Wanderlust

The standing start after numerous false starts were a disgrace in the two big handicaps in Ireland today, with horses whipping around and others being hampered and left with a hopeless task
Its embarrassing and leaves punters with a nasty taste in the mouth when your money is lost before the first fence or hurdle is jumped

The first classic of the season is held on Saturday at Newmarket. The 2000 Guineas is run over 1 mile of the famous Rowley Mile and despite some rain around the ground is likely to race fast.   This season’s renewal looks open and here's my horse by horse guide to the 15 strong field.   ALBADRI (Jane Chapple-Hyam) Hollie Doyle A 200/1 no hoper who will struggle in this company.   BATTLEGROUND (Aidan O’Brien) Frankie Dettori A surprise entrant and one of three that Aidan O’Brien has declared with big race jockey Frankie Dettori in the saddle. Won the Vintage Stakes at Goodwood last Summer before shipping to Keeneland for the Breeders Cup where he went off favourite and was a credible 3L runner up to a 33/1 chance when not having the run of the race. Obviously a horse with plenty of talent and is drawn 15 of 15 with the starting stalls in the centre it will be interesting to see if Dettori opts to edge across to this side to look for the golden highway that seemed to help those at the last meeting under the stands side rail.   CHINDIT (Richard Hannon) Pat Dobbs Probably found the ground too soft in the Dewhurst here last October when disappointing although it was interesting that his trainer stated in the week that he felt he may not have handled the dip as well which doesn’t augur well here. A winner of the Greenham on his re-appearance he should relish the step up to a mile.   DEVILWALA (Ralph Beckett) Rosa Ryan Possibly flattered by his 4th beaten 2 3/4L in the Dewhurst last October when 100/1. Lost his shoe when 4th in Craven 5 1/2L behind Master If The Seas and doesn’t look good enough here.   LEGION ONF HONOUR (Roger Varian) David Egan Was well supported when just held by the Gosden’s Megallan at Newcastle on his re-appearance over 1 mile. Will need to step up from that run but it wouldn’t be a total shock were he to out run his big odds here as a lightly raced improver from a good Newmarket stable.   LUCKY VEGA (Jessica Harrington) Shane Foley Group 1 Phoenix Stakes winner last August over 6 furlongs and wasn’t disgraced in similar high company on last two starts finishing runner up in the Middle Park on his final start over 6f. Has to prove his stamina here but no real reason why he shouldn’t stay the mile.   MASTER OF THE SEAS (Charlie Appleby) William Buick One of three Charlie Appleby runners and the pick of stable jockey William Buick. A useful juvenile who wintered in Dubai where he was beaten on his run at big odds on by his stable mate Naval Crown. Re-appeared in the Craven where he impressed when beating stable mate La Barossa by 3/4L and has obvious chance although can be a bit of a hot head and was hooded last time.   MUTASAABEQ (Charlie Hills) Jim Crowley Supplemented for this at the cost of £30k following a very impressive win at the Craven meeting when scooting clear to win a four runner event by 6L. That makes it two from two at this track and his time was very good last time. He’s very well bred being out of 1000 Guineas winner Ghanaati and could be anything. One for the short list.   MYSTERY SMILES (Andrew Balding) Silvestre De Sousa 3rd in the Craven and looks out of his depth here. Hard to fancy.   NAVAL CROWN (Charlie Appleby) Adam Kirby Turned over his stable mate Master Of The Seas in Dubai this winter over 1 mile and was just run out of it close home when beaten a neck by Tactical in the Free Handicap. Tough and consistent and his price looks too big here.   ONE RULER (Charlie Appleby) James Doyle Smart juvenile,  winning Group 3 here in October on soft ground and ended the season finishing 2nd to Mac Swinney in the Vertem Futurity at Doncaster. William Buick has jumped ship though to ride Masters Of The Seas which is a worry.   POETIC FLARE (Jim Bolger) Kevin Manning Flopped in the Dewhurst last October but bounced back to win both his starts since including the Leopardstown 2000 Guineas Trial in April by 1 1/2L from Ace Aussie. Has been well supported this week and you can never discount a Jim Bolger Classic challenger.   THUNDER MOON (Joseph O’Brien) Declan McDonagh Looked very good when quickening away from Wembley in the Group 1 National Stakes at The Curragh last September on only his second ever run. 3rd in Dewhurst but may not have been suited by the softer condition that day. If he’s trained on has a big chance here.   VAN GOGH (Aidan O’Brien) Seamie Heffernan Apparently been working very well at Ballydoyle this Spring. Ended his juvenile season by winning the Criterium International at Saint Cloud by 4L, but that was on heavy ground. Has to prove he will be as effective on better ground although his breeding would give you encouragement. Ryan Moore appears to have chosen Wembley.   WEMBLEY (Aidan O’Brien) Ryan Moore Ryan Moore’s pick of the three O’Brien horses. Solid juvenile form, finishing runner up in  National Stakes and Dewhurst on last two outings. Looks sure to be thereabouts.   Summary:-   An open renewal with the boys in blue and Ballydoyle battalions both three handed. Thunder Moon put current favourite Wembley firmly in his place when running away with the National Stakes at The Curragh and looks sure to run well if straight enough. Charlie Hill’s Mutasaabeq could be anything and was visually impressive at the Craven meeting. I’ll take that pair against the field although I can’t resist a tiny each way play on Naval Crown who beat Masters Of The Sea in Dubai.   THUNDER MOON (pictured below) 2 points win @ 5/1 William Hills MUTASAABEQ 2 points win @ 9/2 Bet365 NAVAL CROWN 1/2 point each way @ 66/1 Bet365 1/5th odds 1234  

3.40 - BEYOND REDEMPTION
4.15 - IFICUDIWUD.......RES SCHOOL BOY HOURS
4.50 -  WAITNSEE.............RES AGUSTA GOLD
5.25 -   SHARJAH...............RES DARVER STAR
6.00 -    GAILLARD DU MESNIL
6.35 -    IT CAME TO PASS...........RES JURY DUTY
7.05 -    EL BARRA.................RES GRAND BORNAND
7.35 -    GORTMILLISH............RES LEITRIM CHIEF

I got to say Darren, you know your stuff.
Well written resume. I have read your posts with interest, in the past and you are never far off the mark

I got to say Darren, you know your stuff.
Well written resume. I have read your posts with interest, in the past and you are never far off the mark

It is great to have Cheltenham's hunter chase night back after a year off last year and there there looks to be some cracking action in store across the 7 races. Over in Ireland we have their big hunter chase of the season at Punchestown where Caid Du Berlais will be looking to land the hat-trick.
Before I get into the previews just a quick word on the Chepstow race from last Friday. Obviously it was great to get the winner in Right To Reply who drifted out to a great price in the end. He was given an attacking from the front and it worked a treat. Salvatore looked a beaten horse early on as Zac tried to be prominent on him, but he jumped slowly and was never travelling. The fact he finished as close as he did was down to the fact he was passing poor horses more than anything. What I will say though is I suspect he found things happening fast enough on the quick ground and I reckon connections might regret not waiting for Cheltenham and the 4m contest which looks ideal for him.
Now into the previews as I take a look at every horse running at Prestbury Park later tonight.
5.00 
Risk And Roll - Certainly capable of winning this contest as he showed when landing a couple of hunter chases last season at Leicester and Stratford as well as finishing 2nd off 122 in a Huntingdon handicap last month. As I wrote in my preview for Aintree I thought he was capable of running well if his jumping held up, but his jumping didn't hold up and he unseated at the 5th. His jumping has to be a concern again especially dropping down in trip as they are likely to travel quicker and put his jumping issues under more pressure. If he does get round safely though then like I say he can win this.
Fumet D'oudairies - Having won all 4 points last season he made a great hunter chase debut when beating I'm Wiser Now by 6L at Leicester. That form has obviously worked out well since given he has won twice. He then ran at Dingley earlier in the month when just being beaten by Always Lion which I think was a strong piece of form especially as he had to give the winner 3lbs. Sadly Always Lion suffered a fatal injury on Saturday when running in a point so he had no chance of proving how good he was. The trip is an unknown, but he travelled so well at Leicester over 2m4f that I don't think it will be an issue.
Magna Sam - Ran a much improved race at Ascot where the small field and better ground saw him able to perform better than he had been able to show in two subsequent runs after winning at Ludlow last January. That was a fortunate win, but it did show what he's capable of. He ran in the Lady Dudley Cup 2 weeks ago and after receiving early reminders he did work his way into the contention before fading badly. As much as he doesn't want 3m2f I also don't think he wants 2m especially as they seem to be holding him up having made the running with him last season.
Babytaggle - Been off for a year and rated just 75 so would be a surprise winner.
Creative Inerta - Won a weak hunter chase at Exeter in 2018 and ran as well as could have been hoped behind Monsieur Gibraltar and Risk A Fine the following February. Wasn't seen again until last December when he didn't show a great deal at Barbury. If he ran up to that Wincanton run he'd have place claims here, but that run does stand out a bit and it was 3 years ago now.
Downbythestrand - Won the 2m contest on Stratford's hunter chase night back in 2019 a race which actually worked out pretty well from a form point of view. He wasn't seen again until this February when he ran a solid enough race at Huntingdon in a handicap. In theory he should have had an even better chance at Southwell a month ago when he looked to have his ideal conditions, but he was well beaten in the end. On the back of that it is hard to fancy him for this.
Envoye Special - I thought he was given a very strange ride at Kempton as trying to force the pace with Adrien Du Pont didn't seem the wisest move in the world. Even so there is nothing of that one's quality in this and having looked a bit of a bridle horse earlier in the season he went and won well at Kimble on Easter Saturday. Previously this season he had been held up, but the last twice has seen been ridden way more prominently. That seems a good move to me as they were his best efforts of the season so far. Strictly speaking through I'm Wiser Now he shouldn't be beating Fumet D'oudaires, but like I say now he's not coming from miles off the pace he could be better than that Stratford run.
Jungle Legend - Runs like the drop to 2m will suit, but hard to see him being good enough.
Namako - Was miles behind Envoye Special at Kimble and I don't see how he reverses that form even allowing for the jockey switch.
Rafferty - Bolted up in a maiden at Sheriff Hutton on his first run for over 2 years, but hard to see him being good enough here.
Sam Cavallaro - Arguably they should have named the race after him given he won it in 2015 and 2016, was 2nd in 2017, 3rd in 2018 and then won it again in 2019. Covid got in the way last year and as much as it would be great if the 15yo could get his head in front, he has been very poor in his two runs so far and is hard to fancy.
Verdict - It is hard to see anything outside the front three in the betting taking this. With Risk And Rolls jumping being a concern and Envoye Special maybe not being the most genuine horse I think Fumet D'Oudairies will get back to winning ways. He looked a very promising horse at Leicester and the drop in trip shouldn't bother him. I make Envoye Special the main danger.
Fumet D'Oudairies 2pts @ 15/8 with William Hill, BetVictor and Betfred
5.35
Benefaktor - Has done very well since coming to England having won his maiden and restricted last season before finishing a close 2nd to Huntsman Jog at Ampton. That one has won a handicap under rules off 116 since then so the form is strong. He then had a year off and returned at Revesby last month and put in a devastating performance to win by 25L hard held. The 2nd had shown really good form last season as well having finished a 3L 2nd to Fumet d'Oudairies so it wasn't like he beat a load of rubbish. He is likely to make the running and he seems to have plenty left at the finish so is a leading contender.
Captain McGinley - Ran fairly well at Wincanton behind Sametegal although he was well beaten at the end in 4th and then finished a tired 5th behind Fumet D'Oudairies at Leicester. He did finish 2nd to Latenightpass in this contest in 2019 and clearly if he repeated that then he will have a good chance. Better ground will likely see him in a better light.
Corbett Court - A good jockey booking, but was well beaten in a restricted on his first run in 2 years a couple of weeks ago so hard to see him being good enough.
Definite Dilemma - Has been handicap chasing this year running pretty well on the whole including finishing 2nd on a couple of occasions. They were over 2m4f and it did seem like he might do better over slightly longer, but 3m2f has to be a query. He was 2nd at Edgcote 2 weeks ago when a length behind Sir Mangan which is fair form. His BHA rating is 104 and chances are he will have to improve on that to land this.
Earcomesbob - Only won his maiden because the winner took the wrong course at Chaddesley Corbett in December and it would be surprising if he added to that here.
Getting Closer - He showed good form last year and then just won his intermediate in December. After that he went to Fakenham and was well beaten by Dubai Quest where he didn't jump that well. He was 2nd to Laser Beam earlier in the month and that form leaves him with something to find.
Guttural - I thought he ran better than the bare result at Leicester on his debut for new connections when 5th to Tango De Juilley. He travelled quite well into the race and ended up getting tired on bad ground which wouldn't have suited. He then stepped up to 2m4f and found himself outpaced before staying on into 3rd behind Garde Ville. Usually he wouldn't be able to run in this race as it is normally just for Intermediate horses, but this year it has been opened up to maiden winners as well and he broke his maiden tag and Edgcote a couple of weeks ago. He got outpaced again before finishing strongly to get up on the line. He was giving 14lbs to the 2nd so I think it was a strong effort and for a maiden the time was decent. Given his running style it looks like he will appreciate this stiffer test of stamina and he's not without a chance. 
Hadmeathello - Beat Law Of Gold to land his restricted at Garthorpe in 2019 which was obviously a good performance. He was well behind Getting Closer in his only run last season, but I suspect the soft ground didn't suit that day. For some reason he went to the sales after that and he was a pretty cheap buy in my view which was backed up by his really good win at Dingley earlier in the month. That form was boosted at the weekend when Bingo Star bolted up. As long as the ground isn't too soft he is a player.
Hotel Du Nord - Gave his jockey his first winner when winning a restricted at Wadebridge in December. Wasn't seen again until a couple of weeks ago when he finished 2nd to Deans Road over 2m4f where he made a mistake after the last which cost him. The issue could be if he stays or not as he was kept to shorter trips in Ireland, but the Wadebridge victory was over 3m. He would be another one in with a chance.
Milberry - To be fair he ran well at Exeter a couple of weeks ago when making Chase Me work hard for the win, but that isn't a strong level of form and he should struggle here.
Ryans Fancy - Beat Schiap Hill in October by 10L which was further than Hotel Du Nord beat him by. He then didn't run until the race Benefaktor won at Revesby, but was pulled up. He did bounce back to win earlier in the month, but it wasn't the strongest race in the world and my feeling is he needs to find a bit of improvement to win.
Verdict - This looks wide open but the short list for me is Benefaktor, Captain McGinley, Gutteral, Hadmeathell and Hotel Du Nord. I thought Benefaktor was superb in winning last time and there is depth to the form even though he won hard held by 25L.He looks very progressive. Hadmeathello looks over priced as his form also looks strong and the change of yards hasn't stopped his progression. I am also going to add Guttural to the list as he is getting better with each run and this test looks like it will be ideal for him.
Benefaktor 2pts @ 5/2 with all bookies
Hadmeathello 1pt e/w @ 8/1 with Bet365
Guttutal 0.5pts e/w @ 11/1 with all bookies
6.10 
Fixe Le Kap - Ran OK when 4th last time and the same when 5th behind Risk And Roll at Stratford last March. Hard to see him being good enough to win this though based on even that form.
I'm Wiser Now - I had him down as a serial loser given he couldn't even win a maiden point earlier in the season. To be fair the 3rd and 2nd in two hunter chases at Leicester were decent enough efforts and he then went on to win twice at Stratford. He was given two very good rides by Liam Harrison and then Albi Tufnell who is on top again here. In both races he looked beat going down the back straight only to stay on well and then gain the upper hand after the last. There is a sense though that he benefitted from his rivals issues in those two races and that given he needs to be delivered late this track might not be ideal for him. He's also unproven over this trip.
Knockaderry Flyer - Won this in 2017, but it was probably one of the worst races ever staged at Cheltenham and he's struggled on the whole since. Did manage to win again last time though in a point and does have James King on top. Even so he would need others to under perform to win this.
Mister Serious - Looks to have no chance.
Moscow Prices - Was a well beaten 3rd in this in 2019 and although he won last time and has a positive jockey switch it is hard to see how he can improve on that 3rd.
Trio For Rio - Ran well at Larkhill behind Salvatore on his seasonal debut and followed that up with an 11L success over Garde Ville at Ludlow which is obviously looking like a strong piece of form. He was then beaten into 3rd back in a point at Maisemore a month ago, but I think that was a strong piece of form as the winner is a course specialist and put in a very good performance. Should be a big player.
Wick Green - In the end he had little to beat at Exeter last time because the favourite Chameron jumped terribly and didn't travel well at all. Even so I wouldn't want to crab him because he had shown good form last season especially when beating Captain Buck's at Larkhill. I think he has a big chance.
Verdict - The winner should come from Trio For Rio, I'm Wiser Now and Wick Green. I can see why Trio For Rio is favourite, but he looks short enough to me and Wick Green looks the value call at the prices. Yes he might have not had much to beat last time, but he had shown good form before that and I think he has been priced up on Chameron's effort at Exeter rather than the promise he has shown himself.
Wick Green 1pt @ 7/2 with William Hill and Betfred
6.45
Fifty Shades - Has been running well this season having won a couple of times at Barbury in December and then at Cothelstone earlier in the month. He beat Coco Live into 2nd place that day by 2L.His jockey is having his first ride under rules and he should get a good spin round.
Garde Ville - I think he is in career best form as he has been superb this season. He showed promise at Haydock on his return from nearly 2 years off and then finished 2nd at Ludlow to Trio For Rio. He surprised connections and me by winning over 2m4f at Ludlow and then beat Bletchley Castle again last week this time over 3m. In between those two Ludlow wins he won a match at Sandon in what was Lorna Brooke's final ever winner. That win last week was very poignant and clearly it will be the same again were he to win this. He was entered in the 4m race as well and given how well he stays I reckon he would have gone close in that, but this looks the easier option and I think he could be hard to beat.
Monbeg Chit Chat - Did clock a good time when winning at Sheriff Hutton a couple of weeks ago and he seems to be running himself into form. Having said that I'm still not sure he will be good enough to land this and he was a well beaten 3rd at Carlisle in March.
Sugar Baron - He should come on for his first run in just over a year when 3rd earlier in the month. Strictly speaking that form shouldn't be good enough to win this, but he won well over 3m6f at High Easter last March and he has a bit of back class. He has run well at Cheltenham before and hasn't had much racing for an 11yo so I can see him running well.
Coco Live - Was well beaten off 96 at Wincanton last month and it was a pretty weak contest he won at Charing after that. 2nd to Fifty Shades last time and it would be surprising if he was good enough.
Flintham - Impossible to know how good he still is. He was regressing in the 2017/2018 season and wasn't seen again until this January when he unseated at the last when tailed off. He then went to Revesby last month and he finished alone so had nothing to beat in the end. That told us nothing so he could be good enough to win this, but on balance of things I am happy to oppose him.
Just Cause - Beat Sugar Baron 30L at Higham last January, but he was having his 1st start for a long time so there is every chance they will be closer to each other here. He made Rio Bravo work very hard at Revesby last month and on Saturday he was a fair 3rd to Law Of Gold at Garthorpe. He has a very good record pointing and has finished 2nd in a couple of hunter chases which gives him a solid chance.
Summer Sounds - Has won twice in points this month, but the fact he was 1/4 in a match and then 1/2 a couple of weeks ago shows how weak the races were. His form suggests he will struggle to make it a hat-trick of wins.
The Brassmoulder - Certainly respect his trainer, but he shouldn't be good enough.
Verdict - I really fancy Garde Ville here and make him the Nap of the meeting. He doesn't know how to run a bad race and has been improving as the season goes on. He has also proven in the past that he can take plenty of racing so that isn't a concern either. The fact he won over 2m4f two starts back was a big surprise because he stays so well and the further he goes the better I actually think he will be. He looks in his best ever form and hopefully he can be a poignant winner. Sugar Baron and Just Cause are the main dangers for me.
Garde Ville 4pts @ 2/1 with all bookies
7.15
Absainte - A very likeable mare who deserves to find a hunter chase at some point, but she was a well beaten 3rd in this last year and after falling at the last when in 2nd at Musselburgh, she was beaten at 2/5 back pointing last time. That leaves were with a bit to find with the best of these.
African Belle - Was keen at Kelso and finished very tired after being in front at 3 out. She has been beaten in a point since and she is unlikely to be good enough.
Berboru - Was stuffed in a maiden point on Saturday and has no chance.
Fishy Story - She lost many lengths jumping out to her right at Stratford a couple of weeks ago and that cost her the race given I'm Wiser Now only beat her by a length. If she does the same here then she is going to struggle, but she does have the ability to run well.
Highway Jewel - If she runs to the level she did in either her two starts this season then she wins this. The performance at Chaddesley Corbett in December when beating Hazel Hill is the best one I have seen pointing this season. She backed that up by running really well at Warwick on hunter chase debut and she was just denied by Latenightpass. That form is clearly very strong and I think she would have run very well if she had gone for the race formally known as the Foxhunter last month. Her trainer is now able to ride her which is a big plus and her form is way above anything else that these have achieved.
Miss Seagreen - Won well at Larkhill in December and followed that up with a good effort on hunter chase debut at Ludlow when a 10L 3rd to Hazel Hill. A couple of mistakes didn't help her that day but it was still a promising first run over fences. She disappointed over the same course and distance the next time though when only 6th behind Trio For Rio. A month ago she bounced back at Maisemore when finishing just in front of Trio For Rio when 2nd in what I think was a strong contest. Clearly her form is below that of Highway Jewel, but she looks the most likely to chase her home.
Phoenix Rock - Been struggling in handicaps and points this season and should be more of the same here.
Tuff Nano - The 2nd to Marcle Ridge in December was a decent enough effort, but it also highlights that she will struggle to beat Highway Jewel.
Verdict - Sadly Highway Jewel isn't really a backable price here, but she really ought to win. If Fishy Story can jump straighter than she did at Stratford she would push Miss Seagreen for 2nd place, but the forecast with Miss Seagreen to finish 2nd looks a solid enough play.
Highway Jewel to beat Miss Seagreen 1pt f/c
7.45
Ennistown - I thought he ran an eye-catching race on his hunter chase debut at Ludlow in January as he never really got involved, but stayed on nicely into 4th place. After that he struggled at Haydock in the Walrus and he then won at Fakenham. Now that wasn't much of a contest, but he did it well enough and he backed that up with a 2nd in the Lady Dudley Cup. He stayed on that day after getting out paced and although we don't know if he will stay he certainly races nowadays like he needs a trip. One for the shortlist. 
Keltus - Regardless of what happened to Santou Flyer at the last at Wincanton it was still a very good run from Keltus given he was still in contention for the win anyway. Hard to know if he will stay, but if he does he should be capable of running well.
Kilkishen - Put in a really good performance when winning on debut for Dale Peters at Kelso and the 2nd has run well since to boost the form. He hasn't run since, but you would imagine this race has been the target given he was 4th in the Eider a couple of years ago so we know he will see out the trip. His trainer takes off 5lbs in the saddle which is a plus and he looks to have a fantastic chance.
Ange Des Malberaux - Speaking of the 2019 Eider this horse finished 8th in that contest and he looks a stayer. He was running well at Ludlow until unseating in the race won by Hazel Hill and then ran as well as could have been expected given he was out the back at Warwick behind Latenightpass. He's struggled again back in points although mainly runs as if he wants further.
Bob Ford - Shown little in two point runs in the last month.
Captain Cattistock - Was a close 2nd in the Southern National in 2019 although that is only over 3m3f so we don't know for certain if he will stay. He ran well enough at Wincanton behind Sametegal and Porlock Bay when 3rd, but he wasn't so good at Doncaster last time. He found little when asked for an effort and was a well beaten 4th in the end. He is capable of winning this, but that effort at Doncaster is a worry.
Dr Des - Ran as well as could have been expected in hot races at Warwick and Leicester. Stamina is an unknown and I suspect he would ideally prefer softer ground.
Excitable Island - Was awarded this race in 2018 after Battle Dust lost his weight cloth and he was 2/2 in points in 2019. He didn't run last season and was well beaten into 3rd at Dingley by Hadmeathello on his only start this term. Obviously we know he handles course and distance, but at 14yo I struggle to see him winning this again.
Itstimeforapint - Didn't show any promise at Wetherby in February, but ran better when 4th in the Lady Dudley Cup last time. We know he stays this far and he might just plug on for a place at a big price.
Know The Score - We know he stays having won over 4m on his pointing debut at Flete Park a couple of weeks ago. He had lost his form under rules for David Pipe when last seen in February last year so the fact he has come back to form is a plus. It wasn't much of a race he won, but he hasn't had much racing and he has claims here.
Navanman - Was a close 4th to Know The Score at Flete Park last time and if you include jockey's claims there shouldn't be too much between them again in theory, but Know The Score has more scope to improve from his seasonal debut.
Optimised - With the race now named in honour of Lorna Broke this would be a poignant winner as she rode Philip Rowley's first ever winner under rules. He was 2nd in this in 2019 when going down by a length to Southfield Theatre. The problem is he hasn't really been in the same form since although a small field point on good ground probably wasn't ideal last time. He had a wind op after his first run of the season at Warwick so I do expect some improvement now he is in a bigger field over a trip we know he stays.
Rock On Carlos - Well behind Know The Score last time and no obvious chance.
Sam Red - Was 3rd in 2019 but was well beaten and will be lucky to repeat that.
Talk Of The South - Hard to see him playing much of a part based on what he has done pointing in the last couple of seasons.
Tanit River - I guess connections will be hoping going a slower pace over 4m will help with his jumping, because he is going to struggle on that front in my view based on his Fontwell and Ascot runs. He probably does have the ability to win, but with 4m an unknown as well he wouldn't be for me.
Verdict - I can certainly see why people would be interested in backing Captain Cattistock and Know The Score, but for me Kilkishen and Ennistown are the main two to back. I was impressed with the formers win at Kelso on his only start so far this season and given he was 4th in the Eider the trip shouldn't be an issue for him. Ennistown looks like he wants a trip now based on his runs so far this season and that staying on 2nd in the Lady Dudley Cup was a good effort. Speaking of the Lady Dudley Cup I have to chuck a few quid on Itstimeforapint at a massive price. That run showed a lot more promise and we know he stays this far. We have had big priced winners of this before, but he could end up staying on into a place at least.
Kilkishen 2.5pts @ 11/4 with Bet365
Ennistown 1pt e/w @ 11/1 with Betfair (4 places)
Itstimeforapint 0.25pts e/w @ 80/1 with everyone but 4 places with Betfair and Betfred
8.15
Clondaw Westie - Ran a hell of a race to finish 4th in the Aintree Foxhunter at 200/1. Easily his best run of the season and proved that he doesn't have to have bottomless ground. If he repeats that effort then he has an obvious chance here.
Peacocks Secret - Ran a really good race on his first start for Dale Peters when 2nd to Tango De Juilley at Leicester (had Clondaw Westie well behind in 6th) and he won well at Fakenham a month ago. Right Of Reply franked that form at Chepstow last week to give the form some substance and this sort of trip ought to see him at his best. 
Zamparelli - He could be suited by the way the race is run as there is likely to be plenty of pace on and he will be staying on from behind. He was pulled up behind Marcle Ridge at Barbury in December, but he has been much better since. First of all he ran well to finish 4th at Ludlow when the lack of a recent run probably told and then a week later he bolted up over the same course and distance. This race does have more depth to it, but he will be finishing fast.
Barney Dwan - Got into a pace battle at Barbury in December and came off 2nd best to Diplomate Sivola who has won again since. Last season he won over 3m4f at Cocklebarrow and was then just denied by Salvatore at Didmarton. He showed good ability under rules for the trainers other half and that includes a 4th at the Festival in 2018. He could be another possible front runner, but he didn't use to be so prominent so I would imagine he will sit off them here.
Beau De Tabel - His owner win came in a bumper in 2013 which sums up his chances here.
Billy Hicks - Another who will be outclassed here.
Cloudy Joker - Was running a huge race at Stratford a couple of years ago when unseating at the last. The 3rd earlier this month wasn't in a strong race and he's another who likes to make the running which I would be surprised if he was able to do against this level of opponent. 
Eric The Third - He was all out to win a point on Saturday and that form not good enough to win this.
Marcle Ridge - He won race 3 on this card in 2019 and has continued to run well in 5 races since then. He ran a huge race in last year's Foxhunter making the running for a long way and ending up finishing 6th. He bolted up on his seasonal reappearance and then ran in that hot Warwick race won by Latenightpass. He was the one of the front runners who got tired, but they went such a strong pace it wasn't a surprise given he would have preferred better ground. The concern is he comes off 2nd best in a pace battle up front, but there is every chance that this trip will suit him perfectly and he has an obvious chance.
Risk A Fine - There is no doubt in my mind that he is the best horse in the race as he was one of the best hunter chasers we saw back in 2019. His two wins at Stratford were especially good and he bolted up off top weight in the handicap hunter chase on hunter chase night the last time we saw him. There are two big question marks about him though. First of all he has to prove he is still as good as he was after 2 years off at the age of 12, but he has proven he can run well after a break so that side of things doesn't concern me. What really sticks in my mind though was his performance in this race two years ago where he put in his worse performance by far of the season. He didn't jump particularly well that night and I think the rain before racing didn't help him as he needs decent ground. My thinking after that race was that connections probably regret running him that night and I'm a little surprised they are having another go with him. He could easily out class the opposition here, but with the doubts about him handling the track I just can't back him at 6/4. I wouldn't be surprised if he drifted closer to the off though and he might become worth covering he got too big.
Where Now - Will be outclassed here.
Verdict - The fact that any of the front 6 in the betting wouldn't be surprise winners tells you what a good race this is. Risk A Fine could hack up, but I cant back him at the price he is at the time of writing given how he ran in the race 2 years ago. I am instead going to back Marcle Ridge (stays further so if he gets into a pace battle he might not stop and we know he handles the track), Peacocks Secret (form of the Fakenham race has worked out well and it was a good performance) and Zamparelli (seems to be getting better with each run and this race should be run to suit given his come from behind style of racing).
Marcle Ridge 1pt @ 4/1 with everyone
Peacocks Secret 1pt @ 9/2 with everyone
Zamparelli 1pt @ 9/1 with Betfair and BetVictor
Punchestown 6.35
I am really looking forward to this contest and I am as certain as you can be that the prize will be heading back to this side of the Irish Sea. I think Billaway is an opposable favourite. Patrick Mullins was very honest in the Racing Post earlier in the week when writing about his Aintree performance. He mentioned about how he clearly hated the fences and that he should have pulled him up with Punchestown in mind, but with his adrenaline up he carried on and he ran on after he realised there were no more fences left. That is two tough races he will have had at the two big festivals now and he may well have left his race at Aintree.
Staker Wallace was 3rd at Cheltenham and Solomn Grundy has won his last two and they could end up being the best of the Irish. It wouldn't surprise me if It Came To Pass ran much better than he did at Cheltenham in this. In my view though Bob And Co and Caid Du Berlais are the pair they all have to beat.
I will always wonder what would have happened if Bob And Co had not unshipped Sean Bowen at Cheltenham, as he was travelling every bit as well as the first two home at the time. I think he is the best hunter chaser in either Britain or Ireland at the moment and hopefully he can prove it here. His owner is back on top, but at least he does get the chance to claim 5lbs to help him. He had nothing to beat at Hexham last week, but crucially he jumped well and that would have given David confidence going into this. If all goes well I think he is going to be very hard to beat and hopefully we can get Cheltenham losses back.
Caid Du Berlais has to be covered as well though as he has been so dominant in the last two runnings of this. He has had two ideal prep runs winning at Wincanton and Warwick and they suggest that he still retains his ability at the age of 12. If something did happen to Bob And Co then he could well be the one to take advantage.
Bob And Co 3pts @ 3/1 with Bet365
Caid Du Berlais 1pt @ 4/1 with everyone

Perils of betting on Flat horses at the beginning of the season.
Some are simply not fit or will certainly come on for the run. In the case of 3yr olds, maybe they have not trained on.
The ground is significantly quicker than would normally be expected.
Or a combination of all 3!
I tend to just bet on Group races for the first month of the season, unless I have reliable info that a particular horse is fit or is targeted for a certain race.

Perils of betting on Flat horses at the beginning of the season.
Some are simply not fit or will certainly come on for the run. In the case of 3yr olds, maybe they have not trained on.
The ground is significantly quicker than would normally be expected.
Or a combination of all 3!
I tend to just bet on Group races for the first month of the season, unless I have reliable info that a particular horse is fit or is targeted for a certain race.

AW selection
Lingfield 5.15
SAYIFYOUWILL 4/1

Better today 35.5 points returned for a profit of 31.5 points
Overall 23.25 points profit for the month

my work here is done that should put plenty cash in your pockets

Couple of interesting match ups on Day 1 
Allaho v Chacun Pour Soi ?
Envoi Allen v Monkfish ?

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for the PUNCHESTOWN festival, Tuesday 27th April to Saturday 1st May.
Rules:
1 selection per race throughout the competition Bets settled to £1 level stakes - WIN Only Bets settled at SP Highest accumulative total over the competition wins £60 cash (via PayPal) Runner Up wins £25 and the third place wins £15, all prizes via your PayPal account No edits allowed in selection posts Losses incurred for losers Replacement selections for NRs can be posted but must be before the first race deadline All Bets must be posted prior to the first race each day (no exceptions) Leader-board posted each evening A minimum of 14 bets is required to qualify for any prizes All welcome, good luck.

Just the 5 runners but an interesting race which is good to see after the one sided affairs we have seen the last couple of days.
I can't have Bletchley Castle over this trip and he's been out stayed over 2m4f here the last twice. I am also happy to be against the favourite Favorito Buck's. Paul Nicholls has always liked a hunter chase, but he seems to have more than ever this year. Some of them are bombproof, but he's had failures as well and Favorito Buck's doesn't look the most solid. He's pulled up on two of his last 3 starts and yes the 3rd in between at Ascot would be form that would probably be good enough to win, but on balance I am happy to take him on.
That leaves us with Call Me Vic and Garde Ville. Garde Ville would be a very poignant winner as it was Lorna Brooke's last ever winner at Sandon earlier in the month and she would have been on board this afternoon. The horse is arguably in the best form he's ever been in. He was eye-catching at Haydock before finishing 2nd over course and distance last month. I didn't think he would have enough speed here a month ago over 2m4f, but he proved me and connections wrong given they thought the same as me. The step up in trip is going to be ideal for him and you can be pretty certain he is going to run his race.
Call Me Vic might be 14 but his trainer has proven that he does wonders with older horses time and time again including when this one won at Sandown in December off a mark of 121. That came off the back of a good run at Cheltenham having been pointing in 2019 winning 4 times and finishing a good 3rd to Earth Leader. His jockey impressed me on Sunday when winning on I'm Wiser Now and he knows this horse well having been on him in his points and his last two starts under rules. After his Sandown win it was stated he would be given a break to come back in the spring for a hunter chase campaign and I expect him to be fully primed for this.
I'm fairly confident one of those two will win and the prices allow both to be backed.
Call Me Vic 1.5pts @ 5/2 with Betfair, BetVictor and Betfred
Garde Ville 1.5pts @ 4/1 with Betfred and BetVictor

Wolves @ 1.65
Leicester @ 1.95
1/2 bank Double thx

Spot on. This is my go to app for prices now as opposed to the ATR one where the prices are simply not accurate.

Spot on. This is my go to app for prices now as opposed to the ATR one where the prices are simply not accurate.

Odds checker is a great tool and i use it but i would urge a note of caution. As its polling the bookies site there is always going to be some lag which in this day and age you'd expect it to be in the seconds but is frequently over a minute. Some bookies seem to be worse than others - in my experience betfred are slow to update. If you want to see this in action just look at how the prices shift after Hugh Taylor posts a selection.
The history function of odds checker seems to provide a more accurate picture of price changes (sometimes not even reflected on the main page!)
Today Snowy Burrows was 15/8 with bet365 between 8:15 and 8:57.
Aside from all that this site is the best for solid, genuine input from those I only see trying to be helpful or gain information which they can use to get an edge. Other forums where this isnt the case are available.
@Barnes1882 keep up the input and best of luck with your pending new arrival

If you go to odds checker, click the selection's name, then click 'all history' it shows every price that it's been, seems pretty accurate.

Clearly it wasn't David Maxwell's finest hour at Wincanton and whilst his sit at Aintree was superb this unseat from Shantou Flyer was a shocker. To be fair I wasn't certain he was going to win as Keltus was still in contention jumping the last and we know Maxwell has looked unfit since his return. I'm not really sure why Keltus had drifted out to 16/1 and I hadn't realised he had got so big until the SP's flashed across the screen during the race. In a match with the 3rd I'd have made him slight favourite over the two. Whatever happened it was a fine effort although Shantou Flyer clearly hasn't run up to form.
 
The Stratford race was really frustrating as Fishy Story lost so much ground by either jumping out to her right or a slow jump. She only lost by a length and you have to think a better round of jumping would have seen her win the race. Fair play to the winner though who was given a very good ride in what was basically a carbon copy performance of what he did over course and distance last month. He found himself outpaced and then stayed on with great effect after the last. Leaving the back I thought he was the main danger given what happened the last time and so it proved. Captain Buck's never really travelled that well and I think he's basically run his race because he wasn't beaten far at all.
 
We have two hunter chases this afternoon and we have two more long odds on Paul Nicholls favourites. Bob And Co is in my view the best hunter chaser in the country and if Maxwell stays on he should win by a long margin. I guess after today that is a bigger if than it ought to be, but this really ought to be his first winner back. As much as I am not the sort of punter who will get involved at 1/4 he should be way shorter than that and if he doesn't win by a long way or without coming out of 2nd gear then it will be disappointing.
 
In theory Black River should come 2nd, but this is his first run for over a year and his first up record isn't the best. He pulled up first time out last season and then went onto land a hat-trick although the last of those was in a match. I just wonder if he might need this especially now he is 12 and there could be value in taking him on.
 
Given the trainer of Wonderoftheworld has done terribly with her horses so far I can't have him at all and I am amazed he his 3rd in the betting. He also showed nothing at all at Carlisle on his debut for the yard.
 
Next in the betting we have the two Amie Waugh trained runners and she has chosen to ride Winged Crusader and I think that is interesting. Son Of  Suzie did win 3 weeks ago at Hutton Rudby, but he may have been slightly fortunate given a loose horse bumped into the 1st 3 runners after the last fence and the 3rd was hampered the worse. The time of that race though was 14 seconds slower than the race Winged Crusader was 2nd in on the same card. That wasn't a strong heat, but he is fairly consistent and it wouldn't surprise me if he kept going for minor honours.  
 
Killer Crow finished in front of Wonderoftheworld at Carlisle as he finished 6th have been up there. He didn't run too badly at Musselburgh the time before either and was an OK 3rd in the Grimthorpe Gold Cup last week. I'd have him a bit shorter in the betting than he currently is myself.
 
If you can get on with Skybet they are offering 2/1 Bob And Co winning by 10L or more and that seems a price worth taking to me as if he gets round safely he really ought to cover that margin with ease. I will chance a couple of small forecast plays with Winged Crusader and Killer Crow to finish 2nd.
 
Bob And Co to beat Winged Crusader 0.5pts f/c
Bob And Co to beat Killer Crow 0.5pts f/c
 
At Kempton Adrien Du Pont should win fairly comfortably as well. He beat a useful pointer with ease at Newbury and it's hard to see what beats him. I had thought Envoye Special might be a bit of a bridle horse, but he stormed to a good win at Kimble a couple of weeks ago. He was ridden differently that day as well from his 3 previous runs where as he was prominent rather than being held up. He was 4th at Stratford and Tom Barton was one place behind him in 5th, but he was over 20L behind him distance wise. Tom Barton probably paid for being part of a strong pace early doors as he got very tired. I'd probably have them a bit close together in the betting than they are, but I still think Envoye Special is the most likely to finish 2nd. Given the prices I don't see a betting opportunity in this contest.

Nice win!!
Terrible draw, cruised through the race and won a competitive handicap with a bit in hand

I thought she looked a bit special Winning today on her seasonal debut at 3-1 against quality maidens

I hate it when this happens!! If you dutch them, you get around 1/3, which I simply won't do. 
If I had to choose, just based on form, I would go with Derab, as that form line through La Barrosa looks solid.
The problem is at this time of the year is to know which one is the most forward. The sensible thing is to watch and evaluate.
But the undisciplined degenerate gambler I am, means I will probably back Derab!. ?

Well found in the market. I just got 14/1 and its twelves at some bookies. By the time you guys wake up it might be single figures!!

Nice win!!
Terrible draw, cruised through the race and won a competitive handicap with a bit in hand