Racing
Only 52 days to the Cheltenham Festival and jumps racing is kicking back into gear after the winter freeze. There are Grade One races Saturday (The Victor Chandler Chase) and Sunday (The Irish Champion Hurdle); The Victor Chandler taking place at Ascot and the Irish Champion Hurdle being run at Leopardstown. Saturdays Ascot card is supported by jumps racing at Wincanton, Haydock and Leopardstown. Flat fans are entertained with racing on the all weather at Lingfield.
In the 13:30 at Ascot, the Ruby Walsh and Paul Nicholls team will more then likely go off with short priced favourite Advisor. Advisor will be hard to beat but I think there is a lot more value in backing Barwell Bridge. The son of Red Ransom was quite a decent horse on the flat for Sylvester Kirk, notching up a rating of 93 and winning off a mark of 83. Advisor however, only had a mark of 81, winning off 74. So strictly on flat form, Barwell Bridge has the beating of Advisor and he should be a bigger price. Furthermore, Warren Greatrex’s charge had a lovely introduction to hurdling, winning very nicely. He should go well at a working mans price.
In the 15:45 Victor Chandler Handicap Chase I’m willing to take a chance with top weight Tamarinbleu. He has been dropped 9 pounds by the handicapper since finishing 2nd in the Charlie Hall behind Deep Purple. Deep Purple has since gone on to win one more race, obtaining a rating of 166. Ascot is a real funny track for some horses; some just seem to love and excel here. Tamarinbleu falls into this category, with 5 runs and 3 wins to his name, including over course and distance. I think David Pipe’s inmate will be a big price. He is an Each-Way selection.
The fact that Richard Johnson goes to Wincanton today could be a tip in itself. In the 13:55 he rides Mark the Book for his boss Philip Hobbs. The key to this horse seems to be the ground and is one of a few in today’s field that will enjoy the heavy underfoot conditions. The son of Mister Lord is still a novice and is looking to make the most of the novice weight allowance. Mark the Book’s novice status doesn’t bother me though as he was a winner of a point to point in heavy going. He destroyed a small but select field the last day and I think he could be a cut above this field. My one concern would be the drying of the ground.
Horse Racing Betting
