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Bit Of A Yarn

Wandering Eyes

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  1. Despite being beset by a consistently miserable wet spell, Leopardstown’s Classic trials day on Saturday is well supported by Ballydoyle who are represented by a quartet in the G3 Ballylinch Stud ‘Priory Belle’ 1000 Guineas Trial S. As the rapid rise of the previously unheralded Winter (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) proved last year, no firm idea of the pecking order at Rosegreen can be taken for granted at this time of year and it may not be all-important that Ryan Moore is on I Can Fly (GB) (Fastnet Rock {Aus}). Successful by four lengths in a Dundalk maiden over this trip in September, she was third in the G3 Oh So Sharp S. at Newmarket the following month. Winter’s 1000 Guineas pilot Wayne Lordan is aboard the course-and-distance maiden winner Sarrocchi (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), while the G3 Anglesey S. scorer Actress (Ire) (Declaration of War) has the best form in the race having finished third in the six-furlong G1 Phoenix S. at The Curragh in August. Aidan O’Brien is looking forward to getting them started. “I Can Fly is in good form. She had a couple of runs last year at Dundalk and Newmarket and we’re happy with her,” he commented. “Actress is in good form as well, but obviously she would prefer better ground. She’s just ready to start as well and we’ll find out if she gets seven or further. She’s never run that far before. Sarrocchi won a maiden at the backend in easy ground. She’s in good form but will also improve a lot from the run.” ‘TDN Rising Star’ Alpha Centauri (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) beat Actress by five lengths in the Listed Coolmore Stud Irish EBF Fillies’ Sprint S. at Naas in May, but has subsequently suffered two reversals when second in the G3 Albany S. at Royal Ascot in June and when fifth in the G1 Moyglare Stud S. at The Curragh in September. View the full article
  2. HOT SPRINGS, Ark.–When David Cohen stepped into the paddock for a Feb. 1, 2014 race at Aqueduct, he had no reason to believe that his career and his life were about to be turned upside down. Cohen may have never reached the top echelon of the New York riding colony, but he was a steady force, good enough to be sixth in the nation in wins in 2009, good enough to have won the 2012 GI Travers S. in a dead-heat aboard Golden Ticket (Speightstown). That day in February and that race were supposed to be nothing out of the ordinary. Instead, in a freak accident, he was kicked by his mount before getting astride the horse, fracturing his tibia and fibula. Afterward, it was reported that Cohen would return in about eight weeks. It turned out to be more than 3 1/2 years. The injuries he suffered that day were the first in a number of setbacks, both on and off-track problems, that put his career on hold. Cohen would eventually come to the realization that he had to step away from the sport until he was ready to push the reset button. That’s exactly what he did Nov. 30, when returning to the game and riding in a race at the Fair Grounds. He didn’t win that day, but not much has gone wrong since. He entered the final week of the Oaklawn meet with 35 winners and a firm grip on third place in the standings. It has been a better-than-expected showing for a rider sidelined for so long, but a bigger test awaits. Some four years and two months after the paddock injury, Cohen will start accepting mounts at Aqueduct Apr. 18. He hopes not just to re-establish himself as a winning rider on what may the toughest circuit in the U.S., but to be a better, more successful version of the jockey that has been missing from the NYRA circuit for what seems like an eternity. “I don’t think ‘I am this caliber of a rider so I should be one, two or three in the standings or in the top five,'” he said. ” Really, I just came back knowing my ability and that if I got support from the owners and the trainers with the proper horses good things would happen. If I’m in the top 10, top five, top three, that would just be an extra blessing. I’m just happy to be back riding again and to be healthy, mentally and physically. I know that if I’m given enough opportunities the sky’s the limit.” Cohen came back about nine months after suffering the initial injury, but lasted less than a weak as the tibia and fibula fractures had not healed to the point where he was truly ready to return to riding. In the midst of his injury problems, his father, Morry, was seriously ill and would eventually succumb to complications related to cancer and heart problems. “Growing up, my father had been in the business as an owner and a trainer,” Cohen said. “As a family we would go to Del Mar for the summer. My brother, sister and mom would go to the beach and I would go to the racetrack as a young kid. I was glued to my father’s side. He had an auto body shop and I went there to work every day. When I became a jockey he went to work with me all the time. He went around with me everywhere, to Dubai, to Japan. He go to experience everything with me. We were as close as can be.” Still dealing with his father’s death, Cohen was hit with a second tragedy. His sister, Dana, passed away about 18 months after Morry Cohen died. Cohen said his sister accidently hit her head. Believing she was fine, she went to sleep instead of receiving treatment and never woke up. The cause of death was swelling on her brain. “Even though she was my older sister, I played that older brother role,” he said. “She and I were very close. The two closest people in my immediate family were taken away from within a year and a half of one another.” Though Cohen had healed from his racing injuries, he was struggling mentally in the aftermath of the loss of his father and sister. He knew what he needed in order to feel better, and it was time. The point came where he was ready to return to riding, but he knew that if he did not plot his comeback carefully he would run the risk of being an afterthought after being away for so long. His first move was to connect with trainer Robertino Diodoro. The connection was made by his agent, Bill Castle, who also represents jockey Angel Arroyo, who rides most of Diodoro’s horses in New York. Cohen began by galloping horses for Diodoro and would launch his comeback in late November. His emphasis, however, was on Oaklawn. “I probably could have returned six months earlier, around August or September,” Cohen said. “We really wanted to come back in the right and proper way and we really focused on Oaklawn Park to be the place to return.” That he had Diodoro behind him was a major plus. The trainer has one of the most productive barns at Oaklawn and is second in the trainer’s standings behind Steve Asmussen. “David started with us working horses at the Evangeline training center and I could see what good shape he was in and that he was very focused,” Diodoro said. “Watching him ride, seeing how good his attitude was and how fit he was, I wasn’t really concerned that he hadn’t ridden in so long. At the same time, I knew there would be a little bit of rust to start with. There was. But he has done a great job for us. I watch him closely because he rides 95% of our horses and I root for him when he’s riding for someone else in a race we’re not in. As the meet has gone along, he has gotten better and better.” Aqueduct, Belmont and Saratoga will be a lot tougher than Oaklawn for Cohen, but he says he’s encouraged by the fact he has heard from so many New York trainers who have called or texted to wish him well and to say they look forward to giving him mounts. He says he has heard from, among others, David Jacobson, Linda Rice, Rudy Rodriguez and Todd Pletcher. He wants them to know that this David Cohen will be not only a good rider, but someone who has learned to overcome adversity and has grown and matured from the experience. “If you live long enough, eventually you will go through something and you will have a hurdle to overcome,” he said. “It’s great to learn that you can take it and come back mentally stronger. With what I’ve been through, I’ve grown a lot over the last three, four years. In life, things happen for very specific reasons. Something good has come out of something that was so negative in my life. That has helped make me the rider I am now and it has helped make me a better person.” View the full article
  3. Less than a year after saddling his first starter, Rodolphe Brisset found himself in the remarkable position of conditioning a leading contender on the Road to the Kentucky Derby when his trainee Quip won the Tampa Bay Derby (G2). View the full article
  4. Xpressbet Florida Derby (G1) winner Audible continued his preparation for the May 5 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) when he worked a half-mile in a bullet :48.75 April 13 at Palm Beach Downs. View the full article
  5. Invader (Aus) (Snitzel {Aus})–Flame Of Sydney {Aus}, by Encosta de Lago {Aus}), last year’s Australian champion juvenile male, will stand his first season for A$27,500 during his first season at Aquis Farm in 2018, Aquis announced on Friday. Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, the 2017 G1 Inglis Sires hero will stand for a partnership between Aquis Farm and Phoenix Thoroughbreds. Aquis was active at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale of Elite Breeding Prospects lining up several mares for their new recruit. Out of SW and MGSP Flame of Sydney (Aus), Invader was also runner up in both the G1 Champagne S. and in the G2 Todman S. last year and sports a record of 10-2-3-0 with earnings of $737,015. The chestnut is a half-brother to MGSW & MG1SP Not Listenin’tome (Aus) (Dylan Thomas {Ire}). View the full article
  6. The inaugural Cape Thoroughbred Sales April Yearling Sale ended its two-day run on Friday, with 208 lots sold from 289 offered (72%). Topping proceedings was lot 47, a colt by champion sire Silvano (Ger) from the Klawervlei Stud consignment, who went for R700,000 (£40,633/€47,009/US$57,915) on the bid of Vaughan Marshall. Out of the listed winner Sting Operation (SAf) (Captain Al {SAf}), his second dam is MG1SW Roxanne (SAf) (Western Winter). The 208 yearlings grossed R20,335,000 (£1,181,038/€1,366,204/US$1,683,634). The average was R97,764 and the median was R60,000. View the full article
  7. Caledonia Road, last year's champion 2-year-old filly, returned to the work tab April 11 at Palm Meadows Training Center. After recovering from a viral infection, the daughter of Quality Road is being pointed to the June 9 Acorn Stakes (G1). View the full article
  8. CAPRI (IRE), c, 4, Galileo (Ire)–Dialafara (Fr), by Anabaa. O-Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier & Michael Tabor; B-Lynch Bages Ltd & Camas Park Stud (IRE); T-Aidan O’Brien; J-Ryan Moore. Lifetime Record: G1SW-GB & Ire, G1SP-Fr, 12-6-1-2, €1,516,686. Video, sponsored by Fasig-Tipton. Last year’s G1 Irish Derby and G1 St Leger hero had a five-pound penalty to deal with here, but managed to do so despite a late scare from Cannonball (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}). Sluggish from the stalls, the 7-4 favourite was soon in front as Ryan Moore sought to avoid a tactical affair. In command a furlong out, the grey stuck to his guns as the errant Cannonball ate into his advantage and there was just a head between them at the line. View the full article
  9. Australian Horse of the Year, Winx (Aus) (Street Cry {Ire}), looking for her 25th consecutive win in the A$4-million G1 Queen Elizabeth S. during the second Saturday of The Championships at Royal Randwick, was treated with synthetic hoof filler on her inside near hind hoof on Friday morning, reported Racing.com. The Chris Waller trainee’s treatment was approved by the New South Wales stewards, and she was treated similarly prior to the 2017 edition of this race, only in the off foreleg. Waller advised that the hoof filler was applied to aid in shoeing the mare on Friday. View the full article
  10. Currently occupying the 20th spot on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard, My Boy Jack will aim to prove he belongs, literally and figuratively, when he starts in the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes (G3). View the full article
  11. On Saturday, hundreds of millions of people, from all over the world, will be tuning in for the 2018 Aintree Grand National. Have you picked out a horse yet? Here are the horses you can choose from… Grand National Bet Now Blaklion 11st 10lb, Age: 9 (Foaled April 3rd, 2009), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Kayf Tara – Franciscaine (FR) (Legend of France (USA)), Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies, Owner: S Such & Cg Paletta Fancied by many to go very close and knows the fences very well, finishing runner-up at Aintree on his last outing. The National has been Nigel Twiston-Davies’ target with Blaklion, for quite some time and he’ll be sent-off among the favourites. 50/1 For Sam Twiston-Davies on Blaklion to win the Grand National Anibale Fly (FR) 11st 8lb, Age: 8 (Foaled May 28th, 2010), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Assessor (IRE) – Nouba Fly (Chamberlin (FR)), Trainer: A J Martin, Owner: Mr John P McManus One of the few who genuinely seemed to relish the boggy conditions, in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Winner of the Paddy Power Chase, although a heavy faller in the Irish Gold Cup at the same racecourse. The Last Samuri (IRE) 11st 8lb, Age: 10 (Foaled April 18th, 2008), Sex: Chestnut Gelding, Breeding: Flemensfirth (USA) – Howaboutthis (IRE) (Oscar (IRE)), Trainer: K C Bailey, Owner: Paul & Clare Rooney The sun may be starting to set, on this wily old campaigner, but he’ll be expected to at least make it home. Runner-up in 2016, but only 3 finished behind him in the 2017 renewal. Kim Bailey’s inmate would be a popular winner, but his best days are almost certainly behind him. Valseur Lido (FR) 11st 7lb, Age: 9 (Foaled April 8th, 2009), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Anzillero (GER) – Libido Rock (FR) (Video Rock (FR)), Trainer: H de Bromhead, Owner: Gigginstown House Stud This one has faded from the public’s attention, in the last couple of years, but he’s been plagued with injuries and could cause a surprise if he arrives at Aintree in good shape. Hasn’t won since late-2016 though, when he beat the sadly-departed Silviniaco Conti in the Down Royal Champion Chase. Total Recall (IRE) 11st 5lb, Age: 9 (Foaled March 15th, 2009), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Westerner – Augest Weekend (Dr Massini (IRE)), Trainer: W P Mullins, Owner: Slaneyville Syndicate Romped home in the Munster National and one that Willie Mullins rates very highly. The trainer has only won this race once though, with Hedgehunter in 2005. Total Recall looked to be gaining ground, when falling 3 out in the Gold Cup. Went into that encounter unbeaten in 3 starts. Alpha Des Obeaux (FR) 11st 4lb, Age: 8 (Foaled March 2nd, 2010), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Saddler Maker (IRE) – Omega Des Obeaux (Saint Preuil (FR)), Trainer: M F Morris, Owner: Gigginstown House Stud Grand National Bet Now Trainer won in 2016, with Rule The World. Alpha Des Obeaux did not race at Cheltenham and though 4th in the 2016 RSA Chase, that renewal featured just 6 finishers. Last of 4 in the Grade 2 Many Clouds Chase, at Aintree in December, but a genuine stayer and in with a shout. Perfect Candidate (IRE) 11st 3lb, Age: 11 (Foaled May 12th, 2007), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Winged Love (IRE) – Dansana (IRE) (Insan (USA)), Trainer: F O’Brien, Owner: Isl Recruitment Was travelling pretty well, in the National last year, before a mistake at the 26th fence knocked him out of stride (was eventually pulled-up 4 from home). He’s not given connections a great deal to feel positive about since then and it’s not easy to make a case for his chances of getting into the shake-up. Shantou Flyer (IRE) 11st 2lb, Age: 8 (Foaled March 22nd, 2010), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Shantou (USA) – Carrigmorna Flyer (Bob Back (USA)), Trainer: Richard Hobson, Owner: Mr Carl Hinchy He’s frustrated his supporters, of late, finishing runner-up in his last 4 outings. Lost out in the Ultima to Coo Star Sivola and by just a neck. Last win came on New Year’s Day 2017, when he beat Village Vic in a Grade 3 handicap chase at Cheltenham. Should appeal to each-way bettors. Tenor Nivernais (FR) 11st 1lb, Age: (Foaled April 7th, 2007), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Shaanmer (IRE) – Hosanna Ii (FR) (Marasali), Trainer: Miss V Williams, Owner: Boultbee Brooks Ltd There’s little that appeals about Venetia Williams’ charge, based on his performance last year and he’s raced just twice since then. After pulling-up at Doncaster, Tenor Nivernais finished last of 6 in the Swinley Chase and 23 lengths adrift of 5th place. You probably won’t be paying much attention to this horse, unless you’ve got lumbered with him in the office sweepstake. Carlingford Lough (IRE) 11st 1lb, Age: 12 (Foaled May 30th, 2006), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: King’s Theatre (IRE) – Baden (IRE) (Furry Glen), Trainer: J E Kiely, Owner: Mr John P McManus One that plenty of National Hunt fans have a soft spot for and winner of the 2016 Punchestown Gold Cup. Very much a veteran now though and no wins have come since then. Failed to make it home in 2 of his last 3 encounters and surely a horse that will be backed with hearts rather than heads. Tiger Roll (IRE) 10st 13lb, Age: 8 (Foaled March 14th, 2010), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Authorized (IRE) – Swiss Roll (IRE) (Entrepreneur), Trainer: G Elliott, Owner: Gigginstown House Stud Despite him having no experience of racing at Aintree, he’s certainly one to take a look at – particularly given the current form of Gordon Elliott’s yard. Tiger Roll was a convincing winner of the Glenfarclas Chase at Cheltenham and also landed the National Hunt Challenge Cup, in 2017. At his best when racing in England and should be a contender. Regal Encore (IRE) 10st 13lb, Age: 10 (Foaled May 12th, 2008), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: King’s Theatre (IRE) – Go On Eileen (IRE) (Bob Back (USA)), Trainer: A J Honeyball, Owner: Mr John P McManus An 8th place finish in 2017 was probably better than most expected and few predicted he would finish in the money at Newbury, in the Ladbrokes Trophy. Regal Encore was pulled-up in the Silver Cup Handicap Chase, but won the Swinley Chase last time out and he’s been generally underrated since 2016 – a year when nothing went right for this King’s Theatre-sired gelding. Could cause a surprise. Vieux Lion Rouge (FR) 10st 13lb, Age: 9 (Foaled March 2nd, 2009), Sex: Chestnut Gelding, Breeding: Sabiango (GER) – Indecise (FR) (Cyborg (FR)), Trainer: D Pipe, Owner: Prof Caroline Tisdall & Mr John Gent Grand National Bet Now It’s about time that David Pipe’s fortunes took a turn for the better and his main hope in the National might find a few friends in the market. However, the last win came in the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Haydock where he beat the more harshly treated Blaklion by over 3 lengths – but that was over a year ago and recent results haven’t been especially encouraging. Chase The Spud 10st 12lb, Age: 10 (Foaled February 7th, 2008), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Alflora (IRE) – Trial Trip (Le Moss), Trainer: F O’Brien, Owner: Mrs C Banks Fergal O’Brien’s inmate finished the previous campaign with a flourish, winning the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter before following up in a valuable handicap at Haydock. This season has been one to forget so far, however. Chase The Spud didn’t make his reappearance until January and has been pulled-up in both outings. Getting placed would be a major achievement, given what we have seen so far this term. Warriors Tale 10st 12lb, Age: 9 (Foaled March 19th, 2009), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Midnight Legend – Samandara (FR) (Kris), Trainer: P F Nicholls, Owner: Mr Trevor Hemmings The 9-year-old has competed only once at Aintree and unseated Sean Bowen, when making headway in a strong handicap encounter (November). Lost out to Gold Present, by just a neck, in the Sir Peter O’Sullevan Memorial Handicap Chase and was then also runner-up in a Listed handicap chase at Doncaster in January. He finished almost a length ahead of L’Ami Serge (7lb worse off), in that race, which also included Flying Angel and Wakanda. Last 2 runs may encourage each-way bettors. Seeyouatmidnight 10st 12lb, Age: 10 (Foaled March 22nd, 2008), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Midnight Legend – Morsky Baloo (Morpeth), Trainer: A M Thomson, Owner: Mrs D Thompson Sandy Thompson’s stoic campaigner loves a battle and punters have started nibbling, in the past few days. Has only had a single outing in the last 12 months though (the Doom Bar Handicap Chase, at Newbury) and finished 20 lengths behind the winner. Watch for further market moves. Gas Line Boy (IRE) 10st 11lb, Age: 12 (Foaled May 12th, 2006), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Blueprint (IRE) – Jervia (Affirmed (USA)), Trainer: Ian Williams, Owner: The Three Graces Did very well to win the Grand Sefton Handicap Chase, as was hampered badly at the 15th fence. Gas Line Boy stunk out the place at Sandown, last time out though, where his jumping was very poor. Nevertheless, he stayed-on fairly well and secured 3rd place so he could be a factor if Ian Williams has got him right. The Dutchman (IRE) 10st 11lb, Age: 8 (Foaled March 12th, 2010), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: King’s Theatre (IRE) – Shivermetimber (IRE) (Arctic Lord), Trainer: C L Tizzard, Owner: Sprayclad Uk Grand National Bet Now Hasn’t raced at Aintree, since pulling-up in the 2016 Mersey Novices’ Hurdle. Won the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase, beating the likes of Yala Enki and Hainan. Returned to Haydock for the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase, in February, but was very disappointing and well-beaten when Danny Cook stood up on him. Outside chance, if at his best. Pleasant Company (IRE) 10st 11lb, Age: 10 (Foaled April 15th, 2008), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Presenting – Katie Flame (Alderbrook), Trainer: W P Mullins, Owner: Mr Malcolm C Denmark It’s been a poor season for this Presenting-sired gelding, who finished 9th in the National last year. Never a factor, when pulled-up at Leopardstown in the Thyestes Handicap Chase. Ucello Conti (FR) 10st 10lb, Age: 10 (Foaled June 4th, 2008), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Martaline – Gazelle Lulu (FR) (Altayan (IRE)), Trainer: G Elliott, Owner: Mr Simon Munir/mr Isaac Souede Hasn’t won a race since 2014 and made it home in only 1 of his last 3 contests. That was in the Paddy Power Chase and Gordon Elliott’s charge finished runner-up, so the 10-year-old cannot be ruled out and who would bet against Gordon Elliott at the moment? Saint Are (FR) 10st 10lb, Age: 12 (Foaled April 5th, 2006), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Network (GER) – Fortanea (FR) (Video Rock (FR)), Trainer: T R George, Owner: Mr D W Fox 3rd last year and will be 2lb better-off, this time around. 12-year-olds have won this race, although the last was Amberleigh House back in 2004. Pulled-up in both 2018 outings, so not easy to back even at the price. Raz De Maree (FR) 10st 9lb, Age: 13 (Foaled March 13th, 2005), Sex: Chestnut Gelding, Breeding: Shaanmer (IRE) – Diyala III (FR) (Quart de Vin (FR)), Trainer: G P Cromwell, Owner: James J Swan Gavin Cromwell’s horse is now a 13-year-old, but that didn’t prevent him from winning the Welsh Grand National by 6 lengths in January. He would be the clear eldest winner since Sergeant Murphy in 1923 though, were he to repeat the feat at Aintree, so it’s probably wise to look elsewhere. I Just Know (IRE) 10st 8lb, Age: 8 (Foaled April 16th, 2010), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Robin Des Pres (FR) – Desperado Queen (IRE) (Un Desperado (FR)), Trainer: Mrs S J Smith, Owner: M B Scholey & The Late R H Scholey Winner of the North Yorkshire Grand National and ran well-enough, when 2nd at Uttoxeter, despite being sent off as the jolly. Sue Smith won the National with Auroras Encore in 2013 and this horse should run a good race. Virgilio (FR) 10st 8lb, Age: 9 (Foaled May 24th, 2009), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Denham Red (FR) – (Cyborg (FR)), Trainer: D Skelton, Owner: C J Edwards, D Futter, A H Rushworth Won the Neil Sutherland Memorial Handicap Chase here, last May, but looked out of sorts in a similar race at Doncaster in December. Hard to recommend. Baie Des Iles (FR) 10st 8lb, Age: 7 (Foaled March 24th, 2011), Sex: Grey Mare, Breeding: Barastraight – Malownia (Smadoun (FR)), Trainer: Ross O’Sullivan, Owner: Mrs Z Wentworth Grand National Bet Now Winner of the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase, at Punchestown in February of 2017. Not shown a great deal of form, since then, although was 3rd in the same Punchestown trial this year. Likes heavy ground. Has been getting market-support, in the last few days. Maggio (FR) 10st 8lb, Age: 13 (Foaled March 29th, 2005), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Trempolino (USA) – La Musardiere (FR) (Cadoudal (FR)), Trainer: P Griffin, Owner: D G Pryde/james Beaumont Caused quite a shock when winning a Listed handicap chase here, a couple of years ago, but he’s not shown any consistency since then and doesn’t look capable of having an impact in this gruelling encounter as a 13-year-old. Pendra (IRE) 10st 8lb, Age: 10 (Foaled April 16th, 2008), Sex: Chestnut Gelding, Breeding: Old Vic – Mariah Rollins (IRE) (Over The River (FR)), Trainer: C E Longsdon, Owner: Mr John P McManus Pendra finished a close runner-up to Domesday Book, in the 2017 Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase, but was a real disappointment in this season’s renewal. Did at least make it home, in the 2016 National, but was well off the pace. Buywise (IRE) 10st 8lb, Age: 11 (Foaled May 19th, 2007), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Tikkanen (USA) – Greenogue Princess (IRE) (Rainbows For Life (CAN)), Trainer: Evan Williams, Owner: Mr T Hywel Jones Victor in the Veterans’ Handicap Chase, at Sandown in January. Missed Aintree last year. A reliable jumper, with an outside chance. Childrens List (IRE) 10st 8lb, Age: 8 (Foaled June 7th, 2010), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Presenting – Snipe Hunt (IRE) (Stalker), Trainer: W P Mullins, Owner: Mrs S Ricci Has raced just twice, since scoring at Punchestown in December of 2016. Was pulled-up by Danny Mullins at the same track, last time out. There’s not a lot to like about this one. Houblon Des Obeaux (FR) 10st 7lb, Age: 11 (Foaled March 5th, 2007), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Panoramic – Harkosa (FR) (Nikos), Trainer: Miss V Williams, Owner: Exors Of The Late Mrs J Blackwell Charlie Deutsch held him up at the rear of the field, last year, but was unable to get a response from him at the business end of the race. Won the Veterans’ Handicap Chase, at Sandown in November. Has had 5 runs since then and hasn’t pulled up too many trees. Does look well-handicapped, however. Lord Windermere (IRE) 10st 7lb, Age: 12 (Foaled March 11th, 2006), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Oscar (IRE) – Satellite Dancer (IRE) (Satco (FR)), Trainer: J H Culloty, Owner: Dr R Lambe 8th last year but time is no longer on his side. The 2014 Cheltenham Gold Cup Champion has failed to win since then and he was pulled-up in the Becher Handicap Chase here, in December. Captain Redbeard (IRE) 10st 7lb, Age: 9 (Foaled April 30th, 2009), Sex: Chestnut Gelding, Breeding: Bach (IRE) – Diesel Dancer (IRE) (Toulon), Trainer: W Coltherd, Owner: Mr S Coltherd In cracking form and easily won the Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase, at Haydock. Gave a decent account of himself, in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase, before picking up another victory at Ayr under Sam Coltherd. Genuine place chance, at least. Bless The Wings (IRE) 10st 6lb, Age: 13 (Foaled March 24th, 2005), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Winged Love (IRE) – Silva Venture (IRE) (Mandalus), Trainer: G Elliott, Owner: Adrian Butler/P O’Connor Finished just once in his 5 most-recent outings, but that was in December’s Glenfarclas Cross Country Handicap Chase at Cheltenham where he beat the likes of Cantlow, Josies Orders and Kingswell Theatre. You would expect the Aintree fences to find him out, at his age though. Milansbar (IRE) 10st 6lb, Age: 11 (Foaled March 21st, 2007), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Milan – Ardenbar (Ardross), Trainer: N B King, Owner: Mr Robert Bothway Neil King has given the ride to the brilliant Bryony Frost. Could she become the first female jockey to win the Grand National, on Saturday? The horse has been running well and won the Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick, crushing Cogry by 11 lengths. 2nd in the Midlands Grand National, but has never raced at Aintree before. Double Ross (IRE) 10st 6lb, Age: 12 (Foaled April 1st, 2006), Sex: Chestnut Gelding, Breeding: Double Eclipse (IRE) – Kinross (IRE) (Nearly A Hand (IRE)), Trainer: N A Twiston-Davies, Owner: Options O Syndicate Grand National Bet Now Was unfortunate in 2016 when going well, before Ryan Hatch lost his irons and was unable to recover (pulled-up). Finished 4th in the Kim Muir, at Cheltenham this year, but was well-beaten and few give Nigel Twiston-Davies’ charge much of a chance here. Final Nudge (IRE) 10st 6lb, Age: 9 (Foaled May 4th, 2009), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Kayf Tara – Another Shot (IRE) (MasterWillie), Trainer: David Dennis, Owner: Corbett Stud & Andrew George Finally makes a return to Aintree, since pulling-up in the 2015 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. Never on terms in the Kim Muir Challenge Cup Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, but put in a good performance when 3rd in the Welsh National. Outside chance. Thunder And Roses (IRE) 10st 5lb, Age: 10 (Foaled March 31st, 2008), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Presenting – Glen Empress (IRE) (Lancastrian), Trainer: M F Morris, Owner: Gigginstown House Stud Landed the Irish Grand National Chase back in 2015, but has not troubled the winners enclosure since then and fell in his last 2 races. Others are preferred. Delusionofgrandeur (IRE) 10st 5lb, Age: 8 (Foaled April 9th, 2010), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Mahler – Olivia Rose (IRE) (Mujadil (USA)), Trainer: Mrs S J Smith, Owner: McGoldrick Racing 3 One of the younger runners and making his debut at Aintree. Won a modest handicap chase at Catterick, in November, but hasn’t shown a great deal since then in terms of form. Road To Riches (IRE) 10st 5lb, Age: 11 (Foaled June 12th, 2007), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Gamut (IRE) – Bellora (IRE) (Over The River (FR)), Trainer: N Meade, Owner: Gigginstown House Stud It’s the first time we will see him competing in England, since he finished 3rd in the 2016 Ryanair Chase at Cheltenham. An undoubted talent, but connections must be disappointed with how his career has panned-out and the 11-year-old has not won since 2015. Looked a shadow of his former self, when pulling-up in the Grand National Trial Handicap Chase at Punchestown. Vintage Clouds (IRE) 10st 4lb, Age: 8 (Foaled April 25th, 2010), Sex: Grey Gelding, Breeding: Cloudings (IRE) – Rare Vintage (IRE) (Germany (USA)), Trainer: Mrs S J Smith, Owner: Mr Trevor Hemmings The grey won a modest contest here, last October, but many will draw a line through the form of that race as so many fences were omitted. However, Vintage Clouds finished 3rd in the Ultima Handicap Chase and just 6 lengths behind Coo Star Sivola (similarly weighted). One to consider. Walk In The Mill (FR) 10st 4lb, Age: 8 (Foaled May 11th, 2010), Sex: Bay Gelding, Breeding: Walk In The Park (IRE) – (Lost World (IRE)), Trainer: R Walford, Owner: Baroness Harding Grand National Bet Now Comfortably saw-off the challenge of Brandon Hill, at Ascot in November and was far from disgraced when 3rd in the Silver Cup Handicap Chase at the same venue. Didn’t look like he fancied it much, in the Peter Marsh Handicap Chase though an this will be his first outing since pulling-up in that encounter. Betting With RaceBets You can bet on every race at the Aintree Grand National Festival, when you create a RaceBets account. Sign-up now and claim your welcome bonus! The post 2018 Aintree Grand National Horse By Horse Guide appeared first on RaceBets Blog EN. View the full article
  12. Joao Moreira remains a hero in Hong Kong but his reputation in Australia has taken a battering over the past two years and he heads to Randwick for the second day of The Championships on Saturday determined to make amends. Moreira is in Australia for the first time since his Melbourne Cup day fall five months ago and returns to Randwick for the first time since a zero-for-seven day that included a forgettable ride on Comin’ Thru. The Brazilian has not won in Australia for more than a year... View the full article
  13. Tommy Berry will team with Japanese raiders Danburite and Fine Needle in upcoming spring features as the Australian looks to click as a club rider ahead of next month’s licensing decisions for 2018-19. Berry started the season as John Moore’s stable rider but the partnership ended late last month after the pair had just seven wins together. Since then it has been a new start in many ways, with Berry and wife Sharnee welcoming a third child, son Levi into their family,... View the full article
  14. Ricardo Santana Jr. grabbed the 1,000th victory of his career (since based on the United States mainland) when he guided Westfest to a clear victory in the sixth race April 12 at Oaklawn Park. View the full article
  15. Red-hot Rodd on top after taking last three races View the full article
  16. Swift double for Lim's and Mark's Stable View the full article
  17. Wecando aimed at Singapore Guineas View the full article
  18. Horses' body weights April 13 View the full article
  19. Track conditions and course scratchings April 13 View the full article
  20. No early scratchings April 13 View the full article
  21. Ricardo Santana Jr. grabbed the 1,000th victory of his career (since based on the United States mainland), when he guided Westfest to a clear victory in the sixth race April 12 at Oaklawn Park. View the full article
  22. After racing concluded April 7, rising top-10 sire Curlin has his best chance of being represented by a Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) winner with four potential contenders this year, a new feat for the son of Smart Strike. View the full article
  23. Nine of the 11 runners in Saturday’s GI Coolmore Jenny Wiley S. at Keeneland made their prior starts in Florida, with the other two having spent the winter there. Dona Bruja (Arg) (Storm Embrujado {Arg}) is one of the main contenders off the strength of her four-length success in Tampa’s GIII Endeavour S. Feb. 10. The Argentinian Group 1 winner took her first two starts in graded company here last summer, and was a close second in the GI Beverly D. S. in August. She found the one mile of the local GI First Lady S. a bit too sharp when fourth Oct. 7, but kicked off her season auspiciously when clearly best over GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup heroine La Coronel (Colonel John). “Running in a Grade I at Keeneland-it can’t get better than that and you can’t be more excited than that,” Dona Bruja’s trainer Nacho Correas said. “We have our horse the way we want, and that’s all we can do.” La Coronel ran back in the GII Hillsborough S. Mar. 10, and hooked four of these rivals. She checked in third behind Fourstar Crook (Freud) and Proctor’s Ledge (Ghostzapper), and ahead of Grade I-winning stablemate Off Limits (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and MGSW Lovely Bernadette (Wilburn). Fourstar Crook and Off Limits are conditioned by Eclipse-winning trainer Chad Brown, as is French Group 3 winner/Group 1-placed Sistercharlie (Ire) (Myboycharlie {Ire}), off since a close second behind yet another Brown pupil in New Money Honey (Medaglia d’Oro) in the GI Belmont Oaks Invitational. “We have different goals for the three of them,” said Brown of having multiple entrants in the same race, as he frequently does. “The race is available. The timing’s good. There’s not a lot of options this time of year for horses of this caliber. We’ll get them started here and see what happens.” Cambodia (War Front) took a pair of Grade II races at Del Mar last summer, and was a strong third in the GI Breeders’ Cup F/M Turf before finding trouble and checking in fourth in the GI Matriarch S. Nov. 26. View the full article
  24. A portion of the earnings from Heart to Heart's run in the $300,000 Maker's 46 Mile (G1T) at Keeneland April 13 has been pledged to Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) by owners Terry and Toby Hamilton. View the full article
  25. Currently occupying the 20th and final spot on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard, My Boy Jack will aim to prove he belongs, literally and figuratively, when he starts in the Stonestreet Lexington Stakes (G3). View the full article
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