Kate Treacy, Sam Boswell and Declan Rix return to nominate their best bets for Saturday’s races at Doncaster – live on Ski Sports Racing – and Cheltenham.
The team took a particular interest in Cheltenham’s feature Support the Hunt Family Fund December Gold Cup Handicap Chase – run over two miles and four furlongs at Prestbury Park.
JP McManus’ Jaguar is currently at the head of the market with Vincenzo and Hoe Joli Smoke also envisioned. Elsewhere on the pitch, Venice Williams and Charlie Deutsch will be looking to bring the trophy home with Martator again after scoring against Gemirande last term.
Kate Tracy…
“I’m focusing on Paddy Power’s form because that race has fitted so well going into December’s Gold Cup. Hoe Jolly Smoke – I’m not surprised he’s now joint favorite on the road because he’s been eye-catching. He’s had problems in the past though, so I don’t know if I’ll and I believe that big horse has been in the race rather than believe it – it’s been Vincenzo.
Vincenzo (right) returns to action
“We tend to associate Sam Thomas’s horses with their comeback as they are fresh and going well on their season debut. However, I still expect Vincenzo to have a lot more to come. At his penultimate start, when second to Booster Bob in the Greatwood Handicap Chase, he kind of got lost in the fray of how good the winner was on Victor and was a moral winner. He was robbed late on by an unusual but talented horse. He will be the one I keep with himself because he managed to play so well last season and of course his recent form is endlessly marked by panic attacks.
Declan Rick…
“I thought he had a horse all the way down with questions to answer. I thought Hoe Jolly Smoke ran well in the Paddy Power but the jumping let him down in the last two. Jaguar – you know the barn still isn’t firing. With Vincenzo, Dylan Johnston lost his 3lb requirement and he went up in the Roe Handicap, even though Kim was out of the handicap. jumping before his last mistake over fences, Colonel Harry – will he land be soft enough?
“I was going down and down and thinking Imperial saint at 12/1 was a good, solid bet. He does come here after a somewhat disappointing run when he was beaten favorite in the Old Roan Chase. It’s a race that hasn’t worked out at first so far this season, but he hasn’t been beaten by miles. He was beaten only eleven lengths and I thought he shaped much better than the distance and had a right to step out of it.
“I read a few quotes from Richard Johnson that he wasn’t at his best on the day – tweaked his muscles and all. I think he’ll run a lot better than that price and he’s a big player both ways. Hobbs and White’s team is still going well and going into Cheltenham’s new track will really suit him. A good positive ride and I’ll be happier on this tight track than I am happy on this tight track. 12/1.”
Sam Boswell…
“Good looking race, isn’t it? Paddy Power’s form at first glance is what we all come back to when you look at those at the start of the betting. Jaguar was not a runner on the day and on a seasonal appearance – although he would probably have been fresh enough and done a lot of work at home – I’m just amazed I could run here for the first time. isn’t it?
“The two who were behind Panic Attack – Hoe Joli Smoke and Vincenzo – a big pat on the back, but they’re short enough in the betting. Kim Rokue – I have no idea how to rate that horse! At 11/2 I’m not willing to risk it, but it’s a really interesting line-up.
“I will mention Ga Lo, but that was his friend Colonel Harry it did us all no favors by beating Gaboriot last time out at Sefton. Will the ground be soft enough? That is the question and it would be a concern, but they have done so well to bring this horse back. He was so impressive last time – I wouldn’t want to go much shorter than 7s, but if he takes his chance it’s a good price. Il Ridoto I thought it would be interesting if the earth dried up and Colonel Harry came out. I think this horse is making up for lost time, having had a bit of an injury break, and can go well.”
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