Bobs Worth Another Chance
Racing Review – Festive Period
Starting this week I will select a horse to follow and let you know of any ante post wagers that have been added to ‘the judge’s portfolio.
After all the turkey had been digested and all the crackers pulled, there was some thrilling jumps action to entertain us.
For fear of my blog turning into a ‘Kauto Star Appreciation Society’ I will keep my thoughts regarding the astounding feat he achieved on Boxing Day to a minimum. In winning a record fifth King George Chase, ‘Kauto cemented his position as the outstanding Chaser of the modern era and inevitable comparisons with the legendary Arkle are now a stable diet on Racing Forums worldwide.
Earlier on the Kempton card, Grands Crus won a fascinating renewal of the Feltham Novices Chase in great style and in doing so maintained his unbeaten record over fences. Always jumping more fluently than his main rivals, he made a race winning move when kicking 5 lengths clear just before 3 out and was merely pushed out to beat high class opponents in Silviniaco Conti and Bobs Worth.
Bobs Worth jumped stickily early on and never looked happy under Barry Geraghty. It is to his great credit that he was only beaten 5 ¼ lengths at the line. This admirable sort showed all his usual tenacity and willingness to steadily close on the leading pair from 2 out. He simply came up against speedier opponents with more fencing experience on a track that didn’t play to his strengths and I for one am certainly not writing him off yet.
The Christmas Hurdle saw a thrilling tussle between 2010 Champion Hurdler Binocular, and the fast improving Rock On Ruby who was taking a step into the top grade, having won a big handicap pot on his seasonal debut. Victory went to the former under a typically forceful Tony McCoy and he is now firmly on course to try and regain the Hurdling crown at Cheltenham in March where he will probably renew rivalry with the runner-up. Neither will have last season’s hurdling superstar ‘the Hurricane’ quaking in his horsebox.
The Welsh National at Chepstow took place the following day at a typically wet Chepstow and as always it was a gruelling test. It eventually went the way of Richard Lee’s 9 year old, Le Beau Bai. The durable gelding has always shown a liking for the welsh track and was going two better than when an honourable third in the race two seasons ago.
This side of the water, the latest running of the Lexus Chase at Leopardstown saw a runaway success for the Jonjo O’Neill trained Synchronised, himself a former Welsh National winner. He crept into contention down the back and stayed on very strongly from the last to eventually win by 8 lengths. The winner is now presumably being aimed at the Gold Cup where he would hold an each way chance granted soft ground, conditions he absolutely needs if he is to show his best form. The runner up Rubi Light ran a solid race stepping up to 3 miles for the first time. Regular readers will know ‘the judge’ had reservations regarding stepping him up in trip and I was delighted connections have already nominated the Ryanair Chase as his festival target, especially as he is my only ante post wager for Cheltenham as I write this.
Punting High – Hollow Tree in the Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow, staying is his game.
Punting Low – Inside Dealer being knocked over at Kempton with the race at his mercy.
One To Note – Ere Alfie, has been running respectably and has now dropped to his last winning mark. His astute trainer will find him a winning opportunity soon.
Ante-Post Portfolio (already advised)
Rubi Light (Ryanair Chase)
0.75pt EW@12/1
