There’s a decent weekend’s racing in store with jumping action taking place at Ascot, Haydock and Huntington. There are 3 flat all weather meets at Lingfield, Kempton and Wolverhampton, the latter 2 going ahead under lights. Cheltenham’s Gold Cup hero Kauto Star returns to action in a potentially mouth watering renewal of the Betfair Chase. Can he fend of the Irish challenge of Notre Pere?

With the ground at Haydock currently riding soft (heavy in places) one has to fancy Notre Pere to turn over Kauto Star in the Betfair Chase. Notre Pere will jump and stay every inch of the stamina sapping 3 miles round Haydock but will Kauto Star? I can see this race turning into a right old slog and I’m going to put forward Notre Pere to turn over last years Cheltenham hero. (more…)

Posted in Horse Racing

You know the jumps season is in full swing when the Paddy Power November meeting is on. The Paddy Power Gold Cup is the weekend’s biggest race with the winner scooping the £85,000 first prize. Uttoxeter, Wetherby and Punchestown also host jumps racing. Lingfield and Wolverhampton keep flat racing ticking over during the winter baron spell.

In the big race at Cheltenham, The Paddy Power Gold Cup I fancy 20-1 shot According To Pete. He has run 3 times on this course with form figures reading 2 3 and 5. He has a lot of things going for him today, a nice racing weight, trainer form and a very satisfactory flat run as a prep. At 20s he is an Each Way selection. (more…)

Posted in Horse Racing

An unbelievable weekend of racing with the Breeders Cup (see below) bidding to send flat racing fans into the winter on a high. The American showpiece is said to be the ultimate test of the equine thoroughbred and I look forward to seeing how the Europeans fair against the American horses. For jumping racing fans the Grade One Jwin.com champion chase is the highlight and is also supported by a nice card at Wincanton.

In the big race at Down Royal, the Jwin.com champion chase I strongly fancy Notre Pere to kick off his season in fine style. The big strapping son of Kaldako will thrive in the heavy underfoot conditions. He is some peoples favourite for the Gold Cup in March (with soft ground) so today should be a penalty kick for him. At 11-10, it’s a short price but a sure winner in my eyes. (more…)

Posted in Grade One Events, Horse Racing

The flat season is slowly drawing to a close as jumps racing gets into gear. There are a couple of listed races being the highlight at Newmarket supported by flat meetings at Ayr, Wolverhampton and Kempton. Ascot, Wetherby and Naas entertain jumping fans.

It’s a bad time of year to be backing fillies but hopeful Henry Cecil has Timepiece in good nick. Cecil is a dab hand with fillies and I think he has a nice filly in this daughter of Zamindar. Superbly bred, she is from the same family as Passage of Time and Father Time. With a lot of good fillies in the race, I think she could be a decent price for Each-Way backers. (more…)

Posted in Horse Racing

Horse Racing Tips

Some of the UK’s top tracks are represented in both codes this weekend with the final Group One race of the domestic season taking place at Doncaster. The Racing Post Trophy has a reputation for throwing up Epsom derby winners with the likes of High Chaparral and Authorized, both winning here and going on to glory at Epsom. Newbury also holds a flat card with an evening meeting at Kempton. Over the jumps Aintree, Chepstow and Stratford get the go ahead.

Over this straight mile at Doncaster you’re going to need a horse that will stay, be held up and be brave. Step forward Elusive Pimpernel. I was very impressed with the way this colt won at York on his last start. He never really travelled out the back that day but stuck to his guns bravely to get up on the line. Stepping up a furlong today will be perfect. Also the fact that he is a hold up performer will boost his chances as front runners really struggle over a straight mile. (more…)

Posted in Grade One Events, Horse Racing, Weekly Previews