Cheltenham International Meeting - Saturday 15th December

Fridays action was a good one for me financially, but in terms of the blogs selections, things could have gone better. Hildisvini sadly lost his life after his fall at the 2nd last, he wouldn't have won but wasn't disgracing himself in defeat. It's a real shame as he was a horse on an upward curve going places, how far he would of gone we will never know. Falcarragh appeared to get stuck in the mud and Midnight Chase was a non-runner. The ground has deteriorated dramatically today and the heavy going makes tomorrow much more difficult, in particular as there is a few short priced favourites who look vulnerable.

Cheltenham 

12:45 - Ryman Stationary Novices Chase

Court In Motion will love the ground and doesn't appear to have lost any ability after injury,  but won't want to be too much shorter than 5/2 (if he turns up)

Our Father is sure to be a popular choice after his effortless win here last month, his jumping was accurate and precise, possibly a bit big, but he cruised though the soft ground to win by a comfortable 20 lengths. On that basis he has strong claims here. It's unlikely he will get stuck in the mud, he has a lot of scope and proved he handles the cut in the ground he will face tomorrow last time out. A worry is he has been seen best fresh in the past, on his 3 seasonal reappearances he has won all 3, but has failed to follow these up and has been a little disappointing thereafter. Also regular pilot Timmy Murphy is out injured, although Tom Scudamore is a more than able deputy, the winning partnership has been broken. Overall, there is enough to put me off, especially at 4/5, that's plenty short enough. If Lingfield (First Preference) is off, Court In Motion takes the vote as a strong travelling horse who goes in the heavy. His victory as a novice hurdler in testing conditions at Warwick was very impressive, finishing 2nd to Back In Focus, who is making a mockery of staying novice chases on testing ground in Ireland for Willie Mullins, on his next start as a novice hurdler was far from poor, what was most taking was the smooth headway and strong travelling qualities he showed on both appearances. He progressed to run third in the Albert Bartlett so course form is in the book before injury struck and he had a lay off. His two comeback starts over fences have been promising behind Houblon Des Obeaux and Dynaste and he receives weight from all his rivals here, he wouldn't want to get any shorter than 5/2 though. Emma Lavelle also saddles Highland Lodge, he flopped in a grade 1 novice hurdle at Warwick behind Cotton Mill last season but has made a smooth transition to fences this term. Harry Topper sprouted wings to over take him at Newbury last time out, however he did look held in second beforehand and his official rating of 139 leaves him with something to find with the former two. What A Warrior hasn't been disgraced in two novice chase defeats here this term, his jumping must improve but if he gets his act together he could run into 2nd at a big price. Best Served Cold has soft ground form in the book in Ireland, but doesn't appeal here as Simply Ben has a lot to find on official ratings.

Advice - (Depending on whether Court In Motion is a non-runner)
CIM Runs - 3pt win @11/4 Bet365 
CIM Non-Runner - 2pt Straight Forecast - Our Father to beat What A Warrior

1:20 - Jenny Mould Memorial Handicap Chase

Pepite Rose will prefer betting going but is a model of consistency and may run into a place

Shooters Wood looks to build upon his win in the November running of this race here last month, he has been raised 8lb for that win to 132 which could be workable and gets in here off 10 stone. Ruby Walsh is doing his minimum weight and having him aboard is a huge plus as the winning partnership is retained, but he is one I'm going to side against here. His has never raced on anything worse than soft, considering he has been on the go throughout the summer, he would probably prefer better ground than he will encounter tomorrow. Also he showed plenty of speed last time out but that weapon may be blunted tomorrow on softer ground and on the new course, which tests stamina further than the old, may further mitigate his high speed. Oiseau Du Nuit is a very admirable horse and owes me nothing, but his current mark of 158 is career high and conceding a stone all round is going to be hard in this ground, easily opposed. Pepite Rose was a massive improver last year, her two starts this year have been a little disappointing, particularly last time out on heavy ground at Ascot. I think she will be better seen on better ground and tomorrow probably isn't her day, but she is likely to run into a place. Her mark of 144 is high enough, but she is only a 5 year old and hopefully still has improvement in her. Oh Crick ran a cracker behind Ulck Du Lin at Newbury after running creditably here in November, although Joshua Newman takes off a valuable 7lb, he still looks in the hands of the handicapper. Imperial Shabra has a 6lb higher rating in the UK than he does in Ireland and has a lot on his plate here, whilst West With The Wind has been hopelessly out of form recently. That leaves David Pipe's two runners. His Excellency won here in October and his still a novice, he was well behind in the Tingle Creek last week and looks held off 147. Potentially the stables first string is a newcomer from France who makes his British debut here. Garynella has form on the soft in France and has form over further than 2 miles, this race will take some getting in the ground and proving he gets further than 2 miles sways him into favour. He is officially 2lb out of the handicap, that doesn't worry me to much and he gets in off a featherweight. It hasn't gone unnoticed as he's 7/2 joint-favourite generally, which is possibly a tad short so at the prices I will be having Pepite Rose E/W.

Advice - Pepite Rose - 1.5pt EW @17/2 Bet365
Garrynella - 3pt Win @4/1 Paddy Power

2:30 - Paul Stewart Ironspine Charity Challenge Gold Cup

Notus De La Tour should handle the ground and has a big race win in him somewhere

Walkon is fancied to go one better than his 2nd in the Paddy Power Gold Cup here last month. He is best fresh and has struggled to build upon his efforts first time out in the past, consequently I can't be having him and 4/1 doesn't represent any value anyway. Unioniste comes into the race very unexposed having won a novice chase at Aintree, before being out classed here last month behind Dynaste. He is on a potentially attractive handicap mark on his handicap debut and should handle the ground having won on heavy in France. His age worries me as a 4 year old may find the hustle and bustle of a competitive handicap unnerving. Also the jockey booking of Harry Derham, whose claim of 5lb is very useful, is a bit of a worry as I would prefer a jockey with more experience in a race such as this. Ruby Walsh partners Cristal Bonus whose winning seasonal reappearance at Down Royal was impressive and he loves the soft. As a novice chaser last year he ranked highly, running very well to finish 2nd to Menorah at Aintree after not being right at the festival, he is very highly rated at home. 157 is high mark to be winning this though, however siding against second season chasers this year hasn't been advisable. Has strong claims. Notus De La Tour takes my vote as a progressive horse who has been on my radar for some time. I have no qualms about him going in the ground as he is a French bred, who also ran creditably in Ireland last term in testing conditions. There is hopefully improvement to come and I would hope he is a bit better than his current mark of 144. 7/1 is probably a bit short on reflection of his chance though, I am on ante-post at 10/1. Nadiya De La Vega won here in October and was raised to 145, she ran to that mark in the Paddy Power too but probably isn't the best handicapped horse in the race. Quantitativeeasing has a win and two 2nds to his name at the track but still looks held in the handicappers hands, much like Astracad and Renard, although the former stepping up in trip could bring out some improvement. I think Tatenen is best going right handed and doesn't have a great Cheltenham record, whilst Wishfull Thinking has been a ridiculously annoying horse to follow, carrying top weight will be tricky and I'm not convinced how well the Hobbs horses are running at the moment. Michael Flips has been a little disappointing so far this season, he hasn't recaptured the form that saw him run 4th in last years Jewson. Tartak is gradually slipping down the handicap the whole time and his day will come, whether it is here I don't know, but he may be worth a little wager each-way at 20/1.

Advice - Notus De La Tour - 10/1 Ante-Post. 
Tartak - 0.5pt EW - @22/1 Coral

3:05 - Stan James International Hurdle

Grandouet (Centre) - If he can reproduce the form that saw him win this last year, he should go close

This is a match of up between 3 horses and choosing the winner has become increasingly difficult with the ground turning testing. Reigning Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby has been slightly overlooked for this as his victory in March has been rendered a bit of a fluke. I personally think that the win was much better than people are giving it credit. Noel Fehily knew his horse stayed 2 and a half miles so was prominent and kicked for home coming off the home bend, but he wasn't being caught on the line, I wouldn't say he 'slipped the field' either. It could be argued it was poor jockeyship from those behind, I think there is an element of that certainly, but that isn't solely responsible. I will stick my neck on the line and say Rock On Ruby was a decent winner of the Champion Hurdle. He won by 4 lengths, that margin wasn't diminishing close home. The fact the rest of the field didn't get to fellow front runner Overturn either is the counter-argument, they were 2 lengths off him, but 6 lengths off Rock On Ruby! On that basis I can't see how he isn't favourite for this. We know he stays 2 and a half and that will be to his advantage tomorrow on ground that will make it more of a stamina test. He is currently 2/1, there is a bit of value in that price. Zarkandar is far too short for me at 5/4. Admittedly he wasn't right last year and still ran a staying on fifth in the Champion Hurdle after winning the Betfair, before falling at Aintree. His reappearance win at Wincanton was very taking considering he was giving away 17lb to the second, he also showed excellent battling qualities. The run he has under his belt will assist and he will be 100% fit for this, which is a bonus on the testing ground. The 4lb he receives off the other big players in the market will assist and the bigger emphasis on 'stamina' the new course requires will be right up his street, I still think he is best over 2 and a half. However, at the prices he's best left alone. One of the forgotten horses this year is Grandouet. Before injury struck he was my fancy for this Champion Hurdle having one this race last year, in the process getting rid of any doubts he wouldn't get up the Prestbury Park hill. A long absence of just over a year isn't ideal and the energy sapping ground will bring any lack of fitness to the fore, however Nicky Henderson is the master at bringing horses back from a break to win first time out. Hopefully he retains all old ability and if he can reproduce the form that saw him win this last year, he will be hard to beat. At the prices, 5/2 is the best value in the race to me.

Advice - Grandouet - 3pt Win @5/2 Paddy Power

Other horses of interest tomorrow:
Aerial
Vasco Du Ronceray
Ikorodu Road E/W
Easter Meteor

Cheers,

Josh

@JoshRWDown

Paddy Power Exclusive - Saturday Selections

Whilst it's difficult to make selections with entries at the 5 day stage and I`ll be too busy enjoying myself at Cheltenham tomorrow to blog!! Here are a few ideas!

12:45 -2 Miles. JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial
Selection - Vasco Du Ronceray

Vasco Du Ronceray - I'm Confident He Can Build On His Ultra Impressive Hereford Victory

As always this race has strong representatives from the big stables. Paul Nicholls has won the last two renewals with with Hinterland and Sam Winner, this year he saddles Far West who attempts to extend the stables winning streak. Far West swept aside subsequent Aintree winner Handazan by 12 lengths at Chepstow last month and the latter is very highly rated by his handler Alan King. He jumped slickly and quickened nicely in the soft ground, but coincidentally that's my main fear as he has never raced on anything other than soft. His action would suggest that he prefers a bit of dig in the ground. That is enough to sway me towards the Nicky Henderson trained Vasco Du Ronceray, although I don't think there is much between them. I couldn't believe how easy he won at Hereford earlier this month, it may not have been much of a race but his 32 length win couldn't have been more impressive. He jumped, travelled and quickened effortlessly, it was a really classy performance. It will be interesting to see how he ranks in The Seven Barrows juvenile ranks that is notoriously strong year to year. I don't think anything else will be good enough to be honest. Tom George's Roc D'Apsis is unraced and could be anything, he showed how well he handles juveniles last year with Baby Mix.  Dovils Date is also an unknown quantity, his win at Musselburgh was taking, but Cheltenham and Musselburgh are poles apart. McVicar has form in the book and is highly rated, but will struggle with a double penalty.

1:20 - 3 Miles. Rewards4racing Novice Chase
Selection - Sire Collonges

Sire Collonges (Left) and Sea Of Thunder (Right) Re-oppose  After Their Tussle Here Last Month

Much like the October equivalent of this race, I am finding it difficult to find something to oppose Sire Collonges. He looked smart here last month and looked to have all the makings of a novice chaser who can go to the top this season. Making his seasonal reappearance, he jumped and travelled like a class horse and apart from Ruby Walsh's minor balance issue between the last two fences, he won well. Paul Nicholls thinks he will improve for that run and if he's proven to be correct, you would expect this grey to go very very close here. I fancy him strongly. Sea Of Thunder went off a short-priced favourite for that race last month and was beaten fair and square by Sire Collonges who is expected to improve for the run, this horse was probably very forward for the race and he will have to improve past the grey to reverse the form. He is remembered for his fall at the last when clear in a novice hurdle here last year, I personally don't think that form is all that strong, the word overrated is to the forefront of my mind. Our Father is an interesting recruit to chasing this year, he was a talking horse over hurdles and has always looked like a chaser. He has plenty of scope and I expect him to be better for a fence, however I don't think he has the class of Sire Collonges and his one run at Cheltenham was a disappointing one. Sire Collonges main threat could come from across the Irish Sea in the form of Sraid Padraig. Tony Martin wouldn't be bringing him here for no reason and I imagine he wants to find out how good he is. This lightly raced 6 year old has solid Point-To-Point form behind Rocky Creek and ran respectively to finish 6th in the Champion Point-To-Point bumper at Fairyhouse, whose roll of honour includes Simonsig and Last Instalment. He was only beaten 10 lengths that day and he more recently made a taking chasing debut at Limerick, staying on well after the last to take the 2 1/2 mile contest by 7 lengths. He was extending at the finish line and I expect the extra 1/2 mile here will suit. It will be interesting to see how the market shapes up. I think Sire Collonges will be short, shorter than 6/4 is a no go area but anything 6/4 or bigger is a decent price. I think he's as close as you will get to bombproof across the 3 day meeting....................apart from Sprinter Sacre of course!

1:55 - 3 Miles 3 Furlongs. Henrietta Knight Handicap Chase
Selection - Bradley

Bradley - The Extra 3 Furlongs He Will Encounter Should Suit

I can't stress how sweet I am on Bradley, I think he stands an outstanding chance! His latest run here last month was very promising and should hopefully set him up perfectly for this race. The 3 mile trip was probably a bit sharp, he wasn't massively outpaced but always seemed to be niggled from half-way down the back straight. Awkward leaps at the 3rd and 2nd last didn't help his chances, but he was gaining on the leaders towards the finish. Paddy Brennan actually stopped riding before the line, beaten 6 lengths actually reads beaten 3 or 4 lengths. I think he's fairly treated at the weights off a mark of 133 and I expect him to improve for his run last month, the extra 3 furlongs should also be to his advantage too. He is a horse I have followed for a while and although he has a lot in his favour here, but I worry he finds it difficult to get his head in front. Galaxy Rock is a horse that tends to have one race a year which he's lined up for, it appears it's a bit of a bonus if he runs into a place in his other efforts. He won this race last year off 135 and bids to retain off 141, I worry that is a bit high and I think 'his day' was last time out. Harry The Viking put in a cracking effort to be runner-up here in the 4 miler at the Festival, he has a mark of 142 and is open to improvement. He was over the top in the Scottish National so put a line through that run, with course form under his belt and with another years maturity, I fancy him to go close. Carruthers, Fruity O'Rooney, Chicago Grey and Teaforthree are all paying the price for their efforts in high profile races last year and are surely too highly weighted to win here. I think there are better handicapped horses in the race and it's likely this race is being used as a stepping stone to the Nationals later in the season. Master Overseer was a gallant winner of the Midlands National in March and has subsequently been raised 7lb, off 133 there is a chance this lightly raced 9 year old could still be improving. Fredo has run some admirable races here, particularly at the Festival. I fancy him to do the same without making the shake-up.

2:35 - 2 Miles 4 Furlongs. Paddy Power Gold Cup
Selection - Grands Crus

Grands Crus - Potentially The Best Handicapped Horse In The Race

There isn't a lot that I can say which hasn't been said already about Grands Crus, I'd imagine you are sick of people tipping this headstrong grey! Potentially the best handicapped horse in the race off 157, I think a stiff 2 1/2 miles is ideal. He travels and jumps superbly and the a strong run race it will suit. I'm on at 6's and am sitting pretty with the 2/1 or 9/4 around now. It's a ridiculous price and there are horses which represent better value to me. Another horse there isn't a lot I can say that hasn't already been said is Hunt Ball. The fairytale story of last season, he will have to improve again to win this. How much improvement he has left in him is debatable. The Aintree form isn't the strongest and his win at Cheltenham was probably in the weakest race at the Festival. You can't take those away from him, but I think he may be found wanting a bit here. Walkon fits all the trends. Rating band is roughly 140-147, he is rated 143. 4 of the last 5 winners were aged 7, Walkon is a 7 year old. Last 5 winners all carried less than 11 stone, Walkon carries 10-6. 4 of the last 5 winners were second season chasers, Walkon is a second season chaser. He is also best when mad fresh and this is his seasonal reappearance/ The stats don't lie and he should go close, the King stable has also been in good form recently which is a bonus. 8/1 is a bit skimpy for me bearing in mind he is up against two potential Gold Cup horses in the form of Grands Crus and Hunt Ball. He is probably a notch or two below them and I would be looking for 10/1 to be interested. Nadiya De La Vega is looking to follow up after her victory here last month and I think she has a squeak. Similar to Walkon, she fits most of the trends but she isn't the most trustworthy and has been inconsistent in the past. Putting two runs together hasn't been her forte so far in her career, consequently she's not for me. Al Ferof was a late entry into the race by the champion trainer, I don't think they quite know what to do with this grey. His optimum trip is unknown and I fear this race wasn't originally the plan which I don't like. I also think he isn't the best handicapped horse,  159 looks high enough and I think he will struggle off that mark. On the plus side, he likes Cheltenham and he appeared to want further than 2 miles last year. Backing Divers is a risk, he's very inconsistent. I don't think Michael Flips is quite good enough to win a race like this, his form suggests he is always in contention, but rarely winning the race. Consequently, I think he will get found out here. This race is not often won by a horse who has been on the go in the summer such as The Disengager. Quantitativeeasing and Poquelin have brilliant Cheltenham records and have been placed in this race in the past. They look high enough in the handicap but may run into a place. Triolo D'Alene was fancied for the race Hunt Ball won at the Festival but flopped, I didn't think he liked the hustle and bustle of a major handicap and that puts me off here.

My selections for the day:
12:45 - Vasco Du Ronceray
1:20 - Sire Collonges
1:55 - Bradley
2:35 - Grands Crus
3:05 - Knight Pass, Star Neuville (Undecided)
3:40 - Tanerko Emery (If It Runs)

Any questions or comments? Contact me through Twitter:

@JoshRWDown

THE REVIEW - Saturday 'Showcase' Meeting

This is the review of Saturday's racing at Cheltenham, my review of Friday's action can be found at http://thehorseracingblog1.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/the-review-friday-showcase-meeting.html.

3 Mile Novice Hurdle:
This race was tricky, I backed the Phillip Hobbs trained Talkonthestreet in the morning because he brought the best form into the race having finished behind Ambion Wood and It's A Gimme. However, I thought I would head to the paddock prior to the race to have a look at the Irish contenders. The Charles Byrnes trained Our Vinnie looked very well, this obviously didn't go unnoticed on the track as he shortened in the betting to become 9/4 favourite, at the expense of Rendyl Beah who drifted like a barge. Talkonthestreet simply wasn't good enough and was already beat when he made a mistakes at 3 and 2 out. Our Vinnie travelled nicely into the race until he met the last a bit wrong, his mistake gave eventual winner According To Trev a 3 or 4 length advantage which he couldn't quite recover. If you followed the trainer in form I assume you would have backed the Nigel Twiston-Davies trained winner, he just held on from the fast finishing Our Vinnie who I can't help but feel would of beaten the winner if he hadn't made a mistake at the last. Or was According To Trev just idling in front? Of the others, Rendyl Beach made a mistake at the second last which all but scuppered his chances, I think he was just starting to struggle anyway. He's a good looking horse who should make a nice chaser in time, whatever he does over hurdles is a bonus.

Nadiya De La Vega - Blows Hot And Cold But Talented On Her Day

Betvictor.com Handicap Chase:
I wouldn't have backed Nadiya De La Vega with anyone's money! She is a tricky mare to catch right as she's been inconsistent over the years, consequently I don't trust her. Nicky Henderson after her win said: 'She dumped AP McCoy on the deck on the way to the start and she can be a funny old thing, but she goes well fresh and has been sharp at home'. The mare was always prominent during the race, she came under pressure at the bottom of the hill and responded instantly to move upsides long time leader Easter Meteor at the 2nd last before pulling away to record a 2 length victory. Henderson stated her next engagement will be the Paddy Power in a months time. I would be staying clear of her again, I think this may have been her day and it wouldn't surprise me if her ever-present mood swings prevent her from recapturing this form. The race was slightly odd because the first 3 home: Nadiya De La Vega, Easter Meteor and Finger On The Pulse were always on the sharp end, the horses in behind came to challenge at the top of the hill but never got into the race. Easter Meteor ran a cracker for a horse having only his 4th start over fences, whilst course-specialist Finger On The Pulse ran another solid race. Of my bets, Havingotascoobydo is becoming an expensive horse to follow! He travelled nicely into the race at the bottom of the hill and was one of few who managed to get on terms with the leaders, but when they kicked again he was a spent force. By the time he blundered badly at the second last he was on the retreat and I'm starting to wonder if he's in the hands of the handicapper now. The horseracingblog`s other main ante-post selection ran a a shocker! The only form of running Mad Moose did was on the way down to the start! As the horses filtered out onto the course proper all things looked rosy until he decided to dig his heels in and refuse to race. Thanks a bunch. The Horse Racing Blog, is now known to tip quirky horses that can't be arsed to race, bollocks. I spat the dummy and decided to go and back odds-on favourite Dodging Bullets in the next race with my free on course £5 bet with Ladbrokes, purely out of frustration. It paid £4 as you don't get your stake back, but I was too annoyed to care! Kauto Relko ran another good race in 5th, he was beaten 12 lengths and that's about as good as he is unfortunately. Tartak has run some much better races recently but is still too highly handicapped to win one of these races, he was Ed Quigley's 'lonshot' selection and I was conversing with Mr Quigley on twitter in the morning saying I thought he was too highly rated, hate to say it but I think I may have been right...! Divers ran around the back and never got any closer like too of Ferdy Murphy's horses for my liking, the Paddy Power is obviously the aim next month and I would expect a much bolder show.

Dodging Bullets (Pictured Left) - He Could Be A Top 2 Mile Novice  Hurdler This Year

4 Year Old Hurdle:
I thought Ranjaan would represent Nicholls here, but when the race cut up he decided to run Dodging Bullets, who although he isn't in any of my Ten To Follows this year, is a horse that I am definitely keeping an eye on. He recorded his first victory over hurdles in quite impressive style, he was very keen but jumped ok. He still looked a little fresh and was on his toes in the paddock before the race, obviously a bit hyped up. Although Ruby did have to nudge him along at various stages in the race, when he gave him some reign and urged him forward the response was immediate. I thought that showed real class and this horse obviously has a good turn of foot. The run will have undoubtedly done him the world of good and I would expect he will progress to be a leading protagonist in the 2 mile novice hurdle ranks this year. I thought Baby Mix would struggle to give Dodging Bullets 8 pounds and that was proven to be correct. I don't hold him in the same regard as Dodging Bullets and I think he may really struggle outside of novice company this year, he's been known to flash his tail and I'm not sure how genuine he is, or how much he finds off the bridle. I think Baby Mix may need a step up in trip.

Balthazar King (Near Side) - It's Simple. He Wins First Time Out

3 Mile Handicap Chase:
Although Balthazar King won this race last year, it was a much weaker renewal than this year. The boost in prize money and softer ground meant that the race attracted more entries, consequently it made it bloody difficult! I had originally been interested in Qianshan Leader for the race, but felt on reflection he does not always run so well first time out and on release of the entries favoured both Galaxy Rock and Balthazar King which I had running in win doubles. On seeing both turning in together I became somewhat confused and initially started to cheer home Tony, only to realise just after the last that I stood to win more if Balthazar King won, switched allegiance and roared Dickie home up the run-in to get the better of Galaxy Rock to win the race for the second year running. He loves Cheltenham, jumps superbly and goes from the front. Get past me if you can. He also wins first time out, Cross Country will now be on the agenda and he should go well once again, before the long term target, the Grand National in the Spring. Although he will carry a lot of weight in Cross Country chases, they crawl in the those races and only start racing in the last mile, so weight shouldn't be too much of a problem. Spothedifference and Garde Champetre won regularly carrying big weights. When Galaxy Rock did move past him at the top of the hill he looked the likely winner, Galaxy Rock is a dour stayer and was obviously on his A game after a prep race round Fontwell had sharpened him up. To his credit Richard Johnson gave Balthazar King a fantastic ride, when Galaxy Rock strode on he gave his horse a bit of time to fill his lungs up before he could unleash his finishing burst to power past Galaxy Rock up the hill. Richard Johnson rode a brilliant race, it made the ride McCoy gave Galaxy Rock look a bit iffy. Having gone to the front, knowing how well his horse stays, he could have surely given him a kick in the belly to open up his lead as he turned for home, but he didn't. This gave Balthazar King the opportunity to get close up again, even worse McCoy committed the cardinal sin of letting Johnson back up his inside off the turn and in doing so surrendered the rail. Dad who really fancied Galaxy Rock, it is fair to say royally spat the dummy. He also fancies himself as a bit of a "Swinger King" (don`t tell Mum!) and usually has a swinger bet in the big handicaps, on realising he had tipped the one, two, three and hadn`t had the bet, became positively pre menstrual!! Hold On Julio ran well to finish third having done his usual, taking a few fences with him on the way round. He ran off 144 and I think he may be a few pounds to the good still, it wouldn't surprise me if he goes close in his next engagement in the Hennessy next month. Bradley and Fredo ran well without quite ever getting to the leaders, they both have a win in them at some point this year. Bradley looks like he may need further, I think the 3 mile 3 furlong handicap chase Galaxy Rock won last year at the Open Meeting would be ideal. Similar to the Betvictor.com handicap chase there were a lot of horses who never got into the race, the winner and 2nd were both at the sharp end of the race all the way. There are loads of horses who finished down the field who I wouldn't write off yet, Qianshan Leader always needs  a run to sharpen him up so put a line through his run. Also Darna and Blues And Two's, who both fell early in the race, could still have improvement in them this year. Mattie Batchelor clearly wasn't ready when Carruthers got left at the start and only supported the argument that the 3 mile start needs amending  The starter had a stinker.

2 Mile 5 Furlong Handicap Hurdle:
The day couldn't have started any better when Routs, a member of the Elite Racing Club syndicate, was lucky enough get an owners badge representing Mister Dillon. Dad, Chunky and I had a decision to make, do we watch Routs strut his stuff in the paddock, or do we watch Frankel? So we hurried off to the Tote inside the 'Hurdlers Hall' to watch one of the best racehorses that has ever been! Mister Dillon was first into the paddock and around 20 seconds later was the first out. He was walking with a limp, the vet had a look at him and found he had pulled a shoe off. We all backed the horse because we're a sentimental bunch, but though fancied, he was off the bridle a long way out and perhaps pulling off that shoe was an influence. To his credit AP McCoy made amends for any mistake on Galaxy Rock when he muscled eventual winner Bondage between Medinas and the rail on the home turn. Although he took the last hurdle with him, Bondage extended up the hill nicely and was driven right out to win by 3 lengths. I tipped Medinas in my pre Cheltenham blog and was pleased he ran well to finish 2nd. He was a decent horse last year without ever setting the world alight running below par at Cheltenham in April when beaten 46 lengths by Captain Sunshine. I felt he was better than that effort and put a line through the run, he obviously improved for his handicap debut. He is a diddly little thing, running off level weights in novice hurdles against physically more mature horses last year probably wasn't ideal. Alan King`s horses are red hot at the moment, he had two runners at Cheltenham over the two days, Hold On Julio was 3rd and Medinas 2nd. Quieros Bleu and favourite Rolling Aces travelled strongly into the race but couldn't quite go with the leaders once they kicked for home. Captain Sunshine was going as well as any coming down the hill, he was given every chance of winning the race, unfortunately, he wasn't quite good enough to go with the leaders, I think he ran creditably on his handicap debut and I wouldn't give up on him yet. Now This Is It made a bad mistake 2 out, he was on the leaders coat-tails when he pecked badly on landing which shuffled him back. He couldn't recover but ran ok. Big Easy from the Philip Hobbs stable stayed on past the horses mentioned above to run into 5th place. Awkward leaps at 3 and 2 out all but scuppered his chances as they occurred when the leaders kicked for home. The gelding was always playing catch-up after that, he looked to get done for toe as well so a step up in trip may be needed. He could be the one to take out of the race.

2 Mile Novice Chase:
This wasn't the best of races, Third Intention was the best horse in the race but I don't think there was much strength in depth. The winner, His Excellency trained by David Pipe, won going away from Third Intention having seen out the 2 mile trip better than his rival. I wouldn't say he is top class, he won't be beating the best 2 mile novice chasers around this year, but he isn't the worst and I would fancy him to have a handicap win in him this year as a novice. Third Intention jumped well, possibly a little too well, he didn't touch a twig and gave them plenty of air. He was also a bit keen, this probably cost him on the run-in as he emptied after the last. There are also doubts about how much this horse likes being in front. Routs was quick to point out that he did the same at Haydock as a juvenile when he was beaten by Houblon Des Obeaux. Whether he has a problem finishing his races, or he needs some company throughout his races, I think some blinkers or cheek pieces might assist. Jump City from the Paul Nicholls stable was out-paced all the way and jumped cautiously, he looks to need further than 2 miles. Peckhamecho simply wasn't good enough to give weight to his rivals, he made plenty of jumping errors and I thought he was out-classed.

Bumper:
Southfield Theatre was backed off the boards into 13/8 favourite from 3/1 in the morning. Someone knew something! Although I didn't actually see the race because we had to leave early to get back for a party for 9pm. I've seen the replays and I thought he was quite impressive, it wasn't the worst bumper in the world, there were plenty of previous winners in the race. He stayed on better than the second Monkey Kingdom, it took him a while to get going but when he did he surged clear up the run-in. It looks like he will need further in time. He is a very interesting recruit to the Ditcheat team, Caroline Keevil has obviously done a good job. I think his career will be over the larger obstacles so anything he does this year is bonus. He may go novice hurdling later this season, but I would stick to bumpers for the time being while he matures, he has decent form in the book having won this race and finishing 5th behind Neptune Hurdle ante-post favourite The New One. I wouldn't expect fireworks from him this year, but he's one for the notebook and he may come to prominence next season or even the one after that. Creepy from the Martin Keighley stable ran on well for 4th, it was relatively eye-catching as he was completely done for pace coming down the hill. He should make a nice staying novice hurdler in the future.

Southfield Theatre Gets The Thumbs Up From His Trainer!

In terms of the racing at Ascot, Frankel was as brilliant as ever. Having 'fallen' out of the stalls, it was no mean feat how he eased himself back into the race and how kindly he travelled in the ground for Tom Queally. Quickening in the heavy ground was never going to be easy, especially against two horses who act on that ground in the form of Cirrus Des Aigles and Nathaniel. It was never going to be an exhilarating victory, but considering what happened at the start it was as impressive as I thought it could possibly be. When Excelebration made some of the best milers around look like selling platers on the same card, it emphasised just how seriously good Frankel is, or 'was' I should say, now he's retired. I would compare him to Michael Phelps at the Beijing Olympics, 8 gold medals and 7 world records re-wrote the history books. It would be fair to say Frankel has done the same. Like Phelps at his pomp, he was invincible. He broke all the rules.

Frankel = Phelps

Of interest:

1. Get Me Out Of Here justified my faith in him when he won at Kempton on Sunday, I hope he goes novice chasing this year. For my thoughts why please refer to http://thehorseracingblog1.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/a-novice-chase-insightcontinued.html
2. Mr Mole was impressive on his debut in JP McManus colours at Exeter on Tuesday, he looks a chaser in the making.
3. Waaheb made a nice return from his lay-off at Fairyhouse on Tuesday, although his jumping was a bit hit and miss, the run will have done him the world of good. When Mark Walsh asked him to extend the response was immediate, he drew clear to win by a very easy 7 lengths. He's always been held in high regard by Dermot Weld and he could enhance that reputation this year.
4. Sizing Rio was seriously impressive at Fairyhouse too, the ground was soft but he quickened really nicely. He's a compact little horse who looks like a ball of muscle, I'm expecting big things from him. Although the times of Waaheb and this horse were relatively slow, that wouldn't worry too much considering how soft the ground was and their manner of victories.

Waaheb (Pictured Left) - Looks To Be Something Special