China Can Rock Europe in Champion

IRELAND’S biggest National Hunt Racing festival gets underway at Punchestown tomorrow. A seven race card that will begin at the afternoon time of 3:40 for the fourth year representing that it must be successful in boosting attendances.

Willie Mullins has dominated this meeting for the past few years where he has turned ducks into swans on more than one occasion. Of course he also had and has a number of top class Grade1 contenders and if he has over 10 winners for the week one would not be surprised.

Sizing Europe (L) and Big Zeb meet yet again

The big race on the opening day is the Boylesports.com Champion Chase. Here we have the Big Zeb-Sizing Europe rivalry that stretches back to this meeting in 2007 where Henry De Bromhead’s charge led at the line. The two champions have met six times Big Zeb came out on top in this race last year. But the score is currently 4-2 in favour of Sizing Europe and it is not surprising to see him as an odds-on favourite here.

Finians Rainbow who defeated him at Cheltenham went on to look even better at Aintree and some feel but for the last fence mess up by the officials at Cheltenham that Sizing Europe would indeed have won.

The softened ground is not likely to play to the strength of Sizing Europe but the only one it is likely to suit is Realt Dubh. He comes here a fresh horse with only one run since finishing second to Captain Chris at this meeting last year when he was well behind in the Queen Mother on that occasion. However Noel Meade is without a winner since March and that is a slight concern.

A really interesting contender is China Rock. Ruby Walsh will ride and is two from two on the nine year old. He travelled well yet again in the Gold Cup before not staying, and finally connections have seen sense and dropped him in trip. Amazingly he has only ever had one run at the minimum trip, when second to subsequent Supreme Novices' winner Go Native.

China Rock: has beaten Sizing Europe albeit before over further

He is still available at 33/1 and I expect him to trade at much shorter in running tomorrow evening.

Last year’s third Captain Cee Bee and Gauvain make up the field but have a lot of work to do to win.

It is hard to see beyond Sizing Europe but China Rock is outstanding value and is by no means out of it and could cause an upset under Ruby.

One of the other Grade1 races on the card is the Evening Hearld Champion Novice Hurdle. A small field of five is all that will contest the €50k first prize. It looks to lie between Trifolium and Alderwood. Trifoulim was third behind Cinders and Ashes in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle and with the forecast soft going is likely to be a short price favourite.

Alderwood won the County Hurdle, beating subsequent runaway Aintree winner Edgardo Sol into second, before following up at Fairyhouse. He is three years older than Trifolium so may lack the room for improvement of his younger rival.

It is unusual to be writing off Willie Mullins at Puchestown but all three of his horses are held by the two primaries mentioned.

Sir Des Champs looking for 8 in a row

Another poor turnout for a Grade1 contest is the case for the Growise Chapion Novice Chase. Sir Des Champs  is unbeaten over an obstacle of any description and will go off at extremely short odds (currently 1/4). There is absolutely no concerns over anything for him other than he has never ran over three miles or further. That is unlikely to be a hindrance though as he was powering clear in the Jewson and Willie Mullins had seen him as a horse for the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham festival but went the Jewson route because of First Lieutenant’s presence there, who is also owned by Gigginstown.

Mosey Joe was second over hurdles here in 2011 and had looked impressive in three chase starts winning two (finishing 5^th in one where he sprawled on landing a few fences out when leading by over five lengths carrying 12 stone). He was ineligible for novice chases in the UK so has been given a break since. If he resumes in similar form he can be the one to chase home Sir Des Champs.

The big handicap on day one is the 4:55 where a field of 25 will face the starting tape. Former top level contender Snap Tie heads the field and will bid to overcome an absence of over 30 months. The fact that connections have persisted with the 10 year old suggests he still has something in the locker.

JP McManus has a number of contenders but interestingly AP McCoy does not take the ride on either Louisville Lip or Kandari both of which are off weights he can ride at. Kandari has had two runs for Jonjo O Neill and was behind subsequent Cheltenham and Aintree winner Ataglance before being brought down on his return to Ireland at the Fairyhouse meeting.

Ruby Walsh rides Ceol Rua suggesting that is Willie Mullins’ first string. Citizenship won the valuable Boylesports Handicap Hurdle in January and if bouncing back from defeat at Cheltenham is a major player.

Practically everything in the field holds some sort of chance but two I can suggest at fancy prices are Rory Anna and Benash. The first mentioned was in contention at Limerick on her last hurdles start before running out at the last. She always gives her running and the rain would have helped her chance.

Benash has been in and out this year but has put up some good performances in races that were beyond him. He was declared a non runner when entered in this 12 months ago. He ran very well until the approach to the second last at Fairyhouse over 2m6f. The drop back to two miles should suit (record of 21214 at the distance) and the rain will also have helped his chance. At 40/1 he is worth a bet despite his in and out form.

BEST BETS ON THE CARD: CHINA ROCK, BENASH (EW) and RORY ANNA (EW)

Aintree Card Bowl-ed Over With Quality

The spectacular National Fences

CHELTENHAM is always seen as the best week of the year for national hunt racing, it is built towards for months and is full of hype and excitement. Aintree is a massive festival too but thankfully from the point of view of the punter does not have the same hype.

One thing that can be seen nowhere else is the spectacle of the Aintree fences and we are treated to a race a day over them for the Grand National Meeting.

The say they save the best to last but at Aintree the best goes first. Big Buck’s is seeking his fourth consecutive win in the Liverpool Hurdle at 2:00 against a weak field. Should he win he will set the record for most consecutive wins in National Hunt racing with 17, and break Sir Ken’s record stretching back half a century.

Arguably his best ever performance was in this race last year and to see him repeat that would put a smile on any face.

Big Buck's (L) on his way to a stylish vistory in 2011

But from a betting perspective is there really any reason to get involved? Big Buck’s is odds of 1/4 for victory (value for a horse like him you could say!). Who can chase him home, or since there is three places at least there is an EW option for punters. 

Paul Nicholls has Tidal Bay and Poungach also. The former has plenty of form at the track and was 4^th in this in 2010 when trained by Howard Johnson, the latter is just out of novice company, he won a handicap at Sandown easily and fared ok behind Oscar Whiskey at Cheltenham in January.

He has the quality but there may be better options despite Nicholls turning up an option of going the handicap route at this festival.

 Won In The Dark was ridden for a place here last year and duly did the job coming home well behind Big Buck’s to finish 3^rd. He is notoriously hard to win with but is capable of competing for minor money in the top races. If the race pans out in a similar nature to 2011 then he could be worth chancing for a place at big odds (currently a 66/1 shot).

Smad Place is second in the market and never runs a bad race, improved to come third in the World Hurdle, he is most likely to come second. There will be races to be had next season I imagine but they will be the ones without Big Buck’s in them.

The Anniversary Hurdle for 4-y-o’s looks one of the strongest renewals of the contest in recent years. The winner, third, fourth, sixth and last hurdle faller from the Triumph Hurdle all reoppose.

Countrywide Flame was a somewhat surprise winner at Cheltenham but now looks the one to beat. Grumeti has just under four lengths to find and the return to a flat track looks likely to suit, he holds Paul Nicholls’ Dodging Bullets on both meetings but this will be just his third run over obstacles and could improve.

Pearl Swan was flying up the straight at Cheltenham before falling at the last. You would have to think he would have been in the first four. If he gets over that and does not fall behind early on again he is sure to play a leading role under Ruby Walsh. Hinterland comes here fresh but the fact he is passed over by Ruby he can probably be discounted.

Saddler’s Risk has been very much a talking horse this year and would have to improve in a whole host of areas to win.

A tough race to call but there is no need to look away from the top of the market and take your choice from those who contested the Triumph. Personally I would be with Pearl Swan who will have improved for the experience.

Riverside Theatre can improve on the  Ryanair performance

The highlight of Day1 and perhaps the festival on the Mildmay Course is the Betfair Bowl at 3:05. A field of 11 includes the last two winners of this event, Nacarat and What A Friend. They look to have work to do this year though. The former is 11-y-o now and the race fell apart a touch last year with a couple underperforming. What A Friend took a heavy fall last time in the Gold Cup and may not be capable of beating the favourites here although holds a better chance than his 12/1 price says.

I would love to see Hunt Ball win just for the antics of his fantastically entertaining and passionate owner Anthony Knott. This horse will be having his ninth run of the campaign that started out in the lowest possible grade, a class5 at Folkestone. He now takes on one of the biggest staying races in the season.

Nicky Henderson has the primaries; Riverside Theatre and Burton Port. Barry Geraghty has stuck with Riverside Theatre after their gutsy and gusty performance to win the Ryanair. Nothing really went right for him that day other than Captain Chris! He surely will perform better here and if he was good enough to win last time there is no reason to desert him now.

The horse does stay the distance although this is only his second run over 3m+.

Burton Port won over C&D as a novice and did well to finish fourth after labouring for a while in the Gold Cup. That can be put down to the ‘bounce factor’ following his lay-off and is likely to be far more dangerous now. However that Gold Cup may turn out to be one of the poorest in years and therefore Riverside Theatre is preferred.

Medermit also deserves a mention being only a length behind Riverside Theatre in the Ryanair. There is no reason to prefer him over the longer trip as he was outstayed near the line at Cheltenham.

BEST BET: RIVERSIDE THEATRE

Market Rasen Preview Tuesday



Richard Johnson could be smiling tomorrow
with a good book of rides
photo: racing post



THE OPENER at 2:20 has a field of seven where a case can be made for all, conversely it is easy enough to oppose them all.

Enroller was a group horse on the flat and has run respectable in his last two hurdle runs. He is Noel Fehily’s only ride on the day, he has to give weight all round and may have to settle for minor money.

Langley’s best form has come with plenty of cut in the ground but he has only had 4 runs for Tim Vaughan and his record is F112. He has apparently improved for the addition of a tongue strap and with Richard Johnson back on board he is a player.

Osgood is a rare Mick Channon jumps representative. He was second to the Pipe’s “good thing”, Katchmore lost time. He appears here on the same mark. His best NH form is on a sound surface and he should be in the shakeup in an all round competitive affair.

An incredible tight market for the 2:50 with Union Island, having his first run over hurdles for Brian Ellison, the outsider of the quintet. He has been disappointing since returning from a break and is best watched.

The favourite at time of writing is Royal Entourage. He is up the weights after racking up a hat trick and is a leading contender again.

Hoback Junction was highly tried when with Lucy Wadham and ran ok last time to finish third. He appeared to lack fitness when fading late on but with that run under his belt he should be a major contender.

Presenting Ace and D’Gigi will need to show more than they have already to win but are by no means out of the reckoning.

Small but competitive fields are the order of the day. Not one for the each way punter.

The 3:20 is another tough contest to unravel. O Crotaigh has three wins and a nose margin second place at the venue and despite being six pounds higher than his last victory further progress is not ruled out from him back at this track.

His front running tactics should stand him in good stead in a small field. It is not hard to see why Midnight Sail is favourite. He is back in form following a layoff and went close on his most recent run behind a rival completing a four timer.

The step up in distance should also suit and his hurdle rating suggests that he is well in here.

A five horse class 5 chase where only one horse has a win over fences in the UK sounds like it should be straightforward at 3:50. But that horse, KERCABELLEC, is 14 years old, seven pounds out if the handicap and has had more horses finish in front of him than behind him this season.

No other horse jumps from the page with only slight appeal from the favourite Sacre Toi.

Kercabellec returned to the winners enclosure twice this time last year to end a four year drought. His mark is at the same lowly level here. He has gained five of his seven wins in March, the trainer has his horses in excellent form and at 20-1 he is worth a punt in an absolutely terrible looking race.

With absolutely nothing doing in the 4:20 and without some information not on the form book the only option I can see if getting financially involved is Charles. Whether or not he comes back fit after a Winter break is a question but if he does he should be better than the greater majority of these.

Dawn Commander (r): during his days in Ireland
photo: irishracing

If you are at Market Rasen and asking yourself will this day ever end, well there is just two more races and at last we see a couple of horses that can run faster than the ambulance.

Dawn Commander contested the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham but was unable to make a serious impact into proceedings. He previously was just behind weekend winner Golden Call when conceding weight at Bangor in February.

On that form he will be very tough to beat. Finnegan Paddy has been consistent against some handy rivals all Winter but he is yet to get his head in front so is opposed.

Steve Gollings does well at the Licolnshire venue Lincolnshire  , he saddles All That Remains. The horse has not run over 3 miles since winning a Point-to-Point in Ireland. It does appear as if the step up should suit however as he was outpaced recently over 2m1f at Doncaster.

He looks the most potent threat to Dawn Commander.Lincolnshi

Jonny Rye was just denied by last year’s Champion Bumber second Destroyer Deployed as he was third at Southwell earlier this month, a repeat of that should see him be hard to pass again.

The Bumper at 5:20 concludes the action. House Party was well beaten last time at Newbury following a very promising debut behind Call Back who has done ok since. Getting a four year old allowance he should go close to winning.

Scarlet Fire who’s penalty is negated by the riders claim must hold a strong chance again. And of the debutants Scarlet Fire looks the pick for a combination that had a winner in the last few weeks.

BEST BETS: DAWN COMMANDER, KERCABELLEC

From Alfie Spinner to Virginia Ash, its competitive as ever!

NEPTUNE NOVICES HURDLE
This race is among the best at the festival with many future top class horses having contested it. Examples from the last decade are Hardy Eustace (1^st), Denman (2^nd), Peddlers Cross (1^st) and Rock On Ruby (2^nd).

The market suggests that Simonsig has the best chance, he has a big reputation and that is probably why he is so clear in the betting but his form so far has not proven anything.

MONKSLAND was an easy winner on soft/heavy ground at Navan in January and the runner up has since been a close second to Boston Bob and won another race also. Noel Meade and Paul Carberry won this with Nicanor in 2006 and Monskland could repeat the trick.

Ireland’s other main hopes are Bennefficient and Sous Le Cieux. They were first and second in the Delloite Hurdle at Leopardstown over 2m2f but the step up should not be a problem for either.

Batonnier improved out of all recognition to win at the course in January but is a tad short in the betting on what he has achieved. Cotton Mill comes here unbeaten, he was a wide margin winner of his first two races and just got the better of last Saturday’s winner Ambion Wood in very testing conditions at Warwick earlier in the year.

As long as he has recovered from them exploits there is no reason he cannot go well at 16-1. There are 18 entered but it really only concerns a handful.

Grand Crus: Can he break the World Hurdle runner-up hoodoo
photo: thisiscornwall.co.uk

RSA CHASE

The connections of GRAND CRUS have opted for the novice route and leaving a stab at the Gold Cup for another year.

He was an impressive winner at Kempton on Boxing Day and the third that day Bobs Worth takes him on again.

Grand Crus was second to the all conquering Big Buck’s in last year’s World Hurdle but the last two runners up in that, Punchestowns and Time for Rupert, were both beaten favourites in this contest. Although trends for this do not particularly favour David Pipe’s grey the opposition have too much to prove to take him on at the prices.

Bobs Worth is three from three at Cheltenham but was beaten again last time at Ascot, maybe a return to a left handed track will suit, and on trends he is the most likely winner.

First Lieutenant has not been at his best all year but reportedly had a back problem in the early season. He beat the Champion Hurdle winner Rock on Ruby a head in last year’s Neptune Hurdle and is a big threat on that form.

Paul Nicholls’ string usually does well in this contest and Join Together deserves a mention. His form has worked out quite well, he has won twice over fences at the track and is the only course and distance winner to line up. He has been kept fresh for this and is the choice of Ruby Walsh.

Can he defend his crown?
Sizing Europe beats Big Zeb in 2011
photo: betting.betfair.co.uk

Grand Crus is the one they all have to beat but is certainly not bulletproof.

QUEEN MOTHER CHAMPION CHASE

A field of eight goes to post that includes the winners from the past two years, SIZING EUROPE and Big Zeb.

Moscow Flyer was the only horse older than nine to win it since 1998 but I do not think Sizing Europe has been reading much statistics. If anything he has looked even better this year when winning impressively on his last two starts.

There does not appear to be any real threat, Finian’s Rainbow was headed late on in the Victor Chandler Chase in January and was second in last year’s Arkle over this circuit.

Gauvain, Kauto Stone and Wishfull Thinking all probably prefer a bit further. Realt Dubh runs his first race of the season and there is no reason to see why Big Zeb can defeat his old rival.

Even money should not be a deterrent. Im So Lucky would be just that if he can make the frame given his horrific Cheltenham record, although he ran his best race in some time at Newbury behind Sprinter Sacre and could be one to look out for before the season is out.

CORAL CUP

Always one of the hottest races of the whole festival this year is every bit as difficult to unravel, David Pipe looks to hold a massive chance of gaining victory. He is represented by Star of Angels (4^th in this in 2009 before injury, winner last time), Consigliere (reverts from fences and better on a softer surface), POOLE MASTER (good novice hurdle form, well in at the weights, still unexposed) and recent French import Balgarry (most recent form is very strong but stepping up in trip).

Poole Master (right): well in on handicap rating
photo: Sportinglife.com

Like the Champion Chase the last two winners line up again –Spirit River and Carlito Brigante, the former needs to bounce back after losing his way over fences but Carlito Brigante’s only ever handicap run was in this last year and has ran well at a higher level in his career so may have a strong chance of repeating the trick carring 12lbs more.

Third Intention, Act Of Kalanisi , Get Me Out Of Here, and Final Approach all have a string claim. As you can see the race has plenty of strength and depth but it could pay to side with David Pipe with Poole Master and Star Of Angels both good each way prices.
Poole Master's jockey Chris Honour only needs one more win to ride out his claim. A goal after which he said he would retire, and what a story it would be if he could visit the winners enclosure at the Cheltenham festival on his last ride.

THE UNDERCARD

The Fred Winter is a bit of a lottery every year as the runners are relatively inexperienced and do not have a strong level of form. Its more about cleaning up the Triumph Hurdle than anything else.

But if you must buy a ticket for this lottery you could do worse than Royal Bonsai at 20-1. The John Quinn trained animal beat the consistent and subsequent winner Eagle Rock. He had a run on the All Weather in February so as not to increase his handicap mark. I have almost talked myself around now and he may well be worth an investment after all.

We could talk about ifs and buts about the Champion Bumper all evening, if I said to steer clear of the Fred Winter then definitely avoid this unless you are privy to reliable information. Yes many good horses do contest it but we do not know them yet. Royal Guardsman was a comprehensive winner of a strong Ascot bumber.

The Tizzards won this with Cue Card in 2010 and their charge can give a good account here.

The day kicks off with the four mile Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase and I see no reason to seek a big price here.

Allee Garde was a close third in a Grade1 at Leopardstown and he is taken to win for the father and son pairing of Willie and Patrick Mullins. Teaforthree and Harry The Viking look likely to play a leading part in the closing stages also.

So let’s hope it’s not the bloodbath some of us saw on day one. Have fun and God Speed!

BEST BETS: MONKSLAND, POOLE MASTER (EW) & STAR OF ANGELS (EW)

Cheltenham Day 1 - insert appropriate pun here

"Down the Hill they come"
photo: drawbias.com

TAKE A deep breath, to ready for both the roar and the long week of 27 races, many hours of study and analysis that lays ahead. Cheltenham the eyes of the world are upon you, the hopes and prayers of punters everywhere march with you.

So let’s get straight down to business

SUPREME NOVICE HURDLE

I find it rather staggering that there is so little Grade1 form on offer. Only Colour Squadron, Galileo’s Choice and Dylan Ross have close up finishes as runners up at the top level.

That being said they are all easily enough opposed as either the form has not worked out or the trainers do not do particularly well at the festival.

It is noteworthy that Davy Russell has opted for Trifolium, this one has been competing in intermediate grade on a few runs this year and easily took a soft looking Grade2 last time. If he is as solid on faster going we will see but could go well for the same combo that brought us Weapons Amnesty.

Darlan currently heads the market but on his best run (last time) he fell two out. That leaves us with too many questions but if he travels like that in this race he will surely be among the first few home.

Steps to Freedom absolutely ran away with an Aintree bumper last year with only the re-opposing Montbazon hanging onto his coat tails. The Jessica Harrington trained horse won two battling finishes on his most recent starts, if you can call them recent as he was last seen in November (assumingly on account of having raced on the flat during the Summer).

Prospect Wells was not far behind that day but if he is among the outsiders I do not see how Steps to Freedom is so much shorter in the market.

I think he will go well but will be found wanting at the end of the race.

TETLAMI gets the nod in the festival opener; before we even consider his form he represents a top combination of Henderson and Geraghty and is 14-1, which is big for them.

He won the same race at Kempton at Christmas as Menorah did en route to victory in 2010, he jumped very fast and smooth, travelled well and when he was asked for something at the end he willingly gave it. He comes here quite unexposed compared to others but the price is too good to ignore.

If you fancy chancing an outsider you could do worse than Distant Memories, a useful flat performer, he was going well until he made a horrendous mistake at the second last at Naas when behind Midnight Game and Dylan Ross but he could have gone very close otherwise.

ARKLE NOVICE’S CHASE

No matter what you think he beat you must say that Sprinter Sacre has been breathtaking in his chasing career to date. We could well be looking at an easy winner of the Novice Championship.

Cue Card (right); Can he fulfill his promise?
photo: sportinglife.co.uk

However he was behind Al Ferof in last year’s Supreme Novice where he faded late on. A year older and having had a breathing operation nothing has laid a glove on him since and Barry Geraghty who has well over half a century of Grade1 winners says he could be the best he has ridden.

Menorah has to prove his jumping can hold up but as a Supreme Novice winner also he must hold a claim.

Like Sprinter Sacre, the extra year in age appears to have benefitted CUE CARD greatly. He could only manage fourth when favourite behind Al Ferof last year.

He has always been touted as a top future chaser by connections and his form over fences cannot be knocked. The Tizzard’s six year old represents the best value alternative to Sprinter Sacre in a small field.

JLT SPECIALITY HANDICAP CHASE

A race that is strong on stats, and although I do not like to adhere to them too strictly it helps to narrow this field of 19.

Quantitativeeasing heads the field after winning at Cheltenham in December over 2m5f. He has festival form also when second on this card in 2011 behind Divers. It would be a great achievement to win off 11st 12lbs but place money is probably most likely.

Hold On Julio has been all the rage for this contest since his Sandown win in early January but is available at a price of 13/2. Alan King and Robert Thornton have won this twice in the past decade and the lightly raced 9-y-o holds strong claims despite his sketchy jumping on occasion.

Our Mick has cannoned up the weights over the Winter and holds an each way shout, Noland, Mon Mome, Mount Oscar and Runshan are all probably too old according to statistics at least.

There is a former runner up of this contest in The Package. He has not ran in over 16 months but given his trainer that is not as major a concern as it could be. Baile Anrai is consistent, he has two wins and two falls in chases, he was still in contention in a very strong race when falling three fences from the finish and could be more than a lively outsider here.

Fruity O Rooney likewise, he was running a very good race before almost unseating at the last in the Sky Bet Chase and has only once been out of the first three over fences.

It is an absolutely wide open race and to make a selection I would chance PENTIFFIC. His rider gave him no mercy last time and he tired just before the last where he fell. He had not touched a twig before that and they did break the course record there over two furlongs further with Venetia Williams’ inmate cutting out the running.

The former Australlian trained animal is a tentative selection in a wide open race with The Package the other preferred option.

CHAMPION HURDLE

There will be no beating about the bush here- HURRICANE FLY will win barring, god forbid, injury. This year’s race is not a patch on last years and Willie Mullins’s superstar even looks value at 10/11.

No hot air with Hurricane
photo: guardian.co.uk

Zarkandar will have to improve to beyond his Triumph Hurdle win to challenge and has to overcome the poor record of five year olds. Binocular won a fairly poor renewal in 2010 and cannot be trusted and I think he could be a place lay if you like that type of bet.

Rock on Ruby and Oscars Well are closely matched on last year’s Neptune Hurdle form and they could fill the minor spots.

THE UNDERCARD

The Cross County is unravelable, the usual safe option of going with Enda Bolger does not look as easy this year with Garde Champetre beaten on all races this year (December win fell into his lap as he was well down the field when the leading group took the wrong course).

A NEW STORY will be the most senior contender at this year’s festival and given his excellent record over this course and is a good bet to make the first four yet again.

The Mares hurdle will probably see Quevega 10 lengths clear on the bridle yet again but I see little reason to get involved financially in it.

A rapid day one will have even the most enthusiastic of punter tired by the time the Pulteney Land Investments Novices´ Handicap Chase rolls around.

A field of 20 is not too easy to narrow, there was only 14 lengths between places first and tenth last season and I envisage a similar scenario this time around. TRIOLO D’ALENE, Bless The Wings and Hunt Ball are vying for favouritism.

The last mentioned has done nothing but improve all season he started off on a rating of 69 and seven races and six wins later he is up to 142.

Barry Geraghty has been bullish about the chance of Triolo D’Alene and he could be well ahead of this grade and is still improving, only five years old and if he is not in the shake-up it would be a surprise.

Bless The Wings has plenty going for him but may need more to win, course form is a plus however. 

Going Wrong is not something that you would do if you followed Davy Russell and Ferdy Murphy when they combine at Prestbury Park. The 9-y-o has been brought about quietly much like last year’s winner Divers and must be respected.

Triolo D'Alene has promise
photo: Getty images

Finally Quincy Des Pictons beat a few respectable opponents by a good distance at Chepstow over Christmas. He has been transformed by the move to new trainer Alan Jones and if he can show his form on a faster surface at 20-1 he could be worth a small saver.

BEST BETS: TRIOLO D’ALENE (EW),  and it’s obvious but Im going to do the cardinal sin of tipping – giving an odds on shot - and include HURRICANE FLY.

Doncaster Preview

Town Moor: Good midweek card

IT IS good to see a day of good ground racing at Doncaster as the build up to the festival sees many putting in their final run within the next week before Cheltenham.

All seven races on Town Moor have something to get at least mildly excited about.

A Juvenile Hurdle opens proceedings at 1:55. Ardlui is
the only winner lining up. The form of his two hurdle runs is very strong with two good quality subsequent winners ahead of him when third on debut.

From his win there has been good performances from the second placed Tango De Juilley as well as a handicap win from the third placed horse.

Black Pond will likely improve for his debut run but the main challenge to Alan King’s charge will probably come from Eagle Rock he has bumped into some decent animals in his three hurdle races.

He had weekend Sandown winner Bourne 18 lengths behind on his last run and his debut conqueror Countrywide Flame has been placed twice at the highest level since. In between he was placed in a C&D Grade 2.

It’s impossible to recommend anything but the obvious here. Alan King’s stable is in great form and Ardlui may leave Eagle Rock to be the bridesmaid yet again.

The 32red Casino Beginners´ Chase looks to concern just a couple for win purposes but there are currently eight so there is each way possibilities.

As to what ground suits Aikman best is a question, he appears to go on anything but before last time I had been of the opinion that he prefers softer going. He flopped badly last time but this is a good opportunity to bounce back.

Aikman can bounce back
(Photo: turfpix.com)

He had a good season as a novice hurdler but has not yet shown that over the larger obstacles, arguably his best performance over fences this term was over an inadequate two miles at Carlisle on his chasing debut.

He can be forgiven the run last time and is the one to beat. Master Fiddle was way underpriced last time when well beaten and I do not see his situation getting any better this time. He was placed on this card last year and a place is likely the best he will muster again.

Quentin Collonges has only made it to the track twice in the last two seasons but was a good hurdler in 09/10. Henry Daly does well at Doncaster and this son of Dom Alco is feared most.

The Cockney Mackem has made the frame in all completed starts but with the stable not at the peak of its powers minors is probably the best he can hope for.

The 3:00 Mirror Punters Club E B F "National Hunt" Novices´ Hurdle has a competitive field as Paul Nicholls told us to expect in novice hurdles following the number of abandoned meetings a few weeks ago.

Oscar Nominee, despite finishing last of three on his most recent run was less than three lengths behind Supreme hopeful Cinders and Ashes on heavy ground. He was a 27 length winner previously and the return to better ground is the one to beat for a top team.

The form of The Weatherman’s runs has not worked out and more is needed here under a penalty. Presenting Ace came home at a respectful distance behind some useful rivals on his previous runs and can make the frame here.

It is worth keeping an eye on the hurdling debutants and Wordy’s Boy could be a good each way option following his return to action in January.

The past few renewals of the 3:30 32red Veterans´ Handicap Chase have been interesting and this one is no different. The current favourite is Mark The Book but he is plenty short enough for a horse who has had all his wins on heavy going.

Wogan’s only defeat at the course came in this race last year. He has yet to complete for new trainer Tom Symonds but is now 10 pounds below his last winning mark. This looks a good opportunity for Faasel but he appears to peak in the top races but note any market support here.

Auroras Encore missed last season but if he comes on for his reappearance holds strong claims at a big price despite conceding weight. It looks like it will not be long before Atouchbetweenacara can gain a victory as plummeting mark and a return to better ground ever enhances his chance. However the 11 year old only has two wins to his name.

David Pipe’s Faasel represents a decent ‘bet to nothing’ in a red hot contest.

Market support should be noted for Faasel
(Picture: pixmule.com)

We have a handicap hurdle at 4:05 where David Pipe’s Decoy heads the field. He was well beaten last time in the Lanzarotte but a better run is expected back in class 3 company. Corkage has been in great form over the Winter and has two wins and a place from three runs here, but it is possible that the handicapper has him for the moment.

Distime was a beaten favourite on his handicap debut but better can be expected this time but at 6-1 he is short enough. Bob ‘N’ You  has some useful form but may need this after 16 months off, however the stable can prepare them fresh.

Dawn Commander was staying on the last twice and as a PTP winner the step up to 3 miles will suit. The first time visor saw Storm Survivor bolt in at Plumpton but is up 14 pounds for that.

Patsy Finnegan and Ely Brown are others to consider at bigger prices.

As is always the case with Hunter’s chases it is best to focus on the top of the market at 4:40. Lorikarad is the most obvious choice.

‘Stick to what you know’ is the call in the Bumper and Kaysersberg has the best form as well as being a C&D winner and is easy to side with. This Is Me was well beaten on his debut here but may be worth another chance after repeating the journey from Newmarket.

BEST BETS – AIKMAN, FAASEL

Taunton Preview

TAUNTON stages a seven race card on Tuesday with six of the seven races sponsored by Bathwick Tyres. The recent freeze means that, all respect to Taunton, the card is higher quality than may have been expected.

Triumph hopeful Urbain De Sivola
(Photo: hoguenet.com)

It gets underway at 2:00 with a novice hurdle. Urbain De Sivola looks the one to beat. He slammed Ranjaan last time and he has won twice since (third and fourth also are subsequent winners) so that suggests he will be hard to beat here.

Dualla Lord is dropping down in distance for the first time after failing to live up to expectations but with Paul Nicholls’ stable under a bit of a cloud (only 1 weekend winner) he is easily passed over.

Ifyouletmefinish may give Nick Williams’ charge most to do. He was not disgraced behind either Pearl Swan or Grumeti over course and distance on his last two runs. Those coming from the point-to-point scene could play a part as could Giordano Bruno but the Phillip Hobbs is without a winner in February.

A Class5 Handicap Hurdle at 2:30 sees Changing Lanes, who landed one of the biggest gambles of the season when successful last week at Southwell, appear under a penalty. That seven pound is negated by useful amateur Mr J F Mathias who has ridden 10 winners for David Rees in the last three seasons.

He is still well below a previous winning mark and will be expected to win. Hobbs Dream won well over C&D last time but has since been hit with an 11 pound rise in the weights. Gentleman Jimmy was behind him that day but the swing in the weights should see them finish closer this time.

Eight time winner Cannon Fire and the relatively unexposed and first time blinkered Cosway Spirit are others to consider.

The poor but competitive Handicap Chase is difficult to sort out at 3:05. The Colin Tizzard yard had a brilliant weekend and Wosayu ran ok on his penultimate start but was last of three on heavy ground last time. With first time blinkers and back on better ground he could make the frame.

Kinkeel has been tilting at windmills on some of his starts this season, jumping around to pick up the scraps of prize money in the top events. He was beaten four times in this company in January but as always with the Tony Carroll yard look out for the market movement.

Alldunnandusted is still a maiden over the larger obstacles but with three hurdle wins should be involved in a race as lowly as this. Piran has shown nothing since moving house but has place claims on old form.

The 3:40 is a far more interesting contest. Sire De Grugy was fourth in the Betfair Hurdle on Friday and if he turns out again is very much the one to be on.

The Phillip Hobbs and Paul Nicholls stables did not fire to their usual high standard on the weekend but it would be foolish to leave Dare Me and Edgardo Sol out of calculations. The latter has been a model of consistency in big handicaps all season and with Harry Derham claiming seven could be dangerous.

Dare Me: chance after decent return run
(Photo blogs.bettor.com)

Dare Me is high quality and after a satisfactory reappearance it would be no great shock to see him end the stables mini drought. Alan King’s stable has no such form worries and Devil To Pay is a definite each way contender off a low weight.

Dee Ee Williams has been off since last March and off 147 this is too hot on reappearance. Higgy’s Rigazzo probably is not as good as many of these but Henderson’s representatives always deserve respect.

The verdict is if Sire De Grugy turns up he is the most solid option with Dare Me next best.

As I mentioned earlier Bathwick Tyres sponsor the card but will head man Wayne Clifford be winning back some of his prize money at 4:15?

Bathwick Junior is his representative; she showed some in her earlier races but after three tailed off efforts in novice hurdles moves into handicap company in first time cheekpieces.

One who has improved for the move to handicap company is Clever Dick. He had excuses last time but with a tongue tie on and Paddy Brennan an interesting booking, David Pipe’s inmate looks the one to beat.

There is no need to look beyond a couple in the Pontispool Equine Sports Centre Hunters´ Chase at 4:45. Templar has far and away better form than any of these and indeed is 17 pounds superior rated to his nearest rivals but concedes nowhere near that weight. He should take this with the minimum of fuss.

Divine Intavention beat the laboured Bob Hall last May and could be the one to chase him home if at his best.

The Bumper at 5:20 concludes the card but with little information on the horses I am choosing to avoid it.

BEST BET- URBAIN DE SIVOLA + CLEVER DICK Double