Lets hope Killard Point (3.45, Bangor) can finally get his head in front after some decent races in which he always seemed to find one or two too good. The one4racing patent is today made up of: Killard Point, Island Life (12:55, Leopardstown) and Iwillrememberyou (1:45, Bangor).
Can Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh make it a fantastic few days for the yard? With Kauto Star winning on Boxing Day, Denman (Leopardstown, 2:35) needs to put up a good show here to stake his claim as a Cheltenham Gold Cup contender.
A close second yesterday, lets see if we can go one better today. Mr Strachan (Wetherby, 2:35), a course and distance winner, should hopefully get his nose in front after a string of seconds.
In the Welsh Grand National (Chepstow), I fancy Geeveem to put up a good show.
Result:1st @ 11-10
We hope you all had a Merry Christmas. Not the most reliable of horses but, it’s the season of goodwill so we will go with Miss Midnight to (hopefully) rewarding us with a good priced winner. All eyes will be on Kauto Star in the King George VI, but Exotic Dancer and My Way De Solzen could give him a real test today.
Result: 2nd @ 9-2
I could easily make a case for backing all of the one4racing top rated horses running at Ascot today. Deep Purple (1.40) has run up a string of victories and should pose a threat to the forecast favorite Song of Songs. Pantalaimon (12:30) is looking to go one better after finishing second last year - could be value. But for todays best bet we’ll look to the Timmy Murphy ridden Charlton Kings (2:50). He loves the course and distance (the horse, not Timmy!) and if we forgive him his last run should take all the beating.
Result:4/5
Summer of Love Newbury 12:00 is todays selection. Second here in November in a class 3 hurdle dropping down to a class 4 today.Likes course and going, must be the one to beat.
Result: 5/14
Bathwick Breeze Plumpton 12:20 is todays selection.Weight could be a slight issue, but he likes the going and is a pretty resolute jumper, and should be able to see off any challenge by Daltaban.
Result:2nd 7 lengths behind Sweetheart, Daltaban finished 9th.
Another good days racing ahead. Lets hope Doncaster gets the go ahead. Just in case it doesn’t we’ll focus on Cheltenham. Tidal Bay looks the pick of the bunch in the 2:05, and wins the dreaded honour! for the best bet of the day. He wont be a big price but should take all the beating. Later in the day Gone To Lunch (3:40) looks a value bet with Tony McCoy on board. With a bit of luck Petrovka (1:10 Doncaster) might finally get her head in front and record her first victory. All three horses form the one4racing Saturday Patent - Good luck all.
Result: Fine win by Tidal Bay
Two really good meetings today at Cheltenham and Doncaster. I’msingingtheblues (Cheltenham 3:40) is today’s best bet. One three timer today and all being well should get one over on Snap Tie who he beat, here at Cheltenham, last time out.
Ingratitude Huntingdon 13:30 is today’s selection. Likes the course, distance and going in this competitive 2 mile 110 yds handicap hurdle, but the Nicky Henderson - Mick Fitzgerald combination should be able to pull it off.