On Tingle Creek Day, it’s a good time to reflect on that season from Kauto Star in 2006/07.
Yes, it’s not original, but he’s my all-time favourite horse and to win the Tingle Creek, King George, and Gold Cup in the same season will never happen again.
Hopefully, my Saturday selections can somewhat replicate that level of historical greatness, so let’s give these fancies a go.
1:15 Sandown – Henri The Second @ 5/1 with William Hill – 1pt Win
Once upon a time, I thought Henri The Second would win a Challow Novices’ Hurdle.
With a current rating of 125, it’s fair to say I got it slightly wrong.
In fairness, he did win the Grade 2 Winter Novices’ Hurdle in 2022 when beating Henry’s Friend, fifth in last week’s Coral Gold Cup, but he’s had a fair share of issues since.
His form over hurdles and in bumpers is really smart. He beat Authorised Speed in an Ascot bumper three years ago and then finished second to Chianti Classico at Chepstow two starts later.
Last season, he didn’t take to fences and then had 364 days off the track before his reappearance at Sandown last month when he finished a fine fourth of nine.
He’ll come on plenty for that considering he wasn’t asked too many questions, and softer conditions should suit him nicely.
I think he’s better than his current rating, and considering he’s a half-brother to Enrilo, the step up to three miles should encourage further improvement.
1:32 Aintree – No Risk Des Flos @ 11/2 with William Hill (3 places) – 1pt EW
As Andrew Blair White attests, following No Risk Des Flos is for the brave and bold.
I’ve never backed him before, but Saturday is where that changes as he looks well-weighted to go nicely.
His last winning mark was 134 and he also won off 127 before that, so a current rating of 126 gives him a chance, especially considering the handicapper dropped him 1lb for finishing second to L’Eau du Sud at Stratford in October.
Olly Murphy tried him over three miles towards the end of last season which he didn’t enjoy. For a 1m7f winner, it was a big ask.
You can understand why he attempted the trip. He’s a half-brother to Vision Des Flos who beat Royale Pagaille in a novice chase over three miles, but his best efforts came over 2m4f or shorter.
Arguably, his best efforts of the last two seasons have come when fairly fresh.
He won on his second start of the season two years ago and he finished a fair third on his second start of the season 12 months ago.
Saturday is his second start after a wind-op, and with his lenient mark, I’m chancing him here.
2:25 Sandown – Spirit d’Aunou @ 11/1 with Bet365 (3 places) – 1pt EW
By the power of deduction, I don’t have a reason to oppose last year’s winner Spirit d’Aunou off a workable mark of 133.
Willmount may need the run, Altobelli has the Ladbroke as his big aim, I have questions about Nemean Lion and Knickerblockerglory off their current marks, Stream Of Stars should dislike the ground, and Zambezi Fix may lack the class.
Knickerblockerglory could make me look silly as he won first-time-out last season and I’m worried about Royal Way, the other Gary & Josh Moore-trained runner, on his third run in a handicap, but I think there are upsides to backing Spirit d’Aunou.
As mentioned, he won this last year when putting 17 lengths between himself and the third Punta Del Este, a horse who improved 13lbs subsequently.
He runs off just a four-pound higher mark and Niall Houlihan has, I assume, chosen him over his younger stablemate.
He loves softer conditions and he travels so well into his races. Hopefully, connections have earmarked this day for him as he looks to have a great chance.
