Tuesday, 16th April 2024
We’ve got a mixed-code day tomorrow with good races at Cheltenham over jumps….
…. and a big sprint handicap on the flat at Newmarket….
I think they call it the best of both worlds….
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DOYEN QUEST can score again for Dan Skelton in the Kingston Stud Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham (2.05)….
…. and the general 8s is a fair price….
He’s up 7lb to a mark of 119 after two goes in handicaps….
…. but there’s plenty more to come yet….
He pulled clear with the winner in the first of those two assignments at Taunton and was beaten just a length on soft ground over the 2m trip – despite losing a shoe….
…. and next time at Newbury – on good to soft ground over 2m – he went in ahead of the useful and progressive Steel Ally – the pair finishing well clear of the other dozen….
The 6yo had to battle a bit that last day – having to catch the runner-up on the landing side of the second last and then hold him off in a decent duel to the post- where he prevailed by a neck….
He stuck to his task well and showed no signs of jibbing out – suggesting that the step up to 2m4f tomorrow can eke out further progression….
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Title-chasing trainer Willie Mullins hasn’t sent any runners over to Cheltenham this week….
…. but Gavin Cromwell has….
He’s done well at Cheltenham this term – he’s 9 wins from 27….
…. handicap chases have been a particularly happy hunting ground – his team producing 5 wins from 16 such raids….
…. and I like his FINAL ORDERS at the general 9s for the Silver Trophy Handicap Chase (2.40)….
The 8yo’s not been seen since the back end of November and Cromwell has clearly been waiting for a bit of better ground….
It’s good (good/soft in places) right now, dry weather is forecast, a drying wind is blowing….
…. and it looks likely the Irish handler will get what he’s looking for….
I’m not concerned about the break – Final Orders goes well fresh….
…. and he’s back down to 146 – from a career-high of 150….
…. which will make life just that bit easier….
He ran a big race off 150 in the 2023 renewal of the Grand Annual – and this race isn’t as hot as that one….
The cheekpieces go on for just the second time – and for the first time since he won in them on the level at Bellewstown last July….
He’s a versatile horse – he runs on the flat and there’s surely loads of mileage in a hurdle mark of just 122….
…. but he’s a fine jumper too – for a small horse….
…. and I reckon he’s turning out for a serious tilt at it tomorrow….
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In the Weatherbys Global Stallions App Handicap up the straight 6f at Newmarket (1.50)….
…. I’m siding with Roger Varian’s AL FARABI at 14s – with Silvestre De Sousa up top….
This son of Kingman is fit from a winter on the AW and he’s shown signs….
…. without winning any of his first four handicaps….
…. that he can rank higher than a mark of 85….
He started out over a mile when racing in France for Andre Fabre….
…. then Varian raced him four times over 7f….
…. before racing him over 6f the last twice….
…. with the first of those sprint efforts producing his best RPR to date….
It could be that a stiff 6f is exactly what’s required – and we’ll find out tomorrow….
He’s young, unexposed horse that’s open to improvement and….
…. if he handles the track….
…. I reckon he’s a player at a nice price….
The pick of the prices….To recap on my bets for tomorrow…. In the 2.05 @ Cheltenham….
e/w terms = Sky Bet are 1/5 the first 6. It’s 1/5 the first 5 generally…. In the 2.40 @ Cheltenham….
e/w terms = Sky Bet are 1/5 the first 5. It’s 1/5 the first 4 generally…. In the 1.50 @ Newmarket….
e/w terms = Sky Bet, Betway & Livescore are 1/5 the first 6. It’s 1/5 the first 5 generally…. Advised prices are correct at the point of publication – but prices are subject to fluctuation. Consult Oddschecker – you may find better quotes and terms than advised…. |
That’s all for today….
I’ll be back after the weekend….
Meanwhile – Contact me direct at nick.pullen@oxonpress.co.uk
And remember – win, lose or draw – enjoy the racing….
Stay tuned….
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