The Flat is Back….

Hello and welcome to arseonlineracing…. A 100% Independent racing website with NO affiliate links. This website is curated by 2 racing enthusiasts from either end of the British Isles, Charlie hails from Glasgow while Rich is from the Isle of Wight… Miles apart but united by the sport of kings…

 

Next weekend we have the Grand National at Aintree, but this weekend we have the return of the Flat at Doncaster, with the Lincoln along with World Cup Saturday at Meydan, the culmination of the Carnival. All Weather racing from Kempton, with the Magnolia Stakes on the card, so lots of FLAT racing today….

Charlie is taking a day away so it’s just Rich, as always has the Final Word… So lets get them in the stalls and away….

Final Word with Rich…

Lets hope we can kick off the weekend with a bang and end the month on a real high…

I have Meydan & Kempton for you today, I like to watch the opening of the Flat and then see what happens but this is an exciting time as the 2YO’s will be making debuts and then we have the return of last seasons trackers & the 2019 to Follow flat horses, so I am very excited….

Anyway as I mentioned above, Meydan & the World Cup for me, with the Magnolia Stakes at Kempton on the All Weather, so lets start there before heading to Dubai…

Kempton.. All Weather… Standard…

2.05 Magnolia Stakes… Class 1 Listed… 1m 2f…

Fabricate won this last season and is back to try and retain the crown, while last seasons renewal wasn’t as hot as this, it could be a tough ask for him up against some race fit horses…

Mootasdir is 5 from 5 on the all weather and the Dundalk Diamond Stakes Group 3 winner made a winning seasonal return at Wolverhampton over 1m 4f in a Class 2 Handicap on March the 4th and is looking to make it 6 from 6 but Matterhorn will also be looking to add another all weather victory. Matterhorn is 6 from 7 on the all weather and is stepping up in class after a convincing 5 length win over C&D in a Class 2 Handicap on March 6th…

Meydan… Turf & Dirt… World Cup….

12.50 Gold Cup… Group 2… Turf… 2m…

Cross Counter makes seasonal return today having landed the Melbourne Cup when last seen in November by 1 length from Marmelo, while fellow Godolphin inmate Ispolini is 2 from 3 at the carnival and steps up from 1m 6f after landing the Al Sheba Group 3 by 1 length from Red Galileo…

But the French like this race and Call the Wind, who won the 2m 4f Prix Du Cadran at Longchamp in October is their raider this year. Having had a spin on the all weather at Chantilly, finishing 2nd over 1m 1f by 2 & 1/2 lengths on March 5th and now steps back up in trip…

1.30 Al Quoz Sprint… Group … Turf… 6f…

Blue Point…. Having bled and was withdrawn from the stalls in this race last season, Godolphin will be looking for compensation this year. Having looked fantastic when winning both starts at the carnival this term. Winning the Group 2 5f on seasonal return by 5 lengths before stepping up to 6f over C&D on March 3rd and beating Ekhiyaar by 3 lengths… DANGER… Sands of Mali won on return last season and was last seen in October at Ascot landing the Sprint by 1 length from Harry Angel, seasonal return!

3.20 Dubai Turf… Group 1… 1m 1f…

Dream Castle…. Having been gelded in the off season, he has seeming returned a different proposition with 3 C&D wins from 3 outings this winter. Landed the Singspel Stakes, Group 3 by 1 & 1/2 lengths on seasonal return before making it 2 from 2 with the Al Rashidya on January 24th winning by 3 lengths and made it 3 from 3 when taking the Jebba Hatta, Group 1  from Wootton by 1 & 1/4 lengths….

DANGER… Almond Eye… The Japanese superstar landed the Japan Cup in November by 1 & 3/4 lengths and makes return here, likely to be a red hot favourite….

4.40 Dubai World Cup… Group 1… Dirt… 1m 2f…

North America… Finished last in this race last season with Thunder Snow landing the crown. This season North America is drawn in stall 3 and is likely to attack from there and if getting the rail and leading it could be hard to come from off the pace, having won 2 from 2 this season when beating Kimbear by 9 lengths in the Al Maktoum (Race 1) Challenge Group 3 in January and then a 2 & 1/4 length win in round 2 of the challenge, in a Group 2 last time out on February 7th from New Trails…

Champion Thunder Snow is drawn in stall 12 and was a 9 & 1/2 length runner up to Capezzano, who could well be the challenger, having won 3 from 3 since being fitted with a hood and is drawn in stall 2….

INTERVIEW TRACKER ALERT…. California Daddy for Ger Lyons runs at Navan 4.00

That closes todays blog, we hope you find it useful and help you on a jam packed Saturday… Thank you for popping by and for your continued support..

All the Best – Charlie & Rich

 

 

 

The calm after Cheltenham

Hello and welcome to arseonlineracing, a 100% independent and Affiliate free racing website. This site is curated by 2 racing enthusiasts from either end of the United Kingdom.. Charlie hails from Glasgow while Rich is from the Isle of Wight.. Miles apart but united by the sport of kings…

Back to earth with a bang this week after all the top class national hunt racing that was on offer at Prestbury Park last week. We decided to take a week away from the site after posting our Cheltenham Review as we needed to spend time with our families and to recover from the thrills and disappointments of the Festival…

In the news this week… Ryan Winks announces he has had to retire due to a serious injury and will be looking to start training in the near future. Phil Makin also announced this week, he has completed his training licence and will be training..

Noel Fehily bows out today at Newbury after announcing his intent to retire at Cheltenham, he rides at Newbury. Having ridden over 8,000 races under rules and landed 1,327 winners in his career. His final ride will be in the Bumper(NHF) for Harry Fry on the unbeaten GET IN THE QUEUE at 5.00. We wish Ryan, Phil & Noel all the best for the future…

Do not fear though folks, after the success of our Cheltenham blogs with our Guests, plans are underway for the Aintree meeting featuring the Grand National and we will also be looking ahead to the opening of the flat season with the Lincoln on the horizon and the All Weather Championships…. And the BIG Interview returns tomorrow evening too!

A standard old school blog today, with Charlies Saturdays Selections while Rich will have the Final Word, so lets get cracking…

Charlie….

Bangor 3.25 – Lomachenko 🌟🌟 -Was impressive at Leicester two starts back when winning a Class 3 Maiden Hurdle over 2m 4f after having undergone wind surgery, beating the Skelton trained Accordingtogino by 6 lengths. Was badly hampered at Kempton next time out over 3m 1f and still managed to finish 4th, that run can be forgiven and takes a drop in distance today to 2m 3f and 123y. This is Nicky Henderson’s only runner at this track today and I don’t think he’s sent the horse here just to make up the numbers.

Win Advised

.

Newbury 3.50 – Cobra De Mai 🌟 🌟 -Won last time out at Leicester over 2m 4f in a Class 3 Handicap Chase beating Gotaway by 1 length, has gone up 4lb for that win and takes a small drop in distance to 2m 3f and could easily go in again if showing up in same mood.

Win Advised

.

Kelso 4.45 – Craig Star 🌟🌟 -Although hasn’t set the world alight form wise. Has dropped to a dangerous mark and sports new headgear today and takes a slight drop in distance to 2m 4f and 189 y. Will need to be at his best today although finished 2nd off 6lb higher mark in November last year.

Eachway Advised

.

Well that’s my thoughts on today’s selections, good luck if following and please remember to keep stakes small so it doesn’t hurt your pocket. I will now hand you back over to Rich for the Final Word.

.

Final Word with Rich…

Thanks Charlie, I am taking a break from the NH scene until Aintree so will be looking at the All Weather. At this time of year I like to look at the 2 year olds making their debuts, so if we blog during the week you never know what I may find…. Today I have looked at 3 races at Lingfield….

2.35… Novice Stakes… Class 3 …. 3YO Only… 1m 1yd…

I would say that at least 4 runners in this race have a winning chance… They are Fields of Athenry, Metatron, Mohtarrif and the one I like…

Moftris, the Iffraaj Colt was a 9 length 3rd on race course debut 3 weeks ago( March 2nd) over 7f at Chelmsford in a Class 4 Novice Stakes contest despite missing the break. The race winner has since won again and a step up in trip can only help today. William Haggas and James Doyle have a 28.57% strike rate when teaming up together….

3.10… Handicap… Class 3… 1m 1yd

Executive Force…. Since February this year has won 5 from 6 races, only blemish was a runner up spot to Matterhorn. 2 wins over 1m 2f and 2 at 1m, although one was over the extended mile(1m 119yds) at Wolverhampton last time out(March10th) when winning a Class 3 Handicap by a nose. Drawn in stall 1 and is Tip Rated at 93….

Family Fortunes has 3 runner up spots and 1 win from the last 4 runs and was beaten by a neck over C&D in a Class 3 Handicap to Sha La La La Lee, who is also featured in the field and improved from his seasonal return at Wolverhampton in February and these are the main DANGERS to Executive Force…

3.45… Handicap… Class 2…. 5f 6yds…

I was with Royal Birth when winning over C&D from Corinthia Knight, when drawn in stall 3 but having been drawn in stall 9 this time, I think that is too much.

I prefer Stone of Destiny, who is fresh from a Group 3 runner up spot in Doha and was 3rd to Kachy over 6f in the Class 1 Cleves Stakes in February by 4 & 1/2 lengths. Stone also finished 3rd to Encore d’Or in a Class 2 Handicap over 5f at Newcastle on seasonal return and has been drawn in stall 2….

Well folks, that is everything for you today, as mentioned we will be publishing another BIG Interview on Sunday evening so keep a look out for that… Thanks for popping by and for your support..

All the Best… Charlie & Rich

 

 

Cheltenham Festival Review

Welcome to arseonlineracings Cheltenham Festival review of the 2019 meeting, held at Prestbury Park…..

Where do we start? Bryony & Frodon? Espoir D’allen? Tiger Roll? Paisley Park? Willie Mullins breaking his Gold Cup hoodoo? The Stewards handing out bans galore? The false starts??

So many stories, from the opening day roar, that was even more raucous due to the false start….
The festival kicked off in the usual way with Willie Mullins & Ruby Walsh landing the opener with Klassical Dream, Willie was again in the winners enclosure when teaming up with Paul Townend to land the Arkle Chase with Duc Des Genievres… Two from two for the Irish champion trainer…. The Ultima went the way of last seasons UK champion trainer Nicky Henderson, when Beware the Bear took the spoils with a fine ride from the underrated Jerry McGrath….

The feature race of the first day, the Champion Hurdle was landed by the Irish… Not by one of the main threats, with the race in full flow Buveur D’Air fell when moving through the field, Apple’s Jade failed to fire and fellow mare Laurina started to fade. It was left to Espoir D’Allen to take the title back to Ireland under a fine ride from Mark Walsh and for trainer Gavin Cromwell..

The Mares Hurdle title went to Roksana for Dan & Harry Skelton, with Rachael Blackmore landing the Close Brothers Chase on A Plus Tard.

The final race of day one was the Challenge Amateur Riders’ Novice Chase, which was won by Jamie Codd or the Codd father as he is known in Ireland. Jamie Codd has won a race at the last few festivals and is one of, if not the best Amateur jockey around…. The race is run over almost 4 miles and sadly resulted in only 4 runners finishing. The stewards deemed that some of the jockeys deserved bans…

We also had a few false starts thrown in to boot… Day one done….

DAY TWO…..

Day two started with the Ballymore Novice Hurdle, Battleoverdoyen going off as favourite… Sadly he was pulled up but we were served up a treat as City Island battled it out with Champ and City Island landing the spoils, which saw Mark Walsh enter the winners enclosure for the second time in as many days…

Paul Nicholls failed to land a winner on day one but soon made up for that when taking the RSA Novices’ Chase with Topofthegame as he out battled Santini and Favourite Delta Work on the run to take the Grade 1….

The Coral Handicap Chase went to Nicky Henderson, in some what was a shock… William Henry took to the winners enclosure accompanied by jockey Nico De Boinville and Nico was soon to be taking the cheers of the crowd again very soon…

The feature race of day two was the Queen Mother Champion Chase… Altior was looking to make it 18 wins on the bounce and the 4/11 favourite duly obliged, despite having to dig deep with the challenge coming from Politolgue and Sceau Royal, in what was a thrilling finish up the hill and it was Altior, who took in the acclaim from the crowd…

Grand National winner Tiger Roll was next on the star studded bill on day two and boy did he deliver… Taking the Cross Country chase by storm and, pardon the pun, winning by a country mile as he stormed away from the field. A stunning performance from the tiny fella and the Tiger goes to Aintree, looking to become the first horse since Red Rum to retain the Grand National…..

The Joseph O’Brien trained Band of Outlaws took the Fred Winter Handicap Hurdle, to add another graded race to his spoils from the flat, with JJ Slevin giving the favourite a smart ride…

The Finale of day two was the Champion Bumper(NH flat race) and saw Jamie Codd in the winners enclosure once again, when landing the bumper on Envoi Allen, the 2/1 favourite, who won with ease…

 

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

 

DAY THREE….

The opening race of festival Thursday started with the JLT Novices’ Chase and went the way of favourite Defi Du Seuil and Barry Geraghty after out battling Lostintranslation up the hill, the pair went into the race with one win a piece against each other and it was the JP McManus owned Defi Du Seuil got the better of Colin Tizzards charge…

JP soon had another winner as Sire Du Berlais and Barry Geraghty took the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle from Tobefair, who ran a fantastic race for his connections…

The Ryanair Chase was next on the bill… With some big names in the field, Un De Sceaux, Monalee, Sub Lieutenant and Frodon… Aso had finished in the places last season and headed along with Frodon as the front two set about leading the high class field… The front two galloped and duelled all the way, Frodon was headed on the run but rallied under jockey Bryony Frost to land the Grade 1 and another winner for Paul Nicholls in his quest for the champion trainer title this season…..

The feature was the Stayers Hurdle, with hot favourite Paisley Park stepping up in class and taking on a field which included Faugheen, Yanworth and Supasundae. Paisley Park looked beaten at 2 furlongs out and somehow, under a fantastic ride from Aidan Coleman charged up the hill to take the crown in impressive style. It was all the more impressive knowing that Paisley Park almost lost his life due to illness a couple of years ago….. It was also Aidan Colemans first Grade 1 win!

Siruh Du Lac took the Brown Advisory Handicap Hurdle from 3/1 favourite Janika. Siruh was given a fine front running ride by the underrated Lizzy Kelly, another Graded winner for the jockey as the Grade 1 win still eludes her, but it’s probably not too far away….

The Mares’ Novice Hurdle threw up a shock, with a 50/1 winner, but that wasn’t the only shock… Noel Fehily led the applause as they headed to the winners enclosure and dropped the bombshell, that he was to retire from the plate in the next few weeks….

Derek O’Conner took the final race of the day, when guiding Any Second Now to victory in the Kim Muir Amateur Riders Challenge Cup…

GOLD CUP DAY….

The final days opening race, the JCB Triumph Hurdle was delayed due to a re shoeing  issue to one of the runners, the race started and the market principles all jostled for position… The race was won by Pentland Hills for Nicky Henderson & Nico De Boinville but was marred by an injury to Favourite Sir Erec during the race…..

The County Handicap Hurdle was won by Dan & Harry Skelton, when Ch’tibello landed the spoils from We have Dream. Another nice winner for the underrated Skelton team.

But the biggest shock of the final day was just around the corner…

The Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle… Favourite Commander of the Fleet was beaten into 2nd by 50/1 shot Minella Indo, whose jockey Rachael Blackmore landed her second win of the meeting…

Next up was the race all the crowd had all come to see The Gold Cup… With Presenting Percy yet to jump a fence in anger and going off 3/1 favourite for the trophy and reigning champion Native River looking to retain his crown won in a duel with Might Bite 12 months ago, we were set for a real treat…..

The roar of the crowd could be heard for miles as the starter lowered his flag to let the race begin… Presenting Percy settled near the rear, while Native River was slow into stride and looking for rhythm for a fair while before finally getting going… Kemboy unseated his rider on the flat and when Invitation Only fell, he brought down Definitly Red and slightly hampered Thistlecrack… Native River got to the front with last seasons runner up Might Bite, but the latter was pulled up… Al Boum Photo was stalking the pace with Clan Des Obeaux and they were soon joined by Bristol De Mai… Paul Townends mount Al Boum Photo got to the front, flew over the last, chased by runner up Anibale Fly and 3rd Bristol De Mai and up the hill to give Willie Mullins his first ever Gold Cup and Paul Townend, who has been with the yard since he was a teenager the biggest win of his career….

Mr Alex Edwards landed the Foxhunters Challenge Cup with a fine ride on favourite Hazel Hill, who extended the unbeaten run, with Shantou Flyer finishing runner-up and placing at the meeting yet again…

The Grand Annual Challenge Cup threw up a shock, with 66/1 outsider Croco Bay, a veteran in years taking the prize under the guidance of Kielan Woods, to land him a first festival win with Bun Doran  finishing in second…

With the Martin Pipe Conditional Jockeys’ handicap Hurdle closing the meeting. With Early Doors taking the final race of the festival for jockey Jonjo O’Neill Jr, who’s father Jonjo O’Neill Senior, a former jockey landing the Gold Cup some 25 years or more before and giving Junior his first festival win, beating favourite Dallas Des Pictons up the Cheltenham hill….

The highlights of the 4 days were….

Gavin Cromwell landing the Champion Hurdle…

Bryony & Frodon, what a combination…

Jamie Codd adding more Cheltenham wins to his name..

Altior & the reception he got in the winners enclosure…

Tiger Roll, a genuine champion…

Rachael Blackmore, a fantastic jockey & champion jockey in waiting…

Paul Townend winning the Gold Cup…

The Low Points…

Losing 3 is too many….

The Stewards…

 

We would like to thank ALL the Stable staff for working so hard and looking after the horses, the owners, the trainers & the jockeys for making this Cheltenham Festival a fantastic success… 

We would like to send our condolences to all connections of the 3 that didn’t make it home.. 

Finally, to our guest bloggers for taking the time to help us through the 4 days and last but not least our readers, for taking the time to visit our site…. 

ALL CHELTENHAM PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRAN ALTOFT PHOTOGRAPHY

 

 

Gold Cup Day.. Cheltenham Festival… Day 4

Hello and welcome to the final day of our Cheltenham Festival coverage… Gold Cup day! We will have a recap of Thursdays thoughts along with our Cheltenham blog table. Not to mention our thoughts on todays racing and of course the BIG race!

As you know, this website is 100% Independent with NO Affiliate links & curated by 2 racing enthusiasts from either end of the British Isles.. Alongside Charlie & Rich, we have our National Hunt Diary Columnist Chris Price and Talksport 2’s Lee Mackenzie.

Charlie had a day off but Rich, Chris & Lee all landed a winner in the opener with Defi Du Seuil, while Rich had another place with Faugheen….

Cheltenham Blog Table – 

Name – Winners – Placed – 

Rich             3                4

Lee               3                0

Chris            2                0

Charlie        0                1

Rich leads the table, which is a surprise to everyone including himself, but it’s the last day and anything can happen….

 

 

With that out of the way, we can concentrate on the racing and what a final day we have in store, building up to the big race at 3.30… We have the thoughts of our guest bloggers plus Charlie with his Friday Selections while Rich will have the Final Word…

Charlie – 2.50 Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) 

Lisnagar Oscar -Hasnt really put a foot wrong having filled the first 3 places in his last 5 starts over distances of 2m to 3m. Was 2nd here back in December last year in a Class 1 group 2 novice hurdle, when beaten 2 and 3/4 lengths by Rockpoint. Has since won at Chepstow after dropping in grade to take a Class 4 Novice Hurdle over 2m 3f  beating Dickie Diver by a head. Latest win came at Haydock after going back up in grade to take a Class1 Group 2 Novice Hurdle over 3m beating Ask Ben by 10 lengths. Lisnagar Oscar has experienced Cheltenham before so there is no doubt the course will suit, hopefully the ground doesn’t become too testing, as that could stop his chance of winning.

3.30 Gold Cup (Grade 1) Chase 

Native River – Has been in great shape since landing this race last year. Was 2nd at Haydock over 3m 2f when beaten by 4 length by Bristol De Mai. Was 3rd in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day behind Clan Des Obeaux and Thistlecrack. Native River loves Cheltenham and if recapturing the form shown when winning this last year could well go well again. Although he has faced several of tomorrow’s opposition before he could be the one pulling out all the stops in the later stages.

4.10 Foxhunters Chase (Class 2)

Shantou Flyer -Has won here twice in the past but last 3 visits to Cheltenham have seen Shantou Flyer finish 2nd. Although Shantou has won last two starts in Hunter Chases at Kelso over 2m 7f and at Fontwell over 3m 2f. Main threat comes in the shape of Road to Rome who has won last 4 starts for J J O’shea.

 

Chris – 

Native River – 3.30 Cheltenham Gold Cup
I start with last years winner, who has done little wrong in two starts this season. A good second to Haydock specialist Bristol De Mai on reappearance in the Betfair Chase was followed by a running on third in the King George, with track and conditions far from ideal. Any overnight rain would be appreciated as the softer it gets, the better his chance will be with his abundance of stamina. Currently priced about 5/1, he is more than worth an each-way bet to nothing as he’s sure to be galloping up the hill when others cry enough.

Hazel Hill – 4.10 St James’s Palace Foxhunters Chase
I feel ashamed going against my beloved Pacha Du Polder after big priced wins the past two years, but as age appears to be catching up with him and 12yo’s do not have the best record in this contest, I can only advise a small each-way play. So for the win I’m going for the highly consistent Hazel Hill, who has put up a highly respectable sequence of 14 wins from his past 15 starts. I was impressed by the way he stormed clear at Warwick in January and appears to have plenty to his liking today at the current price of 6/1.

 

Lee – 

Assessing the Gold Cup isn’t made an easier by the presence of Presenting Percy, whose unconventional preparation could lead to the mother-and-father of all gambles if connections feel he’s spot-on. He was impressive in the RSA last season and correctly became a major contender for this race as a consequence.
Clan De Obeaux has been the big improver this winter, but I prefer a proven Cheltenham performer, so it’s hard to ignore the record of the reigning champion NATIVE RIVER. It’s obvious he often hits a flat spot and then stays on (though not in last year’s race), but Gold Cups are rarely won by horses who sit on the bridle and quicken up like a Guineas winner.
He’s made for Gold Cups, and you only have to look at Richard Johnson’s face when he talks about him to realise that he does too. I’ve heard criticism of his two outings this season but for me they were both excellent performances in unhelpful circumstances.

The overpriced runner is Bristol De Mai, who has been unfairly dismissed as a Haydock mud specialist. One of the few in the field capable of a genuinely top-class performance, and more effective at Cheltenham than he is given credit for, he will benefit from being fresh and should run surprisingly well.
The Foxhunters is always tricky because there are so many unknowns, but I’d be surprised if SHANTOU FLYER didn’t run a big race. David Maxwell loves to find a runner for this one and he had an armchair ride round Fontwell in his prep. As a former big-field handicapper – he was pipped by Coo Star Sivola in the Ultima last year – he won’t be out of place in the hurly-burly of the Festival and rates a big player.

 

Final Word with Rich – 

Thanks guys, it really has been a pleasure to have you on board this week and maybe we can see what the Grand National Meeting at Aintree next month brings…. Lets get straight to the opening race of the day….

1.30… Triumph Hurdle… Grade 1 Class 1… 2m 179yds…

Quel Destin… A debut runner up spot at Chepstow in a 2m Class 4 Juvenile Hurdle in October but since that day is unbeaten in 5 2m runs and has won the Grade 2 trial over C&D for this race by 1 & 1/4 lengths in November, landed the Grade 2 Summit Juvenile Hurdle at Doncaster on December 15th before landing the Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow just 12 days later. Was last seen on February 16th, when taking a Class 2 Juvenile Hurdle again at Chepstow by 6 lengths….

DANGER….. Sir Erec… The former flat horse is 2 from 2 over hurdles and only started his career in December, when taking a 2m Leopardstown Maiden by a neck. Stepped up in Grade when last seen on February 3rd, taking the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown by 6 lengths from Gardens of Babylon….

2.50… Albert Bartlett Novice Hurdle… Grade 1 Class 1… 2m 8f….

Birchdale… Two from two over hurdles this season. The former Point to Point winner over 3m in May quickly made a splash on rules debut at Warwick, when landing a 2m 5f Class 4 maiden hurdle by 4 lengths on December 13th. Quickly stepped up in grade when landing the Ballymore Grade 2 Novice Hurdle at this course over 2m 4f by 18 lengths on January 26th when last seen. Up in grade & trip….

3.30… Gold Cup Chase… Grade 1 Class 1… 3m 2f 70yds…

I am probably letting my heart rule my head here, but hey ho..

Thistlecrack… At 11 years old, the oldest in the field. Has run at this course 5 times, winning 3 times and placing once, to the mighty Many Clouds. Has run well in defeat this season and hasn’t been beaten that far. 3rd to Bristol De Mai by 5 & 3/4 lengths in the Lancashire Chase at Haydock over 3m 1f and then last time out in the King George IV on Boxing day at Kempton, when runner up to Clan Des Obeaux by 1 & 1/2 lengths, if still in the same form then has to be in with a shout… EACH WAY…

Of the rest… You cannot rule out Bristol De Mai, who can beat anyone on his day and the ground could just fall in his favour. Clan Des Obeaux is in fine form and the King George IV winner added the Denman Chase to the list of victories this season on February 16th… The reigning champ Native River gets his ground and will try and turn this into a true test of stamina, having been set out for this all season so we can expect him to give it all he has got. And then there is Presenting Percy, who would be the first horse to win this race without jumping a chase fence for a very long time. Although he has run over hurdles in Ireland, when winning the Grade 2 Galmoy Hurdle on January 24th by 1 & 3/4 lengths and has last seen jumping fences in public when landing the RSA at this course last season…

And finally at a double figure price, there is the Welsh Grand National winner(3m 5f) Elegant Escape, who was a 3/4 length runner up to Frodon in the Grade 2 Cotswold Chase(3m 1f) on January 26th….

A massive thanks to everyone for a fantastic effort this week… Thanks to everyone who has read our blogs and we hope we have helped you land a touch or two during the 4 days….

That is all for today folks… It has been a pleasure… Thank You…

All the best – The Cheltenham Blog Team

Cheltenham Festival – Day 3

Hello and welcome to Day 3 of our Cheltenham Festival coverage. We are joined again by our guest bloggers Talksport 2’s Lee Mackenzie, top trainer Brendan Powell and our National Hunt Diary man Chris Price. 

As you are aware, this website is 100% independent with NO affiliate links. The website is curated by 2 racing enthusiasts from either end of the British Isles… 

 

We have reached day 3, so lets have a recap of day 2, Lee & Chris both had Tiger Roll, Lee also had Altior, while Rich landed another winner with Band of Outlaws, so lets see who is leading the arseonlineracing Cheltenham blog table….

Table…          Won – Places

Charlie           0            1

Chris               1             0           

Lee                  2              0

Brendan        0              1

Rich                2              3        

So after day 2…. We now take a look at day 3 of the 4 day Festival at Prestbury Park… JLT, Pertemps, Ryanair & the big race of the day the Stayers….

Back to the racing and as on the previous 2 days, we go again with all our thoughts…

.

Chris – 

Defi Du Seuil – 1.30 JLT Novices Chase
At the start of the season if you would have said to me I’d be putting up Defi Du Deuil as one of my hopes for a festival Grade 1 I’d have said you’d have lost the plot, but such is horse racing here we are. After finishing well beaten on reappearance in November the Philip Hobbs trained charge has form figures of 121 over fences, including when reversing the form with Lostintranslation in the Scilly Isles last month. He comes out very strong on the trends having won Grade 1’s over fences and hurdles, a winner last time out, plus those at the head of the betting having such a strong record in the race. A current best price of 3/1 is fair in what doesn’t look the strongest of renewals.

Posh Trish – 4.50 National Hunt Breeders Supported by Tattersalls Mares Novices Hurdle
Im a big fan of this mare and she arrives here on the back of two comfortable wins over Christmas. Successful twice at listed level, she brings solid form to the table, with the second at Taunton, Indefatigable, pushing Lady Buttons all the way at Doncaster next time. The 5lb penalty does mean she requires a career best in this company, but this tough and battled hardened mare is a solid each-way play at 13/2.

Lee(Talksport2 Presenter)  – 

The JLT looks a cracking clash between two well-matched opponents in Defi Du Seuil and Lostintranslation, but the Hobbs yard is in good form and DEFI DU SEUIL can win the battle if his turn of foot can be employed to finish the race off up the hill.

The Stayers’ Hurdle has a short-priced favourite in Paisley Park, who has done eveything right this winter and is the one highly progressive top-class performer in the line-up. But his cramped odds encourage me to find something capable of placing, and which might even win if things go its way.
That leads me to BACARDYS, who would have been contesting the places in last year’s running if he hadn’t fallen at the last. The modest pace may have flattered him at this trip, but at the price it’s worth chancing and he wouldn’t be the first failed chaser to make a successful switch back to hurdles. I get the love for Faugheen, but the three-mile hurdle he won at Punchestown had a freaky look about it and, that apart, the last three years have been one setback after another for this talented but unlucky horse. But I do like Supasundae, who never gets the credit he deserves. If he runs, he’s likely to be in the mix.

The Ryanair looks a nice opportunity for MONALEE. He stays three miles, but a strongly run two-and-a-half at the Festival will play to his stamina and he will get home better than most of the speedsters in the field. He doesn’t lack pace for this trip and his form is high-class. In many respects he is exactly the kind of horse the race was invented for.

 

Brendan – 

 

Final Word with Rich – 

Well, it was a bit like the lords mayors show yesterday after the big win on Tuesday…

1.30… JLT.. Novices Chase… Grade 1 Class 1… 2m 3f 168yds

Defi Du Seuil….Last seasons JCB Triumph Hurdle winner by 5 lengths and started his chasing career with a 25 length defeat to Lalor over C&D in the November Arkle Trial. Improved next time out on December 9th when landing a Class 2 Novice chase(2m 3f) by 3 & 1/2 lengths. That was quickly followed by a runner up spot to Lostintranslation in the Grade 2 Big Dipper(2m 4f). Then reversed the form with Lostintranslation at Sandown when last seen in the Scilly Isles Grade 1 over2m 4f by 3/4’s of a length….

2.50… Ryanair Chase… Grade 1 Class 1… 2m 4f 127yds…

Monalee… Last seasons RSA runner up to Presenting Percy(who we will see in the Gold Cup tomorrow). Started this NH campaign in November at Down Royal, when finishing 3rd over 2m 3 & 1/2f to Snow Falcon in a Grade 2 Chase. Next time out finished runner up to Kemboy, when running over 3m in the Grade 1 Savills Chase at Leopardstown on December 28th. A drop back to 2m 4f resulted in a 2 length win when last seen on February 16th at Gowran in the Red Mills Chase Grade 2 beating Anibale Fly….

3.30… Stayers Hurdle… Grade 1 Class 1… 2m 8f…

Faugheen…. Now 11, the 2015 Champion Hurdle winner finished 6th in that race last season. Two runs this season, well of sorts. Finished a 7 & 1/2 lengths to Sharjah at Punchestown over 2m in the Morgiana Hurdle before falling at Leopardstown on December 28th, when stepping back up to 3m having won the 2018 Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown last April. If he can stay on his feet then he has a BIG CHANCE!

 

That’s all for you today folks, we really appreciate you popping by and we look forward to seeing you for Gold Cup day…..

All the Best – The Cheltenham Blog Team

Cheltenham – Day 2

Hello and welcome to arseonlineracing. This website is 100% Independent and has NO affiliate links. This website is curated by 2 racing enthusiasts from either end of the British Isles… But this week we have a few guests… 

Joining us again we have Chris Price, Lee Mackenzie of Talksport2 & top trainer Brendan Powell…

How are we all after the opening day of the festival? What about that roar as the starters flag was lowered for the first race? Fantastic as always… 

How did we do I hear you say? Well lets have a look…

Charlie – Angels Breath (Unplaced)

Loug Derg Spirit (Pulled Up)

Ok Corral (Pulled Up)

Chris – Good Man Pat(Pulled Up)

Lee – Apples Jade(Unplaced) Hardline(Unplaced) Coo Star Sivola(Pulled Up)

Brendan – Glen Forza(Unseated) Us and Them(Runner Up) Whisperinthebreeze(Fell)

Rich – Espoir D’allen(Winner) Roaring Bull(Placed 6th)

It is a privilege for us to have our guest bloggers for the festival, so lets see what we all have for Day 2…. Just like yesterday Charlie will lead the way, with our Guests and then Rich will have the Final Word…

Charlie – 

2.50 Coral Cup – Brio Conti– Trained by Paul Nicholls. Brio Conti had been showing some promise when coming from off the pace in last run to win at Ascot over 2m 3f. Although was off for over a year prior to making comeback at Sandown over 2m 7f when pulled up before the last in race prior to Ascot victory. Is lightly raced for his age and although is now 5lb higher could easily have more to come and at 10-1 may be worth an Eachway play here.

4.50 Fred Winter – Ask For Glory – Is another horse trained by Paul Nicholls who won an Irish point race before being purchased for £280k. Made a winning rules debut at Chepstow over 2m beating Imperial Esprit by 13 lengths. What catches my eye is the fact that Nicholls doesn’t normally have any entries in this race and Ask For Glory looks a nice type with plenty of scope for the future, currently available around 13-2 and could grab a place at least.

 

Chris – 

Battleoverdoyen – 1.30 Ballymore Novices Hurdle
A horse I have been sweet on in this race for some time. Successful in all four starts to date, including at the top level in the Lawlor’s of Naas novice hurdle two months ago. Horses that have won a point-to-point, bumper and graded chase have landed this on four occasions during in the past decade, and at 4/1, looks capable of getting Gordon Elliott off the mark at the Festival this year.

Tiger Roll – 4.10 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase
Hardly an original selection, but I see no reason why Tiger Roll won’t add to his trio of Festival wins. Winner of this race last year before going on to win the Grand National, Tiger Roll has done little wrong in two starts since Aintree. Fourth in the handicap over this course in November was a fine reappearance, especially giving Josies Orders 15lbs. His Grade 2 hurdles win over an intermediate trip at Navan last month was a shock, but once again proved to all what an admirable warrior he is. A best price of 11/8 at this time seems more than fair.

Lee- 

Day 2 looks harder than the opener to me, so I’m not going to ignore the obvious chance of TIGER ROLL in the cross-country race. There was some talk about him having a crack at the Gold Cup in an ambitious attempt to win four times at the Festival in different races.

While it would have been intriguing to see him in the Blue Riband, he is far more likely to win this chosen target instead. As I see it, there would be no point going to Cheltenham on route to the Grand National unless he is expected to win.

I was hoping to find an each-way alternative to Altior in the Champion Chase, but the extra rain has tempered (though not completely destroyed) my enthusiasm in God’s Own, so I’ll just be watching it now.

In the RSA, Santini’s interrupted preparation has been widely discussed. He looks an ideal candidate for the race but, in the circumstances, MORTAL would be a good alternative if he goes for it. However, he also has other engagements and trainer Joseph O’Brien will pick the right one, so look out for him wherever he heads.

 

Final Word with Rich- 

Thanks guys, lets see what I have for you on day 2 of the festival….

1.30… Ballymore Novice Hurdle… Grade 1 Class 1… 2m 5f…

I have been with Champ all season and I see no reason to change that now, having started this season unbeaten and has improved with each run. Having won twice in May Champ returned on December 1st in a 2m 4f Class 2 handicap hurdle at Newbury, winning by 4 & 1/2 lengths. Stepped up to Grade 1 company when last seen, again at Newbury on December 29th when landing the Grade 1 Challow Novice Hurdle by 2 & 1/2 lengths from Getaway Trump…

DANGER… Battleoverdoyen… Won a Punchestown 2m NHF(Bumper) on November 28th by 6 & 1/2 lengths before heading to Navan to make hurdle debut in a 2m Maiden on December 16th, winning by 13 lengths from Momus. A step up in trip & Grade was required and when last seen at Naas on January 6th when landing the Grade 1 Lawlor’s Novice Hurdle 2m 4f….

2.10…RSA Novice Chase… Grade 1 Class 1… 3m 80yds…

Delta Work…  3 from 3 this season since making Chase debut over 2m 3f back on November 2nd when winning a Beginners Chase by 3/4’s of a length. Took a step up to Grade 1 company at Fairyhouse to land the Drinmore Novice Chase over 2m 5f from Le Richebourg(Misses festival to injury). Delta Work was last seen at Leopardstown on December 29th when stepping up to 3m to land the Neville Hotels Grade 1 Novice Chase by 8 lengths from Mortal….

4.50… Fred Winter Juvenile Handicap Hurdle… Grade 3 Class 1.. 2m 87yds…

Band of Outlaws…. Having finished 3rd by 1 length to Maze Runner on December 9th in a Maiden Hurdle debut at Cork over 2m . Improved next time out on December 26th to land a 2m Limerick Maiden Hurdle by 3/4’s of a length before reversing the form with Maze Runner, winning by 4 & 1/2 lengths in a Class 1 Hurdle on February 29th at Naas…

That is  everything for you today folks, really appreciate you all popping by and we look forward to your company for Day 3…

All the Best – The Cheltenham Blog Team

 

Cheltenham Day 1

Hello and welcome to our coverage of the Cheltenham Festival, for the next four days we will bring you a blog with NO affiliate links and that is 100% independent. 

Its here, the most prestigious 4 days of the National Hunt racing calendar is finally upon us, no more need for the numerous countdown tweets and the OMG I am so excited… We have a jammed blog for you all over the next 4 days, so we shall introduce you to the team…

 

Alongside Charlie & Rich, we are pleased to welcome Chris Price, the writer of the NH Diary… We also welcome a  couple of special guests… Lee Mckenzie from Talksport 2 & top trainer Brendan Powell….

 

 

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Brendan Powell

 

Charlie will lead the way with his Selections for day one, the guests will all play nicely in the middle, while Rich will have the final word…So lets get cracking…

Charlie – Day One is going to be important to whoever has the best start and I feel Nicky Henderson will want to hit the ground running from race 1.

Angels Breath 🌟🌟🌟-Angels Breath for some having only ran twice this year for Nicky Henderson may seem a negative, I tend to disagree with that as although has only had a couple of races Angels Breath has ran well enough on both occasions, winning at Ascot over 1m 8f in the Supreme trial beating Danny Kirwan by 4 and 1/2 lengths. Next run came at Kempton in the Dovecoat Novice Hurdle over 2m when losing by 3/4 length to the Paul Nichols trained Southfield Stone after blundering the last. Although was 2nd in that race, battled on gamely even after making a mistake at the last. With a clear round of jumping and the experience of that race behind it could easily take this race for a trainer who has won it before and looks reasonably priced at 9-2 at time of writing.

Win Advised.

 

Loug Derg Spirit 🌟🌟🌟 -Is another who is trained by Nicky Henderson. Loug Derg Spirit has a 50% strike rate in chases having won 2 from 4 over 2m 3f  at Wetherby when beating Cool Mix by  7 lengths and won over 2m 4 at Ludlow when beating Lillington by 12 lengths . Has form on soft ground and could easily follow up here, although I have suggested an Eachway play, it may be best looking for bookie that is paying 4 or more places on this race. Loug Derg Spirit looks overpriced at 16-1 at time of writing and could be shorter closer to race time

Eachway Advised

.

.

Ok Corral 🌟🌟🌟 -For me is my nap of the meeting, I know there will be some who disagree with my thinking on this but I will try and explain why it’s my Nap of the meeting. Firstly Ok Corral has an interesting race history having had 10 runs in total Winning 5 of those covering NH Flat with 2 starts winning 1 and finishing 2nd in the other, Hurdles seen Ok Corral have 5 starts, Winning twice and finished 2nd Twice. Ok Corral has also had 2 Chase Wins from 3 attempts and with that kind of record is the sign of a champion in waiting in my opinion and the price I took is a bit Slim but I’m happy enough to take it. Hopefully the going doesn’t become too testing with rain forecast to arrive during day one and two.

Win Advised.

Now we will pass the baton on to our guest bloggers for the Festival starting with Chris Price….

.Chris Price – 

Good Man Pat – 4.40 Close Brothers Novices’ Handicap Chase
Like many, I prefer to follow the trends with all the Festival handicaps, and one that ticks many boxes is the Alan King trained Good Man Pat. He originally caught my eye when running a fine race in defeat behind Bags Groove in the Pendil last month and arrives here off a fair mark of 139. Four recent winners of this race had contested a Graded chase last time out, while six of the last ten winners also had no more than four runs over fences at this stage of their careers. Another trend ticked is that all bar Hunt Ball in the past decade had won no more than twice over fences, more positive news for this gelding of Gold Well, alongside winning form on testing ground. It would be of no surprise if his current price of 14/1 shrinks by the time they get to post.

Brendan Powell – 

2.10 – I love Glen Forza in the Arkle. Unusual preparation starting at 3 miles. Then 2 and a half at Kempton. But his jumping is exemplary and was so good at Sandown. Us and them has a cracking ew chance in the same race.

.
 5.30 – Whisperinthebreeze has a great ew chance in the 4 miler. Jumped for fun at Leopardstown and looks tailor made with one of the best amateurs Finny Maguire on board. I think he’ll outstay Ok corral

Lee Mckenzie – 

CHELTENHAM 2019 daily thoughts by talkSPORT2’s Lee McKenzie – there’s extensive live coverage from the course throughout the week and commentary on the first six races on talkSPORT2 every day(DAB or Online)

As I see it, the key to the Champion Hurdle(3.30) is the 7lb mares’ weight allowance, especially as Buveur D’Air’s form isn’t as solid as you would hope for in a horse trying to land the race treble. He sets the standard in the race, but APPLE’S JADE has improved this season and is capable of demolishing the best in Ireland over a variety of trips, so she’s the one for me.
Some have questioned her Cheltenham record, and it isn’t as good as it might be, but she doesn’t strike me as being a course-dependent type. Laurina – a much bigger, stronger individual – also receives the weight, and has huge potential, but there is a possible issue over the drop to two miles and in any case I prefer to see the form in the book.

.
In the Arkle(2.10), HARDLINE should go well at a price even though it might appear that he will need a longer trip in the long run. He has recent form at the minimum distance, but there will be plenty of give in the ground on the first day and stamina will be crucial.

.
The Ultima(2.50) is one of my favourite races of the week, but COO STAR SIVOLA has been laid out for a second successive win in this race all season, and his previous Festival form is there for all to see. I wouldn’t be worried about a relatively lacklustre season so far – it’s all about this race and he will be expected to run another big one.

Final Word with Rich –

A big thank you to the guys for their time to do this for us & we really appreciate their thoughts over the next four days, so not being one to beat around the bush…

3.30… Champion Hurdle… 2m 87yds…

With everyone all over the first 3 in the market, I thought I would look at the forgotten horse that nobody has mentioned… Espoir D’allen… Having won 7 runs from 8 hurdle starts and was 4 from 5 last season before missing the festival. Returned at Naas, winning on return then landing a Grade 3 at Limerick. Was last seen winning at Naas by 2 & 1/2 lengths from Wicklow Brave in a Grade 3 2m hurdle. 7 from 8 over 2m, 3 from 3 over 2m this season. Has won a Grade 2 & 2 Grade 2 contests this season… OUTSIDER!

4.50… Close Brothers Novice Chase… Class 1 Listed… 2m 4f 44yds

Roaring Bull… 2 wins and 1 place from 5 chase runs this season. Landed a Fairyhouse Beginners Chase at the 3rd attempt over 2m 5f on January 1st having improved for each run. A 4th of 7 at Thurles in a Class 1 Handicap Chase 2m 5f on January 20th before heading to Naas on February 9th to land a Class 1 2m 4f Handicap Chase by 14 lengths when last seen… Each Way

That is everything for you today folks, lets hope we can kick off the festival the right way… See you tomorrow… 

All the Best – The Cheltenham Blog team….

 

 

The weekend before the festival

Hello and welcome to arseonlineracing. This website is a 100% independent and has NO affiliate links… The site is run by 2 racing enthusiasts from either end of the British Isles, Charlie hails from Glasgow while Rich is from the Isle of Wight… Miles apart but united by the sport of kings…

The wait is almost over

With the Cheltenham Festival just a few days away, there is still plenty of racing to go before the off at Prestbury Park on Tuesday afternoon… Cue all the tweets on Monday about 24 hours to go… It’s like the night before Christmas…. Happy Cheltenham eve!!!

We love the festival and have special blogs for you from Tuesday to Gold Cup day on Friday. Along side Charlie & Rich, we have Chris Price, who has been building up to this week with his National Hunt diary pages and maybe a guest blogger or two!!

Back to the now and today, we have a standard blog with Charlies Saturday Selections while Rich will have the Final Word….

Charlie – Cheers Rich it was nice to land my nap last week, pity the other two let me down and finished the day breaking even. Hopefully I’ve found the right 3 this week and although prices are a bit shorter than normal, I fully expect them to give a good run for their connections. Anyway enough of my rambling let’s kick proceedings off with Saturday’s selections listed below.

Chase End Charlie 🌟🌟🌟-Has been pretty consistent in Class 4 Handicap Hurdles the last 3 starts, over distances from 2m 5f to 3m 2f. Finishing 2nd twice with the first of those at Market Rasen over 2m 5f and the 2nd coming at Exeter over 2m 7f last time out. Sandwiched between those two 2nd places was a decent 3rd over 3m 2f at Hereford. If showing up in the same mood shown in those races may be enough to take this weaker looking race.

Win Advised

.

Ami Desbois 🌟🌟🌟-Has shown some promise in last 3 race’s in Class 2 Company. Finishing 3rd at Chepstow over 3m in December, was then 4th next time out at Haydock over 3m 3f before finishing 2nd here last time out over 3m when just pipped on the line losing by a neck. Has been raised 4lbs for that run and this race looks easier on paper a repeat of that run shown last time should be enough to take this.

Win Advised

.

Dommerson 🌟🌟🌟-Has been in fantastic form finishing in first 2 places in last 5 runs over distances from 1m 2f to 1m 4f. Has finished 2nd here on last 3 visits and takes a slight drop in distance to 1m 1f 104y. If showing same kind of form today that could be good enough to gain a welcome win for Roger Fell.

Win Advised

.

Well that’s my thoughts on Saturday’s Selections, good luck if following and please remember to keep stakes small. I will now hand you back over to Rich for the Final Word.

.

Final Word with Rich –

I will be concentrating on the All Weather meeting at Wolverhampton & Super Saturday at Meydan, with the build up to the festival, I like to keep an eye on the upcoming flat season(Not long now!)

Wolverhampton… All Weather… Standard..

3.15… Lady Wulfruna Stakes.. Class 1 Listed… 7f 36yds..

Oh This Is Us…. Top rated at 113 in the field. Finished runner up on return to racing after placing twice at the end of last year in Group 2 company(Doncaster & Longchamp) when behind Hathal by 1 & 1/2 lengths at this course over 1m 142yds on February 4th before landing the odds on February 23rd in a 1m Class 2 handicap…..

4.25.. Handicap.. Class 2… 6f 20yds..

Cornithia Knight... Finished a 2 length 3rd to Gorgeous Noora in a Class 1 Listed 5f contest on February 23rd before being beaten by a neck from Royal Birth in a Class 2 handicap over 5f on March 2nd at Lingfield.. Up in trip & top rated 105 in the field…

Wolverhampton

Meydan… Super Saturday…

1.10… Turf Sprint… Group 3… 6f..

Blue Point.. The Kings Stand winner made an impressive seasonal return at this course over 5f, winning by 5 lengths in the Turf Sprint Group 2. Now steps back up to 6f…

2.20… Turf Group 2… 1m 4f..

 Old Persian… The Great Voltigeur winner at York back in August, over 1m 4f when having St Leer winner Kew Gardens(3rd) and Melbourne Cup winner Cross Counter(2nd) in behind. Failed to stay the 1m 6f St Leger trip, when finishing 5th behind Kew Gardens and makes seasonal comeback today….

2.55… Group 1 Dirt Stakes… 1m 2f…

Thunder Snow… Last seen finishing 3rd in the Breeders Cup Classic back in November(yes we all saw the ride, but expect a lot different today!) at Churchill Downs. Was runner up in this last season as was a prep run for the Dubai World Cup, so if you are having a punt, I advise caution!

That’s all for today folks, a huge thanks to everyone who read & shared our interview with Ger Lyons. We have another BIG Interview for you on Sunday evening as we build up to Cheltenham….

All the best – Charlie & Rich

 

 

A new dawn.. A new day….

Hello and welcome to arseonlineracing… Yes that’s right racing not tips! This website is still a 100% independent racing website with NO affiliate links and still has the same great content, we felt that the change from ‘tips’ to racing was more appropriate for this site now. 

Charlie still hails from Glasgow & Rich still lives on the Isle of Wight and although we live miles apart, we are united in our passion for this fantastic sport.

Blimey it’s March already and I think we all know what is on the horizon… Yes that’s right the flat season is just around the corner along with the Meydan classics! Oh and of course the Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National at Aintree…

Speaking of Cheltenham, we are going to have some news for you regarding what we are doing for the 4 days of the festival very soon & we are delighted with what we have planned & we hope you will be too!

It’s disappointing that ARC and the trainers/owners are still at an impasse regarding the Prize money at their tracks and we at arseonlineracing, hope that this is sorted sooner rather than later, for the sake of racing in general…

Right with all that out of the way, lets concentrate on today’s racing… Charlie will have his selections while Rich will have the Final Word….

Charlie –

Movie Legend 🌟🌟🌟-Hasnt been out of the first 3 places in last 6 starts, beginning at Cheltenham in November and finishing at Wetherby in February with a win after wind surgery. Main danger comes in the shape of Cracking Find who has a similar profile but my preference is for Movie Legend who is better off at the weights than Cracking Find who gets a double penalty for winning last two starts.

Win Advised

.

Defi Sacre 🌟🌟- May be clutching at straws with this one, but has only had two runs in the UK both coming at Doncaster in January. First UK run was over 2m 1f in a Class 4 novice hurdle when finishing 3rd and then returned to Doncaster 17 days later to race in a Class 4 Handicap Hurdle over 2m 3f and finished 5th behind Always Resolute. Has since had a wind operation and that could help with breathing, hopefully being out of Network who produced Sprinter Sacre, has some class in the breeding to back up my theory, was 14-1 last night but has drifted to 33-1 now and most in this race have questions to answer making the race more open. I guess we will find out if I’m right or not come racetime.

Eachway Advised

.

Le Torrent 🌟🌟🌟-Has won 3 times over 2m in last 4 runs, first of those wins came at Kempton in a Class 6 Handicap back in March last year. Next win came at Lingfield in April last year in a Class 5 Handicap. Latest win came at Kempton again in February in another Class 5 Handicap when beating Houlton by 1/2 length,has gone up 3lbs for that win and could still have more to offer but this is a hands and heels race so a bit of a caution in regards to stake is advised.

Win Advised

.

Well that’s my thoughts on today’s selections, good luck if following and please remember to keep stakes small so it doesn’t hurt your pocket. I will now hand you back over to Rich for the Final Word.

.

Final Word with Rich – 

Thanks Charlie, I hope my form is still as good as last Saturday when this section popped in a few winners…. Just Doncaster & Lingfield from me today, so lets get cracking & see what I have found…..

Doncaster… Good

2.25… Handicap Chase… Class 2… 2m 78yds..

Cracking Find… With form figures reading 2/3/2/1/1 since returning in October, Cracking Find is the form horse coming into this race and it is not hard to see why. Landing back to back Class 2 contests including a C&D win here last time out on January 25th….

3.35… Handicap Chase… Class 2… 3m 2f 1yd..

Rocky’s Treasure… Finished a 14 length 3rd to OK Corral in a class 1 Listed chase at Warwick last time out on January 12th having won a Grade 2 novice chase by 17 lengths back in December over 3 miles and now steps up in trip…

Lingfield… All Weather… Standard..

2.50… Handicap… Class 2… 5f 6yds…

Royal Birth… Has finished runner up on last two starts. Chelmsford over 5f in a Class 2 finishing 3/4’s of a length to Tropics before finishing 3/4’s of a length over C&D just 7 days ago in a Class 1 Listed contest to Gorgeous Nora…

3.50… Spring Cup Stakes … Class 1 Listed… 3YO Only… 7f 1yd…

Fanaar… Last seen finishing a 6 & 3/4 length 4th in a Newbury 7f Group 3 contest back in October and has since been gelded. His trainer William Haggas has won the last 2 running’s of this race and will be looking to make it 3 in a row…

DANGER…. Deep Intrigue… Has won 3 of the last 4 runs since returning to the track in December. All wins over 6f including last time out in a Class 2 at Newcastle on February 20th by a neck & now steps up in trip…

That is everything for you today folks… We hope you enjoyed our recent BIG Interview with Martin Smith & are looking forward to finding out who is this weeks BIG Interview! 

All the Best – Charlie & Rich