Author: Scott

Newbury

3.00 Challow Novices Hurdle, 2m4f Grade 1

CHAMP currently sits on top of the Cheltenham festival The Baring Bingham betting after dismantling an experienced field over this C&D the start of the month, he ran very fresh but still had tons in hand off a mark of 139, the form of the race has worked out very well with the 4^th Man Of Plenty winning a listed Handicap, 6^thPadleyourowncanoe winning a strong class 2 handicap, 7^th Boite ran very well for a long way in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle and even the 13^th horse Sussex Ranger was on top NTO. Champ was rated 150 after that performance and steps back into Novice company, he’s not only the highest rated in this race, but joint highest rated horse to contest in this race the last 10 years, he’s a very exciting prospect and one that looks likely to be praised for many years to come, especially over fences, but for now, he looks like he should mop up under the hurdle code.

Coolany the next highest in the field won the Grade 2 Hyde Novices Hurdle which didn’t look at all competitive and the time was very poor on fast ground, so for me is to be avoided, Nestor Park who was well beat in 6^th did win a maiden NTO which isn’t bad looking for a maiden and looks likely to finish closer today.

Brewin’Upastorm the hardest to gauge for me, he was a huge gamble on hurdling debut and won in good style while clocking good figures, not sure he beat much in the process, the 2^nd horse Brecon Hill rated 132 after race while carrying a 7lb penalty rates Brewin’Upastorm around the 131 mark so must improve another at least 19lbs to compete with Champ.

Kateson should be Champs biggest threat, he won a good-looking Novices event over this C&D off a 5lb penalty, him and the 2^nd horse pulled well clear of the rest of the field and the 2^nd horse Mr Pumblechook bolted up NTO in a maiden.

Alsa Mix the only mare in the field and for me the horse to follow in future races over further, she’s an unbeaten 3 from 3, even 4 from 4 if including her PTP victory, she has won on good ground before twice, so while not a inconvenience, she does at her best under testing conditions like when winning well LTO in the Grade 2 Ballymore Winter Novices Hurdle, that was Sandown on heavy ground, the less testing Newbury on predictably quick ground should see her unstuck IMO, but one I’ll be looking at closely for future races.

Getaway Trump completes the line-up, he’s won his last 2 races conclusively, he doesn’t look like his beat a lot while doing it, but he won’t mind what the ground says, the trip looks ideal and you simply can’t rule out any horse trained by Paul Nicholls right now.

Banker – Champ

Horse To Follow – Alsa Mix

Kempton

1.55 Kauto Star Novices Chase Grade 1

SANTINI looked a potential superstar in the making when winning on chasing debut the start of the month in the John Francome Novices Chase, he looked very big in the parade ring and in need of a run or 2, but to win the way he did against race fit rivals tells us a lot about this son of Milan already. His form was heavily boosted when Rocky’s Treasure bolted up in a good Grade 2 Novices Chase at Doncaster in a very good time. Santini barring no accidents looks to cement his favouritism for the RSA at festival and the 7/2 should be taken now before this race.

2.30 Christmas Hurdle Grade 1

BUVEUR D’AIR hasn’t been beaten for 33 months and in his 12 victories since then his added 7 Grade 1’s to his plaque. The superstar looked better than ever when beating a race fit Samcro very easily on season debut. He won’t have to come out of 2^nd gear to beat these rivals and surely won’t be denied another Grade 1 victory here.

3.05 King George VI Chase Grade 1

An absolute class renewal of Boxing’s Day feature race the King George and very excited to see Politologue over 3 miles and to see if Thistlecrack can build up on a very promising run LTO. Might Bite be the class horse of the field and could dismantle the field if back to his best and he puts a bad run LTO behind him, but BRISTOL DE MAI impressed too much LTO to not be interested in him here. He does have a reputation of only showing his best at Haydock and bouncing regularly, but trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies has said he thinks his learnt a lot about his 7-year-old and knows how to look after him better, if this is true, we could see a more consistent BDM over the coming years and see him as the star he is.

Leopardstown

2.20 Racing Post Novice Chase

Mengli Khan who was 3^rd in the Supreme Novices Hurdle impressed on Chase debut, his jumping wasn’t all that great but his first in front of the public eye, he can be forgiven and will have learnt a lot, the form has taken a bit of a knock when 2^nd horse disappointed NTO. One’s who form does look genuine is VOIX DU REVE, his impressive win in the Grade 2 Craddockstown Novice Chase took a big boost with the 2^nd horse Hardline bolting up in a Grade 3 NTO, perhaps not the classiest in this field and has less overall potential than Mengli Khan IMO, but at present looks to have his measure.

Limerick

2.00 Novice Chase

GETABIRD impressed tons on chasing debut, he was very slick over his fences and looks far superior to any of these rivals, the step up in trip looks like it will see further improvement, plus the softer ground will be perfect, bar no accidents he’ll win as far as he wants.

A pretty competitive renewal of this years The Long walk Hurdle, today we seen it pretty testing with the going stick reading heavy but soft by the officials, it’s be been very windy and dry and tomorrow looks the same, so we should get perfect jumping conditions.

Sam Spinner the highest rated and the winner of this last year beating L’Ami Serge and Uknowhatimeanharry back in 3^rd, he’s since not been at his best and this looks tougher than last year’s race, plus he won’t get an easy lead, so it’s easy to take him on.

Nicky Henderson has 3 saddled up for this, 2 for same owners, Top Notch the outsider of the 2, he loves a galloping right handed track and impressed when winning off a penalty LTO in a pretty solid race over timber, this will be the furthest his gone before which looks ideal, but for me probably will be outpaced back over hurdles and looks the early pacesetter for the owners of stablemate Call Me Lord.

Call Me Lord looks the class horse of the race visually when winning the Grade 2 Select Hurdle earlier this year, the form of that race however has taken a big battering, and although he does run well fresh, this will be his toughest race and may struggle against race fit competitors, again he might be class, but at the price I’d rather watch than back.

Agrapart could run a big race if the conditions don’t dry well, but that looks unlikely with the big winds and mild weather, also the horse is a worry going around a right-handed track.

Uknowhatimeanharry won this race 2 years ago and did impress with the first-time tongue tie and cheek pieces combination, however his a little long in the tooth for a Grade 1 hurdler now, he does however look set for a big run and will be thereabouts.

Younevercall produced a big career best when scoring in a class 2 handicap, this however is a huge step in class and will want the ground to dry far beyond possible, plus the form of his last race hasn’t worked out well.

Soul Emotion is 3^rd horse for Nicky Henderson and the least exposed of the whole field, he’s very well bred and is half-brother to Slowmotion, while his future looks set for jumping bigger obstacles, he could be anything ATM and has strong vibes coming from the yard.

But for me the horse that’s impressed me the most recently was PAISLEY PARK, he won a Grade 3 handicap off top weight LTO in a race not run to suit, he looks like he’ll relish a softer surface and will love a fast early gallop which looks like in this race, yes he’ll have to improve again, but only 6 and very unexposed.

Horse to Back – Paisley Park

One to Follow – Soul Emotion

The next Sire to follow, as they usually do in France only had a few mares to cover, but since moving to Beeches Stud in Ireland in 2015, he’s been very busy and actually covered the most mares in the UK last year, so we’ll start to see a lot of his progeny over the years to come, but until they have matured, we’ll still only see small crops with plenty of potential for the next couple of years.

The son of Galileo, Soldier Of Fortune was very successful in his own right, he won on his 2^nd start in a maiden and nearly won a Group 1 in France still at the age of 2, he won 4 of 6 of his races as a 3yo, most notably the Group 1 Irish Derby and then followed up as a 4yo winning Coronation Cup and 3^rd in the Prix de L’Arc before retiring in 2008 and sent to France to stand. It took a while to see the best of his progeny and potential, but now his flat and jumps pedigree is combining well and we’ve seen/seeing some very smart hurdlers (Mega Fortune, Tin Soldier, Flying Tiger) coming to the fore, below are some of his best and ones to follow, but I recommend looking out for all of his hurdlers for at least the next couple of years.

Ex flat horse Scarpeta moved from Mark Johnston’s to Willie Mullins yard late last year, he won a maiden emphatically on his 2^nd attempt and since ran some big races when highly tried, 8 lengths behind 163 rated Samcro the highlight. He returned this season in good style with a convincing win over a new longer trip, he does however have to work on his jumping, but still just 6 runs to his name and only 5, he has a bright future and will surely win some big graded races.

Tin Soldier has not been seen since crashing out of his first run over fences in November last year, it was a heavy fall, so the long absence is a bit of a worry, but if they do build his confidence back up, he’s a 148 rated hurdler and looks to have a good future over timber.

Litterale Ci with 3 wins to her name this season and is progressing very well, her recent run off top weight was eye catching even if not winning, the step up in trip to 3 miles looks like it will see her at her best and she looks set for black type at some point in the near future.

Admiral Barratry yet to win over hurdles but was a close 2nd behind Lostintranslation at Newbury in a maiden who went on to be runner up in the Mersey Novices Hurdle and be rated 149, even in behind was Black Op rated 152 the winner of the Mersey Hurdle. Admiral Barratry is yet to race on the same soft ground she contested at Newbury, but when she does, the 131 mark should be made to look silly.

Soldier in Action is still a flat horse but had a quick stint over hurdles early last year for Nicky Henderson, he won on his 2^nd start in a Juvenile Hurdle before disappointing in the Triumph Hurdle and sent back to the flat Mark Johnston. He’s been a successful horse and surely it won’t be long until we see him jumping obstacles again.

Dog of War was a €95k purchase and is trained by Dan Skelton, he’s out of a Green Desert mare, so chances are, he’ll be very precocious and hit the ground running, so one to follow closely.

Russell Blair Racing

Monday – Ffos Las 2.50 2m Handicap Hurdle, Class 3

The Gipper won very well LTO and is turned out again quickly before being accessed by the handicapper, the 7lb penalty which puts him on mark of 118 leaves him very well in considering he’s won off 130 in the past, but even thou a minimum trip, they went pretty quick last time out on very testing ground, it’ll be tough to follow up just a week later again on very testing ground. The pace again looks strong with Radical Archie & Alohamora both likely to fight for the lead with The Gipper, setting the race up for LLANTARA, she was progressing very well the end of last season on heavy ground when the penny dropped and was a eye catching return earlier in the month against better horses, the underfoot conditions are perfect and this drop in class will suit.

Tuesday – Southwell 1.30 6f Handicap, Class 4

Interesting race that will need another going over, Angel Palanas won very well LTO with plenty in hand, he gets a 6lb penalty and although not a big issue on past form, his 2 career best performances have been over 7f and he gets a much different 10 stall draw to his draw in stall 1 LTO. TRICKY DICKY record at Southwell reads 112222328, he looks very unlucky not to of had more wins than he should, he’s been close 2^nd’s in class 3 & 2 races off marks of 84 and comes here in a class 4 off a mark of 81 with first time blinkers, drawn in 9 which isn’t ideal at first glance, but has won from stall 9 in the past.

Wednesday – Newbury 2.15 2m7f Mares Chase, Listed

DRINKS INTERVAL was well in command before falling at the 2^nd last in a good Listed Mares race, she looked set for black type and hopefully she gets her reward here if her confidence isn’t too dented by a relatively bad fall even if getting up quickly and galloping away.

Thursday – Chelmsford 8.00 1m6F Handicap, Class 2

Ex Adrien O’Brien horse AIRCRAFT CARRIER was very impressive when winning at Wolverhampton LTO, on times he was 9lbs ahead of a well-treated Western Duke and nearly 15lbs ahead of the 3^rd, he could have won by further too if needed, the 6lb penalty looks nothing even if in a much stronger race here.

Friday – Ascot 1.55 1m7f The Kennel Gate Novices Hurdle, Grade 2

Grand Sancy is my main fancy for this on early declarations but I believe he’ll going for Betfair Handicap Hurdle the day after. If that is the case, then providing we don’t get too much rain in the week THOMAS DARBY beating Elixir De Nutz on his penultimate run holds the strongest form. Elixir De Nutz heavily boosted his form when beating Itchy Feet in the Grade 2 The Sharp Novices before winning at Cheltenham with a big 10lb penalty.

Russell Blair Racing

Today was a good enjoyable days racing even if not seeing the highest of calibre, not sure what you can take out of todays racing and use for the festival because of the fast ground, but non the less The Worlds End pleased the eye and reversed the form with Ibis Du Rheu emphatically, he relishes soft ground so is worth looking at for the RSA in March.

Al Dancer was well backed to complete his hat trick of wins from as many races, he’s another that relishes deeper ground, he goes to the Betfair Chase at Newbury next and will be a big player if the handicapper isn’t too harsh.

Synopsis is the last that I would take out of today, she’s another that’s won on testing ground and the way she won off 12 stone on her back, she looked ready for a shot at a big prize.

Cogry needs a honourable mention, he’s looked a winner so many times travelling through his races, but not always the gutsiest of runners, but with the pieces back on today, we seen him at his best and was a delight to see him battle it out to get his head in front on the line, the handicapper can’t be too harsh on him here, but even so, it’ll be hard to find him a race off his revised mark.

Saturday’s final day of the International meet could see totally different viewing if the heavy expected rain hits early enough and could get messy towards the end of the day.

12.10 2m1f Juvenile Hurdle, Class 2

Dr Richard Newland had the winner in the last of the first day and could follow up straight away with KATPOLI, the son of Poliglote a sire to follow, he impressed LTO around the old Cheltenham course in a tough race, this looks much easier.

12.45 2m4f Novices Chase, Class 2

Nicky Henderson luckily has the 2 best horses of the race and looks set for a 1-2, lightly raced OK Corral looks set for a big future but JENKINS has the experience and race fitness on his side, even with a 5lb penalty, he looks the one to side with.

1.20 2m Handicap Chase, Class 2

BUN DORAN looks the easy selection, he won easily over the old C&D LTO with so much more to give, the form of the race has worked out well, he won’t mind what the ground says and the 10lb rise doesn’t look enough to stop him.

1.55 2m4f Handicap Chase, Grade 3

FRODON is another that won’t mind what the going stick says. He won this race 2 years ago and was sensational when winning over this C&D in heavy conditions in January, he was put up 10lb which looked to have stopped him, until a wind op, he since won a strong Grade 2 handicap on season debut, with plenty more to give, which he proved with a huge run off top weight over the old Cheltenham course LTO. The return to the new course is a big plus and if the going does turn heavy, he’ll love it more than any of these.

2.30 3m Albert Bartlett Novices Hurdle, Grade 2

Doux Pretender is another from our sires to follow and he’s done nothing but impress since season reappearance, his last win was by a short distance, but he looks to of best a good horse and this further trip will see a further improvement.

3.05 2m1f International Hurdle, Grade 2

The big race looks a tough nut, Summerville Boy easily the best horse in the race, beating Kalashnikov twice last season holds the superior form, but he didn’t flatter on season reappearance, so I’m willing to give OLD GUARD a chance, he won this race 3 years ago with the ground turning soft and has returned this season in good form and knocking on the door, he’ll certainly be winning Graded races this season and this could be his first.

2.40 2m4f Mares Handicap Hurdle, Class 2

This is a dart throwers race, but if I had to choose one, then CHILLI FILLI did impress me the most on run/s this season, however with ground potential bad at this point, she’s just to be watched.

Cheltenham International meeting gets underway and a dry week has seen a few contenders already pull out and still more likely to drop, but either way, there’s still a lot be excited about.

Below are the best chances for me.

12.10 2m1f Novices Hurdle, Class 3

Angels Breath is the big fav at present, he won his maiden PTP on heavy over 3 miles in Ireland in style and was sold for €85k and since moved to Nicky Henderson’s yard, this however will be a different proposition with a sharp 2m1f trip on fast ground. Preference must go for ELIXIR DE NUTZ, already a Cheltenham winner even if on the old course, he won a Grade 2 with the form looking pretty good with beating Itchy Feet who prior beat Grand Sancy, who since won 2 on the bounce including a Listed, also the 4^th bolted up NTO. He does however have a 10lb penalty which isn’t ideal, but with good ground in favour, he should be the one to beat.

12.45 3m1f Novice Chase, Class 2

LIL ROCKERFELLER again is another Cheltenham winner on the old course, he done everything wrong that day, but his stamina proved priceless. The cheek pieces which seen him so well over hurdles in past was applied to his next race which seen a big improvement to his jumping, he didn’t have to beat a lot, but he gave a lot of weight away and did it effortlessly.

1.20 2m1f Handicap Hurdle, Class 3

Possibly the hardest race to predict with many unexposed runners, but even thou A HARES BREATH is the oldest horse in the race, he’s very capable of winning a race like this, he won a tough Listed Handicap off a higher mark around this time last year off top weight, he likes Cheltenham and is 2 from 2 with today’s jockey Nico De Boinville on board.

1.55 2m4f Mares Handicap Chase, Class 3

SKEWIFF has looked like a chaser for a while and impressed on her debut over timber, she did make one mistake at 6^th when nodding on landing but apart from that, she jumped beautifully and was given an easy ride, she steps into mares company which will be a huge plus and she’s only 1lb above her last hurdle winning mark, which looks very exploitable and the best bet of the day.

2.30 3m2f Handicap Chase, Grade 3

I expect Cogry to run another big race on his favoured course but hard to back to win off the mark he is. Preference comes for THEATRE TERRITORY, yet to win over fences but her last display says she’s ready, just a length behind Ibis Du Rheu who could boost her form in the 12.45, she looked the winner coming into the final bend until taken at the final flight, but was coming back at the winner, this step up in trip will suit and the step into handicap company see’s her under better circumstances and what looks a big weight advantage.

3.05 3m6f Cross Country Handicap Chase, Class 2

Below was taken from my Great Pretender sire to follow post, which is relevant to this race.

AMAZING COMEDY is French trained, so won’t be the best horse to follow, unless you watch French/worldwide racing. But the new to training David Cottin, who looks to be a future training star himself, he quit the saddle at an early age, but already has tons of experience with nearly 800 winners to his name and being named 3-time champion jockey. He started learning from a young age with his Dad Philippe Cottin being a respectful trainer and has been spending time and learning from some of the best trainers around, from the likes of Andrew Balding, Paul Nicholls & Philip Hobbs. Anyway, back to Amazing Comedy to who a few would recognise his name from running a big run in 5^th at a huge price on unfavourable circumstances and on unsuitable ground in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham festival for Phillipe Cottin. He was a recent acquisition from his Dad’s yard and we’ve already witnessed David’s training ability and with the gelding hacking up LTO. Amazing Comedy has an entry in this Friday’s Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham, this time he should be on more suitable ground and in a handicap will see just 9-9 on his back, everything looks good to me.

3.40 3m Handicap Hurdle, Class 2

It’s obvious on jockey choice that Worthy Farm is Paul Nicholls favoured horse, but stablemate THE EAGLEHASLANDED looks to given a big chance by the handicapper, due to go chasing soon, the yard give him one last go over hurdles, not only is he down to last winning mark, worthy 7lb claimer Alexander Thorne takes the reigns and makes him more dangerous, yes he does have to bounce back to form but, ground in favour and a past winner over C&D, there’s no reason why he can’t.

Over Looked Jump Sires – Saddler Maker

Saddler Maker may be recognised by a few because of siring multiple Grade 1 winner Bristol De Mai and mare Apple’s Jade, but still unrecognised by the majority. He himself had a lovely pedigree, his Dad you may have guessed was Saddlers Wells who sired many greats, his dam was out of Alleged and was half-sister to Poliglote who we’ve touched upon before. As a racehorse SM flopped, he was reported backward and took a long time to come onto the scene, eventually he made his debut at the age of 5, another 7 races later and a record showing 0/8 with not much ability shown he was retired. Because of breeding he was given a chance to stand, which at a measly €1.7-2k a pop, he’s proven to be an absolute bargain, he didn’t stand until 2010 and sadly passed 2 years ago, but his legacy not only has over performed already, but looks likely to get stronger as he’s never crops have been getting more attention from stronger mare sources.

Chef des Obeaux is a Grade 2 winning Prestige Novices Hurdle over a near 3 miles before disappointing at both the Cheltenham and Grand National festivals, he returned this year as a chaser when again disappointing favourite backers when back in 3^rd on debut, but he put in a eye pleasing performance considering it was his first time in public jumping fences, beaten by race fit horses and what looks too sharp of a trip (2m4f). He certainly looks like winning a Grade 2 or more when upped back up to 3miles.

Janika is a very exciting new acquisition for Nicky Henderson’s yard, he already has 3 chase wins to his name at the age of 5 and has been recording impressive figures while racking them up, he’s been gelded since the switch of lands and will surely be seen soon now the wintery ground is upon, he’s certainly one to look forward to and a possible star.

Defi Bleu a big €255k purchase has been coming along nicely as hurdler and won his latest race for Gordon Elliott, he has a very exciting chase future and that’s when we’ll see the half brother to Upsilon Bleu at his finest, which may not be until next season.

Eglantine Du Seuil still a baby at 4, she won her maiden on her first run for Willie Mullins over 2 miles with looking to need further, the form of the race is already looking decent, she then came 3^rd in a much hotter race with the 2 in front franking the form, with Aramon winning a Novice Grade 3 and the winner Triplicate coming 2^nd in a Grade 1 Novice, this again over 2 miles and again wanted further, expect big things from this filly over 2m4f+.

Looking further into the future, Henry De Bromhead has delved into Saddler Maker’s stock when purchasing 2 (Fissa, Fantasio D’alene) at a combined total of €400k in the sales in the summer, they are both only 3 and have fantastic pedigrees and are to be looked out for.

Sire To Follow – Great Pretender

Following on with some of the most over looked sires of the game, since our last post about Poliglote, if you followed his kids blind since, he’s had 2 winners and three 2nds from 8 runners, returning a £15.75 LSP.

Today we’ll be looking at Great Pretender who as a racehorse, he was a 3yo Listed winner in France on the flat and a Listed winner over hurdles as a 5yo, he retired in the same year to stand as a sire. Among his finest, he had double Grade 1 winner along with multiple Grade 2 wins Ptit Zig, stablemate The Game Spirit Grade 2 Chase winner Mr Mole and 2017 Irish Ryanair Novice Chase winner Great Field. Below I’ll be pointing out his best chances at the bigger prizes, but it’s worth checking out the whole progeny in not so hot races as you’ll see them pop up consistently.

Starting with Great Field who as mentioned is a Grade 1 Novice winner already, before falling in his last race when a heavily fancied favourite, he won 5 on the bounce, his recent fall although his first, has been coming when practically making big mistakes in all chase wins, but even with the big mistakes, he’s a class 2 mile horse with plenty of speed, whether he’ll be able to beat the likes of Altior and stablemate Footpad remains to be seen, but he’ll surely be high on the list as their main danger.

Stablemate Benie Des Dieux is a Cheltenham festival winner when beating Midnight Tour & heavy fav Apple’s Jade in the Mares Hurdle on just her 4^th run for Willie Mullins, she franked her form when winning the Irish Mares Champion Hurdle just 6 weeks later when again beating Apple’s Jade and this time Augusta Kate in 2^nd, her main aim this season will to defend her Cheltenham Mares crown which already looks a thriller with Apple’s Jade looking at her absolute best when romping to victory in the Hatton’s Grace.

Claimantakinforgan impressed on chase debut on good ground which doesn’t look ideal, he then was well beat when outpaced behind recent Grade 1 Novice chase winner and 3^rd Dingo Dollars & Lalor again on unsuitable fast ground over 2 miles, he looks to have more of an engine which is backed up by his 3-mile PTP win as a 4-year-old. I wouldn’t be surprised seeing this gelding winning a big race over 2m4f on more forgiving ground this season.

Cracking Smart is a Novice Listed Hurdle winner in Ireland and a Grade 1 & 2 runner up, his last run was impressive even over a too sharp looking 2m4f, he looks to be campaigned over 3 miles this season which will be well up his street and may struggle at first against more experienced rivals, but looks to be some force further down the line.

Amazing Comedy is French trained, so won’t be the best horse to follow, unless you watch French/worldwide racing. But the new to training David Cottin, who looks to be a future training star himself, he quit the saddle at an early age, but already has tons of experience with nearly 800 winners to his name and being named 3-time champion jockey. He started learning from a young age with his Dad Philippe Cottin being a respectful trainer and has been spending time and learning from some of the best trainers around, from the likes of Andrew Balding, Paul Nicholls & Philip Hobbs. Anyway, back to Amazing Comedy to who a few would recognise his name from running a big run in 5^th at a huge price on unfavourable circumstances and on unsuitable ground in the Cross Country Chase at the Cheltenham festival for Phillipe Cottin. He was a recent acquisition from his Dad’s yard and we’ve already witnessed David’s training ability and with the gelding hacking up LTO. Amazing Comedy has an entry in this Friday’s Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham, this time he should be on more suitable ground and in a handicap will see just 9-9 on his back, everything looks good to me.

Russell Blair Racing