Hi all,
Inside today's main piece I look back at the weekend's big race action
Storm Darragh wreaked havoc on Saturday, forcing the abandonment of Aintree’s Becher Chase card. Thankfully, Sandown went ahead, offering some competitive action despite the challenging conditions.
Sandown
Heavy rain softened the ground to its typical testing state for Tingle Creek Day. There was little joy for punters looking for horses at bigger odds, with five favourites obliging across seven races and no winner exceeding 9/2. Four of ITV’s races went to favourites, with the other taken by the second favourite.
Top Novices Clash in Tingling Contest
The Grade 1 Betfair Henry VIII Novices' Chase looked a cracking race, even with Rubaud withdrawn due to the going. L'Eau Du Sud faced two promising Gordon Elliott-trained novices, Down Memory Lane and Touch Me Not.
L'Eau Du Sud made it three wins from three over fences, to see off a strong Irish challenger in tough underfoot conditions. He showed courage and class, staking a serious claim for the Arkle, he’s a definite contender.
Touch Me Not jumped well but made a costly error at the sixth, taking a couple of fences to recover. At just five years old, he remains a prospect to keep onside.
Down Memory Lane, on only his second chase start, struggled after tentative early jumping. They changed tactics on him after making all when he won on debut in a Navan beginners chase. The softer ground likely didn’t suit him, given he’s by a Presenting and, there will be other days for him.
Jonbon’s a Different Class
Jonbon delivered a masterclass in the Tingle Creek Chase, cruising into the straight before dispatching inferior rivals with ease. The 8/13 favourite claimed his eighth Grade 1, and Sandown once again proved his fortress.
Nico de Boinville has been transformative for Jonbon, attacking fences with confidence—something his previous rider, Aidan Coleman, didn’t.
Irish raider Quilixios was outclassed but ran well to hold on for second, while Edwardstone was travelling well before falling at the fourth. He may have fought for second but never looked a threat to Jonbon.
Energumene Returns in Style
Sunday’s highlight was the return of former Champion Chaser Energumene in the Hilly Way Chase (Cork). After a 593-day layoff, the 10-year-old impressed. His win gave Willie Mullins his 10th win in the race in 11 years—perhaps it should be renamed the Willy Way Chase!
Despite jumping markedly right at several fences, Energumene was simply too good. At 11 come March, reclaiming his Champion Chase crown will be tough, but he showed plenty of his old ability here.
Banbridge, running over an inadequate trip and an easier ground than optimal, unseated at the last while still challenging. Though unlikely to have beaten the winner, he could have made things interesting.
Djelo Dominates in Peterborough Chase
Venetia Williams' Djelo turned Sunday’s Grade 2 Peterborough Chase into a procession, outclassing Protektorat and Ginny’s Destiny.
Djelo’s prominent racing style hinted at Venetia’s intent, and he didn’t disappoint. I rarely bet in-running, but seeing him so well-placed, I took the plunge—and it paid off.
Protektorat, unsuited by the race’s pace, and the out-of-form Ginny’s Destiny were left trailing. While Djelo isn’t a Grade 1 chaser in my view, his performance left question marks over his rivals performances. Protektorat likely has bigger targets, while Ginny’s Destiny still needs to find his form.
Final Thoughts
On a good weekend for favourites Jonbon was the standout performer of the weekend, but it was equally heartening to see Energumene back on track. Oh, and L'Eau Du Sud is a genuine Arkle contender.
In tommorow's column there will be a couple of future winners
Good luck with your Monday bets!
John