Welcome once again it's quite a tricky yet classy weekend of racing to look forward to. Tricky because the weather hasn't helped the runners or the nation at large and classy because we see the likes of Long Run, Finian's Rainbow and Oscar Whisky running on excellent cards. Judging on my selections I think Nicky Henderson is in for a great weekend.
On with my tips...
Haydock Park
2.00pm Handicap Chase 3m
My selection in this race seems to tick the boxes for ground and trip. BATTLE GROUP has dropped to a winnable mark, I was at Aintree in April when he ran a blinder behind Saint Are and a replication of that run will put this horse right in the mix. The David Pipe stable are flying at the moment and on heavy ground this beat hollow gelding will be well in here. At a current 12/1 a really solid each way bet to start proceedings.
2.30pm Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle 3m
Last week saw me take a punt and a first time out runner for the Jennie Candlish yard. That horse Cross Kennn ran an absolute blinder at a massive 25/1 to finish second at Cheltenham. BARAFUNDLE has certainly had a few problems in the past judging on how often we've seen him. This Flemensfirth gelding has undoubted ability and is a lightly run classy individual. Certain form that stands out over hurdles is losing ten lengths to Grand Crus in this very race 2 years ago, he has good form on soft ground and being less exposed than some of these could certainly pay dividends. If fit and well then I believe their is a lot to like, could be a nice price.
3.05pm Betfair Chase 3m
The support for LONG RUN is non existent here and I find it quite simply staggering how people have almost washed their hands of him. A clear 10lb better handicap mark than all competitors, the definition of consistent, trainer who states he wasn't right last season but who has grown in stature this season, a Gold Cup winner, a King George winner. Now, I'm not saying I'm a huge fan or would ever back him blind but this is without question one of his easiest assignments to date. LONG RUN has beaten some of the best in the business, we know he stays all day. I just cant believe people who have abandoned him. Class is permanent and if he's primed, fit and ready he'll take all the beating. The likes of Silvianco Conti have ability without question but he still has plenty to prove, of the others Weird Al definitely needs to return to form and not sure Giant Bolster will ever recapture his Gold Cup form. LONG RUN is proven.
Ascot
2.10pm Amlin 1965 Chase 2m 3f
Ground concerns are again going to play a prevalent part here as its hard to nail on any with amazing form on soft ground. However, FINIANS RAINBOW is simply too classy to oppose. Currently, the raining Champion Chaser he progressed so rapidly last season that I expect much the same for this year. He has course and distance form and runs very well fresh. It may well be the obvious choice but I'm not convinced by any of the others, not least because of the ground.
2.45pm Coral Hurdle 2m 3f 110y
Although only four runners go to post it is still a race of quality. OSCAR WHISKY tried the 3 mile route last season but he simply doesnt stay that trip. Now back over a more suited trip this looks like it's his for the taking. Last year he was challenging when he hit the final hurdle and took a nasty fall, this year I'm certain he will be a consistent type and one who will find the 2m 4f right up his street.Ground is a concern for all of these but looks like OSCAR WHISKY will have the class to see him through.
3.20pm Carey Group Handicap Chase 2m 1f
CHAMPION COURT may well find this race plays to his staying strengths. The ground is going to make this more of a slog and with ample stamina to get this trip I think he'll be hard to pin back. The form that sticks is quite clearly his excellent second in the RSA chase at Cheltenham to Sir Des Champ. His front running style may also put the others to bed three from home again stamina being his strength. CHAMPION COURT will be suited by the track and I'm certain he is in for another successful season.
On with my tips...
Haydock Park
2.00pm Handicap Chase 3m
My selection in this race seems to tick the boxes for ground and trip. BATTLE GROUP has dropped to a winnable mark, I was at Aintree in April when he ran a blinder behind Saint Are and a replication of that run will put this horse right in the mix. The David Pipe stable are flying at the moment and on heavy ground this beat hollow gelding will be well in here. At a current 12/1 a really solid each way bet to start proceedings.
2.30pm Fixed Brush Handicap Hurdle 3m
Last week saw me take a punt and a first time out runner for the Jennie Candlish yard. That horse Cross Kennn ran an absolute blinder at a massive 25/1 to finish second at Cheltenham. BARAFUNDLE has certainly had a few problems in the past judging on how often we've seen him. This Flemensfirth gelding has undoubted ability and is a lightly run classy individual. Certain form that stands out over hurdles is losing ten lengths to Grand Crus in this very race 2 years ago, he has good form on soft ground and being less exposed than some of these could certainly pay dividends. If fit and well then I believe their is a lot to like, could be a nice price.
3.05pm Betfair Chase 3m
The support for LONG RUN is non existent here and I find it quite simply staggering how people have almost washed their hands of him. A clear 10lb better handicap mark than all competitors, the definition of consistent, trainer who states he wasn't right last season but who has grown in stature this season, a Gold Cup winner, a King George winner. Now, I'm not saying I'm a huge fan or would ever back him blind but this is without question one of his easiest assignments to date. LONG RUN has beaten some of the best in the business, we know he stays all day. I just cant believe people who have abandoned him. Class is permanent and if he's primed, fit and ready he'll take all the beating. The likes of Silvianco Conti have ability without question but he still has plenty to prove, of the others Weird Al definitely needs to return to form and not sure Giant Bolster will ever recapture his Gold Cup form. LONG RUN is proven.
Ascot
2.10pm Amlin 1965 Chase 2m 3f
Ground concerns are again going to play a prevalent part here as its hard to nail on any with amazing form on soft ground. However, FINIANS RAINBOW is simply too classy to oppose. Currently, the raining Champion Chaser he progressed so rapidly last season that I expect much the same for this year. He has course and distance form and runs very well fresh. It may well be the obvious choice but I'm not convinced by any of the others, not least because of the ground.
2.45pm Coral Hurdle 2m 3f 110y
Although only four runners go to post it is still a race of quality. OSCAR WHISKY tried the 3 mile route last season but he simply doesnt stay that trip. Now back over a more suited trip this looks like it's his for the taking. Last year he was challenging when he hit the final hurdle and took a nasty fall, this year I'm certain he will be a consistent type and one who will find the 2m 4f right up his street.Ground is a concern for all of these but looks like OSCAR WHISKY will have the class to see him through.
3.20pm Carey Group Handicap Chase 2m 1f
CHAMPION COURT may well find this race plays to his staying strengths. The ground is going to make this more of a slog and with ample stamina to get this trip I think he'll be hard to pin back. The form that sticks is quite clearly his excellent second in the RSA chase at Cheltenham to Sir Des Champ. His front running style may also put the others to bed three from home again stamina being his strength. CHAMPION COURT will be suited by the track and I'm certain he is in for another successful season.
Comments
Post a Comment