In this regular Monday segment, racing expert Scott Armstrong rounds up all the action of note from this weekend’s racing for SBC Blog readers.
The injury-plagued Weird Al put his problems well and truly behind him with a monumental win in the jump season’s first big renewal – the Charlie Hall chase. Superbly piloted by Timmy Murphy Weird Al came from off the pace to quicken away from Time For Rupert after the last fence earning quotes of 20-1 for the Gold Cup next March. Owing to setbacks Weird Al has only had nine career runs at the age of eight and remains open to further progression. Long Run will prove very difficult to beat in next year’s Gold Cup but if Weird Al stays in good health then he must have a chance in the Hennessy if entered at the end of next month.
Time For Rupert will improve for this outing and the Betfair Chase at Haydock looks likely to be his next target.
The Charlie Hall lost some of its shine with favourite Diamond Harry withdrawn after injuring a leg in his box overnight though it should only prove a temporary setback.
Restless Harry slammed some decent rivals in the Grade 2 three-mile one furlong John Smith’s Hurdle. Beating the likeable Fair Along by 20 lengths is no mean feat with Sir Alex Ferguson’s What A Friend a further 15 lengths back in third. Restless Harry will soon make the switch to fences and rates an exciting prospect being quoted at 33-1 for the RSA Chase at Cheltenham. Cantlow finished a tired fourth in the race making mistakes as he got weary. Chasing looks the sensible option for this useful six-year old and he looks capable of making his mark in that sphere.
Micheal Flips landed the two-mile three furlong Beginners Chase. The seven-year old had run a good race in defeat to Cue Card at Chepstow three weeks ago with the useful Silviniaco Conti back in third. Micheal Flips is prone to jumping errors but if that can be ironed out he can win more races given his willing attitude.
Population won the bumper at Ascot showing decent pace to triumph by six-lengths. This race held some decent prospects and this half-brother to high-class Maktoum juveniles Loving Claim and City On A Hill should be kept onside.
Merehead was another to catch the eye when winning a Class 4 Hurdle at Ascot and has the scope to do well when sent over fences.
Tiptoeaway could only manage fourth in a Class 3 chase at Wetherby but will improve for the experience of his chasing debut. The Tim Easterby trained six-year old showed glimpses of promise over hurdles and was running on all too late having made a few mistakes over the fences. In the same company he should be on the premises next time out.
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