Jumps Season Closing In Fast

October 7^th

Both of Mike Henderson’s darts advices won last night taking him to 5-5 so far this week for the Grand Prix in Dublin in addition to Michael van Gerwen now being only a best-priced 8/11 having been advised to lift the title at 21/10 at the beginning of the tournament. I would like to think that only Gary Anderson (10/3) can stand in his way with all the other top names eliminated already in a week of shocks so far in this unique double-in format. Jelle Klaasen is third-favourite at 16/1. Mike’s sole advice for tonight’s second batch of Second Round games is now uploaded in ‘Guest Contributions'.

I previewed the Champion Stakes yesterday in ‘Big Race Focus' and have offered an each-way selection against Jack Hobbs at 20/1. My 33/1 ante-post each-way suggestion for the Arc in the first of this series, Flintshire, hit the frame so fingers crossed that my Champion Stakes advice can do likewise or better. I will be adding a couple more to ‘Horses To Follow’ later today.

I have to say that I am looking forward to the two-day meeting at Chepstow at the weekend which has seen an injection in prize money and races likes the Persian War and Silver Trophy have been brought forward a few weeks to join what I still know as the Free Handicap for 4yos and the Mercedes Benz Handicap Chase. The intention, I imagine, is to beat Cheltenham’s October Meeting two weeks later to what will be regarded as the proper start to the jumps season in Britain. The meeting has also been known to feature a very smart novice chaser or two making their chase debut and Sire De Grugy could also start his campaign in the 2m3f handicap chase. Paul Nicholls has stated that he is targeting the meeting and Rebecca Curtis also has a strong-looking team heading to south Wales.

I am very likely to be at Cheltenham on Saturday the 24^th (moved back a week so it doesn’t clash with Champions Day) for my first outing of the season so, if you are going, drop me a message and we can chew the fat over a drink.