CEPAGE MY BEST RIDE OF THE DAY
CEPAGE (2.15) has a great chance at Wincanton today, although I do have a slight concern about the ground.
He runs in the Betway Handicap Chase and he has the stand-out form of the five runners.
He’s only six and has just six runs to his name.
He was beaten half a length by Sir Valentino on his seasonal debut in a valuable handicap at Ascot and then reappeared to finish third at Sandown a fortnight ago.
Cepage should be spot on for this as a result.
He is not the most straightforward and won’t have raced on ground this heavy but he should get away with it and is my best chance of a winner this weekend.
I am on the Nicky Henderson-trained CALL ME LORD (2.45) in the Betway Kingwell Hurdle.
He is a progressive five-year-old and his win last time on heavy ground at Sandown was very impressive.
He’s taking his first step out of handicaps and it will be interesting to see what level he ends up at.
Whoever beats Dan Skelton’s Ch’Tibello will probably win as he looks the one we all have to aim at.
He was a close second to The New One last time, and wasn’t beaten far by My Tent Or Yours or Yanworth on his two runs before that.
Sound
THE FLAME (1.40) should run very well in the Betway Handicap Hurdle. He made a bad error three out at Huntingdon last month, which cost him his chance of winning.
That was a little out of character as he’s usually a sound jumper. I’d say he’d have a decent each-way chance.
The pick for tomorrow is ROUERGATE (2.10) who runs in the Enhanced Place Odds At 188Bet EBF Mares’ “National Hunt” Novices’ Hurdle at Market Rasen. She was leading when falling at the last at Ludlow and will be there or thereabouts.
Today’s Betfair Ascot Chase looks like being one of the best renewals ever.
However much I’d love to see Cue Card roll back the years under Paddy Brennan – and don’t forget, he is top rated – I think it will be between Top Notch and Coney Island, with preference for the latter.
Coney Island had Grade One-winning form a couple of seasons ago and, after a year’s break, showed he was as good as ever when winning easily at Ascot before Christmas. He’s lightly raced and has stacks of potential.
Genuine
Another horse with a bright future is Saint Calvados who booked his place in the Arkle with a bloodless win at Warwick last weekend.
He jumped brilliantly and looks a genuine contender next month.
Finally, I want to wish Liam Treadwell all the best after he announced his retirement this week.
I don’t think you’ll find a more popular person in the weighing room.
He’s unassuming and everyone gets on with him. He’s great company and that’s why he’ll find we will all be staying in close touch with him.
Hopefully he’ll stay in racing and he would be good in the media, as he’s very knowledgeable and composed and always comes across really well. I’ve no idea if Liam’s thinking along those lines, but just a thought.
Aidan is sponsored by Racing UK, which has recently unveiled its new-look website. Features include seamless betting through the site, Oddschecker integration, Timeform Premium Ratings, dedicated racecourse feeds, pop-out video players and seven-day catch up service. See racinguk.com.