In this blog post, I will highlight some of the standout horses that caught my attention during the Christmas period. These may include contenders for the Grand National as well as those with potential for success in the Pertemps Final at the Cheltenham Festival

Fontwell 11:57

Rambo T – Handicapping. Could be interesting, decent R Figures, beaten by a smart sort last time out in Givega

(Edit – Handicap Mark of 116 – that looks very workable) 

Leopardstown 12:00

Parmenion­ – This horse placed third in the same race where State Man fell before going on to win a County Hurdle. Despite being highly regarded, it did not pan out as expected, possibly due to the hurdles being removed. Could there a plan to target the County Hurdle again now?

Kempton 12:10

Rubaud – Having been defeated by the talented Rare Edition, this horse has been largely overlooked. However, its handicap mark of 130 is noteworthy, and it may be well-suited to competing in the County Hurdle

(Edit – Handicap Mark of 130 left alone)

Kempton 13:20

McFabulous – Despite being convincingly beaten by Thyme Hill, this horse has now had four runs over fences and is worth considering for future races. Had he won the Grade 1 race he would have won £57,000, and it has the potential to win even more in the 3m Handicap in February, which boasts a 1st prize of £85,000

(Edit – Handicap Mark of 153 left alone)

Wetherby 13:35

Shan Blue – ran no sort of race on a day when Skelton had quite a few run well below par. Totally ignore this run. Check handicap mark.

(Edit – Handicap mark of 148 left alone)

Kempton 15:05

West Cork ­– ran no sort of race again for Skelton. 0-135? At Kempton would be preferable but if not 2 ½ at Ascot over 2 ½ mile 0-140 handicap. Cheltenham the target.

(Edit -Handicap Mark dropped to 139. Ascot would be ideal)

Chepstow 13:05

Phoenix Way – slowly put in race. Arguably given too much to do on return. Back to Ascot for race won last year.

(Edit – Handicap mark dropped 2lb to 142. Surely back to Ascot. Could also be saved for Kempton)

Kempton 14:30

Dolos – best form is at Sandown. Surely go back for the race he won last year.

(Edit – Handicap mark dropped 1lb to 146. Just 3lb higher than when winning at Sandown where he surely goes back)

Chepstow 14:50

The Big Breakaway – ran a blinder, stayed on well. Up a few pound for that 2^nd place and would be around 11 stone last year for the Grand National. Has a bit of class about him.

(Edit – Handicap mark up 3lb to 151. Looks ideal for the Grand National)

Musical Slave – better form is on better going, drifted pre-race due to ground. Wait for better going. Classic Chase if better going. Bet365 Gold Cup if not.

(Edit – Handicap dropped 3lb. As soon as he gets better going he will go close)

Kempton 15:09

Kitty’s Light – never involved at all, ran on for 7^th. Will be much better when getting a trip. Is going to be incredibly well handicapped as soon as getting good ground and 3 ½ mile+

(Edit – Handicap mark dropped 2lb to 135. Ridiculously well handicapped when getting 3 1/2 mile +)

Five Star Getaway­ – effort at Aintree clearly took a lot out of him. Sandown 3^rd behind Les Milos and Deise Aba was good form.

(Edit – Handicap mark dropped 3lb to 127. Clearly ran no race. Sandown could be next)

Chepstow 15:25

Mister Coffey – ran well on soft ground and I think he’ll be aimed again at the Kim Muir after that. Got a few pound to play with.

(Edit – Handicap mark left alone. Long term Kim Muir return)

Leopardstown 13:10

Eric Bloodaxe – highly tried including in Graded races and is a Grade 2 winner. Disappointed in Albert Bartlett. Qualified for Pertemps Final in a race behind a handicap blot.

(Edit – Irish Handicapper raised him 2lb for his 2nd. All roads lead to the Pertemps Final now)

Leopardstown 13:45

Amirite – Was unseated in its last race due to a mistake by Three Stripe Life, which caused Jack Kennedy to push Rachael Blackmore out of the saddle. While it may not be likely to win a Grade 1 race like the RSA Chase at the Cheltenham Festival, Amirite has shown potential in its previous races and may be more suited to the National Hunt Chase. It may lack the speed required for shorter distances, even over 3m. It will be interesting to see where it is aimed next.

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