Thursday, October 15, 2009

The first Cheltenham meeting of the autumn

Following the summer recess, just a quick note as jump racing resumes at Prestbury Park tomorrow (Friday). Two interesting runners are Snap Tie in the 2.55 and Barizan in the juvenile hurdle at 4.40; both are likely to start odds-on and make little appeal as betting material. Philip Hobbs' smart hurdler Snap Tie isn't overly big but tries fences for the first time in the Wbx.com Novices' Chase - nonetheless he's still just a 20/1 shot with most layers for the Arkle next March. Should the fences get in his way, Pigeon Island and Rippling Ring are the most likely to benefit - to me, in his races, Rippling Ring hasn't looked the easiest of rides.

Barizan, rated 140 by the handicapper, has the form in the book in the 4.40. The last time at Market Rasen he ran away with his race, jumping fluently and beating Forty Thirty some fifteen lengths. On that occasion I thought his official rating may have flattered him somewhat but now he looks one to keep a very close eye on; his one defeat over hurdles came when he lost a shoe during the race.

Finally, at Ludlow this afternoon, The Package, with a second to New Little Bric in a Grade 3 handicap chase at Newbury to his name, was expected to take the Beginners' Chase at 4.50. The 4/7 favourite was beaten a neck, battled out of it by Matuhi (11/4). From the Racing Post's comments in running: '...still close up to the winner run-in, would not go on...'; he looks one to be wary of in the future.

1 comment:

Ben Aitken said...

Snap Tie looks good for today. Providing his jumping holds up he should not have much trouble. Big chance in the Arkle should he convert his hurdles form to the chasing game.