Boxing at Upton Park on 14 July

May 8th, 2012 by Martin Malone No comments »

For me the most surprising aspect of today’s announcements is not that Haye-Chisora is going ahead under the auspices of the Luxembourg Boxing Association – something like that has been mooted for a while. However, I did not expect to see the WBA World Heavyweight Title fight between Alexander Povetkin and Hasim Rahman placed on the undercard!

So, we’ve now got to the stage that a respected world heavyweight title fight can’t top the bill and, even more bizarrely, the winner of Haye-Chisora is then expected to go on and fight the winner of the WBA title fight.

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RSPCA and Aintree – disgraceful!

May 1st, 2012 by Martin Malone No comments »

I’ve heard that the RSPCA have said that Bechers is a “killer fence“.

It’s highly debatable whether the RSPCA has any valid role in interfering with a hugely popular sport which champions the majestic performance of thoroughbred horses which are bred to take on the challenge of doing exactly what they are bred to do. The sell-out crowd for Grand National day was 70,291 and the attendance over the three days of what is now a proper racing festival was 153,583.

What does the RSPCA think it is playing at? Their criticism of one particular fence demonstrates their complete ignorance of what, in fact, happened in this fabulously exciting race which produced one of the best finishes in living memory. I remember going as a child in the difficult times in the 1970s when the future of the race was in doubt, not because of problems with the fences but because of lack of interest. The television figures show that that there is no lack of of interest in a fabulously interesting and exciting race which, notwithstanding the RSPCA nonsense, commands more interest than any other horse race in the UK, if not the world.

So, we ban races like this? 1. Synchronised didn’t die at Bechers. He got up – unlike critics I’ve just watched him doing so and jumping on his own (by the way, that’s what horses do) before suffering a fatal injury at a later fence without a jockey on board. 2. According To Pete died because he was brought down. The simple reason for that is that, ironically (take note RSPCA) the reduction in the drop at “killer fence” Bechers encouraged more to go for the left hand side, thereby increasing the chances of horses bumping into each other. I remember times when jockeys (including rank amateurs – no longer allowed – spread wide in order to avoid the drop on the left hand side). The reduction in the drop (and, by the way, the removal of drop fences at Haydock) encourages these problems.

It massively annoys me that an organisation which is supposed to support the welfare of animals can be so stupidly wrong about a sport which is always concerned to emphasise the skill of the horses. They might wish to consider the removal of water jumps from most national hunt courses (especially those on the far side of courses) and the number of serious injuries sustained in hurdle races, let alone those which happen in a field (a majority by comparison with racecourses).

RSPCA – you don’t understand racing and I’m angry about your misunderstanding of why the beautiful horses demonstrate what they’re good at. Flat racing will demonstrate its best over the next few weeks and horses will be worth millions but that’s not what matters. Others will be the apples of their owners’ eyes and will win moderate races (both flat and jumps). Whether they win or not, those who are candidates will enjoy the best of conditions – exactly what you want! If there was no racing, what do you think would happen?

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Aintree Friday

April 12th, 2012 by Martin Malone No comments »

Pleased to see the nap (Edgardo Sol) rout his field on Thursday and Trustan Times was a decent each way saver in the last.

Now to Friday’s card which is at least as good but includes some proper challenges.

2.00 4. Darlan

We start with Aintree’s equivalent of the Supreme Novices’ and that race is the main reference. Darlan is the justified favourite and should see JP’s colours winning before perhaps greater things on Saturday. I selected Propect Wells (7/2) in that race and he was a creditable fifth. Quality on the flat would suggest that Aintree good to soft will suit him down to the ground but Darlan has the edge.

I’ve had a lot of time for Captain Conan and he’s been saved for this one. I think that he has a lot of improvement which can be brought into play here and a couple of weeks’ extra recovery time in addition to the Cheltenham runners may be significant. He won at Sandown (Prospect Wells 4th) so he has to be respected.

Selections: Darlan 6/4 (3pts win); Captain Conan 9/1 (2pts e/w); Darlan, Captain Conan exacta.

2.30 1. Champion Court

I’m a big supporter of Silviniaco Conti (7/4 fav), another with a decent break – last out 24 February – and apparently saved for this. He was identified as a horse to follow in the Nicholls yard at the start of the season and, like others which haven’t completely lived up to expectations, I remain loyal, apart from today! Champion Court was 4 1/2 lengths second to next year’s Gold Cup winner Sir Des Champs in an exceptional Jewson at the Festival and that is unavoidably good form. It’s possible that the race will have left its mark and this is at the Championship distance. He was third and some way back last time he tried three miles plus but I’m just – on balance – in his favour.

Selections: Champion Court 15/8 (2 pts win); Champion Court, Silviniaco Conti exacta.

3.05 2. Finian’s Rainbow

Finian’s Rainbow won the 2m Novices’ Chase here last year. However it’s the win in this year’s Champion Chase which makes him a justified favourite at a current 11/8. Albertas Run (5/2) was a highly creditable second to Riverside Theatre in the best Ryanair yet and he was also second to Master Minded in this race last year, as well as winning it in 2010. However he’s an 11-y-o and Finian’s Rainbow is more likely to get 2m 4f here on a fast, flat track. Albertas has a tendency to rise to the challenge but this time it’s the Henderson horse for me to prevail. If there’s lots of rain overnight (beautiful sunny evening at the moment) Kauto Stone might warrant a place bet in what is currently an eight runner field.

Selections: Finian’s Rainbow 5/4 (2 pts win); Kauto Stone 11/1 (possible 1 pt e/w); Finians Rainbow, Albertas Run reverse exacta.

3.40 9. Apt Approach

Well this is normally a race with a good angle with professional jockeys on decent horses and it seems fairly priced at 7/1 the field. I think that we can narrow this down to a handful. Little Josh (9/1) is one of those small horses who should be overfazed by these fences but is clever over them. He last fell at Kempton in 2009 and he has three decent wins since then but recent form isn’t great. Triangular (7/1) is an understandable favourite. He’s been campaigned in France and his form there is best described as in and out. His UK form is so so but he’s on the upgrade. However there’s every reason to believe that this will be one of his off days. Apt Approach has much better form and he’s my idea of the winner at a good price. Frankie Figg (10/1) appears to love these fences but has a tendency to jump “too well”. Others to consider are Matuhi (25/1), Fabalu (16/1), Gonebeyondrecall (12/1) and Aimigayle. OK, quite a large handful!

Selections: Apt Approach 14/1 (1 pt win and e/w); Aimigayle 14/1 (1pt e/w)

4.15 5. Fingal Bay nap

A 19 runner Grade 1 and an obvious winner in the shape of Fingal Bay. He brings a 100% record to the race and could have been a Cheltenham winner with a much shorter price here were it not for a minor setback. The extended gap (since December) is a positive and the rest are there to make up the numbers. A very confident selection and should be odds on (currently shortened to 6/4).

Selection: Fingal Bay 6/4 (3 pts win)

4.50 8. It’s A Gimme

This race is a nightmare and one to avoid unless you’re determined to have a bet. I’m going on no more than recent form which is not in the highest company but It’s A Gimme did beat Colour Squadron half a length in a maiden at Newbury last November. I’ve followed Robinson Collonges and I have to say that he’s disappointed but might be worth an each way shout.

Selections: It’s A Gimme 5/1 (1 pt win); Robinson Collonges 14/1 (1 pt e/w)

5.25 4. Call Me A Star

What to say about this race?! Probably more difficult than the National because there’s virtually nothing to work with. Buxom (16/1) would be an appropriate winner on Ladies’ Day at Aintree (yes, I’m reduced to that level!). Call Me A Star is an interesting entry and has beaten a few of these in the DBS/EBF Final at Sandown on 10 March. Missunited (10/1) provides a moderate Irish challenge and Doyly Carte (10/1) for Donald McCain is apparently highly regarded. It’s probably best to follow the market and I might well be on the unnamed favourite.

Selection: Call Me A Star (3/1) (1 pt win).

So there we have it for Friday. I’m expecting to be in John Mc’s until late tomorrow night so here are my quick pointers for Saturday (check the decs) including my Grand National selections:

1.45 Simonsig

2.15 Sprinter Sacre

2.50 Thousand Stars

3.25 Chapoturgeon

4.15 (Grand National) Cappa Bleu, Organisedconfusion and Treacle. Also a bet on a female jockey to win.

No bets yet in the remaining races. I may put up a further post on the day.

Good luck!!

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Aintree Thursday

April 12th, 2012 by Martin Malone No comments »

Here’s a summary of my selections and general observations concerning this afternoon’s racing.

Prices shown are as at 11.00 p.m. Wednesday.

2.00 – Exacta (first and second in correct order)

First 2. Big Bucks (2/9)

Second 6. Smad Place (6/1)

Big Buck’s is going for his 17th consecutive win and is generally better at Aintree than Cheltenham. He is therefore unopposable but the Tote Exacta (Big Buck’s to beat Smad Place) provides at least some value. Unfortunately I suspect many people will have the same idea, thereby reducing the return.

2.30 – 11. Sadler’s Risk (8/1)

Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls are neck and neck in the race to be champion trainer. Consequently they’re bringing out their big guns for these races. This is Aintree’s equivalent of the Triumph Hurdle which was won by Countryside Flame at 33/1. That was a fluke and it seems that with three runners Nicholls can’t decide which of his is most likely to win. I’m therefore siding with Philip Hobbs and Sadler’s Risk, a high quality flat horse who should benefit from Aintree’s flat track.

3.05 – 7. Medermit (5/1)

This is a very high quality race and most will be with Ryanair Chase winner Riverside Theatre (look out for owner Jimmy Nesbit in the parade ring). Hunt Ball is the most progressive in the field (rated only 69 at the start of the season and now 154) but all good runs must come to an end and this is by some way his biggest challenge yet. I’m with the ultra reliable and brave Medermit. He’s battle hardened in this type of company and ran with great credit in third to Riverside Theatre when he was found out by the hill just at the end – no hill here!

3.40 – 3. Boxer Georg (8/1)

Boxer Georg was second to Baby Run in this race last year so he’s proven over the National fences. He’s been targeted for this all season and was “not knocked about” when last running at Cheltenham. Trained by Willie Mullins and ridden by his son Patrick he must have a strong chance.

4.15 – 7. Edgardo Sol (5/1) – nap

At Tuesday’s preview night at Rigbys in Liverpool we were asked to nominate our selections for the whole meeting and I chose Edgardo Sol “wherever he runs”. I saw him win over course and distance last October and I was very impressed with him. He’s worth a look in the parade ring – a big, strong, chestnut gelding who looks an ideal chaser. However he’s been campaigned over hurdles for most of the season and given that he is a chaser, his second in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham is mightily impressive. He’s up a stone in the weights since last chasing but has improved by more than that.

4.50 – 1. Al Ferof (11/10)

Not much value in this one because Al Ferof stands head and shoulders above the rest. Cristal Bonus is a quirky, possibly ungenuine sort, Menorah is a dodgy jumper, Alasi needs to improve a lot to feature here and Pepite Rose has built up her winning run as a result of very careful placing by Venetia.

5.25 – 21. Trustan Times (20/1)

This is the pinstickers’ lottery or the lucky last, depending on how you look at it. Frequently won by a long odds horse. Volador is interesting and Gullinbursti is the likely favourite but I’ve heard good words about Trustan Times, second to bottom in the handicap and trained by canny Malton trainer Tim Easterby, a Classic winner on the flat and son of the great Peter Easterby. He’s not taken to fencing and is now returned to hurdles.

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Cheltenham – Friday selections

March 16th, 2012 by Martin Malone No comments »

Just a quick update with confirmation of selections for the last day of this year’s Festival.

1.30 Triumph Hurdle

Selections remain unchanged. Baby Mix is currently 6/1 and Urbain de Sivola remains good each way value at 18/1.

2.05 County Hurdle

My tentative selection for this remains Snap Tie Update – NON RUNNER. The form is easily good enough for this but he hasn’t run for 882 days. Notwithstanding the extended break a current 14/1 shows how well respected he is. I wouldn’t entirely discount Hell’s Bay, currently 190 on Betfair. Didn’t take to jumps but was decent over hurdles and returns to his obvious preference. Ubi Ace is also respected at 20/1.

2.40 Albert Bartlett Hurdle

Boston Bob (11/8) remains a confident selection. For placepot purposes Sivola de Sivola (20/1) should be added.

3.20 Gold Cup

My choice for some time has been Burton Port (7/1) and I’ll add Long Run for the placepot.

4.00 Foxhunters’ Chase

Roulez Cool (16/1) is another coming back from a very long break but is the right type for this. He may provide recompense or part of a famous double for Sam Waley-Cohen. Others to consider are the market leaders Cloudy Lane and Salsify, both 6/1 and both should be included for the placepot.

4.40 Martin Pipe Conditionals’

This is the last for the placepot. My initial selection doesn’t run and this is a really difficult one. We need to cover the options so I suggest the top two Bourne (5/1) and Toner D’Oudairies (7/1) and perhaps also Dan Breen (20/1) and Oscar Nominee (12/1).

5.15 Grand Annual Chase

Again the same selection stands: Kid Cassidy (now 6/1 from 10/1).

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Cheltenham 2012

March 12th, 2012 by Martin Malone 1 comment »

Well, a season of following National Hunt racing has come to this so it’s time to pin my colours to the mast.

Here are my selections for this year’s Festival. Only Tuesday’s runners have been confirmed so the rest are subject to change.

Tuesday

1.30 Supreme Novices’ Hurdle

Unlike many this week this is a wide open race and my selections are Trifolium * (12/1; 13.5) and Prospect Wells ** (16/1; 18). Both were selected last week and have come in for support. The former has very good Irish form and the question is whether he will perform on good / good to soft ground. If he does his improving profile makes him a major player. The latter was a good flat horse and has a rating to win this. This season’s form has not lived up to expectations but Ruby has chosen him and I’m happy to do so.

2.05 Arkle

This is the smallest field for a while and with good reason. Sprinter Sacre **** (10/11; 1.93) is a star and already favourite for next year’s Champion Chase. He’s always been a chaser in the making and was a weak horse when not getting up the hill behind Al Ferof in the Supreme last year. Barry Geraghty, who is not normally one for doing so, has sung the praises of this one and although he’s not been pressured in his chasing career he should have much too much in hand and ths could be over with two to go. Cue Card may give him a lead but I see that as a positive in settling him.

2.40 JLT Specialty Handicap Chase

This is a bit more tricky but, again, I’ve been with Quantitativeeasing * (13/2; 7) for a while. He’s a big horse and able to carry justified top weight with course form. Co-favourite Hold on Julio has done well on flat tracks and is very progressive but has missed a couple of intended engagements and his occasionally dodgy jumping will see him found out. The Package hasn’t been seen since November 2010 and Our Mick is nowhere near good enough.

3.20 Champion Hurdle

Hurricane Fly ***** (10/11; 1.88) really could be another Istabraq.There is nothing good enough to beat him here and 10/11 is excellent value. He’s the safest bet of all the short priced top race favourites this week and should be in all combinations.

4.00 Cross Country

Scotsirish *** (7/2; 4.6) is another strong selection. He would have won here in the last cross country race which turned into a debacle and has been campaigned at Grade 1 level. There’s no problem with the trip; they crawl for three quarters of the race and then need a fast finish which suits him. He’s also taken very well to the obstacles.

4.40 Mares’ Hurdle

This race was made for Quevega ***** (8/15; 1.62) and, yet again, there’s no serious opposition. This one really does fit the bill as a “banker”.

5.15 Pulteney Novices’ Chase

I don’t have a strong view about this one and have just today changed my mind from Hunt Ball to Bless the Wings * (15/2; 8.8). Hunt Ball is from a small yard and massively progressive but Bless the Wings is very consistent and, critically, has good and recent Cheltenham form and is a good jumper – just what’s required for this.

——————————————————-

I’ll expand on the selections for the rest of the week in further posts. Some engagements are not yet confirmed so it’s a bit speculative.

Wednesday

National Hunt Chase Allee Garde * 7/1

Neptune Simonsig ** 5/2 (Make Your Mark 10/1 e/w)

RSA Chase Grands Crus ** 7/4

Champion Chase Sizing Europe *** 10/11

Coral Cup Carlito Brigante * 16/1

Fred Winter Vendor ** 7/2

Champion Bumper Moscow Mannon * 7/1

Thursday

Jewson Sir Des Champs ** 4/1

Pertemps Saphir River * 20/1

Ryanair Great Endeavour ** 12/1

World Hurdle Oscar Whisky * 4/1

Festival Plate Tullamore Dew * 20/1

Kim Muir Baile Anrai * 14/1

Friday

Triumph Hurdle Baby Mix ** 7/1 (Urbain de Sivola – 18/1 e/w)

County Hurdle Snap Tie * 14/1

Albert Bartlett Boston Bob **** 7/4

Gold Cup Burton Port ** 7/1

Foxhunters’ Roulez Cool * 14/1

Conditionals’ American Trilogy * 20/1

Grand Annual Kid Cassidy * 10/1

Given the number of short odds favourites it’s important to get combination bets on. Have a look at my star ratings (1-5) for some guidance with this.

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Quatre Heures update

February 13th, 2012 by Martin Malone No comments »

It seems from the france-galop website that the frozen off meeting a week or so ago has been rescheduled.

Quatre Heures is entered to run in the rescheduled 125eme Grande Course des Haies de Pau on Sunday. He’s fourth in a list of 37 entries with a rating of 640.

I’d like to think that we’ll wait for Auteuil but if he does run, I’ll be there with paddock comments.

UPDATE: 16 February. It does seem likely that we will be running on Sunday. Unfortunately I can’t be there but the meeting is being covered by Racing UK. It’s an 11 race card and we’re in Race 11! I hope that the ground has not cut up too badly by then. The time of the race will be announced later today.

FURTHER UPDATE: 17 February. We are now race four of nine (2.30 p.m. UK time). There are eight runners and we are joint top weight (based on recent performances). No early prices yet but I’ll provide a further update in this respect tomorrow.

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Reports about Quatre Heures’ outing last Friday and entries

January 30th, 2012 by Martin Malone No comments »


Le Parisien

« Quatre Heures en avance »

Lauréat d’une course de Groupe I en Angleterre, QUATRE HEURES, revenu courir en France l’an dernier, a renoué facilement avec le succès. Son mentor François-Marie Cottin n’était nullement surpris de cette victoire. « Il n’a pas été aidé par le terrain devenu collant, mais je n’ai aucun mérite.

C’est un très bon cheval, il l’a prouvé en début de carrière en France, puis outre-Manche. Je suis surtout content pour son jockey Philip Carberry, qui n’a pas eu une très bonne année 2011. »

BRASILIEN, toujours vu près des chevaux de tête, a remarquablement surmonté sa récente pénalité de cinq kilos en obtenant une probante deuxième place. Le favori SLOW GAME s’est contenté de la troisième place après avoir longtemps animé les débats. En revanche, LA SAVANE pimentait le rapport de ce quinté en affichant la cote de 42/1. Courageuse jusqu’au bout, elle a obtenu une méritoire quatrième place après avoir bien figuré tout le parcours. AL BUCQ complétait la bonne combinaison de ce quinté. Venu progressivement près des leaders en face, il a un instant donné l’impression de pouvoir lutter avec les premiers avant de baisser pied pour finir.

L’Equipe

« Quatre Heures un ton au dessus »

Toujours à proximité des premiers, malgré quelques fautes, Quatre Heures a pris l’avantage dans le tournant final et a filé au poteau. Attentiste dans le sillage des animateurs, assez allant, Brasilien a pris une courageuse deuxième place. Grand animateur de l’épreuve, Slow Game s’est montré courageux jusqu’au bout à distance des deux premiers. Dans le sillage de l’animateur Slow Game dans le parcours, La Savane a paru en difficulté dans le dernier tournant puis s’est bien ressaisie sur le plat. Après avoir attendu au sein du peloton, Al Bucq s?est bien défendu dans la phase finale.

Zone-turf.fr

« Quatre Heures arrive dans les temps »

Tenu sur les 3800 mètres du parcours de haies palois, le Prix René Cramail réservé aux chevaux d’âge, supportait les paris à la carte du jour. À l’arrivée d’un tournoi particulièrement ouvert avant coup, Quatre Heures a sûrement dominé son sujet, constant figurant puis venant imposer sa loi dès le virage final. Brasilien a bien tenté un baroud d’honneur, sans succès pour la gagne mais titulaire d’un franc accessit d’honneur. Le favori Slow Game n’a pu contrer le jumelé gagnant mais a conservé la troisième place.

Constamment dans le rythme d’un tournoi animé sur un tempo régulier par le favori Slow Game, Quatre Heures et Philip Carberry ont fondu sur l’animateur après le saut de l’antépénultième haie puis, sans éviter une légère incartade sur l’ultime obstacle, le premier nommé maintenait le cap pour remporter sûrement le deuxième succès de son meeting. Également bien placé à la corde à proximité de la tête de course, Brasilien savait répondre à l’attaque du futur lauréat mais ne pouvait le reprendre malgré un vaillant assaut final, deuxième. Constant animateur, Slow Game ne pouvait suivre le duo gagnant à la sortie du virage final mais maintenait son effort pour monter sur la troisième marche du podium. Dans le sillage de l’animateur durant le parcours, La Savane savait prendre la quatrième place devant Al Bucq, bon finisseur.

Canalturf.com

« Prix René Cramail – QUATRE HEURES exact au rendez-vous »

Avant les fastes du mythique week-end du Prix d’Amérique, le dernier Quinté+ de la semaine se déroulait sur les balais palois à l’occasion du Prix René Cramail, traditionnel handicap réservé aux 5 ans et plus. Le grand favori, SLOW GAME a rapidement pris le train à son compte emmenant le peloton sur un bon tempo. SABLE DES DUNES, LA SAVANE, ROMBALDI et QUATRE HEURES se tenaient dans son sillage alors que OUH LA LA, double lauréat de cette épreuve et dans son jardin sur l’hippodrome palois, attendait son heure en toute fin de peloton, selon une tactique chère à ses aptitudes. Mais le doyen de Frédéric Danloux n’avait pas son action habituelle et il n’allait jamais pouvoir refaire le moindre pouce de terrain… Pendant ce temps, SLOW GAME abordait le dernier tournant acompagné de QUATRE HEURES qui lui mettait la pression et n’allait pas tarder à se détacher. BRASILIEN et AL BUCQ venaient ensuite alors que le reste du peloton était en assez net retrait… Malgré un franchissement de l’ultime difficulté quelque peu académique, le pensionnaire de François-Marie Cottin s’en allait quérir un très facile succès devant BRASILIEN, qui s’est remarquablement comporté malgré une forte surcharge consécutive à un récent succès enregistré à ce niveau. SLOW GAME marquait un peu le pas mais conservait le second accssit alors que LA SAVANE concluait plaisamment à la quatrième place prenant très sûrement la mesure d’AL BUCQ.

UPDATE

QUATRE HEURES has come out of the race very well. He was unperturbed by the run (as expected by his proven form in Navan on heavy ground (I was there and can vouch for it!)). He’s entered in the 125EME GRANDE COURSE DE HAIES DE PAU (2m 4.5f) and the PRIX GASTON PHOEBUS (2m 7f chase). No decisions yet. There was talk (from the trainer) of him going to Cheltenham but my view (and I emphasise that it’s my personal view) is that one more outing at Pau and then a break until Auteuil might be the route. He needs to put aside poor previous runs at Auteuil but his two winning performances at Pau suggest that we are enjoying a return to the Grade 1 form he showed when winning the Champion 4-y-o Hurdle at Punchestown in April 2006. He remains lightly run and took a long time to fill out.

Further update – 1 February Although entered for the hurdle race on Sunday, we’ll probably give him a break for a couple of months so that he returns fresh for Auteuil. If he doesn’t run on Sunday we’ll call it a day in the sud-ouest after an excellent return to full fitness and form and look forward to exciting trips to the capital.

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Quatre Heures’ next race

January 26th, 2012 by Martin Malone 3 comments »

Quatre Heures has his next outing in the Prix Rene Cramail (Prix Aeroport Pau Pyrenees) at Pau tomorrow (12.50 p.m. UK time).

His last outing was in bad ground and jockey Philip Carberry chose an outside route in the Prix Estrem-Rey over 3500m at the same course on 3 January. He was 8.5 lengths fourth and there’s no doubt that his performance was not as impressive as his win in the Prix Ramon-Diago (also over 3500m) on 15 December on better ground when he was at his best. However, an inside route would probably have seen him much closer and possibly winning.

Assuming that he remains in good form I expect a return to form this time out. Much will depend on the state of the ground. QH demonstrated in heavy in Navan (Jan 08) that he can perform well (3/4 length behind Clopf – 2m 1f) but, as we know, the ground in France can be very unforgiving. It’s therefore a plus that he’s in the first race but the course has seen a lot of use over the last few weeks (12 meetings already this month!).

So what about the distance? 3.8 km is 2 miles 3 furlongs. QH has no wins over more than two miles and a third over 2m 2f. However, most of those races were in much higher company and a replication of the December ride should see him comfortably home.

And what of the opposition? The favourite is Slow Game. Although strongly supported by French pundits and first in a reasonable chase at Pau on 20 December his recent races are a mix of chases and flat races. Brasilien, Al Bucq and  Ouh La La were the three ahead of us (in that order) in the 3 January race so I think that we can turn them over. Gratia Plena was pulled up in the same race but the market says that she should do better (12/1).

Sparrow du Mathan was third behind Al Bucq in his last outing at Pau on 18 December in a reasonable race. Previous form includes four wins (Sept 09 to April 11) but all bar one moderate race at Pau were at provincial courses.

La Savane is a highly tried horse and should not be disregarded. She was a winner in a chase on her last outing at Pau over 3900m but didn’t beat much in a moderate race on 31 December. However she is a 5yo with room for improvement.

Verdict: I would price Quatre Heures at 3/1 in this race. The current (undeveloped 408%) Betfair market has him at 4/1.

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Racing – Saturday 7 January 2012

January 11th, 2012 by Martin Malone No comments »

Time again (at last) for a preview of Saturday’s racing.

Before that, very pleased with Quatre Heures on Tuesday in desperate ground and he’s entered to run again at Pau on 15 January. Looking at options to be there. Also disappointed that I didn’t get on Natalie Cassidy (so to speak) – reduced from 8/1 to 11/4 in the course of the evening. Michael Madsen at 25/1 is interesting; Romeo at 8/1 is a lay (again so to speak).

Right, time for tomorrow’s racing:

Sandown

1.00 – Kells Belle to beat Kaffie. Beware the form of the latter at minor courses.

1.35 – Don’t look beyond Soliwery (n/b) – decent recruit from France and ground to suit.

2.05 – I thought that I was going to be opposing favourites Dave’s Dream and Tanks For That but it seems that, like me, others have noted that Venetia’s have finally hit form and Rileyev was ahead of them. Confident selection.

2.35 – This is intriguing. I’m against Prospect Wells. Magnifique Etoile is a doubtful runner. I’m very interested in Captain Conan and Colour Squadron is the threat.

3.10 – Easy to dismiss most of these and it has the feel of a veterans’ chase notwithstanding the ages of the participants. Definitely class and prospect and I take them in reverse order: Hold On Julio to beat Neptune Collonges.

3.45 – Easy to dismiss most of these and I think that only about three have a chance. I’ll watch the market but for jackpot/placepot purposes it’s Higgy’s Ragazzo (sounds like a greyhound!).

Nothing much of interest at Wincanton save for Minella Theatre in the 2.50 and Skint (nap) in the 4.00.

Thurles will be bottomless so careful choices are required. I’d question whether WP will run Quel Esprit in the 12.35 but, even if he does, 1/3 is no value in the ground. Also interested in Quaquo de Flotte in the 2.10.

Good luck!

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