Saturday 16th February

Johner

Anyone else get the feeling Ruby doesn't really rate Zarkandar? I know he has some good rides at Ascot tomorrow and he obviously wont be riding him for the champion hurdle but he also picked Prospect Wells over him earlier in the season. I reckon he still doesn't forgive him for that tumble he gave him at Aintree.

Far West against River Magiue looks a great contest.

Fancy Kentford Grey Lady in the Rendlesham at Haydock.

Ascot chase looks a tight one to call.

Backstreet Moyes

Looking at a big double on Zaidpour and Red Sherlock.

UrbanSea

Like Somersby at Ascot. Triggerman at 14/1 in the GN trial, now 12s

Johner

Nuts102 wrote: »

Looking at a big double on Zaidpour and Red Sherlock.

I see JP bought Captain Cutter in that bumper after his listed win on debut.

kiers47

Johner wrote: »

Anyone else get the feeling Ruby doesn't really rate Zarkandar? I know he has some good rides at Ascot tomorrow and he obviously wont be riding him for the champion hurdle but he also picked Prospect Wells over him earlier in the season. I reckon he still doesn't forgive him for that tumble he gave him at Aintree.

Far West against River Magiue looks a great contest.

Fancy Kentford Grey Lady in the Rendlesham at Haydock.

Ascot chase looks a tight one to call.

I suspect he rode him that day as they said Zarkandar needed the run and it was a handicap and PW was only carrying 10-7.

RichieLawlor

RichieLawlessness wrote: »

Like Somersby at Ascot. Triggerman at 14/1 in the GN trial, now 12s

Somersby is an out and out 2 miler. They have really made a huge **** up with this horses career

Johner

kiers47 wrote: »

I suspect he rode him that day as they said Zarkandar needed the run and it was a handicap and PW was only carrying 10-7.

Was it not Prospect Wells first run of the season aswell? I backed Zarkandar that day, was at Naas racecourse and everyone inside had Prospect Wells, was delighted. :pac:

TheMilkyPirate

RichieLawlessness wrote: »

Like Somersby at Ascot. Triggerman at 14/1 in the GN trial, now 12s

Somersby wouldn't stay tomorrow in a horse box, Especially in the ground. Seems to be getting tipped up everywhere for tomorrow I just can't see it at all.

Captain chris is unoriginally my idea of the winner, No stamina doubts in excellent form this season and will handle the ground.

longshotvalue

2:40 Ascot

Anyone that has seen my selections for a while will not be surprised that in going with Tatenen here. I’ve selected him both times he won on this course and at decent prices each time. He is a powerful traveller on his day and is only 1lb higher than his great win over a shorter trip here last year. The ground is a bit of a worry, but he has some decent soft ground form in his earlier days. We will know our fate early here as if he is jumping for fun and stretching the field out from the start we could be on to a good thing.

2 Points win 8/1 Various

Haydock 2:20

Across the Bay sticks out here as the 2nd highest rated in the race with very good soft ground form and good form this year. He is possibly a bit of value after understandably not staying in the Welsh National with a big weight. This should be far better race for him and 10/1 looks a few points too big, I have him more of a 6.1 shot here.

2 Points win 10/1 Stan James

Theborderfox81

I've done a Rocky Creek/Captain Chris double as well as backing The Bear Trap. River Maiuge and Captain Cutter, even tho both conceding weight all round, are both fancied. Have them done tonight too.

rossom

4.50 Wincanton

Bamboleo 9/2

David Pipe's 6 year old could prove absolutely chucked in on his handicap debut off a mark of 104 and, if he's anywhere near as good as his pedigree suggests, this Albert Bartlett entrant could turn this race into a procession. A full brother to the very talented Mossley who finished a clear 2nd to Bob's Worth in 2011 Albert Bartlett, I think its very fair to say he's been rather disappointing in his career to date but he starts life in handicap company at a very modest level and I'm sure connections will be bitterly disappointed if he's unable to score off a lowly mark such as this. After making an encouraging debut in a bumper at Doncaster in late 2011, he was a little disappointing in his other 2 bumpers when finishing a modest 3rd on both occasion and after being put away for 11 months I thought he made quite a nice introduction over hurdles on his seasonal reappearance last month. Over the 2m3f trip at Exeter, Bamboleo was settled just in behind the pace under tomorrow's jockey Tom Scudamore but he got pretty badly outpaced and looked like he'd fall away tamely as he dropped back to a remote 7th but he did stay on quite strongly in the end to finish a modest enough 22L beaten 4th but he did shape nicely enough.

His final start came 2 weeks ago when upped to 3m at Ffos Las and despite not really looking like a winner in waiting he shaped well enough when finishing a 11L beaten 4th. Held up in the rear by Conor O'Farrell, Bambaleo made good progress to sit in behind the leaders turning into the home straight as he made some laboured progress to go 4th up the run in. Although not tested subsequently, I'm a big fan of the winner Ugly Bug and the runner up had finished 3rd off a mark of 115 in a race that has worked out well on his previous start so the form isn't that bad.Although he'll definitely need to improve from his opening two starts over hurdles, David Pipe is as shrewd as you get with horses like Bambaleo and I'm definitely sure he would have left something to work with after his first two starts for nearly a year absence. I think 2m6f in testing conditions looks perfect for him and he really starts at a low level off a mark of 104. Although clearly not as good as his full brother, even if he is 20lb inferior than him that would surely see him winning this contest and given that he has been entered in the Albert Bartlett leads me to believe that Pipe must think a bit about him at home. Stable jockey Tom Scudamore takes the ride and Pipe has his horses in fine fettle at present. Despite carrying 11-11, the past two winners of this race have come from the head of the weights and its also very interesting to note that Pipe won this with a handicap debutant 4 years ago. If anywhere near as good as he is bred to be, Bambaleo should be a distance better than his opening mark of 104 and if he proves to be just that he could turn this contest into a procession.

Slattsy

Out bathroom and tile shopping in the morning so getting my bets on now. With wine on me.

Only small bets. And laptop charger broke. Have to look at all the form on the phone.
Fml.

Overthelast

Slattsy wrote: »

Out bathroom and tile shopping in the morning so getting my bets on now. With wine on me.

Only small bets. And laptop charger broke. Have to look at all the form on the phone.
Fml.

Skip the tiles. Red sherlock/ river maigue double. Buy better tiles Sunday.

rossom

2.40 Ascot

Tatenen 8/1

I absolutely adore this fella having tipped him up when winning successive Betvictor Handicap Chases at Ascot in the past two years and with his bid for a 3rd success victory in that race curtailed with the meeting abandoned last month but I'm glad he's found another similar event less than a month later at the same track as he's been trained for that particular race for the past 3 seasons. Formerly very close to top class when trained by Paul Nicholls and sent off the Arkle favourite back in 2009, Tatenen joined Richard Rowe in October 2010 and he didn't have to wait long for his first success when running away with the 2011 renewal of the Betvictor Handicap Chase in January of that year when smashing the field by 16L off a mark of 137. He was hit hard by the handicapper when raised to a mark of 150 after that effort but after 2 more runs that season and a reappearance run to get him spot on for the same race last year he had fallen to a mark of 143 where he was given an inspired ride by Andrew Thornton to score by a head in a fantastic battling finish in the extended 2m5f contest. After being prominent early on, he took up the running under tomorrow's pilot at about half way and he was kicked clear of the field coming around the home turn. At 2 out, he was headed by the eventual runner up I'msingingtheblues and was a length down after jumping the last but this now 9 year old should tremendous battling and resolve to get up and score by a head in a fantastic driving finish. He was again propelled to a mark of 150 but after running in a Grade 1 and when unseating in the Grand National last year he was again dropped in the weights. His final start came at Cheltenham off a mark of 147 back in December where he shaped really well what was clearly a prep run for last month's abandoned contest which the handicapper has seen fit to drop him another 3lb to a mark of 144 - just 1lb above the mark he was successful off last year. Tomorrow's contest is a little different to what he would have faced if last month's race took place given that he's got to carry quite a bit more weight and its over 3m but off just 1lb higher than the mark he was successful at the track last year I certainly feel he's got an excellent chance where he is 2-2 in handicaps. In addition to the worries about the testing conditions, Richard Rowe has been going through a barren spell for quite a few months but there is no doubt in my mind Tatenen will be spot on for this tomorrow. At a track he clearly loves, I'm confident of a big showing from this 9 year old under Andrew Thornton and hopefully he can score seal a 3rd early year success at Ascot in the past 3 seasons.

ft9

Overthelast wrote: »

Skip the tiles. Red sherlock/ river maigue double. Buy better tiles Sunday.

You fancy River Maigue? I can't see past Far West, 5lbs higher rated and gets 9lbs off RM.

SRFC

Mccoy doing 10-4 on The bear trap in the 3.15 in Ascot is interesting.




Captain Cutter will have to put in a serious display to conceed 9lb and a beating to Pipe's in the bumper,the form of Captain cutters race is not really working out the 2nd of Pipes was pressed when fell in a maiden hurdle in ayr since,the 3rd Tiqris was a bad 2nd to a 25/1 rag in a 2 grand maiden hurdle in Ludlow,and the 4th was a disappointing 8th beaten 14Length's in a jumpers bumper in lingfield.

MoscowFlyer

4.00 Lingfield - Webbow 8/1

Got a bit of a word for this horse last time out but it had no luck at all in running coming around the final bend. Just got no room so it had to be held up and well the race was lost by then. Finished strongly so it will be interesting to see how he goes if he gets a free run.

ft9

Far West, Zaidpour double, to pay for tomorrow nights beer!

TheMilkyPirate

SRFC wrote: »

Mccoy doing 10-4 on The bear trap in the 3.15 in Ascot is interesting.




Captain Cutter will have to put in a serious display to conceed 9lb and a beating to Pipe's in the bumper,the form of Captain cutters race is not really working out the 2nd of Pipes was pressed when fell in a maiden hurdle in ayr since,the 3rd Tiqris was a bad 2nd to a 25/1 rag in a 2 grand maiden hurdle in Ludlow,and the 4th was a disappointing 8th beaten 14Length's in a jumpers bumper in lingfield.

What would be the lightest he's done?

shy-tall-knight

I reckon Missunited can follow home Zaidpour at Gowran tomorrow, don't rate So Young. Zaidpour-Missunited forecast looks a good bet to me.

SRFC

baraca wrote: »

What would be the lightest he's done?

I think 10-3 is his minimum,think he done it on one of jonjo's and it won only a few weeks ago mr watson if i remember correctly.

rossom

SRFC wrote: »

I think 10-3 is his minimum,think he done it on one of jonjo's and it won only a few weeks ago mr watson if i remember correctly.

Yeah 10-3 on Mr Watson recently was his lightest in at least 12 months.

Huntley

Pretty sure Cue Card is the one to be on tomorrow.

SudoSan

Im on Vics Canvas tomorrow 3.40 at Gowran and I reckon 9/2 represents value for a decent sort who finished 7l behind the useful Tennis Cap the last day at Naas over 2m after an absence of over 1 1/2 years off the track and only 1lb worse off for that run. Prior to that the last we seen of him was where he was on the cusp of putting Kerb Appeal to the sword over 3m (good) only to snot himself in a nasty slide on the turn for home.

Arctic89

2 bets for me tomorrow. Finian's Rainbow in the Ascot Chase. His last run was too bad to be true and I think Henderson will have him back to his best tomorrow. Honestly feel as if the market has gotten this one wrong and Cue Curd should be around the 3/1 mark with Finian's the favourite. Ground not to his liking but I'm hoping his ability will see him through. Took some 4.7 on Betfair.

Also on Hisaabaat in the Red Mills at Gowran. This lad was a very profitable horse to follow last season, winning the Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown, placing at a very attractive price in the Triumph and finishing the season the Irish Champion Juvenile. We haven't seen the best of him this year and I'm convinced he has some good days ahead. His best form last year came in the 2nd half of the season and I'm hoping he can follow that pattern again this year. He also looks the only natural 2 miler in the race and I wouldn't back Zaidpour at odds on over 2 miles with stolen money. The 14s currently available with Boyles looks big but I'll hang on til tomorrow morning before getting on, hopefully some of the other firms will have him even higher in the betting.

rossom

2.30 Wincanton

Old Tricks 14/1

Although this looks a very tricky contest on paper, I think Colin Tizzard's 6 year old has a very good chance of at least making the frame off a mark of 122 at a course where he goes really well at with a first time tongue tie applied. A winner of a bumper on his 2nd start at the course on soft ground back in December 2011, Old Tricks left behind a moderate debut over hurdles to run an excellent 2nd behind his pretty comfortable winning stablemate Theatre Guide as the pair pulled miles clear of the remainder (this card last year). Again at Wincanton over 2m, Old Tricks sat prominent throughout and he battled on really well up the run in to ensure his stablemate was made to have a race. Theatre Guide has made up into a very promising chaser and he lost very little in defeat last February. Of those in behind, the comprehensively beaten 3rd Moorland Sunset wasn't beaten all that far in a Class 2 handicap off a mark of 121 and the 4th Grandioso has since won a handicap hurdle off a mark of 118 before developing into a very promising chaser this season. Old Tricks returned to tomorrow's venue over that same C+D a month later when scoring in good fashion in what looks a very average Maiden. Sitting just in behind the lead, Old Tricks hit the front from about 2 out and when Colin Tizzard drew the whip he extended his lead up the run in to score in convincing fashion by 6L. The form of the horses in behind isn't great but he did it readily and you can only beat what is in front of you. Old Tricks's final start of last season came in April last year when pulled up in the Grade 2 Mersey Novices Hurdle at the Aintree Festival and that race was clearly out of his sphere of ability.

Old Tricks started this season on the back of a 7 month absence over fences at what seems his track of choice but after just 2 runs his chasing career was at least abandoned for the time being as he didn't take to the larger obstacles, the latest in December. Rather than allow his charge's season to be curtailed, Colin Tizzard sent his 6 year old back over hurdles last month where I thought he ran a race full of encouragement on his handicap debut off tomorrow's mark of 122. At his favoured venue over 2m4f, Old Tricks sat in behind the pace on the rail under tomorrow's pilot Brendan Powell Jnr and he had to be niggled slightly a few times throughout the race. Swinging into the home turn, Old Tricks was getting shoved along in about 5th place but he stayed on very well up the long home straight to take 2nd after the final flight but he looked as if he was wandering around a bit as he got caught for the runners up spot late on by the fast finishing Oscar Prairie to finish 7.25L behind the winner Gevrey Chambertain. Gevrey Chambertain was the definition of a handicap blot that day and although the very inconsistent runner up has been under par since then, given that the 4th Landscape had scored off the same mark a week prior I'm sure the form was good. In addition, given that it was Old Tricks's first completed run in 9 months and his first run over hurdles since the previous season (jumped big and bold at a couple of hurdles) I certainly feel he would improve for that very good effort. Upped 2lb for that run, I thought Old Tricks ran a very eye catching 7th over an inadequate 17f at Cheltenham at the end of January where he came from a mile back to run on very well up the hill. In a race that massively suited those that were prominent, Brendan Powell never seemed overly comfortable on Old Tricks who seemed to struggle to go the pace at the rear of the field and he had to be rousted along from quite a way out. Heading into the home straight, Old Tricks was an awful long way back from the principles but he made up an awful lot of ground up the home straight as he powered all the way to the line to be beaten nearly 20L. I am convinced that that race is going to turn out to be very strong form given I felt Mr Watson was a handicap blot and the 3rd Quaddick Lake would have definitely won impressively off a 3lb higher mark on his only subsequent start if not for being extremely badly hampered in the race.

Despite the distance beaten, I thought that was a really encouraging effort over a trip too short and in a race that wasn't run to suit and there is no surprise that Old Tricks is upped in trip to 2m6f tomorrow. I also think he's going to appreciate the return to Wincanton where he goes very well where, in addition to his bumper victory, he has a record of 2-1-3 at the track over hurdles. Eased in grade to a Class 3, I find the application of a first time tongue-tie fascinating given that he has never shaped as if he is a horse with a breathing issue but the Tizzard's obviously feel it will bring out some improvement and hopefully it does just that. The handicapper has been pretty kind to drop him back 2lb to the mark of 122 where he finished 3rd last month on his handicap debut and I definitely feel he is on a workable mark. Brendan Powell Jnr, who was on board the last twice, takes off a very handy 3lb and testing conditions will suit this 6 year old in tomorrows contest. Although this looks like a pretty tricky and open contest, I definitely feel the in form Colin Tizzard's charge is on a good mark and Wincanton is a venue he goes very well at. It is very much worth noting that Colin Tizzard ran riot on this day last year with an across the cards 5 timer (including a couple of 1-2 finishes at this meeting) and that has to be viewed as a massive positive for Old Tricks chances. This represents a much easier task than his latest assignment and hopefully he proves to be best horse on the day to land this Class 3 contest.

kiers47

Johner wrote: »

Was it not Prospect Wells first run of the season aswell? I backed Zarkandar that day, was at Naas racecourse and everyone inside had Prospect Wells, was delighted. :pac:

Fair play. Yep he was his first starts also. Here is Nicholls betfair write up from that weekend he reckoned he had PW ready for it.
http://betting.betfair.com/horse-racing/paul-nicholls/paul-nicholls-1-091112-9.html

He also would probably have won had he not made a mess of the last. IMO

ste2010

Huntley wrote: »

Pretty sure Cue Card is the one to be on tomorrow.

Yep I'm in this boat too. Finians rainbow has never performed to his ability at ascot, doesn't like the ground, IMO he's out there tomorrow to keep him on course for the Ryanair (which i think he'll probably win) fitness wise...I expect the great performance he put up in the king George will have left a little mark on captain Chris. It would be no surprise to see Ghizao scraping 2nd place

Colonel Sanders

Hisabaat is a NR

longshotvalue

Huntley wrote: »

Pretty sure Cue Card is the one to be on tomorrow.

Totall Agree, as soon as i see 3/1 ill be having a bet... Could win this with a bit in hand..

sting60

Ascot 2.40 The Rainbow Hunter backed for the National at 66/1.If he is ok from a reported lung infection then 7/1 is a massive price.He will love the stiff fences at Ascot travels well and quickens with no ground issues.The worry is the form of Kim Baileys yard.Best of luck to Robbie Dunne today lets hope people start to take note of this very underrated Dubliner.

baraca

baraca wrote: »

............

Captain chris is unoriginally my idea of the winner, No stamina doubts in excellent form this season and will handle the ground.

Me too, has beaten his rivals well in the past and today's trip should suit him much better than it will Cue Card, Fin' Rainbow and Somersby.

5/2 doesn't see at all bad, 11/4 with Bet365

Theborderfox81

I was told by my friend on the inside at 7 Barrows not to back Finnians Rainbow for today, that he's a hard horse to get fit and after his wind op this should put him bang on for Cheltenham. Captain Chris is my idea of the winner and would expect him to bowl off in front and turn it into a stamina test. His tendancy to jump right will be advantageous at Ascot.

longshotvalue

Haydock 5:10

Vic Venturi has numerous times in the past come back from poor runs to race above expectations, particularly in the Bet365 Gold Cup behind Tidal Bay of a mark of 137 only 11 months ago. If his last run has put him right he could well get competitive here getting weight form some of the principals and with a good claimer up. 24 on Betfair looks a decent price
1 Point win 24 Betfair

2:45 Haydock

Neptune Equester has some good winning for over c&d and had a nice run out win for a seasonal opener in a hurdles race on boxing day. He could be ready for a decent performance here today and at 22/1 he looks the value of the race. He should handle the ground and trip and hasa decent looking racing weight.
1 Point ew 22/1 Bet Victor & Stan James

droidman123

Slattsy wrote: »

Out bathroom and tile shopping in the morning so getting my bets on now. With wine on me.

Only small bets. And laptop charger broke. Have to look at all the form on the phone.
Fml.

Probably the best days racing before Cheltenham,and I,m going to miss the lot hurry up and get that tiling done slattsy :-)

carmanard

After much debate, I've settled on a small stakes e/w lucky 15 for today. Whitby Jack won with tonnes in hand last time, I fancy him to follow that up. I think Brackloon High's round of jumping last time was too bad to be true, outright heavy conditions may have been a factor, slightly better ground today should hopefully see him putting in a far better display. At Haydock, I think the top 4 in the betting for the National Trial all look solid, I can't split them myself, so I'll take a flyer on Lively Baron to sneak a place, made a howler in his last race when starting his run, but he really impressed me when winning the London National, at today's prices he's worth an e/w punt. Lastly, Makethemostofnow exited too early last time, but has a featherweight to carry today, at 16/1 I'm happy to throw him in there as an e/w selection... So there's 3 fallers and a never nearer 4th for you!!!

Hulk Hands

I think i'll be on Cue Card also. Certainly no safe bet, but I think if he runs to his best he's a class above these, bar possibly Finians Rainbow who will hate the ground. 11/4 looks big enough on Cue Card for a bet

Nulty

I've already got Giles Cross at 20/1 for the National Trial so no more bets. Teaforthree would be a good result too though cause I have him for the National proper.

I would be tempted by Somersby who runs particularly well at Ascot and has the beating of Finians around there. Cue Card is dangerous and could blow them out of the water at this trip. My heart always says Somersby though. Captain Chris makes the race even harder to judge but makes it more exciting. Don't need a bet to enjoy this.

Aaim To Prosper is a bit enigmatic and I'd love to see him succeed over timber. 2m3f isn't what you would have thought would be his ideal trip considering his flat form.

ste2010

I have a decent sized treble on
Up and go
Rocky creek and
cue card.

Hard to believe my biggest concern is with rocky creek believe it or not. Never ran on heavy and some decent opposition. You would expect nicholls to have him geared up to the max given his next race won't be until April more than likely-just the ground question is the big one

kiers47

Nulty wrote: »

I've already got Giles Cross at 20/1 for the National Trial so no more bets. Teaforthree would be a good result too though cause I have him for the National proper.

I would be tempted by Somersby who runs particularly well at Ascot and has the beating of Finians around there. Cue Card is dangerous and could blow them out of the water at this trip. My heart always says Somersby though. Captain Chris makes the race even harder to judge but makes it more exciting. Don't need a bet to enjoy this.

Aaim To Prosper is a bit enigmatic and I'd love to see him succeed over timber. 2m3f isn't what you would have thought would be his ideal trip considering his flat form.

What would you consider his ideal trip?

Theborderfox81

Very good word for She knows best 4.45 Gowan

TheMilkyPirate

Nulty wrote: »

I've already got Giles Cross at 20/1 for the National Trial so no more bets. Teaforthree would be a good result too though cause I have him for the National proper.

I would be tempted by Somersby who runs particularly well at Ascot and has the beating of Finians around there. Cue Card is dangerous and could blow them out of the water at this trip. My heart always says Somersby though. Captain Chris makes the race even harder to judge but makes it more exciting. Don't need a bet to enjoy this.

Aaim To Prosper is a bit enigmatic and I'd love to see him succeed over timber. 2m3f isn't what you would have thought would be his ideal trip considering his flat form.

He's never won over todays trip.

superfurry1

Went for the treble up and go houblon des obeaux and finan's looks solid enough to me Cloudy too in the 4.05 at haydock too.

jimjamcos

baraca wrote: »

He's never won over todays trip.

Did he not beat Silviniaco Conti over it last year? He would of beaten Bobs Worth over todays trip last year too with a better ride.

He's going to take all the beating in Ryanair IMO. Trip should not be an issue. Ground would be my only concern today but I'll be on him to win.

Ray Mond

Theborderfox81 wrote: »

Very good word for She knows best 4.45 Gowan

How good are we talking here ? Hate backing on the flat for sim reason ! From the yard ?

Francie Barrett

Theborderfox81 wrote: »

Very good word for She knows best 4.45 Gowan

From 8's to 3 already.

TheMilkyPirate

jimjamcos wrote: »

Did he not beat Silviniaco Conti over it last year? He would of beaten Bobs Worth over todays trip last year too with a better ride.

He's going to take all the beating in Ryanair IMO. Trip should not be an issue. Ground would be my only concern today but I'll be on him to win.

He beat Silviniaco over 2 furlongs shorter than today, An extended 2m3f compared to todays extended 2m5f. And bobs worth was over 2m4f.

He probably would stay todays trip I'm just being pedantic but fact is he hasn't and ground is soft today making it even more of a test.

jimjamcos

baraca wrote: »

He beat Silviniaco over 2 furlongs shorter than today, An extended 2m3f compared to todays extended 2m5f. And bobs worth was over 2m4f.

He probably would stay todays trip I'm just being pedantic but fact is he hasn't and ground is soft today making it even more of a test.

Yea ground's a big worry for me too. Probably should have backed him for Ryanair today as whatever he does today he'll be better for slightly better ground at festival.

Theborderfox81

Ray Mond wrote: »

How good are we talking here ? Hate backing on the flat for sim reason ! From the yard ?

Ya it's from the Stable. Only out the road from me here.

UrbanSea

This week's selections to give you erections



Triggerman 2.55 Haydock 14/1

Haydock stages the Grand National Trial tomorrow and it's going to be a real tough slog in the heavy ground over three and a half miles in what looks a wide open race. Triggerman is an exposed eleven year old who has always relished a trip even from his novice hurdling days, so it was probably a sign that he was a decent horse that he managed to win a bumper. Spent just one year over hurdles (won two novice races over 2 and three quarter miles) before going chasing in 2010. Was a bit disappointing at first, taking five attempts to get off the mark, first time out running well but disappointing when beaten at odds on by Balthazar King at Worcester (smart horse), before filling the runner up spot again next time out at Wincanton as the evens favourite, well beaten by Dovers Hill.

Did run better next time out at Stratford, finishing third behind Tell Massini and Fredo, but was becoming expensive to follow at this stage. Moved out of novice company for the first time next time out in a 3 mile Listed Handicap chase at Wincanton off a mark of 132, running a shocker that day, never even remotely involved. He did finally break his duck next time out at Folkestone in a race that has thrown up a few winners since. Has been a bit hit and miss since then, but was in the process of running another good race next time out behind the smart Shackalackaboomboom, keeping on well in a close third before falling three out in handicap company (winner is rated 149 now and was getting 4 pounds off Triggerman that day). Similar story next time out in a competitive Wincanton race over an extended three miles, rallying in forth when falling three out.

Did at least complete next time out at Ffos Lass and ran quite well over three and a half miles, again off a mark of 132, holding every chance and may have won but for a misake two out, finishing a five lengths third behind Blazing Bailey, with the runner up that day, Minella Four Star winning the Midlands Grand National two runs after, which happened to be Triggerman's next run, where he was running a decent race but was weakening in third when he refused at the last off 133.

Finished off his 2011 season really well though, winning a decent Cheltenham handicap over an extended three miles to beat Benefit Night by a length (pair 20 lengths clear of Bellflower Boy who is a dual winner since and rated in the 130s), and ran a really good race when a four length forth in the Bet365 Handicap Chase at Sandown.

That was back in April 2011 and he has clearly had his problems since, given he's been restricted to just two starts since. Returned from a long break when making his come back at Cheltenham in November, never really travelling and never being involved. Last run was in the Welsh National along with a few of his rivals tomorrow. Was sent off 50/1 that day but ran a huge race, finishing an 11 length third behind Monbeg Dude and Teaforthree who both run tomorrow. The handicapper has been quite generous in dropping him two pounds for that run, and is weighted to run those two close tomorrow, given that those two rivals have both gone up seven pounds for that run. Talented claimer James Best comes in for the ride and takes off an additional three pounds, giving the horse a racing weight of just 9-13, which is a huge benefit over this marathon 3 and a half mile trip on heavy ground. 14/1 seems a very good each way price.

Teaforthree is a really likeable horse and is very game, but will be tough to win this off 151, while it would be great to see Silver By Nature run a big race, having not ran since the 2011 National, having demolished this field before finishing down the field at Aintree. Of the remainder Giles Cross is respected.


Somersby 3.50 Ascot 5/1

The Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase has attracted a small but really top class field tomorrow and hopefully Somersby can return to his best form at his favourite track. Only a nine year old, he's a horse who seems to be around for ages and was a very smart novice hurdler back in 2008/2009, culminating in a very good third in that year's Supreme at the Festival, finishing three lengths behind Go Native.

Was one of the top novice chasers the following year, landing a 2 mile novice at Warwick in good style first time out over fences, before landing the Henry VIII grade 2 at Sandown before going on to the Arkle at Cheltenham, running a brilliant race to finish a close second to Sizing Europe. Not so good the next season and went winless for that year, but did run a massive race at Ascot in the Victor Chandler chase, only going down by a short head to Master Minded (pair 20 lengths clear). Got back to winning ways on his seasonal return in October 2011, comfortably beating Aiteenthirtythree over 2 and a half miles at Kempton, before again running a big race at Ascot in the Amlin Chase, going down by three lengths to Master Minded. Ran fine next time out, but it was a bit disappointing that he couldn't beat Gauvain at Huntingdon, before looking a non stayer in that season's King George behind Kauto Star in what was his only attempt at three miles.

Once again showed his best form around here next time out in last year's Victor Chandler, beating a good field, with subsequent Champion Chaser Finian's Rainbow in second, with Al Ferof back in third. Failed to fire in last year's Ryanair for some unbeknownst reason, and it is probable that he was over the top when he was hammered by Sanctuaire. Excuses last time out behind Sprinter Sacre, looking as if he was in need of a run and it's possible he may well be better suited to a stiffer test nowadays. With that run under his belt he should improve, and he has always performed at his best at Ascot, usually running at least half a stone better at this track than elsewhere.

It's a competitive race but Finian's Rainbow hasn't ran since his poor reappearance around here in November, and it's probable that these conditions aren't for him. Captain Chris is a worthy favourite following his close second in the King George, but he was one of the first off the bridle but is a worthy favourite. Cue Card is a big danger back over two and a half miles, having clearly looked a non stayer in the King George. Looks to be a top quality renewal.

rossom

Theborderfox81 wrote: »

Very good word for She knows best 4.45 Gowan

Francie Barrett wrote: »

From 8's to 3 already.

Where on earth was it 8s?! I had this wrote out last night but the gob****es on Betfair ruined the price last night and she's too short for me to back now. If anyone is interested by the word, you'll definitely want a read of this though

4.45 Gowran Park

She Knows Best

Rookie trainer David Harry Kelly has established himself as massive name to follow in bumpers with his phenomenal record of 8 winners and 5 places from just 20 runners since he took out his licence in May 2012 and today he unleashes another very likeable type on paper in the shape of She Knows Best. This 5 year old daughter of Flemensfirth was a cheap €3,000 purchase last June but she looks exactly the type of horse to excel with and she most certainly looks the part on paper. She is a half sister to the former Noel Meade pair of Failte Arais and Empire Theatre who were both impressive winners on debut in bumpers for the Tu Va handler so that is a massive pointer that she will be forward for her debut. In addition, another of her half brothers Failte Go Deo was successful in a Maiden Hurdle and, although her pedigree is laden with stamina, there are some serious positives to be taken for this racecourse debutant. I also think its quite interesting that Empire Theatre is now trained by David Harry Kelly and his familiarity with the family is another bonus to be taken about the chances. This mares trainer has no issue with getting his horses to be ready first time up having already saddled 3 debutant winners, including the excellent Moyle Park, and I certainly have no qualms about She Knows Best. Young 7lb claimer Pa King, who pilots all of the trainers bumper runners, takes the ride and she should have no issue with the testing conditions on what will be trainers first runner at Gowran Park. David Harry Kelly remains in fine form with his last runner a successful winner and if the trainer can once again work his magic I feel there is a massive change that his fantastic record in bumpers will once again be enhanced.