Hunting for Money

Huntey

15:05 Taunton
Dantari

This Evan Williams trained 6 year old is out again tomorrow and no doubt connections will be hoping that he can put up a better showing than last time.

Dantari was a selection of mine four weeks ago when he was backed into 11/4 favourite in a class 3 2m 6f handicap hurdle. He was never on the bridle that day and didn't seem to take to the conditions. A 26 length behind 5th that day has resulted in the handicapper dropping him 5lbs for that effort, and he has a decent chance to go close tomorrow. It is a very workable mark and with the drop in class and trip I think he will put in a more competitive outing.

Less than twelve months ago Dantari was running respectable races in class 1 and 2 handicaps. His seasonal reappearance was a spin on the flat and he seemed like he was being aimed for a decent run in a class 2 handicap over 22 furlongs, but he faded tamely and was eventually pulled up. A drop in class in November resulted in an alright showing going down by 24 lengths to Decoy. Connections would have been hoping for more but Decoy's 2 length loss to Featherbed Lane since looks decent form with him hacking up in a class 2 handicap 10 days ago.

It probably isn't the brightest move having a decent bet on a horse who seems out of form but he has been dropped so much from the handicapper that he should beat this field if he can reproduce some of his better form. Paul Moloney takes the ride and the 11-7 weight doesn't look overly strenuous. The current going is good-soft and hopefully that upholds as he wouldn't want it too testing. I'm giving this front-runner one more chance to get involved here off a mark that looks generous to a horse that has preeviously shown some very decent ability.

Dantari 3 points win at 5/1 (Paddy Power)

Huntey

Dantari (-3 points) was well supported into 11/4 favourite but just fell short and lost by 3 parts of a length. The decent pace he set early on burned everyone off apart from 14/1 winner J'adhere, who was heavily restrained out the back. Paul Moloney was very animated on my selection turning into the straight but stayed on dourly to the finishing post. Depending on what the handicapper does he may be of interest next time.

A demoralising December by all accounts, especially my bank one!

Bank: 23.85 points (+3.85)

Huntey

15:20 Ffos Las
Mountainous

This small field handicap hurdle is a race where I feel that the 6 year old gelding Mountainous can land the prize for connections.

A winner of a point-to-point, Mountainous ran a decent race on his first start over rules for Richard Lee when he came 2nd in a class 4 maiden hurdle. He has since been shipped over to Nigel Twiston Davis and his seasonal reappearance was an encouraging performance despite being beat by 16 lengths. His point-to-point win was over 3 miles but he just didn't see that trip out the last day and the step back to two miles is interesting. The winner has since gone on to come a close second in a Grade 2, albeit fortunately, so the form seems decent enough with Mountainous likely to come on from the run.

The forecasted soft ground might be a bit too loose for him but the fact he gets more than 2 miles will help. The yard are in decent form and they must think a lot of this animal to be stepping him up into a class 3 contest for the first time. Sam Twiston Davis gets the mount and the 11 stone weight seems workable enough. He is a lightly raced sort and I think one who has the scope to improve enough to win this contest.

Mountainous 3 points win at 10/3 (Boylesports)

Huntey

14:15 Ffos Las
Radetsky March

Mark Bradstock's 8 year old carries top weight tomorrow but it looks a weak enough event.

Radetsky March has some very decent form from last season and I think the price I got on him is generous. His seasonal reappearance was a spin over the flat to prep him for a class 2 handicap hurdle at Kempton in late October. He was pulled up that day but he takes a drop down into class 3 company here with the handicapper taking 2lbs off him.

The ground being a little firmer would help but I think that 2m 4f on soft ground will be fine. The likeable Mattie Batchelor gets the leg up tomorrow and he will let Radetsky March bowl along and do things at his own pace. He is a decent hurdler and with the sketchy form of the field I think he could get involved here if he gets a clear run.

Radetsky March 1 point win at 14/1 (William Hill)

Huntey

Radetsky March (+14 points) made every yard today and defied top weight to win by 6 lengths. He went off at 10/1 and jumped them all into submission apart from a minor error at the second last. Matty Batchelor let him do his own thing out front and it was a steering job for him today. The ground was brutal out there and even though he tired at the end Radetsky March kept finding all the way to the line. A very game performance and highly impressive considering the conditions.

Mountainous (+10 points) ran a very decent race on conditions that were probably too testing to win cosily by just over 4 lengths. He was backed off the boards into 11/8 favourite and didn't disappoint connections by winning this class 3 contest. He is a very lightly raced sort and has plenty of scope for improvement so it will be interesting to keep an eye on him.

A decent day before an attack on the Christmas festivals but I am still a little disgusted with myself. I knew Selection Box was being primed for a win soon and said as much the last time I backed him. He fell that day over fences but I thought the 5/1 last night was a little skinny with him carrying a decent weight but he won today at 9/4 back over hurdles. Very frustrating that I didn't persist with him but that's how it goes sometimes.

Bank: 47.85 points (+27.85 points)

ft9

Excellent picking Huntey! Well done.

Looking forward to your x-mas selections.

Photo-Sniper

Excellent picking buddy.

Will be following in future.

Huntey

14:35 Kempton, December 26th
Binocular

On the face of it this Christmas Hurdle looks a competitive affair with 3 horses who have a sound chance of landing this prestigious grade 1.

Many have questioned whether Binocular has lost his way over the last year or so since winning the Champion Hurdle. Personally, I don't think there has been much change in this 7 year old over the last two years and he has just found a couple of better Grade 1 horses to contend with. He won a poor Champion Hurdle and apart from a few inconsistent performances he has still shown to be a classy animal. I think he was over-rated as a top Grade 1 horse and it has resulted in many being disappointed with his efforts last season. He is a very smart hurdler who has been prepared nicely to retain his Christmas Hurdle title and I think he holds every chance.

His seasonal reappearance was considered a disappointment as Henderson had reportedly had him fit for the Fighting Fifth, but I think it was a decent enough effort considering he never runs well first time out and it was a hands and heels job from McCoy. Binocular travelled really well that day and had every chance to pass Overturn but just seemed to be caught for fitness in the last half furlong. That run will have brought him on a ton and I think another shrewd prep from Henderson should really have the horse in top notch for this.

I wasn't convinced of Binocular last time myself and opposed him with the subsequent winner Overturn, who he will face up against again. Overturn has proven to be a very consistent sort and ran in a very credible 4 length second to Grandouet since his Fighting Fifth win. The flatter track will suit him here but I am concerned about the lack of rest between his races. McCain said he would be given a rest after Ascot and it just seems like he is milking the horses abilities at this stage. There is only so many times you can go to the well before it dries out so I think that Overturn is best avoided this time, especially as Binocular will be a fitter animal this time around.

Rock On Ruby won very impressively at Cheltenham in a handicap and that form has been franked with the well beaten 3rd Raya Star going on to win the Ladbroke Hurdle last week. He has never really run a bad race but his best performances have come over more testing tracks and longer distances. He carried top weight last day but this is still a step up into Group 1 territory amongst proven horses. He would benefit most if the ground softened more but I don't think the sharp nature of Kempton will play to his strengths either. He will be finishing strong but he is coming up against genuine two milers here and he may just be caught for toe at the top level if it isn't run at a blistering pace.

AP will get the leg up on Binocular and no doubt he will be doing his utmost to land the spoils here. The forecasted good-soft ground will be fine and I'm hoping this JP McManus owned gelding will put in a consistent performance as on his day he is better than this field. There can be claims made for any of the market leaders and as Binocular is prone to inconsistency I will be having a medium wager on him.

Binocular 2.5 points at 2/1 (William Hill)

Huntey

14:00 Kempton, December 26th
Bobs Worth

The 3 mile Grade 1 Feltham is shaping into a quality contest with some very decent animals thrown into the mix.

Bobs Worth is a horse who has done very little wrong to date and I think he is worth a play at the prices. A 3 mile specialist over stiff tracks he contested his first two bumper races over this track, impressively winning 1 and coming 2nd on his maiden debut. That was over an inadequate trip of 2 miles so I think even though the sharp nature of Kempton won't play to his strengths he won't have any problem dealing with it. His first hurdle race also came over 2 miles at Kempton and he put in a decent performance to win by 9 lengths.

Bobs Worth continued to progress last season and this lightly raced sort went on to win a Grade 2 at Cheltenham before claiming the 3 mile Albert Bartlett. His seasonal reappearance and debut over timber came in a small field Grade 2 contest last month and connections weren't left disappointed. He looked the beaten horse that day and would have been only for Joe Tizzard to ease up on Cue Card in the last furlong which allowed a rousing finish from Barry Geraghty to get his mount up in the dying strides. He really took to his jumping that day and apart from skying the last few fences it was an encouraging effort first time out. He will love the extra 4 furlongs this time and should strip much fitter here with that decent run under him.

Grands Crus is a fantastic horse but I don't think his price reflects the competition that he is up against. The conditions and track probably favour him more than my selection but I do think his ideal trip is 2m 4f. My speed ratings have his best performances coming off slowly run races and I just think that he may be caught here by the out and out stayer Bobs Worth if it is a truly run 3 miles.

Silviniaco Conti is another dangerous opponent here and I think he will probably excel over 3 miles on a flat track. He has taken to fences really well but he may just be shy of the quality that the top 2 in the market possess. If the ground becomes more testing he could very well be a major player though as he has plenty of scope for improvement.

Nicky Henderson has a phenomenal record at Kempton and I think that the tough staying Bobs Worth has a decent chance to further enhance that. I'm hoping it will be a truly run race as if it turns into a canter it will favour the speedy Grands Crus. The projected good-soft ground will be fine and no doubt connections feel he has the ability to get competitive here. The current ante-post price is generous and unless the going becomes more testing I don't think he will be anywhere near that price on the day.

Bobs Worth 2.5 points at 11/4 (William Hill)

Huntey

15:10 Kempton, December 26th
Captain Chris w/o Long Run

With Long Run and Kauto looking a class above the field here I think Captain Chris may be the only one with enough scope to get involved in this contest.

I have been quite disappointed with Hobbs yard this season so this may be wishful thinking on my part that Captain Chris will be ready to put in a bold effort in this King George V chase. A top class novice chaser last year Captain Chris was a two time Grade 1 winner, one of which was the very elusive Arkle trophy. His first graded win came in the form of a Grade 2 contest at Kempton, which he won easily by 13 lengths. That trip was over a distance of 2m 5f and even though he has never raced over 3 miles before he certainly wasn't stopping on that occasion. Undoubtedly his best form from last season came over 2 miles but he has always been caught for toe before finishing very strongly, so I am quite confident that he will get the 3 miles.

His preparation hasn't been ideal with the horse catching a virus in the yard so he may very well need the run here. Captain Chris is prone to the odd jumping error but he has improved in that department and I expect that he won't be found asking in this area. He looked the most likely winner of the Haldon when he unseated at the last, but it was actually a jockey error on that occasion. I would have expected him to come on from that run but his setbacks since may have nullified the benefits of that outing. Another worry that I have with this progressive 7 year old is that the ground may be too soft for him. He would prefer the top of the ground and the fact that he is going over an untested trip against quality horses is a concern.

Dickie Johnson has had a poor enough season with some erratic rides but he knows this horse inside out and I'm sure he will give him a decent chance. The 4/1 I took the other day looks a fair enough price and I just think that Captain Chris is the only one with enough class and scope to test the front two in the market. If Long Run touches 6/4 or more on the day I will take him to win but I'm willing to take a chance on this impressive gelding to run a decent race here and sneak into the top 3 places.

Captain Chris w/o Long Run, 1.5 points each-way at 4/1 (William Hill)

TheMilkyPirate

Good write-ups huntey, Agree completely with captain chris and bob's worth. Good luck

Huntey

13:45 Wetherby
Sarando

I'm not a great fan of backing one paced gallopers but with conditions to suit I think that Sarando is capable of running a big race tomorrow in this 3m 1f handicap.

With some early sketchy form last season Sarando improved no end since the turn of the year. Although he had tackled fences prior to this time it was the step up in trip that really brought about marked improvement in this progressive 6 year old. An easy win in a class 3 chase over 2m 4f last January resulted in a step up in trip to 2m 6f. Paul Webber's horse just fell short that day by 1/4 of a length but he still seemed short of toe despite staying on well. He was travelling well next time out when he just dipped upon landing and fell, although it was more unfortunate than a mistake. A massive step up into Grade 2 company was the final seasonal appearance of my selection and he put up a valiant display to just be headed by Quito De La Roque in the final few strides. The ground was far from ideal with it being on the quick side but the fast pace enabled Sarando to stay on strongly to the finish.

His seasonal debut in October was a customary pipe opener on the flat which was followed by a very impressive class 2 chase win with the next horse 11 lengths behind. His most recent appearance came in the Hennessy and Sarando seemed to have every chance before falling down the back. He is usually a sound jumper although he does have a tendency to sky a few and can be slow over them at times. The soft ground will benefit him greatly tomorrow and I think that he could have every chance with The Midnight Club bound to ensure a strong gallop. Will Kennedys falling out with Paul Webber has given Denis O Regan the chance to get the mount on Sarando and he will be hoping to land this Grade 3 for connections. He will probably be ridden prominently and if it is a fast pace I think this improving gelding has a live chance to get involved at the business end of things.

Halley is the Tom George import who I backed on a whim last time but he flopped badly in a Grade 2 hurdle. Connections think a line can be drawn through that run as the ground was too quick and he is chaser through and through. I will have another small play on him incase this French Grade 1 winner confirms the confidence that the stable have in him.

Sarando 2 points win at 8/1 (William Hill)
Halley 0.5 points win at 12/1 (William Hill)

Huntey

15:10 Kempton
Long Run

No time for a write up but with Long Run bound to improve a ton I think he is actually value at the price.

Long Run 4 points at 5/4 (William Hill)

Huntey

Bobs Worth (- 2.5 points) was disappointing enough when he only finished 3rd in the Feltham. Grands Crus absolutely tanked it but I thought that this progressive 6 year old would have been able to keep up with the pace better. He stayed on valiantly to only go down by over 6 lengths but he will be better suited by a stiffer track.

I was quite impressed with Binocular (+ 5 points) considering how the race panned out. He never really travelled with great fluency and I thought that the breakneck pace set by Overturn had set it up for Rock On Ruby. Rock On Ruby was untidy at the last but AP rode a blinder to get his mount up to win by a neck and the horse showed great will by battling on when asked.

Sarando (-2 points) was held up today which surprised me but he never really seemed interested and finished well back. Halley (- 0.5 points) seemed uninterested also today and fell early on, needless to say I will be giving him a miss unless he is dropped in class.

Captain Chris (-1.5 points/+1.5 points) ran ablinder to finish third. He battered a couple of fences and still ploughed on really well to the line. The run will bring him on a ton but he will probably struggle to overturn form with the first two home. My ante-post meant that I got my stake returned even though Diamond Harry was a non-runner.
Long Run (-4 points) can't jump at pace and really struggled when the pace upped.

The big field 3 mile handicaps provide no success for me so it really is time I take a step away from them, however tempted I may be.

Bank: 43.85 points (+23.85)

Huntey

13:00 Chepstow
Rev It Up

This 3 mile handicap is a drop in class for Rev It Up and with some solid form underneath him I think he is the one to beat.

A winner of a P-2-P on heavy going this Tim Vaughan 5 year old made his first start in a rules race in October. He won a maiden hurdle that day by a length on ground that may have been a little quick. It was only a class 5 race but the 1 length behind Dualla Lord is highly thought of by connections, with him making an immediate step up to a class 2 novice chase next time out. Rev It Up won his next contest by 6 lengths beating some decent horses in behind including Mountainous, a recent selection and winner of a class 3 hurdle. He seemed more natural on the softer going that day and tomorrows booking Aidan Coleman did little wrong that day on him.

A Grade 2 novice hurdle at Cheltenham was the port of call over two weeks ago and Rev It Up ran in a fortunate second that day. After travelling strongly he seemed well beaten by a Gigginstown horse who fell at the last, and was subsequently passed by Deireadh Re in the final furlong. Deireadh Re went on to win a class 2 hurdle today so I do think that that form looks quite strong among this field.

Although this improving 5 year old isn't a flashy type he does take to his races well. A solid jumper and I think that he will like the heavy going with a win already over this going in a P-2-P. He does have to give a bit of weight to some decent types tomorrow but I would be disappointed if he didn't have enough quality to see off this field.

Rev It Up 2.5 points at 9/4 (Paddy Power)

Huntey

14:45 Chepstow
Hollow Tree

A class 3 winner on the flat this consistent 3 year old has taken really well to hurdles since he moved into the Donald McCain yard.

An easy winner of a class 4 hurdle, connections steeped this juvenile into Grade 2 company on only his second run. He ran a very credible 3 length 2nd to Hinterland that day who has proven to be a potentially classy sort himself. His most recent outing came in another class 4 hurdle which he won very easily as expected when going off the 1/10 favourite.

Hollow Tree is quite forward for a juvenile and I think that will make the difference tomorrow against a dangerous opponent like Countrywide Flame. On all known form my selection has him covered with a line through Secret Edge, although Countrywide Flame was giving weight the day he lost to him. He is very novicey at times and isn't the most fluid jumper but he definitely looks the main danger in this field.

Timmy Murphy is on board for the third time tomorrow and I'm sure he will adapt a prominent tactic that has been evident previously. Hollow Tree is a very smart hurdler and he also has shown to have the ability to battle out a close finish. He has never raced on heavy ground to date which is an unknown but his most recent win was on a soft surface so I think he should handle it. It certainly seems like he is the most forward of this bunch and with more improvement probable I think it will be very difficult to stop him getting his nose in front.

Hollow Tree 2.5 points at 9/4 (William Hill)

Huntey

13:25 Kempton
Sprinter Sacre

It probably isn't one of the shrewdest moves backing a horse who has one run over fences against a proven Grade 1 performer like Peddlers Cross.

Nicky Henderson has said that Sprinter Sacre has the potential to be one of his greatest ever chases. Trainers are usually biased of course but I was awestruck at his jumping on his chase debut, which was as good as I have seen from a first time novice chaser. Apart from a sketchy attempt at a water jump he was absolutely flawless at Doncaster and really stamped himself among the Arkle contenders.

This progressive 5 year old had a very decent campaign over hurdles, with the highlight being a 3rd place finish in the Supreme Novices last March. He travelled really well that day and had every chance after the last only to find little off the bridle, but the stiff track of Cheltenham wouldn't have played to his strengths. He has a remarkable cruising speed and I think the sharp nature of Kempton will benefit him greatly. The race is a bit of a farce with only 3 runners but although Peddlers Cross has some strong hurdling form I am looking forward to see will he be able to deal with the jumping speed of Sprinter Sacre. Connections are very sweet on this French gelding and I think that with conditions to suit he may be too pacey for the strong galloping McCain horse.

Sprinter Sacre 3 points at 11/8 (William Hill)

Huntey

12:30 Chepstow
Maringo Bay

This 3 mile contest looks all sewn up on the betting books but I think that Maringo Bay may be ahead of the handicapper here.

A lightly raced sort Charlie Mann's 6 year old tackled fences under rules for the first time last season, where only 1 length separated a field of 3 runners. After some early veering he settled well into rhythm and ran a decent race, but connections felt finishing the season over hurdles would bring him on well for this year. He won a class 3 hurdle next time beating TeaForThree by 9 lengths, who has since gone on to have an impressive enough season so far.

Maringo Bay's seasonal debut was an eye-catching performance and he really relished being sent back over timber. Although he only finished third that day he jumped brilliantly and had every chance turning for home but was beaten by a very classy Nicky Henderson horse. He was probably a little short of toe and fitness that day and no doubt he will come on a couple of pounds for the run. I think the extra four furlongs today will bring about marked improvement and the ground will pose no problem and may actually give him a slight edge over the clear market favourite. Noel Fehily takes the ride and I think that connections will be confident of a good run.

Maringo Bay 3 points at 9/4 (William Hill)

Huntey

A bit more luck and it could have been a clean sweep today.

Maringo Bay (-3 points) proved to be the very decent horse that I know he is and made a mockery of the race odds. He went down by just over a length to the strong odds on favourite Alfie Spinner after looking like the winner for a brief moment. The step up to 3 miles really brought him on and he came with a very strong challenge with the rest of the field paddling in behind. He hit the third last fence hard which checked his rhythm for a stride and that may have been what cost him. He is a very smart prospect though and it is only a matter of time before he gets his nose in front.

Rev It Up (+2 points) put up a very gutsy performance for Aidan Coleman to dead heat in his race. He travelled really well throughout but his jumping let him down at times and that really cost him from landing all the spoils. The dead heat deduction was a bit disappointing as he drifted to 11/4 before the off but it is better than losing by a head as JJ O'Neill said.

Sprinter Sacre (+4.12 points) absolutely murdered Peddlers Cross today. I thought his jumping would be a key factor and he really schooled the McCain horse in that department and consistently gained lengths over every fence. He cruised to the lead well and apart from one minor error he was flawless. Still a bit keen but he looks every bit a future Arkle winner to me.

Hollow Tree (+5.62 points) was well backed into 13/8 favourite and he didn't disappoint connections today. I know he was very forward and he really showed it again as well as a very game ability to battle on. Countrywide Flame came with a strong challenge but Timmy Murphy's mount kept finding to win from pillar to post.

Bank: 52.59 points (+32.59)

Derek!

good work today man, I have great respect for anyone who can profit on the horses cause I know how tough is :cool:

Huntey

14:00 Leopardstown
Mourad

This 3 mile Christmas hurdle is really a two horse race with Voler La Vedette and Mourad renewing their rivalry, and I am going to switch allegiances for this one.

Mourad is the defending champion of this race and is a two time Grade 2 winner. He is a very consistent animal and has only finished out of the placings on four occasions. Last season was definitely his most progressive to date even though he had to be content with a third place finish to Big Buck's in the World Hurdle. That form is quite strong with only Grands Crus a place in front, and he ran another very credible race when playing second fiddle to Quevega at Punchestown. A trip to France to land that illustrious Grade 1 failed but Willie Mullin's 6 year old has proven himself to be a highly rated horse and one who has the scope to further improve.

His seasonal debut this year could be classified as a disappointment for connections when he could only muster a 2nd place finish in the Hattons Grace. Colm Murphy's mare really had Mourad's number that day and she ran out a cosily enough winner. However, Voler La Vedette had everything in her favour that day and I just feel that probably won't be the case tomorrow. Ruby gave his mount every chance when turning for home but he just failed to pick up and seemed very flat footed. I had backed the mare that day as I felt Mourad needed further and has never run well first time out. He really does need every inch of three miles and I think he will have improved massively from that run. The drying ground will certainly help my selection more than the mare as she really does hate decent ground. I still have the view that she doesn't really see out 3 miles against top class opposition and she may be exposed again tomorrow.

No surprise Mullins' yard are in decent form and I think that a fitter and sharper Mourad is the one to beat tomorrow. He has to give 5 lbs to the mare as opposed to the 7lbs he conceded last time but I am not overly concerned about that with conditions in his favour. I'm sure Ruby will tuck him away in the pack and present him late to challenge for the lead. I think the 6/4 on offer is a steal and will be tipping away at that in my own time. He really should have no excuses and I'm sure connections feel he has the ability to retain his 3 mile Christmas Hurdle title for a second year running.

Mourad 4 points at 6/4 (Paddy Power)

Huntey

13:25 Leopardstown
First Lieutenant

This Grade 1 novice chaser looks a decent affair with a couple of improving types but I am going to side with First Lieutenant who has the strongest form in the field and conditions to suit.

After winning the Neptune last year Mouse Morris' 6 year old hasn't really been overly impressive since taking to fences. He had a decent enough pipe opener before losing to De Valira in a photo finish, but he soundly reversed that form 3 weeks later. Stephanie Kate was a close second that day and she has since went on to be a close second to the impressive Knockfierna. Cross Appeal was back in third that day and he franked the form with his Paddy Power Chase win yesterday. First Lieutenant's last outing, where I had a max stake on him, was very disappointing where he didn't jump with any fluency and eventually made a very bad error before being pulled up. Connections were surprised at that performance and it was later identified that he had broken a blood vessel.

Although First Lieutenant hasn't looked the most natural chaser he does have the strongest form in this field. The drying ground will help and the step up to 3 miles will benefit the horse and may also help his jumping. Davy Russell has chosen this Gigginstown horse over Last Instalment, who I can't have on this ground and Fenton's niece told me as much. Allee garde was a highly regarded bumper horse who never really sparkled but he has some decent enough hurdle form. He won well on his chase debut and is bound to improve, but apart from the second horse he beat very little.

Mouse Morris wouldn't be sending First Lieutenant back out if he wasn't ready so I'm hopeful that his recent setback won't hinder him too much. The drying ground will suit and at the prices I think he is still the value of the field. There is some other animals that have to be respected but I feel that my selection has the strongest chase form and with further scope for improvement he could be hard to get the better of today.

First Lieutenant 2.5 points at 2/1 (Boylesports)

Huntey

Brutal picking today.

Mourad (-4 points) was backed off the charts into 4/5 and I'm sure many others like myself were badly stung. The race wasn't ideal with him having to take up a prominent position and take the lead early enough but he was well beaten. The mare surprised me by being able to quicken off a decent 3 mile pace and simply outclassed them. She actually looks like she has improved this season and it will be interesting to see where Murphy puts her next. I couldn't have got it much more wrong but it could be worse had I laid Voler for 28's.

First Lieutenant (-2.5 points) actually jumped decently today but he hasn't switched his hurdles form over and it doesn't look like he will be doing so. the winner even surprised his own yard by going so well on quickish ground and he looks a smart prospect. My selection was squeezed out at one bend and nearly went down when he clipped heels, but he was soundly beaten today and I probably won't be going near him anytime soon.

Bank: 46.09 points (+26.09)

Huntey

13:45 Doncaster
Harry the Viking

This Paul Nicholls trained 6 year old is taking a step up into class 3 company for the first time but he definitely has a massive claim in this race.

Harry the Viking is a very lightly raced animal and made his course debut at the tail end of last season. He went down by over a length that day to Oscargo in a 3 mile hurdle, who has since gone on to win a class 2 handicap with ease. His seasonal reappearance in October resulted in Forgotten Gold falling victim to a 2 length loss, but he followed that up with a comfortable win in a decent class 3. Harry the Viking really impressed me that day by battling on valiantly to win and showed how strong he is in a finish. A routine 5 length win in a class 4 hurdle followed and connections felt that this progressive gelding was ready to take to fences.

It wasn't the easiest of chase debuts with a field that included some very decent animals that had to be respected. Harry the Viking jumped impeccably all the way around and again showed his heart when he just got his head in front to beat the highly regarded Saint Are. Tomorrows race is fore-casted over a similar going of good-soft and I think that the extra 2 furlongs will benefit the horse. He doesn't have a noticeable turn of foot but he finds loads off the bridle and he won't be beaten for a lack of trying anyway. There is a couple of nice sorts turning up but I think that the Daryl Jacobs mount is the one who is consistently progressing and should have enough quality to see off this field.

Harry the Viking 3 points at 15/8 (William Hill)

Huntey

13:55 Leopardstown
Thousand Stars

On first glance I wanted to take on this grey as I felt the price was a bit skinny but he really is the best horse in this field by some way.

Thousand Stars obliged for connections when he landed the Morgiana Hurdle with ease. He led from pillar to post that day and quickened really well when asked. He didn't beat much that day but I don't think that there is anything good enough among this field to turn him over if he runs to form. Moon Dice is very unexposed and will love the ground but he is stepping up into graded company from handicap and has it all to prove. Unaccompanied will be getting a very generous 10lbs from the field here but she is stepping up into elder company for the first time and may just find a couple too good.

The Morgiana was surprisingly Thousand Stars only Grade 1 to date, and he really deserves more to show for the quality animal that he is. He improved an endless amount since he won the County Hurdle and is one of the most consistent geldings around. He finds stones off the bridle for fun and is very game and honest.

This progressive 7 year old would probably benefit from an extra half mile but he is so versatile that he handles 2 miles no problem. I would actually prefer if he was kept back a place or two tomorrow and then take the lead entering the straight but I wouldn't be surprised to see him make it a true test from the front. He is well ahead of the field on ratings and if he runs to form I can't see anything that could beat him, especially as he may well have come on from his recent outing. No doubt connections will be hoping the Mullins/Walsh combo can land another Grade 1 and Thousand Stars certainly has the ability to be heavily involved in this contest.

Thousand Stars 4 points at 11/10 (William Hill)

Huntey

14:55 Doncaster
Brooklyn Brownie

A 3m 2f handicap chase is the next outing for Brooklyn Brownie and he should have a decent enough chance against this weak field.

Brooklyn Brownie could very well have had enough at the ripe age of 12 but he has taken a massive drop in class for this race. His seasonal reappearance was a disappointing effort when he finished last of those home in a class two 3m 1f contest. The handicapper has dropped him 8 lbs for that effort which allows him to squeak into this class 4 handicap, and he may just have enough about him to put up a bold showing.

Malcolm Jefferson's horse probably doesn't have the legs for quick ground anymore so the easier good-soft forecasted going will be a benefit. He jumped well last time out but just hasn't the ability to be competitive at that level anymore. He carries top weight tomorrow but Harry Haynes has the benefit of claiming 3lbs off his back and he will strip much fitter this time. He is a very sound jumper and has a great record around Doncaster, finishing in the places twice out of three outings here. The stable are in good form and if Brooklyn Brownie gets into a decent rhythm he could go close in this open enough contest.

Brooklyn Brownie 1 point at 12/1 (Paddy Power)

Huntey

Harry the Viking (+7.5 points) put in a cracking effort to just win by half a length despite drifting to 5/2 before the off. e travelled a jumped well until he smashed a fence about 5 out. I thought his chance was gone but he came back on the bridle and had them all at it on the straight. He probably hit the front too soon and was headed at one point but he really battled on well to just get up.

Thousand Stars (-4 points) was very disappointing and seemed very flat when asked to pick up. He was held up as I thought would benefit him but he actually should have been ridden more prominently from the front as he was outpaced in the finish. He struggled to get past Oscars Well for a couple of strides who he beat an endless amount last time so he probably wasn't suited by the way the race panned out. On a side note Unaccompanied looks like a genuine challenger to Quevega for some time provided she doesn't go for the Champion Hurdle.

Brooklyn Brownie (-1 point) has probably just had enough at this stage of his career and was tailed off pretty quickly. He was never fluent throughout but still jumped well but it was to no avail. I really overlooked Air Force One who was probably better handicapped than my selection and the money came for him in the end.

Bank: 48.59 points (+28.59)

Huntey

14:00 Haydock
Abbeybraney

This 2m 5f handicap chase is quite a poor class 2 contest and one I think that Abbeybraney has a solid chance of getting involved.

Formerly with Howard Johnson this lightly raced 10 year old made the switch to Nicky William's yard about two months ago. With some very decent novice form, placing in two Irish Grade 1's over 3 miles and 2m 5f respectively. He has since been stepped up in a trip and many thought that he was a Grand National contender, and may still be.

His penultimate race was in the 4 miler at Cheltenham in March 2010, and was only seen again at the start of this month due to injuries in his legs. He ran in the Becher handicap that day and after travelling and jumping well he came to grief with around a mile left. It was a heavy enough fall but the run will have done him good and I'm sure he wouldn't be running again if he wasn't ready.

Abbeybraney is taking a massive step back in trip to 2m 5f but he will love the heavy ground which will make it more of a test. He jumps well and has been ridden prominently before so his best chance would be if he was left to bowl along in front as he has proven stamina. My slight worry is that he may still be considered a Grand National horse and it may be a confidence outing tomorrow, but I will know early enough because he won't be able to win if he is held up. Not the best jockey on board but 11-1 is a decent weight and he is bound to come on from is run. Hopefully he is out to win because this is an open contest that he should have the ability to go close in.

Abbeybraney 2 points at 5/1 (William Hill)

Huntey

Huntey wrote: »

My slight worry is that he may still be considered a Grand National horse and it may be a confidence outing tomorrow, but I will know early enough because he won't be able to win if he is held up.

Abbeybraney (-2 point) was held up so was never going to feature.

Bank: 46.59 points (+26.59)

Huntey

Can somebody close this thread please, cheers.