Hi all,
This is the time of year when the winter jumps tracker starts to fill up, and there were plenty of horses for the NH notebook after last weekend’s action at Wetherby, Ascot, and Carlisle.
NH Notebook
Wetherby
Thistle Ask made it three wins from four starts over fences with an easy success in Friday’s Premier Handicap (2m3½f). He’s lightly raced for an eight-year-old and is at the right end of the handicap. He’ll go up for this but should stay competitive. Having jumped right on both runs for his current yard, he’s one to note when heading to right-handed tracks like Ascot or Sandown. He’s most effective on good or good-to-soft ground, though deep winter going might not suit.
In Saturday’s column, I mentioned Strong Foundations (Sam Drinkwater) as one to note on chase debut and he didn’t disappoint. The six-year-old shaped with real promise, finishing a length runner-up to Pep Talking. He stayed on well and should soon be winning over fences, especially around 2m4f on decent ground. He's one for the NH notebook.
Ascot
Gabriel’s Getaway ran a cracker when second to Teddy Blue in Saturday’s 2m1f handicap chase, despite being 7lb out of the handicap. He found the early gallop sharp but kept finding for pressure and stayed on strongly after a slight error two out. He’s well treated and looks ready to win soon.
Alexei, runner-up in the Welsh Champion Hurdle on his return, justified strong market support when taking the Lavazza Handicap Hurdle. Always travelling well, he quickened nicely after the last to win with something in hand. The Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham looks the logical next step and he’d have strong claims there, especially if the ground stays on the good side.
The Changing Man rarely runs a bad race, and he did so again when second to Henry’s Friend in the 3m Premier Handicap Chase. He had every chance at the last and might just have needed the outing. He’s likely to head to Newbury for the Coral Gold Cup and looks a big player there. He’s 10/1 with the sponsors but 16/1 with William Hill – the latter odds make plenty of each-way appeal.
Blow Your Wad also shaped well in the same race. The first-time visor helped, and he saw out three miles well to finish third. That opens new doors distance-wise, and he should pick up races this season if he builds on this performance.
Carlisle
Sunday’s Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase often highlights future stars and this year’s renewal looked up to scratch.
Resplendent Grey, winner of the bet365 Gold Cup (3m4½f) at Sandown in April, dropped back in trip but still proved too good in a steadily run race. He was cut to 8/1 for the Coral Gold Cup, and the step back up in distance and Newbury’s long straight will suit him perfectly. He goes there with a major chance.
Handstands, a smart novice chaser last season, was expected to win but looked a bit rusty on return. He’ll come on for the run and remains a horse to keep onside.
Finally, O’Connell (Joel Parkinson & Sue Smith) made an encouraging seasonal reappearance. A progressive staying chaser last season — including three wins and a runner-up finish in the Eider Chase. He stayed on strongly for third behind Sound And Fury. Softer ground and a return to marathon trips will bring out the best in him, and he can land a nice prize soon.
Tuesday Preview
Not much to get excited about on Tuesday, but Alcarath catches the eye in the 1m2f handicap (1:55) at Redcar. The three-year-old impressed when winning a novice at Epsom last month and looks open to more progress now switched to handicaps.
It’s notable that Highclere Thoroughbred Racing have stepped in to buy him since his win – a sign of confidence in his potential. He won’t be a big price, but if he takes the expected step forward, he should prove too good for these.
Tuesday Selection:
Redcar
1:55 – Alcarath
In Wednesday’s column, I’ll be focusing on this season’s standout juvenile colts and fillies and what their performances might mean for next year’s Classics.
Good luck with your Tuesday bets,
John