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Does anyone know the running plans for the Whaley-Coen's in Aintree's Foxhunter chase?
I'm sure Katarino is going to run, going for his third consecutive win in the race, but I was wondering would they run Bica against him? I thought Bica ran an excellent race over the longer trip in Cheltenham's Foxhunter appearing to not quite see it out. However the 2m 5f around Aintree's National course would appear to look like he'd be very suited. He jumps and travells very smoothly.
My guess is they wouldn't run them against each other and Katarino has already been pencilled in to try and achieve his remarkable third win but any info would be greatly appreciated. Secondly does anyone know how Katarino has been running in P2P's this season if running at all? _________________ 2008 Ryder Cup Competition - WINNER
Binge, he hasn't been out under Rules, and I'd be surprised if he'd been pointed either this season, but I'll look it up.
Katarino (as you probably know!) has fragile legs and a breathing problem. It's hard to get him to the track at all, never mind fit enough to contest the Foxhunters, which he has of course won twice before (as well as a Triumph Hurdle, now that I didn't know!) End of last season they were going to take him to Ireland for the hunter chase championship there, but shelved it because of niggles. Will look up the point form, and post later when I have checked it.
On current knowledge, I'd say they were unlikely to run him again in the Foxhunters, but you never know. Bica is also a live chance for that race, of course, and if they think Bica is the up and comer they may well retire Katarino (who has certainly deserved it!) Will keep an eye out for news - frankly I prefer the Foxhunter at Aintree to the National!! _________________ UNEXPECTED WINNER 2009 FLAT 10 TO FOLLOW COMPETITION!
A shocking puzzle of a race tomorrow at Sedgefield (1650). As the ground improves, so you can effectively throw one formbook out of the window and take another off the shelf - particualrly in this sphere.
Forty Shakes is the favourite on bare form. However, he has had two runs already this month (both winning ones) and as a result in theory carries 12st10, 6lb up from his last mark. This MAY be compensated for by the fact that the wins were over 7 and 5 furlongs further, respectively. The jockey claims 5lb, which puts him down to 12st5 with the lesser distance in hand. But I am still doubtful about this one.
Challenging him should be Junior Fontaine and Ifni du Lac. Junior Fontaine was 5th in last year's Aintree Foxhunters and therefore had some pretty decent horses behind him. Since then he has won one point. He is trained by David Easterby who is no mug when it comes to hunter chasers, and ridden by the estimable and experienced Tom Greenall. He gets no allowance but 12st3 isn't unreasonable. He came over to UK from Ireland, where he was trained by Arthur Moore, and was bought in November 05 for £30,000 at the Doncaster Sales. On that reckoning he should do well enough, particulrly as he likes good ground, and the Sedgefield going is described this evening as good, good/firm in places!
Ifni du Lac is another horse who has come to hunter chasing after a decentish career in the NH ranks with Nicky Henderson. She moved from Henderson to Donald McCain after her last run under Rules (March 04 in the Stan James Handicap Chase at Newbury, where she came 11th out of 15 to Bee and Bee. There is no obvious explanation for the long gap in her career (she came back to a win in a point 30 days ago). I wonder whether she had a foal! She is certainly good enough to win this IF she is fully fit, which she should be after one point win a month ago. Her big advantages are her rider (Richard Burton) and the fact that she carries bottom weight of 11st10 (but so do several others if allowances are taken into account).
As usual with these "I can't make up my mind for love nor money" races, I will probably not have a bet at all, and the outsider that might have a chance (Ghadames) will romp home, much to my disgust! _________________ UNEXPECTED WINNER 2009 FLAT 10 TO FOLLOW COMPETITION!
Must say I like the look of the bottom one Jenny, D McCain seems to do no wrong at the moment and top class jockey on board, though it often pays to follow an ex-Arthur Moore horse in English points/hunter chases. Did you get to see the RUK pt-to-pt feature yet?
Binge, he hasn't been out under Rules, and I'd be surprised if he'd been pointed either this season, but I'll look it up.
Katarino (as you probably know!) has fragile legs and a breathing problem. It's hard to get him to the track at all, never mind fit enough to contest the Foxhunters, which he has of course won twice before (as well as a Triumph Hurdle, now that I didn't know!) End of last season they were going to take him to Ireland for the hunter chase championship there, but shelved it because of niggles. Will look up the point form, and post later when I have checked it.
On current knowledge, I'd say they were unlikely to run him again in the Foxhunters, but you never know. Bica is also a live chance for that race, of course, and if they think Bica is the up and comer they may well retire Katarino (who has certainly deserved it!) Will keep an eye out for news - frankly I prefer the Foxhunter at Aintree to the National!!
Thanks Jenny.
I can update us both. Yes as you said Katarino does have leg problems and they've struck again. He has a leg problem and therefore will miss trying to defend the Foxhunter for a second time and unprecedented third consecutive victory. (In the RP today)
As he's an old horse they won't be firing him and will see how he looks next season, if he's right he'll go back to Aintree if not he'll be retired next season. Leaves the door open for them to run Bica if he is sound after the Festival _________________ 2008 Ryder Cup Competition - WINNER
Thanks Binge - haven't had time to visit the RP site yet this morning! Hope he recovers well, even if he doesn't get another crack at the race next year. _________________ UNEXPECTED WINNER 2009 FLAT 10 TO FOLLOW COMPETITION!
Ifni du Lac is another horse who has come to hunter chasing after a decentish career in the NH ranks with Nicky Henderson. She moved from Henderson to Donald McCain after her last run under Rules (March 04 in the Stan James Handicap Chase at Newbury, where she came 11th out of 15 to Bee and Bee. There is no obvious explanation for the long gap in her career (she came back to a win in a point 30 days ago). I wonder whether she had a foal!
I wonder too.. she was bought by Highflyers in Nov 04 pretty cheaply - and current owner Bill Bromley bred the likes of Rhacophorus. He must be related to Anthony Bromley?
Did you attend at Sedgefield? Interested to hear your views on Ghadames.
I see Whitenzo won last week and wonder whether he is now being aimed at something more ambitious. Have you heard any whispers?
Unfortunately not - and I don't have access to RUK or ATR (because if I did I would get nothing done on the farm!) If I hear anything I'll let you know - Ghadames SHOULD have the winning of a decent race in the not too distant. On Whitenzo, I haven't had a detailed look at the National entries because I don't bet or watch it (personal reasons!), but he is good enough for the Foxhunters, or even the Becher (if he qualifies) so we should keep a look out when the entries are published. _________________ UNEXPECTED WINNER 2009 FLAT 10 TO FOLLOW COMPETITION!
I am off to Ludlow tomorrow, and am going to be taking an interest in a couple of hunter chasers.
These are Red Brook Lad and River Dante. Red Brook Lad has had a bit of a mixed time recently, and his four wins on the bounce in 2005/06 are now a bit far behind him. He has won once more since then, but has also placed second (twice). His form may not be as hot as it once was, and it is significant, I think, that connections are running him at Ludlow when the Aintree Foxhunters is only a little more than a week away. I would therefore be extremely surprised if he turned up in the Aintree race, unless they are regarding this as a sharpener. But even a "sharpener" at this short time before the big one does seem a slightly odd way of proceeding. I think we have to conclude that he will run on his merits, and in this field he is clearly the best. He will be favourite, but I am not 100% convinced that it will be his day, nevertheless, and if he is less than 3/1 on course I might avoid him.
Viscount Bankes, who landed me that lively 50/1 touch in February is running again, but his odds will be considerably shorter, and although he has been in the money (2 and 2) since that famous win, I suspect that both ground and the shorter distance might be against him this time. But I might have a tiny bit on for sentiment - he is such a rough, tough looking little character!
For a speculative bet at extremely long odds, try River Dante e/w. He is a quirky sort whose record recently has not been the best, and he is recognised as a difficult customer. However, he has been known to land a good win at very long odds (33/1 at Newton Abbott last season), he likes the firm, and the (relatively) short 2m4. It would not surprise me if an e/w bet to small stakes could be rewarded if he has a going day (and he has a new jockey, which might or might not be a good thing!) But this is pure, way-out speculation.
Good luck everyone! _________________ UNEXPECTED WINNER 2009 FLAT 10 TO FOLLOW COMPETITION!
The answer regarding Whitenzo is that he is out again today in a very modest Wincanton affair. But at f/c odds of 1/5 nothing to encourage a plunge. I just thought that he may have had a grander target in mind......
The answer regarding Whitenzo is that he is out again today in a very modest Wincanton affair. But at f/c odds of 1/5 nothing to encourage a plunge. I just thought that he may have had a grander target in mind......
And having toodled around for a comfy win, he'll apparently be going to Aintree for the Foxhunters next week. I have a feeling he might not like the likely big field for that, much as I've been a fan over the years. He's a funny sod.
The answer regarding Whitenzo is that he is out again today in a very modest Wincanton affair. But at f/c odds of 1/5 nothing to encourage a plunge. I just thought that he may have had a grander target in mind......
And having toodled around for a comfy win, he'll apparently be going to Aintree for the Foxhunters next week. I have a feeling he might not like the likely big field for that, much as I've been a fan over the years. He's a funny sod.
Rowan, I would be surprised if Whitenzo does well in the Foxhunters. I like him too but I just think he will be overfaced by the occasion and, as you say, the big field. He does, however, have the quality if running his race.
The Ludlow race was interesting - Red Brook Lad again didn't quite make it. My fave Viscount Bankes did the biz (and yes I did have some sentimental money on him!). River Dante was interesting - he was right up there with the leaders and challenging at the second last, which he then either ran out at or something was not quite right - in any case he left the course at that point and counted as p/u. I was watching through bins, and the second last is quite close to the stands, and without seeing a replay I would almost swear he cocked his jaw and the jockey could do nothing about it! He looked a girt great chestnut lump in the paddock, and he is as robust as they come, but someone has yet to find the key to his head, I suspect! But I will watch out for him when next out in a hunter chase because on his day I think he is capable of winning a good one. So River Dante is for the Notebook as long as we don't chuck the kitchen sink, OH and profits from sale of children on him next time! _________________ UNEXPECTED WINNER 2009 FLAT 10 TO FOLLOW COMPETITION!
Did anybody spot the little gem in the Dikler column in the RP this week?
At a p2p in Pembrokeshire the race was won by a distance with the winner making all and only one other horse completing. The winning rider was hauled in before the stewaeds and cautioned for setting a 'frantic early pace'. Priceless!
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