Racing fans all set for 'Super Saturday'

2:22pm Thursday 17th January 2008

THE totesport Super Saturday, at Newbury on February 9, really lives up to its name, with seven exciting races on the card and a programme which will attract both the novice and regular racegoer.

Featuring the Grade 3 totesport Trophy Hurdle and the Grade 2 totepool Game Spirit and Aon Steeplechases, it promises to be one of the most exciting days of the jump season so far.

The meeting provides a great chance to see some of the sport's big names in action - Tony McCoy, Timmy Murphy and Ruby Walsh are the human stars, with the equine celebrities being led by the prospective appearance of Kauto Star and/or his stable mate Denman, who won the Hennessy Cognac Gold Cup at Newbury in such style, recently.

From a betting perspective, the totesport Trophy is one of the most competitive races in the whole calendar, and this year's won't be any different.

The prize money up for grabs has attracted a number of high quality entries, with the sponsors believing that Breedsbreeze and Jack the Giant are the pick of the bunch.

Breedsbreeze is trained by Paul Nicholls and owned by Jim Lewis of Best Mate fame, and the horse is one of the leading novices this season.

Jack the Giant, on the other hand, is a horse that normally runs over the bigger fences but who has made a habit, this season, of reverting back over hurdles and picking up big prizes.

totesport make them both 8-1 chances, and they will definitely be the horses to beat.

Last year, the race was won by the Gary Moore trained horse, Heathcote, at a massive 50-1.

This year the horse is a 20-1 chance and has obviously been targeted for the race, meaning another big run will be expected.

As ever, there is always a strong Irish contingent, with the likes of Roman Villa, Deutschland and Ebaziyan making their way across the waters.

Essex came over and plundered the prize in 2005, so it would be no surprise if one of those horses finished in the frame.

Also on the card will be the Aon Chase. Although this will not necessary be a great race from a betting perspective, it certainly will be for the spectator. The standard of horse will be exceptional, as always.

Last year's Cheltenham Gold Cup winner, Kauto Star, picked up the prize, en route, last season, and there is a big possibility that he will be back to retain his crown.

If he doesn't show, then expect stable mates Denman or Star de Mohaison to take his place - and either would be a fantastic substitute.

But trainer Paul Nicholls will not have it all his own way as many of the other top trainers are eyeing the big prize.

Totesport Trophy Hurdle

(2m, Newbury Saturday, February 9, 2008)

8-1 Breedsbreeze, Jack the Giant

10-1 Deep Purple

12-1 Amaretto Rose, Five Dream, Palomar

14-1 Luxurix, Roman Villa, Song of Songs

16-1 Alsadaa, Blue Bajan, Blue Shark, Deutschland, Fleet Street, Laustra Bad, Punjabi, Ring the Boss, Sweet Wake

20-1 County Zen, Ebaziyan, Heathcote, Mobaasher, Pigeon Island, Streets of Gold, Viso

25-1 Alexander Taipan, Altilhar, Caracciola, Clopf, Gabier, Jayo, Kalderon, King's Revenge, Leading Run, Missis Potts, Princelet, Shatabdi, Silver Jaro, Whispered Promises

33-1 Don't Be Bitin, Esprit De Corps, French Saulaie, Island Life, Kanad, Kings Quay, Mephisto, Mon Michel, Overstrand, Penzance, Platin Grounds, Power Elite, Sesenta, Tarlac, Tiger Cry, Trompette, Trouble At Bay, Victram, Wingman, Wise Owl

40-1 Ingratitude

50-1 Bar

Each-way - 1,2,3,4

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