1. Log in now to remove adverts - no adverts at all to registered members!

"Something for the Weekend, Sir?" 13th/14th Feb 2021

Discussion in 'Horse Racing' started by OddDog, Feb 11, 2021.

  1. OddDog

    OddDog Mild mannered janitor
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2011
    Messages:
    28,577
    Likes Received:
    10,380
    We are in the lap of the weather gods as to whether there will be live racing on terrestrial TV this weekend as both Newbury and Warwick (the planned double-header on ITV4 on Saturday) have the frost covers deployed. The forecast is currently not good, with overnight lows of -5°C on Friday night and temperatures not getting above freezing prior to racing. With crossed fingers then a quick preview of the two meetings in the hope things might improve.

    Newbury highlights with two Grade 2 chases plus the richest handicap hurdle in Britain, the Grade 3 Betfair Hurdle. Coverage from Newbury starts with the 3 mile handicap hurdle which sees one of the most aptly-named horses in training, Sizable Sam, trying to follow up his Warwick victory from a 7lbs higher mark. He is a really strapping sort who will murder fences one day but, remaining very unexposed, I would hope he can take the rise in class and weight in his stride. Next up are the 2 Grade 2 races and these certainly have the potential to be "make or break" for Nicky Henderson's festival hopes with Champ kicking things off in the Denman Chase. The RSA winner has a tough task on his hands though with Clan Des Obeaux the favourite and I'm sure connections of Champ will be looking for a clear round first and foremost. Colin Tizzard will be hoping Lostintranslation can follow in Native River's footsteps and give further impetus to the yard's fortunes after a wretched season. The its the Game Spirit and Altior really has to win this to remain in the Champion Chase picture. He is a shade of odds-on at the moment against 4 rivals and the trainer has been making positive noises so let's see. The Betfair Hurdle is, as usual, ultra-competitive with any number of young, unexposed horses in the mix. I'd love to see For Pleasure blast off again and ride them all to sleep, this horse has been a real godsend this season and Newbury is left-handed so he should be OK.

    Three races from Warwick are planned to be televised, starting with a listed Mares Hurdle over 2m 5f where we see one of the most interesting runners of the weekend in French raider Paul's Saga from the David Cottin yard. She is rated 168 and is priced accordingly (4/7 fav) for this. Nearest rival Eglantine Du Seuil is rated 23 pounds inferior. Next at Warwick in the Kingmaker where Allmankind will be looking to cement his Arkle claims against a decent field including Sky Pirate and Cheddleton. A decent looking Class 2 Handicap Chase rounds off the TV coverage from Warwick and here the booking of Paddy Brennan for Another Crick caught my eye. Naas hosts a decent card on Saturday too with the highlight being Elimay's attempt to give Shattered Love 5lbs.

    Sunday's meeting at Exeter includes a listed novices hurdle might offer a clue or two for the Supreme, particularly if My Drogo can win under his penalty. Monmiral, if he runs, will give the Skelton runner plenty to think about with weight for age. There is also a veterans chase, a Pertemps qualifier and a listed mares chase to get stuck into on what is a nice card. Over in Ireland there is also a nice card at Punchestown with a Cross-Country chase, a listed novices hurdle over 2 miles and a Grand National trial. Willie Mullins only has 11 runners entered at this stage so the others might have some sort of chance.

    Fingers crossed the weather will turn milder <ok>
     
    #1
    Last edited: Feb 11, 2021
  2. OddDog

    OddDog Mild mannered janitor
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2011
    Messages:
    28,577
    Likes Received:
    10,380
    Newbury and Warwick both off (Warwick rescheduled for Monday, Newbury for a week on Sunday).

    Binge watching on Netflix this weekend :(
     
    #2
  3. NassauBoard

    NassauBoard Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2011
    Messages:
    13,630
    Likes Received:
    4,658
    surely you mean Chelmsford rather than Netflix?

    hopefully the warmer weather next week allows more racing.
     
    #3
  4. CaptainPops

    CaptainPops Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2013
    Messages:
    2,333
    Likes Received:
    1,437
    Unfortunately binge watching of Netflix looks increasingly possible with Chelmsford now off...

    It all hinges on Lingfield now which actually looks like it will be on but let's face it that pretty much equals a dire day of racing tomorrow.

    Netflix or watching paint dry might be just as appealing..
     
    #4
    Ron likes this.
  5. Ron

    Ron Well-Known Member
    Forum Moderator

    Joined:
    Jan 25, 2011
    Messages:
    48,319
    Likes Received:
    15,484
    We do have a listed race in Naas...................................... with 5 runners :biggrin:
     
    #5
    CaptainPops likes this.
  6. CaptainPops

    CaptainPops Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jan 7, 2013
    Messages:
    2,333
    Likes Received:
    1,437
    Yes that would take the edge off if the racing is on at Naas. Yellow warnings in place for snow and ice but temperatures don't look as low as here in England so they might get lucky.. fingers crossed. :emoticon-0148-yes:
     
    #6
    Ron likes this.
  7. Sir Barney Chuckles

    Sir Barney Chuckles Who Dares Wins

    Joined:
    Jun 25, 2011
    Messages:
    5,708
    Likes Received:
    2,169
    If Exeter does go ahead tomorrow then we have the latest instalment of ‘Pertemps qualifying’. Will the Lieutenant’s Champagne Platinum creep into the first 6???
     
    #7

Share This Page