Hmmm…. Rugby….. enough said.
Today’s UK TV Racing
1:20 WETHERBY bet365 Handicap Chase Cl3 (4yo+ 0-125) 2m3½f
I’m told that KAPGARRY is better than his previous win her last year suggests – and the price rather reflects that. I have VALHALLA down as one that goes well fresh. It’s not a great race.
1:35 ASCOT Ascot Underwriting Chase (A Novices’ Limited Handicap) Cl3 (4yo+ 0-140) 2m3f
EARLOFTHECOTSWOLDS is a possibility based on his three hurdle wins last season and a decent 2nd in a Listed contest at Market Rasen in September. He was throwing out distress signals before falling in his debut chase race – but is a decent horse and has some claims if the feet remain in each corner. DARLING MALTAIX is a strange one and I know is considered decent by Nicholls. His fear is DM’s inability to settle and maybe chasing might focus his mind. Interestingly he won over 2m5f last December on Soft… so if he goes to 10s/12s, I think he becomes e/w value.
1:55 WETHERBY bet365 Mares’ Hurdle (Listed Race) Cl1 (4yo+) 2m
LADY BUTTONS should win this – she was 2nd last year and won it in 2017. However, rather bizarrely the trend also suggests that Kim Bailey’s DIAMOND GAIT (e/w), who has won twice over hurdles at Ludlow and Doncaster, is capable of winning this (possibly decent) mares’ hurdle. off her mark this season. She might even stay further according to Kim – so this could be a sighter for later in the season.
2:10 ASCOT Byrne Group Handicap Chase (Listed Race) Cl1 (4yo+ 0-150) 2m1f
SPEREDEK loves Ascot having been placed three times from four here. His best form is over trip and track, and he was a memorable second to Un De Sceaux in the Clarence House and beaten narrowly by Caid Du Lin a year ago – although he is now 8lbs better off. He’s best fresh. I also think CAP ST VINCENT has a squeak. He’s 3/5 over fences and was eye-catching after almost a year off when winning at Exeter. LTO His 10lb present from the handicapper might not be enough.
2:25 DOWN ROYAL Ladbrokes Champion Chase (Grade 1) (5yo+) 3m
Toss a dart into the board and see where it lands! I like ROAD TO RESPECT and Gordon Elliott is firing them in around the island and the clock. He has trained 3 from the last six winners, and his DELTA WORK was impressive – even in defeat in the RSA. Pick one, not both
3:05 WETHERBY bet365 Hurdle (Grade 2) (Registered As The West Yorkshire Hurdle) Cl1 (4yo+) 3m
I’m delighted to see UNOWHATIMEANHARRY back in action for Harry Fry. Ever reliable, he won the Champion Stayers Hurdle at Punchestown this year last season… me too I always get confused…. which form might be good enough for this early season settler. His form when racing more 100+DSLR (321113) suggests getting the cheque book out or selling the children. It will be interesting to see how the wind-op has worked out for TWO TAFFS, at 18s I might have a small tickle e/w
(Gossip from the track 3:15 Newmarket: Five runners and AQUARIUM is apparently a real possibility despite being the outsider. This chap is often wrong – but I have at least passed it on)
3:20 ASCOT Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase (Grade 3) Cl1 (4yo+) 3m
I have three, no four… no five for this. How can REGAL ENCORE be 20/1+? Barmy e/w.
Philip Hobbs’ SPRINGTOWN LAKE has appeared on several pre-season lists despite only five previous starts. How long before HM The Queen asks one oh her own QCs to train for her – would he be QC HMT. I think Graham McPherson might come to her attention with his AMI DESBOIS who is also at a sensible price.He’s good fresh, the horse, and is probably at his best early season.
That’s it – I am and will regret it – swerving ON THE BLIND SIDE, but because it’s Nicky, there’s no real value..
3:40 WETHERBY bet365 Charlie Hall Chase (Grade 2) Cl1 (5yo+) 3m
This could possibly be LA BAGUE AU ROI’s fifteenth victory today. He loves autumn’s turn and almost every stat you can think of is positive. ELEGANT ESCAPE could be second or beat him. He is 2-1-1 off 121 DSLR. He won the Welsh Grand National in December (favourite) but maybe G1 is just beyond him. Maybe not?
THE BREEDERS CUP at SANTA ANITA
6:55 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (Grade 1) (3yo+ Fillies & Mares) (Main Track) (Dirt) (3yo+) 7f
SPICED PERFECTION – DAWN THE DESTROYER
7:33 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (Grade 1) (3yo+) (Turf) (3yo+) 5f
EDDIE HASKELL – IMPRIMIS
8:10 Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (Grade 1) (3yo+) (Main Track) (Dirt) (3yo+) 1m
MR MONEY e/w – OMAHA BEACH
8:54 Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (Grade 1) (3yo+ Fillies & Mares) (Turf) (3yo+) 1m2f
SISTERCHARLIE – again. – VILLA MARINA e/w
9:36 Breeders’ Cup Sprint (Grade 1) (3yo+) (Main Track) (Dirt) (3yo+) 6f
IMPERIAL HINT – HOG CREEK HUSTLE e/w
10:20 TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile (Grade 1) (3yo+) (Turf) (3yo+) 1m
GET STORMY – EL TORMENTA – UNI
11:00 Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Grade 1) (3yo+ Fillies & Mares) (Main Track) (Dirt) (3yo+) 1m1f
MIDNIGHT BISOU
11:40 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (Grade 1) (3yo+) (Turf) (3yo+) 1m4f
OLD PERSIAN e/w – BRICKS AND MORTAR – ALOUNAK e/w
12:44 Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (Grade 1) (3yo+) (Main Track) (Dirt) (3yo+) 1m2f
ELATE – CODE OF HONOUR