Thursday 20 November 2008

KICKING KING IS RETIRED

Today came the sad news that Kicking King has been retired because of his recent poor performances, there is no doubt that he wasn't up to his Gold Cup winning best. So KK have a happy retirement!!!

There is a good days racing at Exeter and Ascot tomorrow. Mad Max must win the Ascot opener for the in-form Nicky Henderson. The selection won a grade 2 bumper at Newbury and if fit enough should breeze home. The main danger will be Karabak, who showed good form in bumpers and stable does well with novice hurdlers.

Massinis Maguire can win the 1-30, he was 4th last time out, just 9l behind PP Gold Cup winner Imperial Commander. He has very good form to his name and the main danger will be Slash and Burn. The 2-05 looks like a battle between Dee Ee Williams and Shoreacres, i fancy Dee Ee Williams to come out on top after winning possibly the hottest novice hurdle event of the year at Cheltenham last time out. He can score again for my local trainer, Nick Gifford.

Soulard can win the next after having a couple of warm up runs over hurdles and should be fully wound up for his return to fences. Soleil Fix could be better on this slightly firmer ground and could reward e/w support. Dishdasha can run well in the last, now back at a more modest level after coming 4th of 5th behind Chomba Womba. He came second in a similar event at Aintree and can be in the frame at the end of this race.

The only horse I would back at Exeter is Passato, he showed markable improvement on his handicap debut and he is related to a group 1 winner so should make his present felt. 

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