Hi all,
Inside today’s main piece I’m looking back at Berkshire Winter Million.
Berkshire Winter Million Recap
I enjoyed the Berkshire Winter Million. The decision to switch the racing from Lingfield to Windsor and Ascot worked and hopefully it can continue to thrive in a normally quiet month. Lingfield just isn’t up to hosting decent jumps racing due to its propensity for waterlogging in winter.
Given we only had one meeting of jumping at Windsor how do you approach a new track. Personally, I kept it simple I didn’t consider its configuration. I know on the level it’s a flat/sharp track and that was enough for me.
One thing I noticed about the track: despite its sharp nature, they start racing a fair way from home, making stamina to see out the trip essential.
Friday
Soft ground at Windsor made for ideal jumping conditions and decent-sized fields on day one of the Berkshire Winter Million. The racing had a Saturday feel, and I treated it as such. It paid off with three winners for my subscribers and me—two of them from the Berkshire Winter Million card at Windsor. Apart from the winners, here are my highlights from Friday’s Berkshire Winter Million.
Gidleigh Park
Effectively making his chase debut, Gidleigh Park made all to win the Grade 2 Fitzdares Lightning Novices' Chase. Dropping back to 2m wasn’t an issue as he set a strong pace and comfortably beat the odds-on favourite Caldwell Potter. Built to excel over fences, he should improve further over a longer trip.
Caldwell Potter, a €740,000 purchase, has been underwhelming. With his yard struggling for winners, he’s not one to write off completely, but Grade 1 glory seems unlikely.
Panic Attack
Dan Skelton struck with the well-backed Panic Attack in the mares' handicap chase (2m 4f). Returning to fences on a good mark, she delivered a comfortable win. She retains much of her old ability and looks capable of landing a Mares Listed Chase.
Nemean Lion
Nemean Lion, a tough and consistent sort just below the top hurdlers, showed his class in the valuable conditions hurdle (2m 4f). Well-backed, he used his turn of foot to edge out Salver after the last. A return to the Grade 2 Kingwell Hurdle, which he won last February, could be on the cards if the ground remains soft.
Runner-up Salver impressed in defeat and should find a race this season with his good attitude.
Secret Squirrel
Secret Squirrel bounced back after his Ascot fall with a convincing win in the Fitzdares Sovereign Handicap Hurdle (2m). Nico De Boinville gave him a strong ride, and even with a weight rise, he’ll remain competitive in two mile handicap hurdles. He’ll be among the favourites for Newbury’s William Hill Handicap Hurdle under a 5lb penalty.
Second-placed Kabral Du Mathan, might have preferred more of a stamina test, ran well again. Lightly raced over hurdles, he has more to offer.
This race’s form looks strong, and future winners should emerge from it.
Ascot Highlights: Berkshire Winter Million Day 2
Day 2 of the Berkshire Winter Million saw the action move to Ascot. Here are my standout moments:
Lulumba
Making his debut for Nicky Henderson, Lulumba impressed in the opening juvenile hurdle. A previous hurdles winner in France, he justified favouritism with an easy win under a penalty. He looks a bright hurdling prospect and a leading player for the Triumph Hurdle.
Kargese
Last season’s top juvenile hurdler, Kargese, went off at 2/5 for the Grade 2 Mares’ Hurdle. However, her lack of fitness and keenness showed as she wasn’t able to ovehaul Take No Chances, on the run in finishing ¾ length behind. She’ll improve for the outing, but her current 8/1 odds for the Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham don’t appeal.
Jonbon Demolishes Clarence House Rivals
The Grade 1 lived up to expectations, with Jonbon making all to secure his ninth Grade 1 victory. Coming to two out, Energumene was in with a chance but couldn’t match Jonbon’s speed on decent ground. Energumene is likely to peak at Cheltenham in March but will need testing ground if he’s to reclaim his Champion Chase crown.
Jonbon’s performance was arguably a career best, and if he replicates this form, he’ll be the one to beat in the Champion Chase. I wasn’t a Jonbon fan early in his career, but I have warmed to him since Nico took over in the saddle.
Haydock Drama: Upsets and Grit
Besides Ascot’s Berkshire Winter Million card we had some decent racing at Haydock on Saturday.
After Kargese's odds on defeat at Ascot, Royal Infantry suffered a similar fate just 15 minutes later in the Grade 2 Sky Bet Supreme Trial Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle. A poor round of jumping saw him beaten two out.
Dedicated Hero showed grit, rallying after looking outpaced three out to snatch victory close to home. While the race may not have been the strongest for the grade, he’s progressing and should improve over 2m 4f. Peacenik, who led most of the way, faded late but looks a promising sort for fences.
In the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase, Betfair Chase hero Royale Pagaille never found his rhythm and was pulled up after a bad mistake at the 13th. The well-backed Trelawne also disappointed, failing to see out 3m 2f. That left Mr Vango, a mud-loving 9-year-old, to grind out victory from the front. He’ll be hard to beat on heavy ground, with the Midlands Grand National a likely target.
On the betting front, it was a quiet Saturday for me with just four-win bets, including two in the same race. Thankfully, Altobelli, equipped with first-time cheekpieces, delivered in the handicap hurdle (2m 3½f), ensuring a profitable day for Victor Value subscribers and me.
Sunday: Windsor Wraps Up Berkshire Winter Million
The final day of the Berkshire Winter Million returned to Windsor after a thrilling Saturday at Ascot. Although it was the weakest of the three days, the £85,850 Fitzdares Fleur de Lys Chase brought intrigue to the card.
With Pic D’Orhy a non-runner, Peterborough Chase winner Djelo was sent off as the 6/4 favourite. However, Protektorat stole the show and proved to classy for his five rivals. A switch to front-running tactics by Harry Skelton proved decisive as Protektorat dominated from the outset. The return to left-handed racing also helped, as his “catch me if you can” approach overwhelmed his rivals.
Djelo underperformed—another disappointment for Venetia Williams' yard—but even at his best, it’s doubtful he could have caught the winner. Protektorat’s bold jumping display puts him firmly on track to defend his Ryanair Chase crown.
The Berkshire Winter Million is an exciting initiative, but small field sizes were a concern despite the generous prize money. Positioned as it is in the calendar, this issue may persist, and the long-term success of the festival hinges on consistent support from trainers and owners.
In tomorrow’s column I’ll have a couple of future winners for the tracker.
Good luck with your Monday bets!
John