One trainer, one jockey, one horse and one race to watch on Saturday
One trainer
Gordon Elliott looks set to unleash a powerful team at Cheltenham next month but runs ten at Fairyhouse including Thyestes Chase runner-up Alpha Des Obeaux and Outlander in the Grade 3 Bobbyjo Chase (4.00).
Authorizo, who is a general 25-1 shot for the Triumph Hurdle, takes his place in the other Graded contest at the track, the Winning Fair Juvenile Hurdle (2.15), and bids to book a late ticket to Cheltenham for his all-conquering trainer.
One jockey
Noel Fehily has a fine book of rides over the weekend including Grade 2 winner Bags Groove in the Pendil Novices' Chase (1.50), as well as Ascot Hurdle victor If The Cap Fits in the National Spirit Hurdle at Fontwell on Sunday.
The King George VI Chase-winning jockey has endured a rocky season owing to having his appendix removed but, at his best, is arguably one of the best riders and horsemen in the business. With Harry Fry, Paul Nicholls and Nicky Henderson all requesting his services this weekend, he is still clearly the man to call on.
One horse
Angels Breath caught the eye of many when running out a four and a half length winner of a Grade 2 novice hurdle at Ascot in December but, due to the outbreak of equine flu, missed his intended second outing at Huntington for the Sidney Banks.
The five-year-old, who was an easy winner of his only point-to-point start, is a general 6-1 shot for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle, odds that would surely shorten with another impressive success in the Dovecote Novices' Hurdle (3.00).
Whilst he has to give decent horses such as Scarlet Dragon and Southfield Stone 5lb, the son of Shantou is held in high regard by trainer Nicky Henderson and has plenty of potential for the seasons ahead.
One race
The Adonis Juvenile Hurdle (2.25) at Kempton has often been a pointer to future Cheltenham Festival winners with Punjabi, Binocular and Zarkandar among its recent roll of honour.
This year's contest looks particularly competitive with several unraced or lightly raced prospects taking their chances. The in-form Paul Nicholls saddles Red Force One, a decent performer on the Flat, and Ecco, who will both attempt to emulate Zarkandar who went on to earn Triumph Hurdle glory in 2011.
Alan King, who has won the last two runnings of this Grade 2, has Giving Glances and Praeceps representing him this time around, while Henderson unleashes French recruit Fusil Raffles for his first British outing.
Did you know you can bet via the Racing Post mobile app/website? Simply sign in with your favourite bookmaker via the Accounts button and then bet direct from our racecards
Published on inNews
Last updated
- Join Racing Post Members' Club for the very best in racing journalism - including Patrick Mullins' unmissable trip to see Gordon Elliott
- Racing Post Members' Club: 50% off your first three months
- Join the same team as Ryan Moore, Harry Cobden and other top jockeys with 50% off Racing Post Members' Club
- 'It’s really exciting we can connect Wentworth's story to Stubbs' - last chance to catch master painter's homecoming
- The jumps season is getting into full swing - and now is the perfect time to join Racing Post Members' Club with 50% off
- Join Racing Post Members' Club for the very best in racing journalism - including Patrick Mullins' unmissable trip to see Gordon Elliott
- Racing Post Members' Club: 50% off your first three months
- Join the same team as Ryan Moore, Harry Cobden and other top jockeys with 50% off Racing Post Members' Club
- 'It’s really exciting we can connect Wentworth's story to Stubbs' - last chance to catch master painter's homecoming
- The jumps season is getting into full swing - and now is the perfect time to join Racing Post Members' Club with 50% off