Horse racing suggestions: Newbury and Chelmsford, Thursday seventh Nov
If jumps racing is your factor, this time of 12 months is a constant gift-giving process as acquainted names reappear from their summer holidays; with some able to embark on that crucial career-changing second.
The likes of Samcro, Envoi Allen and Clan Des Obeaux were amongst those to return last week and there could be a midweek deal with at Newbury within the form of the Nicky Henderson-trained Champ heading out on Thursday.
Champ able to go heavyweight
Let’s be sincere, you don’t name a horse after Sir Anthony McCoy (with his approval) except you have obtained spectacularly excessive hopes for him. Leading proprietor JP McManus and his think-tank companions behind the scenes must have seen something a bit particular in this imposing King’s Theatre gelding to take that step.
McCoy, for therefore lengthy the icon in the famous McManus hooped silks, was 20-times champion jockey in Britain and earned the easy moniker ‘Champ’ because of his utter dominance.
He remains concerned in the McManus operation alongside his punditry work and will have been happy with what this selection achieved last season as a novice over hurdles.
Champ (Newbury 2:05) was edged out by Vinndication (Grade three winner over fences at Ascot last week) on his hurdling bow before successful his subsequent 4, two wins right here at Newbury amongst that tally, together with the Grade 1 Challow Novices’ Hurdle last December.
The seven-year-old discovered City Island too sturdy within the Ballymore at Cheltenham in March however landed the Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in April when stepped as a lot as three-miles and more. The means that he travelled for Mark Walsh that afternoon was filled with poise and promise and, in fact, he was by far the superior horse.
It is now back to Newbury for a Beginners’ Chase over 2m6½f and at 8/15 with Paddy Power will most likely be a significant shock should he not make it 3-3 at the observe. Champ is one of the most fun novices heading out over fences this season and, on the proof to date, he could be destined for the highest echelons in staying chases.
While he could additionally be a short order to make a winning return at the Berkshire circuit, those which were charting his progress shall be hoping this may be a first step towards Cheltenham Festival glory, with him at present 8/1 to win the RSA Chase in the Cotswolds on eleventh March.
Henderson beginning to elevate stakes
The coming weeks will see Nicky Henderson starting to peel back the layers of power in depth at his Seven Barrows operation. He may not be champion trainer any longer, but Henderson retains an array of firepower that would be the envy of lots of his colleagues.
Of course, he must go some to take down Paul Nicholls as high canine, with little separating them in the betting for that honour. Compared to the halcyon days of Kauto Star, Denman and Big Bucks et al, the Ditcheat handler remains more about quantity than high quality, though the steadiness is starting to shift once more.
Last month Nicholls saddled fifty seven runners and returned a 19 per-cent strike price while as compared, Henderson boasted a 23 per-cent strike-rate from his 17 entries.
Silver Forever (Nicholls) and Floressa (Newbury 2:35) had been amongst these October winners and the Henderson-trained filly is fancied at 5/4 to show finest after they clash this afternoon.
Both had been bumper winners final season and impressed to make profitable hurdles bows at Chepstow and Worcester respectively, with Floressa scoring over 2m compared to Silver Forever over 2m3½f.
They are joined by fellow last-time-out winners Heaven Help Us and Vienna Court but Floressa will take some beating. The journey is in her favour and the form from her bumpers last season supports the idea she’s going to show above-average. Henderson can get one over on his title rival on what must be a good day for Team Seven Barrows.
Tathmeen nonetheless on good terms
All three of Tathmeen’s (Chelmsford 7:25) victories in 2019 have come over 5f and he duly returned to successful methods at Newcastle last month when eased into Class 5 company.
Each of his successes – bar a Newbury novice over 6f in 2017 – have come in this grade and he looks well-treated having gone up 2lb for that last-time-out success.
The four-year-old was gradual coming from the stalls underneath Sean Levey at Newcastle and needed to bide his time in the rear. However, after ready to play his cards late within the sport, the way in which he quickened close to house was spectacular and he was maybe price more than a neck verdict.
With that in mind, at 7/1, Antony Brittain’s cost is taken to observe up at Chelmsford, the place the Polytrack surface holds no fears.
Verdict: Look out for Champ getting his chase career started at Newbury with an eye fixed on the Cheltenham Festival, whereas Floressa can strike a jab for Nicky Henderson against title rival Paul Nicholls. Later within the day, Tathmeen may still be forward of the assessor at Chelmsford.
