Bonus Blog

Welcome to a BONUS blog from Arseonlineracing. The 100% independent racing website with NO affiliate links..

The lads have worked really hard this year & this is likely to be our last blog of 2021, so we would like to thank everyone who has read, shared & contributed to our site in 2021 & we look forward to 2022.
We hope you all have a wonderful New Year..

Yesterdays blog yielded 2 winners & 1 place…

Going….
Kempton – Soft
Chepstow – Soft
Wetherby – Soft, heavy in places
Leopardstown – Soft, yielding in places

Let’s see what the lads have in store…

Chris –

Kempton

1.55 Mares Handicap Hurdle

Tequila Blaze seemed to relish the step up in trip at Ascot last time out, running on strongly to land a Mares’ handicap. Different conditions today, however she has run with credit and been placed on heavy ground twice as a novice and nearly always runs an honest race. A 5lb rise is fair and there could easily be more to come with the yard also enjoying 2 winners yesterday.

Chepstow

2.50 Coral Welsh National Handicap Chase

A fantastic renewal of Wales’ most prestigious race with plenty of battle hardened staying chasers alongside some up and coming rivals. I’m going for the latter in Highland Hunter, who is developing into a very useful stayer and landed the London National just over 3 weeks ago, needing every yard of the 3m 4f trip to get on top. With only 5 starts over the bigger obstacles there’s every reason he can shrug off the 4lb penalty today and the softer ground is no issue. He makes great each-way appeal at the current double-figure price and shop around with several bookies offering plenty of extra places.

Jamie –

Chepstow – 1:40 – Finale Juvenile Hurdle (G1) –
Selection: Porticello

This looks on paper another strong renewal of Chepstow’s only Grade 1 contest. A repeat of his Doncaster run would see Porticello hold a big chance, at the prices compared to the favourite Forever Blessed I am going to side with Gary Moore’s charge. Porticello was narrowly beaten at Doncaster’s Grade 2 Summit Juvenile Hurdle by Knight Salute, while a promising Nicky Henderson inmate was behind in third, I think the form is rock solid. Perhaps crucially Porticello has won on very soft / heavy ground at Auteuil in the spring, we all know how deep it gets at Chepstow. I think he has a great chance today on all known form. I like Oroko at an each way price too.

Leopardstown – 1:45 – Future Champions Novice Hurdle (G1) –
Selection: Mighty Potter

A small but select field of six lines up for the second top level contest at Leopardstown today. I simply could not ignore Mighty Potter today after a very eye catching run last time out at Fairyhouse. That was in the Grade 1 Royal Bond Novices Hurdle and for a while rounding the home turn it looked as if Migthy Potter was going to finish well beaten after being outpaced in a sprint to the second last. However, from seemingly nowhere he picked up, winged the final hurdle and stayed on to be only beaten a length into third. A truer run race today would play to his strengths. I was lucky enough to see this fella win his Maiden Hurdle at Down Royal, he’ll make a fine chaser one day but against this opposition I fancy Mighty Potter to power home and take this. The ground is fine and he has a lot going for him.

Rich –

Leopardstown –
2.55 Handicap Chase – Grade B – 5yo+ – 3m 50yds…
The Bosses Oscar – Oscar X Cuteasafox 6yo gelding.
3 chase runs in 2021, with all 3 runs in Beginner’s over 2m 6f & all 3 landing top 3 finishes. Steps up to 3m today. Finished 2nd at Listowel in September by 13 lengths, was 3rd at Galway in October by 7 lengths & was again a runner up last month, November 18th at Thurles, narrowly beaten by 1 & 1/2 lengths to West Cork Wildway, with Stratum in 3rd, who has won since – EACH WAY

Kempton –
3.40 Handicap Hurdle – 3yo+ – Class 3 – 2m…
Stream of Stars – Sea the Stars X Precious Gem 6yo gelding.
4 Hurdle starts, with 2 wins & 2 places. Has won his last 2 runs. Was 3rd to Harrbur Lake on second start by 4 & 3/4 lengths, who was very impressive that day & runs at Wetherby (12.25).
he won at Ludlow on November 22nd in a 1m 7f Class 4 Maiden hurdle by 5 & 1/2 lengths before winning again last time out at Plumpton, over 1m 7f in a Class 4 Novices’ Hurdle by a nose from Aucunirisque.
Slight rise in trip & up in class on handicap debut, with his opening mark of 125…

Thanks for a great 2021… See you in 2022…
Good Luck – The Arseonlineracing Team

Boxing Day Blog

Welcome to Arseonlineracing’s Boxing Day Blog…
We are the 100% Independent racing website with NO affiliate links…

The big Boxing day bonanza of racing, including the King George VI Chase from Kempton. Plenty of racing on offer & the lads have been busy in the build up to Christmas, so we all can enjoy our time with our families…

Going – Correct when published
Kempton – Good to Soft, soft in places
Fontwell – Soft
Huntingdon – Soft
Market Rasen – Soft, Good to Soft in places
Sedgefield – Soft
Wetherby – Soft
Wincanton – Good to Soft, soft in places
Wolverhampton – Standard (Tapita)
Down Royal – Soft, yielding to soft in places
Limerick – Heavy
Leopardstown – Soft

Let’s begin this Boxing day shindig… We have covered 10 of the 11 racing fixtures in the UK & Ireland today… Some effort!

Charlie –

Fontwell
12.32 Barber Kurakina Memorial Handicap Hurdle Class 4 over 3m 1f 166y

Selection – The Tin Miner – 10yr old Gelding out of Presenting and Sidalcea. Has had 12 runs over hurdles winning twice. The wins have came at Plumpton in January 2020 when beating Zoltan Varga by 1 and 1/4 lengths with Sabbathical a neck behind in 3rd. Won again at Huntingdon on the 22nd December 2020 when beating Crown Hill by a nose with Jamessaintpatrick a further 5 lengths adrift in 3rd. Although hasn’t won since then has ran with some promise on last 3 visits to this track posting a 2nd place finish on two separate occasions and a 3rd place finish last time out when behind Imphal and Lelantos last month. If showing same attitude as previous runs at this track could land another victory at a nice price.

.

Huntingdon
3.32 Racing Tv Open National Hunt Flat Race over 1m 7f 171y

Selection – Crambo – 4yr old unraced Gelding out of Saddler Maker and Cardline. Has a nice bloodline with some Hurdle/Chase ties to France and Germany, comes from a reputable trainer who has a 17% strike rate with his bumper runners this season and may be one to keep onside as the season progresses.

.

Chris –

Wincanton

2.03 Lord Stalbridge Gold Cup Handicap Chase

Roque It was no great shakes over timber, but quickly got off the make over fences, drawing clear at Taunton last month over 3 miles. A 6lb rise to content with today and this looks a fair race, but there should be plenty more to come from him for connections who love it here.

Wolverhampton

3.00

Betway Conditions Stakes

No surprise with my selection here, as old favourite Judicial lines up against 5 much younger rivals. His form continues to remain strong having won a Listed race this summer and finished runner-up at that level last time out over this trip. Carries a 3lb penalty here but holds solid claims at the weights; he looks sure to run his race today and potentially claim win number 18.

Kempton

3.05 King George VI Chase

A red-hot renewal of the King George stacked with key players, but I will side with an up and coming contender here in Chantry House. He bagged a pair of Grade 1’s last Spring, albeit fortunately at Aintree, and did no more than needed in a Sandown match last time, so requires a big personal best today. He’s long been thought of as a Gold Cup horse, and unlike a few rivals today, he should be tactically versatile and shouldn’t be inconvenienced by a lack of tow if Frodon stacks them up. He’s been supported in the betting over the past 48 hours and I’m expecting a big run here.

Jamie –

Leopardstown –

1:45 – TRI Equestrian Novice Handicap Hurdle –
Selection: Banbridge (Each Way)

This is one of the most competitive handicaps you’ll find on Boxing / St Stephen’s Day, with 5/1 the field at the time of writing. Banbridge is an interesting competitior on his Handicap bow. The 5yo son of Doyen may have to carry the top weight of 12st 1lb but with Shane Fitzgerald taking off 5lbs he may be well enough handicapped to get involved today. Banbridge is still relatively unexposed with just the eight races under his belt, with three of those being Point to Points. The forecast rain wouldn’t be too much of a worry as he has winning form on soft ground and a strong gallop today would suit him well. The last time we seen Banbridge was at the Galway Festival when he faced a tough assignment up against the likes of M C Muldoon and co when beaten into fourth. Keep an eye on his price, I think he’ll go well today as more improvement is likely.

Down Royal –

3:03 – Metcollect Cable Recycling Hunters Chase –
Selection: Stand Up And Fight

The highlight of Down Royal’s Boxing day meeting is one for some of Ireland’s best Hunter Chasers to shine. The young contender Vaucelet who is on a 5 timer is a major player but I still think the old pro Stand Up And Fight can live up to his name. Enda Bolger is the main man in Ireland for training Hunter or Cross Country Chasers and his inmate has winning form at Down Royal, which came in this contest three years ago. Another positive is that Stand Up And Fight has had a pipe opener in a P2P a month ago at Lingstown. The ground should also be ok and my selection has big claims for the deadly O’Connor / Bolger combination today.

Rich –

Huntingdon –

12.40 Novices’ Hurdle – Class 4 – 4yo + – 2m 3f 137yds
Lyrical Genius – Milan X Rheinland 4yo gelding.
A winner on rules debut on September 30th at Warwick in a 2m Class 5 NHF( National Hunt Flat race) by 2 lengths from Ted’s Friend before having a 57 day break.
Switched to hurdles on return at Doncaster, when stepping up in trip from 2m to 2m 4f 181yds in a Class 4 Novice Hurdle. The 4yo gelding beat Godrevy Point by a short head.
Runs under a penalty with Top Weight. – WIN

Market Rasen –
2.15 Lincolnshire National Handicap Chase – Class 3 – 4yo+ – 3m 3f 123yds
Brother Pat – Muhtathir X Comtesse Du Sud 6yo gelding
Has been on the go since July & has run in 7 Chase’s, winning 4 times & placing on 2 other occasions. He is a course winner from August this year, winning over 2m 5f in a Class 5 Novice Chase by 1 length. His last win was on November 4th at Sedgefield in a Class 4 Handicap Chase over 3m 3f by 12 lengths.
His last run was at Southwell on November 23rd but fell 2 out, when still in contention. If over the fall, he should go well – EACH WAY

Wetherby –
2.10 Handicap Chase – Grade 3 – 4yo+ – 3m 45yds…
Good Boy Bobby – Flemensfirth X Princess Gaia 8yo gelding.
2 chase runs this term, including winning at this course in a Listed 2m 3f Chase from Cracking Find by 1 & 1/2 lengths on October29th. His last sdtart was at Newcastle in the 2m 2f 91yd Rehearsal Chase, finishing 2nd by a head to Aye Right.
3 wins & 5 places from 10 chase starts. First run at 3m – EACH WAY

That is everything for you today folks, we wish you all good tiding’s & thank you for your support this year.

All the Best – The Arseonlineracing Team

WattySpots – Part 4

After a day at Haydock on Saturday, Neil Watson delivers his eye catchers in WattySpots…

Haydock Park

Hello and welcome to the latest edition of Wattyspots as we head into the Christmas Break.

Haydock played host to some fairly decent jumping action on the last Saturday before Christmas with the Tommy Whittle Chase being the feature race on the card.

While this may not be the most high profile of weekend racedays at the track it still gave a chance for some nice types to earn their corn for the season and with that, here are three horses who caught my eye on the afternoon.

Neil Watson

1 – Tokyo Getaway – 7yo Ch Mare – Trained by Jimmy Moffatt.

Formerly trained in Ireland by Gavin Cromwell this mare ran with good promise on her first start for her Cartmel based trainer.

Taking on some good sorts in the 3m handicap hurdle she stayed on towards the end to just get second behind the inform, Jesuitique.
It’s highly possible a win will come before the season is out for this very gutsy looking mare.

2 – Fuji Flight – 6yo B Gelding – Trained by Venetia Williams.

On what was only his fourth start for this stable since coming over from France this 6yo ran with credit in the Tommy Whittle but probably didn’t stay this extended 3m1f trip.

I am convinced he has a good race in him somewhere over shorter with 2m6f maybe looking to be the optimum distance but he is a sound enough jumper.
While he has yet to win a race over fences he should be able to offer something before the season is out.

3 – Shakem Up’arry – 7yo B Gelding – Trained by Ben Pauling.

For me the most visually impressive winner of the afternoon here as he put his best hoof forward to make up for his recent Ffos Las tumble as he cruised home in the 2m handicap chase.

Having clearly learnt from that he went nicely for Luca Morgan and drew away readily, he is very much improving as the win showed and taking this off 131.
He should make his presence felt a bit more in the two mile handicap chase division, Harry Redknapp will definitely be pleased with the way he is going about things.

WattySpots will return after Christmas…
Wishing you all a safe & Happy Christmas.

Article by Neil Watson
Pictures – Neil Watson & File

An Arseonlineracing Production – Published – December 2021

The Year That Was or Wasn’t…

This is a blog post about the year of Racing & a little of Arseonlineracing.
The question is where do we start? From the many malign tribulations to the darn right obscure & the serious stuff that the sport has thrown up in between…

Let’s start in January & see where we end up or we don’t.
The year started with the government restrictions for all of us & we hoped that we would get through this. Jockey’s doing 1 meeting (Obviously in National Hunt but soon the Flat will start!), which shared the work load & gave other less fashionable jockeys a chance to show, how good or bad, they were! This is a good thing, less travel & more time at home with the family…

Many thought it would be, let’s say stopping freedom of trade, as most jockeys are self employed. Now come on, sharing is caring & that wasn’t very caring at a time when the country needs you to entertain us & show solidarity (More on that later)…
The entertainment was there for all to see & soon enough we would have the Irish invasion of Cheltenham but before that, cue a photo from an Irish Yard, that caused a suspension of a license & the outrage that went through racing & Social Media faster than Battaash over 5f…
It brought the dark side of animal welfare to the fore & showed that, racing needs to do more against the Animal Rights Activists, who had a field day!
We all know it was wrong, made zero sense but were not the one’s who have to live with what happened every day…

The Irish came & Rachael Blackmore teamed up with Henry De Bromhead to deliver the perfect Cheltenham Festival, walking away with ALL the big trophies’ & we couldn’t have been happier, racing had a new hero & a role model for all the youngsters looking for guidance to get into the sport. Rachael also went on to land a historic Grand National win a month later at Aintree. She is a genius.. FACT.

The flat season was knocking on the door as the National Hunt (Winter) season was put to bed. We lost some friends along the way, others retired to pastures new & some we will welcome back with open arms…

Some say you cannot beat the sound of hooves on the lush grass as the horses & Jockeys pass you travelling at around 30mph ( I know it’s faster in certain races!) & yet some folk, still seem to think that Jockey’s fall off deliberately… Really… Ever tried jumping from a vehicle at 30mph DELIBERATELY? Nah didn’t think so! Unless your a Stunt person!

The flat season is a nice summer activity, where everyone get’s a chance to dress in their best clothes, get together with friends, have a drink & enjoy a day out at the races (A winner or two, if your lucky), so i don’t really get the idea that folk get hammered, pop to see Champagne Charlie in the Loo’s & try kicking off with everybody, yes, it’s the minority, but that’s what get’s focused on! And the Gig’s that are on too!
Now where was I?? Oh yes, the flat racing season…

The Champion Jockey was Oisin & despite his pitfall’s, which have been well documented, he managed to win the title again. Granted it was close, like his mates at the party but he got the title & we must salute him for that, as every Champion has a side that needs taming… Wishing you well.

With Enable retired, we were all looking for new heroes on the track & we found a few, but do the public really take to a horse from a small yard? Is the media just going to focus on the BIG yards, with more than 1 superstar?
You have to take your hat off to Charlie Appleby & his team, Godolphin, as they had the mother of all season’s, taking all the BIG Classics & Adam Kirby, landing the Derby.
Aidan O’Brien’s had the odd winner in the big races as did John Gosden but it was about time Charlie Appleby won a few as his team have always flattered to deceive…
Then we have Holly Doyle, a bloody fantastic Jockey & for anyone, who watched the documentary (If you haven’t then do so) racing has another Idol, for the young folk to aspire too. Breaking records all over the show, year in, year out. Just like Rachael Blackmore in NH racing – Genius!
Along with her Partner (Fiancé) Tom Marquand, they are leading the charge to take racing back to the young folk & show the doubters that racing does have a place in their hearts & in their family homes. Long may they reign….

Back to freedom of trade, I understand the point, but then again, nobody else can grow, learn & lose if all the BIGGER jockey’s are taking all the best races, so it helps with the next generation of Jockey’s, give’s experience to those who need it & everyone has a chance to lift the title (Just my opinion)…

As for us here, we just sat back & sent email’s hoping that racing would come to the party… Yes we were left feeling frustrated. All we were seeing is that racing is inclusive, well, if your a small blog/website like ours, then some of the time, you are over looked. I don’t have a huge profile & tend to keep my thoughts to myself, but as a team (All 4 of us have Jobs too) we work hard to bring at least 1 racing blog a week & maybe, the odd BIG INTERVIEW.
The response, in general terms has been great & I cannot fault anyone, who has joined the party….
We published 18 Interviews in 2021, with the first back in January when we spoke to Tom Scudamore & our last was published back in September with American Jockey, Declan Carroll.
A brilliant return for a small site, having sent so many more requests & had minor responses OR no response at all, that is the disappointing part, that you don’t get a response at all..
We had a record breaking year stats wise with almost 39,000 views… Thank You.
WE WANT MORE IN 2022!

Back to the rest of the year, so we had a troubled champion jockey & then racing always decides to shoot itself in the foot when all looks to be going well again.
The whispers were around about bullying between folk, pinch of salt until you hear from the powers that be & then the leak…
And then there was the OTHER court case about damages, which also threw some bigger racing questions in the air.
And then there are Jockey bans. For entering the wrong stalls, 1 day ban!
Whip rules, interference, weighing under or over… Substance abuse… Get them help, not year long bans!
Oh dear BHA… Be Better!
All I can hope is that racing learns from all of it’s errors this year, takes stock & that 2022 is a belter of a year as the folk who work in the industry, day in & day out, looking after the stars of the sport, don’t deserve theses bad headlines or to see/hear folk calling each other names/fighting. They are the true heroes in our sport…
RACING MUST DO BETTER!

Thanks for reading, the 4 of us all want to thank everyone, who has contributed to AOLR this year & we would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas & all the best for 2022…

Written by Rich
Pictues – Cover by Fran Altoft – The rest -File

An Arseonlineracing Production.. December 2021

Twas the week before Christmas…

Hello & welcome to Arseonlineracing… The 100% Independent racing website with NO affiliate links.

It’s the Saturday before Christmas, Just 8 days until the King George IV on Boxing Day… Excited yet??
Before we get there, we have plenty to get through & maybe, just maybe we could hit 39,000 views for 2021 & if we are honest this year has literally blown us away as a team.
The 4 of us are excited to see what 2022 has in store for us all at Aresonlineracing. Back to today!

Going…
Ascot – Good to Soft, Soft in Places
Haydock – Hurdle; Soft, Heavy in Places – Chase; Heavy, Soft in Places
Newcastle – Good, Good to Soft in Places
Navan – Yielding to Soft, Yielding in Places.

All 4 of us are in the house today…

Charlie –

Ascot 3.35 Betfair Exchange Trophy Grade 3 Handicap Hurdle over 1m 7f 152y

Selection – No Ordinary Joe – 5 year old Gelding, Out of Getaway and Shadow Dearg. Has had 5 career starts so far winning 3 times, the wins have came at Sandown,Southwell and Worcester. Beat Flemenstide by 3 and 1/2 lengths at Sandown on the 8th November 2020. Beat Sounds Russian by 1 and 3/4 lengths at Southwell on the 4th May 2021. Won again at Worcester on the 21st May this year when beating Fire Away by 4 and 1/2 lengths. On latest start No Ordinary Joe Finished 3rd at Cheltenham some 2 and 3/4 lengths behind winner West Cork and 2nd placed Adagio. If showing same attitude should go in again today with biggest threat coming in the shape of West Cork who finished ahead of the selection at Cheltenham.

.

Haydock 2.40 Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase Over 3m 1f 125y

Selection – Remastered – 8 year old Gelding out of Network and Cathodine Cayras. Has had 19 career starts winning 5 times. The wins have came at Chepstow and Ffos Las in 2018. Carlisle and Wetherby in 2020 and Ascot in 2021. Beat DenMachine by 4 lengths on the 20th February. Remastered fell on latest start at Newbury when travelling well, if showing same attitude can gain compensation for that error last time, biggest danger to the selection comes in the shape of Buzz De Turcoing who won at Ayr last time out.

.

Chris –

Ascot

3.00 Silver Cup Handicap Chase

The teenager Regal Encore lines up again at his beloved Ascot in this handicap over 3 miles. He showed in October with a gutsy 3rd on reappearance that the flame still burns bright before a bad mistake put paid to his chances at Warwick last time out. He’s been dropped 3lbs since his last run here and with form figures of 2131323 at Ascot over the past 2 years he makes huge each-way appeal once again this afternoon.

3.35 Exchange trophy Handicap Hurdle

Another typically competitive handicap hurdle and often ties in with last months Greatwood Hurdle, with several once again lining up today. I’m going for a horse that may sneak under the radar in Llandinabo Lad. He finished runner-up to Hunters Call last time out, who boosted the form in the International last week. He has run at Ascot twice and finished 2nd on each occasion, in a bumper (Third Time Lucky 3rd) and over hurdles (My Drogo 1st). With only 6 starts over timber to his name there could be plenty more to come and is a very fair double-figure price at the time of writing.

Jamie –

1:50 – Howden Handicap Chase – Selection: Palmers Hill

A field of 10 go to post for this 2m 3f contest with some familiar names among them. Palmers Hill is strongly fancied after only being raised 4lbs for a nice win at Wetherby, there also seems be more improvement in him. Jonjo O’Neill’s 8yo is also quite lightly raced, with this being just his twelfth race to date. Apart from the Wetherby success Palmers Hill best piece of form is arguably his ninth in the Coral Cup at the festival, where he was just a length behind International Hurdle winner Guard Your Dreams. Decent ground is ideal for the son of Gold Well and he won over this intermediate trip last time out. He should give us a good run for our money today.

2:25 – Howden Long Walk Hurdle (G1) – Selection: Thomas Darby

Despite the very unfortunate about Buzz there is still plenty of intrigue about this year’s Long Walk Hurdle. Thomas Darby won the Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury last time out and commands respect. It was a career best from Thomas Darby that day and he will need to find more improvement if he is to win today as this is a deeper race with the likes of Thyme Hill & Champ ensuring this will take some winning. At around 7/1 my selection could well be the value bet in this Grade 1. Thomas Darby also boasts some decent course form with a G3 win and a Handicap 2nd, perhaps crucially today’s ground conditions look spot on for Olly Murphy’s charge. I’m expecting a big run.

Rich –

Navan –
1.10 Handicap Hurdle – Grade B – 4yo Plus – 2m 4f..

Sassy Yet Classy – Gold Well X Aker Wood 7yo Mare.
4 hurdle wins & 3 places from 15 runs. A course winner back in February 2020 in a 2m 4f Handicap Hurdle.
2 places & 1 win from 3 runs in 2021, 2 runs have been since seasonal return in October, where she finished 3rd at Clonmel before winning last time out at Punchestown on November 14th by 3 lengths. All 3 runs have been over 3 miles. She was raised 8 for last win to 131. Ran on December 4th but unseated jockey at first fence. Given another chance here today – EACH WAY

Haydock –
2.05 Handicap Hurdle – Class 2 – 3yo Plus – 2m 2f 191yds…

Little Awkward – Montmartre X Seven-Even 5yo gelding.
2 hurdle starts – 1 win & 1 place.
A winner on hurdle debut at Plumpton over 2m 4f 114yds in a Maiden, beating Mountain Leopard by 12 lengths last December. Finished 2nd when last seen in March 2021 at Fontwell, when finishing 2nd to Valleres in a 2m 5f 164yd Class 4 Novice Hurdle. Has since had a wind operation & returns after 283 days off track – EACH WAY
DANGER – Mackleduff – Martaline X Evitta 5yo gelding.
2 wins from 5 hurdle starts. Last seen at Cheltenham on November 13th, when finishing a 6 & 1/4 length 3rd to Gower Road in a 2m 5f Class 3 Handicap Hurdle.

That is everything for you today folks, thanks for popping by. All 4 of us really appreciate your support & would like to Wish you all a very MERRY CHRISTMAS, May all our troubles be small ones.

Good Luck – The Arseonlineracing Team

Trials & Tribulations

Welcome to Arseonlineracing. The 100% independent racing website with NO affiliate links.

Many thing’s have been said, tweeted & much more has been written about the recent events in the last week, so we are not going there, we are concentrating on the RACING.
There are Trials at Cheltenham today & no doubt there will be many Tribulations during the course of the day, well it is a Saturday after all…

Last Saturday we covered all 4 National Hunt meetings, we couldn’t do it again could we?

Going –
Cheltenham – Good, Good to Soft in Places
Doncaster – Good to Soft, Good in Places
Hereford – Good, Good to Soft in Places
Fairyhouse – Yielding to Soft

Let’s get on with it then as Charlie leads us up to the start...

Charlie –

Hereford 12.47 – Save The Children Christmas Jumpers Novices Hurdle Class 4 over 2m 3f 147y

Selection – Staghorn – 4 year old Gelding out of Golden Horn and Starfala. Has had 13 career starts winning 5 times, the wins have came at Goodwood X2, Pontefract X2 and Catterick X1. Won at Pontefract last time out when beating Notation by 2 and 3/4 lengths with Warranty a further 4 and 1/2 lengths adrift in 3rd over 2m 2f and 2y. If turning up in same mindset shown last time can gain another victory, biggest threat to the selection comes in the shape of World Of Dreams who has won 3 times from last 4 runs. WINNER 5/6sp

.

Cheltenham 1.15 Simon Claisse Handicap Chase over 2m 62y

Selection – Editeur Du Gite – 7 year old Gelding out of Saddex and Malaga De St Sulpice. Has had 12 career starts winning 4 times. The wins have came at Compiegne, Newbury, Aintree and Cheltenham. Won last time out at Cheltenham when beating Stolen Silver by a neck with Bun Doran a further 10 lengths adrift in 3rd. If showing same attitude as last time that should be enough to gain another victory, biggest threat to the selection comes in the shape of Amoola Gold who has a win and a 2nd from last 2 starts. WINNER 3/1sp

Chris –

Cheltenham

3.00 International Hurdle

A typically competitive renewal of this Grade 2, whilst lacking a standout superstar there are some high quality rivals taking each other on here. I’m siding with the Irish mare, Heaven Help Us, to land a hat-trick of wins at Prestbury Park. She put a good field to bed off a mark of 138 in the Coral Cup last season, and is weighted to go close on that evidence with the mares allowances here. It’s a shame there are only 7 runners, but at the current prices she still makes great each-way appeal. Unplaced

Doncaster

3.15 Bet365 Handicap Chase

The Wolf has been reasonably progressive in his relatively short chase career to date, the only blot on his copybook coming when midfield in the Ultima Handicap at last seasons Festival. He was a clear 2nd off 1lb lower when last seen at Perth, with the stable in superb form over recent weeks, it would be no surprise to see more improvement to come in staying handicaps, starting with today. Unplaced

Jamie –

Cheltenham
1:50 – Racing Post Gold Cup Handicap Chase (G3) – Selection: Coole Cody

A field of 14 go to post for the ‘December’ Gold Cup as Midnight Shadow aims to do the double after winning the Paddy Power last month over course and distance. Running a mighty race that day was Coole Cody who sadly tipped up at the second last when holding every chance. The handicapper has nudged him up 2lbs for that fall, which is harsh but I still think he can be competitive once again at his favourite course. Evan Williams’ ten year old has a fantastic record on the old course at Cheltenham, including a Paddy Power victory in 2020 and a fine performance when second at the Showcase meeting this year. Hopefully he can transfer that form to the new course today. At the time of writing this Coole Cody is a 12/1 shot and I think that is potentially fantastic each way value. Ground and trip are well suited. Fingers crossed for another big run. WINNER 12/1sp

Doncaster
2:40 – Bet365 Summit Juvenile Hurdle (G2) – Selection: Magistrato

The highlight of today’s Doncaster card and this looks a potentially informative contest with the Triumph Hurdle in mind. I am siding with Magistrato, a Paul Nicholls inmate. This son of Kapgarde has done little wrong in his three career races to date, which include an easy win at Chepstow on his British debut. He will have to settle better than he did at Cheltenham last month where Magistrato ran a blinder when he finished a close fourth despite taking a keen hold and a costly mistake three out.  There should be more to come from Magistrato, who may need to be ridden slightly more patiently today. Bryony Frost, despite having a tumultuous few weeks is still banging in the winners for the in-form Nicholls stable. Big chance today. NON RUNNER

Rich –

Fairyhouse –
2.12 Maiden Hurdle – 4yo Plus – 2m 7f 110yds
Hi Ho Phoenix – Phoenix Reach X Silverlined 5yo gelding.
3 runs in National Hunt Flat races(NHF) lin the early part of 2021, all 3 runs at this course & finishing in the first 3 places on all 3 starts. The gelding steps up in trip today, having run over 2m & 2m 3f 110yds & this is his hurdle debut. Off the track since April 2021. 242 days. – WINNER 7/4sp

Hereford –
2,32 – Limited Handicap Chase – 4yo Plus – Class 3 – 2m 8yds…
Hardy Du Seuil – Coastal Run X Pervenche Du Seuil 4yo Gelding.
French recruit, who has run 3 times since coming to the UK. 2 of them races have been MATCH races, where just 2 horses compete!
The 4yo sadly fell at the first fence on his chase debut (Match race) at Wetherby in early October. His second start, another Match race, this time at Carlisle on October 21st ended with a complete round of jumping & a 7 1/2 length win.
His last run was on November 18th in a 2m 5f Class 3 Novice Handicap Chase at Market Rasen, when he was going well before unseating his Jockey 2 fences from home. Has a 4yo weight allowance & can go well if a clear round of jumping.
Sadly only 6 runners in this field today, so only 2 EW places… WINNER 6/1sp

That is everything for you folks, the latest edition of WattySpots is available to read on site..
Thanks for popping in & for your support, it really is appreciated.

All the Best – The Arseonlineracing Team

WattySpots – Part 3

He’s back again… Yep Neil Watson – AKA @WattyRacing has had his eye on a few that he has spotted when at the race course in the last week….

Haydock Park

Last week I had the opportunity to take in a couple of decent days jump racing.

On Wednesday I popped down to my local track, Haydock Park, for a gentle midweek afternoon which had a nice card before going to Aintree on Saturday for the Becher Chase meeting.

Saturday’s racing was run in very testing conditions in which quite a few horses didn’t quite show their running but hopefully we can find a few potential winners from the card, so here are a few that caught my eye & I think will be winning before too long.

1 – Aso, 11yo B G – Trainer – Venetia Williams

A bit unusual to stick in a horse, who is very nearly rising twelve on New Year’s Day but he ran with credit in the Veterans’ Chase over 3m 1f at Haydock, just finding that old rogue Blaklion too good.

For me though, Aso has always struggled to get three miles in open company but in with the other older horses he found this to be more up his street and I think this is part of a little plot job.

The final of this ever popular series is at Sandown on Sat 8th January in the new year and provided his handicap mark doesn’t get badly hampered he can have a say in it.

2 – Checkitout, 7yo B G – Trainer – Nigel Twiston-Davies

This horse had a fairly mixed season over fences last term but won a couple of low key chases at Southwell and Ludlow, this time he was second in a Grade 3 over 3m at Ascot and last Saturday when many of us were in absolute awe of Snow Leopardess winning the Becher Chase, looking back a few times Checkitout ran an eye catching third.

After his two wins last term he ran poorly after in a Challenger Final at Haydock before pulling up in the Bet365 Gold Cup at Sandown.

For me he has definitely more to offer as a stayer, he was 3lb out of the handicap on Saturday but Jordan Nailor took that weight off him with his claim.
I think he could be ideal for something like a Scottish National, off a lightweight and with the Ayr race coming before Aintree this season he may well be aimed at a race like that.

3 – North Lodge, 4yo B G – Trainer – Alan King

Winning a race with no experience of bumpers or the flat does take some doing and this horse was very much the meat in the sandwich in Saturday’s opening novice hurdle over 2m 1f but he did it beating two useful looking yardsticks at the same time.

He should learn plenty from this experience and while he might find it difficult under a penalty next time out I can see Alan King aiming him for the series final at Sandown in April.

Although he made a slight error at the last, that was probably due to the ground conditions as it was testing for horse and rider. He should have a good career as a jumps horse. 

WattySpots – By Neil Watson – You can follow Neil on Twitter @WattyRacing
Pictures – File (Except Watty with Rachael Blackmore – Neil Watson)

An Arseonlineracing Production – Published December 2021

Have we got it Covered??

Hello & Welcome to Arseonlineracing.
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A busy Saturday as usual & we have covered, for the VERY FIRST TIME, the 4 NH courses & 1 Irish NH course. ALL 4 of us are back & raring to go, we will try as best as possible to do our best….

Going…

Aintree – Soft, Good to Soft in places
Chepstow – Good to Soft
Navan – Good to Yielding
Sandown – Good to Soft
Wetherby – Good to Soft

Charlie –

Sandown 1.15 Betfair My Odds Boost Novices Handicap Hurdle over 1m 7f 216y Class 4

Selection – Natural High – 6 year old Gelding out of Camelot and Just Little. Has had 10 races in total of which 6 were on French soil where he gained 2 wins and a 2nd place finish, it took Natural High 4 races on uk soil to gain first victory and that came at Lingfield on the 31st October when beating Noble Savage by 7 and 1/2 lengths over 2m, has been raised 12lb for that victory and seems a bit harsh, but if showing same attitude today could still get involved, biggest threat to the selection comes in the shape of City Derby who ran well to finish 4th at Cheltenham last time out after a 6 month break. WINNER

.

Aintree 1.30 Unibet Proudly Supports ‘Racing is Everyone’s Sport’ Fillie’s Juvenile Hurdle (Listed)

Selection – White Pepper – 3 Year Old Filly out of Fast Company and Quite Smart. Has had 16 races winning twice. The wins have came at Tramore on the 14th August when beating Little Bubbles by 2 and 1/2 lengths with Simply A Dream a neck behind in 3rd. Won again on the 23rd October at Galway when beating Iberique Du Seuil by 13 lengths with Powerful Kieran a further 2 and 3/4 lengths behind in 3rd. Could gain another win today at the expense of Six Feet Apart who won last time out at Fairyhouse. 3rd

.

Chris –

Chepstow

1.22 Coral Welsh National Trial Handicap Chase

Plenty of useful staying chasers line-up to stake their claim in the feature event of the Welsh calendar over Christmas. I’m going for the veteran of the field Ami Desbois, to run well. Runner-up over this trip at both Kempton and Doncaster last term, he is capable of another bold show today off his current mark. Just 1lb higher than last season’s reappearance, he looks value for a yard who continue to enjoy a great start to the season. Unplaced

Aintree

2.40 Unibet Becher Handicap Chase

A year ago, i tipped up Vieux Lion Rouge to win this race, duly obliging at a healthy price, and we go again with the veteran this year. His record over the National fences, especially in this race, is a huge credit, winning twice and finishing runner-up on another occasion. Dropped 3lbs after a perfectly reasonable pipe-opener at Chepstow in October, he’s now just 5lbs higher than when demolishing the field by 24L last season. If he gets in to a similar rhythm here, that double figure price will look huge value, especially with plenty of bookmakers paying extra places on this one. Hampered & Unseated rider

Sandown

Jamie –

2:18 – Navan Racecourse Beginners Chase – Selection: Ashdale Bob

Jessica Harrington’s Ashdale Bob was running a fine race at Gowran Park on his Chase debut when he unseated Sean O’Keefe at the third last when holding every chance. He was giving the very exciting Bob Olinger a run for his money before a mistake at that fence. Ashdale Bob has plenty of class and was twice successful at Grade 2 level as a novice hurdler. Some of his form, particularly behind Gaillard Du Mesnil at Punchestown is strong and amongst the best in this race. It’s a strong Beginners Chase today with some nice horses in it but my selection has the form in the book to go very close at least. Hopefully it is second time lucky today for Ashdale Bob. If he runs as well as last time then he will be bang there. 3rd

2:25 – Betfair Tingle Creek (Grade 1) – Selection: Nube Negra

Despite the absence of Shiskin this is still far from easy for Chacun Pour Soi who faces a tough assignment on his seasonal bow. Willie Mullins’ star two mile chaser is undoubtedly the best horse in the race but he faces an improving and race fit opponent in Nube Negra and needs to answer whether he can be as good in the UK as he is in Ireland. Nube Negra I think can turn the hot favourite over. Dan Skelton’s charge is a 7yo on an upward curve as proved by a convincing win in the Sholer Chase. This is a deeper race but the signs are positive for Nube Negra’s supporters and I expect a big run today and he does have the fitness edge today. If the ground stays decent then that will also suit. Unplaced

Rich –

Navan –
1.08 Handicap Hurdle – Grade B – 4yo Plus – 3m 60yds..
Sassy Yet Classy – Gold Well X Aker Wood 7yo Mare.
4 hurdle wins & 3 places from 15 runs. A course winner back in February 2020 in a 2m 4f Handicap Hurdle.
2 places & 1 win from 3 runs in 2021, 2 runs have been since seasonal return in October, where she finished 3rd at Clonmel before winning last time out at Punchestown on November 14th by 3 lengths. All 3 runs have been over 3 miles. She was raised 8 for last win to 131 & has a 5lb claimer on board today. 23 runner field – EACH WAY – Fell 1st fence

Wetherby –
2.47 Novice Handicap Chase – Class 4 – 4yo Plus – 3m 45yds…
Alkopop – Jukebox Jury X Alkeste 7yo Gelding.
3 runs in 2021 with 1 place & 2 wins. All 3 over hurdles. Won in January, February over 2m 4f before stepping up in trip to 3m 1f in March, when finishing a 1 length 2nd to Ratfacemcdougall at Hereford. The pair were over 6 lengths clear of 3rd, with the winner, winning twice since that day>
Off for 266 days & makes Chase debut. 10 runner race. EACH WAY. – Fell 2 out

Hopefully we have helped you folks out. A big thanks for popping by & making this our most successful year ever, with over 38,000 of you visiting our website… Thank you.

All the Best – The Arseonlineracing Team