Haydock 21 January 2012
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He has won two hurdle races and two NH flat races from 1m 6f to 2m 1f on ground varying from good to soft to heavy. Won on his latest outing in a hurdle race when 2-11fav over this course and distance (heavy) in December last year, beating Kent Street by 2 3/4l. Has also won at Aintree this season.
He has won two hurdle races and two NH flat races from 1m 6f to 2m 1f on ground varying from good to soft to heavy. Won on his latest outing in a hurdle race when 2-11fav over this course and distance (heavy) in December last year, beating Kent Street by 2 3/4l. Has also won at Aintree this season.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 3 | 2 | 1 | 66.7% | |
| Hurdle | 3 | 2 | 1 | 66.7% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| CD | Course and Distance | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| C | Course | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| D | Distance | 3 | 1 | 1 | 33.3% |
| G | Similar Going | 2 | 2 | 0 | 100% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 8 | 4 | 2 | 50% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Cl | Class 1 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | J M Maguire | 6 | 3 | 1 | 50% |
| T | D McCain Jnr | 8 | 4 | 2 | 50% |
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Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
A winner of a hurdle race at 2m 1f on soft ground. Third of 5 behind Fingal Bay beaten 12l at 16-1 on his latest outing in a Grade 1 hurdle race in the Group 1 Bathwick Tyres Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury over 2m 5f (soft) in December last year.
A winner of a hurdle race at 2m 1f on soft ground. Third of 5 behind Fingal Bay beaten 12l at 16-1 on his latest outing in a Grade 1 hurdle race in the Group 1 Bathwick Tyres Challow Novices' Hurdle at Newbury over 2m 5f (soft) in December last year.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 4 | 1 | 1 | 25% | |
| Hurdle | 4 | 1 | 1 | 25% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| D | Distance | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0% |
| G | Similar Going | 3 | 1 | 1 | 33.3% |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 5 | 1 | 2 | 20% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Class 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0% | |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | D A Jacob | 0 | 0 | 0 | - |
| T | N A Twiston-Davies | 4 | 1 | 1 | 25% |
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Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
A winner at 3-1 in a maiden hurdle race at Southwell over 2m (good to soft) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Able Deputy by 27l.
A winner at 3-1 in a maiden hurdle race at Southwell over 2m (good to soft) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Able Deputy by 27l.
| Race Record | Runs | Wins | Places | Win Rate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Jumps Races | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% | |
| Hurdle | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% | |
| Conditions | |||||
| Course and Distance | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Course | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| D | Distance | 3 | 1 | 0 | 33.3% |
| Similar Going | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Headgear | |||||
| Today (No Headgear) | 3 | 1 | 0 | 33.3% | |
| Class & Handicap Rating | |||||
| Class 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| This Handicap (OR) or Higher | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | |
| Connections | |||||
| J | David Bass | 1 | 1 | 0 | 100% |
| T | N J Henderson | 3 | 1 | 0 | 33.3% |
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Grey = Horse has placed form
-
Blue = Horse has winning form
-
Gold = Horse has a 50% or better win record
While Nicky Henderson's Oscar Nominee has every chance of landing this prize, following his ultra-impressive hurdling debut at Southwell at the beginning of this month, it is tough to oppose CINDERS AND ASHES. The gelded son of Beat Hollow is clearly held in high regard having contested both the Cheltenham and Aintree Festival bumpers last term and, having scored over the C&D on similar ground last time, Donald McCain's five-year-old is taken to land the hat-trick. Double Ross should not be overlooked but may be forced to fight it out for minor money.
Just the 3 runners but an intriguing clash, principally between Cinders And Ashes and Oscar Nominee. The former can boast greater substance to his form and is the selection, though Oscar Nominee certainly isn't one to take on lightly such was the impression he created at Southwell.
He has won a hurdle race, a NH flat race and two chases from 2m 1f to 2m 4f on good and good to soft ground. Won on his latest outing in a chase when 4-1fav at Kempton over 2m 4f (good to soft) in December last year, beating Bless The Wings by 6l. Has also won at Catterick this season.
He has won a hurdle race, a NH flat race and two chases from 2m 1f to 2m 4f on good and good to soft ground. Won on his latest outing in a chase when 4-1fav at Kempton over 2m 4f (good to soft) in December last year, beating Bless The Wings by 6l. Has also won at Catterick this season.
He has won two hurdle races and a chase from 2m 6f to 3m 1f on good and heavy ground. Won on his latest outing in a chase when 9-4fav at Bangor over 3m (heavy) in December last year, beating Canal Bank by 1 1/2l.
He has won two hurdle races and a chase from 2m 6f to 3m 1f on good and heavy ground. Won on his latest outing in a chase when 9-4fav at Bangor over 3m (heavy) in December last year, beating Canal Bank by 1 1/2l.
A winner of a hurdle race at 2m 2f. Pulled up 4 out when 7-4jt-fav at Wetherby over 2m 4f (soft) in a chase won by Mac Aeda in December last year on his latest outing.
A winner of a hurdle race at 2m 2f. Pulled up 4 out when 7-4jt-fav at Wetherby over 2m 4f (soft) in a chase won by Mac Aeda in December last year on his latest outing.
Successful in a hurdle race and a chase at 2m 1f and 2m 4f on good to soft ground. Pulled up at the last when 11-4fav at Hereford over 2m 5f (soft) in a chase won by Rigadin De Beauchene in December last year on his latest outing.
Successful in a hurdle race and a chase at 2m 1f and 2m 4f on good to soft ground. Pulled up at the last when 11-4fav at Hereford over 2m 5f (soft) in a chase won by Rigadin De Beauchene in December last year on his latest outing.
Successful in a hurdle race and a chase at 2m 3f and 2m 6f on good to soft and soft ground. A winner at 3-1 in a chase at Exeter over 2m 3f (soft) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Clash Duff by 1 1/2l.
Successful in a hurdle race and a chase at 2m 3f and 2m 6f on good to soft and soft ground. A winner at 3-1 in a chase at Exeter over 2m 3f (soft) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Clash Duff by 1 1/2l.
A select but competitive novices' chase for punters to solve and, while forced to carry a penalty for scoring in a novices' handicap contest last time, OUR MICK is expected to prove too good. it was hard not to be impressed with the way Donald McCain's six-year-old scored at Kempton on King George day last month and he appears to be getting the hang of things now. This does represent his toughest test yet and State Benefit will ensure he doesn't have it all his own way having seemingly thrived in soft ground when breaking his duck over fences at Exeter on New Year's Day. Majala completes the shortlist.
Donald McCain won this in 2009 and has a great chance of following up with Our Mick but, despite winning a maiden hurdle in similar conditions, his improvement has come on a sounder surface. With that in mind, preference is for State Benefit who sluiced up in the mud at Exeter on New Year's Day.
Winner of seven hurdle races from 2m to 2m 4f on good to soft and soft ground. A winner at 12-1 in a hurdle race at Newbury over 2m (soft) on his latest outing in December last year, beating Torphichen by 2 1/2l. Has also won at Wincanton this season.
Winner of seven hurdle races from 2m to 2m 4f on good to soft and soft ground. A winner at 12-1 in a hurdle race at Newbury over 2m (soft) on his latest outing in December last year, beating Torphichen by 2 1/2l. Has also won at Wincanton this season.
He has won three hurdle races from 2m to 2m 1f on soft ground. Beaten 7l behind Palawi at 13-2 when seventh of 11 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Musselburgh over 2m (good) earlier this month.
He has won three hurdle races from 2m to 2m 1f on soft ground. Beaten 7l behind Palawi at 13-2 when seventh of 11 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Musselburgh over 2m (good) earlier this month.
Successful in two hurdle races at 2m and 2m 1f on good and heavy ground. Finished 4 1/2l behind Palawi when fifth of 11 at 4-1jt-fav on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Musselburgh over 2m (good) earlier this month.
Successful in two hurdle races at 2m and 2m 1f on good and heavy ground. Finished 4 1/2l behind Palawi when fifth of 11 at 4-1jt-fav on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Musselburgh over 2m (good) earlier this month.
Winner of three hurdle races and three chases from 2m to 2m 2f on ground varying from good to heavy. Beaten 2 1/2l by Celestial Halo when second of 11 at 12-1 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Newbury over 2m (soft) in December last year.
Winner of three hurdle races and three chases from 2m to 2m 2f on ground varying from good to heavy. Beaten 2 1/2l by Celestial Halo when second of 11 at 12-1 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Newbury over 2m (soft) in December last year.
Despite having proved a real money spinner in a career which has seen him finish second and fourth in Champion Hurdles, CELESTIAL HALO has never put back-to-back wins together. However, the son of Galileo looked right back to his best when defying top weight at Newbury to score in a handicap on soft ground last time and, while this represents a step up in class, he should have the beating of these under a penalty. Marsh Warbler looks the most likely danger if he returns to the form which saw him go close in the Ladbroke Hurdle two starts ago but the reopposing Torphichen and Desert Cry might be forced to settle for supporting roles.
This looks a really good opportunity for Celestial Halo to make it 3 wins for the season, the fact he had a hard race at Newbury last time outweighed by how much he has in hand on form. Torphichen is the likeliest winner if Celestial Halo doesn't give his running.
Winner of three hurdle races and two chases from 2m to 2m 1f on ground varying from good to firm to heavy. Finished 20l behind Safran De Cotte when fourth of 13 at 15-2 on his latest outing in a hurdle race here over 2m 4f (heavy) in December last year.
Winner of three hurdle races and two chases from 2m to 2m 1f on ground varying from good to firm to heavy. Finished 20l behind Safran De Cotte when fourth of 13 at 15-2 on his latest outing in a hurdle race here over 2m 4f (heavy) in December last year.
He has won three hurdle races and a chase from 3m to 3m 2f on ground varying from good to heavy. Pulled up 5 out when 50-1 in the Group 3 Coral Welsh National at Chepstow over 3m 5f (heavy) in a Grade 3 chase won by Le Beau Bai in December last year on his latest outing.
He has won three hurdle races and a chase from 3m to 3m 2f on ground varying from good to heavy. Pulled up 5 out when 50-1 in the Group 3 Coral Welsh National at Chepstow over 3m 5f (heavy) in a Grade 3 chase won by Le Beau Bai in December last year on his latest outing.
Successful in two hurdle races at 2m 4f and 3m on heavy ground. Beaten 1 3/4l by Achimota when second of 9 at 11-1 on his latest outing in a hurdle race here over 2m 4f (heavy) in December last year.
Successful in two hurdle races at 2m 4f and 3m on heavy ground. Beaten 1 3/4l by Achimota when second of 9 at 11-1 on his latest outing in a hurdle race here over 2m 4f (heavy) in December last year.
Successful in two hurdle races at 2m 1f on soft and heavy ground. Beaten 3 1/2l by Simonside when second of 11 at 7-2jt-fav on her latest outing in a hurdle race at Wetherby over 2m 6f (soft) in December last year.
Successful in two hurdle races at 2m 1f on soft and heavy ground. Beaten 3 1/2l by Simonside when second of 11 at 7-2jt-fav on her latest outing in a hurdle race at Wetherby over 2m 6f (soft) in December last year.
He has won three hurdle races from 2m 6f to 3m 3f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft. A winner at 16-1 in a hurdle race at Bangor over 3m (good to soft) on his latest outing in December last year, beating Devotion To Duty by 2 1/4l. Has also won at Stratford this season.
He has won three hurdle races from 2m 6f to 3m 3f on ground varying from good to firm to good to soft. A winner at 16-1 in a hurdle race at Bangor over 3m (good to soft) on his latest outing in December last year, beating Devotion To Duty by 2 1/4l. Has also won at Stratford this season.
He has won three hurdle races and a chase from 2m 4f to 3m on good to soft and soft ground. Third of 12 behind Eyre Square beaten 2 3/4l at 12-1 on his latest outing in a chase at Kelso over 4m (soft) in December last year.
He has won three hurdle races and a chase from 2m 4f to 3m on good to soft and soft ground. Third of 12 behind Eyre Square beaten 2 3/4l at 12-1 on his latest outing in a chase at Kelso over 4m (soft) in December last year.
He has won four hurdle races from 2m to 3m on soft ground. Well beaten at 3-1 behind dead-heaters Palace Jester and Rev It Up when fifth of 8 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Chepstow over 3m (heavy) in December last year.
He has won four hurdle races from 2m to 3m on soft ground. Well beaten at 3-1 behind dead-heaters Palace Jester and Rev It Up when fifth of 8 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Chepstow over 3m (heavy) in December last year.
A winner of a hurdle race at 2m 6f on good ground, but that win was over two years ago (latest flat win was in October last year). Well beaten at 20-1 when seventh of 11 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Wetherby over 2m 6f (soft) in December last year.
A winner of a hurdle race at 2m 6f on good ground, but that win was over two years ago (latest flat win was in October last year). Well beaten at 20-1 when seventh of 11 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Wetherby over 2m 6f (soft) in December last year.
She has won three hurdle races and a NH flat race from 2m 1f to 3m on good and soft ground. Beaten 2 1/2l by Ben's Folly when second of 8 at 8-1 on her latest outing in a hurdle race at Ffos Las over 3m (heavy) in December last year.
She has won three hurdle races and a NH flat race from 2m 1f to 3m on good and soft ground. Beaten 2 1/2l by Ben's Folly when second of 8 at 8-1 on her latest outing in a hurdle race at Ffos Las over 3m (heavy) in December last year.
Placed in three hurdle races from 11 starts. Beaten a neck by Code Blue when second of 5 at 6-5fav on his latest outing in a hurdle race over this course and distance (heavy) in December last year.
Placed in three hurdle races from 11 starts. Beaten a neck by Code Blue when second of 5 at 6-5fav on his latest outing in a hurdle race over this course and distance (heavy) in December last year.
There should be more to come from the lightly-raced HIGH RANSOM, who shaped well on easy ground at Wetherby on Boxing Day last month. Off this 2lb higher mark today, she would appear to have another big run up her sleeve and the step up in trip is taken to bring out the best in the five-year-old mare. Reindeer Dippin has a tough task on his hands off top weight but is likely to show his usual turn of foot late in the day, while Stow must be shortlisted for a rejuvenated Venetia Williams.
Tippering deserves to get his head in front after a couple of near misses and this could be his day with conditions fine. High Ransom is a lightly-raced mare going the right way and looks a big danger, while impressive Bangor winner Dais Return could figure again if proving as effective on the softer ground.
A winner of a hurdle race at 2m on good ground. Beaten 2 3/4l by Cinders And Ashes when second of 5 at 9-2 on his latest outing in a hurdle race here over 2m (heavy) in December last year.
A winner of a hurdle race at 2m on good ground. Beaten 2 3/4l by Cinders And Ashes when second of 5 at 9-2 on his latest outing in a hurdle race here over 2m (heavy) in December last year.
Successful in a hurdle race and a NH flat race at 2m 1f and 2m 4f on good to soft and soft ground. A winner at 12-1 in a maiden hurdle race at Uttoxeter over 2m 4f (soft) on his latest outing in December last year, beating Handsome Harry by 6l.
Successful in a hurdle race and a NH flat race at 2m 1f and 2m 4f on good to soft and soft ground. A winner at 12-1 in a maiden hurdle race at Uttoxeter over 2m 4f (soft) on his latest outing in December last year, beating Handsome Harry by 6l.
Placed in a NH flat race from three starts. Unseated rider when 7-2 at Leicester over 2m (good to soft) in a hurdle race won by Minsky Mine in December last year on his hurdling debut.
Placed in a NH flat race from three starts. Unseated rider when 7-2 at Leicester over 2m (good to soft) in a hurdle race won by Minsky Mine in December last year on his hurdling debut.
Unplaced in both starts over hurdles. Well beaten at 100-1 behind Salubrious when eighth of 14 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Taunton over 2m 3f (good to soft) in December last year.
Unplaced in both starts over hurdles. Well beaten at 100-1 behind Salubrious when eighth of 14 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Taunton over 2m 3f (good to soft) in December last year.
Unplaced in both starts over hurdles. Pulled up 2 out when 9-1 at Uttoxeter over 2m 4f (good to soft) in a hurdle race won by Native Gallery in November last year on his latest outing.
Unplaced in both starts over hurdles. Pulled up 2 out when 9-1 at Uttoxeter over 2m 4f (good to soft) in a hurdle race won by Native Gallery in November last year on his latest outing.
Hereford bumper scorer REAL MILAN made no mistake on his hurdling debut at Uttoxeter last month, finding plenty for pressure to make every yard. He carries the mandatory extra weight this afternoon but remains open to lots of improvement and could take plenty of passing if allowed to dictate matters under Jason Maguire. Kent Street also has a penalty for his Newcastle win in November and he has since found only major Cheltenham prospect Cinders And Ashes too good at this track late last month. The shortlist is completed by Global Fella, who looked held before unseating on his jumps bow but should know more this time.
The step up in trip will see Kent Street in an even better light but it's hard to believe there isn't more to come from impressive Uttoxeter winner Real Milan, and he gets the nod.
Winner of two hurdle races, a NH flat race and two chases from 2m to 2m 4f on ground varying from good to firm to soft. Well beaten at 20-1 when 9th of 14 on his latest outing in a Grade 3 chase in the Group 3 Victor Chandler Chase at Cheltenham over 2m 5f (good to soft).
Winner of two hurdle races, a NH flat race and two chases from 2m to 2m 4f on ground varying from good to firm to soft. Well beaten at 20-1 when 9th of 14 on his latest outing in a Grade 3 chase in the Group 3 Victor Chandler Chase at Cheltenham over 2m 5f (good to soft).
Winner of six chases from 2m 4f to 4m 4f on ground varying from good to soft to heavy, but last win was over two years ago. Beaten 4 1/2l by Mostly Bob when second of 13 at 12-1 on his latest outing in a chase at Cheltenham over 3m 2f (good to soft) earlier this month.
Winner of six chases from 2m 4f to 4m 4f on ground varying from good to soft to heavy, but last win was over two years ago. Beaten 4 1/2l by Mostly Bob when second of 13 at 12-1 on his latest outing in a chase at Cheltenham over 3m 2f (good to soft) earlier this month.
Winner of a hurdle race and six chases from 1m 7f to 2m 5f on ground varying from good to soft to heavy. A winner at 10-1 in a chase at Wincanton over 2m 5f (soft) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Minella Theatre by 20l.
Winner of a hurdle race and six chases from 1m 7f to 2m 5f on ground varying from good to soft to heavy. A winner at 10-1 in a chase at Wincanton over 2m 5f (soft) on his latest outing earlier this month, beating Minella Theatre by 20l.
He has won a hurdle race and three chases from 2m 2f to 2m 5f on ground varying from good to heavy. Beaten 1 1/4l by Quinz when second of 16 at 50-1 on his latest outing in a Grade 3 chase in the Group 3 Racing Post Chase at Kempton over 3m (good to soft) in February last year.
He has won a hurdle race and three chases from 2m 2f to 2m 5f on ground varying from good to heavy. Beaten 1 1/4l by Quinz when second of 16 at 50-1 on his latest outing in a Grade 3 chase in the Group 3 Racing Post Chase at Kempton over 3m (good to soft) in February last year.
Winner of three hurdle races and four chases from 2m to 2m 6f on ground varying from good to heavy. Finished 20l behind Quincy Des Pictons when fourth of 14 at 11-1 on his latest outing in a chase at Chepstow over 2m 3f (heavy) in December last year.
Winner of three hurdle races and four chases from 2m to 2m 6f on ground varying from good to heavy. Finished 20l behind Quincy Des Pictons when fourth of 14 at 11-1 on his latest outing in a chase at Chepstow over 2m 3f (heavy) in December last year.
Has won four hurdle races, two NH flat races and four chases from 2m to 3m 1f on ground varying from good to heavy. A winner at 33-1 in a Grade 3 chase in the Group 3 Betfair Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby over 3m 1f (soft) on his latest outing in December last year, beating Helpston by 1l.
Has won four hurdle races, two NH flat races and four chases from 2m to 3m 1f on ground varying from good to heavy. A winner at 33-1 in a Grade 3 chase in the Group 3 Betfair Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby over 3m 1f (soft) on his latest outing in December last year, beating Helpston by 1l.
He has won two hurdle races and a chase from 2m to 3m 1f on good and soft ground. Fell 3 out when 20-1 over this course and distance (heavy) in a chase won by Cannington Brook in December last year on his latest outing.
He has won two hurdle races and a chase from 2m to 3m 1f on good and soft ground. Fell 3 out when 20-1 over this course and distance (heavy) in a chase won by Cannington Brook in December last year on his latest outing.
Winner of a hurdle race, a NH flat race and three chases from 2m to 2m 3f on ground varying from good to heavy. A winner at 7-2 in a chase at Ffos Las over 2m 3f (heavy) on his latest outing in December last year, beating Frontier Spirit by a nose. Has also won at Chepstow this season.
Winner of a hurdle race, a NH flat race and three chases from 2m to 2m 3f on ground varying from good to heavy. A winner at 7-2 in a chase at Ffos Las over 2m 3f (heavy) on his latest outing in December last year, beating Frontier Spirit by a nose. Has also won at Chepstow this season.
Has won two hurdle races, a NH flat race and five chases from 2m to 3m on ground varying from good to heavy, but last win was over two years ago. Third of 13 behind Mostly Bob beaten 12l at 12-1 on his latest outing in a chase at Cheltenham over 3m 2f (good to soft).
Has won two hurdle races, a NH flat race and five chases from 2m to 3m on ground varying from good to heavy, but last win was over two years ago. Third of 13 behind Mostly Bob beaten 12l at 12-1 on his latest outing in a chase at Cheltenham over 3m 2f (good to soft).
He has won a hurdle race and two chases from 3m to 3m 4f on ground varying from good to heavy. Won on his latest outing in a chase when 3-1fav here over 3m 4f (heavy) in December last year, beating Captain Americo by 2 3/4l.
He has won a hurdle race and two chases from 3m to 3m 4f on ground varying from good to heavy. Won on his latest outing in a chase when 3-1fav here over 3m 4f (heavy) in December last year, beating Captain Americo by 2 3/4l.
Winner of two hurdle races and four chases from 2m 3f to 3m on ground varying from good to soft. Well beaten at 40-1 behind According To Pete when seventh of 13 on his latest outing in a Grade 3 chase in the Group 3 Betfair Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby over 3m 1f (soft) in December last year.
Winner of two hurdle races and four chases from 2m 3f to 3m on ground varying from good to soft. Well beaten at 40-1 behind According To Pete when seventh of 13 on his latest outing in a Grade 3 chase in the Group 3 Betfair Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby over 3m 1f (soft) in December last year.
Pearlysteps was only half-a-length down when crashing out at the final fence on his seasonal reappearance over C&D last month and should go close here providing that nasty experience hasn't knocked his confidence. The Sawyer ran well in a couple of competitive handicaps either side of Christmas and has definite claims currently 3lb lower than for his latest success, but the vote goes to BOLD RANSOM. Keith Reveley's 10-year-old showed a liking for both the track and soft ground when striking over 3m4f here last time and, despite being rated 9lb higher now, he still sits on a handy racing weight. According To Pete is worthy of consideration on the back his workmanlike success in the Rowland Meryrick Chase at Wetherby, as are 2009 Grand National hero Mon Mome, and easy 2m5f Wincanton scorer Consigliere.
Pearlysteps will be popular after exiting late in last month's Tommy Whittle, while Bold Ransom was an easy winner here last time, but at the prices it could be worth chancing the well-treated King Fontaine back at his favoured track after he hinted at a revival last time.
Winner of a hurdle race, three NH flat races and two chases from 2m to 3m on ground varying from good to soft to heavy. Pulled up 3 out when 10-1 at Newbury over 3m 2f (soft) in a chase won by Rey Nacarado in December last year on his latest outing.
Winner of a hurdle race, three NH flat races and two chases from 2m to 3m on ground varying from good to soft to heavy. Pulled up 3 out when 10-1 at Newbury over 3m 2f (soft) in a chase won by Rey Nacarado in December last year on his latest outing.
Winner of three hurdle races, a NH flat race and two chases from 2m to 2m 2f on ground varying from good to soft. Beaten 10l by Aerial when second of 6 at 7-2 on his latest outing in a chase at Ascot over 2m 5f (soft) in December last year.
Winner of three hurdle races, a NH flat race and two chases from 2m to 2m 2f on ground varying from good to soft. Beaten 10l by Aerial when second of 6 at 7-2 on his latest outing in a chase at Ascot over 2m 5f (soft) in December last year.
Winner of two hurdle races, two NH flat races and two chases from 2m to 2m 4f on ground varying from good to soft. Finished 17l behind Master Minded when sixth of 10 at 11-1 on his latest outing in a Grade 1 chase in the Group 1 John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree over 2m 4f (good) in April last year. Having his first run for a new stable today.
Winner of two hurdle races, two NH flat races and two chases from 2m to 2m 4f on ground varying from good to soft. Finished 17l behind Master Minded when sixth of 10 at 11-1 on his latest outing in a Grade 1 chase in the Group 1 John Smith's Melling Chase at Aintree over 2m 4f (good) in April last year. Having his first run for a new stable today.
He has won two hurdle races and a chase from 2m to 2m 3f on soft and heavy ground. Pulled up 4 out when 20-1 at Newcastle over 2m 4f (good to soft) in a chase won by Papa Caruso in December last year on his latest outing.
He has won two hurdle races and a chase from 2m to 2m 3f on soft and heavy ground. Pulled up 4 out when 20-1 at Newcastle over 2m 4f (good to soft) in a chase won by Papa Caruso in December last year on his latest outing.
Successful in two chases at 2m 3f and 2m 6f on soft and heavy ground. Unseated rider when 20-1 in the Group 3 Betfair Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby over 3m 1f (soft) in a Grade 3 chase won by According To Pete in December last year on his latest outing.
Successful in two chases at 2m 3f and 2m 6f on soft and heavy ground. Unseated rider when 20-1 in the Group 3 Betfair Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase at Wetherby over 3m 1f (soft) in a Grade 3 chase won by According To Pete in December last year on his latest outing.
Successful in a hurdle race and a chase at 2m 7f and 3m on good to soft and heavy ground. Beaten 12l by Theologist when second of 8 at 16-1 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Newcastle over 3m (soft) earlier this month.
Successful in a hurdle race and a chase at 2m 7f and 3m on good to soft and heavy ground. Beaten 12l by Theologist when second of 8 at 16-1 on his latest outing in a hurdle race at Newcastle over 3m (soft) earlier this month.
GIORGIO QUERCUS found only Aerial too good in a race of this nature on his seasonal reappearance at Ascot last month and, with that outing behind him, looks set to go one better. Nicky Henderson's charge has a bit to prove regarding stamina but soft ground certainly suits and he still remains relatively unexposed over fences. Mad Max stands out on the figures as he starts out for new connections, but a heavy-ground test at this track does not look ideal given his well-documented breathing issues in the past. The one to really trouble the selection could be Halley, who was a Grade 1 winner in France and hasn't been able to do himself justice since starting racing on these shores.
Mad Max often went well fresh for his previous yard and could go close on his return, but another chance is given to Halley who won on heavy in France and looks to have been found a suitable opening by his in-form yard.
