Today's Racing - 18th November 2011

Another weekend, another top set of racing. Sadly we have to wait another day for the likes of Masterminded, Captain Chris, Diamond Harry and the small matter of Long Run, although Moltof, Solix, Tornado Bob and Toubab should keep you ticking over until then. Oh, and don’t forget Punchestown on Sunday.

They’re on the main page, and while useful hurdling recruit Ted Spread (2.10) hasn’t got that treatment, he’s still a useful horse who could be well worth supporting in the Felix Rosenstiel's Widow & Son Introductory Hurdle.

Rated 104 on the flat, he showed potential as a 3yo when winning Chester Vase (after which he was touted as Derby candidate) and coming fourth in Voltigeur Stakes, after finishing last at Epsom. He’s found things tough since then but has still put in some cracking efforts, not least when fourth in the Group 2 Prix Maurice De Neuil after coming a more than unlucky second in a Listed event at Pontefract previously. That gives him a big chance here if taking to jumping and despite the competitiveness of this event (far the stronger of the two divisions) he’s given the vote.

Cinders And Ashes was a decent bumper performer last season, if not one all about speed when winning well twice over 1m6f at Fontwell and Southwell. He ran into a progressive bumper performer when second to Keys but stamina seemed to give that day and it was the same problem when well held at the Cheltenham Festival, although he might have overraced that day and been over the top at Aintree, when behind Nicky Henderson’s new recruit Broadbackbob, and £80,000 buy who could have finished closer in a strong renewal of the Aintree bumper (winner now as short as 10-1 for Supreme Novices Hurdle and second retains promise despite being beaten on his seasonal reappearance).

Court In Session (seen here winning at Ascot) could have more to give
for a more restrained ride

The fiercely competitive Winkworth handicap chase (2.45) is a pace race if ever there was one, so it’s chanced that Court In Session will be given a better ride than the shocker he got 5 days ago when fourth at the Open Meeting’s Grade 2 Chase, where he was always going to end up well beaten. His novice hurdling efforts beforehand showed a terrific attitude that will help him carry 11-11 (the weight which most of his main rivals in the betting are carrying, bar Balzaccio and Roughham, who are ahead of him) and he remains of interest as he should have learned from that.

The fact he runs less than a week afterwards is a worry but he’s backed up before – winning points at Toombridge and Necarne with only 6 days inbetween – and there should be potential for more from him.

For anyone trying to squeeze out some value, a double/treble with the hugely promising Simonsig – A should be triple point winner but for falling who created a good impression when easily landing a strong Fairyhouse bumper for Ian Ferguson in April – in the opener at 1.00, as he’s been found a more than fair opportunity for this course.

Advice

1 pt win Ted Spread, 2.10 Ascot

1 pt win Court in Session, 2.45 Ascot (7/1 Boylesports) 


0.5 pt Treble - Simonsig (1.00 Ascot), Ted Spread (2.10), Court In Session (2.45) 


1 pt Double Simonsig (1.00 Ascot) & Ted Spread (2.10),