2018/19 Jumps Issue 11 - Fingers crossed for the weather

Headlines

Frodon Stars in Cotswold Chase

Pym wins at Kempton

Report

We start at Cheltenham on Saturday where in the 3m 1f grade 2 chase Frodon ( Cod), went to post, Jumped well, made all, 3 lengths clear 2 out, reduced lead towards finish, held on gamely, winning by ¾ l. He gets 80.4 points.

At Kempton on Monday in the 2m 5f novice hurdle Pym (Martin, Steve), took his chance, Raced keenly, tracked leaders, led before 2 out, joined 2 out, pressed last, all out, winning by a neck. He gets

11.4 points.

The  John Torpey Memorial Trophy

                 January               Total

Steve         96.9                                   577.3

Bob            87                                   509.2

Cliff          169.6                                494.7

Cod         144.6                                  456.4

Peej           73.9                                 453.9

Neil         144.9                                404.7

Martin      152.3                               325.5

Tony          87                                  255.1

The Editor is trainer of the month

News

 Buveur D'Air is firmly on course to bid for a third successive victory in the 888Sport Contenders Hurdle at Sandown on Saturday. Speaking to the punter Nicky Henderson said: "He is going to Sandown on Saturday. Barry (Geraghty) rode him work last Saturday and thought he was great."It's tried and tested route. I don't know who is going to turn up (against him).

Let's just hope the weather holds out."

.Daryl Jacob also spoke to the punter, after Cheltenham on Saturday It was nice to be among the winners at Cheltenham on Saturday but my personal highlight was Terrefort’s run in the BetBright Cotswold Chase.

It’s great to have him back and I loved the way he travelled and jumped through the race. He took me into it very easily and jumping the second last I thought I’d win. He just got a little bit tired from there but realistically it was his first run of the season and he was entitled to need it.

Brewin'Upastorm will head straight to the Cheltenham Festival after emerging unscathed from his final-flight fall at Prestbury Park on Saturday.Olly Murphy's charge made a big impression on his hurdling debut at Huntingdon in December, before finishing fourth behind Champ in the Challow Hurdle at Newbury later in the month.He was a hot favourite to bounce back to winning ways in a trial for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham over the weekend, and was upsides eventual winner Birchdale when he crashed out at the last obstacle.Murphy is pleased to report Brewin'Upastorm is none the worse - and he was encouraged enough by the Milan gelding's performance before his tumble to aim him at the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle itself, for which he is a general 14-1 shot

Kemboy and Road To Respect are among 13 horses still in contention for the Unibet Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown on Sunday, Bellshill also holds an entry.

In Saturdays Irish Champion hurdle Farclas, Suoersundae and Melon hold entries.

Kim Bailey has reported he is very happy with Vinndication ahead of the 888Sport Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase at Sandown Park on Saturday. Lostintranslation and Defi Du Seuil, also hold entries.

Connections of Zhenya tell me she is due to travel over to Ayr next Wednesday where a big run is expected. She made a pleasing debut recently in Ireland, the form of that race looks strong and connections hopes were boosted when her work companion ran very well a few days ago. A small investment at the right price will hopefully pay dividends.