Something for the Weekend Sir?

Paul Nicholls has been quoted as saying that he believes this Saturdays Aon Chase will leave former Champion chaser Denman spot on for his bid to regain the Gold Cup crown at Cheltenham next month.

The now 10 year old will be following the same route he took when capturing the prestigious prize in 2008. His win in the Hennessey at Newbury in November was simply breathtaking and if everything goes to plan tomorrow then this will set up the mouth watering prospect of taking on his Stable companion and current reigning champion on March 19. Denman will start a very short price and is not really a betting proposition but rather a race to savour with the added bonus of him being ridden by 14 times champion jockey Tony McCoy  for the first time.

The Newbury card also includes the Grade 3 Totesport Trophy Hurdle which is fiercely contested every year, and also further recognised Cheltenham trials in the form of the Totesport Novice Chase and the Game Spirit Grade 2 Chase which will see the return to the track of the reigning Queen Mother Champion Chaser master Minded who is on a recovery mission after his being beaten last time out at 4/7 favourite. It later transpired that the horse had suffered a broken rib and has been given time to recover. Lets hope he bounces back to his brilliant best before going on to defend his crown at Cheltenham.

Over on the horse racing forum we are busy recording the results of the trials on The Gamekeeper Turns Poacher which is quickly gaining back some of the early losses, and showing real promise as a high strike rate laying method. Also being trialled are the Easy Back Method and an All Weather only service from Flat Racing Select.

Finally I mentioned earlier the Totesport Trophy Hurdle (3.05 Newbury) which at the moment has 24 entries and will be its usual competitive nature. I personally will be having a few pounds each way on a couple of horses trained by a dual winner of the race in recent times, namely Nicky Henderson. Of his 4 entries I fancy First Point and Spirit River will give a good account of themselves. This time next year Rodders…………………………….