BRIDLE ROAD HANDICAP HURDLE
WEST BALBOA was a winning tip for this column in this race last year and I’m backing her to double up. This season she was supposed to progress through the ranks into a Graded mare but it hasn’t quite gone to plan for one reason or another.
Connections are pretty shrewd and I’m sure their Plan ‘B’ would involve bringing her back for this race which she would have an obvious chance. She won last year off 135 and is likely to be a few pound higher this year but she won last year with plenty in hand and I’m confident she can go close again this year.
Monmiral stole the Pertemps off Kyntara late on at Cheltenham but I’m not sure either will turn up here for one reason or another. White Rhino was absent from Cheltenham but was fancied to go close and he could continue on his upward curve here if turning up.
The Jonjo O’Neill pair Springwell Bay and Judicial Law would both come into the reckoning and I think both will appreciate the better ground.
Anna Bunina ran a great race in the Pertemps given the ground would have been far from ideal and I fancy her to give the selection most to think about. John McConnell’s mare is a classy type who has given connections plenty to shout about in recent seasons. I think this is her last year in training so I’m sure they will want to have one more big day before she retires.
Goshowposh completes my shortlist as I think he is an improving type ahead of the handicapper. The better ground will be a big plus for Philip Hobbs’ charge and he could feature in this before going novice chasing next season.
1) West Balboa
2) Anna Bunina
3) Goshhowposh
Denne historien er fra April 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 2024-utgaven av Racing Ahead.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Tragedy Hits Racing Family - Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters
Nick Townsend reels from shock attack on John Hunt's wife and daughters. I will be far from alone in recent days in being overcome by emotions ranging from utter disbelief to revulsion upon hearing of the unspeakable acts perpetrated upon John Hunt's family, resulting in the death of his wife Carol and daughters, Hannah and Louise.
AUDIENCE IS ERUPTING
John Anthony reveals the latest top speedsters after another Glorious Goodwood
HORSE OF A LIFETIME
Graham Buddry pays fresh tribute to track legend Sea The Stars - surely one of the greatest ever
IT'S TIME TO TAKE STOCK
Paul Jacobs looks forward to seeing some big on-track questions answered
PLAYING TO THE WHISTLE
lan Heitman flies about to keep pace with a rush of two-year-old Flat action
WINNING JOY ON A BUDGET
Richard Eagle takes a trip to Windsor to check out peoples' route into the port of kings
GIFT HORSES AND FRENCH LESSONS
Robert Cooper finds 'retirement' is keeping him busy
FEUD GETS THE PARTY ROLLING
Karl Hedley savours the Galway Festival action and picks out the summer highlights at Ballybrit
ROCKING THE MONEY BAGS
Simon Nott reveals his recent experiences from trips to Brighton and Ascot
FLYING EVE'S BORN TO WIN
Nick Townsend talks to in-form trainer Eve Johnson Houghton