New blog for Cheltenham Festival
Attention - Please go to this new blog to access full previews and reviews for the Cheltenham Festival. Get the edge at: http://nationalhuntpreviews.blogspot.com/
Announcement
Most of my followers would of noticed already that I have not been updating my blog as regular as last season. Due to other commitments I don’t really have time for detailed selections at the moment. However I have been posting up selections on twitter ( @BlogWinningPost ) Sorry if this has caused any of you hassle or inconvenience.
So if you don’t have twitter already I suggest you do so if you want to continue to follow me.
04 November 2011
Hexham 13.40 Super Baby 6/1 (Victor Chandler) - I think the trip and ground is completely ideal for this 9yr old bay gelding today. His most recent run came over hurdles, where he ran decent third. That reappearance run should have him spot on. Back over the bigger obstacles with a rating of 97, actually means that this is his lowest mark over fences to date. I’m hoping that can be enough to be seriously involved in the finish.
Timeform says:
Unreliable handicap hurdler/chaser nowadays, but he did at least threaten a return to form over timber last time and usual cheekpieces now back on.
29 October 2011
Wetherby 17.05 Dhaafer 4/1 (Victor Chandler) - Alan King’s only runner at the meeting today. Yesterday he sent out 3 runners, two won and the other was second. He sends second string jockey Wayne Hutchinson to ride.
I think he is definitely off a winnable mark. I can’t stress enough how much he will appreciate the first time step up in trip. Third in the Fred Winter at the festival. His last outing over hurdles can be ignored at Ascot as the excursions from the season probably told. Not to mention the track and 2 mile trip not playing into his strengths. Weighing up the race he really is a maximum bet today.
Timeform Says:
Off the mark in 2m maiden hurdle in January. Fine third in Fred Winter on handicap bow at Cheltenham, and has looked worth a try over this longer trip. Absence not really a concern.
27 October 2011
I have just copied and pasted the story from the Racing Post website regarding the run from Traditional Bob on Tuesday. I’m guessing most of you have already seen this article but for the ones who haven’t make sure you do so.
Graeme McPherson fined under non-trier rule
TRAINER Graeme McPherson, a QC who often represents the BHA at disciplinary inquiries, is to consider an appeal to the same body after he was fined £3,000 over the running of Traditional Bob at Chepstow on Tuesday.
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Jockey Jodie Mogford was banned for 14 days and the horse banned for 40 days after it ran a never-nearer fifth, beaten just over 19 lengths in the second division of the 2m 4f novice hurdle.
“I am very disappointed at the decision,” said McPherson, a member of the BHA rules committee.
“We’ve been told by the stewards that they have found us guilty of schooling/or conditioning the horse in public. The horse has gone there fit to run his race, to win his race, and Jodie has ridden him to run his race, to win his race.”
Asked if he planned to appeal, McPherson said: “That is something to consider once we have seen all of the views, and I will need to discuss with Jodie and the owner.”
Mogford, who is banned from November 8-21, said: “It’s either one extreme or the other these days. You either get done for the whip or they say you are giving one an educational ride.”
Stewards’ secretary Simon Cowley said: “The stewards found that the rider was in breach of rule (B)59.2 and the trainer in breach of rule (C)45.4 in that they were guilty of schooling/conditioning the horse on the racecourse.”
Traditional Bob is banned from running from October 28 to December 6.
To summarize things - It really was an embarrassing performance. How they thought they would get unnoticed was just beyond me. It was so clear that the horse was being held. I did have that little inkling pre-race that it was a possible scenario. It leaves me wondering if the horse had been given a ride to win the race would it of won? I guess we will never know.
25 October 2011
14.40 Chepstow Traditional Bob40/1 (Paddy Power) - Traditional Bob Is a horse I have previously put up as a selection. G P Mcpherson the trainer has impressed me, his facilities have been compared to a mini Jackdaws Castle.
On this horses debut he came behind a Paul Nicholls horse called Poungach who has since won at Ascot. Unfortunately on his second run at Wincanton he was brought down on the home turn when just behind the eventual winner.
“I have to admit I am a bit gutted that he was brought down, I remember Stuart Machin on Racing UK giving a good word for this one last November and stated that 2mile 5 would be what his pedigree would suggest. Staying on.. I think he may of gone quite close, Well hopeful of a place at least. “
Since he was brought down he lacked confidence according to the trainer. But since the summer break he has looked happier and schooled well.
Now today’s race looks as if it is on the short side for him. I imagine that a step up to 2mile 5 would be better suited. The trainer could well be looking for a decent handicap mark to go to war with. So today he really is a minimum bet each way. He may just start off at the back and make no real progress. Whatever happens in today’s race he is definitely a horse to follow closely.
Timeform says:
Shaped with varying degrees of promise in 4 bumpers last season, but could find this too sharp on hurdling bow in view of stout pedigree.
24 October 2011
Yesterday at Aintree one of my three horses to follow for the season ran (please look back in the blog archive to find). Champion Court won at 2/1 on his second try over the big obstacles after unseating his rider at Perth on his debut. He made a few mistakes during the race but stayed on really well to show his potential. If he manages to brush up his jumping he really could be a major threat at the festivals in the spring.
I couldn’t put him as a selection yesterday as he was too short in the market. It was definitely a watching race to see if he managed to complete the track. Thankfully he won with a bit in hand.
22 October 2011
Catawollow cruised to victory yesterday at Fakenham. Harry Haynes gave him a very good ride and that has been duly noted for future bets when he is aboard. It’s been a very good month so far and hopefully it will continue.
Remember though - If you missed the wedding, don’t turn up to the funeral.
No selection today.
Today’s racing is tricky. I was tempted with a few but I cant quite put any of them as selections. However I think D C Costello might be able to pick up a winner on his mounts at Aintree today. He is another jockey that I admire. Flinty Bay is one of particular interest but his jumping is the question mark. Saying that he was badly hampared on his last outing.
21 October 2011
Yesterday I put up Attaglance at 11/1 on twitter and it won. Just like to apologise to my blog readers as I have realised that not everyone that reads my blog has twitter. I will make sure in the future that any selection will be put up on here.
Hopefully I will be able to continue my good run of results recently.
14.10 Fakenham Catawollow 12/1 (Paddy Power) - His novice form showed some hints of ability. His best piece was at Uttoxeter back in May, where he finished third at 66/1. Since he was given a mark of 94 (shown little since) but now he has now been dropped all the way to 78. That could just be enough to be competitive in this selling handicap hurdle. I’d say that at the prices he has to be an each way bet. Another plus is that Harry Haynes takes the ride for the first time. I can only see this as a positive.
Timeform says:
Showed some aptitude for hurdling when placed twice in May/June. Failed to stay 19f when behind stable-companion Pobs Trophy at Towcester last time, but this more suitable.
15 October 2011
15.15 Cheltenham Tonic Mellysse 5/2 (boylesports) - A horse that needed time to acclimatise last season, yet he still managed to win at Ayr in April. He was 1/10 that day and won as his price suggested.
I don’t normally put up horses at this sort of price as a selection. But I will explain why I think this horse could be just as good as Zarkander his stable buddy.
I was lucky enough to be invited to the Betfair preview night before the festival in March. I managed to speak to Paul Nicholls during the interval and was keen on asking him the plans for today’s horse in question (as he wasn’t mentioned in the preview) I got the impression he thought a lot of this 4yr old bay gelding and that he would be better when he returns in the Autumn.
You must remember on his British debut at Kempton in February he was sent off favourite at 11/4 in the same race Zarkander (8/1 winner) who obviously went on to win the Triumph at the festival and the juvenile event at Aintree.
With an English summer on his back I can see this horse potentially being a very smart recruit this term. The only slight concern is that I’m not quite sure the trainer has them fully wound up yet as it’s still so early in the season.
Timeform Says:
Useful French bumper/hurdles winner who broke the ice on British soil when easily landing the odds at Ayr in April. Further progress on the cards and very much respected.
Sporting Life Preview:
Palawi is arguably the pick of the weights here on his victory at Stratford in March and John Quinn’s gelding had an outing on the Flat last month. He could be a better bet than Plan A, who started favourite when fourth in the Fred Winter at The Festival last season and won his last two starts at Listowel and Fairyhouse but has also come unstuck when tried in this grade in the past. Kalann has been in good form on the Flat, while First Fandango could be open to further improvement this season and One For Joules has won at Perth and Ffos Las recently but there is surely more to come from TONIC MELLYSSE. Though penalised for a win in his native France last December, he was hugely impressive when scoring at Ayr in the spring and it speaks volumes that he was made favourite to beat Zarkandar and Kumbeshwar on his UK debut at Kempton earlier - he could outclass these.
14 October 2011
I will start by saying isn’t it great that Cheltenham is back today! At times it has felt like a long summer with poor jumps racing. I am going tomorrow so if anyone sees me make sure to say hello.
Tayarat - What a lovely ride by Paul Moloney, gathered an early lead to then allow the horse a breather before turning in. He was headed but battled well to regain the lead just before the line. I do hope most of you got the 33/1 available as it really was a huge price for a horse that had been allowed a lot of rope from the handicapper.
No selection today.
One last thing, as most of you will know we have a horse called Chilworth Lass that we still have shares available in. She is due to make her hurdles debut next month.
If anyone is interested people get in contact with me via my email address:
castletom8@googlemail.com
11 October 2011
I’m in a terrible rush today trying to sort loads of things out but I did see a horse that is running today that I must mention.
14.20 Huntingdon Tayarat 33/1 (Ladbrokes) - Paul Moloney rides this horse for the first time since he left his attached trainer Evan Williams. Fit from the flat this horse has dropped to a very winnable mark. Huge price and it can’t be missed!
08 October 2011
To start with I must mention previous selection Alesandro Mantegna. He ran a shocker, plain and simple. He Jumped out to his left and never looked comfortable, eventually being pulled up around halfway. One to forgot after that performance.
The last few days have been a bit hectic for me after finding out that the syndicate I was involved in was being ripped off. I imagine by now that it is common knowledge that Robert Gibbs (twitter name @bechersbrook) had gambled away all of the syndicates money. Myself and Stefan (twitter name @theuphillbattle) have tried to pick up the pieces from all the damage caused. His selfish and calculated act of fraud really is disappointing. Personally I feel very let down by his actions after spending time with him at the racecourse. I’m sure many others feel the same.
On another sad note we have had to let Shilpa go to the sales to cover the unpaid training bills that Mr Gibbs didn’t pay. I would like to say a big thank you to the whole Anabel Murphy yard for their understanding and hospitably over the summer months while I was associated with them. They made me feel very welcome when visiting the stables.
Not all is lost though - Stefan and myself have decided to put the wheels in motion to start a fresh new syndicate ourselves, allowing plenty more fun days at the races. Thankfully Sheena West was also very understanding to the whole situation and has allowed us to keep Chilworth Lass. If all goes to plan she could be a nice little hurdler for us.
I have also included my selection for Saturday’s racing below:
Chepstow 17.20 Blazing Buck 14/1 (Paddy Power) - This 5 year old chestnut gelding has been running over the summer on the flat, picking up two wins along the way. This could be crucial in today’s race as he might just have that fitness edge over some of his rivals.
Since his last hurdle run at Cheltenham in November his mark has dropped from 120 to 117. It was only two festivals back he finished 7th in the Jcb Triumph Hurdle behind Soldatino. Off his current mark and tomorrows conditions I can see him running a very good race indeed. It would be even more of a bonus if this front runner gets an easy lead.
Timeform says:
Won twice over hurdles in 2009/10 and arrives here in good order from the Flat (won at this course in July), but more to do at these weights (sixth in this race last year from 5 lb higher).
05 October 2011
Must start today’s blog mentioning last Saturday and advised winner Mtpockets, he traded at a high of 179/1 on betfair! They went off way to quickly in the 3mile 3furlong contest and he managed to outstay them up the home straight. It was a very good ride from Dougie Costello.
15.10 Ludlow Alesandro Mantegna 8/1 (Victor Chandler) - Proven form over fences, coming behind some decent rated rivals. His mark has dropped from 125 down to 114 and I think he is more than capable of winning this type of event. It is his first time over 3miles over fences today and I personally don’t see that as a problem. His only time he tried it over hurdles he weakened three out but the ground was on the softer side of good that day, so I can forgive that. I think this is a weaker contest than he contested last time out (Benbane Head) and I would be very disappointed if he wasn’t involved in the finish.
Timeform says:
Jumping often been Achilles heel, and largely out of form since second at Sandown last November. Hinted at revival last 2 starts, but yet to prove he stays this far.
01 October 2011
16.50 Fontwell Mtpockets 16/1 (Bet365) - Unseated rider on his last outing over fences Mtpockets returns to hurdles today off his lowest mark to date. His novice hurdle form wasn’t bad, he was as high as 110 in the handicap where now he races off a sliding mark of 95. In fact his only win to date came over today’s course and distance albeit it was slightly softer ground that day.
He has since been tried in a visor and it seemed to have the adverse effect at Newton Abbot back in August. The trainer N Mullholland also has favourite Iheardu in the race but I am of the opinion that Mtpockets is the one to be with (especially if you see money for him) I am also a really big fan of his jockey Dougie Costello which can only be a plus.
Timeform says:
Point winner who landed soft-ground C&D novice hurdle last October. However, out of sorts for a good while now (unseated back over fences last time) and best left alone.
