The selection looks the best equipped of the five runners for a race in which speed as well as stamina will be necessaryThe big names, and only the big names, have turned up for Haydock’s Betfair Chase but plenty of recent rain would have made it more competitive. As it is, Might Bite (3.00) looks easily the best equipped of the five runners for a race in which speed as well as stamina will be necessary.Bristol De Mai outslogged his rivals a year ago, while endurance was the quality that won Native River his Gold Cup. But a surface that is mainly good and drying out should play to the strengths of Might Bite, whose two spring Grade One wins...
Trainer Colin Tizzard believes Thistlecrack will come back well from injury but he will be nearly 11 when he returns. Plus tips for the day’s racing actionColin Tizzard was inclined to play down the gravity of this week’s Thistlecrack news when I had a quick word with him at Taunton on Tuesday. The trainer talked down the extent of the horse’s injury and the significance of his consequent absence, which will keep him on the sidelines through the rest of this season. Related: Final twist in dead-heat fiasco leaves Robin Dickin feeling ‘robbed’ Ludlow 12.50 Zalvados 1.20 Shalakar 1.55 Megabucks 2.25 Virginia Chick 3.00 Tb Broke Her (nap) 3.35 Dahills Hill 4.05 Shee's Lucky Continue reading...
Where is our usual caution about a banged-up steeplechaser making his return to action? For all his talent, he’s vulnerable todayWhen a fine steeplechaser makes his comeback from injury, there’s generally an element of caution among punters and other onlookers. We can hope that he’ll be as good as he was but the odds are generally against it. Victory is a lot to ask in such circumstances. We’ll settle for a clear round and an encouraging effort. Related: BHA panels may have erred in punishing trainers over dope tests Continue reading...
After the One For Arthur news, it’s even more important that jump racing’s other stars get a clean run into the new seasonJust a few “disrupted fibres” and yet the tendon injury sustained by One For Arthur will be enough to keep the Grand National winner off our screens for a year. What a terrible pity and especially so for everyone at the Lucinda Russell yard where he was the standout talent. Related: Gloam lights up Newmarket sales ring with £4.2m price tag after bidding war Continue reading...