Betting it all on the Farm
THE race formerly known as the Hennessy has a new title this year and there will be a fresh trainer’s name on the trophy if SINGLE FARM PAYMENT (Newbury, 3.00) can land this prestigious event.
Tom George is yet to add his name to an illustrious roll-call of trainers who have secured one of jump racing’s most illustrious races. But he landed a nice prize at Ascot last weekend and his seven-year-old looks primed to run a careerbest today.
The ability to travel strongly and jump with precision in big-field handicap chases is a highly prized commodity and George’s gelding has displayed those traits on more than one occasion in a six-chase career.
The quiet riding style of Adrian Heskin could well have imparted confidence in Single farm payment and the duo’s form figures make impressive reading given the level at which they have competed.
A recent spin at Cheltenham behind Cogry should have blown away a few cobwebs and the selection has won in each of the last two Decembers after being tuned up by his reappearance.
The shortlist is a weighty one with American and Total Recall to be feared. The former needs cut in the ground to display his best, but he proved last season that, given any ease in conditions, he becomes a formidable rival.
Total Recall made a mockery of his handicap mark on his first start for Willie Mullins at Limerick, turning the Munster National into a rout.
An 18lb hike may not be enough to stop his progress and his wily trainer was keen not to make the same mistake he did with Djakadam and arrive at Newbury without a run.
Others to consider at bigger prices include last year’s runner-up Carole’s Destrier, who boasts a good record fresh, and the first-time-blinkered Missed Approach, who likes this venue. I would also be wary of writing off Coneygree just yet.
The 2015 Gold Cup winner was a disappointment at Wetherby, but the drop back into a handicap at a track which suits him well could spark a big performance.
Siding with Alex Ferguson on a Saturday afternoon was a pretty profitable strategy if you were a football punter, but his namesake is entrusted with the nap aboard HIGH
BRIDGE (Newbury, nap, 2.25). With a record of two wins from as many starts at the venue, there is no issue with the track for Ben Pauling’s gelding, who warmed up with an excellent display at Ascot.