23/24 January Weekend Review

The Weekend Review

By @Redgameracer

Red looks back on the weekend action and picks out any Cheltenham pointers as well as a few eye catchers.

It was another weekend of Willie Mullins dominance. On Saturday, Un de Sceaux and Vroum Vroum Mag both mopped up at Ascot, without having to make too much of an effort. That was followed up by a short price four-time at Leopardstown where A Toi Phil and Village Mystic swooped for the minor prizes before superstars Faugheen and Douvan obliterated their opponents in the Irish Champion Hurdle and the Irish Arkle. 

But let's start on Saturday. Questions were being asked about Un de Sceaux leading up to the Clarence House Chase, but he answered them all in fine style as he ran out a five length winner over Sire de Grugy. His fall last time out had backers worried, but he made no mistakes and jumped smartly to claim victory. The eye catching run in the field however, was from Traffic Fluide who was denied second by a short head. Gary Moore's second runner was unfancied, but he's only a six year old and may well have plenty of potential going forward. Vroum Vroum Mag's unbeaten record was never in much doubt and although this was her toughest task yet, she coped well. She's still in both the Mares and the World Hurdle and a lot will depend on Annie Power's well being as to where she ends up at the festival. 

Earlier on the card, Gibralfaro won the opener for Alan King and although the favourite had to work for his win, he stayed on well to claim the spoils. He remains in the picture for the Triumph Hurdle at 14/1. Baron Alco's brave front running performance was ultimately in vain as he finished second to Rock the Kasbah, one of two winners on the card for Richard Johnson along with Duke Des Champs. The latter was very impressive and will be one to keep an eye on for the future.

Over at Haydock, Bristol De Mai made light work of what looked like a tricky race romping home by 32 lengths in bottomless conditions. A step up in trip seems likely and Nigel Twiston-Davies has suggested the JLT (12/1 best price) and the RSA as his festival options. Paul Nicholls had another disappointing Saturday and his well fancied Le Prezien was overturned by Its'afreebee for Dan Skelton in the Supreme Novices Trail. It was a cracking race and the latter stayed on strongly to deny the challenge from his fancied opponent. The New One was made to work hard in the Champion Hurdle Trial by Rayvin Black, but managed to get home in the end. It won't have done his chances in the main event any good. In the last race, Bun Doran made a smart impression as he beat Vintage Clouds, both of whom were well ahead of the rest of the field. They'll both be worth keeping an eye out for in future races as well.

Sunday's big racing came from Leopardstown and Willie Mullins' stars Faugheen and Douvan both made a big impression. The former was especially impressive, having lost his unbeaten record to Nichols Canyon earlier in the season. He was taken on for the lead by that rival, but Faugheen simply blew them all away. It was a real star performance and he immediately shortened for the Champion Hurdle again. Arctic Fire stayed on for second ahead of Nichols Canyon, the latter possibly still feeling the effects of a hard fought victory over Christmas. Douvan didn't have much to beat and didn't have to get off the bridle in cruising up to win the Irish Arkle. Both performances don't bode well for the bookies come Cheltenham time, as I'd imagine they'll both bolt up.

Jessica Harrington's Don't Touch It lived up to his favourite tag, beating Beau Mome by thirteen lengths. He asserted on the run in, impressively so and looks a nice type. That win itself was a form boost for Mullins' A Toi Phil and the Gigginstown owned horse shortened for the Neptune on the back of a assured jumping performance, culminating in a seven length win. He's now 16/1 for the Neptune.