By Charlie McCann
Some excellent racing from Cheltenham to start the New Year with no problems, at the time of writing, reported at any of our turf cards. The ground at Prestbury Park should be perfect and former Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby has every chance of supplementing his recent cosy success over C&D for the excellent Noel Fehily who had such a wonderful end to 2014 including becoming a father yesterday.
Barry Geraghty thinks the world of leading World Hurdle prospect Beat That, who makes his seasonal debut for Nicky Henderson, but the Lambourn handler is doubly represented and Vaniteux (2.30) gets the nod stepping back up in trip on ground that should be ideal.
The selection (6/4 with BetVictor) finished third in the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival back in March and has run two excellent races in defeat so far this season. He was no match for The New One in receipt of 8lbs here last month over the minimum trip but he ought to appreciate today’s better ground and receives weight from the other principles including stablemate Beat That.
Dornan Engineering Hurdle: prices from BetVictor. EW ¼ 1, 2
Vaniteux 6/4
Rock On Ruby 5/2
Beat That 7/2
10s Bar
Saint Are is another to have run well in defeat this season and today’s better ground will certainly suit this Tom George inmate who wears cheek-pieces for the first-time. Our Father’s jockey may have gone for home too far out at Aintree last time and Tom Scudamore takes over this afternoon. He looks likely to go off favourite but his best form is when fresh.
Shakalkaboomboom (12.45) ran much better than the finishing position would suggest when down the field at Aintree last time and is another for whom today’s better ground really should see an improved run. Barry Geraghty has been in the saddle for all four career wins including when scoring off a 10lb higher mark here when last successful although that was over two years ago.
The Dipper Novices’ Chase is a top class renewal of this Grade 2 contest and Northern raider Urban Hymn (1.20) has a 7lb pull with Champagne West on C&D form last month when six fences were omitted because of the low sun. Ptit Zig is unbeaten over fences and lowered the colours of Josses Hill over the minimum trip last time but he, too, must give the selection 7lbs for champion trainer Paul Nicholls.
Splash Of Ginge must go close in the 2m 5f Handicap Chase having looked the only danger to Niceonefrankie when coming down four out in the December Chase last time. He must go close if in the same mood but the talented Sean Bowen takes 5lbs off the back of Rolling Aces (1.55) and this can go to the top-weight and champion trainer Paul Nicholls.
Ryan Hatch, no relation to Brands, is another conditional in demand and he must have every chance if he can cajole Sybarite to put his best hoof forward but Southfield Vic (2.30) will appreciate today’s decent ground and this embryonic chaser could be well treated off an opening mark of 127.
Away from Cheltenham and the Channel 4 cameras are also at Musselburgh where I expect to see an improved showing from Swing Hard (1.35) in the feature Handicap Chase for Sue Smith. The selection gets further but should enjoy the forecast good ground and is entitled to come on for his reappearance at Newcastle back in November when the yard were largely out of sorts.
For all your racing odds check out BetVictor and have a Happy New Year
Charlie
