Things are hotting up

Here are the weekend’s performance ratings from Sandown and Leicester – don’t forget the big races from Punchestown can be found in the jumps book throughout this week, starting with the Champion Novice Hurdle at 4.20pm on Tuesday.

GORDON RICHARDS STAKES – Tartan Bearer 80

Bet365 (SANDOWN) MILE – Paco Boy 82

Bet365 CLASSIC TRIAL – Above Average 64

LEICESTERSHIRE STAKES – Asset 69

Bet365 CELEBRATION CHASE – Twist Magic 85

Bet365 GOLD CUP CHASE – Hennessy 68

I don’t usually comment on how the trends worked out in my books, but they certainly came to the fore at the weekend. The Celebration Chase in particular was kind, with only two runners officially rated 154 or higher, one of whom was a Paul Nicholls French-bred.
I’d be interested to hear from anyone regarding the past weekend’s trends and if they managed to include the winners in their bets, and if not, what put you off backing the winner? For instance, I left Tax Free alone at the Craven meeting as I thought David Nicholls was out of form…I thought about it too much!

It’s a shame only six runners have turned up for Ascot’s Sagaro Stakes on Wednesday but as mentioned earlier, there is still plenty to get stuck into from the jumps book at the Punchestown Festival throughout the week. Then it’s time for a deep breath ahead of the Guineas meeting at Newmarket – from which there are seven races in the Flat 2009 book, and then the Chester May meeting next Wednesday…eyes down for a full house!

TOP OF THE FORM

Despite the base rating in the Top 20 still lower than ideal, there were plenty of winners in the past week, although I was unable to find one for my nap in the RFO with Nisaal flopping at the weekend. I’ll be giving him one more chance, possibly over a straight 7f.
The race from which he graduated at Doncaster did take some knocks last week, but I’ve decided to nap Trafalgar Bay at Ascot on Wednesday as he should be a fair price and could find some improvement over 1m.

The Jewson Handicap Chase from Cheltenham that I mentioned here recently has since produced a further three winners, and here are several maidens from last backend that have produced numerous winners this season:

9 October 2008, Newbury, 6f maiden won by Film Set –
5 wins from 12 runs

23 October 2008, Brighton, 1m maiden won by Giltano Hernando –
6 wins from 12 runs.

1 November 2008, Newmarket, 7f maiden won by Apple Charlotte –
6 wins from 16 runs.
(Some of those from the top-half of the field have been beaten, but three from the bottom-half scored at 11/2, 9/1 & 33/1).

Finally, I appreciate there are plenty of horses to keep track of in what is a hectic life, but I thought I’d mention two more that caught my eye in the past week.

Calzaghe – I napped this for the Observer on Sunday at Brighton and he was pulled wide for a winning run when blocked. He still hovers on a tidy mark.

Sweet Lightning – Some of you may have also spotted this four-year-old at Epsom on the Beeb last Wednesday when stopped in his run – could he be back for the Heritage Handicap here in June?