Having your fingers crossed for a warmer night's temperature so the ground turns out rideable tomorrow is the first thing to do here. The anticipation to see Sprinter Sacre v Sanctuaire is an early season mouth watering contest which in my opinion is the toughest assignment yet for Sprinter Sacre.
On with the cards...
Sandown
12.20pm Novices Hurdle 2m 110y Class 4
The first race to start the meeting off at Sandown is a limited affair and I'm not sure any of these will go on to bigger and better things. This race did throw up an average type last term in the shape of Tetlami trained by Nicky Henderson who did progress on and win a nice pot at Kempton after he took this race 12 months ago. Nicky Henderson may well have another good type here in the shape of Golden Hoof who did win a moderate race at Kempton last time by four and a half lengths. However, with an extra few pounds on his back and in the testing ground conditions he may well struggle to stay on up the Sandown hill. I'll be tipping LORD PROTECTOR, hailing from the Philip Hobbs stable this lightly raced Oscar gelding has had his form stamped. LORD PROTECTOR finished second in his first run of the season over the flat 2 miles, if he has schooled well then I believe he could be the pick. Puffin Billy who won that race has gone on to win a more classy maiden hurdle at Newbury last time out and that could be the reason why LORD PROTECTOR has very solid claims.
12.55pm Mares Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f Class 3
The mare I'm tipping here may not win first time out but being only a pound higher in the handicap and having a cracking season last year she is without question the class pick here. KENTFORD GREY LADY looks like she is still well treated by the handicapper. The obvious starting point here is mentioning her last run when finishing 4 lengths behind Quevaga at the Cheltenham festival, that run is without question standout form. I also like the way this grey travels in her races, particularly how well she battles on in a finish. KENTFORD GREY LADY is carrying top weight and as yet she hasn't faced ground quite as testing as this. However, she is the classiest horse in the race, will get three miles so stamina wont be a problem and this could be an excellent starting point for what I believe could be another successful season in the top class mare races.
1.25pm Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle 2m 6f Class 2
An interesting race where it would be easy to back a few here but caution maybe the operative word, one horse is particularly progressing nicely. Arkos who has progressed significantly already this season from a mark of 110 to 120 will enjoy the conditions underfoot and may indeed progress again but my concern is being raised again a further 9lbs for his last victory and that may of put the mockers on him for the time being. So with others having bits and pieces of form I'm looking for a horse who is certainly classy and with a bit of luck he'll put his best hoof forward as that hasn't quite happened recently. The horse in question is SAM WINNER trained by the master Paul Nicholls, I still believe that a horse who won his first two starts in excellent style at Cheltenham, a horse who finished 4th in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival losing to Zarkandar by just under 5 lengths and a horse who was subsequently rated 146 over timber. Yes, he's had his jumping problems, yes he fell on both his previous starts but that was over fences and I think that put to bed his chasing career. Back over the smaller obstacles, running fresh, will get the trip, I hope he likes the ground because if SAM WINNER travels and jumps then he undoubtedly is the class act here. I'm certain the trainer will have him fit and ready at what could be a nice each way price.
1.55pm Henry VIII Novices Chase 2m Class 1
A small field here in which the progressive Captain Conan goes to post for Nicky Henderson a horse I'm sure will be popular but one I'm swerving. He's not caught my imagination in both his jumping and his stamina in the final furlong. He also has his hardest task to date with HINTERLAND in the field and that's my pick again for the mighty Paul Nicholls and the unstoppable Ruby Walsh. Why?, well I've put a line through HINTERLAND'S last run at Exeter when he was beaten by Theatre Guide who lines up again here. That was a very oddly run affair he certainly lost the race through bad jumping and timing rather than being beaten by a far superior animal. HINTERLAND looks better this season, looks stronger and fitter, will enjoy the ground and track and at around 11/4 is definitely the pick at the prices.
2.30pm Handicap Hurdle (listed) 2m 110y Class 1
Mention his name here and I'm sure I'll turn a few noses up but I'm still a big STARLUCK fan and barring Petite Robin nothing has raced in the same quality of races. STARLUCK certainly lost his way over fences in 2011 and needed his last run, hence the 22/1 flying around. However, he's still only 7, carries a lower weight here and with the excellent claimer Tom Cannon on board he takes off another valuable 3lbs. I'm not going to go into his best form because I previewed that last time on my blogg when he ran last on 23rd November at Ascot it was his first start this season so he will undoubtedly strip fitter for it and was taken very wide on the turn in, he has won on soft ground before and looks excellent value. He also still possesses that bit of class and is still highly thought of (by me at least)
3.05pm Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1) 2m
SPRINTER SACRE complete class enough said...
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Aintree
1.05pm Chase (Listed) 3m 1f
Four go to post in a very competitive heat. I've been keeping a close eye on this horse since it's 3rd in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree back in April of this year. A big price at 50/1 that day, a horse who always looked like a chaser in the making and that has been proven on his last two starts. ACROSS THE BAY is a lovely name for a horse first and foremost but progressing up the ratings like this horse has it's incredible the potential this 8 year old has over fences. Winning and making all at Kelso on heavy ground is no easy task particularly on your chase debut carrying top weight. Following this performance he then won at Carlisle by a staggering 28 lengths. I believe the trainer Donald McCain has a superstar on his hands and a track like Sandown on heavy ground will be his toughest assignment particularly against this field. He can do it and will go on to bigger and better things (one for the notebook if it's not in there already)
2.10pm Becher Handicap Chase (Listed) 3m 2f
The Becher Chase is always an exciting prospect to see the national fences being jumped for the first time. The trends of this race vary quite a bit 8 of the last 10 winners were aged either 8, 9 or 10, this brings in Big Fella Thanks, West End Rocker, Poker De Sivola, Midnight Haze, Any Currency, Fabalu, Gullible Gordon, & Minella Theatre and the horses rated between 127 and 157 have won the last 7/10 runnings of this race. West End Rocker won this last year and seems to fit most of the trends I've looked at. However, I have my reservations about his jumping, if you take a look at his last run alone he hit the 2nd, not fluent 7th, mistakes 14th and 15th he just looks vulnerable particularly as these fences are big and testing. I'm looking at ANY CURRENCY here, I was impressed by how he travelled last time out in the stamina sapping 3m 3f chase at Cheltenham. With 3f to go he looked like he was staying on to pick up the leaders. ANY CURRENCY is racing with a featherweight, with an inform jockey on his back and if he takes to the Aintree fences then I'm sure he'll be in with a solid chance at around 12/1.
3.20pm Grand Sefton Handicap Chase 2m 5f
NACARAT is going to need to return to the form that landed him the Racing Plus Chase at Kempton back in February of this year or even replicate his 5th at Aintree on his final race last season in order for him to and this off top weight. However, horses for courses and this beautiful grey loves it around Aintree. This flat track works in his favour due to his front running style. If the track is soft good to soft in places tomorrow then I wouldnt be that concerned with ground as he has form on soft. I'm also beginning to take note of his trainer Tom George more and more these days as his strike rate ever increases, he's had an excellent time of things lately and long may it continue. NACARAT will get the trip and I can see him setting a quick tempo which could bring about some errors from the other runners. Check ground but I'm convinced he'll give you a good run on what will be his second start of this season at a nice each way price. Again, the classy pick!
Good Luck if your having a punt!
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| Barry Geraghty saddling up on Sprinter Sacre, Aintree 2012. |
We also have the first opportunity to see the national fences being tested by some top level handicappers in which the 2011 grand national winner lines up.
On with the cards...
Sandown
12.20pm Novices Hurdle 2m 110y Class 4
The first race to start the meeting off at Sandown is a limited affair and I'm not sure any of these will go on to bigger and better things. This race did throw up an average type last term in the shape of Tetlami trained by Nicky Henderson who did progress on and win a nice pot at Kempton after he took this race 12 months ago. Nicky Henderson may well have another good type here in the shape of Golden Hoof who did win a moderate race at Kempton last time by four and a half lengths. However, with an extra few pounds on his back and in the testing ground conditions he may well struggle to stay on up the Sandown hill. I'll be tipping LORD PROTECTOR, hailing from the Philip Hobbs stable this lightly raced Oscar gelding has had his form stamped. LORD PROTECTOR finished second in his first run of the season over the flat 2 miles, if he has schooled well then I believe he could be the pick. Puffin Billy who won that race has gone on to win a more classy maiden hurdle at Newbury last time out and that could be the reason why LORD PROTECTOR has very solid claims.
12.55pm Mares Handicap Hurdle 2m 4f Class 3
The mare I'm tipping here may not win first time out but being only a pound higher in the handicap and having a cracking season last year she is without question the class pick here. KENTFORD GREY LADY looks like she is still well treated by the handicapper. The obvious starting point here is mentioning her last run when finishing 4 lengths behind Quevaga at the Cheltenham festival, that run is without question standout form. I also like the way this grey travels in her races, particularly how well she battles on in a finish. KENTFORD GREY LADY is carrying top weight and as yet she hasn't faced ground quite as testing as this. However, she is the classiest horse in the race, will get three miles so stamina wont be a problem and this could be an excellent starting point for what I believe could be another successful season in the top class mare races.
1.25pm Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle 2m 6f Class 2
An interesting race where it would be easy to back a few here but caution maybe the operative word, one horse is particularly progressing nicely. Arkos who has progressed significantly already this season from a mark of 110 to 120 will enjoy the conditions underfoot and may indeed progress again but my concern is being raised again a further 9lbs for his last victory and that may of put the mockers on him for the time being. So with others having bits and pieces of form I'm looking for a horse who is certainly classy and with a bit of luck he'll put his best hoof forward as that hasn't quite happened recently. The horse in question is SAM WINNER trained by the master Paul Nicholls, I still believe that a horse who won his first two starts in excellent style at Cheltenham, a horse who finished 4th in the Triumph Hurdle at the Cheltenham festival losing to Zarkandar by just under 5 lengths and a horse who was subsequently rated 146 over timber. Yes, he's had his jumping problems, yes he fell on both his previous starts but that was over fences and I think that put to bed his chasing career. Back over the smaller obstacles, running fresh, will get the trip, I hope he likes the ground because if SAM WINNER travels and jumps then he undoubtedly is the class act here. I'm certain the trainer will have him fit and ready at what could be a nice each way price.
1.55pm Henry VIII Novices Chase 2m Class 1
A small field here in which the progressive Captain Conan goes to post for Nicky Henderson a horse I'm sure will be popular but one I'm swerving. He's not caught my imagination in both his jumping and his stamina in the final furlong. He also has his hardest task to date with HINTERLAND in the field and that's my pick again for the mighty Paul Nicholls and the unstoppable Ruby Walsh. Why?, well I've put a line through HINTERLAND'S last run at Exeter when he was beaten by Theatre Guide who lines up again here. That was a very oddly run affair he certainly lost the race through bad jumping and timing rather than being beaten by a far superior animal. HINTERLAND looks better this season, looks stronger and fitter, will enjoy the ground and track and at around 11/4 is definitely the pick at the prices.
2.30pm Handicap Hurdle (listed) 2m 110y Class 1
Mention his name here and I'm sure I'll turn a few noses up but I'm still a big STARLUCK fan and barring Petite Robin nothing has raced in the same quality of races. STARLUCK certainly lost his way over fences in 2011 and needed his last run, hence the 22/1 flying around. However, he's still only 7, carries a lower weight here and with the excellent claimer Tom Cannon on board he takes off another valuable 3lbs. I'm not going to go into his best form because I previewed that last time on my blogg when he ran last on 23rd November at Ascot it was his first start this season so he will undoubtedly strip fitter for it and was taken very wide on the turn in, he has won on soft ground before and looks excellent value. He also still possesses that bit of class and is still highly thought of (by me at least)
3.05pm Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1) 2m
SPRINTER SACRE complete class enough said...
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Aintree
1.05pm Chase (Listed) 3m 1f
Four go to post in a very competitive heat. I've been keeping a close eye on this horse since it's 3rd in the Liverpool Hurdle at Aintree back in April of this year. A big price at 50/1 that day, a horse who always looked like a chaser in the making and that has been proven on his last two starts. ACROSS THE BAY is a lovely name for a horse first and foremost but progressing up the ratings like this horse has it's incredible the potential this 8 year old has over fences. Winning and making all at Kelso on heavy ground is no easy task particularly on your chase debut carrying top weight. Following this performance he then won at Carlisle by a staggering 28 lengths. I believe the trainer Donald McCain has a superstar on his hands and a track like Sandown on heavy ground will be his toughest assignment particularly against this field. He can do it and will go on to bigger and better things (one for the notebook if it's not in there already)
2.10pm Becher Handicap Chase (Listed) 3m 2f
The Becher Chase is always an exciting prospect to see the national fences being jumped for the first time. The trends of this race vary quite a bit 8 of the last 10 winners were aged either 8, 9 or 10, this brings in Big Fella Thanks, West End Rocker, Poker De Sivola, Midnight Haze, Any Currency, Fabalu, Gullible Gordon, & Minella Theatre and the horses rated between 127 and 157 have won the last 7/10 runnings of this race. West End Rocker won this last year and seems to fit most of the trends I've looked at. However, I have my reservations about his jumping, if you take a look at his last run alone he hit the 2nd, not fluent 7th, mistakes 14th and 15th he just looks vulnerable particularly as these fences are big and testing. I'm looking at ANY CURRENCY here, I was impressed by how he travelled last time out in the stamina sapping 3m 3f chase at Cheltenham. With 3f to go he looked like he was staying on to pick up the leaders. ANY CURRENCY is racing with a featherweight, with an inform jockey on his back and if he takes to the Aintree fences then I'm sure he'll be in with a solid chance at around 12/1.
3.20pm Grand Sefton Handicap Chase 2m 5f
NACARAT is going to need to return to the form that landed him the Racing Plus Chase at Kempton back in February of this year or even replicate his 5th at Aintree on his final race last season in order for him to and this off top weight. However, horses for courses and this beautiful grey loves it around Aintree. This flat track works in his favour due to his front running style. If the track is soft good to soft in places tomorrow then I wouldnt be that concerned with ground as he has form on soft. I'm also beginning to take note of his trainer Tom George more and more these days as his strike rate ever increases, he's had an excellent time of things lately and long may it continue. NACARAT will get the trip and I can see him setting a quick tempo which could bring about some errors from the other runners. Check ground but I'm convinced he'll give you a good run on what will be his second start of this season at a nice each way price. Again, the classy pick!
Good Luck if your having a punt!
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