Martin Malone

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Category: Racing 2013 (Page 1 of 3)

unhappy with Newbury

December 5, 2013 / / 0 Comments

Since I imagine that many of my social media followers don’t subscribe to The Racing Forum I’ve decided to share with you my latest contribution.

steveh31 shared an interesting article in the Doncaster Free Press which prompted me to reply as follows:

“I was there last weekend in the Premier Enclosure and I just don’t think it was an issue. There were lots of “dodgy geezers”, “suitably dressed”, and I kept my hand in my pocket holding my money, as one does at many such occasions when there is a crowd. We even had a competition between ourselves about the most embarrassing suit! Many of them didn’t even watch the races. I am a National Hunt fan and generally get much more satisfaction from visiting “small” racecourses where you find genuine racing fans and no issue about why they’re wearing.

“It’s notable that Ascot have a separate NH dress code without the restrictions that Newbury are applying. Cheltenham is suitably relaxed about its dress code with, let’s face it, much better racing.

“Newbury needs to have a reality check (if those in charge know what that means!). If the reports of people being rudely decamped to the grandstand are true then those responsible should be sacked!

“Any business that thinks it’s a good idea to call itself “The Racecourse Newbury” rather than “Newbury Racecourse” has transparently lost the plot!

“If they carry on in this vein then they should be relieved of their premier graded races. #arses”

I don’t get why racecourses choose to make visiting them difficult. Racing is great and I personally prefer National Hunt racing because it has a (to use PR speak) a great narrative. Those in charge of Newbury need a serious “reality check”.

Coincidentally I’m delighted to see that those responsible for Twenty Twelve are going to produce “W1A”, focused on the BBC. I suspect that the Siobhan Sharp equivalent at “The Racecourse Newbury” will be consulted about their plans:

I was typing this while hearing about the death of Nelson Mandela. #putseverythingincontext

This weekend’s racing

December 3, 2013 / / 1 Comment

Invictus

I’m very sorry that Invictus has broken down badly after last Saturday’s Hennessy. Such a promising horse but, like so many, fated not to achieve his potential.

This horse had everything going for him including wins over Bobs Worth, Alfie Spinner, Silviniaco Conti and Baile Anrai and was a superb chaser in the making. Commiserations to all connections

Sprinter_Sacre

It seems that we may not see the best horse in training this Saturday since Sprinter Sacre is doubtful for the Tingle Creek and may therefore be kept for the Victor Chandler (or whatever it is now) at Ascot in January. Thankfully this setback appears to be relatively minor and a final decision will be made just prior to final decs on Thursday.

In human terms it could be seen as a bit of a cold (you know that you’re not quite right and the advanced checks on horses can now identify this sort of thing) and, for me, he will be the deserving star of Cheltenham 2014 in the same way that Master Minded was in March 2009. It’s hard to believe that it was that long ago!

Balder Succes
However the reopened Henry VIII at Sandown on Saturday looks a cracker with entries including Balder Succes (left), Grandouet, Hinterland and Taquin du Seuil all possibles. If they all turn up I’d favour Balder Succes, having taken very well to jumps notwithstanding his fall at Cheltenham. In like manner I think that Grandouet’s unseated was unlucky and he should come on very well for his first outing. If they all turn up I fancy Balder Succes, Grandouet and Hinterland in that order but I know that Taquin du Seuil could mess that up. All in all, let’s hope that they’re all there for a classic renewal.

2023817
Over at Aintree both races over the big fences are looking like proper events, as they should be with £150,000 for the Becher and £70,000 for the Grand Sefton. If the key entries stand their ground then both will provide serious pointers for next April over the same fences (not just the National), particularly with the predicted good to soft, good in places. The £30,000 1.00 3m 1f Chase over the Mildmay also looks interesting with nearly all entries interesting. I will qualify what I’m going to say about the entry of Battle Group because I’m not the trainer and I don’t know how well the horse is but he was reported as having pulled back muscles when pulled up in the Paddy Power so I couldn’t understand why he was entered at Newbury last Saturday (refused) and equally can’t understand why he’s entered in this. Maybe the trainer knows something that I don’t.

HORSE RACING
Attention turns to Ireland on Sunday with Briar Cross and the unbeaten Faugheen entered in the Grade 3 1.15 at Cork. Arvika Ligeonnaire and Flemenstar are entered in the 2m Grade 2 at 2.20 as well as in the more likely (at least for the latter) Grade 1 John Durkan at Punchestown, along with Sir Des Champs and Toner d’Oudairies.

All in all a superb weekend in prospect.

In case you haven’t seen it yet (source: www.goracing.ie) the Willie Mullins preview of likely Christmas runners from Horseracing Ireland is well worth a read. I have a feeling that this analysis from Willie Mullins could be borne out well and truly at the end of the season.

Racing UK and West Wizard

November 25, 2013 / / 0 Comments

jockeys

Just a quick post rather than my usual full (and generally unhelpful!) preview.

No supporters should be worried about West Wizard being beaten by Sgt Reckless at Kempton today. That was a perfectly acceptable introduction to the jumping game and the front two eased well ahead of the remainder. Primarily West Wizard jumped well, particularly when the speed increased and maybe Sgt Reckless is an improving type who could be another player. This is a great opportunity for ante post players to get real value. By comparison why would anyone want to back Annie Power when in receipt of 11lb with no Cheltenham target or, dare I say, even a Cheltenham outing in mind?

I’d expect West Wizard to live up to the expectations of his yard. How many Cheltenham winners have a perfect record?

I watched the race using the Racing UK replay facility. Why wouldn’t you when the Racing Post alternative doesn’t include live racing unless you pay a heavy subscription or bet on the race (let alone their current difficulties)? Much more importantly the Racing UK site has recently got its act together by allowing TV subscribers (like me) to have access to live racing not just on TV but also on my iPad and on the Web. It’s just what I’ve been looking for. Most of the best races covered (and Ascot on its way). Being the saddo I am, as well as accessing races whenever I want to during the day I can now catch up on the day’s racing at bed time using the iPad and Apple TV. No comments please about how I might be making better use of bed time!

Racing UK costs £240 a year for what is now pretty full coverage. If, like me, you’re an aficionado of racing rather than having to bet on every race then selective betting more than covers the subscription and gives you a much better chance! I’m frustrated by their lack of HD broadcasting when it was supposed to happen years ago (http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tech/news/a220673/racing-uk-outlines-hd-coverage-plans.html) but I suppose it will come in time. It’s no doubt a lot to do with their lack of advert breaks which enables much better build up to the races and I wouldn’t sacrifice that.

I tend to watch RUK on the big days and then switch to Channel 4 HD for the main races.

Invictus

So, there are my Monday night thoughts. I have to sign off with a call and that is for Invictus to defy 651 days off. Before his extended break he had behind him in the Reynoldstown in February 2012 Bobs Worth, Alfie Spinner, Silviniaco Conti and the then very good Baile Anrai. He’s rising 8 and could be the star in waiting. The Hennessy has a tradition for initiating (as well as confirming) stars and I think he might just be a well named star in the making. I’m very pleased to say that I’ll be there to see whether it happens.

Friday’s racing

October 31, 2013 / / 0 Comments

I have a rare Friday off and I’m looking forward to some really good jumps racing.

No time for a detailed analysis so here are my selections.

Down Royal

1.05 2m 6f Maiden Hurdle

This should be between horses with familiar variations on names. Express du Berlais was an easy Points winner and Sizing Coal was another Point winner, bought as a 3-y-o for €340,000. I’ll hope that the money was well spent.

1.35 2m 6f Handicap Hurdle

A hard race so I will focus on the top of the handicap. I find it hard to believe that I’m going for a Wolverhampton run but I’m with Street Runner, perhaps more significantly a prior Downpatrick winner, so proven on an undulating and weird course!

2.05 2m Grade 3 Hurdle

This is my first confident choice. Que Pasa has form at this level and should be an easy winner against her own sex.

2.35 2m Grade 2 Hurdle

I was a fan of Jezki all last season and there is no reason why he will not win this. Caid du Berlais will come second. A confident Exacta/forecast.

3.10 2m 4f Beginners’ Chase

Gold Bullet will win this at what I hope is a good price. I haven’t checked the prices in this forecast to keep it real! Ruby Walsh on board is significant.

3.45 Handicap Chase

Good luck! Follow the market!

Uttoxeter (selected)

12.50 2m 4f Hurdle

I’ll just watch this one! Loads of reasons not to like all the main players!

1.20 2m Maiden Hurdle

I’d love the delightfully named “Buxom” (33/1 – about my chances) to win but I’m very interested in David Pipe’s Centasia (another one the owners will be pissed off with if he doesn’t win given what he cost).

1.50 2m Handicap Hurdle

I agree with Timeform: Wintered Well

2.20 2m Beginners’ Chase

This is one of my highlights of the day. I’m taking the view that Raya Star will be the best chaser but who knows?

2.55 3m Mares’ Handicap Hurdle

Vinnieslittle Lamb Terrible name. Nothing more to say.

3.30 2m 4f Handicap Chase

Marie des Anges will win.

Wetherby

The card is excellent and I could have gone into depth for the runners but I’m just going to choose some winners (that’s the prerogative of someone who doesn’t get paid for their views!). They are no less lacking in conviction!

12.40 2m 4f Novices’ Hurdle

If Oscar Rock doesn’t win this then, at 12.45, this will be a bad day!

1.10 2m 4f Novices’ Hurdle

I’m going to be bold and select Vivaldi Collonges, anther with an associative name but not in Nicholls’ yard to make up the numbers.I’m going to have a bit of a go on this one. If it doesn’t work, don’t blame me!!

1.40 2m Handicap Hurdle

If you have to go with Tidal Way but I’d swerve this one.

2.10 2m 4f Handicap Chase

Mon Parrain on the basis that he’s a very good horse and had a bit of a tough run last year.

2.45 Listed 2m 110 y Hurdle

Getting bored now if I tell the truth but it’s a great race. I think that now is the day to lump on Royal Irish Hussar .

3.20 3m 1f Handicap Chase

No view but if you have to choose one then it should be Palos Conti.

A really good day’s racing to look forward to

October 18, 2013 / / 0 Comments

I have said before that when (what was) the Whitbread and the Punchestown days have gone, apart from good days at Auteuil, it’s time to put up with flat racing until the decent jumps races start in October. Every year I start looking in September and go deep into October until it really gets going. I’ve seen a few decent candidates at Chepstow and Wincanton but now, at last, we have a really decent day’s racing tomorrow.

I’ll look at Ascot (flat) first. I’m very pleased that RUK share the coverage so I don’t have to put up with adverts just before the off from Dick Fosbury and meerkats! Don’t get me wrong. I generally like the ATR presenters and both Matt Chapman and Sean Boyce are excellent (some of the others are a bit iffy). I suspect that RUK will be allowed coverage of the races but not on site presence so we’ll have to see. I’m assuming that Channel 4 will have Clare Balding at the helm (needed for decent interviews) so channel hopping is the order of the day.

So, rather skimming through it, these are my selections from Ascot’s stellar card.

1.45 Long Distance Cup 2m The Queen’s Estimate (15/8) seems too short to me but, on softish ground and laid out for this, she cannot realistically be opposed.

2.20 Sprint Stakes 6f I’m strongly in favour of Slade Power (6/1), a consistent top performer at the highest level who now has his chance.

2.55 Filles and Mares Stakes 1m 4f Enormous money for these contenders. I take Dalkala (18/5) to beat Hot Snap (11/2) for the forecast/exacta.

3.30 QEII Stakes 1m A £1m plus race deserves top candidates and they are here. Dawn Approach (12/5) should win but, looking for value and with more than a little form analysis I’m with Olympic Glory (9/2) plus a forecast with Soft Falling Rain (11/2).

Champion Stakes 1m 2f £1.3m deserves a stunning horse. I’d all but abandoned Cirrus des Aigles (5/4), a previous winner, until last time out, when previous class was confirmed. A confident choice.

Recommendation Dalkala win, Olympic Glory win, Cirrus des Aigles win.

Cheltenham

Now on to Cheltenham’s card, where I feel much more at home, notwithstanding the risk of early outings. I take the view that trainers who think that their horses are serious candidates for later in the season don’t give them outings at Cheltenham unless they are likely to win. I may be proved comprehensively wrong but I’m going to take the horses directly on their merit and assume all are ready.

2.00 3m Novices’ Hurdle When it’s early in the season it’s sometimes important to take a view. I have with three times winner Kilbree Kid (7/1). This is my first big bet of the day. Contrary to my introduction some of these are here for the day out. Excellent value.

2.35 2m 4f Handicap Chase This is a mix of summer and winter chasers. There are some former top performers in this one but I’m with Tony Star (12/1) with recent form and fitness. I know that this contradicts my introduction to Cheltenham but I think that this one is, on a level, good enough.

3.10 2m 110y Hurdle Sametegal (2/1). This one will breeze in. A confident selection at what should be an odds on price.

3.45 3m 110y Handicap Chase If you are doing the placepot this is the worrier. This is a challenge and one to take a firm view about. Balthazar King won a cross country at Craon last month and that’s a real challenge but surely that’s with an eye to what’s to come. I’m with Sire Collonges to dominate this at am appealing 12/1. Tour des Champs and Mister Grez (possibly ahead of the handicapper) are respected.

4.25 2m 5f Handicap Hurdle Church Field is a stand out in this race at 10/1. Forget the last race and this one is all in. Bet of the day at the odds.

5.00 2m Novices’ Chase It’s unusual to get such a good race so late in the card. I was very impressed with the recent win of the highly regarded Balder Success (6/4) and this is a gift at the price. Get on now!

Racing in France

August 13, 2013 / / 0 Comments

This looks like my itinerary for the next few weeks:

racing_in_france

Pompadour is a pompadourstunning racecourse in a natural dip with a chateau to the west. It’s a bit of a hike (about two hours) but I’ll be making sure that lunch is booked on arrival to make it a fully French experience for (probably) both trips. This is like no other racecourse I’ve been to. Typically cheap as are most French racecourses but very classy. I’ll add a link to my Flickr photos of my last visit shortly. It’s also a course which attracts some of the best French trainers.

Dax is 142 miles away (near the Spanish border) but mainly on autoroutes so about two and a half hours. It was definitely another to add to the list of French racecourses visited until I saw this. I might bypass this one!

The next possible is Jarnac and this race at the equivalent meeting last year suggests that this is much more interesting. It’s also within easy striking distance from my base near Montpon and on the agenda.

That leaves Royan La Palmyre which offers moderate racing and is way too far north.

So, that’s settled. The superb Pompadour on 25 August is going to happen and I’ll have to decide between Pompadour and Jarnac on 1 September.

There is also the possibility of local racing which doesn’t feature on the france-galop website and I’ll explore that option when I arrive.

The Derby

May 31, 2013 / / 1 Comment

ocovango

I’m very pleased to see that Ocovango is currently 10/1 for the Derby.

On Facebook last week I said that I would put up my reasons why he’s the outstanding candidate for the race and I’ve seen nothing in the meantime to change my view.

facebook

Andre Fabre is a master. Pour Moi was a very deserving winner of the 2011 Derby with a Saint-Cloud prep and a record of 1-3-1-8 going into the race.

Ocovango has followed broadly the same route but with a much better record: 1-1-1 Ocovango wins the Prix Greffulhe. M. Fabre does not run horses in the English Derby unless they have a real chance of winning. Like Pour Moi, this horse may not run again after the Derby, but wouldn’t need to with a perfect record. The horse was brought over for Breakfast With The Stars and, although not tested, this demonstrated that the trainer regards him as a serious candidate. Owned by Prince Faisal and bred at Watership Down Stud, his pedigree for the race is impeccable. The jockey, Pierre-Charles Boudot, is not well known in England but, having reviewed the races on Youtube, I have no concerns in that regard.

Don’t get me wrong, if Dawn Approach stays 12f then he is the obvious winner but Epsom is unlikely to suit him (the same was said about his Derby winning sire) but, as an aside, Ocovango is a beautiful full-bodied 3-y-o and ideally suited for the middle distance crown of his generation.

I’ve had a win bet but, at 10/1, you should have at least an each-way bet.

Mahmood Al Zarooni objects to summary justice and it may be good for racing

May 7, 2013 / / 1 Comment

Zarooni

As a lawyer I am pleased to read that Mahmood al Zarooni has appealed against his eight year ban following the Godolphin doping scandal.

It was highly unusual for charges to be brought and, within the week, for Zarooni to be facing a BHA hearing. It was also disconcerting that “he chose” not to have legal representation for a hearing which was likely to end his career as a racehorse trainer. Hearings of this nature have tended to take ages and, in the view of many, far longer than should have been necessary. I first read that the hearing might take place within days when J A McGrath reported it in The Telegraph. I commented at the time that this seemed remarkable.

My background is in employment law and in high profile cases I know that it is often wise to be careful about pressure from the employer. While I have no idea whether it was relevant in this case, it’s worth bearing in mind that the BHA has the uncomfortable dual role of promoting and administering discipline in British racing. Others have alluded to this dichotomy in the days following the dramatic announcement of what Godolphin were quick to characterise as the actions of a rogue within the organisation. There have been commendable articles in the press which suggest that there are many unresolved questions about what has been going on in Godolphin and, in this regard, Greg Wood of The Guardian deserves particular praise. It can’t be easy for someone whose career is focused on the industry to run the risk of incurring the wrath of its greatest benefactor.

I’m not suggesting that the verdict is wrong. There “seems” to be evidence of serious wrongdoing but I think that anyone giving measured consideration to the “evidence” would want to ask more questions, as should any quasi judicial tribunal.

It’s a brave move by Zarooni because I doubt that it will go down well with the ruler of a country which is, sadly, renowned for its summary approach to the administration of justice. Racing embraces the patronage of the ruler of Dubai but I’m sure that I’m not alone in feeling uncomfortable with Sheikh Mohammed’s affection for racing which, on the flat, is the epitome of western European establishment and all that it stands for while ruling a country in which my idea of employment law is an anathema.

I hope that the Zarooni appeal leads to a wide ranging analysis of the circumstances which led to the headlines. It’s a proper challenge for the BHA and it will be fascinating to see whether they rise to the challenge.

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