More non-runners than not last week but with plenty of abandoned meetings due to the cold snap, that came as no great shock to anyone. The trainers and jockeys concerned had winners aplenty with a certain Nicky Henderson responsible for most of them as usual. Naturally, some of those suggested for this week may not run, so don’t forget you can always check out our other horse racing tips for more up to date information.
Mrs S J Smith– 45% winners 64% placed runners
Top of the charts this week but we need a spot of patience as the stable have very few runners until the weekend that fit the bill. Although he has been absent for a long time now, I am interested in the each way chances of JOKE DANCER who is currently all set for a return to action in the 3.20pm at Wetherby on Saturday afternoon where hopefully he will start off at a decent price. MEETING ABANDONED.
Nicky Henderson – 36% winners 53% placed runners
What more can we add about the master of Seven Barrows that hasn’t already been said. His facilities are second to none backed up by an excellent team and some of the best bloodstock money can buy. SLEIGHT OF HAND ran a blinder first time out at Wincanton with a six-length third and if the Kalanisi gelding improves as he is now all set for the 4.35pm at Chepstow on Friday which should be well within his abilities. MEETING ABANDONED.
Warren Greatrex – 32% winners 36% placed runners
A shrewd and astute stable taking their rightful place on the list this week and with a long list of possible runners as they look to strike while his horses remain at the top of their game. We may miss a winner or two but at this stage LE BAGUE AU ROI
Brian Ellison – 30% winners 50% placed runners
One of the few dual-purpose yards who can always be relied on under either code and they have some interesting sorts lined up to do battle in the days ahead. SKYVA
Ali Rawlinson – 40% winners 40% placed rides
Plenty of recent winners on the all-weather for Ali Rawlinson and a hatful of rides to work with this week suggest more visits to the winners’ enclosure. LION HEARTED
Charlie Deutsch – 36% winners 55% placed runners
Back on to the list for Charlie after a decent run again and just the one booked mount at the time of writing, so no decisions to be made here. BONNE QUESTION
Nico de Boinville – 35% winners 39% placed runners
When you are first choice jockey for the Nicky Henderson yard you must be expecting plenty of winners and that remains the case as he looks to add to those already impressive statistics. Although he has a long list of possible rides for the week ahead, the stand out may well be LISHEEN CASTLE who is all set to head off to Scotland on Sunday to run in the Triumph Hurdle trial at Musselburgh. Decent on the flat, he impressed on his hurdling bow at Wetherby and can only get better for the experience. MEETING ABANDONED.
Thomas Dowson – 33% winners 56% placed runners
A new name to our list but a thoroughly deserved one on recent form, and a name to remember who seems destined to go to the very top over jumps in the years ahead. As we write he only has the one ride booked and that will be on the appropriately named SNOWED IN at Catterick on Friday afternoon. Last time out he finished runner-up to Jimmy Rabbitte over the same course and distance suggesting he has every chance off just a pound higher here. MEETING ABANDONED.
Summary (in chronological order, all times subject to change):
Snowed In – 4.20pm Catterick Friday MEETING ABANDONED.
Sleight Of Hand – 4.35pm Chepstow Friday MEETING ABANDONED.
Joke Dancer – 3.20pm Wetherby Saturday MEETING ABANDONED.
Lisheen Castle – 1.30pm Musselburgh Sunday MEETING ABANDONED.
Last week’s form focus can be found on site here, while if you fancy a more up to date list of runners and selections – have a look at our racecard page here.