I hope you all enjoyed the three days of superb racing at Cheltenham last week although with the ground having been turned very soft with heavy patches I would not take the form at face value.
The trainers of the meetings two big races the Paddy Power Chase and the Greatwood Hurdle both advised that they thought their horses would prefer better ground.
So both Paul Nicholls and Philip Hobbs were greatly surprised yet highly delighted to pick up the prizes on the weekend.
It just goes to show it’s not always the best cause for action to listen to the views of connections when making our selections.
Having said all that I have pinpointed some interesting horses for the rest of the jumps season and I have put a few of them into this weeks eyecatchers for you.
The funny thing is with most racing pundits totally concentrating on national hunt racing I have been thinking about next years Classics and believe both Willie Buick and James Doyle might have made an error in judgement by joining Godolphin as their previous employers have some strong ammo for next year in particular John Gosden.
I will try and mark your card before the end of this year with a pointer for the 2000gns and Derby but at this stage one that’s worth a look is Celestial Path from Sir Mark Prescott yard.
The colt ran 3rd in the Racing Post Trophy on ground far to soft after winning his first two starts. On breeding a mile looks his trip and it will be interesting to see if Sir Mark maps out an early season classic campaign.
Something I thought worth a mention is that the Fold4Gold service does put out some very speculative bets at times with great success I might add.
Over the last couple of days they have advised two 1 point placepots which failed to hit the target however they did produce five winners and regardless of advice or staking clients who use their own initiative could have made a tidy sum.
In fact I know many people who pay large amounts of money to have their card marked when they go for a days racing.
It’s great to see the two polytrack courses putting on super cards today and putting the jump meetings to shame with Kempton staging a very competitive listed race.
I was a bit spoilt for choice for Howies Hottie but I have plumped for the 2.00 Lingfield over 6 furlongs.
The selection is Elusivity who must be held up for a late run so will always be a hostage to fortune however we have a very good pilot on board in Shane Kelly.
The gelding has dropped to a lenient mark and I feel this 6 furlong round Lingfield could suit this enigmatic character.
EYECATCHERS Two more winners this week Intransigent and Big Baz.
JUMPERS
The Druids Nephew trainer N.Mullholland – Finished strongly at Cheltenham and has improved since joining this yard. Could be a force in long distance handicaps especially in the mud.
Clondaw Warrior trainer W.Mullins – I have no doubt this would have won the Greatwood on faster ground and when he gets his conditions he is a force to be noted.
Theatrical Star trainer C.Tizzard – Decent run in Cheltenham hurdle but is likely to go back chasing in the future either way keep him onside.
ARTIFICIAL SURFACES
On Demand trainer A.Balding – Still a maiden but I’m sure they will find a race for the filly before long.
Art Scholar trainer M.Appleby – Noted staying on late at Wolverhampton and need a very strong gallop or 12 furlongs.
Im Super Too trainer A.Swinbank – After a slow start he did well to reach the frame and is a well handicapped horse at the moment.
Back next Wednesday have a good week and be lucky.
Howard Davis.
http://go.betfan.com/1000/96
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