Racing Post Trophy favourite Capri was a big drifter yesterday for Saturday's final British Gp 1 of the flat season and was out to 5/4 (from Evens) at BetVictor with stablemate Yucatan heavily backed and now 9/4 (from 5/1). The latter has less than a length to make up on Beresford Stakes running with the favourite and many felt that it was Yucatan who was the better long-term prospect after the Curragh race.
We have “proper” winter jumping ground for the first time at Carlisle this afternoon with the going described as soft (heavy in places) at the time of writing.
In the opener Jonjo O'Neill's Above Board won his sole bumper in the manner of a class animal but has been off the track for over 12 months and is overlooked unless the market suggests otherwise. Aintree My Dream won an Irish point and Warwick soft ground bumper and is another to consider but James Ewart's Catching Shadows (2.10) gets the each way vote with a run over timber already to his name.
The selection was caught out by the slow pace and good ground at Perth back in June but shaped well in the circumstances. If you go back far enough in the form book you will note that less than two years ago Catching Shadows won a Cork Bumper on heavy ground giving 10lbs to Westerner Lady of Willie Mullins.
That mare, who went off a well-backed favourite at Cork, has won her last six starts and is a top class animal. I would suggest Catching Shadows might go under the radar and she can reward each way support.
It is interesting to see Donald McCain switch Up And Go (3.20) back to timber after the horse was mugged close home at Kelso (2m 5f) last time over the larger obstacles. His fencing was a bit hit and miss on that occasion but he showed that he retains much of his old ability (still only eight) given he looked to have the world at his feet when beating Sausilito Sunrise and Aaim To Prosper at Ascot back in February 2013. He has plenty of weight (11st 12lbs) but, with the stable in decent form, he must go close although Ewart's ex point-to-pointer Landmarque would be worth saving on if the market speaks in his favour.
Jamie Moore is booked to ride Nakadam (3.55) for the yard of R Mike Smith a Scottish trainer I am not overly familiar with but I felt the horse was improving at a rate of knots for the yard when last seen in the spring. I'm convinced there is more to come from the 6-year-old and, whilst his fitness has to be taken on trust, the booking of Moore would suggest that connections mean business.
Past winners of the 2m Novices' Chase on the card include Duke Of Navan and Pendra and preference for Cloudy Dream (5.00) over Chidswell is marginal given they are two horses who I believe could make into near top-class chasers. I just feel the Malcolm Jefferson horse might have the edge under today's conditions with Chidswell possibly needing an additional half mile.
The latter had been off the track for 15 months before returning in June when he was much the best horse but failed to get home over 3m on ground softer than the official description of good.
At Ludlow I am convinced I'dliketheoption (3.05) is well ahead of his mark and hope his fall four out, when still going well last time, has not knocked his confidence. The step back to the minimum trip is not a concern but will his jumping hold?
At Newton Abbot Boss In Boots (4.40) just didn't want to know at Hereford last time but he had been well backed, prior to his antics, and he must be given another chance as some of his point-to-point form suggests he is well treated off a mark 3lbs lower than at Hereford.
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