Donald McCain / Donald McCain / 28 January 2012 / Leave a Comment

A busy day for Donald with runners at all three National Hunt meetings.

12:55 Cheltenham

Hollow Tree

This is obviously a good race but it's a small field and he has a Grade 1 victory under his belt - I can't believe the price he is for the Triumph Hurdle really but then that's not for me to worry about. He had a couple of options ahead of the Festival but this one seemed to fit in best and there is a chance that the weather could be on the turn so it will be good to get him in action sooner rather than later. He's working very well at home, the ground will suit him and I would have thought he was the one they all had to beat.

13:30 Cheltenham

Charminster

This represents a big step up in class and trip for him but he looks like he might want this sort of distance now and if he is going to run at the Festival, he could do with getting some experience of the track. This is usually a decent race and this year looks no exception, but he wouldn't be without a chance.

15:40 Cheltenham

Across The Bay

We are under no illusions as to the massive task he faces but the owners wanted a run at Cheltenham and hopefully he will be able to sneak some prize money. All things being well he will be back here for the Pertemps Final in March.

16:15 Cheltenham

Koup de Kanon

He runs here for the Timeform Betfair Racing Club and he has done well to pick up a couple of races already this winter. I see him as more of a chasing prospect for next season but he has earned a crack in one of these better handicaps and he should give a good account. Hinterland does look to have been let in on a good mark though and I would think he would be the one everyone else had to beat.

13:15 Doncaster

Dorabelle/Silver Gypsy

These are the sort of mares for whom Black Type is so valuable and both are in good order at home. Silver Gypsy hasn't really taken to chasing and hopefully the return to hurdles will help. She has a higher rating than Dorabelle but there wouldn't seem to be a great deal between them and hopefully they can enhance their broodmare prospects.

14:50 Doncaster

Wymott

Things haven't gone to plan for him since his promising run in the Hennessy but we know what he can do when he's on his game and I would have though that the trip, track and ground should be perfect for him. He is trying blinkers for the first time on the track but he has worked nicely in them and if he runs his race in them, he isn't going to be far away.

15:55 Doncaster

Tara Royal

As regular readers will know, I have always thought a fair bit of him and I was pleased he saw out his race a bit better at Warwick last time. His jumping was a bit more fluent as well and I think he will continue to improve now the penny is dropping. He's in great nick at home and it wouldn't surprise me to see him run a big race.

16:25 Doncaster

Diligent

She's only a four-year-old and she isn't very big, but she goes nicely at home and I would think she could run well. She isn't going to set the world alight but there is definitely an engine there and this should give us a better idea of where we stand with her.

13:05 Uttoxeter

Mistoffelees

The handicapper refused him a mark after three runs in novice hurdles in the autumn so we have to keep him to novice company. He is owned by a big supporter of the track and if he is at his best after a break, he could go well. The ground will be very different to anything he has tackled before though.

14:10 Uttoxeter

Araucaria

She must have every chance here as it looks a weaker race than Newbury - I didn't think she did a lot wrong there but found one a bit stronger. I am keen to try and get her head in front but she is going the right way and this looks a very good opportunity.

14:40 Uttoxeter

Chamirey

We have bought him back off Enda Bolger after he failed to take to cross country chasing. He will relish this testing ground but he might just need the run - he should be up to winning races off this sort of mark in the coming weeks though.

16:20 Uttoxeter

Jacksons Cage

At this stage, he wouldn't be 100% certain to run. I am not convinced he really wants the ground this testing but it looked like being a weak race so I entered him and we will have a look at the ground nearer the time. He's progressing well but, as I say, he is far from a certain runner.

My best chance
Araucaria has improved with each run for us and she really ought to be up to putting her head in front at Uttoxeter.

* * *

Koup de Kanon runs at Cheltenham on Saturday for the Timeform Betfair Racing Club. Join the club and you can experience what it's like to be an owner in Donald's yard and cheer home your horses at the track plus a host of other amazing benefits. For just £249 a year you can follow our 13 horses, get access to to owners badges, annual stable visits to all our trainer's yards, access to tickets for Betfair sponsored events and £1000's of pounds worth of Timeform Race Cards. Check out all the club horses and join today!

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