It’s that time of year again – where does the time go? I’m thrilled to be back writing my weekly blog as a Betway ambassador.
We’ve got so much to look forward to this year. The novice chaser division is as exciting as I can remember and the Gold Cup generation looks exciting, too.
It’s been a great summer. Ross’ horses have been flying and on Monday we introduced a new member into our family as we gave birth to Ted – a very popular name in the Walsh family!
Chepstow on Saturday
Looking ahead to the weekend, I love this opening Chepstow fixture.
Paul Nicholls usually does very well here and targets a good team of horses, and I think he’ll win the first race (13:15) with Magistrato SP. Nicholls has farmed this race – he always seems to win it and this horse’s form makes him the one to beat.
Kitty’s Light SP is a savage jumper and was good on occasions last season. He’s still only five and will still be improving and I think there is mileage in his mark of 143 (14:25).
Captain Tom Cat SP should put his jumping experience to good use in the Novices’ Chase (15:00). He was beaten in the Betway Summer Plate at Market Rasen in July last season, but this will be easier for him and, as I said, his experience should play a part on good ground.
Every time Emmett Mullins sends a horse over to England, you have to take note. He’s sending over Blackstair Rocco SP, who runs in the Silver Trophy (15:30).
He’s been consistent in Ireland this season and was beaten by a sharp short [Fancy Foundations] at Sligo last time. He’s not going over for the fun of it, that’s for sure.
Limerick on Sunday
Off Your Rocco was well-fancied going into Galway, but it just didn’t happen for him on the day. He was good at Listowel the last day and, with the yard’s horses in good form, he’s the one to beat (13:10). He won with plenty in hand last time.
Top Bandit won’t be a big price but he’s the one to beat on his latest win (13:40).
Mrs Milner won the Pertemps Final at Cheltenham Festival after running in a good race at the Dublin Racing Festival. She kept improving last season and the level of form she brings into this race is enough to make her the one they all have to beat (14:10).
January Jets was unlucky to bump into some top horses last season, including Envoi Allen. There is nothing of that calibre here and with, Henry’s [De Bromhead] horses flying, I think he’ll be tough to beat (15:20).
Fairyhill Run has won three on the bounce and has been in grand old form this summer. The Munster National (15:55) is a really tough race to win but this horse has the right profile for it. She sluiced up at Kilbeggan last time and is clearly a horse that is going places.
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