Weekend Preview

Weekend Preview/Review / Timeform / 19 February 2010 / Leave a comment

Bold-jumping grey Monet's Garden runs in the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase

Though blue skies currently prevail here in Halifax, the weather once more threatens to interfere with NH racing this weekend. Each of tomorrow's jumps meetings in Britain will have to survive early morning inspections in order to go ahead so it is with fingers crossed that we look ahead to the scheduled action.

"Ascot stages the day’s most valuable race in the shape of the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase, which has drawn a six-runner field. Gallant grey Monet’s Garden, winner of the race in 2007 and second to Kauto Star two years ago, comes out top on Timeform ratings as he has another crack at this prize."

Ascot stages the day's most valuable race in the shape of the Grade 1 Betfair Ascot Chase, which has drawn a six-runner field. Gallant grey Monet's Garden, winner of the race in 2007 and second to Kauto Star two years ago, comes out top on Timeform ratings as he has another crack at this prize. He will face stiff competition from the likes of Planet of Sound, Herecomesthrtruth and Albertas Run.

A strong supporting card at Ascot sees very promising novice chaser Burton Point go to post in the Grade 2 Reynoldstown, equally exciting novice hurdler Menorah testing his credentials for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle in the 3.45, and a tremendously competitive eighteen-runner Betfair Handicap Hurdle.

Wincanton also host one of their seasonal highlights, where last season's Champion Hurdler Punjabi bids to enhance his claims for this year's renewal in the Kingwell. He finished third in the race last year en route to Cheltenham glory, and Nicky Henderson will be looking to tune him up once again in this contest.

There is also high-quality racing at Haydock where almost £60,000 is up for grabs for the winner of the Blue Square Gold Cup, typically one of the season's best staying handicaps. Welsh National winner Dream Alliance is an eyecatching runner, though the likes of Le Beau Bai and Mon Mome will ensure that this is a competitive renewal
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They also race over jumps at Uttoxeter on Saturday, while Lingfield plays host to a decent all-weather card. Over in Ireland there are a number of interesting runners at Fairyhouse, not least Alaivan in the Grade 2 Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle. Leading Grand National fancy Black Apalachi also runs there in the Grade 2 Bobbyjo Chase.

On Sunday there is jumping in Britain at Sedgefield and a card on the fibresand at Southwell, while Naas is the venue for several Graded races where the likes of An Cathaoir Mor, Pittoni and Tranquil Sea are all intended runners.

Free form for all the weekend's racing is available at http://www.timeform.com/free/