Saturday 3rd February 2018

It’s been another sad week in the world of horse racing, top Northern trainer Malcolm Jefferson sadly passed away on Friday. I didn’t know Mr Jefferson, but he always came across as a gentleman when seen on TV. One of his career highlights would have been training two winners at the 2012 Cheltenham Festival, Cape Tribulation & Attaglance. It’s good to read his daughter, Ruth Jefferson will keep the yard going and train the horses.

A fantastic day of racing is ahead, Leopardstown hold their Dublin Racing Festival. It’s a cracking card and like a day at the Cheltenham Festival.

It will be interesting to see how Faugheen runs in the 3:30, personally I couldn’t touch him after his last run. Even if he bolts up I’m adamant he won’t be beating Buveur D’Air “also runs today” in the Champion Hurdle. Melon or Defi Du Seuil will likely pick up the pieces if Faugheen doesn’t give his running. I’d prefer to back those two against Faugheen.

Staying at Leopardstown, connections of Yorkhill have given up the idea of turning him into a Gold Cup horse. Yorkhill was a none stayer over three miles and now runs back over a suitable distance. I don't like the way he's been messed about. Yorkhill takes on Min, another Mullins runner. I can forgive Min’s last effort, he won the race but lost it in the steward’s room. The effort was below par but came at a time the yards horses weren’t in great form. I hope we see the real Min today, if we do he'll take the beating. The price of 5-2 is very fair. I’ve also backed Min antepost for the Champion Chase as highlighted a good few times on here.

I hope Dr Newland’s Dashing Perk wins the 3:00 at Sandown for obvious reasons. However, at a big price I can’t ignore Beat That at odds of 16-1. So many of the shorter prices horses have no form over 3 miles and never tried this trip. The going at Sandown is soft, runners will need to stay every yard to get up that Sandown hill.

Beat That didn’t take to chasing but is classy over hurdles, won off 151. Top weights have a poor record in this race but with plenty of stamina doubts and 5 places on offer, the Nicky Henderson trained horse will give you a run for your money at a big price. I’ve had a small EW bet.

Final Nudge will enjoy the drop back in trip in the 3:35 at Sandown. He ran a cracker in the Welsh National finishing 3^rd. This run comes quick enough after such a test but the race looks ideal. Providing Final Nudge gives his running, he should go well at odds of 7-1 EW.

Over at Musselburgh it Edinburgh National day. Missed Approach is my idea of the winner. This extreme test won’t be a problem for Missed Approach who keeps running well in such races as this. Odds of 11-2 EW are ok.

I've gone for some value today, it doesn't always work out but i'd much prefer to have a few running for us at bigger prices rather than a buch of skinny ones.