Irish Insight: Cheltenham pointers on Grade 1 Leopardstown card

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 13 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Last Instalment and Bog Warrior were a couple of high-profile winners for the Gigginstown House Stud this weekend

"Last Instalment came out on top to extend his unbeaten record in this sphere, but it's hard to see why this warranted a shortening of his odds for the RSA Chase"

Although the pick of the British action was lost to the weather this weekend both Irish cards survived, and there were plenty of pointers for the weeks ahead....

The standout performer at Naas on Saturday was Bog Warrior, who went a long way to confirming the impression he created in the Drinmore when taking the two-mile novice chase, jumping well at the head of affairs and not needing to come off the bridle to beat the useful Slieveardagh by eleven lengths.

Bog Warrior will be a force to be reckoned with wherever he turns up next but he is yet to tackle going firmer than good to soft and it may be that something like the Powers Gold Cup over Easter, rather than a trip to Cheltenham, will be on his agenda.

Moving onto Sunday and the first of four Grade 1 races at Leopardstown was the Spring Juvenile Hurdle over two miles. It went the way of Hisaabaat, who ended a run of seconds to open his account in fine style by a length and a half from Shadow Catcher. Speed is Hisaabaat's primary asset, though, so he makes limited appeal for the Triumph Hurdle over an extra furlong on a stiffer track. On the other hand Shadow Catcher could give a good account at Cheltenham as he possibly hit the front too soon, while he may still have won granted cleaner jumps at the last two flights, the error at the last costing him all his momentum. Further back Ut de Sivola lost his unbeaten record in this sphere but was reportedly struck into behind, so is better judged on earlier efforts.

The Deloitte Novice Hurdle saw a surprise result as Benefficient made all at a Betfair SP of [189.03]. All three previous Grade 1 winners were disappointing to various degrees, however, Captain Conan and Cash And Go (found to be lame and scoped badly) running as if amiss while Sous Les Cieux finished second but didn't jump with a great deal of fluency, so this clearly wasn't a vintage renewal and it's hard to see any of the aforementioned horses playing a prominent role at Cheltenham.

The Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase wasn't as informative as it might have been with Bog Warrior going for easier pickings at Naas, while it was a steadily-run affair to boot, things only really taking shape from two out. Last Instalment came out on top to extend his unbeaten record in this sphere, but it's hard to see why this warranted a shortening of his odds for the RSA Chase, best placed after dictating a steady gallop and showing a tendency to jump out to his right.

Willie Mullins trained the next two home, namely Call The Police and Lambro, and while the former shaped well enough to suggest a graded race should come his way before the season is out, the form of the latter is by no means rock solid and it could be that he's already finished progressing.

The last Grade 1 action was the Hennessy Gold Cup and it was a sub-standard renewal after Synchronised, Jessies Dream and Quito de La Roque were all ruled out earlier in the week.

That left the way clear for Quel Esprit to record his first top-level success and give his trainer an eighth win in the race, jumping well out in front and having everything else off the bridle turning for home. He'll make no great appeal in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, his form a long way shy of the required level, but he would be an interesting runner if pitching up in the Ryanair Chase, while further down the line the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown should also be on the agenda.

Bostons Angel now has plenty to prove after the fitting of cheekpieces failed to spark a revival, while China Rock spoiled his chance by refusing to settle, and the evidence is starting to mount up that he's better over shorter.
............
Get unsurpassed levels of analysis and statistics for any race in Britain and Ireland with Timeform Race Passes. Click HERE to find out more.

Mouse Morris is delighted with how First Lieutenant's preparation is going as he prepares to bid for his second Cheltenham Festival triumph next month......

Bog Warrior justified cramped odds by winning the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Novice Chase at Naas......

Synchronised will miss Sunday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown after failing to satisfy connections in the run-up to the Grade One......

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Irish Insight: Cheltenham pointers on Grade 1 Leopardstown card

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 13 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Last Instalment and Bog Warrior were a couple of high-profile winners for the Gigginstown House Stud this weekend

"Last Instalment came out on top to extend his unbeaten record in this sphere, but it's hard to see why this warranted a shortening of his odds for the RSA Chase"

Although the pick of the British action was lost to the weather this weekend both Irish cards survived, and there were plenty of pointers for the weeks ahead....

The standout performer at Naas on Saturday was Bog Warrior, who went a long way to confirming the impression he created in the Drinmore when taking the two-mile novice chase, jumping well at the head of affairs and not needing to come off the bridle to beat the useful Slieveardagh by eleven lengths.

Bog Warrior will be a force to be reckoned with wherever he turns up next but he is yet to tackle going firmer than good to soft and it may be that something like the Powers Gold Cup over Easter, rather than a trip to Cheltenham, will be on his agenda.

Moving onto Sunday and the first of four Grade 1 races at Leopardstown was the Spring Juvenile Hurdle over two miles. It went the way of Hisaabaat, who ended a run of seconds to open his account in fine style by a length and a half from Shadow Catcher. Speed is Hisaabaat's primary asset, though, so he makes limited appeal for the Triumph Hurdle over an extra furlong on a stiffer track. On the other hand Shadow Catcher could give a good account at Cheltenham as he possibly hit the front too soon, while he may still have won granted cleaner jumps at the last two flights, the error at the last costing him all his momentum. Further back Ut de Sivola lost his unbeaten record in this sphere but was reportedly struck into behind, so is better judged on earlier efforts.

The Deloitte Novice Hurdle saw a surprise result as Benefficient made all at a Betfair SP of [189.03]. All three previous Grade 1 winners were disappointing to various degrees, however, Captain Conan and Cash And Go (found to be lame and scoped badly) running as if amiss while Sous Les Cieux finished second but didn't jump with a great deal of fluency, so this clearly wasn't a vintage renewal and it's hard to see any of the aforementioned horses playing a prominent role at Cheltenham.

The Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase wasn't as informative as it might have been with Bog Warrior going for easier pickings at Naas, while it was a steadily-run affair to boot, things only really taking shape from two out. Last Instalment came out on top to extend his unbeaten record in this sphere, but it's hard to see why this warranted a shortening of his odds for the RSA Chase, best placed after dictating a steady gallop and showing a tendency to jump out to his right.

Willie Mullins trained the next two home, namely Call The Police and Lambro, and while the former shaped well enough to suggest a graded race should come his way before the season is out, the form of the latter is by no means rock solid and it could be that he's already finished progressing.

The last Grade 1 action was the Hennessy Gold Cup and it was a sub-standard renewal after Synchronised, Jessies Dream and Quito de La Roque were all ruled out earlier in the week.

That left the way clear for Quel Esprit to record his first top-level success and give his trainer an eighth win in the race, jumping well out in front and having everything else off the bridle turning for home. He'll make no great appeal in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, his form a long way shy of the required level, but he would be an interesting runner if pitching up in the Ryanair Chase, while further down the line the Guinness Gold Cup at Punchestown should also be on the agenda.

Bostons Angel now has plenty to prove after the fitting of cheekpieces failed to spark a revival, while China Rock spoiled his chance by refusing to settle, and the evidence is starting to mount up that he's better over shorter.
............
Get unsurpassed levels of analysis and statistics for any race in Britain and Ireland with Timeform Race Passes. Click HERE to find out more.

Mouse Morris is delighted with how First Lieutenant's preparation is going as he prepares to bid for his second Cheltenham Festival triumph next month......

Bog Warrior justified cramped odds by winning the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Novice Chase at Naas......

Synchronised will miss Sunday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Leopardstown after failing to satisfy connections in the run-up to the Grade One......

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Weekend Review: Grand Annual pointers at Musselburgh

Latest News / Timeform / 13 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Musselburgh staged National Hunt action on Saturday.

"de Boitron is likely to head straight to the Grand Annual from a lower BHA rating than when fourth last season..."

Timeform look back at a weekend featuring National Hunt racing from Musselburgh on Saturday, as well as mixed action on the all-weather, and some notable international results...

The Donald McCain-trained Tara Royal landed the spoils in the Scottish Champion Chase, beating Woody Waller and de Boitron into second and third respectively. Tara Royal found everything clicking into place for him, matching his highest ever Timeform chase rating of 136 after jumping and travelling with enthusiasm (jumping had previously looked an issue) throughout.

The race is likely to prove one of the best two-mile handicaps run in the north this season, potentially providing a very good guide to the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival next month. The winner was authoritative in his victory but it is the third, de Boitron, who really appeals for the aforementioned race.

The eight-year-old is indicative of his yard in that he tends to come good in the spring, and he is likely to head straight to the Grand Annual from a lower BHA rating than when fourth last season. Ferdy Murphy's record in Cheltenham handicaps is an excellent one, and Saturday's race may well have provided the perfect springboard to the Festival.

Stormy Weather was given a masterful ride to win the Scottish County Hurdle, gently coaxed into contention by Denis O'Regan before gradually getting the upper hand after the final flight. The Brian Ellison-trained gelding has shown signs of temperament in the past, but he may well be a handicapper to stick with now that he has recorded two successes on the bounce.

Bold Sir Brian's 22-length novice chase victory was undeniably impressive, almost certainly improving to some degree, but the race is difficult to assess accurately with the departure of Chester Lad at the twelfth fence. However, the winner overcame being hampered by that rival, looking a smart chaser in the making, and one that would be more than worth a second look if lining up in the Jewson, for which he is currently available to back at [42.0].

Moving on to Lingfield's polytrack, where Haadeeth and Nubar Boy took a division of the Sprint Series qualifier each. The former had the run of the race on his first start for David Evans and his overall record is far from convincing, but Nubar Boy looked better than ever, helped by the strong pace, and is likely to continue to give a good account.

Taajub, having caught the eye on numerous occasions in the past couple of months, confirmed previous impressions to beat Sulis Minerva by half a length in the five-furlong handicap. He will remain well treated having been runner-up in both the Gimcrack and Cornwallis as a juvenile, but seemingly needs everything to drop right in order to give his best.

At Caulfield, Australia, outstanding mare Black Caviar extended her unbeaten run to 18 in the CF Orr Stakes, where she stepped up to seven furlongs for the first time. She is likely to be seen again in the near future, possibly as soon as next weekend, before potentially heading to the Dubai Carnival and then on to a tilt at Royal Ascot.

Southwell staged a "Jumpers' Bumpers" card on Sunday, where Abergavenny showed himself to be in good heart back from a short break when recording an eight-length victory. He is likely to be of interest in high-end handicaps in the future (he could yet run in Friday's rescheduled Betfair Hurdle), and may be worth a step up in trip when returned to timber.

There was fascinating racing in Ireland over the weekend, from Naas on Saturday and Leopardstown on Sunday, with the likes of Last Instalment, Quel Esprit and Bog Warrior all in winning form.

Voler La Vedette is to head for the World Hurdle at Cheltenham without another racecourse appearance....

French-bred Quel Esprit gave Willie Mullins his eighth Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup success when making all under Ruby Walsh in the Leopardstown showpiece on Sunday....

Colm Murphy faces a race against time to get Quito De La Roque ready for Cheltenham after the Grade 1 winner scoped badly last week....

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Weekend Review: Grand Annual pointers at Musselburgh

Latest News / Timeform / 13 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Musselburgh staged National Hunt action on Saturday.

"de Boitron is likely to head straight to the Grand Annual from a lower BHA rating than when fourth last season..."

Timeform look back at a weekend featuring National Hunt racing from Musselburgh on Saturday, as well as mixed action on the all-weather, and some notable international results...

The Donald McCain-trained Tara Royal landed the spoils in the Scottish Champion Chase, beating Woody Waller and de Boitron into second and third respectively. Tara Royal found everything clicking into place for him, matching his highest ever Timeform chase rating of 136 after jumping and travelling with enthusiasm (jumping had previously looked an issue) throughout.

The race is likely to prove one of the best two-mile handicaps run in the north this season, potentially providing a very good guide to the Grand Annual at the Cheltenham Festival next month. The winner was authoritative in his victory but it is the third, de Boitron, who really appeals for the aforementioned race.

The eight-year-old is indicative of his yard in that he tends to come good in the spring, and he is likely to head straight to the Grand Annual from a lower BHA rating than when fourth last season. Ferdy Murphy's record in Cheltenham handicaps is an excellent one, and Saturday's race may well have provided the perfect springboard to the Festival.

Stormy Weather was given a masterful ride to win the Scottish County Hurdle, gently coaxed into contention by Denis O'Regan before gradually getting the upper hand after the final flight. The Brian Ellison-trained gelding has shown signs of temperament in the past, but he may well be a handicapper to stick with now that he has recorded two successes on the bounce.

Bold Sir Brian's 22-length novice chase victory was undeniably impressive, almost certainly improving to some degree, but the race is difficult to assess accurately with the departure of Chester Lad at the twelfth fence. However, the winner overcame being hampered by that rival, looking a smart chaser in the making, and one that would be more than worth a second look if lining up in the Jewson, for which he is currently available to back at [42.0].

Moving on to Lingfield's polytrack, where Haadeeth and Nubar Boy took a division of the Sprint Series qualifier each. The former had the run of the race on his first start for David Evans and his overall record is far from convincing, but Nubar Boy looked better than ever, helped by the strong pace, and is likely to continue to give a good account.

Taajub, having caught the eye on numerous occasions in the past couple of months, confirmed previous impressions to beat Sulis Minerva by half a length in the five-furlong handicap. He will remain well treated having been runner-up in both the Gimcrack and Cornwallis as a juvenile, but seemingly needs everything to drop right in order to give his best.

At Caulfield, Australia, outstanding mare Black Caviar extended her unbeaten run to 18 in the CF Orr Stakes, where she stepped up to seven furlongs for the first time. She is likely to be seen again in the near future, possibly as soon as next weekend, before potentially heading to the Dubai Carnival and then on to a tilt at Royal Ascot.

Southwell staged a "Jumpers' Bumpers" card on Sunday, where Abergavenny showed himself to be in good heart back from a short break when recording an eight-length victory. He is likely to be of interest in high-end handicaps in the future (he could yet run in Friday's rescheduled Betfair Hurdle), and may be worth a step up in trip when returned to timber.

There was fascinating racing in Ireland over the weekend, from Naas on Saturday and Leopardstown on Sunday, with the likes of Last Instalment, Quel Esprit and Bog Warrior all in winning form.

Voler La Vedette is to head for the World Hurdle at Cheltenham without another racecourse appearance....

French-bred Quel Esprit gave Willie Mullins his eighth Grade 1 Hennessy Gold Cup success when making all under Ruby Walsh in the Leopardstown showpiece on Sunday....

Colm Murphy faces a race against time to get Quito De La Roque ready for Cheltenham after the Grade 1 winner scoped badly last week....

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Timeform Radio Racing Tips: Cheltenham pointers at Newbury?

Timeform Radio Tip / David Cleary / 18 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Two races, three bets for DC at Newbury today

"The handicap at 14:35 is wide open but two who look overpriced are Ballyfoy and Upham Atom."

Newbury is the place to be on Wednesday afternoon and David Cleary has made three selections which could provide value...

A cracking afternoon's racing in prospect at Newbury, with several horses prominent in the ante-post markets for Cheltenham on display, Grumeti bidding to enhance his Triumph claims in the opener at 13:00 and the last, at 16:15, looking like a really significant trial for the Foxhunter.

Grumeti looks short enough on Flat form, giving weight to superior rivals from that sphere, but was so impressive at Taunton that opposing him may be value more in theory than practice. The best bets on the card probably lie in between, in the novice chase at 13:30 and handicap chase at 14:35.

Only four line up for the 13:30, with chasing debutant Cedre Bleu likely to be a short price. His form over hurdles is nebulous to say the least and while he might be anything, the more solid form claims of Lidar appeal. Lidar got into a good rhythm in front when winning here in November and his next run, in top novice company, came too soon after.

The handicap at 14:35 is wide open but two who look overpriced are Ballyfoy and Upham Atom. Both will benefit from a proper test at three miles and both have shaped better than the result in their races so far this season.

Recommended Bets
Back Lidar @ [5.5] in the 13:30 at Newbury
Back Ballyfoy and Upham Atom @ [13.0] and [22.0] respectively in the 14:35 at Newbury

Martin Kelly thinks a pair of English raiders can land four of the seven prizes available on today's Ayr card...

Will Hayler is taken with a Lady at Plumpton and is throwing a few shekels at a Sovereign at Wolverhampton...

With the meeting at Kelso cancelled due to frost, we're left with racing from Kempton and Navan. Rory Delargy joins Gina Bryce on Timeform Radio, and highlights his idea of the best punting opportunities below......

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US PGA 2011 Betting: Five punting pointers

US PGA Championship / Paul Krishnamurty / 05 August 2011 / Leave a Comment

Rory remains the man to back in Georgia

"Rory's relative failure in the Open is easily dismissed, due to the unsuitable bad weather. He remains the best second-shot player around, and the man to beat."

With under a week to go until the beginning of the final Major of 2011, Paul Krishnamurty provides five useful pointers for those who fancy a punt on the USPGA.

The PGA has become the most predictable major

Historically, the PGA Championship tended to be seen as the Major likeliest to produce an upset, but recent renewals have bucked that trend. Whereas all the three other majors have seen a spate of shock winners, the PGA has become the most predictable. From 2004 to 2008, the Wanamaker Trophy was shared between Tiger Woods, Vijay Singh, Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrington - all proven major champions, top or very near the top of the world rankings. Last year Martin Kaymer won en route to becoming world number one. The sole exception was Y E Yang in 2009, and even then the rest of the places were filled by world-class proven performers.

Atlanta Athletic Club is another second shot course, favouring the best long iron players

This trend may not be entirely coincidental. All major venues strive to remain challenging in the face of improving technology, yet PGA Championship organisers are always loathe to make the fairways too narrow or the rough too penal, so as not to humiliate the 20 club professionals in the field. Instead of the tee shot, the challenge tends to lie in the quality of the second shot. The effect is usually to separate the best from the rest.

Atlanta Athletic Club appears to meet the usual criteria. A recurring theme throughout the course is the importance of finding the correct part of often treacherous greens. Tiger Woods played there earlier this week and described the putting surfaces as firm, fast and tough, which will again ensure a strong premium on the most accurate, best controlled second shots.

Rather than recent majors, Firestone may provide the best form guide

Studying figures from the last major is of limited use, because the Open Championship was played in completely different conditions. Georgia in mid-August is not going to see cold strong winds and torrential rain, and this course isn't a links. Darren Clarke may be a shorter price than at Sandwich, but for me, doubling up at Atlanta would represent an even bigger shock. With less rough and lower scoring than usual, the US Open at Congressional played more like a USPGA, although rain neutralised the greens. Assuming the forecast of firm, fast conditions proves correct, there is little to learn from either event.

More relevant form is being earned right now in hot conditions at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational. Like next week's venue, Firestone is a long, par-70 with fast greens, although it isn't playing at it's toughest. Anyone thriving at Firestone will not only head to Atlanta able to boast good recent form, but will have proved they have the game for the PGA layout.

Power is an advantage, although bombers won't be able to overpower the course

At 7.467 yards, the Highlands Course is very long for a par-70. Short-hitters are going to be seriously challenged to find the green in regulation on the second and 18th holes, both par fours over 500 yards. The third and 16th, both over 475 yards and either uphill or into the wind, are no picnic either. However, while that might penalise the very shortest hitters, this course isn't a big-hitters' paradise either. There are few, if any, chances to drive greens, and whereas length might be an advantage to shorten dog-leg holes, there is also plenty of risk involved. Likewise, well-guarded, difficult greens on the two par-fives might reward a conservative approach.

In short, we're looking for players with the very best long games. As is usually the case at Firestone, the key stats to follow are usually greens in regulation and total driving, and it might also pay to check the numbers at www.pgatour.com for approaches and gir from over 175 yards.

Back Rory McIlroy @ [12.5]

Results from Firestone withstanding, one man stands out across all the criteria - the favourite. Rory McIlroy has tournament pedigree, finishing third in the last two PGAs, and has traded below [4.0] in four of the last five majors. He ranks second amongst the PGA field this year for total driving, and 11th for greens in regulation. Rory's relative failure in the Open is easily dismissed, due to the unsuitable bad weather. He remains the best second-shot player around, and the man to beat.

Its drama all the way as Kaymer wins his first major.......

With a surprise leader and a group of young players all in contention, Paul Krishnamurty believes that golf is witnessing a change of the guard. But who does he expect to be celebrating come the end of the final round...

Butch's boys are poised for a final round shoot-out but could Rory spoil the Harmon party.......

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Timeform Weekend Review: Festival pointers at Leopardstown

Weekend Preview/Review / Timeform / 14 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Jessica Harrington: Had a Grade 1 double at Leopardstown on Saturday

"Perhaps the most striking performance came from...Oscars Well, who announced himself as the best novice hurdler in Ireland with an impressive success in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle"

Timeform look back over the weekend's best jumping, most of which came in Ireland after the shock abandonment of Newbury's high-profile card...

The most valuable race run this weekend was the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown on Saturday, and it was won by the Willie Mullins-trained Kempes, who travelled and jumped well to beat the ill-fated Glencove Marina by four and a half lengths. Kempes is not yet fully exposed as a staying chaser, and will head to Cheltenham for the Gold Cup (currently an [18.0] shot), but he will need to improve plenty again to get in the mix for a place, and his form as things stand is about 20 lb short of what Imperial Commander ran to when winning the race last year.

There were three further Grade 1 races on the card at Leopardstown on Saturday and there were potential Cheltenham pointers in each one of them. Perhaps the most striking performance came from Jessica Harrington's Oscars Well, who announced himself as the best novice hurdler in Ireland with an impressive success in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle over two and a quarter miles. Oscars Well is now the [7.2] second favourite for the Baring Bingham at the Festival, but his form as things stand is the best on offer in the division, and looks well up to scratch for what is normally required at Cheltenham.

Oscars Well was the second leg of a Grade 1 double on the card for Jessica Harrington, whose Bostons Angel took the Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase. Bostons Angel isn't far off the best staying novices on form now, though he's likely to find a couple too good in the RSA Chase, for which he can be backed at [25.0].

The other Grade 1 hurdle at Leopardstown was the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, in which Dermot Weld's filly Unaccompanied fully confirmed the promise of her hurdling debut to beat Sailors Warn by three lengths. She is now the [8.0] second favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, and bearing in mind her fillies' allowance, will line up on the day with a major chance, particularly as further progress is on the cards.

In the absence of Newbury, the most interesting race in Britain on Saturday was arguably the Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick. The most interesting contender there was leading Arkle contender Finian's Rainbow, who extended his unbeaten record over fences to three. In the event, the race wasn't particularly competitive and Finian's Rainbow's jumping wasn't as slick as it had been in two previous starts at Newbury, but he still clearly has plenty of potential and will head to the Arkle with a major chance. He currently disputes favouritism in the ante-post market for the race at [5.7], along with Ghizao and Medermit.

Finian's Rainbow's connections were also responsible for the most interesting horse seen out in Britain on Sunday in the shape of novice hurdler Spirit Son, who barely came off the bridle to beat a previous winner by 21 lengths. Only Cue Card is ahead of him in the ante-post market for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Spirit Son available to back at [8.0] for that race.

They also raced at Navan on Sunday, where there were three Grade 2 events on the card. The most interesting of them, at least so far as Cheltenham is concerned, was arguably the three-mile Ten Up Novice Chase, which was won by the Colm Murphy-trained Quito de la Roque. He will be a leading contender for the National Hunt Chase at the Festival (the one to beat if conditions were testing) and is a [10.0] shot for that race, though his form entitles him to take his chance in the RSA Chase if connections so wish ([25.0] to back).

Timeform look back over the weekend's best jumping, most of which came in Ireland after the shock abandonment of Newbury's high-profile card......

Timeform look ahead to the weekend's best racing......

Timeform look back at Saturday's jumping......

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Timeform Weekend Review: Festival pointers at Leopardstown

Weekend Preview/Review / Timeform / 14 February 2011 / Leave a Comment

Jessica Harrington: Had a Grade 1 double at Leopardstown on Saturday

"Perhaps the most striking performance came from...Oscars Well, who announced himself as the best novice hurdler in Ireland with an impressive success in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle"

Timeform look back over the weekend's best jumping, most of which came in Ireland after the shock abandonment of Newbury's high-profile card...

The most valuable race run this weekend was the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown on Saturday, and it was won by the Willie Mullins-trained Kempes, who travelled and jumped well to beat the ill-fated Glencove Marina by four and a half lengths. Kempes is not yet fully exposed as a staying chaser, and will head to Cheltenham for the Gold Cup (currently an [18.0] shot), but he will need to improve plenty again to get in the mix for a place, and his form as things stand is about 20 lb short of what Imperial Commander ran to when winning the race last year.

There were three further Grade 1 races on the card at Leopardstown on Saturday and there were potential Cheltenham pointers in each one of them. Perhaps the most striking performance came from Jessica Harrington's Oscars Well, who announced himself as the best novice hurdler in Ireland with an impressive success in the Deloitte Novice Hurdle over two and a quarter miles. Oscars Well is now the [7.2] second favourite for the Baring Bingham at the Festival, but his form as things stand is the best on offer in the division, and looks well up to scratch for what is normally required at Cheltenham.

Oscars Well was the second leg of a Grade 1 double on the card for Jessica Harrington, whose Bostons Angel took the Dr P. J. Moriarty Novice Chase. Bostons Angel isn't far off the best staying novices on form now, though he's likely to find a couple too good in the RSA Chase, for which he can be backed at [25.0].

The other Grade 1 hurdle at Leopardstown was the Spring Juvenile Hurdle, in which Dermot Weld's filly Unaccompanied fully confirmed the promise of her hurdling debut to beat Sailors Warn by three lengths. She is now the [8.0] second favourite for the Triumph Hurdle, and bearing in mind her fillies' allowance, will line up on the day with a major chance, particularly as further progress is on the cards.

In the absence of Newbury, the most interesting race in Britain on Saturday was arguably the Kingmaker Novices' Chase at Warwick. The most interesting contender there was leading Arkle contender Finian's Rainbow, who extended his unbeaten record over fences to three. In the event, the race wasn't particularly competitive and Finian's Rainbow's jumping wasn't as slick as it had been in two previous starts at Newbury, but he still clearly has plenty of potential and will head to the Arkle with a major chance. He currently disputes favouritism in the ante-post market for the race at [5.7], along with Ghizao and Medermit.

Finian's Rainbow's connections were also responsible for the most interesting horse seen out in Britain on Sunday in the shape of novice hurdler Spirit Son, who barely came off the bridle to beat a previous winner by 21 lengths. Only Cue Card is ahead of him in the ante-post market for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, Spirit Son available to back at [8.0] for that race.

They also raced at Navan on Sunday, where there were three Grade 2 events on the card. The most interesting of them, at least so far as Cheltenham is concerned, was arguably the three-mile Ten Up Novice Chase, which was won by the Colm Murphy-trained Quito de la Roque. He will be a leading contender for the National Hunt Chase at the Festival (the one to beat if conditions were testing) and is a [10.0] shot for that race, though his form entitles him to take his chance in the RSA Chase if connections so wish ([25.0] to back).

Timeform look back over the weekend's best jumping, most of which came in Ireland after the shock abandonment of Newbury's high-profile card......

Timeform look ahead to the weekend's best racing......

Timeform look back at Saturday's jumping......

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Horseracing Betting Briefing: Champion Hurdle pointers at Sandown and Ffos Las

Weekly Betfair Briefing / Timeform / 29 January 2011 / Leave a Comment

Peddlers Cross: Has the option of Sandown or Ffos Las on Saturday

"Peddlers Cross is a potential opponent for Binocular at Sandown, but if Donald McCain’s unbeaten hurdler doesn’t go there then there may still be an opportunity to see him on Saturday at Ffos Las, which stages the Welsh Champion Hurdle"

Timeform look ahead to next week's racing, which features a couple of potentially informative Champion Hurdle trials...

Sunday January 30

Sunday's meetings in Britain take place over jumps at Fakenham and Hereford (has to pass an inpsection) and on the polytrack at Kempton. The day's best action is over at Punchestown, however, where Champion Chaser Big Zeb is the star attraction in the Grade 2 Tied Cottage Chase.

Monday January 31

Ayr and Ludlow are the venues for Monday's jumping, while it's Wolverhampton for all-weather punters.

Tuesday February 1

February kicks off with three meetings in Britain - over jumps at Folkestone and Taunton and on the fibresand at Southwell.

Wednesday February 2

There are a total of four meetings scheduled in Britain on Wednesday - two apiece over jumps (Leicester, Newcastle) and on the all-weather (Lingfield, Kempton). The action also resumes in Ireland with a six-race card at Down Royal.

Thursday February 3

Thursday's NH action takes place at Towcester and Wincanton in Britain and Clonmel in Ireland, while there are also all-weather cards at Southwell and Wolverhampton.

Friday February 4

It's one jumps card in Britain (Catterick) and two in Wales (Bangor, Chepstow) on Friday, to go with fixtures on the all-weather at Lingfield in the afternoon and Wolverhampton in the evening.

Saturday February 5

The best of three NH fixtures on Saturday is the one at Sandown, one of the highlights of which is the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase over two and a half miles. The race hasn't proved the most solid guide to future stars in recent seasons, though last year's winner Punchestowns did go off favourite for the RSA Chase on his next start.

Though only a listed event, the best race on the card at Sandown is very likely to be the two-mile Contenders Hurdle in which Champion Hurdler Binocular is set to have his final outing before Cheltenham. Peddlers Cross is a potential opponent for Binocular at Sandown, but if Donald McCain's unbeaten hurdler doesn't go there then there may still be an opportunity to see him on Saturday at Ffos Las, which stages the Welsh Champion Hurdle. Oscar Whisky, also prominent in the Champion Hurdle market, is set to run at Ffos Las as he seeks to confirm the striking impression of his win at Cheltenham last time.

The day's other jumps card is at Wetherby, where the feature is the Grade 2 Towton Novices' Chase, while the all-weather action rolls on at Lingfield.

Timeform look ahead to next week's racing, which features a couple of potentially informative Champion Hurdle trials......

Timeform's Simon Baker looks through the main contenders for what is shaping up to be the best Champion Hurdle in many seasons......

There may be only five runners, but this Kempton handicap looks one of the most interesting races of the day.......

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