Racing Debrief: Cheltenham – Festival Trials Day

Cheltenham 26-Jan-13 Heavy (Soft in places) 4.6

12:10 The Finesse Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 1f

Number of talking points from this race; let us start with the comfortable winner in Rolling Star.

Maiden on the flat after 7 runs, winner on debut over timber on his final start in France he had been the subject of positive updates from Seven Barrows which saw him come into the race third favourite for the Triumph. He travelled and jumped well enough, always in a perfect position to challenge on the run in. It was a solid debut, but for me, nowhere near solid enough for him to come out of the race 6/1 Favourite. Be interesting to see if we see him in the Adonis and Nicky Henderson even suggested there are better ones still to come:

There are a couple of others still to fire but I suspect that [the Triumph] is where he´s going to have to head. – Nicky Henderson, trainer.

Irish Saint did nothing wrong in second, but he was just beaten by a nippier sort. At Kempton he beat nothing, 2nd that day was McVicar who left his race in a hurdle down the back, and third home Allowed pulled throughout. Here race own way, one paced at the business end. Connections have stressed on all his runs that he isn’t a flashy type, and that he’s a chaser in the making, and this performance confirms that impression:

12:10 Cheltenham – Irish Saint

We bought him after he won a listed newcomers’ hurdle at Auteuil in September by five lengths, and that victory, however hard to gauge, obviously promised a great deal. But, being honest, although he was sent off at odds-on on his debut for us at Kempton last month, I didn’t really know what to expect. He had worked well enough at home but he certainly was no morning glory, and is clearly a real chaser in the making. So I had to be very impressed with his 18 length win at Kempton, as he travelled really powerfully throughout and jumped well too.

The form of that race may not amount to a great deal – though it was good to see Captain Cardington, beaten 27 1/2 lengths at Kempton, finish a fair third under a penalty at Newbury next time – but this is clearly a horse of some potential. I never saw him as a Triumph Hurdle type at all before Kempton, but we will certainly know more after today’s run in this better grade. He has improved at home since Kempton, and we like him a lot.

Last Shadow’s entry in notebook from Doncaster gets underlined following his run here. Held up, he lost his position following a poor jump 3 out, also between second flight and coming into the straight he was not in a challenging position after Milord relegated him to last. Responded, when asked, on the run in to finish a never nearer 4th, connections need another run to qualify for handicaps. Cheltenham experience now in the book, a return, once given a mark, could be on the cards in the Fred Winter.

12:40 Novices’ Handicap Chase 2m 5f

Vino Griego, at the 18th time of asking, finally got his head in front over fences, and he had it won from a long way out.

A perfectly executed ride from Jamie Moore saw him nigh on in the perfect position throughout. Sew On Target was in a duel for the lead for the majority of the race, as such was a spent force coming into the straight. Aidan Coleman had Renard D’Irlande prominent throughout, but Jamie Moore brought his charge through the field. Knowing he needed to be there or thereabouts when leaving the back he moved through the field on the second circuit, being on the coattails of the front two four from home. This was the first time connections had reverted to hold up tactics since his run at Ascot under Timmy Murphy back in Dec 11. There he finished second to The Minack off a mark of 135, yet was going best of all until stumbling 2 out. He’s been raised to 138 as a result of this win, but is still eligible for the 0-140 Novice Handicap at Cheltenham.

Renard D’Irlande was in the right place throughout, and as shown later on the card Aidan Coleman knows where he wants to be on his mounts. He just walked into a talented character. Left with a mark of 124, he’ll be winning soon enough.

Due to the ground conditions it was difficult for anything to come off the pace, as such I’d happily discount this run with regards to Johns Spirit and Rajdhani Express. Also forgive the run of Ackertac who was fighting a losing battle from the off, squeezed out by Theatrical Star and Rajdhani Express at the first fence, he was never travelling nor jumping with any fluency from then on.

1:15 Chase (Grade 3 Handicap) 2m 5f

Aidan Coleman rode a similar race to what he did in the proceeding race and this time there was no snip to worry his mount Katenko at the business end. Prominent throughout, Our Mick’s departure three out aided his cause, but he had everything else beat from four out. Improving profile, he’s been raised to 158 as a result, and has big race entries with the Grand National seemingly the preferred target but ground conditions look to be the deciding factor as to whether he’ll run in the Gold Cup:

The Gold Cup is an attractive option. I think the ground is going to be fairly relevant. We´ve got all sorts of options to consider. He doesn´t have to have it deep but you wouldn´t want to consider anything on drying ground. – Venetia Williams, trainer.

Fruity O’Rooney looked well beat after going under pressure five from home, but credit to him he did stay on well to finish a clear second. The JLT Speciality Chase is the likely target for him and he’ll be running off a 1lb lower mark. If given an uncontested lead,
or pace duel is not a frantic one back here in March, then he has to come under considerably consideration.

Tullamore Dew has strung a couple of respectable performances together now, and since seasonal debut has seen his mark drop 7lbs to 133. He finished a hd 2nd to Massini’s Maguire at Ascot’s Betfair Chase weekend last season, and you’d think same race would be under consideration this time around too.

A few of the beaten horses are of interest also. Bless The Wings didn’t enjoy the ground, and was jumping right late on. Barry Geraghty again made a point of getting round with Quantitativeeasing. With the way the race panned out, he had no chance from his position anyway. Dropped to 147 as a result, he’s only 2lbs higher than when winning the Spinal Research Chase last season, and connections will be looking to better ground to spring a revival. Another who is looking for better ground is Poquelin. Harry Derham had him in a good position for the majority of the race here, but as they quickened half way down the back he just allowed the race to develop around him and Poquelin’s jumping went a bit awry. Dropped to 155, he’s got to be of interest in a Festival Handicap, failing that the Listed Chase he won here back in April 11 off 170 will be his for the taking. Highlight of the day was seeing Bold Sir Brian get up following fall at the last, but I think it’s a credit to the horse that he was in with a chance 4 out considering he didn’t meet any of the first two fences right and was fighting a losing battle positionwise then on in.

2:25 Argento Chase (Registered As The Cotswold Chase) (Grade 2) 3m 1f 110y

Far from a high class renewal of the Argento Chase, big two pulled out in the week due to injury; Tidal Bay and Bob’s Worth, and in all likelihood connections will be glad they missed the intended engagement as it was a slog.

Imperial Commander, as always, but up a fine effort on seasonal debut. In receipt of weight all round he was the class horse in the race, no stamina doubts, and looked to have the race sewn up until the dying strides. Contrary to the form book, connections are expecting more from Imperial Commander at the Gold Cup as they stated he was short of peak fitness due to the weather. I doubt we will see him regain his crown, but it was a very creditable performance in agonising defeat.

Denis O’Regan had Cape Tribulation perfectly positioned for the majority of the race. Creeping into the race down the back he was travelling best of all approaching the second last before Denis put him in Imperial Commander’s backside. Pulled out after the fence, he was well on top at the finish. He won the Rowland Meyrick fairly impressively on his previous start, same again travelling well and for once jumping well over fences. He’s not short of quality as shown by his two wins last season over timber and has struck up a great relationship with Denis: 125541151

Hunt Ball screamed non stayer, unfortunately the bet struck by owner last year to win the Gold Cup meant he wasn’t entered in the Ryanair. Aintree Bowl is now the likely target for him and that’d be his best chance of a Grade 1 win over 3m.

A non-staying performance in the King George after a rushed prep didn’t shout out Argento for his next run, Grands Crus has suffered as a result.

3:00 The Classic Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 4f 110y

Race run at a dawdle wouldn’t have helped the out and out stayers in the race of Coneygree and Whisper here. Both have ran with great promise through the season. Coneygree was particularly impressive back here earlier in the season, ground it out from the front on that occasion but not so here and be interesting to see if it transpires that he was short of work or not 100%. Whisper came into this on the back of just one run over hurdles, Heavy ground at Ffos Las and from two out race just got away from him. Connections see him as a chaser for next year so I think they will lower their sights for the remainder of the season.

At Fishers Cross came into this race on the back of some good runs, comments following Cheltenham handicap win:

At Fishers Cross has certainly got the hang of things now, and Rebecca Curtis pointed to him feeling something last year when disappointing at Ffos Las:

“Nice horse that we’ve had difficulty getting to jump properly – we’ve had a vet look at him and he’s sorted something out in his back. He’s still on a learning curve.”

He’s very much now on an upward curve too, he came here rated 131, now 145 and is still eligible for Novice Hurdles. Brindisi Breeze went into the Albert Bartlett officially rated 148.

AP McCoy had a willing partner after the last and got up late on to defeat The New One who had taken advantage of the slack early pace from the 2nd last. Connections are now going for the Albert Bartlett, and he’s rightly heading the markets currently after showing it in and out of novice company over a variety of trips.

The New One got caught late on, Sam Twiston Davies admitted he went a bit early, but I think this was a very sound run considering he was running here quickly off the back of a bloodless victory on heavy ground at Warwick. Following the Warwick run trainer stated they had a few niggling problems since October run, but only minor. He rightly remains at the top of the betting for the Neptune.

3:35 Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) 3m

Oscar Whisky stays three miles, but he’s not good enough to beat Grade 1 horse over three miles. If you look back at his form he looks impressive over 2m-2m4f, but when racing over the specialist trip of 2m4f he has been running against handicappers. The only time he has come up against something with Grade 1 form, Thousand Stars, he’s scrambled home by a neck. Barry Geraghty has twice indicated he’s not travelled as well as he usually when campaigned over this trip and I wonder if it is down to Barry himself rather than the horse. He’s bound to have doubts about the trip, he’s bound to be more conscious of when making a move at any point in the race, and I think that can only have a detrimental effect on the way his mount travels.

Reve De Sivola won this with a fair bit in hand and feel that if he were challenged earlier he’d have responded for pressure. Richard Johnson made a point of rushing him to the rail once in the straight and that meant he had a decisive advantage over Oscar Whisky as they approached the final flight. Reve is no back number over hurdles, dual Grade 1 winner as a novice in the Challow Hurdle and Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown, he didn’t set the world alight over fences and has looked more his usual self back over timber. 2nd to Big Bucks on seasonal debut, routed a fair field in Grade 1 Long Walk and this now under his belt, he’s had the benefit of not having a Festival match up with Big Bucks at any stage of his career. 5s still a fair price for the World Hurdle.

Kentford Grey Lady improved for the step up in trip, but would love a pace to come off. I think she has a very big win in her, and I’d be aiming her at the World Hurdle rather than the Mares race which ends up being a sprint in the turn in.

Lovcen is another who needs a break. Campaigned aggressively early on in the season in big handicaps on deep ground. Some R’n’R will see him back to his best.

4:10 Handicap Hurdle 2m 1f

Mr Watson looked fairly treated on pick of his novice form, and so it proved here. Again this is another example of Novices’ taking advantage of their mark in open company. We’ve seen with My Tent Or Yours/Betfair Hurdle that the big handicaps are now the target of Novices, and races itself are being fought out by improving novices (Zarkandar’s win was first run after Juvenile campaign), Cause Of Causes winner of the Ladbroke and 3rd in the Greatwood. It wouldn’t surprise me if this trend continues to grow and forces the hand of the Handicappers in how it assesses the Novices’ as currently the pattern scale for a Grade 1 Novice v Grade 1 Open race is 135 v 155 = a gulf and a half

Quaddick Lake confirmed the idea that he’d have got involved somehow at Kempton on Boxing Day, and he’s one to have on side when back upto 2m4f granted a fair gallop.

Two beaten runners deserve a mention in Old Tricks and Kingcora. Old Tricks looked to be going nowhere fast two out but come home well. He posted a good third to Gevrey Chambertin on his previous start and after a failed attempts over fences he’s of interest over timber over a trip. Kingcora continues to drop in the weights, and I can’t imagine it’d be long before he starts to find his feet and grade. A winner in France, he was 3rd on his penultimate start there just ahead of Upepito, now a stablemate at Venetia’s who is entered for the Arkle.

Cheltenham Open Meeting Debrief

CHELTENHAM OPEN MEETING DEBRIEF

CHELTENHAM 16-Nov-12 C&H: Good to Soft (Good in places) C&H: 6.9

1:15 – Novices’ Chase 2m 4f 110y

High quality Novices’ Chase, but Dynaste won this fairly emphatically.  Jumping well for Tom Scudamore, he came to challenge coming into the straight, and sealed the win with a good jump at the last. Not devoid of pace, they didn’t go a searching clip here, I wouldn’t be afraid to stick at this trip for now. Connections are looking at same route as Grands Crus; Newbury and Feltham, but does he have the stamina for the RSA and with Our Father running well later on the card, will Pipe want to be double handed. Still, for the time being he showed more than enough to suggest he should be prominent in Ante Post markets for both Jewson and RSA.

Not sold on Fingal Bay’s at all, he didn’t impress me at Chepstow, not sailing over fences as opposed to Dynaste, he idled badly at Chepstow and for now I doubt we’ll ever see the horse that beat Simonsig at Sandown.  Injury meant he missed Cheltenham last year, but before that he had a tough campaign early door, Persian War, Open Meet, Sandown and Challow, the last two were on desperate ground. One to swerve for the time being.

Unioniste put up a fair performance for a 4yo here in third, half bro to My Will 3m assignment looks on the cards.

Carlito Brigante was still there coming into the straight, but gave way.  Rated 140, he’s bound to be back here in March for either the Novices’ H’Cap Chase or the Bryne Plate.

1:50 – Handicap Chase 2m

Not blown away by any of the first 3 home; Shooters Wood a former Hunter Chaser, application of tongue tie, 2m trips have seen form figures of 2221, now rated 132 will find it tough.  Wetak improved for his run at Ascot, he has won both his chase starts in France over 2m2f yet relatively disappointed over further, so could see him return for the Jenny Mould Memorial Chase in December. Silver Roque continued his rich vein of form, and connections should be seeking to take advantage of a lenient hurdle mark of 104.
Astracad has been dropped 1lb for this run, and no doubt he too will come back for the Jenny Mould Memorial Chase next month, where he will be looking to win it off 6lb higher mark.  Race will be ran over the New course, which has a long run to the 2^nd last and is 110y further.

Kid Cassidy once again was in another post code for the majority of the race and as you can see from above the first 4 home were front rank throughout. Will we see him before the Grand Annual, that is the question.

This was a fair effort from Oh Crick and his jockey Joshua Newman.  Joshua was only having his 6^th ride here and acquitted himself well, allowing Oh Crick have daylight out wide, and jumping well enough throughout.  He has been dropped to 142 for this run, and you’d think he will be able to win off that when given a slightly stiffer test either ground or trip.

2:25 – Sharp Novices’ Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 110y

 

Farcical pace resulted in a sprint for home, which Dodging Bullets won. Ran some good races as a juvenile, 2^nd in the Dovecote, 4^th in Triumph and badly hampered at Aintree, he is one of the early markers when it comes to the Supreme Novice and that is the ultimate target, however it wouldn’t surprise me that even off levels couple behind him turn form round in March.

River Maigue won the Ayr bumper that Nicky Henderson usually sends a good one too, however on debut last year he was keen and here too he was a little keen. Hurdled well in the main, done for toe slightly coming into the straight (p2p winner where Dodging Bullets a mile winner on flat) but he will win soon enough.

Knocked sideways when saw the mark handicapper has given Court Minstrel, 131.  He was held up off pace at Aintree in bumper, held up off pace on hurdles debut here in October and you could see from the off he was beat, but to his credit he ran a very sound race. Pulled a bit at times, he came into the straight with chances but jumped slightly left at last, bumping into Magic Spear 10yds after the flight and in 5^th place, rallied well to finish a never near 3^rd. Off 131 connections must surely now look at handicap route for him. We’ve seen in recent years with Darlan and Get Me Out Of Here that the Ladbroke/Betfair (formerly Totesport) is a decent route to the Supreme.  To run in the Ladbroke he needs to have competed a minimum of three times in Hurdle Races, so they could look for a race in next week or two or keep him back for a tilt at the Betfair if they choose that route.

Duke Of Navan got a wakeup call early from Tominator, keen, and very wide as they left the stands. Nicky Richards said following his win at Newcastle they’d look for a nice little race with him, this was a nice little race indeed and the strength of it could point to the regard he is held in, or a sighter for what Nicky Richards has at home, Eduard.

Tominator didn’t jump well on debut, and was slow at times here. Northumberland Plate winner, a step up in trip must be on the horizon.

CHELTENHAM 17-Nov-12 Soft (Heavy in places) 5.8

Ground was the softest it had been for some years, January 2010 matched it, slight worse in January 2009 – In short, tough work.

12:45 – Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) 2m 110y

Far West enhanced the favourable impression of Chepstow here and now takes his place at the head of the Triumph betting.  Nicholls had schooled him extensively prior to his Chepstow run, and his jumping again was slick. Has a bit of knee action going on, so you’d worry about quicker ground, especially given the Triumph is on the Friday, but this ground got Heavy fairly quickly after only 6mm of rain, so could we be looking at a Soft Ground Festival?

Vasco Du Ronceray came into this race on the back of a facile win at Hereford, and hindered his chances by being keen early. Coming into the straight Barry Geraghty looked fairly comfortable, touching a low of 1.33 in running, but after the last he was put in his place fairly readily.

1:15 – Novices’ Chase 3m110y

Can’t help but be impressed by Our Father who turned this sound looking Novices’ Chase into a bit of a procession. Always been well regarded by connections, he is now 3 from 3 on seasonal debut, so there is a worry that he is best fresh but I think there has been excuses for below par runs.  If reviewing his Ascot win last year, he looked very green still when hitting the front, travelling like the best horse throughout the race, similarly when beat at Chepstow when 4/9 fav, and at Newbury as a novice.  Pertemps would have been a further shock to the system, and Aintree he didn’t run well at all.  Another summer on his back, he comes back here bigger and better, and you would hope he’d carry his form through the season this year. Sire Collonges again put up a bold jumping display, he was giving 8lbs to Our Father, and in time this form will look a bit better than it does currently. Disappointed by Masters Hill here however Joe Tizzard made a point to the stewards that he was never travelling and as per review of his Chepstow run (https://racingtictacs.wordpress.com/2012/11/01/racing-debrief-week-ending-281012/)  was unsure if he was the sort to catch fresh, still, I expect him to bounce back.

1:55 – Handicap Chase (Grade 3) 3m 3f 110y

Ding dong battle up the run in between two improving horses in Monbeg Dude and Bradley. Monbeg Dude unseated his rider here back in October when chance was not gone and if you look beyond the run at Newbury in March his form looks solid; Good 3^rd to Glens Boy, a winner over 3miles at Lingfield and a point to point winner on easy ground at 5 so off his revised mark he could pop up in races of this nature/regional nationals before a tilt at the Welsh National next year. Bradley confirmed the promise shown back here in October when finishing behind Balthazar King, and comments then still apply now, still relatively lightly raced, and will run race when conditions suit, easy ground 3m+.

There was a lot to like about Viking Blond’s performance.  Fought off numerous contenders for the lead, and didn’t buckle till late. Pulled up in last year’s Welsh National, he is 5lbs lower this time around and is worthy of another chance there. Any Currency hung late on, all wins have come on RH tracks, but connections seem to want to go for Beecher Chase rather than London National. Problema Tic ran well for a long way on ground he’d have hated, earlier in the season races like Charlie Hall, Hennessy and United House Gold Cup was mentioned, so the 2lb drop to 142 won’t go amiss when conditions favour him. Chicago Grey hit the 4^th last hard, he is no forlorn hope off his mark, and Carruthers is now 2lbs below his Hennessy winning mark, if they can find some good ground for the latter he could be interesting.

14:35 – Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase (Grade 3 Handicap) 2m 4f 110y

 

Breathtaking performance by Al Ferof off 11-8 and it’s no surprise he is now generally 2^nd Fav for the King George, but what happened last year? After reviewing this race a few times I think his worst jumps were at the last two fences, and he wandered late on too. No doubt many will think he was feeling the weight and conditions taking the toll on him, but I think he is a bit of a thinker. His form in double figure fields now reads F13112F111, single figure fields 3111343, the two falls were on debut in p2p, and when 3 lengths clear 2 from home here in Dec 10. His final 3 runs last year where in single figure fields, at Ascot, wide and didn’t travel, Arkle led at the 9^th then duly banked the 10^th, and Aintree wilted after making it. Be interesting to see the number of runners in this year’s King George, and if a small field, whether Ruby will try bury him out the rear early doors.

Walkon was thrown in off his mark of 143 given the form of Exeter run and that the ground had come into his favour.  Raised only 5lbs to 148 be interesting to see if he can hold his form back here in December and could be a fair price if people desert him due to it being his second start.

Nadiya De La Vega ran a very fine race to finish 3^rd to back up her good win here in October.

Of those beaten, Poquelin chance was gone from fall of flag, held up, on ground softer than ideal, 3lb drop to 160. Ground on quicker side in December, then he’d be high on the shortlist as the equivalent race is sponsored by Stewart Family and Poquelin’s form on New Course is superior to that of the Old Course. Grands Crus and Hunt Ball were the main disappointments of the race.  Grands Crus didn’t travel with his usual zest, yet every possibility he was feeling the ground as he hasn’t convinced on easy ground, but connections are also looking at breathing op. Hunt Ball got beat off 102 on Heavy ground last year, and he too may have been inconvenienced by conditions, he will likely strip fitter for the run too and I’d look at a Graduation Chase to get him back on straight and narrow, or maybe a tilt at the Peterborough Chase and pit himself against Cue Card.

3:05 – Handicap Hurdle (Listed) 3m 1f 110y

Not sold on the form of this race.  Lovcen is too high in the weights, they have an eye on chasing for Goulanes, Themilanhorse would have hated conditions, and he too is seemingly destined for chases. There was a fair bit to like about Cross Kennon run however. You would think that a tilt at the Rendlesham, which he won in 2011 and was 2^nd in last year, will be a target, and possibly a run in a Pertemps qualifier on the way to Haydock.

CHELTENHAM 18-Nov-12 Soft 5.5

Ground once again made it hard work today for all.

1:10 – The November Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) 2m

Captain Conan had this won a long way from home, confirming the impression that he was every inch a chaser when competing over hurdles. Winner of the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle, he disappointed in Ireland, but form behind Tap Night and Darlan was enough to see him rated 140+ and throughout the season Henderson was shouting “chaser”.  Form at Sandown, and with his bold jumping, he could be one for the Henry VIII Novices’ Chase in a few weeks if stablemate Simonsig goes to Newbury.

Sire De Grugy wasn’t great early doors at his fences, but improved as race went on. He relishes flat tracks, and even though this was a fair performance, you’d expect better back at Kempton and is still a novice to be excited by.

Third Intention jumped big early and Joe Tizzard made a point at trying to hold him for a late run, but a mistake at 2^nd last cost any chance of second place. He will be better seen off a quicker pace, and he could be a novice to have onside for the Handicaps in March/April if not too high in the weights.

1:45 – Intermediate Handicap Hurdle 2m 5f

Race became a one horse race early doors with Double Ross and Sam Twiston Davies not seeing another rival. Keen earlier in his career he settled well here and he certainly relished these conditions; Form on Soft or worse: 313232, form includes Challow Hurdle, a Supreme Novices’ Trial and 3^rd in the Swinton. Conditions should be in his favour this weekend at Haydock, so be interesting to see if he is a runner.

This was only Close House’s 4^th run over timber and it left the impression that there’s a good race in him this season. This run also gives the option of stepping upto 3m as he didn’t lack for stamina late on.

San Telm enjoyed the ease in the ground, and enhanced the form of his Haydock win. Held up out the back, he made a move possibly too early to get second, but had no chance with the winner from position. Yesyoucan is still entered at Haydock this weekend, and be interesting to see how he gets on.

2:50 – Racing Post Hurdle (Grade 3 Handicap) 2m 110y

A fair renewal of the race formerly known as the Greatwood, but not a piece of form I’m overly sold on at first glance.

Olofi finally got his win under the belt, well deserved after so many near misses, 5^th here in 2010, 2^nd in 2011 he also finished 5^th in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last year, so the fondness for 2m handicaps is there, as is the ground preference having won here in Dec 09 in soft ground.  Backers had a moments worry when Danny Cook on Bothy shut the door on him coming into the straight, but had more than enough in reserve to hold off challenges up the hill. You would think he’d have been cherry ripe for this, whereas others may have had other targets on their mind.

Cash And Go previously with Edward O’Grady had Grade 1 form on Heavy ground in Ireland, and he put up a fair effort on stable debut here. He didn’t convince in his hurdling at times, but stuck on well enough for a clear second, off 141 his mark is fair yet campaign is more Handicap Hurdles than Champion Hurdle trials.

Cause Of Causes once again showed liking of a 2m Handicap Hurdle, 2^nd in Galway Hurdle, he was running here under a penalty after his win at Fairyhouse.  Being owned by Timeform Betfair Racing Club, you would think that the Ladbroke and Betfair Hurdle are targets for this son of Dynaformer.

Bothy ran his usual honest race in 4^th, and is another who is suited to these type of races and is credit to connections. Glam Gerry got going all too late, similar to his run at the Festival over fences, there is a big one in him, but it’s likely everything will have to fall right for him.

3:25 – The Hyde Novices’ Hurdle) (Grade 2) 2m 5f

For me this was one of the best performances’ of the weekend, Coneygree running away with a very hot looking Grade 2 Novices’ Hurdle. He created a favourable impression at Uttoxeter on hurdling bow, enhanced his reputation today. His Newbury run aside, where keen early, wide, and allowed to coast home in final few furlongs, then he has a very exciting profile. All wins have come with ease in the ground, he has shown ability to sit off the pace or make it and if making he can power away from them. This was a quality renewal too, we had Bondage come into this race on a back of a convincing handicap win rated 145, According To Trev rated 143 following game win at Showcase Meet, where as in previous years race has been littered with 120-130 types. Question has to be what next, half brother Carruthers ran in the Albert Bartlett as a Novice and be interesting to see if they come back here in December for the 3 mile race. Not many are on my Festival shortlist, but he most definitely is and the unfashionable connections mean we are looking at a very fair price.

Others in behind deserve a mention too. I Shot The Sheriff once again showed his efficiency over hurdles, but detested the ground. Awaywiththegreys didn’t really travel today as such was slightly disappointing given conditions should have suited. Creepy was the eyecatcher though, making good move from top of the hill, he fiddled the second last and lost all chance after not really impressing with his jumping throughout. Connections had Champion Court in this race last year and even though not of that class just yet, he’s one to have on side when he reappears in the New Year.