2020/21 Jumps Issue 7 - Some cracking racing ahead

Headlines

Bob Olinger lays down the Law

Sir Gerhard bumps up Cod’s Points

Marown lands Ayr novice chase

Report

We start at Navan on Friday where in the 2m 4f maiden hurdle Bob Olinger (Bob), took his chance, Travelled strongly, made all, led at slow pace early, not fluent 1st, 2 lengths ahead after 4 out, eased clear after 2 out, went well clear when not fluent last, winning impressively by 24 l. He gets 22.2 points.

In the 2m listed bumper, Sir Gerhard (Cod), went to post, Travelled strongly, tracked leader, 2 lengths second 4f out, going easily over 2f out, soon pressed leader, led going best over 1f out, soon edged left and quickened, pushed out and kept on strongly inside final furlong, winning  impressively by 4 ½ l. He gets 26.4 points. 

At Ascot on Saturday in the 3m grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle Thyme Hill (Tony), went to post, in touch with leaders, tracked leaders 5th, made strong challenge after 3 out, led approaching last, ridden and stayed on run-in, headed final strides, 2nd beaten a neck. He gets 24 points.

At Ayr in the 2m 4f novice chase, Marown (Bob), went to post, close up, led going easily before 2 out, pushed along, and went clear last, winning comfortably by 4l . He gets 23. 8 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy

         December             Total

Cod              151.3              350.5

Neil              131.7                 339.9

Cliff             00                    240.5

Peej              49.6              231

Tony           45.1                230.1

Steve             80.1            217

Martin         43.8               174.2

Bob             46.6               99.1                        

Peej picked up a first course winner bonus after Le Patriote won at Hereford, the bonus is still available to the first punter horse to win at the following tracks:

In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Newton Abbot, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

In Ireland - Ballinrobe, Galway, Roscommon, Sligo, Bellewstown, Laytown, Downpatrick,  Listowel, Kilbeggan

News

Last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup runner-up Santini has been supplemented for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Saturday, a move trainer Nicky Henderson describes as "a wild idea". With Clan Des Obeaux, Cyrname, Frodon, Real Steel and Lostintranslation also holding entries, we should get a Christmas cracker.

Nicky Henderson said he has no concerns over the ground conditions at Kempton and will definitely run Altior on his planned reappearance in the Grade 2 Desert Orchid Chase on Sunday. 

Epatante is due to run in the Christmas hurdle, where Silver Streak, Sceau Royal and Goshen have entries. Shishkin is also due out in the novice chase at Kempton.

In Ireland Minella Indo and Presenting Percy have entries in the Savill Chase, Abracadabras has an entry in the novice hurdle. Monkfish and Latest Exhibiton have novice chase entries.