bettrends.co.uk

REVIEW OF LAST WEEK
DUC DE REGNIERE ran a fine race under top weight in the Lanzarote Hurdle to finish second. Once again it showed how well he runs at Kempton and he is clearly a versatile horse. Hopefully he will revert to fences soon though as I believe there is a big prize to be won with him over the larger obstacles.

ARAN CONCERTO has not had a good season so far and could only finish fourth at Fairyhouse on Sunday. He just does not seem the same horse as last year and although he may bounce back, currently he is one to treat with caution.

On a positive front it was great to see QOZAK make his seasonal debut at Taunton on Thursday. Well supported from 11/4 into 2/1 he travelled and jumped well throughout before pulling clear for a very impressive victory. He is going places and should continue to be followed closely.

WEEKEND PREVIEW
QOZAK is set for a quick reappearance in the 3.10 at Ascot and given how easily he won at Taunton, he must have a very good chance of landing a quick double. He will be running off a ten pounds higher rating though which is an obvious concern, but the fact that the extra distance of this race will be in his favour and he will also have Ruby Walsh on his back, could be enough for him to win. It is a hot race though as MICHEAL FLIPS bids to follow up his Lanzarote Hurdle victory and one of the Lambourn `buzz’ horses STRAVINSKY DANCE makes her British debut, having run Long Run close in France. With Nicky Henderson having his yard in such good form, she deserves serious respect.

RED HARBOUR has been declared for the 4.20 at Ascot and has to have a serious chance. He loved Ascot as a bumper horse (winning both starts) and having been freshened up, there is every chance that he can get off the mark for the in form Nicholls-Walsh combination.

BENSALEM will have the testing ground he loves in the 2.20 at Haydock and although he only faces three opponents, two of them are KNOCKARA BEAU and DIAMOND HARRY. For me this is not a betting race, just one to watch, learn and enjoy. Knockara Beau has really impressed me this season and sets a very good standard and the ground should be ok for him. Diamond Harry will probably be favourite and is a very exciting prospect, but he will have to put up a very strong performance to win this on his chase debut.