Richest race ever comes to Jersey

Sunday 11 September 2016

Les Landes hosts its richest ever race today in the Channel Islands as £5,000 is up for grabs for the winner of the Fir Pine Development Hurdle Series Handicap Final over two and a quarter miles.

Our expert Mark Johnson, who will commentate on the final racing day of the season at Les Landes, gives his tips on the runners and riders for the late summer meeting.

“Jazzy Lady in the big race has got a great chance as she is a quality horse with two wins out of two this season,” said Mr Johnson. “She is improving all the time and we don’t yet know how good she is going to become. 

“This is a fantastic race for all fans of the sport as we have never had a prize as high as £5,000, so there will be lots of quality in the five-horse field. 

“Cahill was second in the Champion Hurdle so will be thereabouts, while Hawaiian Freeze won the Clarendon, so has to have a chance as well. Hawaiian Freeze might find this a bit too long, whereas I think the distance is made for Jazzy Lady. Although she is trained in the UK she is owned in Jersey and I think she will be simply too good for the rest.”

Fourni and Dalmo make up the rest of the field for the prestigious 3.40pm third race. 

Six horses make up the opening field for the first race at 2.30pm, with Mr Johnson edging towards Pas D’Action. 

He said: “Country Blue and Pas D’Action would be popular winners a both have a great following in Jersey. This is the Grand Prix of racing as it is for horses who have earnt the most points all season and you get points for each finishing position, not just winning. If either Country Blue or Pas D’Action wins it will be crowned Horse of the Year and very deservedly so. I would say it is the exact right distance, seven furlongs, for Pas D’Action.”

The second race at 3.05pm is over one mile and 100 yards and is a handicap featuring six contenders. 

Mr Johnson said: “It is Fast Freddie’s last race before retirement so that would be a very successful way to bow out and with two wins already this season, it is entirely possible. 

“I’d probably go for Aqua Ardens as it is class horse. Black Knight is the highest rated but is just coming back from injury so I think a victory there might be too much to ask.”

The fourth race at 4.15pm is over a mile and a half and is also a handicap. 

“Grey Panel for me as it has been in great form this season and I think would be a deserved winner,” said Mr Johnson. 

The final race of the season is over one and three quarter miles at 4.50pm with £1,780 for the winner. 

Mr Johnson said: “Flutterbee will be a very short-priced favourite but I think there could be a real surprise in this last race and I fancy Bowl Imperior to come good over this distance. Bowl Imperior will be back on the flat and likes the distance very much.

"If I had to go for one horse to win it would have to be in the big one and Jazzy Lady gets my vote. She is high quality and I think will hold off Cahill.”