Cheltenham kicked off early. Nothing like four days of Cheltenham being gravy. This year it’s gravy. There is nothing like a winner. Anywhere. Anytime. Anyplace.
Sherminator improved to 2-for-2 with a definitive performance in front of a gaggle of Riverdee partners in the opener at Taunton Monday. The quaint country track surely wasn’t expecting a full room for champagne and a dozen win photos ordered after the DragonBet Proud Sponsors of Taunton Racecourse EBF Junior “National Hunt” Hurdle. They nailed it.
Purchased after winning his hurdle debut at Newbury Jan. 15 and moved to Harry Fry, the 4-year-old took the next step with aplomb. Knowing the ground was a bit lively and the track a bit tight, we decided to put the German-bred close to the pace and allow his stamina to dictate it rather than rely on any speed we weren’t sure he had. Makes sense…I can’t decide if I need a question mark there. Maybe beforehand, but certainly not afterward. Give it an exclamation point, which is exactly what Sherminator got at the second-to-last when he picked up in stride, stretching the margin in the air. You heard an audible gasp, nah, not a gasp, more like an exhale, an ooooh/wwwhew as the 11/8 favorite sealed it. The most beautiful sound.
Racing Post: SHERMINATOR handled this quicker ground well and defied the penalty for January’s hurdling debut win with the minimum of fuss on first start for Harry Fry. He’s an uncomplicated 4yo who’s progressing nicely.
Sherminator jumped accurately and quickly throughout and drew off to win by an easy 3 lengths for jockey Bryan Carver. Nice horse with a future, we’ll put him away for the summer and aim for a novice hurdle campaign in the fall. Our first winner in our new international expedition. Whew.
“Delighted with him. Lovely, lovely horse. I don’t actually think he wants that ground or that track, to put in a performance like that, he was very, very impressive,” Carver said. “He hasn’t missed a beat jumping-wise. That was his biggest positive. We traveled through the race nice; I didn’t think we went over-quick, that’s when we turned down the back, I have given him a little squeeze thinking all I’m going to do here is stay galloping but he actually surprised me when we turned in with the turn of foot he showed. I thought he quickened up nicely, he winged two out and he was very, very good at the last, just went in and popped it. Look he’s a horse for the future.”
Now for the rest of the week.
It’s Cheltenham. Day One.
Race 1. 9:20. The Sky Bet Supreme Novices’ Hurdle. The Michael O’Sullivan Memorial. Grade 1. 2 miles, 87 yards. Winner: £84,405
First of all, and most importantly, take a moment and think about Michael O’Sullivan. A jockey for the ages, two wins at Cheltenham, already in the books and taken far too early. Look in the sky and be grateful for the luck of the draw, the fate of a flip of a coin, the randomness of this crazy life we live. It could have been any of us.
The Irish banker. The first Irish banker. Kopek Des Bordes is all the talk, all the rage and will take all the money. Deservedly. But watch him in the parade ring, watch him on the gallop to the start. Wearing a hood, he’s high-strung and hot-blooded. Just watch him.
I like Karbou at a price. The free-moving, strong-traveling 5-year-old looked awesome on heavy ground at Punchestown and should handle good ground. Big price.
The Picks: Kopek Des Bordes, Karbau, Workahead.
Race 2. 10:00. The My Pension Expert Arkle Challenge Cup. Grade 1. 1 mile, 199 yards. Winner: £112,540.
Last year, I saw Majborough walk into the parade ring, and I wrote two letters. CH. For chaser. He won that day and will win again today. A stunning horse about to climb the ladder.
Unfortunately, just five show up.
Nothing original here. Majborough sports an engine and as long as he tempers that engine, listens to Paul Townend and jumps with respect, he’ll win.
The Picks: Majborough, L’Eau du Sud, Jango Baie.
Race 3. 10:40. The Ultima Handicap Chase. Premier Handicap. 3 miles, 1 furlong. Winner: £84,405.
The first handicap. And the first puzzle. I’ll be cautious here.
Can’t fault the form of The Changing Man, Katate Dori was impressive last time but got hit with a massive weight hike, Henry’s Friend is dangerous and a few others pointing for this. Tricky.
The Picks: Famous Bridge, Henry’s Friend, Katate Dori.
Race 4. 11:20. The Close Brothers Mares’ Hurdle. Registered as the David Nicholson. Mares’ Hurdle. Grade 1. 2 miles, 3 furlongs, 200 yards. Winner: £67,524.
Lossiemouth is the class of the field after being detoured away from the Champion Hurdle. She comes off a tough fall in her most recent start and could be vulnerable against an improver like Joyeuse who was supplemented for this.
The Picks: Joyeuse, Lossiemouth, July Flower.
Race 5. 12:00. The Unibet Champion Hurdle Challenge Trophy. Grade 1. 2 miles, 87 yards. Winner: £253,215.
Sometimes you simply stand back and watch. I won’t taint my enjoyment with a bet. The unbeaten Constitution Hill against the once-beaten Brightdaysahead. Britain against Ireland. The boy against the girl.
The Picks: Constitution Hill, Brighterdaysahead, State Man.
Race 6. 12:40. The Hallgarten and Novum Wines Juvenile Handicap Hurdle. Registered as the Fred Winter. 2 miles, 87 yards. Winner: £45,016.
The 4-year-old handicappers square off in a 22-horse puzzler. French-based Stencil chased East India Dock over the course in January and probably has the best form for Amanda Zetterholm and Noel George. J.P. McManus and his Festival rifle has the three top choices here. How many will the all-time Cheltenham leading owner win this year?
The Picks: Stencil, Solar Drive, Beyond Your Dreams.
Race 7. 1:20. The Princess Royal National Hunt Challenge Cup Novices’ Handicap Chase. Winner: £52,030.
Who did the best plotting?
The Picks: Now Is The Hour, Will Do, Haiti Couleurs.
Enjoy your day.
• Value Plays: Karbau. Queens Gamble. Solar Drive. Will Do.
