2016/17 Jumps Issue 20 - All eyes on Aintree

Headlines

Leopardess Mauls Rivals at Newbury

Report

At Newbury last Saturday Snow Leopardess ( Neil), went to post in the 2m 4f mares limited handicap, always prominent, hit 4^th, led 2 out, pushed clear run in, winning by 4l. She gets 45.8 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

              March          Total

Lee                  191.2                 928.4

Micky              80.5                 852.9

Martin             186.6               838.5

Steve                 130.3               829.7

Peej                 287.1             826.9

Tony                278.2              814.2

Neil                 97                698.6

Cod                 166.7            697.1

Cliff                113                694

Bob                  78.6              569.3

News

Jamie Codd is hoping On The Fringe will be revitalised by a return to Aintree when he bids to win the Randox Health Foxhunters' Chase for the third successive year next Thursday.

The 12-year-old has to bounce back from failing in his attempt to land the Cheltenham Foxhunter Chase when he was only fourth to Pacha Du Polder last month.

However, the Enda Bolger-trained gelding is reported in fine form and Codd is looking forward to teaming up with On The Fringe again.

" The weights have been revealed for the Randox Health Topham Chase at Aintree with Ballycasey heading the list

A powerful squad from Britain's champion Jump trainer Nicholls, who is trying to win his 11th trainers' title, includes Bouvreuil (12/1, 10st 11lb, and G2 Pendil Novices' Chase scorer Frodon (14/1, 11st 5lb). 

Trainer Charlie Longsdon is looking forward to a second trip to Ireland with Snow Leopardess following her impressive display at Newbury on Saturday.

The Martaline mare claimed a Listed bumper at Gowran Park back in September and produced the best performance of her jumping career to date when landing last weekend's EBF & TBA Mares' "National Hunt" Novices' Hurdle Finale.

She is now set for a step up to Grade One level in the Irish Stallion Farms EBF Mares Novice Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Easter Sunday.

Longsdon told The Punter: "She's a fresh mare who loves life. I was extremely happy with her the other day and extremely happy afterwards.

The Punters  Gallops Reporter has the latest from the Nigel Twiston-Davies yard as Blaklion continues his preparation for Aintree

BALLYOPTIC showed up for a long way in the Stayers' Hurdle at the Festival before weakening.

His form at this time of year gives him an each-way chance in the Liverpool Stayers' Hurdle at Aintree for which he worked enthusiastically in a batch that came up the strip in single file.

BRISTOL DE MAI was no match for Sizing John and Co in the Gold Cup but the Mildmay course and fences should suit him better when he reappears in the Betway Bowl.

The grey leads the string up the main strip and looked on top of his game in his midweek work.