General / Andrew Hughes / 15 February 2009 / Leave a Comment

Andrew Hughes talks us through the next six days in the world of horseracing where we may find some clues as to who can do well over in Gloucestershire next month.

Leopardstown

1:10 Spring Juvenile Hurdle

A small field go to post for this top quality Grade Two. Formwise, the race appears all about the coming together of three rivals who clashed back in December. Mourad and Jumbo Rio were closely matched on that day and Ebadiyan has won twice since then and should run them a lot closer this time.

2:15 Deloitte Novices Hurdle

A mouthwatering contest as the top two horses in the Supreme Novices Hurdle betting meet for the second time. It is Willie Mullins' fortune to have them both in his stable. The two miles and two furlongs of this Grade One is just about the perfect distance for these two to clash over, with Hurricane Fly's [2.16] flashy finishing speed coming up against Cousin Vinny's [3.35] long striding gallop.

2:45 Dr P J Moriarty Novices Chase

A fascinating race for staying novices, many of which are being aimed at the Royal and Sun Alliance next month. This looks a tightly-matched contest, with Cooldine, Trafford Lad, Forpadydeplaster and Tranquil Sea all likely to attract their share of support.

3:50 Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup

The Irish Hennessy has attracted a modest field this time round but with one towering exception. With major doubts over Denman's wellbeing, Neptune Collognes has a real chance of grabbing Gold Cup glory next month and he should be able to scoop the valuable prize in this three mile contest.

Monday 16th February

Navan

2:10 Flyingbolt Novices Chase

The likely heavy going is sure to offer a tough test for some possible Arkle types. Prominent amongst the entries are the highly rated Made in Taipan from the Thomas Mullins stable and Majestic Concorde for Dermot Weld.

2:45 Boyne Hurdle

There are some decent horses entered for this top class hurdle, including the promising Catch Me. It isn't clear whether connections will be going for the Champion Hurdle or the World Hurdle with this horse, but perhaps his performance here over a tough two miles and five furlongs will make up their minds.

Friday 20th February

Sandown

3:20 Kilbrittain Castle Novices Steeplechase

This is the race that used to be known as the Kingmaker and whilst there are no star names amongst the entrants for this two mile Grade Two, it should be a well contested event. Gary Moore's Panjo Bere is about the pick of them.

Saturday 21st February

Kempton

2:05 Dovecote Novices' Hurdle

Not what it used to be in terms of a Supreme Novices Trial, but it is usually fairly competitive and worth remembering that Nicky Henderson has saddled the winner of this five times.

2:35 Pendil Novices Chase

This race may be light on star names but is likely to be a keenly fought Grade Two for the staying novices. Paul Nicholls has saddled the last three winners.

3:10 Racing Post Chase

A real betting race, this highly competitive three mile Grade Three Handicap can be a springboard to the big staying contests to come. Though the antepost market has yet to mature, there are already a couple of favourites emerging in Paul Nicholl's Big Fella Thanks and Can't Buy Time from the Jonjo O'Neill stable.

3:45 Adonis Juvenile Novices Hurdle

A high class contest and an excellent trial for the Triumph Hurdle, with three winners in the last eleven from this going on to Cheltenham glory. Binocular won this last year and Kasbah Bliss a couple of years back.

Newcastle

3:30 Eider Handicap Chase

There are fewer of these gruelling staying chases around these days. With the going expected to be heavy, the four miles and one furlong here will be a real test and any horses which make it up the incline towards the finish will deserve a good long break, perhaps before tacking the Grand National.

Lingfield

4:10 Winter Derby Trial Stakes

This is an increasingly popular betting race, a trial for the Winter Derby on 21st March. It is a classy enough Listed event in its own right and you can expect some big stables to be represented here.

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