, also runs here and there will be a swing of 11lbs in the weights between these two. However, the speed of this horse proved too much for Highway One O Two late on and the subsequent run at Cheltenham showed this horse has good stamina. He should be able to defy the rise in weight and is still 5lbs below his rating thanks to his jockey Jack Andrews.

14:20 – Betway Top Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Jonbon

This horse comes to Aintree after a distant 2^nd in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle behind the impressive Constitution Hill. This was a high class renewal and it was run at an incredible pace, with the winner looking to be something special. This horse does boast two graded successes so far this season. His trainer Nicky Henderson has said that he has the stamina to go two and a half miles, but ultimately has the speed to stay over two miles here. He also said better ground would suit, but this horse is a classy traveller and he claimed some impressive scalps in the Supreme despite not winning the race. He should be able to shine again in the absence of his talented stablemate.

14:55 – Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – Bravemansgame

Paul Nicholls’ star staying novice gave Cheltenham a miss last month, after some rain saw the going description change to heavy for the Brown Advisory. Having been kept fresh for Aintree, he should be in top shape to face three classy rivals from the division. L’homme Presse ran out the emphatic winner for Venitia Williams at Cheltenham and will run again here. Bravemansgame is undefeated in four runs over fences, including a grade one victory in the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase at Kempton in December. There he beat an exciting prospect in the Lucinda Russell trained Ahoy Senor, who runs again here after finishing 2^nd to L’homme Presse at Cheltenham. Paul Nicholls’ runner is an exceptional jumper and travels powerfully and this should see him through in such high company. Nicholls has stated that his runner’s freshness is a bonus here, one that his opponents don’t have after all running at last month’s festival.

15:30 – Marsh Chase (Grade 1) – Funambule Sivola

This horse has impressed this season by winning the grade two Game Spirit Chase at Newbury, before finishing a very credible runner-up in the Champion Chase last month. Despite being more than 8 lengths behind eventual winner Energumene, the remainder of a classy field was well strung out and this horse kept on well to the line. A touch of rain won’t hurt his chances and this horse is a likeable, reliable type. Last season only finished 3^1/2 lengths behind multiple winner at graded level and Nicky Henderson’s star two miler Shishkin. With the absence of both Shishkin and Energumene, this could be an excellent chance for this horse to shine. He faces Fakir D’oudairies who is fresh of the back of a grade one success at Ascot, but he took his time to see off Two For Gold who runs in the Grand National tomorrow. Joseph O’Brien’s charge isn’t without a chance, but this to me would suggest his turn of foot isn’t unbeatable. Funambule Sivola has the Champion Chase form behind him and his fighting spirit in the finish could prove to be a big problem.

16:05 – Randox Topham Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Killer Clown

Since the application of a tongue tie in January, this horse has notched up two victories in three starts including a handicap at Kempton 19 days ago. He finished well ahead of smart types in Pistol Whipped and a fading Diego Du Charmil. He progressed through the field during the race ticking off opponents one by one which is a useful trait to have in a field with so many runners over the Aintree fences. Despite being 7^th in the weights he will carry nearly a stone less than some of the prominent Irish runners. He also has better form than some of those lower in the weights, thanks to that Kempton success. After that race his trainer, Emma Lavelle stated that good ground is crucial to his chances and there is no rain forecast with the ground currently good-soft.

16:40 – Cavani Menswear Sefton Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Banbridge

Horses that complete the Cheltenham – Aintree double are a rarity, but this horse might be able to do it. He won the Martin Pipe Handicap Hurdle, seeing off winner at listed level Cobblers Dream by a length and a half. He did so while carrying 1lb more than his rival and here he will be on level terms with his rivals, making it a case of who is the best horse. He ran emphatically through the finish line, a positive sign he could step up to three miles with success here. He faces the likes of grade one winner Green Book, who hasn’t reproduced that form in two more recent runs, and one of those was at Cheltenham. Sam Thomas’ Skytastic also looks an exciting prospect, but Banbridge finished ahead of more proven runners than those found in Skytastic’s form.

Aintree Grand National Festival: Day 1 Tips

13:45 – Super Alloys Manifesto Novices’ Chase (Grade 1) – Gin On Lime

The Henry De Bromhead trained Irish raider was last seen in a memorable novices’ chase at Cheltenham in November. Gin On Lime was head to head with winner up to grade one over hurdles, My Drogo, when both effectively fell, clearing the fence but losing their footing on landing. This horse sprawled on landing and Rachael Blackmore sat brilliantly to stay on claiming victory. My Drogo still provided a good standard acid test and this horse was on terms before the incident. Otherwise, this horse has quite a prolific record with five wins from eight starts over fences, including a grade three. In that grade three she reversed form ahead of another winner at graded level, Fan De Blues, and beat the Mullins trained runner by 12 lengths. The absence of undulations at Aintree will lower the chances of another error like we saw at Cheltenham. Opponents include grade two winning Pic D’orhy who has two successes this term. It is arguable that My Drogo’s form over hurdles poses more quality than any horses in Pic D’orhy’s form. War Lord is also an interesting runner, but lacks grade-winning form, with his best effort 16 lengths 2^nd to eventual Arkle winner Edwardstone.

14:20 – Jewson Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 1) – Pied Piper

The Triumph Hurdle third and impressive juvenile Pied Piper is the heavy favourite here. he only finished 2^1/2 lengths behind the eventual winner Vauban, which is impressive in itself. However, he also won his maiden hurdle ahead of the Triumph Hurdle winner and had an impressive display at Cheltenham in January, which showed us that this horse can produce something special. The Triumph Hurdle form will surely prove better than the form Boodles Hurdle winner Brazil holds. This horse also has form ahead one of the more dangerous challengers this field has to offer in Knight Salute, who is a multiple winner at graded level this term.

Each-way mention – Knight Salute

Despite running a disappointing 9^th at Cheltenham, that was the first blemish on the record of this horse in six starts over hurdles. Given the class of the race it is nothing to be ashamed of and as mentioned before this horse has won multiple graded events this term. Available at 16/1 this is extremely generous considering what this horse has achieved. What runs well at Cheltenham doesn’t necessarily repeat at Aintree, due to only a month separating the two and the differing nature of the courses. Considering this horse didn’t perform last month in a tough race, he could put in a good bid for a place here.

14:55 – Betway Bowl Chase (Grade 1) – Royale Pagaille

This year’s Gold Cup 5^th won the grade two Peter Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock in January, but that has been his only success this term. He has ran bravely in defeat, twice behind Gold Cup winning A Plus Tard and he couldn’t reach a vastly improved Eldorado Allen in the Denman Chase in February. Here he will get favoured soft conditions on a flat course with big jumps, perhaps recreating the conditions he often thrives in at Haydock. He will face tough competition in Dan Skelton’s runner and Gold Cup 3^rd Protektorat who could definitely come out on top here. He picked up the grade two Many Clouds Chase at Aintree in December where conditions were very soft. However, although a class field, the likes of Native River and Tiger Roll were arguably slightly past their best. Royale Pagaille only finished about a neck behind this horse in the Gold Cup, with conditions that suit Royale Pagaille could have a good chance here.

15:30 – Betway Aintree Hurdle (Grade 1) – Epatante

This year’s Champion Hurdle runner-up kept on well behind Honeysuckle last month, only losing by just over 3 lengths. The 2020 Champion Hurdle winner will step up to a trip of 2^1/2 miles for the first time here and has looked to be near her best form this season. She showed class to fight for a dead-heat in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle last November in tough conditions, and claimed the grade one Christmas Hurdle at Kempton. Her trainer Nicky Henderson said in the build-up to Cheltenham that she was back to her best and her hurdling has been slick, which showed in the result. The likes of Zanahiyr ,who finished a length 3^rd behind this horse in the Champion Hurdle, and winner up to grade two Brewin’upastorm appear her biggest threats. However, in terms of graded results this horse is probably the most consistent performer in the field and has looked sharp so will take some beating.

16:05 – Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase – Latenightpass

Latenightpass came 2^nd in this race last season to shock 66/1 winner Cousin Pascal. He has won this term on heavy ground at Haydock, but was last seen pulled up at Cheltenham. Tom Ellis decided to skip Cheltenham in order to target this race after a season of point-to-point contests which has seen this horse win two and fall when two at in the other at Alnwick. Ellis has been happy with preparation despite that fall and the horse has had a wind op, leaving the horse in prime condition for his main target of the season.

16:40 – Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Frero Banbou

Venitia Williams’ charge finished 3^rd in the Grand Annual at Cheltenham last month, 6 lengths behind the eventual winner Global Citizen who runs here. Frero Banbou was delivered very late after initially struggling with the early pace. The winner carried 5lbs less than Frero Banbou, but here will be 1lb worse off than this horse and carry 10lbs more than he did in last month’s success. He finished a respectable 4^th in this race last season but reversed form with the winner Editeur Du Gite last month. He is likely to be delivered from off the pace again, with some rain forecast this should be a test of stamina and it is plausible these tactics will work here. Recent form and adjustments in the handicap see this horse in with a decent chance of making a big improvement here for an in form yard.

17:15 – Goffs UK Nickel Coin Mares’ Standard Open NH Flat Race (Grade 2) – Lady Excalibur

Rachael Blackmore takes the ride on this small and gutsy mare in her 4^th contest. She boasts two wins, with one at Aintree, and a brave effort at Uttoxeter in October that saw her finishing the quickest with the line coming too soon. She made her way around most of her rivals, having to come very wide and lost by less than a length, an unlucky finish. Her trainer Alan Jones said that the race didn’t suit her staying ability and turned into a sprint at the end but said his mare was unlucky to have lost her unbeaten tag. He is hopeful Blackmore in the saddle will benefit his mare and it would be a feel good success for a stable that only has 12 horses in training.

Cheltenham Festival 2022 – Day 4 Tips

13:30 – JCB Triumph Hurdle (Grade 1) – Fil D’or

Fil D’or will be in the experienced hands of Davy Russell and was long time antepost favourite for this race. A breath-taking display here by Pied Piper in late January and a brave effort in defeat to Vauban at the Dublin Festival saw this horse drift slightly. Vauban did show some weaknesses in victory, with his jumping relatively clumsy before getting smarter in the closing stages. However, the hill in the straight at Cheltenham is longer in distance than the one at Leopardstown which should help Fil D’or out. Jumping fluency at Cheltenham is also important due to the regularity of the hurdles and the undulations. As mentioned before Pied Piper has strong claims and he also has form ahead of Vauban from December. Despite this Fil D’or rarely puts a foot wrong when jumping, has lots of stamina and Cheltenham could really suit him.

14:10 – McCoy Contractors County Handicap Hurdle (Grade 3) – West Cork

With the form some of his runners have been in this season it is a bit surprising that Dan Skelton hasn’t yet trained a winner at this season’s festival. West Cork won the competitive grade three Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham in November, after 631 days off the course ahead of the likes of Adagio. He was carrying top weight and ran in the Champion Hurdle a few days ago, a higher level race despite not making an impression there. Camprond was six lengths back in 4^th and had won a grade two earlier in the season so has quality. Further back was Marie’s Rock who won the Mares’ Hurdle earlier in this meeting and appears to be a big scalp after her recent achievement. He will carry 11st 1lb, only 2lb higher than the weight he carried to victory last time he was seen here. This means he will carry 4lb less than Alan King trained Tritonic who beat this horse at Ascot when he was last seen in December. West Cork suffered a niggle in this run which may have affected the result and has been kept fresh for the festival as a result.

14:50 – Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 1) – Hillcrest

Well known for being one of the biggest horses in training, Henry Daly’s Hillcrest is too big for a measuring stick 18 hands long. He has great ability to go with that size however, with his huge galloping stride making him a respected runner here. He claimed the listed Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle here in January ahead of the smart I Am Maximus, but a step up to three miles was always going to suit. He looks like a horse built for chasing with Daly saying anything he does over hurdles would be a bonus but he might just have the ability. A worry would be that he only ran 28 days ago on heavy ground. His trainer has said it wasn’t a particularly tasking run but wasn’t ideal. He needed a run before Cheltenham and Aintree after he unseated jockey Richard Patrick early in a grade two at Cheltenham in January. He has grade two and listed success and Daly has decided to run him here instead of Aintree so the winner at listed and grade two level must be good to go.

15:30 – Boodles Cheltenham Gold Cup (Grade 1) – A Plus Tard

Runner-up in this race last year, A Plus Tard was last seen at Leopardstown in December, where he was narrowly defeated by Galvin in the Savills Chase when tiring in the closing stages. He was produced a bit earlier than Galvin, who was in cover turning for home and this might mean he had important stamina left at the end. This horse kept pace with Minella Indo in last year’s renewal and was gaining late on. If he can reproduce something similar here he has every chance. He has a grade one under his belt this term, after winning the Betfair Chase in November at Haydock. His trainer Henry De Bromhead has stated that he ran well in defeat last time and is happy with both runs. Rachael Blackmore had the choice of the out of form Minella Indo, last year’s winner, or this horse and she has sided with the Cheveley Park runner.

16:10 – St. James’s Place Festival Challenge Cup Open Hunters’ Chase – Winged Leader

Winged Leader has great form coming into this, with a hattrick of hunters’ chase victories, including an impressive win at Thurles where Billaway finished 12 lengths behind. Billaway is normally well backed in these contests and was the runner-up of this race last season. Winged Leader has shown good ability on undulating courses in previous runs and is a very efficient, slick jumper. Trainer David Christie has said that this is his best chance of getting his first Cheltenham Festival winner and is confident his charge can handle different types of ground.

16:50 – Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase (Grade 2) – Mount Ida

Mount Ida won the Kim Muir at last year’s festival and was subsequently beaten by Elimay at Fairyhouse in April. She has since avenged this form by beating Elimay at Fairyhouse in January last time we saw her. This run shows progression too, because in defeat to Elimay, Mount Ida carried 6lbs less than her. In their most recent run Mount Ida carried 3lbs more than her rival and won well after being bumped in the straight. The run deserves a lot of credit as the uphill finish at Fairyhouse is draining and she only tired as she hit the line. She will face Willie Mullins’ Concertista, who is two wins from two so far over fences. However, despite winning the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle in 2020, she has been runner-up in two Cheltenham Festivals and might get beat by a tough mare whose next target is the Grand National.

17:30 – Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle – Hollow Games

Hollow Games will carry 11st 9lbs here but he has been running well in defeat in grade one company. He only finished a couple of lengths behind the winners of these races, Ginto and Minella Coocooner. This horse has also reversed form with Grand Jury who finished 2^nd in the race behind Ginto, but since finished a disappointing 6^thin the latter mentioned race where Hollow Games showed much more quality. This race does represent a step down in trip compared to his previous start and he does look like a stayer, but despite the distance this race has suited novice staying types in the past. Last season’s winner, Galopin Des Champs is a clear staying type with Champagne Classic another previous winner with graded form over the stayers’ distance. This horse is a grade three winner and did so ahead of Lunar Display. Lunar Display doesn’t necessarily win many but has placed in five graded/listed events and won once at that level. This shows a level of consistency and it might see him do well in a handicap. Wears a tongue tie for the first time.

Racing Tips: Saturday 19 February 2022

15:38 Ascot – Betfair Ascot Chase (Grade 1)- Saint Calvados

The King George VI Chase 3^rd caught the eye in his first run for new trainer Paul Nicholls on Boxing Day. After a wind op and the application of a tongue tie, he was in with every chance at the 2^nd last when he faded. The winner, Tornado Flyer, was the horse that was delivered the latest in stamina-sapping heavy ground, so there was no shame in fading two furlongs from home. This race represents a step down in trip by three furlongs, with Dashel Drasher likely to increase the pace quite far from home. This could recreate the conditions in which he ran so well at Kempton. He is also likely to get his favoured soft conditions.

14:20 Gowran Park – Red Mills Trial Hurdle (Grade 3) – Teahupoo

Has beaten the reigning Triumph Hurdle winner Quilixios in his last two starts. The latest meeting between the two was a much closer affair, but both times Quilixios kicked for home and this horse outlasted him in the closing stages. They will also carry the same weights here as in their previous clash, where Quilixios appeared a much improved horse from their first race of the season. With confirmed form over a Cheltenham Festival winner from last season, Teahupoo has five wins from six starts, and has reversed the form of his only defeat to Jeff Kidder. Teahupoo also holds an entry in this season’s Champion Hurdle, which shows how highly he is thought of by connections. Darasso probably represents his strongest challenger and is coming off his best victory over hurdles, winning a grade three ahead of well respected runner Saint Felicien. However, with only the two starts over hurdles prior to this defeat, it might be the case that this Saint Felicien was slightly unexposed, despite still being a quality runner. Saldier, who has winning form ahead of Darasso, also runs here. He does have grade one winning form, but is coming off the back of two heavy defeats to top class opposition that were ran at great pace and this can take it out of a horse.

14:40 Haydock – William Hill Grand National Trial Handicap Chase (Grade 3) – Blaklion

with two wins from three starts this season, 13 year old Blaklion claimed both victories in chases at Haydock on heavy ground. With heavy going particularly testing at Haydock, it can take a specialist to win there in such conditions. Weight carried will play a factor and Blaklion will carry 5lbs less than his previous success here. The most notable type in the lower weights is the 2020 Welsh National winner Secret Reprieve. However, Secret Reprieve’s form at Haydock reads 2^nd of two runners and fell. There are other promising types in the lower weights, some with form on heavy going, but Blaklion has run well in three Grand Nationals giving him better jumping efficiency that could prove the difference. It would also prove a popular success for a fan favourite who appears to have regained some good form after going winless since 2017.

15:30 Gowran Park – Red Mills Chase (Grade 2) – Daly Tiger

Returns over fences for the first time since finishing a respectable 2^nd to classy two miler Energumene by just over eight lengths, with the winner easing down at the line. This horse then claimed an ungraded victory over hurdles at Limerick on Boxing Day, before finishing a disappointing 4^th of five runners last time out. The going report at Gowran park reads soft to heavy, with more rain expected before the off. This horse has winning form ahead of Chatham Street Lad on heavy ground over fences. Daly Tiger’s only victory this season also came over this distance of two and a half miles on heavy ground. Current favourite Melon is stepping down in class and has always ran well in defeat in top class company but hasn’t got his nose in front since December 2019. Recent victories are scarce in this field. Other than this horse’s win over hurdles on Boxing Day, Chatham Street Lad is the most recent winner over fences, a grade three at Limerick in March.

Welsh Racehorse Trainer Dai Burchell Reflects on his Brilliant Career

Dai Burchell (right), with jockey Paddy Brennan (left), winner of the “Happy Retirement Dai Burchell Novices”

Link: https://twitter.com/Chepstow_Racing/status/1479177119817216007

“I think there are many special moments in racing, such as winning with other trainers’ ‘cast offs’, meeting such a lovely variety of people who have worked for us, ridden in races for us and been owners for us”

At the end of the month a legend of Welsh racing will retire from the sport after 40 years in the sport and over 430 winners.

Dai Burchell had built a career on taking horses that had fallen out of favour at their previous yard and improving them.

Dai and his wife Ruth have produced winners all over the UK, from the Norfolk National, Chepstow and Cheltenham over the jumps, to Ascot, Epsom, and Windsor on the flat.

Dai’s passion for horse racing started in 1953 when he went to Monmouth Show and watched the pony racing there.

After serving two years in the RAF, he started as a steelworker.

It was during this job and before he got his full licence, Dai bought a horse called Teddy Bear for £60, a horse that won him 15 races.

Burchell gave up his job at the Steelworks to become a full-time trainer.

His first winner under Jockey Club rules was a horse called Commissary, who won five races, four with Burchell in the saddle and earned a place in many other races.

In 1982 Dai earned his full licence that allowed him to train horses for other owners.

Dai married Ruth in 1986 after she joined him in the role of assistant trainer in 1983.

“My favourite horses to train are the ones who do their best for you.” Told Burchell.

“The ones who do their best for you, even if they don’t win, you know they can’t do any more.”

When asked which horse he trained was the best, Dai stated:

“Castle Secret was a real star for us and won 12 races on the flat and over hurdles.”

Castle Secret also produced a few efforts as a runner-up at Aintree, Haydock, and Cheltenham.

“My plans after racing are to enjoy every day as it comes,

“My health has not been the best in recent years, at 85 years of age, I’m lucky to say I’ve survived colon cancer, and as a child was one of the first in Wales to be given penicillin to treat gangrenous appendicitis.”

Dai Burchell has contributed massively to Welsh horse racing in his career and was honoured at Chepstow last Thursday.

Chepstow racecourse paid a fitting tribute to the trainer from Ebbw Vale by running the “Happy Retirement Dai Burchell Novices’ Hurdle” which was won by Fergal O’Brien trained Mahon Point.

Ladbrokes King George VI Chase: Runner by runner guide

Asterion Forlonge

Jockey: B J Cooper

Trainer: W P Mullins

Form: F4331-U

Wgt: 11-10lb t

7yoG Gelding

OR: 152

There are no reports that suggest Willie Mullins’ runner is worse for wear after unseating his jockey, Brian Cooper, in the John Durkan Memorial Chase earlier this month. His travelling ability saw him in the picture against eventual winner Allaho at Punchestown, before he got too low and blundered three fences from home. This is a mistake he has made a few times before, with two falls early last season after similar errors. When he finishes, he normally makes the places against top opposition. He finished 3^rd to Chantry House, who runs here, in the grade one Marsh Novice’s Chase at Cheltenham in March. He also finished a respectable 3^rd to Janidil at Fairyhouse in a grade one over 2^1/2 miles before claiming victory at Punchestown over the same distance that month. His trainer, Willie Mullins, also thinks this horse runs better right handed which shows in his previous three runs but he is stepping up to three miles or the first time.

2. Chantry House

Jockey: Nico De Boineville

Trainer: N J Henderson

Form: 13111-1

Wgt: 11-10lb

7yoBR Gelding

OR: 162

Last season’s grade one Marsh Novice’s Chase winner. Made his seasonal reappearance with a 37 length victory over The Big Breakaway at Sandown early last month. He also ended last season on a high at Aintree when winning the Grade one Betway Mildmay Novices’ Chase by 32 lengths when closest challenger, Espoir De Romay fell two fences from home. Both these efforts came over the 3 mile distance and the win at Aintree provided a good stamina test, with the previously mentioned Espoir De Romay setting a good pace throughout. Chantry House is five wins from six runs over fences and his trainer Nicky Henderson is happy with his preparation, saying he is sharp. He also said that despite the previous couple of runs they haven’t “taught” him to go 3 miles, but speed won’t be a problem in the King George VI. This is his first time mixing it with some of the more established names in the staying division, having been a novice last season.

3. Clan Des Obeaux

Jockey: Harry Cobden

Trainer: P F Nicholls

Form: 8/23211-

Wgt: 11-10lb p

9yoB Gelding

OR: 172

Two time former winner of the race in 2018 and 2019. Paul Nicholls’ runner underwent a wind op last season and didn’t finish outside the top three in five graded runs. He won the Betway Bowl by 26 lengths at Aintree and the Punchestown Gold Cup, ahead of two-time Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Al Boum Photo. These two big wins came near the back end of last season after the application of cheekpieces, which appeared to benefit him greatly and he will wear them again at Kempton. The King George VI will be Clan Des Obeaux’s seasonal debut and Nicholls has stated that this horse and Frodon are “the two to beat”.

4. Frodon

Jockey: Bryony Frost

Trainer: P F Nicholls

Form: 14151-1

Wgt: 11-10lb t

9yoB Gelding

OR: 167

Winner of last year’s renewal and Cheltenham Gold Cup 5^th. This horse proved a massive problem for the field Boxing Day last year. He made all, but on the 2^nd lap had a tendency to jump slightly left. It didn’t hinder his chances because he corrected immediately after every obstacle. This also caused the horses in behind to follow suit, causing them to lose valuable ground and stamina with every jump. Clan Des Obeaux finished just over 8 lengths back in 3^rd, having been off the bridle before the final bend, Saint Calvados was just behind him in 4^th and Lostintranslation was pulled up. They all run again this year. Frodon’s seasonal debut saw him beat reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup champion Minella Indo by 5 lengths, when winning the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal. Frodon’s Jockey, Bryony Frost, has also recorded a big grade one victory in the Tingle Creek at Sandown earlier this month.

5. Lostintranslation

Jockey: Brendan Powell

Trainer: C L Tizzard

Form: 3/3P5P-1

Wgt: 11-10lb t

9yoB Gelding

OR: 160

Earned his first win since 2019 in the grade two Chanelle Pharma 1965 Chase over 2 miles 5 furlongs last month. He had a 2^nd wind op prior to the run and ground conditions suited. He beat Dashel Drasher by 16 lengths who, although may have preferred softer going, had never lost at Ascot. In the last two renewals of this race however, Lostintranslation has been pulled up. in a Racing Post article after his seasonal reappearance, Joe Tizzard remained confident that the King George VI was the most suitable race for Lostintranslation and that he seemed reinvigorated by the recent operation. The yard are also much happier with his training performances after he was difficult to get a tune out of last season.

6. Minella Indo

Jockey: Rachael Blackmore

Trainer: H de Bromhead

Form: 11F41-3

Wgt: 11-10 p¹

8yoB Gelding

OR: 175

The reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup champion. Henry de Bromhead’s charge was beaten by 5 lengths after a brave front-running effort by Frodon in the Ladbrokes Champion Chase at Down Royal in late October. Bryony measured the fractions well and had this horse struggling after the 2^nd last fence. This run was respectable and could make for great preparation, with de Bromhead confident he will be better after the run. This run also reversed the Gold Cup form, as Frodon finished 30 lengths behind this horse in 5^th. His jockey, Rachael Blackmore, won BBC’s World Sport Star award last week and will be looking to add to her incredible achievements in the Aintree Grand National and at Cheltenham earlier this year. Minella Indo is bidding to become the first Irish-trained winner of the race since Kicking King in 2005, who also did it after winning the Gold Cup earlier that year. Wears cheekpieces for the first time here.

7. Mister Fisher

Jockey: Sean Bowen

Trainer: N J Henderson

Form: 4/P1PU2

Wgt: 11-10lb

7yoB Gelding

OR: 162

Last seen in the grade two Oaksey Chase, losing by a neck to a very game Frodon. This horse appeared to be getting the better of the reigning King George VI champion Frodon, who fought back winning by a neck after a stiff uphill finish. This horse’s highest achievement so far over fences came at Cheltenhem when winning a grade two chase over 2^1/2 miles. His best run over 3 miles was that previously mentioned effort against Frodon and the plan has always been to run him over 3 miles this season. Would prefer good ground.

8. Saint Calvados

Jockey: Gavin Sheehan

Trainer: P F Nicholls

Form: 1422/4U-

Wgt: 11-10lb t¹

8yoB Gelding

OR: 162

Has moved stables to Ditcheat with Paul Nicholls and has undergone a wind op. Last year finished 4^th, over 8 lengths behind eventual winner Frodon. his best win came in the grade two Betway Kingmaker Novices’ Chase in February 2018. This year the field has strengthened with the addition of the Gold Cup winner. He wears a tongue tie for the first time here and Nicholls has described him as a “lively outsider”. At his best he finished 2^nd by a neck to Min in the 2020 Ryanair over 2^1/2 miles, with A Plus Tard and Frodon both finishing behind him.

9. Tornado Flyer

Jockey: D E Mullins

Trainer: W P Mullins

Form: 22543-5

Wgt: 11-10lb

8yoB Gelding

OR: 161

Last seen finishing 5^th in the grade one John Durkan Memorial Punchestown Chase earlier this month. Asterion Ferlonge unseated rider three fences out. Hasn’t won a race since 2019 and this is his first time running 3 miles since last year’s renewal of the grade one Savills Chase, where he also finished a distant 5^th. In other contests ran over 2^1/2 miles he has shown late progress in races so a step up to 3 miles is thought to suit him.

Grand National Festival Aintree: Day 3 tips

13:45 “ETF SYSTEMS HANDICAP HURDLE” – TEA CLIPPER

A young promising hurdler who is stepping up in trip to three miles for the first time.

Last seen finishing 3rd in the Coral Cup at Cheltenham last month.

Finished 11 lengths behind impressive winner Heaven Help Us, with Janika gaining late and finishing 5th by a neck.

Burbank was a few lengths back in 10th on this occasion.

the weight difference between this horse and Janika remains the same at 3lb in this horse’s favour, but he will carry 4lb more than Burbank than last time.

This is a penalty this horse should survive as Burbank faded in the finish at Cheltenham.

Tea Clipper also avoided a falling horse late on and still finished well, with Janika having a clean run on the outside.

The thinking behind the step up in trip is surely because of this horse’s travelling ability and the flat, fair course will suit.

Market rival Come On Teddy isn’t without a chance on form, but may be a horse that gains an advantage on undulating courses and he won’t get that here.

This horse has strong claims.

14:25 “MERSEY NOVICES’ HURDLE” – DREAL DEAL

Has notched up an impressive six in a row this season, with the last at Punchestown in January the most impressive.

He beat Ganapathi by 3 lengths after a massive leap at the last put him on terms, coming from a long way back to win.

Echoes In Rain was also back in 4th and she is on two wins from two starts since.

The manor of the victory did suggest he needed more distance because of how late he got going.

It was also a great display of stamina as the ground was heavy and he isn’t a horse that is dependant on heavy going.

The trip here is half a mile further and didn’t run at the Cheltenham Festival so should be fresh to go.

15:35 “THE LIVERPOOL HURDLE” – THYME HILL

In the absence of Stayers’ Hurdle winner Flooring Porter, the rivalry between Thyme Hill and Paisley Park will see a third and deciding clash this season.

In their previous results they have shown to be at the top of the staying division in the UK.

They finished ahead of the likes of multi grade two winning Mcfabulous, former Cheltenham Festival winner Summerville Boy and 2019 Mares’ Hurdle winner Roksana.

Paisley Park finished 3rd in the Stayers’ at Cheltenham, but the Paisley Park of 2019 would have finished the race off so he could be worse for ware.

Paisley did well to come back from a heart condition and snatched the Long Walk Hurdle from Thyme Hill by fine margins in December.

Thyme Hill should be fresher here after over three months lay off and could clinch the Liverpool Hurdle.

EACH WAY MENTION – DIOL KER

Representing the Irish here is Diol Ker, never outside the top three in five starts over hurdles and even beat the mighty Monkfish in November 2019. Has started in fields with ten or more runners eight times. Of those eight races has placed or won in six of them. Returned to hurdling from chasing in December, picking up a win and finishing 2nd in a grade two by^1/2 length to Sams Profile.