The last chance saloon beckons!
Three afternoon meetings for us to look forward to today after Musselburgh thankfully survived an early morning inspection. National Hunt action from Taunton gets under way at 12.30 , over the borders Musselburgh goes at 12.20 while all-weather fans are well catered for at Kempton where an eight race card gets under way at 1.40.
The mares hurdle (12.30) gets the show on the road at Taunton and it’s a race where the profitable firm of Noel Fehily and Emma Lavelle team up with recent Lingfield winner Elegant Touch. Remember so far this season this trainer and jockey combo’ have a healthy 40% strike rate. Impressive figures indeed!
Monarch’s Way was formerly trained by Andre Fabre in France. Now in the care of John Ferguson, his chances are obvious in the novices handicap at 1.00. Promising young jockey Jack Quinlan takes the mount today and remember he has a tidy 37% strike rate for the stable this season.
Jockey Daryl Jacob travels here for one mount only , Doeslessthanme in the novices handicap chase at 1.30 while Gold Cup winning jockey Paddy Brennan is another pilot on a solo mission this afo’. Morenito in the handicap chase (2.30),trained by Tom George, is his only mount on the card. Racing closes with the handicap hurdle at 3.05 ,a race where Ron Hodge’s popular mare Posh Emily looks for win number four here at Taunton.
Musselburgh’s seven race card gets under way at 12.20 with he amateur riders handicap chase, a race where the Lucinda Russell entry Moscow Mischief is respected, given her trainer’s excellent 28% record in handicap chases here at the track. Merchant Of Dubai looks an interesting contender in the maiden hurdle at 12.50.He was classy on the flat and it’s not too long ago that he finished third in the competitive November Handicap up at Doncaster.
The Irish trained Maggio makes the journey over for the Beginner’s chase at 1.20, while Puyol is an interesting entry in this race also. He won the valuable MCR Hurdle at Leopardstown under Johnny Cullen in 2010 and if he can produce anything like that form here he could go close today.
John Quinn and promising seven pound claimer Dean Pratt have a 50% strike rate this season and team up with Zaplamation in the two mile handicap at 2.20, while recent course winner Red Tanber will be a popular selection to defy a nine pound penalty in the handicap chase at 2.55 .
Racing closes with the bumper ,a race where the £100,000 purchase Makari will be many punters choice to finish the day on a winning note. Watch also for Isabelle B , trained by the Master of Greystoke Nicky Richards ,a stable that have a 33% strike rate in bumpers here at Musselburgh.
Eight races at Kempton kicking off with the maiden at 1.40 ,a race where Clifford’s Reprieve appears to be drinking in the last chance saloon. A thirteen race career has thus far failed to produce a win. First time shades ,a box draw in trap two and the assistance of Seb Sanders in the saddle
today could be the key to getting that elusive first win this afternoon. If not we’re sending you to Southwell for a seller and no arguments .Please Brer Fox, anything but the briar patch!
Heatherbird is the only mount on the card for jockey Eddie Ahern in the ten furlong handicap at 2.45 while the trained Jeremy Gask trained Best Trip looks for a fifth course success this afternoon in div’ one of the buzz handicap at 3.15. Trainer Ian Wood and Dane O’Neill (60% for season to date) team up with Requisite in the second divide of the sprint at 3.45 while Gentleman Jim Crowley significantly travels down to the Sunbury venue for one ride only, King Vahe in the one mile maiden at 4.45.
Enjoy your racing today and remember to call us here at Star Spreads for news of all the latest market positions available .You won’t be disappointed !
Donal
