Events / Andrew Hughes / 22 February 2009 /

Andrew Hughes looks at the highlights of the week to come in racing...

Sunday February 22

Naas

2:45 - Johnstown Novice Hurdle
Officially a Grade Two, though not the strongest Graded event you are likely to see, with some horses taking part who are likely to prove short of the top class. Likely favourite Zaarito (currently [2.22]) was third behind Cousin Vinny at last year's Cheltenham Festival Bumper and has since performed creditably in a couple of typically huge Irish maiden hurdles. A strong pace would be helpful in getting him to settle as he has tended to run a little free early on.

3:15 - Woodlands Park 100 Nas Na Riogh Novices Chase
A two-and-a-half mile Graded event that varies in quality from year to year and this renewal contains a typically mixed bag of the promising and the disappointing. Hurricane Carter [5.4] is the form choice but Majestic Concorde is of some interest, having looked promising at Leopardstown before unseating in the Flyingbolt Chase at Navan last time.

4:20 - Newlands Chase
Another Grade Two, this time over two miles and a tiny field will go to post for the prize. Veterans Watson Lake and Mansony are turning out again, the latter in particularly fine fettle of late. Shindlers Hunt is likely to start the favourite.


Fontwell

3:10 - Certain Justice Challenge Cup
A small field go to post for this Class Two handicap chase over two and a half miles, but it is an open race, with all six entries holding a chance on form. A couple of Nicholls horses head the weights in Oslot and likely favourite Medicinal.

3:45 - National Spirit Hurdle
Race of the day in England, this Grade Two hurdle over two-and-a-half miles has attracted some old favourites in Afsoun, Straw Bear and the admirable Lough Derg. Look out too for Paul Nicholl's highly rated five-year-old Pierrot Lunaire, on the comeback trail after a nasty fall at Kempton last time out.


Monday February 23

Hereford

4:00 - "Jumprite" Handicap Hurdle
Hereford on a Monday is not usually the biggest draw but this is a decent Class Two Handicap over two miles and a furlong, featuring a very large and competitive field. Top of the weights is David Pipe's Leo's Lucky Star, who should be fresh after a three month break.


Thursday February 26

Thurles

3:15 - Michael Purcell Memorial Novices Hurdle
A decent midweek Graded event over two-and-a-half miles has attracted a large number of entries and should be good contest. Willie Mullins' five-year-old Quiscover Fontaine has won three on the spin and will be well fancied.


Saturday February 28

Newbury

2:35 - Veterans Handicap Chase
These veterans races are proving to be very popular and for the punter, there is always plenty of form to peruse, indeed most of the horses will be open books. This Class Two event is run over three miles and two furlongs around this galloping Berkshire course.

3:10 Gold Cup Chase
A typically competitive Saturday handicap with the big prize likely to have attracted some decent animals, despite the proximity to the Cheltenham Festival. Betting will be lively for this Grade Three handicap run over two-and-a-half miles.

Kelso

4:10 - Kelso Hurdle
Though this Grade Two for novices can vary in terms of quality, it invariably attracts a decent field and is a competitive betting heat, with some of these having a final tune up before the Festival.

Doncaster

2:55 - The Sands 5th Year Handicap Hurdle
A good honest Saturday betting event, this Class Two contest is likely to attract a large field of closely matched handicappers. Stamina will be the key thing to look for though as the three miles and half a furlong will suit only those hurdlers with plenty of endurance.

3:25 - Grimthorpe Chase
Run over three miles and two furlongs, this Class Two handicap is often used as Grand National trial, so as well as trying to find the winner amongst the field of redoubtable stayers assembled for this one, you should be on the look out for Aintree clues.

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