Gordon said I had to continue reviewing the sponsored hunterchases! Think he just likes seeing me make a fool of myself😜
Anyway here are my thoughts on what looks a great race in prospect.
1 Mr Glass
Did the business last time out, travels & jumps so the likely favourite and the one they all have to beat.
2 Givega
Pretty useful 130+ over hurdles and no issues with ground or trip. One to definitely consider.
3 Il Padrino
With the quality of opposition it is hard to make much of a case for him ( even as an each way bet)
4 Jeux deau
Looked impressive at Chaddesley and didn't run a bad race at Warwick. Seems to need an extended 3 miles so only concern would be trip. Think we can expect a true run race as plenty of these are genuine 3 milers.
5 Paul Marvel
Would be in with a shout on best Irish form and still only 8 years old. Hard to really assess how good this seasons point form really is? But of course the connections have a serious strike rate in these typ of races so ignore at your peril.
6 Pyleigh Court
Would have to find a bit against some of these even without the extended lay off. Hard to see it troubling the judge.
7 Ragnar Lodbrok
Hasn't been at his best so far this season and which must be a concern. Also have a suspicion that it is at his best when bossing small fields that let him have it all his own way?
8 Red Delta
Facing a big step up from restricteds but connections know the time of day so wouldn't run if they felt it was a totally lost cause. Still only six and might be one for an adventurous ew bet😉
9 Walk Away
Rated 140 when with Henry De Bromhead but the fact that it remains a maiden over fences at the grand old age of 12 suggests it might struggle here. Yard are partial to a flutter so might be worth noting any shortening nearer the race.
10 Fine Dining
Maiden pointer coming back from long lay off! Not shown anything previously to suggest it is going to trouble some of these genuine open class horses😜
Guessing Mr Glass will go off favourite although probably handicapped by my selection in competition. Red Delta would be ew pick of longer priced possibles.
One of the owners of Givegar receiving their trophy from Caroline Bailey
Many thanks to Gordon for organizing. Another great day out. I think Leicester is a very much under appreciated track. Deserves far bigger crowds.
Luca has just told me that an Exeter Hunter Chase and then Punchestown is the plan although he will get an entry at Leicester in a couple of weeks given the prize money on offer. I honestly think thats the best hunter chase performance either side of the Irish Sea this season.
What a performance from the winner. About a month ago Luca messaged me on Twitter asking what I thought might be going for this race as he was targeting Givega at it. I don't think either of us thought it would be quite as hot as it turned out to be, but it didn't matter because he was in a different league to the rest. I think Punchestown is under consideration for him
So cool putting the racecard and the preview....thank you all
Been a fascinating betting market so far with Jeux d'Eau now currently favourite.
Race card for today
Taken 11's Paul Marvel and 5's Jeux d Eau
Walk Away in from 33's to 5's !!!!! just can't see it
Its Certainly an open contest on paper.......at least if you fancy one you will get a fair price hopefully looking at the forecasts.......
Thank you HJ. I don't like to see anyone making a fool of themselves and you certainly have'nt with the two you have done so far..........only 6 more to go 😎