The selection seems certain to appreciate this marathon test after a clear-cut victory at Warwick last monthHistory of Fashion, the only Irish-trained runner in a field of 17 for the Eider Chase at Newcastle on Saturday, is the favourite in the early betting and Ireland’s strength in depth over jumps at present means that many punters will find Pat Fahy’s gelding irresistible.The bare form of his winning handicap debut at Down Royal in January gives him plenty to find in such a competitive race, however, and while he scored with something to spare, the step up to a marathon trip is another unknown. Continue reading...
With track, trip and going likely to suit, the Harry Fry-trained runner looks over-priced in the betting at around 8-1Novices have won seven of the last nine runnings of the Betfair Hurdle, the big betting contest at Newbury on Saturday, and Broomfield Burg, Jetoile and Jpr One are among the lightly-raced runners with an obvious chance to make it eight from 10 this weekend.The least exposed horse in the field over hurdles, though, is Harry Fry’s seven-year-old Boothill (3.35), with just two runs over timber to date. He was an easy winner in a strong time on his only start last season and finished a close third behind Soaring Glory – last year’s winner of this race – at Ascot...
Paul Nicholls was the last British trainer to win the Leopardstown prize and his frontrunner looks a decent betPaul Nicholls was the last British trainer to land the Irish Gold Cup, with Neptune Collonges in 2009, and his decision to send Frodon to the latest renewal at Leopardstown on Saturday adds further depth to what was already a fascinating contest.Kemboy, who always gives his best over this track and trip, leads the home defence along with Minella Indo, last year’s Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, and Asterion Forlonge, who fell at the last when booked for second in the King George on Boxing Day. Continue reading...
On his second start for Dan Skelton, Debece is arguably the best-handicapped horse in the Sky Bet ChaseUnusually fast ground for the time of year has left several races on Trials day at Cheltenham with only five or six just runners, so the 17-strong Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster is likely to feature prominently in most betting plans on Saturday.Few can be ruled out with any confidence, but Debece (3.20) is arguably the best-handicapped horse in the race and could be worth backing at around 8-1 on his second start for Dan Skelton. Continue reading...
The Ascot clash felt like the kind of race we are fortunate to see once in a decade, not twice in the space of eight weeksAs countless football managers have discovered over the years, the hardest thing of all to manage is the fans’ expectations. Amid the euphoria after Saturday’s Clarence House Chase at Ascot, though, a race that promised much and delivered even more, it was only natural that thoughts would soon turn towards Shishkin vs Energumene II: the Rematch. If both horses turn up and if both run to form, the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham on 16 March seems certain to be the race of the Festival.But those are, of course, two very big “ifs” right...