Jumps Update 11 - 31.1.13

Headlines

Super Sacre

Glen hits winning Melody

Hurricane flies again

Report

Well we did get a bit of action last week end, starting at Cheltenham where Sprinter Sacre ( All), went to post in the 2m grade 1 Victor Chandler Chase, Tracked clear leader before 2nd, close up 5th, led 7th, made rest, drew clear on bit when pecked slightly 2 out, winning unchallenged by 14l. He gets 26.2 points, and I find it hard to see him being beaten for some while.

On Sunday at Leopardstown, Glens Melody (Bob), took her chance in the 2m 2f listed mares novice hurdle, Chased leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd 2 out, improved to led approaching last, ridden clear run-in winning by 4 ½ l. She gets 39.6 points.

In the 2m grade 1 Irish Champion hurdle Hurricane Fly ( Neil, Tony) and Thousand Stars ( Cliff, John) went to post. Hurricane Fly, Tracked leaders in 3rd, 2nd after 3 out, cruised into lead entering straight, soon stretched clear, eased closing stages run-in, wining by 5l. He gets 26.1 points.

Thousand Stars, Led and disputed, led after 3 out, ridden and headed entering straight, no chance with winner and kept on same pace, pressed for 2nd run-in, just held on for 2^nd, beaten 5l . He gets 12 points.

Points

                       January    Total

Neil                  125.8        488.1

Steve               49          394.8

Tony                52.3        376.3

Bob             77.7            339.3

John             63             334.7

Martin           37.8        331.3

Cod               26.2           269.9

Peej             51                273

Cliff            61.4             225.4

So Neil continues to set a fierce gallop and is trainer of the Month for January, Congratulations.

News

Rock On Ruby and Darlan feature among a total of 19 entries for the 32Red Hurdle, with Nicky Henderson also giving an entry to another of his Champion Hurdle hopes Grandouet. Harry Fry has confirmed last year's Champion Hurdle hero Rock On Ruby is "quite likely to run" at Doncaster's additional fixture on Monday.

 

Tom Mullins is likely to run both Alderwood and Fosters Cross in the rearranged Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase at Punchestown on Sunday. Mullins is most looking forward to giving Alderwood his first run in handicap company.

Alderwood won the Grade One Champion Novice Hurdle at Punchestown and opened his account over fences at Navan recently.

Alderwood is picking up all the time. He's come out of the race well and has come on a bit since.

"It will be his first handicap over fences and hopefully it will go smoothly."