20th December

Ascot 2:10 BGC Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1) (4 y o+) 3m 1f

An ultra competitive renewal of The Long Walk Hurdle kicks off this weeks Scoop6 quest. There could be quite a few punters out after this first leg as there are plenty in with a chance. Nicky Henderson’s pair of runners head the market with the impressive recent Cheltenham winner Punchestowns the slight forecast favourite at time of writing. He carried top weight that day but here is on level weights although the trip is half a mile further. It is a step into the unknown whether he will get it as he’s never raced beyond 2m 5f before. If he lasts home in the softish conditions he has a chance. The other Henderson horse is Duc De Regniere. He won last time in The Long Distance Hurdle when facing 4 others who re-oppose here. That was over 3 miles and the extra furlong should be achievable. Going chasing didn’t suit him but back over hurdles he seems a different beast. No ground concerns for him either and he should go close with AP McCoy in the saddle. Behind Duc De Regniere at Newbury were Mobaasher, Pettifour, Blazing Bailey and Hills Of Aran. Mobaasher and Pettifour have been having some ding dong battles. Pettifour got his head in front in terrific finish at Wetherby in early November then Mobaasher, receiving 4lbs was 1 ½ lengths in front of Pettifour in The Long Distance Hurdle. They will be hard to split again. 4th in that Long Distance Hurdle was Blazing Bailey. He has shown some great things in the past when beating Inglis Drever but has also put in some below par efforts. It depends which Blazing Bailey turns up. If back to his best he could trouble the places. Last years winner Lough Derg is back again. I backed him last year and his make all win was one of my favourite races of last season. I can’t see him having the same run of the race and last season’s attempt at the Order Of Merit may have had a detrimental effect on his future performances. Others of interest are Elusive Dream who Ruby Walsh has jumped off to ride Mobaasher, and recent Aintree winner Serabad. Both have stamina questions to be answered. – VE

Selection: Duc De Regniere
Danger 1: Punchestowns
Danger 2: Mobaasher

2.35 Haydock - JOSEPH HELER CHEESE HANDICAP HURDLE (CLASS 2) 2m4f

A typical handicap hurdle is in store for the Scoop6, which means that the race is going to be very competitive. Tazbar is the best horse in the race but coming here on seasonal reappearance and having to shoulder the burden of top weight will make this very tough for him. His run on the flat did not go to plan and it showed that he is not a straightforward individual. Award Winner is on good form, having won on both starts this season; I however think he has to be taken on here on his handicap debut. The one I am siding with is Procas De Thaix who comes from the Nicky Henderson yard, he is another on handicap debut but he has been off the track for 269 days and should have improved for having a summer of development. He ran in some classy races as a novice hurdler and as a bumper horse and he has always shown enough to suggest that he can be competitive off a mark of 137. The dangers are likely to be Hibiki and Middleton Dene, as both are fit and have had a recent effort, both have good handicap form and both look fairly treated.

Selection – Procas De Thaix
Danger 1 – Hibiki
Danger 2 – Middleton Dene

2.45 Ascot – THE LADBROKE (A HANDICAP HURDLE) (LISTED RACE) (CLASS 1) 2miles

The Ladbroke looks an absolute minefield but three horses in the race stand out for me and they are Noble Alan, Group Captain and Squadron. All three are at big prices in the market but all three have massive potential and are all likely to improve for more racing. Squadron has been busy this year including running Crack Away Jack close at Chepstow. He then went on and won at Ascot before running creditably behind Numide and Aigle D’or in the Greatwood Hurdle. He likes a test and he is always willing to pull more out for his jockey. Group Captain is another interesting handicapper who was unlucky last time out when 3rd in a big field handicap. That day if he had jumped the last fluently then he could well have turned his 2 length defeat into victory. He should come on for that run and as such has to be worth a look in the market. Noble Alan is a horse I hold in high regard and he is lightly raced and progressive, and as such looks the type to take a big field handicap at some point.

Selection – Squadron
Danger 1 – Group Captain
Danger 2 – Noble Alan


Newcastle 2:55 WBX.com Handicap Hurdle (Class 3) (3 y o+) 2m

A tricky little handicap hurdle to work out here. Joint top weights are Zen Candy and Riquez Dancer. Zen Candy won his last race at long odds on over this trip in soft ground so conditions under foot won’t hamper his chances. His jockey claims a useful 5lbs to ease the burden. Riquez Dancer ran last week at Doncaster when finishing 3rd in testing conditions. If this race hasn’t come around too quick then he has every chance. His jockey claims 3lbs. He is a course and distance winner. Tartan Snow has been campaigned over further distances than this, with limited success. Made a promising effort last time over 2m 2f and could go close. Pagan Starprincess is one who could figure also. Dropped back in trip to 2 miles, she has performed in the conditions in the past. Nelson Du Ronceray has been off the track a while. The David Johnson owned gelding won his last start over this distance. He has a fairly decent weight to carry, helper by Ryan Mania’s 5lbs claim. If fully fit then he has a real chance. Realism has place claims if reproducing his course and distance win from February. – VE

Selection: Nelson Du Ronceray
Danger 1: Zen Candy
Danger 2: Riquez Dancer

Haydock 3:10 Sodexo Presteige Tommy Whittle Handicap Chase (Class 2) (4 yo+) 3m

An interesting looking Tommy Whittle chase where Jonjo O’Neill saddles Can’t Buy Time who is looking for his 4th win in a row. He is a horse I’ve followed this season and has put in some decent performances. He looks like he gets 3 miles well with a bit more still available if needed. He will need it here if he is to get the 4 timer as he is up against some decent performers. He is a stone better off than top weight D’Argent, who has won over this distance but who needs further than this these days. Another crack at the National may be on his agenda this season and this will be a step on the road, but won’t trouble the places. Idle Talk is another with Aintree possibilities. A classy horse that had a spell of getting rid of his jockey’s. His jumping problems may have been sorted as he managed to get round Aintree this year with the jockey still attached. He is highly weighted and has not won for nearly 3 years. Place at best. Wild Cane Ridge looks a frustrating sort. He’s put in some decent efforts at times, yet also some forgettable ones. If having one of those better days then he could make his 16-1 forecast starting price look massive. Malko De Beaumont could figure if he can last home. He has won of just short of 3 miles but never won beyond that. The ground conditions shouldn’t hamper him and he is lightly weighted. – VE

Selection: Can’t Buy Time
Danger 1: Wild Cane Ridge
Danger 2: Malko De Beaumont

3.25 Newcastle - WBX.COM NORTHUMBERLAND CHASE (A HANDICAP CHASE) 2m4f

This race is interesting if only because of its competitive nature and most of the 12 runners can be given chances, but the one for me is Akilak. This horse ran so well on seasonal reappearance and loves soft ground, he looks primed to run a big race and the Howard Johnson yard are one of the best in the north. The dangers look to be Just For Men, who runs off bottom-weight whilst Montgermont should run a big race off top-weight. This is a very tough race and many others are entitled to be battling out the finish.

Selection – Akilak
Danger 1 – Montgermont
Danger 2 – Just For Men

December 13th - Fallout

Here's how the Scoop3 went in the end. Lets hope for better weather and a better performance this Saturday.



Race 1: Abandoned.
Race 2: Danger 2 was 2nd.
Race 3: Abandoned.
Race 4: The selection was 3rd and Danger 2 was 4th.
Race 5: Abandoned.
Race 6: The selection was 2nd with Dangers 1 & 2 in 4th & 5th.

13th December

Abandoned races in italics.

Cheltenham 1:55 BOYLECASINO.COM NOVICES' CHASE (CLASS 2) - 2m5f

Racing at Cheltenham will be very dependent on the Great British weather, which is forecasted to turn very wet on Friday evening and Saturday morning. There is a good chance that the ground at Cheltenham will therefore be very heavy and it will take plenty of stamina and soft ground preferences to win this 2m5f race. In the field of 7 runners we have Buck The Legend who has form on soft ground and has winning handicap chase form, however he is carrying a penalty of 8lbs for his two wins in handicaps. He will have to improve once again to take this. Hold Em gets further than this and he likes soft ground, he is carrying a penalty of 5lbs which means he has a tough task facing him, if the race does turn into a battle then Hold Em could get involved in the finish. Naiad Du Misselot is the selection here though, he has no penalty to carry and the Ferdy Murphy yard are improving with time and the horse has won at this track in the past. He was outpaced over a shorter distance last time out but still showed glimpses of promise. His main danger could come from Slash And Burn who looks set to run a massive race. - JB

Selection: Naid Du Misselot
Danger 1: Slash And Burn
Danger 2: Buck The Legend

Doncaster 2:15 SG HANDICAP HURDLE (CLASS 4) - 2m3f110y

A nice and easy race here with 19 set to take part in a tough handicap hurdle, most of which look exposed and unlikely to improve in the future. The one exception to that is Puy D’Arnac who only has had 2 runs in the sphere, winning his debut before falling next time out. He has improved with racing on the flat and his handicap mark is based on last season’s efforts, which suggest that he should improve for the switch back to hurdling. He would like a bit of cut in the ground, which should come with overnight rain, and as such he is the selection. The dangers may come from Important Business and Smugglers Bay, the former has been running in much better races than this and has shown glimpses of running up to his handicap mark whilst the latter has potential and ran well to a point last time before blundering a hurdle and weakening fast. This race is wide open and not many of the field can be ruled out with much confidence. - JB

Selection: Puy D’Arnac

Danger 1: Important Business
Danger 2: Smugglers Bay

Cheltenham 2:30 BOYLESPORTS.COM GOLD CUP (HANDICAP CHASE) GRADE 3 (CLASS 1) (4yo+)

Imperial Commander obviously must be respected but my selection is going to be Fingeronthepulse who put in an average show last time out against Noland who has since gone on to G1 glory. The main danger is Silverburn who ended all chances 3 out when Imperial Commander beat him so convincely, the weight difference is much reduced now so he surely has all the chances to be closer, don't think he'll get past though.

Selection: Fingeronthepulse
Danger 1: Imperial Commander
Danger 2: Silverburn

Doncaster 2:45 Betdaq The Betting Exchange Handicap Chase (Class 2) (4 y o+) 3m

This interesting 3 mile Handicap Chase throws up a few useful sorts. Top weight is the Paul Nicholls trained Leading Attraction. He is fairly inexperienced with just 5 lifetime starts under rules. He has never been out of the places either in those races. He was beaten on his first run this season at Wincanton on soft ground but his better results have been on better ground which he should get here. He’s won over this trip and Sam Thomas takes the ride. In with a shout. Standin Obligation was once a very smart Novice hurdler and chaser but has lost his way over the last 2 years. He’s having his first start of the season and if he can re-capture some of the old sparkle then he could place. The distance or ground won’t be a problem to him. Another Promise is another who offered much but didn’t really deliver. Injury kept him off the track for a while and his first run this term ended with him being pulled up. There are better prospects in this race. One such horse is Ice Tea who won his last start at Wetherby. Another who has won over the distance and with no ground worries either he could make the frame. King Harald is a course and distance winner who in his time has won some nice races. Maybe age is now catching up with him now. He’s the oldest in the race and was pulled up last time. He may want further these days. 2 others in with every chance are Apollo Creed and Brave Rebellion. The former won races between 2 and 3 miles over the summer, although not in the class. The latter is unknown over this trip. All his wins have been at 2 and 2 ½ miles. He has a stone in hand over the top weight and if he lasts home he will have a good chance. – VE

Selection: Leading Attraction
Danger 1: Brave Rebellion
Danger 2: Apollo Creed

Cheltenham 3:05 BOYLESPORTS.COM INTERNATIONAL (HURDLE) GRADE 2 (CLASS 1) (4yo+)

What a great race. 5 in with chances, the promising Binocular who failed at last seasons festival. Chelts is an interesting course, the horse has to like it but surely he can put those demons to rest. Katchit loves the course but hasn't shown past form this season, cannot possibly be discounted though! Crack Away Jack and Chomba Womba to fill the final spot, difficult decision but will side with Chomba on account of Nicky Henderson's fine form.

Selection: Binocular
Danger 1: Katchit
Danger 2: Chomba Womba

Doncaster 3:20 Betdaq In Running At 1% Handicap Hurdle (Class 2) (3 y o+) 2m 110yd
12 runners due to go to post in this tricky handicap hurdle. Every horse in the field has won at this distance some none can really be discounted on stamina issues. Top weight is Amazing King. He is looking for a 3rd victory in the last 4 weeks following an AW success on the flat and last time out at Musselburgh. Jockey James Reveley claims 3lbs which will help a little. At the other end of the weights is Duke Of Touraine. Having only his 3rd run over hurdles this 3 year old has won 2 and been 2nd in the other. The yard has been under the weather but if all clear then should run a big race. Stable mate Riquez Dancer is another in with a chance. He once beat Kalahari King in a novice hurdle although in the next race he finished 2nd to one who re-opposes here, Lazy Darren. Lazy Darren ran in the Haydock procession won by Binocular the other week. He and Riquez Dancer should be close to one another again. Gringo has had placed efforts on his last 2 starts. They were however at a lower class and when previously upped in class, he’s been found wanting. Los Nadis could have place claims. Ryan Mania takes off 7lbs finished runner up to Binocular in the Haydock race. Beaten last time by Amazing King when giving weight away, he is now receiving it. – VE

Selection: Duke Of Touraine
Danger 1: Los Nadis
Danger 2: Amazing King

Scoop 3 selections:

1. Puy D’Arnac
2. Leading Attraction
3. Duke Of Touraine

December 6th - Fallout

Well, Nassau_Board (JB) had to fly solo this week but he did us proud managing to hit the place return between his selection and Danger 1. Well done. Hopefully anubisrich and myself won't hinder you too much on our returns.

Race 1: The selection was 2nd and Danger 2 was 4th.
Race 2: Danger 1 won beating the selection into 2nd.
Race 3: Danger 1 won.
Race 4: Danger 1 won with the selection in 4th.
Race 5: Danger 2 was 2nd, the selection was 3rd and Danger 1 was 4th.
Race 6: The selection was 2nd.

6th December

1:25 SANDOWN- SIGN UP BONUS AT BETINTERNET.COM HANDICAP HURDLE (Distance 2m6f)

The Scoop6 starts off with a fiendishly looking handicap hurdle to be run over 2 mile 6 furlongs on soft ground. I think you need a horse with plenty of stamina and proven form on the soft ground. Races like these are normally won by a horse who is improving and have potential to go on to bigger things. Therefore I am ruling out all horses over the age of 6, as there are plenty of young fresh horses who are open to more improvement. Talenti is the selection, the horse is lightly raced and whilst there is some stamina doubts the horse ran nicely over 2 1/2 miles last season. The most important point is that the horse has run its best races on soft or slower ground and looks to be on a fair mark. Earth Crystal looks a very interesting runner who won on hurdles debut at Ascot last season on soft ground and Henderson's yard are in great form. The other main danger could be King Jack, another horse who has very good form on ground that is soft or slower.

Selection = Talenti
Danger 1 = Earth Crystal
Danger 2 = King Jack


2:00 Sandown - BETINTERNET.COM HENRY VIII NOVICES' CHASE GRADE 2 (2 miles)

This is an odd race for the Scoop6 as it looks really uncompetitive at first glances with the impressive Free World lining up against only 4 rivals. The race is between three horses for me, Free World is the odds on favourite whilst Araldur and Cheating Chance are open to more improvement. Free World has to be the selection as the Nicholls yard have said that he is the equal to Tatenen at home, and that horse has looked untouchable in his Novice Chases. Free World has not raced on ground this soft in the UK but he should have no problems handling the ground and if jumping round he will be in with a shout at the finish. Araldur has been making haste with his chasing mark, and then beat Chapoturgeon very nicely in a novice chase last time, which could show that he is improving. Further improvement will be necessary to beat Free World here. Cheating Chance has a similar profile to Araldur and having won a handicap he went and took a novice chase, this looks much tougher.

Selection - Free World
Danger 1 - Araldur
Danger 2 - Cheating Chance


2:50 Wetherby - BLUE SQUARE HANDICAP CHASE (2 miles)

This is a very trappy handicap chase around Wetherby, in which many hold claims, the main ones being Polar Gunner, Wee Forbees and Pen Gwen. The selection is Wee Forbees whose third to Snoopy Loopy is working out rather well, and he loves ground which is soft. He is also lightly raced and has stamina if this turns into a slog. Polar Gunner is the veteran of the field at the age of 11, he loves it when the ground is testing and should run very well off his current mark. Pen Gwen is not a soft ground specialist but would hold claims if producing his best form and the likes of Euro American and Miss Pross cannot be ignored either.

Selection - Wee Forbees
Danger 1 - Polar Gunner
Danger 2 - Pen Gwen

3:05 Sandown - BEST ODDS GUARANTEED AT BETINTERNET.COM HANDICAP HURDLE (2 miles)

This is another difficult race to unravel with many last time out winners in the field. The race revolves around two points, the first is how good will Blue Shark be after his long lay off, if he is as good as he was then he will take a good deal of beating here. The second is how good are Tchico Polos and Sunnyhillboy, who are from Nicholls and O'Neill respectively. I am siding with Hernando Royal who keeps running well in defeat, he loves the soft ground and now with a swing in the weights with Sunnyhillboy and his jockeys claim he will be carrying a featherweight in this handicap. Tchico Polos won his novice hurdle very well at Wincanton when beating the highly touted Ravello Bay, he is open to plenty of improvement and could run well. He is on handicap debut so we do not know how good he is in comparison to his mark. Sunnyhillboy won a cracker last time out at Cheltenham when defying a 10lb hike in the handicap. He will have to continue that sharp progression to score once again and has to be a main danger to the selection.

Selection - Hernando Royal
Danger 1 - Sunnyhillboy
Danger 2 - Tchico Polos



3:20 Wetherby - BLUE SQUARE POKER HANDICAP CHASE (3 miles 1 furlong)

Another trappy handicap in the Scoop 6 this time over a longer trip which will increase the need for horses to go on the soft ground and stay well. One such horse is Malko De Beaumont who has won in bottomless ground over these staying trips. He is obviously in good heart and will take a lot of beating in this race. In opposition we have some useful performers with the likes of Morgan Be and Just For Men likely to be prominent in the betting. The former of those two is very good on this sort of ground and is unexposed whilst the latter may struggle to stay this distance but does look to be coming back to his best.

Selection - Malko De Beaumont
Danger 1 - Morgan Be
Danger 2 - Just For Men


3:35 Sandown - BETINTERNET.COM LONDON NATIONAL CHASE (3 miles 5 furlong)

The Scoop 6 finishes with a marathon, and a competitive one at that. The one I like is low in the weights and looks primed to run a big race. L'Aventure is the horse in question and ran an absolute beauty in the Southern National staying on really well as is her way. She gets outpaced in races and takes plenty of cajoling to get into a race but she looks certain to be running on up the hill at the finish, she should be fitter for this and could prove a bit of a shock winner. Hello Bud has an obvious chance but is rising up the handicap for the last two wins. He will be short in the market and this could be tougher for the horse. The main dangers could well be Leading Authority and Sporting Rebel, the former ran nicely in a good Wincanton listed handicap last time whilst the latter if proving his stamina should go well on seasonal reappearance.

Selection - L'Aventure
Danger 1 - Leading Authority
Danger 2 - Sporting Rebel


gl all - JB