Hi all,
You often hear racing pundits, myself included, say that trainers are “creatures of habit.” A prime example is Nicky Henderson and Saturday’s Game Spirit Chase at Newbury (3:00). Henderson has won this Grade 2 five times since 2011, including with Sprinter Sacre and Altior, who both triumphed here before landing the Arkle at the Cheltenham Festival.
In 2012, Sprinter Sacre won the Wayward Lad Novices’ Chase at Kempton before taking the Game Spirit as a novice. In 2017, Altior followed the same path en route to Arkle glory.
On Saturday, Henderson will try to repeat the feat with Sir Gino. Like those two champions, Sir Gino is a novice stepping up against experienced rivals in open company. The fact Henderson is willing to take on the likes of Edwardstone, Matata and Libberty Hunter shows how highly he rates him. He could have gone for the easier option in the Grade 2 Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick, a race he won with Jonbon in 2023. But with Newbury his local track, it’s clear he sees Sir Gino in the same league as Sprinter Sacre and Altior.
Sir Gino will face a sterner test than either of those champions did. Yet bookmakers have him as the 4/7 favourite, reflecting the strong impression he made when beating Ballyburn in the Wayward Lad.
From a value perspective, there are better odds-on chances than a novice tackling battle-hardened chasers on just his second start over fences. I wouldn’t want to take those odds, but I wouldn’t lay Sir Gino either. It should be a fascinating watch.
Friday Racing
It might not be Friday’s most valuable race, but the Corbett Sports North Wales National Handicap Chase (2:12) at Bangor has attracted a full field of 16 runners. Granted it’s only a Class 4 contest which I wouldn’t normally look at. But as i’ve said before, what’s not to like about a big-field marathon handicap chase?
Over at Kempton, there’s also a competitive line-up for the trustatrader.com Handicap Chase (3:25).
Both Bangor and Kempton face morning inspections to see if racing can go ahead but hopefully it can.
Kempton
3:25 – Crebilly wasback from a 3 month layoff when a promising 13 lengths 3rd of 8 to Matata at Windsor 19 days ago. He would probably have finished runner-up in that race but for a mistake at the last. Two miles would have been on the short for him at Windsor so he will appreciate the return to 2m 4f. His jumping has been a concern in the past and that remains a worry but I think he’s a winnable mark provided he cuts out the mistakes.
Bangor- on- Dee
Source: Racing Post
2:12 – Corbett Sports North Wales National Handicap Chase (Class 4) – 3m 5½ f
Duke Of Deception hasn’t hit winning form so far this season and is 10lb higher than last year. That said he looked a bit unlucky when 1 ¼ length 2nd of 9 in the Highland National at Perth last April so this higher mark might not prove beyond him. Yard among the winners.
Haute Estime is another who hasn’t hit form so far on three starts this season. Now 5lb lower than 12 months ago. Overall her form has been disappointing and she needs to bounce back big time if she’s to take advantage of her drop in the weight. Yard won the race in 2018.
Caeruleum modest over hurdles and didn’t look he looks he was going to be that much better over fences, but he’s won his last two at Wincanton and Taunton. Up 10lb and a notch in class here but if he stays today’s 3m 5 ½ f the hat trick could be on.
Well Dick’s last seven form figures are 1PP1PP1. He made it 2 from 6 over fences when running out an easy winner at Exeter 25 day’s ago. A 5lb rise isn’t harsh and he proved his stamina for this sort of trip when successful at Warwick (3m 5f) last March. Just had the two starts since switching to Emma Lavelle and if he can build on last time, he’s got sound claims.
I’m not sure Rouge de L'Quest quite get home when a 16 ¼ length 3rd of 11 at Exeter back in December. The first time visor replaces the blinkers and mark of 115 shouldn’t prove beyond him. I can never catch the Rebecca Curtis, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go close.
Finally
If you want my final picks for the weekend and the next 30 days, you can get them here.
In Saturday’s column I like be looking at the William Hill Super Saturday meeting at Newbury.
Good luck with your Friday bets.
John