Strong Leader Makes Case

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece, I’m looking back at the weekend’s action at Newbury and Newcastle. Plus, you'll find a horse that has become a forgotten horse as far as the Stayers Hurdle is concerned.

The first rule of getting over a cold or flu quickly can be summed up in four words: “Get plenty of rest.” For me, that meant lying in bed watching the racing on Saturday. Sounds perfect, but with a hacking cough, it was far from fun.

I had planned to write a Sunday column focusing on the Fairyhouse action and had written most of it, but I just didn’t have the energy to finish. Apologies to anyone who was hoping to read it.

Newbury offered two fantastic days of racing, starting on Friday. The weather was beautiful—clear winter skies—and with the track layout, there were no issues with low sun. A win-win for all involved.

Friday Highlights: Newbury Novices Shine Brightly

Regent’s Stroll

The highly regarded Regent’s Stroll, unbeaten in two bumpers last season, made a winning hurdle debut in the opening 2m½f maiden hurdle. Despite a bad mistake two out, he dominated his nine rivals.

He looked more fluent and sharper than I had anticipated. While I initially thought he needed a stamina test, Friday’s performance suggests he could stay at two miles for now. Connections are eyeing the Grade 1 Challow Hurdle (2m 4 ½ f) back here at the end of the month, a race Paul Nicholls has won four years running. However, he’s clearly a top prospect for the spring Grade 1 novice hurdles.

The Jukebox Man

A strong stayer over hurdles, The Jukebox Man made a winning chase debut over 2m4f in the Grade 2 John Francome Novices' Chase. He attacked his fences with enthusiasm and showed plenty of scope for improvement. You can watch his win here.

That said, we shouldn’t get carried away. His main rivals, Captain Teague and Johnnywho, failed to perform, leaving a handicapper Masaccio to claim second. While it was an excellent start to his career over fences, I’d like to see him tested over Cheltenham’s fences before March.

The Stayers Hurdle: Strong Leader Makes Case

Strong Leader justified favouritism in the Grade 2 Long Distance Hurdle, jumping well and the further he went the better he looked.

The Grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot is up next for the 7-year-old. He’s best British trained staying hurdler but there’s a chance he won’t even run in the big race in March.  Trainer Ollie Murphy thinks a flat track suits Strong Leader better. I’m not sure about that I thought he ran creditably at Cheltenham in the Relkeel Hurdle earlier this year.

With doubts surrounding the British staying hurdling division, Strong Leader looks a standout contender in the Stayers Hurdle. His current odds of 16/1 available with William Hill for the Stayers Hurdle look big to me. They must be hoping the trainer really does believe Strong Leader doesn’t like Cheltenham.

Saturday: Fighting Fifth Day Delivers Drama

Despite the competing claims of Newbury’s Coral Gold Cup, Newcastle’s Fighting Fifth Hurdle was the day’s headline act.

Sir Gino

What was expected to be a thrilling clash between Sir Gino and Mystical Power fizzled out when the latter failed to fire. Sir Gino, however, was sharp on his return, jumping neatly and asserting his dominance after the last.

While he didn’t face much competition, Sir Gino remains a legitimate Champion Hurdle contender. It’s likely his chasing plans will be postponed, especially with uncertainty around stablemate Constitution Hill.

Rehearsal Chase

Venetia Williams' Frero Banbou, stepping beyond 2m5f for the first time in 31 starts, silenced doubts about his stamina by winning the Rehearsal Chase.  Despite early keenness he still found more when challenged by The Changing Man two out.

I love it when a trainer allows their horse to go like stamina won’t be an issue. Let the horse do its own thing. If it doesn’t stay it’s unlikely, he'd have stayed if it had been held up either.

Coral Gold Cup. Nicholls Kandoo

Paul Nicholls saddled a fourth Coral Gold Cup with Kandoo Kid. The seven-year-old, third in the Topham last season, proved his stamina over 3m2f and held off Broadway Boy and French challenger General En Chef.

Kandoo Kid’s experience over National fences makes him an obvious Grand National candidate. Broadway Boy, a strong stayer, rallied well after a bad mistake four out, a mistake probably cost him more than the distance he was beaten.

Both the winner and runner-up seem likely to go for the big one at Aintree in April.

General En Chef tanked his way into contention in the straight but found little off the bridle. Victtorino flew home to snatch third off the French horse. No issues with the trip for the latter but his jumping was poor and whilst I can see why plenty would have him down as an eyecatcher I’d be more cautious.

In Tuesday's column I’ll be looking back at Sunday’s Grade 1 action at Fairyhouse

Good luck with your Monday bets.

John