Yearly Archives: 2024

Farceur Du Large won over hurdles but it was only when he was sent over fences that he really began to excel. He won a novice chase at Fairyhouse over 2m5f, then a competitive Class 2 handicap off a mark of 130 after which he was put up to 136. He has struggled since but…

Torneo was a useful performer on the flat in France, winning a maiden at Pau over 1m2f and then finishing 2nd in three consecutive races at 1m4f. He looks the type that could develop into a smart hurdler and ran well when 2nd on stable and hurdles debut. He followed that with a good 3rd…

The fact that Aggagio could be so competitive in classy Goodwood handicaps off 85 in the autumn suggests his mark of 117 jumping hurdles is still very much within his range. He won a nice race at Haydock on his last hurdles run last spring. The mark should be fine too if he can handle…

Wendigo is from a four-time winning mare and is half-brother to talented black-type performer Sideralis. He won his Irish point at the 3rd attempt for Colin Bowe, a performance that earned a high rating. Joining us, he was a promising 3rd on debut before stepping up to win at Hexham. Catterick is a very different…

Twirler was very disappointing at Chelmsford on her 2nd start but I think in retrospect that might have come a touch too soon and that track doesn't suit every horse. The step up to 7f should be fine and I think she will like Lingfield. Good chance.

This is the track and trip for Pablo Del Pueblo and his rider knows him well. He remains slightly unpredictable but if he gets away and things go well for him he can be hard to peg back. He seems in good shape still.

Andaleep was a touch disappointing last time out for no obvious reason. He has trained nicely since so perhaps it was just an off day. We are hopeful of a better effort in this competitive amateurs' race and in Simon Walker, he will have every assistance in the saddle.

Issar d'Airy returned from an eight-month break with an emphatic success over this CD late last year. It was his first attempt at fences and even under an 8lb rise, he should take all the beating. A horse with a future, we hope.

Animal has been running well this season and should have no problem with the trip. I have a slight concern about how the ground might ride after all the frosts. We wouldn't want it to be too holding. On the plus side, Gavin can ride as Fakenham is off.

He's A Latchico is rated 84 on the flat and despite a couple of victories over jumps last summer, is remarkably well handicapped in comparison over hurdles. It looked as though he was going to take advantage at Sandown last month, but in the testing ground was easily caught by Classic Anthem. Value each-way here.

Those four wins in a row from Movethechains all over 3m here seem like an age away but it was only around the turn of the year 2022. His form since can be fairly described as abysmal, but if he is to start a revival, this surely is the most likely place it can happen.

Arctician has been reasonably consistent this winter and is still well handicapped. This is competitive and open, but he is drawn well and remains in great shape. He could easily be involved if things go smoothly for him.

Clearpoint has done very well since joining the yard. He paid the price last time for chasing a highly impressive winner in a race where he probably should have finished 2nd. I think he'll be better for going around a bend and he seems in good order at home.

Floating Voter ran easily his best race last time out around Kempton, up with the pace for a long way before tiring in the last furlong. He starts handicapping on a fair mark and with another furlong to travel and first-time blinkers he could go very close.

Moliwood is a talented stayer who was off for more than a year before finishing an excellent 2nd at Chelmsford. He didn't follow it up at Kempton last time but 1m6f around here should be ideal and David Probert is flying at the top of the AW jockey standings. Each-way chances.

Reset Button appeared back to his old self at Southwell. He travelled like the winner for much of the race, if not really putting it all in at the finish. We're hoping that stepping him back in trip will suit and so we try again.

Confederation is very hard to win with but he likes Kempton - he's run well there off much higher marks than tonight's 58. He needs bullying to show his best and has a strong capable amateur on board. Each-way chances.

Bridge made a big forward step last time easily winning a maiden hurdle at Fontwell. He runs in a jumps handicap for the first time, his 103 mark helped by the 13lb wfa advantage he has against older rivals. Going the right way and could be very competitive.

Home-bred Sangiovese did okay in his one bumper, staying on for 2nd in a four-horse race. He has shown only modest form in three qualifying runs over hurdles but is handicapped accordingly and going up in trip should be beneficial. Hopeful.

Rabinal has been taking a bit of time to acclimatise having done most of his racing in Germany and went off too hard last start. We will be more patient with him today and he should finish better. He has ability and is sure to find his races, and not without a chance here if…