It's a slightly frustrating time at the moment as some of the horses are not running because of cancellations, ground conditions etc., but also some are not doing serious work at home as the conditions have been so bad. I have one runner over the weekend - Berkhamsted who runs at Lingfield, probably his last run in my colours. It's slightly sad to reflect that I have never seen the horse run in the flesh.
Tom Dascombe has had a good week on the all weather - he's had a winner on each of the last three days. He's been winning with horses that he's taken from other trainer's and had been running terribly - he's put them right and he's won races with them. I've got no doubt that he's destined to be a successful trainer - I just wish he could squeeze a win out of Berkhamsted for me.
The racing high point of the weekend for me will be the 3.20 at Cheltenham, where a number of the principal contenders for the Triumph line up. Five of the top juveniles of the season so far, including Good Bye Simon, Katchit and Pauillac take on the 112 rated flat horse Mountain, who is making his debut. If this were a flat race Mountain would be giving huge lumps of weight around - he is rated 2 stone ahead of Katchit - but as it is he will be receiving half a stone as he is a maiden.
Mountain may turn out to be a superstar, but I couldn't back him on his debut in this ground against such a strong field. Katchit was the star of the early season juveniles and is coming back after a short break - he may need a race to sharpen him up. If I have a bet I will probably side with Good Bye Simon who has solid claims and should give me a decent run for my money.
Friday, 26 January 2007
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4 comments:
All the best for tomorrow. Berkhamsted certainly has every chance, as you are well aware. I personally see Kilimandscharo as the likely winner.
I agree as regards the weekend jumps action. It's exactly the kind of racing that I would most likely not get involved in from a betting perspective, but it'll be enjoyable to watch and I look forward to seeing some of the horses on display at Chelthenham later in the year.
Being a keen ante post punter myself, are there any in your string of novice hurdlers that seem up to Triumph standard and may be worth an each way punt for the race ?
Hi Bert. I notice that you are siding with one of mr doumans horses at cheltenham today. Do you have any experience with french trainers and if so what are the pitfalls? I can't remember too many of his horses except The Fellow and the fact that everbody hated that russian sounding jockey. I dont suppose he was one of yours but if he was, what say do owners have in jockey selection?
Mark,
I have three runners entered in the Triumph - Prince Ary, Mon Michel and Kings Head. Prince Ary is a good horse but may be a shade short of Triumph class. Kings Head is unlikely to get there as he is still a month or so away from his first run - he has tiny hooves and needs it G/F. Mon Michel could be a live contender - he's starting to work well at home and should get there fit and ready. He's made a lot of physical progress since gelding and it's possible he could become a special horse - he's probably my best shot at this stage.
Tom,
The Fellow was trained by Francois Doumen who is the father of Thierry Doumen who trains Good Bye Simon. I don't know a lot about French trainers, but some are clearly very good and I think some others are pretty poor. The conditions in France are normally softer than in the UK and the French horses generally do better over here on soft ground which they rarely get at Cheltenham. An owner can have a big say in jockey selection, but it is normal to go with the trainer. There are one or two jockeys I don't want to be associated with and don't use but generally I go with the trainer.
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