Percussion to find right rhythm over big Becher fences December 5, 2023 FOR THE second time this season we have the chance to see horses race over Aintree’s Grand National fences with the famous Becher Chase (2:05pm), one of the feature races on a busy Saturday of racing. PERCUSSION has proved that he has a real affinity for this jumping test, running three times over these fences [...]
Keep an eye on Cyclop and Fortescue in London National December 5, 2023 IF THE weather forecasters are to be believed then the ground will be pretty bad come the time of the London National (3.35pm) on Saturday at Sandown. As with all of my ante-post columns, it’s pretty tricky to know for definite who is going to turn up and who isn’t, so with that in mind, [...]
Nicholls’ Unknown taken to Complete Newbury mission November 28, 2023 THERE are plenty of great races outside of the Cheltenham Festival and Saturday’s Coral Gold Cup (2.50pm) at Newbury is certainly one of them. Before I dive into my preview, I should point out that as with all of these ante-post pieces, it’s always difficult to know exactly who’s running, so keep an eye out [...]
Back Nickle to knuckle down and beat Allen at Newbury November 28, 2023 FRIDAY’s card at Newbury features two Grade Twos and in the first of those, the John Francombe Novices’ Chase (1.50pm), attention will be on Paul Nicholls’ Hermes Allen as he attempts to make a winning chase debut. Last season’s Challow Hurdle winner has already won a Point-to-Point and looks the type that should make into [...]
Protekt against any losses in Betfair Chase November 21, 2023 HAYDOCK hosts the first Grade One in Britain this season with the Betfair Chase (3:00pm) on Saturday, and by the look of the early declarations it is set to be a cracker. There isn’t any significant rainfall forecast at the Merseyside track ahead of race day, but with the going currently described as heavy, given [...]
Back Henderson’s Theatre to be Ascot’s star of the show November 21, 2023 IT FEELS like the National Hunt season takes a real step up this weekend and we’ve also got some cracking action at Ascot to get stuck into. The 1965 Chase (1:30pm) looks a belter and sees Shishkin and Pic D’Orhy, the first two home 12 months ago, do battle again. Much has been written about [...]
Notlongtillmay can come Lashing home to win Paddy Power November 14, 2023 CHELTENHAM returns this weekend for the three-day November Meeting, offering the chance to see more of the stars of the National Hunt game return to the track. This meeting is an early season target for many horses and that’s once again the case for Martin Keighley’s BACK ON THE LASH, who is aiming for a third [...]
Gin and L’Eau looks the perfect Greatwood combination November 14, 2023 SUNDAY’S Unibet Greatwood Hurdle (3.30pm) is always one of the most competitive handicap hurdles of the entire season and this year’s looks no different with some firms betting 5/1 the field. Whenever there’s the prospect of a Willie Mullins-trained runner in this country, the market, almost by default, makes it favourite and that’s the case [...]
Tizzard’s Breakaway has a Big chance in Badger Beer November 9, 2023 OVER at Wincanton, the big race of the day is the Badger Beer Handicap Chase (2.25pm) where fan favourite Frodon bids to win it for a second consecutive year. Paul Nicholls, who vies to win the race for a 12th time, will be hopeful of another bold showing given his charge runs off the same mark [...]
Nassalam can give Gary some Moore success November 9, 2023 AFTER the glorious Californian sunshine at last weekend’s Breeders’ Cup, it’s time for some freezing wet weather back on home soil. The pick of this week’s National Hunt racing action comes from a rain-sodden Aintree where the feature race is the Boylesports Grand Sefton Chase (2.45pm) over the famous National fences. After what feels like [...]
