The Ladbroke 2013

[grey dolphin]

With 5 places ew I’ve done Irish Saint, and a saver win Chatterbox.

[Steeplechasing]

I’ve just added Irish Saint at 25s to Willow’s Saviour

Good luck all

[rich1985]

I always thought Swing Bowler was a fast ground horse…one who will appreciate the soft ground is Shotavodka, tasty odds too.

[Grimes]

Another vote here for Chatterbox. The 14’s NRNB was a very fair offer, too good to refuse. The 10’s available, still looks very generous as well. Think he’s much better than a handicapper, and though slightly disappointing on his comeback, the hope is that like many of Hendersons, he’ll have needed it. Looks nicely weighted, and I’ll be a bit surprised if he doesn’t go close here. There’s certainly the question mark over going right handed, but my main concern would be his hurdling, as he’s got a tendency to miss a couple…..it certainly cost him his chance in The Neptune at the festival. Henderson, also has the favourite in

Rolling Star

, who’s available at 6’s. Won nicely at Haydock, and obviously a horse of huge potential, whether or not he’s got 7lb in hand of Chatterbox at this time remains to be seen, but hard to knock his place at the head of the market, given connections. I’ve got to side though with the swing in the weights, and the better price of Chatterbox.

Behind Chatterbox at Newbury was

Chris Pea Green

. Hasn’t done too much wrong, and caught my eye on more than one occasion. Looks the type to become a standing dish in these handicaps, and although he’s got a wee bit to find with the likes of Chatterbox, and Pine Creek, the 16’s available looks a cracking each way price, and sure to give supporters a proper run for their money.

Fighting out a cracking finish in The Greatwood were

Dell’ Arca

, and

Sametegal

. An admirable run from both, and although Dell’ Arca will be slightly worse off, I’d still (though hard to split them) favour the Pipe Horse. If over those exertions, then both obvious dangers. I always like to keep an eye on any runners from the Pipe stable in these big handicaps, and Dell’ Arca, rightly, is near the head of the market. He’s still got 6 in the race at the moment, and the ones which catch my eye the most, are

Dan Breen

,

Ronaldo Des Mottes

, and

Swing Bowler

. Swing Bowler is the most obvious of these 3, hugely impressive at Musselbugh, before finishing third to My Tent Or Yours, and Cotton Mill in the The Betfair Hurdle. If forgiving her, her poor show behind Quevega at Cheltenham, you could argue she has the look of a "plot horse", and I’m currently giving serious consideration to the 16’s available with Betvic. Dan Breen would have to overcome a quick turnaround, having finished unplaced at Cheltenham on Friday, however, would be no surprise to see him line up in an effort to repeat his 3rd place in this last year. He’s an in and out sort, and though he may need the heavens to open a bit, the use of a decent claimer again, may see him surprise a few. 40’s still available. Roanldo Des Mottes has never really fulfilled his early promise, but as a result of that, he’s priced accordingly at 33’s. Although he’s hardest to make a case for, he shaped well at Sandown last time, and I just have this hunch that that was to get him spot on for this.

Pine Creek

, and

Flaxen Flare

weren’t totally disgraced in The Greatwood last month, finishing 6th, and 4th repectively, and no surprise to see them getting competitive in this. Pine Creek has already beaten Chris Pea Green this season, and based on that run has a live chance. Although he didn’t get as close as I expected at Cheltenham, I’d struggled to see him out the 3, he brings winning course form. Flaxen Flare looks as if he’s coming over again, and the fact that connections are heading across the Irish sea again, would suggest that he’s ready for a big run. Well supported at Cheltenham, and very worthy of a market check in the days ahead. I’d favour him to finish ahead of Pine Creek again, and the 16’s looks very big for a Festival winner, coming off the back of a 4th in a very competitive hurdle at Cheltenham.

City Slicker

had this earmarked immediately as his target after his last win, and could easily be another nice Ascot prize for Willie Mullins. As low as 6’s, if he lines up, I’ll be a bit concerned about him.

One dark horse could be

Recession Proof

. Looked as if he was going to the top before injury intervened. Returned on The Flat, and although he didn’t trouble the judge there, or on his return over hurdles last month at Cheltenham, he’s sure to be getting his fitness back slowly but surely. Like many of these, showing a lot of blue on Oddschecker, but there’s still 33’s available with Corals. I’m sure there’s a few who may be tempted to take a chance at that price.

Chatterbox for me then, but definitely going to get involved with a couple of the Pipe runners…….no doubt, only to see one of his other runners romp it

GL

V2C, I like Ronaldo des Mottes, Totalise, Recession Proof, and Rolling Star. Not been tipping too well lately, but I seem to be getting into a lucky spell again. Famous last words.

[Venture to Cognac]

Hope your good form continues then Grimes, I’ve went for Ronaldo Des Mottes, and Dan Breen this morning, with slight preference for Ronaldo. Think the ground looks ideal though for Dan.

Think Recession Proof will give you a proper run for your money too.

Really want Chatterbox to run well, but if he fails, I’d be more than happy with those 2 of Pipes.

Good Luck

[Anonymous]

EDIT – Just put channel 4 on and thought the 15.00 was the Ladbroke, was shocked at the dire field

[moehat]

Dan came to our racing club years ago [telling us about an up and coming horse called Kauto Star]. I always feel fond of people like that who take the time to ome to clubs like ours. Chuffed to bits for him and Harry today. We were screaming them home. It’s certainly the year of the family connections.

[BigG]

Nicely picked Joe and Steve, It deserved it’s win.
I’ll have to settle for 2nd and 4th, both e/w so not too bad.

[Grimes]

Infuriating! Such a short price for a newcomer. That told a story, but because I’d already bet on too many, I ignored it.

[MarkTT]

Great write-up once more, VTC.

I’m betting Willow’s Saviour who’s improved a ton since joining Dan Skelton. Whatever the ground, it won’t matter to the 6-y-o course winner who’s been campaigned around 20f for most of his career. But he had enough speed to win a Class 2 over 2m at Musselburgh last time on good.

Currently 20s on Betfair

Good luck to all
Joe

Merry Christmas Joe !!!

I backed this and a couple of others and came out on top. Thought it was more competitive than it finished but the winner…well what an improve horse. Longsdon must be scratching his head !

Great day for the Skeltons and racing in general

[Steeplechasing]

And to you, Mark.

Skelton worth watching if he’s getting this kind of improvement from even two or three

All the best
Joe

[grey dolphin]

Charlie Longsdon can’t be too chuffed about it!

I thought Ptit Zig ran a hell of a race. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him line up in the Champion, and I might look for a couple of quid ew.

[Author]

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