Well I Declare: 20th October

Well I Declare: 20th October

Mal Boyle’s final preview of the week focuses on the action planned for Ascot, Catterick, Cheltenham, Kelso & Wolverhampton. With racinmg both North and South of the Border and a good mix of Flat, NH and All-weather, there should be something for everyone today on…

…SATURDAY 20/10:

Ascot:

General stats: James Fanshawe is one of the few trainers who can boast a 19% strike at Ascot (10/52) during the last five years, whilst it’s worth noting that the trainer has not saddled a juvenile at the racecourse during the study period.

Catterick:

General stats: Ed Dunlop is making up for a poor season (by his high standards) late doors to a fashion and anything that Ed sends to Catterick is worth a second glance via his 3/5 ratio.

‘Catterick Dash’ scheduled for 2.50: Four-year-olds have secured six of the last ten contests.

Seven furlong juvenile event scheduled for 3.25: Mark Johnston has saddled three of the last ten winners.  Four of the last seven favourites have obliged.

Cheltenham:

General stats: Make of these level stake figures what you well at Cheltenham during the last five years; Nicky Henderson has accrued forty points of profit, against a loss of seventy-seven by Paul Nicholls.  Don’t shoot the messenger!

Class 2 handicap chase scheduled for 2.30: Six-year-olds have secured five of the last nine contests.

Three mile handicap chase scheduled for 3.40: We still await the first successful favourite following five renewals.  Eight-year-olds have won three of the five contests thus far.  Philip Hobbs had secured a medal of each colour before the trainer ‘upped the ante’ by securing a second winner twelve months ago.  Just like last year, Balthazar King was Philip’s only option at the five-day stage.

Class 3 handicap hurdle over two miles and five furlongs scheduled for 4.20: The last eight winners have carried a maximum burden of 11-2.

Bumper event scheduled for 5.30: Eight renewals have passed by since the last favourite obliged, whilst five-year-olds have secured six of the last ten contests.

Kelso:

General stats: Only Nicky Richards (23 winners) can beat Lucinda’s figures at Kelso (22) during the last five years, as mentioned in the first part of this week’s content.

Class 4 handicap hurdle scheduled for 3.50:  No winning favourite recorded since 2004 (seven renewals).

Wolverhampton:

General stats: Conveniently ignoring runaway leader Mark Johnston (mentioned earlier in despatches), it’s worth noting that three other leading trainers have saddled plenty of winners at Wolverhampton during the last five years, namely Kevin Ryan (61), Richard Fahey (60) and Tom Dascombe (56).