With just a ‘Jumpers’ Bumper’ card at Southwell and an all-weather fixture at Wolverhampton on offer on Monday, it seems the perfect time to take a brief look back at the weekend’s action.
Both My Tent Or Yours and Un De Sceaux (unless, of course, that 16 length stroll at 1-14 has taken too much out of him!) teed themselves up for the Champion Hurdle, while National Hunt Chase favourite Foxrock was also successful at Navan. Elsewhere, here are my three ‘eye-catchers’.
Aurore D’Estruval (2nd, Haydock)
John Quinn’s filly travelled like a dream throughout the Victor Ludorom and her jumping matched the race she moved throughout the contest.
The Wetherby winner failed to pick up once let down by Brian Hughes and, though you would assume Nickname’s progeny would need deep ground, she may well improve for a better surface in that respect.
The Fred Winter will now probably be considered, though the yard has Rutherglen for that and she might need a flat track, so keep her in mind for Aintree. Wherever she goes, there are more races to be won with her.
O’Faolains Boy (won, Ascot)
My initial reaction to the Reynoldstown was that Many Clouds and Gevrey Chambertin had rather set it up for O’Faolains Boy, with Barry Geraghty giving the winner a fine ride. However, he was close enough to the pace himself and, while he clearly appreciated being led in to the race, it was hard not to be impressed (on second and third viewing), given he was bouncing back from pulling-up last time.
Having scoped badly after his Haydock run, the Albert Bartlett fourth is expected to improve for his weekend success and, if that is the case, he could well figure in the RSA Chase, especially if the ground remains testing.
Wilde Blue Yonder (fell, Ascot)
The penultimate novices’ hurdle at Ascot promised to be an informative affair and we looked all set to see an impressive winner in the shape of Alan King’s five-year-old, only for Robert Thornton’s mount to crash out at the final flight for the second successive race.
The son of Oscar is clearly improving and settled nicely in the rear. Having briefly looked as though he might get caught out for pace, he moved up stylishly in between the final two hurdles and he was all set to run out a convincing winner of what looked a decent event on paper. Hopefully his confidence will not be knocked by these two falls, as he remains a nice prospect.
Compare all today’s horse racing odds and bet at the best prices
Paul Ferguson’s Jumpers To Follow 2013-14
Pre order now, published early September in good time for the new season:
Just £9:95 inc p&p
* order online www.cc-publishing.co.uk
* or, send a cheque payable to ‘The Racing Insider’ to PO Box 98, Liverpool L9 1WY (with address details)
Fellow Betrescue columnist and Bet Victor’s Charlie McCann says: “it really is a privilege to write the foreword for such an informative and well-researched publication, which continues to go from strength to strength.”
New for 2013-14:
Grade 1 winning jockeys Nick Scholfield and Jane Mangan provide readers with their horses to follow
Last years results included:
* Leading Prospects, Arvika Ligeonniere (x3), Boston Bob, Captain Conan (x3), Champagne Fever (x2 inc Supreme Novices’ Hurdle), Glens Melody, Melodic Rendezvous, Simonsig (Arkle) & Un Atout won 13 Grade 1 novice contests between them
* My Tent Or Yours won 4 times including the Betfair Hurdle and the Top Novices’ at Aintree
* Stable Round-Up included Neptune winner The New One, Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Court Minstrel and David Pipe’s Dynaste of whom it read “could follow the Grands Crus path of last year, starting in the Steel Plate And Sections before he is readied for the Feltham” – he won both races and also scored at Aintree in April
* Across The Sea – Mount Benbulben 14/1 winner of the Grade 1 novice chase at the Punchestown Festival
* Under The Hammer – horses featured in this section included Champion Bumper winner Briar Hill (25/1) and The Liquidator, who won the equivalent Grade 1 at Punchestown – this section has been greatly increased for 2013-14
