Warwick Saturday Preview

Golden Chieftan has talent
(photo: sportinglife.com)

The first race is too tough an affair for me to sort out and it is easily passed over.

Therefore we shall begin in the 1:25 Betfred 1350 shops nationwide Novices´ Chase the three mile trip may be against Frascati Park who has done all his winning over shorter. Court Victory was disqualified last time and will need a better effort here to win.

Alfie Spinner had a win on very testing ground at Chepstow on Welsh National day and will go well here as he did when second in the Pertempts Qualifier on the card last season.

Golden Chieftan is one who will also handle the likely soft going that is often associated with Warwick but he has been let down by his jumping of late, if it has improved since he is the one to beat.

The Betfred The Bonus King Handicap Chase (For The Edward Courage Cup) is a very trappy eight runner contest. There is not much to separate them on paper.

Marodima was formerly useful and was a winner by some margin on Thursday on his first run since June. Despite that 53 length win over Massini Sunset he is not one to take a short price about here with only two days since that rout.

Roi de Rose was a comfortable winner on his second run last season and may have needed his first run  again this time round when second last time (just holding Massini Sunset for 2nd). The winner has won again since and coupled with first time blinkers he looks a major player.

Another who was second last time was Super Foreman and has shown solid form all season, Moon Over Miami was not far behind him that day and may finish ahead of him this time and I think the race will be run to suit Charlie Mann’s runner who could go well at a big price.

Educated Evans has gone up 22lbs in the handicap since his first win in October and will need to pull out more off top weight here.

Thehilloffuisneach heads the market for the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle at 2:30, he has risen a great deal in the weights since his two December victories.

Last year’s winner Mobaasher has not shown much this season since his move to Rod Millman but was hardly in sparkling form before winning in 2011. 12 months on he is 12lbs lower and if he shows his best then he will make a mockery of his current 40/1 price.

Volador had some useful form before his lay-off but will likely be in need of this. Safran De Cotte won at Haydock in bottomless last time and should stay the new trip and is one to consider. The handicapper may have caught up with Water Garden, Petitfour has too much to do off 11-12 and his Cheltenham conquerer Dorset Square is yet another contender in a traditionally competitive Pertempts’ Qualifier.

Barwell Bridge (right) has strong claims
(photo: turfpix.com)

The selection here is Barwell Bridge, he ran really well before fading very late on at Wincanton behind two inform rivals and with a run under his belt back up in trip he is a major contender.

The 3:05 Neptune Investment Management Leamington Novices´ Hurdle is safe to narrow to three. Ambion Wood was an easy winner of a maiden hurdle last time and has some good runs behind useful rivals in the book.

Highland Lodge beat a fancied rival in Diocles over the Haydock brush hurdles last time and is a worthy favourite for a stable with a couple of recent wins in this contest. Cotton Mill is his main rival and was an easy winner of both his hurdle starts. Admittedly he did not beat too much but he looked a good horse in the process.

This winner of this race will no doubt be a strong contender for Cheltenham in March. Given the amount of subsequent winners that have emerged from Emma Lavelle’s charge’s victories he is taken to win again.

The big one at Warwick on Saturday is the Betfred Classic Chase. The favourite is Sona Sasta for David Pipe. He ran subsequent Welsh National winner Le Beau Bai close at Chepstow in December. He was well beaten at Leopardstown over Christmas though and jockey bookings would suggest he is second preference despite being favourite.

The stables other runner is Faasel. He has been second in 2 successive Kim Muir’s at the Cheltenham festival. He goes well fresh and is having his first start since his second place in the Bet365 at Sandown in April.

He does prefer good ground so any rain would hinder his chance. It is apparently currently Good/Soft at Warwick so that should be ok but it often rides softer than description here.

One who won’t mind soft ground is top weight Hey Big Spender. He appears to have a lot to do conceding about a stone all round but is not without a chance.

Blazing Bailey can come again (photo: racingpost.com)

Neptune Equester won at Haydock on Betfair day but was a 25 length fifth in the mud last time at Wetherby. The better the ground the better his chance but he may not be good enough anyway.

Blazing Bailey represents Alan King who has won the last 2 runnings of this race.

He couldn’t go the pace in the heavy going in the Welsh national but had previously run well for a long way in the Hennessy.

He rediscovered form early in the year last season and with 2 runs under his belt and given the trainer’s record in the contest he must be respected.

And finally Paddy Brennan takes a ride for former boss Nigel Twiston-Davies for the first time in a while. The pair team up on Major Mularkey with the trainer’s son Sam on old boy Hello Bud.

It is not an easy puzzle to solve but Blazing Bailey can come good again in the early year and go close for the King stable.

Much like the first race on the card the last one will have to sort itself out also.

BEST BET: BARWELL BRIDGE (EW) [ Mobaasher (EW)]

Doncaster Preview Wednesday

Six Races on Town Moor (photo: drawbias.com)

THE SIX race mid week card at Doncaster gets underway with the Yorkshire Radio Supporting Yorkshire Racing Novices´ Hurdle at 1:05.

Gores Island is the among the more experienced in the line up, he won a decent novice hurdle last time when receiving weight but will have his work cut out under a penalty this time.

Despite drifting in the market Barenger was a seven length winner on day one of the Hennessy weekend on his racecourse debut. His inexperience did not inconvenience him there and he is likely to be popular for trainer and jockey in form.

Greenlaw was beaten less than five lengths in a listed Ascot bumper last time. Despite that event being a slowly run event there were plenty of useful rivals involved (winner prominent in Champion Bumper market) and he is one who could at least make the places today.

There is a hurdles newcomer in the shape of Theology now with Steve Gollings. The 125,000gs purchase has useful form on the level where he was fractionally denied in the 2010 Queen’s Vase when with Jeremy Noseda and is interesting.

Wordy’s Boy, Mountain Hiker and Pittodrie Star are others for the shortlist in a competitive 2m3f contest.

John Ferguson having great season
(picture: racingpost.com)

A 4yo hurdle at 1:40 (sponsored by Doncaster Racecourse Wedding Show 15th January) appears to easier to unravel. Art History was an improver for Mark Johnston and won his last two flat starts. His trainer John Ferguson has impressed in the stables first full season with a 42% strike rate and with the stables last three runners being successful Art History is the one to beat here.

Another useful recruit from the flat lines up for the Donald McCain stable, Gottany O’s a five time flat winner was sold for 130,000gs at Newmarket in October.

Blue Destination for John Quinn and Drumadoon who was a distant second to yesterday’s Taunton winner Kazlian are most likely to capitalise on any mishaps to the above duo.

A small field go to post for the 1stsecuritysolutions.Co.Uk Novices´ Chase over 3m. Three runners carry a penalty. The most experienced runner over the larger obstacles is Beneficial Reform he won over course and distance in November and was since behind the former Grade 1 novice Air Force One also at Town Moor. Cheekpieces now added and should not be too far away.

Edge of Town won on the back of over 20 months off track, he had solid novice hurdle form and provided he does not “bounce” after the long break he should have a say here.

Nicky Henderson’s Loose Performer is the highest rated of the line-up. His rider Jerimiah McGrath claims five pounds to give him even more in hand over his rivals. He is the youngest in the field of four and is a tentative selection to follow up.

Arctic Actress and Peedeeque were both course and distance winners last time and the pair are likely to head the betting in the Pegler Yorkshire Handicap Hurdle at 2:50. The latter was top weight that day and has claims off a seven pound higher mark. Arctic Actress’s form is in and out but must be respected coming from a big stable.

Corkage was in the lead when falling last time at Catterick over the larger obstacles. He has not won since the summer of 2009 when with Lucinda Russell but has had time off before his seasonal reappearance in November. Keith Reveley’s charge likes good ground and provided it is not too holding at Doncaster he can give a good account off top weight (has won off a higher mark).

In the 3:25 St Leger Tickets On Sale 6th February Handicap Chase it appears wisest to stick with those at the head of the weights. Quel Ballistic was effectively brought down by the aforementioned Corkage in the same Catterick race. He was favourite that day and has major claims again.

Bishophill Jack came out the right side of two almighty battles on his last two runs and is the one to beat in a hat trick bid provided those two December races have not emptied him.

Since the move from Alan King Quetzal has won twice for Mark Todhunter but is still as inconsistent as before. The addition of cheekpieces had a positive effect last time and coupled with a more prominent racing style saw him come home a five length winner at Newcastle. If they have the same effect again he should be involved up front.

The Download Free Doncaster Racecourse iphone App Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race concludes the action at 3:55. David Pipe’s Irish purchase Shotavodka heads the field under a penalty after a win at Tramore in October.

Hi George holds the best previous form of the line up when third behind subsequent Cheltenham New Year’s day second Chancery at Haydock.

Don Cantillon’s This Is Me is also worth a look, his only runner travelling up from Newmarket.

BEST BET on the Card: Corkage (EW)

Hereford Preview Sunday

The victorchandler.com "national hunt" maiden hurdle opens proceedings at 1:00 over a distance of 2m1f. The race appears to be at the mercy of Castle Conflict who has the strongest form on offer. He lost a much hotter race in the stewards’ room last time and despite the drop in trip should collect.

Edlomond and the Venetia Williams pair Sawpit Samba and Orange Gizmo are likely to contest the minors.

Johnny Owen is the odds on favourite for the 1:30 after his facile win at Southwell only four days ago. He was an eased down 19 length winner there and with Paddy Brennan on again he will take all the beating again with a weight of 10-2 in another contest for the lowly rated over 2m1f.

David Brace’s inmate was 4/6 at the time of writing so from a betting perspective it could be better to look at the place market. The consistent maiden Cruise in Style was probably going to make the frame before unseating last time and is a sporting alternative to the favourite.

The 2:00 Bet Mobile at Victorchandler.com Beginners´ Chase is the feature of the day. Last year’s Pertemps Final favourite Chartreuxmakes his seasonal reappearance. The lightly raced seven year old has only had six races (five under rules) and appears best fresh but then again that is the only occasions we have seen him is lacking recent runs. Provided he takes to the larger obstacles (has a Point-to-Point win) he is good enough to win here.

Rebecca’s Choice was headed late on after strong market support pre race. The 3m1f distance is a plus but his best runs have come in handicap company and may find these too strong.

Fennis Boy finished a respectable sixth in a good hurdle race at Kempton and has a good run of things since joining Tim Vaughan. This is his second spell at the larger obstacles after five unplaced efforts in Ireland and has to prove himself and therefore opposed.

Brackloon High was a beaten favourite last time and has only underperformed once. He is consistent and has frame claims but may find this race too hot to win and regular pilot Richard Johnson is on Fennis Boy.

There is a tight looking contest in store in the 2m6f Bet Live & In-Play at Victorchandler.com Handicap Hurdle at 2:30. All eight hold some sort of chance. Ebony River was just touched off when well backed at Bangor; he has gone up five pounds in the handicap for that and this event looks stronger and may have to settle for minors again.

Whispering Jack looks to have his work cut out off 11-10, Triptico has a bit to prove from last time when well beaten into third in the mud at Uttoxeter.

The selection here is five time jumps winner Lightening Strike (nap). He has had his problems with a near two year break until reappearing last February, a chance is taken that he still retains ability and with the stable in form off a reduced handicap mark and down in class.

There are a host of handicap hurdle debutants lining up in the 3:00 Play Casino at Victorchandler.com Novices´ Handicap Hurdle over 3m2f. It does not look a race to get too heavily involved in.

David Pipe’s The Tatkin, and last time out winner Waywood Princess are at the top of the market but others are by no means discounted.

The task of unveiling the winner does not get any easier in 3:30 Thermolast Roofing Ltd Handicap Chase. There are a few here that like to race prominently and Cabinet Minister is one. He has ran well on both chase starts and is worthy of top weight.

Jigsaw Dancer appears to have lost his sparkle and is best watched;Space Mission is consistent but has only one win despite making the frame regularly. Douryna and Always Bold are taken to fight it out. The former had good novice form and her jockey has been visiting the winners’ enclosure plenty in recent months.

Always Bold has improved since joining Martin Keighley and his chase mark has dropped. Despite his two Fontwell hurdle wins recently coming over 3m3f he may appreciate the shorter distance over fences so he is taken to shade a competitive event.

The Thermolast Roofing Ltd Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race concludes the card at 4:00. It looks as if the extra distance will suit the only winner in the field –Up To Something – who was a gritty winner on debut.

Ballylifen is the most experienced runner and looks likely to be involved again. Colin Tizzard’s Billy No Name had a satisfactory debut and there have been good performances and a couple of winners from that race and with Brendan Powell’s seven pound claim leaving him racing off 10 stone he can go close in the finale.

Pig Out on Sport this Christmas

ON THE armchair this festive period? Have enough of Christmas movies and gameshows? Here is some sporting events you will not want to miss. And if you are local to some of the action why not go along and enjoy the action in the flesh.

FOOTBALL

There are no less than four Barclays Premier League rounds and a round of FA Cup action, where the Premier League sides join in, taking place between now and January 9th.
It will be Match of the Day, Final Score and Gillete Soccer Saturday and other highlights programmes a-go-go as I like to keep up with all the action in a convenient package. There is plenty of live action to be had over the next few weeks.
The pick of the clashes over the busy Christmas schedule are:

Premier League

Lennon beats Lampard in last seasons meeting. Pic: Google Images

Tottenham V Chelsea. Thursday 22nd December 20:00. Sky Sports 1

Both sides are vying for the champions league places and come the end of the season this “six pointer” could be pivotal. This London derby is always entertaining and has served up some memorable games in recent years.

Manchester City V Liverpool. Tuesday 3rd January 20:00. Sky Sports 1
This is their second league meeting in five weeks and City have had their flood of goals halted slightly with only one game of their last four producing more than one goal in their favour and up against the league’s tightest defence so far this season an interesting match is in store.

Newcastle V Manchester United. Wednesday 4th January 20:00. Sky Sports 1
The Magpies held the champions to a 1-1 draw earlier in the season and this is an important game for the Red Devils to win because the likelihood is that their Manchester rivals will win the rest of their Christmas fixtures and if they are to slip up at Liverpool this is their opportunity to pull ever closer.

FA Cup

Manchester City V Manchester United. Sunday 8th January 13:00. ITV1
The FA Cup has lost its allure in recent years but monstrous clashes like these have a place and significance no matter what is on the line. United will not want to lose to their cross town rivals who would be keen to hand out another drubbing after their 6-1 win in October. Both sides are expected to take the competition seriously as they have been eliminated from the Champions League.

RUGBY

Rabo Direct Pro 12

Two interprovincial derbies take place in quick succession during the holidays. They often look less competitive on paper than they turn out to be in reality. With all four provinces now in the Heiniken Cup, three on top of their respective groups, the competition is expected to be as great as ever.
Coverage of the matches comes from RTÈ, BBC and TG4.

Leinster V Ulster. Monday 26th December 17:30 RTÈ/BBC
Both sides come into the game after wide margin victories in the Heiniken Cup last week. One would expect the home side to win, they are currently at the head of affairs in the table and perhaps have more to play for. However Ulster will want to move nearer the summit of the table and will attempt to make it difficult for the home side.

Munster V Connacht. Monday 26th December 19:45 TG4
The history of these clashes often goes as follows, game is slow into life, low scoring for a long period with Munster eventually grinding out a victory or running in few late tries. Nothing in the recent form of the two teams would suggest a much different outcome.
A number of years ago a game between these two finished 3-0 to Munster with an O’Gara penalty after a long and gruelling 67 minutes the difference between the sides.
In Thomond Park one cannot see anything else but a victory for the reds. I think we can expect it to be higher scoring than that 2004 tie!

Good game in store at Ravenhill. Pic: munsterrugby.ie

Ulster V Munster. Friday 30th December 19:05 RTÈ/BBC
At Ravenhill this is a potential stumbling block for Munster. The away side won this fixture last year for the first time since the 2006-07 season.
Ulster would catch up on Munster in the Rabo standings with a win, if both sides play to European form it will be a tight and entertaining match and gets my pick as the Rugby highlight of the Christmas period.

Connacht V Leinster. Sunday 1st January 17:00 TG4
Connacht let a big lead slip in the reverse fixture in October against an under strength Leinster. Both sides have improved since that meeting but with all their internationals returned Leinster will not want to slip up and give the Ospreys an opportunity to take top spot.
Connacht’s mixture of youth and experience will be sure to give a mighty effort to humble the European champions and a bit more luck for the western side could see them run them close.

HORSE RACING

Too old for a fifth King George? Pic:Racing Post

KEMPTON 26th & 27th December. Coverage Channel4/Racing UK
The King George was rearranged last season from its Boxing Day slot due to snow. Long Run took the spoils in January with Kauto Star well adrift in third. Kauto reversed the result at Haydock and along with stablemate Master Minded attempt to dethrone their Nicky Henderson trained rival.

This years renewal has more genuine contenders than in recent years with Kauto Star having dominated the race since 2005 until last January. Captain Chris, the Arkle winner last March and who unseated on his seasonal reappearance would be a clear danger to all if staying the new trip.
There is also a question whether or not Master Minded will see out the three mile trip but he has won a plethora of Grade 1 prizes, some in spectacular fashion so cannot be written off despite the perception that he will not appreciate the longer trip.

LEOPARDSTOWN 26th-29th December. RTÈ/At The Races
No weather problems are expected this year and with plenty of stars on show it will make good viewing.
It kicks off on St Stephen’s Day with the Racing Post Novice Chase the feature on day one. Bog Warrior who was an easy winner last time looks the one to beat with the likely competition coming from the Willie Mullins stable.
The Paddy Power Dial-A-Bet Chase looks to lie in the lap of last year’s winner Big Zeb, he is odds on in ante post markets for the event which he has won twice in the past.
The absence of Denman due to injury and retirement has put a slight dampener on the Lexus Chase but the line up is strong even without his presence. Quito de la Roque, Rubi Light, Joncol and Bostons Angel are just a quartet in a 17 strong entry.
The final day will (hopefully) see the reappearance of the mighty Hurrricane Fly in the Istabraq Festival Hurdle. He missed his earlier engagement in the Morgiana Hurdle because his trainer Willie Mullins was not happy with his well being.
The winner of that race Thousand Stars, his stablemate, is the most noteworthy rival. But if Hurricane Fly shows up in good heart then there will be no stopping him. He is possibly the best two mile hurdler since Istabraq whom the race is now named after and will be parading at Leopardstown on the day.

OTHER RACING
The Welsh National at Chepstow on the 27th is the other race of note, last season’s winner Synchronized will be attempting to win it again. Cheltenham will take place on New Year’s Day and for any of you major racing fans out there your appetite will need to be big to handle all the action.
There will be a host of meetings throughout the UK and Ireland over the festive season with a dozen on December 26th alone.

DARTS

If you simply cannot get enough then enjoy the two World Darts Championships. It is not a sport I would follow all year through myself but I do enjoy it for these two/three weeks every year.
The PDC tournament is currently in progress at the Alexandra Palace in London and concludes on January 2nd. You can see the action live on Sky Sports.
The BDO World Darts Championship begins on January 7th and takes place at the Lakeside Country Club in Surrey, UK. The live and highlights coverage can be seen on BBC television.
Whatever your sporting dish this Christmas season enjoy the action and have a Happy Christmas.

Can it be done?

IS IT all just luck or is there skill involved? Are those professional out there really making a good living from it?

The activity I refer to is betting (or gambling if you prefer).

Betting on sporting events is not seen as an ‘acceptable’ way to make money. Everyone assumes that all money staked is ultimately lost. I am here to attempt to prove that theory wrong.

Many have lost fortunes in investments and trading on exchanges yet it is seen as a more acceptable way of doing the same thing - placing money on an outcome that you believe to be likely.

Picture: gamblingpokersite.com

I have heard a statistic that about one in every 20 to 30 people who gamble come out in the black. On this blog I will post everyday (that I have a bet) and I invite you to follow my journey to see what sort of profit is made.

From December 1^st I will embark on a journey to see if a significant profit can be made by investing on sporting events.

On a personal note, I have been betting for about 6 years but only since 2010 I think I can say “I know what I am doing”.  The last 6 months (since May 2011) have been a “career best” for me.

Racing will be a main betting sport. Pic: espn.go.com

My bets will predominantly be Horse Racing and Soccer with the occasional bet on other events. No games where you play the house such as Blackjack or Roulette will be included. There will be lay (to lose) bets as well as win bets included.

I will attempt to be as honest as possible with all details regarding betting throughout the journey. If you have any comments you would like to make follow me on Twitter (@con_clancy).

This is not a tipping service, I am not employing any magical betting systems, and I am not promoting gambling.

I do not claim to known it all and at this game we are always learning and over the next few months we will surely do so.

So join me on a journey, you could be part of something!

Five to follow 2011/12

The jumps season will be in top gear after this weekend. The deadline for the Totesport Ten to Follow is imminent and here are a few you may want to look out for over the course of the season.

Reve de Sivola

6-y-o. Trainer: Nick Williams

Reve De Sivola: could be a Welsh National type
Photo: Martin Lynch (racingpost.com)

This dour stayer, a former dual Grade1 winner looks due to bag a good handicap chase this season. I think he is an ideal type for the Welsh national. Jumps soundly, handles heavy going, stays as long as he is asked and has ran well at the track on a number of occasions.

He was placed at both the Cheltenham and Aintree festivals before being the beaten in the Grade1 novice chase at Punchestown.

Captain Chris

7-y-o. Trainer: P Hobbs

He progressed all the way through the season to win two Grade 1s, the Arkle Chase at Cheltenham and the Ryanair Novice Chase at Punchestown. He was unlucky not to win on his seasonal reappearance after unseating after the last when holding every chance.

He is versatile regarding trip and ground conditions. His trainer believes he will be better over longer distances. However the record of Arkle winners in the following seasons Champion Chase is remarkable and with that division not as competitive as it has been in recent years he could well collect a few prizes at shorter trips.

Until he runs in the King George, his reported target we will not know where his season may turn. Yet to be out of the first two home in 10 completed starts over obstacles so must be respected wherever he turns up.

Accordingtojodie

5-y-o. Trainer: N Henderson

Destroyed a decent bumper field at Galway on debut and was later sold. Now races with Nicky Henderson and got lost in the fog at Newbury last December on his first run for the new trainer. Has reportedly had a breathing operation since.

If the five year old shows a level of form like that easy Galway win he will be an exciting prospect over hurdles for the coming season.

Silviniaco Conti

5-y-o. Trainer: P Nicholls

Won his second chase start at Wincanton last time. He jumped well before fading late on his debut against Cue Card. He takes his place in an extremely competitive division this year but connections will hold no fear.

When Paul Nicholls first acquired him he stated he could be a future Gold Cup horse and that should not be taken lightly from the four time winning trainer. Nicholls thinks he may be better going right handed so the Feltham at Kempton on 26^th December could be a port of call for the son Dom Alco.

Silviniaco Conti: highly regarded
Photo: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

Texas Jack

5-y-o. Trainer: Noel Meade

Has earned a late inclusion to the list after an impressive win at Clonmel on Thursday. He sluiced past the useful Make a Track under a cheeky Paul Carberry.

He has previously won the valuable Land Rover Bumper at Punchestown in May.

He has Grade1 aims after that win and Noel Meade has no doubts about his ability. Has won three from as many runs and looked very composed for a novice. He will be tough to beat and having looked more mature than many of his fellow novices who have turned out this season already.

He could be one to catch early in the season as a betting prospect given his current form.

National Hunt Season 2011/12 Preview

THE NATIONAL HUNT season is about to kick off in earnest right about now. As ever there is a plethora of rivalries and clashes to look forward to, Nicholls versus Henderson for the champion trainer title, Long Run the new star will look to repel all comers. Is there life in the old guard Kauto Star and Denman? Will Big Bucks’ stay unbeaten or can a worthy rival emerge to challenge this ‘monster’?

The answers to these questions will be resolved over the coming months. So let us take a look at the various top drawer divisions.

2m Hurdlers

It is all about Hurricane Fly after his five Grade1 wins last season and is a true champion with 11 wins from 13 races over hurdles. There appears to be no apparent challengers in Ireland for his crown and with last year’s champion hurdle second, third, fourth turning their hand to other codes/distances and many of the top novice hurdlers from 2011 going chasing Spirit Son, Zarkandar and perhaps an on song Binocular are left to challenge the Willie Mullins horse.

Big Bucks'
Photo: Google Images

Staying Hurdlers

Big Bucks’ hit his prime last season and his win at Aintree was simply sublime; with just two hurdlers to jump the commentator Mark Johnson described his might “Big Bucks’ just coasting on the bit and Ruby Walsh has time to adjust his goggles!” Putting it plainly he is the best horse in training and in Oscar Whiskey and Thousand Stars he will have two new rivals to swat like all who came before.

In Ireland Willie Mullins again holds all the aces with Mourad, Quevega and the aforementioned Thousand Stars looking likely to share the races between them.

2m Chasers

Sizing Europe took home the ultimate prize in the Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham festival but overall last year no horse dominated the division. Master Minded is going to race over further this season. Big Zeb is now 10 years old and may have his best days behind him. Captain Chris improved all season and finished with Grade1 wins in the Arkle and the Ryanair novice chase at Punchestown. Despite reports that he may be best over further the record of Arkle winners in the following years Champion Chase is very good (4 wins from 7 who tried) so he may well run at a variety of distances. Finian’s Rainbow, Ghizao, Realt Dubh, Golden Silver, and French Opera are others of note in the division and I’m sure all will hold strong chances of making the winners enclosure at some point.

Staying Chasers

Long Run leaves old guard in his wake in last years Gold Cup
Photo: Google Images

Last year’s Gold Cup signalled the end of an era. Kauto Star and Denman who have given us so much to savour in the last five years are coming to the end of the line and six year old Long Run is very much the leading contender for all the major prizes. With Weapons Amnesty and Imperial Commander out for the season others will look to provide a challenge to the Waley-Cohen’s animal. Diamond Harry will be back in action and will be one to follow early in the season as he is best fresh. Time for Rupert will look to fulfil the promise he failed to deliver on in last season’s RSA chase after a satisfactory reappearance in the Charlie Hall Chase.

Ireland appear to have a stronger division of staying chasers this year than in recent season’s  Bostons Angel, Jessies Dream, Quel Esprit and Quito de la Roque all expected to come through from the novice ranks to challenge for honours. Pandorama on soft going will be a force also.

Master Minded and Riverside Theatre will be tried at the longer distances but will probably end up over two and a half miles as the season progresses.

Next the novice divisions of hurdling and chasing will be examined and they look as interesting if not more so than in recent seasons. Plenty of top hurdlers from 2010/11 are turning their hand to the bigger obstacles and we will see them next.