Good morning all,
I’m beginning to dread a sunny day at our jump’s tracks because you know what it's likely to bring.
Low sun was the enemy again on Saturday, with just the five hurdles jumped in the International Hurdle. The race was reduced to a bit of a farce by low Sun but that won’t worry backers or the connections of winner Song For Someone.
Inside the main piece, you can read my thoughts on Saturday’s Cheltenham action. Plus, I have a selection from Kempton.
International Hurdle
Goshen was set to be one of the easiest winners of the Triumph Hurdle in recent seasons when falling at the last. Since that day, it’s not been plain sailing for the 4-year-old. Two exceptionally poor runs on the flat and finishing well beaten on Saturday.
He was pulling Jamie Moore’s arms out in the early part of the race before going out like a light. At least we may have some explanation as to why he ran so poorly. After the race the course vet diagnosed that Goshen had an uneven heart. It sounds something like what afflicted Paisley Park last season. Hopefully it’s something he can bounce back from.
The rain that had turned the ground soft meant both Sceau Royal and Verdana Blue might as well have stayed in their boxes. They travelled well enough but couldn’t pick up when asked for their efforts.
The uber consistent Ballyandy was up with the pace all the way and finished an honourable third.
Silver Streak who had been carried out by a loose horse in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle two weeks earlier, ran a cracker to finish second. He was only beaten a nose at the line and given he didn’t get the clearest of runs a furlong out he can rate an unlucky loser, especially as he’s a better horse on a sounder surface.
Take nothing away from the improving winner Song For Someone. He was probably the most inconvenienced by the removal of the hurdles but still showed a good attitude to hold off the late challenge of the runner-up on the long run for home. The 5-year-old has won both starts this season and could well return here for the Champion Hurdle in March.
Pirate relishes drop back in trip
The drop back to the minimum trip looked an interesting one for the strong travelling Sky Pirate. Coming into the race a ten-race maiden over fences but with plenty of good performances to his name, the 7-year-old relished a truly run 2m and ran out a comfortable winner from the favourite Ibleo. After the race trainer Jonjo O’Neill was talking about the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival for the horse and it’s a race that would suit him.
Mick rolls in the mud
To say that Irish trainer Michael Winters is a character would be an understatement. On Saturday he could hardly contain his joy, as his Chatham Street Lad won the Caspian Caviar by a long looking 15 lengths. I doubt we will ever see Nicky Henderson rolling in the grass to celebrate a winner at Cheltenham but Winters is altogether a different sort of trainer.
As for the race, it had looked a competitive one on paper. However, it was anything but competitive with Chatham Street Lad running out a 15-length winner to become the first Irish trained winner of the race in fifteen years.
I’m still kicking myself for not putting Chatham Street Lad up as one of my race picks. As soon as I realised, he was coming over the race I wanted him on side. However, between Thursday and Friday for some inexplicable reason I talked myself out of backing him. We have all done it in the past. If it wins at 4/1, I can roll with it but 16/1 it's frustrating.
At least I had Sky Pirate and Sizing Pottsie win and Ballyandy finish third so it ended up a profitable Saturday. Still Chatham Street Lad remains a case of the one that got away.
Monday Racing
Kempton
8:10 – Jungle Boogaloo made a promising start for new trainer Philip McBride when 5th of 10 at Chelmsford 21-days ago. Dropped back to 5f. The filly was slowly away but was doing her best work at the finish to get within 2 lengths of the winner. On the evidence of that run. An extra furlong should suit and if she can build on that promise won’t be far away.
Monday selection:
8:10 – Jungle Boogaloo –
Good luck with your Monday bets.
John
John Burke is the tipster behind the long standing Victor Value service you can join him here – https://victorvalue.uk