Sniper Hits The Mark

The stable enjoyed it's 35th winner of the campaign when American Sniper (pictured above) ran out a most tenacious victor of the 2m maiden hurdle at Chepstow yesterday afternoon.  Making most of the running under Tom Scudamore, he looked to be a sitting duck as the short-priced favourite loomed up in the straight, but responding gamely and with some prodigious leaps, he was in front again after the last, going on to score by a length.  Runner-up in an Irish point and a couple of good ground bumpers, he clearly benefitted from a bit of cut in the ground and he is a nice prospect going forward.  We gave him a positive mention at a big price yesterday morning before the early favourite was withdrawn, so I hope a few of you were on.

Bashful Kate finished unplaced in the 2m3½f maiden hurdle at Chepstow, although it looked a hot race on paper and she is fully entitled to improve for her racecourse debut.

It is a busy day for the stable today with five runners split between Newbury and Ludlow.  Bashful Boy is the first of those as he contests the 2m½f conditional jockey's handicap hurdle at Newbury at 12.50pm.  He is 3lbs higher than his last winning mark, so is not unfeasibly treated, although he probably would not want too much more rain.  With a non-runner in the race, we are down to just two places for betting purposes.  Philip Armson takes 3lbs off his back.

Lock Out makes his hurdling debut in the 2m½f novices' hurdle at 1.20pm.  The winner of an Irish point-to-point, he made a successful rule debut in a bumper at Newton Abbot in July.  We know he jumps well and he should appreciate this easier surface.  Looks to have leading claims with Tom Scudamore in the saddle.

Siruh du Lac is our final runner at Newbury as he contests the 3m Pertemps handicap hurdle qualifier at 3.05pm.  A former Cheltenham Festival winner, he is unproven at the trip but is dangerously handicapped if he stays.  Tom Scudamore rides.

Over at Ludlow Borntobealeader runs in the juvenile hurdle at 2.05pm.  He finished third on his hurdles debut Plumpton behind a horse that was unlucky not to complete a four-timer at the weekend, so the form has been well advertised.  With that experience under his belt, he looks to have a good chance with Fergus Gillard aboard.

Our final runner is Iron Heart who runs in the 2m5f amateur riders handicap hurdle at 4.19pm.  He ran a good race last time, but just seemed to find the longer trip beyond him.  Today's distance should suit and he is partnered by experienced rider, Martin McIntyre for the David Pipe Racing Club.  He has place claims at a big price, although it is a competitive contest for the grade.

In the latest instalment from our horses to follow series, it is the turn of legendary Irishman, Gerry Supple.  Gerry has been a part of the team at Pond House since his conditional jockey's days and broadcaster Mike Vince caught up with him to chat about the season ahead.  To see which horse Supps has nominated, click on the image below...

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Manchester City and Chelsea, who were already through to the last 16 of the Champions League, both won last night on a good night for the Brits in Europe.  The focus shifts to the Europa League tonight with Arsenal and Manchester United in action.

There was an early finish to the Champion of Champions snooker last night as Judd Trump was an easy winner of his group final against Mark Allen.  Allen had been in tremendous form so far this season, so a 6-1 drubbing by Trump certainly bodes well for his chances moving forward.  Ronnie O'Sullivan is the big name in action today.

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 I bought my wife a new fridge for her birthday.  Her face lit up when she opened it.