Ante Post Clues
Riders On the Storm is only a top priced 5/1 for next weekend's Cheltenham feature, the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup and while he was very impressive at Aintree on seasonal debut, it does seem a little screwy that the Betvictor winner Happy Diva finds herself more than double the price. Course form is so important around Prestbury Park, but even so Happy Diva is passed over in preference for another horse at a much bigger price than either of those two with stacks of it.
The winner of the race in 2025 and 3rd last year, Guitar Pete's price (25/1 and bigger) makes no earthly sense to me. He was admittedly limp in the Betvictor, but he also was in 2025 and was ridden much more prominently than usual last month, tactics I expect to see jettisoned in favour of a more hold up ride that suits him so well. His ready comeback win at Wetherby was probably a career best, beating no less than Happy Diva, his stable are in good form and though he's a few pounds higher in the weights than ideal, he has more than earned his perch of 141. He looks a belting each-way bet to me.
BET: Guitar Pete Each-Way in the Caspian Caviar Gold Cup – 28/1 with MoPlay
Weekend Review
The big race feels slightly disappointing on the face of it, with several of the market principles failing to run any sort of race, the time however suggests this was still a good race and perhaps the 5th, Dingo Dollar is the one to take from it given he pushed a strong pace up the unfavoured inside path and only looked beaten in the end by a sheer lack of finishing speed. He clearly clicked with the first-time visor and can find a big pot, something like the Scottish National could be made for him.
Two novice chasers with a tall reputation were also in action at Newbury, Champ racing over 2 ½ miles on the Friday ran a race similar to his chasing debut, still looking awkward and green, but ultimately finding stacks for full driving. He is obviously a leading contender for the RSA, but I couldn't touch him at his price. The following day Reserve Tank threw in a shocker, to the extent that I suspect he's carrying some sort of injury and though people were rushing to praise the winner Danny Whizzbang, the time is so poor I just cannot enthuse about the form at all.
Over at Newcastle Buveur D'air might have had excuses for his beating, but either way he doesn't look the force of old and is yet another Champion Hurdle prospect to disappoint this season. In the stayers' division Paisley Park didn't exactly shine when winning at Newbury but showed his toughness and will certainly be hard to beat in a poor division with this under his belt.
Obscure Eyecatchers
Hollywoodien (symonds) – Returned from an eternity on the side-lines with various injuries at Wetherby on Wednesday. Though friendless in the market and clearly carrying a good bit of condition he was the only serious rival to the favourite Ecu De La Noverie, paying late on to fade to 3rd but leaving a very positive impression and clearly retaining his enthusiasm for the task. His absence means he is only a pound higher than the mark he easily defied here over half a mile further on Boxing Day 2025 and you could see him returning for another crack at that contest 3 years on. He's only 8 and his best days could well be in front of him.
Proschema (skelton) – Seemingly put in place in 4th behind the classy Ribble Valley at Wetherby on Wednesday, but never seemed his usual enthusiastic self after a series of jarring errors cost him momentum; the very fact he was able to make ground through the field and briefly look threatening speaks well of his resolve. A mark of 128 probably underestimates his ability and with 3 runs under his belt I wouldn't be surprised to see him put away with some big late season pots in mind. His consistent efforts in top staying handicaps on the flat suggest he could improve when moving into that sphere, perhaps over longer trips than 2 miles.
Eyecatchers Update
A few on our list in action at Newbury on Saturday; Nikap (hawke) posting a new personal best when no threat to the principals, but outrunning her 66/1 starting price when only beaten 14 lengths by Floressa. The handicapper has nudged her up 4lb, but this seems a fitting and fair punishment and she could continue progressing from here.
Molineaux (tizzard) was heavily backed for the 2m 6f handicap chase on the Hennessy undercard but never threatened to feature – this was a severe disappointment and I am overlooking him going forward. By contrast Highway One O One (gordon) returned from falling at Cheltenham with an excellent 4th, rewarding each-way support. He's not particularly well handicapped, but he battled on nicely and should remain a threat going forward, I'm sticking with him.
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