PAUL Nicholls was thrilled yesterday after his 2014 Crabbie’s Grand National hopes Rocky Creek and Tidal Bay impressed in a racecourse gallop at Wincanton. Sam Twiston-Davies got the leg-up on Tidal Bay with Noel Fehily partnering Rocky Creek in the two-mile half-speed workout. Nicholls said he would now keep Tidal Bay, who is 16-1 second …[Read More]
21
Feb 2014
Inside track on Tidal Bay
by DAVID DONALDSON. WHEN the weights for the first £1million Grand National were published earlier this month, the ever-popular Tidal Bay received a handicap mark 7lb below his official rating. Based on the 13-year-old’s most recent runs, Tidal Bay has a good chance of success at Aintree this April and is now carrying less relative …[Read More]
11
Feb 2014
2014 Crabbie’s Grand National weights unveiled
TIDAL BAY will carry top weight of 11st 10lb in the 2014 Crabbie’s Grand National on April 5 after the weights were unveiled in London. Although he will have to carry the welter burden, Paul Nicholls’ veteran has been given a solid chance by handicapper Phil Smith, especially having stayed on into second over an …[Read More]
18
Dec 2013
Cheltenham Gold Cup winner targets Lexus Chase
LAST year’s Lexus Chase was, for me, THE race of the National Hunt season. Tidal Bay’s dramatic late lunge between Flemenstar and First Lieutenant was a remarkable performance and a ride of legendary proportions by Ruby Walsh. This year’s Lexus has something to live up to but connections of Bobs Worth are hoping it will …[Read More]
22
Nov 2013
Is Tidal Bay the value in Betfair Chase?
by JACK MILNER. The Betfair Chase has been a fantastic race in recent times and a stepping stone for Cheltenham Gold Cup winners past, present and future. None more so than Kauto Star won the race an incredible four times, most recently in 2011 when raising the roof off Haydock Park when beating Long Run …[Read More]
22
Nov 2013
Ground the key in Betfair Chase
IT HAS already been labelled a “mini Gold Cup”. And with some justification. This year’s Betfair Chase has attracted a field of supreme quality including the reigning Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Bobs Worth, last year’s victor Silviniaco Conti and the young pretender Dynaste. Throw in middle distance specialist Cue Card, The Giant Bolster, former Gold …[Read More]
26
Apr 2013
Watch out for Mr Moss in the bet365 Gold Cup
Guest post by JACK MILNER. THE bet365 Gold Cup, formerly the Whitbread Gold Cup, is one of those fondly associated races that unfortunately brings the curtain down on the National Hunt season, with a tear in one’s eye, knowing we have to endure the Flat season until the Charlie Hall Chase comes around at Wetherby …[Read More]
12
Feb 2013
2013 Grand National weights: Teaforthree stands out
THE unveiling of the 2013 John Smith’s Grand National weights usually sparks cries of frustration and woe from various trainers and owners. But this year seems to be a little different… so far. The overall reaction seems to be that BHA handicapper Phil Smith has done a credible and fair job in working out the …[Read More]
21
Nov 2012
Ante Post Focus: Hennessy Gold Cup
THE Hennessy Gold Cup is a special race. It isn’t just about the 21 fences or 3m 2f slog in soft ground. It has the longest commercial sponsorship of any race in Britain and has been won by seven horses who have also grabbed Cheltenham Gold Cup glory. Thirty five runners have stood their ground …[Read More]
