Conflict Cup

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3rd Thursday

Heroique De Maulde 14.35 Newcastle 1 Pt Win @ 3\1 (bog)

Dual chase winner in France last autumn. Only edged out near finish on UK debut when second of 7 in handicap chase (11/4) at Newcastle (20.1f, good) last month and should go well again.

Foxy Girl 12.58 Limerick 1 Pt Win @ 6\4 (bog)

Fairly useful hurdler. Off 20 months, 10/3, first run since leaving David Cottin when second of 15 in novice hurdle at Thurles (15.9f, good to soft) 25 days ago, left behind by useful-looking winner from last. Has more to offer and set to go well. 

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3rd & 1st @ 7\4 yesterday

Bass Rock 13.35 Wetherby 1 Pt Win @ 11\10 (bog)

Useful hurdler who improved to make a winning chase debut in impressive fashion at Carlisle on return. Looks one to keep on the right side of. 

Chacun Pour Soi 13.10 Leopardstown 1 Pt Win @ 11\8 (bog)

Won this in 2021. Closing in on his 11th birthday but he was still capable of top-class form last season, including a Grade 1 win at the Dublin Racing Festival. The one to beat if anywhere near his best on reappearance. 

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2nd & 3rd yesterday

Playful Saint 14.35 Leicester 1 Pt Win @ 15\8 (bog)

Dual winner who posted a promising strong-travelling second of 9 in handicap hurdle at Sandown (16f) 25 days ago. Has more to offer. Player. 

Saebank Bistro 12.55 Limerick 1 Pt Win @ 11\10 (bog)

Useful winner at 19f in bumpers who also posted an excellent fourth to Facile Vega in Champion Bumper at Cheltenham Festival. Good third on return/hurdles bow at Punchestown (21.3f) 38 days ago and big shout with better to come. 

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1st @ 2\1 & 2nd yesterday

Bluebird 19.30 Southwell 1 Pt Win @ 5\2 (bog)

Fair maiden. Good runner-up efforts in C&D handicaps on her last 2 starts. The one to beat if showing up here in the same form. 

Sir Bob 12.20 Limerick 1 Pt Win @ 6\4 (bog)

13/2, won 11-runner handicap chase at Punchestown (24.8f, soft) 10 days ago, responding well. Shortlist material. 

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3rd & 1st @ 6\4 yesterday

Brave Display 19.30 Wolverhampton 1 Pt Win @ 5\2 (bog)

Won 11-runner C&D handicap 9 days ago by 2¼ lengths from reopposing Desert Dream, forging clear. Looks nicely treated under a 4lb penalty. Taken to follow up under Kevin Stott. 

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6th yesterday

Hermes Allen 15.00 Newbury 1 Pt Win @ 11\10 (bog)

£350,000 4-y-o, Poliglote gelding. Successful on second of 2 starts in Irish points (Nov 2021) and confirmed himself an exciting prospect when outclassing the opposition from the front in maiden/Grade 2 during the autumn. Smart prospect and the one to beat. 

Abi's Champ 15.42 Punchestown 1 Pt Win @ 5\4 (bog)

Leading Light filly. Half-sister to useful dual bumper winner Israel Champ. Dam unraced half-sister to French hurdler (17f-2½m winner) Dioscoride. Should take the beating. 

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1st @ 11\10 & 2nd  yesterday

Tom Creen 15.00 Catterick 1 Pt Win @ 6\4 (bog)

Landed a point in May and returned to Rules with a polished display to see off a thriving rival at Sedgefield last time. Probably still well treated and should take the beating once more.

Beating the Odds 15.25 Tramore 1 Pt Win @ 5\2 (bog)

Respectable third of 11 in handicap chase (3/1) at Punchestown (24.8f, soft) 13 days ago. Has to be taken seriously. 

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2nd & PU Sunday

Mrs Grimley 13.00 Ffos las 1 Pt Win @ 11\10 (bog)

Fair bumper winner who has shown similar form over hurdles, finishing well ahead of the rest behind a promising one at Southwell (15.8f) last time. Sets a clear standard and open to further improvement. 

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1st @ 13\8 today

Harry Magnus 19.45 Southwell 1 Pt Win @ 15\8 (bog)

Harry Angel colt who has displayed race-by-race progress to date, improving another chunk when second in 8-runner Wolverhampton novice (6f) 5 weeks ago. Possible there's more to come, including over further. Big shout. 

Zig Zag Zyggy 15.50 Dundalk 1 Pt Win @ 7\4 (bog)

C&D winner. Eighteen runs since last win in 2021. Very good second of 13 in handicap (7/2) at this course (6f) 30 days ago, slowly away. Expected to be bang there. 

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Pair of 2nd's yesterday

Fine Balance 13.45 Lingfield 1 Pt Win @ 15\8 (bog)

Twice-raced maiden. 6/4, first run since leaving Simon & Ed Crisford when third of 5 in minor event at Wolverhampton (5.1f) 17 days ago. Will benefit from this return to further and has solid claims.

Takarengo 14.12 Cork 1 Pt Win @ 4\1 (bog)

C&D winner. 14/1, respectable seventh of 27 in handicap hurdle at Leopardstown (24f, soft) 10 days ago. Weighted to go close off a 2 lb lower mark. 

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3rd & 2nd yesterday

Monbeg Genius 14.10 Chepstow 1 Pt Win @ 6\5 (bog)

Point winner who tasted success twice in maiden/novice hurdles last term (at up to 23.6f). Showed benefit of reappearance to get off the mark over fences at Newcastle (23.4f, good to soft) last month, and with further progress on the cards, he has to be taken seriously. 

Cadatharla 15.20 Naas 1 Pt Win @ 11\8 (bog)

Thrice-raced maiden. 28/1, fifth of 22 in novice hurdle at Cork (16.8f, soft) 28 days ago. Makes handicap hurdle debut. Likely to improve for leading owner. 

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Double Up today 1st @ 5\4 & 11\8 

Debydinks 19.00 Wolverhampton 1 Pt Win @ 5\4 (bog)

Modest gelding. 11/2, good second of 10 in minor event at Southwell (6.1f) 11 days ago, no match for winner. Clearly has his limitations but certainly one of the more appealing candidates in this line-up. 

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3rd today

The Imposter 14.10 Exeter 1 Pt Win @ 5\2 (bog)

On the up and he completed his hat-trick with stylish success in 19-runner handicap hurdle at Wetherby (24.1f, 5/2) 14 days ago. Up another 5 lb but leading claims again. 

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2nd today

Downtown Dubai 15.15 Lingfield 1 Pt Win @ 5\4 (bog)

Unreliable type. Good third of 10 in nursery at Southwell (8.1f, well-backed 11/4) 29 days ago. Has looked less than straightforward but worth a chance stepped up in trip today (has also been gelded). 

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3rd Today

Winklevi 20.30 Chelmsford 1 Pt Win @ 15\8 (bog)

Bounced back to form when won 7-runner apprentice event at this C&D 9 days ago, dictating. 5 lb claimer replaces 3 lb claimer in saddle and he should make another bold bid from the front. 

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2nd today

Maillot Blanc 13.50 Sedgefield 1 Pt Win @ 5\4 (bog)

Showed improved form when off the mark in 16-runner conditional jockeys novice handicap hurdle at Hereford (19.7f) 9 days ago, pushed out. Unpenalised for that and can score again.

Hypnotise Me 18.00 Dundalk 1 Pt Win @ 9\4 (bog)

Promising type. 17/2, third of 13 in minor event at this C&D 23 days ago. Can do better still so this daughter of Kodiac is a player. 

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3rd & 2nd yesterday

Ballybeg Boss 12.12 Wetherby 1 Pt Win @ 6\4 (bog)

Bought for £50,000 after winning second start in Irish points and given a considerate introduction to Rules when runner-up in 9-runner bumper at Hereford (16.2f) 24 days ago. Switches to hurdling in ordinary-looking affair and much respected. 

Splashing Out 13.02 fairyhouse 1 Pt Win @ 11\4 (bog)

Promising sort. Hooded for 1st time, good second of 6 in minor event hurdle at Limerick (16f, heavy, 5/2) 16 days ago. May well do better and she has to enter calculations. 

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2nd & 4th yesterday 

Just Don't Know 15.00 Kelso 1 Pt Win @ 5\2 (bog)

Back-to-back winner at upto 3m this time last year and he's returned in good form, again displaying a likeable attitude when runner-up at Newcastle (20f) 3 weeks ago. Has to be worth a look in this groove despite operating 2 lb out of the weights. 

Salmanino 14.40 Punchestown 1 Pt Win @ 11\8 (bog)

Fairly useful chaser. Hampered before 2 out when good running-on second of 10 in novice chase at Down Royal (20f, soft, 13/2) 20 days ago. Holds leading claims with this return to further a plus too.

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Double Up 1st @ 5\2 & 6\4 yesterday

Hit Mac 19.00 Wolverhampton 1 Pt Win @ Evens (bog)

Placed all 6 starts in handicaps, again running well when second of 9 in handicap (15/8) at Southwell (5f) 6 days ago. Should go well again with blinkers on 1st time. 

Verdant Place 14.20 Punchestown 1 Pt Win @ 7\4 (bog)

Promising individual. Much improved when third of 22 in handicap hurdle at this course (21.7f, good to soft, 14/1) 48 days ago, staying on well. Likely has more to offer yet. 

 

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Just a note on yesterdays double - there was a rule 4 25p on Just Don't Know

Meanwhile today another double - up 1st @ 11\8 & 2\1

Barrier Peaks  16.10 Chepstow 1 Pt Win @ Evens (bog)

Improved performer fitted with a tongue tie in handicaps, third at Ffos Las before getting off the mark at Exeter a week ago. Looks well handicapped under a penalty for that smooth win. 

West Breeze 14.50 Clonmel 1 Pt Win @ 9\4 (bog)

Promising type. Fourth of 24 in handicap hurdle (16/1) at Cork (20f, soft) 37 days ago, finishing with running left. Likely capable of better still. Big player. 

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NR & 2nd today

Kings Gem 19.45 Southwell 1 Pt Win @ 6\4 (bog)

Promising sort. 5/1, fourth of 10 in maiden at Ffos Las (6f, good to soft). Off 146 days. Tongue strap on 1st time. Sold from Sir Mark Todd 38,000 gns in October. Has been gelded and remains with potential on handicap debut. Lots to like. 

Coolcalmncollected 17.25 Dundalk 1 Pt Win @ 6\4 (bog)

Fairly useful gelding. Two wins from 6 runs last year. 16/5, career best when winning 12-runner nursery at this course (6f) 35 days ago, always holding on. 7f should be fine and he seems sure to go well in hat-trick bid. 

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2nd & 3rd today

Princess Nieve 20.30 Kempton 1 Pt Win @ 6\4 (bog)

Down field in 3 outings over 7f at the end of 2021 but different proposition when stepped up to 1¼m at Lingfield on Saturday, getting up late on to beat the reopposing Faithless Insomnia by a neck. Worse off at the weights with that rival but definitely has more to come and can confirm superiority. 

Update 

Year 6

Overall

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4th today

Pittsburg 13.50 Southwell 1 Pt Win @ 2\1 (bog)

Lightly-raced maiden on Flat. 11/2, good second of 12 in handicap at this course (8.1f) 29 days ago, caught further back than ideal. Weighted to go well nudged up just 1 lb. 

Ocean Symphony 18.00 Dundalk 1 Pt Win @ 11\8 (bog)

Promising sort. 16/1, fourth of 13 in maiden at this course (6f) on debut 56 days ago, finishing well. Open to progress so this Gleneagles filly rates a big player. 

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4th & 8th yesterday

Smart Boyo 20.00 Wolverhampton 1 Pt Win @ 15\8 (bog)

Good second of 10 in handicap (3/1) at Southwell (16.5f) 11 days ago. Deserves to get his head back in front and presented here with a good opportunity to do just that. 

Drop the Anchor 13.07 Navan 1 Pt Win @ 7\1 (bog)

Much improved when winning 20-runner handicap at Naas (16.1f, heavy, 16/1) 76 days ago, digging deep. Switches from Flat to hurdles. Has good chance on form. 

 

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NR & 7th yesterday

Quercus Robur 13.15 Newcastle 1 Pt Win @ 6\5 (bog)

Second start for this yard when scoring comfortably over C&D this month. Not ideally suited by the drop to 12.5f here latest and worth another chance to show he's still on a good mark now stepping back up in trip. 

Hey Johnny 15.40 Thurles 1 Pt Win @ 6\4 (bog)

Winner at Clonmel in October and ran about as well as could be expected behind the promising Impaire Et Passe in Moscow Flyer Novices' Hurdle at Punchestown (16f, heavy, 100/1) last week. Good chance back in handicap company. 

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1st @ 6\5 & 1st @ 7\4   yesterday

Run Teddy Run 20.30 Southwell 1 Pt Win @ Evens (bog)

Much improved to win twice over C&D in recent days. Can complete a quick hat-trick.

Limerick Lace 14.25 Down Royal 1 Pt Win @ Evens (bog)

Useful chaser. Very good second of 8 in minor event chase at Limerick (17.7f, heavy, 5/2) 28 days ago, for all that she found little when it came to the crunch. The one to beat. 

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2nd & 1st @ Evens today

Git Maker 15.45 Catterick 1 Pt Win @ 15\8 (bog)

Point winner who was three from four over hurdles and has started well over fences, off the mark in this sphere when readily beating Tupelo Mississippi here last time. Makes most appeal.

Sweet Will 13.23 Fairyhouse 1 Pt Win @ 11\10 (bog)

Promising type. Career best when winning 18-runner handicap hurdle at Cheltenham (21f, good, 8/1) 75 days ago, kept up to work. Won on his only other start chasing and leading claims.

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1st @ 15\8 R4 10p & 2nd today

Enraged 18.30 Newcastle 1 Pt Win @ 13\8 (bog)

Two wins from 4 runs last year. Latest win at Beverley in July. Off 6 months before good second of 10 in handicap (15/2) at this C&D 13 days ago. Expected to be bang there off an unchanged mark.

Purse Price  13.40 Gowran Park 1 Pt Win @ 11\4 (bog)

Promising sort. 7/2, creditable third of 9 in novice hurdle at Limerick (19f, heavy) 28 days ago. Expected to be bang there. 

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Pair of 2nd's today

William Cody 13.35 Doncaster 1 Pt Win @ 6\5 (bog)

Already a much better chaser than hurdler, gaining his second win over 20f at Huntingdon on Boxing Day. Will continue his progress and looks to have found good opportunity to defy 9 lb rise.

Anann 19.00 Dundalk 1 Pt Win @ 7\2  (bog)

Thrice-raced winner. Won 11-runner maiden at this course (7f, 5/1) 21 days ago, always holding on. Stable in good form. Another bold show likely. 

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Pair of 3rd's today 

Go West 16.25 Doncaster 1 Pt Win @ 6\4 (bog)

Runner-up sole start in points and made a positive start under Rules at Chepstow 71 days ago. Capable of going one better with improvement on the cards. 

Halka Du Tabert 14.11 Fairyhouse 1 Pt Win @ 7\4 (bog)

Promising sort. 2 wins from 2 runs this season. 5/2, won 25-runner novice hurdle at Naas (15.9f, soft) on hurdles bow 39 days ago. Likely to improve.