Hi all,
The first of three days at the new Berkshire Winter Million meeting begins today at Windsor. There’s £1.2 million in prize money up for grabs across the three days. ITV will cover four races from Windsor, three from Market Rasen—including the rescheduled Veterans’ Chase Final—and one from Newcastle.
Here’s my preview of the four ITV races at Windsor:
Windsor
1:50 – Fitzdares Lightning Novices' Chase (Grade 2) – 2m
The first ITV race features just four runners, but all have a some sort of chance. Caldwell Potter, the even-money favourite, is a worthy market leader after finishing third behind Jango Baie at Cheltenham last time. He’ll appreciate the softer ground and has the potential to develop into a smart novice chaser. However, the trainer’s recent form is a slight concern.
Gidleigh Park, a Grade 2-winning novice hurdler, pulled up on his chase debut due to an irregular heartbeat. He’s thrown in at the deep end here and likely needs further, but he shouldn’t be discounted entirely.
You Wear It Well, benefitting from the 7lb mares’ allowance, has shaped with promise on both chase starts this season. If she gets into a good rhythm out front, she could surprise.
Personal Ambition, another Grade 2-winning novice hurdler, was unlucky when making a bad mistake at the last in a Grade 2 at Ascot. While he might prefer slightly further, he could capitalize if Caldwell Potter underperforms.
2:25 – Let's Bet Personal With Fitzdares Mares Handicap Chase (Class 2) – 2m 4f
Party Vibes broke her duck over fences last time with a win at Exeter. She’s effective on soft ground and remains open to further improvement, making her a strong contender.
Law Ella, trained by Gavin Cromwell, demands respect. She hasn’t won since her chase debut last autumn but has been running well, including a third-place finish in a valuable Limerick handicap over Christmas. She’ll run a big race if the stamina test suits.
Panic Attack has shown promise since returning from a 22-month break. Now back over fences at her ideal trip and on a winnable mark, trainer Dan Skelton seems to have targeted this race.
Game On For Glory looked good winning at Cheltenham last month. A 5lb rise makes things tougher, but she’s consistent and should be in the mix again.
3:00 – Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m
Blueking D’Oroux drops back to his optimum trip after struggling over three miles in the Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot. If he’s at his best, he’s a major player.
Langer Dan is the class horse on official ratings, 10lb better than Blueking D’Oroux, and receives 4lb here. Who knows if the handbrake is off today, but he has the talent to win.
Nemean Lion returned to form with a comfortable win at Hereford last time. Soft ground suits him, and he should be well-placed in a likely slow-run race.
Salver was still in contention when falling in the Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day. The step up to 2m 4f suited him there, and he’ll be a danger if the ground stays soft.
3:35 – Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) – 2m
This is the most valuable race on the card, with £57,233 to the winner. A competitive field of 14 makes it a tricky puzzle.
Kabral Du Mathan: Unlucky when beaten a short head last time. Handy mark and has strong claims.
Secret Squirrel: Fell at the Ladbrokes Handicap Hurdle at Ascot last time (would have been placed). He’s consistent and could be suited by this sharp track.
Hansard: Ran well at Kempton last time and looks interesting on his novice form. Consistent and well-handicapped.
Beat The Bat: Going the right away but might find 2m on the sharp side.
Navajo Indy: Won the Gerry Feilden at Newbury last time. Needs more off this higher mark but could improve further.
Brentford Hope: Returned with a solid second in the Elite Hurdle. Easier ground and the return to handicap company make him a contender.
If you want my Berkshire Million picks you can get them here.
In tomorrow's column I'll look at the best of Saturday's action.
Good luck with your Friday bets!
John