Jumps Racing - Friday 24th February 2012

[Bathtime For Rupert]

2.05 Warwick - 3pts win Santo Thomas @ 4/1 (Stan James) Venetia Williams has galvanised this horse recently, having shown little over hurdles in 2010 and the early part of 2011. It looked a similar story when he was well beaten on his seasonal return at Exeter in December, but he looked much more of a threat at Bangor next time out, when staying on late to be a close 3rd. That was off a mark of 86 with Harry Challoner taking off 6lbs, but even off a mark of 95, without a claiming rider, this one won very well last time by 3 1/2l (eased down). On that form he'd have a huge chance today, and his 7lb rise in the ratings (due to go up another 3lbs) is countered by George Bartlett's 5lb claim. His smooth success last time suggests this type of race will suit under amateur riders, and should make a bold bid to win again.

[Bathtime For Rupert]

Re: Jumps Racing - Friday 24th February 2012 3.10 Warwick - 3pts win Thanks For Coming @ 4/1 (PP) Nicky Henderson's charge is there to be shot at under a penalty, but still will need to meet a pretty decent type to beat him, given his rating of 128. He showed plenty in the early stages of his career, but hit a flat spot for a couple of runs at Haydock last spring, before returning to form when returning to the track this season. He won on his seasonal reappearance, narrowly, from a 117 horse, with the pair well clear. Naturally expected to come on for that, he ran another good race when 3rd in a decent 2m5f handicap. The trip possibly just stretched him slightly, but coped well in a pretty good race, and it suggested to me that there would be a bit more to come when the test was eased. This is 2f shorter which will suit, and the return to novice company should be no issue. Bold Chief ran well last time but was caught out by a horse rated 116, which would give him a bit to do here, especially dropped in trip. Tarn Hows keeps finding one too good, and it may be a similar story here,