Ascot - 17/1/09

[WoodyTHFC]

1.40 Free World 10/11 cor 15 pts Looks a clash on paper at least between FW and CB and I favour the Nicholls runner. FW has always had a bit of a reputation and over fences so far he has started to really enhance that. He won nicely at san. On his debut beating what was a good field with some ease. Then in a graded race lto he finished second but lost nothing defeat for me. Only the strong stayer aldraur picked him up late on and without a mistake two out by FW he probably wouldnt have been able to., besides he was miles clear of the rest and the 150+ rating he has earned is the best for a novice chaser so far. PN afterwards also indicated that he expects FW to get better as he strengthens up a bit and possibly that didnt help him as he was caught lto late on. CB has earned a 147 rating so far after a decent second on debut behind IMSTB although he was getting weight that day and one gets a real impression IMSTB isnt seen in FW’s class at PN yard. Then he won lto at chelt. And did so well enough although he was getting weight from the runner up plus it was at a trip much further than this. Im not sure whether he will have the pace to get away with 17f here at asc. Maybe at cheltenham he might be not so so here. Given such doubts FW, getting weight from CB and already the higher rated of the two, is the confident selection. 3.55 Karabak 9/4 var bog 15 pts Good race this. Kangaroo Court is feared by a stable hitting form and he was impressive lto, Somersby would be more so if this was at 2m (not sure about moving him up in trip)and Dreamy Sweeney who was going quite well in Karabak’s last race before an exit although he was still some way out, to name a few. However I like Karabak here. Karabak showed his ability to handle the track when a good second to mad max two starts back and the pair were some way clear of the rest. Mad Max’s subsequent win reads well then. Karabak though put in another good performance and this time a winning won when beating the well thought of mahiona who Im not sure ran totally to his best but karabak who didnt get the clearest of passages, won well in the end and decisively, staying well up the hill. Therefore the extended trip today looks a smart move for a horse reportedly they are thinking more ballymore than supreme. Decent chance today in what looks a warm contest.

[alexmac]

Re: Ascot - 17/1/09 Wish I was going to this today. Would be great to see Zaynar, Master Minded and Free World again. Unfortunately, I have to go do a cross country race :( Going to Sky Plus it though, should make for an interesting afternoons racing.