Monday 26th November

rossom

12.30 Kempton

Ski Sunday 10/1

Formerly a very talented hurdler, I think Tim Vaughan's 7 year old is now on a handicap mark he can most definitely exploit on what is his easiest task for a long, long time. At his peak, Ski Sunday finished 2nd in the Fred Winter for Vaughan off a mark of 136 back in 2009 and probably bettered that effort only getting beaten 5L in the Vincent O'Brien Handicap Hurdle off a mark of 143 at the Cheltenham Festival in 2011 but he hasn't really gone with much verve since rejoining Tim Vaughan at the end of last year. After an unsuccessful chasing career, Ski Sunday started back hurdling off a mark of 138 back in February of this year and competing in very competitive races in his 4 hurdling starts to May and he subsequently fell to a mark of 125. He made his reappearance earlier this month at Chepstow on the back of a 6 month break and I think he shaped a lot better than his 17L defeat suggested over the 3m trip. I think the handicapper has been very kind to him to drop him 5lb to a mark of 120 and this allows him to get into a Class 4 handicap which I think will prove crucial. I think its very interesting that Tim Vaughan sends him to Kempton (only course runner) as he won on his sole start here for Lawney Hill in January 2011 so its clear he goes well here and the drop back to 2m5f should suit. With Dougie Costello booked and Tim Vaughan in good form, I think Ski Sunday looks primed for a big run and hopefully he can find the winning thread again and land this contest.

2.50 Ludlow

Derwen Pryde 10/1

I really wish this had 8 runners as I think Derwen Pryde would represent a great e/w bet but Peter Bowen's mare certainly looks a very interesting proposition to me and I am fairly certain that she has been aimed to score on her handicap debut over fences. Relatively unexposed for an 8 year old with only 12 starts under rules, Derwen Pryde twice won over hurdles and reached a peak rating of 95 in that sphere. However, I think she is most definitely going to make up into a better chaser and I think she has a good bit of wiggle room off her opening handicap mark of 92. Derwen Pryde made her chasing debut over an extended 2m3f at Ffos Las earlier this month on what was her first start for 202 days. Over a trip definitely on the sharp side and pretty much out of her depth against horses who were rated much higher than her over hurdles, I thought she showed a good attitude and jumped nicely for the most part on what clearly looked a spin and I think she'll strip a lot fitter for the run and will certainly improve for the experience. Its hardly surprising that Peter Bowen has pitched her into handicap company over the larger obstacles and she should find this much, much easier. Today she has a tongue tie and cheekpieces reapplied which screams to me that she certainly will be trying and she should certainly enjoy the step back up to 3m. I also think its very interesting that she returns to Ludlow (a course where she has never been beaten further than 3.25L in 3 starts) and her course experience is a big positive in my eyes for what is the trainers only runner of the day. Current favourite Inamalabalusaloon certainly will be a tough nut to crack as the Irish raider has won her last two (one in a Point to Point) with his latest win coming on his chasing handicap debut at Cartmel back in July and the excellent Derek O'Connor is coming over to ride a horse that doesn't have a great chance. However, given that Ludlow is a track that he may not act on I certainly think he is worth taking on and I would definitely advise a saver bet W/O as he could easily prove a very well handicapped horse. Jamie Moore takes the ride and if building upon her initial experience on what looks a very manageable mark to go chasing with I think Derwen Pryde will run a big race and hopefully she'll land this contest.

Johner

Davy Russell goes to Kempton for one ride today on Charles Byrnes talented mare Knockfierna. Has won multiple times over fences at Grade 3 level and looked like she was about to give Sir Des Champs a good run for his money only to run out at the second last at Limerick last December.

Runs in the OLBG mares listed hurdle today at 2.05. Already a winner of a grade 3 and grade 2 over hurdles in Ireland, goes on the ground but just not sure about the distance.Gets 7 pounds from the favourite Kells Belle. I've backed her at 3/1, she has run out twice before so not without risk.

Also really looking forward to seeing Snake Eyes run in the second at Kempton. Heard this is one of Hendersons leading novices for Cheltenham and he has used this race to unleash Darlan and Bobs Worth!

BQQ

Derek O'Connor is going over to Ludlow to ride a couple for Noel Glynn.

Inamalabalusaloon in the h'cap chase at 14.50. Had a successful raid with him at Cartmel of 9lbs lower last time out (won easily). PTP winner, so will jump and stay. Been off 4 months, but that aforementioned win came after a break of 2 years, so no problem being fresh.


Also Kaki Island in the bumper. Last bumper horse Glynn brought over the water was in 2009 and it won here at Ludlow. By Heron Island, so should handle conditions well.

rossom

The curse of Hugh Taylor strikes with again with Ski Sunday finishing 2nd. A little profit from the e/w though

BQQ

Johner wrote: »

.

Also really looking forward to seeing Snake Eyes run in the second at Kempton. Heard this is one of Hendersons leading novices for Cheltenham and he has used this race to unleash Darlan and Bobs Worth!

Turned over @ 1/5

Johner

Johner wrote: »

Davy Russell goes to Kempton for one ride today on Charles Byrnes talented mare Knockfierna. Has won multiple times over fences at Grade 3 level and looked like she was about to give Sir Des Champs a good run for his money only to run out at the second last at Limerick last December.

Runs in the OLBG mares listed hurdle today at 2.05. Already a winner of a grade 3 and grade 2 over hurdles in Ireland, goes on the ground but just not sure about the distance.Gets 7 pounds from the favourite Kells Belle. I've backed her at 3/1, she has run out twice before so not without risk.

The class act of the race wins well!

daviddunne1992

Johner wrote: »

The class act of the race wins well!

thanks for this one

mountai

I posted before, about this horse, running out in Limerick at exactly the same fence when coming to win its race on two occasions. Those were chases, back to hurdling again, but she can be very naughty at times.!!!!! Glad to get the heads up as I recovered my stakes and showed a profit on todays investment. Mind you , if Byrnes/Russell were racing in a Grand Prix anywhere in the world, they would be carrying my money!!!!