Lauded jockey doesn’t have the sort of job that leads straight to Festival glory but could still land a plum Grand National rideHell is, of course, full of people typing up novelty bet offers for the New Year but there’s some morbid fascination that drags my eyes to the silly lists of prices issued at this time of year. For some reason, we’re expected to care whether snow will fall on Heathrow on Easter Sunday (16-1) or Mary Berry will sign up for Strictly (25-1). Related: Waiting Patiently could be on collision course with Altior at Ascot Lingfield Continue reading...
Gordon Elliott has revealed that he and the horse’s owners want to try to win the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham in MarchSamcro has become favourite with some bookmakers for the Champion Hurdle after news broke this morning that the hugely promising chestnut will be kept to the smaller obstacles this season. The news, which runs counter to the general expectation that he would begin a steeplechasing career this week, was broken by the trainer Gordon Elliott through his Betfair blog. Related: Bryony Frost back in the limelight after battling Aintree victory on Frodon Redcar 12.05 Pendleton (nb) 12.35 Timetodock 1.05 Mister Chiang 1.40 Warrior’s Spirit 2.15 Bill Cody 2.50 Make Me 3.25 Alfie’s Angel 4.00 Sfumato Continue reading...
A late change of target remains possible but Willie Mullins’s two-miler now seems set to take on Altior on WednesdayHoly smokes, Douvan has been declared for Wednesday’s Champion Chase with Ruby Walsh booked to ride, despite all yesterday’s toing and froing about connections looking at a switch to the Ryanair. Nothing is final until he actually lines up for the race, of course, and the rules still allow for him to run in the Ryanair instead if there is yet another late change of heart. Related: Cheltenham trainers warn of testing, ‘puddingy’ ground for Festival Related: Richard Johnson looks to ‘family pet’ for his Gold Cup inspiration | Chris Cook Dr Richard Newland 43% (7) Nicky Henderson 40% (15) Harry...
Bookmaker has been laying well over the odds for weeks about flashy hurdler’s Supreme chanceI had a quick word with Eddie O’Leary this morning, just to confirm that next week’s target for Samcro hasn’t changed. He was clear, as he has been for weeks, that the intention is to run the star novice hurdler in the Ballymore, barring extreme ground conditions. “It would have to be brutally heavy,” he said, before Samcro’s owners would even begin to consider running him in the Supreme. Related: RSPCA raises concern over whips not adhering to guidelines Dr Richard Newland 60% (5) Peter Bowen 40% (5) Paul Nicholls 30% (30) Brian Ellison 30% (27) Alan King 28% (25) Sue Smith 25% (12) Warren Greatrex...
The Gloucestershire trainer may not fancy his chance of a Festival success this year but he’s got plenty of contendersHere’s a quick canter through some of the Cheltenham Festival targets for Nigel Twiston-Davies horses, for which there was no room in this morning’s news piece. The New One, of course, joins Wholestone in the Stayers and the trainer has removed the temptation to switch back into yet another Champion Hurdle with the horse by taking him out of the entries. Related: Blaklion’s Aintree chances unharmed by defeat, says Nigel Twiston-Davies Warwick 1.50 Indian Hawk 2.25 Zamalight 3.00 Blameitalonmyroots 3.30 Knockgraffon (nap) 4.05 Asking Questions 4.40 Fly Home Harry 5.10 Be That As It May Continue reading...