MIDNIGHT CHASE STORMS AHEAD IN THE ARGENTO CHASE

MIDNIGHT CHASE has won the Argento Chase (Registered as the  (Grade 2)  Cotswold Chase) today beating favourites Diamond Harry and Tidal Bay.

The horse was ridden fantastically by Dougie Costello and kept hold of the lead throughout the race.

The 11-2 horse produced a brilliant performance by jumping fluently and travelling well, even when Tidal Bay was hot on his hooves.

But Walsh was unable to catch up with Costello as he powered past the post.

Diamond Harry was disappointing given his odds and Captain Chris was pulled up early on in the race.

Midnight Chase is now priced at 25-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Definitely worth an each-way bet.

MY SELECTIONS FOR CHELTENHAM - SATURDAY JANUARY 28 2012

12:55 - Baby Mix
Currently on form and with Paddy Brennan on board the horse will be difficult to beat.

13:10 - Reverse Exacta: That'lldoboy
                                        Charminster

14:10 - Chance Du Roy
Fancy a outsider for this race. Horse been travelling well and with Johnson as jockey the horse should be capable of producing a good performance.

14:35 - Midnight Chase
Has won at Cheltenham before and in for a fair chance. Travels well over fences so should be given a second look.

15:10 - Broadbackbob

15:40 - Big Buck's
Can he win for the 15th consecutive time? In a competitive field but with the pace he's producing this should be ideal for him. Horse to beat.

16:10 - Hinterland
Ruby Walsh on board and the horse has run well previously. In for a good shot.
            Feeling Lucky? Koup De Kanon for the exacta.

LONG RUN LOOKS CERTAIN FOR DENMAN CHASE

LONG RUN looks sure to race in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury as preparation for the Festival.

The six-year-old hopes to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup for the second time in his career but he faces rival Kauto Star yet again.

Owner Robert Waley-Cohen has had the Denman Chase in mind since Paul Nicholls' Champion horse beat Long Run in the King George VI Chase at Kempton.

PAUL BITTAR SAYS THAT WHIP PENALTIES MAY BE EASED

The BHA's new chief executive has announced that whip penalties could be relaxed.

Paul Bittar has claimed that the controversial penalty that jockeys receive as a result of breaking the new rules may be eased.

Bittar took up the post on Wednesday (January 18) but insisted that immediate changes were unlikely, yet he discussed how the new levels of punishment were inaccurate as they don't fit the crime.

Jockeys, trainers and even punters have reacted badly to the severe penalties that are given - the row started as a result of the 2011 Grand National where Jason Maguire was heavily criticised for excessive use of the whip on Ballabriggs.

The debate has recently been reignited as a result of Will Kennedy's suspension following his win in the Lanzarote Hurdle.

He received a seven-day ban and even had to forfeit his prize money.

During that weekend, over 100-day suspensions were handed out, resulting in negative reactions from the racing world.

Come on Paul, I know you can see the severity of the punishment. It's unfair on everyone: jockeys, trainers and owners. Listen to what the professionals want and change the rules to what they were previously. It needs to be done.

 NEW WHIP RULES

• Jockeys can use the whip seven times in Flat races and eight times in National Hunt
• Jockeys exceeding the limit by one strike will be suspended             
• Exceeding the limit by more than one strike will mean the jockey forfeits a share of prize money 

COLOUR SQUADRON TO BE TAUGHT DIFFERENT TACTICS

COLOUR SQUADRON could have a set of different tactics thrown upon him by trainer Philip Hobbs after finishing runner-up in the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown.

Captain Conan beat the six-year-old by a short-head in the Grade One. It was Colour Squadron's fourth start of his career.

He looked set to finish the race in first place as he did well to make all the running, but he hung badly over the last two jumps which allowed the French import to beat him in the final 100 yards.

ROBERT THORNTON RETURNS TO WORK

ROBERT THORNTON returned to work this morning but he still continues to recover from a broken arm following a fall at Hereford last month.

Trainer Alan King welcomed the much-loved stable jockey back to the yard, but even though Choc's return to competitive action remains some time away, King was delighted to have him back in the saddle.

King said: "Choc was in this morning riding work. He actually gave Grumeti a breeze and it's great to have him back in the yard,

"He seems to be coming on well. He doesn't go back and see the specialist until early February, but it's good to have him around the place again."

LASHING OUT - MY OPINION ON RULES OF THE WHIP IN HORSE RACING

Since the rules of the use of the whip in horse racing changed last year, it seems that each ban gets more and more ridiculous.

Personally, I believe that the whip in the sport was already used responsibly and reasonably.

Jockeys are now faced with further restrictions as to how many times they can use the whip.

From October 10th 2011, the number of times a jockey’s whip changed to eight in National Hunt races and nearly halved to seven times in flat races.

  

With recent bans including Lanzarote Hurdle winner, Will Kennedy and amateur riders including Robert Cooper, I believe the BHA should refer back to its previous rules on the whip as jockeys were doing just as well then.

How can you reduce the number of times you can hit the horse with the whip if it doesn't even hurt them in the first place?

Jockeys need to control the horses: they are large, heavy creatures who need to be given guidance in a race.

  

The whip is an essential element to why racing is such a greatly admired sport as around six million people attend just over 1,500 race meets in a year.

Will Kennedy said it right : "I'm not really one for hitting them but I missed the last and what do I tell the owners?

"I either hit her two more times and win by a nostril or I don't and I get beaten. Who can say I would have won without those two hits? It's disappointing."

He said: "You work your backside off and lose two-and-a-half grand. You sometimes wonder why you bother".

The BHA needs to reconsider the rules and I believe they should return to what they were previously.

Read my interview with Sussex trainer Diana Grissell on the use of the whip: http://everyoneisstarryeyed.blogspot.com/2011/11/whipping-up-debate-with-sussex-trainer.html

SWINCOMBE FLAME SIZZLES IN THE LANZAROTE HURDLE BUT KENNEDY MUST FORFEIT PRIZE MONEY

SWINCOMBE FLAME managed to win by a nostril in the Lanzarote Hurdle at Kempton yesterday.

Trainer Nick Williams and jockey Will Kennedy have now won the hurdle for the second time after Swincombe Flame beat Featherbed Lane by a final stride past the winning post.

The mare did well to battle amongst the army of rivals around her and when she crept into first position, the crowd roared with delight as she was the well-backed favourite at 9/2.

Featherbed Lane, however, powered past her over the final jump, but despite a bad jump from Swincombe Flame as well as a photo finish, Kennedy brought home a winner.

But Kennedy has now been told to forfeit his prize money which he won for winning the hurdle as he was penalised for excessive use of the whip.

He also faces a seven day ban as a result.

SELECTIONS FOR KEMPTON - SATURDAY 14 JANUARY 2012

12:30 - Dubawi Dancer
Open to improvement and even though faces a penalty here today, she still should produce an interesting run. 


13:05 - Menorah
Back on a winning streak but still needs to become more confident over fences. Definitely respected and in for a fair chance.


13:40 - Hit The Headlines
Up for today's task and looks to make a promising run. Did well on his hurdling debut at Huntingdon and in for a high chance today.


14:15: Reblis
           Only Witness for the exacta
Reblis looks set to make a hat-trick here today and even though took him a while to get used to fences, he's definitely in for a good shot today. Only Witness looks set to produce another suitable run and even though 8lb up, should be in for a chance.


14:50 (Lanzarote Hurdle) - DECOY
Was beaten by Featherbed Lane at Ascot, but Pipe's horse is now 17lb better off. He looks ready to prove himself today and should be respected. Has every chance of turning things around. 


15:20 - Quotica De Poyans
            Soixante for the exacta
Even though Quotica De Poyans pulled up on previous run, he looks set to return to form today. With Hutchinson on board the horse could do well. Soixante looks ready to aim for a winning mark. In for a fair chance as well.


15:50 - Zafranagar
Won easily at Wetherby and is a previous winner on this course. Distance shouldn't be a struggle for him. Respected. 

SELECTIONS FOR MUSSELBURGH - FRIDAY JANUARY 13 2012

12:40 - Lemon Drop Red
Has had an encouraging start to hurdles and stands a good chance today. Respected.


1:10 - Charminster
Strong horse and a very good traveller. Won an Irish maiden point on firm and shouldn't be overlooked.


1:40 - Philharmonic Hall
Should be given a chance today as needs to prove capability. In for a fair chance.


2:10 - Red Tanber
Recent wins have been strong and is likely to the frontrunner today.


2:40 - Auberge
Third at Worcester and is the main threat in this race. The fast ground here would suit her so she is in for a ideal chance. Respected.


3:10 - Rossini's Dancer
Runs well at Musselburgh and is in for a strong chance as has returned to form. Big contender.


3:40 - Keeneland
Ability is ideal and has plenty to offer. Good horse to back.

SELECTIONS FOR HUNTINGDON - FRIDAY JANUARY 13 2012

12:50 - Hohlethelonely for the win
            Earcomesthedream for the exacta
Hohlethelonely has improved as a result of blinkers, so looks promising while Earcomesthedream is on a winning streak at the moment and is capable of doing well.


1:20 - Free Speech
Currently in good form and prviously won with high weights. In for a fair chance.


1:50 - Ericht
Encouraging third at Cheltenham on hurdling debut and in for a promising run here today. Shouldn't be overlooked.


2:20 - Problema Tic
Had slight trouble switching to fences but has had comfortable wins previously. Should race well here as capable of a promising run.


2:50 - Bohemian Rock
Back racing with tongue-tie today (wore it previously when first at Towcester) and should race well today. In for a good shot.


3:20 - Dane Cottage
          Feeling Lucky? Try these for a tricast:
          Mangonel
          Pampelonne
Dane Cottage is a triple flat winner and looks set to race respectfully; Mangonel is an obvious choice for the punters but preparation has not been ideal; Pampelonne is returning with cheekpieces so is in for a bold bid.


3:50 - Brigadier Miller
With Barry Geraghty as jockey the horse is destined to do well, and is capable of producing another good performance (great run at Taunton last month).

STALLION BRUTALLY ATTACKED

A STALLION was attacked in the Stithian area this week between 4pm on Sunday 8th January and noon on Monday 9th January.

The stallion was brutally attacked and then killed: it had an eye cut out, teeth maliciously removed and its genitalia cut off.

A vet who attended the scene pronounced the stallion dead. A mare and foal, whcih were also in the field, were left unharmed.

Anyone with information of the attack should contact the Devon and Cornwall Police or the RSPCA.

DON'T PUSH IT RETIRED

DON'T PUSH IT has been retired after recent results have been disappointing for owner JP McManus and trainer Jonjo O'Neill.
 
Don't Push It, now a 12-year-old, gave A P McCoy his first victory in the Grand National in 2010.
 
The superb horse then finished in a respectful third last year behind Ballabriggs and was set to make another re-appearance in April.
 
However, as Don't Push It's recent work has been disappointing for McManus and O'Neill, connections have called a halt to his racing career.

The horse has proved that he is a champion in the racing world by making more than £750,000 in prize-money. 

SELECTIONS FOR TAUNTON - MONDAY 8 JANUARY 2012

13:10 - Advisor

 Former Paul Nicholls horse and in for a fair chance.

13.40 - Night Rose

             Possibly Native Breeze for the exacta
Night Rose made a great reappearance at huntingdon and deserves another chance. Native Breeze is another good horse for Philip Hobbs but needs to improve jumping.

14.10 - Rangitoto

Ideal event to extend winning streak. With Ruby Walsh as jockey the horse is destined to do well.

14.40 - Darlan

              Feeling lucky? These for the tricast:

             Jump City

              Kings Bayonet

Darlan has a great form and looks set to repeat his previous performance. Jump City just behind in weights but looks set to battle it out. King Bayonet is a newcomer but with Hutchinson on board the horse could do well.

15:10 - Quinte du Chatelet

May still be few pounds high in weight but shouldn't be ignored as capable of producing a good run.

15:40 - Folie A Deux

Has a good form and Polly Gundry is back on the mark. Worth a look.

16:10 - Double Handful

This is a very difficult race to pin-point the winner, but Double Handful has a good record on flat. As the race is 2m 1f, the horse stands an ideal chance.

CAPTAIN CONAN HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE IN HURDLES

CAPTAIN CONAN has a positive future ahead of him after winning the Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown today.

Nicky Henderson's horse galloped to victory beating Philip Hobbs' Colour Squadron, and Paul Nicholls' Prospect Wells.

Captain Conan, ridden by Barry Geraghty, set off at 9-1, while Prospect Wells was a favourite to win. 

Colour Squadron looked set to end Hobbs' 'phantom' season but threw away his chance by hanging badly along the final furlongs.

MY SELECTIONS FOR SANDOWN - SATURDAY 7 JANUARY 2012

13:00 - Kaffie
A horse that's heading in the right direction. Has won last two races and in for a shot today.


13:35 - Soliwery 
Should improve now in Henderson's yard. Has run well recently and in for a good chance.


14:05 - Exacta (reverse): All For Free
                                        Rileyev
All for Free could complete a hat-trick today and is travelling comfortably in races. Rileyev was second at Cheltenham and deserves some recognition for it in this race.


14:35 - Prospect Wells
With Walsh as jockey the horse is destined to do well. Ran well at Ascot last month and deserves to win again here. Magnifique Etoire is just behind but needs to step up to beat Nicholls.


15:10 - Tricast (any order):  Master Of The Hall
                                             Exmoor Ranger
                                             Hold On Julio
Master Of The Hall previously won at Aintree and deserves to be in for a shot. Exmoor Ranger's jumping has improved and proved himself at Ascot in October. Hold On Julio produces a fantastic record and has won comfortably over here before on his debut.


15:45 - Afsoun
Reliable veteran who deserves to do well. Backed this horse many times before and did well to win at Newcastle.

CAN PROSPECT WELLS WIN SANDOWN'S TOLWORTH HURDLE?

ENTERING Prospect Wells in tomorrow's Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown was an 'afterthought', claimed Graham Wylie.

Paul Nicholls' superb Flat performer has made a brilliant debut to his hurdling career and he currently stands as a favourite for the 2Red Hurdle Novices' Hurdle.

The seven-year-old horse finished runner-up at Cheltenham, behind Steps To Freedom, before another win at Newbury.

His first race over hurdles saw him finish in first place at Chepstow. 

Even though it was admitted that the gelding should have some time away from racing after his creditable fourth in The Ladbroke at Ascot, it has been decided the horse should run in tomorrow's race with Ruby Walsh on board.

HURRICANE FLY CREATES A BUZZ FOR MULLINS

HURRICANE FLY has proved that he is still a champion hurdler at Leopardstown today and has "absolutely delighted" Willie Mullins.

Mullins has announced that he is hopeful that Hurricane Fly will  make the line-up for the BHP Insurance Irish Champion Hurdle at Leopardstown on January 29.

The Irish trainer decided not to run Hurricane Fly in the Istrabraq Festival Hurdle as he was not satisfied with the horse.

The champion hurdler was unbeaten last season and he is now 5-2 to keep hold of his Cheltenham status.

HOBBS CONFIDENT HE CAN END 'PHANTOM' SEASON WITH COLOUR SQUADRON

PHILIP Hobbs hasn't had the best season compared to other trainers: Paul Nicholls' season has been superb thanks to champion chasers Kauto Star and Big Bucks; Nicky Henderson's Long Run has placed him firmly back in the spotlight; and Alan King aims to win with Medermit.

Yet Hobbs believes that Colour Squadron is an ideal horse to win Sandown's Tolworth Hurdle.

The six-year-old is Hobbs' promising hurdler, and the trainer is confident that he can make up for his 'phantom' season by winning the Grade One Hurdle on Saturday.

The horse has only had three starts, but can Hobbs prove that his gelding is showing the benefit of having been in full training for a whole season without actually racing?

MEDERMIT TO RACE BEFORE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL

MEDERMIT is to race in the Betfair Ascot Chase in February before heading to the Cheltenham Festival.

Alan King's grey horse is to return on February 18 as The Ryanair Chase in March is his new target.

He was runner-up in his previous race, The Atlantic 4 Gold Cup, at the Prestbury Park track in December, finishing behind Quantitativeasing.

LONG RUN TO RACE WITHOUT EAR-PLUGS IN CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP

LONG RUN is to run without ear-plugs in the Cheltenham Gold Cup against champion chaser Kauto Star.

Nicky Henderson has announced that the defending Gold Cup champion needs to have one or two changes in the hope of beating rival Kauto Star in the 2012 Festival.

As Henderson's preparations for the race may have over-relaxed Long Run, removing the ear-plugs will settle him down.

Henderson has also confirmed that Long Run might race in the Betfair Denman Chase at Newbury next month as a prep-run before Cheltenham.