Monthly Archives: January 2024

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…

Two runners in this novice hurdle and on their running together at Plumpton last month, Junkanoo ought to come out on top. Decent on the flat, he has made a bright start to jumping and deserves to get his head in front after two 2nd places.

Wild Saffron missed the break badly on debut so didn't gain much from that start, but did better after getting away on terms last time. She was much more involved in the finish in 3rd then and should take another step mentally here.

Wining pointer Colonel Harry won twice over hurdles last season; was placed in the Grade 1 Tolworth and also 2nd in a Grade 2. He jumps fences well and won on chase debut at Chepstow. He followed that with 2nd in the Henry VIII last time, staying on strongly up the hill. In a tight…

Asgard's Captain was picked up at the online sale after coming over for two easy wins from his previous connections in Ireland. He starts with us off 14lb higher and is most likely better than this field but pulls really hard and could easily run himself into the ground. He's not easy to deal with…

Naturally High dead-heated last time under a good ride from Caoilin who won the Welsh Grand National the following day. As he's riding for our stable in this conditionals' race he can claim 3lb and that's tantamount to free money! Very hopeful.

Twenty Twenty went off at 20/1 in his last race, the 12.20 at Wincanton, and won easily. He now runs in the 3.20 at Huntingdon but won't be anything like that price. He looked good last time though and is fancied to go close again off 5lb higher.

Naturally High dead-heated last time under a good ride from Caoilin who won the Welsh Grand National the following day. As he's riding for our stable in this conditionals' race he can claim 3lb and that's tantamount to free money! Very hopeful.

Smoky Malone is coming back after a break; he has been working nicely and this looks an ideal race for him. The one drawback? - he usually needs a run to get in trim, but this looks a weak contest and he might just get away with it.

Stintino Sunset has been running consistently well since being fitted with a hood. She didn't handle Lingfield last run and this more galloping, level track over this shorter distance will be ideal. If there's plenty of pace on, she should have a good each-way chance.

Bellas Bridge did well to win her Irish point from a big field last year and ran a promising first race when 3rd on bumper debut at Hereford in October. She has had her palate fired since and should appreciate this softer ground too. She should be capable of winning a race of this nature.

Royal Way was an easy winner of a 1m4f conditions race in the French Provinces last year. He far outran his odds when a 28/1 2nd to smart prospect Sir Gino at Kempton last week and has another Nicky Henderson candidate as the principal threat today. Hopeful.