As the title of today's post suggests, I think Paul Nicholls has chances with many if his battalion tomorrow, who run all over the country and over both codes. Lets start with ULCK DU LIN, who runs in Newbury's Group 3 Greatwood Handicap Chase. This horse is famous for making his British debut in the Fred Winter at the Cheltenham Festival, given the regard that his trainer held him in. He was quietly fancied that day, but he didn't cut much ice, finishing a disappointing 12th. In truth, his career has been filled with similar disappointments, as he has never really reached the heights that he was possibly expected to. Today, he is supported by heavy ground, which he has form on, course experience and a considerable drop in the weights. His form has been rather poor as of late admittedly, but hopefully everything can come together today. Add into the equation that the last two renewals of the race have been won by 6 year old, Paul Nicholls trained, French breds and he would apparently have a massive chance. The Venetia Williams trained Shangani rates the main danger.
Ulck Du Lin- things in his favour.
My second Nicholls selection runs in Lingfield's 4:35. RANJAAN's performances in "jumpers bumpers" this season have shaped with plenty of promise, the best probably being his hugely creditable second to Champion Hurdle hope My Tent or Yours at Kempton. He wasn't beaten a million miles that day and a replication of that should see him go close. Another second to Sgt Reckless, a decent horse of Mick Channon's who beat long time Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite West Wizard over hurdles, on a synthetic surface shows that the surface that should pose no problems. He is another horse whose career hasn't quite panned out as Nicholls may have invisaged, this being far away from some of the decent races/entries he was involved in as a juvenile. But, hopefully, he has enough talent to be competitive with this opposition, the main dangers being Castilo Del Diablo, should he stay and Be Perfect, whose last run puts him right in there with a chance.
The final Nicholls horse I've selected is HARRY THE VIKING in Doncaster's feature, the Grimthorpe Chase. His form has been very average of late, although his last run shaped with promise. However, what he does have in his favour is previous renewals of the race. The last 4 runnings have all be won by horses that have run off a mark of 130 or less and the last three winners have all been aged 9. Harry The Viking fits this bill, hopefully he should go close.
Another horse that looks like an ideal candidate to win the race given previous renewals is REAL MILAN. He is another horse that is a nine year old he runs off 129. Also, his trainer Donald McCain is said to be hopeful of a decent running, saying that the good ground should be in his favour.
Next up, I go back to Lingfield for their 5:10, where BURNING BLAZE looks to have a decent chance, as there is a possibility that moving from Kevin Ryan's yard to Olly Stevens' yard may bring out an improved performance, as a change in surroundings often can. If Unsinkable can overcome his absence then he would rate the main danger.
My final selection is courtesy of Kelso, where they have also been graced with good ground. This should suit Stuart Crawford's representative in the 3:05, the Grade 2 Premier Kelso Novices' Hurdle. This horse is MISTER NIBBLES, a horse who has moderate hurdle's form in Ireland, the best of which probably being a second behind the useful Upazo and a victory over another decent sort in Champagne James. His form may be a long way behind the favourite's Clever Cookie, but he may cause a little shock. I've mentioned previously that I'm a big fan of the Crawford stable and they are not usually the sort to waste entries over in Britain. He really could run a better race than his price suggests.
Away from racing, I'd like to take the opportunity to praise a few of our sportsmen and women. Firstly, all of our medal winners in Sochi. I've already mentioned Jenny Jones and Lizzie Yarnold in the blog, so that just leaves both our men's and women's curling teams, who won sliver and bronze respectively. In some of the last ends of curling match, the tension can seriously ramp up, with Dave Murdoch often delivering the goods for the men. Unfortunately, the final didn't quite go to plan, with most of GB's team not playing their best game against the might of Canada, but the silver was an incredible achievement. Also the women, under skip Eve Muirhead, kept their cool on the ice to capture bronze against the Swiss.
Congratulations to all those involved.
I'd also like to mention a few other competitors. The GB four men bobsleigh team performing amazingly to finish a hugely respectable fifth, beating the mighty bobsledding nation in Germany in the process. And finally, a quick comment on the dreadful luck of short track speed skater Elise Christie. It just wasn't to be her fortnight, being disqualified or penalised in all three races she entered, and was often undeserving of it. What made it worse was that she was surely denied at least one medal, probably more. But I'm sure that Elise will bounce back. Granted I'm not a speed skating expert but somebody of her clear talent will undoubtedly have a brilliant future ahead of her. Just shows that sometimes all you need is a touch of luck, whatever you do.
As the Winter Olympics left us, we look towards the Winter Paralympics. I'm sure that they will astound the people they entertain and no doubt push the boundaries of human capability. I've no doubt we should prepare to be amazed and awestruck.
And finally, well done to England's rugby team for the 13-10 success in a titanic battle versus Ireland. It sure makes for an interesting few weeks of fixtures coming up, it really is wide open.
Have a good weekend everybody...
Happy Punting!
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