I'll be on Unibet's Cheltenham Preview Panel this Monday 8th March at 19:00. You can watch it on @UnibetRacing's Facebook page or the Unibet Youtube Channel – full details are here. Here are my thoughts on my weekend runners:
NEWBURY
1:50 Handicap Chase
His recent form isn’t that inspiring but he still retains plenty of ability and this is the first time he’s had his ground for quite some time. The Handicapper has dropped him a few pounds which is a little help but he’s still in the Grand National so this will sharpen him up for that.
Pistol Whipped (Nico de Boinville)
He ran a very good race at Kempton on his return and just got tired in the very closing stages but he was only beaten a length and I have no doubt he will be much better for that run. This is a step up but he’s a decent horse and I haven’t got to the bottom of him yet. We are sort of thinking the Topham might be an option for him depending on the outcome of this.
2:30 Handicap Hurdle
We have checked absolutely everything since he disappointed in the Lanzarote at Kempton and unfortunately nothing at all has come to light. We have literally gone over him with an extremely fine tooth comb and have been unable to find anything for the poor show so we are rather going into this race slightly in the mist. I wouldn’t read too much into the fact he’s stepping down to two miles; this just appeared a nice race to run in because he’s in great form at home and the ground will be ideal.
️ CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL PREVIEW NIGHT
Monday 8th March 2021
⏲️ c. 19:00
Live on Youtube and Facebook️ Mark Pougatch
️ Nicky Henderson
️ Fergal O'Brien
️ Paddy Brennan
️ Nico de BoinvilleFeaturing a number of boosts and specials only available on the night
— Unibet Racing (@UnibetRacing) March 2, 2021
He’s a talented person but has had quite a lot of niggly problems which have kept him off the track so I do expect him to improve for the run. He can be quite keen in his races but they are likely to go slightly quicker over this trip which will be in his favour, although I’ll be surprised if he’s up to winning this first time out.
4:15 Bumper
Moonlight Flit (Nico De Boinville)
He overraced on his debut at Uttoxeter and simply didn’t get home, but he’s come on a bundle for that and his work has been very good. This looks a typically competitive Newbury Bumper but I think our horse has improved plenty and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him finish much, much closer here. A small drop of rain would also aid his cause.
DONCASTER
3:30 Handicap Chase
First of all it won’t be the same without seeing Jerry McGrath’s name next to Beware The Bear on the race card because they have both struck up a very successful association and have already enjoyed some great days together. The aim is still very much the Grand National and Jerry is doing absolutely everything he can to ensure he’s in the saddle on the day and we all hope and pray he will be, but in the mean time James Bowen has been entrusted to get him around safely. In all fairness this actually looks quite a good race for him because he’ll like the small field and will hopefully be able to get into a nice rhythm on the ground. He ran poorly at Ascot last time but a lot of our horses ran below par that day so I’m happy to ignore it. His form is there for all to see and he’s the best horse in the race so it would be lovely to take this en-route to Aintree.
4:05 Handicap Hurdle
He was another of ours who was disappointing last time and I can’t put my finger on why, but we are taking another shot and hoping for a better performance. His work is always pretty smart and the quicker ground might help as well, although all his best form is on heavy so we’re very much in no mans land.
