Darran Posted May 30, 2019 Share Posted May 30, 2019 We finally get to the end of the Hunter Chase season with the big evening at Stratford. 6 Hunter Chases including the John Corbet Cup, the Stratford Foxhunter and the only handicap Hunter Chase of the season. There is also a point-to-point bumper to end the card. Now the ground they are giving as good with it set to be 22 and breezy tomorrow, but they have been well known to over water for this meeting and last year was a new low in that regards. Horses were finishing as if it was heavy winter ground which was crazy and I don't think the trainers were happy about the fact it had been so well watered for the pro card on the Saturday. Hopefully they have got it right this year and it is good ground likely to go on the quick side. 5.45 Earth Leader - A horse who has done nothing but improve since he won his maiden back in March. It is hard to win a maiden, a restricted and an intermediate back to back and he then added to that with a Hunter Chase win at Fontwell. I know the race fell apart because the 2nd and 3rd went off too fast, but I was still impressed with the way he won and he looks to have a strong chance here. An Scairp - Been kept to 2m4f and 2m5f in his 4 points and he won 3 and was a neck 2nd in the other one. His best run form wise was when he was 2nd to Abriocot De L'Oasis who won a Hunter Chase last season as he didn't beat a great deal in his wins. Capable of running well although needs to find a little to be capable of winning. Buck Dancing - Nothing wrong with his pointing form and he has even won twice since he ran poorly at Hexham in the Heart Of All England. You may remember I really fancied him for that on the back of his previous form, but after a blunder at the 5th he didn't travel after that. The winning time at Easingwold was quick on his next won and then he had a simple task at Sedgefield on Sunday. He certainly has some of the best pointing form in the race and if he can get it together back under rules he will go close. Castle Cheetah - Doesn't seem to stay 3m in points and dropped to 2m4f he won his Restricted earlier in the month. He is 11 though and although he hasn't seen much racing it will be disappointing if he proved good enough to win this. Chapelier - Had won 4 on the bounce in points this season, but struggled really badly at Cheltenham in the Intermediate Final. Hard to fancy him on the back of that and his pointing form wouldn't be as strong as some of these. Cheltenham De Vaige - Won 4 of his last 5 points although probably fortunate to win 3 starts back as the favourite slipped up before 3 out and was going well. Not sure he has achieved the level that some of these have in points. General Arrow - On a line through Legal Ok he has a few lengths to find on Earth Leader as he only beat him by 15L last time, but I think General Arrow has a good chance here. That race was over 2m4f after he had won his Restricted and Maiden over 3m. He clocked good times in the process so we know he stays 3m, but has the pace for shorter. He also front runs which is a plus round here as well. Should go close. Pancrace - Another front runner who I thought ran well at Cheltenham until he didn't see out the trip and ended up getting very tired in the ground. He has come out and one a weak race since so he looks to be over the Cheltenham efforts. On pointing form he has a bit too find, but on the back of the Cheltenham effort it wouldn't surprise me if he ran well at decent odds. Soul Kaliber - Had a good season finishing either 1st or 2nd in his last 6 starts in points. Looks solid enough, but there looks more progressive types to me. Kayjaydee - Only had 16 starts despite being 12 and was missing for 2 years until his pulled up run in March. 2nd and then a winner since which weren't bad efforts, but there are more progressive horses than him in this. Tangoed - Went under rules after winning a maiden in 2017, but after two good bumper runs he was a massive disappointment over hurdles. He was sold again and returned to pointing this season. He unseated when beaten first time out in December, but on his next start in April at Larkhill he won by 25L. He then won his Intermediate earlier this month. The question is how he will handle going back under rules and he is yet to go over fences if he takes to them though he could run well. Summary - Earth Leader, Buck Dancing, General Arrow and Pancrace are the 4 on my shortlist. Earth Leader might well win, but he shouldn't be odds on to win this. I think the other 3 are all backable prices with General Arrow being my pick of the 3. General Arrow 1.5pts e/w @ 8/1 with Betfred Buck Dancing 1pt e/w @ 12/1 with Betfair and Paddy Power Pancrace 0.5pts e/w @ 15/2 with Bet365 6.20 Net D'Ecosse - Wasn't given the most sensible ride in the world at Lingfield on his first start after wind surgery as he helped forced a strong pace in soft ground. He ended up pulling up that day and he wasn't seen until last month when he was a decent enough 2nd before hacking up at Northaw. That wasn't a strong race, but he's likely to be prominent and the drop down in trip doesn't look the worst move in the world. Tusa Eire - A staggering training performance to get him to win at Fontwell after 4 years off the track. That wasn't a strong race though and this will be tougher. Witness In Court - Battled well to win at Fontwell, but this race looks stronger to me and I just wonder this trip will be on the short side for him. Brave Jaq - Ran a hell of a race in this last year to be just collared by Robin Des People on the run in. Last season he was very keen and always set a very strong gallop. This season he has been a bit more calmer and he won well over 2m5f in March. Clearly this drop in trip won't bother him and he will be up there. Had no chance behind Risk A Fine last time and must have a good chance although the forced jockey change isn't ideal. Llancillo Lord - Won on his pointing debut at Maisemore although that race fell apart and it was a very weak contest he won at Fakenham. He was then collared late on by Greensalt at Kelso where his jockey picked up the ban that forces him to miss tonight as he eased up for 2nd. He did run well over 2m at Chepstow in November and he was 2nd over 2m to Presenting Percy in Ireland as well. I think he needs to step up a bit on what he has shown so far this season, but he has a good jockey booked and he might just improve for dropping down to this trip. Beau De Tabel - No chance Bletchley Castle - His one really bad run this season was when he pulled up behind Brave Jaq here in March, but as I pointed out last week at Huntingdon his jumping is a massive concern and one terrible mistake that night cost him the race. He won't get away with that here in this deeper race. Could be interesting if him and Brave Jaq did go hell for leather up in front although Brave Jaq sat in 2nd behind him in March. If he doesn't make a mistake then he might be capable of winning of this, but I think that is a pretty big if. Boher Call - Unlikely to be troubling the leading contenders. Bubble O'clock - Was left to a solo after 25 yards when winning his maiden and was a very easy winner of his Restricted a week later. Made all that day which I struggle to believe he will do here and this is a much stronger heat. Downbythestrand - A 19L 4th to Brave Jaq here in March and this drop in trip doesn't look like it will help him reverse the form. Mr Sawyer - 2nd in this in 2016 but a well beaten one and the P's have continued to mount up since. Now his handicap mark is down to 78 I'd be tempted to try him in a handicap again over this trip, but hard to see him winning this. O Maonlai - Had the perfect opportunity to win a race at Fontwell and blew it. He even had an easy lead that day and he just looks a horse who is going to do everything he can to get beat. Red Inca - Was 2nd behind Tusa Eire and O Maonlai at Fontwell and as I have already mentioned its hard to see that form being good enough to take this. Velvet Maker - Was a 21L 5th in this last year and didn't run well in his only other run since which was at Ludlow over hurdles in November. If he returned to his peak form he would have a right chance in this, but he just looked a bit laboured in his 3 Hunter Chase runs last season. Village Vic - His Newbury run wasn't bad although his Cheltenham effort wasn't great and its hard to think this sharp test is going to be what he needs. Summary - I think this is between Brave Jaq, Llancillo Lord and Bletchley Castle. I'm surprised that Village Vic is favourite and I struggle to believe he will start the race as the market leader. Brave Jaq for me is the main bet with savers on the other two. Brave Jaq 2pts @ 5/1 with Bet365 Bletchley Castle 0.75pts e/w @ 13/2 with Bet365 Llancillo Lord 0.5pts e/w @ 11/1 with Betfair 6.50 Casey Jem - Only had 4 starts and fell on the first of them back in December. He then won to points before winning a Cork Maiden Hunter Chase last month. He was very impressive that day and the 2nd has won a Hunter Chase since so the form looks solid enough. He still looked green on the run in as well so every chance there should be more to come. Regular readers will know I have rated the UK Hunter Chasers higher than the Irish this season, but that was at the top level and I think he has a big chance he. Changeofluck - Likes this meeting as been 3rd in the Restricted race 2 years ago and then was 3rd in this last year. I didn't think he was given the best of rides at Cheltenham as he was up with a strong pace and went very wide. If held up here it wouldn't be a huge shock if he hit the frame again, but he would be a surprise winner. Chase Me - Was well beaten at Warwick last week and hard to see how he can win this based on that effort. Law Of Gold - The last time he was beaten was by General Arrow so if that one wins the first then it will boost his form. He won his next 3 although the last one earlier this month was a match. Others have achieved more and I'm not sure he can improve enough to land this. Pink Eyed Pedro - Pulled up in this last year, but he did lead briefly fairly late on before his stamina gave out in the ground. Still not sure how he didn't win a handicap last year off 93 especially after he was impressive in winning the Dunraven Bowl last time. It certainly helped that the 2nd didn't jump well, but even so it looked a personal best. If he stays, and if they haven't over watered he might well do, then he has claims. Winged Leader - Got some decent placed form in Ireland this season including his 2nd to Rewritetherules (who was entered for this) at Down Royal last time. Last year's Stratford Foxhunter winner Chosen Dream was back in 3rd so that is decent form. He looks capable of running well to me. In Arrears - Won her 2 Hunter Chases by 22L and 23L, but she didn't really enjoy the quick ground at Exeter last time and they were both weak races. She was well beaten at Ascot and if they haven't over watered then it is hard to see her being good enough to land this. Kalabaloo - Took her form to a new level when beating Theatre Territory at Cheltenham last time and was impressive in doing so. The problem is Theatre Territory found nothing for pressure so there is a slight question mark about how much she did achieve, but she has an obvious chance. Summary - A surprisingly small field for this championship heat. For me Kalabaloo, Pink Eyed Pedro and the two Irish runners are the ones to concentrate on. I was really taken with the way Casey Jem won last time and I am just siding with him with a saver on Kalabaloo. Casey Jem 2pts @ 5/2 with Betfair and Paddy Power Kalabaloo 1pt @ 7/4 with Bet365 7.20 Seefood - Made a winning debut for the yard at Leicester in February and although it wasn't a strong renewal of that race it was still a good win. He was still traveling well within himself when unseating at Bechers at Aintree and then he had a very easy win at Easingwold. Looks to have a leading chance. Virak - Was put in his place by Hazel Hill and Caryto Des Bosses at Cheltenham last time, but prior to that was 5/5 in points and Hunter Chases this season. Did well to win at Ascot after making a really bad mistake and beat a solid yardstick in Queen Olivia. Thought he did well at Ludlow to beat Now Ben even for allowing for the fact that one bled. Has an obvious chance in this. Big Casino - Did win on his first start for over a year in April when beating Garde Ville but that was over 3m4f and this drop in trip isn't going to help and would be a surprise if good enough. Brackloon High - Doesn't always put it all in and likely to find a few too good here. Cloudy Joker - Went missing for 3 years before returning earlier this month when finishing 2nd. He won a couple of weeks ago, but he only beat Fair Exchange that day and that gives him a bit to find with the best of these. Kriss William - No chance. Meldrum Lad - Has looked really good in 3 points this year and has clocked some quick times. Was capable when he ran under rules in the past. Beat Buck Dancing a head last time and given how good he has been in points this season that is a really good effort. Gives the trainer a very strong hand along with Seefood. Patricktom Boru - Run in this race for the last years and has managed 4th, 2nd and a well beaten 3rd last year. No doubt he will go well again, but its hard to see him winning it. Ar Fheabhas Ar Fad - No chance. Summary - Looks a 3 horse race to me with Virak, Seefood and Meldrum Lad the 3 to concentrate on. I'm going to side with Seefood who comes here fresh whereas Virak has been on the go since December and had a hard race at Cheltenham. Seefood was one of my bets at Aintree and he was unlucky to depart when he did. Justin Landy has a strong hand and Meldrum Lad is worth a saver at the price. Seefood 2 pts @ 7/4 with Bet365 and most others Meldrum Lad 0.5pt @ 7/1 with Betfair and Paddy Power 7.50 Asockastar - Did me a huge turn for us at Fakenham last time when winning as the outsider of 3 and it was a dominant performance. Was a good 2nd in this last year, but it was a strange race on over watered ground and as much as I can see him running well I think they should have run him in the handicap on the card. Ballyrath - Has won 3 times in points this season, but this is a tough race to make his Hunter Chase debut n and would be a surprise winner. Caryto Des Brosses - I've not exactly hidden my thoughts on how good I think this horse is and as much as Hazel Hill didn't run to the same level he did when winning the Foxhunter, it was still a huge effort to run him so close. He looked very good when winning the Restricted race on this card last year and there should be more to come. The one concern is that he had a hard race at Cheltenham, but it was only his 3rd run of the season and he's had nearly a month to get over it. As I said in my review of Cheltenham at this stage he is my idea of the 2020 Cheltenham Foxhunter winner and he can take the Stratford one first. Chosen Dream - Won this race last year at huge odds although the trainer apparently fancied him! He didn't come into the race in great form and he hasn't exactly done an awful lot this season either. I'm always wary of horses who are proven here, but at the same time I struggle to see him winning this for a 2nd time. For 'N' Against - Ran much better than I thought he would at Fontwell, but that is a long way below what will be needed to win this. Garde Ville - Won the John Corbett last year, but surely can't land this given the form he has been in so far this season and he's had a lot of racing in the past month. Sambremont - The 2nd Irish challenger, but he's only won once this season and he certainly isn't running like the 134 horse that he is currently rated under rules. Wonderful Charm - Been 3rd in this race the last two years, both were good efforts as he found himself outpaced at a crucial stage in 2017 before he stayed on well late and then was a 9L 3rd on the over watered ground he wouldn't have enjoyed last year. Given he loves fast ground its amazing he's only got to run twice and one of those was on soft ground at Aintree which he hated. Showed he still had lots of class at Doncaster though. My concern is he doesn't handle the track which is going to hinder him, but if they haven't over watered then this is certainly a weaker race than 2017. Summary - Top Wood and Caid Du Berlais were both entered and their absence means this isn't really a renewal which has much depth to it. I would be amazed if Caryto Des Brosses or Wonderful Charm doesn't win and firm preference is for the former who I think can go onto even better things next season. Asockastar is the pick of the rest. Caryto Des Brosses 4pts @ 6/4 with Bet365 Wonderful Charm 1pt @ 11/4 with Bet365 8.20 Risk A Fine - The weather did for him at Cheltenham and I am sure in hindsight connections wish they hadn't run him in the end. In my review of that meeting I mentioned this race looked the obvious target and it is no surprise he has turned up here. His course and distance win in April was one of the performances of the season for me and he should be able to dominate this small field. Road To Riches - A superb 3rd in the Aintree Foxhunter, but the rest of his form hasn't been great. The Carlisle 2nd wasn't strong form and neither was his win their 10 days later. After Aintree he pulled up at Fairyhouse and was a well beaten 2nd to Southfield Vic last time. As much as I am not a Maxwell basher the jockey change is obviously a plus, but he just looks to have lost his form and I don't think he will be able to catch Risk A Fine. Sam Cavallaro - Won the Cheltenham 2miler for the 3rd time last time and he looked in decent heart. To be fair to him as well he has beaten two horses who have gone on to win Hunter Chases on his last two starts. Stratford doesn't suit him as well, but he was only just beaten in this race off 104 in 2017. He was then a well beaten 4th last year off 109. He is off 115 now and although he gets a lot of weight from Risk A Fine I don't think it's enough. Crazy Jack - A very well backed and a very well handicapped winner of this race last year, but he is 2lbs higher and just hasn't been in as good form this time around. No doubt this has been the target again, but I think he will do well to win it for a 2nd year. Numbercruncher - Bolted up in the 2m race on this card in 2017 and although he won a point last time he hasn't been in great form this season. That win was over 3m, but this trip stretches him in my view. Summary - Firmly in the Risk A Fine camp here and I think we can get back our losses from him at Cheltenham. I know he has a big weight, but its fully deserved for me and we know he is very good over this course and distance. I think he will make all and they wont see which way he goes. Risk A Fine 4pts @ 2/1 with Bet365 8.50 Bullsempire - Has two squiggle's next to his name in the pointing formbook and an unlikely winner. Classic Ruler - Won his bumper by 15L but the time was 12 seconds slower than the other division. Didn't look the strongest heat either, but the fact he is proven in a bumper counts for something in this race. Daranova - Has been really well backed the last twice and does seem like 2m might suit him. I suspect he won't be good enough, but he has a shrewd trainer so a bold showing wouldn't be a massive surprise. Neil The Legend - Well beaten in 2 bumpers before winning over 2m4f. Jumped poorly next time and probably didn't stay over 3m. Rivercourt Guy - Clearly wasn't staying the trip and then suddenly bolted up over 3m at Garthorpe earlier in the month. Could also be the case that the penny has finally dropped and could well go close for Caryto Des Brosses connections. The Garrison - Was stuffed by Earth Leader 2 starts back which was his first completion and then was beaten 5L last time. Would be a surprise if he was good enough. Eqqus Gold - Well backed at Barbury but winning time was 8 seconds slower than race Mount Nelly was a close 3rd in. Form doesn't look at special, but again has at least proven himself in a bumper. Courtly Love - I wonder if connections tried asking to see if they could use her real name. Anyway she looks to have plenty to find on her form so far although maybe she has a hole in her given she has the first time tongue-tie. Love Around - Is quirky and her maiden win came when she was left alone. Had 12 starts and looks exposed. Morning Smiles - Finished upsides Courtly Love last time and looks to have plenty to find. Mount Nelly - Run in both Exeter and Aintree's version of these bumpers finishing 4th and 6th. Ran well enough and connections go for the hood. My initial thinking was to oppose her, but having gone through the form this looks pretty weak and she wouldn't be out of this. Feodora - The official pointing website doesn't put the whole video up of races so I haven't seen the whole event, but from what I did see you would do well to see a worst round of jumping. She was really bad jumping out to her right and being really slow over her fences. Even then she still nearly won although it was a 3 runner race. She clearly has an engine though and did go off 1/3. Connections know the time of day with their youngsters and with no fences in the way she should be capable of showing much better. Petit Petard - Was 13th of 14 when miles behind Equus Gold on debut at Barbury and then got herself miles behind a month later before flying home to win cosily in the end. She would have been a huge price in running she was that far behind. The concern is she does that again here and she might not get away with it round this tight track, but a good jockey has been booked and the penny clearly finally dropped last time. Summary - This looks a pretty weak heat and the first up bumper winners have to be respected even though they didn't do great times and Mount Nelly has to have a chance as well. I am though going to take a chance on 3. Feodora is going to be the main pick as she clearly has an engine, comes from a good yard and will do better with no fences in the way. I know Petit Petard has a lot of ground to make up with Equus Gold on Barbury running, but I was taken with the win the next time and she should continue to improve. I know backing a horse who pulled up on his first 4 starts and then finished a well beaten 2nd means he could be exposed, but based on his win on the 6th start Rivercourt Guy looks like he could just be a slow learner. He also looked like 2m might suit and his trainer wouldn't run him for the sake of it. At a big price I will have a small play. Feodora 1pt @ 12/1 with Betfair and Paddy Power Petit Petard 0.75pts @ 9/1 with William Hill and most others Rivercourt 0.5pts @ 16/1 with Bet365 EviL ZippY, yossa6133, blueboy199 and 1 other 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darran Posted May 31, 2019 Author Share Posted May 31, 2019 Brave Jaq is a non runner in race 2 so I am going to add Net D'Ecosse to the bets and make the following the bets now. Bletchley Castle 1pt e/w @ 13/2 with Betfair and Paddy Power Llancillo Lord 0.75pts e/w @ 8/1 with William Hill and Betfair Net D'Ecosse 1pt @ 5/1 with Bet 365 and most others vikki37 and blueboy199 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darran Posted May 31, 2019 Author Share Posted May 31, 2019 Someone who has walked the track says it is a mixture of good and good to firm so that would suggest they haven't over watered. We won't know for certain until the race on it though, but hopefully that is the case. yossa6133 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darran Posted May 31, 2019 Author Share Posted May 31, 2019 Ground on the fast side of good for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yossa6133 Posted May 31, 2019 Share Posted May 31, 2019 Yes, looks like they've done a good job with the ground this year. Starter hasn't helped Bletchley Castle again with another standing start, was well positioned on the first attempt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yossa6133 Posted May 31, 2019 Share Posted May 31, 2019 How is Caryto Des Brosses form on fast ground? Looked like he enjoyed the rain softened ground last time. Wonderful Charm 10/3 at the moment, looks ideal for him. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yossa6133 Posted May 31, 2019 Share Posted May 31, 2019 2/1 a rare gift from the bookies on Risk a Fine Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darran Posted June 1, 2019 Author Share Posted June 1, 2019 Will write a review of the card at some point hopefully tomorrow and round up the season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darran Posted June 2, 2019 Author Share Posted June 2, 2019 Before I get into the races themselves I have to give massive credit to Stratford who provided perfect ground. They have been known to over water for this meeting before and last year was new low on that front. Fair play to the track though for listening and watering enough to make it just on the fast side of good. 5.45 I tried to get Earth Leader beat, but he was different class to his rivals. He has thrived since the tongue-tie went on and he is improving fast. It wouldn't surprise me if Nicholls takes him back as his current mark of 117 is very attractive and given Buck Dancing is rated a 100 at the moment it is hard to see how the handicapper can stick him up too much for this. As at Fontwell Bryan Carver gave him a cracking ride sitting just off a blistering early gallop and once he took up the running he always looked the winner. I initially was a bit critical of Jessica's ride on Buck Dancing, but I was probably being a it harsh. She might well have just making sure he got his confidence back after what happened at Hexham and he jumped much better. She did leave him with too much to do, but to be fair she was trying to catch a very good horse and she got everything else beat. It was good that he finally showed his pointing form under rules. Tangoed was also held up and he ran well on his first chase start under rules. Only 6 and he can find a Hunter Chase next season based on this. It was a much better performance form Chapelier compared to Cheltenham and it gives him something to build on next season. General Arrow and Pancrace went too hard up front with the latter dropping away first and very tamely. General Arrow was headed at 3 out and finished a distant 5th. He ought to have been capable of better and probably needs an easier lead although I doubt he would have won anyway. 6.20 A surprising winner for me here as I didn't fancy Downbythestrand before the race. I saw him win a 2m4f open at Kimble on Easter Saturday and that as well as his other form didn't strike me as a Hunter Chase winner, but to be fair to him he did it well and was always holding Llancillo Lord in 2nd. I suspect it was probably a sharp enough test for the 2nd, but at least he landed some e/w money for us on the race. I can't work out if Net D'Ecosse was unlucky or not. He was left about 8L at the start and the went a blistering pace early so he would have had to work fairly hard to get himself into contention. He was in about 6th jumping the 3rd last as he got himself into contention, but he was then ridden along and looked like he would be out of the frame only for him to stay on again to just get up 3rd beaten just under 10L. The start obviously didn't help, but I just wonder if he wanted a slightly stiffer test of stamina. It was a good run though. Bletchley Castle didn't make a mistake from what I could tell this time around, but I suspect the Huntingdon effort had left a mark. I'd aim him at this race next yer though as it should suit him perfectly. Witness In Court and Red Inca both ran well enough after their Fontwell efforts. Village Vic has been retired after finishing in 8th and ran respectably on his final start. Interestingly Velvet Maker was very strong in the market and was enjoying himself out in front when he stumbled on landing at the 7th. Who knows how he would have done, but given the support I reckon he might have gone close. 6.50 On paper it looked a very weak renewal of the John Corbet Cup and so it turned out in theory as well. I didn't fancy the winner at all, but Law Of Gold was well backed and he did it well to be fair. I think the key was the fact Dale made his move with around a circuit to go and took up the running with a cracking jump at 4 out. The 2nd and 3rd both made their moves later and they weren't able to get to the winner. It was decent enough efforts from Winged Leader and Pink Eyed Pedro though and the latter does seem an improved horse this year. Kalabaloo was a disappointment and either was feeling the effects of the season or that Cheltenham race just fell into her lap. I've got an opened mind. In Arrears would have found the ground quick enough and the main bet Casey Jem didn't jump well enough. He is only 5 though so is one to keep an eye on. 7.20 Meldrum Lad had his form franked by Buck Dancing earlier in the evening and was given a cracking ride by Becky Smith who held her up and didn't panic when Seefood, Brackloon High and Cloudy Joker all kicked for home. She also saved plenty of ground sticking to the inside as the other 3 went very wide into the straight. He was an impressive winner and should be capable of adding to this next season. Virak looked like he would be out of the frame as he got outpaced, but credit to him for getting back up for 2nd. No doubt he will be back next season and he will win more at the right level. Seefood ran well but paid the price for going for home too early in the end. Interestingly he was weaker in the market compared to his stablemate. Cloudy Joker came down at the last and he didn't get high enough and as much as he was in 2nd jumping it, it also seemed a bit of a tired mistake. Still he and Brackloon High ran with credit. 7.50 As much as it was a shame Caid Du Berlais and Top Wood didn't run, we were still treated to a fantastic finish between two very good horses. Sam Waley-Cohen gave the winner a superb ride on a horse who isn't at his best round this track. People seem to want to crab him, but when he has been beaten it is either because he hasn't had his ground or its been here at Stratford where he has actually run with credit the last two years. I think he deserved a win in one of the big ones and on his day he is still one of the leading Hunter Chasers in the country. He will be 12 next year so a drop off in form is surely going to happen at some stage, but hopefully he will be back next season. Caryto Des Brosses is some racehorse. His jumping was a complete joy to watch, but although he looked like he was doing it easily enough I did think he was a little keen. Dale looked behind him leaving the back straight and I wondered if it was a worried look because he knew he didn't have a great deal left in the tank. I have seen some say it was a bad ride and he should have kicked for home sooner, but in my view he would have been beaten further as he was tired. I just wonder if the battle with Hazel Hill had left a mark because he ought to have stayed based on his Cheltenham effort. He will be 8 next season and I at this stage he remains my idea of the Foxhunter winner. He'd be some site at Aintree as well. Asockastar ran with credit again and Chosen Dream never looked like repeating last year's win. 8.20 Speaking of Aintree surely Risk A Fine will be going there next season. He was just superb here and the result was never in doubt. One of my regrets of the season was not backing him when he won over course and distance previously as I really should have done. It is great when you spot a horses potential early in the season as I did with him when I saw him win on his seasonal return and I knew he would be in for a very good season. Back at a flatter track he showed his class and hopefully he is back next season. However I just wonder if connections might consider going to Market Rasen with him for their big race next month as it would really suit him. Road To Riches did briefly threaten coming to 3 out, but as soon as he arrived he was then under pressure again. 8.50 After having the horse I put up in this last year have its chance ruined by nearly coming down round the bend into the back straight it was pretty frustrating for it to happen for the second year running. Hard to be confident about what Feodora would have have done, but she was going well at the time and given how the race panned out I reckon she might have won. Rivercourt Guy was a massive gamble, but was pulled up as was the other bet Petit Petard. I think the form of this is pretty weak as Love Around was hard to fancy despite the fact she won well. I did give a positive mention to Daranova in the preview and he ran well down in trip at 50s. Equss Gold was sent clearly down the back straight and you have to say it was a poor ride as there was no need to kick that early. The rest were miles back. So in the end after all that the preview essentially came out level on the night. It was a really enjoyable night's racing though and I think we saw some good performances as well. That brings the UK season to an end and I did think it was going to be the last tip, but there is to be one more. yossa6133 and vikki37 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yossa6133 Posted June 2, 2019 Share Posted June 2, 2019 Nice write up Darran, It was a cracking meeting even though I was only heavily involved with Risk a Fine. Appreciate all the previews and analysis all season and I've made a healthy profit on your tips, as well as enjoying following some racing again. Can't wait until next season! I'd still fancy Road to Rome in all the big ones next season if he gets his ground. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darran Posted June 2, 2019 Author Share Posted June 2, 2019 2 minutes ago, yossa6133 said: Nice write up Darran, It was a cracking meeting even though I was only heavily involved with Risk a Fine. Appreciate all the previews and analysis all season and I've made a healthy profit on your tips, as well as enjoying following some racing again. Can't wait until next season! I'd still fancy Road to Rome in all the big ones next season if he gets his ground. Thank glad you like them and you certainly chose the right one to be heavily involved with. I have some sad news about Road To Rome as he was badly injured when running in a point last month and from what I was told at the time there is a doubt he will race again. vikki37 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yossa6133 Posted June 2, 2019 Share Posted June 2, 2019 Oh crikey, that's a real shame. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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