General / Andrew Hughes / 25 January 2009 / Leave a Comment

Andrew Hughes tells all the racing fans out there what they can look forward to this week...

1:50 Arkle Perpetual Challenge Cup (Irish Arkle)

In a good year, this race can throw up an epic clash of young chasers and this renewal has all the makings of a classic. Though only five go to post, three of them are out of the top drawer. Slick jumper Jayo is [2.6] favourite with Forpadydeplasterer on [3.35] and Follow The Plan, who surprised Tatenen last time in winning the Durkan Homes, is on [3.75]. Don't forget to check out Wayne Bailey's excellent preview of this race before parting with your cash. (link)

2:20 Foxrock Handicap Chase

Sandwiched between a couple of Graded contests is this decent little handicap over two miles and three furlongs. Central House is top weight and with the going on the heavy side, he appears to have a lot on his plate to lug 11-10 to victory around here.

2:50 Irish Champion Hurdle

The defections of Sizing Europe and Hurricane Fly and the heavy going may make this a less informative race than usual in terms of Cheltenham clues, but it is likely to be an intriguing contest in its own right. Old campaigner Brave Inca [3.4] and deposed Champion hurdler Sublimity [3.3] are vying for favouritism with Muirhead [4.5] the only other horse attracting significant support.

3:25 Synergy Security Services Novices Hurdle

Over two and a half miles, this is a Grade Two for the stamina-laden novices. An interesting bunch has assembled for this contest with Weapon's Amnesty, Western Challenge and Corskeagh Royal closely matched according to the market.

Thursday 29th January

Wincanton

2:10 Turf TV 'National Hunt' Novices Hurdle

A two mile six furlong contest in what is likely to be squelchy going should test the stamina of these young horses. This is often a race to watch for progressive types and unsurprisingly Paul Nicholls has entered one at his local course in the shape of Pride Of Dulcote.

2:40 Veterans Handicap Chase

A great race for the old-timers, restricted to ten year olds or above and won last year by Fundamentalist. He is entered again this year, along with the likes of Foreman and Yes Sir for a two and a half mile romp down memory lane. Should be an easy race to unravel too, with all these veterans thoroughly exposed.

Saturday 31st January

Sandown

2:05 Contenders Hurdle

A decent Listed event over two miles, often used by trainers to give their Champion Hurdle contenders a last run out before the big day. Rooster Booster won this race in 2003 en route to Cheltenham glory though none have done since. It will be interesting to see which of the contenders for the big one turn up for this.

2:35 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase

This two and a half mile contest doesn't have a great record for producing Cheltenham winners. Usually run at a crawl, it can produce surprise winners and false results. Providing they are not thrashed out of sight, beaten horses who's Festival odds lengthen after this could be worth nibbling at in the antepost market.

3:10 Heroes Handicap Hurdle

Nothing especially classy about this Grade Three, but it is solid Saturday afternoon fare with a large field going to post. As ever, look out for the well-handicapped springers in the market and make sure your selection definitely stays the two miles and six furlongs.

Wetherby

3:25 Towton Novices' Chase

At three miles and a furlong, this is a real stayers' event for the younger animals. It wasn't run last year but in its short five year history has already been won by such top class animals as Ollie Magern and Halcon Genelardais and is a rare opportunity for those novices with abundant stamina to strut their stuff.

Lingfield

3:20 Class Two Handicap

One of the better races you are likely to see on the all-weather this winter, this five furlong contest is a great challenge for the punter to unravel, as many of these sprint handicappers have been taking it in turns to beat one another all winter.

3:55 Class Two Handicap

The other decent race on the card, run over twelve furlongs and likely to feature some horses from decent stables with one or two being aimed at the increasingly popular Winter Derby.

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