COLE HARDEN is fancied to repeat the World Hurdle form, in which he beat Zarkandar, Whisper, Un Temps Pour Tout, Jetson and Blue Fashion (all of whom re-oppose today). He led from pillar to post that day and was not to be beaten, clearly feeling the benefit of a wind-operation. He should be well up to doing the same again today, under the same positive tactics.
Zarkandar may well have done better than third at Cheltenham if he didn't put in a horrendous blunder at the second last. But, the problem with him, is that he struggles to get his head in front these days. His last win came on this card two years ago and despite good efforts, he's never won at this distance in this country. He was well beaten by Whisper in this last year and I see no reason why another solid placed effort, not a win, is in the offing again.
Since winning this last year, Whisper hasn't really progressed as you'd have hoped he would have. A defeat when odds-on on chase debut was followed by a fifth placed finish in the World Hurdle. Problem for me is he came into last year's race in rude health, winning the Coral Cup in the previous outing. He hasn't shown that promise this season and is a bit of a liability for me.
Un Temps Pour Tout has had two races this season to shine with connections bullish about him but he hasn't really set the world alight- first time blinkers are tried today. Jetson is possibly a little too old for this against younger rivals whilst Blue Fashion doesn't look good enough.
Pertemps fourth and sixth respectively Henryville and Brother Brian have to put in the performance of their lives. Crack Away Jack is also likely to struggle.
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| Cole Harden at Cheltenham |
The racing on National day starts with the Mersey Novices' Hurdle (1:30). It would appear that the leading principals in this will need the forecasted rain to settle into the ground sharpish, as Nichols Canyon, Parlour Games and Days Of Heaven all have their best form figures on softer ground. AS DE MEE would also appreciate rain but makes far more appeal at the prices. He's been rapidly improving all season, winning a competitive Grade 3 handicap hurdle at Sandown last time out. Further improvement should be expected. The other selection is SUB LIEUTENANT, who beat Albert Bartlett runner up Milsean comfortably in a Thurles Grade 2. Three Musketeers is another to note here, although he'll be much better over a fence, on softer ground and over further.
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| As De Mee (burnt(?) orange) |
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| Sub Lieutenant |
The Maghull Novices' Chase (2:05) would appear to be all about Arkle runner-up God's Own, but he is very much opposable, in my opinion. The placings may not prove to be that trustworthy in that race given most horses who tried to serve it up to Un De Sceaux just didn't stand a chance. His two runs prior to that weren't that promising remember; well beaten when fancied in the Tingle Creek then well beaten by Vibrato Valtat at Kempton when favourite. TRAFFIC FLUIDE is a horse I've been very excited about in his last two runs. Although they've been in handicaps, they were effortless win where fine jumping was at a premium. Good ground has brought about improvement in him and he looks to be a really progressive type who is well worth his place in this. SIZING GRANITE has also done little wrong since chasing, bar an unseat at Punchestown. Wins against the likes of twice Grade 1 winner Lieutenant Colonel and recent Grade 3 winner Fine Rightly look top form and is another who is worthy of the step up. Solar Impulse may prove to be the best of the rest- he might find at least one too good once again.
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| Traffic Fluide |
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| Sizing Granite |
The 3:25 looks a simple proposition to me. It's between last year's 1 and 2, DUKE OF LUCCA and VINO GRIEGO. Both are given nice, low weights thanks to Wonderful Charm's involvement. Both are well weighted on best form, following weight tumbles this season. They have been out of sorts this season, meaning Duke Of Lucca is only three pound higher in the handicap than last year whilst Vino Griego is a whopping seven pounds lower than last year. His form into the race this year has admittedly been poor but it's been no different to his form coming into the race last year. He may well prefer the better ground and a first time tongue tie is added for good measure.
If they run like they did last year, they'll be filling the first two places again.
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| Vino Griego (blue and brown) and Duke Of Lucca (red and black) |
Post-National sees some fiercely competitive races.
5:10-ONE FOR THE GUV'NR is a progressive type who may well be thrown in. His only defeat over hurdles was to the useful Robinsfirth. BOX OFFICE ran a belter on only his second British start in the Fred Winter and will appreciate the experience of that bustling handicap. CHIEFTAIN'S CHOICE could go well at a price; his last two runs haven't shown us much but his form prior to that was good and he could be well weighted with Dean Pratt's seven pound claim. A very capable jockey who I'm astounded he still claims that much.
5:40- Really tough race this. Angel Face, Katie Too and Verona Opera were all on the shortlist but haven't made my betting list. BABYLONE DES MOTTE ran a stormer on debut for Willie Mullins to win a Listed bumper at Sandown. She showed battling qualities that day and beat plenty of smart types. Another classy recruit to the Ricci battalion. MISS CRICK beat male horses will relative ease on her debut and looked smart. Interesting that Wayne Hutchinson has chosen her out of Alan King's three (providing he isn't still injured after his fall aboard Balder Success yesterday). Finally, SUNSHINE CORNER is a fascinating contender. Won a Bangor bumper with ease for Paul Townend- interesting he takes the ride again. Well fancied that day, she should run another good race.
On the flat
3:00 Lingfield- TRIP TO PARIS. Ran a nice race on his seasonal reappearance and gets a low weight thanks to Afonso De Sousa. Atzeni a good booking.
JACOB CATS. Won last time out and seven pound claimer gives him a really attractive weight.
4:45 Lingfield- NIGEL'S DESTINY. Prolific on all-weather, good chance to add to his tally here.
7:20 Wolves- DRESSED IN FUR. Not a lot to go on in this but front two in market look short in comparison. Trainer can get them ready first time out.
8:20 Wolves- CLAIM THE ROSES. Won well last time out, bred for synthetic surfaces, still attractively weighted.
2:55 Gowran- EISENHOWER. War Front colt. Fairly ordinary maiden, hence the selection. Only danger is Weld first time out horse.
4:40 Gowran- KING OF ARAGON. Full brother to Gallante, who won a Group 1 over 12 furlongs and Plinth, who has won over hurdles at 2 miles. Therefore, you'd think the step up to 1m 4f is likely to suit him today.
3:00 Lingfield- TRIP TO PARIS. Ran a nice race on his seasonal reappearance and gets a low weight thanks to Afonso De Sousa. Atzeni a good booking.
JACOB CATS. Won last time out and seven pound claimer gives him a really attractive weight.
4:45 Lingfield- NIGEL'S DESTINY. Prolific on all-weather, good chance to add to his tally here.
7:20 Wolves- DRESSED IN FUR. Not a lot to go on in this but front two in market look short in comparison. Trainer can get them ready first time out.
8:20 Wolves- CLAIM THE ROSES. Won well last time out, bred for synthetic surfaces, still attractively weighted.
2:55 Gowran- EISENHOWER. War Front colt. Fairly ordinary maiden, hence the selection. Only danger is Weld first time out horse.
4:40 Gowran- KING OF ARAGON. Full brother to Gallante, who won a Group 1 over 12 furlongs and Plinth, who has won over hurdles at 2 miles. Therefore, you'd think the step up to 1m 4f is likely to suit him today.
Enjoy your Saturday
Happy Punting!
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