2017/18 Jumps Issue 11 - two big-point winners

Headlines

Roi Bagues Ascot Points

Un De Sceaux lands Clarence House

Report

At Ascot on Saturday in the 2m 7f grade 2 mares hurdle, La Bague Au Roi )( Martin), took her chance, Jumped well, raced wide, tracked leading pair, tracked clear leader 2nd, closed 6th led before 4 out, clear next, stayed on strongly, winning  very easily by 16l. She gets 43 points

She is big prices for both the mares and stayers hurdle at the festival currently, and is value for either at her current odds

In the 2m grade 1 Clarence house chase, Un De Sceaux ( Cliff, Peej, Tony), went to post, Wore ear plugs, tracked clear leader, closer 3 out, led on bit before 2 out, 3 lengths ahead and going strongly when left clear 2 out, kept up to work run-in, wining by 7l. He gets 51.2 points.

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                    January    Total

Martin                       126           556.1

Cliff                          68.4          507.9

Steve                     91.4              451.04

Peej                    51.2                441.9

Cod                                          318.9

Tony                    104             297.7

Neil                      17               280.7

Bob                    56.6              168.8

News

Alan King is considering stepping Elgin back up in class for a tilt at the Betway Kingwell Hurdle at Wincanton on February 17.

The Grade Two prize is one of two races the Barbury Castle Stables handler is weighing up for the six-year-old, along with the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury seven days earlier.

Kim Bailey is happy to send Charbel straight for the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival after sidestepping Ascot on Saturday.

Nicky Henderson has issued an upbeat bulletin on Altior as he stepped up his preparations for a return to action.

Last year's star two-mile novice has yet to run this season after undergoing a breathing operation in November, but the eight-year-old remains the ante-post favourite for the Betway Queen Mother Champion Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March.

The Seven Barrows handler has upped Altior's work regime in recent days and reports all to be going well.

Henderson said: "He did more, but he didn't gallop. He went a mile and a bit up the grass and everything was first class. Everything was 100 per cent this morning with him."

Tom George is looking forward to getting The Worlds End back on track in the galliardhomes.com Cleeve Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday. "The Worlds End is in good form. We are aiming towards the Cleeve Hurdle, weather permitting," said the Slad trainer.

Defi Du Seuil is likely to return to action at the Dublin Festival at Leopardstown next month.