[Ladbrokes World Hurdle > Thursday March 12th @ 3:20pm]

Re: Ladbrokes World Hurdle > Thursday March 12th @ 3:20pm 2015 World Hurdle Trends The last 15 winners all finished in the first two in their last outing 7 of the last 14 winners or runners-up prepped in the Cleeve Hurdle 8 of the last 12 winners won last time out 10 of the last 21 winners ran in the Long Walk Hurdle The last 14 winners started in the first 4 in the betting The last 13 winners finished first or second on all hurdle starts that season 9 of the last 13 winners were bred in France 10 of the last 13 winners had won a pattern race over 3 miles No 5 year-old has ever won Just 1 front runner has placed since 1996

[The Ryanair Steeple Chase > Thursday March 12th @ 2:40pm]

Re: The Ryanair Steeple Chase > Thursday March 12th @ 2:40pm 2015 Ryanair Chase Trends 16 of the 19 winners and runners-up had won at Cheltenham before All 7 winners since it became a Grade 1 race had run in the King George VI Chase before Since the upgrade to Grade 1 status, horses with solid 3m form have taken over 4 of the 10 winners finished in the first 3 in the Ascot Chase 9 of the 10 winners went off at 6/1 or shorter Only 1 of the 8 Peterborough Chase winners to run has even placed No Irish trained winners to date

[Pertemps Network Final > Thursday March 12th @ 2:05pm]

Re: Pertemps Network Final > Thursday March 12th @ 2:05pm 2015 Pertemps Final Trends 13 of the last 14 winners were officially rated 142 or lower 16 of the last 18 winners hadn’t won a qualifying race 10 of the last 11 winners started at double figure odds 7 of the last 9 renewals were won by horses aged 8 and over 3 of the last 6 winners finished in the first five in the Fixed Brush Hurdle Respect Jonjo O’Neill, Nigel Twiston-Davies, Willie Mullins and David Pipe JP McManus has owned 3 winners Respect the Irish challenge Only 1 winning 5 year-old in the race’s 41 year history

[JLT Novices Chase > Thursday March 12th @ 1:30pm]

Re: JLT Novices Chase > Thursday March 12th @ 1:30pm 2015 JLT Novices’ Chase Trends 3 of the 4 winners were trained in Ireland 8 of the 12 win or places horses won on their previous start The Scilly Isles Chase & Dipper Chase should be a good guide There has been no winner of a Festival novices’ chase since 1990 aged over 8 at up to 3m ½f

[Weatherbys Champion Bumper > Wednesday March 11th @ 5:15pm]

Re: Weatherbys Champion Bumper > Wednesday March 11th @ 5:15pm 2015 Champion Bumper Trends 20 of the 22 winners won last time out 12 of the 22 winners were unbeaten 17 of the 22 winners were Irish trained 15 of the 22 winners started in the first 6 in the betting 6 of the last 14 winners did not run in the same calendar year (from a small representation) 18 of the 22 winners were bred in Ireland 16 of the 22 winners had won a bumper with 14 or more runners

[Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase > Wednesday March 11th @ 4:00pm]

Re: Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase > Wednesday March 11th @ 4:00pm 2015 Cross Country Chase Trends 8 of the last 10 runnings have been won by the Irish Enda Bolger has trained the winner or runner-up in 7 of the 10 runnings 15 of the last 17 winners started in the first 3 in the betting 26 of the 42 winners had won or placed over the Cheltenham Cross Country Course before 7 of the last 10 winners contested the Cross Country Handicap at Cheltenham in December Just 1 of the last 31 winners were making their debut over these obstacles Only 2 of the 85 horses aged under eight to run over these obstacles have won

[Queen Mother Champion Chase > Wednesday March 11th @ 3:20pm]

Re: Queen Mother Champion Chase > Wednesday March 11th @ 3:20pm 2015 Queen Mother Champion Chase Trends 17 of the last 18 winners had run no more than 4 times that season 32 of the last 33 winners started 11/1 or shorter 12 of the last 13 winners had won a Grade 1 11 of the last 12 defending champions that ran were beaten 10 of the last 14 winners contested the Tingle Creek Chase 19 of the last 30 winners had won at the Cheltenham Festival before The last 12 winners ran during the same calendar year 5 of the last 12 winners were Irish trained Only 1 winner aged older than 10 since 1977

[Coral Cup Hurdle > Wednesday March 11th @ 2:40pm]

Re: Coral Cup Hurdle > Wednesday March 11th @ 2:40pm 2015 Coral Cup Trends 8 of the last 10 winners were second season hurdlers 11 of the last 21 winners won last time out 15 of the last 19 win and placed horses had run no more than 3 times that season 12 of the last 14 winners had won no more than one handicap 16 of the last 21 winners had won earlier in the season 11 of the last 14 winners carried no more than 11st 2lb The Betfair Hurdle, Ladbroke Hurdle & Boylesports.com Hurdle have been the best guides Just 1 of 23 horses rated 150+ have won (last year) Horses ages 10+ are 2-27 to place since 1999

[The RSA Steeple Chase > Wednesday March 11th @ 2:05pm]

Re: The RSA Steeple Chase > Wednesday March 11th @ 2:05pm 2015 RSA Chase Trends The last 51 winners all ran in the same calendar year The last 27 winners finished in the first 3 last time out The last 15 winners had run at least 3 times over fences 19 of the last 22 winners were novice hurdling the previous season 4 of the last 6 winners ran well in the Dr P J Moriarty Chase The last 12 winners finished placed at worst in a Grade 1 or 2 chase 13 of the last 15 runnings were won by a 7 year-old Look to prominently ridden horses All 19 winners of the Kauto Star Novices’ Chase to run have been beaten No winner aged 9+ since 1992 Only 3 winners younger than 7 since 1978 Only 2 of the last 22 winners were not traditionally bred Just 1 ex-flat horse has placed since 1994

[Neptune Novices' Hurdle > Wednesday March 11th @ 1:30pm]

Re: Neptune Novices' Hurdle > Wednesday March 11th @ 1:30pm 2015 Neptune Investment Management Novices’ Hurdle Trends 31 of the last 31 winners won or finished second last time out 27 of the last 29 winners started in the first 5 in the betting 15 of the last 17 winners had contested a pattern race over hurdles 16 of the last 18 win and placed horses started in the first 4 in the betting 5 of the last 9 winners were won by the Irish 6 of the last 16 winners recorded a top 6 finish in a Grade 1 bumper last spring 14 of the last 16 winners were NH bred Only 1 win aged over 6 since 1974 No winning 4 year-olds since 1991 All 14 Challow Hurdle winners to run have been beaten

[Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase > Tuesday March 10th @ 5:15pm]

Re: Rewards4Racing Novices' Handicap Chase > Tuesday March 10th @ 5:15pm 2015 Rewards For Racing Novices Chase Trends 9 of the 10 winners won or finished second last time out 8 of the 10 winners were beaten on their first 2 chase starts 8 of the 10 winners started in the first 5 in the betting 6 of the 10 winners were handicap chase debutants 2 of the last 4 winners carried top weight since the race was restricted to horses rated 0-140 A horse wearing first-time headgear has placed at big prices in 5 of the last 6 runnings Only 1 of the 10 horses carrying a penalty has managed to place

[National Hunt Steeple Chase > Tuesday March 10th @ 4:40pm]

Re: National Hunt Steeple Chase > Tuesday March 10th @ 4:40pm 2015 National Hunt Chase Trends 3 of the last 4 winners contested a Grade 1 novice chase earlier in the season 3 of the last 4 winners were officially top-rated 10 of the last 13 winners since the race conditions were altered had finished first or second last time out Favourites have won 3 of the last 5 runnings since penalties were dispensed with 4 of the last 8 winners ran in a chase at Cheltenham earlier in the season 5 and 6 year-olds are 1-67 since 1989 No winner in the last 13 runnings since the race conditions were altered had contested less than 3 chases Paul Nicholls is 0-15

[Mares' Hurdle > Tuesday March 10th @ 4:00pm]

Re: OLBG Mares' Hurdle > Tuesday March 10th @ 4:00pm 2015 Mares Hurdle Trends Irish trained mares have fared well Novices have over-performed so far The Warfield Mares Hurdle at Ascot has been the best British guide Front runners have struggled

[Stan James Champion Hurdle > Tuesday March 10th @ 3:20pm]

Re: Stan James Champion Hurdle > Tuesday March 10th @ 3:20pm 2015 Champion Hurdle Trends 25 of the last 31 winners won last time out 20 of the last 30 winners finished in the first 4 at last season’s Festival 12 of the last 16 winners were either Irish trained or trained by Nicky Henderson Horses beaten in the Christmas Hurdle and International Hurdle have a better record than the winner The Fighting Fifth Hurdle has featured 3 winners and 4 placed horses in the last 7 years 5 year-olds are 1-92 since 1985 Only 2 horses have won aged 10+ in the race’s history Only 1 of the last 23 Christmas Hurdle winners have gone on to win this Only 1 of the last 25 International Hurdle winners have gone on to win this Only 1 winner since 1993 did not have a prep race in the same calendar year No unplaced horse from the previous year’s renewal has won for 21 years

[Festival Handicap Steeple Chase > Tuesday March 10th @ 2:40pm]

Re: Festival Handicap Steeple Chase > Tuesday March 10th @ 2:40pm 2015 Festival Handicap Chase Trends 14 of the last 15 winners were officially rated no higher than 143 Novices have won 4 of the last 11 runnings 10 of the last 14 winners started in the first 4 in the betting 8 of the last 17 winners had placed at the Festival before Horses aged 11+ are 2-46 to even place since 1997 Paul Nicholls is 0-17 No horse to run in the Hennessy Gold Cup has won for 25 years

[Arkle Challenge Trophy > Tuesday March 10th @ 2:05pm]

Re: Arkle Challenge Trophy > Tuesday March 10th @ 2:05pm 2015 Arkle Chase Trends 7 of the last 14 winners were officially either top-rated or second top-rated hurdler in the field 9 of the last 11 winners had either won at Cheltenham or placed at the Festival before 15 of the last 22 runnings have been won be the 2nd, 3rd or 4th favourites 5 of the last 11 winners finished in the first 4 in a novice hurdle at last season’s Cheltenham Festival Nicky Henderson has trained 5 winners 5 of the last 8 winners had won a pattern race over hurdles Only 2 of the last 15 winners was not officially rated 142+ over hurdles Only 2 of the last 28 winners failed to win or place last time out Just 1 of the last 33 winners made most of the running Only 2 of the last 24 winners started bigger than 11/1 Only 2 of the last 17 winners had fallen or unseated their rider over fences

[Supreme Novices' Hurdle > Tuesday March 10th @ 1:30pm]

Re: Supreme Novices' Hurdle > Tuesday March 10th @ 1:30pm 2015 Supreme Novices Hurdle Trends 16 of the last 18 winners won last time out 17 of the last 20 winners ran in the previous 45 days 17 of the last 19 win and place positions were filled by ex-bumper horses 13 of the last 23 runnings were won by Irish trained horses 4 of the last 12 winners finished in the first 5 in last season’s Champion Bumper Only 2 of the last 11 horses to start 2/1 or shorter have won Only 3 of the last 18 winners were given noticeable hold-up rides Only 1 of the last 20 winners had not run in the previous 68 days

[Racing Chat Thread]

Re: Daily Racing Chat Thread

Certainly, it was a taking performance, but at the price, he has to be a lay. No doubt he will encounter a bigger field, proberley the fastest ground he's ever encountered and will be taken on for the lead. but he does look the likeliest winner. Ps, does anyone know anything about his sire Denham Red? I've never heard of him.

smart hurdler in France, useful jumps sire, progeny inc. Ouzbeck and top-class French chaser Oculi

[National Hunt Racing > Saturday January 24th]

Re: National Hunt Racing > Saturday January 24th 12.40 Cheltenham – JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial (Grade 2) A high-class afternoon of jumping gets underway with a trial for the Triumph Hurdle and the select field of exciting juveniles is headed by Peace And Co who destroyed his rivals on his British debut when bolting up in Doncaster’s Summit Juvenile Hurdle. He currently heads the market for the Triumph in March but you would think he would need to settle better here if he is to get up the hill at Cheltenham; nevertheless he looks likely to go off a short-priced favourite. With that small doubt about how keen he races, it may be better to side with IBIS DU RHEU who makes his British debut for Paul Nicholls tomorrow afternoon. He is a half-brother to Saphir Du Rheu who has shown some good form in France, most notably when chasing home the high-class Top Notch on his final start. He was arguably given too much to do on that occasion and given how well the winner has done since he looks hard to ignore at around the 7/1 mark. 1.15 Cheltenham – Timeform Novices´ Handicap Chase On Saturdays when the ground in testing, there are few trainers with a better record than Venetia Williams. She has saddled notable winners in the last few weeks including Emperor’s Choice in the Welsh National and Niceonefrankie here in December and the yard continue to be in good form. Here she saddles Astigos who sneaks in at the bottom of the weights under 10st 1lb. He has improved with each of his three runs over fences to date and his latest run came behind Gevrey Chambertin at Newbury in December. He didn’t find a great deal in the closing stages last time so it makes sense than connections are dropping him back to two and a half miles. He is entitled to be improving and with no weight on his back, he looks to have a good chance of going close. The marginal preference is for Alan King’s NED STARK who was successful on his first two starts over fences before being upped in Grade last time. He ran well to keep up with the first two Ptit Zig and Champagne West but weakened up the hill. That was probably a reflection of him doing too much to keep up with them and this looks a more sensible option. The booking of Barry Geraghty catches the eye and for me he looks the one they all have to beat. 1.50 Cheltenham – BetBright Cup Chase (Grade 2) Formerly known as the Argento Chase, in recent years this race has thrown up the odd clue for the Gold Cup in March. Dynaste currently heads the market but I still have a nagging doubt about whether he is most effective over an extended three miles so I feel it best to overlook him. Many Clouds was successful in the Hennessy Gold Cup back in November and was impressive on the day, staying on well under pressure to win by three and a quarter lengths. He still doesn’t have too many miles on the clock and has earned a crack at a race like this ahead of a possible tilt at the Gold Cup. He has had a good break since Newbury and should be thereabouts jumping the last, giving him every chance of landing the hat-trick. However, he does have to concede 8lb to Alan King’s SMAD PLACE who was narrowly beaten in the RSA here last March. He ran a very good race on his seasonal reappearance to finish fifth in the Hennessy and that should have brought him on. A high-class hurdler, he looks to have transferred that ability well to fences and in receipt of weight all round, he looks to have every chance of getting his head in front. 2.05 Doncaster – OLBG.com Mares´ Hurdle (Grade 2) This race was won last year by Annie Power en route to finishing second behind More Of That in the World Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival and whilst there doesn’t look to be anything of that quality in the field this time it still looks a good race. Willie Mullins sends another raider over from his Irish base in the shape of ANALIFET who was towards the head of the betting for the Triumph last year before suffering a bad injury at Leopardstown. Having looked out of sorts on her reappearance she looked to be travelling much better last time before falling at the second last. That run suggested that she still retained plenty of ability and that she could make her presence felt here. The main danger looks to be Karl Burke’s Intense Tango who was beaten on her hurdling bow at Aintree in December before an effortless victory at Catterick next time. She was beaten by Alan King’s Nyanza at Aintree who had the benefit of experience and I fancy Burke’s four-year-old to turn the tables on her rival. She receives weight all round here including over a stone from our other selection and looks a likely candidate for the frame. 2.25 Cheltenham – freebets.com Trophy Chase (A Handicap) (Grade 3) Although Wishfull Thinking bucked the trend by winning this race as an eleven-year-old last year the weight of recent history has favoured eight or nine year olds with 6 winners in the last 10 renewals. That proves a pretty strong pointer to the chances of Easter Meteor and Tap Night When it comes to the older runners (aged 10 and above) until last year they could be opposed with a fair degree of confidence. The Sawyer proved the only other fly in the ointment in recent seasons although both winners were winning the race for the second time. Not great news for followers of Quincy Des Pictons, Dare Me, Walkon, Sew On Target or Big Fella Thanks. Following on nicely from the paragraph above, it will come as no surprise to learn that lightly raced, second season chasers have tended to dominate. In fact, 6 of the last 10 winners were in their second campaign over the larger obstacles giving them a perfect blend of experience and potential improvement. That implies that Annacotty and Easter Day could be the main protagonists. Only Wishfull Thinking has carried more than 11st to victory in this race in the last decade, having had 11st 3lb on his back in 2011 and 11st 12lb in last year’s contest. That suggests this this is quite an ask and it would be best to stick with those below that particular ceiling. Of this year’s field only Big Fella Thanks and Tap Night sit below the 11st mark so look to hold an advantage. The fact that nine of the last ten winners had achieved a top three finish on their most recent start confirms that this is a race that heavily favours those runners coming into the race in top class form. When applying that to this year’s field, the quartet of Quincy Des Pictons, Dare Me, Easter Day and Sew On Target come out favourably. This race has proved a grave yard for those with unproven stamina – each of the last 10 winners of this race had rock solid form over at least two and a half miles. There are only three of this year’s line-up without this to their name, Dare Me, Easter Meteor and Little Jon, so given the strength of the trend it might be best to steer clear of these three. Given the competitive nature of this race, it is little surprise that favourites have a poor record in the race having only taken two of the last ten renewals. At the moment, the market leader is Easter Day although he is likely to take up an engagement at Doncaster on Saturday, so Sew On Target would be next best in the betting, Shortlist TAP NIGHT – 4/6 Annacotty – 3/6 Conclusion Lucinda Russell’s TAP NIGHT tops our shortlist having matched all but two of our trends for this race. Now in his third season over fences, he was highly tried as a novice and finished second in Grade 1 company at Aintree. Since then he has shown bits of form including when finishing third in this race last year off a 12lb higher mark. At the weights he looks to be right in there with a chance and at the time of writing is the outsider of the field. He has run over hurdles without success on his last three starts and although he needs to get his act together, a return to his best form would give him a great chance. He is joined on the shortlist by Annacotty who enjoyed his day in the sun when winning the Grade 1 Feltham Novices’ Chase in December 2013. He ran well for a long way in the Hennessy Gold Cup last time and it is interesting to see him dropped back in trip. Connections have also swapped the blinkers for cheekpieces in the hope of eeking out further improvement. He can take heart from the fact that both The Giant Bolster and Katenko won this race as seven-year-olds and if he can put his best foot forward, he looks to be in with a chance. 2.40 Doncaster – Albert Bartlett Novices´ Hurdle (Grade 2) Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Blaklion has performed consistently well all season in similar events to this one so it would be folly to not consider him here. He won a Grade 2 at Chepstow in October and having finished second to Parlour Games at Cheltenham, went one better up in trip the following month. He was last seen in the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle where he ran creditably again to finish third and sets the standard in this contest. However, it might be best to look at one of the less exposed runners in the field and I like the chances of Neil King’s ZEROSHADESOFGREY. The six-year-old was unsuited by the drop back to two and a half miles last time and should appreciate the return to three miles here. Beforethat, he had recorded three wide-margin victories including over course and distance in December. He was entered to run in a Pertemps Qualifier at Huntingdon on Friday but with that meeting called off, this looks a good opportunity for him to make amends for his latest run. 3.00 Cheltenham – Neptune Investment Management Novices´ Hurdle (Grade 2) Dan Skelton’s VALUE AT RISK sets a pretty high standard having made an impressive hurdling debut at Newbury in December. He beat subsequent winner Foryourinformation by twenty two lengths and did so without ever looking in any sort of danger. That was his first start for the yard having previously been trained in Ireland by Philip Fenton for whom he was third in the Grade 1 bumper at Punchestown. It is reported that the yard think plenty of him and that chasing will be his game long term but for now, he is the one to beat in this trial for the Neptune. Of the rest, with nine runners it looks worth an each-way play in the race and you could do worse than siding with Robinsfirth who chased home Thomas Brown over course and distance on New Year’s Day. That was just the six-year-old’s second start over hurdles and he travelled really well before being outgunned in the closing stages by his more experienced rival. One of Colin Tizzard’s other runners Thistlecrack should also not be dismissed lightly on the back of an impressive victory at Wincanton last time, and at around 20/1 looks overpriced. 3.15 Doncaster – Skybet Chase (Listed Race) The first place to start is with Keith Reveley’s NIGHT IN MILAN who has a fine record here at Doncaster and whose victories include the Grimthorpe Chase here last March. He had looked out of sorts on his first two starts this year but back over fences with blinkers fitted, he was narrowly beaten by Grandad’s Horse. He stayed on all the way up the run-in and was unlucky not to get his head in front. This is a better race than that but he likes it around here so it is difficult to leave him out of the reckoning. Paul Nicholls has won this race twice in recent years and sends Easter Day up from his Ditcheat base this time around. This lightly-raced seven-year-old claimed the scalp of subsequent RSA winner O’Faolains Boy last term and didn’t do much wrong on his return to action in December. He is entitled to have come on for the run and you can see why he currently heads the market. I must also give a mention to Philip Hobbs’ Royal Player who has won his last two starts over the bigger obstacles. He looks to be heading the right way and has earned this step up in class but this big field over fences will be a different experience for him. Nevertheless, he has plenty of ability and if his lack of experience does not become an issue, he has a worthy place on our shortlist. 3.35 Cheltenham – galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle (Grade 2) Despite the small field, this looks a pretty competitive renewal of the Cleeve with four horses in with a genuine chance of going close. Cole Harden and Reve De Sivola both look likely to go forward from the tape so there should be no lack of pace in the race. David Pipe’s UN TEMPS POUR TOUT was an expensive purchase from France and having finished second on his British debut, bolted up next time to beat Cole Harden by sixteen lengths. He finished the season off when third at Punchestown in a handicap which was another good run and it will be interesting to see how he fares here. I have no concerns about the lay-off given how well the Pipe yard have done with the likes of Katkeau this year and he looks the one likely to give the favourite most to think about. I don’t think there is much between the Pipe runner and Saphir Du Rheu and have largely come down in favour of the former due to the prices. Paul Nicholl’s six-year-old was very progressive last season, winning three handicaps including the Lanzarote Hurdle and the Welsh Champion Hurdle. This season he has been chasing but following two falls in three starts, connections have opted to bring him back to hurdles for now. He has the potential to be a high-class staying hurdler and as long as his chasing exploits haven’t left a mark, he looks a big player. 4.10 Cheltenham – Steel Plate And Sections Handicap Hurdle Our final race of the day is a handicap hurdle which was won last year by Lac Fontana, who followed up with victory in the County Hurdle before winning a Grade 1 at Aintree. This race tends to go the way of an improving horse and one such horse could be Donald McCain’s DIAMOND KING. This seven-year-old has long been highly thought of by the yard and won two of his three starts as a novice last year. He has not been seen since running at Doncaster last January which suggests he may have had a few issues but it is interesting that his trainer has decided to pitch him straight in here. It could be that they are looking to take advantage of what appears to be a lenient handicap mark and I fancy him to go close. David Pipe’s Dell’ Arca has had an interesting season starting over fences before switching to Grade 1 company over hurdles in December. The three miles trip seemed to stretch his stamina as did the 2m5f at Kempton on his latest start. He won the Greatwood Hurdle here last season on his first start for the yard and he despite a big weight, he could just outclass some of these.

[preview night dates]

if you know of any preview dates ect please feel free to add them in this thread: FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20th Venue: Warwick Racecourse Contact: 01926 405560 Full details to be confirmed THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 26th Venue: Bangor-on-Dee Racecourse at 7.00pm Contact: 01978 780323 Full details to be confirmed MONDAY, MARCH 2nd Venue: Towcester Racecourse sponsored by Sky Bet at 7.30pm Panellists: Nick Scholfield, Jamie Lynch, Oli Bell, Ben Linfoot, Niall Hannity; Chair: David Ord Entry: TBC Contact: 01327 353414 Venue: The Railway Club in Liverpool Panellists: John Parrott, Charlie Longsdon, Ben Pauling, Andy Holding; Chair: John Morris Entry: TBC Contact: jumpingprospects.com TUESDAY, MARCH 3rd Venue: London Racing Club at Holiday Inn in Kensington at 7.00pm Panellists: Phil Smith, Lydia Hislop, Paul Jones; Chair: Lee Mottershead Entry: TBC Contact: [email protected] Venue: Exeter Racecourse at 6.30pm after racing Panellists: Paul Nicholls, David Pipe, Philip Hobbs, Nick Schofield; Chair: Luke Harvey Entry: £18 in advance or £20 on the door; (£25 Grandstand & Paddock admission and preview evening; £30 premier admission and preview evening) includes a one-course hot meal Contact: 01392 832599 Venue: Newcastle Racecourse Full details to be confirmed Venue: Jedburgh Town Hall at 7.30pm Panellists: Ryan Mania, Brian Harding, Michael Shinners, Ed Watson, John Budden; Live link to Paul Nicholls and David Pipe Entry: £15 including a free £5 bet. In aid of the Injured Jockeys’ Fund Contact: [email protected] 07591 212972 Venue: Wetherby Racecourse at 6.30pm for 7.15pm start sponsored by Star Sports Panellists: Jim McGrath, Niall Hannity, Sean Quinn, Trevor Harris (Star Sports) Chair; Darren Owen Entry: £10 including pie and peas Contact: 01937 582035 Venue: Ballinrobe Racecourse at Westport Hotel in conjunction with The Mayo News Full details to be confirmed WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4th Venue: Sky Bet Preview Evening at Leeds Town Hall at 7.30pm Panellists: Rich Ricci, Jason Maguire, Mark Howard, Donn McClean, Ed Chamberlin, Alex Hammond, Niall Hannity, Michael Shinners; Chair: Dave Ord Entry: £10 includes pie and peas and a free £5 bet Contact: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sky-bet-cheltenham-festival-preview-evening-2015-tickets-15351011288 Venue: The Dog & Gun by Chelmsford Racecourse Panellists: Dan Skelton, Oli Bell, Graham Cunningham, Luke Tarr Entry: TBC Contact: [email protected] THURSDAY, MARCH 5th Venue: Midlands Racing Club at Old Oscott Working Men’s Club in Birmingham at 7.15pm Panellists: Steve Mellish, Sam Turner, Lydia Hislop, Jon Ivan-Duke; Chair: Chris Pitt Entry: £10 Contact: 07742 195968 Venue: The Aegus Bowl near Southampton sponsored by Star Sports at 7.30pm Panellists: Tom Segal, Ben Pauling, John Morris; Chair: Bill Esdaile Entry: £12.50 Contact: [email protected] Venue: Wincanton Racecourse at 12 noon before racing Panellists: Paul Nicholls, others TBC Entry: £52 including three-course lunch Contact: 01963 435840 FRIDAY, MARCH 6th Venue: Almada Suite at Hamilton Council Buildings at 7.15pm Panellists: Mark Howard, Ian Taylor (Gary Owen from The Daily Record), Ian Robinson (Imperial Racing), Trevor Harris (Star Sports), Leading Trainer TBA; Chair: Gordon Brown; Live link to David Pipe and two jockeys Entry: £12 in advance or £15 on the night and a free £50 match bet with sponsors Star Sports Venue: JPFestival.com at Function Room, Copa 66 Regent Street in Cheltenham at 7.00pm Panellists: Steve Jones (Templegate), Rory Delargy, Cathryn Fry, James Walsh, Luke Tarr; Chair: Jonathan Pottinger Entry: TBC Contact: [email protected] Venue: The Sydney Arms in Chelsea Panellists: Tom Segal, John McCririck, Mick Fitzgerald, TBC x1; Chair: Emma Spencer Full details to be confirmed SATURDAY, MARCH 7th Venue: Jonjo Bright Trust at Minerstown Tavern in Minerstown at 4.00pm following East Down point-to-point at Tyrella sponsored by Toals Bookmakers Panellists: Steven Crawford, Colin McBratney, Brian Hamilton, Jim Monaghan (owner of Carsonstown Boy), Mark McQuoid (Toals Bookmakers), Sean ‘Sadie’ McLaughlin (famous local punter); Chair: Richard Pugh Entry: £5 Contact: 07725 984952 SUNDAY, MARCH 8th Venue: Cheltenham Racecourse at 6pm for 7pm start sponsored by Ladbrokes Panellists: TBC Entry: £6 in advance, £10 on the door, free to annual members Contact: www.cheltenham.co.uk Venue: The Lygon Arms in Chipping Campden at 7.30pm in aid of racing charities sponsored by Sean Graham Bookmakers Panellists: Trainer & Jockey TBC, Richard Hoiles, Ken Pitterson, Ronan Graham; Chair: Stewart Machin Entry: £25 Contact: [email protected] MONDAY, MARCH 9th Venue: Let’s Live Racing Preview Evening at Cheltenham Football Club (Robins Club). Doors Open 6.30pm, Bar Open 7.30pm in aid of racing charities sponsored by Fitzdares Bookmakers Panellists: Richard Johnson, Davy Russell, Nigel Kane (Fitzdare Bookmakers), 2x TBC; Chair; Mark Ball Entry: £15 Pre paid ticket only Contact: 07702 895428 Venue: The Hollow Bottom at Guiting Power Full details to be confirmed Venue: Plumpton Racecourse at 12.30 before racing Panellists: TBC Entry: Free after racecourse admission Contact: 01273 890383 Full details to be confirmed

[National Hunt Racing > Saturday January 17th]

Re: National Hunt Racing > Saturday January 17th 12.40 Ascot – Sodexo Juvenile Hurdle Only four runners for our opening contest but that should not detract from the quality of the race. Philip Hobbs’ Golden Doyen has been one of the leading lights in this division since being narrowly beaten at Chepstow on his hurdling debut. Having bolted up on his next start at Warwick he went to Cheltenham where he rallied late on to land the Grade 2 JCB Triumph Hurdle Trial. He ran below par at Chepstow on his latest start so has something to prove but he sets the standard on his form to date. The marginal preference is for Nicky Henderson’s TOP NOTCH who made quite an impression when winning on his British debut at Newbury in December. He conceded weight all round that day on the back of his two French victories and yet it didn’t stop him as he won going away by four and a half lengths. The master of Seven Barrows has won this race with several smart prospects in recent years including Binocular, Zaynar and Grandouet and I fancy him to add another to the roll of honour here. 1.15 Ascot – Ascot Sponsors´ Club Novices´ Handicap Chase Gary Moore’s €90,000 purchase TRAFFIC FLUIDE was sent straight into Grade 2 company for his British debut where he wasn’t disgraced, finishing fourth behind Ptit Zig. He was ridden patiently on that occasion and shaped as though he had some chance of developing into a nice prospect. Two five-year-olds (Rougham and Triolo D’Alene) have won this race in recent years and receiving weight all round, he looks to have a strong chance down in Grade. The one most likely to challenge him is probably Colin Tizzard’s Kings Lad who made up for his fall on debut by winning easily at Fontwell next time. He was much more professional on his second start over the bigger obstacles and could be open to further improvement despite the rise in the weights. 1.30 Haydock – Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices´ Hurdle (Grade 2) Kiama Bay looks likely to head the market having looked likely to collect a Listed prize over course and distance before coming to grief at the final flight. A pretty good performer on the flat, he seems to have taken really well to hurdling and it would be no surprise to see him make amends here. Of the dangers, John Ferguson’s QEWY looks the most interesting having joined from John Oxx’s yard. Purchased for 60,000 gns in October, he was a Listed winner over a mile at the beginning of April and with form in testing ground he has every chance of being successful in this sphere. The yard continue to produce winners and despite this being his debut, if his hurdling is up to it he must have a big chance. 1.50 Ascot – OLBG.com Mares´ Hurdle (Grade 2) Robert Walford’s Carole’s Spirit made a winning return to action in November when landing a Listed Hurdle at Kempton. That was her first run since finishing second to Highland Retreat in this race last year and she looked to have retained all her ability as she won with plenty in hand. She sets the standard on form and although she concedes 5lb to all her rivals this afternoon, it would be no surprise to see her go close again. For me, the main danger to her is Harry Fry’s BITOFAPUZZLE who was well backed at Haydock last time but was narrowly turned over by The Pirate’s Queen. The form of that race has also been boosted with the third winning at Newbury this week. Harry Fry has made no secret of how much he thinks of this mare and the step up to three miles could bring further improvement. She is certainly a talented mare and has a good chance on adding a Grade 2 success to her resume. 1.55PM NAAS – WOODLANDS PARK 100 CLUB NOVICE CHASE This looks a cracking race, with several classy horses taking each other on. The one I like is RULE THE WORLD who jumped superbly on his chase debut at Fairyhouse and was denied by just a nose when trying to concede 20lbs to the decent Adriana Des Mottes. That was a cracking run and off level weights today, he should be hard to beat. He was the best of these over hurdles, handles testing ground and loves Naas, having won all three starts at the track. The only concern is that he lacks experience, but with the yard returning to form, he has a lot going for him and is selected to win. 2.05 Haydock – StanJames.com Champion Hurdle Trial (Grade 2) Much like the Clarence House Chase later on, this race seems to centre around one horse and in this case it is THE NEW ONE. Following Faugheen’s success at Kempton over Christmas, eyes will be on Britain’s main Champion Hurdle hope to deliver again although it is hard to see him coming off the bridle tomorrow afternoon. I suppose this will put him spot on for the big day in March and I expect him to win impressively although at odds of 1/7 I am hardly making a bold claim. 2.25 Ascot – Keltbray Holloway´s Hurdle (Grade 2) Garde La Victoire is a very consistent performer who was last seen finishing fifth in the Ladbroke Hurdle just before Christmas. This came on the back of his victory in the Greatwood Hurdle although connections have been saying that they would like to step him up in trip at some stage. Tomorrow appears to be the day and he carries top weight on the back of his performances to date, although that didn’t stop him running well here last time. He looks the one that all of these lesser exposed horses have to beat. Of the remainder, the most intriguing is Paul Nicholls LE MERCUREY who was given an impossible task in the Gerry Feilden at Newbury, carrying top weight on his British debut. I’m pretty confident that his run that day was not a true reflection of his ability and it would be no surprise to see him improve for that run. He has form on soft ground in France which suggests the testing conditions tomorrow should not be a problem and overall he looks to have a fine chance. 2.40PM HAYDOCK – THE 888sport GRADUATION STEEPLE CHASE CARRAIG MOR has always promised to be a better chaser than hurdler and really impressed when winning a decent race at Newbury in November. He then went for the Grade One Feltham Chase and was running a big race until unseating his rider. The testing ground should not be an issue for him and I can see him galloping his rivals into the ground. The trip of two miles five furlongs looks ideal for him and although he has a bit to find with Third Intention on ratings, the ground could have a big say in the outcome. 3.00 Ascot – Sodexo Clarence House Chase (Grade 1) There is no getting away from it this race is all about SPRINTER SACRE answering the questions surrounding his wellbeing and whether he has retained all of his ability. There has been much talk all week about whether he will run and at the time of writing it looks as though that will be the case. When he was last seen over a year ago, he was in a different league to the horses he was taking on the highest level and it is hard to think that won’t be the case tomorrow. I think what we are all hoping for is to see him put in a clear round of jumping before heading to Cheltenham for the Champion Chase and I don’t see any appeal in opposing him here. 3.15 Haydock – Peter Marsh Chase (Grade 2) The Peter Marsh Chase has been three times in recent years which makes it slightly more difficult race to analyse over a ten year period. However the trends still hold their own when it comes to selecting winners of this race. In terms of age, the success of Wychwoods Brook last year meant that an eight or nine-year-old had been successful in seven of the last ten renewals. They make up three-quarters of this year’s field with Hey Big Spender, Wicklow Lad, Benbens and Broadway Buffalo all sitting outside the desired bracket. The first three mentioned can take some encouragement from the fact that two of the last three winners were aged eleven and twelve respectively. However, you have to go back to 1996 to find the last seven-year-old to land this prize, which doesn’t bode well for David Pipe’s Broadway Buffalo. Eight of the last ten renewals have been run on ground described as no better than ‘soft’ and with eighteen fences to face over a 3m trip, ground conditions must be brought into consideration. Looking back to all of the past ten winners, every single one had previously showed winning ability on soft or heavy ground. This year’s renewal looks to be no different with conditions described as heavy at the time of writing but all of this year’s field appear to have shown a liking for these conditions in the past. As I mentioned above the Peter March can often turn into a bit of a slog and therefore there is no point taking a chance on a horse’s stamina. In fact, six of the last ten winners had previous winning form over three miles or further. The trio of Shangani, Amigo and Toby Lerone are the only ones to fall at this hurdle however it is worth bearing in mind that the first mentioned was only beaten a short-head over three miles last time, whereas Amigo was successful over three miles when racing over hurdles. The weight carried can often have a significant impact on the result especially in testing conditions as we saw last year when Wychwoods Brook carried a low weight to victory. The ceiling in this case looks to be 11st 1lb as only three recent winners have carried more than that to success. When applying that to this year’s field it spells trouble for supporters of Hey Big Spender (11st 10lb) and Corrin Wood (11st 2lb), No Planning sits on the right side of the divide thanks to the 5lb claim of his jockey Callum Bewley. Our Vic was a previous Grade 1 winner when he battled to success here in 2010 and while that is a slight extreme, the race can now boast the fact that seven of the last ten winners had previously been successful at Class 2 level or better. Not a problem for most of Saturday’s runners although the sextet of Green Flag, Amigo, Benbens, Man With Van, Toby Lerone and Wicklow Lad all have something to find. In terms of trials, the 3m1f Gr3 Rowland Meyrick has proved a useful guide in the past, which isn’t surprising given that Wetherby is another left handed track with stiff fences. Cloudy Lane, Lord Transcend, Artic Jack and Red Striker all used this race as a stepping stone to this contest. Of this year’s Boxing Day line-up, Corrin Wood (3rd), Broadway Buffalo (5th) and Vintage Star (8th) will try to get their head in front here. When looking at trainers, Sue Smith and Venetia Williams have both won this race twice over the last ten renewals. The former saddles two runners this year in No Planning and Vintage Star whilst the Venetia Williams yard is represented by Shangani. Both trainers have a fine record in the race and will be hoping they can add to that this year. The final factor worthy of consideration is the betting and with only one winning favourite in the last ten renewals it is fair to say that this is not a race in which following the market leader has proved successful. Recent winning SPs of 33/1, 20/1 and 16/1 also suggest that it shouldn’t put us off taking a chance on an outsider. Shortlist VINTAGE STAR – 8/8 No Planning – 7/8 Shangani – 6/8 Conclusion For the second year in succession Sue Smith’s VINTAGE STAR tops the shortlist for this race. He was denied in the dying strides by Wychwoods Brook in last year’s renewal and races here off a 4lb lower mark this time around. There look to be very few chinks in his trends armour with a perfect eight from eight record on the stats. He was a little disappointing in the Rowland Meyrick over Christmas last time but if he bounces back to form he looks a big player. As we discussed earlier the Sue Smith yard have two runners this year and her other running No Planning also makes the shortlist. The eight-year-old continues to progress and was successful over the smaller obstacles at Wetherby in December. His jockey Callum Bewley takes a useful 5lb off his back which means he sits on the right side of the weight trend and generally he looks to have a good chance of going close. The final member of our shortlist is Shangani who was narrowly denied when stepped up to three miles for the first time in December. He had been out of sorts prior to this run and it seems the step up in trip brought some improvement from the nine-year-old. He has plenty of ability having won the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury last term and if his stamina holds out, it would be no surprise to see him right there at the finish. 3.35 Ascot – bet365 Handicap Chase BOBCATBILLY ran away with proceedings at Wetherby on Boxing Day having hit the front four out. In the end he won by nine lengths for which the handicapper has raised him 10lb but he is still fairly lightly-raced over fences so further improvement is not beyond the realms of possibility. The booking of Barry Geraghty to ride is an eye-catching one and as long as the handicapper hasn’t caught up with him, he looks likely to go well again. At a big price it may be worth taking a chance on the ten-year-old Ackertac in the each-way market as he looks dangerously well-handicapped on his old form. He also has a visor on for the first time which may just spark some life into him as well as the return of Richard Johnson on his back. Admittedly it is a bit of a punt but he looks overpriced considering the racing he has been running in. 4.05 Ascot – EBF Stallions “National Hunt” Novices´ Hurdle (Qualifier) Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Bally Beaufort found only one too good here in December having made the running for most of the contest. He rallied well once joined by Desilvano but couldn’t quite get to the winner. Nevertheless this was a good run and with Jamie Bargary taking a valuable 7lb off his back, he could just give the market leader something to think about. As I have already alluded to, the likely favourite OUT SAM has to be top of the shortlist having defeated subsequent winners Thomas Brown and Tea For Two at Newbury in November. He does have to concede weight all round here but if he performs to the level of his hurdling debut, I think the rest will find him hard to beat.

[National Hunt Racing - Saturday January 3rd]

Re: National Hunt Racing - Saturday January 3rd SANDOWN 1.50PM – 32RedSport.com HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE MR MOLE was a fair hurdler and promised to do well as a novice chaser last season. After beating the decent Vukovar at Haydock he failed to progress, but he looked good on his seasonal debut at Exeter, staying on well to beat Brick Red. He looks best on right-handed tracks and Sandown should suit. He has won three of his six starts over fences and is open to improvement and with the ground in his favour and his trainer in hot form, it is easy to see him running a big race. SANDOWN 2.25PM – THE 32Red TOLWORTH HURDLE L’AMI SERGE has made a big impact so far in Britain, winning in impressive style at Newbury, before stepping up in class to take a Grade Two contest at Ascot. He has looked a talented hurdler so far and has really impressed me on both starts. Last time out he faced two good horses and never looked in trouble and he is certainly worth this try at Grade One company. The soft ground will suit and although he faces decent opponents, he should win and go on to even better things. WINCANTON 3.15PM – BATHWICK TYRES HANDICAP STEEPLE CHASE BLACK RIVER was a decent hurdler in France and even beat Vautour at Auteuil, conceding him four pounds. He had never shown that level of form in Britain, but last time out, with first time cheekpieces on, he looked an improved performer, running on well to win at Ludlow, despite being hampered in running. The cheekpieces are on again and an increase of just six pounds looks fair as this six year old could be starting to get the hang of things in Britain and could be several pounds better than his current mark. The ground and trip suits and his trainer, Paul Nicholls excels at Wincanton and continues to be in great form.

[national hunt horses to follow 2014 - 2015]

Re: national hunt horses to follow 2014 - 2015 THERE WERE several runners over the festive period and there were some good performances as well as some disappointing ones, FAUGHEEN and SILVINIACO CONTI were the big winners, both doing it in style and proving way too strong for the opposition. They are now both favourites for their respective races at the Cheltenham Festival and have obvious chances. CONEYGREE was another good winner, he jumped well throughout and looks a class act over fences. I still believe he is best on testing ground though, so the Cheltenham Festival may not be ideal, but he should win good races elsewhere. Both Sausalito Sunrise and Carraig Mor took him on and were running big races until falling/unseating and I can see them bouncing back and they should continue to be followed. There were also several other novice chasers in action in Ireland and although Shanahan’s Turn and The Tullow Tank ran below form, both Apache Stronghold and DON POLI ran really well, finishing first and second in the Topaz Novices’ Chase and that looked a really hot race, so both should continue to do well. Prior to that race connections were aiming Don Poli at the four miler at Cheltenham, but the RSA Chase looks a better option, so we will have to wait and see what they decide to do as Gigginstown have several good novice chasers. At Ascot, two of our horses to follow took each other on and PTIT ZIG proved too strong for Josses Hill and then followed up with an impressive win at Cheltenham. He looks a chaser going places and could develop into a serious prospect for Cheltenham. Josses Hill jumped well to start with but then appeared to lose his way. He should be able to win a small race before stepping up in class.

[National Hunt Racing > Sunday December 28th]

Re: National Hunt Racing > Sunday December 28th

3:00 Leopardstown – Lexus Chase ROAD TO RICHES galloped his rivals into the ground at Down Royal in November and this highly progressive chaser can take another step up the chasing ladder. He firmly put some decent horses in their place at Down Royal and although he is likely to face two Gold Cup winners, he is improving rapidly and has youth on his side and it is easy to see him making all the running and seriously testing his higher rated rivals.

happy with that

[National Hunt Racing > Sunday December 28th]

Re: National Hunt Racing > Sunday December 28th 3:00 Leopardstown – Lexus Chase ROAD TO RICHES galloped his rivals into the ground at Down Royal in November and this highly progressive chaser can take another step up the chasing ladder. He firmly put some decent horses in their place at Down Royal and although he is likely to face two Gold Cup winners, he is improving rapidly and has youth on his side and it is easy to see him making all the running and seriously testing his higher rated rivals.