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Sunday Racing Punchestown Musselburgh
- Thread starter Sizing
- Start date
saturday stuff not exciting but at least we have the rugbyIndo Preview
Sizing Europe's big-race target at Cheltenham may still be up for decision, but the joint-highest rated chaser in the country will complete his Festival preparations over two miles in the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown tomorrow.
On official ratings, Henry de Bromhead's evergreen 11-year-old shares top billing of 171 with Flemenstar, and, much like Peter Casey's flamboyant operator, his versatility means that he has yet to be ruled out of any of next month's championship events.
With rising star Sprinter Sacre destined for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, both horses are expected to end up in one or the other of the longer Grade One races.
While that is understandable, it would also be slightly lamentable should it materialise as Sizing Europe and Flemenstar are the two horses best equipped to test Sprinter Sacre's mettle.
At Leopardstown last time, De Bromhead's 2011 champion reverted to the minimum trip to clock his seventh Grade One in workmanlike style.
Sizing Europe reappears now for a third successive outing in the Boylesports.com-sponsored Grade Two that he plundered 12 months ago. Barring mishaps, he should make for his fifth visit to the Cotswolds in March on a winning note.
Just four others face the starter in the €40,000 feature, with Willie Mullins' 2011 Galway Plate heroine Blazing Tempo next best on Turf Club figures, albeit 21lbs inferior to the long odds-on favourite.
John Ryan's consistent Foildubh, disappointing when hampered at Thurles last month, may pose a more potent threat to Andrew Lynch's mount if he leaves behind that uncharacteristic below-par turn.
The remainder of the card, comprising eight races due to the switch of the Dan Moore Memorial Chase from today's lost Fairyhouse fixture, promises to be even more informative.
In the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle, the Gordon Elliott-trained Don Cossack is out to redeem its reputation following a tame effort before capitulating at the final flight behind Pont Alexandre in a Navan Grade One in December.
Worthy
While subsequent events have shown Pont Alexandre to be a worthy challenger for top honours, Don Cossack looked a pale shadow of his normal authoritative self from a long way out on that occasion.
As a big, raw sort of horse, the Gigginstown Stud-owned six-year-old may simply have needed the experience of what was only his second start over hurdles, so he is fancied to make amends under Davy Russell now.
Mullins' Mozoltov and Noel Meade's Ned Buntline are live dangers, but toppling an on-song Don Cossack will be a big ask.
Mozoltov's jockey Ruby Walsh – three shy of Russell on the riders' table – has a quality book that could see him outpoint the reigning champion on the day. In particular, Upazo and Lambro are fancied.
Robert Tyner's Byerley Babe, a stylish bumper winner in JP McManus' silks at Thurles, might put it up to Upazo in the maiden hurdle, but the selection did little wrong when second to Umpact and Jennies Jewel in its first two hurdle starts.
Lambro, reappearing for a first time since scoring at Punchestown in May, has more on its plate in the Dan Moore.
Alderwood, Pires, Far Away So Close and English raider Coole River all have obvious claims in the prestigious handicap.
Nonetheless, Lambro had some choice form behind Last Instalment and Flemenstar last term, and he might just be up to conceding weight all round.
In the Grand National Trial that follows, Jonjo O'Neill saddles Arbor Supreme under talented Fermoy-born claimer Maurice Linehan, but Murchu is nap material in this.
John 'Shark' Hanlon's dour stayer was bang in contention before unseating Mark Enright four-out in the Thyestes last month. With conditions to suit and a net weight of just 9st 8lb to carry, he should take plenty stopping under the Limerick rider now.
Sizing Europe's big-race target at Cheltenham may still be up for decision, but the joint-highest rated chaser in the country will complete his Festival preparations over two miles in the Tied Cottage Chase at Punchestown tomorrow.
On official ratings, Henry de Bromhead's evergreen 11-year-old shares top billing of 171 with Flemenstar, and, much like Peter Casey's flamboyant operator, his versatility means that he has yet to be ruled out of any of next month's championship events.
With rising star Sprinter Sacre destined for the Queen Mother Champion Chase, both horses are expected to end up in one or the other of the longer Grade One races.
While that is understandable, it would also be slightly lamentable should it materialise as Sizing Europe and Flemenstar are the two horses best equipped to test Sprinter Sacre's mettle.
At Leopardstown last time, De Bromhead's 2011 champion reverted to the minimum trip to clock his seventh Grade One in workmanlike style.
Sizing Europe reappears now for a third successive outing in the Boylesports.com-sponsored Grade Two that he plundered 12 months ago. Barring mishaps, he should make for his fifth visit to the Cotswolds in March on a winning note.
Just four others face the starter in the €40,000 feature, with Willie Mullins' 2011 Galway Plate heroine Blazing Tempo next best on Turf Club figures, albeit 21lbs inferior to the long odds-on favourite.
John Ryan's consistent Foildubh, disappointing when hampered at Thurles last month, may pose a more potent threat to Andrew Lynch's mount if he leaves behind that uncharacteristic below-par turn.
The remainder of the card, comprising eight races due to the switch of the Dan Moore Memorial Chase from today's lost Fairyhouse fixture, promises to be even more informative.
In the Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle, the Gordon Elliott-trained Don Cossack is out to redeem its reputation following a tame effort before capitulating at the final flight behind Pont Alexandre in a Navan Grade One in December.
Worthy
While subsequent events have shown Pont Alexandre to be a worthy challenger for top honours, Don Cossack looked a pale shadow of his normal authoritative self from a long way out on that occasion.
As a big, raw sort of horse, the Gigginstown Stud-owned six-year-old may simply have needed the experience of what was only his second start over hurdles, so he is fancied to make amends under Davy Russell now.
Mullins' Mozoltov and Noel Meade's Ned Buntline are live dangers, but toppling an on-song Don Cossack will be a big ask.
Mozoltov's jockey Ruby Walsh – three shy of Russell on the riders' table – has a quality book that could see him outpoint the reigning champion on the day. In particular, Upazo and Lambro are fancied.
Robert Tyner's Byerley Babe, a stylish bumper winner in JP McManus' silks at Thurles, might put it up to Upazo in the maiden hurdle, but the selection did little wrong when second to Umpact and Jennies Jewel in its first two hurdle starts.
Lambro, reappearing for a first time since scoring at Punchestown in May, has more on its plate in the Dan Moore.
Alderwood, Pires, Far Away So Close and English raider Coole River all have obvious claims in the prestigious handicap.
Nonetheless, Lambro had some choice form behind Last Instalment and Flemenstar last term, and he might just be up to conceding weight all round.
In the Grand National Trial that follows, Jonjo O'Neill saddles Arbor Supreme under talented Fermoy-born claimer Maurice Linehan, but Murchu is nap material in this.
John 'Shark' Hanlon's dour stayer was bang in contention before unseating Mark Enright four-out in the Thyestes last month. With conditions to suit and a net weight of just 9st 8lb to carry, he should take plenty stopping under the Limerick rider now.
The very excellent Pat Keane 
By Pat Keane
Sizing Europe warms for Cheltenham at Punchestown tomorrow and should enjoy little more than a good school on his way to landing the Grade 2 boylesports.com Tied Cottage Chase.
The 11-year-old has won his last four races, three of them this season, and all the indications are that he is as good as ever.
Sizing Europe did all that was required of him on his latest appearance, beating Rubi Light at Leopardstown at Christmas, and it will be more than surprising should he fail to do the business.
Gordon Elliott’s Don Cossack will be on something of a retrieving mission in the other Grade 2 on the card, the Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle.
The air of invincibility that was starting to surround him was shattered at Navan in December.
He was struggling to hold onto second place when falling at the last behind easy winner, the impressive Pont Alexandre.
Perhaps, he will bounce back now, but preference is for Willie Mullins’ Mozoltov, who is the nap.
Twice successful in bumpers, he created a big impression when landing an ordinary maiden hurdle by a street at Gowran Park and is fancied to take this major step up in class in his stride.
Mullins’ Upazo is preferred to Robert Tyner’s Byerley Babe in the opening Anna Gannon 80th Birthday Maiden Hurdle.
A useful sort in his native France, Upazo has twice finished second over flights in this country, the latest when failing to hold Jennies Jewel at Naas.
Jennies Jewel, however, was in receipt of 8lbs and went on to run a cracker when splitting the Mullins pair, Glens Melody and Zuzka, in a Listed event at Leopardstown last Sunday.
Mullins’ Lambro, who has mixed it with the likes of Flemstar, Last Instalment and Call The Police, is fancied to defy top weight, on his seasonal debut, in the Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase.
A fourth Mullins possibility is Rough Justice in the Bumper, even though he has been rather disappointing on this track and at Leopardstown.
But this doesn’t look the most exacting of assignments and the fact Rough Justice has not had his attentions quickly turned to jumping may be significant.
No fewer than 22 are set to face the starter in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier), but it houses a theoretical certainty in the shape of Ted Walsh’s Colbert Station.
He ran away with the valuable Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown last time, which saw his rating at that game climb to 146. He now reappears off a mark a whopping 27lbs below that and can make a successful return to hurdling.
By Pat Keane
Sizing Europe warms for Cheltenham at Punchestown tomorrow and should enjoy little more than a good school on his way to landing the Grade 2 boylesports.com Tied Cottage Chase.
The 11-year-old has won his last four races, three of them this season, and all the indications are that he is as good as ever.
Sizing Europe did all that was required of him on his latest appearance, beating Rubi Light at Leopardstown at Christmas, and it will be more than surprising should he fail to do the business.
Gordon Elliott’s Don Cossack will be on something of a retrieving mission in the other Grade 2 on the card, the Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle.
The air of invincibility that was starting to surround him was shattered at Navan in December.
He was struggling to hold onto second place when falling at the last behind easy winner, the impressive Pont Alexandre.
Perhaps, he will bounce back now, but preference is for Willie Mullins’ Mozoltov, who is the nap.
Twice successful in bumpers, he created a big impression when landing an ordinary maiden hurdle by a street at Gowran Park and is fancied to take this major step up in class in his stride.
Mullins’ Upazo is preferred to Robert Tyner’s Byerley Babe in the opening Anna Gannon 80th Birthday Maiden Hurdle.
A useful sort in his native France, Upazo has twice finished second over flights in this country, the latest when failing to hold Jennies Jewel at Naas.
Jennies Jewel, however, was in receipt of 8lbs and went on to run a cracker when splitting the Mullins pair, Glens Melody and Zuzka, in a Listed event at Leopardstown last Sunday.
Mullins’ Lambro, who has mixed it with the likes of Flemstar, Last Instalment and Call The Police, is fancied to defy top weight, on his seasonal debut, in the Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase.
A fourth Mullins possibility is Rough Justice in the Bumper, even though he has been rather disappointing on this track and at Leopardstown.
But this doesn’t look the most exacting of assignments and the fact Rough Justice has not had his attentions quickly turned to jumping may be significant.
No fewer than 22 are set to face the starter in the Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier), but it houses a theoretical certainty in the shape of Ted Walsh’s Colbert Station.
He ran away with the valuable Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown last time, which saw his rating at that game climb to 146. He now reappears off a mark a whopping 27lbs below that and can make a successful return to hurdling.
Irish Times
A highly informative Punchestown card sees Sizing Europe gearing up for Cheltenham as he bids for back-to-back wins in the Boylesports.com Tied Cottage Chase.
Last year's Champion Chase runner-up also has engagements in the Ryanair and Gold Cup this spring, but Henry De Bromhead's pride and joy sticks to two miles for now.
Heavy ground is not ideal for the 11-year-old, but he'll be too classy for Foildubh and the consistent mare Blazing Tempo.
Further Grade Two honours are up for grabs in the Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle and Don Cossack drops back to the minimum trip having fallen when sent off favourite to beat Pont Alexandre in a Grade One at Navan.
He should be kept honest by runaway Gowran maiden scorer Mozoltov and the well-regarded Leopardstown winner Ned Buntline.
Lambro tops the weights for the Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase and Willie Mullins' charge could well prove up to the task, but Alderwood is a potentially well-treated rival having steadily come to the boil since switching to fences this season.
The Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) looks a real melting pot of clues for the future and Paddy Power Chase hero Colbert Station leaps out of the form book competing off a 27lb lower mark than his new chase rating.
JP McManus also has Catch Me and the progressive Fahamore at his disposal, while Colbert Station's trainer Ted Walsh is also represented by Royal Reveille, who has Ruby Walsh for company on his first outing since winning at Limerick in October 2011.
Bostons Angel, Uncle Junior and Arabella Boy do battle again in the Glenfarclass PP Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase, while the Michael Fitzpatrick Memorial Grand National Trial Handicap Chase appears a good spot for novice Vesper Bell to continue his progression.
Upazo will be another popular Mullins pick in the opening Anna Gannon 80th Birthday Maiden Hurdle (12.50) and the champion trainer saddles Rough Justice in the ITM Promoting Irish Bloodstock (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.
A highly informative Punchestown card sees Sizing Europe gearing up for Cheltenham as he bids for back-to-back wins in the Boylesports.com Tied Cottage Chase.
Last year's Champion Chase runner-up also has engagements in the Ryanair and Gold Cup this spring, but Henry De Bromhead's pride and joy sticks to two miles for now.
Heavy ground is not ideal for the 11-year-old, but he'll be too classy for Foildubh and the consistent mare Blazing Tempo.
Further Grade Two honours are up for grabs in the Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle and Don Cossack drops back to the minimum trip having fallen when sent off favourite to beat Pont Alexandre in a Grade One at Navan.
He should be kept honest by runaway Gowran maiden scorer Mozoltov and the well-regarded Leopardstown winner Ned Buntline.
Lambro tops the weights for the Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Chase and Willie Mullins' charge could well prove up to the task, but Alderwood is a potentially well-treated rival having steadily come to the boil since switching to fences this season.
The Pertemps Handicap Hurdle (Qualifier) looks a real melting pot of clues for the future and Paddy Power Chase hero Colbert Station leaps out of the form book competing off a 27lb lower mark than his new chase rating.
JP McManus also has Catch Me and the progressive Fahamore at his disposal, while Colbert Station's trainer Ted Walsh is also represented by Royal Reveille, who has Ruby Walsh for company on his first outing since winning at Limerick in October 2011.
Bostons Angel, Uncle Junior and Arabella Boy do battle again in the Glenfarclass PP Hogan Memorial Cross Country Chase, while the Michael Fitzpatrick Memorial Grand National Trial Handicap Chase appears a good spot for novice Vesper Bell to continue his progression.
Upazo will be another popular Mullins pick in the opening Anna Gannon 80th Birthday Maiden Hurdle (12.50) and the champion trainer saddles Rough Justice in the ITM Promoting Irish Bloodstock (Pro/Am) INH Flat Race.
Cant have this pick at all. Why isnt AP up?
Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Steeplechase 4-y-o plus
2m. 1st - €48,750.00, 2nd - €15,000.00, 3rd - €7,500.00, 4th - €3,000.00 11 Declared
Heavy
Formscan By Gary Carson - ALDERWOOD was highly progressive over hurdles last term and seems to be going the right way over the larger obstacles. Having suffered an unfortunate slip on his chasing debut he ran with promise next time at Fairyhouse when a fine third. He got off the mark at Navan last time when emerging from the fog and was going away at the death then. The handicapper probably hasn't been over lenient with a mark of 135 for his first handicap chase but it's no surprise given the way he improved last season and he looks capable of much better over fences. Lambro looks an obvious danger and the fact that he hasn't run since the festival here last May is not an issue coming from this yard. He mixed it among the top novices last season and was a good winner on his final start last season. He has to shoulder top weigh here but is a classy sort and should give a big showing. Pires doesn't always find the most and looks to have plenty of weight now while English raider Coole River doesn't look particularly well handicapped this side of the water.
Dan Moore Memorial Handicap Steeplechase 4-y-o plus
2m. 1st - €48,750.00, 2nd - €15,000.00, 3rd - €7,500.00, 4th - €3,000.00 11 Declared
Heavy
Formscan By Gary Carson - ALDERWOOD was highly progressive over hurdles last term and seems to be going the right way over the larger obstacles. Having suffered an unfortunate slip on his chasing debut he ran with promise next time at Fairyhouse when a fine third. He got off the mark at Navan last time when emerging from the fog and was going away at the death then. The handicapper probably hasn't been over lenient with a mark of 135 for his first handicap chase but it's no surprise given the way he improved last season and he looks capable of much better over fences. Lambro looks an obvious danger and the fact that he hasn't run since the festival here last May is not an issue coming from this yard. He mixed it among the top novices last season and was a good winner on his final start last season. He has to shoulder top weigh here but is a classy sort and should give a big showing. Pires doesn't always find the most and looks to have plenty of weight now while English raider Coole River doesn't look particularly well handicapped this side of the water.
But I do think this one is very interesting
Formscan By Thomas Weekes - COLBERT STATION is of obvious interest in a qualifier race where long-term plots are traditionally made. The selection is an Aintree National candidate but still looks very well treated over hurdles (second to handicap blot Roi Du Mee on his latest hurdle start). He possesses more than enough ability to win this and gain a rise to get into the weights for a (guessing) tilt at the Final at Cheltenham. Fahamore has been in great form and can still prove competitive on his hat-trick bid while Dushrembrandt, who skipped the Christmas period, will be suited by the test of stamina. Blissful Moment steps up in trip and appears the pick of Noel Meade's trio on jockey bookings. Coole Avenue was just behind the selection over hurdles at Navan but disappointed since while last year's Series Final runner-up Catch Me is best watched for the time being.
See catch me is in the same race. Too old for Coral Cup this year ?
Formscan By Thomas Weekes - COLBERT STATION is of obvious interest in a qualifier race where long-term plots are traditionally made. The selection is an Aintree National candidate but still looks very well treated over hurdles (second to handicap blot Roi Du Mee on his latest hurdle start). He possesses more than enough ability to win this and gain a rise to get into the weights for a (guessing) tilt at the Final at Cheltenham. Fahamore has been in great form and can still prove competitive on his hat-trick bid while Dushrembrandt, who skipped the Christmas period, will be suited by the test of stamina. Blissful Moment steps up in trip and appears the pick of Noel Meade's trio on jockey bookings. Coole Avenue was just behind the selection over hurdles at Navan but disappointed since while last year's Series Final runner-up Catch Me is best watched for the time being.
See catch me is in the same race. Too old for Coral Cup this year ?
Think I prefer Ned Buntline in this one
Formscan By Thomas Weekes - It is now abundantly clear why DON COSSACK was so comprehensively beaten (before falling) at Navan in December with his conqueror then Pont Alexandre proving himself a real star on his latest win. DON COSSACK is without doubt just killing time over hurdles, ahead of a chasing career, but can show his true worth here and should have every chance in this hot race. Mozoltov is himself a chaser in the making and while he takes a big step up in grade, has proven himself a fair type and carries a nice reputation. Ned Buntline is himself a 'talking horse' and while a good winner of his maiden over Christmas, the runner-up has since been beaten. That said Ned Buntline remains a horse of potential but how good he actually is will be answered here. Mumbo Jumbo might need to improve to win while Tramore winners Starkie and especially Waydownsouth look to have their work cut out to win.
Formscan By Thomas Weekes - It is now abundantly clear why DON COSSACK was so comprehensively beaten (before falling) at Navan in December with his conqueror then Pont Alexandre proving himself a real star on his latest win. DON COSSACK is without doubt just killing time over hurdles, ahead of a chasing career, but can show his true worth here and should have every chance in this hot race. Mozoltov is himself a chaser in the making and while he takes a big step up in grade, has proven himself a fair type and carries a nice reputation. Ned Buntline is himself a 'talking horse' and while a good winner of his maiden over Christmas, the runner-up has since been beaten. That said Ned Buntline remains a horse of potential but how good he actually is will be answered here. Mumbo Jumbo might need to improve to win while Tramore winners Starkie and especially Waydownsouth look to have their work cut out to win.
Scotland
Leading Arkle hope Overturn faces three opponents as he completes his racecourse preparations for next month’s Cheltenham Festival in the Scottish Arkle Novices’ Chase at Musselburgh tomorrow.
Trainer Donald McCain played a big part in persuading the racecourse to put on an extra two-mile novice chase, and the East Lothian track has been rewarded with last season’s Champion Hurdle runner-up Overturn facing a fascinating duel with the Nicky Henderson-trained Tetlami. Overturn could not have been more impressive in his two starts over fences at Sandown and Doncaster this season and is the general second favourite for the Arkle at Cheltenham behind Henderson’s talented grey Simonsig.
“It’s a grand little race, it’s great they are putting it on and it will be nice to get it out of the way,” said McCain. “The ground will be as good as you will find anywhere at the moment and the horse is in good nick, so we’ll see what happens. All going well, this will be his last run before Cheltenham.”
Although an outsider for the Arkle at this stage, Tetlami is certainly an interesting challenger to Overturn this weekend. A high-class novice hurdler last season, the seven-year-old won decisively on his fencing bow at Kempton last month and jockey Barry Geraghty feels there should be more to come. “Obviously he’s taking on Overturn, but I’m looking forward to riding him as I think he’ll have improved a good bit for his run in Kempton the last day,” said Geraghty. “He’s a good horse and was a classy old hurdler. We’ll see how he goes on Sunday and take it from there.”
The Scottish Arkle is the opening contest on a blockbuster eight-race card. The Lucinda Russell-trained Tap Night is one of the more interesting runners as he aims to enhance his big reputation against three rivals in the Scottish Future Champions Novices’ Chase. Rated in the 140s over hurdles, the six-year-old was snapped up by leading owner JP McManus prior to his excellent chasing debut at Ayr in early January.
Russell said: “It’s only a small field but it’s still quite a tight little race. Our horse is in good form and he’s schooled a couple of times since he ran at Ayr. Everything has gone very well. It will be more valuable experience for him and we’ll see how we get on. AP [McCoy] is in Ireland so Barry Geraghty rides, which is great. It’s the first time Barry has ridden for me.”
The John Smith’s Scottish Champion Chase has attracted an interesting field of nine runners, including last year’s third De Boitron. His trainer, Ferdy Murphy, said: “He ran well to finish third in the race last year and I think he’s a bit more forward this time around, so hopefully he’ll run well.”
A superb card is rounded off by an interesting CGA Scottish Foxhunter Chase, featuring Cloudy Lane and Gwanako, and a conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle.
Leading Arkle hope Overturn faces three opponents as he completes his racecourse preparations for next month’s Cheltenham Festival in the Scottish Arkle Novices’ Chase at Musselburgh tomorrow.
Trainer Donald McCain played a big part in persuading the racecourse to put on an extra two-mile novice chase, and the East Lothian track has been rewarded with last season’s Champion Hurdle runner-up Overturn facing a fascinating duel with the Nicky Henderson-trained Tetlami. Overturn could not have been more impressive in his two starts over fences at Sandown and Doncaster this season and is the general second favourite for the Arkle at Cheltenham behind Henderson’s talented grey Simonsig.
“It’s a grand little race, it’s great they are putting it on and it will be nice to get it out of the way,” said McCain. “The ground will be as good as you will find anywhere at the moment and the horse is in good nick, so we’ll see what happens. All going well, this will be his last run before Cheltenham.”
Although an outsider for the Arkle at this stage, Tetlami is certainly an interesting challenger to Overturn this weekend. A high-class novice hurdler last season, the seven-year-old won decisively on his fencing bow at Kempton last month and jockey Barry Geraghty feels there should be more to come. “Obviously he’s taking on Overturn, but I’m looking forward to riding him as I think he’ll have improved a good bit for his run in Kempton the last day,” said Geraghty. “He’s a good horse and was a classy old hurdler. We’ll see how he goes on Sunday and take it from there.”
The Scottish Arkle is the opening contest on a blockbuster eight-race card. The Lucinda Russell-trained Tap Night is one of the more interesting runners as he aims to enhance his big reputation against three rivals in the Scottish Future Champions Novices’ Chase. Rated in the 140s over hurdles, the six-year-old was snapped up by leading owner JP McManus prior to his excellent chasing debut at Ayr in early January.
Russell said: “It’s only a small field but it’s still quite a tight little race. Our horse is in good form and he’s schooled a couple of times since he ran at Ayr. Everything has gone very well. It will be more valuable experience for him and we’ll see how we get on. AP [McCoy] is in Ireland so Barry Geraghty rides, which is great. It’s the first time Barry has ridden for me.”
The John Smith’s Scottish Champion Chase has attracted an interesting field of nine runners, including last year’s third De Boitron. His trainer, Ferdy Murphy, said: “He ran well to finish third in the race last year and I think he’s a bit more forward this time around, so hopefully he’ll run well.”
A superb card is rounded off by an interesting CGA Scottish Foxhunter Chase, featuring Cloudy Lane and Gwanako, and a conditional jockeys’ handicap hurdle.
Lambourn trainer Nicky Henderson has always been a strong supporter of Musselburgh’s big jumps fixture and he again sends a strong team north to the East Lothian track tomorrow.
Tetlami faces the unbeaten Overturn in the opening novices chase and Anquette carries top weight in the handicap chase, so he may have to wait for the last race before netting a winner with Barenger in the John O’Mailley 80th Birthday Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle (4.30).
The gelding was an impressive winner on his racecourse bow in a bumper at Newbury just over a year ago, but then flopped in three attempts over hurdles last spring. However they were over longer trips and he turned in a much better effort when dropped back to the minimum distance for his handicap debut at Sandown just before Christmas.
The six-year-old was always up with the pace before leading at halfway and was only just run out of it in the closing stages. He was beaten less than a length in a competitive affair and the winner has obliged again since then to boost the form, so Barenger looks on a handy mark here and it is interesting that Henderson is not afraid to take on much more experienced rivals.
Kashmir Peak is unbeaten over hurdles and can complete a hat-trick to boost his Cheltenham Festival prospects in the John Smiths Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial (2.30).
A winner over ten furlongs on the level in Ireland, he scored by a wide margin on his hurdling debut at Market Rasen after joining John Quinn in Yorkshire and then stepped up to Grade Two company and followed up at Doncaster.
He beat Sametegal by a length there and it will be close again. That rival smart form over obstacles in France and won on his British debut at Wetherby for champion trainer Paul Nicholls. He was conceding 3lb at Doncaster and the pair clash on level terms now, but Kashmir Peak can use his flat race speed to good effect. Tap Night can give the locals plenty to cheer about by completing a hat-trick of victories over fences in the Scottish Future Champions Nov ices Chase (2.00) on what is by far the best NH card I have ever seen at Musselburgh.
Successful twice on the level in America, he cost 20,000 dollars before joining Fife trainer Lucinda Russell and has already repaid much of that outlay. The gelding completed a hat-trick over hurdles at Carlisle, Newcastle and Kelso last term before finishing an excellent 6th in a Grade one affair at Aintree.
He has won both his races so far over fences at Ayr this term and although he steps up half a mile in trip tomorrow. He has plenty of stamina.
Donald McCain also has a strong hand on the card and his Overturn will be at long odds-on to win the opener, while Cloudy Lane can take the CGA Scottish Foxhunter Chase (4.00).
The veteran disappointed when only 6th in the Foxhunters at the Cheltenham festival last spring, but made amends at Aintree and will again be a major force in this sphere.
Musselburgh Selections: 2.00 Tap Night; 2.30 Kashmir Peak; 4.00 Cloudy Lane; 4.30 Barenger.
Tetlami faces the unbeaten Overturn in the opening novices chase and Anquette carries top weight in the handicap chase, so he may have to wait for the last race before netting a winner with Barenger in the John O’Mailley 80th Birthday Conditional Jockeys Handicap Hurdle (4.30).
The gelding was an impressive winner on his racecourse bow in a bumper at Newbury just over a year ago, but then flopped in three attempts over hurdles last spring. However they were over longer trips and he turned in a much better effort when dropped back to the minimum distance for his handicap debut at Sandown just before Christmas.
The six-year-old was always up with the pace before leading at halfway and was only just run out of it in the closing stages. He was beaten less than a length in a competitive affair and the winner has obliged again since then to boost the form, so Barenger looks on a handy mark here and it is interesting that Henderson is not afraid to take on much more experienced rivals.
Kashmir Peak is unbeaten over hurdles and can complete a hat-trick to boost his Cheltenham Festival prospects in the John Smiths Scottish Triumph Hurdle Trial (2.30).
A winner over ten furlongs on the level in Ireland, he scored by a wide margin on his hurdling debut at Market Rasen after joining John Quinn in Yorkshire and then stepped up to Grade Two company and followed up at Doncaster.
He beat Sametegal by a length there and it will be close again. That rival smart form over obstacles in France and won on his British debut at Wetherby for champion trainer Paul Nicholls. He was conceding 3lb at Doncaster and the pair clash on level terms now, but Kashmir Peak can use his flat race speed to good effect. Tap Night can give the locals plenty to cheer about by completing a hat-trick of victories over fences in the Scottish Future Champions Nov ices Chase (2.00) on what is by far the best NH card I have ever seen at Musselburgh.
Successful twice on the level in America, he cost 20,000 dollars before joining Fife trainer Lucinda Russell and has already repaid much of that outlay. The gelding completed a hat-trick over hurdles at Carlisle, Newcastle and Kelso last term before finishing an excellent 6th in a Grade one affair at Aintree.
He has won both his races so far over fences at Ayr this term and although he steps up half a mile in trip tomorrow. He has plenty of stamina.
Donald McCain also has a strong hand on the card and his Overturn will be at long odds-on to win the opener, while Cloudy Lane can take the CGA Scottish Foxhunter Chase (4.00).
The veteran disappointed when only 6th in the Foxhunters at the Cheltenham festival last spring, but made amends at Aintree and will again be a major force in this sphere.
Musselburgh Selections: 2.00 Tap Night; 2.30 Kashmir Peak; 4.00 Cloudy Lane; 4.30 Barenger.
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Scottish County Hurdle
Winners have been aged 5, 6 (six), 7 and 8 (two).
Winners have carried between 10-0 and 11-12 with six 11-0 or more.
The last seven winners have been rated between 111 and 130 with five between 124 and 130.
Winners have been priced between 2/1 and 14/1 with only one favourite obliging.
Seven of the winners raced prominently or made all.
Eight winners had their preceding start in December or January.
Six winners finished in the first four on their preceding start, only one was successful.
Seven winners were winning for the first time that season (including one on his seasonal reappearance).
Six winners had previously contested a class 1 hurdle race; three were having either there first or second start in a handicap.
Winners have been aged 5, 6 (six), 7 and 8 (two).
Winners have carried between 10-0 and 11-12 with six 11-0 or more.
The last seven winners have been rated between 111 and 130 with five between 124 and 130.
Winners have been priced between 2/1 and 14/1 with only one favourite obliging.
Seven of the winners raced prominently or made all.
Eight winners had their preceding start in December or January.
Six winners finished in the first four on their preceding start, only one was successful.
Seven winners were winning for the first time that season (including one on his seasonal reappearance).
Six winners had previously contested a class 1 hurdle race; three were having either there first or second start in a handicap.
| YEAR | HORSE | A/G | WGT | LTO | FORM | TRAINER | JOCKEY | RAN | OR | SP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stormy Weather (Fr) (D) | 6g | 10-5 | 35 | 9-64621 | B Ellison | DF O'Regan | 13 | 118 | 13/2 | |
| 2011 | Hunterview (D) | 5g | 11-3 | 30 | 110003 | DE Pipe | Tom Scudamore | 13 | 130 | 11/4 (f) |
| 2010 | Eradicate (Ire) | 6g | 10-13 | 300 | 241222 | NJ Henderson | BJ Geraghty | 12 | 129 | 9/2 (2f) |
| 2009 | European Dream (Ire) (D) | 6g | 11-0 | 15 | 001705 | RC Guest | P Aspell | 14 | 125 | 12/1 |
| 2008 | Astarador (Fr) | 6g | 11-4 | 29 | 711327 | J Howard Johnson | R Johnson | 7 | 130 | 2/1 (2f) |
| 2007 | Forthright | 6g | 10-0 | 48 | 213572 | AW Carroll | W Hutchinson | 15 | 111 | 5/1 (2f) |
| 2006 | Crow Wood (D) | 7g | 11-4 | 86 | 200134 | JJ Quinn | R Garritty | 17 | 124 | 9/2 (2f) |
| 2005 | Another Dude (Ire) (CD) | 8g | 11-12 | 62 | 1P33FF | J Howard Johnson | G Lee | 14 | 120 | 14/1 |
| 2004 | Friedhelmo (GER) (D) | 8g | 11-4 | 15 | UP5544 | RA Fahey | Padge Whelan (3) | 16 | 112 | 15/2 |
| 2003 | Danimas (Ire) | 6g | 10-0 | 13 | 900847 | CF Swan | CF Swan | 10 | 96 | 7/1 |
Last edited:
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Racing UK Moscow Flyer Novice Hurdle (Grade 2) of €39,500.00 5-y-o plus
Ten Year Stats
Ten Year Stats
| Previous Years |
| 2012 Trifolium 5 11-1 D N Russell 7/4Fav (C Byrnes) |
| 2011 Gagewell Flyer 7 11-8 P Townend 13/8Fav (W P Mullins) |
| 2010 Luska Lad 6 11-2 Andrew J McNamara 7/2 (John Joseph Hanlon) |
| 2009 Mikael D'Haguenet 5 11-9 R Walsh 4/11Fav (W P Mullins) |
| 2008 Mister Watzisname 6 11-2 P Carberry 20/1 (Henry De Bromhead) |
| 2007 Orbit O'Gold 5 10-13 N P Madden 50/1 (Noel Meade) |
| 2006 Mounthenry 6 11-5 Andrew J McNamara 3/1 (C Byrnes) |
| 2005 Justified 6 11-2 M A Fitzgerald 9/4Fav (E Sheehy) |
| 2004 Kahuna 7 11-2 J R Barry 9/2 (E Sheehy) |
| 2003 Kicking King 5 10-13 B J Geraghty 5/2Fav (T J Taaffe) |
Statto
Previous Lurker
- Joined
- Apr 13, 2012
- Messages
- 460
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 0
Tied Cottage 10 Year winners
Previous Years
2012 Sizing Europe 10 11-12 A E Lynch 9/10Fav (Henry De Bromhead)
2011 Golden Silver 9 11-12 P Townend 3/1 (W P Mullins)
2010 Big Zeb 9 11-12 B J Geraghty 5/4 (C A Murphy)
2009 Mansony 10 11-12 D N Russell 7/2 (A L T Moore)
2008 Don't Be Bitin 7 11-4 P Carberry 12/1 (Eoin Griffin)
2007 Nickname 8 11-12 R Walsh 9/10Fav (Martin Brassil)
2006 Central House 9 11-12 R Loughran 11/4 (D T Hughes)
2005 Moscow Flyer 11 12-0 B J Geraghty 2/11Fav (Mrs John Harrington)
2004 Native Scout 8 11-10 B J Geraghty 9/10Fav (Donal Hassett)
2003 Moscow Flyer 9 12-0 B J Geraghty 2/7Fav (Mrs John Harrington)
Previous Years
2012 Sizing Europe 10 11-12 A E Lynch 9/10Fav (Henry De Bromhead)
2011 Golden Silver 9 11-12 P Townend 3/1 (W P Mullins)
2010 Big Zeb 9 11-12 B J Geraghty 5/4 (C A Murphy)
2009 Mansony 10 11-12 D N Russell 7/2 (A L T Moore)
2008 Don't Be Bitin 7 11-4 P Carberry 12/1 (Eoin Griffin)
2007 Nickname 8 11-12 R Walsh 9/10Fav (Martin Brassil)
2006 Central House 9 11-12 R Loughran 11/4 (D T Hughes)
2005 Moscow Flyer 11 12-0 B J Geraghty 2/11Fav (Mrs John Harrington)
2004 Native Scout 8 11-10 B J Geraghty 9/10Fav (Donal Hassett)
2003 Moscow Flyer 9 12-0 B J Geraghty 2/7Fav (Mrs John Harrington)
