A fantastic day’s racing yesterday and a great advert for the National Hunt game. It’s the continuity that makes it so much more entertaining than the ‘here today gone tomorrow’ nature of the Flat. The racing public and general public get time to identify and form an attachment with quality horses.
Denman became the first horse since Arkle to win the Hennessy twice with a superb display of speed, stamina, jumping and courage under pressure. His awesome victory sets the scene for a great build up to the 2010 Cheltenham Gold Cup. With Imperial Commander in the mix and Cooldine another possible top notch steeplechaser it’s going to be some race.
Great to see that all is well with my Queen Mother Champion Chase pick Forpadydeplasterer ahead of this Tingle Creek engagement on Saturday. You can read the upbeat bulletin on www.racingpost.com. Forpady is now 14/1 having been recommended here at 20/1.
Binocular’s disappointment in the wbx.com Fighting Fifth yesterday adds to my confidence in Celestial Halo for the Champion Hurdle. He is now a best priced 7/1 having been recommended here at double those odds.
My World Hurdle pick Karabak is now best priced 12/1 having been advised here at 14/1 last weekend. Big Bucks, the winning NAP at Festival 2009, put up an awesome display yesterday at Newbury and is surely the one to beat but I’m happy with Karabak as a double figure price each way selection.