Southwell - 3:30 (9th Feb 2005)

7f - Littlewoods Pools Billions Won By Millions Handicap (Class 2) 4yo+

Contender: Cardinal Venture
Up for Consideration: Cummiskey, Rampage

9/2 Cardinal Venture, 11/2 Rampage, 4/1 Cummiskey 9/1 bar

An interesting race given that a number of contestants are technically out of the handicap.

As approx. 50% of my tissue is digested by three horses, these will be the centre of attention.

Cummiskey is stepping up in distance after recent win in a grade 2 conditions event. Typically the form from these races does not pan out. Breeding suggests that he may find this trip more demanding. If you read between the lines of his trainer after the race

“There were lots and ifs and buts over running off 9st 8lb and this has probably shafted his handicap mark but horses like him don’t get many chances to win £12-£13,000 for their owners and you can’t have it both ways. - Jamie Osborne, trainer”

And the racing post comments

“The handicapper will not take kindly to this improved effort but, as his trainer suggested, he was picking up a £20,000 event.”

And given that he has gone up 6lbs and carries a 6lbs penalty, there are too many negatives for a confident selection.

Rampage is totally exposed at this grade, however his jockey 1/7/50 course record (win/place/ran) does not inspire confidence either.

Cardinal Venture it is! Won this race last year off 2lb higher BHB rating. Drops back to his preferred distance, loves to dominate and pace figures suggest that he will get an uncontested lead, goes well for jockey, A Mullen. Goes well here at Southwell (2 wins from 4 starts), nuff said!