Inside international horse racing paddocks with form expert Susan Trevelyan-Syke
Jumps Racing
Pages
*Americas
*Americas 2009
*Zenyatta4President
*Breeders' Cup
*Breeders' Cup 2009
*Dubai World Cup
*DWC 2009
*Europe
*France
*Ireland
*UK
*Guineas
*Derby/Oaks
*Royal Ascot
*World
*Alltech FEI
*Sea The Stars
*Jumps
*Cheltenham
*Grand National
*bet365 Gold Cup
*PB Arabians
*DIARD
*PB Arabians 2009
*Links
*About Us
*Contact
*Archives/Blog
Member
Horse Writers and Photographers Association
http://www.hwpa.co.uk
Thoroughbred Bloggers Alliance
http://www.tbablogs.com
What Is in a Star?
Perfection: Kauto Star FR won his fourth consecutive King George VI Chase (Group 1) by
36 lengths and beat Arkle's record 30 lengths. Photo copyright by David Hastings.
First Sea The Stars IRE (Cape Cross IRE), who retired to stud at three years, beat everything in sight and was so good on the Flat that there is no way to accurately rate him unless the recorded greatest of all Turf horses came back to life.
Today another star, Kauto Star FR (Village Star FR), entered the legendary pantheon of Chasers.
He won his fourth consecutive William Hill King George VI Chase (Grade 1) of 3 miles by 36 lengths.
In doing so, only he and the late, beloved grey champion Desert Orchid (Grey Mirage) won four King Georges, but Dessie did not win them consecutively.
Kauto Star also bested racing idol Arkle's winning-lengths record of 30 lengths by six.
Exuding supreme confidence, he left behind a fine field of 10 others on soft-to-sticky ground (three pulled up) over 18 obstacles with exquisite, springing leaps and breezed home without idling when alone out in front for so long.
All of his critics who, over the years, questioned Kauto Star's jumping and stamina on soft ground had to eat dirt.
As he cantered over the last obstacles in front of Kempton Racecourse's record Boxing Day crowd, he delicately fluttered his front legs as if to show off how good he is.
Racecourse officials said the wildly-enthusiastic crowd came to see him win one of the two most important races for a chaser.
The other is the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
Kauto Star is 7-4 favourite to defend his 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup championship. His only rival and stablemate Denman IRE (Presenting) is on 9-4.
Their trainer Paul Nicholls said KS was fitter than ever and described the nine-year old as the "complete chaser" having pace, speed, style, stamina, perfect jumping and jockey Ruby Walsh.
Nicholls' Madison du Berlais FR (Indian River FR) came second, The Queen's home-bred Barbers Shop (Sadlers' Hall IRE) third and long-time leader, the grey Nacarat FR (Smadoum FR), fourth.
Kauto Star will probably face many of these same horses in the Cheltenham Gold Cup; it is impossible to think, after today's annihilation, he has any rivals but Denman who is "Boss" at home.
Kauto Star's Only Rival: Denman
Denman's beautiful jumping won the Hennessy Gold Cup. Photo copyright David Hastings.
Other Christmas Weekend Winners
A second Kauto Star? Stunning four-year-old Long Run FR won williamhill.com Feltham Novices' Chase by 16 lengths. Photo copyright David Hastings.
Nicky Henderson's four-year-old Long Run FR (Cadoudal FR) produced an authoratative 16-length win in the williamhill.com Feltham Novices' Chase (Grade 1) 3m, at Kempton.
Handsome Long Run was widely touted as the new Kauto Star and did not disappoint his owner Richard Waley-Cohen especially with his amateur rider son Sam on board.
Go Native IRE (Double Eclipse IRE) just held a shoulder lead over Starluck IRE (Key Of Luck USA) when he idled in front of the williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m, at Kempton. Binocular FR (Enrique), whose jumping was spotty, was third.
GN won the Newcastle Hurdle as well and, if he wins the WBX Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, he is in line for a £1 million bonus.
Favourite Sizing Europe IRE (Pistolet Blue IRE) easily took the Bord Na Mona with Nature Novice Chase (Grade 1), 2m1f, at Leopardstown.
Captain Cee Bee IRE (Germany USA) fell at the last fence in a close contest with the winner giving Osana FR (Video Rock FR) second by 5-1/2 lengths and Bobs Pride IRE (Marju IRE) third.
After four successive victories, Sizing Europe is now the Arkle favourite.
To complete an extended Christmas week, Paul Nicholls' charges claimed two more major jump races.
Nicholl's second jockey Sam Thomas travelled to Leopardstown with Ged Mason and Sir Alex Ferguson's What A Friend (Alflora IRE) for the Lexus Chase (Grade 1), 3m, and Ruby Walsh went to Newbury with Big Buck's FR (Cadoudal FR).
Joncol IRE (Bob's Return IRE) went off as one of the favourites in the prestigious Lexus and nearly made it only to be denied by What A Friend and Money Trix IRE (Old Vic) for second on the testy ground.
Thomas stayed off the pace, moved at the just the right time and kept his mount straight when the other two drifted. His firmness provided the 1/2 length win over Money Trix.
"He jumps so well, he makes life easy for you. Some people thought he was ungenuine after the way he wandered before the last in the Hennessy (losing to Denman above), but that was because he was trying so much," said Thomas.
What A Friend has been lowered to 20-1 for the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and his Hennessy conquerer Denman shortened to 2-1.
Favourite Cooldine IRE (Beneficial) was pulled up and coughed.
Frozen ground forced the Racing UK On Virgin 536 Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1), 3m1/2f for 4yo+, to be transferred from Ascot to Newbury Racecourse.
In one of the prime hurdles of the season, Walsh produced six-year-old favourite and Ladbrokes World Hurdle champion, Big Buck's (half brother to Long Run), just after Fair Along GER (Alkalde GER) faded.
Diamond Harry (Sir Harry Lewis USA) was always up with the pace and Karabak FR (Kahyasi) came from the rear to make their moves.
Big Buck's was on and off the bridle looking as if he might not make the running on the testing ground, but he rallied to win by 3-1/2 lengths ahead of Karabak and Diamond Harry.
Karabak came second to Zaynar also.
Nicholls said "He (Big Buck's) just did enough and looks rock solid now." He is solid favourite to retain his World Hurdle title.
And finally, the exceptional mare Voler La Vedette IRE (King's Theatre IRE) who slammed Champion Hurdler Go Native (above) by 13 lengths in a Grade 3, had the last word.
She took the lead in the ITBA FIllies Scheme European Breeders Fund Mares Hurdle (Listed Race), 2m4f, at Leopardstown at the final flyte to win by 2 lengths.
Her trainer Colm Murphy said she will compete in the Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle on January 21 and may go on from there to either the Kappa Champion Hurdle or the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Voler La Vedette is 7-2 for the David Nicholson, her likely target, and has been eased to 16-1 for the Champion Hurdle (from 14-1).
The boys may have some competition from the distaff side.
Zaynar 7-2 Favourite for Champion Hurdle
Zaynar, son of Daylami, won the Unicoin Homes Relkeel Hurdle.
Photo copyright by Sara Waterson
As predicted below, Zaynar Fr (Daylami IRE) has emerged as Europe's new star hurdler after his latest 6-length success in the Unicoin Homes Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m4f on soft ground at Cheltenham.
He won the Triumph Hurdle in March and the Coral Ascot Hurdle by 6 lengths on good ground last month. Jockey Barry Geraghty rode him in all his races.
His three successes give the four-year old enough appropriate experience to compete against older horses in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, according to his trainer Nicky Henderson. Zaynar will have one more run before March.
Henderson also has Binocular and Punjabi for the World Hurdle. Both have lost their most recent races.
Khyber Kim (Mujahid USA) landed 8-1 to 12-1 quotes against Zaynar in the Champion Hurdle after his impressive 2-1/2 length victory in the Boylesports.com International Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m1f, at Cheltenham.
Paddy Brennan, up against his usual nemesis Ruby Walsh on Celestial Halo for Paul Nicholls, brought his switched-off mount forward when Celestial Halo made his move on leader Ashkazar. Brennan remained motionless until he overhauled the second.
Young novice Medermit took third and Punjabi fourth. Nicky Henderson said of Punjabi "it's bloody difficult to get him ready first time out." He still has no explanation for Binocular's recent poor performance.
Nigel Twiston-Davies said Khyber Kim "has had plenty of problems." He certainly had no problems Saturday and will also have one more race before Cheltenham.
Poquelin FR (Lahint USA) redeemed the Nicholls/Walsh team with an easy 7-length victory over admirable Razor Royale who led for much of the Boylesports.com Gold Cup (Grade 3), 2m5f, on Cheltenham's New course.
Ruby Walsh proudly explained "He jumped like a stag today." It was effortless.
Twist Magic stamps his magical 15-length authority on the Tingle Creek Chase.
Photo copyright by David Hastings
Twist Magic FR (Winged Love IRE) won the Keith Prowse Hospitality Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1), 2m, at Sandown Park by 15 lengths which has pushed the 7yo up to the top of the Chasers' List over Kauto Star and Denman.
Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh have almost all the major races covered except for the emergence of Zaynar, Khyber Kim, Somersby and Deep Purple.
Henrietta Knight supporters were thrilled with the emergence of the handsome, elegant, 5yo Somersby IRE (Second Empire IRE) in the Henry VIII Chase at Sandown last week with A P McCoy on board.
Her training career seemed to fade with the death of nationally beloved Best Mate and after his owner Joe Lewis took all his horses to Paul Nicholls.
Knight and her partner Terry Biddlecombe found Somersby "in the raw--he hadn't even been named. We saw him jumping plastic hurdles and Terry said this one will do."
Somersby, whom Knight described as high strung, "goes around on his own, but it doesn't matter because he is so much better than the other horses."
He was over two seconds faster than Twist Magic in the Tingle Creek and will have one more race before Cheltenham. He is 9-1 for the Arkle Chase.
Evan Williams worried about Huntingdon's ground and conceding weight to other horses in the Grade 2 Peterborough Chase, 2m4f, but his Deep Purple (Halling USA) had no trouble asserting a 6-length victory over Tartak with Paul Maloney on board.
This former novice chaser has convinced many that he is a future major player.
Denman's Back and on Form
Denman ready to roll at his home barn. Photo by Sara Waterson (copyright)
And then there is Denman.
What does one say about a force of nature?
He is a chaser who can jump any fence with perfect grace no matter how high and wear down all competitors over the longest distances and barely break a sweat.
The nine-year old son of Presenting recovered from heart arrhythmia to win his second Hennessy Gold Cup Chase (Handicap), Grade 3, over 3m2-1/2f on good/soft/heavy/testy ground at Newbury Racecourse.
He joins iconic Arkle and Mandarin as the only horses to have won two Hennessys.
He joins best buddy Kauto Star FR as 2.1 joint favourites for the Cheltenham Gold Cup guaranteeing their fans a frenzied renewal of the competition between these two outstanding chasers and their partisans.
To Imperial Commander's credit in the Haydock Betfair Chase where he almost defeated Kauto Star, experts see him as the only horse who has a shot at beating these two.
Kauto Star needed the race, looking a bit rusty, and Imperial Commander improved.
IC and KS may confront each other again in Kempton's King George on Boxing Day.
From the looks of Denman IRE at the Hennessy, he could beat the two of them with hobbled hooves.
He ran down a really fine field including the second, stablemate What A Friend ridden by his former jockey Sam Thomas, Niche Market and The Queen's Barbers Shop.
Thomas drove his What A Friend from Denman's far right to challenge only WAF turned to his friend Denman, briefly lost concentration, and was ignored by the Pro who never took his eyes off the winning post.
That incident explains something about Denman. He wants to be out in front at the right time, seems to know when that time is and lets nothing stop him from showing how good he is and winning.
For example, he ran a sleepy first turn until he got to the big water jump in front of the stands where he made one of his life-defying leaps into the beyond to thunderous applause. He is a real Showman.
People underrate horse's intelligence and, in his early chasing days, they underestimated Denman's.
Sam Thomas did not and formed a loving partnership with the massive gelding; they grew up together professionally.
Ruby Walsh has not had such an easy relationship with the fussy Boss horse, but he showed his experience in grabbing the super-relaxed Denman's attention by moving him all over the pack until they jelled near the end.
At that point, Denman would never be thwarted even with his beloved Thomas on board a challenging stablemate.
Thomas, who rode Sir Alex Ferguson's What A Friend brilliantly, took his double loss philosophically and has reason to hope he and Denman will be reunited at Cheltenham with Walsh riding Kauto Star.
The two pairs have beaten each other once in the Gold Cup so they will rematch for two out of three.
Their trainer who also has Big Buck's, Paul Nicholls, was so choked up at Denman's victory in front of a record Newbury crowd that he could barely speak, but co-owner Harry Findley admitted that he babbled on like a star-struck teenager.
Others claimed near heart attacks or screamed-out voices for the horse they feared might not make it.
They and Walsh could have trusted his cool, moseying gait. This is a powerhouse of a horse who knows when to run down the opposition and, like all the greats, does just enough to dominate.
Before he beat Kauto Star in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, he looked so forlorn. No one paid any attention to him with the charismatic KC around including Nicholls.
No one will fail to pay attention to him anymore.
For he is Denman.
Chase and Hurdle Odds Changed Dramatically
Saturday's racing at Newbury and Newcastle tossed all early odds for big races later in the season.
Big Buck's FR (Cadoudal FR) cruised through Newbury's sportingbet.com Long Distance Hurdle, Grade 2, 3m1/2f, for 4yo+ and cantered six lengths ahead of plucky Lough Derg and his stablemade Duc de Regniere.
Trainer Paul Nicholls has finally acknowledged that the six-year old is in the same league as his stable stars Kauto Star and Denman.
The gorgeous colt shot to the head of World Hurdle favourites along with Diamond Harry and Zaynar.
Noel Meade sprung a surprise at Newcastle in the WBS.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle, Grade 1, 2m, when his 25.1 Go Native IRE (Double Eclipse) beat out Sublimity by 2-1/2 lengths and 8.15 Solwhit third by another 3-1/4 lengths.
Go Native's jockey David Condon, who remained motionless for most of the race until he kicked on, said "He had loads of gears, cruising speed and really quickens".
He has now moved up the bookies' lists for the World Hurdle which is still led by Binocular.
FF favourite Binocular FR (Enrique) looked magnificent, ran keen and then lost his puff to finish fifth out of seven. His trainer Nicky Henderson had no explanation except that both he and the horse left Newcastle very dejected.
And then there is Denman IRE (Presenting) who won his second Hennessy Gold Cup Chase (Handicap), Grade 3, at Newbury to record crowds. He is now 2.1 joint favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup with his stablemate Kauto Star.
Another green plaque for Kauto Star's door after winning Haydock's Betfair Chase
by the tip of his nose. Photo copyright by Sara Waterson
Duel Cheltenham Gold Cup Champion in 2007 and 2009, Kauto Star FR (Village Star FR) made his season debut at Haydock's Grade 1 Betfair Chase, 24f on soft ground.
He ran a good but choppy race under Ruby Walsh and was closely tracked by a much-improved Imperial Commander IRE (Flemensfirth USA), winner of last season's Grade 1 Ryanair Chase.
Their yo-yo battle provided one of the most thrilling early races of the season with an uncertain ending until the photo showed Kauto Star won by the tip of his nose.
Even Walsh thought he lost until the declaration.
Paddy Brennan gave Imperial Commander the ride of both of their lives with the horse showing great innate competitiveness and guts in launching himself after KS at the end before his jockey could respond.
It had to be very disappointing for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and Brennan. They proved their horse stays and has a brilliant future.
Trainer Paul Nicholls said KS needed his race and was ready now to make history by winning his fourth King George VI Chase--a first in the race's 72-years. Needless to say, he will defend his Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
Zaynar: New Star Hurdler
The stunning looking four-year-old grey Zaynar FR (Daylami IRE) earned himself a 5-1 quote for next year's Smurfit Kapp Champion Hurdle after beating 9-4 joint favourite Karabak FR (Kahyasi IRE) by six lengths in the Coral Ascot Hurdle (Grade 2), 1m3-1/2f.
Zaynar's trainer Nicky Henderson seemed as surprised as anyone in saying "I haven't a clue where to go now. That was the first step and I've got to keep him, Binocular and Punjabi apart. I'd be surprised if we're talking World Hurdle with this one."
From the looks of the horse's classy win, it will difficult to justify keeping him out of the race to his owners Men In Our Position.
Binocular, favourite for the World Hurdle, races in the WBX.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.
Great Day for the Irish Thanks to Tranquil Sea
Tranquil Sea IRE (Sea Raven IRE) ended a 29-year drought for Ireland when he won the Grade 3 Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, 2m4-1/2f, 15 fences on soft ground.
Andrew McNamara gave Tranquil Sea a flawless ride to beat Paul Nicholls' Poquelin FR by 4-1/2 lengths.
Edward J O'Grady, from the legendary Hogan clan, broke Ireland's losing streak with one of the most promising and exciting 7yo chasers to emerge this season.
A wonderful bonus is that Cheltenham Racecourse announced the launch of a special money-back offer on ticket purchases for Wednesday, March 17, 2010 (St Patrick's Day), second day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Another offer for anyone buying a £35 Tattersalls ticket for March 17, will get a full refund if there are no Irish-trained winners at The Festival.
There is no way there won't be Irish-trained winners every day. The Irish send over their best horses and trainers for the sold-out crowds of Irish who fly over for the entire Meet.
Perfection: Kauto Star FR won his fourth consecutive King George VI Chase (Group 1) by
36 lengths and beat Arkle's record 30 lengths. Photo copyright by David Hastings.
First Sea The Stars IRE (Cape Cross IRE), who retired to stud at three years, beat everything in sight and was so good on the Flat that there is no way to accurately rate him unless the recorded greatest of all Turf horses came back to life.
Today another star, Kauto Star FR (Village Star FR), entered the legendary pantheon of Chasers.
He won his fourth consecutive William Hill King George VI Chase (Grade 1) of 3 miles by 36 lengths.
In doing so, only he and the late, beloved grey champion Desert Orchid (Grey Mirage) won four King Georges, but Dessie did not win them consecutively.
Kauto Star also bested racing idol Arkle's winning-lengths record of 30 lengths by six.
Exuding supreme confidence, he left behind a fine field of 10 others on soft-to-sticky ground (three pulled up) over 18 obstacles with exquisite, springing leaps and breezed home without idling when alone out in front for so long.
All of his critics who, over the years, questioned Kauto Star's jumping and stamina on soft ground had to eat dirt.
As he cantered over the last obstacles in front of Kempton Racecourse's record Boxing Day crowd, he delicately fluttered his front legs as if to show off how good he is.
Racecourse officials said the wildly-enthusiastic crowd came to see him win one of the two most important races for a chaser.
The other is the Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
Kauto Star is 7-4 favourite to defend his 2009 Cheltenham Gold Cup championship. His only rival and stablemate Denman IRE (Presenting) is on 9-4.
Their trainer Paul Nicholls said KS was fitter than ever and described the nine-year old as the "complete chaser" having pace, speed, style, stamina, perfect jumping and jockey Ruby Walsh.
Nicholls' Madison du Berlais FR (Indian River FR) came second, The Queen's home-bred Barbers Shop (Sadlers' Hall IRE) third and long-time leader, the grey Nacarat FR (Smadoum FR), fourth.
Kauto Star will probably face many of these same horses in the Cheltenham Gold Cup; it is impossible to think, after today's annihilation, he has any rivals but Denman who is "Boss" at home.
Kauto Star's Only Rival: Denman
Denman's beautiful jumping won the Hennessy Gold Cup. Photo copyright David Hastings.
Other Christmas Weekend Winners
A second Kauto Star? Stunning four-year-old Long Run FR won williamhill.com Feltham Novices' Chase by 16 lengths. Photo copyright David Hastings.
Nicky Henderson's four-year-old Long Run FR (Cadoudal FR) produced an authoratative 16-length win in the williamhill.com Feltham Novices' Chase (Grade 1) 3m, at Kempton.
Handsome Long Run was widely touted as the new Kauto Star and did not disappoint his owner Richard Waley-Cohen especially with his amateur rider son Sam on board.
Go Native IRE (Double Eclipse IRE) just held a shoulder lead over Starluck IRE (Key Of Luck USA) when he idled in front of the williamhill.com Christmas Hurdle (Grade 1) 2m, at Kempton. Binocular FR (Enrique), whose jumping was spotty, was third.
GN won the Newcastle Hurdle as well and, if he wins the WBX Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham, he is in line for a £1 million bonus.
Favourite Sizing Europe IRE (Pistolet Blue IRE) easily took the Bord Na Mona with Nature Novice Chase (Grade 1), 2m1f, at Leopardstown.
Captain Cee Bee IRE (Germany USA) fell at the last fence in a close contest with the winner giving Osana FR (Video Rock FR) second by 5-1/2 lengths and Bobs Pride IRE (Marju IRE) third.
After four successive victories, Sizing Europe is now the Arkle favourite.
To complete an extended Christmas week, Paul Nicholls' charges claimed two more major jump races.
Nicholl's second jockey Sam Thomas travelled to Leopardstown with Ged Mason and Sir Alex Ferguson's What A Friend (Alflora IRE) for the Lexus Chase (Grade 1), 3m, and Ruby Walsh went to Newbury with Big Buck's FR (Cadoudal FR).
Joncol IRE (Bob's Return IRE) went off as one of the favourites in the prestigious Lexus and nearly made it only to be denied by What A Friend and Money Trix IRE (Old Vic) for second on the testy ground.
Thomas stayed off the pace, moved at the just the right time and kept his mount straight when the other two drifted. His firmness provided the 1/2 length win over Money Trix.
"He jumps so well, he makes life easy for you. Some people thought he was ungenuine after the way he wandered before the last in the Hennessy (losing to Denman above), but that was because he was trying so much," said Thomas.
What A Friend has been lowered to 20-1 for the Totesport Cheltenham Gold Cup and his Hennessy conquerer Denman shortened to 2-1.
Favourite Cooldine IRE (Beneficial) was pulled up and coughed.
Frozen ground forced the Racing UK On Virgin 536 Long Walk Hurdle (Grade 1), 3m1/2f for 4yo+, to be transferred from Ascot to Newbury Racecourse.
In one of the prime hurdles of the season, Walsh produced six-year-old favourite and Ladbrokes World Hurdle champion, Big Buck's (half brother to Long Run), just after Fair Along GER (Alkalde GER) faded.
Diamond Harry (Sir Harry Lewis USA) was always up with the pace and Karabak FR (Kahyasi) came from the rear to make their moves.
Big Buck's was on and off the bridle looking as if he might not make the running on the testing ground, but he rallied to win by 3-1/2 lengths ahead of Karabak and Diamond Harry.
Karabak came second to Zaynar also.
Nicholls said "He (Big Buck's) just did enough and looks rock solid now." He is solid favourite to retain his World Hurdle title.
And finally, the exceptional mare Voler La Vedette IRE (King's Theatre IRE) who slammed Champion Hurdler Go Native (above) by 13 lengths in a Grade 3, had the last word.
She took the lead in the ITBA FIllies Scheme European Breeders Fund Mares Hurdle (Listed Race), 2m4f, at Leopardstown at the final flyte to win by 2 lengths.
Her trainer Colm Murphy said she will compete in the Toshiba Irish Champion Hurdle on January 21 and may go on from there to either the Kappa Champion Hurdle or the David Nicholson Mares' Hurdle at Cheltenham.
Voler La Vedette is 7-2 for the David Nicholson, her likely target, and has been eased to 16-1 for the Champion Hurdle (from 14-1).
The boys may have some competition from the distaff side.
Zaynar 7-2 Favourite for Champion Hurdle
Zaynar, son of Daylami, won the Unicoin Homes Relkeel Hurdle.
Photo copyright by Sara Waterson
As predicted below, Zaynar Fr (Daylami IRE) has emerged as Europe's new star hurdler after his latest 6-length success in the Unicoin Homes Relkeel Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m4f on soft ground at Cheltenham.
He won the Triumph Hurdle in March and the Coral Ascot Hurdle by 6 lengths on good ground last month. Jockey Barry Geraghty rode him in all his races.
His three successes give the four-year old enough appropriate experience to compete against older horses in the Smurfit Kappa Champion Hurdle, according to his trainer Nicky Henderson. Zaynar will have one more run before March.
Henderson also has Binocular and Punjabi for the World Hurdle. Both have lost their most recent races.
Khyber Kim (Mujahid USA) landed 8-1 to 12-1 quotes against Zaynar in the Champion Hurdle after his impressive 2-1/2 length victory in the Boylesports.com International Hurdle (Grade 2), 2m1f, at Cheltenham.
Paddy Brennan, up against his usual nemesis Ruby Walsh on Celestial Halo for Paul Nicholls, brought his switched-off mount forward when Celestial Halo made his move on leader Ashkazar. Brennan remained motionless until he overhauled the second.
Young novice Medermit took third and Punjabi fourth. Nicky Henderson said of Punjabi "it's bloody difficult to get him ready first time out." He still has no explanation for Binocular's recent poor performance.
Nigel Twiston-Davies said Khyber Kim "has had plenty of problems." He certainly had no problems Saturday and will also have one more race before Cheltenham.
Poquelin FR (Lahint USA) redeemed the Nicholls/Walsh team with an easy 7-length victory over admirable Razor Royale who led for much of the Boylesports.com Gold Cup (Grade 3), 2m5f, on Cheltenham's New course.
Ruby Walsh proudly explained "He jumped like a stag today." It was effortless.
Twist Magic stamps his magical 15-length authority on the Tingle Creek Chase.
Photo copyright by David Hastings
Twist Magic FR (Winged Love IRE) won the Keith Prowse Hospitality Tingle Creek Chase (Grade 1), 2m, at Sandown Park by 15 lengths which has pushed the 7yo up to the top of the Chasers' List over Kauto Star and Denman.
Paul Nicholls and Ruby Walsh have almost all the major races covered except for the emergence of Zaynar, Khyber Kim, Somersby and Deep Purple.
Henrietta Knight supporters were thrilled with the emergence of the handsome, elegant, 5yo Somersby IRE (Second Empire IRE) in the Henry VIII Chase at Sandown last week with A P McCoy on board.
Her training career seemed to fade with the death of nationally beloved Best Mate and after his owner Joe Lewis took all his horses to Paul Nicholls.
Knight and her partner Terry Biddlecombe found Somersby "in the raw--he hadn't even been named. We saw him jumping plastic hurdles and Terry said this one will do."
Somersby, whom Knight described as high strung, "goes around on his own, but it doesn't matter because he is so much better than the other horses."
He was over two seconds faster than Twist Magic in the Tingle Creek and will have one more race before Cheltenham. He is 9-1 for the Arkle Chase.
Evan Williams worried about Huntingdon's ground and conceding weight to other horses in the Grade 2 Peterborough Chase, 2m4f, but his Deep Purple (Halling USA) had no trouble asserting a 6-length victory over Tartak with Paul Maloney on board.
This former novice chaser has convinced many that he is a future major player.
Denman's Back and on Form
Denman ready to roll at his home barn. Photo by Sara Waterson (copyright)
And then there is Denman.
What does one say about a force of nature?
He is a chaser who can jump any fence with perfect grace no matter how high and wear down all competitors over the longest distances and barely break a sweat.
The nine-year old son of Presenting recovered from heart arrhythmia to win his second Hennessy Gold Cup Chase (Handicap), Grade 3, over 3m2-1/2f on good/soft/heavy/testy ground at Newbury Racecourse.
He joins iconic Arkle and Mandarin as the only horses to have won two Hennessys.
He joins best buddy Kauto Star FR as 2.1 joint favourites for the Cheltenham Gold Cup guaranteeing their fans a frenzied renewal of the competition between these two outstanding chasers and their partisans.
To Imperial Commander's credit in the Haydock Betfair Chase where he almost defeated Kauto Star, experts see him as the only horse who has a shot at beating these two.
Kauto Star needed the race, looking a bit rusty, and Imperial Commander improved.
IC and KS may confront each other again in Kempton's King George on Boxing Day.
From the looks of Denman IRE at the Hennessy, he could beat the two of them with hobbled hooves.
He ran down a really fine field including the second, stablemate What A Friend ridden by his former jockey Sam Thomas, Niche Market and The Queen's Barbers Shop.
Thomas drove his What A Friend from Denman's far right to challenge only WAF turned to his friend Denman, briefly lost concentration, and was ignored by the Pro who never took his eyes off the winning post.
That incident explains something about Denman. He wants to be out in front at the right time, seems to know when that time is and lets nothing stop him from showing how good he is and winning.
For example, he ran a sleepy first turn until he got to the big water jump in front of the stands where he made one of his life-defying leaps into the beyond to thunderous applause. He is a real Showman.
People underrate horse's intelligence and, in his early chasing days, they underestimated Denman's.
Sam Thomas did not and formed a loving partnership with the massive gelding; they grew up together professionally.
Ruby Walsh has not had such an easy relationship with the fussy Boss horse, but he showed his experience in grabbing the super-relaxed Denman's attention by moving him all over the pack until they jelled near the end.
At that point, Denman would never be thwarted even with his beloved Thomas on board a challenging stablemate.
Thomas, who rode Sir Alex Ferguson's What A Friend brilliantly, took his double loss philosophically and has reason to hope he and Denman will be reunited at Cheltenham with Walsh riding Kauto Star.
The two pairs have beaten each other once in the Gold Cup so they will rematch for two out of three.
Their trainer who also has Big Buck's, Paul Nicholls, was so choked up at Denman's victory in front of a record Newbury crowd that he could barely speak, but co-owner Harry Findley admitted that he babbled on like a star-struck teenager.
Others claimed near heart attacks or screamed-out voices for the horse they feared might not make it.
They and Walsh could have trusted his cool, moseying gait. This is a powerhouse of a horse who knows when to run down the opposition and, like all the greats, does just enough to dominate.
Before he beat Kauto Star in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, he looked so forlorn. No one paid any attention to him with the charismatic KC around including Nicholls.
No one will fail to pay attention to him anymore.
For he is Denman.
Chase and Hurdle Odds Changed Dramatically
Saturday's racing at Newbury and Newcastle tossed all early odds for big races later in the season.
Big Buck's FR (Cadoudal FR) cruised through Newbury's sportingbet.com Long Distance Hurdle, Grade 2, 3m1/2f, for 4yo+ and cantered six lengths ahead of plucky Lough Derg and his stablemade Duc de Regniere.
Trainer Paul Nicholls has finally acknowledged that the six-year old is in the same league as his stable stars Kauto Star and Denman.
The gorgeous colt shot to the head of World Hurdle favourites along with Diamond Harry and Zaynar.
Noel Meade sprung a surprise at Newcastle in the WBS.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle, Grade 1, 2m, when his 25.1 Go Native IRE (Double Eclipse) beat out Sublimity by 2-1/2 lengths and 8.15 Solwhit third by another 3-1/4 lengths.
Go Native's jockey David Condon, who remained motionless for most of the race until he kicked on, said "He had loads of gears, cruising speed and really quickens".
He has now moved up the bookies' lists for the World Hurdle which is still led by Binocular.
FF favourite Binocular FR (Enrique) looked magnificent, ran keen and then lost his puff to finish fifth out of seven. His trainer Nicky Henderson had no explanation except that both he and the horse left Newcastle very dejected.
And then there is Denman IRE (Presenting) who won his second Hennessy Gold Cup Chase (Handicap), Grade 3, at Newbury to record crowds. He is now 2.1 joint favourite for the Cheltenham Gold Cup with his stablemate Kauto Star.
Another green plaque for Kauto Star's door after winning Haydock's Betfair Chase
by the tip of his nose. Photo copyright by Sara Waterson
Duel Cheltenham Gold Cup Champion in 2007 and 2009, Kauto Star FR (Village Star FR) made his season debut at Haydock's Grade 1 Betfair Chase, 24f on soft ground.
He ran a good but choppy race under Ruby Walsh and was closely tracked by a much-improved Imperial Commander IRE (Flemensfirth USA), winner of last season's Grade 1 Ryanair Chase.
Their yo-yo battle provided one of the most thrilling early races of the season with an uncertain ending until the photo showed Kauto Star won by the tip of his nose.
Even Walsh thought he lost until the declaration.
Paddy Brennan gave Imperial Commander the ride of both of their lives with the horse showing great innate competitiveness and guts in launching himself after KS at the end before his jockey could respond.
It had to be very disappointing for trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies and Brennan. They proved their horse stays and has a brilliant future.
Trainer Paul Nicholls said KS needed his race and was ready now to make history by winning his fourth King George VI Chase--a first in the race's 72-years. Needless to say, he will defend his Cheltenham Gold Cup in March.
Zaynar: New Star Hurdler
The stunning looking four-year-old grey Zaynar FR (Daylami IRE) earned himself a 5-1 quote for next year's Smurfit Kapp Champion Hurdle after beating 9-4 joint favourite Karabak FR (Kahyasi IRE) by six lengths in the Coral Ascot Hurdle (Grade 2), 1m3-1/2f.
Zaynar's trainer Nicky Henderson seemed as surprised as anyone in saying "I haven't a clue where to go now. That was the first step and I've got to keep him, Binocular and Punjabi apart. I'd be surprised if we're talking World Hurdle with this one."
From the looks of the horse's classy win, it will difficult to justify keeping him out of the race to his owners Men In Our Position.
Binocular, favourite for the World Hurdle, races in the WBX.com Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle on Saturday.
Great Day for the Irish Thanks to Tranquil Sea
Tranquil Sea IRE (Sea Raven IRE) ended a 29-year drought for Ireland when he won the Grade 3 Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase at Cheltenham, 2m4-1/2f, 15 fences on soft ground.
Andrew McNamara gave Tranquil Sea a flawless ride to beat Paul Nicholls' Poquelin FR by 4-1/2 lengths.
Edward J O'Grady, from the legendary Hogan clan, broke Ireland's losing streak with one of the most promising and exciting 7yo chasers to emerge this season.
A wonderful bonus is that Cheltenham Racecourse announced the launch of a special money-back offer on ticket purchases for Wednesday, March 17, 2010 (St Patrick's Day), second day of the Cheltenham Festival.
Another offer for anyone buying a £35 Tattersalls ticket for March 17, will get a full refund if there are no Irish-trained winners at The Festival.
There is no way there won't be Irish-trained winners every day. The Irish send over their best horses and trainers for the sold-out crowds of Irish who fly over for the entire Meet.
