Tag Archive for: Wincanton

Golden Ace back in business with Kingwell Hurdle success

/in /by

Golden Ace returned to winning ways in gutsy fashion when coming out on top in a battle with Burdett Road in the BetMGM Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton.

Jeremy Scott’s seven-year-old famously beat Brighterdaysahead in the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at last season’s Cheltenham Festival but failed to reproduce that form in her first two outings this term.

Dropped back in distance to two miles for this Grade Two contest, Lorcan Williams was hard at work on Golden Ace turning for home but she responded well to that pressure.

The 6-5 favourite stayed on in determined fashion to beat Christmas Hurdle third Burdett Road by three-quarters of a length.

Williams told Racing TV: “It was a bit of a relief to be honest, because I wasn’t really happy all the way round. Her jumping was only OK, she wasn’t really travelling.

“I knew the better ground was out wide but I didn’t want to be that wide, so I thought if I could tuck her in and get her going again – and she was very tough.

“It hasn’t been plain sailing all this season. She hasn’t been 100 per cent and I think there’s still some improvement out of her, but I was amazed by how tough she was at the end, she had to really grind it out and all credit to the Jeremy Scott team.

“I’m very lucky to ride her and wherever she goes now, she’ll be in with a shout. If the owners want to have a go at the Champion Hurdle, then we’ll have a go and have a good day out, but this was our main target for her all year and it’s just very pleasing to get the job done.”

Proud owner Ian Gosden added: “This is the first time she’s actually come off the bridle. If you watch all her other wins, she’s been on the bridle to the last minute.

“This time, she’s really battled and I have to be honest, when she came off the bridle, I said that’s us done, because she was off a long way – and she still beat them, so I was thrilled.”

Asked about returning to Cheltenham next month, he said: “Third in the Champion Hurdle – I’d take that!”

Of Burdett Road, who was beaten only by Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth on Boxing Day and would have been a bit closer but for a mistake at the last, jockey Sam Twiston-Davies suggested the Champion Hurdle might remain on the radar.

“There’s 10 in the Champion at the minute, and some of the fillies/mares might go the other way, in which case you’re maybe looking at eight, and he’d generally beat a lot of them,” he said of James Owen’s charge.

“As far as the English horses go, he’s consistent, has a great attitude and he tries hard. He jumps well and a bit of nice ground would really help him.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Burdett makes Wincanton stop on Festival Road

/in /by

Burdett Road bids to keep Champion Hurdle dreams alive when he heads to Wincanton for the BetMGM Kingwell Hurdle.

The five-year-old has some striking Flat form and having scored at Royal Ascot when trained by Michael Bell, has also won at Listed level and placed in group contests since James Owen has been overseeing his racecourse preparations.

He has been equally successful over hurdles so far and having created a taking impression in his early forays over obstacles, he returned to hurdles after a summer on the Flat to claim the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham in November.

His next start was in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day, where he was third behind Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth and would have been closer to the action were it not for a final-flight error.

The Champion Hurdle is now on the horizon for the gelding, who is owned and was bred by the Gredley family, and the Grade Two Kingwell is designed to serve as a perfect springboard for that task in March.

Owen said: “He’s improved his last four runs – two on the Flat, two over hurdles. It was a great performance in the Greatwood Hurdle and I though he backed that up and improved again in the Christmas Hurdle.

“Barring a mistake at the last, I thought he would have been involved and he mixed it pace-wise with the best in the division.

“Hopefully he is a progressive five-year-old and we’re obviously keen to run in the Champion Hurdle. It’s not going to be an easy task at Wincanton giving weight away to some useful opposition, but if he can’t be competitive he is going to struggle in a Champion Hurdle, so we thought it was well worth having a go.”

Jeremy Scott’s Golden Ace will steps down in trip after two beaten efforts over further in the Ascot Hurdle and the Relkeel so far this season.

Golden Ace was a Cheltenham Festival winner last season
Golden Ace was a Cheltenham Festival winner last season (Mike Egerton/PA)

The seven-year-old was unbeaten in her novice campaign, winning two Taunton events before landing the Ryanair Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and taking the scalp of Gordon Elliott’s top-class Brighterdaysahead.

She then won for a fourth time in a Listed event over an extended trip at the same track in April, a success that seemed to suggest she was destined for the two-and-a-half-mile division when returning this season.

Scott has always felt she had plenty of speed for a lesser trip, however, and she will now drop back to two miles again.

“She’s very well at home. It will be interesting to see her back over two miles on a fast and flat track, so it’ll be a difference to Ascot and Cheltenham,” said Scott.

“We’ve been wanting to run her over two miles all season but we’ve not managed to find the right race.

“In fairness she only came into herself this time last year, we’ve struggled to get her 100 per cent all season but I feel we’re nearly there now.

“Hopefully we can see her more like she was last spring than she has been so far.

“So far she hasn’t seemed like she has seen out the two and half miles very well, but we’ve been on deep ground and I don’t think she’s been 100 per cent, so I think we are really trying to find out about her.”

Harry Derham’s Brentford Hope – a creditable three lengths behind Constitution Hill in the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham on Trials day – and the Gary and Josh Moore-trained Hansard are the other two runners.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Hansard reporting for Kingwell duty

/in /by

Hansard is set to be diverted to the BetMGM Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on Saturday, having been forced to miss Newbury’s William Hill Hurdle last weekend.

Gary and Josh Moore’s seven-year-old had previously won the 2023 Gerry Feilden at Newbury and was fancied to again make his presence felt at the Berkshire track.

However, his name was absent from the final list of runners for the valuable £155,000 handicap following unsatisfactory blood test results.

Owned by the Noel Fehily Racing Syndicates, he will now test the waters once again at Grade Two level, having finished second in the Elite Hurdle on his previous visit to Wincanton.

Fehily said: “His bloods weren’t 100 per cent right, so he’ll go to the Kingwell at Wincanton.

“They weren’t bad but going into a race like that, carrying plenty of weight, there was no point, so he will be fine for a week later.

“We were really looking forward to running at Newbury, as he’s won at the track before and I thought being a strong traveller, the race would suit.

“We’d have loved to run him, but if he’s not 100 per cent right in a race like that, you are wasting your time. Hopefully he will be right this weekend.”

Hansard was one of six entries made for the Kingwell Hurdle on Monday, with James Owen’s Burdett Road the likely favourite after finishing third behind Constitution Hill and Lossiemouth in the Christmas Hurdle at Kempton on Boxing Day.

Kerry Lee could saddle her stable star Nemean Lion, who was last seen edging out Salver in a valuable contest at Windsor, while Jeremy Scott is planning to step back in trip with his Cheltenham Festival heroine Golden Ace, who has twice come up short over longer distances so far this season.

Harry Derham’s Brentford Hope and the Ben Pauling-trained Fiercely Proud are the other contenders.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Sandown passes inspection for Saturday card

/in /by

Saturday’s meeting at Sandown will go ahead as originally planned after both the hurdles and chase tracks passed an inspection on Thursday morning.

Heavy rain earlier in the week had left the venue waterlogged in places, with the chase track rated in better shape than the hurdles course and a provisional six-race card over fences planned.

That stand-by card will not be required though, as clerk of the course Andrew Cooper found conditions to have improved with the hurdles track now fit for action and the ground reported to be heavy soft in places.

The feature event of the seven-race fixture is the Grade One Virgin Bet Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase and the going over fences is rated slightly better as soft, heavy in places.

A statement from the track said: “Following an inspection this morning, the decision has been made to continue with our original seven-race programme on Saturday, including both hurdle and chase races.

“Whilst no further inspection is currently planned, we will continue to monitor the conditions over the next 48 hours and provide an update should it be necessary.”

Ahead of the Sandown fixture, the Esher venue has announced the reinstatement on a £100,000 bonus for any horse which wins the Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle before doubling up at the Cheltenham Festival.

The March 8 contest takes place just three days before the start of the Festival, with only three horses having won the prize when it was previously offered.

Olympian (1993 Coral Cup), Blowing Wind (1998 County Hurdle) and Gaspara (2007 Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle) all hailed from the Nicholashayne yard in Somerset belonging to the Pipe family, with Martin Pipe saddling Olympian and Blowing Wind, while Gaspara was trained by his son and successor David.

The bonus would see the winning owner take home £60,000, with £20,000 to the winning trainer, £10,000 to the winning yard and £10,000 to the winning jockey – split in half if different jockeys ride at Sandown and Cheltenham.

Sarah Drabwell, Sandown’s general manager, said: “We are delighted to reintroduce the Imperial Cup bonus this year.

“We have seen some high-quality horses win the Imperial Cup and go on to take their place at the Festival just a few days later and we hope the same happens again in 2025.

“It would take a special horse to win the bonus but it has been done before and we hope it can be done again.”

Thursday’s card at Wincanton also got the go-ahead after a morning check.

An inspection was planned for 8am but officials were able to make an earlier call, with the ground described as heavy.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Freezing weather leaves blank day of jumping in Britain and Ireland

/in /by

Racegoers were left without any National Hunt or afternoon action on Saturday after freezing temperatures claimed the meetings at Sandown and Wincanton.

A forecast of frost and even fog had given Sandown officials cause for concern on Friday, leaving clerk of the course Andrew Cooper to announce a precautionary 7.30am inspection.

With temperatures minus 2C since midnight and still minus 2C around inspection time and not expected to be above freezing until 11am, an early decision was able to made with the course frozen in places.

At Wincanton, an inspection was brought forward after temperatures fell to minus 4.2C overnight, leaving the Somerset track frozen in places and unraceable.

Newcastle’s jumps card had already been abandoned on Friday, leaving a blank day of National Hunt action in Britain, while a frozen track at Cork meant no jumping in Ireland, either.

The only two fixtures to survive the weather were on the all-weather at Southwell and Wolverhampton, with scheduled start times of 2.47pm and 4.20pm respectively.

A spokesperson for the British Horseracing Authority said it was “regrettable” the sport had been left without afternoon fare, adding: “The BHA has monitored the situation throughout the week, including communicating with colleagues at Sandown, Newcastle and Wincanton, and ultimately took the decision not to reschedule another meeting into the afternoon time slot. Unfortunately, the weather has gone against us on this occasion.

“The BHA understands the significance of ensuring that there is live racing on free-to-air television on Saturday afternoons and works hard to ensure this is the case, and will continue to do so in future. However, when circumstances remain challenging, and race times cannot be brought forward by Rule following the declaration stage, there is always some limitation on what can be done to remedy the situation.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Freezing temperatures claim jumps cards at Sandown and Wincanton

/in /by

This afternoon’s meetings at Sandown and Wincanton have been abandoned due to frozen tracks.

A forecast combination of frost and even fog had given Sandown officials cause for concern on Friday, leaving clerk of the course Andrew Cooper to announce a precautionary 7.30am inspection.

With temperatures minus 2C since midnight and still minus 2C around inspection time and not expected to be above freezing until 11am, an early decision was able to made with the course frozen in places.

At Wincanton, an inspection was brought forward after temperatures fell to minus 4.2C overnight, leaving the Somerset track frozen in places and unraceable.

Newcastle’s jumps card scheduled for today was abandoned on Friday, leaving a blank day of National Hunt action in Britain.

And it is a similar situation in Ireland, where the fixture at Cork has also been cancelled due to a frozen track.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Cold snap means Sandown card hinges on morning inspection

/in /by

Saturday’s Sandown fixture is subject to a precautionary inspection on raceday morning as the cold snap continues to bite in Britain.

Friday’s Musselburgh card was called off less than 10 minutes before the first race due to a frozen track, while Saturday’s National Hunt fixture at Newcastle was abandoned following a lunchtime inspection with the ground unlikely to improve in time for racing.

Sandown is set to the host the British weekend highlight in the shape of the £100,000 Unibet Veterans’ Handicap Chase and although the course was raceable on Friday afternoon, clerk of the course Andrew Cooper will assess conditions at 7.30am on Saturday, with temperatures forecast to dip below freezing again.

He said: “I think it’s sensible given the uncertainty of the overnight temperatures at the moment and the impact that has.

“We had our coldest night of the winter so far last night, we went as low as minus 2.5C, but we got up to 6C this afternoon and the track was raceable by mid-afternoon.

“I would say we’ve covered about 25 per cent of the course – we’ve got the frost covers down on the areas that don’t see much daylight, such as in front of the stands.

“We’re forecast a possible low of minus 1C overnight and there is a slight risk of some mist or fog in the morning, so we still need a little bit of luck and it seems sensible to look at 7.30am.”

Wincanton’s Saturday card is also subject to a precautionary check at 8am, with temperatures forecast to potentially reach minus 3C overnight. Cork will also inspect at 8am ahead of the planned National Hunt card.

Sunday’s Grade One fixture at Naas hinges on a 7.30am raceday inspection.

The seven-race meeting is spearheaded by the Lawlor’s of Naas Novice Hurdle, a top-level contest won by the likes of Envoi Allen and Bob Olinger in recent years, with able support from the Grade Two Racing Post Novice Chase.

Clerk of the course Brendan Sheridan reported the course to be raceable on Friday despite an overnight frost, but with snow a possibility on Saturday night, conditions will be assessed further on Sunday.

He said: “The ground at Naas is currently soft and fit for racing. There is a grass frost at present but that will clear quite quickly today.

“Having spoken with Met Éireann this morning, the forecast for Saturday night into Sunday morning is for rain, sleet or snow. There is an uncertainty at present what will fall so in light of that forecast we will have a 7.30am inspection here at Naas on Sunday morning.”

Tuesday’s meeting at Leicester is already under threat with an inspection also called for Sunday morning.

Officials will assess conditions at 7.45am as the track is reported to be waterlogged with rain or snow forecast on Saturday night.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Murphy relishing chance to ride over jumps at Wincanton

/in /by

At the end of another memorable year of Flat success, Oisin Murphy is looking forward to breaking new ground by making his jumping debut at Wincanton on Boxing Day.

The 29-year-old was crowned British champion jockey on the level for the fourth time, with the highlights of his first title triumph since 2021 including Group One wins at Royal Ascot on board Asfoora and Khaadem.

Murphy has also enjoyed international victories, landing a Grade One triumph in Canada with New Century and the Hong Kong Vase with Giavellotto, while he even added the Indian 2000 Guineas to his CV over the weekend.

However, he will swap the searing heat of Mumbai for Somerset when partnering Neil Mulholland’s Ike Sport in a Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle qualifier – and is clearly taking it seriously.

“Although I rode in India yesterday, I made it to Neil Mulholland’s this morning to school over hurdles,” said Murphy on Monday.

“He’s got a wonderful facility and I’m very grateful that he’s giving me an opportunity on Thursday at Wincanton.”

Murphy had to get his mother Maria to represent him at Sunday’s Lesters awards ceremony, where he was named Flat Jockey of the Year, and it will be another family affair at Wincanton.

He added: “My sister (Blaithin Murphy) is general manager there. I want to ride well and if I can get a result, that would be great.”

Murphy, who is a nephew of Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning rider Jim Culloty, had hoped to try his hand over obstacles at the same track last December, but the fixture was abandoned.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Oisin Murphy poised for first ride over jumps at Wincanton on Thursday

/in /by

Four-time champion Flat jockey Oisin Murphy is set for his first ride over jumps at Wincanton on Boxing Day.

Murphy, who is a nephew of Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National-winning rider Jim Culloty, has a long held ambition to compete under National Hunt rules.

He was originally due to make his jumps debut at Wincanton, where his sister Blaithin Murphy is general manager, in early December of last year after being booked to partner the Cian Collins-trained Lets Do This, but the fixture was abandoned.

Twelve months on, Murphy is belatedly set to get his opportunity to try his hand over obstacles in Somerset aboard Neil Mulholland’s Ike Sport in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle.

“I was having a chat with him the other day and I think it’s something he’s been wanting to do for a while, especially with his sister working at Wincanton,” said Mulholland.

“I was having a chat with him, he told me to keep him in mind and the horse should give him a grand spin, hopefully. He’s got some decent form and he should be ideal.

“There’s no rain forecast and that should play into his favour as well.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Rubaud highlights fantastic five-timer for Nicholls

/in /by

Rubaud produced a brave front-running display to retain his BetMGM Elite Hurdle title and help Paul Nicholls post a fabulous five-timer at Wincanton.

The six-year-old got the better of a battle with Aspire Tower at the head of affairs but Brentford Hope loomed up in ominous fashion between the final two flights.

However, Rubaud jumped the last much more fluently and never looked back, coming home a length and a quarter in front as the 11-10 favourite under Harry Cobden.

Nicholls, who had already struck with Sorceleur, Beau Balko and Larchmont Lass in the first three races on the card and took the closing bumper with Swingin Safari, said: “He is a fantastic horse and he will go chasing now.

“He will not beat the likes of Constitution Hill, and we proved that last season. He is a great Grade Two horse and he will be a fantastic chaser, as he is a brilliant jumper and he is a big, scopey horse. That is his future now.

“I think he beat two good horses there that are rated higher than him and he has given them 6lb. But he is just a class horse. He just keeps galloping and that is the great thing about him.

“He will go to Kempton Park for the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase over Christmas. That might be his first port of call, as I don’t want to over do it.”

Cobden, who rode a four-timer of his own, added: “I love riding this horse, he’s so slick over his hurdles. When he was younger, he was very keen, but he just gives himself a chance now and he’s an absolute pleasure to ride.”

Sorceleur (2-9) claimed the BetMGM EBF ‘National Hunt’ Novices’ Hurdle less than 24 hours after a victory at Exeter.

Wincanton Races – Saturday November 9th
Sorceleur ridden by Harry Cobden (Steven Paston/PA).

Nicholls said: “He is a hardy horse that eats well. He came out this morning like he hadn’t been anywhere yesterday. He ate all his grub last night and drank plenty of water. It was never in doubt.

“I think I’ve done it five or six times in my career (run a horse on consecutive days) and they have all won. You have just got to have the right horse.”

Following Swingin Safari’s success, the 14-times champion trainer added: “It is nice to have five winners, and we have done it before on this day. We are flying along now.”

Boombawn timed his late charge just right when getting up close home in the Grade Two Boodles Rising Stars Novices’ Chase.

Soul Icon made a brave attempt to make all and had seen off market leaders Insurrection and Handstands before the latter fell three out.

However, Harry Skelton managed to keep Boombawn in contention and he found just that little bit more after the last to score by a neck at 8-1.

Wincanton Races – Saturday November 9th
Boombawn (left) ridden by Harry Skelton going on to win (Steven Paston/PA).

Winning trainer Dan Skelton said: “I’m stopping short of calling it top-class form, but for horses that like that ground, it has got to be a good race.

“Fair play to the second as he has worn his heart on his sleeve and jumped brilliantly, and he didn’t really deserve to get caught. If I’m in second I’d feel gutted, but some days you win and some days you don’t and Boombawn just had a little bit left at the end.

“Going to the last I thought we had him. Harry just saved a bit as he got that inner rail. I’m just chuffed to bits for him.

“He wants a good gap between his races and if the ground starts softening up, I’m not sure you will see him for a while.

“The Pendil (Novices’ Chase at Kempton) would be an obvious starting point and we could get him back at the end of February if the ground is acceptable.

“He can’t have a bad season full stop, as he has just won a £75,000 race.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Pritchard’s front-running masterclass secures Beer money

/in /by

Callum Pritchard had a day to remember when partnering Al Dancer to a remarkable triumph in the 63rd Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton.

The 7lb claimer set off at a scorching pace on the Sam Thomas-trained 25-1 shot and soon had the rest of the field well strung out.

While the chasing pack made notable mistakes, Al Dancer jumped superbly and kept up his relentless gallop, ultimately pulling clear again up the home straight to beat 11-4 favourite Lord Accord by 10 lengths.

The 11-year-old was obliging on his seasonal reappearance for the sixth time and took his overall win tally into double figures.

Pritchard said: “To ride that fellow in a big race like that is unreal. That is the best moment of my life. It means a lot.

“I feel sorry for Dylan Johnston, who usually rides all of Sam’s, but he couldn’t ride him today due to other circumstances (a ban).

“It is a big shout out to him, as he does all the hard work at home, so it is nice he gets a mention.

“It was all happening too easy, but he is electric. He was always nicely in his stride and he never felt like he was flat to the boards and he never felt like I was going too slow.

“He jumped and got into a lovely rhythm, and it all fell into place. I couldn’t believe how far we went on at the end, as I was waiting for them to come and swallow me up.

“I only rode my first winner as a conditional about 10 days ago, then one on Wednesday for Rebecca Curtis, so hopefully it will take off now.”

Callum Pritchard (left) with trainer Sam Thomas at Wincanton
Callum Pritchard (left) with trainer Sam Thomas at Wincanton (Steven Paston/PA)

Pritchard, who is based with Ben Pauling, enjoyed plenty of success in the point-to-point field but explained how he rather fell into racing.

He added: “I had nothing to do with horses as a kid but I was with the hunt service for a few years.

“My girlfriend Hannah had a pointer with nobody to ride it – and me, being me, got my licence. I thought I would give it a crack and the love grew from then.

“I was absolutely not a natural from the start. I could stay on, but I had a lot of learning to do.

“The same with point-to-pointing, I had a lot of good opportunities from people and things just fell into place and it took off from there – and hopefully with this big winner, I can do the same thing under rules.”

Al Dancer clears a fence at Wincanton on his way to a front-running victory
Al Dancer clears a fence at Wincanton on his way to a front-running victory (Steven Paston/PA)

Thomas admitted he was “a bit overwhelmed” after watching his popular veteran blaze a winning trail.

The trainer said: “He is a hero. He had a really bad cut on his off hind at Sandown (on his final run last season). He must have done it early on in the race, as he was never quite at the races after that. He took a long time to get that heeled, hence why he is running now and not a bit sooner in the season.

“What can you say. I’m a bit overwhelmed with him to be honest. He won the Grand Sefton two seasons ago. He is just a mega horse and every trainer needs youngsters coming through, but you need these older boys to keep flying the flag.

“That is the sixth season he has won first time out and that speaks volumes. You are a passenger on this horse and it sounds silly, but the more the horse feels in charge, the better performance you are going to get. What can I say, he is a legend of a horse.

“All credit to the team at home, and well done to Mr (Dai) Walters for allowing me to have these lovely horses.

“It was only after the last that I thought we had won. I was tempted to jump over the rail with a circuit to go to tell him to take a pull. When he is well, and he is happy and fresh, that is what he is capable of.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Tix Picks, Saturday 09/11/24

/in /by

Saturday's UK placepots can be played via Tix at Aintree, Chelmsford, Doncaster, Kelso & Wincanton

But, what is Tix?

A video explainer can be found here.

You need a tote account to use Tix. Sign up for one here >

A few more pointers can be found in these articles:

https://www.geegeez.co.uk/exotic-betting-multi-race-bets-part-1/

https://www.geegeez.co.uk/exotic-betting-multi-race-bets-part-2/

Today's pools

Today's UK meetings, pools and minimum guarantees are as follows...

...with a huge guaranteed pot offered at Wincanton of all places. Let's head there for six races on good ground starting with...

Race 1 @ 12.35, a 6-runner, Class 3, 4-6yo Novice Hurdle over 1m7½f...

Sorceleur had a win and two places in four bumpers, including a 3rd of 11 in a Listed contest at Cheltenham and was only beaten by less than 4 lengths in a Grade 2 at the Aintree festival. he was then a runner-up on his hurdles debut at Exeter 18 days ago before returning to that venue to win by three lengths yesterday. If he runs today, then I don't see any of the others beating him.

Of his rivals, I'd probably side with Clinton Lane, who won by a neck at Plumpton recently off the back of a 138-day absence, so he should come on for the run and he has won two of his last five.

Race 2 @ 1.09, a 5-runner, Class 3, 4yo+ Handicap Chase over 2m4f...

Tedley and Dreaming Blue both come here on hat-tricks, but the latter has been out of action for nearly seven months. Duke of Luckley has been in the first three home in seven of his last eight over fences, winning twice including last time out and this is reflected in Instant Expert's 2-year place overview...

...and it'd be Tedley and Duke of Luckley for me based on form and that graphic above.

Duke of Luckley was withdrawn whilst writing the column, so I've followed the market and replaced him with Beau Balko

Race 3 @ 1.45, a 13-runner, Class 2, 4yo+ Handicap Hurdle over 2m5½f...

Sabrina won two starts ago, but was pulled up last time out and hasn't raced for six months. Pretending won a 16-runner Class 2 handicap at Cheltenham in April, had six months off and came back with another Class 2 win at Uttoxeter three weeks ago and now seeks a hat-trick.

The Height of Fame looks in the grip of the assessor after her mark went from 101 to 115 after results reading 1612 and she has toiled in a couple of races since. Bethpage has also shot up in the ratings with a hat-trick in the spring/summer taking her from an opening 91 to 109, a mark off which she still finished third of eleven at Worcester in July before a three month break. She returned to action a month ago to finish as a runner-up off 112 and she should go well off that mark today.

Larchmont Lass probably found 3m+ too much for her last time out, but she had been 4th of 17 in a Grade 2 handicap at Newbury prior to that run and the drop in trip should help her here, but the one to beat on form is possibly Mermaids Cave, who has four wins and a place from her last six and comes here off the back of a two length win at Bangor 11 days ago, despite coming off a 4-month break.

From a stats perspective, Pretending's yard is in good nick...

...as are the yards of The Height of Fame...

...and Mermaids Cave...

...and I think it's Mermaids Cave for me today ahead of Pretending and Larchmont Lass.

Race 4 @ 2.23, a 5-runner, 4yo+ Grade 2 Novice Chase over 2m4f...

Insurrection and Boombawn were second and third separated by just a shirt head in a Listed race at Chepstow four weeks ago, but I prefer the former of the two, as he has the better set of previous results and that run last time out was his first crack at fences, so should come on for the run. Glynn was a runner-up at Wincanton last time out, ending a run of three straight wins over fences but he's up in class here.

Handstands make a chase bow here after finishing 1116 in his four hurdles run, the only blot being his run in a Grade 1 at the Cheltenham Festival, so no disgrace there and if he takes to fences, his win in a Listed event at Huntingdon in February shoes his potential. That said, he hasn't raced for eight months.

Soul Icon always seems to find one (or more) too good for him and he has been the runner-up in each of his last four, but was only beaten by a neck in a Class 1 handicap last time out, but might also need the run after four months off.

On actual chase form, I'd take Insurrection and then Glynn, but (a) Glynn might be outclassed here and (b) I'm worried that chase debutant Handstands might bring his hurdles form with him, so it's Handstands and Insurrection for me.

Race 5 @ 2.55, a 3-runner, 4yo+ Grade 2 Hurdle over 1m7½f...

Rubaud has won seven of his fourteen hurdle races and recently returned from a six-month break to win a Listed contest at Kempton just as he did last season and he now attempts to repeat last year's win in this contest too. Aspire Tower tuned up for this race by wining a 4-runner hurdle, but that was his first win after eight straight defeats and this looks a much tougher assignment and it's quite likely he's the last of the three home today, because Brentford Hope looks a better prospect despite a 193-day absence.

Brentford Hope was useful on the Flat and has brought that ground speed to his hurdles game, where he has only failed to make the frame once in twelve starts, winning five times and was a runner-up in a 24-runner Listed contest last time out and although I don't think he beats Rubaud here, he's on my tickets as back-up.

Race 6 @ 3.30, a 10-runner, Class 1, 4yo+ Handicap Chase over 3m1f...

Remastered clearly has ability as three wins and a narrow runner-up defeat from his last nine will testify, but on the other hand he has been pulled up in four of the five defeats in that sequence, so it will depend which Remastered we see here. Forward Plan has finished in the frame in 9 of 10 chases, wining 4 times, but might need a run after seven months off, whereas Riskinthegorund was third of eleven at Cheltenham a fortnight ago, albeit at Class 3.

The Changing Man usually goes well on his seasonal bow and comes here off the back of a good runner-up finish at Uttoxeter back in March. He was only beaten by a length and a quarter that day, but 22 lengths clear of the pack, so if he improves upon that, he's in the mix, Mofasa's yard (Paul Nicholls) has won this race in four of the last seven years

And whilst Mofasa is no Frodon (the 2022 winner), he has shown some promise so far and will no doubt have been aimed at this one and the yard has a great record here just 9 miles from home. Lord Accord is also of note, finishing 431 over hurdles before winning here by 16 lengths in a course and distance chase three weeks ago, but he is up two classes today.

When I looked at chase place form over the last two years on Instant Expert, only three runners had 2 blocks of green under today's conditions...

...and although up in class here, Gustavian is 8lbs below his last winning mark, has been third in two of his last three starts and his yard (Anthony Honeyball) won this race last year, although stablemate Lord Baddesley is shorter in the market.

That said, front runners have done well over this track & trip and the head of the pace averages looks like this...

Overall, I still fancy the prospect of The Changing Man on his seasonal reappearance, but Remastered and Gustavian are longshots who might well outrun their odds. I'll take this trio but in a safety first approach also add Lord Accord at the expense of Forward Plan and Mofasa.

*

All of which gives me...

Leg 1: (1) Clinton Lane & (4) Sorceleur

Leg 2: (1) Beau Balko & (3) Tedley

Leg 3: (2) Pretending, (10) Larchmont Lass & (11) Mermaids Cave

Leg 4: (3) Handstands & (4) Insurrection

Leg 5: (1) Rubaud & (3) Brentford Hope

Leg 6: (2) Remastered, (6) The Changing Man, (9) Lord Accord & (10) Gustavian

...and here's how I'd play them, whilst trying to stay close to a nominal £20 total stake...

Have a great weekend!
Chris



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Honeyball has strong trio chasing Wincanton Beer money

/in /by

Anthony Honeyball runs three in the 63rd Badger Beer Chase at Wincanton on Saturday – but is particularly sweet on the chances of Forward Plan.

Despite new stablemate Lord Baddesley being a shorter price, Honeyball, who won the race 12 months ago with Blackjack Magic, feels Forward Plan gives him his best chance.

After finishing sixth in the corresponding race last year, Forward Plan went on to win a valuable race at Doncaster and the Coral Trophy at Kempton, as well as finishing second in the Great Yorkshire Chase and third at the Grand National meeting.

“I guess Forward Plan is the price he is because of the way he ran in the race last year, which was his worst run last season,” said Honeyball. “Wincanton, however, is not a million miles away from Kempton, where he won his big race, in that it is right-handed and flat.

Forward Plan and connections after winning the Coral Trophy at Kempton
Forward Plan and connections after winning the Coral Trophy at Kempton (Steven Paston/PA)

“He ran well all last season in high-end handicaps where there is no hiding place and I think he is still nicely handicapped – he is only up 6lb after winning around £130,000 last year, so he can’t be handicapped out of it.

“With Al Dancer declared at the top, he has a lovely racing weight. I wouldn’t really want to swap him, as he has form in these sort of handicaps and the ground is going to be in his favour.

“I suppose the one question mark is the distance, as it is three miles and a furlong and he is a bit more speed than stamina. It is probably about as far as he wants to go but the ground will help him.

“However, he had a good summer, looks in good order, travels well and I think he has a very good chance. As I said, his one disappointing run last year was in the Badger Beer and you could say he might need a run to get going – time will tell and we’ll find out on Saturday.”

As for his new recruit, Honeyball said: “Lord Baddesley is a horse I liked from afar when he was with Chris (Gordon). He ran well last season but was just getting caught out on his current mark and is slightly in no man’s land.

“He didn’t run too bad when upped in distance behind Forward Plan at Kempton last season. He is a solid horse who generally jumps and travels well, which is important at Wincanton.

“His stamina is yet to be proven but I am hopeful – I think there will be pace in the race and he can drop in, mind his own business and creep into the race. I’d be hopeful about him running a big race. He will like the ground.”

Honeyball’s third representative is Gustavian, whose best run last year was a third in the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury.

“Gustavian picked up a lot of prize-money last season and I think he will really come into his own on softer ground over two and a half miles,” added the Dorset handler.

“While we are waiting for that, we are coming here as I don’t think he will mind the ground, as he has won over three miles on good ground at Exeter (in February 2023). I think over three miles, he doesn’t need soft ground.

“He is quite a big, burly horse and it wouldn’t shock me if he ran really well, although I’d say he has more of a squeak off of a light weight than a serious chance.”

Joe Tizzard’s The Changing Man and the Neil Mulholland-trained Lord Accord are battling for favouritism, while Paul Nicholls bids for a 12th win in the race with Mofasa.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Lord Accord chasing Badger Beer gold again at Wincanton

/in /by

Lord Accord will bid to go one better than two years ago in the 63rd running of the Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton on Saturday.

Neil Mulholland’s nine-year-old had the misfortune of bumping into a back-on-song Frodon in the 2022 running of the race.

Not surprisingly, despite being in receipt of the best part of two stone, Lord Accord was not up to beating a previous winner of the Ryanair Chase and King George.

Having lost his way a little last season, Mulholland freshened him up with a couple of outings back over hurdles, winning at Sedgefield, before he returned to Wincanton for his most recent outing where he made all the running and jumped for fun, scoring by 16 lengths.

“Fingers crossed, and I’m in the minority, I think, I’m hoping the ground stays as it is and he’ll be happy,” said Mulholland of his charge, who has a liking for good ground.

“He’s got course and distance form, he seems in good order and he’s had a recent run so he ticks plenty of the boxes.

“If he can reproduce that run from a couple of years ago, we’ll be happy. This has been the plan for a while with him so hopefully he can be there or thereabouts.

“He’s still only a nine-year-old, he’s been a great horse for us, consistent, and a couple of runs over hurdles really freshened him up.”

The Sam Thomas-trained Al Dancer tops the weights for the £80,000 contest, while last year’s winning trainer Anthony Honeyball fields three in Forward Plan, Lord Baddesley and Gustavian



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Wincanton raceday raises valuable funds in celebrating life of Keagan Kirkby

/in /by

Over £100,000 was raised on a poignant day’s racing at Wincanton held in memory of the late Keagan Kirkby.

Kirkby, 25, who worked for Paul Nicholls in nearby Ditcheat, tragically died in a fall at Charing point-to-point in February.

His death had a profound impact on the racing community, both in the area and further afield, and the seven-race card at Wincanton on Sunday was hosted to celebrate his life and raise money for both Racing Welfare and the Injured Jockeys Fund.

There was a charity race named in his honour which was contested by many of his friends and eventually won by bloodstock agent and former jockey Tom Malone aboard Joe Tizzard’s Alexei.

Malone alone raised £35,000 for the cause and in second and third place were two of Kirkby closest friends, Joe Wroe and Alfie Shalliker.

The latter, who lived with Kirkby, said: “I miss him every day and the world’s a sadder place without him. It was very emotional, but it’s a celebration more than sadness because he was a great guy and we’ll celebrate that.

“It makes you feel good you know, proud because I’m riding in his memory. It was flat out the whole way I’d say but I had a very good time and I enjoyed it. He probably would’ve told me that I’d done everything wrong!”

Nicholls added: “It’s hard to put into words the hole that Keagan left in all our lives really, to his family, to the whole team at Ditcheat, the tragedy that day – I was at Musselburgh when I got the call and it just knocked everybody for six – you just can’t imagine it happening to anybody but he was doing what he loved.

“The team, I mean all the young kids, it really affected them, Alfie was his best mate and was particularly badly hit. Racing Welfare, particularly Lucinda Gould who works for Racing Welfare, who used to work for us and used to look after Denman, played a massive part in looking after all those people.

“Racing Welfare does an awful lot for a lot of people. You need that, they pulled everybody through – a massive help and they’re a great help to everybody in the industry, not just stud and stable staff – anybody in racing, and the Injured Jockeys Fund as we all know do a fantastic job and the more money we can raise for them the better really.”

In total, the raceday raised an estimated £116,000 which will be split equally between the two charities, with Racing Welfare’s chief executive Dawn Goodfelow saying: “The Wincanton racing community were very keen to do something in memory of Keagan. Obviously, the yard at Paul Nicholls’ and Keagan’s family have had a lot of support both from Racing Welfare and the Injured Jockeys Fund and all of the community down here appreciated that and wanted to do something in his memory to give something back.

“As Lisa Hancock (CEO at the Injured Jockeys Fund) said, it just feels as though the whole of the west country are here and rooting for the two charities.

“Events like this raise much needed funds so we can be there for all of racing’s people, 365 days of the year, for mental and physical health, financial support, housing, and provide critical incident support at times of crisis as we did for Keagan’s friends and colleagues. It has been a fantastic day and we want to extend our grateful thanks to Wincanton racecourse, the committee who have done such a wonderful job, the charity riders and of course all the sponsors.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns