Charlie Hall Chase & Others.

Well, it's here - CHARLIE HALL CHASE DAY! The day most of us tie to the title of the start of the NH season proper.

My bets today:

Ascot 3.00 - VIA GALILLEI (EACH WAY)
Ascot 3.40 - QUILINTON (EACH WAY)

Wetherby 3.20 (The Charlie Hall Chase) - NACARAT

Would love to see TIME FOR RUPERT deliver, but at this stage in the season I think NACARAT could have fitness advantage over the others, as Tom George has been firing in winners. I also think dispite carrying top weight he still imo, is a peg ubove the rest untill the 7yo's have stamped their authority over a horse like him. His front running technique should be a bonus for him today and I think he'll lead them all a merry dance, having proven he goes well fresh. There is no doubt in my mind however, that TIME FOR RUPERT is a very special horse, especially around Cheltenham, and ignoring his below par run in the RSA last season which, we can all forgive him for (excuses that day), he'll definitely be a prominant horse in the results this season.
What a fantastic renewal of the Charlie Hall Chase this is though. A real star studded field paves way for a facinating race at 3.20.

Thank God for Shammy.

How they went 15/10/2011

Ascot 3.35 - DICK TURPIN (EACH WAY) - 5th/8 - Dissapointing.
Ascot 4.10 - TWICE OVER (EACH WAY) - 10th/12 - Looked hard at work from a long way out.

Cheltenham 2.05 - SHAMMY BUSKINS (EACH WAY) - 3RD @ 40/1 Cheltenham 2.40 - EDGBRIAR (EACH WAY) - 8th/8 - Pulled hard for first part, front ran, never asked any questions and faded dramatically.
Cheltenham 3.50 - FROSTED GRAPE (EACH WAY) - 4th/6 <--- Non runners reduced field number. Never looked comfortable, got in close to fences and never looked like winning. Lucky to even finish 4th.

So thanks to Shammy Buskins I just about broke even, but everything else was a disaster, including France beating Wales in the Rugby.

Great to be back at the home of jumping today, but I've got to say that the highlight for me, and many others (even the hardcore jumps fans!) was the mighty machine that is Frankel. He yet again made the others look like donkeys.

O. M. G.

Well, bit of an exciting day ahead isn't it?

Very quick blog post with my all each way bets today:

Ascot 3.35 - DICK TURPIN (EACH WAY)
Ascot 4.10 - TWICE OVER (EACH WAY)

Cheltenham 2.05 - SHAMMY BUSKINS (EACH WAY)
Cheltenham 2.40 - EDGBRIAR (EACH WAY)
Cheltenham 3.50 - FROSTED GRAPE (EACH WAY)

No report today of last weekends bets... plus, all I can say is that last weekends was poor!

Also, please go have a listen to the first episode of a new podcast that features many familiar names from the Twitter circuit, that will be a weekly fix during the jumps season. I believe it's available on iTunes, or you can listen here : www.jumpspodcast.podbean.com
It's the first one, so forgive us all the blips, background noise, and unprepared bumbling!

Have a FANTASTIC day, I'm off to watch Wales kick France's butt.

That Chepstow Meeting. You know the one.

How They Went Yesterday:

Newton Abbot 1.50 - TIMESAWASTIN (WIN) - WON Yes, odds on, but looked a certainty and despite being a right monkey he delivered.
Newton Abbot 3.30 - SALONTYRE (EACH WAY) - 6/10 - No excuses as I could see, just better horses.
Newton Abbot 4.05 - PARAZAR (EACH WAY) - 4/9 - Lost out on a place by 9 lengths. Stayed on fairly well after looking a no hoper, but seemed to be under pressure for a fair amount of the race. Further needed?

Ok, it's time for 'That Chepstow Meeting'. You know, the one where a few big names start creeping out of their yards for first runs of the season. And oh boy have I missed them!

Todays Bets:

Chepstow 2.25 - MAJOR DANCE (EW) - Little to show he is better than any thing else in the race, but decent odds and a first run for Nicky Henderson with AP up.

Chepstow 3.00 - GRAND VISION (EW) - Placed in 2 average bumpers but Tizzard's horses seem to be going ok at the moment and the stable does well at Chepstow. Also tempted by LUNDY SKY.

Chepstow 3.35 - KANTURK (EW) - There's gotta be a reason why AP gets off a Jonjo/McManus horse right?

Chepstow 4.10 - No bet for me in this race, would love to see CUE CARD prove himself a bloody good chaser, but with SILVINIACO CONTI in the mix, it won't be easy. Looking forward to this race though!

Chepstow 4.45 - PEAKS OF FIRE (WIN) - Vaughan/Johnson are flying. Irish form consistent. I'd back it each way but only 6 runners so risking a win bet.

Chepstow 5.20 - AWARD WINNER (EW) - Impressed me last time, i'm a bit concerned that AP has chosen the other McManus runner, but having a go anyway for each way money.

Chepstow 5.50 - FIVE DREAM (EW) & REVE DE SIVOLA

Chepstow 6.20 - VELATOR (EW)


Not a tipster.

Newton Abbot 7/10/11

With the temperature dropping at last, and tomorrows Chepstow card including the likes of CUE CARD and REVE DE SIVOLA, it would appear the jumps season proper is nearly upon us! EXCITED!!!!!!

Had a few bets this arvo to celebrate Ruby Walsh riding at Newton Abbot - another sign that the jumps are on the return!

Newton Abbot 1.50 - TIMESAWASTIN (WIN) - Evan Williams is on fire, Ruby's on it, ingnoring last times mistake at Ffos Las.
Newton Abbot 3.30 - SALONTYRE (EACH WAY) - Consistant sort on the flat and over jumps, should be in the money if racing like last time here.
Newton Abbot 4.05 - PARAZAR (EACH WAY) - May be a dodgy choice, but I'm risking a rekindling with the visor fitted.


Remember, I'm no tipster! ;)