Racing chat-saturday 25th November

[richard-westwood]

Ground at Ascot is very heavy currently ....really don't like the look of it ....so rated the stayers hurdle at haydock so far ......going to change tack and fully  focus on the big Saturday races and trying to get some big wins on the board so I'm going to choose two big Saturday races from now on and place 10pts Ew on the top 2 in both races .....if the any returns I'll pocket half and roll the other half on to the next weekends big race as a bonus win .....should give a bit of excitement over the coming months 💰

Hay 2.20 

Bold endeavour.  ,9.0 12/1 

Lord snootie. 8.9 7/1 

Wakool.  8.2 

Schalke.  8.2 

10pt Ew top 2 😊

 

[The Brigadier]

Haydock 1.15

A competitive looking 2M 3F handicap hurdle where the in form Nicky Henderson trained Park Hill Dancer appears to hold as good a chance as any. The Henderson stable are on fire at present and this Middleham Park Racing owned six year old may still have some mileage on his on his current handicap mark. Not seen since May when winning at Uttoxeter, the Sean Bowen ridden gelding is now 8lb higher but at the right end of the handicap and looks likely to go very close.

 

PARK HILL DANCER 1 point win @ 4/1 BetVictor

 

Ascot 1.30

Just the four for the Nirvana Spa 1965 Chase, a Grade 2 chase run over 2M 5F. Shishkin makes his re-appearance here sporting first time cheek pieces and as he has already slaughtered his main danger here Pic D’Orhy by 16 lengths over course and distance last season it’s hard to look beyond Nicky Henderson’s nine year old who, under Nico de Boinville, is officially rated 11lb better than Pic D’Orhy and 10lb and 26lb superior to the other two competitors Minella Drama and Straw Fan Jack.

 

BRAVEMANSGAME /SHISHKIN/ STATE MAN 2 points win treble @ 9/10, 4/6 & 1/3 BetVictor

 

Haydock 1.50

An intriguing five runner 2m 5 1/2F Graduation Chase with three possible winners as the two outsiders Scipion and Hardy Bloke have far too much to do. Willie Mullins’ Grand National third Gaillard Du Mesnil has to be respected but may find this trip too sharp and in receipt of a hefty 18lb Apple Away can make a winning chase debut. She was a smart novice last season over hurdles culminating in victory in the Grade 1 3 mile novice hurdle at Aintree which has worked out brilliantly with the 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th all winning well since.

 

APPLE AWAY 1 point win @ 5/2 888Sport

 

Ascot 2.05

The 2M 3 1/2F Coral Hurdle has attracted a small but select field of just five with each of the quintet having a chance of sorts. Maybe the best value is Olly Murphy’s Strong Leader who we have to forgive a disappointing first run of the season when finishing last of ten in the Welsh Champion Hurdle. He’s better than that and the step up in trip may suit this six year old who was a smart novice hurdler last season winning three times and concluded his season by finishing runner up to Inthepocket in a Grade 1 at Aintree. Last year’s winner Goshen maybe the one to chase him home.

 

STRONG LEADER 1 point win @ 6/1 bet365

 

Haydock 2.20

The most competitive race of the day is the sixteen runner Betfair Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle run over three miles. The two favourites are Fergal O’Brien’s Crambo, who looked good at Aintree but is now 6lb higher and Emmet Mullins’ Slate Lane who’s chasing a four timer but this is easily his stiffest task and he’s up a stone for his latest victory. It wouldn’t be a shock if either were to win this but I can’t resist an each way bet on Willie Mullins’s Fine Margin. He’s still a maiden after six outings but there were all for Matthew Daly who’s not had a winner under rules the last five years in Ireland so surely Mr Mullins is going to improve him massively especially now he’s upped in trip. He’s worth a chance at a nice price and don’t rule out Tom Lacey’s Howlingmadmurdock from a yard in fine form and is worth a small each way saver.

 

FINE MARGIN 1 point each way @ 12/1 BetVictor 1/5th 12345

HOWLINGMADMURDOCK 1/2 point each way @ 20/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345

 

Punchestown 2.35

Only four have declared for this 2M 160 yards Morgiana Hurdle with Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott both saddling a brace of runners a piece. This looks a penalty kick for Mullins’s State Man who’s only defeat last season came when runner up to Constitution Hill in the Champion Hurdle. I can see him being smashed off the boards and if a big priced odds on chance is your preference than this is very much one for you. Too short for a single so lets try a win treble with Shishkin and Bravemansgame.

 

Haydock 3.00

The day’s feature race at the Lancashire track is the 3M 1 1/2F Betfair Chase. Paul Nicholls’s Bravemansgame is a confident selection. He’s sure to strip fitter for his second in the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby three weeks ago when he looked all over the winner going to the last only to make an error and allow Gentlemansgame to out sprint him on the run in. He is a consistent top class chaser and although last year’s winner Protektorat may push him hard I fully expect Daryl Jacob to steer him home.

 

 

Ascot 3.15

Eight two mile chasers line up for the valuable Hurst Park Handicap Chase with cases made for many. Top weight Boothill won this last year and looked good at the last meeting but on a run at Kempton last Christmas he may struggle to hold Chris Gordon’s Aucunrisque who was only beaten a length but re-opposes here on 11lb better terms. He went on to win the Betfair Hurdle back over hurdles and may have just needed his first run back this season when third over hurdles. Back over fences he looks a decent value each way bet.

 

AUCUNRISQUE 1 point each way @ 7/1 888Sport 1/5th 123

 

Haydock 3.35

Eleven line up for this 3M 1 1/2F handicap chase which has an open enough look about it. Nicky Richards’ Famous Bridge looks sure to be thereabouts but maybe Anthony Honeyball’s Credo represents better value. A consistent eight year old mare she impressed when winning on her re-appearance at Wincanton by 6 1/2L and even with a 7lb rise in the weights can be competitive with Sam Twiston-Davies taking over on her for the first time today.

 

CREDO 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 1234