Dan Skelton is building up a strong team for The November Meeting at Cheltenham this weekend, headed by Nube Negra, who is seeking a third straight win in Sunday’s Shloer Chase.
With Unexpected Party among the favourites for Saturday’s Paddy Power Gold Cup and Knickerbocker Glory and L’Eau Du Sud well fancied for Sunday’s Unibet Greatwood Hurdle, Skelton can approach the three-day fixture with confidence.
It was at this stage 12 months ago Skelton’s campaign really took off, with victories in the West Yorkshire Hurdle, Shloer Chase, Betfair Chase, Coral Gold Cup and Becher Chase marking him out as the most in-form yard at the time.
However, he admits this season has yet to really get going and he is hoping it ignites this weekend.
“This time last year, they just hit a vein of form and off they went. Being open and honest, I have to say it hasn’t quite been like that this season,” Skelton said in a press conference organised by Jockey Club Racecourses.
“We’ve had a few nice winners but the ground this autumn has been particularly challenging.
“Our horses have been fit but perhaps the best way to describe it is they’ve been good to soft ground fit, not heavy ground fit. A few have got to the back of the second last and they’ve needed the run a bit. I can’t say it’s been seamless, our results show that.
“Every day that goes by, they are a bit closer to where they want to be and going into this weekend, Unexpected Party is totally ready, L’Eau Du Sud is totally ready, Nube Negra has always had the Shloer on his mind, Knickerbocker Glory has already won this year.
“So, there are no excuses now and while it might be too much to hope for a run like last year, I do see a bit of plainer sailing now.”
One horse Skelton would love to see win is Shan Blue, who had the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby in his grasp two years ago until a crashing fall and he has yet to return to that form in three runs since. He is set to reappear over hurdles.
“Shan Blue will run over hurdles, bless him. Since he fell in that race at Wetherby, it hasn’t happened for him. I know he finished second at Aintree that spring, which was a nice run, but it wasn’t anything like it looked like what he was going to do at Wetherby,” said Skelton.
“I don’t want to pre-empt anything but I’m as happy with him at home as I’ve ever been. I had him declared at Market Rasen but that got called off, same at Bangor tomorrow, so our back is against the wall to run, so that is why he’s in over hurdles. He has been very well at home and I’d like to think there’s another big one in him.”
As for the feature race, one Skelton has yet to win, although he was third last year with Midnight River and second 12 months earlier with future Grade One winner Protektorat, Unexpected Party saw his form boosted in no uncertain terms by Knappers Hill at Wincanton, who finished second to him at Chepstow.
“Of course it’s comfort but in reality it is probably false because no more was achieved on the day than was expected – but it’s nice to see,” said Skelton.
“I didn’t think he should shoot to the top of the market or anything and I’m sure if you went and asked him, he wouldn’t know Knappers Hill won. He does have the right profile, though.”
The 2023-24 Concacaf Nations League resumes this week with this being a decisive window for teams in all three leagues.
League A
The stage is set for the eight quarterfinalists in League A to take the final step to qualifying for the Concacaf Nations League showpiece and, by extension, next year's CONMEBOL Copa America.
The first legs of the four two-legged quarterfinals kicks off on Thursday with the United States hosting Trinidad and Tobago at Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas, followed by Costa Rica welcoming in fellow Central American rival Panama at the Estadio Saprissa in San Jose.
A day later on Friday, it will be Jamaica and Canada crossing swords at the National Stadium in Kingston, while Honduras host Mexico at the Estadio Chelato Ucles in Tegucigalpa.
No doubt that all the teams will be aiming for a strong performance ahead of the return legs the following Monday and Tuesday.
League B
The battle for promotion in League B will be hot and heavy across all four groups with so many decisive matches to be played. By the end of the weekend, it will be known which team has won Group A to capture promotion to League A.
St Lucia and Guadeloupe are tied on nine points, with the latter just ahead by a one goal difference. St Lucia are at St Kitts and Nevis on Thursday, and then home versus St Maarten on Sunday, while Guadeloupe travel to St Maarten on Thursday, and then host St Kitts and Nevis on Sunday.
In Group B, Nicaragua holds the advantage heading into the final window, as they sit three points in front of the Dominican Republic. If Dominican Republic drop points on Wednesday at Montserrat and Nicaragua win at Barbados on Friday, Nicaragua clinches promotion.
It is a three-horse race in Group C, with French Guiana (seven points) a nose in front of St Vincent and the Grenadines (six points) and Bermuda (five points). Bermuda host Vincy Heat on Friday to kick things off in a must-win match-up, while French Guiana will look to consolidate their lead atop the table ahead of the final matchday, with a full three points at Belize.
Things are more straightforward in Group D, as Guyana sit on a six-point lead going into their final two matches. The Golden Jaguars only require a point in their Saturday visit to Bahamas to secure promotion to League A.
League C
League C also reaches its climax, and Thursday could be a momentous day for British Virgin Islands, who can clinch promotion to League B if they defeat Dominica at home in Group C.
It is a similar story in Group B, as promotion is there for the taking for Aruba, who can nail down their rise to League B with victory at US Virgin Islands on Thursday.
Meanwhile, on Saturday, Bonaire can keep themselves in the mix in Group A with a win at Anguilla. Bonaire are currently six points behind leaders St Martin. But if Anguilla earn a result on home soil, the group and promotion will belong to St Martin.
Live action of the Concacaf Nations League will be on SportsMax, SportsMax 2 and the SportsMax app.
Waterhouse Football Club extended their unbeaten run to three matches after they came from behind to secure a 1-1 stalemate with Cavalier FC in a lukewarm Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League encounter at Sabina Park on Monday.
Christopher Ainsworth (33rd) sent Cavalier in front, but his strike was cancelled out by Denardo Thomas's 40th-minute strike.
The result saw Waterhouse inching up to seven points and into second position, while Cavalier, who will contest the Concacaf Caribbean Cup final in a few weeks, remain ninth on four points.
What started out as a cagey affair gradually developed after both teams started showing some attacking intent close to the half-hour mark.
Cavalier struck first through Ainsworth, as the 18-year-old executed a deft left-footed effort that had Kemar Foster, in goal for Waterhouse, beaten all ends up.
Thomas responded to Ainsworth's second goal of the season, with his second as well when he arrived at goalmouth to bury Javane Bryan's pass across the face of goal.
Waterhouse thought they were heading to the break in front when Bryan scored a rebound from Andre Fletcher's initial effort that came back off the upright but was later ruled offside.
Cavalier came out purposeful on the resumption and almost found the go-ahead goal when Jerome McLeary played through Shaneil Thomas, whose effort from close range was kept out by Foster who got down well to his right.
The Drewsland-based Waterhouse again went close in the 62nd minute when Navardo Blair's decent overlapping run down the left channel opened space for a cross inside the danger area. It took a crucial deflection by Cavalier's goalkeeper Jeadine White to avert the danger, as Bryan closed in fast at the far post.
However, the game dropped in tempo from there with chances at a premium, as both teams were seemingly content with sharing the spoils.
Waterhouse's assistant coach Damion Gordon agreed that the performance wasn't their best.
"There were some moments in the game where I think we could have won it, but that's football, we should have taken our chances. What we (and Cavalier) did was try to cancel out each other and I think that is what you saw. In the first half they tried to press us and then second half they sat deep, I think we were the better team but again, it's football and I think there are a lot of things that we can work on, more so how we convert our chances," Gordon declared.
Cavalier's Head coach Rudolph Speid took more pleasure in the outcome.
"It was a good game and I thought we did very well. We were up against a quality team that is on a high from their recent win, so I wouldn't knock my team too hard.
"I would have preferred a win but that is how it goes sometimes. We play to a system all the time, and we are prepared for a long season, it's just the fatigue that we have to guard against," Speid shared.
Matchweek Four Results
Molynes United 1, Mount Pleasant 3
Vere United 1, Montego Bay United 1
Dunbeholden FC 0, Portmore United 2
Treasure Beach 1, Lime Hall 0
Arnett Gardens 1, Tivoli Gardens 3
Harbour View 2, Humble Lion 2
Cavalier 1, Waterhouse 1
While Humble Lion’s Head coach Andrew Price and his Harbour View counterpart Ludlow Bernard welcomed the point from their 2-2 stalemate, both rued the manner in which their respective teams conceded in a lively Wray and Nephew Jamaica Premier League (JPL) encounter at Sabina Park on Monday.
In fact, if the disgust expressed by both coaches is anything to go by, then their teams should be defensively on point for the remainder of the season.
Shaqueil Bradford gave Harbour View a 22nd minute lead, but Jardel Williams (25th) and captain Andrew Vanzie (35th) responded for Humble Lion, before veteran Andre Fagan (52nd) salvaged a point for Bernard’s side.
With the point, Humble Lion, who remain unbeaten after three games, inched up to five points in sixth position, while Harbour View are 11th on two points.
Price was firm about what will be required of his team going forward.
“We are short some players because of injuries, but we have people that have to go out there and do the work because we have to stop conceding those goals. The manner in which we conceded, especially the equalizing goal, I am unhappy about it and the team will tell you I don’t have a lot of time for that (sloppy defending). But we take the point, it is better than a loss, but we will correct things and get ready for our next game,” he said in a post-match interview.
Bernard was also adamant that he will not accept any more sub-par defending from his team.
“We need to stop conceding unnecessarily. I think that the efforts we made to go ahead were two good build-up plays, but whenever we give up goals like these, it is a cause for concern, and I think that my defenders need to do better at the back of the pitch and give attackers a chance. Because I know that we will score goals, but we need to stop conceding and it is getting out of hand right now. But we will take the point,” Bernard noted.
The contest started at a decent tempo, as Harbour View grabbed the ascendancy with a few chances in the early exchanges, particularly through Bradford, who inevitably found the target.
Fresh from his senior Reggae Boyz outing in a Friendly International against Guatemala last Saturday, Bradford was on hand to finish rebound with aplomb after Omar Thompson’s initial shot came off the crossbar.
However, Harbour View’s celebrations were short-lived, as their Clarendon-based opponents replied soon after Xavian Virgo’s cross found Williams, who fired excellent right-footed effort past goalkeeper Anthony Bennett at his near post.
Vanzie then put Humble Lion ahead 10 minutes later when he finished off a good team build up with a firm left-footer from just outside the 18-yard box.
Harbour View’s press for the equalizer, forced Humble Lion into a defensive posture and they went close to pulling level from a set play, but Prince Daniel-Johnson did well to keep out Okeemo Jones’s well-taken freekick to ensure Humble Lion remained 2-1 up at the break.
The “Stars of the East” were back on level terms five minutes into the resumption courtesy of Fagan, who rose above defenders to finish a thumping header from Odorland Harding’s weighted cross.
Both teams had a few half chances from which they could have notched the winner, had it not been for a lack of composure.
Humble Lion had the first in the 70th minute through Afiba Chambers, who turned his marker, but dragged a right-footer just wide of the upright.
Four minutes later, Bradford did well to get in between two defenders on his way towards goal, but unselfishly went for a pass instead of the shot and the opportunity went abegging.
Price also chided his team for their lack of conviction in the final third, particularly in the second half.
“I think we didn’t play the way we played the first half when we were more intense and aggressive. We came down a little bit low and when our energy level dropped, we brought Harbour View back into the game. But despite that, I thought we had some very good looks in the second half when we should have really taken the game,” he said in his assessment.
“We got two chances in the penalty box and with a little bit more composure, we should have put away those chances. All in all, I think it is a fair result, but we are going to have to continue work hard because we have to be consistent and we are going to have to keep our energy levels high for 90 plus minutes,” Price added.
Meanwhile, Bernard felt his team failed to match the aggression of their opponents.
“The sorry thing about it is that nobody is putting their hands up everybody is pointing the blame elsewhere. I think that we need to be a little bit more aggressive, if we had some of the grit that Humble Lion got this would have been a clean sheet here. I am pleased with the fact that my forwards are getting into position, probably Bradford could have played another one in to David Reid and we probably would have had the win,” Bernard reasoned.
Harry Bentley has denied that the two-month suspension he has been handed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club is in any way related to betting or race fixing.
The 31-year-old admitted to breaching rule 155 under the rules of racing in Hong Kong, which relates to misconduct, improper conduct or inappropriate behaviour during a two-day hearing last week.
A report from the inquiry detailed Bentley had engaged in “inappropriate communication” about horses he was riding with persons who were not “registered owners or nominators of such horses.” He had also used a private phone provided by the unknown persons.
While the HKJC ruled that Bentley had agreed to accept payment, there was no evidence to suggest he received any and that, along with his guilty plea and previous clean disciplinary record, meant he was only banned for two months.
In a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, Bentley said: “I would like to thank the Hong Kong Jockey Club for their close consideration throughout the steward’s inquiry regarding an isolated incident which occurred wen I was new to Hong Kong and the racing scene.
“I want to be extremely clear that this charge is in no way related to giving tips, betting, wagering, race fixing or accepting payment ahead of race riding. I ask that the public trust in the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s decision and have confidence that is this was the case I would not have received the penalty I have. I have always tried to get the best position for my horse – that has never been in question.
“I accept that I should have done more research on the Rules in Hong Kong and I will endeavour to do better in the future.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank my partner, my family, friends and racing fans for their unwavering support. I will use my suspension (which culminates on January 3, 2024) to prepare myself for the rest of the season and as always do my very best for the owners, the trainers, the Hong Kong Jockey Club and all my supporters. I can’t wait to get back in the saddle early in the New Year!”
Dashel Drasher could make his next start over fences after a hurdling comeback at Wetherby.
The popular 10-year-old has switched between the two divisions throughout the last few seasons and has enjoyed plenty of success over both types of obstacles.
He was second to Grand National winner Noble Yeats in the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree last December and was then runner-up in a trio of high-quality Cheltenham hurdles, culminating in the Grade One Stayers’ Hurdle at the Festival, where he was beaten only three-quarters of a length by Sire Du Berlais.
Jeremy Scott’s charge started the new season at Wetherby this month, contesting the Grade Two bet365 Hurdle and starting as the 7-4 joint-favourite under Rex Dingle.
He led for much of the way and showed plenty of vim, only fading approaching the last and eventually finishing third behind Botox Has and Red Risk.
A switch to chasing could be next on the agenda, with the 1965 Chase at Ascot under consideration if the gelding is ready to go again at the end of the month.
“He’s really well, he probably just got a bit stuck in the mud the other day, maybe it’s just age catching up with him as well,” Scott said of the Wetherby run.
“He’s certainly come out of the race really well and there is a chase at Ascot in a few weeks’ time which is a possibility, but it is quite difficult finding races for him.
“I was very much thinking we’d play it by ear, I’d like to run him back over fences because I think he was just as effective over them.
“It would be nice to find a Grade Two that we could run him in but they’ve taken a lot of them away, last year we ran in the Many Clouds but they’ve taken that away, so it’s difficult to find him somewhere to go unless you run in a handicap.
“He’s never lacking for will, he’s always just a bit stuffy on his first run but I’m very happy with the way he’s come out of the race and we’re just hunting around for the next plan.
“We’ll see how he is when we start doing some proper work – and if we can go to Ascot, that would be great.”
West Indies Senior Men’s white ball Head Coach Daren Sammy promises West Indian fans that great things are coming while encouraging them to come out and support the team as they host England in three ODIs and five T20Is in December.
Fans of the regional side have had a tough time of in in the last month, especially, having to watch the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup which the West Indies failed to qualify for in June.
The West Indies followed up that disappointment with a 1-2 series loss to India from July 27-August 1.
“Being able to address you as the Head Coach of the West Indies Men’s white ball team is something I’ll always cherish,” Sammy wrote in a letter addressed to the public on Monday.
“Having experienced the joys of playing, I saw how we came together as one when I was your captain. I know and believe we can achieve greater things so I welcome you once again to be part of the Home Team as we face England in the upcoming series,” he continued.
From December 3rd -December 21st, the West Indies will take on England in three ODIs and five T20Is in Antigua, Barbados, Grenada and Trinidad & Tobago.
“It always feels great to see the West Indies flags flying, hearing our music and seeing the dancing in the stands as we celebrate what is truly a unique way of watching the game in this part of the world,” Sammy said.
He continued, “Every match; no matter where we play, no matter who we play against; has the ability to create history and a lasting legacy. I know the feeling: we saw it in 2012 in Sri Lanka and we witnessed it again in 2016 in India.”
Sammy concluded that he hopes to see the stands filled with maroon as his side hopes to begin the journey to the 2027 World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.
“I want to urge you to join your ‘Home’ team and rally round the West Indies when WI come home to face England in December. Let’s fill the stands with our pride and joy; let’s paint the town Maroon and have a blessed Christmas season on and off the field,” he said.
In a monumental decision for her burgeoning athletic and academic career, 16-year-old sprint sensation Naomi London, a two-time Carifta Games silver medalist, has disclosed the compelling reasons behind her choice to attend the University of Texas in Austin next fall.
London, who clinched silver in both the 100m and 200m at the 2023 Carifta Games in the Bahamas, expresses her eagerness to follow in the footsteps of NCAA triple gold medalist Julien Alfred, drawing inspiration from the Commonwealth Games silver medalist and World Championships finalists’ success.
"The main reason why I was committed to Texas was because of the environment and Julien. I was inspired to, and I think that I'll be very comfortable and safe up there. The environment was just what I need," London shared in an exclusive interview with Sportsmax.TV.
Amidst other offers, Texas stood out as the ideal fit for the talented sprinter. "I did get other offers, but I declined them. So I was just mainly focused on Texas. The athletes are very fun to be around. It makes me want to push more because they're very supportive, and I came from a club that always wants to see you grow up. So having a mimic of that in Texas makes me feel at home, and the coach as well, in that he only wants the best for you."
Expressing her desire for a challenging yet supportive environment, London emphasizes the importance of pushing herself to the limits. "I want somebody to push me to my limits, and I think that's the best and right option that I should go for right now."
When questioned about her academic aspirations, London mentions she's still exploring options. "I have not decided what I'm going to study, but I'm working on ideas into what course I want to take."
London's commitment to Texas, however, extends beyond education, as she is driven by the ambition to become an Olympian and a World Champion. "I'm actually looking forward to being an Olympian and a World Champion as well. It's not only about the education. I mean, it is about the education, but there's a balance."
In her final season as a Longhorn, Alfred had one of the best NCAA Division 1 championships ever. She won the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay which prompted her coach Eldrick Floreal to characterize her as the greatest sprinter in NCAA history.
Alfred's success at Texas has left an indelible mark on young St. Lucian sprinters, including London, and played a significant part in the teen’s decision to become a Longhorn. "It has influenced us a lot, especially me very much because Julien is a hard-looking individual that I really admire, which makes me want to push,” London said.
“She is the kindest person you could ever meet. I swear she's the kindest person you could ever meet if you actually meet her. She is dedicated. She is down to her work. She goes and gets what she wants."
With her own history in tow having been the first St Lucian to win a sprint medal at the Carifta Games, and inspired by her rising star compatriot in Alfred, London looks set to create her own legacy at the University of Texas and beyond.
“Having that and having seen that (Alfred’s success), just makes you want to look at, you know, do I actually want to do I really want to go through what she's gone through? Everybody has a different path.
“So it's not like I'm going to go through the same thing as her, but I know that there's something different out there for me. She has influenced me very much and I really appreciate that. I mean, I love Julian. We all do. She's been remarkable and watching her success over the years has inspired a lot of people.”
Former Jamaican gymnast Danusia Francis has emerged as a newly elected member of the Panam Sports Athlete Commission. The announcement came during a meeting held at the Games, where athletes had the crucial task of choosing representatives from eight candidates over the course of the 22-day event.
Her selection came in part through tireless work behind the scenes from the Jamaica Gymnastics Association, who lobbied on the basis that Francis, who competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, has the ability to make significant impact on the careers of athletes from the Pan American region.
Expressing her excitement about this new responsibility, Francis, currently on vacation in Kenya, conveyed her enthusiasm for contributing to the betterment of sports and her adopted country. "I am very excited as sports and Jamaica have done so much for me, so to be able to contribute to a better future is a great opportunity to give back," she shared.
With a sense of gratitude for the opportunities she has received from the world of sports, Francis sees this role as a chance to make a positive impact on the future of athletics. "I have huge aspirations; however, I need to enter discussions and form my objectives from that," she added.
Despite being miles away on vacation, Francis is already planning her immediate steps upon her return from Kenya. She emphasized her commitment to reaching out to Jamaican athletes who have valuable opinions and contributions for the commission. "Once I'm back from Kenya next week, I will find out what the best way to get in touch with Jamaican athletes who have opinions and anything to bring to the commission is," she stated.
Francis is keen on fostering collaboration and ensuring that the voices of Jamaican athletes are heard within the commission. "When the first commission meeting will be, I will base it off that," she affirmed, highlighting her dedication to actively engage with her fellow athletes and make a meaningful impact through her role in the Panam Sports Athlete Commission.
Trinidad & Tobago Red Force captain Darren Bravo can now call himself the winningest man in Regional white-ball cricket after leading his team to the CG United Super50 Cup title over the weekend.
The Red Force secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over the Leeward Islands Hurricanes at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy on Saturday.
It was the 14th Super50 Cup title for the Red Force and the sixth for Bravo, a new record most individual Super50 titles.
Bravo was playing in his 200th List A game and top scored for the champions with a 35-ball 40.
That performance fittingly capped off a remarkable Super50 campaign for the 34-year-old.
Bravo was named as the tournament’s best batsman after finishing with 416 runs in eight games at an average of 83.20 with one hundred and three fifties.
For comparison, Bravo made 240 runs in seven innings at an average of 48 with three fifties in last year’s tournament which saw the Red Force get to the final before losing to the Jamaica Scorpions.
He also showed excellent form in red-ball cricket in the last edition of the West Indies 4-Day Championship where he finished as the second-highest run scorer with 446 runs in 10 innings at an average of 55.75 including two centuries and a fifty.
Bravo’s performances this season may see him being recalled to the West Indies One-Day International squad for the upcoming three-game series against England.
The 34-year-old last played an ODI back in February last year against India in Ahmedabad. In that game Bravo scored 19 off 30 balls batting at three.
Overall, Bravo, who made his ODI debut in 2009, has scored 3109 runs in 117 innings at an average of 30.18 with four centuries and 18 fifties.
William Buick is keen to get his hands on the Bahrain International Trophy for the first time as his mount Nations Pride bids to give Godolphin further success in the $1million contest.
It was Saeed bin Suroor’s Dubai Future who led home a one-two for Sheikh Mohammed’s racing operation 12 months ago and he is joined in the final field by stablemate Real World this time.
However, it is Charlie Appleby’s Nations Pride that sets the standard following big-race victories at Munich and Woodbine this season and Godolphin number one jockey Buick has elected to partner the four-year-old over fellow Moulton Paddocks candidate Highland Avenue.
Buick said: “Nations Pride is a very good horse. He was a classy three-year-old and went into the 2021 Derby as a genuine contender, but on the day he probably didn’t stay.
“But he has always been held in high regard and he has performed really well since.
“When he won the Group One in Germany, he gave me a really good feel. He beat the German Derby winner in good style. Then, last time out in Canada, the soft ground was not to his liking, but he still won.
“He’s a very straightforward horse to ride. I have not had much luck in the race previously but this fella is different, he’s a mile and quarter specialist and I think he is a real good candidate.
“Nations Pride is the best chance I have had in the Bahrain International Trophy but it is a strong line-up, a really competitive field, and on good, fast ground, you are going to need to have the margins in your favour.”
There is further Godolphin representation provided by Andre Fabre’s Birr Castle, while Andreas Schutz’s French 2000 Guineas hero Marhaba Ya Sanafi also represents France in a race that has a truly international feel.
Aidan O’Brien is poised to saddle Point Lonsdale in a contest that this year carries Group Two status for the first time, with Joseph O’Brien’s Above The Curve and Noel Meade’s Layfayette other Irish challengers.
John and Thady Gosden’s Israr, Daniel and Claire Kubler’s Astro King and Richard Fahey’s Spirit Dancer are also set to line up for the fifth running of the contest at the Sakhir Racecourse.
A bruised foot has scuppered hopes of Tommy’s Oscar lining up in the Shloer Chase at Cheltenham on Sunday, with a trip to Ireland over the Christmas period a possibility providing he returns to full fitness in good time.
Ann and Ian Hamilton’s stable star made a brilliant return to action when giving weight and a beating to his rivals at Kelso last month and then wasn’t disgraced when stepping up in trip at Aintree for the Old Roan Chase, where he finished a valiant fourth.
With connections still not convinced he truly stays the two-and-a-half miles and minimal options being available back down in trip, Tommy’s Oscar was poised to take on a cast that could include Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon at Prestbury Park before injury struck.
“He was supposed to go to Cheltenham, but he has a bruised foot,” said owner Ian Hamilton.
“He gets them all the time and it is what curtailed his season last season, so it will be a bit before he runs, but there’s not many races for him anyway. That’s the only race there was for him because he’s a two-miler.”
A lack of suitable races has seen the Hamiltons toying with the idea of a trip to Leopardstown on December 27 for the two-mile Grade One event that Nicky Richards’ Simply Ned claimed in 2017 and 2018.
For that tentative plan to come to fruition, Tommy’s Oscar will need to both overcome his foot injury and have time to squeeze in a tune-up run, which could come in the Peterborough Chase on December 10 if conditions are suitable.
“Ann was thinking of going to Huntingdon but that is two-and-a-half and he doesn’t stay, but we will have to see. If it was fast ground, then fair enough,” continued Hamilton.
“We were thinking about going to Ireland for the one Simply Ned won at Leopardstown, but he needs a run before that if his foot comes right.
“There are no two-mile chases in the north, apart from the odd handicap like the one he won at Kelso. That’s why we ran him at Aintree and at two miles he was playing with them, but he just didn’t get home.”
Kerry Lee is respectful of the opposition as Nemean Lion remains on track for the Unibet Greatwood Handicap Hurdle at Cheltenham but reports her charge in fine spirits.
The six-year-old is among the favourites and a 6-1 chance with the sponsors for the prestigious handicap, having backed up some smart novice hurdles form with a win in the Welsh Champion Hurdle at Ffos Las on his reappearance.
That victory means Nemean Lion will have to carry top-weight at Prestbury Park but although his handler is not one for bullish predictions, she has been delighted with her charge since his return to action last month.
Lee said: “He’s been amazing, really good. I think he had a harder run than we first thought (at Ffos Las), but he has bounced back well and I’ve been really happy with his work the last week and fingers crossed he can continue to improve and progress.
“I will never say I’m confident and we always go with hope rather than confidence. The Kelso form is there to be respected, but there is lots of other good horses in the race with decent form as well themselves.
“It’s a hot race and there is no way you can go into it with any confidence and expectation, we’ll just go there, give it a crack and hope for the best.”
Nemean Lion is one of 18 confirmed for Sunday’s contest, with Dan Skelton’s recent Ascot winner Knickerbockerglory and stablemate L’Eau Du Sud, as well as Nicky Henderson’s Luccia, among those towards the head of the sponsor’s betting.
Unibet have Irish raider Onlyamatteroftime as their market leader, with the seven-year-old set to make his first start for Willie Mullins, while recent track-and-trip winner Lookaway and last year’s runner-up Gin Coco are other notable names among the list of possibles.
Jonbon is the headline attraction in the supporting Shloer Chase, which has attracted a maximum field of six.
Nicky Henderson’s star chaser stepped out of novice company to win Sandown’s Celebration Chase in the spring but could face a sterner examination here, with former Arkle winner Edwardstone and fellow 2022 Cheltenham Festival scorer Banbridge both joining defending champion Nube Negra among the potential runners.
Gary Moore’s Clarence House Chase winner Editeur Du Gite and Henry de Bromhead’s recent track-and-trip victor Dancing On My Own complete the entries.
Harry Derham will work back from the Cheltenham Festival with Queens Gamble following her successful reappearance at Kempton on Monday.
The five-year-old was hugely impressive in winning twice in the bumper sphere at Cheltenham for Oliver Sherwood, who subsequently retired from the training ranks and became Derham’s assistant.
Queens Gamble disappointed in the Champion Bumper in March but bounced back with a debut win over hurdles at Warwick in May before being given a summer break and switching stables.
Jonathan Burke’s mount was an 8-13 favourite to make a winning return in the Watch Racing TV Novices’ Hurdle and was not hard pressed to score by two and a quarter lengths from Classic King.
Derham said: “That was good and she is obviously a good mare. I’m always nervous when you bring a horse to the races that is not fully wound up that it will catch them out. Johnny (Burke) and I said last night if she is as good as we hope then she won’t need to be fully wound up today.
“Today she was much better jumping. Oliver will tell you himself that before that run at Warwick she hadn’t had the best prep, as she hadn’t been out on the grass as it was a bit quick, but her jumping won’t be an issue.
“She jumped really nicely today and over the last two, when Johnny asked her to lengthen, she jumped very well. She is a high-class mare that is professional and she went about it spot-on.”
Paddy Power trimmed Queens Gamble’s odds for the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival to 14-1 from 16-1 and Derham confirmed that Grade Two contest will be her ultimate target.
He added: “A day in March is the time we need to have her right, as the Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival will be absolutely made for her. She has won at Cheltenham before, so we just need to plot our way there.
“I wouldn’t want to over-race her beforehand so I will speak to her owners and make a plan.”
Derham doubled up with the Paul O’Brien-ridden 2-1 favourite Dargiannini in the Pertemps Network Handicap Hurdle.
Nicky Henderson’s East India Express impressed in the Racing TV Novices’ Hurdle.
The Milan gelding was a 10-11 shot to supplement a debut success in a bumper at this venue in February and eased five lengths clear of his rivals in the hands of Nico de Boinville.
Henderson said: “I tried to get him ready for the Newbury bumper after he won here, however after that he coughed and coughed for months and I couldn’t get him out again.
“It has taken a bit of work to get him there. He wouldn’t show you anything at home and that is why he was probably the second string here last time.
“He has a lovely temperament and a lovely attitude to it, but he is only a baby as he is only four years old.
“He jumped really well. We have all had to work a little bit hard on his jumping and it wasn’t the most natural thing to him, but he has got the hang of the last few weeks and he was very good out there. I went this trip just to give him a little more time to work it out.
“I think he is too young to go further, and he is not quick enough to come back in trip. So, a good old Henderson tactic is if you don’t know what to do, just stick in the middle!”
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