Tornado puts wind up rivals
TORNADO WATCH (3.35) is just the type to cope with the staminasapping test in Ascot’s Betfair Exchange Trophy Handicap Hurdle.
He landed a 14-runner heat under similarly testing conditions at Tramore in April and the fact Emmet Mullins is bringing him over from County Carlow tells us the tough nine-year-old is going to run a big race.
So sniff out a benevolent bookie who is paying out each-way on the first five – and get on.
My selection was fifth of 21 under a 7lb claimer in a red-hot race at Fairyhouse earlier this month, but David Mullins takes over in the plate this time. With just 10st 12lb on his back, Tornado Watch has a lovely racing weight.
Nicky Henderson, above, throws three darts at the Grade One JLT Long Walk Hurdle and I’m hoping to hit the bullseye with CALL ME LORD (2.25).
This ex-French cheval bolted up by 16 lengths from Lil Rockerfeller in a Grade Two Hurdle at Sandown Park in April.
It’s interesting to note that since joining the champion trainer from Monsieur Seror in April 2017, all his six runs have come on right-handed tracks – as is today’s test. The way Call Me Lord powered up the Esher hill last time out suggests this first try at three miles will see him in an even better light.
Alan King withdrew FULL GLASS (3.00) from Cheltenham last Saturday because the ground was not soft enough, so he can’t have any complaints about the underfoot conditions when Simon Munir’s beast rocks up in the Garrard Silver Cup.
The five-year-old ran in a couple of Grade One Chases in France when with Guillaume Macaire and connections believe he is well treated on a handicap rating of 142. He unshipped Daryl Jacob at the fourth-last obstacle on his seasonal reappearance over the puissance fences at Haydock Park last month, but he is usually a very safe jumper.
The yard saddled a ‘Barney Rubble’ at Newbury on Wednesday, which is another boost for the horse’s followers.
On the sand dunes at Lingfield Park, the Listed Betway Quebec Stakes is the highlight and John Gosden’s progressive WISSAHICKON (2.15) is going to take all the beating.