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Thursday 16 January 2014

Shot Down In Flames !



Novice chaser Shotgun Paddy wielded his gun in the big chase at Warwick last weekend to beat the good yardstick Carruthers off a mark of 145 on what was only his fourth chase start. In doing so he was only the second novice to win this event since 1989, the other was Baron Windrush off a mark of 129 in 2005 (on his seventh chase start), however it took him another 10 races to win again.
Shotgun Paddy had already finished behind Black Thunder on two occasions this season in small fields and that rival was put in his place earlier on the card by Corrin Wood (up 12lb to 156) who looks on course for the festival.
Shotgun Paddy has received quotes for the National Hunt Chase and his trainer has said he wont be entered for the Grand National this season. Up 7lb for his win he is definitely a chaser to keep on side with the Welsh National looking an obvious target next season with heavy going almost assured at Chepstow in winter.
Carruthers really did run a cracker - going at a good pace and jumping with authority he had all the field working double to keep on his tail and he looks sure to win again shortly.
At Kempton other Festival hopefuls on show were Saphir Du Rheu who won the competitive  Lanzarote Hurdle by 6 lengths from If In Doubt, he has now gone up 28lb in two races and there are a couple of options available to him over the next few weeks.
Planet Of Sound performed well in Class 2 Handicap Chase and he looks like he will be having another go at the National in which he has run well before. He was entered at Aintree for the Becher Chase but was taken out on the afternoon leaving his stable mate Chance Du Roy to win.
Henderson dominated the Tolworth with Royal Boy and Josses Hill and it was surprising to hear that the winner was better at 2m 4f.

It wasn't all about the National Hunt at the weekend with Random Success, Caramack and Caspian Prince all showing progressive form that gives us hope for the future on the All Weather.