Hello & 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…
This is our first blog post for a few weeks, the reason being the weather and we decided not to risk anything until it settles down. We are safe today, as the weather in Saudi Arabia is set fair!
We are aware Cheltenham is in a couple of weeks and we have made plans for that week with our Blog line up, TBA in the next week, so keep your eyes out on Twitter!
Back to today & we take you on a trip to the heart of the Middle East, Riyadh, the Capital of Saudi Arabia is hosting the Richest meeting in the world, with the Richest race – The Saudi Cup, with a purpose built race course & we have a few thoughts on the card for you!
Charlie –
2.45 – Hajres – Is the mount of Christophe Soumillon and although won a grade 1 on the 11th August last year beating Mehdaaf Athbah by 3/4 of a length over 1m at Windsor, this looks a tougher race on paper, main danger comes in the shape of the highest rated Tallab Al Khalediah and 2nd highest rated Mutawakel Al Khalediah, although my preference is for the mount of Christophe as has lower milage on the clock and could still have more to offer.
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4.50 – Gladiator King -Winner of last 2 starts at Meydan over 6f, beat Ibn Malik by a neck on the 2nd January and then returned to Meydan 28 days later and won again beating Truck Salesman by 1 length, Mickael Barzalona takes the ride today and another bold show can’t be ruled out.
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5.40 – The Saudi Cup – The main contenders for this race are the American pair Maximum Security and Midnight Bisou who look the most likely to fight out the finish in this very prestigious race. Midnight Bisou has won 5 Grade 1 races in the States although hasn’t ran against the boys as yet. Maximum Security has won 8 starts from 9 and include 4 Grade 1 victories over 1m to 1m 2f.
Well that’s my thoughts on today’s races in Saudi Arabia, good luck if following, I will now hand you back over to Rich for his take on the card.
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Rich –
1.35 Sprint (Turf) – 6f 110yds….
Glorious Journey – The Newbury Group 2 7f Hungerford Stakes winner is fresh from a 3/4’s of a length win in the Group 2 7f Al Fahial from Mythical Magic in Meydan on January 23rd , the drop back in trip should be no issue & is Top Rated 114.
2.10 Handicap (Turf) – 1m 7f….
Call the Wind – Has been runner up in the last 3 starts. To Marmelo by 3/4’s of a length in the 1m 7f Group 2 Prix Kergorlay in August at Deauville. Again by 3/4’s of a length to Holdisthaisgreen on October 5th over 2m 3f at Longchamp in the Prix Du Cadran and when last seen on October 27th in the 1m 7f Prix De Royal Oak at Deauville to Technician by 1 & 3/4 lengths…
5.40 The Saudi Cup (Dirt) – 1m 1f….
Benbatl…. A 2 length winner of the group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge R2 at Meydan on February 6th, when making his dirt debut. That was his 3rd win from last 4 starts having won at Newmarket in the 1m Group 2 Joel Stakes in September & made it 2 from 3 when winning at Meydan, when taking the 1m Group 2 on Turf on January 9th by 4 & 1/2 lengths.
The Main Danger could well be American raider Maximum Security, who won the Cigar Mile when last seen in December, with having already won the Grade 1 Belmont Invitational in July & the Grade 2 Bold Ruler 7f in October!
That is everything for you today folks, thanks for your patience & we look forward to bringing you another BIG Interview on Sunday at 7PM….
Today as I sat watching the racing, in anticipation of the return of the All Weather Sprint king Kachy, my mind started to drift back to when we talked to his owner Dave Lowe and all the trials the team have had to overcome to get Kachy to All Weathers Final day to defend his sprint crown that he had won the past 2 seasons, including breaking the track record last year.
Obviously things hadn’t gone to plan, with a setback to start and then when finally ready to run, a knock in the course caused a touch more stress to the situation. The day was finally here.. Kachy was ready to go, on what possibly could have been the start of 3 races to Qualify for a race he was the reigning champion of….
I say this as I know from seeing Dave’s tweets that he has a valid point about the reigning winners of each All Weather race being given an entry to defend their title the following season, after all in most sports, well at least in Football, the reigning winners are automatically entered in the competition & you can see his point, anyway this is by the wayside but it also a valid point… And for the record I am in no way saying that this should change, but maybe a future conversation could take place.
Anyway, I was sat waiting, already annoyed that the TV were taking too long to get to Lingfield, with the race at Ascot finished some 7-8 minutes before the scheduled start at Lingfield and they were still going on about the race prior to heading to it, I was excited to see him again and I know how much work Tom, Richard & the team had put in to get Kachy to this point…
I sat there in disbeleaf at what had happened, my heart sunk & my eyes filled with tears, I sat there, scrolling through twitter, waiting for news. My first thought was for Dave, a proud man, who was fighting tooth & nail to find a way to get his beloved horse to Finals Day to defend his crown for a final hurrah before he went to stud…
I feel the same way today as I did the day Many Clouds passed away and I will feel like this for a while yet, so I have no idea how Dave, Tom, Richard & the Team feel if I’m feeling like this & I’m just a fan.
I just want to say thank you to Kachy, Dave, Tom, Richard & the Team for lighting up the race track, even if it was a blink & you miss it.
To you all, we send our Condolences and you are in my thoughts…
Welcome to Arseonlineracing. This website is 100% Independent with NO affiliate links. The 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, although miles apart united by the sport of king….
It’s the calm before the storm today, with meetings at Warwick, Newbury, Lingfield, Uttoxeter and Wolverhampton tonight and over in Ireland Naas hold a jumps meeting despite the threat of Storm Ciara!
There will be a moments pause for thought at the races today for James Banks, who sadly passed away this week. Please remember if you need to talk, TALK. Its OK not to be OK.
Charlie will lead the way as usual and Rich will close the blog with his Final Word…..
Charlie – Normally I would be concentrating on jumps or racing on turf, but due to my current dip in form and conditions not ideal, I have decided to have a go on the All Weather today so without further adieu let’s get the ball rolling.
Lingfield 3.30 – Will To Win – Has won last 3 runs on the All Weather beginning with a Class 5 win here on the 20th June over 6f beating Harlequin by 2 and 3/4 lengths. Next up was another Class 5 win at Wolverhampton over 6f, when beating Shine On Brendan by 1/2 length. Latest win came on the 30th January at Southwell over 6f and 16y when beating Speed Merchant by 2 lengths. Although is now 6lbs worse off, still looks to have more to come and biggest danger comes in the shape of Never Before trained by Joseph O’brien.
Win Advised
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Wolverhampton 6.30 – Let’s Go Lucky – Won at Lingfield on the 24th January over 7f and 1y, beating Hong Kong Dragon by 1/2 length. Is now carrying a penalty for that victory and should be thereabouts again biggest threat comes in the shape of Compensate who drops in grade for todays race.
Win Advised
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Well that’s my thoughts on today’s selections, good luck if following and please remember to keep stake small so it doesn’t hurt your pockets. I will now hand you back over to Rich for the Final Word.
Final Word with Rich –
Thanks Charlie, i have 3 today plus a small 4 fold from Newbury. 2 from Lingfield on the All WEather & 1 from Warwick….
Lingfield…..
1.45 Handicap – Class 5 – 1m 1yd….
Stormbreaker – Won on final start from Ed Walker in a Class 5 Wolverhampton 1m 1f Handicap on October 24th by 2 & 1/2 lengths and changed yards for 70,000 Guineas. His previous 6 all weather form reads 2/3/2/3/2/2 over 1m & 1m 2f. Has not run for 107 days and is up 6Lb for the last win. Has been gelded & is Top Rated in the race.
3.30 Handicap – Class 3 – 3YO Only – 6f 1yd….
Never Before – Joseph O’Brien send one over, who was a last time out winner at Dundalk over 7f by 1 & 1/2 lengths. That was the 3rd all weather run for this colt having finished runner up on both previous starts over 6f having been beaten by a neck & 1/2 a length.Ben Curis is on board today & had a 24% SR in November & January…
Warwick – Good to Soft
2.40 – Mares Listed Hurdle – Class 1 – 2m 5f….
Guardia Top – A 3 time winner in 2019 over 1m 8f, 2m & 2m 3f. This is a step up in trip having stepped up from Class 3 company, when a 2 length 3rd at Exeter in a 2m 2f Handicap Hurdle on January 1st. Runner up last time out on January 24th when beaten by Fantastic Ms Fox in a 2m 128yd Class 1 Listed Hurdle at Doncaster. Up in trip & the OUTSIDER…..
Newbury 4 fold….
1.15 – Chantry House
2.25 – Altior
3.00 – Native River
4.45 – Champagnesuperover
Pays – 8/1 at Skybet
That is everything for you today folks. The BIG Interview will be back soon, but feel free to check out our website for our previous Interviews and Articles…
Hello and Welcome to Arseonlineracing. This website is 100% Independent and has NO affiliate links. The website is curated by 2 racing enthusiasts from either end of the British Isles with Charlie hailing from Glasgow while Rich is from the Isle of Wight. Miles apart but united by the sport of kings…
This is a Leopardstown Special, where between Charlie, Rich & Jamie(Aka @Glen_Colt) we run through the WHOLE Card, something we have not done for a long time, so here we go, in race order….. The going is Yielding….
12.55 Mares’ Handicap Hurdle… Grade B.. 2m 2f (Charlie) – Drury -Trained by W Mullins, Drury was 5th in a National Hunt Flat race at Fairyhouse on the 23rd April last year, was then sent to Cork on the 5th August to race over 2m 3f in another National Hunt Flat Race and beat Barnet Brook by 6 lengths. Next up was a Maiden Hurdle at Gowran Park on the 5th October finishing a 5 and 1/2 length 2nd to Rocket Lad. Cork was the next destination and Drury finished 3rd over 2m 4f in another Maiden Hurdle behind Minella Melody and Earthiest Words. Punchestown was the next destination for another pop at a Maiden Hurdle and Drury won over 2m 4f and 150y, beating stable companion Minella Encore by 16 lengths. Won at Fairyhouse on latest run on New Year’s Day when landing the Irish Grand National Mares Novice Hurdle over 2m and 2f, beating Strange Notions by 11 lengths. If turning up in same mood could easily go in again here but Mullins has a few in this race but Drury looks like his strongest chance in a very open looking handicap.
1.25 Juvenile Hurdle… Grade 1… 4YO Only… 2m(Rich)
Aspire Tower – Likely to go off at ODDS ON having won both starts over hurdles for Henry DeBromhead and Jockey Rachael Blackmore. A winner over 2m 100yds at Punchestown in a Maiden by some 13 lengths in soft ground on November 26th and made it 2 from 2 when winning over C&D on Boxing Day in the Grade 2 Juvenile HUrdle, again on soft ground by 18 lengths from Wolf Prince, who won NTO and is in the field today alongside 3rd that day was A Wave of the Sea, with both likely to be better than when they last met.
The BIG DANGER could well come from Cerberus, who beat A Wave of the Sea by 2 & 1/4 lengths in a 2m Grade 3 Juvenile Hurdle before finishing a 9 length runner up LTO in a 2m Grade 1 Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow on December 27th.
1.55 Novice Hurdle… Grade 1…. 2m (Jamie)
Asterion Forlonge – This looks to be a red-hot two-mile novice hurdle between the usual
protagonists Mullins and Elliott. Easywork is the current favourite for the Elliott yard after a demolition job at Limerick. One horse stands out for me despite only being a maiden hurdle winner, Asterion Forlonge is highly rated by the Mullins team and he couldn’t have shed his maiden tag any easier at Naas. He looks to be a strong traveller this fella and he looks to be in with every chance in what looks to be an open race.
2.30 Handicap Hurdle… Grade B(0-150)… 3m (Jamie)
Gardens Of Babylon – A teak tough handicap for the punters to try and solve. One of the
many who appeal to me is Joseph O’Brien’s Gardens Of Babylon. The Son of Camelot is a consistent enough sort and looks like he should be right in the mix again having ran two nice races so far thus season, finishing second in two Grade three contests. Hopefully the
overnight rain will stay away, and Barry Geraghty has chosen to ride him ahead of five other McManus runners.
3.00 Novice Chase… Grade 1… 2m 5f (Rich)
Faugheen – The Machine is back in full effect at the tender age of 12. This is his debut Chasing season and so far so good as the Legend is 2 wins from 2 starts, having won a 2m 4f Beginners Chase at Punchestown on November 16th by 7 & 1/2 lengths and made it 2 from 2 in this sphere when taking the Grade 1 Novice Chase 2m 3f 160yds by beating Samcro on Boxing Day by 10 lengths. The once 174 rated hurdlers is now running from an opening chase mark of 156 & is Top Rated in this race. The multiple Grade 1 winning hurdler is having a new lease of life…
But the BIG DANGER is likely to come from the young pretender BattleoverDoyen. The 155 rated chaser who won 2 of his 3 starts over hurdles which included the Navan 2m 4f Grade 1 Novice Hurdle was also sent chasing this season & the 7YO is 3 from 3 so far. Having won a Galway 2m 6f Galway Beginners Chase in October by 8 lengths on debut then landed the 2m 6f Grade 2 Pearl Novice Chase by 5 lengths before making it 3 wins from 3 starts on December 29th when beating Champagne Classic in a 3 runner Grade 1 Novice Chase over 3m by 1 length…..
3.30 Irish Gold Cup…. Grade 1… 3m (Jamie)
Presenting Percy – Cheltenham Gold Cup credentials are put on the line in the Irish
equivalent. Presenting Percy would be a very popular winner and I believe he can strike here. The key form race coming into this is the Savills Chase over C+D at Christmas where Delta Work beat Kemboy and Presenting Percy into fourth and fifth. However, I expect both to be a lot closer and if Presenting Percy can jump at his best then he
will give himself every chance. I just can’t get that performance of his in the 2018 RSA Chase out of my head, he was awesome and left Al Boum Photo in his wake before the to be Gold Cup winner fell at the last.
Portmore Lough – Has run in 6 Chases, 3 have been in handicaps and since the start of this season. Unplaced once from the 6 starts, which was when 7th of 12, some 38 lengths behind Getabird in a Class 1 Beginners Chase in December 2018. A winner on seasonal return on October 8th in a 2m 2f Galway Handicap by 1 & 1/4 lengths before making it 2 wins from 2 starts in October, when on the 27th taking a 2m 6f Galway Handicap when beating Sumos Novios by 2 & 3/4 lengths under a penalty. Finished 3rd of 23 runner LTO in a Grade B (0-150) 3m Chase at Navan on November 24th by 17 lengths to Chris’ Dream from an opening mark of 131 and runs from the same mark today with a 7Lb claimer on board…
4.35 Mares’ NH Flat Race…4YO – 7YO Grade 2…. 2m (Charlie) – Castra Vetera -Has only had the one race at Fairyhouse on the 14th December last year and won over 2m in a National Hunt Flat Race beating Carrigeen Lotus by 7 lengths. Main danger comes in the shape of the Gordon Elliott trained Bigbadandbeautiful who has won the last 3 on the trot.
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That is everything for you today folks, hopefully we have pointed you in the right direction. Remember, if you cannot afford to Lose don’t bet – Just watch.
Hello and welcome to Arseonlineracing. This website is 100% independent & has NO affiliate links. The 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…
We have a jammed packed blog for you today, with plenty of Graded races around the country as well as in Ireland. Charlie and Rich are joined by Jamie today, aka @Glen_Colt who is covering Leopardstown for us, while Charlie takes a look at the Sandown Card. Rich has the All Weather at Lingfield & Kempton, along with the Grade 2 Novice Chase at Wetherby….
And don’t forget folks, we have some new race start times today which is interesting, although with horses involved you can imagine that this may not run smoothly!
Charlie will kick us off with Sandown, Jamie will follow with his Leopardstown thoughts while Rich will have the Final Word….
Sandown
Charlie –
12.40 – Betway Novice Hurdle 1m 7f 216y – Palladium – Looks like the likeliest winner of this race, trained by Nicky Henderson Palladium has only had 2 runs over hurdles, finished a short head 2nd to Maskada at Warwick over 2m back in December on hurdle debut. Was then sent here for next race in the Unibet juvenile hurdle on the 4th January when beating Brambledown by 11 lengths over 1m 7f and 216y. Nicky Henderson has a 27% success rate here and Nico de Boinville has a 25% success rate at the track as well and this all points to a big run.
Win Advised
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2.25 – Betway Scilly Isles Novice Chase (Grade1) 2m 4f 10y – Laurina -Trained by W P Mullins, Laurina has 7 wins under her belt dating back to December 2017. Although 3 of those wins came last year at Sandown, Punchestown and Gowran Park. The win at Sandown was a bit of a let down as only 2 ran and Laurina beat Sensulano by 48 lengths over 2m 3f and 173y on the 5th January last year. The win at Punchestown was over 2m 4f and 50y on the 20th February last year when beating Stormy Ireland by 6 lengths. Next win came at Gowran Park on the 23rd November last year when beating Minella Indo by 8 lengths over 2m 4f. Was a tad disappointing in latest race when pulled up at Leopardstown after bursting blood vessels, if fully fit and recovered from that last show, Laurina should take this race receiving 7lbs from the geldings and Trainer W Mullins has a 30% strike rate in last fortnight, with a very respectable 25% success rate at Sandown and is partnered with Nico de Boinville who also has a 25% success rate at Sandown.
Win Advised
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3.00 – Betway Heroes Handicap Hurdle (Grade3) 2m 7f 98y – Big Shark – Has only had 4 races 1st one was in a point to point race at Ballysteen over 3m when beaten 10 lengths by winner January Jets. Next race came at Worcester in a Class 5 over 2m 7f in October last year when beating One For The Team by 1 and 1/2 lengths. Next race came at Hereford stepping up in grade and trip, and Big Shark won again beating Mr Muldoon by 10 lengths in a Class 4 Novice Hurdle over 3m 1f and 119y. Next run came at Haydock when stepping up in grade again to a Class 3 Handicap Hurdle, when finishing a 1 and 1/2 length 2nd to Flashjack over 3m and 58y. With low mileage on the clock and plenty of racing still in the tank, The Big Shark looks to be still progressing and another bold display can’t be ruled out despite the 4lb increase.
Eachway Advised
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Jamie –
1:25 – Ladbrokes Dublin Chase –
Selection: Chacun Por Soi
A little gem of a race in store with Henry De Bromhead’s A Plus Tard taking on the Mullins / Ricci combination of Chacun Por Soi & Min.
I have opted for the former as I feel he will be just coming to the boil now after finishing behind A Plus Tard at Leopardstown over Christmas. Chacun Por Soi is held in very high regard at home and he showed why last April when trouncing Defi De Seuil and Duc Des Geneveries at the Punchestown Festival, that form has worked out not too bad since! He must take a world of beating if near his best.
2:35 – Matheson Handicap Chase – Selection: Debuchet
In a typically fierce Leopardstown handicap it may well be worth siding with the consistent Debuchet. Margaret Mullins’ charge has slid down the weights a bit and now looks on an attractive mark.
He was last seen when third in a decent handicap at Cork at the start of January, however he will need to produce an improved performance if he is be a key figure in this race.
There is every chance though he can do it and I believe he will at least nick a place.
3:10 – PCI Irish Champion Hurdle – Selection: Sharjah
Honeysuckle is the name on everyone’s lips today at Leopardstown as she puts her Champion Hurdle credentials on the line. However, I think Sharjah, who loves it here at Leopardstown might just undo her. Winner of the Ryanair Hurdle over C+D last time out the Willie Mullins trained horse looks the one to put it up to the Mare.
I have my reservations over the form of the Hatton Grace that Honeysuckle won easily, with Bacardys in second and an Apples Jade that looks to be in decline. It’s not form that stands out for me.
With Mullins fielding four of the nine runners’ tactics will come into the equation. It will be a fascinating watch.
Final Word with Rich –
Thanks Guys and it’s good to have you both back, I have 5 for you today 3 from Lingfield and 1 each from Wetherby & Kempton….
Lingfield…. All Weather… Standard..
1.10 Handicap… Class 4… 6f 1yd…
Swiss Pride…. A C&D winner last time when winning a Class 6 Claimer by 1 & 1/2 lenths and changed yards after this race on January 10th. Ran a 2 & 3/4 length 3rd of 6 to Fizzy Feet in a 6f Class 6 Handicap on December 9th having previously won at Kempton in a Class 5 6f Claimer by a neck, but went unclaimed . Although Class 4 form reads 3/7/2 the AW form reads only finishing once outside the top 3 1/3/2/1. The cheek Pieces worn under the previous trainer are retained here….
1.45 Cleve Stakes… Class 1 Listed… 6f 1yd
Kachy…. The winner of this race for the past 2 seasons and makes seasonal return today looking to make it 3 wins in a row and with his C&D form reading 1/1/2/1/1, is the current 6f course record holder it’s hard to get away from Kachy. He had wind surgery before this race last season although he usually had a run before now but connections are confident enough to go without one and he is the class horse in the race. Although has not been on a race course since finishing a 2 & 3/4 length 3rd to Blue Point in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee at Ascot on June 22nd. Final season swansong before a life at stud…
2.55 Winter Derby Trail… Class 1 Listed… 1m 2f…
Bangkok… Despite not winning a maiden as a 2YO Bangkok made up for it as a 3yo winning twice, including a Doncaster maiden in March, with Telecaster runner up and then winning the Group 3 Classic Trail at Sandown when beating Technican. Although finishing 12th in the Derby in June, he put in a fine run to finish a 4 & 1/2 length runner up to Japan, who went on to land the Group 1 Prix De Paris & International before finishing 4th in the Arc. A 5th to Elarqam followed at York before ending the season as runner up to Zaaki by a neck in the Group 3 Strensall Stakes at York.
Had a run on December 21st in Doha, when runner up in the Group 2 Qatar Derby by 1 & 1/4 lengths…
Wetherby…. Soft…
2.45 Towton Novice Chase…. Grade 2… 3m 45yds…
Chapel Stile….. Won 3 form 5 hurdle races after stepping up in trip to 3m. Made Chase debut on season return at Carlisle on heavy ground in a 2m 4f Class 3 Novice Handicap Chase finishing a 3 & 1/4 length 3rd to Two from Gold, who has since won the Grade 2 Hampton Novice Chase and is 3 from 3 this season. Chapel Stile made no mistake last time out on December 15th again at Carlisle on heavy ground in a 2m 5f Class 3 Novice Handicap Chase beating Cloudy Glen by a neck & Glen has also won since….
Kempton…. All Weather… Standard/Slow
6.45 Handicap… Class 3… 1m 8f….
Coeur De Lion… Had 3 hurdle starts this season having run on the flat last summer, all in Class 2 company with form reading 2/1/5/3/3. Has won on the AW at Southwell in 2018 and finished 3rd of 15 on last AW run at Newcastle over 2m. Rated 135 over hurdles & 92 here….
That is everything for you today, as we mentioned it’s a pretty packed blog & please remember, only bet what you can afford to lose, if not just watch…. A big thanks to Jamie for his thoughts today….
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