Fairyhouse: Ballyphilip Aims for Seventh Straight Win
County Down trainer Caroline McCaldin has had just five runners this season, securing one win, but Ballyphilip is well-positioned to add to that success in the 3m½f hunter chase (2.52).
The six-year-old has been in outstanding form, winning his last six starts, five of which were in point-to-points.
He achieved a career-best in a hunter chase victory at Down Royal in May. Ballyphilip, ridden once again by regular jockey Noel McParlan, brings the strongest form to this six-runner contest.
His competition includes Er Dancer, a course-and-distance winner, and Ask D’man, who recently finished second to Er Dancer in a point-to-point at Stowlin in May. Notably, Ask D’man was 4-1 in this race last year but ended up fifth of six.
Hereford: Sheppard’s Course Specialist Set for Success?
Trainer Matt Sheppard has had a solid record in handicap chases at Hereford this season, with a 33 percent win rate, generating a profit of +£11.50 from a £1 stake.
His seven-year-old charge, Mood of the moment, holds strong claims in the 2m5f handicap chase (2.25).
The horse has thrived since moving to Sheppard’s yard from David Dennis over the summer, securing a win at Hereford last month.
That victory marked a career-best effort, following three second-place finishes.
Sheppard is optimistic about Moodofthemoment’s chances, even with the step up in class, citing the horse’s strong past form and course familiarity.
Huntingdon: Jamie Snowden Eyes More Bumper Glory
Lambourn-based trainer Jamie Snowden has enjoyed an impressive start to the season, with 21 winners so far. He fields two runners in the 2m bumper (3.45) at Huntingdon: Lady Tadita and Opale De Maine. Snowden’s strike rate in bumpers at this track stands at 67 percent (2-3).
Lady Tadita, a £30,000 yearling purchase, will be ridden by stable jockey Gavin Sheehan and is a half-sister to hurdle winners Gitche Gumee and Mythical Moon.
Meanwhile, Opale De Maine, under the guidance of Tom Cannon, has undergone a year of pre-training and is related to French winners Wajdam and Lisadame. Snowden has earmarked both horses for the Junior National Hunt Hurdle series.
Huntingdon Stat: Twiston-Davies’ Perfect Record
Nigel Twiston-Davies boasts a flawless 100 percent record (2-2) in the 2m handicap hurdle (3.10) at Huntingdon.
He will saddle Norman Fletcher, who was narrowly beaten by three-quarters of a length on his seasonal debut at Cheltenham last month.
Lingfield: Veteran Chloe’s Court Chasing Early Season Success
Dorset trainer Robert Walford’s stable has been in fine form recently, achieving a 25 percent win rate in the past two weeks. His experienced mare, Chloe’s Court, lines up in the 2m7f handicap hurdle (2.45) at Lingfield.
Despite being the oldest runner in the field at 11, she has shown remarkable consistency, highlighted by a near career-best win at Wincanton in March.
Chloe’s Court has proven she can perform well fresh, having won first time out last season at Exeter. Her last run at Lingfield saw her narrowly miss victory by half a length in November 2022. Harry Kimber retains the ride.
Southwell: Blenheim Lad Seeks a Hat-Trick
Trainer Camilla Poulton looks to maintain her perfect record on Southwell’s all-weather track this year as Blenheim Lad aims for a hat-trick in the 1m6f apprentice handicap (5.00).
The four-year-old son of Churchill has already triumphed over this distance in September and October.
Despite the 200-mile journey from her Lewes base, Poulton is hopeful of another rewarding trip.
She remarked on the horse’s improvement this season, emphasizing that the long straight at Southwell suits his running style as he tends to lengthen rather than quicken.
Southwell Stat: James Tate’s Strong Track Record
Trainer James Tate has been successful at Southwell this year, with an impressive 36 percent win rate (8-22).
He introduces Nakaaha, a 62,000gns yearling, in the 6f fillies’ novice (6.30). The daughter of Bated Breath is related to four winners, including German Listed victor Shaqira.
