Winter is on its way and we don’t just mean the weather, we are far more interested in the calibre of National Hunt horses that are beginning to appear for their first runs of the season and Nigel has moved his training regime up a gear recently hence the number of entries this weekend!
Nigel’s Charity Bet
As always, we’ve given Nigel a £50 charity bet to place on a horse of his choice (last week his each way bet landed at an amazing 16/1 when third at Chepstow) – and this week it will be on……
The New One 4.25pm Ffos Las Saturday
“I have him as primed as I can get him at home and am obviously hoping for a winning return for the stable favourite. Zac (jockey Zac Baker) takes five pounds off his back which is a real help in a Limited handicap like this and he ought to be more than good enough to bring home the very decent prize money this afternoon and be crowned Welsh Champion Hurdler.”
If The New One wins we’ll donate the winnings to the Injured Jockeys Fund!
Other Saturday runners:
Angel Antics 2.10pm Ffos Las
“She ran really well on her bumper debut when runner-up to Storm Of Intrigue here back in May and makes her hurdling bow this afternoon with Jamie Bargary in the saddle claiming three. A big strong mare she looks to have a very bright future but she may need more time to be seen at her best, and although she will run a big race I cannot be overconfident just yet.”
Jameson 3.20pm Ffos Las
“First time up over fences in this novice chase and sure to learn a lot from the experience. He has schooled well at home but looks up against it at level weights if the likes of Brelan D’As or West Approach are anywhere near as good over fences as they are over hurdles.”
Red Riverman 3.55pm Ffos Las
“A claiming chase is a rarity these days but it does at least give me fellow a decent chance even if he would finish third if the handicappers’ ratings are taken at face value. Grey Gold has plenty in hand but may not be the force of old at the age of twelve and if the race pans out as I hope I think he has a pretty decent chance.”
Sartene’s Son 5.35pm Ffos Las
“A big strong solid son of Linda’s Lad and very much one for the future. This will be his first visit to the race track and thus a fact finding mission, but I do think a bit of him and hope for a reasonable effort.”
Bristol De Mai 3.00pm Stratford
“Top weight as expected for my Grand National fifth who I am really hoping is in for a big big season. He is in very good form at home and this is his prep race ahead of a crack at the Betfair Chase at Haydock but I wouldn’t mind a bit more rain before off time tomorrow which would certainly increase his chances.”
El Terremoto 3.35pm Stratford
“Another of mine blessed with top weight in this Class Three handicap hurdle and he needs to be cajoled back to something near to his best form to win here. He was disappointing to me towards the end of last season but I have given him a break to sweeten him up a little and we will now see if we can bring him back to his peak.”
Bring Back Charlie 5.45pm Stratford
“A consistent sort who has been running well lately without success and really deserves to get his head in front here. It does look a competitive race so I cannot exactly claim to be confident, but he should go well and a win is not beyond him in this line up.”
Sunday runners:
Better Days 4.50pm Kempton
“We can ignore his last run when the two and three quarter mile trip was way too short for him but he returns to three miles this afternoon which will see him in a better light. It would have been nicer if the handicapper had dropped him a pound or two, but he will still run a decent race regardless and ought to be able to get involved in the finish here.”
Nigel Twiston-Davies will be back each and every week with his thoughts exclusively for myracing.com as well as every day over the major meetings! To see what our tipsters are backing in all the weekend’s races, check out our free daily horse racing tips!