FEW notebooks failed to contain the name of a certain Nicky Henderson horse at the end of last Jumps season. Although he didn’t show up at the Cheltenham or Aintree festivals, WHISPER still made a big impression, especially when coming fourth in the EBF Final at Sandown. His subsequent victory over Valdez at Cheltenham in …[Read More]
16
Dec 2013
Cheltenham Festival beckons for Pipe novices
FEW trainers are as strong in the novice hurdle division as David Pipe. The Liquidator has already established his claims as a leading Cheltenham Festival fancy. And on Saturday Kings Palace shot to favouritism for the Albert Bartlett after a facile victory in at the International meeting at Cheltenham. I loved the way this boy …[Read More]
19
Nov 2013
Cheltenham Festival betting: movers and shakers
IT WAS a marvellous weekend of racing. But there were ripples rather than waves when it came to the Cheltenham Festival ante-post markets. HURRICANE FLY was eased by most bookies for the Champion Hurdle after breaking the world record of Grade One victories. But he could do no more than win and 6/1 looks generous …[Read More]
01
Mar 2013
Ante Post Focus: Smad about the boy
YOU could be forgiven for scratching your head at some of the horses left in the Ladbroke World Hurdle. Seasoned chasers like Grand Crus, novices such as Back In Focus and unexposed types like Whispering Gallery are among the 33 entries. It’s all because of the enforced absence of the beast that is Big Buck’s. …[Read More]
25
Jan 2013
Cheltenham Festival clues on Trials Day
WHEN the big freeze sinks its teeth into the racing calendar and leaves us bereft of quality action, those of us who love this sport have no idea what to do with ourselves. It is why there is a desperation that this weekend’s Cheltenham Festival Trials Day beats the weather, whether it be tomorrow or …[Read More]
