The voice of racing men since 1998

Thursday, 30 December 2021

2021/22 Jumps Issue 8 - Punters catch winner variant!

Headlines

Epatante is a Kempton Christmas Cracker
Man is Brave again at Kempton
Sir Gerhard off the Mark at Leopardstown
Ferney puts Rivals in the Hollow
Shiskin lands Desert Orchid chase
Paddy Rewards Envoi Allen at Leopardstown
Eric chops Rivals to Bits in Ireland
River Swamps Rivals at Wetherby
Galvin takes Savill Chase
Galopin Des Champs Begins well at Leopardstown
Sharjah stars at Leopardstown, 
Journey could have Cheltenham as the Destination
Luna Rises at Newbury
Palais is a Grand winner of Mandarin Chase
Star takes Centre Stage at Newbury

Report

We start at Kempton on Boxing Day, where in the 3m grade 1 Kauto Star novice chase, Bravemansgame ( Peej, Steve), went to post, Chased leader, pecked on landing 14th, made challenge going easily before 2 out, led 2 out, shaken up and went clear approaching last, ridden out, winning by 7 ½ l. He gets 52.2 points.

In the 2m grade 1 Christmas hurdle Epatante ( Cliff, Steve), took her chance, Chased leader, not fluent 1st, pressed leader 3rd, led 3 out, going best before 2 out, shaken up and went clear approaching last, ridden run-in, winning comfortably by 2 ¼ l. She gets 51.8 points.

At Leopardstown in the 2m maiden hurdle, Sir Gerhard ( Cod), went to post, Made all, 1 length ahead 2 out, went clear going easily approaching last, cruising run-in, winning impressively by 8l. He gets 32.4 points. 

In the 2m 1f grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase, Ferney Hollow  ( Peej), took his chance, Jumped right on occasions, took keen hold, made all, hard pressed after last (usual 2 out), ridden omitted last, kept on well, always doing enough, winning by 1 ½ l. He gets 78.4 points.

At Kempton in the 3m grade 1 King George V1 chase, Clan Des Obeaux ( Cod, Neil, Steve), took his chance, Held up in behind leaders, chased leader before 12th, made challenge on inner home turn, disputed lead 3 out, led before 2 out, not fluent and headed 2 out, weakened quickly and held approaching last, left in second last, no match for winner 2nd beaten 9l. He gets 13.6 points.

At Kempton on Monday in the 2m grade 2 chase, Shishkin ( Cliff, Martin, Neil, Steve, Peej), took his chance, Tracked leaders, headway and challenging 3 out, soon nudged along, led  and went clear, eased towards finish, winning  impressively by 10l. Cliff gets 42.9 points, Martin, Neil, Peej, Steve 21.45

At Leopardstown in the 2m 1f grade 1 chase, Envoi Allen ( Bob, Cliff, Martin, Peej, Steve), took his chance, Disputed lead on outer, led 2nd, joined 4th, slight lead before 6th, joined 4 out, not fluent and pecked on landing 2 out, soon ridden and faced sustained challenge, bumped when led narrowly home turn, went clear run-in, workmanlike, winning by 7 ½ l. He gets 26.2 points.

At Limerick in the 2m 7f grade 2 novice hurdle Eric Bloodaxe (Neil), went to post, Chased leaders, mistake and dropped to midfield 4 out, switched right and good headway on inner home turn, ridden to lead 2 out, clear approaching last, ridden out run-in, winning by 7 ½ l. He gets 44.6 points.

At Wetherby in the 2m 3f limited novice handicap chase, Midnight River (Martin), took his chance, Wandered at early obstacles, led, ridden after 4 out, faced challenge 3 out, headed last, rallied and led again final 110yds, just did enough, winning gamely by a neck. He gets 26 points.

On Tuesday at Leopardstown ion the 3m grade 1 Savill’s chase Galvin (Neil, Steve), went to post, Tracked leader, pressed leader when pushed along and bit short of room after 2 out, soon lost second when outpaced and switched right, jumped slightly left last, ridden and ran on towards near side run-in, led final strides, winning by a short head. Steve gets 89.8 points, Neil 57.4

In the 2m 5f beginners chase Galopin Des Champs, ( Cod, Peej), took his chance, Jumped well, prominent, led and made rest from 1st, went clear 6th, 5 lengths ahead halfway, soon went further clear, unchallenged, winning impressively by 22l. He gets 11.2 points. 

Yesterday at Leopardstown in the 2m 4f maiden hurdle Journey With Me ( Cod), went to post, Disputed lead, led before 2nd, shaken up under 2f out, ridden and kept on well final furlong, winning by 3 ½ l. He gets 28.4 points.

In the 2m Grade 1 Matheson Hurdle, Sharjah (Cod), took his chance, Held up in rear, headway and went fourth halfway, bit short of room and switched left 2 out (usual 3 out), niggled along after last (usual 2 out), raced wide home turn, smooth headway and made challenge run-in, ridden to lead towards finish, all out, winning by a neck. He gets 53 points.

At Newbury in the 2m handicap hurdle Gran Luna (Bob) went to post, Led, headed 2 out, soon ridden, 1 length down last, kept on well run-in, led final 110yds, ridden out winning by a head. He gets 28.68 points.

In the 3m 2f handicap chase, Saint Palais (Bob), went to post, Held up in rear, nudged along after 13th, headway 17th, close up 4 out, made strong challenge 2 out, led narrowly approaching last, ridden run-in, stayed on, winning by 1 ¼ l. He gets  25.5 points.

In the 2m 4f grade 1 Challow Hurdle Stage Star (Peej), took his chance, Held up in behind leaders, pushed along and switched right after 3 out, soon led, 4 lengths ahead last, winning  comfortably by 6 ½ l. He gets 54.5 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy 
         December            Total
Peej      348.55             592.52
Steve           360.68    508.8
Cod            295  .2       408.25
Cliff          232.53        368.82 
Neil          196.93             295.13
Bob        199.37             282.58
Martin      170.29        221.69             

Grand Slam 
Leg 1 Neil  
Leg 2 Tony
Leg 3 Tony
Leg 4  Cliff
Leg 5 Neil
Leg 6 Peej
Leg 7 Tony
Leg 8 Steve
Leg 9 Steve

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

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

News
Star novice chaser My Drogo, who had been a 7-1 shot for the Turners Novices' Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in March, has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Trainer Dan Skelton told The Punter on Monday morning: "Unfortunately My Drogo will miss the remainder of the season. We scanned him this morning after feeling heat in his near-fore tendon and whilst it is a very small lesion and will heal, it just requires time.

The eagerly anticipated clash between Shishkin and Energumene could yet happen before the Champion Chase in March after both horses appeared among the 11 entries for the SBK Clarence House Chase at Ascot next month.

Journey With Me surged to the head of the ante-post market for the Ballymore Novices' Hurdle after the highly touted youngster lived up to his billing in a top-class maiden hurdle at Leopardstown.

Paul Nicholls remains hopeful McFabulous can make his long-awaited return to action a triumphant one by successfully defending his Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle crown at Cheltenham on New Year’s Day.The 12-times champion trainer believes the Grade Two contest is an “obvious” starting point for the son of Milan, who has not been sighted since April after meeting with a setback earlier in the campaign.


Weekend Entries

Cheltenham Saturday
2.00 Coole Cody
3.10 Mcfabulous

Exeter
12.40 Easy As That
3.35 Gran Luna

Fairyhouse 

12.20 Journey With Me
2.40 Put The Kettle On

Tramore 
2.20 Annamix


Thursday, 23 December 2021

2021/22 Jumps Issue 7 - The Christmas Edition

Headlines

Jon in bonnie form at Ascot
Tri is the tonic at Ascot
Champ lives up to his name at Ascot
Dan Tips his Cap to Rivals at Naas

Report

We start at Naas last Thursday where in the 2m 3f Beginners chase, Capodano (Cod), went to post, Took keen hold, chased leaders, pecked on landing 1st, headway when switched left going easily before 2 out, close up when bad mistake and lost ground 2 out, soon pushed along, ridden and ran on well from last, led towards finish winning by 1 ¼ l. He gets 30 points.

At Ascot on Friday in the 2m grade 2 novice hurdle Jonbon (Bob, Steve), took his chance, Tracked leader, led 2nd, shaken up after 2 out, 3 lengths ahead last, ran on well run-in, eased towards finish, winning impressively by 2 ¾ l. He gets 22 points.

At Ascot on Saturday in the 3m grade 1 Long Walk Hurdle, Champ ( Cod, Martin),Thyme Hill (Martin)  went to post,  Champ, Held up in behind leaders, went second 8th, led going easily home turn, shaken up 2 out, soon ridden and hard pressed, 1 length ahead last, kept on well, winning by 1 ¾ l. He gets 55 points.

Thyme Hill, Took keen hold, held up in behind leaders, went third 3 out, ridden home turn, chased winner 2 out, 1 length down last, kept on but held towards finish, 2nd beaten 1 ¾ l. He gets 27.8 points.

In the 2m grade 3 handicap hurdle, Tritonic, (Steve), went to post, Towards rear of midfield, headway 4 out, tracked leaders home turn, challenging 2 out, shaken up and led last, ridden and kept on run-in winning by 2 ¾ l. He gets 48 points.


The John Torpey Memorial Trophy 
         December            Total
Peej      104.6              348.57
Cod            157.8       270.85    
Steve           106.23       254.35
Cliff          112.23         248.52 
Bob        118.99             202.2
Neil          59.88             158.08
Martin      96.64         148.04             

Apologies to Neil his single rights points have been added

Grand Slam 
Leg 1 Neil  
Leg 2 Tony
Leg 3 Tony
Leg 4  Cliff
Leg 5 Neil
Leg 6 Peej
Leg 7 Tony
Leg 8 Steve
Leg 9 Steve

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

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

News

Asterion Forlonge is set to lead a two-pronged attack by Willie Mullins on the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton Park on Boxing Day. The Closutton handler feels the seven-year-old will be suited by the right-handed track and is hoping Bryan Cooper will take the ride.

Nicky Henderson was able to give a cautiously upbeat bulletin on Buzz on Saturday, a day on from the Cesarewitch winner suffering a serious injury in his final spin before the Long Walk Hurdle.

The Punter sadly reports the death of Silver Streak, a sound member of Neil’s string for a few seasons, 
The eight-year-old, who finally enjoyed his crowning glory when winning last year’s Christmas Hurdle at Kempton after a string of good efforts at the highest level, was being prepared to defend his title on Boxing Day. He finished third in the 2019 Champion Hurdle to Espoir D’Allen and also won the Welsh Champion Hurdle in 2018, as well as finishing placed in numerous other big races. Silver Streak ran 29 times over hurdles, winning eight and finishing second eight times also, earning almost £500,000 for his owner, Les Fell.

Ferny Hollow remains on course for the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase (2.20) at Leopardstown on December 26, with Willie Mullins leaving the 2020 Champion Bumper winner in the race at the latest forfeit stage on Monday. His main market rival Riviere D'Etel, unbeaten in three starts over fences, has also been left in by Gordon Elliott.

Weekend winner Tritonic could be set for a quick turnaround after he was surprisingly named among the six entrants for the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (2.30) at Kempton on Boxing Day.The 2019 winner Epatante is a potential rival for the Alan King-trained Tritonic, who landed the Betfair Exchange Trophy at Ascot on Saturday, in the second of three Grade 1 races on the card. Soaring Glory also holds an entry.

Sharjah is all set to bid to equal Istabraq and Hurricane Fly’s record of four wins in the Matheson Hurdle at Leopardstown on December 29. Honeysuckle is also entered

Weekend Entries

Boxing Day 

Kempton
12.45 Knappers Hill
1.20 Patroclus
1.55 Bravemansgame, Threeunderthrufive, Tea Clipper
2.30 Epatante, Tritonic, Soaring Glory
3.05 Asterion Forlange, Clan Des Obeaux, Minella Indo , Frodon, Chantry House, Mister Fisher

Wetherby 
2.10 Mighty Thunder

Leopardstown 
12.35 Kilcruit
2.20 Ferney Hollow, Riviere D’Etel

Limerick
1.33 Eric Bloodaxe, Uhtred
2.40 Ferney Hollow,  Cape Gentleman

Monday 

Leopardstown
1.10 Energumene, Envoi Allen, 
1.45 Kilcruit
2.05 Eric Bloodaxe

Chepstow 
2.50 Kimberlite Candy, Mighty Thunder, Threeunderthrufive, 

Wetherby
1.00 Midnight River, Patroclus, 

Limerick
2.05  Eric Bloodaxe

Kempton
2.30 Greaneteen, Shishkin, Sky Pirate
3.40 Hacker Des Places


Thursday, 16 December 2021

2021/22 Jumps Issue 6 - Coole for Cod

Headlines

Cody keeps His Coole round Cheltenham
Three is on Top
My Drogo gets round this time
Polished Silver wins at Newbury

Report

We start at Cheltenham on Saturday where in the 2m 4f novice chase My Drogo ( Bob, Cliff, Steve), took his chance, Took keen hold, chased clear leader, close up 7th, led 9th, mistake 10th, wandered on approach 4 out, pushed along and went clear from 2 out, wining easily by 7l. He gets 11.23 points.

In the 2m 4f Grade 3 handicap chase Coole Cody (Cod), went to post, Jumped well but jumped right on occasions, close up, led and made rest after 2nd, not fluent 6th, shaken up before 2 out, ridden after 2 out, hard pressed when jumped right and not fluent last, drifted right run-in, kept on well, winning gamely by 2l. He gets 72.8 points

At Doncaster in the 3m grade 2 novice chase Threeunderthrufive (Bob), went to post, Pressed leader, hit 3rd, mistake 8th (water), led 4 out, pushed along and went clear after 3 out, ridden briefly run-in, winning  comfortably by 7 ½ l. He gets 43.16 points.

On Wednesday at Newbury in the 2m 7f listed mares chase Silver Forever (Martin, Neil), went to post, Tracked leader, awkward jump 1st, lost second 13th, tracked leader 4 out, challenging when not fluent 3 out, led going easily after 2 out, 3 lengths ahead last, ran on well until eased towards finish, winning by 1 ¼ l. She gets 13.84 points.


The John Torpey Memorial Trophy 
         December            Total
Peej      104.6              348.57
Cliff          112.23         248.52 
Steve           36.23       186.35
Cod            72.8       185.85    
Bob        96.99             180.2
Neil          46.04             144.24
Martin      13.84          65.24              

Grand Slam 
Leg 1 Neil  
Leg 2 Tony
Leg 3 Tony
Leg 4  Cliff
Leg 5 Neil
Leg 6 Peej
Leg 7 Tony
Leg 8 Steve
Leg 9 Steve

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

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

News

Jonbon will face the toughest test of his career to date so far on his second hurdles start when he clashes against fellow top-class novices I Like To Move It and Knappers Hill in the Howden Kennel Gate Novices' Hurdle (2.20) at Ascot on Friday. 
 
Henry De Bromhead has confirmed Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Minella Indo to be bang on course for the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day. 

Asterion Forlonge is another leading Irish chaser being aimed at the Kempton race this year.
 
Henry De Bromhead has resisted the temptation to send Grade One-winning Hurdler Bob Olinger to Ascot for the Howden Noel Novices’ Chase on Friday. Henry told The Punter, He said: “He is not travelling to Ascot. We are not sure where he goes yet. We haven’t sorted out any plans. He is entered in both races (Leopardstown and Limerick) over Christmas, so we will see nearer the time. We just haven’t made any firm decision, but he is well. All is fine with him.”

Stablemates Buzz and Champ head 11 confirmations for the Howden Long Walk Hurdle at Ascot on Saturday.

Thursday, 9 December 2021

2021/22 Jumps Issue 5 - Peej Piles on the Pressure

Headlines

Greaneteen Sends a Tingle round Sandown
Allaho
No Clouds over Protektorat
Riviere D’Etel Shines at Navan
Energumene  lands Hilly Way Chase
Ferney Hollow

Report

We start at Aintree, where in the 3m 1f grade 2 chase, Protektorat (Peej, Steve), took his chance, Settled Midfield, chased leaders 8th, disputed lead 15th, led 4 out, went well clear from 3 out, nudged along run-in, winning impressively by 25l. He gets 25 points.

At Navan in the 2m 1f grade 3 novice chase Riviere D’Etel ( Neil), took her chance, Jumped right on occasions, made all, went clear approaching last, winning comfortably by 12l. She gets 32.2 points.

At Sandown in the 2m Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase Greateteen ( Cliff), went to post, Towards rear, pecked on landing 3rd, not fluent 8th, close up 3 out, led just after 2 out, ridden clear approaching last, good jump last, hung left but ridden out and kept on strongly run-in, won going away by 5 ½ l. He gets 101 points. 

On Sunday at Cork in the 2m grade 2 chase Energumene ( Bob), went to post, Disputed lead, led narrowly before 2nd, 5 lengths ahead 3rd, headed after 6th, pressed leader until led going best before 3 out, clear from 2 out, kept on well run-in, winning easily by 8 ½ l. He gets 42.6 points.

At Punchestown in the 2m 4f grade 1 John Durkan memorial chase Allaho ( Peej), took his chance, Jumped left on occasions, led, not fluent 1st, pushed along after 4 out, joined until left clear 3 out, ridden and reduced lead and faced challenge when mistake 2 out, steadied last, stayed on, all out, winning by 2l. He gets 56.6 points.

In the 2m 1f Beginners chase, Ferney Hollow ( Peej), took his chance, Disputed lead early, led 1st, not fluent 2nd, jumped slightly left 4th, mistake 5th, faced challenge after 4 out, joined before 2 out, headed when pushed along from 2 out, soon ridden, led again from last, kept on well and went clear run-in , winning by 4l. He gets 23 points.


The John Torpey Memorial Trophy 
         December            Total
Peej      104.6              348.57
Cliff          101         237.29 
Steve           25         175.12
Neil          32.2             130.4
Bob        42.6               125.81
 Cod            00       113.05    
Martin      00           51.4              

Congratulations to Peej, who was November Trainer of the Month

Grand Slam 
Leg 1 Neil  
Leg 2 Tony
Leg 3 Tony
Leg 4  Cliff
Leg 5 Neil
Leg 6 Peej
Leg 7 Tony
Leg 8 Steve
Leg 9 Steve

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

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

News
Nube Negra will not run again before the Queen Mother Champion Chase after failing to meet expectations at Sandown on Saturday. While Skelton is keen not to make any excuses for Nube Negra, he feels he will benefit from having a longer break ahead of his bid to bounce back at the Festival in March. He said: “He’s grand – nothing ventured, nothing gained. “Obviously he can be better than the result and we’ll just keep him fresh now until Cheltenham. “Clearly, he has to be fresh, so we’ll go straight for the Champion Chase.”

Coole Cody, a likely leading player in Saturday's Racing Post Gold Cup at Cheltenham, had his "unconventional" style of jumping backed fully on Tuesday when trainer Evan Williams defied anyone to find a tougher horse than his ten-year-old. "I'm never one of those to predict things and at the end of the day if you don't jump, you don't win – good luck to the winner is what I say," Williams said.
"I'm pretty keen to run this weekend and can't see any reason why we wouldn't. He'll have a school in the morning and that'll tell us where we are. He has his own technique of jumping and it's unconventional. There's no doubting that and he gets away with things, but didn't that day. "He normally works it out. He didn't work it out last time, but I'm sure he knows more about jumping than you or me. Not a lot bothers Coole Cody though. He's a tough, genuine horse – they don't come much tougher."


Weekend Entries

Doncaster Friday
2.15 Gran Luna

Cheltenham 
3.35 Sporting John

Saturday 
Doncaster
2.05 Threeunderthrufive

Cheltenham 
12.40 Bob Olinger, My Drogo
1.50 Coole Cody, 
3.00 Sceau Royal

Sunday,  Carlisle,
12.00  Roxyana

Southwell 
2.25 Gran Luna

Thursday, 2 December 2021

2021/22 Jumps Issue 4 - Six more winners

Headlines

Aye Right old winner for Cod at Newcastle
Stage is Newbury Star
Jonbon kicks rivals aside
Elle Est Belle wins at Newbury
Epatante draws in Fighting Fifth
Honeysuckle is Sweet In Ireland

Report

We start at Newbury on Friday where in the 2m 4f novice hurdle, Stage Star ( Peej), took his chance, Made all, hit 2 out, soon shaken up, 3 lengths ahead last, pushed out and went further clear run-in, winning easily by 7 ½ l. He gets 22.58 points.

In the 2m novice hurdle, Jonbon (Bob, Steve), went to post, Midfield, headway and led after 3rd, going easily when 1 length ahead 2 out, soon shaken up and went further clear, good jump last, winning impressively by 6l. He  gets 11.91 points.

On Saturday in the 2m listed mares novice hurdle Elle Est Belle ( Martin), took her chance, Tracked leaders, led last, soon ridden, ran on well, winning comfortably by 8 ½ l. She gets 30 points.

At Newcastle in the 2m 7f listed handicap chase Aye Right (Cod), went to post, Tracked leader, led 4th, headed but every chance 8th, led again 14th, clear with one other after 3 out, pushed along after 2 out, 2 lengths ahead and ridden last, hard pressed inside final 110yds, just held on, winning gamely by a head. He gets 36 points.

In the 2m grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle Epatante (Cliff, Steve), took her chance, Took keen hold, in touch with leaders, headway going best 3 out, switched right before 2 out, pushed along and led last, ridden and hard pressed inside final 110yds, joined post , dead heat. She gets 50.09 points.

At Fairyhouse on Sunday in the 2m 4f grade 1 Hatton’s Grace hurdle Honeysuckle ( Cliff, Neil, Peej, Steve), went to post, Travelled strongly, chased leaders, not fluent 2nd, 11 lengths third when not fluent 4th, close up 4 out, disputed lead before 3 out, led going easily home turn, nudged along and went clear before 2 out, ridden briefly after 2 out, pushed out, winning  easily by 8l. She gets 51.20 points.

The John Torpey Memorial Trophy 
              November      Total
Peej      243.97           243.97      
Steve           150.12           150.12
 Cliff          136.29            136.29 
Cod            113.05       113.05    
Neil          98.2               98.2
Bob        83.21                83.21
Martin      51.4           51.4              

Grand Slam 
Leg 1 Neil  
Leg 2 Tony
Leg 3 Tony
Leg 4  Cliff
Leg 5 Neil
Leg 6 Peej
Leg 7 Tony
Leg 8 Steve
Leg 9 Steve

First winner bonus available, In the UK - Brighton, Cartmel, Perth, Southwell, Stratford, Thirsk, Worcester

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

News
Philip Hobbs says Defi Du Seuil will bid for a second victory in the Betfair Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown after not finding anything wrong with the seven-time Grade 1 winner following his disappointing comeback in the 1965 Chase last month. The JP McManus-owned eight-year-old was fourth of five at Ascot, beaten 35 lengths by Lostintranslation over two miles and five furlongs, but is now set to drop back to two miles for Saturday's Grade 1, a race he won by a neck from Un De Sceaux in 2019.

Henry de Bromhead has confirmed Envoi Allen on course to run in a top-quality Grade 1 John Durkan Chase at Punchestown on Sunday, when the trainer's Grand National hero Minella Times is also set to return. De Bromhead said: “Envoi Allen seems in great form, he’s really good. He’s fit and well. He’d been working really well before he won at Down Royal and we were delighted with him on the day. Everything has been good since then too.

Stage Star could take aim at the Grade One Challow Novices’ Hurdle after making a flawless start to his hurdling career this season. 

Dan Skelton admits Nube Negra faces a “big task” if he is to secure a first Grade One victory in the Betfair Tingle Creek at Sandown Park on Saturday. However, the trainer believes his rising star has improved again since his comeback success at in Grade Two company at Cheltenham earlier this month.

Fakir D'Oudairies could add further spice to a very tasty John Durkan Chase as Joseph O'Brien has said there is a "fair chance" he will show up at Punchestown on Sunday and potentially take on Allaho and Envoi Allen in what promises to be the race of the season so far. Envoi Allen has already been given the green light by Henry de Bromhead to contest the Grade 1 over 2m4½f, while Patrick Mullins said earlier this week that Allaho is more likely to run at Punchestown than in the Tingle Creek at Sandown on Saturday.

The green and gold hoops of JP McManus will be missing from two of Saturday's feature races, with Defi Du Seuil and Champ set to skip their respective engagements. The 2019 Tingle Creek winner Defi Du Seuil had been scheduled to aim for a repeat success in the Betfair-backed Grade 1 at Sandown but on Wednesday trainer Philip Hobbs announced he would be given a little longer to recover from his seasonal debut at Ascot, his first start since undergoing wind surgery. Hobbs told the Racing Post: "Defi Du Seuil won't be going to Sandown on Saturday now, for two reasons. Firstly we just feel it might be coming a bit quick after Ascot."

Nicky Henderson has also decided against running Champ in the Unibet Many Clouds Chase at Aintree on the same day, with a return to action over hurdles not ruled out. Champ has not been seen since being pulled up in the Gold Cup, after which he underwent surgery for kissing spines. Henderson told the Punter: "He's difficult to place. We thought about the Many Clouds but we're going to leave that alone for now and just see how things go. He's one that's just got a bit to find yet and he probably wants some easier ground as well."


Weekend Entries

Sandown Friday 
3.35 Fable

Saturday 
Aintree
2.05 Protektorat, 
2.40 Kimberlite Candy
3.15 Midnight River

Sandown 
12.40 Fable
1.50 Third Time Lucki
2.25 Allaho, Greaneteen, Nube Negra
3.35 Metier

Navan
12.00 Journey With Me
12.33 Eric Bloodaxe
1.43 Appreciate It, Ferney Hollow, Riviere D’etel
2.18 Capodanno

Huntingdon Sunday
1.52 Allmankind, Coole Cody

Cork
12.40 Kilcruit, Sir Gerhard
1.45 Riviere D’Etel
2.20 Energumene

Punchestown
2.00 Allaho,  Asterion Forlange, Envoi Allen, Fakir D’oudairies
2.35 Appreciate It, Ferney Hollow