At last the national hunt season is in full swing with the big meeting at Haydock last week very informative. In particular the Betfair Chase which saw some of the top chasers in opposition.
The winner Cue Card was very impressive but many of the others such as Bobsworth, Dynaste and Silviniaco Conti were making their seasonal debuts so I would not read to much into the result. All credit to the Tizzards for Cue Cards win who we are told will now go for the King George on Boxing Day where he has to have a chance but there is no way I can see the horse following up at Cheltenham in the Gold Cup.
In fact if Cue Card wins the Gold Cup I will walk naked from Lands End to John O Groats. I expect lots of twists and turns on the chasing front before we get to the Festival next March.
The Champion Hurdle seems to have taken a different pattern with Hurricane Fly looking head and shoulders above the rest and we might have to look at some of the unexposed novices for serious rivals for his crown.
One of which I might just have found is in my recent eyecatchers column. This is Sgt Reckless from Mick Channons stable. The Police Horse as he is called in the yard romped home at Kempton on Monday beating a Henderson 1/6 hotpot out of site. Now Micks trying to keep a low profile with the horse after a disappointing end to last season where the gelding was expected to win the Cheltenham Bumper so I’m the one taking up the gauntlet and telling you all this is a top novice and could go all the way to the top.
I hope you were all on the Sgt on Monday as Bankers Bonus clients were told to take the 9/2 available early doors and the result was never in question.
A lot of very hard work goes into finding quality eyecatchers by me and my team and we spend untold hours compiling the list every week which is sent out totally FREE to all Betfan readers so I’m just hoping it is appreciated by everyone.
On to todays Howies Hottie well we are off to Wetherby for the 1.50 a handicap chase over 22 furlongs. The selection is Ultra Du Chatelet from the Lucinda Russell yard. This French import would have probably won on his British debut if he had not unseated at Carlisle last time. Peter Scudamore Lucindas partner has said this is a promising type and hopefully he can win this on the way to better things.
EYECATCHERS
JUMPERS
Milord trainer K.Bailey – Could well have won at Ascot last Saturday but was given too much to do from the final hurdle. The horse is in good order although some from the yard have scoped badly.
Lie Forrit trainer Lucinda Russell – Ran a creditable 3rd at Haydock and was doing all his best work at the finish. He can be followed in staying races over 3 miles or further.
Smart Money trainer Venetia Williams – Ran yesterday at Lingfield where he led over the last to be worn down close home. I expect him to be a lot fitter next time and will be hard to beat.
West Wizard trainer N.Henderson – This was the odds on chance beaten by Sgt Reckless. Highly regarded by the stable it was his first time out this season and he did beat the rest out of site. He will improve for the outing and should not be written off.
Bluegrass Bid trainer P.J.Rothwell – Irish horse noted staying on from a mile back last week. Could be one at a big price in low grade hurdles over the Irish Sea.
THE ARTIFICIAL SURFACES
Al Freej trainer B.Ellison – Tried to make all over the mile a more conservative ride or a drop in trip could see him take the gold medal.
Spreadable trainer N.Littmoden – Just touched off at Wolverhampton when not getting the best of runs. This son of Duke Of Marmalade could be on a good mark and a step up in trip might even help.
Gabriel The Thug trainer R.Fahey – Maiden that ran well at Southwell yesterday making up lots of late ground. I’m sure this top trainer will find the right situation before long.
Insolenceofoffice trainer R.Ford – Another that ran at Southwell yesterday. This horse has been off for over 140 days and looked to need the run. He will improve for the outing and can win on any of the artificial surfaces.
Back Next Wednesday have a good week and be lucky.
Howard Davis.
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