KEMPTON PARK NH RACING - CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2021 - DAY TWO DESERT ORCHID CHASE

Day two of the Christmas Festival is the Ladbrokes Desert Orchid chase day. Named after the charismatic grey who made Kempton Park his own, the day is packed full of quality racing including the mare’s handicap hurdle race, the Wayward Lad novices’ steeple chase [1:20] and, of course, the Desert Orchid chase [2:30].

Dessie, as he was affectionately known, was laid to rest at Kempton Park on the 27th December 2006 - the same day as the inaugural running of the race which was won by the Alan King trained Voy Por Ustedes. Trained by the recently retired David Elsworth, will always have a special place at this time of year. The race named in his honour has since been won by an array of Jump racing stars including Sire de Grugy, Sprinter Sacre, Special Tiara and Politologue. Dan Skelton sent out Nube Negra to win the the 2020 running, becoming only the second horse to beat Altior in winning the Desert Orchid Chase.

With the changing government guidelines over attendances at larger events there are a number of measures in place around Lateral Flow Tests and having to show a Covid 'Passport' for us we can follow all the action on ITV racing. 

Going Report - Soft.
Weather Forecast - Showers expected, max temp 9c.

12:45pm  Ladbrokes We Play Together Introductory Juvenile Hurdle
2 miles  [Class 2  10 runners]
The opening race for 3yo juvenile's and we have two last time out winners with Iceo (Paul Nicholls) and Illico Des Places (T Symonds) having to run with a penalty, they will both likely score again this season but today will be opposing them. Titian was one I fancied on his hurdling debut for the David Pipe yard, sadly he fell at the first flight  but we will give him a second chance to make amends here. 

With four newcomers it's difficult to predict how they will fare, Restitution for trainer Alan King might be interesting to many, while Optimistic Belief (Pat Phelan) will need to be settled better than his fifth placing at Sandown last time. 
Result - (1) Iceo @9/4f  [Bryony Frost].

1:20pm  The Ladbrokes Wayward Lad Novices Chase (Grade 2)
2 miles  [Class 1  4 runners]
Just the four runners for this two mile novice chase, possibly frightened off by the appearance of Edwardstone. Alan King's 7yo already successful in two chases at Warwick and Sandown surely a clear round of jumping will be enough to see off this opposition. Solo (Paul Nicholls) is probably the biggest danger, runner up on two chases so far, his trainer certainly knows what is required at this meeting and in a small field could be able to bowl along. The other pair of Do Your Job who fell at Sandown in the race that Edwardstone won, and Raya Time look likely to pick up the place money on offer for completing but a some way off the level of the other pair.
Result - (1) Edwardstone @8/15f  [Tom Cannon].

1:55pm  Play Ladbrokes 5-a-side On Football Mares' Handicap Hurdle
3 miles 121 yards   [Class 2  7 runners]
A three mile mares hurdle up now, shame only the seven declared as limited each way options, but we will take two against the field in an open looking race. Coded Message an 8yo has come down the weights a bit now and usually runs well without getting to the front, will also look at Get The Appeal a winner already this year at Musselburgh and Wincanton should be thereabouts if she can see out the trip.
Result - (3) Emmpressive Lady @3/1 [Sean Houlihan].

2:30pm  THE LADBROKES DESERT ORCHID CHASE (GRADE 2)
2 miles   [Class 1  4 runners]
Another four runner affair here shame as it's such a highly rated contest and such a huge name in racing attached to it. But it's the return of Shishkin (Nicky Henderson) that should light up this affair, has been off since wins in the The Arkle at Cheltenham and a big race at Aintree, the trainer pulled him out of an earlier reappearance so hopefully spot on today. Easily one the more exciting horses in training and cruised to win the Wayward Lad chase on this card twelve months ago. Greaneteeen won the Tingle Creek chase earlier in the month and will be the biggest challenge to the fav, while Sky Pirate and Before Midnight make up the quartet.
Result - (3) Shishkin @4/9f  [Nico de Boinville].

3:05pm  Play Ladbrokes 1-2-free On Football Handicap Chase
3 miles   [Class 2  11 runners]
Decent fields for the final couple of handicaps today, Morning Vicar (N Henderson) was sent all the way up to Perth by his trainer and secured the win, up a little in class but the trainer has a great record here so 10/1+ looks appetising in the win/place markets and Kauto The King (C Tizzard) a multiple chase winner, three miles the unknown but another at decent odds and this flat galloping track could make it possible.
Result - (8) Five Star Getaway @12/1  [Nick Scholfield].

3:40pm  Ladbrokes Committed To Safer Gambling Handicap Hurdle
2 miles  [Class 3  10 runners]
Our finale today, two miles and a big field should see this run at a furious pace, shame only fifteen declared as one more would have given us four places (five non runners now so that's a moot point anyway), typical no generosity at Christmas eh. Top of the tree is Hacker Des Places a lightly raced hurdler and Angus Cheleda takes off a valuable five pounds with his claim, could be improving still, also have a look at John Locke who won last time out with seven pound claimer T Durrell retaining the ride here for the Skelton yard. Down the bottom of the handicap here is Just The Man [Non Runner] and might be a little place bet to have there after his third here last month.
Result - (4) Rowland Ward @10/1  [C Gethings].

Results will be updated during the afternoon, we will return for 2022 with the traditional opening meeting on New Years Day at Cheltenham. 

Enjoy a fun end to the year.

KEMPTON PARK NH RACING - CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL 2021 - DAY ONE KING GEORGE VI CHASE

BOXING DAY MEETING - SUNDAY 26th DECEMBER  
This event holds some of the most significant races in the Jump calendar, including the Grade 1 Boxing Day showpiece, the Ladbrokes King George VI Chase won last year by Bryony Frost riding Frodon (pictured top) for trainer Paul Nicholls, as well as the Grade 1 Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle, and the Grade 2 Ladbrokes Desert Orchid Chase on day two. Day two on Monday will be published separately soon. Once again we see a likely reduction in the attendance due to the Omicron variant, whatever happens we should still be able to enjoy this feast of jump racing even if it's just via the ITV Racing channel.

Day one focusses on the race that underpins the entire festival – The King George VI Steeple Chase. The race draws incredible talent as horses, jockeys and trainers compete to leave a permanent mark in racing history. The Grade 1 race first ran in 1937 and was named after the newly crowned king. It was won by Southern Hero who, to date, remains the oldest winner of the race at 12 years old. The King George VI Chase is synonymous with some of the most famous names in racing with Arkle, Pendil, Wayward Lad and Best Mate all taking their place on the roll of honour. 2020 saw a twelfth King George for Paul Nicholls as Frodon scored for Bryony Frost.

Going Report - Good to soft. (Good in places).
Weather Forecast - Expecting scattered showers during the day getting heavier into the early evening and a high of 7c.

12:45 Play Ladbrokes 5-A-Side On Football Novices' Hurdle
2 miles  [Class 2  6 runners]
Opening the meeting with a small field novice hurdle, the six are headed by Paso Doble (P Nicholls) was a fairly useful Flat winner who quickly reached a similar standard over hurdles, making it 2 wins from 5 starts when landing odds at Taunton has a leading chance, however will have to jump superbly to see off Broomfield Burg (N Henderson) the JP McManus' owned 5yo has looked a very good prospect winning a bumper and hurdle contest, then runner up twice which should give him the advantage. Both Black Poppy (K Lee) and Robelli (I Williams) are previous bumper winners, should find a race to win soon enough but unlikely to have the quality to trouble the front pair, while Corrigeen Rock (L Russell) and Highstakesplayer (T Lacey) appear to be outclassed today although there is prize money for all.
Result - (2) Broomfield Burg @1/3f  [Nico de Boinville].

1:20 Get Your Ladbrokes 1 Free Bet Today Novices' Limited Handicap Chase
2 miles 4 furlongs 110 yards  [Class 3  8 runners]
Field is led by Sebastopol who had a sequence of runner up places and should have gone in last time out but fell at the last fence here but should have an each way chance if over that spill. Nicky Henderson runs two here, Mister Coffey was a decent hurdler last season and has had a opening third in his chase career, so the choice from his pair is Bothwell Bridge a winner at Sandown and likely to improve for that experience. Hopefully all eight stand their ground, giving us a chance of a place bet on Your Darling [3rd @9/1]. Bryn Pauling's 6yo won a hurdle and then a chase at Huntingdon and jumped well there before extending from two fences out and should be able to compete amongst these today.
Result - (5) Jacamar @11/1  [D E Mullins].

1:55 The Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices' Chase (Grade 1)
(formally the Feltham Novice Chase)
3 miles  [Class 1  4 runners]
I still refer to this as the Feltham Chase, a field of just four are declared where Paul Nicholls has Bravemansgame here and his 6yo has won both starts over fences so far, and likely to go off a short price favourite here. With a clean round of jumping it's hard to see him losing that unbeaten tag just yet, but here anything can happen. A wide margined winner at Newbury Ahoy Senor should make it a contest despite the small field, should they not be 100% spot on today it's possible that Tea Clipper can make them pay, although there is a nice prize pot for the minor honours and even Kiltealy Briggs will collect min £5k+ just for fourth with a clear round of jumping.
Result - (2) Bravemansgame @6/5  [Harry Cobden].

2:30 The Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1)
2 miles  [Class 1  5 runners]
Another small field expected for a race won last year by the recently departed Silver Streak so I expect plenty of nice reminiscent moments for Evan Williams' talented 8yo. Epatante the Champion Hurdler of 2020 probably wasn't ideally suited by speed-blunting conditions when dead heating for first with Not So Sleepy in the Fighting Fifth at Newcastle. The one to beat even though was turned over in this race last year by the aforementioned Silver Streak at odds of 1/5f. 

Not So Sleepy also reappears today, should go well again here but has been fairly inconsistent in the past and as a 9yo might not have the scope of others, such as Tritonic a decent flat horse has come on plenty over hurdles though might fancy further in time, certainly in the mix today though.
Result - () Epatante @4/5f  [Nico de Boinville].

3:05 The Ladbrokes King George VI Chase (Grade 1)
3 miles  [Class 1  9 runners]
The feature race of the day now as nine are declared to line up with Frodon back once more to attempt to defend his crown and Bryony Frost riding after an 'eventful' season on and off the track. Dual winner Clan Des Obeaux also reappears to try and regain his crown too, and we've an exciting entry as Minella Indo the Cheltenham Gold Cup winner is an intended runner with Rachael Blackmore here for just this one ride today. Lostintranslation once looked like a future star but has been pulled up in the last two running's of this and although winning at Ascot on seasonal reappearance would be a surprise winner of this. 

Minella Indo won the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March. Shaped as if needing run when five lengths third to Frodon on Down Royal return. The one to beat on Gold Cup form in my view.
Result - .

3:40 Ladbrokes We Play Together Handicap Hurdle
2 miles 5 furlongs [Class 3  10 runners]
Our finale now, the largest field on the card, ten runners headed by Earlofthecotswolds winner of last two starts and also winner of a NH Bumper here earlier in the year. An Tailiur continues to improve, had completed a five timer before unseating next time at Cheltenham, then made up for that mishap with another success at Taunton 4lb higher but could still have further improvement to come and must be high on the list. Our Surprise completes our shortlist in this has famous colours and owners that often seen winning the big races and recent efforts off this mark suggest his turn is not that far away, should get a good gallop to aim at.
Result - (2) Marie's Rock @15/2  [Adrian Heskin].

Results will be updated during the course of the afternoon, plus we have the second day on Monday with the feature race the Desert Orchid Chase. Hope you enjoyed a very Merry Christmas. 

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS 2021 [ENJOY WITH PEACE AND LOVE]

So that's almost it for yet another year, and what a disappointing year it really has been for many of us. So I want to send out some festive wishes to everyone, have a very Merry Christmas may you enjoy a wonderful time with family, friends and loved ones. Try not to argue, say hello to your neighbours ...  then eat, drink and ... well yeah actually that'll do it for me. Personally I'll be having a nice quiet one at home alone, treating it as another "normal weekend" so having a lovely long lazy day, prepare some dinner after HM The Queen has been on and then settle down with a Bond film or something funny perhaps. Not much on I expect but nice change to be off work for the week ahead and maybe there will be a few pleasant surprises along the way if we are fortunate.

I have bought myself a nice bottle of Highland Park Whisky, which was one Dad enjoyed, so I shall be raising a glass to all those no longer with us, Mum, Dad, friends and family. Will have a look at the Kempton Park races for Boxing Day which includes the King George VI chase and there's a feast of football later this week, thankfully I am off till the new year so plenty of time to spare. Doesn't look like I am meeting up with people this year. For Christmas Day itself, before the eating and drinking gets out of control will just be putting on some music and enjoying the day at home alone. Probably also get some of my Dads model trains out for a bit of a run on a test track I have. The important thing is to just rest, try not to worry about things, and enjoy the day.

I hope you all can have a wonderful time yourselves too.

Have a very Merry Christmas 

Martin Xx 

AFC WIMBLEDON vs CHARLTON ATHLETIC - LEAGUE ONE HOME FIXTURE 2021/22 SEASON [26th DECEMBER]

Sunday 26th December 2021  KO 3pm - Game Off

LATEST NEWS - BOXING DAY FITURE IS OFF

Our League One home match versus Charlton Athletic has been postponed. 

Charlton informed the EFL on Thursday afternoon that it would be unable to fulfil the fixture at the Cherry Red Records Stadium due to a number of positive COVID-19 cases in their squad.

In a statement announcing the postponement, the EFL said it will assist affected Clubs throughout this challenging period to help them mitigate against the risk of infection amongst players and staff, while ensuring their obligations to the EFL regulations are maintained.

A rearranged date for the fixture will be announced in due course.

AFC Wimbledon will host their latest League One game at Plough Lane for the 2021-22 season against Charlton Athletic, the Dons have found a bit of form recently and are unbeaten in their last five games. However still in the lower half of the league one table, and the busy Christmas period will be important again even with a couple of games in hand on most of the opposition above us. Since we published this midweek have noted that there are already several games off this weekend already due to Covid, we lost our last fixture so will be keeping a close eye on this situation and will update prior to Saturday with any further news.

As we begin the busy Christmas fixtures schedule we are currently in 17th position in the League One table on 25 points after 20 games played. We did not have a fixture last weekend of course and as mentioned have a couple of games in hand over many of the teams above us and hopefully we can secure some more points to move us up a little further away from the drop zone. Team News - Aaron Pressley has suffered a hamstring injury that's expected to keep him out for a number of weeks. Further team news to follow when available.

Recent League One Results
Wycombe Wanderers 2 - 2 AFC Wimbledon
Plymouth Argyle 1 - 0 Charlton Athletic

Looking at today's game itself this Saturday day in League One and our opponents today; Charlton Athletic are currently managed by Johnnie Jackson who took over from Nigel Adkins in October initially in a caretaker role was finally given the permanent role before their match against Plymouth last week. After their opening 23 fixtures they sit in 12th place on 29 points. Men to watch for the opposition; Jayden Stockley currently their top scorer so far this season with 11, and has formed a formidable partnership with fellow striker Conor Washington who himself has 7. Dons watch; former player Ben Purrington now appears as left back for the Addick's and will be a considerable threat from set pieces, has chipped in with 3 goals himself this season. 

Head to Head

Our head to head form against Charlton since our return to the league as AFC Wimbledon amounts to a fairly even record, twelve matches played since 2016, that first match resulted in a 2-1 win at The Valley and we have five wins, four defeats and three draws in all competitions. Our latest match was a 1-0 win in the League Cup back in August, usually plenty of goals and we've not had a goalless draw in those twelve.

Starting XI's [To Be Confirmed]

AFC WIMBLEDON 

Win Odds - 2/1 [William Hill]

Tzanev (Gk),  Osew,  Heneghan,  Csóka,  Guinness-Walker,  Woodyard (c),  Hartigan, Assal,  McCormick,  Rudoni,  Palmer

SUBS - Oualah (Gk),  Marsh,  Chislett,  Awokoya-Mebude,  Pressley,  Lawrence,  Jenkins

CHARLTON ATHLETIC
Win Odds - 6/4 [William Hill]
MacGillivray (Gk),  Clare,  Pearce (c),  Purrington,  Dobson,  Jaiyesimi,  Gilbey,  Lee,  Souaré,  Leko,  Stockley

SUBS - Harness (Gk),  Gunter,  Morgan,  Kirk,  Inniss,  Watson,  Burstow

Selected Bets On This Match;

• Over 1.5 goals in 1st half @5/2.
• Ben Heneghan to score at any time @9/1
• Penalty to be awarded and scored @7/2.
• Bookings over 45 points @11/5.

⚽Half Time Score - P - P

First Half Comments;

Kick Off 3pm today at the Cherry Red Records, Plough Lane Wimbledon stadium, we will keep updated with events here. 

Sadly this fixture has been called off due to Covid cases in the Charlton Athletic squad.

⚽Full Time Score - P - P

Match Summary;

My Man of the Match - tba.

Attendance - tba.

Today's Referee - Our match referee for this afternoon will be Mr David Rock from Hertfordshire, has been a football league referee since 2014 and elevated from the Conference (National League) at the start of the 2019/20 season. Has been averaging around 3.5 bookings a game this season and last took charge of a Dons game in August a 2-2 away draw against Ipswich Town. Touchline assistants will be Stuart Butler and Stephen Brown this afternoon while the fourth official is Christopher Wade.

Next league one fixture;
  vs Oxford United (Away)
  Wednesday 29th December @7:45pm.

AFC WIMBLEDON vs PORTSMOUTH - LEAGUE ONE HOME FIXTURE 2021/22 SEASON [18th DECEMBER]

Saturday 18th December 2021  KO 3pm

LATEST NEWS - GAME OFF
League One home match versus Portsmouth has been postponed.

Portsmouth informed the EFL that it would be unable to fulfil the fixture at the Cherry Red Records Stadium due to a number of positive COVID-19 cases in their squad.

AFC Wimbledon will host their latest League One game at Plough Lane for the 2021-22 season against Portsmouth, the Dons have found a bit of form recently and are unbeaten in their last five games. However still in the lower half of the league one table, and the busy Christmas period will be important again even with a couple of games in hand on most of the opposition above us.

After last weekends fixtures we are currently in 17th position in the League One table on 25 points. speaking after last weekend's 2-2 draw at Wycombe head coach Mark Robinson mentioned that Wimbledon’s attacking play was a joy to watch at times today, and Robbo felt that we should have had the game sewn up before Wycombe’s late rally. “We started the game really well and we had to deal with what they threw at us, but I felt for the most part that we limited them to very little and we looked so dangerous on the break. We finished the half really strongly and we had a couple of chances, but at the start of the second-half we should have put the game to bed. We had three or four good opportunities, but we didn’t take them and they came back into it. I’m disappointed that we didn’t see it out at the end for the victory".

Recent League One Results
Wycombe Wanderers 2 - 2 AFC Wimbledon
Portsmouth 2 - 0 Morecambe

Onto today's game itself this Saturday day in League One and our opponents today, Portsmouth are currently managed by Danny Cowley who took over from Kenny Jacket in March 2021. After their opening 22 fixtures they sit in 8th place on 36 points. One of the many 'big' name clubs that find themselves in the third tier of football, should have got out of this before now but such is life, they certainly have begun this season well and ought to be a strong play off challenger at least. They are currently on an unbeaten run of eight games so will be no pushover, but like our effort against Wycombe last weekend we can certainly put in a display against another of the top teams. Up front they have Marcus Harness who scored his 10th goal of the season in the 2-0 home victory over lowly Morecambe. 

Head to Head

Our head to head form against Portsmouth since our return to the league as AFC Wimbledon amounts to seventeen matches, we've only managed six wins in that time our first ever encounter was a thumping 4-0 win for the Dons back in 2013, one draw and Pompey have an impressive ten victories. The latest match ended in a 2-1 win for Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Starting XI's [To Be Confirmed]

AFC WIMBLEDON 

Win Odds - 9/5 [William Hill]

Tzanev (Gk),  Osew,  Heneghan,  Csóka,  Guinness-Walker,  Woodyard (c),  Hartigan, Assal,  McCormick,  Rudoni,  Palmer

SUBS - Oualah (Gk),  Marsh,  Chislett,  Awokoya-Mebude,  Pressley,  Lawrence,  Jenkins

PORTSMOUTH
Win Odds - 29/20 [William Hill]
Bazunu (Gk),  Freeman,  Raggett,  Ogilvie,  Romeo,  Azeez,  Williams,  Hackett-Fairchild,  Harness,  Curtis,  Hirst

SUBS - Bass (Gk),  Ahadme,  Marquis,  Harrison,  Jacobs,  Downing,  Jewitt-White

Selected Bets On This Match;

• Over 1.5 goals in 1st half @9/4.
• Ayoub Assal to score at any time @3/1
• Penalty to be awarded and scored @7/2.
• Bookings over 45 points @11/5.

⚽Half Time Score - P - P

First Half Comments;

Match has been called off on Friday Afternoon, when it's re-arranged we will update and cover it then.

⚽Full Time Score - P - P

Match Summary;

. 

My Man of the Match - tba.

Attendance - tba.

Today's Referee - Our match referee for this afternoon will be Mr James Oldham from Derbyshire, was appointed to the National League in 2018, and then the following season took charge of games in the EFL, has been averaging around four bookings a game this season (dished out 10 on the opening day when Stevenage played Barrow). Will have some assistance from both Nicholas Cooper and Kevin Howick on the side lines while our fourth official today is Daniel Lamport

Next league one fixture;
  vs Charlton Athletic (Home)
  Sunday 26th December @3:00pm.

KEMPTON PARK HORSE RACING 2021 - MEETING #34 WEDNESDAY 15th DECEMBER

Welcome to Kempton Park racecourse a season of evening meetings following the events on a Wednesday night on the all weather flat track under the lights. We have continued blogging throughout 2021 till the end of the year and this Wednesday represents the final all weather night for us. Started well this season pleasantly still ahead as we push on through the autumn still in profit and now into December for the final few meetings of 2021. We had an exciting meeting at Cheltenham last weekend, also saw the finale of the F1 drivers and constructors championships on Sunday. AFC Wimbledon drew 2-2 with high flying Wycombe and will host another top side when Portsmouth visit Plough Lane on Saturday. Christmas cards done, presents to wrap but lets get on with our final 2021 Wednesday night fixture.

Returning to the horse racing all results here are reported to 1pt at Starting Prices (SP) we will be keeping a rolling record of profit/loss all the way through from January till the Boxing Day 'King George' fixture in December. A successful opening first half of the year during 2021 went a little behind around the middle of the year but now we are back in front as we ease towards the end of the season. We are looking very healthy with profit for the season standing at +25.465 points with further success expected we will continue to keep a record to SP throughout the season.

Throughout the year we will keep up with our occasional lay opportunities of anticipated short priced favourites too. Naturally we will keep these results separately from the handicap figures we had been fairly successful with our selections throughout last year managed to get plenty of favourites beat so we finished on 33/49 (67.34%). We reset the counters for 2021 and will be continuing this throughout the year again. Currently standing at 37/51(72.54%) after another success at the latest meeting and we shall see how things finish up as this is our final midweek fixture on the 2021 season, with only the King George Christmas festival to cover on Boxing Day. 

This week will be our 34th Wednesday evening meeting of the year. Tonight's meeting will now begin earlier than expected with an eight race card to enjoy, we will still have four handicaps tonight and also another 2yo nursery contest. We will begin late in the afternoon with our opening race which will now commence at 15:45 with the opening handicap on our card run over seven furlongs, then we should end the card around about 19:15 with the final handicap event which is run over just under a mile and four furlongs.

Here's a link to this Wednesday's race card; RACECARD

Going and Weather -- The going on the polytrack surface is described as 'standard to slow' and the current weather forecast for this Wednesday is for a somewhat cloudy afternoon and early evening with a fair chance of some rain showers in the forecast while the temperature is not likely to get much higher than around 11C tonight.

Here are our handicap selections for tonight;

15:45  Unibet Horserace Betting Operator Of The Year Handicap
7f  [Class 6  14 runners]

Our opening handicap has a maximum field declared of fourteen, headed by Dream A Little (D Hogan), but we will consider a couple of big prices here in a wide open affair. Starting with a look at Fly The Nest [9th @150/1] a course winner last December has been running up to this mark on turf, a return to the all weather might bring about a revival and available at 20/1 so of interest in the place markets too with a good record at this track. Song Of The Isles [14th 10/1] has dropped considerably down the handicap and must be able to take advantage soon, couple of decent place efforts on soft going and Tom Marquand takes over on board.

Winner - (11) Fitzrovia @7/1  [David Probert].

17:45  Unibet Extra Place Offers Every Day Nursery

1m  [Class 5  6 runners]

Small field for the 2yo nursery handicap, led by HM The Queen's runner Park Street, should find a race or two soon enough and has been sent off well supported too but tonight going to take it on again with Night Glass who having had three runs for Richard Hannon (ran twice here) now with trainer Marco Botti and last run here was not far off some much better supported opponents and belied his 50/1 price that day. Should be close today for Marco Ghiani who was crowned this season's champion apprentice. Also considering the chances of Jacks Profit runner up on last two occasions races off a similar mark again today returning to a mile.

Winner - (1) Park Street @6/4f  [R Havlin].

18:15  Try Our New Price Boosts At Unibet Handicap

1m  [Class 4  7 runners]

Love Dreams [4th @7/2] might be a 7yo but continues to prove very consistent with his runs including plenty of place efforts here might be finding it hard to win with now but at this level shouldn't be far away and in a small field given another opportunity for another win. Also very interested in another 7yo here Espresso Freddo [Won @15/2] who was a course and distance winner this time last year, still able to place several times off higher marks and now back to the level that he was successful at cannot be discounted.

Winner - (7) Espresso Freddo @15/2  [T E Whelan].

18:45  Unibet 3 Uniboosts A Day Handicap

7f  [Class 4  8 runners]

Mark Johnston aims to send Dutch Decoy [7th @10/3] down for a rare visit to Kempton, the last time his 4yo visited the Surrey course he won over this trip and must have a strong chance of maintaining his 100% course success rate with Hollie Doyle a good jockey booking. Another 4yo in the line up Juan Les Pins [6th @6/1] is another who won here last year, albeit over six furlongs, but has at least returned to that handicap mark now having become a little frustrating for trainer Ed Dunlop was a few places further back behind Dutch Decoy last time at Chelmsford and hopes pinned on a return to form at this venue.
Winner - (6) Follow Your Heart @4/1 [William Carver].

19:15  Unibet New Instant Roulette Handicap
1m 3f 219y  [Class 4  4 runners]

Our finale has only attracted a field of four, where Gaassee [Won @8/15f] is probably the main one to keep closest watch on having been victorious on his last two runs at Chester and then Newcastle, when sent off odds on favourite for those contests. Trevolli looks next best a regular on the all weather and consistent, finally winning a handicap at Chelmsford. Epic Pass ought to stay fine, couple of unsuccessful attempts over hurdles and returns to the flat, shouldn't really trouble the front pair, so maybe it's Jenson Benson with Hollie Doyle riding who can spring the surprise if the fav fails to fire. Two wins from four at Chelmsford, the extra trip is the unknown but that really applies to most here.

Winner - (1) Gaassee @8/15f  [Tom Marquand].

Staked - 10 points.       Returns - 10.03 points.

Results will appear here later during Wednesday evening. All results are accurate and recorded to SP returns to a 1pt win stake only and updated each meeting. Our winning start to 2021 has continued and despite a losing meeting last time we remain in front to the tune of +25.465 points to a level stake at SP coming into this week's 34th meeting the last on the all weather with the big Christmas festival to round off our 2021 season here.

Lays - 37/51 We had a good season last year again with the lays, aiming at favourites and not afraid to take on short odds on shots too. These continue to go quite well given we are into the final few months of the year, and they are generally very short prices, including another successful fav beaten during the last few meetings. The plan will be for at least one or two each meeting and we will keep those results separate from the handicaps.

Tonight's Lays;

16:15 - Spirit Of Nguru  [7f 2yo Novice Stakes]. Won @11/8f

17:15 - August Place  [1m 2yo Maiden].  Lost 5th @4/6F

We will have more midweek floodlit meetings in 2022, our next meeting will be the KING GEORGE Boxing Day meeting on Sunday 26th December so keep well and hopefully we can have a successful 2022 too.

CHELTENHAM INTERNATIONAL MEETING - SATURDAY 11th DECEMBER 2021

 

THE INTERNATIONAL MEETING - SATURDAY

A good start to the weekend with some nice winners on Friday here at Cheltenham and now we look to the second day of the International meeting. It's a competitive card for Saturday including the Racing Post Gold Cup [1:50] and The Unibet International Hurdle [3:00]. The international hurdle is a top class race in it's own right but also a good trial for the Champion Hurdle later in the season, even though it's been a long time since a winner has emerged from this race (Rooster Booster back in 2002) it has been won by some famous hurdlers. In 2020 the race was won by Song For Someone ridden by Aidan Coleman and trained by Tom Symonds, he will reappear this afternoon looking to repeat that feat.

Enjoy Saturday's racing with a great card and live racing on the ITV 4 channel (Uk viewers) with coverage of the final four races on this card plus some racing up at Doncaster. 

Surface:   Turf.
Weather:   A sunny day at Cheltenham but a chilly one with a max temp of only 9c.
Going:     Good [Good to Soft in places].

12:05  Jcb Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle (novices' Championship Hurdle Series Qualifier) (3yo)
2m 179y  (Class 2  10 runners)
The opening novice event, has a few previous winners in but I feel it could be worth looking at the newcomer from David Pipe's yard Titian. Formally a flat winner when in the care of trainer William Haggas and changed hands for a considerable sum. The Pipe yard won this race last year with Adagio who has certainly progressed out of novice company. Of those that have previously raced I suspect that Interne De Sivola [Won @5/1] could be the one to improve from his Warwick run.
Result - (5) Interne De Sivola @5/1  [Chester Williams].

12:40  Bearrene Novices' Chase
2m 4f 127y (Class 2  4 runners)
Just the four runners here, with a very short odds on favourite in My Drogo, unbeaten over hurdles and landed a Grade 1 at Aintree back in April then was looking all set to make a winning start over fences when departing at the second last here last month, still clearly the one to beat. The field is complete by Captain Cuckoo who looks unlikely to trouble the other three and will hopefully jump round to collect the place money on offer. Jay Bee Why represents Alan King and could be the one to benefit of My Drogo suffers another blunder, while Torn And Frayed [2nd @8/1] tended to jump left and cannot afford to give distance away in this company, might do better with a handicap mark later.
Result - (3) My Drogo @2/9f  [Harry Skelton].

1:15  Simon Claisse Handicap Chase

2m 62y  (Class 2  8 runners)
The race has been renamed to honour Simon Claisse who recently stepped down as clerk of the course after 22 years. Frero Banbou [3rd] appears to be a progressive 6-y-o who ended last term with good fourth at Aintree and all the better for reappearance when third behind Il Ridoto over 2m Newbury 2 weeks ago. Further rain would surely improve his chances.  Notre Pari drops back to 2m having travelled well over further at Carlisle last time, low weight and has won of higher mark, should go well again today..
Result - (3) Editeur Du Gite @3/1jf  [N F Houlihan].

1:50  Racing Post Gold Cup Handicap Chase
2m 4f 127y  (Class 1  13 runners)
Midnight Shadow has a good record around here and was successful in a similar contest last month beating Protektorat and Lalor up the straight after being left in the lead when Coole Cody fell two from home. Both Coole Cody and Lalor also line up today, the latter has bounced back to something close to his best for trainer Paul Nicholls after a wind operation, and certainly one too keep a very close eye on.
Outsider to note - an each way player Siruh Du Lac [25/1] from the David Pipe yard hasn't been seen much since 2019 but was smart before then and the trainer can certainly get one back to health and form also a course and distance winner, a race that his father won several times too. 
Result - (10) Coole Cody @12/1  [Adam Wedge].

2:25  Albert Bartlett Novices' Hurdle (Grade 2)

(Registered As The Bristol Novices' Hurdle)

2m 7f 213y  (Class 1  6 runners)
Blazing Khal beat Gelino Bello in a Grade 2 event here last time out in November, they battled it out together from two flights out and you might expect the pair to be the ones to fight it out up the hill once again. Both seem very short in the market as a result and with only a six runner field taking them on with one of the others could be tricky. However I noted they made a few mistakes over hurdles and therefore will give Barony Legends a chance against them both, while Current Mood who was third behind the others in that Grade 2 race here (5l defeat, tried to make all) might well go off in front again and set it up for the finishers.

Result - (1) Blazing Khal @1/1f  [D J McInerney].

Song For Someone won the Unibet International Hurdle last year

3:00  Unibet International Hurdle (Grade 2)

2m 179y  (Class 1  7 runners)
Song for Someone will attempt to repeat last years victory here, a small field of seven have been declared, having had wind surgery returned at Ascot and was runner up to a short priced winner, a race that ought to have put him spot on for this. Sceau Royal is very consistent at this level, Alan King's 9yo took the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton and also had a spell of chasing last season should be the one to lay it down to Song for Someone here. There is an Irish challenge led by Ballyadam for Henry de Bromhead and also Heaven Help Us from Paul Hennessy however they would need to find some improvement to take this back home. Shame there are only two places up for grabs with just the seven runners declared, else the Skelton entry Wilde About Oscar would be considered to place, only 6yo still has time to improve over hurdles.

Result - (5) Guard Your Dreams @5/1  [Sam Twiston-Daview].

3:35  Close Brothers Mares' Handicap Hurdle

2m 4f 56y  (Class 2  9 runners)

We end the meeting with a mares hurdle, the unbeaten runner from Jonjo O'Neill's yard Trapista could still have plenty to offer, a winner in France then successful on her British debut at Huntingdon could be hard to catch. Alan King runs three here with Her Indoors perhaps the pick of these, Wynn House and Hotter Than Hell are the others from the stable. Top weight Indefatigable [2nd] beat stayers legend Paisley Park on seasonal debut at Wetherby but struggled at Newbury after that run, is usually consistent so wouldn't rule out a stronger showing here today.

Result - (2) Martello Sky @10/3  [Aidan Coleman].

Results will be updated later on during the afternoon and we hope you enjoying a good weekend too. We will be back here at Cheltenham on New Years Day and hopefully we can start to attend some racing our self in 2022, until then stay safe.