Moscow Flyer, Azertyuiop and Well Chief renew rivalry. Moscow Flyer
beat them fair and square at Sandown in the Tingle Creek and I expect
him to do so again today. Azertyuiop won this race last year when
Moscow Flyer unseated his rider and connections are going to change
tactics in an attempt to gain an advantage over Moscow Flyer. Well
Chief won the Arkle here last year and is the improver in the field,
but he was well beaten by Azertyuiop at Newbury and there seems little
reason to expect him to reverse that form.
Gold Medallist has every chance of starting the day on a winning note
for us in the 2m 5f Royal & Sunalliance Nov Hurdle at 2.00. Peter
Hobbs reckons he is his best chance of a winner this week and I agree.
He is unbeaten in three races over hurdles including a narrow win over
Pole Star last time. The conditions should suit Gold Medallist more
today and I expect him to win at the main expense of the Irish runner
Royal Paradise.
The Royal & Sunalliance Chase at 2.35 is also an interesting event.
There is not a lot to choose between the first four in the market,
Trabolgan, the French trained L'ami, Comply Or Die and Cornish Rebel.
Henderson has long thought highly of Trabolgan and given that the race
has attracted an average sized field there shouldn't be too many issues
with crowding, therefore, I hope he can jump round and come home in
front.
The Coral Cup handicap hurdle at 4.00 is a notoriously difficult event
to fathom. This year looks to be no exception. Tony McCoy will be
desperate for a winner and Distant Prospect must have a good chance.
This former very decent flat performer should have the speed to take
this event. However, Supreme Serenade and Fountain hill are both in
excellent form and they along with Jack Dawson will have a say in who
wins this.
The closing event the Champion bumper is always a most informative
event. The Irish usually have a very strong hand here and none stronger
than Willie Mullins. This year his main hope is Missed That and he must
go close. If he doesn't run then Refinement who will be ridden by
Kieron Fallon for Johnjo O'Neill must come into the equation along with
the Nina Carberry ridden Karanja. It's a race where the market always
provides good clues so it is worth checking before we bet.
SELECTIONS
CHELT 2.00 GOLD MEDALLIST
CHELT 2.35 TRABOLGAN
CHELT 3.15 MOSCOW FLYER
CHELT 4.00 DISTANT PROSPECT
CHELT 4.40 DAVID'S LAD (IF ABS. LORD OF THE RIVER)
CHELT 5.15 MISSED THAT (IF ABS. REFINEMENT)