Hi all,
Grade 1 action on both sides of the Irish Sea. A disappointing field for the Morgiana Hurdle at Punchestown, but both the Betfair Chase and John Durkan Chase served up interesting contests. Plenty of big names returned and younger horses attempted to break through into the top level.
It was a great weekend of National Hunt action and every weekend between now and Christmas is a brilliant time for jumps fans. The weakness of the jumps season is its weekend-heavy scheduling compared to the Flat, but those weekends are usually fantastic.
Inside today’s main piece I’m recapping the Saturday's big race action.
Let’s begin at Haydock on Betfair Chase Day.
Haydock: Grey Dawning Rises, Costly Ride on Hartington
The Jukebox Man, unbeaten in two novice chases last season, was a strong favourite to make a winning return in the Betfair Exchange Graduation Chase. Sent straight to the front, he enjoyed an uncontested lead and jumped with enthusiasm. It was a triumphant return by the 7yo. Nearest market rival Iroko closed him down late, but The Jukebox Man had the race won coming to the last. There should be more to come, and he now heads to the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
Electric Mason held off the late thrust of Hartington to land the Betfair Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle — the third leg of a treble for Freddie Gordon and trainer Chris Gordon.
Three of the first four home were qualifiers using the handicap hurdle method, including the winner and runner-up. I was on Hartington and sided with Navajo Indy rather than Electric Mason, but no complaints on that score.
What did sting was Sean Bowen’s ride on the runner-up. As regular readers know, I’m a big Bowen fan, but this wasn’t one of his better rides. He should have switched Hartington earlier, and if he had, I think he would have won.
Grey Dawning Too Good in Betfair Chase
Grey Dawning, second in last year’s Betfair Chase, went one better in style. He travelled smoothly, jumped neatly, and breezed past Royale Pagaille on the bridle to win far more comfortably than the 2¾-length margin suggests. Harry Skelton was ice-cool in the saddle, and it was an impressive watch.
Royale Pagaille, bidding for a hat-trick in the race, went down fighting in second, but on Saturday’s better ground he couldn’t live with the winner.
Haiti Couleurs, stepping up from handicaps, never found a rhythm and his jumping let him down. The quick turnaround from his recent hurdle win may have been a factor. He’s not one to abandon yet, but he needs to sharpen up his jumping if he’s to make his mark at this level.
Grey Dawning was the standout performer and fully deserved his Betfair Chase win. Bookmakers reacted by trimming him to 16/1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
However, I’m not convinced that represents value. On softer ground and over a more searching stamina test, I wouldn’t be surprised if Haiti Couleurs finished in front of him in a Cheltenham Gold Cup.
Ascot: Jango Baie Impresses in 1965 Chase
Gidleigh Park set out to make all in the Ladbrokes 1965 Chase. He led until turning into the straight, where Jango Baie loomed upsides. The Arkle winner took over two out and powered clear for an impressive success. He stayed 2m5f strongly and, while not guaranteed to stay three miles on breeding, he shapes as though he will. The King George VI Chase at Kempton looks the next stop for this progressive 6yo.
It was a solid return from Gidleigh Park in second. Softer ground would have helped, and he may just have needed the run. There are Graded wins in him this season.
Pic D'Orhy, seeking a third straight win in the race, was a well-beaten third. He ran below form and perhaps paid the price for a tough race in the Charlie Hall.
Il Est Francais was one of the first beaten after failing to get an uncontested lead. His bold jumping second in last year’s King George feels a long time ago. The bubble has firmly burst but of he lines up in this year’s race, his rivals mustn’t let have his own way out in front.
Wodhooh looked to have a class advantage over her rivals in the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Ascot Hurdle. Turning for home she looked to have something to do, but she picked up well and jumped the last two slickly before pulling clear of Celtic Dino. Now 8 wins from 9 over hurdles, the only horse to beat her is Lossiemouth. Connections will hope Lossiemouth heads to the Champion Hurdle, not the Mares’ Hurdle this season.
Punchestown: Lossiemouth Untroubled in Punchestown Procession
Just four lined up for the Morgiana Hurdle, and Lossiemouth went off a 1/5 favourite. Paul Townend made all and, barring taking a chance four out, she jumped well on seasonal return.
Stablemate and nearest market rival Irancy was in trouble turning for home and ran below expectations. He may not have enjoyed the testing ground, but it was still a disappointing effort.
It was a straightforward success, and we learned nothing new, but it sets her up for another big season.
Also, on the Punchestown card Oscar’s Brother was a battling winner of the Grade 2 Pearl Novice Chase (3m). The 7yo a winner of a Galway beginners chase on his previous start jumped well and just outstayed Koktail Divin close to home. Given the quality of his jumping, he deserves to take his place in a Grade 1 novice chase.
A Simple NH Class 1 Angle Update
On Friday I highlighted focusing on the first two in Class 1 non-handicap NH races — and it paid off.
Across the three Class 1 contests at Haydock and Ascot, all three favourites obliged. It won’t land every weekend, but it will land more often than not. I’m not usually a fan of multiples, but it’s worth considering bundling them given their likely short odds.
One reader told me they used the method and backed all three winners. For reference, a £5 Trixie (£20 total stake) returned £156.02.
Sunday’s two Graded races at Punchestown went to the second favourite.
I've now highlighted a handicap hurdle shortlisting method and a Class 1 non-handicap approach. All I need to do is find something reliable for handicap chases. My Saturday handicap chase picks are still running, so the work on that continues.
I had a dreadful weekend’s punting, yet strangely I feel as upbeat as I did after last weekend’s Cheltenham profits.
Monday Racing
Kempton’s Listed CopyBet Mares Hurdle (2:30) with £14,238 on offer to the winner is Monday’s valuable contest. It’s a race I can leave alone but the rest of the Kempton card also provides the best of the day’s action.
Kempton
3:05 – First Confession ran well on seasonal return when a 10-length 3rd of 12 on chase debut over 2m5f at Carlisle 22 days ago. That looked a good race which should produce winners. He shaped as though further would suit last time and 3m can help. The yard is flying and he's Monday's pick.
3:40 – Surrey Lord was back to form when winning a handicap at Ffos Las 27 days ago. Up 7lb but he was firmly on top at the line. Remains open to improvement if as effective back on good ground. At The Oche made all to win a maiden hurdle on good ground at Ffos Las two runs ago. Up in trip and ridden to get home when a ¾-length runner-up on handicap debut at Ascot 23 days ago. Needs to jump more fluently, but if he does, he’s a big contender.
Tomorrow I’ll be delving into the notebook for future winners from the weekend’s action. Plus, I review Sunday’s Grade 1 John Durkan Chase at Punchestown.
Good luck with your Monday bets.
John