Friday, January 30, 2009

KORNATI KID AMONG FIELD OF FIVE FOR totesportbingo.com TOWTON NOVICES’ CHASE

The seven-year-old was second behind Exmoor Ridge in a beginners’ chase at Exeter on October 8, a contest in which leading RSA Chase hopeful Gone To Lunch was third, prior to finishing a close fourth behind fellow Cheltenham contenders Wichita Lineman, West End Rocker and Big Fella Thanks in a similar contest at Chepstow later the same month.

On his latest start in a beginners’ chase at Exeter on December 18, Kornati Kid produced an eye-catching round of jumping to beat Theatre Dance by seven lengths, with third-placed Russian Trigger a further 16 lengths in arrears.

Hobbs commented: “Kornati Kid is in good order and everything seems fine with him. He ran a really good race at Exeter last time and won well. He seemed to idle a bit in front although you could be of the opinion that he started to tire in the closing stages, but he had been in front for quite a long time.

“He really needs some cut in the ground and the forecast soft, heavy in places, should be fine for him. I don’t think the extended three miles will be a problem for him.

“We’ve given him an entry in the Haydock Gold Cup and the race is a possibility for him, along with the couple of Cheltenham engagements, but I am keen to see how he gets on in the totesportbingo.com Towton Novices’ Chase tomorrow before deciding where to go with him.”

Kornati Kid looks faces some stiff opposition in the totesportbingo.com Towton Novices’ Chase, including the Donald McCain-trained Will Be Done, who followed up a brace of Wetherby victories with an all-the-way success in a Grade Two novice chase at Haydock on his latest start, and Companero, who has been successful on both his appearances over fences for trainer Howard Johnson.

Len Lungo has declared Skippers Brig, who also boasts an unbeaten record over the larger obstacles following two victories in novice events at Carlisle, while Ferdy Murphy will be represented by Newbury novices’ chase runner-up Poker de Sivola.

The totesportbingo.com Towton Novices' Chase boasts an illustrious roll of honour. Cheltenham Gold Cup victor Mr Mulligan triumphed in 1996, while Escartefigue, successful in 1998, went on to finish second to Teeton Mill in that year's King George VI Chase.

Bingley handler Sue Smith saddled Royal Emperor to victory in 2004. The grey went close to Cheltenham glory on his next start, finding only Rule Supreme too good in the Grade One RSA Chase.

The 2005 winner Ollie Magern returned to Wetherby to collect the Grade Two Bet365 Charlie Hall Chase in both 2005 and 2007, while Halcon Genelardais, victorious in 2006, won the Welsh National at Chepstow later the same year.

A fantastic seven-race card at Wetherby on Saturday also includes the competitive £20,000 totescoop6 Record Rollover Handicap Chase (2.20pm). A total of nine horses have been declared for the extended two and a half mile contest including the lightly-raced The Whisperer, who has yet to finish out of the frame in six starts under rules, and three-time Wetherby victor Ellerslie George, who took the skybet.com Supporting Spinal Research Bobby Renton Handicap Chase over the same distance on his seasonal debut in October.

Saunders Road, successful in a handicap chase at Cheltenham in December, represents leading owner J P McManus, while Corlande is returning to Wetherby having chased home Ellerslie George in the skysports.com/super6 Handicap Chase at the Sky Bet Christmas Meeting. The field is completed by First Look, Edmo Yewkay, Mr Prickle and Daldini, who was fourth in the skybet.com Castleford Handicap Chase on his penultimate start.

The £8,000 totescoop6 Millionaire Maker (2.50pm) has attracted a field eight and the weights for the three mile, one furlong, contest are headed by Wild Cane Ridge and Laertes. Champion trainer Paul Nicholls has declared comprehensive Fontwell maiden hurdle winner Bold Policy, while Dan Buoy is set to return to Wetherby following an impressive 11-length victory over the same trip in the totescoop6 Record Rollover Handicap Hurdle in mid-November.

Action gets underway with the £4,500 TurfTV Handicap Hurdle at 1.15pm, for which a maximum field of 20 has been declared, while eight are set to go to post for the £4,500 European Communications Mares' Novices' Hurdle (1.45pm). The card is completed by the £4,000 Bramham Hall For Conferences & Banqueting Handicap Chase (4.00pm), which has attracted a field of seven, and the £2,500 Saturday 14th March Is Irish Day Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (4.30pm), for which 14 horses are set to take their chances.

GROUND

The latest going at Wetherby is soft, heavy in places.

Chief Executive and Clerk of the Course, Jonjo Sanderson, commented: “We had 8mm of rain on Tuesday night, however, the forecast is in our favour and we are not expecting anymore rain and as such I am hopeful that we will be Soft all round tomorrow.”


Admission Prices (January 31): Premier Enclosure £21, Paddock Enclosure £14, Pick of the Paddock £19 (includes admission to the Paddock Enclosure, £4 Refreshment Voucher, £2 Tote Betting Voucher and Racecard), Pick of the Premier £32 (includes admission to the Premier Enclosure, 2 x £4 Refreshment Voucher, 2 x £2 Tote Betting Voucher and Racecard).

THE OFFICIAL FESTIVAL PREVIEW 2009 TO BE HELD ON FRIDAY, MARCH 6

Sponsored by William Hill and presented by Cheltenham Racecourse in conjunction with the Cheltenham & Three Counties Race Club, the event will take place in The Centaur at 7.30pm and will raise funds for the Injured Jockeys’ Fund. The doors will be open from 6.00pm.

The Official Festival Preview 2009 offers jump racing enthusiasts the final clues to the 26 races at The Festival with an expert four-strong panel. The line-up will consist of Alan King, always one of the trainers to follow at The Festival, Matt Williams of the Racing Post, top jump jockey Paddy Brennan and Jim McGrath, one of the most respected members of the Channel 4 racing team. Chairing the event will be Alan Lee, racing correspondent of The Times. Representatives from William Hill will provide all the latest odds.

There will also be the opportunity to look at the magnificent trophies for the races at The Festival and a raffle will be held with the chance to win several wonderful racing-related prizes.

Tickets for the event cost £15 in advance and £20 on the night. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.cheltenham.co.uk or by calling 01242 513 014.

For old articles (from 1st March 2000) go to the Newslink Archive

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