Adonis Juvenile Hurdle 2012

2.00 Kempton

Download William Hill From The App-Store Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (4YO only)

Winner £12,073

Advice: 1 pt win Dildar (4/1 general)

Baby Mix: Fifth on one and only hurdles start in France but vastly improved when hugely impressive in beating Hinterland by seven lengths with ease; Dissapointment when far too keen for his own good at Cheltenham but not hard to see him bounce back from that and flat track always had the appearance of suiting.

Dark And Dangerous: No more than average on the flat (rated 58 at peak) but looked as if he’d make a much better first of things over hurdles when winning well at Sandown first time out, travelling well before asserting; Well beaten fourth in best contest he’s run in before winning again and worry that this is too hard.

Dildar: Best flat form of these with his fourth in the Prix Greffulhe on the flat (pacemaker that day) and backed that up to an extent with good second in Listed race; Highly touted ahead of hurdling debut and while that left a fair bit to be desired, sure to have improved since on both jumping and fitness fronts; Stable already had decent success this season in this division and should take a hand.

Sadler’s Risk: Useful on the flat (fourth in the Chester Vase, which this year worked out very well) and created a deep impression on his hurdling debut here, when destroying an admittedly weak field; Should be hard to beat here for all this is much harder.

Hurricane Herbie: Down the field at Auteil (heavy ground) for debut; Interesting that trainer wants to take this route given useful record with juveniles but more needed here.

Kayalar: Promise on three starts in August but didn’t live upto that expectation until dropped in class for AW maiden win 10 days ago; This a tough hurdling debut.

Orthodox Lad: Winner on the flat at Sailsbury but two hurdling runs have indicated that he wouldn’t be upto this class and might be more of one for the handicaps.

Une Artiste: Continued progression from French form when winning the Victor Ludorum Hurdle at Haydock just a week ago, winning in spite of some poor jumping (cruising before 2 out); Interesting that she’s running here on just second UK start and has to be respected.

VERDICT: A race which puts yet another jigsaw in the piece of the Triumph Hurdle, with the last two winners having gone onto Cheltenham success. It’s not hard to see why Sadler’s Risk his favourite after his romp here on his debut and he looks like a serious prospect, but he’s taken on with DILDAR, who had an equally tall reputation before winning on his debut at Taunton. He didn’t impress many that day but there’s clearly improvement to come in his jumping (as fellow Nicholls inmates have shown this season) and he should strip much fitter for his debut at Taunton.  Baby Mix is worth another chance and should really be suited by a flat track, so deserves respect. 

Racing Plus Chase 2012

3.05 Kempton

Racing Plus Chase (Grade 3 Handicap) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £56,950

Advice: 1 pt each/way Deep Purple (9/1 Bet Victor)

 

Planet Of Sound: Arrived as a top class staying chaser when winning Punchestown Gold Cup; Good reappearance when third in Betfair Chase before being held up by breathing problem, which explains his disappointment in King George of 2011; Excellent run on first run since in Hennessy, when he was a staying on second; Runs off same mark today and should go well for yard (albeit one considered to be out of form) with excellent record in this race.

 

Deep Purple: Class act on his day, as shown by his 6 length Peterborough win after his Charlie Hall win (both two years ago) and back to that form for the first time since when winning London National in December on reappearance; 88 day break since should suit and no reason why he can’t go well.

Nacarat: Been below par this term but valid excuses for all and mark of 154 is more than good enough for him considering his impressive Grade 1 win at Aintree when last on top form; Holds a good chance at the weights.

Fiendish Flame: Front runner who finally had everything click when romping away with handicap hurdle and then again over fences on New Year’s Day; 10lbs rise for that fair enough but this a better race and sure to have company upfront thanks to Nacarat, while he’s not a certain stayer either.

Hector’s Choice: Has been steadily progressive this season and nothing wrong with form of his last two starts, finishing runner up to Calgary Bay and then second behind Tatenen at Ascot last time; Way he stayed on suggests this trip not a problem and could be right there at finish.

Consigliere: First run at three miles after Wincanton romp when only a couple of lengths behind According to Pete in gruelling Peter Marsh; Better ground might have helped him that day but only the one win on anything but soft in his career which is question mark and gone up a ton for his easy win two starts back.

 

Royal Charm: Looked to have a serious future over fences when winning twice at Exeter over just further of 2 miles but disappointed at Aintree in April, when looking as if he’d had his stamina stretched (made a big mistake before the cross fence); Proven a serious disappointment since then, and significant market watch needed if he’s to be asked to bounce back.

Sarando: Going as well as anything when falling at the cross fence in the Hennnessy but lifeless efforts since then have seen new headgear applied; 8lbs lower than at Newbury but can only be watched unless going notably well in running.

Michel Le Bon: Created a good impression when winning two of his three novice hurdles (one by 21 lengths) as a prelude to chasing, which started in exceptional style when cantering around Newbury unopposed; Leg trouble kept him out since then but kept in the highest regard by his trainer and went really well for a long way until blowing up thanks to lack of fitness; Supposedly has the ability and mark of 144 possibly lenient for one so unexposed. 

Mount Oscar: Second in this off the same mark last year and ran a good race with regards to his prospectws for this when staying on into third at Wincanton; Interesting enough here.

VERDICT: Planet Of Sound and Nacarat are very well handicapped for horses who have held their own in graded company, but so is DEEP PURPLE, who won the Sandown National with a lot in hand last time and shouldn’t be hampered too much by a drop in trip. He looks worth an each/way at least, with Michel Le Bon, Hector’s Choice and Mount Oscar all holding the ability to run big races if all goes well for them. 

williamhill.com Dovecote Novices' Hurdle 2012

3.40 Kempton

williamhill.com Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (4YO plus)

Winner £12,073

Advice: 4 pts win Grumeti (4/5 general)

 

Crescent Beach: Probably ran into a decent one when second on Hurdle debut at Bangor (it was certainly a career best in his four runs) but this race yet tougher and passed over.

 Keys: Very progressive on flat and in bumpers, winning three from three on the level last year before following up with double in 2m handicaps on flat; Beaten twice over hurdles, although ran into very good sort on hurdling debut and didn’t stay latest; Interesting here dropped in trip.

Nazreef: Seems to be better on the flat than over jumped based on his two poor hurdles runs, and better options available.

Grumeti: Possibly the most impressive performance by a novice this season when he routed all aged field on his debut at Taunton, winning by 14 lengths; Unlucky to fall at Newbury when set to win and while he needed stewards to win at Cheltenham on trials day, feeling is that he went into a very strong pace and jockey that day sure he was cost the race; The one to beat here.

Terre Du Vent: Some of the best flat form in this field based on his Listed win on flat in France and along with his sixth in Group 2 behind Jukebox Jury); Interesting here for yard that has introucded a good one on debut already this season.

Dodging Bullets: Progressive on the flat last summer, ending steady sequence of improvement with good win over Hisaabaat (Grade 1 winner over hurdles of late) on flat when rated 89; Well liked judging by some comments from the Paul Nicholls yard and one to be watched in market.

 

Zarzal: Decent enough flat performer but only a fair middle distance maiden in Ireland and when second to Kaylar (runs in the opening Adonis Juvenile Hurdle) at Lingfield 11 days ago; Needs far more.

VERDICT: Despite “defeat” last time, GRUMETI already sets a high standard on form and he may well be better for being on a flat track, with his yard going through a good spell, and he can take this on his way to the Triumph.  Keys should go well despite being beaten at Ascot last Saturday but the debuts of Dodging Bullets and Terre Du Vent will be very interesting given their best flat form. 

Pendil Novices' Chase 2012

4.10 Kempton

Racing Plus Pendil Novices' Chase (Grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner £13,326

Advice: 1 pt win Cristal Bonus (6/4 Sportingbet)

Zaynar: Had proven disappointing since promising so much as 4 & 5 y-o for Nicky Henderson over 2 years, ending up with current yard after being moved; Looked to be showing old sparkle when running out wide margin winner of Grade 2 event at Ascot in December; Creditable fourth under topweight in handicap there and never had a chance with Sprinter Sacre and co at Newbury but looks little exposed now(giving away weight), for all that he’s run well on last three starts.

Life Of A Luso: Looks out of his depth here despite decent summer jumping form.

Cristal Bonus: High class at his best; Successful 4 times in France but best effort  came in defeat (second) in Grade 1 at Auteuil; Didn’t build on that in two runs here last season but beautiful round of jumping on debut for this yard at Chepstow; Back onto good ground and up in class but got to be taking high rank here.

Duke Of Lucca: Very useful hurdler who was once bordering on top class in novice season; Jumped well enough on chasing debut at Chepstow but caught a tartar in Soilx next time out; Had decent rival beaten when he fell at Wincanton but struggled when put into a handicap and this no easier.

 

Minella Class: Useful over hurdles, winning on good ground here before hacking up in Tolowrth Hurdle on heavy; Not quite back to best since then, disappointing over hurdles twice before satisfactory debut behind class act over fences; Going really nicely before unseating in small but high quality novice chase and entitled to respect here.

Will Scarlet: Easily held on a line through Walkon (by whom he was a well beaten 46 lengths).

VERDICT: CRISTAL BONUS disappointed on his first two starts in the UK based on his French form but he looks worth another chance based on the deep impression he left when bolting up on his chasing debut. The ground will be very different but he’s going to be desperately hard to beat in that kind of form, although Minella Class has the makings of a useful chaser. Zaynar could hold a chance but he’s got to give 7lbs to his two market rivals. 

At The Races Bobbyjo Chase 2012

3.30 Fairyhouse

At The Races Bobbyjo Chase (grade 2) (Class 1)  (5YO plus)

Winner €26,000

Advice: 2 pts win Prince Du Beauchene (2/1 Stan James)

Ante Post: 1 pt each/way Prince Du Beachene for Grand National (16/1 general)

Bostons Angel: Improved out of all recognition to land three Grade 1’s in his novice season, ending with a hard fought win in the RSA Chase at the festival; Not out of things when falling in the Down Royal Champion Chase but not straightforward when last of three at Sandown and then sixth in Hennessy Gold Cup two weeks ago; Could be value if right back to best in blinkers (mark’s certainly OK), but doesn’t look entirely trustworthy and form’s yet to work out; Plus for his supporters is that stable seems to be going much better now.

 

Magnanimity: Learned the hang of chasing very quickly when winning second time out over fences; Beneficiary of fine tactical ride (admittedly did jump well) when turning over Jessies Dream a Leopardstown and then one of 4 in close RSA Chase finish (behind Bostons Angel); Ran two stinkers this season and hard to fancy off the back of that, despite fact he’s well weighted if he runs to his best.

Roi Du Mee: Took advantage of well below par Forpadydeplaster to win 3 runner egg and spoon race before being hammered by Kauto Stone, and well behind Apt Approach last time; Should stay well but others preferred.

 

Alfa Beat: Really impressive when winning Kerry National back in September and would have big chance despite 10lbs rise if he was to repeat that here; Negative that he failed to complete at Leopardstown but respected still.

 

Black Apilachi: Ran a screamer when second in 2010 National but well beaten before that in this race as a tune up and been off since, so can’t be backed even at tempting quotes of 20/1.

Prince De Beauchene: Won what looked like a strong renewal beforehand of the 3m Listed handicap chase that precedes the National last year, and decent enough start for this year when staying on from the back in Troytown handicap chase; Should be better for that under his belt and makes a lot of appeal here, especially with trainer looking towards Grand National for him.

Rare Bob: Would have a very decent chance here on best form, and going well in same race won by Prince Du Beauchene at Aintree when falling; Recent performances very uninspiring through and little leap of faith might be required to back him.

Quarryvale: Front runner who was particularly impressive when beating Raptor last time and deserves respect off the back of that for all that this is a far tougher task and he might be more pressured in the run upto to the race this time.

VERDICT: Bostons Angel and Mangaminity would have to be respected if back to their best but both have been dreadful this season and are bypassed until a return to form is shown. They both have to give weight to PRINCE DU BEAUCHENE, who made a really promising debut for his new yard when fifth in the Troytown, and he should be fitter now despite not having run since. 

Betfred Eider Chase 2012

3.25 Newcastle

 Betfred Eider (Handicap Chase) (Class 2)  (5YO plus)
Winner £21,756

Advice: 1 pt each/way Mister Marker (7/1 general)

Mister Marker: Third in Borders National when behind Eyre Square (with whom he is now weighted to reverse form) and ran good race over hurdles before his recent Ayr win; 8lbs rise seems to be harsh for that but will be in the thick of things anyway.

Portrait King: Progressive upped to staying distances recently, and hard not to be taken with way he landed 3m4f National Trial at Punchestown; Up 13lbs for that and this race might be a bit tougher, but should have more to offer in general while step up in trip holds no danger for him; Ground might be a possible question mark.

Eyre Square: Proven steadily progressive before fairly limp run over 3m,having landed the Borders National (both Lockstown and Mister Marker behind) previously; More needed to hold off topweight today on worse terms but no surprise if he’s upto it.

Captain Americo: Just out of the frame in last 5 handicap chases, although he seemed to find thing s happening too quickly for him on the better ground in the Rehearsal Chase and didn’t seem to stay fully during the Borders National; Rallying second latest gives good chance but more needed.

Morgan Be: One of only three to complete this last year and second before that; Now 12 and still as good as ever when sticking on gamely over 3 miles, a win for which he was raised 3lbs; Claims on the basis of that form.

 

Douglas Julian: Fairly prolific winner over fences (won four from 9) but those all at 2m4f and poor run over hurdles here last time (despite excuses); Stamina the question for him.

Posh Bird: Just nailed down by Mister Marker last time over 3 miles at Ayr; Weighted to turn around that form today and a better winner over longer trip the time beforehand; Chance here.

 Incentivise: Would be of interest based on his staying on third in last year’s Classic Chase but not run close to that form since and still 3lbs higher than his last win; Stays well but others in much better form.

Present M’Lord: This isn’t impossible based on his third behind Gullible Gordon in October 2010 and he’s a full 10lbs lower but very hard to see how he can find full form unless he comes on a huge amount for his seasonal debut. 

 Negus De Beaumont: Looking he was going to become disappointing over fences before grinding out the win late on in 3 mile novice chase here latest; Pulled up in last year’s renewal and 7lbs rise for latest win (although negated by inform conditional) seems harsh.

Boris The Blade: Out for a long time after presumably injuring himself in 2009; Shown little this season on his comeback.

VERDICT: An interesting renewal, and hopefully one that should be fairly watchable given the good to soft ground forecast.  Portrait King deserves a big amount of respect after his impressive win at Punchestown last time and he should go well but MISTER MARKER has good claims too and is better off at the weights with Eyre Square for his defeat at Kelso in December. He fits the usual profile of an Eider winner and should be hard to keep out of the frame.