THERE appears to be a wave of expectation surrounding Jonjo O’Neill this season. Many pundits are tipping him to break the grip that Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson have on the trainers’ championship. In fact, people are now referring to the trio as the “big three” in the training ranks (which is a minor insult …[Read More]
THAT was a wonderful weekend of racing. Big Buck’s, The Giant Bolster, Hurricane Fly, Our Conor, Harry Topper, Annacotty, Valdez, Red Sherlock, Trifolium. What was not to like? Despite his first reverse in 19 races, the returning Big Buck’s divided opinion among pundits and bookies. The criticism of Sam Twiston Davies was predictable although the …[Read More]
I CAN’T quite work out Harry Topper. Kim Bailey compared him to his Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Master Oats after his victory in the Charlie Hall Chase on Saturday and holds him in the highest regard. But is he a Gold Cup horse? Well, I think that will depend entirely on the weather. If the …[Read More]
FABULOUS racing on Saturday. The Breeders’ Cup will take centre stage this evening but before that there is some serious National Hunt fare at Wetherby, Ascot, Down Royal and Ayr. There will be Cheltenham Festival clues aplenty, even at this early stage of the season. So here are a few fancies… MENDIP EXPRESS (12.45 Wetherby): …[Read More]
THE looming shadow of the Cheltenham Festival can often dilute the quality of racing in the two weekends before the great meeting. But not today. There are competitive cards at both Newbury and Doncaster. But there is only ONE place to be and that is at the beautiful Scottish borders racecourse of Kelso. Excellent prize …[Read More]
THE 4m National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival is traditionally one of the toughest to predict. The marathon distance normally sorts out the wheat from the chaff, so stamina is essential. But just as crucial is securing the services of a top amateur rider. The last seven winners have all been ridden by crack …[Read More]
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