Knickerbocker to grab Glory
KNICKERBOCKERGLORY can defy his inexperience to claim a second fencing win in the Peter Beaumont at Wetherby.
A bumper scorer for Alastair Ralph in January 2021, he was recruited by Dan Skelton at the start of last term and went on to offer a very healthy return on his new connections’ investment, winning three of his six hurdles starts.
Skelton opted to make the move to fences this term and the decision paid an immediate dividend as he secured a comfortable success at Ffos Las at the start of the month.
That was a two-runner affair, but Knickerbockerglory impressed with his jumping and he barely came out of third gear against a horse who is a three-times winner.
This is a stiffer test, but Knickerbockerglory is open to improvement.
Magic Wave takes the eye as he embarks over obstacles in the Watch Race Replay At Racing TV Novices’ Hurdle.
Placed in two bumpers last season, Jamie Hamilton kept it simple aboard Magic Wave on his return at Ayr, making all for a 13-length victory. It is hard to rate the merit of the form, but Magic Wave looks a promising contender.
Wholeofthemoon is one to watch as he moves to the National Hunt sphere in the wetherbyracing.co.uk Juvenile Maiden Hurdle.
Placed five times in seven Flat starts, Richard Hughes might have a nice jumps horse for the winter.
Caldwell Diamond can make the trip from Ireland pay as he lines up in the Hereford Ownership Club Novices’ Hurdle.
He could not get his head in front in three bumper starts, but on his second attempt over hurdles, he dug deep to fend off dual bumper scorer The Big Doyen by a length.
The five-year-old would not be one of Gordon Elliott’s stars, but his handler has found him a fine opportunity at Hereford.
Beau Balko went down by a head last time, but he can take the Hereford Motor Group Novices’ Hurdle.
He was a bit keen early on during his first British start, eventually being pipped on the line, but Paul Nicholls’ charge would not have to improve too much to take the prize here.
Beau Balko’s rider Harry Cobden should also be on the mark with Pass Me By.
Richard Bandey’s runner should have made strides from his second returning from 313 days off and can land the Cultura Specialists’ Handicap Chase.
HENRY de Bromhead is full of hope Kempton and the King George will prove the perfect spot for Envoi Allen.
Seen as a superstar in waiting in the early part of his career and twice a winner at the Festival, he has met with a few bumps in the road after switching to fences but is still a three-time Grade One winner over the bigger obstacles and was third in last season’s Champion Chase.
He moved back up to three miles at Down Royal earlier this month and showed he is again going to be a force in winning the Champion Chase.
De Bromhead said: “He ran well in the Champion Chase, but obviously I got the trip completely wrong. It might be a blessing in disguise as he’s in mighty form now and was really good the other day.
“I think we plan to go to the King George and then we’ll see after that.”