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.
Carruthers provided a success for the underdog and horse racing itself when he bounced back to form to win the Hennessy Gold Cup. From the small Mark Bradstock yard, ridden by journeyman jockey Mattie Batchelor and owned by the Oaskseys who have done so much for the Injured Jockey Fund this was an inspiring success. Fitted with a tongue-tie for the first time the eight-year-old front-running Carruthers made a few early jumping errors (matched at 55 on Betfair) before settling into a rhythm and running on strongly to win by three-and-a-quarter lengths. Last season Carruthers was riddled with a virus but it was only two seasons ago the horse was fourth in the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Welsh National on December 27th may be his next aim. Continue reading
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Sportsman Racing: Resurgent Star Too Short For King George
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.
For six minutes on Saturday race-fans were able to forget whip rules, lack of prize money and corruption charges as the imperious Kauto Star warmed the hearts of all who watched him triumph in the Betfair Chase. One of the sport’s greatest ever chasers, Kauto jumped magnificently before kicking for home to readily dismiss the challenges of Diamond Harry, Weird Al and Long Run to triumph by eight-lengths. The National Hunt trainers champion Paul Nicholls simply said “This is my proudest-ever moment”. Kauto Star has been cut to 11-2 from 16-1 for the King George VI Chase. That price is not for me though as it’s hard to see him taking part in five weeks time after such a strenuous effort here and he goes best when fresh. Long Run made a few jumping errors when finishing second, running 12lb below his best but will improve for his seasonal outing. Continue reading
Racing Re-cap: Three Horses To Follow From The Weekend
In this regular Monday segment, SBC racing expert Scott Armstrong of The Sportsman service rounds up all the action of note from the weekend’s racing.
This week Scott unpacks the winners from York and Sandown and highlights three horses who have caught the eye and should be followed in coming months.
Moyenne Corniche was the fancy priced 25-1 winner of the Ebor Handicap on Saturday prevailing by a length when bravely staving off a group of horses who all held chances inside the final furlong. Trainer Brian Ellison was supremely confident of his fellow runner Saptapadi winning the race when making a Saturday morning television appearance though also stated Moyenne Corniche would assuredly finish in the first four.
The unlucky horse in the race was in-form Michael Bells Continue reading