Boxing day racing fans were treated to a thrilling finish in the King George Chase at Kempton Park, which saw Sam Waley Cohen aboard Long Run get the better of Richard Johnson aboard the very unlucky Captain Chris in a pulsating finish. Jumping the last Captain Chris looked set to collect – however Sam Waley Cohen got a real tune out of the jolly and managed to get up in the shadows of the post.
I cannot see Long Run collecting when he lines up at Cheltenham. He has always under performed there, where as at Kempton he has a cracking record winning 3/4! The only defeat was behind Kauto Star.
Earlier on in the day we witnessed what I believe will be next seasons King George winner in the shape of the David Pipe runner Dynaste. He was having only his 3rd run in a chase and recorded a time over 2.5 seconds quicker than that of Long Run. For a horse with such little experience that was a fantastic effort and showed him to be of the very highest calibre. I would love to see Dynaste line up at Cheltenham in the Gold Cup. However, at this stage, the R.S.A chase looks the plan of action. With 12 weeks to the festival David Pipe has left Dynaste in the Gold Cup and we will know nearer the time, but if you fancy the selection at 25/1 with VC then they are offering money back on a non-runner, which is great value.
Since the injury of Big Bucks, this seasons World Hurdle looks a wide open affair indeed.Quevega and Oscar Whiskey head the betting. Will Oscar Whiskey stay in a true run over 3m?
Quevega, to me, will contest the David Nicholson mares hurdle instead. The selection I do like, if lining up in the World Hurdle, is the Irish trained Bog Warrior. He loves underfoot conditions and has proven a very smart recruit since switching to hurdles. There will be no problems with the distance either. The trainer believes that the horse will be suited to a good racing surface, which is sweet music to my ears, and at 16/1 represents cracking e/w value at this stage. As mentioned earlier if a a non-runner with Victor Chandler they will refund your money and you can reinvest on another race.
Trainers and punters alike have struggled this season with the ground, and in all my years racing I have never witnessed such terrible conditions. The form book has been thrown out of the window.
Every year I look forward to the Triumph Hurdle and this year is no exception. So far the best juvenile I have seen has been the Nicholls trained Gone West who heads the betting at 6/1. No value for myself, but I did see what looked a winning ride last weekend from Swnymor only to come down at the last when contesting a grade 1 hurdle. As the market stands this runner is a general 16/1 shot for the race and if lining up will be alot shorter, so for me it’s a no brainer…it has to be Swnymor.
Until next time,
The Form Guy
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