Itchy feet can go from scratch to up and running
ITCHY Feet can get his new campaign off to a flying start in the Monet’s Garden Old Roan Limited Handicap Chase at Aintree.
This Grade Two handicap has a rich roll of honour down the years, thanks in part to Paul Nicholls’ decision to use it as a staging post for the development of the brilliant Kauto Star back in 2006.
Monet’s Garden himself subsequently made the race his own with three victories in four years, and it is therefore hugely appropriate that the much- admired grey is honoured in its title these days.
Another popular ‘ people’s horse’ Frodon joined the party with victory two years ago – and at this stage of Itchy Feet’s highlypromising career, it is not beyond the bounds that he can put himself in a similar bracket in the coming seasons.
Olly Murphy’s six- year- old was a Grade One- winning novice chaser last winter when he overcame an awkward landing at the second last to kick clear up the Sandown hill and take care of the re- opposing Midnight Shadow in the Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase.
The latter receives 5lb this time, but Itchy Feet’s performance at the start of February was all the more creditable because it was only his second chase start.
His jumping then let him down early on at the Cheltenham Festival, and the hope is that – from a very fair mark for a top- level winner – he can defy his inexperience on his seasonal return, in a race which looks an ideal starting point.
Elsewhere on a classy card, the more mature Brother Tedd catches the eye in the Every Race Live On Racing TV Veterans’ Handicap Chase.
Philip Hobbs’ grey has been off the course since failing by a neck to reel in Walt in a decent Taunton handicap almost a year ago.
Brother Tedd has been lightlyraced in recent seasons but most consistent when he does make it to the races – including after some similarly long breaks.
He could probably do without too much more rain but, in the circumstances, is likely to be ready for this assignment towards the bottom of the weights against opponents largely bereft of any fitness advantage.
Anthony Honeyball is always a trainer to note in races like the Visit racingtv. com EBF Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race. He runs two unbeaten contenders in the race – the long absent You Caught My Eye and Windswept Girl, who made a lasting impression when she won by 13 lengths on her racecourse debut at Taunton in February.
Her victims have done precious little for the form since, but she could still be well above average.
Like Aintree, Wincanton stages a feature race named in honour of a famous grey from yesteryear.
The For 24hr Support Call 0800 6300443 Handicap Chase is run for the Desert Orchid Silver Cup – and in a select field, Beau Du Brizais is in with a shout. Hobbs’ grey was second in this same race 12 months ago.
Fairway Freddy has taken a contrasting route to the Racing Welfare – Supporting Racing’s Workforce Novices’ Handicap Chase, penalised 7lb for his alltheway Kempton victory just a week ago. He needs this decent ground, though, and can be expected to go well again over two furlongs further at this similar track for in- form Nick Gifford.
The Wincanton Racecourse Supports Racing Welfare Juvenile Hurdle is highly likely to go to Hacker Des Places, for Nicholls at his local course.
Hacker Des Places, a winner and placed in two starts for Francois Nicolle in the early summer, is an obvious choice to follow suit.
SELECTIONS
AINTREE: 12.47 Killer Kane, 1.22 Brother Tedd, 1.57 ITCHY FEET ( NAP), 2.32 Golden Sovereign, 3.07 Bryden Boy, 3.42 Monte Cristo, 4.17 Windswept Girl. GALWAY: 12.40 Carigeen Lotus, 1.15 Diol Ker, 1.50 Stacks Mountain, 2.25 Call Of The Loon, 3.00 Beacon Edge, 3.35 Lieutenant Command, 4.10 Bold Emperor, 4.45 Champagnesocialist. HEXHAM: 12.25 Rockmann, 12.55 Dubai Outlaw, 1.30 That’s My Dubai, 2.05 Southern Girl, 2.40 Garde Forestier, 3.15 Glorious Lady, 3.50 Taxmeifyoucan, 4.25 Graystown.
WEXFORD: 1.00 Mr Jackman, 1.35 Cosa Ban, 2.10 Pienta, 2.45 Clonguile Way, 3.20 Derby, 3.55 Valdieu, 4.30 Flora Brown. WINCANTON: 1.07 Hacker Des Places, 1.42 Fairway Freddy, 2.17 Celestial Force, 2.52 Beau Du Brizais, 3.27 Especially So, 4.02 Namib Dancer, 4.37 Guardia Top. DOUBLE: Itchy Feet and Hacker Des Places.