Sunday, November 18, 2007

Open Sunday

The deaths of Willyanwoody and Granit Jack, falling in separate races yesterday, will cast a long shadow over today's action. The rain has arrived, but the question is to what extent the going will be affected, if at all. A difficult card and uncertainty about the going means I won't be getting involved today. Here are a few eclectic thoughts...

I would be looking to take on four year old Predateur in the opener as he hasn't jumped a fence in public yet. I saw Leslingtaylor win well at Aintree three weeks ago, although that race was set up for him; he carries a penalty here. Nicky Henderson's Papini holds a decent chance. I'll be watching Dev closely - he went off too quickly in Leslingtaylor's race - in an attempt to gauge whether the horse is up to this class.

The 1.45 has the look of a bookmakers' benefit. If sufficient rain has fallen, Sobers looks a horse who could improve on his last run.

Only seven runners in the two mile handicap chase at 2.20; it will all centre around the fitness of Voy Por Ustedes. River City should have no questions in that department having run on the Flat recently.

Twenty two go to post in the Greatwood; Chivalry's close second in Wincanton's Elite hurdle last weekend looks good form.

Henrietta Knight thinks a lot of Olmeto Collonges no matter what happens in the 3.30. The horse needs cut.

I saw Seven Is My Number flop badly at Newbury last February but he's obviously a horse who has shown plenty at home. If the rain continues, the bumper should give us an indication as to whether the horse can handle soft ground.

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