The week that was in the amazing world of horse racing.
An interesting week as always in the Sport Of Kings as flat racing took a step back out of the limelight and the jumpers returned to the fore via a little Liverpool meeting better known as Aintree. All roads led to the Grand National on Saturday afternoon but before then, there were plenty of high quality horses on show and clues for future winners.
Thursday saw Siviniaco Conti make up for a disappointing fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup with a comfortable win in the Betfred Bowl, possibly confirming his preference for a flatter track and less emphasis on stamina? No doubt Paul Nicholls will aim him at Cheltenham again, but I would be far happier backing him on Boxing Day to win the King George fro a second time at Kempton, and hopefully make my money there.
Unlike the majority of the racing press I was not overly impressed by the win of The New One who got up by a head to see off 2012 Champion Hurdler Rock On Ruby, looking as if he needed every inch of the two and a half miles. Why he is still as short as 5/1 for next years Championship is beyond me as he now looks as though the further he goes the better, but trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies still thinks he is the best he has ever trained, so we can watch his career pan out with interest.
Friday is Ladies Day at Aintree which attracts the crowds as always, but did we see any horses worthy of a place in our notebooks? Holywell caught my eye and I confess I hopped off for a look at the antepost prices, but 14/1 for the 2015 Gold Cup – no value there at present and not for me at this stage, though he was impressive and is on my list of horses to follow next season over three miles or more.
Saturday of course was Grand National Day and my congratulations go to trainer Dr Richard Newlands and jockey Leighton Aspell after their win with Pineau De Re – I certainly didn’t back him, but it seemed a popular enough result, though I am still convinced that National form is generally useless elsewhere. One horse I did take out of the day was Alan King’s Balder Succes who took the two-mile novice chase with plenty in hand and looks a useful tool. I am worried that he may end up caught out over his perfect trip with the likes of Sprinter Sacre and Simonsig too quick for him over two miles, three miles perhaps too far, and no championship chases over two and a half miles, but in Alan King he has a trainer who will no doubt place him to good effect, and he seems sure to win more races outside of the novice division.
Next Week: What happened in Scotland – Ayr put on the Scottish Champion Hurdle and Scottish National.