The Inside Track

National Hunt Analysis

2.55 Haydock – Tony Star 1pt win 14/1 Bet 365, 12/1 Generally +

0.5 All The Winds 33/1 Generally

A competitive handicap, which looks sure to be run at a strong pace, and the ability to travel and jump fluently will be important.

Both selections have plenty of speed and  have form in big field handicaps.  In my opinion both will be suited by the step up to 2m4f on a flat track.

I’m sure Tony Star has a bigger performance in him than he has shown so far.  His best effort to date, was the only time he’s encountered a biggish field and a strong pace.  That day he went down by 1 and ½ lengths to Dineur, when he couldn’t quite reel him in over 2 miles. 

The Phillip Hobbs team are now in the best form that they have been in all winter which can only help Tony Stars chances.  I can see Richard Johnson sitting out the back early, and producing him with a late run up the home straight.

I can’t resist having a small bet on All The Winds at a massive price.  A decent sort on the flat who stayed 12 furlongs well.  Was progressive last summer over hurdles, but was never going to be suited to running on winter ground, and proved that when disappointing at Exeter and Cheltenham.

Now returning off a break, with ground conditions to suit, he could well outrun his price off a fly weight.  He jumped well in his early races, and shaped at Cheltenham last November like a horse who would be suited by a slightly longer trip.  Being a small horse, he is the sort that will always perform better off a low weight, in a better quality race, than carry top weight against lesser rivals.

4.05 Haydock – Grandads Horse 1pt win 13/2 VC Bet and Stan

A competitive looking handicap with 3 or 4 highly progressive sorts.  The Favourite Fourth Estate is plenty short enough at around 7/4.  He isn’t certain to stay today’s trip, and I’m always happy to take horses on at these sort of prices when there are question marks.

Grandad’s Horse is a very classy horse for Charlie Longsdon who has found his last two assignments a bit beyond him. I still view them as excellent runs though, and the fact they both came at Cheltenham in top quality races is a big positive for me. I'm not convinced it's his best track but he battled really well at the festival to be beaten only 4 lengths and I think he has the class to give the weight away today.