Thursday 24th April 2014 - Bet365 Gold Cup Preview

Bet365 Gold Cup Chase Preview

Sandown Park’s jumps finale meeting is heralded as the swansong to the National Hunt season. Previously boasting a dual purpose card with both flat and jumps races, the action now solely revolves around the larger obstacles. The £150,000 purse attracts the top division of seasoned, staying handicappers that have contested some of the more prestigious events that season. Due to its position on the calendar, the race can often spring a surprise, especially given its marathon trip of 3m5 ½ furlongs. However, its illustrious role of honour has recently been blessed with names such as Monkerhostin, Tidal Bay and dual winner Ad Hoc, proving that it is no easy race to win. Sandown Park is a notoriously difficult jumping track, made evermore testing by its merciless uphill finish. The combination of accuracy and bravery is required in abundance. Weight is certainly a crucial factor in this race, as with the exception of Tidal Bay, no horse in the last 7 runnings has won carrying in excess of 11 stone. With horses heralding from the largest yards in Britain, negotiating 24 fences, it is again set to be a joyous spectacle.

 

The classy yet enigmatic Tidal Bay, beating Roalco De Farges in the 2012 running. 

 

As declarations are not considered definite at this stage and this is a relatively early preview, I have chosen to discuss the chances of the main contenders along with horses of personal interest.

The logical starting point would be with top weight Houblon Des Obeaux. Venitia Williams’s gelding is allotted a mammoth weight of 11-12, the same as Tidal Bay carried to victory in 2012. Tidal Bay won off a mark of 160, beating Roalco De Farges (whom is back this year) by 15 lengths. After finishing last of 6 at Aintree, Houblon Des Obeaux returns on 158. Although this 2lb margin doesn’t seem impossible, Tidal Bay is rated 171 at best, whereas Houblon Des Obeaux only 159. This shows how much he has to find. Although he has performed creditably on numerous occasions this season, being a dual winner, it is safe to say Houblon Des Obeaux would need to find significant improvement to win here. It is also wise to note that although he has been taking on much superior opposition; his jumping is often a subject of concern. A tactic often employed by his jockey is to ensure the horse has a clear view of the obstacles- in such a competitive and busy handicap; this may be an impossible task to complete. He also has little course experience, his only run at Sandown being 3^rd to Captain Conan last year. Venitia Williams is not afraid to take on the big boys, having been successful countless times in events similar to this. Her tremendous record this term stands her in good stead, yet Houblon Des Obeaux looks up against it.

Same Difference is currently favourite for the race off the back of an encouraging run in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham. Spring Heeled won that day, who re-opposes here. 2^nd to Quentin Collognes last year carrying 11-7, Same Difference looks to have a fighting chance. Spring Heeled is gifted the weight of 11-3 after his Cheltenham exertions whereas Same Difference carries only 10-5. On this evidence, he must surely be seriously considered and would be my pick of the two. However, he’s not always the most reliable, so you would be taking a chance with him. Nigel Twiston-Davies has obviously framed this as a target and having missed Aintree, he should be in the form of his life for another bold bid.

 

Same Difference (right) finishing a gallant 2nd to Quentin Collognes in the race last year.

 

Summery Justice is another of Venitia Williams’s battalions and I think he could have slipped under the radar on this occasion. He finished a staying on 5^th to Al Co last time in the Scottish Grand National and has been a model of consistency this season. He’s done connections proud in a number of staying events, such as when 4^th to Goulanes in the Midlands Grand National and when beating Burton Port at Newbury by 7 lengths. He’s currently 33-1 and has only gone up 2lb for his performance at Ayr. Although doubts remain whether the Scottish endeavour took too much out of Summery Justice, many horses in the field have the same problem. He’s relatively lightly raced in comparison to others’ in his yard and I think he has a great e/w chance.

If ever a race was made for a horse, you’d have to say Any Currency would love this challenge. Often lazy horses plug on through beaten ones and climb to a last gasp victory in this race, most notably Poker De Sivola 3 years ago. Any Currency ran right up to his best last time out, failing by a nose to the gallant Balthazar King in the cross country race at Cheltenham. This form has been franked as Balthazar King finished 2^nd in the Grand National and 4^th placed Duke of Lucca also won at Aintree. This is rock solid form. Any Currency’s record at the track reads: 815343, and for a quirky horse this has to be admired. Again, he’s not the most reliable but has proved himself in this contest previously when 3^rd to Tidal Bay. It’s safe to say that was one of the strongest renewals for years and he’s another I like with a feather weight, 10-0.

Caroline Keevil had one of her best days as a trainer in the Betbright chase at Kempton when her stable star Bally Legend came home in front. In doing so, he beat Paul Nicholls’s Bury Parade by 1 ¼ lengths. He is another consistent performer who has really put himself on the map this season, and to think Bury Parade carries 12lb more and is half the price of Bally Legend, I see him as potential value in the race. Surely this shows trainer bias as I’m sure if Bally Legend was with a more popular yard; his price would reflect his chances more realistically. His regular rider Ian Popham has the choice between him and Any Currency however, and one would guess he would steer towards the latter. Obviously Bally Legend has more to find, as do many of these, but I thought he was an interesting contender, although his lack of experience at Sandown is a concern.

 

The hugely likeable Bally Legend winning at Kempton (centre), beating Bury Parade (right).

 

 OTHERS TO NOTE:

Ardkilly Witness for the inform Grand National winning trainer Dr Richard Newland, a revitalised Godsmejudge after a hugely credible 2^nd at Ayr who boasts almighty talent on his day and Rose of the Moon who ran so well for a long way at Aintree before bursting a blood vessel. Mountainous is another classier horse that didn’t fair best at Aintree that could go well here.

 

 

VERDICT:

Although boring, Same Difference looks to have the well-supported chance, taking into consideration his course form, weight and season record. ANY CURRENCY is my pick for the race, if he is on song he should post another good effort and I think it could be his for the taking and finally a day in the sun for him and his unlucky connections. His price is also quite reasonable but he’s still a risky horse to be tying your flag to the mast with. Summery Justice and Bally Legend are currently 20-1 and 33-1, both of whom I would give an e/w chance.

 

Red hot form! Any Currency (centre) finishing 2nd to Balthazar King (left) and Duke of Lucca (right).

 

Friday 18th April 2014 - The Balance

The Balance

 

Yesterday it was announced that Brendan Powell Jr was to face the BHA in regards to his use of the whip prior to the start of the Scottish Grand National, in which his mount eventually refused to race. In racing, fans latch on to the quirky customers of the game, the most recent one being the mercurial Mad Moose. A week behind Battle Group’s appearance at Ayr, he refused to race at Aintree, after consenting to join the main body of the field on the first start. His antics are well known, having refused to race twice in his lifetime before he did so on the biggest stage of all. Many people see it as unwarranted for his chance to be compromised as in return the secondary effect to the remainder of contestants is unquestionably, potentially detrimental. As I read recently, it’s not solely the horses that are being inconvenienced, in one aspect it can appear disrespectful to the trainers, stable staff and owners. When the race contested is one with the prestige and fame such as the Scottish Grand National, controversy is bound to erupt. For an argument as dimensional as this, it is important to respect all perspectives, and by writing this, I wish to outline my own.

 

The Crabbies Grand National was a huge success; the greater public were, as they usually are, immersed in our sport for those precious 10 minutes: in which we are perceived as either heroes or villains. As mentioned in my last piece, it is something we fans treasure, to be appreciated by others and to harmoniously announce the pride we have in our sport. Battle Group featured heavily in the races’ re-run, and although not ideal, emphasised the lack of cruelty in racing to those that oppose its existence and wish to disrupt its continuous momentum. Horses are not forced to run, and although Brendan Powell did all he was within his rights to do, the gelding said no thank you.

 

Battle Group on a going day, winning at last years Aintree fixture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Ayr, in the Scottish equivalent, he consented to circle with the others, before again rejecting to race. The Channel 4 cameras obviously weren’t the only ones to get up close and personal with Battle Group as Brendan Powell tapped him on the shoulder in order to muster up some of his old enthusiasm to get him to jump off. Alas, all attempts were void by the Beat Hollow 9 year old and Powell’s urgings again proved of little inconvenience as he posted an invalid response. To those claiming Brendan was “beating” or “forcing” the horse- I wish to understand their reprimands as it clearly made little difference to his resulting efforts or behaviour. He wasn’t fazed. His rider knows him better than anyone watching, having ridden him to both success and failure, this is a relationship I respect and has to be admired by those whom have no relation to it. Battle Group was subsequently retired; trainer Johnny Farrelly quoted “this year he’s not been in love with it”, this is evidence that the horses best interests were at heart and the right thing was done.

 

However, what I found interesting was the fact that Brendan, (ironically in hindsight), tweeted saying the stewards had no issue with the action he took.

 

 

He has subsequently been penalized and in my opinion a contributing factor is that the so-called “cruelty” was displayed for the wider audience to witness. To this I question, had the incident occurred at Stratford in a novice chase, would the treatment of horse and jockey be different? Or would it be left unnoticed, because either would certainly be wrong. Surely if the stewards deemed this case unacceptable, it should be employed elsewhere? The public chose to entertain the wayward Mad Moose, yet the same treatment (including being chased with a belt), was given to him and racing hailed him, celebrated him almost, deeming the act as humorous.

 

 

Mad Moose resenting the first fence at Sandown.

 

 

 

 

 

I am aware that in racing we have to tread carefully to buoy the publics’ opinions, as ultimately, they are one of the sports’ income sources and without their approval we strive for the success of our sport in vain. The fact that action was not taken immediately following the events that unfolded, and instead the result was possibly due to complaints from to a minimalistic group of people whom may not watch racing otherwise, concerns me. Brendan Powell must feel cheated on. The journey travelled by the BHA’s recently announced enquiry could highlight flaws in conduct.

I refuse to condone that it was right for the starter to gift Battle Group a second chance in the Scottish Grand National, or as a matter a fact in the English equivalent. In contrast, as a jockey your job is to ensure the best possible for your horse and his/her connections. I’m sure if you would have given any other jockey the chance to try again, they would have done the same as Brendan. If he was to accept his partners unwillingness instantly, would that really be justifiable to: Himself, who had travelled 6 hours to ride him, his trainer, who earns a living from racing, and to his owner, who’s emotional and financial investments are repaid during the race?

 

There is undoubtedly a balance to be had between the outside public opinion and those closely related. In this case, I believe the balance could have been reached in a more clear and professional way. Some would argue racing requires strength beyond what is conventionally feasible, particularly in terms of consistent, appropriate yet adaptable regulations. I wish to add I am in no way insulting the BHA and their decisions, only questioning their methods as an outsider. Often when verdicts are given in this manner they are unclear and shrouded in mystery. It is a complex scenario and I’m confident there is more to it than this short musing. It is evident Battle Group is a loved and respected horse and I hope he enjoys a less troublesome retirement, especially given the atmosphere in which the latter stages of his racing life was subject to. I also wish both the BHA and Brendan Powell luck in reaching a worthwhile conclusion to this case.

 

Sunday 13th April 2014 - Tragedy and Ecstasy

Tragedy and Ecstasy

It is said time and time again, but the sport of horse racing is loved for its unpredictability. National hunt racing in particular, contains the components of life- failure, success, tragedy and ecstasy. The stories that echo those sentiments fail to relent; it’s a continuous, captivating cycle: fans embrace its addiction, becoming embroiled in the sport for lifetimes, generations and beyond… I find this a remarkably powerful thing. The human race resents its own failure, yet in this case attaches itself to a never-ending spiral of fluctuation and considers it entertainment. Horse racing does not always deliver. Yet the days in which it shines through, silencing the pugnacious eyes in which it’s scrutinised, it unites the entirety of its community and makes history proud. This is something every racing fan bathes in- the days where cruelty vanishes and we can be happy to say this is our sport. This write-up is dedicated to everyone in racing, or anyone who has experienced its precious drug-like qualities along with its agonising pain.

Lucinda Russell appeared on Channel 4’s Morning Line at 8:00 on Saturday. Lucinda trains over 100 horses in Kinross with her partner Peter Scudamore, the previous champion jockey. On the 25^th June 2012, the racing world said goodbye to her stable jockey, Campbell Gillies, due to a truly tragic holiday incident in Corfu. At only 22 years old Campbell’s death suspended the industry in shock, he held such promise and was sure to be a prominent character in the future of National Hunt racing. To this day, often jockeys will reiterate their sadness and praise the short-lived yet vibrant life of this Haddington born sportsman. Gillies isn’t and won’t be the only figure who has left the world and our sport pre-maturely, of course, yet Lucinda’s recondition on Saturday inspired me to write this piece.

Racing isn’t racing without the horses- everyone knows that. Call it coincidence that in the March of 2012 Russell saddled Brindisi Breeze to win the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the prestigious haven that is regarded as the best show on turf- The Cheltenham Festival. Prior to Gillies’ death, the victory gifted Lucinda and Campbell with the biggest success thus far of their careers. Before the youthful pair could re-unite on the race course, the 19^th of May bought the team yet more devastation. 2:30am dawned and Brindisi Breeze escaped from his paddock and was sickeningly hit by a tanker. He died immediately.

 

Lucinda quoted:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Racing is characterised by its downfalls and strengths, as is everything. On Saturday I was personally, truly touched by how Lucinda projected herself in front of the Channel 4 cameras. She addressed what must have been a devastating period of time for her with real dignity. She approached the subject of her losses with great sadness, only recently (December 2013) she lost another of her stable stars, Silver By Nature. Yet she showed her undying passion for the sport in previewing the chances of her 3 horses that were to contest Scotland’s greatest steeplechase that afternoon. Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be for Lucinda and racing wrote a different heart-warming story from the hoof beats and the hands of another man and another horse.
 

I am hopeful that racing will do what it often does and pay compensation to those impacted by its fateful hand, yet in reality- no one knows. It was with immense sadness that I recalled these events, yet I did so with a purpose. To prove that racing is powerful. Horses pass, jockeys pass, and the sport and the lives in which are lived within it, live on. Lucinda Russell and all associated with the talented pairing of Campbell Gillies and Brindisi Breeze have showed tremendous strength, and I thank them for staying loyal to horse racing, as these people make it what it is. This piece may be 2 years too late, but I felt it fitting to demonstrate to racing fans how incredible members of our family really are.

 

RIP Campbell Gillies and Brindisi Breeze

 

Tuesday 1st April 2014 - Fleeting National Thoughts

For any racing fan it would be easy to sit here and conger up superlative after superlative in the build up to the race of the year- The Grand National. Rather than bore you with tales from yesteryear that in all likelihood are unique for each of us, I’ve decided to look towards this terms renewal. The classy elders, in Tidal Bay and Long Run, represent the two most powerful battalions England has to offer- hailing from the yards of Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson. The aforementioned is due to saddle Hennessey winner Triolo D’Alene, 9^th placed of 2 years prior Shakalakaboomboom and the ever popular Hunt Ball, in addition to the Gold Cup winner a trio of years ago. Nicholls turns to solid performer Rocky Creek along with Welsh National placed Hawkes Point, whose form ties in conveniently with enigmatic stalemate Tidal Bay. Stewart-owned There’s No Panic is also engaged with questions upon his participation.

The Welsh National is a key form line to follow as it categorises many of Aintree’s hopefuls. However, conditions to which the athletes were subject to at Chepstow are sure to be the polar opposite here, so doubts remain regarding its relevance. Nevertheless, winner Mountainous will again attempt to belittle his rivals, Hawkes Point, Tidal Bay and National favourite Teaforthree being those under primary inspection.

In terms of value, my eyes are firmly fixed on Prestbury Park hero Balthazar King. It looks this year he may finally get the quicker surface he so desperately depends on. Many people forget he finished 15^th last year, admittedly with only 2 behind and a gargantuan 91 lengths behind Aurora’s Encore. He probably did too much early on and paid the price in softer than ideal going. Should the rain stay away I think at 25-1 he has more to offer, his superb form this season encourages the statement that he is better than ever. His diminutive size should be overlooked, the only down sides being his heroic Cheltenham exertions and whether he could be caught by something coming from behind on the run in. Overall, we know he has the ability to get around and clearly revels in this genre of race. 10-13 is a fair weight and familiar captain and talented jockey Richard Johnson is aboard once more.

Mr Moonshine represents last year’s winning connections and is another at a huge price. Again, he didn’t show his true colours when pulling up last year, yet his course experience should stand him in good stead. He’s vastly improved since last year, his 139 official rating has now blossomed to 149 on his last runs’ efforts. He clearly stays very well and although having been campaigned aggressively has become all the better for it. He is another that could be in with a shout with a lower weight of 10-12. His form and improvement suggests he has earned another crack and will be one to look out for.

Prince Du Beauchene has been targeted at this race and thus far never made it to Aintree on the day, although his form figures aren’t awe-inspiring he’s another than interests me. Pineau De Re ran an eye-catching trial last time out and has an interesting profile. The Package looked back to form last time and although usually runs best fresh, has always been a horse for this race and the jockey and trainer combination have been almost flawlessly good this season.

Best of luck to everyone with their National bets, it’s never a race I neither go into too much nor tend to be very successful in!

 

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