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Meade equally prolific either side of the Irish sea
By Kevin Walsh
 NOEL
Meade’s prolific success as a trainer in Ireland is unquestioned
and unparalleled.
Multiple champion trainer awards line his mantlepiece along with a great
number of Ireland’s major racing prizes.
Just two weeks ago the Meade-trained Aitmatov landed the Grade 1 Hattons
Grace Hurdle at Fairyhouse.
Meade is equally adept at plundering the major prizes in Britain. Recently
Meade’s charge Harchibald upset the rising reputation of Alan King’s
star hurdler Katchit when landing the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle.
This success heralded the return to form of Harchibald, lauded many times
as a future Champion Hurdler, without ever quite making the grade.
Meade also had the exciting Iktitaf to look forward to in the hurdling
division before having to rule him out for the season after a problem
obtained during schooling.
But even without such a star Meade remains mob-handed for the forthcoming
season with Harchibald, Aitmatov and Jazz Messenger flying the flag, among
others.
He has Orbit O’Gold and Heron’s Flight engaged in the valuable
Ladbroke Handicap Hurdle this coming Saturday at Ascot and few would bet
against another prosperous journey across the sea.
Elsewhere Paul Nicholls and Sam Thomas continued their domination of the
major jumps prizes in Britain this season as Twist Magic registered an
impressive victory in the Tingle Creek.
The Sandown showpiece saw the highly-regarded Voy Por Ustedes start as
even money favourite.
However, Nicholls’ charge overpowered last season’s Champion
Chase winner, in the process leaping to the head of the betting for that
race next year.
Other notable winners on the card included the Philip Hobbs trained pair
of County Zen and Ring The Boss. Both horses have been flagged up in this
column recently and they certainly look two to keep the right side of.
County Zen was involved in a thrilling finish with two bright prospects
from the yards of King and Nicholls before prevailing. Whereas Ring The
Boss recorded a relatively facile victory in the listed hurdle event.
Philip Hobbs will surely seek more challenging opposition for both now
as the season kicks into gear with Ring The Boss already entered for the
valuable Ladbroke Ascot hurdle this coming weekend.
The other big race of the day sees several likely World Hurdle contenders
go head-to-head in the Long Walk Hurdle.
The progressive Souffleur may be the one to follow in what is a tricky
contest to call.
He is up against some more established stayers at this level but there
may still be some improvement in the Peter Bowen-trained runner, winner
of his last three races.
This week’s horses to watch…
Thursday: 1.20pm Exeter
Tip: Dalaram
One of the oldest horses taking part in the South-West Racing
Club Handicap Hurdle Dalaram is due a big run and has the advantage of
being the exact same weight as last year’s winner Private Be.
Thursday: 3.10pm Ludlow
Tip: Cyd Charisse
The P Robeson-trained Charisse can follow up on her good form recently
with victory in the Mares Only National Hunt Novices’ Hurdle.
Friday: 2.15pm Ascot
Tip: Keepthedreamalive
Despite a poor turn last time out where an early lead was whittled away
RH Buckler’s horse can get back to winning ways having registered
her first hurdle success at the start of December.
Friday: 3.25pm Ascot
Tip: Keepitsecret
Jonjo O’Neill returns to the scene of his success last year when
he rode Mikado to victory. This time Keepitsecret will aim to build on
some consistent places recently by cementing a first place.
Saturday: 2pm Navan
Tip: Merchent Paddy
Fresh from success last time out
in early December Merchent
Paddy can take advantage of a recent break to forge success in Navan.
Saturday: 3.05pm Haydock
Tip: Barbers Shop
This Nicky Henderson-trained horse has shown plenty of good form recently
with a succession of places in the last few races and could go one further
at Haydock.
RACEMEETINGS
Wednesday: Bangor-On-Dee, Kempton, Lingfield, Newbury.
Thursday: Exeter, Ludlow, Southwell, Wolverhampton.
Friday: Ascot, Downpatrick, Southwell, Uttoxeter, Wolverhampton.
Saturday: Ascot, Haydock, Lingfield, Navan, Newcastle, Wolverhampton. |
