The Weekends Racing – by The Sportsman Racing

Teaforthree who has proven very popular with midweek punters, being backed into as short as 3-1. Rebecca Curtis’ horse won’t have any issues slogging out the distance having proven himself inexhaustible when winning the 4m Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. AP McCoy takes the ride and after jumping off Teaforthree following the Hennessy Gold Cup, National Hunt’s top jockey declared he would ride the horse in the Welsh National. The nine-year-old gelding is a big, strapping horse built to carry plenty of lead in the saddle. There is every chance come April, Teaforthree will be vying for market leadership in the Grand National itself and following his buoyant sixth in the Hennessy to leading Gold Cup contender Bobs Worth, Teaforthree will be very difficult to beat on Saturday under a competitive racing weight . In the curtain raiser at Chepstow, the 12.25 Class 4 Maiden Hurdle, Up And Go is a horse with a reputation to fulfill. Big things are expected of the five-year-old, being Donald McCain’s most expensive point to point recruit. Following point to point and bumper triumphs Up And Go let the side down when falling in Grade 2 company at Sandown last month. He should however, find this company within his comfort zone. The Future Champions Finale Juvenile Hurdle at 1.35 can go the way of Swynmor. Tim Vaughan’s charge took the acclaim when easily scoring on his hurdles debut at Newbury last month. Proven on soft ground, having won for William Haggas on the Flat in testing conditions, he can emerge as a genuine contender for the Triumph Hurdle at the Festival by landing this Grade 1. At Sandown, trainer Nicky Henderson is on fire and can continue his terrific run with success for a third consecutive year in the Grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle in the shape of Golden Hoof. Carrying the silks of Lee Westwod and “Chubby” Chandler, the son of Oscar was a solid second on his hurdling debut to Melodic Rendezvouz at Cheltenham and can turn the tables with that rival on Saturday. Golden Hoof has proven progressive this campaign, bolting up in both his outings over timber. Connections are excited by his work at home and although this race is a big step up in class, Golden Hoof has a rosy future ahead. Poet is interesting in opposition being a decent horse on the flat and transferring that form to hurdles when winning at Newbury recently. Poet will relish the testing ground but it’s hard to envisage Golden Hoof fluffing his lines on this big stage. [caption id="attachment_1626" align="aligncenter" width="150"] Click here to see The Sportsman Racings profile and full history[/caption]]]>