racing notebook
Picksfromthepaddock.co.uk give a selection of horses that they have placed in their notebook
Picksfromthepadock.co.uk with a selection of potential winners
BURAUQ (7yo)
Trainer: Milton Bradley
Last Ran: 15th January (Kempton) Away from the track for close to 90 days the gelding was heavily backed from 50/1 into 16/1 and ran well at Kempton. With Franny Norton booked for the ride (his only ride of the meeting) there was whispers that a better run than his odds suggested was expected however was struck with bad luck. Travelling very nicely for most of the race he found himself boxed in with his runs blocked at every turn. By the time a gap appeared the race was nearly run and it was too little too late. With another 5lb drop in weights expected he now sits on a very attractive mark and if he strips fitter for his most recent run expect him to go much closer.
Distance: 6f - 7f Ground: Any
EDEN DU HOUX (5yo)
Trainer: David Pipe
Last Ran: 21st December (Ascot) Perhaps a tad obvious but this unbeaten five-year-old did all that he could to claim victory in a Listed National Hunt Flat Race at Ascot and the race in itself looked stacked with potential talent. Likely to make an even better animal once he's set to tackle obstacles you still cannot help but be impressed with what he's done so far. 25/1 with some bookmakers for the Champion Bumper in March seems a tad overpriced and although the race is very competitive (as always) I couldn't put people off keeping him in mind for the Cheltenham contest. Distance: 1m7f - 2m2f Ground: Any
HIGHWAYMAN (6yo)
Trainer: David Thompson
Last Ran: 12th January (Newcastle) A string of disappointing runs on the all-weather at Newcastle has seen the six year old's handicap mark slowly begin to plummet and although a few pounds higher than when last victorious on an artificial surface the yard of David Thompson have been doing well and a big run was expected. Settled at the rear he couldn't round the field and get into the mix but he still finished a respectable 5th. With more weight set to be taken off his back he should have conditions primed and ready if he returns to Newcastle once again before winter is out. Distance: 1m - 1m2f Ground: All-Weather
COLLOONEY (5yo)
Trainer: Olly Murphy Last Ran: 8th January (Bangor-onDee) Trainer Olly Murphy has had his horses in blistering form of which Collooney was a recent victor. Two odds-on victories in his last three runnings including his success at Bangor may not have been the most impressive but it may be a case that the five year old just does enough to get his head in front. There's certainly plenty of room to grow and with more experience I'd expect the horse to get better with time. Perhaps not the classiest type but one with plenty of promise. Distance: 2m - 2m2f Ground: Good to Soft or Softer