BUSH TELEGRAPH
MONDAY 28th December
Plenty of racing today but betting opportunities look as thin on the ground as the vanishing snow.
It may pay to side with Volador in the 3.20 at Chepstow who has always enjoyed a high reputation. Narrowly beaten on his first attempt over hurdles, his stable is in pretty good form now and we should see the best of him in what looks a competitive novice event.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY 27th December:
KEMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:
1.00: Brought down two out when travelling like a dream, Mille Chief was robbed on his debut. Said to be the best juvenile in the Alan King camp, he gets his chance to right the wrong here and should atone.
3.45: Know The Law is another bidding to put an unfortunate previous run behind him. Travelling well when unseating, he is expected to set the record straight in what, it has to be said, does look like a handicap that will take some winning. His stable are keen on his chances.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
SATURDAY 26th December:
Christmas would not be Christmas without Kempton and today’s meeting does not disappoint.
KEMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:
12.45: Bellvano looked somewhat clumsy at times at Newbury and will need to be much better organised today round this sharper track. A step back in trip and better ground may suit the highly-thought of Menorah who appeals for small stakes at the bigger price.
1.55: Tchico Polos is nominated as the best bet of the day despite a strong message for Long Run. The selection has excellent form over shorter, but Paul Nicholls is not a man to step up a horse up to this sort of trip lightly. Tchico Polos finished a highly respectable third to Somersby and Crack Away Jack at Sandown last time after wins at Exeter and Fontwell with decent performers in his wake. If this extra yardage improves him then he will be hard to beat and looks a chaser of immense promise. As for Long Run, he lines up having impressed in France when beating his own age group. Apparently an imposing type, he takes on the older brigade for the first time today on recently revised weight-for-age terms. He may be all they report, but taking a short price about a guess is not advisable. Tchico Polos has the form in the book, looks solid and should be hard to beat.
2.30: Binocular is once again the subject of favourable reports. The pattern with him thus far has been for him to win the trials but not the big races themselves. An excuse is tripped out for Newcastle and this is the sort of race he can win. Nevertheless, he makes only limited appeal – none at the price – and I find it hard to see why Go Native should not get the better of him again. The track will suit Starluck – who barely stays two miles – but he has something to find.
3.05: Kauto Star ought to add another King George to his portfolio but is no betting proposition. Holes can be punched in Deep Purple’s last two wins but, unlike Long Run and Binocular, does line up at a fair price for a relative guess. Backed without the favourite at 6/1, or to win outright at 14/1, he appeals as an overpriced contender. Obviously Kempton provides the highlights but the
2.20 at Leopardstown should be informative. Once heralded as a star in the making, Captain Cee Bee may give Sizing Europe plenty to think about in the Grade 1. Tchico Polos and Deep Purple – each-way or without the favourite are the two nominations on the day.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
TUESDAY 22nd DECEMBER:
Events at Southwell – not certain to take place if one considers the likely state of the nation’s road networks – are put in perspective by yesterday’s blizzard conditions. Hard-hit Hampshire is currently eerily quiet, shrouded in snow whilst all but the main highways are devoid of cars, many of our villagers stranded somewhere between places of work and home. Temperatures seem on the rise so a thaw is likely during the next few hours.
Morning trains have been flagged down by railway workers with lanterns and last night many barriers, at Reading station for example, were lifted allowing free travel to marooned souls, invoking a spirit many thought lost to the dark days of the 1940’s. The Great British character shone in the darkness yesterday despite all that the elements threw our way. Jona Louie is back on the radio with that dirge about stopping the cavalry and even Bob Dylan has made a CD about Santa Claus that sounds something like a song featured on Blood On The Tracks. For those of you long enough in the tooth, your challenge for the day – rather than sabotaging Christmas money at Southwell – is to see if you can identify which song I mean.
On the bright side, we have survived the shortest day. Apparently we will have an extra three seconds of daylight today – use it wisely. As I write some green is peeking between the whiteness of the snow. Take it easy on the roads; remember they will be littered with abandoned cars and many drivers will be even more clueless than normal when faced with conditions hitherto unknown to them. Turn up the heating, don’t forget to throw a crumb or two to the birds and let us hope this mess will have cleared by Christmas Eve. For those of you that have stuck with my missives over the past twelve months – and those occasional visitors including ‘incensed from Tunbridge Wells’ – Happy Christmas. Enjoy the break and let us see what sense we can make of Boxing Day…
BUSH TELEGRAPH
MONDAY 21st DECEMBER
FFOS LAS HORSE RACING TIPS:
1.35: Zanzibar Boy is one of two expected winners from the powerful Nicky Henderson team on today’s card.
3.15: Gold Award faces what looks a harder task but has always been highly thought of and is reported to have strengthened since last season. He is reckoned to be a step ahead of the handicapper.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY 20th DECEMBER
Only Kempton is left to shiver under a clear and cold sky today:
4.15: Falcativ is expected to win this. Now gelded and with Marco Botti, recent homework suggests he can progress beyond this level and his stable are very keen on his chances.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
SATURDAY 19th DECEMBER
It looks like a case of slim pickings on this the last Saturday before Christmas. Possibly, with the weather as it is, that is just as well. However, two contenders takes the eye:
HAYDOCK HORSE RACING TIPS:
1.15: Percussionist has a fair bit going for him in this competitive handicap. Languishing at the right end of the handicap and proven on both the ground and over the trip, a run last month should have put him spot on for a crack here. Flat tracks seem to suit his style of running and he looks worthy of a small interest against some exposed rivals.
WOLVERHAMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:
1.20: Richard Fahey sets punters something of a poser in this as he runs the top and bottom weights. Bawaardi looks like being the better fancied but to my mind Bolodenka may have the edge, particularly with the 5lbs allowance provided by his more than useful apprentice rider. I may be chasing pavements here, but it will be interesting to see how the betting shapes.
Bush Telegraph
FRIDAY 18th December
SOUTHWELL HORSE RACING TIPS:
2.05: The cardinal rule for this track is not to back horses without form on Fibresand. That said there are always exceptions and Confuchias seems one of them. Soft ground was essential for him on turf and after signs that he was coming into form at the back-end, it is somewhat surprising to see him plummet to a claimer. On the assumption that the surface will play to his strengths he has to be considered at least a notch above these rivals.
WOLVERHAMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:
7.50: Sticking to certain horses as if they were limpets is a bad habit that can embrace punters. The temptation to stick with a horse that looks poised to win can prove costly as excuse after excuse is often produced for failure as said animal continues to slip down the ratings, looking an even better proposition in subsequent races. Such is the case with Gallantry who, racing from 78 today and having encountered trouble in running on the last two occasions, looks to have a big chance in this handicap. In the belief that, although he may not be the horse he was, he retains plenty of ability he is nominated as the possible winner here at the expense of Tourist.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
THURSDAY 17th DECEMBER
EXETER HORSE RACING TIPS:
Probably presents the best opportunities on what looks like a quiet day:
2.20: Saqalyrique is not badly treated with a seven pound penalty to defy, but does have plenty of weight to shoulder on soft bordering on heavy ground. He ought to win.
2.50: Cornas has his chance today. Second to Planet Of Sound in the Haldon Cup and then a good runner-up at Ascot, he ought to be too good for Pasco.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
WEDNESDAY 16th DECEMBER
NEWBURY HORSE RACING TIPS:
Assuming there are no problems (there should not be – some frost but already clearing), this could easily turn into the Nicky Henderson show. Seven Barrows field a strong team, most of whom will be short. Oscar Whisky could be vulnerable at cramped odds – he is not very big and will find this a different test from the bumpers so far contested. That said, nominating what will beat him is not easy..
The 12.50 looks tricky. Fistral Beach lines up with the best form but his form figures are off-putting. Quinz jumps well enough but gave the impression he may not have stayed last time and now faces a hike in trip. With War Footing and Parpaillot in the field this is probably a race to leave alone.
LINGFIELD HORSE RACING TIPS:
12.30: Elation looks like a short-priced winner for the Mark Johnston team.
1.00: There is a message here for Brave Gurkha, which I pass on but have difficulty in getting to grips with.
KEMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:
8.20: Surely the best prospect on the day is globetrotting Dohasa who should be too good for this opposition. Form with the likes of J J The Jet Plane and Duff put him at the top of the pecking order in this contest, making him a solid proposition. Sir Gerry has the ability, but it is some time since we have seen it.
Bush Telegraph
TUESDAY DECEMBER 15th:
FOLKESTONE HORSE RACING TIP:
3.30: Volador has a reputation that precedes him and should be good enough to snap this up on his way to loftier heights.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
MONDAY DECEMBER 14th:
PLUMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:
2.05: In what amounts to a two-horse race, on paper at least, Abbevillian appears to have better form than main rival Aldertune and is taken to successfully concede his penalty.
WOLVERHAMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:
Two poor handicaps end the card where cases can be made for Mount Usher (back to his right trip and a fast finisher last time) in the 5.20, and The Craiq who represents the same form line and is a course and distance winner in the 5.50.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
SUNDAY DECEMEBER 13th:
It’s been a big day for the French at Sha Tin, where the three-year-old filly Darakana won the Hong Kong Vase by a short head from Spanish Moon and Vision D’etat took the Cup. No such action here and with run-of-the-mill cards from Hereford and Kempton, nothing is recommended.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
SATURDAY DECEMBER 12th:
CHELTENHAM HORSE RACING TIPS:
12.10: Ultimate won with a great deal of authority at Huntingdon and looks poised to follow up in what could be better company. The fact that Ruby Walsh has been lured into taking an outside ride is seen as a major hint.
12.45: Inchidaly Rock will not be easy to beat here, but Zemsky will be better suited to this trip and a potentially faster pace than he encountered last time at Ascot when out speeded close home over an extended two-and-a-half. He is likely to provide a serious challenge.
2.25: This is tough to say the least. My angle is to oppose Poquelin, Chapoturgeon and Atouchbetweenacara. I doubt Razor Royale’s ability to record back-to-back wins, so am left with Tamarinbleu (plenty of weight but racing over the right trip), Sky’s The Limit (may be better fresh) and the dark horse – Skippers Brig who faces a tough test but could be well treated. Celestial Halo and Zaynar should ring down the curtain in their respective events but cannot be backed at the prices, although Celestial Halo’s odds may look generous after the race.
DONCASTER HORSE RACING TIPS:
1.00: Cesare looks an unlikely recruit to hurdling.
1.35: Cockney Trucker will need to have learned plenty since his fencing debut at Ascot where he behaved like a bull in a china shop.
2.45: Those in the know report that My Petra is well in here.
LINGFIELD HORSE RACING TIPS:
2.00: Burton Port looks something of a natural and is taken to confirm Bangor placings with Massasoit even on worse terms.
SOUTHWELL HORSE RACING TIPS:
1.10: Any move for Naxox in the market should be heeded. With form on soft in France and a winner over hurdles, it is unlikely this surface will prove to be a stumbling block. His second in a competitive claimer at Wolverhampton last time puts him in here with a definite chance.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
FRIDAY DECEMBER 11th:
CHELTENHAM HORSE RACING TIPS:
3.00: Earth Planet looks a stand out bet in this handicap today after an excellent second to subsequent Newbury winner Lie Forrit at this track last month. A progressive and relatively lightly-raced seven-year-old that runs from the same mark today, he will surely be hard to beat. He seems to have most of the usual suspects covered, stays well, should be capable of improvement on his seasonal run and would be accorded a higher mark if the handicapper had the luxury of reassessing him. This looks an ideal target and, win lose or draw, a no-brainer as far as a selection is concerned. He is likely to be a warm betting order. Of the remainder, only the improving Wolf Moon is seen as a possible danger.
The rest of the card is interesting but that does not pay the mortgage. As a speculative selection in the 1.50, According To Pete – racing off the same mark as when fancied in the Paddy Power and not disgraced – may find this extra trip more to his liking. He was a staying-on fifth that day so three miles looks ideal. He should give a good account.
3.35: Ghizao looked a little bit special when winning a bumper at this course last time and faces the much vaunted Lidar once again. There is the small matter of eight flights to negotiate but these two should dominate the closing contest. Lidar has always been seen as a hurdling type by his stable and may close the gap, although it is hard to see him turning it round. However, hurdles have been known to bring about changes and, with the Alan King yard seemingly in much better form now, he may represent a bigger danger than the form book suggests. This looks like a race to sit out – certainly at this stage of the day.
DONCASTER HORSE RACING TIPS:
There is just one message on the day as I write and that is for Hong Kong Harry in the 11.50. Typically, after a cracking day by the King yard yesterday, I feel a message today is the equivalent of standing on the quay watching the ship you booked a passage on as it sails out of harbour. Obviously the horse has a chance, but possibly interest should be kept to a minimum in what looks a competitive heat.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
THURSDAY DECEMEBER 10th:
TAUNTON HORSE RACING TIPS:
2.20: With a slight cloud hanging over the Alan King horses it could be worth rowing in with the classy Tito Bustillo against The Betchworth Kid. Receiving weight, Tito Bustillo looks to have a real chance in any event. A sharper round of hurdling would have seen him finish third at Cheltenham last time to a couple of very useful Irish contenders in Loosen My Load and a strongly fancied Some Present. This flatter track should help and he looks likely to test Plumpton winner The Betchworth Kid to the limit.
There is plenty of supporting racing but it is hard to become enthusiastic from a betting point of view. Obviously the Peterborough Chase is the main event on the Huntingdon card but it is not an easy contest. Despite being a top class performer on his day, Tidal Bay is not a totally convincing animal. The trip should be ideal for Deep Purple, who may not have truly stayed last time although he won, but he will not have things his own way against a potentially stronger field. This looks like a race to sit out unless you hold a strong opinion.
Tito Bustillo is seen as the sole bet of the day.
BUSH TELEGRAPH
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 9th:
KEMPTON HORSE RACING TIPS:
6.50: Ipswich Lad will be suited by this step up in trip, and being by Halling is the sort to improve with time. Despite a prolonged absence, he will strip for this and is expected to collect.
7.00: Green Wadi is a more tentative call in this handicap but this is his race for the taking. Thought of as a one time Classic hope when with Mick Channon, he never realised such aspirations but is with the right outfit to pull off a punt. Tonight looks as if it could be the night.
8.20: Major Lawrence has been frustrating so far but it is probably premature to write him off. His stable was out of salts when he last ran and he is given the benefit of the doubt against tonight’s modest opposition.
Ipswich Lad is nominated as the best of the day
BUSH TELEGRAPH will not be beating for a week due to a short break. It will return on Tuesday December 8th.
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