Altior has just one rival to beat as he makes the transition from hurdles to fences but an upset may yet be on the cardsLess than a fortnight after my last stint in the BHA’s disciplinary dungeon, I shall be back in the jug again this morning for the Jim Best rehearing. If anyone had ever made a t-shirt with ‘I’d rather be at Kempton’ written on the front, I’d be wearing it today. “A massive improver. Last season he was lean and light and much too keen, but he´s a different animal now.” Continue reading...
Different Gravey should live up to his name at Ascot and give a timely boost to the Nicky Henderson stableThere is some high-quality jumps action at both Haydock and Ascot this afternoon and, while The New One will not make his much-anticipated debut over fences, the presence of Different Gravey (1.35) in Ascot’s beginners’ chase does at least mean that there is a potential Grade One winner over fences on show at the Berkshire track. Continue reading...
Should Man From Seville be a 25-1 shot for his introduction to fences at Market Rasen? We’ll find out this afternoon...I concede that some speculation is involved in making the case for Man From Seville (2.35) at Market Rasen today but I was surprised to see him chalked up at 16-1 and am stunned that he’s now out to 25-1. There’s fairly clear potential for him to be better than we’ve so far seen over obstacles but the market has him as the outsider of 12. Continue reading...
Ennaad may start what could be a productive winter with victory under the lights in Sunbury tonightHathal, who lined up for a Group One last time out, is a non-runner in this evening’s Listed Hyde Stakes at Kempton Park, but there is still an interesting and competitive field for a race that will guarantee the winner a place in the Mile on Finals Day at Lingfield Park next spring. Continue reading...
Jaunty Thor can continue his promising run in the 3.15 at Southwell while Ballymalin should deliver for Nigel Twiston-DaviesThere are only 32 runners on the six-race card at Fakenham this afternoon and seven of those are in the selling hurdle that opens proceedings, so Southwell is probably the meeting to concentrate on for a bet over the jumps and Jaunty Thor (3.15) should prove a worthy favourite for a competitive handicap hurdle.It is only three days since Oliver Greenall’s runner showed distinct improvement to win for the first time in 11 career starts, readily drawing away from his field at Uttoxeter to finish nine lengths clear. That was just his second start for the yard and his victory was not...