2014/15 Jumps Edition 6 - all the Christmas action

Headlines

Un De Sceaux Scores At Fairy House

Conti Retains Kings Crown

Faugheen wins Christmas Hurdle

Nothing Close about Touch’s win

Valtat Vibrant at Kempton

Riches on Road to Cheltenham

Report

We start back at Fairyhouse on 20^th December where in the 2m beginners chase Un De Sceaux (Cod, Peej), went to post, made all , raced keenly, left well clear from 5^th, reduced advantage 3 out, in command and still travelling well 2 out, stayed on , wining easily by 12l. He gets 11.1 points.

At Kempton on Boxing Day, in the 2m grade 1 Christmas hurdle, Faugheen ( Bob, Cliff, Cod, Lee, Martin, Peej, Tony), went to post, Tracked leader, led on bit approaching 2out, not fluent last ,winning  easily by 8l. He gets 26.2 points.

 

In the 3m grade 1 King George V1 Chase, Silviniaco Conti ( Cliff, Martin, Neil, Tony), Dynaste (Neil, Peej)went to post,  Silviniaco Conti Made virtually all, stayed on strongly from 2out, winning comfortably by 4 ½ l. He gets 52.8 points.

Dynaste ( Neil, Peej), In touch, headway 9th to track leaders, effort 3out, went 2nd approaching last, kept on, 2^nd beaten 4 ½ l.

At Wincanton on Boxing Day in the 2 m 4f novice chase Close Touch (Steve) took his chance, Tracked leading pair, went 2nd at 11th, led after 5 out, drew clear from 2 out, stayed on well, comfortably by 11l. He gets 25 points.

At Limerick in the 2m 3f novice Chase Gilgamboa (Lee), went to post, Chased leaders and raced mainly in 3rd, improved to challenge approaching 2 out and soon led and drew clear, winning easily by 24l. He gets 43.6 points.

At Kempton in the 2m novice Chase Vibro Valtat ( Neil), Tracked clear leader, closed after 3 out, ridden to lead between last two, joined last, pressed run-in, stayed on to assert final 100 yards winning by ½ l. He gets 35.6 points.

At Leopardstown on Sunday in the 3m Grade 1 Lexus Chase Road to Riches (Cliff, Tony), went to post, Led, headed after 4th, 2nd halfway, 3rd 3 out, ridden approaching last, led run-in and kept on under pressure to assert close home, winning by 1 ½ l. He gets 54.2 points.

On Monday in the 3m grade 1 novice chase, Don Poli (Lee), took his chance, Chased leader, 3rd halfway, progress to lead entering straight, ridden and joined last, kept on well under pressure to assert closing stages, winning by 3l. He gets 55 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

               December       Total

Tony           134             305.1

Lee            164.9            303.4

Cliff            173.3          291.5

Neil           179.1           273.5

Martin       131.9            244.4

Steve          112.5            178.5

Cod           37.3             168.6

Peej          75.6               141.1

Bob          75.9               126.5

News

Connections of Bobs Worth are putting his disappointing defence of his crown in the Lexus Chase purely down to the testing conditions at Leopardstown Nicky Henderson's nine-year-old plugged on in the straight to finish eighth of nine runners and part-owner Malcolm Kimmins is keen to put a line through the race and move on.

Kimmins said: "The ground was horrendous and he just couldn't deal with it. There was no point destroying him on that sort of ground.

"He looked very well before the race and Barry (Geraghty) was very pleased with the way he felt. He just didn't like the ground.

Alan King has identified the Argento Chase at Cheltenham next month for Smad Place Last season's narrow RSA Chase runner-up was aimed at the Hennessy first time out this season, but the grey faded into fifth, beaten 20 lengths by Many Clouds, on what was his seasonal reappearance.

A rematch with Oliver Sherwood's Hennessy winner looks to be on the cards, with the Cheltenham event on January 24 also mooted for Many Clouds, where Prestbury Park specialist The Giant Bolster is likely to be lying in wait.

Finally a happy and prosperous New Year to all Punter Readers

2014/15 Jumps Edition 5 - lots of points and winners

Headlines

King Makes Cheltenham his Palace

Ulzanas Cheltenham Raid a success

West Pops The Champagne

Hargrambattles to Cheltenham win

The New One  scores in Style

Valyssa Monterg scores at Tramore

Report

We start at Cheltenham last Friday where in the 3m 1f novice chase, Kings Palace (Steve), went to post, Made all, not fluent 4th, shaken up and went clear flat, winning easily by7l. He gets 27.4 points.

In the 3m handicap hurdle Ulzanas Raid (Steve), took his chance, Mid-division, closed 7th, led last, hard pressed flat, headed final 75 yards, battled gamely to lead again close home, winning by a nose. He gets 33.8 points.

On Saturday in the 2m 1f juvenile hurdle Hargram ( Bob, Neil), went to post, Took keen hold early, held up in 5th, closed from 3 out, went 2nd after 2 out, challenged last, soon led, stayed on, winning by 1 ¾ l. He gets 13.5 points.

In the 2m 5f novice chase Champagne West ( Martin), took his chance, Tracked leaders, mistake 10th, not fluent next, went 2nd 12th, about 1 length down when left in lead 4 out, shaken up 2 out, not fluent last, driven out, winning by 1 ½ l. He gets 26. 6 points.

In the 2m 1f Grade 2 hurdle, The New One ( Cliff, Lee, Martin, Neil, Peej, Steve), took his chance, Chased leader, jumped slightly right at times, led approaching last, quickened clear final 150 yards, winning comfortably by 4 ½ l. He gets 26.3 points.

At Tramore in the 2m maiden hurdle Valyssa Monterg (Bob), took her chance Prominent, soon 2nd, challenged 2 out and slight mistake, pushed along to gain narrow lead last, ridden out run-in, stayed on well, winning by 4 ½ l . She gets 22.4 points.

At Newbury on Wednesday in the 3m limited handicap chase Gervey Chambertin (Neil), went to post, Made all, ridden between last two, stayed on well run-in, winning by 2 ½ l. He gets 39.2 points.

Going back a week , I missed Vibrato Valtat (Neil), who won the Grade 1 Henry V111 Novice chase, Chased leaders, under pressure after 2 out, ridden to lead after last, soon hung badly left, ran on well (1 fence omitted, winning by 2l He gets 41 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

               December       Total

Tony           55                226.1

Neil           106.5           200.9

Lee            40.1             178.6

Martin       52.9            165.4

Cliff            40.1            158.3

Steve          87.5            153.5

Cod           00               131.3

Bob          49.7               100.3

Peej          26.3               91.8

News

Willie Mullins believes Vautour's jumping technique will stand him in good stead as he prepares to make his second appearance over fences at Leopardstown next week

Willie Mullins says he expects "huge improvement" from Faugheen in the williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle at Kempton

Ruby Walsh expects Un De Sceaux to run at Fairyhouse on Saturday rather than make the trip across the Irish Sea to Haydock.

Hennessy winner Many Clouds will not be running in the Lexus Chase and is likely to reappear for a Gold Cup trial in the new year

Emerging Talent looks to follow in the steps of Irving by winning Friday's Sky Bet Supreme Trial Novices' Hurdle at Ascot.

It probably says something about the regard in which Josses Hill is held in at Nicky Henderson's Seven Barrows yard that he makes his chasing debut in the Mitie Novices' Chase at Ascot on Friday.

Henderson chose the Grade Two contest, registered as the Noel Novices' Chase, as the starting point for Simonsig's chasing career two years ago

Nicky Henderson's Bobs Worth, winner of the Lexus 12 months ago, is on course to make his seasonal debut in the Grade One.

He is likely to clash with Lord Windermere, the reigning Gold Cup hero who made an encouraging reappearance over a trip short of his best in the John Durkan at Punchestown.

Bobs Worth's partner Barry Geraghty admits it is not ideal heading into the race without the aid of a prep-run.

"He's shaping up well," said the jockey. "Ideally you'd have liked to have had a run under your belt but it wasn't to be."

Anther horse due to travel from England is Sam Winner, successful in both of his races this season.

"He's on the fringe of Gold Cup class," trainer Paul Nicholls told Racing UK. "The only thing is that he has to go left-handed, but that works for Leopardstown."

Jonjo O'Neill's Holywell is another who may make the journey across the Irish Sea.

As well as Lord Windermere, the home defence is headed by Don Cossack, a revelation this season for Gordon Elliott.

Willie Mullins has left in Champagne Fever, but he is being aimed at the King George at Kempton.

The Closutton handler is instead likely to rely upon Boston Bob and On His Own.

Donkey of the week

Mad Moose who was more stubborn than a donkey and failed to get his front feet any where  near the starting line, let alone his back one’s over it on Saturday.

He is now likely to be banned permanently.

 

2014/15 Jumps Edition 4 - latest edition

Headlines

Saphir Sparles at Exeter

Cossack Dances To Victory

Report

We start at Exeter last Friday where in the 2m 3f novice Chase Saphir Du Rheu ( Bob Cliff Lee), went to post, jumped well, tracked leaders led 2 out, nudged clear run in winning easily by 11l . He gets 13.8 points.

On Sunday at Punchestown Don Cossack (Tony) took his chance, in the 2m 4f Grade 1 John Durkan Memorial Chase, held up behind leaders slightly hampered by loose horse at 10^th , not fluent 3 out, still going well in to straight ridden in close 2^nd after 2 out, driven clear run in , winning by 4 ½ l. He gets 55 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

               December       Total

Tony           55                226.1

Lee            13.8             152.3

Cliff            13.8            132

Cod           00               131.3

Martin       00                112.5

Neil           00                 94.4

Steve          00                  66

Peej          00                   65.5

Bob          13.8                  64.4

News

Views from connections ahead of Friday's Ryman Stationery Cheltenham Business Club Novices' Chase at Cheltenham, featuring a re-match between Kings Palace and Sausalito Sunrise.

Connections of Kings Palace admit the exciting youngster will need to improve if he is to make it two from two over fences at Cheltenham on Friday,

Sausalito Sunrise, an impressive winner at Chepstow before his sound effort at Cheltenham last time, will once again be ridden by Tom O'Brien.

Tomorrow sees the return of Racings most controversial horse Currently Mad Moose.

Returning from a ban for his poor attitude, he apparently has 4500 twitter followers, and is the first horse I can remember book makers offering two prices on. They are offering odds on the race it’s self, and odds on him getting his hind legs beyond the starting tape 1

I am sure in true punter spirit we all wish Neil well in landing the 2^nd bet.

2014/15 Jumps Edition 3 - latest

Headlines

Clouds Clear at Newbury

Irving Fights to Victory at Newcastle

Report

We start at Newbury last Saturday where in the 3m 2f handicap chase Many Clouds (Cod, Lee), went to post, Held up in mid-division, headway into 2nd approaching 17th, went right 3 out, ridden before next, led last, stayed on well, driven out, winning by 3 ¼ l.

In what is currently a wide open season for the Gold Cup, he is a lively outsider.

He gets 57.9 points.

At Newcastle in the 2m Grade 1 Fighting Fifth hurdle Irving (Tony), took his chance, Held up in 4th, tracked leading pair 4 out, went 2nd before next, challenged between last 2, led narrowly last, ridden out flat, winning by 1 3/4l. He gets 54.6 points

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

               November        Total

Tony           171.1           171.1

Lee            138.5             138.5

Cod           131.3           131.3

Cliff            118.2           118.2

Martin       112.5              112.5

Neil           94.4               94.4

Steve          66                  66

Peej          65.5                65.5

Bob          50.6                 50.6

Congratulations to Tony who is trainer of the month

News

Rajdhani Express will skip an engagement at Aintree on Saturday and instead head to Huntingdon for Sunday's Betfred Peterborough Chase

Saphir Du Rheu could end up back over hurdles if he fluffs his line over fences for a second time at Exeter on Friday

Balder Succes will face nine rivals when he bids to justify favouritism in the 888Sport Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday

Tom George-trained God's Own, is also a major contender for this weekend's feature event.A shock winner at the Punchestown Festival in the spring, God's Own proved that effort was no fluke when making a successful return in last month's Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter

Willie Mullins expects Annie Power to return to full training following the busy Christmas period after scans revealed her injuries were not as bad as first feared

2014/15 Jumps Edition 2 - tales of woe for Henderson followers

Stop press

A rare mistake by the Editor has given Lee's Don Poli points to Cod. Table will be updated next week.

Headlines

Al Ferof Landslin Chase

Faugheen Impressive at Ascot,

The New one Wins at Haydock

 Conti Lands Bet fair Chase

Tell us More in Gowran Romp

Don Poli wins at Gowran

Vautour Strolls home at Navan

Report

We start at Ascot on Saturday where in the 2m 3f Amlin chase, Al Ferof (Neil, Tony), went to post, Raced wide, tracked leader until 4th, chased leading pair, 2nd again 7th, not fluent 4 out, closed 3 out, led on bit 2 out, clear before last, ridden out, winning comfortably by 7l. He gets 22.8 points.

He seems to have been around forever but is only 9. I thought he looked better than ever here and with doubts over the big two milers at present, could he be a champion chase hoprse in march ?

In the 2m 3f hurdle, Faugheen ( Bob, Cliff, Cod, Lee, Martin, Peej, Tony), took his chance, Made all, travelling strongly when joined between last two, quickened right away flat, winning  impressively by 3 ¾ l. He gets 26.1 points.

At Haydock in the 2m hurdle, The New One (Cliff, Lee, Martin, Neil, Peej, Steve) went to post, Tracked clear leader, challenged on bit last, shaken up to led run-in, kept on strongly, driven out, winning by 2 ¾ l. He gets 26.3 points.  

In the 3m 1f Grade 1 Chase, Silviniaco Conti (Cliff, Martin, Neil, Tony) took his chance, With leaders, led 4 out, not fluent 2 out and pressed, kept on well run-in, winning by 2l. He gets 28.7 points.

Across the water at Gowran Park Tell Us More (Steve, Tony), went to post in the 2m maiden hurdle, Made all, went well clear from 3 out, stayed on strongly,wining  unchallenged, impressively by 11l . He gets 11.1 points.

In the 2m 4f beginners chase, Don Poli ( Cod), took his chance, Always prominent, improved to dispute lead 8th, not fluent 5 out, led next, pushed along and clear 2 out, not fluent at last, stayed on well run-in, winning easily by 2 ½ l. He gets 28.2 points.

On Sunday in the 2m 1f beginners chase Vautour ( Bob, Cliff, Cod, Peej), went too post, Made all, asserted after 2 out, stayed on well run-in, winning easily by 8l He get 13.1 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

               November        Total

Cliff            118.2           118.2

Tony         116.5               116.5

Martin       112.5              112.5

Cod             101.6            101.6

Neil           94.4               94.4

Steve          66                  66

Peej          65.5                65.5

Lee            52.4              52.4

Bob          50.6                 50.6

  

 News

Sprinter Sacre will not make his return to action in the 888sport Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday week. Nicky Henderson's superstar two-miler has not run since being pulled up by Barry Geraghty in the Desert Orchid Chase at Kempton last Christmas, after which he was diagnosed with a heart problem, which has since been rectified.

Speaking at Newbury, the Seven Barrows trainer said: "With everything that is going on and the ground as much as anything, he's not quite really there, so he won’t go Tingle Creeking. He will be strutting away at home and he's fine, but he's not quite ready

Simonsig has been ruled out of his intended comeback race - the Peterborough Chase - and isn't certain to make the William Hill King George VI Chase either.

The grey has been on the sidelines since winning the Arkle in 2013, having won the Neptune at the Cheltenham Festival 12 months earlier.

Trainer Nicky Henderson said: "We were looking to get him to the Peterbrough Chase to get him ready for the King George and he's had a couple of blips - he was lame for a couple of days. He is sound now, but he's not going to get to the Peterborough Chase."

Henderson was non-committal as to whether Simonsig could have his first run back in the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day.

He said: "It would be a tall order for Simonsig to go to the King George, wouldn't it? But I can't say 'no he won't'. It would be a lot to ask him to miss the season then come into a three-mile chase having never been three miles before.

Hot favourite Djakadam is among a field of 19 declared for Saturday's Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury. Willie Mullins' youngster will be attempting to create history as a five-year-old has yet to win the prestigious handicap.

It is also a race in which Irish-trained horses traditionally do not fare well, although Mullins did win the 2002 renewal with Be My Royal only for the gelding to be disqualified subsequently.

Djakadam is the only Irish representative in the historic race. Others near the top of the handicap include 2013 runner-up Rocky Creek, David Pipe's Ballynagour and Alan King's RSA runner-up Smad Place.

Philip Hobbs' Fingal Bay has his first run over fences for nearly two years, although he has won over hurdles at the Cheltenham Festival in the meantime.

Oliver Sherwood's Many Clouds will have plenty of supporters after a fine comeback win at Carlisle while Neil Mulholland's The Druid's Nephew has shown improved form for his new handler.

Al Ferof is on course for the William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day following his impressive return to action at Ascot last Saturday.