Timeform Radio Tips: Ted Veale to triumph in Ebor

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Follow The Money: Back big mover Sharaarah to triumph at Wolverhampton

"Handler David O’Meara has earned himself a reputation for improving horses from other stables and today’s money would suggest that Sharaarah will be one to add to that list."

Back Sharaarah @ 5.14/1 Wolverhampton 16:50 

Today's Follow The Money movers come from the meetings at Towcester and Wolverhampton.

Our first selection runs in the handicap hurdle at 15:00 in which Meridiem has been supported in to 5.69/2 from 10.5n/a. With all three wins to his name over course and distance plus three place efforts from just seven attempts, the gelding will be looking to make amends for his one mishap which came last week when unseating at the second. Punters clearly think that he will do so.    

On an afternoon bereft of obvious drifters Officer In Command has been weak in the 15:50 Wolverhampton, moving from an early 4.57/2 out to 5.79/2. Despite a penchant for claimers (first two all four tries) there has been significant support for his two main rivals, both of which have, unlike our selection demonstrated a liking to this course.    

Our final selection also comes at Wolverhampton where, in the 16:50 Sharaarah has shortened from 8.88/1 in to 5.14/1. Handler David O'Meara has earned himself a reputation for improving horses from other stables and today's money would suggest that this will be one to add to that list. Formerly with Ed Dunlop, the filly landed a maiden on Kempton's all weather course and also ran well in a couple of soft ground efforts before changing hands. At what is still a backable price we can't let this one get away.   

Recommended Bets

Back Meridiem @ 5.69/2 Towcester 15:00
Lay Officer In Command @ 5.79/2 Wolverhampton 15:50
Back Sharaarah @ 5.14/1 Wolverhampton 16:50 

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Triumph Hurdle Result: Dazzling Conor in cruise control

Our Conor put up an impressive display to run away with the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham...

Our Conor put up an impressive display to run away with the Triumph Hurdle at Cheltenham...

Never out of the first two, Dessie Hughes' youngster stretched his 100% record over jumps to four with an emphatic success. Ridden by Bryan Cooper, Our Conor bounded clear from the second-last to win unchallenged by 15 lengths from Far West with Sametegal a further two and a quarter lengths away in third.

Diakali, runner-up to Our Conor on their previous start, set a decent pace on the rain-softened ground with his old rival watching his every move. Other fancied horses Far West and Rolling Star were on their heels until Our Conor was sent about his business two out. Once Our Conor opened up, he left the field in his wake and had the race sewn up before the last.

Dessie Hughes, who was responsible for dual Champion Hurdle hero Hardy Eustace, said: "Everything went well and he jumped brilliant - he's a real one isn't he?"

"He is certainly a Champion Hurdle horse. He stays, he has foot and he jumps. The Champion Hurdle is all about jumping and he certainly does that."

Winning jockey Bryan Cooper said: "I've never had a feeling like that before in my life, I was there a mile too soon. I sat for as long as I could but nothing could come with me."

Look out for Brand new features with Timeform Race Passes - In-Play Hints, Running Notes & Warning Horses. Find out more at timeform.com.

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Follow The Money: Can Bertie Milan triumph at Carlisle?

Recommended Bets
Back Bertie Milan @ 5.905/1 14:55 Carlisle
Lay Infinitum @ 2.3811/8 16:05 Southwell
Back Gallimaufry 5.805/1 16:50 Ludlow

Today's Follow The Money comes from the meetings at Carlisle, Ludlow and Southwell.

At Carlisle, in the 14:55 2m 4f, Bertie Milan has been supported in to 5.905/1 from 9.08/1. He is having his first fun for a new stable today and it is possible that might invigorate him today, the market move does suggest that. He finished third at Hexham last time out over 3m 1f, so this represents a significantly shorter distance than he usually runs, though he has run at this trip before, so will have no stamina issues today.

At Southwell in the 16:05 Maiden Stakes over 1m 4f, Infinitum has drifted out to 2.3811/8 from 2.05n/a. Infinitum is the highest rated horse in the race, so if the three-year-old filly can adapt to the fibresand she ought to win this maiden. She was a short priced 2/1 second favourite at Wolverhampton last time out and could only manage fourth. Having no previous experience of Fibresand it is possible other horses in the race may adapt better to the surface.

Finally at Ludlow, in the 16:50 Handicap Chase over 3m, Gallimaufry has been well backed in to 5.805/1 from 15.014/1. The six-year-old mare has never won a race before in 14 starts and is the lowest rated horse in the race, so not an obvious contender to be backed so significantly. She was backed in to 9/1 from an opening price of 20/1 last time at Southwell so she may not have reached her potential yet. Gallimaufry does benefit from carrying bottom weight 10st 0lb and this is a relatively weak race.

Recommended Bets
Back Bertie Milan @ 5.905/1 14:55 Carlisle
Lay Infinitum @ 2.3811/8 16:05 Southwell
Back Gallimaufry 5.805/1 16:50 Ludlow

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Premier League Results: Spurs come unstuck as Toffees triumph

Premier League / Mike Norman / 10 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Nikica Jelavic scores his first goal in an Everton shirt

"Two of these three clubs will almost certainly claim a Top 4 Finish; Tottenham can be backed at [1.3], Arsenal at [1.54] and Chelsea at [2.22]."

Everton narrowly beat Tottenham at Goodison Park to blow the race to finish in the top four wide open...

Everton tonight gave David Moyes the perfect anniversary present as they condemned Tottenham to a third successive defeat in the Premier League.

Moyes, celebrating 10 years in charge at Goodison Park, saw his side add to their recent home victories over Manchester City and Chelsea by beating Spurs thanks to a solitary Nikica Jelavic goal.

A very quiet opening to the game burst into life just after the 20 minute mark when Marouane Fellaini's shot was superbly saved by Brad Friedel. Moments later Leon Osman got clear in the box and played a neat sideways pass to Jelavic who side-footed home from 12 yards for his first goal as an Everton player. The Croatian was matched at [11.0] in the First Goalscorer market.

Tottenham huffed and puffed in the second half but rarely created a decent goal-scoring opportunity; the Everton victory being matched at a high of [3.6] In-Play with the 1-0 Correct Score backed at [11.0].

The win takes Everton up to ninth in the Premier League table but the real interest is five or six places higher up where Spurs remain in third place just four points ahead of London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea. The Gunners have a game in hand.

Two of these three clubs will almost certainly claim a Top 4 Finish; Tottenham can be backed at [1.3], Arsenal at [1.54] and Chelsea at [2.22].

Rovers and Wanderers pick up three vital points each against relegation rivals as Wolves look sunk and Hughes seethes. Meanwhile, O'Neill outfoxes Dalglish and Drogba earns three points for Chelsea......

Of all the matches in the Premier League this weekend, this is as close to a home banker as you might get. Wigan are in deep trouble whereas Norwich keep on showing they can more than compete at this level...

Tottenham's run of two straight defeats in the league has been talked about as a mini-crisis and though a trip to Goodison Park is never easy, Harry Redknapp's men are good for at least a point. Emmanuel Adebayor will be...

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Triumph Hurdle: Grumeti suffers minor setback

Latest News / Timeform / 06 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

Triumph Hurdle contender Grumeti is on the drift

"the Triumph is still 10 days away and I would hope that he would be sound again in 48 hours..."

JCB Triumph Hurdle favourite Grumeti has suffered a minor setback, but connections fully expect him to make the line-up next week....

The Alan King-trained juvenile has won three of his four outings, earning a Timeform rating of 140, but the former Michael Bell inmate was lame on Tuesday morning.

"He's lame today but Alan fully expects it clear up with the next two days," said Iain Turner, racing manager to owner Max McNeil.

"It's something very minor. If it had happened next Tuesday we'd be a bit worried, but we expect him to be back working by the end of the week.

"He's been fine for so long it's frustrating this has happened now, but that's racing.

"What with it being so close to the Festival, we thought it best to let everybody know."

The Barbury Castle handler later added on his website, www.alankingracing.co.uk: "Last night Grumeti spread his right fore shoe, and the toeclip has gone into the foot, which left him lame and quite sore this morning.

"We certainly would not have wanted this to happen next Tuesday, but the Triumph is still 10 days away and I would hope that he would be sound again in 48 hours and able to exercise again at the weekend."

Grumeti has drifted in the Triumph Hurdle market on Betfair as a result of this news, available to back at [9.2] at the time of writing.

Jockey Robbie Power is ticking down the days before next week's Cheltenham Festival....

Owner Terry Warner is of the opinion that he has his strongest ever team of horses at this year's Festival....

Experienced amateur rider JT McNamara will partner Teaforthree in the Diamond Jubilee National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival next Wednesday....

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Handicappers' Corner: Will Williams claim a Festival Triumph?

Handicappers' Corner / Phil Turner / 28 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Nick Williams: Trainer of Urbain de Sivola.

"The fact Urbain de Sivola has been declared a definite runner is also a bonus and, in our opinion, he should be trading at considerably shorter odds than he currently is..."

The Triumph Hurdle has thrown up more than its fair share of big-priced winners down the years and, with no superstar to have emerged from the latest crop of juveniles, jumps handicapper Phil Turner argues that it could pay to search for value again this time around.....

Indeed, there has been plenty of action amongst the leading home-trained juveniles during the past week or so, yet the Nick Williams-trained Urbain de Sivola (Timeform rating h145) remains our highest-rated four-year-old and still warrants plenty of respect for Friday's opener despite having had to settle for a dead-heat with the year-older Ifyouletmefinish (h135) in a novice at Taunton last week.

Although bookmakers and punters alike seemed underwhelmed initially by that performance, it must be stressed that Urbain de Sivola's Triumph Hurdle claims actually didn't take a dent in form terms - he was receiving just 2 lb from a useful older novice at Taunton, whilst his clear-cut defeat of Ranjaan (h144p) at Newbury back in the autumn could hardly have worked out better. The fact Urbain de Sivola has been declared a definite runner is also a bonus and, in our opinion, he should be trading at considerably shorter odds than he currently is.

Williams, of course, has yet to saddle a Cheltenham Festival winner, but he's had several near-misses so far (no less than seven placed runners from his small team) and he can take solace from the fact that the Triumph Hurdle saw training greats Martin Pipe and David Nicholson break their ducks at the meeting with Baron Blakeney (66/1 in 1981) and Solar Cloud (40/1 in 1985) respectively, the latter also providing jockey Peter Scudamore with his long-awaited first Festival win.

Ranjaan's trainer Paul Nicholls, of course, has enjoyed plenty more good days than near-misses at the Festival in recent years, including in the Triumph itself thanks to victories by Celestial Halo in 2008 and Zarkandar (also a first Festival win for Williams' former stable jockey Daryl Jacob) in 2011. Nicholls looks to have a strong team again this time around, with the likes of Pearl Swan (h142) and Hinterland (h139+) also towards the head of Timeform's juvenile ratings at the moment.

It is possible, however, that his useful Irish Flat recruit Dodging Bullets (h131p) could emerge as the stable's best juvenile prospect alongside Ranjaan. He certainly shaped with plenty of promise when runner-up in the Grade 2 Dovecote Novices' Hurdle at Kempton on Saturday, which was dominated by juveniles this year, with victory going to the more-experienced Grumeti (h140).

That was a third win from four starts over hurdles for Grumeti, falling with the race at his mercy on the other occasion, but he looks more exposed than most of the others towards the head of the Triumph Hurdle ante-post market and arguably lacks the stamina reserves often associated with winners of the Cheltenham race.

It is also possible that Grumeti isn't even the best four-year-old in his yard as Alan King, like Nicholls, has assembled another very strong team of juveniles and looks to have an even better prospect on his hands in the French import Balder Succes (h141p). Like some of the names already mentioned, Balder Succes has been mixing it successfully with older novices this winter and maintained his 100% record over hurdles with an impressive win in an Ascot novice recently.

The best Triumph trial in recent years, though, has been the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle and there was an up-to-scratch renewal of that Kempton race on Saturday, with Baby Mix (h143) bouncing back from last month's Cheltenham flop to lower the colours of Sadler's Risk (h133), whilst fellow Triumph hopefuls Une Artiste (h127) and Dildar (h115p) came up well short for differing reasons. Sadler's Risk is likely to be suited by the stiffer test of stamina on offer at Cheltenham but, even so, he's got a bit to find if he's to trouble Baby Mix there - or Urbain de Sivola for that matter!

....................
Timeform ratings are in fine form! Among 5 top-rated winners at Kempton on Saturday was Nacarat (BSP [5.58]). Click HERE for today's cards & ratings.

Exciting though it was, The Breeders' Cup promised more than it delivered and needs to look to its laurels. Simon Rowlands considers the event from a rating point of view, in a week which also featured the Melbourne Cup and some good jumps action......

Form rather than hype, substance over style, achievement more than potential. That has long been the Timeform mantra, but this weekend's best Flat action provided an exception. Timeform Flat handicapper David Johnson explains....

It's had its knockers but, with Ascot bathed in autumn sunshine and high-quality fields for all five pattern races, few can argue that British Champions Day was anything but a resounding success. David Johnson reflects on the results from a ratings perspective......

Future Champions Day was the highlight of the racing in Europe this weekend, but, with neither the Middle Park nor Dewhurst producing a commanding winner, it's most unlikely that Timeform's Champion two-year-old was in action. We may, however, still have seen a top-class colt, as David Johnson reveals....

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Home And Away: Bottom to triumph over top in League One

Daily Tipping / Jonno Turner / 28 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

John Sheridan's January business has helped Chesterfield's survival bid

Jonno Turner is tipping a big upset in the third tier tonight, and also fancies Huddersfield to prevail at tempting odds away to Stevenage...

I went into my kids' school last week and said "chips and gravy please". "I think you're in the wrong place", the receptionist replied. "Look, I didn't name them, it was their mother".

Not to say that my other half likes food, but when her birthday arrived and she asked me for something that does 0-60 in five seconds, I bought her a set of bathroom scales.

We had our cake - and ate it - with a good start to the week yesterday which saw two winners from two. This evening, we're focussing on League One as we aim to extend that record to four from four.

Leaders Charlton travel north to Chesterfield for their rearranged fixture tonight, and Chris Powell's men will be in for a tough encounter with the hosts scrapping for their lives down at the bottom.

The Addicks have been excellent at home all season, but have started to show cracks of late on their travels, winning just two of their last five away from The Valley.

Chesterfield have been galvanised by some thrifty January signings by boss John Sheridan, and after a season which looked set for disaster a couple of months ago, now find themselves in a Wembley final and within touching distance of safety.

And the Spireites have lost just two of their last nine games going into this one, an impressive run which included a victory over third-placed Sheffield Wednesday in their last outing at the B2Net.

That win made it three consecutive successes for Sheridan's side on their own patch, and just one loss in six - form which the hosts will need to keep up if they are to stand any chance of climbing out of the relegation mire.

Clearly, the visitors are favourites, and rightly so. However, with Chesterfield playing so well at home of late, and Charlton showing signs of weakness for the first time this season, I think that the Spireites are massive odds at [4.5]. A tasty alternative to that may be the Chesterfield DRAW NO BET, which is available at [3.3].

Bet 1: Chesterfield (HOME) to win @ [4.5]

What do you get if you cross Sweden with Greece? Flat pack furniture you can't afford.

We're staying in the third tier now as Huddersfield travel to Stevenage, with new Terriers boss Simon Grayson looking to make it two wins from two.

The visitors shocked football by relieving boss Lee Clark of his duties a fortnight ago, but their new man got off to the best possible start with an impressive win against Exeter on Saturday, and Town will be hoping that Grayson can provide the boost which will see them claim automatic promotion.

But the Terriers have been patchy to say the least, with this weekend's three points their first in four games, and as such they need to build on that win to stand any chance of challenging for second as we reach the business end of the season.

Stevenage is never an easy place to travel to, and much was said about their style of play under ex-boss Graham Westley, which has been described as at worst cynical and at best effective.

But the Hertfordshire side have struggled recently, and are winless in three, going into this game on the back of consecutive defeats.

Anyone who saw their stalemate with Spurs will know what a tough side Stevenage are - and the hosts are still bang in with a shout of the play-offs, but will need their form to turn - and quick - if they're to stay in touch with Carlisle.

Unfortunately for them, I see this as a Huddersfield win - with the Grayson factor playing a massive part in the visitors upturn in form.

Bet 2: Huddersfield (AWAY) to win @ [3.1]

Jeff Stelling's beloved Hartlepool travel to Bury tonight for a clash in England's League One this evening. The match odds market is a bit of a conundrum with both sides pretty evenly matched but Paul Robinson thinks goals are assured....

Jonno Turner is counting on big wins for the teams doing the chasing at the top of the Portuguese top-flight and Dutch second division......

The Inside Man continues to use his inside knowledge to find the best bets from this weekend's over/under 2.5 goals markets....

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Triumph Hurdle: Minsk will miss Cheltenham

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 26 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Minsk will not run at Cheltenham.

"He can't go to Cheltenham now. He has to go on antibiotics and it will take a good two weeks to clear it up..."

Former Triumph Hurdle favourite Minsk will miss Cheltenham after he was found to have an infection when beaten on his jumping debut at Naas on Saturday...

As a result, trainer Dessie Hughes and owner Barry Connell have decided to pull the plug on Minsk's hurdling programme for this season.

The four-year-old will probably not run again until towards the end of the Flat season, when he will return to the John Oxx stable, for whom he won the Irish Cesarewitch in impressive fashion last autumn.

The four-year-old will then go back to Hughes to resume his career as a novice over hurdles.

"He was a bit disappointing so we had him scoped when we got home and found he has an inflamed throat. It's the start of an infection," said Hughes.

"His lungs were clean, but he's starting to get a cold and the vet said there's no way he could finish the race with that.

"We had scoped him on Wednesday after work and he scoped clean. It's a tough old game.

"He can't go to Cheltenham now. He has to go on antibiotics and it will take a good two weeks to clear it up.

"There's no way he can get to the Triumph Hurdle, unfortunately. I'd say we'd leave him now and keep him as a novice for next season.

"I'd say he'd go back and run on the Flat in the autumn in a couple of races and then go hurdling.

"The owner has made up his mind and that makes sense to me."

Minsk had been at the top of the Triumph betting at around [7.0] before he had jumped a hurdle in public on the strength of his good Flat form and reports of his excellent schooling at home.

However, he was surprisingly beaten on his eagerly-awaited debut, albeit by a neck, by Burrenbridge Lodge.

But Hughes felt Minsk would have won had he jumped the final flight cleaner despite being under the weather.

"If he'd have jumped the last quicker on Saturday he'd probably have won anyway," the County Kildare-based handler added.

After an impressive victory at Kempton, Grumeti has gone to the head of the market of the Triumph Hurdle, trading at [6.8], whilst Baby Mix, also a recent Kempton winner, can presently be backed at [7.8].

Minsk could only manage to finish second on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse......

Grandouet will not run in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, trainer Nicky Henderson has confirmed......

Champion Hurdle contender Grandouet could still make the Cheltenham Festival after undergoing a successful operation on Tuesday night......

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Triumph Hurdle: Minsk will miss Cheltenham

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 26 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Minsk will not run at Cheltenham.

"He can't go to Cheltenham now. He has to go on antibiotics and it will take a good two weeks to clear it up..."

Former Triumph Hurdle favourite Minsk will miss Cheltenham after he was found to have an infection when beaten on his jumping debut at Naas on Saturday...

As a result, trainer Dessie Hughes and owner Barry Connell have decided to pull the plug on Minsk's hurdling programme for this season.

The four-year-old will probably not run again until towards the end of the Flat season, when he will return to the John Oxx stable, for whom he won the Irish Cesarewitch in impressive fashion last autumn.

The four-year-old will then go back to Hughes to resume his career as a novice over hurdles.

"He was a bit disappointing so we had him scoped when we got home and found he has an inflamed throat. It's the start of an infection," said Hughes.

"His lungs were clean, but he's starting to get a cold and the vet said there's no way he could finish the race with that.

"We had scoped him on Wednesday after work and he scoped clean. It's a tough old game.

"He can't go to Cheltenham now. He has to go on antibiotics and it will take a good two weeks to clear it up.

"There's no way he can get to the Triumph Hurdle, unfortunately. I'd say we'd leave him now and keep him as a novice for next season.

"I'd say he'd go back and run on the Flat in the autumn in a couple of races and then go hurdling.

"The owner has made up his mind and that makes sense to me."

Minsk had been at the top of the Triumph betting at around [7.0] before he had jumped a hurdle in public on the strength of his good Flat form and reports of his excellent schooling at home.

However, he was surprisingly beaten on his eagerly-awaited debut, albeit by a neck, by Burrenbridge Lodge.

But Hughes felt Minsk would have won had he jumped the final flight cleaner despite being under the weather.

"If he'd have jumped the last quicker on Saturday he'd probably have won anyway," the County Kildare-based handler added.

After an impressive victory at Kempton, Grumeti has gone to the head of the market of the Triumph Hurdle, trading at [6.8], whilst Baby Mix, also a recent Kempton winner, can presently be backed at [7.8].

Minsk could only manage to finish second on his hurdling debut at Fairyhouse......

Grandouet will not run in the Champion Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival, trainer Nicky Henderson has confirmed......

Champion Hurdle contender Grandouet could still make the Cheltenham Festival after undergoing a successful operation on Tuesday night......

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Cheltenham 2011: Unaccompanied on course for Triumph triumph

Latest News / Adam Brookes / 25 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Current favourite Grandouet, pictured, has Unaccompanied to fear in the Triumph.

"Unaccompanied comes in with the same Timeform Rating as Grandouet, and the verdict is she’s got a very strong chance of proving good enough to win at Cheltenham."

Dermot Weld horses are less frequently seen on National Hunt courses these days, but Timeform's Adam Brookes reckons the multiple Irish Flat Champion trainer could be in the Cheltenham winners' enclosure in March.

Anyone who took the hint when Weld's three-year-old filly Unaccompanied made her hurdling debut on New Year's Eve, wouldn't have been disappointed. Just two months on, she has since added a Grade 1 success at Leopardstown to her Punchestown win, and her owner's yesterday confirmed she's on course for the Triumph, but how does she currently fair for Cheltenham domination?

As things stand, the current ratings-topper is ex-French gelding Sam Winner, who shot to the head of the market after his first two hurdle victories for Paul Nicholls, when romping up the Cheltenham hill before Christmas. Admittedly, the wheels almost came off last time at Chepstow, when he didn't pick up as expected before fading into fourth behind Marsh Warbler, but in front of him that day were subsequent winners Smad Place and Houblon des Obeaux, so the form does looks strong. Connections, and backers, will be hoping that the two-month break he's now enjoying will have revitalised him come Cheltenham, and he returns to the form that allowed him to achieve such a high rating earlier in the season.

Close behind is Grandouet, current favourite for the race and another former French juvenile. From a ratings point of view, the performance that established him as a serious Triumph contender was at Newbury in late December, when giving weight and a comfortable beating to his stable-companion, and subsequent winner, A Media Luz, as brushing aside the fair Two Kisses last time merely confirmed he was in good heart. It remains to be seen whether his current form is good enough to win such a competitive race, but we have garnished his rating with a '+', indicating that he could be better than we've been able to rate him, and, consequently, it comes as little surprise that he's favourite.

The aforementioned Unaccompanied comes in with the same Timeform Rating as Grandouet, and the verdict is she's got a very strong chance of proving good enough to win at Cheltenham. When you consider she's an unbeaten Grade 1 winner, whose form puts her almost at the top of the tree, add in the fact she has the possibility of significant improvement, and it's clear that to see that she's going to be a force to be reckoned with come March. She looks the most likely horse to land the prize for Ireland since Scolardy's win in 2002.

Following the top three is another filly in A Media Luz, who seemed to have curtailed her tendency to pull hard throughout her races when taking full advantage of a straightforward task at Huntingdon last time, impressively coming home 18 lengths clear of her nearest pursuer. She too is capable of better, and is by no means a stable second-string.

Chepstow Grade 1 winner, and conqueror of four of his potential rivals here, Marsh Warbler is in pouncing distance but has to step up a bit on what he's achieved so far. However, despite the fact he has yet to race on ground better than good to soft over hurdles, he acts on good to firm on the Flat, so the ground at Cheltenham isn't likely to be the biggest factor.

A touch behind these come a clutch of horses who seemingly have to improve to get involved. The most likely to do so are the trio of Smad Place, Third Intention and Houblon des Obeaux.

Smad Place and Houblon des Obeaux have both won since finishing behind Marsh Warbler, outlining the fact that he's going to have a struggle to confirm the form over two improving rivals, whilst Third Intention has spoiled his chances of remaining unbeaten so far by being too keen, but remains a capable outsider. The fact that they usually go very quickly in this race could play right into his hands.

Of the others, Local Hero now has a lot to prove whilst Sailors Warn, and more so Fearless Falcon, are exposed and would appear to be not good enough for such a competitive race.

Dermot Weld horses are less frequently seen on National Hunt courses these days, but Timeform's Adam Brookes reckons the multiple Irish Flat Champion trainer could be in the Cheltenham winners' enclosure in March....

The Timeform Radio team took a camera to Barbury Castle this week to get Alan King's views on all his potential runners at the 2011 Cheltenham Festival......

Arkle hopeful Starluck makes his eagerly anticipated chase debut at Huntingdon on Thursday, but will he be able to transfer his hurdling ability to the bigger obstacles, and who does he have to fear most at Cheltenham?...

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Totesport Trophy Betting: Soldatino to triumph for in-form Henderson

Tipping / Stuart Jones / 08 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Triumph hurdle winner Soldatino looks the pick of Nicky Henderson's trio in this Saturday's totesport Trophy

"Salden Licht was better than ever on the Flat during the autumn and mirrored that progress when returned to hurdles at Exeter on New Year’s Day".

Just two favourites (the well-backed Essex in 2005 and Landing Light in 2001) have obliged in the last ten renewals of the totesport Trophy, perhaps not unsurprisingly given the typically high quality field and competitive nature of what is the richest handicap hurdle of the season, but Timeform's Stuart Jones reckons it's not worth looking far beyond the market leaders this year...

Nicky Henderson has an excellent record in the race and has been responsible for four of the last eleven winners, most recently when Geos took the 2004 renewal. Henderson's gung-ho approach towards the contest is nothing new and the Seven Barrows trainer has three entries at this stage.

The ex-French gelding Solix is the most prominent in the market of Henderson's trio, despite being a tricky one to assess. Capable of smart form over hurdles for Guy Cherel in France, Solix beat Bel la Vie in a Grade 3 hurdle at Auteuil prior to finishing a creditable fourth behind that rival in a Grade 1 contest there in November. He's undoubtedly an interesting recruit for connections, but he hardly looks thrown in from a mark of 152 and better value looks to be had elsewhere.

The most interesting of Henderson's entries, from a betting point of view, anyway, is last year's Triumph Hurdle winner Soldatino. Unbeaten on all three starts as a juvenile, he made an eye-catching return from ten months off when sixth to Tiger O'Toole at Ascot last month, travelling powerfully until the lack of a recent outing told. Soldatino remains open to improvement and appeals as the one most likely to add to his trainer's excellent record here.

Alan King is a trainer very much back on the up and also looks set to go into the race mob-handed, with Walkon, Iolith, Salden Licht and The Betchworth Kid all amongst the five-day entries.

Walkon was a very smart juvenile in 2008/9, runner-up to Zaynar in the Triumph before winning a Grade 1 Hurdle at Aintree, and showed all that old ability was intact when runner-up in that race won by Tiger O'Toole at Ascot. However, he's always shaped as if he'd be ideally suited by two and a half miles, and he may well prove vulnerable to speedier types back at the minimum trip.

Salden Licht is the least exposed of King's quartet and his profile is not all that dissimilar to Manyriverstocross, who finished third in the corresponding event for the same yard last season. Salden Licht was better than ever on the Flat during the autumn and mirrored that progress when returned to hurdles at Exeter on New Year's Day, always travelling powerfully and just nudged out to beat Sir Kezbaah by a length and a half. That form has held up well subsequently and Salden Licht makes more appeal than his shorter-priced stablemate.

Get Me Out of Here took his unbeaten run over hurdles to five when beating Ronaldo des Mottes in the corresponding event last term and met with defeat for the first time when beaten narrowly by Menorah in the Supreme Novices at Cheltenham next time. Jonjo O'Neill's representative hasn't been in quite the same form on either start this season, however, pulling too hard when sixth to that same rival in the Greatwood last time, and others look more solid betting propositions for the time being.

Bothy progressed well in novice company last term, winning his first three starts over hurdles, and he took a big step forward on his return when just touched off by Menorah in the Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham (receiving 24 lb). Bothy's latest run in a bumper is probably best ignored, and he's one of the likelier candidates, especially if the ground came up testing.

John Quinn's Recession Proof won two of his three starts in novice company, finding only the very useful Dunraven Strom too strong at Ascot. He also created a good impression when successful in a jumpers' bumper at Southwell in late-December, but it's a big ask to expect him to make an impact at this level from an opening mark of 134.

Final Approach led home a 1-2 for Willie Mullins in this year's renewal of the valuable MCR Hurdle (formerly the Pierse) at Leopardstown. Owned by the managing director of the race sponsor, the well-backed Final Approach quickened up smartly to beat Call the Police by two lengths. Although still unexposed over timber, Final Approach will need to improve plenty if he's to defy a mark 16 lb higher.

Sweet My Lord is another lightly-raced raced performer representing the Mullins yard, and after just three completed outings (fell on two of first three outings) he surely remains open to further improvement. His jumping shouldn't be a problem - if anything it looked an asset when winning easily at Limerick last time - and he certainly deserves to take his chance at this level.

Recommendations

Back Soldatino @ [13.0] and Salden Licht @ [10.0] to win the totesport Trophy at Newbury.

Just two favourites (the well-backed Essex in 2005 and Landing Light in 2001) have obliged in the last ten renewals of the totesport Trophy, perhaps not unsurprisingly given the typically high quality field and competitive nature of what is the richest handicap hurdle of the season, but Timeform's Stuart Jones reckons it's not worth looking far beyond the market leaders this year......

Timeform handicapper Gregg Taylor analyses the performances of three winners from Saturday who are all set to be seen next on the opening day of the Festival......

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Timeform Daily: Scottish Triumph Hurdle, Musselburgh 14:30

Race of the Day / Timeform / 06 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

The Scottish Triumph Hurdle takes place at Musselburgh on Sunday

"Titan de Sarti won both starts on Flat in French Provinces and weight of support for current yard suggests he's well regarded for all he's still to get off the mark over hurdles."

There's a good quality card at Leopardstown in Ireland, but Musselburgh also features a couple of really interesting contests, including the Scottish Triumph Hurdle...

Danceintothelight quickly gained compensation for unfortunate fall on hurdles bow when landing the spoils at Hexham. Much better form when following up at Catterick and respected for all this is tougher again.

Meetings Man was successful first 2 starts in juvenile hurdles despite making mistakes, and since finished runner-up twice. Needs to step up again if he is to overcome his penalties here.

Jolly Roger showed fairly useful form when landing 1¼m Redcar seller in October, and benefited from initial experience over hurdles when successful at Huntingdon. Not a bad run at Kempton since but this no easier.

Music of the Moor was a fairly useful Flat performer who made successful switch to hurdles in heavy-ground event at Sandown last month. Saddle slipped at Newcastle on Wednesday and remains open to progress.

The Starboard Bow was a fairly useful stayer on Flat for Sylvester Kirk, successful in August. Strong in the betting and made all on hurdling debut over C&D in November. Latest sixth rather highlighted limitations, though.

Vosges finished runner-up a few times in juvenile hurdles before digging deep to land C&D event last month. Faces an altogether stiffer task in this company.

Eltheeb won 1¼m Goodwood handicap for John Dunlop in 2010. Jumped soundly on first outing over hurdles when third at Doncaster 3 weeks ago (not knocked about once held) and open to improvement.

Titan de Sarti won both starts on Flat in French Provinces and weight of support for current yard suggests he's well regarded for all he's still to get off the mark over hurdles. Sets a good standard in this.

Ananda Kanda won Haydock maiden at 2 yrs but has struggled in handicaps. Not seen since May and could have been found an easier opening for hurdling debut.

Truly Magic was a modest performer on Flat up to 1m for Harry Dunlop. Bought for just $700 in the autumn and very easy to swerve now going hurdling.

Timeform 1-2-3
1. Titan de Sarti
2. Eltheeb
3. Danceintothelight

Timeform's View: Titan de Sarti has been expensive to follow in Britain but he clearly has plenty of ability and can justify the long trip north. Eltheeb ran a promising race on his hurdling debut and can do better, while Danceintothelight has place prospects at least.

There's a good quality card at Leopardstown in Ireland, but Musselburgh also features a couple of really interesting contests, including the Scottish Triumph Hurdle......

Timeform run the rule over the next week's racing, which starts with an all-star card at Leopardstown on Sunday and ends with another at Newbury on Saturday......

The Irish Hennessy meeting at Leopardstown is the last stepping stone before the Cheltenham Festival for many leading ante-post fancies from across the Irish Sea and the four Grade 1 events on the card all promise to be high-class renewals....

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