Jumping The Name of The Game At Cheltenham
Elliott Raider to Take the Prize Back To Ireland
Nigel Twiston-Davies’ WHOLESTONE was a top flight staying hurdler and will probably be made favourite for the Matchbook Most Trusted Betting Exchange Novices’ Chase over an extended three miles at Cheltenham today. He has six young chasing rivals, however, with Gordon Elliott’s DINON the likeliest to beat him to the prize before going on to better things. This will be the latter’s sixth chase and he has hardly made a mistake in his previous five, looking a natural jumper in each. He beat Mind’s Eye at Limerick last time and was impressive, shortening at fences when necessary and pinging the rest. He had beaten the ill-fated Wicklow Brave in his previous run at Listowel and is clearly progressive over the bigger obstacles. Further in Dinons’ favour is his performance at this meeting a year ago. He contested the Class 2 Randox Health Novices’ Hurdle over three miles and won easily, showing ability at the trip and a liking for the course. The progeny of his sire, Balko are an impressive 24% on the ground and jockey Davy Russell is seven from 47 at Cheltenham, a significant statistic. Wholestone was the best hurdler of these, with three Class 1 victories to his name and goes well at Cheltenham where his placings read 1,2,1,1,3,1,2,3,2,9 and 3. He didn’t look the same horse, though, in four outings over timber last Spring and his reappearance over fences at Perth in September when winning a match was unimpressive. His price represents his old hurdling form rather than recent chase performance. There may be a champion lurking in the rest of the chase novices and debutants but on what we know Dinons, at Coral’s 11/4 looks a cracking bet and may well make all. G LeesFollow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Cox looking towards Haydock for Jasour before Royal Ascot
Early blockbuster clash with Vandeek could be on the cards.
-
Hollie Doyle partners Folgaria for French 1000 Guineas tilt
Her form received a significant boost at Newmarket when Elmalka, who finished third behind her in the Fred Darling at Newbury, won the 1000 Guineas.
-
Angel set for second chance at Classic glory in Ireland or France
Fallen Angel travelled well for a long way over the Rowley Mile, but flattened out in the latter stages.
-
Juddmonte hope Cadogan Place can replicate Arrest with Vase success
‘He’s a nice colt, he’s improving a lot and is a well-bred colt, so we’re looking forward to a good run’.
-
Joseph O’Brien believes Galileo Dame can answer Cheshire Oaks question
‘We think she is a nice filly who will be able to hold her own in Listed company going forward’.
-
Musidora mission could secure Oaks ticket for Siyola
Impressive Sandown winner set for test of Classic credentials at York.
-
Adrian Heskin calls time on his race-riding career
‘I’m very proud of my career and achieved far more than I could have imagined as a kid’.
-
Gregarina makes her mark in Athasi debut
Joseph O’Brien’s French import could be seen at Royal Ascot.