This Weekends Racing – Reviewed by The Sportsman Racing

The horse I like against the field is Philip Hobbs £44,000 acquisition Roalco De Farges who is currently a best priced 14-1 with Ladbrokes, Betvictor, Befred/Totesport and Bet 365. The seven-year old was useful over hurdles and subsequently bolted up in a novice handicap off a rating of 124 at Newbury last November. He battled for fifth place in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter in March and showed he remains in good heart with a win at Chepstow two weeks ago. An assured jumper, he will enjoy some cut in the ground and his trainer Hobbs has landed this race twice in the past six years. A slight question mark remains regarding his stamina, but almost the whole field have foibles and 14-1 is a big each-way price providing his reserves can hold out. Others who are capable of making a big noise include West End Rocker and Galaxy Rock although both are far from bomb-proof. Second-favourite West End Rocker only made it to the second fence in the Grand National and has raced lazily on previous occasions. The National had been the long term plan for Alan King’s horse and confidence may have been dented by his fall only two weeks ago. Galaxy Rock is a gallant front-runner who acts on both heavy and good to firm going and will have the added bonus of champion jockey Tony McCoy on board. Galaxy Rock was travelling well in last week’s Scottish Grand National but when asked for an effort the tank quickly emptied and the horse was pulled up. Hardly the ideal preparation for this quirky charachter who often sports blinkers. On the level Colombian must have a decent chance in the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes at 4.20 over 1m2f. You needn’t worry about ground conditions with John Gosden’s horse as he has proven to be capable over both soft and good to firm ground. His best effort came when winning a Listed race at Le Croise-Laroche last November and he also got to within three-and-a-quarter lengths of Galikova in the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano at Deauville. John Gosden has high hopes for Colombian this season and a reproduction of that prestigious French form would make it hard for the likes of Twice Over and World Domination to peg him back.]]>