A fascinating renewal with five of the first six in the Paddy Power lining up again along with ninth Johns Spirit, who usually goes well around here. We’re on the New Course this time and Alan King believes that the more galloping nature of the track will suit Paddy Power hero Annacotty, who had to be ridden from some way out last month before asserting after the last. But so many were in with a chance in the closing stages of that race that it’s almost impossible to predict how things will pan out this time. Buywise and Sound Investment weren’t beaten far but fifth Irish Cavalier, a Festival winner in March, was travelling better than anything turning for home and could be the pick at the revised weights having been given the all-clear following a small injury scare at the start of the week. Venetia Williams won with Niceonefrankie last year and Tenor Nivernais won the same Ascot race in which he was successful previously. Doctor Phoenix is a fast-improving novice who will be suited by the step up in trip while VILLAGE VIC has won both starts this season and Richard Johnson rides off the minimum weight, though he’s joining battle with some top-class handicappers in this.
Fouburg was just denied by WHO DARES WINS at Ludlow recently, but he caught the eye tanking along for the most part, didn’t get the clearest of runs on the home turn and was just collared in the final 100 yards, so on these slightly better terms, he is fancied to reverse that form. Well-bred Flat recruit Robertstown needs monitoring in the market.
UNOWHATIMEANHARRY has made the perfect start to life for Harry Fry, and with further progress on the cards, is expected to take the step up in class in his stride. Net Work Rouge is chasing a hat-trick, too, and is feared most, while Ennistown boasts the form to be bang there, but there are stamina question marks.
Paul Nicholls has taken this race for the last four years but It’s A Close Call was a fortunate winner last time out, although this is far from a strong race for the grade. SOUTHFIELD ROYALE is a half-brother to the RSA runner-up Southfield Theatre and like his sibling the five-year-old looks to have progressed over fences. He found 2m3f too short a Wetherby in October but was hugely impressive over this trip back at the West Yorkshire track. Weather Babe put in a career best when second to a useful sort at Cheltenham last time and she merits respect as a result.
Peace And Co (left), Top Notch (centre) and Hargam
AT THE RACES verdict:
A race which looks sure to go to one of the four-year-olds, with Triumph winner PEACE AND CO looking very hard to oppose. He was the best of his generation last season and is by far the least exposed of these. His stablemate Hargam was disappointing on his seasonal debut but more can be expected today and he should have a fitness edge over the selection today. Old Guard won a weak renewal of the Greatwood effectively off a mark of 138, when his rider’s 7lb claim was taken into account. Sempre Medici is likely to be over bet due to his connections, while the ‘old boys’ Cheltenian and Melodic Rendezvous look to be up against it for win purposes.
VAUTOUR would look a good thing if he were to line-up against his two main market rivals off level weights, but the fact that he receives 5lb from Ptit Zig – who he beat comfortably when winning the JLT at the Festival – and a pound from Third Intention – to which he is rated 11lb superior – means he is very hard to oppose. His win at Cheltenham was fairly breathtaking and elevated him straight to the head of the market for both the Ryanair and the Gold Cup, with the latter almost certainly the target. Ptit Zig is the most likely to chase him home, despite conceding weight all-round, following an impressive winning return in a Grade 2 at Down Royal last month. O’Faolains Boy hasn’t been seen for 596 days but he won the Reynoldstown Novices’ Chase over 3m here and the RSA Chase at the Festival before missing all of last season with injury. He remains a Gold Cup prospect, but has plenty to find on these terms, as does Seventh Sky.
David Pipe will be hoping for a change in fortune following a disappointing Open meeting at Cheltenham last weekend and he runs Low Key and Batavir in a race which he has won three times in the last five years. The latter is particularly interesting dropping back in trip and should be seen to greater effect for his return run last week off such a low mark. Alcala is another who ran recently at Cheltenham, finishing a creditable fourth of four in a competitive Grade 2 novice event, and has to be feared at the foot of the weights on handicap debut. At the opposite end of the scales Closing Ceremony and Shantou Bob will look to defy big weights, but both have the ability to do so, with the former having won here three times last season, including the Grade 2 Rendlesham Hurdle back in February. He may have needed the run on his return at Wetherby last month and looks the type to do well over these obstacles. But slight preference is for Lanzarote Hurdle winner TEA FOR TWO, who caught the eye last time out in Chepstow’s Silver Trophy when finishing a good sixth over an inadequate 2m 3f. This would have been the target all along for Nick Williams – who won the race last year with Aubusson – and his charge looks to have every chance having dropped 12lb since that Listed victory at Kempton back in January. Yala Enki is another interesting contender having hacked up in a novice hurdle at Exeter last month to further his already useful French form, and so has to be on the shortlist also. Of the remainder, Baradari deserves a second glance on debut for Dan Skelton and Our Kaempfer should relish this test of stamina.
The betting would suggest that this is a two horse race and, although none of the other four runners can be discounted completely, it should come down to the two market principals Rock On Ruby and BROTHER TEDD. The former was far from disgraced when finishing second over 3m at Wetherby on his latest start and the drop back to this more suitable trip is bound to suit. He may prove vulnerable giving weight away on ground less than ideal though, so it could pay to side with the fast improving Brother Tedd. His four-length victory over Silviniaco Conti at Kempton last time out proved that he is still on an upward curve having landed a competitive handicap at Sandown back in April, and he is taken to land the hat-trick in receipt of 8lb from his market rival. Court Minstrel has bounced back to form with back-to-back victories at Perth and Chepstow, but the soft ground has to be a concern and so he is swerved on this occasion. Sea Lord is another who would prefer it firmer underfoot, so it could come down to Grumeti to pose the biggest threat to the pair.
Four of the five runners here fought out the Charlie Hall three weeks ago and there’s no reason to see why the rejuvenated Cue Card won’t come out on top of that quartet once again, having landed this back in 2013 and seemingly back to something near his best at Wetherby. But dual winner SILVINIACO CONTI may have too much for all of them following a recent spin over hurdles at Kempton and with the forecast ground conditions likely to suit him best of all. The six time Grade 1 winner finished third behind Cue Card in the 2013 renewal when making his seasonal reappearance, but both his victories in the race were achieved having had a previous run, which is also the case here, and he is taken to come out on top once more. Ballynagour may be best placed to take advantage of any mistakes from the two market principals ahead of the frustrating Dynaste and the ground-dependent Holywell.
A small but select field head to post and ALTIOR can follow in the hoofprints of last year’s scorer Vyta Du Roc. Nicky Henderson has made little secret of the regard in which he holds the son of High Chapparal and he showed plenty of resolution when scrambling home at Ascot after flattening the final flight. Maputo is another shrewd recruit to the game for John Ferguson and he looked as good as ever when scoring at Kempton. The ground is a slight question mark against him, though he has won on a softer surface on the Flat. Simon Squirrel has reportedly had breathing issues though he won impressively enough on his hurdling debut at Newton Abbot. Mister Miyagi beat Drumlee Sunset when they met in a maiden at the track, though both would need to improve in order to take a hand. Viens Chercher steps up in grade having slammed weaker opposition at Sedgefield and Market Rasen.
Selection: ALTIOR
Alternative: SIMON SQUIRREL
1:35 (Cheltenham) Racing Post Arkle Trophy Trial Novices’ Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) – 1m 7f 199y
SPORTING LIFE verdict:
Garde La Victoire proved most progressive last season and, following a successful debut over fences at Uttoxeter, Philip Hobbs’ six year old has plenty to like about him at this level. With softer ground likely, stamina could come into play and it is with reluctance that we oppose him with CALIPTO. Paul Nicholls’ charge jumped particularly well at Fontwell and, though the trainer has nominated future targets over further, he still has enough pace to be effective over this shorter trip. Fox Norton has a flawless record over fences and he was no mug over hurdles. Rain would aid his chances though it will be tough for him to concede a winner’s penalty. Dormello Mo has been on the go for quite some time while El Namoose and The Grey Taylor attempt a massive leap up in grade.
Despite failing to rediscover his sparkling form of old last season, there’s every reason to believe SPRINTER SACRE can gain a first success in over two and a half years on his first run of this campaign. The vibes from the Henderson yard have been positive in the weeks leading up to this and race condition’s mean he receives weight from the majority of today’s rivals. If there was ever an opportunity for the once 188-rated champion two-mile chaser to get his head in front once more, this could be it. Mr Mole has his quirks but showed last season that he retains plenty of ability, landing three of his five starts, and commands respect despite conceding 10lb to the selection. Simply Ned finished second in the race last term and he should make his presence felt again after posting a career-best effort last time out when winning a 6-runner handicap at Kelso. The evergreen veteran Somersby also has to enter calculations, but he often fails to get his head in front where it counts, while both Croco Bay and Savello will need to step up if they are to feature in this company.
This looks to be an easy enough assignment for the Champion Hurdler FAUGHEEN to open his account for the season and stretch his unbeaten run to 11 wins from 11 starts. He was imperious at the Festival and even more impressive over C&D in May when landing the Irish equivalent on the bridle. A similar performance should be on the cards here, and it would be no surprise at all to see Willie Mullins land a 1-2-3 with stablemates Nichols Canyon and Wicklow Brave expected to fight out the placings, with slight preference for the latter of the two with race-fitness on his side. Identity Thief should be best of the remainder.
This looks typically wide-open and a lot will depend on the amount of rain overnight, so it may be best to see how testing conditions are before backing the likes of Nabucco or Sign Of A Victory. The former would be of particular interest if the ground doesn’t come up too soft following his win in a Listed handicap at Ascot last time out (Sign Of A Victory back in 4th). Both Days Of Heaven and Renneti have the ability to win a race like this, but neither can be trusted when it comes to their temperament and others appear better handicapped. Two that fall into that category are Mick Jazz and SUPERB STORY. The former came up against some smart types in a couple of juvenile hurdles at Newbury at the end of last year and he may have been let in lightly here, as might the selection. Superb Story failed to progress after winning on his hurdling debut last term but looked to be back on track at Wetherby recently when landing a decent handicap first time up for his new yard. With the likelihood of more to come and no worries about soft ground, he gets the nod. Waxies Dargle produced a career-best effort when last seen and any significant ease in the ground would be in his favour, while Bidourey shouldn’t be overlooked despite his yard struggling for winners at present.
Paul Nicholls has an excellent record in the race and it would be no surprise at all to see ROMAIN DE SENAM improve it further. He was a winner in France – with Fingertips back in second that day – and was impressive on his stable debut at Wincanton last month when cruising to victory. He should have the better of his french rival once again with match-fitness on his side, but any market support for David Pipe’s charge would be significant given connections’ record with similar types. The main threat to the selection may come from the hat-trick seeking Oceane, who reached a fair level on the Flat and has made a promising start to hurdling with short-priced victories at Fontwell and Kempton. There is likely to be further improvement from Alan King’s juvenile and he will no doubt make his presence felt. Wolf Of Windlesham was a surprise winner at Ludlow last month and shouldn’t be discounted completely, but it would be a shock if Coo Star Sivola were to open his account here.
Upswing will have his supporters following an eye-catching victory at Worcester last time out and the forecast rain makes him a serious contender. Sego Success probably needed the run at Chepstow on his reappearance and he looks to be on a feasible mark if back to the form that saw him finish fifth in the 4m National Hunt Chase at the Festival. Sam Winner won this off 11st 12lbs for Paul Nicholls last year and top weight Black Thunder will be trying to do the same, but both he and stablemate Just A Par look well held by the handicapper. In contrast, the six-year-old Cogry may have plenty more to offer off his current mark and stable jockey Ryan Hatch claims a useful 3lb, so he has to be respected. But the key to the race may lie with SAUSALITO SUNRISE and whether he has recovered from whatever forced Richard Johnson to pull him up on his belated return at Chepstow last month. He ran well here in two novice events last season, finishing runner-up to Kings Palace on both occasions, and was going well behind Coneygree in a Grade 1 at Kempton before hitting the deck. He could easily be the best handicapped horse in the race and should go close if none the worse for his latest outing. The main danger may come from Spring Heeled, who won the Kim Muir here in 2014 and appeared to bounce-back to form when second in the Munster National at Limerick last time out.
Selection: SAUSALITO SUNRISE
Alternative: SPRING HEELED
2:25 Paddy Power Gold Cup Chase (Grade 3 Handicap) (Class 1) – 2m 4f 78y
Boondooma
The obvious starting point for the race is Kings Palace who is almost certain to go off as favourite given his connections and impressive form figures. David Pipe has always rated the horse highly and it’s hard to knock his record of four wins from six starts at the track, but he again disappointed in a more competitive race at the Festival when finishing a well-beaten 6th in the RSA and the drop back in trip is also a concern. The stable’s other entry, Monetaire, is certainly of interest near the foot of the weights. Paul Nicholls usually has something up his sleeve for these big handicaps and Art Mauresque could be perfectly placed to follow up Caid Du Berlais’ victory in the race last year. The Champion Trainer also has the top weight Sound Investment to back him up. Oscar Rock was a decent hurdler but has only really started to fulfill his potential over fences. He may well have landed a hat-trick of novice victories in the spring had he not been badly hampered three out in Grade 2 at Ayr, but looked as good as ever on his return in September when winning at Listed handicap at Market Rasen. He’s still relatively unexposed and, as long as there’s not too much rain between now and the start, he should go well. But sitting a pound lower in the weights is the recent course winner BOONDOOMA for Dr Richard Newland. He made an encouraging start to life over fences before trouncing a 5-runner field at Haydock on only his third start. He then missed the rest of the season with a knee problem but could hardly have been more impressive on his return, making all to win a 2m handicap at the Showcase meeting last month. Connections have had this race in mind all along and he should be a major player with conditions to suit. Irish Cavalier also deserves a mention after winning the novice handicap chase over C&D at the Festival, while Johns Spirit cannot be discounted either having won the race in 2013 and finished an agonising second in it last year.
Rock on Ruby is the class act in the field and connections will be hoping the step up to 3m will suit their 2012 Champion Hurdler. His record running fresh is pretty good, but there are question marks over his stamina at this distance. Grumeti is another one stepping up in trip and he comes into the race following an impressive victory in the Cesarewitch on the Flat three weeks ago. He was a Grade 1-winning hurdler as a juvenile and a return to the smaller obstacles may prove beneficial. Closing Ceremony and Kilcooley are likely improvers, but both will have to defy a sizeable penalty and would probably prefer a bit more cut in the ground. Useful chasers Splash Of Ginge and The Druids Nephew are interesting acquisitions, but no doubt have future targets in mind. Second-season hurdler AQALIM showed plenty of ability as a novice, winning three times at up to 3m, and his second in a Listed hurdle at Sandown in April was his best effort yet. John Ferguson’s gelding could well have more to offer now at this level.
This looks to be between the two market principals Clarcam and PTIT ZIG. The former has the advantage of a recent run on his side having finished a good third at Gowran Park four weeks ago and Gordon Elliott will be hopeful of a repeat win in the race. However, no one has a better record in this than Paul Nicholls and there’s every chance Ptit Zig can make amends for stablemate Wonderful Charm’s defeat to Don Cossack last term. Ptit Zig made a big impression over fences when winning his first four chases last season and was a hot favourite when falling in the Ascot Chase next time out. He may still have been feeling the effects of that fall when well beaten by Vautour in the JLT on ground that was probably too quick for him and he’s taken to bounce-back in this, especially given his good record fresh. Elliott’s novice Shadow Catcher and Galway Plate winner Shanahan’s Turn should fight out the placings.
This looks typically wide-open for an early season handicap and a case can be made for the majority of runners. Sgt Reckless is interesting now switched to handicap company as he boasts some useful form over hurdles and showed enough ability in his novice campaign last season to suggest there’s plenty more to come. Ulck Du Lin won this last year under a 7lb-claiming Sean Bowen and Paul Nicholls once again looks to make full use of apprentice Harry Cobden’s claim in his effort for a repeat bid. He has to be respected despite rising 15lb in the weights since that victory and should be thereabouts once more. Back in fourth that day was the well fancied BELLENOS, but his jumping rather let him down and he never really got going all season. However, he now meets last year’s victor on 22lb better terms and, as a previous C&D winner, looks to have every chance for a yard in good form. Royal Regatta is another who never entirely convinced with his jumping last season but he still managed to win twice and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him go well after disappointing at Aintree last time out. Baby Mix also rates a big danger having run well in recent starts.
The obvious starting point is Ma Filleule who reverts back to hurdles for the first time since November 2013. She was twice second in Grade 1 chases over 2m 5f last season, including the Ryanair Chase, and warrants the utmost respect returning to this sphere on these terms. She will have to prove herself back over this shorter trip, though, and might prove vulnerable if the race turns into a sprint late on. If that turned out to be the case INTENSE TANGO may just be the one to take advantage, despite giving weight away all-round. She proved to be a very smart juvenile last season, landing a Grade 2 mares event at Doncaster back in January, and has been kept busy on the Flat over the summer with decent efforts at Pontefract and Newmarket. With race fitness on her side and no doubt over the trip, Karl Burke’s charge makes plenty of appeal. Bantam and Blue Buttons are respected having both won novice events last season, with the latter in particular feared if coping with this drop in trip.
This should go the way of DON COSSACK who continued his winning ways at Punchestown 16 days ago when easing to victory over Roi Du Mee on his reappearance. Gordon Elliott’s top-class chaser finally fulfilled his potential last season winning 6 of his 7 starts, his sole defeat coming in the Ryanair when badly hampered two out, and he’ll take all the beating on his way to bigger and better things. The obvious forecast selection is Rocky Creek, who finished second in the race last year behind Road To Riches and usually goes well fresh. The selection looks to have the measure of Roi De Mee on their recent encounter and Texas Jack completes a disappointing line-up.
Selection: DON COSSACK
Alternative: ROCKY CREEK
2:50 (Ascot) William Hill Handicap Hurdle (Listed) (Class 1) – 1m 7f 152y
Sign Of A Victory turned this race into a procession last year and is expected to go well again on favourable ground. He will, however, have to carry a stone more this time around and that may prove difficult up against some less exposed-types. One who fits perfectly into that category is John Ferguson’s Nabucco, who has made the transition from smart Flat winner to promising hurdler effortlessly with his two wins at Market Rasen and then Huntingdon earlier this month. He looks to have been given a fair opening mark and is a serious contender for a stable that won this with a novice in 2013. But it could pay to side with dual C&D winner JOLLY’S CRACKED IT who won back-to-back novice events here at the beginning of last season before going on to finish second in the Tolworth. He then shaped with plenty of promise in a couple of handicaps in the spring without quite getting home, but that has meant he starts this new season on a lenient mark. Unanimite has always threatened to run a big race and Cloonacool won a competitive Listed handicap at Market Rasen last month, so both are respected.
Selection: JOLLY’S CRACKED IT
Alternative: NABUCCO
3:05 (Wetherby) bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1) – 3m 45y
Dynaste
Good news that Grand National hero Many Clouds heads the line-up for what looks a top-class renewal of the Charlie Hall. Oliver Sherwood’s star is obviously respected having landed the Hennessy Gold Cup and BetBright Cup at Cheltenham en route to his Aintree success last season, but he may struggle to give weight to some classy horses first time out. A similar case can be put to last year’s winner Menorah, who started last season in terrific fashion when landing this before going on to finish second in Haydock’s Betfair Chase. He rates a big danger, despite the penalty, given his performance 12 months ago and his win in the Oaksey Chase at Sandown when last seen. Cue Card was a top-class chaser at his peak in 2013 when winning the Ryanair and Betfair Chase before very nearly adding a King George to the list. But since that effort he’s had his problems and struggled to perform at the top level, and would need to return to something near his best to land this. DYNASTE has only managed one win in the last two seasons out of novice company over fences – when winning the 2014 Ryanair – but has always been competitive in the top chases over 3m, making the frame in the Betfair Chase, King George and BetBright Cup last season. He should be sharper for a recent spin over hurdles in France and he can finally get his head in front again over the larger obstacles. Stablemate Ballynagour and Gold Cup fourth Holywell are respected, but both usually need a run and so are best watched first time up.
Another good turnout for this valuable handicap chase and it looks ultra-competitive as a result. Last year’s winner What A Warrior looks to have every chance of a repeat bid as he comes here only 1lb higher in the weights than that day and will be primed for this. Top weight Houblon Des Obeaux is another previous winner, back in 2013, and should be a major player if returning to the form that saw him finish runner-up in the Hennessy last season. Ned Stark started favourite for the 3m handicap at the Cheltenham Festival after an impressive first season over fences, but could only manage a disappointing eighth. He has been dropped 2lb since that effort, though, and seems sure to improve. Three places ahead of him that day was the lightly-raced PENDRA, who has long suggested that he has one of these big handicaps in him, but frequently let his backers down. That creditable fifth was one of only two appearances last term, following a wind operation, and he could now reap the rewards of a quiet campaign by landing this big prize for an in-form yard. Fox Appeal could be a danger if this doesn’t come too soon after his reappearance at Cheltenham last week, while Double Ross is also of interest now stepping down in grade and off a handy mark.
2:35, Marie Curie Cancer Care Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 2m 4f
A competitive field looks set to line up for the second race on the card and plenty will fancy their chances. Last year’s winner Johns Spirit returns to a track he knows well and, despite being 18 lb higher than that victory, looks to have every chance of winning this again if running up to the form that saw him finish fourth at the Festival. Champion Court carries top weight but is now 3 lb lower than his last winning mark and could be a big danger if he gets his own way out in front. The market is currently headed by the Emma Lavelle trained Claret Cloak who was unlucky not to record a win in 2m handicap company back in the spring. He now races beyond 2m 1f for only the second time in his career and there has to be some doubt about his stamina over this extended trip, as well as the potential for overnight rain to ruin his preferred ground conditions. However, one horse who won’t be concerned by the trip or a change in the going is PERSIAN SNOW. Philip Hobbs’ entry had been progressing nicely in handicap company before a below-par effort last time out at the track back in April. That result was probably just a case of one race too many and he should now be seen back to full effect after a long break. Of the remainder, Workbench looks an interesting prospect after a fruitful summer and course winner Ackertac should not be dismissed off his current mark.
Despite the small field, it looks like a smart bunch of four-year-old’s that’ll line up for this class 2. Both Stephen Hero and Violet Dancer deserve respect, but neither have shown the ability thus far to suggest they can bother the market principals. Tiger Roll surprised a few when winning the Triumph Hurdle on only his third start over hurdles and obviously has to be respected, despite disappointing at Punchestown last time out, but preference has to be for CALIPTO who surely would have got closer to him that day had his stirrup not broke after jumping the second last. Paul Nicholls’ charge also has an 8 lb pull in the weights with the Irish raider and that alone should be enough to give the yard a third successive victory in the race. The only other runner is the Evan Williams trained Ballyglasheen who impressed when winning the Swinton at Haydock back in May and could be a threat if reproducing his best form.
Over the sticks 