He's won a Champion Hurdle and in his last race, gave The New One a mighty scare at Aintree. You've probably guessed that the horse being referred to is ROCK ON RUBY (3:15). Both of the races eluded to there were magnificent performances and you would have to be fairly confident that a replication of either of these runs today would see him be a massive player, despite having the burden of carrying top weight to contend with. He carries 12 more pounds than market favourite Irving but this might not be enough to stop Harry Fry's 9 year old. Paul Nicholls' horses have tended to come on for the run so far this season and even so, Rock On Ruby looks too classy for Irving. 9/2 looks massive.
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| Rock On Ruby winning the 2012 Champion Hurdle |
Another horse who could run well is FOX NORTON. He had a decent juvenile campaign last season, with solid performances in both Aintree and Punchestown's Group 1 events for horses in that age category. His trainer Nick Williams thinks quite a bit of this horse, he could run a nice race. As for the rest, Forgotten Voice warrants respect but there is a worry that the ground may be too soft for him come race time. Bertimont takes a big step up from his cake walk in a Chepstow handicap hurdle four weeks ago whilst Hint Of Mint has a chance based on his recent second behind The New One at Kempton but his form before that could leave him a little short here.
Another top weight appears to have a solid chance, this time in the 2:05, courtesy of POLLY PEACHUM. She would prefer better ground but she has form over most of these based on her victory in a mares handicap hurdle at Cheltenham in April. The fact she has to give weight away all round is a major concern but she is the classiest horse lining up so is worth keeping on side with.
Doncaster round off what has been another exciting flat season with their annual curtain call, the highlight of the card being the November Handicap (3:35). A horse who looks as though he has plenty going for him is PLUTOCRACY. He appears to have been trained for this race, as shown by the two races he's had so far this season. They should leave him cherry ripe for this. Pat Smullen's main reason for making the journey from Ireland seems to be this runner so that is another big plus. Trainer David Lanigan has an impeccable record at the Town Moor track (7 from 19- 37%) which is also in his favour. First time cheekpieces could easily bring out improvement as well. The only worry is the ground, as he has not got much form in conditions as soft as this. However, if he does cope, he has a huge chance.
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| A smiley Pat Smullen- he will be looking to finish off a brilliant season with a win aboard Plutocracy. |
Another jockey who has had a brilliant season is Andrea Atzeni and he could cap it off with another big race winner with MOUNT LOGAN. The ground is a worry for him too but his form looks fairly strong in this. Luca Cumani should have him nicely geared up towards it, he has good claims. Old Town Boy and One Pekan could be the best of the rest.
The 1:50 is a competitive seven furlong handicap. Doncaster stalwart and soft ground specialist LEVITATE has a massive chance in this. He won this very race last year and the 2013 Lincoln winner should be well capable of taking this for the second year running. FARLOW is now four pounds below his last winning mark due to the useful claimer Jack Garrity's 5 pound claim. This is the first time he has been below that winning mark and the application of first time blinkers only enhances his claims. ACCESSION has won some nice races this season and is well worth his place of taking another decent prize.
The 2:25 is a Listed sprint which sees plenty of the usual suspects turn up that relish these dashes on soft ground. One of these is the favourite Jack Dexter, who is underpriced for me solely for the fact that he has found winning races tough this season. TROPICS, on the other hand, has won a race recently and is in good form, as proven by his storming run when second behind Gordon Lord Byron on British Champions Day. Jack Dexter was third that day so it's a little perplexing for me as to why Tropics is a bigger price. DUNGANNON is chasing the hat trick and is another who loves it at Doncaster. He should be thereabouts at the finish. Spinatrix is another who is flying at present but she might just fall short of what is required here.
One for Sandown
(1:55)- ROMULUS DU DONJON ran a solid race in his last French run, looking as though a step up in trip should be right up his street. Trainer Oliver Sherwood is going along nicely at the moment and it could be significant that he was snapped up by big time owners Simon Munir and Isaac Souede. They usually do well with their British jumps horses (they won the race last year with Kentucky Hyden) and if this horse has some ability he should be one to watch at the Esher track.
Two for Naas
(1:35)- The two big players in this maiden hurdle look to be Free Expression and UNCLE DANNY. Based on their bumper successes, the former looked as though he may want a trip longer than todays, given that he won over 18 furlongs and was doing most of the work towards the finish. As a result, the selection is Uncle Danny. Davy Russell is a booking that fills me with confidence.
(3:55)- Although THEATRE FLAME was last of four on debut, he was only beaten 3 lengths. Also, you have to remember that the other three horses he was running against all had a run prior to the race and the market found it hard to separate the trio, with Theatre Flame being the clear outsider at 14/1. Given that the run was only 12 days ago, he will strip a lot fitter than some that will have to defy much longer absences. Robbie McNamara as a booking only improves his chances. Should be tough to beat.
Here's some football picks...
Treble
HULL to beat Burnley
BLACKBURN to beat Brighton
SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY versus ROTHERHAM draw
Both Teams To Score
Fulham-Huddersfield
Ipswich-Watford
Leeds-Blackpool
Millwall-Brentford
Have a good weekend
Happy Punting!
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