03/12/16 Straight From The Trainers Mouth

Nicky Henderson

12.10 Wetherby Baden 15/8

BADEN has had just one run this season at Cheltenham when 5^th on his hurdles debut which he would have needed quite a bit. He’s a talented horse who wants good ground and is having a bit of a drop down in class which will help him.

★★★★☆

12.20 Sandown Bardd 11/4

BARDD won his Bumper nicely at the course last time and has his first start over hurdles here and has improved plenty since then. It’s a typical National Hunt Novice with plenty of potentially good horses in it but this is a good place to get him started. We have a formidable record in the race having won it every year since 2008 so let’s hope we continue the fabulous strike rate. He’s a good novice but does need to keep improving, which is possible.

★★★★★

1.55 Sandown Altior 2/7

ALTIOR has come out of his Kempton race in excellent shape and Noel Fehily came to @sevenbarrows this morning to give him a quick jump in the indoor school as it’s been a bit too frosty to go elsewhere. We always gave him a school before he ran, even over hurdles last season, so it’s what he’s used to. Obviously his Kempton win was easy for him and we didn’t really learn a great deal as his jumping wasn’t tested because he was doing his own thing out in front. They must have gone a respectable gallop though because the other horse wasn’t able to go with him after about three fences. I was delighted though and while he didn’t prove a much what we did learn is that he can get from A to B.

★★★★★

2.10 Aintree Hunters Hoof 7/1

I was a bit disappointed with HUNTERS HOOF last time at Bangor as he’s a horse with plenty of ability. We’ve come back to hurdles here which might help and it’s a local track for his owners so it would be nice for him to get them in the winners’ enclosure. He very good and is a fresh horse at home therefore I think he has a particularly big chance and he’ll be happier back over timber.

★★★★☆

2.25 Sandown Brain Power 4/1

BRAIN POWER will be suited very well by the good ground as he found it against him in the end when I quite fancied him in the StanJames.com Greatwood Hurdle at Cheltenham last time but it turned soft. I still think there is a decent race to be won with him and I’m happy with him leading into today’s race. He’s talented, albeit a bit raw still in many ways, but if he can get into a good rhythm and his jumping holds up I think he has an excellent chance.

★★★★★

2.25 Sandown Consul De Thaix 13/2

CONSUL DE THAIX is a horse we like a lot and is effectively a second season novice as he was placed in some high class races last season. He’s been ready to run for quite some time so shouldn’t be found wanting too much fitness-wise and I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see him bang there.

★★★★☆

2.40 Aintree Cocktails At Dawn 7/1

COCKTAILS AT DAWN is being aimed at the Topham Chase again and the aim last year was the Grand National but that didn’t go to plan so we have to go back to square one. These are obviously regulation fences but it’s a good place to get him going and he’s in rude health at home.

★★★☆☆

Davy Russell

12.55 Fairyhouse Dandridge 5/1

He ran really well in both the Grand Annual and the Red Rum last season. He was very lucky to survive a bad error at Cheltenham and did well to finish second. He jumps well, has had a run under his belt and the more it dries out the better.

★★★☆☆

2.00 Fairyhouse Capital Force 10/1

This is his first start but he’s by a fabulous sire in Kayf Tara which is always a plus. Although it’s his first run, Henry De Bromhead's horses are in great form so hopefully he’ll run a big race.

★★★★☆

2.30 Fairyhouse William B 25/1

I ride Willam B for Eddie Harty in the 2m4f novice hurdle (2.30pm). I haven’t ridden him before, but he would need to step up to take a hand in a race like this.

★★☆☆☆

3.05 Fairyhouse Veinard 11/2

Veinard won well on the last day at Clonmel, but he has gone up 8lbs so it’s going to be a big ask in the handicap hurdle (3.05pm). He’s a nice horse though.

★★☆☆☆

Richard Johnson

1.05 Chepstow Sykes 5/1

Skykes made a good start over fences at Exeter and tomorrow’s novices’ handicap chase looks an ideal race. It’s a strong race with 10 runners but I’m very confident of his chances. He’s one of my best rides this weekend.

★★★★★

1.40 Chepstow Geordie Des Champs 15/8

Geordie Des Champs is a horse that I’ve ridden against. He beat me at Chepstow once before, showing that he handles the track, and should go well in the novices’ hurdle. He has a 12lb penalty but has the form in the book and goes there with a great chance

★★★★☆

2.15 Chepstow Atirelarigo 10/1

He got rid of me at Kempton when trying to headbutt the ditch which wasn’t ideal. Previously he showed some nice form in a couple of novice hurdles and he’s definitely a horse with ability. With a good round of jumping he won’t be too far away.

★★★☆☆

2.45 Chepstow Braavos 15/2

Braavos has been very disappointing in his two runs this year and we don’t really know why. We felt last season he would improve for a summer’s break and there’s no real reason why he has been below par. He’ll enjoy the likely decent ground and if we can get him back on track, he would have a very strong chance in the handicap hurdle. He’s a horse I still hold in high regard and is probably my best chance of a winner this weekend.

★★★★☆

3.20 Chepstow Lamb Or Cod 12/1

After time off the track through injury, Lamb Or Cod came back with a fair effort at Ascot last time. He finished towards the back of the field as he just got a bit tired in the closing stages. He’ll be fitter for that and can go well in the Welsh Grand National Trial.

He’ll handle the track and the handicapper has given him a realistic chance.

★★★☆☆

3.50 Chepstow Motueka 9/2

Motueka makes his debut in the bumper (3.50pm). He’s a nice young horse with a decent pedigree and I know Philip Hobbs likes him. It’s a nice galloping track to get him started and fingers crossed he can run a good race.

★★★★☆

Paul Nicholls

2.40 Aintree Le Mercurey 7/1

Ran OK last time at Down Royal and this flat track will suit him as he seeks to win over three miles for the first time. His fine display in the Reynoldstown Chase at Ascot in the spring confirmed my view that he gets the trip. He looked sure to win when he was two lengths clear going to the last that day before idling in front. I put blinkers on him after that and can see him running tidily here.

★★★★☆

Gordon Elliott

1:35 Aintree – Ucello Conti 10/1

We expect him to run a big race. He ran a cracker to finish sixth in the Grand National last season which showed he can handle the Aintree fences. He's in good form and he's as fit as I can have him with the run over hurdles at Navan last week helping a lot. It's obviously a very competitive race and his mark of 148, which is 4lbs higher than what he races off in Ireland, is only fair but he has good experience around the course and so that should stand him in good stead.

★★★★☆

11:55 Fairyhouse – Moonshine Lad 14/1

I'd give him a good each-way chance. We were pleased with the way he ran over hurdles at Wexford where he had to give a lot of weight to a good filly in Crack Tiepy. He'd been off the track for a long time but that run shows he still has the talent. He unseated on his first run back which was in a beginners chase at Punchestown but if he gets around this time he should be there or thereabouts.

★★★☆☆

2:00 Fairyhouse – Runfordave 5/1

He's probably the best chance of my three in this race. He ran really well to be third in a good maiden hurdle won by Moulin A Vent at Punchestown and he's come on again since that. His bumper form was good but he has always schooled well over hurdles. He should be able to improve now and if he does he'll be in there with a big shout.

★★★★☆

3:40 Fairyhouse – Broken Soul 11/4

We've been disappointed not to win a bumper with him. He has some good form to his name but he still doesn't run to the level of what he shows us at home so hopefully he can do that tomorrow. If he did, he'd have a big chance.

★★★★☆

Willie Mullins

11.55 Fairyhouse Childrens List 10/1

Childrens List (Paul) makes his chasing debut in the 2m 5f beginners chase. He has always looked like a chaser. He has won a point to point and has schooled well at home. This looks like a hot beginners chase but he has to start off somewhere and hopefully he will finish in the money.

★★★☆☆

12.55 Fairyhouse Jarry Dhonneur 6/1

Jarry D’Honneur (Paul) makes his jumping debut in the maiden hurdle over 2m 2f. He won his bumper here and we have always held him in high regard. He jumps well and should give a very good account of himself.

★★★★☆

3.00 Sandown Un De Sceaux 7/4

Un De Sceaux (Ruby) starts off his season in the Tingle Creek Chase over 2 miles. This ground may not be to his liking but he is fit and well so we have decided to let him take his chance.

★★★☆☆

3.40 Fairyhouse Bon Papa 7/4

Bon Papa (Patrick) has his first run in the bumper. He is a big jumping type and is in good form at home. He takes his chance but he would probably prefer softer ground.

★★★☆☆

Dan Skelton

12.30 Aintree – Oldgrangewood 11/4

Oldgrangewood was a revelation over fences last time out at Kempton and he will definitely be suited by going left handed. This race is obviously a good bit deeper and he’s gone up 10lbs so he’s got to prove that he can take this next step. He’s one of the least experienced but that also means he’s one of the least exposed. The ground will be perfect.

★★★★☆

12.35 Chepstow – The Bay Oak

I think The Bay Oak has a chance. He’ll love the trip and is fresh and well after his recent win. It was only eleven days ago but he’s tough.

★★★★☆

2.45 Chepstow – Corrin Wood

He ran really well on his debut for us at Cheltenham in a competitive handicap where he made all the running. The handicapper has only put him up a pound so he’s given him a chance again. Before that run for us his form had lots of letters and big numbers rather than small numbers, so we need to him repeat that good run last time, and bring some consistency back to his game. I’m hoping he’ll run well. I’m building up to a target over fences when we think it’s appropriate. I don’t yet know what it is or where it is. That said he’s fit and ready today.

★★★★☆

Daryl Jacobs

12.30 Aintree Call Me Vic 9/1

I'm delighted to have picked up the ride on Call Me Vic in the Betfred Watch Sky Sports In Our Shops Handicap Chase for Tom George. I've had success for the yard in the past and I've ridden against this fellow a couple of times. I'll be watching some videos of him tonight too to learn as much as I can.

★★★☆☆

1.35 Aintree Ucello Conti 10/1

I'm very much looking forward to Ucello Conti in the Betfred Becher Handicap Chase. He didn't quite stay when sixth in the Grand National on the very soft ground. I spoke to Simon and Isaac, his owners, and Gordon Elliott after that race and suggested we aim for this so his preparations have been geared around the race. I'm hoping for - and expecting - a very big run from him. He jumped well over these fences and hopefully will take to them again.

★★★★☆

2.10 Aintree Hunters Hoof 11/2

Hunter's Hoof goes in the Betfred 'Home Of Goals Galore' Handicap Hurdle which looks very competitive. Again I've schooled the horse and he seems in very good form. The ground won't be an issue and hopefully he'll go well too.

★★★★☆

2.40 Aintree Cocktails At Dawn 7/1

I've done plenty of schooling on him and he's a lovely free moving horse so the good ground will suit. I'm looking forward to the ride here.

★★★☆☆

3.15 Aintree Seefood 9/1

Seefood goes in the Betfred Grand Sefton Handicap Chase. I won on him at Musselburgh the last day. I thought that rode like a competitive race and the track would have been a bit sharp for my fellow so I thought he did it well. Afterwards I spoke to Dr Newland and we thought it was a good idea to head here. The trip will be perfect and touch wood, he's a nice, little, neat jumper. I think he'll take to the track has a live chance off his current mark so we are giving it a go.

★★★☆☆

David Pipe

1.05 Chepstow What A Moment 5/1

He has only had two starts over fences and was a nice winner at Cheltenham last time.  With a clear round he should be in the shake up with David Noonan in the saddle

★★★★☆

1.35 Aintree Vieux Lion Rouge 10/1

Our seven year old had some fair form last season, including finishing seventh in the Grand National while only a novice.  You just need some luck in running but hopefully he can get some.

★★★☆☆

3.15 Aintree La Vaticane 8/1

She also has experience over the fences having finished second in the Topham in April.  She was a good second on her seasonal reappearance at Market Rasen and again with a bit of luck hopefully she can run well

★★★☆☆

Nigel Twiston-Davies

1.05 Chepstow- Ballycross 12/1

Has had two chases and gone well in both, coming 2nd and 3rd respectively, the last 3 weeks ago over this trip. From the same mark today he should again go very well and has at least strong each way chances. Zack Baker takes off 7lbs.

★★★☆☆

2.45 Chepstow- Mont Choisy 12/1

Won 5 outings ago from a mark of 120 and went up 12lbs for that. Down to 130 for his two runs so far this term has seen him finish down the field, but a further 2lbs plus Zack's 7lb claim should see him much more competitive. A good run expected.

★★★☆☆

1.20 Sandown- Arctic Gold 7/2

Ran well to be 6th of 14 at Cheltenham 3 weeks ago following a win at Ffos Las. Up 7lbs for that he's back down 2lbs to 133 here. The trip of just short of 3m will suit and with improvement to come he can go close. Tom Humphries rides and claims 10lbs.

★★★★☆

3.30 Sandown- Belmount 11/1

Disappointed last time at Carlisle having won his previous two races in nice style both over 3m plus trips. Up again to 3m 5f today from the same mark of 132, he can get back amongst them and looks to be good each way value. Sam Twiston-Davies aboard.

1.35 Aintree- Cogry 18/1

★★★☆☆

Enjoys the longer distance races and today's 3m 2f over these fences fits the bill, though he may even prefer further. He hasn't completed his last two outings but looks to be on a decent mark again and can go well here. Ryan Hatch rides.

★★★☆☆

2.10 Aintree- Florrie Boy 8/1

Won two in a row off of 105 then 112, but up to 124 after looked harsh but back to 120 today may put him back in contention on ground and over a trip he's won on before. Ryan rides and the pair have decent each way hopes.

★★★☆☆

3.15 Aintree – Astracad 14/1

Won well at Cheltenham three weeks ago on a veterans chase and is up 3lb for that to 134. In good form at present, he can go well and has a good each way chance under conditions that suit. Jamie Bargary takes off that 3lbs and a good run expected.

★★★☆☆

Roger Charlton

7.45 Wolverhampton Rock Steady 3/1

Rock Steady ran his 8^th race of the year last Saturday and carried on the theme of being very consistent, when he won, breaking a sequence of a few second placings. The step up in trip seemed to help and we go up in distance again today and test the stamina. He is a relaxed horse and hopefully it will lead to more improvement.  Having said that today is a better race and he is up another 5lbs for last week’s triumph.

★★★★☆

8.45 Wolverhampton Snobbery 4/5

Snobbery is fine looking horse with a wonderful name! He was slow from the gates and very green for the first mile of the race on debut but really got the hang of it late on. He seems in good nick, and the race is weaker than the last one he contested and you would be disappointed if he wasn’t in the first two. The second favourite has been off a long time and has solid form

★★★★★