Yorkshire Oaks: The Fugue heads quality field

The Fugue finished third on her first try over the trip in the Oaks at Epsom and will clash again with the pair that finished in front of her that day...

Impressive Goodwood scorer The Fugue looks the biggest name among a select field of seven for Thursday's Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York...

John Gosden's filly bounced back to winning form in the 10-furlong Nassau Stakes at the Glorious meeting last month but will be stepping back up to a mile and a half as she bids for back-to-back Group 1s.

The Fugue finished third on her first try over the trip in the Oaks at Epsom and will clash again with the pair that finished in front of her that day, namely Aidan O'Brien's Was and the Hughie Morrison-trained Shirocco Star, but The Fugue has improved since then and, with her win in the Nassau so comfortable, she remains with the potential to improve, evidenced by her retaining the Timeform 'p'.

Morrison's Coquet, sixth at Epsom, is the other three-year-old runner in the race.

Sir Henry Cecil's Wild Coco forms part of the four-year-old contingent after winning a Goodwood Group 3 over 14 furlongs last time out.

Alain de Royer-Dupre's Shareta makes the trip across the Channel for a crack at what some might say would be an overdue win at Group 1 level following her second-placed finishes in both last season's Prix de L'Arc de Triomphe and the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud on her latest outing.

The Jessica Harrington-trained Bible Belt completes the line-up.

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Racing News: Cityscape heads to Hong Kong

The Timeorm rating of 131 obtained for his Dubai Duty Free success marks him down as one of the best performers in the world over nine furlongs...

Roger Charlton has confirmed that Cityscape will take his place in the line-up for the BMW Championship Mile in Hong Kong on May 6...

Six-year-old Cityscape produced a career-best when running out the impressive four-and-a-half-length winner of the Dubai Duty Free over nine furlongs at Meydan last month and now heads to Hong Kong with a favourite's chance.

It has been reported that James Doyle will again partner the Khalid Abdullah-owned runner having ridden him to victory in Dubai and hopes are high that the pair can claim further international honours.

The flashy-looking son of Selkirk has always been highly regarded by connections and had promised a performance of the highest quality ever since his runaway victory in the 2010 renewal of the Group 2 Joel Stakes at Newmarket.

The Timeorm rating of 131 obtained for his Dubai Duty Free success marks him down as one of the best performers in the world over nine furlongs and it will be interesting to see if he can replicate that figure back over the slightly shorter trip.

Should Cityscape oblige in early May it could be celebrations all round for the Roger Charlton team as they have the well-fancied Top Offer among the market principals for the 2000 Guineas on the same weekend. The once-raced winner is current trading at (9.28/1) for that contest.

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Latest Masters Odds: Big Phil heads betting before final round

US Masters / Joe Dyer / 08 April 2012 / Leave a Comment

Phil Mickelson enjoys himself on moving day

"Mickelson put in a real show of class on 'moving day', shooting six under on the back nine after parring the first nine holes to launch himself up the leaderboard to second place."

Phil Mickelson is a [2.72] shot to win the Masters for a fourth time, ahead of third round leader Peter Hanson and 2010 Open champion Louis Oosthuizen.

Phil Mickelson is [2.72] on Betfair to make it Masters win no.4 with a tournament victory at Augusta tonight.

The pre-tournament third favourite put in a real show of class on 'moving day', shooting six under on the back nine after parring the first nine holes to launch himself up the leaderboard to second place.

He stands one shot back from Sweden's Peter Hanson - the 2010 Ryder Cup performer hitting a 65 to head the field at -9. Hanson is [5.2] to still be top of the pile at the conclusion of tonight's action.

If fending off Mickelson wasn't daunting enough, Hanson will also have to repel the challenge of former Open champion Louis Oosthuizen. Two shots off the lead, the South African can be backed at [6.8] to add the Masters to his collection of Majors won.

Big-hitting Bubba Watson has the tools to go very low at Augusta and the market clearly thinks the three shots separating him from Hanson are not insurmountable. Watson is [10.0] to win the 2012 Masters.

Fellow American Matt Kuchar is one shot back of Watson and trades at [20.0], one tick shorter than Lee Westwood. The first round leader has stalled since his wonderful oening round and sits on -4, tied for sixth place with Hunter Mahan ([27.0]), Padraig Harrington ([36.0]) and surprise package Henrik Stenson (44.0]).

The gap beyond looks too big and no other player trades at under [100.0].

With just one round to go at Augusta National, nine players appear to hold a chance to win the year's first major. Steve Rawlings profiles each of the Masters hopefuls...

There's a whole host of drama to come at Augusta and Paul Krishnamurty has picked out a variety of ways to keep you that little bit more interested in the Augusta action with these four bets......

An intriguing Masters leaderboard awaits us this morning with any one of 30 players in with a chance of winning the tournament. Saturday is traditionally classed as moving day so who does Paul Krishnamurty expect to be rising up the...

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Prix Imprudence: Restiadargent heads Timeform ratings

France / Timeform / 03 April 2012 / Leave a Comment

Can Restiadargent or Topeka book a ticket to Newmarket for the Guineas?

The Prix Imprudence at Maisons-Laffitte on Thursday features a couple of live outsiders for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 6....

Henri Pantall's Restiadargent heads Timeform's weight-adjusted ratings for the Prix Imprudence, having won twice at pattern level last year including the Group 2 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte. The latter success came over a furlong shorter than Thursday's 7f trip, when she had the likes of the Mark Johnston-trained Bannock and Kevin Ryan's Bogart in behind, but she is bred to stay and could well improve.

Topeka, trained by Robert Collet, still has the Timeform 'p' attatched to her weight-adjusted rating of 121. She completed a four-timer on her most recent start, when successful in the Group 3 Prix Miesque over C&D in November, and strikes as the type to do better still this term.

The pair are in Betfair's market for the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 6, though the former would have to be supplemented if she were to win impressively on Thursday.

Former champion jockey and new Betfair columnist, Ryan Moore, will partner the Richard Hannon-trained Rockinante in Thursday's Group 3 Prix Jebel at Maisons-Laffitte......

Trainer Aidan O'Brien will be bidding for his third consecutive win when Learn lines up in the Criterium International at Saint-Cloud on Sunday......

Timeform has provisionally rated Danedream 132+ following the three-year-old filly's impressive win in the 2011 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday.......

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Epsom Derby 2012 News: RP Trophy hero Camelot heads entry of 143

News / Timeform / 08 March 2012 / Leave a Comment

The unbeaten Camelot

"Last season's Racing Post Trophy, rated 117P by Timeform, winner is one of 25 possible contenders for Aidan O'Brien..."

Camelot heads 143 colts remaining in the Investec Derby following the first forfeit stage for the premier Classic at Epsom on June 2.

Last season's Racing Post Trophy winner (Timeform rated 117P), is one of 25 possible contenders for Aidan O'Brien, who can also call upon Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Wrote (118p) and Beresford Stakes scorer David Livingston (115).

John Oxx, like O'Brien twice successful in the Derby, has Born To Sea (108p) among his five entries.

The Invincible Spirit colt, runner-up in the Killavullan Stakes at Leopardstown on his final juvenile start, is a half-brother to two Derby heroes in Galileo and Oxx's Sea The Stars.

Sir Henry Cecil's six contenders include Noble Mission (80p), second on his only start to date at Yarmouth and full brother to the stable's world champion Frankel.

Marcus Tregoning, meanwhile, is dreaming of Cavaleiro (98), a son of his 2006 Derby winner Sir Percy, emulating his sire.

The Lambourn trainer has high hopes after Cavaleiro ended a busy two-year-old campaign with victory in the Haynes, Hanson & Clark Conditions Stakes in September.

The Newbury contest has yielded numerous clues for the Derby over the years, with Henbit and Shergar having won both races, while Shahrastani and Authorized were both placed en route to Classic glory at Epsom.

Tregoning said: "We have obviously got quite a way to go with Cavaleiro before the Derby but we will run him in a trial and take it from there.

"He's had plenty of experience as a two-year-old and won his latest two starts, which was good. He's going to have to step up considerably on his next start and we are thinking about either the Lingfield Derby Trial, Chester or Sandown.

"I also haven't ruled out the possibility of running him in the Feilden Stakes at Newmarket, which might suit him.

"Physically, he has done very well over the winter and we are very pleased with him on that score. He's quite a laid-back horse, who keeps finding a bit, so we are hopeful that he can continue to progress.

"It's very exciting for Sir Percy. He did very well last year and the quality of the mares that he is receiving is getting better. It's early days for him as a stallion but we have been very pleased for him. We were very lucky to have him and he was a wonderful flag-bearer - hopefully his progeny can continue that success."

Camelot currently heads the betting for the Epsom Derby at [3.6] on June 2, while he also fills the same position for the 2000 Guineas on May 5 at [3.9].

...........
Click HERE to get the latest issue of the Timeform Black Book, featuring ratings for all 27 Cheltenham Festival races, plus those for Imperial Cup weekend!

Godolphin has 22 declared runners, including one reserve, for Super Saturday at Meydan on March 10 - the most valuable raceday in the UAE outside of Dubai World Cup night......

Invictus has emerged as a doubtful runner in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham......

The world's best sprinter Black Caviar looks likely to spend a month in the headquarters of British racing, Newmarket, before her much-anticipated UK debut in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot......

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Honda Classic: Fowler heads the three-ball bets on day one

Three Ball Bets / Dan Geraghty / 29 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Rickie Fowler has lost none of his style but does his sound game remain?

"Graeme McDowell is based in Orlando and if past results are anything to go by, will certainly find this week's set up and conditions more to his liking than last week in Arizona.

Just as it was looking rosy for Dan Geraghty along came the World Matchplay to wipe out a promising P&L - can he turn it around at this week's Honda Classic? Here are the three musketeers he's hoping can swashbuckle him back into profit

Well, last week was a disaster to say the least and killed the P&L. I console myself slightly in the fact that some of the shrewdest golf punters I know struggled as much as I did.

This week the PGA Tour rolls into Florida for the Honda Classic.

Robert Allenby put in a fine performance in a poor field at last week's Mayakoba Golf Classic but ultimately he may struggle to come to terms with the defeat. Standing on the final tee Allenby had the tournament won but ruined his flawless card with an ugly double bogey to lose out to Korean-American John Huh. On Thursday the Australian is partnered by D A Points and Graeme McDowell [2.6] whose last round here was a 64. The Northern Irishman is based in Orlando and if past results are anything to go by, will certainly find this week's set up and conditions more to his liking than last week in Arizona.

Last week Rickie Fowler [2.3] was narrowly beaten by David Toms but finished so well that I'm happy to take him to beat an out of sorts KT Kim, who hasn't played here before and Boo Weekley who has been struggling with his game for a while now and has not enjoyed the Honda since his playoff defeat in 2007.

Ben Crane's [2.6] stroke average around here reads well (69.13 for eight rounds). Third on his last appearance at the Honda (2009), Crane's first day opponents look highly beatable. Freddie Jacobson has had a very slow start to the year due to torn ligaments in his left thumb - the Swede struggling badly when losing to Robert Karlsson in the first round of the Matchplay last week - and Mr Consistency, Charles Howell III, while a danger, lacks the class of Crane.

Recommended Bets
Graeme McDowell [2.6] - 2 points
Rickie Fowler [2.3] - 2 points
Ben Crane [2.6] - 1 point

Season Profit Loss: -12.02 points

Dan Geraghty makes his selections for the first round two balls at the WGC Accenture Matchplay......

After a clean sweep last week, Dan Geraghty makes his three ball selections for this week's Northern Trust Open. Can our man work his magic again?...

Dan Geraghty selects a trio of players who he believes should be backed in first round three balls at this week's Dubai Desert Classic......

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Betfair Denman Chase: Long Run heads Newbury field

News / Timeform / 13 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Long Run will complete his Cheltenham preparations at Newbury.

"This will be a final "prep run" for Long Run before taking on Kauto Star once again in the Gold Cup..."

Long Run, winner of last season's Cheltenham Gold Cup, could face seven rivals in Friday's Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury...

Long Run, rated 182 by Timeform, also won the King George at Kempton on Boxing Day last season in what was something of a breakthrough campaign for the seven year-old.

However, in his two runs this term, he has met with a resurgent Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase and also the King George.

This will be a final "prep run" for Long Run before taking on Kauto Star once again in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.

Nicky Henderson has also entered Burton Port, absent since finishing an admirable second in the Hennessy Gold Cup won by Diamond Harry, and who may use this race as a springboard to the Gold Cup or the Grand National.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has a brace of entries, in the shape of the enigmatic Tidal Bay, runner-up in the Argento Chase last month, and What A Friend, who finished fourth in the Gold Cup last year.

David Bridgwater could be represented by stable star and recent Cheltenham scorer The Giant Bolster, whilst the Alan King-trained Medermit may step up to three miles for the first time.

Little Josh and Chapel House complete the line-up.

Timeform Ratings (weight adjusted)
193 Long Run
187 What A Friend
184 Burton Port
181$ Tidal Bay
177 Medermit

Sponsors Betfair have made entry to Newbury's rescheduled meeting on Friday free to all racegoers, making it quite probably the best free day's racing ever......

Exciting novice chaser Sprinter Sacre heads a list of nine entries for Friday's Betfair Super Saturday Chase at Newbury......

Prix de 'Arc de Triomphe winner Danedream is likely to start off her season with a run at home in late spring before trainer Peter Schiergen plots serious European targets......

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Lincoln Handicap: Eton Forever heads the entries

News / Timeform / 08 February 2012 / Leave a Comment

Eton Forever's early season target will be the Lincoln.

"Eton Forever has wintered very well and, although it is still very early days, he will be on a training schedule to get him to the Lincoln..."

The Roger Varian-trained Eton Forever features among 97 initial entries for the Lincoln at Doncaster on March 31...

The historic handicap is the traditional curtain-raiser to the Flat season and Eton Forever showed a liking for Town Moor when running away with the Spring Mile, a consolation race for the Lincoln, on the same card last year.

The five-year-old, rated 111 by Timeform, went on to run three creditable races in defeat and his trainer is keeping his fingers crossed for further improvement.

"Eton Forever has wintered very well and, although it is still very early days, he will be on a training schedule to get him to the Lincoln, although a lot can happen in the meantime," said Varian.

"He didn't do much wrong last season. He ran two good races at Ascot but we came away from there, particularly after the Royal Hunt Cup where he was travelling very well two furlongs out, thinking that he didn't really get the trip over that stiff mile.

"We think an easy mile like the Doncaster mile or a stiff seven furlongs will be his ideal trip.

"He is rated 103 (BHA rating) now, which is quite a high mark and he hasn't done anything to suggest he should be any higher than that, but time will tell if he progresses further this season.

"He is a very likeable horse, with good ability, and the type of horse who runs well fresh so we will target him at the race as it might be the best time to catch him early on in the season."

The Michael Dods-trained Sweet Lightning took the Lincoln in 2011 and, although injury has kept him out of action since, connections are still hopeful he will be ready to defend his crown.

Tim Jones, racing manager for owner Andrew Tinkler, said: "Sweet Lightning is in Dubai at the moment and is going to have one or maybe two runs out there leading up the Lincoln. We will take it from there.

"The reality is that he is now rated significantly higher than he was last year (8lb higher) so whether he can go there and carry that sort of weight in the Lincoln or not, I don't know.

"Very shortly after last year's success he suffered an injury that he has taken a very long time to recover from, so it is a matter of trying to find out whether or not he has retained his ability, but he appears to be in great form at the moment.

"I would like to think he has more improvement in him. The plan will be for Johnny Murtagh to ride him again and similar ground to last year will be perfect."

Unbeaten champion Black Caviar will face eight rivals in Saturday's $400,000 C.F. Orr Stakes at Caulfield (due off 04:50 GMT) when she goes for her 18th straight victory and her eighth at Group 1 level......

Current Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite Steps To Freedom remains on course to have a run on the Flat at Dundalk on Friday February 17......

With Saturday's card at Newbury at the mercy of the elements, Betfair have opened a market regarding whether racing will take place......

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Grand National: Ballabriggs heads list of 82 entries

Latest News / Timeform / 01 February 2012 / 1 Comments

The Grand National is likely to feature a maximum field of 40.

"As ever, the Irish are very strongly represented..."

As expected, last year's Grand National hero Ballabriggs will return for another crack at the Aintree showpiece on Saturday April 14...

There were no notable absentees for the marathon, which now features record prize money of £975,000, with the likes of Synchronised and Deep Purple likely to join Donald McCain's eleven-year-old near the head of the weights should they take their chance.

Deep Purple's trainer, Evan Williams, has two other strong representatives lined up for the race in Welsh National third Cappa Bleu and State of Play, in the frame in the last three running's of the Grand National.

Cappa Bleu's Chepstow conqueror Le Beau Bai is also amongst the entries, as are Scottish National runner-up Always Right, Rowland Meyrick/Peter Marsh scorer According To Pete.

For a race which either are yet to win, Nicky Henderson has Burton Port, Quantititiveeasing and Shakalakaboomboom engaged, whilst Paul Nicholls relies on Neptune Collonges and Niche Market.

Alan King has a pair of leading fancies in Hold On Julio and West End Rocker, while Calgary Bay, Giles Cross, and Midnight Chase are all intriguing entries.

Mon Mome won the race in 2009 and looks likely to be back again whilst David Pipe, who saddled Comply Or Die to victory a year earlier has entered ante-post favourite Junior, Massini's Maguire and the yet-to-reappear The Package.

As ever, the Irish are very strongly represented (31 entries) with champion trainer Willie Mullins putting 12 into the races headed by last year's sixth The Midnight Club, On His Own and Prince de Beauchene.

Neol Glynn will be expecting Becauseicouldntsee to do better than last year (feel second), while Backstage is back again for Gordon Elliott (also has Chicago Grey and Tharawaat), as is Black Apalachi for Dessie Hughes, the 13-year-old having not seen the track since finishing second to Don't Push It two years ago.

Although last year's runner-up Oscar Time won't be running this time round, Robert Waley-Cohen has entered his hunter chaser Roulez Cool.

Junior currently heads the ante-post market for the race at [16.0], and a full list of prices can be found by clicking HERE.

Henrietta Knight is to give Calgary Bay another tilt at the John Smith's Grand National after the nine-year-old put up a creditable weight-carrying performance in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster......

Venetia Williams is on the lookout for a race next month for Mon Mome following his disappointing performance at Haydock last weekend....

Last season's Grand National runner-up Oscar Time has been ruled out for the season with a leg injury......

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Grand National: Ballabriggs heads list of 82 entries

Latest News / Timeform / 01 February 2012 / 1 Comments

The Grand National is likely to feature a maximum field of 40.

"As ever, the Irish are very strongly represented..."

As expected, last year's Grand National hero Ballabriggs will return for another crack at the Aintree showpiece on Saturday April 14...

There were no notable absentees for the marathon, which now features record prize money of £975,000, with the likes of Synchronised and Deep Purple likely to join Donald McCain's eleven-year-old near the head of the weights should they take their chance.

Deep Purple's trainer, Evan Williams, has two other strong representatives lined up for the race in Welsh National third Cappa Bleu and State of Play, in the frame in the last three running's of the Grand National.

Cappa Bleu's Chepstow conqueror Le Beau Bai is also amongst the entries, as are Scottish National runner-up Always Right, Rowland Meyrick/Peter Marsh scorer According To Pete.

For a race which either are yet to win, Nicky Henderson has Burton Port, Quantititiveeasing and Shakalakaboomboom engaged, whilst Paul Nicholls relies on Neptune Collonges and Niche Market.

Alan King has a pair of leading fancies in Hold On Julio and West End Rocker, while Calgary Bay, Giles Cross, and Midnight Chase are all intriguing entries.

Mon Mome won the race in 2009 and looks likely to be back again whilst David Pipe, who saddled Comply Or Die to victory a year earlier has entered ante-post favourite Junior, Massini's Maguire and the yet-to-reappear The Package.

As ever, the Irish are very strongly represented (31 entries) with champion trainer Willie Mullins putting 12 into the races headed by last year's sixth The Midnight Club, On His Own and Prince de Beauchene.

Neol Glynn will be expecting Becauseicouldntsee to do better than last year (feel second), while Backstage is back again for Gordon Elliott (also has Chicago Grey and Tharawaat), as is Black Apalachi for Dessie Hughes, the 13-year-old having not seen the track since finishing second to Don't Push It two years ago.

Although last year's runner-up Oscar Time won't be running this time round, Robert Waley-Cohen has entered his hunter chaser Roulez Cool.

Junior currently heads the ante-post market for the race at [16.0], and a full list of prices can be found by clicking HERE.

Henrietta Knight is to give Calgary Bay another tilt at the John Smith's Grand National after the nine-year-old put up a creditable weight-carrying performance in the Sky Bet Chase at Doncaster......

Venetia Williams is on the lookout for a race next month for Mon Mome following his disappointing performance at Haydock last weekend....

Last season's Grand National runner-up Oscar Time has been ruled out for the season with a leg injury......

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Red Mills Chase: Rubi heads to Gowran

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 31 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Rubi Light will run at Gowran before Cheltenham.

"He doesn't need long coming out of his races. He did the same last year..."

Trainer Robbie Hennessy will follow a tried-and-tested route by running Rubi Light at Gowran before heading to Cheltenham...

The seven-year-old won the Red Mills Chase in 2011 on the way to finishing third to Albertas Run in the Ryanair Chase at the Festival.

The two-and-a-half-mile contest on February 18 is again ideal for Hennessy's charge as it comes just less than four weeks before his prime objective.

"We are going to give him a run in Gowran Park on the 18th of February in the Red Mills and that's something to look forward with him first," said County Meath-based Hennessy.

"He won it last year and the weather forecast is bad for the foreseeable future, so I imagine the ground will be testing which would play to his strengths.

"After that we'll just keep him ticking over for Cheltenham.

"He doesn't need long coming out of his races. He did the same last year."

Rubi Light has enjoyed a profitable campaign that has seen him win the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown and finish second in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on his first try over three miles.

Rated 162 by Timeform, Rubi Light can currently be backed at [8.8] for the Ryanair, a marginally bigger price than antepost favourite Noble Prince ([7.8]).

Others to note in the market would be Somersby ([9.6]), Riverside Theatre ([12.0]) and Captain Chris ([17.5]).

Racing For Change's main aim is to "broaden the appeal of the sport". The scheme's decision-makers could do a lot worse than put the feelers out to stage a match between the two outstanding hurdlers of the moment, argues Timeform jumps handicapper Phil Turner......

The Alan King-trained Montbazon got back to winning ways at Plumpton on Monday......

Diamond Harry will be checked out for a possible breathing problem after his run at Cheltenham on Saturday......

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Red Mills Chase: Rubi heads to Gowran

The Cheltenham Festival / Timeform / 31 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Rubi Light will run at Gowran before Cheltenham.

"He doesn't need long coming out of his races. He did the same last year..."

Trainer Robbie Hennessy will follow a tried-and-tested route by running Rubi Light at Gowran before heading to Cheltenham...

The seven-year-old won the Red Mills Chase in 2011 on the way to finishing third to Albertas Run in the Ryanair Chase at the Festival.

The two-and-a-half-mile contest on February 18 is again ideal for Hennessy's charge as it comes just less than four weeks before his prime objective.

"We are going to give him a run in Gowran Park on the 18th of February in the Red Mills and that's something to look forward with him first," said County Meath-based Hennessy.

"He won it last year and the weather forecast is bad for the foreseeable future, so I imagine the ground will be testing which would play to his strengths.

"After that we'll just keep him ticking over for Cheltenham.

"He doesn't need long coming out of his races. He did the same last year."

Rubi Light has enjoyed a profitable campaign that has seen him win the John Durkan Memorial Chase at Punchestown and finish second in the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown on his first try over three miles.

Rated 162 by Timeform, Rubi Light can currently be backed at [8.8] for the Ryanair, a marginally bigger price than antepost favourite Noble Prince ([7.8]).

Others to note in the market would be Somersby ([9.6]), Riverside Theatre ([12.0]) and Captain Chris ([17.5]).

Racing For Change's main aim is to "broaden the appeal of the sport". The scheme's decision-makers could do a lot worse than put the feelers out to stage a match between the two outstanding hurdlers of the moment, argues Timeform jumps handicapper Phil Turner......

The Alan King-trained Montbazon got back to winning ways at Plumpton on Monday......

Diamond Harry will be checked out for a possible breathing problem after his run at Cheltenham on Saturday......

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Irish Champion Hurdle: Hurricane heads hopefuls

News / Timeform / 24 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Hurricane Fly will make his reappearance at Leopardstown.

"Hopefully he will improve for the run. He is a horse that has a habit of getting himself into trouble at home, but he seems to be right now..."

Hurricane Fly features among just six remaining entries for the Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown...

The Willie Mullins-trained star cleaned up in the two-mile division last season, landing this Grade One prize before going on to further Champion Hurdle success at Cheltenham and later at Punchestown.

The eight-year-old, rated 174 by Timeform, bypassed intended comeback runs at Punchestown in November and at Leopardstown over Christmas as the champion trainer revealed he was not happy with his charge, but he now looks set to grace the racecourse for the first time this season in the Irish Champion Hurdle.

Mullins could also be represented by Thousand Stars, while talented mares Voler La Vedette and Unaccompanied remain in the mix.

Jessica Harrington's Oscars Well and Kalann, from the Sabrina Harty yard, complete the small but select field.

There will be no British interest after Nicky Henderson withdrew both Binocular and Spirit Son as anticipated.

Mullins is much happier with Hurricane Fly now than he was a month ago but expects his charge will improve for the run.

He said: "He is a hell of a horse and probably only once or twice in your lifetime might you come across a horse with that sort of ability.

"He is hard to train as he is so tough on himself and we can't let him do what he wants to do.

"I just want to keep him right and if he gets beaten, he gets beaten.

"Hopefully he will improve for the run. He is a horse that has a habit of getting himself into trouble at home, but he seems to be right now."

Leopardstown's other Grade 1 on Sunday, the Arkle over two miles and a furlong, has eight remaining entrants with Blackstairmountain and Flemenstar being the leading names.

One notable absentee is Bog Warrior, but trainer Tony Martin said: "He's fine, I've just decided to wait an extra week so we can get a bit more done with him.

"There are plenty of races coming up for him and I just felt this weekend was coming a week too soon, so we've decided to give it a miss."

Last season's Grand National runner-up Oscar Time has been ruled out for the season with a leg injury......

Recession Proof will not defend his title in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury next month......

Improvement needed from David Pipe's big race favourite according to ratings...

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South Africa: Igugu heads strong Met field

News / Gary Crispe / 22 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

Igugu is the star entry in the J&B Met.

"Igugu, the winner of nine of her 11 starts in South Africa including the Group 1 Durban July, has recovered from a slight setback and is a hot ante-post favourite..."

There were few surprises when the final field was announced for the R2.5-million J&B Met to be run over 2000m at Kenilworth on Saturday 28 January, with South Africa's reigning Horse of the Year Igugu heading a fantastic field of 16...

Australian-bred Igugu, the winner of nine of her 11 starts in South Africa including the Group 1 Durban July, has recovered from a slight setback and is a hot ante-post favourite for the finale to the Sizzling Summer Season in the Western Cape.

Bravura, Tales Of Bravery and talented three-year-old Gimmethegreenlight, winner of the recent Queen's Plate, are all in the line-up.

Absentees include Summer Cup winner Dancewiththedevil and Charity Mile winner Piere Jourdan as well as three-year-olds Variety Club and Jackson, who have accepted for the Cape Derby instead.

Igugu suffered a setback in training and had to miss the Paddock Stakes, her planned final preparatory run but the Mike de Kock stable says she has hardly missed a beat in getting back into full work.

She will be ridden by her regular jockey Anthony Delpech.

De Kock has also accepted with his Brazilian-bred gelding Ilsanpietro who won the Java Handicap and finished second in both the Victory Moon and the Summer Cup and will have Weichong Marwing in the irons.

The Joey Ramsden-trained Bravura , who won the Cape Derby two years ago but has only won two races since has been allocated top weight of 60kg and will meet Igugu on 0.5kg worse terms than in last year's Durban July when he finished seventh.

He ran in last year's Met and was expected to do much better than seventh behind Past Master but this term has won the Green Point Stakes and was fourth in the L'Ormarins Queen's Plate and looks to be back to his best.

He will have champion jockey Anton Marcus in the irons.

Smart chaser Blazing Tempo landed the most prestigious victory of her career over fences so far when taking the Grade 2 Normans Grove Chase at Fairyhouse on Sunday afternoon....

Somersby (BSP of [5.8]) finally gained the big victory his consistent efforts deserved when wearing down Finian's Rainbow in the 25th Anniversary of the VC Chase at Ascot......

Betting.Betfair columnist Donald McCain fired in a quartet of winners at Haydock on Saturday......

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Tingle Creek Betting: Sizing Europe heads entries

News / Timeform / 28 November 2011 / Leave a Comment

Sizing Europe could contest the Tingle Creek on Saturday.

"Two miles around Sandown should be much more up his [Sizing Europe's] street and he is the clear standard setter on his Champion Chase form.

Last season's Queen Mother Champion Chase winner Sizing Europe heads 11 entries for the Tingle Creek Chase at Sandown on Saturday...

Henry de Bromhead's Cheltenham winner Sizing Europe finished a respectable second to Quito de la Roque on his most recent start at Down Royal, when shaping as if the three miles he faced that day was stretching his stamina. Two miles around Sandown should be much more up his street and he is the clear standard setter on his Champion Chase form.

Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has dominated the Tingle Creek in recent seasons, landing each of the last six renewals, and this year he has entered Tataniano and Kauto Stone, although the latter is more likely to head to Ireland for the John Durkan at Punchestown. Tataniano made a winning reappearance at Chepstow in October, delivering a high-class performance which marked him down as a major player in the top two-mile races.

Philip Hobbs, who won the race in 2001 with Flagship Uberalles, has entered Wishfull Thinking. Runner-up in the Jewson at Cheltenham last season before winning at both the Aintree and Punchestown Festivals, Wishfull Thinking was aggressively ridden in the PP Gold Cup at Cheltenham on his return and is much better judged on the pick of his form.

Finian's Rainbow, second to Captain Chris in last season's Arkle before winning at Aintree, is the sole representative for the in-form stable of Nicky Henderson. He is likely to improve in his second season chasing and could be up to mixing it with the best in the division.

Timeform Master Ratings

171 Sizing Europe
167 Tataniano
165 Wishfull Thinking
160p Kauto Stone
157p Finian's Rainbow

Weird Al is set to have a long break before being prepared for a spring campaign following his fine effort at Haydock in the Betfair Chase......

Overturn could have another crack at the Champion Hurdle after making turf history at Newcastle on Saturday......

Current Arkle Chase favourite Peddlers Cross is set to complete the first half of his campaign in a two-mile novice chase at Haydock on December 17 when he will bid to complete a hat-trick over fences......

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