Hi all,
Given the recent poor weather, there haven't been too many horses taking the eye recently. The trend continued last week. In fact, I haven’t got any horses for the tracker from last weekend’s action. However, I do have a couple of interest from the previous Saturday which I didn’t give you last week as I was away on holiday. Plus, there's a selection from this afternoon's meeting at Leicester.
Tracker Horses:
The previous Saturday saw Trewlane go close to going into the tracker. The Kim Bailey trained 8-year-old ran a remarkable race despite only finishing runner-up to Colonel Harry in Wetherby’s Grade 2 Towton Novices' Chase. Given he kept jumping markedly to his right he did well to get as close as he did to the winner.
Trewlane needs to go right-handed, might benefit from the application of some headgear, and needs to step up to three miles. When getting those optimum conditions he can win again.
Nemean Lion was expected to improve for the step up in distance in Kempton’s Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle (2m 5f). He was coming with what looked a very promising run before making a mistake two out and at the final hurdle. He had also made a crucial mistake on his previous start in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham. If he could cut out those mistakes, he would be of some interest in a race like the Coral Cup at the Festival.
I mentioned in yesterday’s column that I thought the most eyecatching performance last weekend came from Stattler at Thurles. I wouldn’t take his closeness to Allaho in Sunday’s race to literally, but he was racing a trip at least mile below his optimum trip. Essentially, he’s a one-paced galloper who needs four miles so the Grand National would be an interesting race for him. I haven’t backed him myself yet but if you do fancy him for Aintree the 40/1 still available with Paddy Power and Coral would surely mark appeal.
Tuesday Preview
The big story on Tuesday is Newbury making its debut on Sky Sports Racing after its move from Racing TV. As it happens the Newbury card is ok for a Tuesday. There’s also a decent handicap chase at Leicester this afternoon.
I have several of interest on Tuesday.
Newbury
2:35 – Larry was another handicap chase winner for Gary Moore following hot on the hoofs of Movethechains win in the Surrey National. He could have another winner in the shape of Invincible Nao. The 6-year-old stepped up on his chase debut effort when a 1 ¼ length 3rd of 5 at Lingfield last time. There’s likely to be more to come from him over fences and today’s step up to 2m 6f could suit.
3:10 – Gaye Legacy produced a career best when a 2 ½ length 2nd of 11 to Martha Brae in similar race at Kempton 27 days ago. Nudged up 2lb since but is unexposed over staying trips and has a big chance of going one place better. Not sure about jockey Ben Poste 43 rides and 60 days since a winner. Given those figures 5/1 is plenty short enough despite her obvious claims. In contrast the booking of Harry Cobden for Don’t Really Know is an eyecatching one. The 9-year-old won an Exeter novice (2m 7f) three starts back and hasn’t been disgraced on either start over shorter since including last time on her handicap debut at Wincanton. Today's longer trip will suit her and if she jumps with more fluency is likely to be in the mix once more.
3:45 – Issar d'Airy won on chase debut over C&D 24 days ago. An 8lb rise looks fair enough as he’s open to further improvement on just his second start over the larger obstacles.
Leicester
3:20 – I’m not sure O'Connell wants the drop back to 2m 6 ½ f but he travelled like he’s still on a good mark when a close-up 4th in the Lincolnshire National last time. Risk And Roll is back over fences for the first time since winning at Uttoxeter in September. He’s a previous C&D winner and is an each-way contender. Everything'sontick made a winning chase debut on his seasonal return in November, beating subsequent winner Animal in the process. Didn’t progress as expected when 3rd of 6 at Cheltenham last time but the cheekpieces are applied today and if they have the desired effect he won’t be far away.
Verdict: Softer ground enhances the claims of Risk And Roll and will bring O'Connell’s stamina into play. However, Everything'sontick just gets the nod. That said I wouldn't want to take less than 5/1 about his chance.
Tuesday Selection:
3:20 – Everything'sontick – 5/1 & bigger.
Good luck with your Tuesday bets.
John