Untitled Document

Now you can order everything from your weekly shop to mobile phones and insurance with:

A picture perfect performance from Jan Vermeer.

Ballydoyle added to their arsenal of outstanding two year olds when Jan Vermeer led from start to finish to land this afternoon's Group 1 Prix Criterium International at Saint-Cloud.

Given a perfectly paced ride from Colm Donohue, the Montjeu colt led from John Gosden's Prizefighting to the two furlong mark, but as Jan Vermeeer began to quicken again, the Gosden colt could not cope with the acceleration, and it was left to Godolphin's Emerald Commander to go in forlorn hope after the ever quickening winner.

This afternoon's outstanding performance from Jan Vermeer in Europe's last juvenile Group 1 contest for this season has now put him into second favourite position behind Racing Post Trophy winner St Nicholas Abbey for the 2010 Epsom Derby - for full details click here.

Killyglen subdued by Knockara Beau.

The overnight rain and consequent easing in the going at today's Carlisle meeting certainly suited Knockara Beau, and he ran out a very promising winner of the feature Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase. Taking it up at the half way point of today's extended two and a half mile contest, Knockara Beau jumped impeccably, and even when race favourite Killyglen came back to join him at the third last, the George Charlton trained chaser seemed to have plenty in hand, and after a brief skirmish with the favourite, Knockara Beau went on, finally scoring by seven lengths at the line.

Having now completed two wins from two runs over fences, Charlton was obviously elated with today's success, and post race he had this to say about Knockara Beau,

"He is undoubtedly the best in my yard, and based on today's performance against some good horses, I see no reason why he should not make it to the Cheltenham Festival in March."

Griffin rules out Derby return for Paddy Power.

Discussing future plans for Saturday's United House Gold Cup winner The Last Derby, Kilkenny trainer Eoin Griffin said today,

"I don't think we will send him back to Britain for the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham. Two trips in a fortnight is a bit much, and the extended two and a half mile trip of the race is probably too short for him anyway. Besides, he needs good ground, and we are probably coming into the wrong part of the season for him to get his preferred conditions, so we might even give him a rest until the spring."

Forpadydeplasterer earmarked for Down Royal preparation.

Having had to pull Arkle Trophy winner Forpadydeplasterer out of yesterday's Poplar Square Chase at Naas due to soft underfoot conditions, trainer Tom Cooper is keen to give the progressive gelding a preparation race for the Grade 1 Tingle Creek Chase, and providing ground conditions in Northern Ireland improve over the next few days, then next weekend's ladbrokes.com Chase over two and a half miles at Down Royal is now at the head of the 'preferred options list'.

Deep Purple to go on Kauto avoidance programme.

Evan Williams has confirmed Deep Purple is absolutely fine after his first successful three mile victory in yesterday's Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. The South Wales based handler also indicated he would now campaign his fine young chaser on flat courses offering good ground in top class races between two and a half and three miles, but the one proviso will be to avoid Kauto Star at all costs.

"Kauto Star is absolutely awesome, and I don't think Deep Purple will face him in any major race this season." Williams then added,

"I guess you would call it a Kauto Star avoidance programme, but which ever way you look at it, we will go for the Grade 1 and 2 races where Kauto Star is not amongst the runners. Maybe the Peterborough Chase at Huntingdon, and the AON Chase at Newbury could be amongst his possible targets."

Carberry promises to address alcohol problems.

After failing a breathalyser test at Naas prior to racing, Paul Carberry last night issued a statement were he admitted he had an alcohol problem, and he also indicated he would now seek professional help to address his on-going reliance on drink.

Munsef could be the one to lead international challenge in Melbourne Cup.

While Changingoftheguard and Warringah may well have place chances, both are now under the control of Australian connections ahead of Tuesday's Melbourne Cup, and if one tries to find a true international raider who has a chance of obtaining a placed finish in Australia's premier race, the one name wichkeeps coming up is Munsef.

Since going to Ian Williams, the old campaigner has continuously gone in the right direction, and it must be remembered he was a genuine Group 1 contender when he was younger. Add to this knowledge, many pundits in Australia say Munsef looks exceptionally fit at present, and if you are looking for an outsider for an each way punt in the Melbourne Cup, then Munsef could be the one to give you a run for your money.

Moore happy with weekend rain.

Gary Moore is apparently very happy with the amount of rain currently falling on the West of England, for he wants the going for Tuesday's Grade 2 Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter to be good to soft or softer, as these will be the conditions which will prove ideal for his six-year-old chaser Panjo Bere. Speaking today, Moore said,

"Panjo Bere has summered very well, and if we get soft conditions at Exeter, I expect him to perform very well over the extended two miles and one furlong trip on Tuesday."

Leopardstown abandoned.

From a description of yielding to soft soft in places on Saturday evening, Leopardstown was turned into a bog by continuous and torrential overnight rain. Consequently, today's meeting featuring the November Handicap has been abandoned due to a waterlogged course.

There is no information to hand at present as to whether the November Handicap will be rescheduled, although one of the upcoming all weather meetings at Dundalk could provide a possible venue if Horse Racing Ireland feel so inclined.

Cork joins Leopardstown in abandonment.

The torrential rain of the last twelve hours added Cork's meeting to Leopardstown's abandonment, with course officials at Cork confirming the track is now waterlogged.

It is understood from HRI the meeting may be rescheduled, and more details will be available on Monday.

Silver Birch unable to have Point to Point run.

With today's proposed Point to Point venue losing out to the inclement weather over Ireland, 2007 Aintree Grand National winner Silver Birch will have the start of his current campaign delayed until an alternative engagement can be found.

Channon waiting on Sales for far east plans.

Mick Channon would very much like to run recent international winning fillies Lahaleeb and Eva's Request in races in Hong Kong and Japan towards the end of the year, but both fillies are due to go to the Horses In Training Sales later this month, and until it is certain as to whether they will change ownership Channon cannot make definite plans. Speaking on his website, Channon commented,

"I would love to run both fillies in the far east, as I think they have the ability to pick up more international prizes, but we will have to wait and see what happens at the Sales."

Funds build up again in Scoop Six.

With all tickets exiting the Scoop Six at Leg 5 of Saturday's bet, next week's Win Fund will start at £219,853 - while the Bonus Fund has a roll over value of £94,223 - This suggests next week's combined pot will be well in excess of £400,000.

Zenyatta works well at Hollywood Park.

American Wonder filly Zenyatta is aiming to add the Breeders Cup Classic to her current tally of thirteen undefeated appearances on the racecourse, and from all accounts, she looked very impressive yesterday afternoon when going through a six furlong spin on the Hollywood Park track under regular partner Mike Smith.

Best odds with lots of extras join Coral bookmakers today:

Coral

==================================

Archives: