Raya Brings No Sunshine
Racing Review 12th Dec – 18th Dec
The beginning of the week saw action that could best be described as mundane but the 3m2f handicap chase run at Catterick on Tuesday was eventful to say the least. It eventually went to the Sheena Walton trained Dystonia’s Revenge but only after a carnage filled home straight that saw the winner traded at 999/1 on betfair for small change.
Newbury on Wednesday saw a return to winning ways for last season’s leading novice Time For Rupert. Paul Webbers gelding always had matters in control from the front and won eased down by 1 ¾ lengths from The Giant Bolster. Whilst this was a step in the right direction following his disappointing display in the Betfair Chase, quotes of 20/1 for the Gold Cup do not tempt me at this stage. Earlier on the same card, Nicky Henderson’s Broadbackbob impressed me when thrashing his opposition in the 2m3f novice hurdle. Always cantering, this improving 6 year old relished the soft ground and looks set for more success this season with more improvement on the cards.
The first day of Ascot’s two day meeting was uninspiring fare but one noticeable mention goes to Nick Williams who seems to be rekindling the grey Zaynar’s enthusiasm for the game, once again showcasing what a talented trainer he is.
It’s worth remembering that he is only a 7 year old and was placed in a Champion Hurdle as a very young horse, so it is feasible Zaynar still has some big days ahead of him.
Saturday’s feature race was the Ladbroke Hurdle and Raya Star came out on top in a tight finish from rank outsider Rigidity. Whilst there is no denying the winner is an improving beast I have a strong feeling the form is suspect given the very sedate pace and then a dash to the line once the field turned into the home straight.
The undoubted highlight of the card, and of the week for that matter, was the incomparable Big Bucks simply laughing at the opposition on his way to an easy 8 length win. Astonishingly this was his fourteenth straight victory, and his eighth Grade 1 triumph, statistics that immediately tell you that Big Bucks is simply the best Staying Hurdler of all time, and one of the greats of the modern era. Surely a third World Hurdle awaits at Cheltenham in March.
Punting High – Getting up early enough to secure some 11/1 about Safran De Cotte then watching him plough through the Haydock mud to score cosily.
Punting Low – Watching in dismay as the Ladbroke Hurdle was run at a crawl meaning Brampour could never land a blow behind Raya Star.
