Cracking Saturday Racing

     Phantomofthepoints runs at Haydock 

It is a busy Saturday for jumps racing with three good meetings at Ascot, Haydock and Taunton which is great after the weather disrupted recent weekend action. We are represented at all three meetings and there is plenty of high class action to look forward to. The first lorry to leave the yard this morning was that one travelling to Haydock where Phantomofthepoints runs in the 2:35pm handicap hurdle over 3 miles and Jack Tudor rides. He ran very well over course and distance on his seasonal reappearance in a hot handicap in November where he finished third. He unfortunately fell on chasing debut at Uttoxeter last time but we have given him plenty of time to get over that and he reverts to hurdles this afternoon. It is similar ground conditions to when he last ran at the course this is a competitive race, but not quite as competitive as when he finished third, and we are hopeful of a big run.  He is about 5/1 second best in the betting.

We have two runners at Ascot this afternoon and both will be partnered by Harry Cobden. Neon Moon runs in the 2.20pm handicap chase over 2m5f. He likes as Ascot and won over course and distance earlier this season with Harry riding. That was on slightly better ground, but he should not be too inconvenienced by today’s softer conditions. It is a tough, valuable handicap chase and we are about 10/1 in the betting. We will be looking to pick up as much prize money as possible. Thanksforthehelp runs in the 2:53pm Holloways handicap hurdle and Harry Cobden rides. After winning at Punchestown last year he has been disappointing in two runs since. The first was probably down to distance, but we have now added blinkers today to help him concentrate. He may still be a little high in the handicap but if he puts his best foot forward he is capable of having a good way each way chance in this race.

We have four runners at our most local track, Taunton. October Hill made a very pleasing stable debut at the track last time in a listed Mares novice event over 2 miles. She will improve for that run and also the step up in distance to 2m3f this afternoon. Rian Corcoran can claim his seven pounds this time, where he couldn’t last time. My only concern is the softer going conditions this afternoon but again I hope she has a good each way chance. There are still shares available in her if you would like to get involved, get in touch!

Jaipaletemps runs in the 2:43pm handicap chase over 2 miles and Rian Corcoran rides. Our seven-year-old has won three out of his last four start since returning from a break, all with Rian on board. He is back of a mark of 112 this afternoon so life will be tougher but I hope there is still more scope for improvement. The track may be sharp enough for him and the more rain they get the better but I hope he has a very good chance. He is in good form at home and ran well at the track last season.

We have two runners in the concluding race on the Taunton card at 4.20pm, Best Night ridden by Rian Corcoran and Mancero will be partnered by Charlie Hammond. Best night ran well at the track at the last meeting over 2 miles to finish second and a repeat of that run would give her good a good chance in this. Today’s race is over 2m3f which should suit a better, my only concern is the softening ground. It again looks a competitive race but I hope she has a good each way chance at 10/1 in the betting.  Mancero sports first time blinkers after disappointing at Wincanton last time. He has taken a while to acclimatize to life in Britain after winning in France on his hurdling debut. He does have to pull his socks up to figure in this race but he works better at home than he is currently showing on the racecourse. He is only a four year-old and I hope we see some improvement in him today but it will be a watching brief for me.

There are also two all-weather flat meetings today at Lingfield and Newcastle. In Ireland they have a jumps fixture at Navan. There is some great racing aside from the races we are involved in with the Clarence House Chase at Ascot and the Tommy Whittle chase at Haydock to mention just two.  There is plenty of good action to watch this afternoon.

There are also plenty of good Premier League football matches today, the early kick off is Manchester United against Manchester City. I am not very hopeful for United and will not be watching or holding out much hope! The teatime kick-off is Nottingham Forest at home to Arsenal at 5:30pm.

Jack Pipe watched Bath beat Edinburgh quite comfortable comfortably in European rugby action last night.

Shane Lowry is leading the way in the Golf in Dubai, with Rory McIlroy three shots behind at two under, it should be a good weekend of watching...if you like golf!

I was at the airport recently, when my friend says let’s disguise ourselves as luggage.

I said "let’s not get carried away!"

Have a great Saturday.