Darran

Some of you might remember that I have a share in a filly in Australia and she has the first start of her 2nd prep on Thursday morning at Kyneton (R3 4.30am). I think she has a decent chance at a double figure price and here are my thoughts on the leading contenders.
Belle Et Riche - 3rd on debut at Moe last August wasn't a bad race with the winner winning at Moonee Valley since and the 4th won on its next start. That was on a Heavy 9 but seems to handle quicker ground based on her jump outs.   Kashmere Star - Good 3rd on debut at Mornington in November behind an impressive winner who had been running in Group races.    Let Fly - Was 2nd on her debut last April, but then not so good in her next two starts. Returned this prep with a fast finishing 2nd over course and distance 2 weeks ago. If she can repeat that effort then has a big chance here.   Whywhywhydeliah - Was sent off fav on debut, but was disappointing. Stepped up on that on her 2nd start when 3rd 3 weeks later.    Beneficio - She has progressed well since her last prep and was impressive when winning a jumpout recently. Usually she would have had a trial after that, but she's in such good form that the trainer has decided to send her straight to a race instead. The downside is she has drawn the outside stall, but she has so much speed from the gates that I think she will be able to track across without using too much energy up. The only other speed in the race from what I can see will come from Excela Bella who is actually drawn inside her so they might be able to come over together. She was a bit disappointing at Ballarat on the final start of her first prep, but she didn't seem to let herself down on the ground that day and the close 2nd over course and distance was a top class effort. On that effort she has a great e/w chance here.   Verdict - I think the winner will come from the above 5 and I do think Beneficio is over priced at 10/1. The question will be if she can hold off the finishers in the final furlong, but at the very least I think she can finish in the first 3. I can see why Belle Et Riche is favourite, but I think Let Fly is the one who can take this out. He has the benefit from a recent race and clearly course and distance suits well based on that 2nd a couple of weeks ago. Obviously I hope Beneficio will be able to hold on, but if Let Fly repeats her finishing effort from a couple of weeks ago then she might just lose her maiden tag.   Let Fly @ 11/4 with Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair and Coral Beneficio e/w @ 10/1 with everyone apart from William Hill

Some of you might remember that I have a share in a filly in Australia and she has the first start of her 2nd prep on Thursday morning at Kyneton (R3 4.30am). I think she has a decent chance at a double figure price and here are my thoughts on the leading contenders.
Belle Et Riche - 3rd on debut at Moe last August wasn't a bad race with the winner winning at Moonee Valley since and the 4th won on its next start. That was on a Heavy 9 but seems to handle quicker ground based on her jump outs.   Kashmere Star - Good 3rd on debut at Mornington in November behind an impressive winner who had been running in Group races.    Let Fly - Was 2nd on her debut last April, but then not so good in her next two starts. Returned this prep with a fast finishing 2nd over course and distance 2 weeks ago. If she can repeat that effort then has a big chance here.   Whywhywhydeliah - Was sent off fav on debut, but was disappointing. Stepped up on that on her 2nd start when 3rd 3 weeks later.    Beneficio - She has progressed well since her last prep and was impressive when winning a jumpout recently. Usually she would have had a trial after that, but she's in such good form that the trainer has decided to send her straight to a race instead. The downside is she has drawn the outside stall, but she has so much speed from the gates that I think she will be able to track across without using too much energy up. The only other speed in the race from what I can see will come from Excela Bella who is actually drawn inside her so they might be able to come over together. She was a bit disappointing at Ballarat on the final start of her first prep, but she didn't seem to let herself down on the ground that day and the close 2nd over course and distance was a top class effort. On that effort she has a great e/w chance here.   Verdict - I think the winner will come from the above 5 and I do think Beneficio is over priced at 10/1. The question will be if she can hold off the finishers in the final furlong, but at the very least I think she can finish in the first 3. I can see why Belle Et Riche is favourite, but I think Let Fly is the one who can take this out. He has the benefit from a recent race and clearly course and distance suits well based on that 2nd a couple of weeks ago. Obviously I hope Beneficio will be able to hold on, but if Let Fly repeats her finishing effort from a couple of weeks ago then she might just lose her maiden tag.   Let Fly @ 11/4 with Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair and Coral Beneficio e/w @ 10/1 with everyone apart from William Hill

Some of you might remember that I have a share in a filly in Australia and she has the first start of her 2nd prep on Thursday morning at Kyneton (R3 4.30am). I think she has a decent chance at a double figure price and here are my thoughts on the leading contenders.
Belle Et Riche - 3rd on debut at Moe last August wasn't a bad race with the winner winning at Moonee Valley since and the 4th won on its next start. That was on a Heavy 9 but seems to handle quicker ground based on her jump outs.   Kashmere Star - Good 3rd on debut at Mornington in November behind an impressive winner who had been running in Group races.    Let Fly - Was 2nd on her debut last April, but then not so good in her next two starts. Returned this prep with a fast finishing 2nd over course and distance 2 weeks ago. If she can repeat that effort then has a big chance here.   Whywhywhydeliah - Was sent off fav on debut, but was disappointing. Stepped up on that on her 2nd start when 3rd 3 weeks later.    Beneficio - She has progressed well since her last prep and was impressive when winning a jumpout recently. Usually she would have had a trial after that, but she's in such good form that the trainer has decided to send her straight to a race instead. The downside is she has drawn the outside stall, but she has so much speed from the gates that I think she will be able to track across without using too much energy up. The only other speed in the race from what I can see will come from Excela Bella who is actually drawn inside her so they might be able to come over together. She was a bit disappointing at Ballarat on the final start of her first prep, but she didn't seem to let herself down on the ground that day and the close 2nd over course and distance was a top class effort. On that effort she has a great e/w chance here.   Verdict - I think the winner will come from the above 5 and I do think Beneficio is over priced at 10/1. The question will be if she can hold off the finishers in the final furlong, but at the very least I think she can finish in the first 3. I can see why Belle Et Riche is favourite, but I think Let Fly is the one who can take this out. He has the benefit from a recent race and clearly course and distance suits well based on that 2nd a couple of weeks ago. Obviously I hope Beneficio will be able to hold on, but if Let Fly repeats her finishing effort from a couple of weeks ago then she might just lose her maiden tag.   Let Fly @ 11/4 with Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair and Coral Beneficio e/w @ 10/1 with everyone apart from William Hill

Some of you might remember that I have a share in a filly in Australia and she has the first start of her 2nd prep on Thursday morning at Kyneton (R3 4.30am). I think she has a decent chance at a double figure price and here are my thoughts on the leading contenders.
Belle Et Riche - 3rd on debut at Moe last August wasn't a bad race with the winner winning at Moonee Valley since and the 4th won on its next start. That was on a Heavy 9 but seems to handle quicker ground based on her jump outs.   Kashmere Star - Good 3rd on debut at Mornington in November behind an impressive winner who had been running in Group races.    Let Fly - Was 2nd on her debut last April, but then not so good in her next two starts. Returned this prep with a fast finishing 2nd over course and distance 2 weeks ago. If she can repeat that effort then has a big chance here.   Whywhywhydeliah - Was sent off fav on debut, but was disappointing. Stepped up on that on her 2nd start when 3rd 3 weeks later.    Beneficio - She has progressed well since her last prep and was impressive when winning a jumpout recently. Usually she would have had a trial after that, but she's in such good form that the trainer has decided to send her straight to a race instead. The downside is she has drawn the outside stall, but she has so much speed from the gates that I think she will be able to track across without using too much energy up. The only other speed in the race from what I can see will come from Excela Bella who is actually drawn inside her so they might be able to come over together. She was a bit disappointing at Ballarat on the final start of her first prep, but she didn't seem to let herself down on the ground that day and the close 2nd over course and distance was a top class effort. On that effort she has a great e/w chance here.   Verdict - I think the winner will come from the above 5 and I do think Beneficio is over priced at 10/1. The question will be if she can hold off the finishers in the final furlong, but at the very least I think she can finish in the first 3. I can see why Belle Et Riche is favourite, but I think Let Fly is the one who can take this out. He has the benefit from a recent race and clearly course and distance suits well based on that 2nd a couple of weeks ago. Obviously I hope Beneficio will be able to hold on, but if Let Fly repeats her finishing effort from a couple of weeks ago then she might just lose her maiden tag.   Let Fly @ 11/4 with Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair and Coral Beneficio e/w @ 10/1 with everyone apart from William Hill

Final post on this thread for another year is my review of the race.
The 2022 Cheltenham Hunters Chase was a punishing event given only 6 horses got round and all but one of those who failed to compete ended up pulling up. Given we were racing on good to soft ground I was amazed so few got round, but I think it helped strengthen the pre-race view that there wasn't much strength in depth in the contest and some of those who appeared to have a chance were very disappointing.    I don't think you will hear too many arguments against the case that the best horse finished 2nd. Winged Leader put in a superb performance near the head of affairs and if it wasn't for Jamie Codd on Mighty Stowaway he would have won. They got into a battle after 3 out and although Winged Leader won that one with time to spare it meant he didn't have quite enough in the tank to repel the fast finishing Billaway. He has been entered at Aintree and I can really see him taking to that test should he go there, but if he doesn't it isn't hard to think he will turn up back here in a year's time with a leading chance.    Apart from Aintree last year I'm not sure I have ever seen Billaway travel or jump so badly. I know his jumping isn't always foot perfect and he can hit a flat spot, but he barely travelled on the bridle at all and put in some horrific jumping errors. Fair play to the horse for keeping going under pressure though and I can't believe he only touched 21 in running because until the final half furlong he didn't look like he was going to win at all. You can't say it wasn't a deserved success given the last two year's, but you have to wonder if he will be good enough to follow up next year.   I was surprised by Mighty Stowaway's 3rd as connections didn't seem to be expecting a great deal, but turning for home he looked like he would put up a serious challenge to the winner before dropping away. It was a personal best hunter chase effort, but he's 11 now and he's unlikely to be improving.   Dubai Quest landed the e/w money for us in 4th and it's a shame the race wasn't on Wednesday as he would have a much better chance on soft ground. He just found things happening a bit too quickly for him and Gina was always having to niggle at him to keep him in contention. What was pleasing to see though was he jumped so much better than he did at Wetherby. He was the best of the British runners and he should have more improvement to come being only 9. I can see him being a player next year especially if the rain came.   Senor Lombardy ran a hell of a race to finish just behind him in 5th. I hope he hasn't left his season behind here, and I've seen plenty of beaten horses regress after Cheltenham, as he more than backed up my thoughts that he was a hunter chase winner in waiting. I wonder if connections might consider Stratford with him now as that would look a good target for him.   Pont Aven was a long way behind him in 6th, but he never looked like a possible winner. He did at least get round, but my thoughts that this test was unsuitable for him was borne out in the race. He's been entered at Aintree and although that would suit him much better his jumping would be a concern for me.   Now to look at those who didn't finish and we have to start with Bob And Co. This time he departed way too early to even guess as to where he would have finished, but it was so frustrating. On both ITV and RTV pictures his fall was obscured, but it looks like he just sprawled on landing which is the first time he's made a mistake like that. It looks like he could be off to Aintree next although again whilst it looks like a suitable test for him you would have to worry about his jumping.   Cousin Pascal tried to lead and couldn't and then after hitting the 7th he continued to struggle badly. On the face of it you wouldn't fancy him for Aintree on the back of this effort, but as we know he has bounced back from poor runs in the past although his jockey could have probably pulled him up earlier with Aintree in mind.   Premier Magic and Fumet D'oudairies both ran really poorly and I think they just found it all happening much too quick for them. Part of that was because Don Bersy after actually consenting to run he pulled his way too the front and set a fast gallop which seemed to get plenty of these out of their comfort zones. Overworkdunderpaid was certainly one of those as well although the bad stumble at the 1st didn't help his chance at all. The ground had dried up too much for him though and he would have done so much better if the race had been on Wednesday. I'd actually consider running him in the 4m race on hunter chase night.   The only other one to mention is Lord Schnitzel who travelled really well despite making the odd mistake, but he just didn't stay. His trainer must be wishing he had kept him for Aintree and I can only think he now thinks that race will come too soon as he hasn't even been entered. My guess is next season he will have his season centred around Aintree and he wont even go to Cheltenham.

The 2nd jumps meeting of the season comes from Warrnambool and as per last week we have a maiden hurdle, an open hurdle and an open steeplechase.
Race 1
It is no real surprise that Hush Write is the short price favourite as he has some very good flat form. His last flat run saw him finish 4th in a Listed Race at Randwick and certainly nothing else in this race which could get anywhere near that. There is only video available of one of his hurdle trials and he didn't jump all that well although he wasn't exactly asked for an effort at any stage. This is a very weak contest though and if he didn't win this it would be very disappointing. Once Were Lost is solid enough and might be capable of placing, whilst Johnny Buccaneer looks like being the biggest danger to the favourite.
Race 2
I'm keen on Annunciate here. I don't fancy any of those who ran last week so I'm happy to pass those over. So Belafonte was only seen once over hurdles last year and was only 4th at Terang. He showed some fair form in 2020 over hurdles and has been running well enough on the flat this year so a good showing wouldn't surprise. St Arnicca is 1/1 over hurdles having won over course and distance last July. That race wasn't a strong maiden though and his flat form this year has not been good. His hurdle trial was better and he could be the main danger. I thought Annunciate's jumping in his first trial last season was superb and I fancied him to win on his debut, but he bumped into Wil John who ended up being the best hurdler we saw last year. He duly won on his next hurdle start, but did disappoint on his first start in a handicap. I think he's better than that and he's been running well on the flat building up to a return to hurdles. He maps to get an easy lead so hopefully he can dictate from the front and put his superb jumping to good effect.
Annunciate 2pts @ 7/5 with Bet365
Race 3
San Remo and American In Paris certainly have claims here on their first chase starts of the season, but I think the 1st and 2nd from last week's chase could be the two to focus on and I think Britannicus can reverse form with Rexmont. Rexmont was given a cracking ride from the front to see off Britannicus, but this weeks race is over another 250m and if it had been that far last week then I think Britannicus would have won. Rexmont also has gone up the handicap slightly so Britannicus gets more weight again this week as well which will also aide his cause. Price wise I wouldn't want to go too much shorter, but I do think he's the most likely winner.
Britannicus 1pt @ 7/5 with Bet365, Betfair and Paddy Power

Final post on this thread for another year is my review of the race.
The 2022 Cheltenham Hunters Chase was a punishing event given only 6 horses got round and all but one of those who failed to compete ended up pulling up. Given we were racing on good to soft ground I was amazed so few got round, but I think it helped strengthen the pre-race view that there wasn't much strength in depth in the contest and some of those who appeared to have a chance were very disappointing.    I don't think you will hear too many arguments against the case that the best horse finished 2nd. Winged Leader put in a superb performance near the head of affairs and if it wasn't for Jamie Codd on Mighty Stowaway he would have won. They got into a battle after 3 out and although Winged Leader won that one with time to spare it meant he didn't have quite enough in the tank to repel the fast finishing Billaway. He has been entered at Aintree and I can really see him taking to that test should he go there, but if he doesn't it isn't hard to think he will turn up back here in a year's time with a leading chance.    Apart from Aintree last year I'm not sure I have ever seen Billaway travel or jump so badly. I know his jumping isn't always foot perfect and he can hit a flat spot, but he barely travelled on the bridle at all and put in some horrific jumping errors. Fair play to the horse for keeping going under pressure though and I can't believe he only touched 21 in running because until the final half furlong he didn't look like he was going to win at all. You can't say it wasn't a deserved success given the last two year's, but you have to wonder if he will be good enough to follow up next year.   I was surprised by Mighty Stowaway's 3rd as connections didn't seem to be expecting a great deal, but turning for home he looked like he would put up a serious challenge to the winner before dropping away. It was a personal best hunter chase effort, but he's 11 now and he's unlikely to be improving.   Dubai Quest landed the e/w money for us in 4th and it's a shame the race wasn't on Wednesday as he would have a much better chance on soft ground. He just found things happening a bit too quickly for him and Gina was always having to niggle at him to keep him in contention. What was pleasing to see though was he jumped so much better than he did at Wetherby. He was the best of the British runners and he should have more improvement to come being only 9. I can see him being a player next year especially if the rain came.   Senor Lombardy ran a hell of a race to finish just behind him in 5th. I hope he hasn't left his season behind here, and I've seen plenty of beaten horses regress after Cheltenham, as he more than backed up my thoughts that he was a hunter chase winner in waiting. I wonder if connections might consider Stratford with him now as that would look a good target for him.   Pont Aven was a long way behind him in 6th, but he never looked like a possible winner. He did at least get round, but my thoughts that this test was unsuitable for him was borne out in the race. He's been entered at Aintree and although that would suit him much better his jumping would be a concern for me.   Now to look at those who didn't finish and we have to start with Bob And Co. This time he departed way too early to even guess as to where he would have finished, but it was so frustrating. On both ITV and RTV pictures his fall was obscured, but it looks like he just sprawled on landing which is the first time he's made a mistake like that. It looks like he could be off to Aintree next although again whilst it looks like a suitable test for him you would have to worry about his jumping.   Cousin Pascal tried to lead and couldn't and then after hitting the 7th he continued to struggle badly. On the face of it you wouldn't fancy him for Aintree on the back of this effort, but as we know he has bounced back from poor runs in the past although his jockey could have probably pulled him up earlier with Aintree in mind.   Premier Magic and Fumet D'oudairies both ran really poorly and I think they just found it all happening much too quick for them. Part of that was because Don Bersy after actually consenting to run he pulled his way too the front and set a fast gallop which seemed to get plenty of these out of their comfort zones. Overworkdunderpaid was certainly one of those as well although the bad stumble at the 1st didn't help his chance at all. The ground had dried up too much for him though and he would have done so much better if the race had been on Wednesday. I'd actually consider running him in the 4m race on hunter chase night.   The only other one to mention is Lord Schnitzel who travelled really well despite making the odd mistake, but he just didn't stay. His trainer must be wishing he had kept him for Aintree and I can only think he now thinks that race will come too soon as he hasn't even been entered. My guess is next season he will have his season centred around Aintree and he wont even go to Cheltenham.

Excuse the lack of puntuation in places as I had to type it out on my Ipad, but here is my preview for the last race at Exeter this afternoon   Park Hill Dancer had black of the glade 7l behind him when he won at barbury in December and it was probably a decent race given he has won since and the 2nd was a well backed favourite. He might have been a slightly fortunate winner thought James King on the 2nd mistook the winning post.

Hilltown was hugely impressive when winning at Larkhill last month and really quickened away in some style. Hard to know what he beat, and the 2nd was only 3rd at the weekend, but the time was 13 seconds quicker than the 2nd division and he won by 25l.

Black of the glade was very impressive 9 days ago and he certainly looked like he had come on for that opening run but then clearly the winner could progress as well.

My little Toni is the only one of these to have run over fences and he looked booked for 2nd at Larkhill when the leader came to grief at 3 out which left him on his own. To me there looks to be better horses in this.

In Exell and gingerbred finished 2nd and 3rd at Great Trethew last month and I certainly think the former can uphold form. The penny dropped late on and he was very close on actually getting up to win. I have a feeling though that he might need a strong test and I can see them going a crawl and it turning into a sprint which is unlikely to suit.

Park Hill Dancer might well win but he’s priced on his trainer and for me Hilltown looks the value as he was very impressive on debut showing a great turn of foot to score.   Hilltown 1pt @ 4/1 with everyone

Excuse the lack of puntuation in places as I had to type it out on my Ipad, but here is my preview for the last race at Exeter this afternoon   Park Hill Dancer had black of the glade 7l behind him when he won at barbury in December and it was probably a decent race given he has won since and the 2nd was a well backed favourite. He might have been a slightly fortunate winner thought James King on the 2nd mistook the winning post.

Hilltown was hugely impressive when winning at Larkhill last month and really quickened away in some style. Hard to know what he beat, and the 2nd was only 3rd at the weekend, but the time was 13 seconds quicker than the 2nd division and he won by 25l.

Black of the glade was very impressive 9 days ago and he certainly looked like he had come on for that opening run but then clearly the winner could progress as well.

My little Toni is the only one of these to have run over fences and he looked booked for 2nd at Larkhill when the leader came to grief at 3 out which left him on his own. To me there looks to be better horses in this.

In Exell and gingerbred finished 2nd and 3rd at Great Trethew last month and I certainly think the former can uphold form. The penny dropped late on and he was very close on actually getting up to win. I have a feeling though that he might need a strong test and I can see them going a crawl and it turning into a sprint which is unlikely to suit.

Park Hill Dancer might well win but he’s priced on his trainer and for me Hilltown looks the value as he was very impressive on debut showing a great turn of foot to score.   Hilltown 1pt @ 4/1 with everyone

Excuse the lack of puntuation in places as I had to type it out on my Ipad, but here is my preview for the last race at Exeter this afternoon   Park Hill Dancer had black of the glade 7l behind him when he won at barbury in December and it was probably a decent race given he has won since and the 2nd was a well backed favourite. He might have been a slightly fortunate winner thought James King on the 2nd mistook the winning post.

Hilltown was hugely impressive when winning at Larkhill last month and really quickened away in some style. Hard to know what he beat, and the 2nd was only 3rd at the weekend, but the time was 13 seconds quicker than the 2nd division and he won by 25l.

Black of the glade was very impressive 9 days ago and he certainly looked like he had come on for that opening run but then clearly the winner could progress as well.

My little Toni is the only one of these to have run over fences and he looked booked for 2nd at Larkhill when the leader came to grief at 3 out which left him on his own. To me there looks to be better horses in this.

In Exell and gingerbred finished 2nd and 3rd at Great Trethew last month and I certainly think the former can uphold form. The penny dropped late on and he was very close on actually getting up to win. I have a feeling though that he might need a strong test and I can see them going a crawl and it turning into a sprint which is unlikely to suit.

Park Hill Dancer might well win but he’s priced on his trainer and for me Hilltown looks the value as he was very impressive on debut showing a great turn of foot to score.   Hilltown 1pt @ 4/1 with everyone

Excuse the lack of puntuation in places as I had to type it out on my Ipad, but here is my preview for the last race at Exeter this afternoon   Park Hill Dancer had black of the glade 7l behind him when he won at barbury in December and it was probably a decent race given he has won since and the 2nd was a well backed favourite. He might have been a slightly fortunate winner thought James King on the 2nd mistook the winning post.

Hilltown was hugely impressive when winning at Larkhill last month and really quickened away in some style. Hard to know what he beat, and the 2nd was only 3rd at the weekend, but the time was 13 seconds quicker than the 2nd division and he won by 25l.

Black of the glade was very impressive 9 days ago and he certainly looked like he had come on for that opening run but then clearly the winner could progress as well.

My little Toni is the only one of these to have run over fences and he looked booked for 2nd at Larkhill when the leader came to grief at 3 out which left him on his own. To me there looks to be better horses in this.

In Exell and gingerbred finished 2nd and 3rd at Great Trethew last month and I certainly think the former can uphold form. The penny dropped late on and he was very close on actually getting up to win. I have a feeling though that he might need a strong test and I can see them going a crawl and it turning into a sprint which is unlikely to suit.

Park Hill Dancer might well win but he’s priced on his trainer and for me Hilltown looks the value as he was very impressive on debut showing a great turn of foot to score.   Hilltown 1pt @ 4/1 with everyone

Excuse the lack of puntuation in places as I had to type it out on my Ipad, but here is my preview for the last race at Exeter this afternoon   Park Hill Dancer had black of the glade 7l behind him when he won at barbury in December and it was probably a decent race given he has won since and the 2nd was a well backed favourite. He might have been a slightly fortunate winner thought James King on the 2nd mistook the winning post.

Hilltown was hugely impressive when winning at Larkhill last month and really quickened away in some style. Hard to know what he beat, and the 2nd was only 3rd at the weekend, but the time was 13 seconds quicker than the 2nd division and he won by 25l.

Black of the glade was very impressive 9 days ago and he certainly looked like he had come on for that opening run but then clearly the winner could progress as well.

My little Toni is the only one of these to have run over fences and he looked booked for 2nd at Larkhill when the leader came to grief at 3 out which left him on his own. To me there looks to be better horses in this.

In Exell and gingerbred finished 2nd and 3rd at Great Trethew last month and I certainly think the former can uphold form. The penny dropped late on and he was very close on actually getting up to win. I have a feeling though that he might need a strong test and I can see them going a crawl and it turning into a sprint which is unlikely to suit.

Park Hill Dancer might well win but he’s priced on his trainer and for me Hilltown looks the value as he was very impressive on debut showing a great turn of foot to score.   Hilltown 1pt @ 4/1 with everyone

Excuse the lack of puntuation in places as I had to type it out on my Ipad, but here is my preview for the last race at Exeter this afternoon   Park Hill Dancer had black of the glade 7l behind him when he won at barbury in December and it was probably a decent race given he has won since and the 2nd was a well backed favourite. He might have been a slightly fortunate winner thought James King on the 2nd mistook the winning post.

Hilltown was hugely impressive when winning at Larkhill last month and really quickened away in some style. Hard to know what he beat, and the 2nd was only 3rd at the weekend, but the time was 13 seconds quicker than the 2nd division and he won by 25l.

Black of the glade was very impressive 9 days ago and he certainly looked like he had come on for that opening run but then clearly the winner could progress as well.

My little Toni is the only one of these to have run over fences and he looked booked for 2nd at Larkhill when the leader came to grief at 3 out which left him on his own. To me there looks to be better horses in this.

In Exell and gingerbred finished 2nd and 3rd at Great Trethew last month and I certainly think the former can uphold form. The penny dropped late on and he was very close on actually getting up to win. I have a feeling though that he might need a strong test and I can see them going a crawl and it turning into a sprint which is unlikely to suit.

Park Hill Dancer might well win but he’s priced on his trainer and for me Hilltown looks the value as he was very impressive on debut showing a great turn of foot to score.   Hilltown 1pt @ 4/1 with everyone

Cheers Darran, saved my week with Not That Fuisse 

I am not surprised at all to see Not That Fuisse become favourite over Actival. I thought he ran really well in his first hunter chase at Ludlow when staying on well to finish 3rd behind Hogans Height. He came from behind and I think they rode him to get the trip which given the way he finished his race off wasn't an issue in the end. Last time at Ludlow he was just creeping into contention when unfortunately a horse fell right in front of him and he had nowhere to go. Pont Aven won very easily in the end so I doubt he would have won, but I like to think he would have at least finished 2nd. He is at his best on decent ground and whilst the rain on Wednesday wouldn't have helped, Fakenham rarely gets testing and two drying days since then should mean the ground will be fine and it was soft when he was 3rd at Ludlow anyway. I can only see him getting shorter in the betting and he looks to have an excellent chance.   When Actival ran ahead of Southwell last week I wrote that his pointing form so far this season left him with a lot to find with the other leading fancies in the race. It was probably a personal best so far this season when finishing 2nd, but that race fell apart big time. Global Racing went at the first and Salvatore clearly didn't run his race. The fact that serial loser Deau Vivant ended up winning the race says a lot for me about the form going forward. I certainly would have backed Not That Fuisse to have won that Southwell contest and with Amy being by far the worse jockey out of the 3 leading contenders I think he will need something to happen at least to Not That Fuisse and probably Peacocks Secret as well if he is going to win.   Peacocks Secret is a course and distance winner which is always a big plus round here after he won here last March. That race fell apart a bit as well, but he followed that up with a very good 3rd at Cheltenham. The 3rd at Duncombe Park on his seasonal debut was a fair effort and I thought he ran well enough at Leicester last time with 2 good horses in front of him. He handles any ground so that doesn't matter and he is likely to make the running under his very good jockey. I think he is certainly capable of beating Actival and if something happens to the favourite he can take advantage.   I'm really confident about the chances of Not That Fuisse here as I think he is currently running to a higher level of form than Actival. Given I don't fancy Actival at all I thought it was worth having a saver on Peacocks Secret as he is also over priced and he could well get an time of things out in front. Dale is very good at judging the pace so that does make him dangerous. If Actival wins then I have either got very unlucky or I have got the race badly wrong!   Not That Fuisse 4pts @ Evs with Bet365, William Hill, BetVictor and Betfred (take up to 8/11)
Peacock Secret 1pt @ 5/1 with most firms (take up to 3/1)

Fakenham hunter chase preview   I am not surprised at all to see Not That Fuisse become favourite over Actival. I thought he ran really well in his first hunter chase at Ludlow when staying on well to finish 3rd behind Hogans Height. He came from behind and I think they rode him to get the trip which given the way he finished his race off wasn't an issue in the end. Last time at Ludlow he was just creeping into contention when unfortunately a horse fell right in front of him and he had nowhere to go. Pont Aven won very easily in the end so I doubt he would have won, but I like to think he would have at least finished 2nd. He is at his best on decent ground and whilst the rain on Wednesday wouldn't have helped, Fakenham rarely gets testing and two drying days since then should mean the ground will be fine and it was soft when he was 3rd at Ludlow anyway. I can only see him getting shorter in the betting and he looks to have an excellent chance.   When Actival ran ahead of Southwell last week I wrote that his pointing form so far this season left him with a lot to find with the other leading fancies in the race. It was probably a personal best so far this season when finishing 2nd, but that race fell apart big time. Global Racing went at the first and Salvatore clearly didn't run his race. The fact that serial loser Deau Vivant ended up winning the race says a lot for me about the form going forward. I certainly would have backed Not That Fuisse to have won that Southwell contest and with Amy being by far the worse jockey out of the 3 leading contenders I think he will need something to happen at least to Not That Fuisse and probably Peacocks Secret as well if he is going to win.   Peacocks Secret is a course and distance winner which is always a big plus round here after he won here last March. That race fell apart a bit as well, but he followed that up with a very good 3rd at Cheltenham. The 3rd at Duncombe Park on his seasonal debut was a fair effort and I thought he ran well enough at Leicester last time with 2 good horses in front of him. He handles any ground so that doesn't matter and he is likely to make the running under his very good jockey. I think he is certainly capable of beating Actival and if something happens to the favourite he can take advantage.   I'm really confident about the chances of Not That Fuisse here as I think he is currently running to a higher level of form than Actival. Given I don't fancy Actival at all I thought it was worth having a saver on Peacocks Secret as he is also over priced and he could well get an time of things out in front. Dale is very good at judging the pace so that does make him dangerous. If Actival wins then I have either got very unlucky or I have got the race badly wrong!   Not That Fuisse 4pts @ Evs with Bet365, William Hill, BetVictor and Betfred (take up to 8/11)
Peacock Secret 1pt @ 5/1 with most firms (take up to 3/1)

Fakenham hunter chase preview   I am not surprised at all to see Not That Fuisse become favourite over Actival. I thought he ran really well in his first hunter chase at Ludlow when staying on well to finish 3rd behind Hogans Height. He came from behind and I think they rode him to get the trip which given the way he finished his race off wasn't an issue in the end. Last time at Ludlow he was just creeping into contention when unfortunately a horse fell right in front of him and he had nowhere to go. Pont Aven won very easily in the end so I doubt he would have won, but I like to think he would have at least finished 2nd. He is at his best on decent ground and whilst the rain on Wednesday wouldn't have helped, Fakenham rarely gets testing and two drying days since then should mean the ground will be fine and it was soft when he was 3rd at Ludlow anyway. I can only see him getting shorter in the betting and he looks to have an excellent chance.   When Actival ran ahead of Southwell last week I wrote that his pointing form so far this season left him with a lot to find with the other leading fancies in the race. It was probably a personal best so far this season when finishing 2nd, but that race fell apart big time. Global Racing went at the first and Salvatore clearly didn't run his race. The fact that serial loser Deau Vivant ended up winning the race says a lot for me about the form going forward. I certainly would have backed Not That Fuisse to have won that Southwell contest and with Amy being by far the worse jockey out of the 3 leading contenders I think he will need something to happen at least to Not That Fuisse and probably Peacocks Secret as well if he is going to win.   Peacocks Secret is a course and distance winner which is always a big plus round here after he won here last March. That race fell apart a bit as well, but he followed that up with a very good 3rd at Cheltenham. The 3rd at Duncombe Park on his seasonal debut was a fair effort and I thought he ran well enough at Leicester last time with 2 good horses in front of him. He handles any ground so that doesn't matter and he is likely to make the running under his very good jockey. I think he is certainly capable of beating Actival and if something happens to the favourite he can take advantage.   I'm really confident about the chances of Not That Fuisse here as I think he is currently running to a higher level of form than Actival. Given I don't fancy Actival at all I thought it was worth having a saver on Peacocks Secret as he is also over priced and he could well get an time of things out in front. Dale is very good at judging the pace so that does make him dangerous. If Actival wins then I have either got very unlucky or I have got the race badly wrong!   Not That Fuisse 4pts @ Evs with Bet365, William Hill, BetVictor and Betfred (take up to 8/11)
Peacock Secret 1pt @ 5/1 with most firms (take up to 3/1)

A good start to the season with Rexmont winning and a big sp in the end as well.

A good start to the season with Rexmont winning and a big sp in the end as well.

A good start to the season with Rexmont winning and a big sp in the end as well.

A good start to the season with Rexmont winning and a big sp in the end as well.

Great to have the jumps action back in Australia and I am looking forward to following it all the way through to the end of August once again. Annoyingly though it starts on Gold Cup day at Terang and that means I just don't have the time to go through the form for all the races. The maiden hurdle which starts the card sees most of them making their hurdles debuts and I need to watch all the various trials which I just don't have the time to do. The horse with the best flat form is favourite and that is Into Rio. I did watch his trial and he was a bit novicey at some of the flights, but he potted around at the back so I'm not sure we learnt a great deal. He might well win, but without watching any of the others in trials I don't want to commit to anything.
In Race 2 the BM 120 Hurdle it should go the way of Heberite who won on his hurdles debut at Ballarat in August. He comes from the right yard and they have booked Pateman for the ride. He might well progress into a good jumper this season although he's odds on here so again it is no bet.
Race 3 is the steeplechase on the card and I will be having a bet here. My Kings Counsel and Lucques were 1st and 2nd in this race last year and I did put up Lucques a couple of times later in the season as he ran some promising races, but he flattered to deceive so I'm leaving him alone. This year's running looks stronger as well. Britannicus is favourite on his 2nd start over fences and I can see why. He has some useful hurdles form and in his one steeplechase run to date he was lame at the end of the race so it would explain his disappointing effort. I watched his recent trail and he jumped pretty well with the main danger when slipping up on one of the turns. He ran well on the flat prior to that trial as well. I am however going to go with Rexmont. He was 3rd in the previous race on this card last year and he soon went over fences and did really well in the early part of the season including winning at Pakenham on his first start over them. He beat Lucques in a recent trial and the fact the ground has dried out to a Soft 5 will be a big help to his chances. I think at 100/30 he offers some value against the favourite.
Rexmont 1pt @ 100/30 with Skybet, William Hill, Ladbrokes and Coral

Great to have the jumps action back in Australia and I am looking forward to following it all the way through to the end of August once again. Annoyingly though it starts on Gold Cup day at Terang and that means I just don't have the time to go through the form for all the races. The maiden hurdle which starts the card sees most of them making their hurdles debuts and I need to watch all the various trials which I just don't have the time to do. The horse with the best flat form is favourite and that is Into Rio. I did watch his trial and he was a bit novicey at some of the flights, but he potted around at the back so I'm not sure we learnt a great deal. He might well win, but without watching any of the others in trials I don't want to commit to anything.
In Race 2 the BM 120 Hurdle it should go the way of Heberite who won on his hurdles debut at Ballarat in August. He comes from the right yard and they have booked Pateman for the ride. He might well progress into a good jumper this season although he's odds on here so again it is no bet.
Race 3 is the steeplechase on the card and I will be having a bet here. My Kings Counsel and Lucques were 1st and 2nd in this race last year and I did put up Lucques a couple of times later in the season as he ran some promising races, but he flattered to deceive so I'm leaving him alone. This year's running looks stronger as well. Britannicus is favourite on his 2nd start over fences and I can see why. He has some useful hurdles form and in his one steeplechase run to date he was lame at the end of the race so it would explain his disappointing effort. I watched his recent trail and he jumped pretty well with the main danger when slipping up on one of the turns. He ran well on the flat prior to that trial as well. I am however going to go with Rexmont. He was 3rd in the previous race on this card last year and he soon went over fences and did really well in the early part of the season including winning at Pakenham on his first start over them. He beat Lucques in a recent trial and the fact the ground has dried out to a Soft 5 will be a big help to his chances. I think at 100/30 he offers some value against the favourite.
Rexmont 1pt @ 100/30 with Skybet, William Hill, Ladbrokes and Coral

Verdict - I think Bob And Co has to be the bet. I was of the belief last year that he was the horse that should have been favourite in the race and I still think he looks the classiest horse in the contest. Obviously he has to get round safely, but it was a slightly unfortunate unseat last year so I am confident he will do so. With Maxwell riding much better this season I'm not so worried about him being on top. Clearly he is no James King or Gina Andrews, but if the horse is good enough then he can get the job done. At the prices and the enhanced place terms he looks a cracking e/w bet. I want some coverage on Dubai Quest because I think he is the most progressive horse in the race. Yes I am concerned about his jumping and that might stop him from winning, but a stronger gallop might actually help on that front and he has a serious engine. Overworkdunderpaid looks the best of those at big odds. The way the race was run at Haydock didn't suit him at all as he is all about stamina. The rain on Wednesday was exactly what he wanted as he is at his best in testing conditions and whilst it will dry out a bit by race time it should still be ideal for him. He looks an improved horse this season based on his pointing and Haydock runs. Clearly Billaway is going to be a leading contender again, but I can let him win at the price he is as he's way too short for me. If Pont Aven stays then he might well be involved in the finish, but for me that's a fairly big if and I'm not sure Winged Leader can uphold the Thurles form with Billaway let alone win.   Bob And Co 2pts e/w @ 7/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor and Betfred all to 4 places. Bet365 are 13/2 to 5 places (take up to 5/1 e/w and then 2.5pts win up to 7/2) Dubai Quest 1pt e/w @ 14/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor and Betfred all to 4 places. Ladbrokes and Coral are 11/1 for 5 places (take up to 8/1) Overworkdunderpaid 1pt e/w @ 33/1 with Coral and Ladbrokes to 5 places and Betfred to 4 places (take up to 16/1)   Fakenham preview   I am not surprised at all to see Not That Fuisse become favourite over Actival. I thought he ran really well in his first hunter chase at Ludlow when staying on well to finish 3rd behind Hogans Height. He came from behind and I think they rode him to get the trip which given the way he finished his race off wasn't an issue in the end. Last time at Ludlow he was just creeping into contention when unfortunately a horse fell right in front of him and he had nowhere to go. Pont Aven won very easily in the end so I doubt he would have won, but I like to think he would have at least finished 2nd. He is at his best on decent ground and whilst the rain on Wednesday wouldn't have helped, Fakenham rarely gets testing and two drying days since then should mean the ground will be fine and it was soft when he was 3rd at Ludlow anyway. I can only see him getting shorter in the betting and he looks to have an excellent chance.   When Actival ran ahead of Southwell last week I wrote that his pointing form so far this season left him with a lot to find with the other leading fancies in the race. It was probably a personal best so far this season when finishing 2nd, but that race fell apart big time. Global Racing went at the first and Salvatore clearly didn't run his race. The fact that serial loser Deau Vivant ended up winning the race says a lot for me about the form going forward. I certainly would have backed Not That Fuisse to have won that Southwell contest and with Amy being by far the worse jockey out of the 3 leading contenders I think he will need something to happen at least to Not That Fuisse and probably Peacocks Secret as well if he is going to win.   Peacocks Secret is a course and distance winner which is always a big plus round here after he won here last March. That race fell apart a bit as well, but he followed that up with a very good 3rd at Cheltenham. The 3rd at Duncombe Park on his seasonal debut was a fair effort and I thought he ran well enough at Leicester last time with 2 good horses in front of him. He handles any ground so that doesn't matter and he is likely to make the running under his very good jockey. I think he is certainly capable of beating Actival and if something happens to the favourite he can take advantage.   I'm really confident about the chances of Not That Fuisse here as I think he is currently running to a higher level of form than Actival. Given I don't fancy Actival at all I thought it was worth having a saver on Peacocks Secret as he is also over priced and he could well get an time of things out in front. Dale is very good at judging the pace so that does make him dangerous. If Actival wins then I have either got very unlucky or I have got the race badly wrong!   Not That Fuisse 4pts @ Evs with Bet365, William Hill, BetVictor and Betfred (take up to 8/11)
Peacock Secret 1pt @ 5/1 with most firms (take up to 3/1)

Verdict - I think Bob And Co has to be the bet. I was of the belief last year that he was the horse that should have been favourite in the race and I still think he looks the classiest horse in the contest. Obviously he has to get round safely, but it was a slightly unfortunate unseat last year so I am confident he will do so. With Maxwell riding much better this season I'm not so worried about him being on top. Clearly he is no James King or Gina Andrews, but if the horse is good enough then he can get the job done. At the prices and the enhanced place terms he looks a cracking e/w bet. I want some coverage on Dubai Quest because I think he is the most progressive horse in the race. Yes I am concerned about his jumping and that might stop him from winning, but a stronger gallop might actually help on that front and he has a serious engine. Overworkdunderpaid looks the best of those at big odds. The way the race was run at Haydock didn't suit him at all as he is all about stamina. The rain on Wednesday was exactly what he wanted as he is at his best in testing conditions and whilst it will dry out a bit by race time it should still be ideal for him. He looks an improved horse this season based on his pointing and Haydock runs. Clearly Billaway is going to be a leading contender again, but I can let him win at the price he is as he's way too short for me. If Pont Aven stays then he might well be involved in the finish, but for me that's a fairly big if and I'm not sure Winged Leader can uphold the Thurles form with Billaway let alone win.   Bob And Co 2pts e/w @ 7/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor and Betfred all to 4 places. Bet365 are 13/2 to 5 places (take up to 5/1 e/w and then 2.5pts win up to 7/2) Dubai Quest 1pt e/w @ 14/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor and Betfred all to 4 places. Ladbrokes and Coral are 11/1 for 5 places (take up to 8/1) Overworkdunderpaid 1pt e/w @ 33/1 with Coral and Ladbrokes to 5 places and Betfred to 4 places (take up to 16/1)   Fakenham preview   I am not surprised at all to see Not That Fuisse become favourite over Actival. I thought he ran really well in his first hunter chase at Ludlow when staying on well to finish 3rd behind Hogans Height. He came from behind and I think they rode him to get the trip which given the way he finished his race off wasn't an issue in the end. Last time at Ludlow he was just creeping into contention when unfortunately a horse fell right in front of him and he had nowhere to go. Pont Aven won very easily in the end so I doubt he would have won, but I like to think he would have at least finished 2nd. He is at his best on decent ground and whilst the rain on Wednesday wouldn't have helped, Fakenham rarely gets testing and two drying days since then should mean the ground will be fine and it was soft when he was 3rd at Ludlow anyway. I can only see him getting shorter in the betting and he looks to have an excellent chance.   When Actival ran ahead of Southwell last week I wrote that his pointing form so far this season left him with a lot to find with the other leading fancies in the race. It was probably a personal best so far this season when finishing 2nd, but that race fell apart big time. Global Racing went at the first and Salvatore clearly didn't run his race. The fact that serial loser Deau Vivant ended up winning the race says a lot for me about the form going forward. I certainly would have backed Not That Fuisse to have won that Southwell contest and with Amy being by far the worse jockey out of the 3 leading contenders I think he will need something to happen at least to Not That Fuisse and probably Peacocks Secret as well if he is going to win.   Peacocks Secret is a course and distance winner which is always a big plus round here after he won here last March. That race fell apart a bit as well, but he followed that up with a very good 3rd at Cheltenham. The 3rd at Duncombe Park on his seasonal debut was a fair effort and I thought he ran well enough at Leicester last time with 2 good horses in front of him. He handles any ground so that doesn't matter and he is likely to make the running under his very good jockey. I think he is certainly capable of beating Actival and if something happens to the favourite he can take advantage.   I'm really confident about the chances of Not That Fuisse here as I think he is currently running to a higher level of form than Actival. Given I don't fancy Actival at all I thought it was worth having a saver on Peacocks Secret as he is also over priced and he could well get an time of things out in front. Dale is very good at judging the pace so that does make him dangerous. If Actival wins then I have either got very unlucky or I have got the race badly wrong!   Not That Fuisse 4pts @ Evs with Bet365, William Hill, BetVictor and Betfred (take up to 8/11)
Peacock Secret 1pt @ 5/1 with most firms (take up to 3/1)