Nick Watts

Jan 12, 2025 | racingpost.com | Nick Watts

Given the extreme weather conditions, we were lucky to get as many Cheltenham clues as we did at the weekend – but only one winner would hold any festival interest for me and it’s not shortening Supreme favourite Salvator Mundi. Instead, it’s his fellow novice Sixandahalf, who thrust herself into contention for the Mares’ Novices' Hurdle at Fairyhouse on Saturday and still looks a reasonable price.

Dec 8, 2024 | racingpost.com | Nick Watts

Jasmin De Vaux didn't impress everyone when winning on his hurdles debut at Navan on Saturday. That much is evident from the reaction of the bookies – bet365 are as short as 5-1 for the Turners Novices' Hurdle, with Hills still 12-1. Jumping was the main issue for him and it's somewhat surprising to see him leading the market when good winners Potters Charm and The New Lion are both languishing around the 16-1 mark.

Dec 1, 2024 | racingpost.com | Nick Watts

The Champion Hurdle gets more interesting by the week. There were two stunning performances over the weekend from Lossiemouth and Sir Gino, and I think the younger brigade now have the edge over the previous winners. Sir Gino was first into bat in Saturday's Fighting Fifth and looked very good, making a mockery of the betting, which suggested Mystical Power might provide him with a stern test.

Nov 24, 2024 | racingpost.com | Nick Watts

What a fascinating weekend of racing. Let's start with the Morgiana Hurdle and the defeat of State Man – his first since Constitution Hill beat him in the 2023 Champion Hurdle. He is now a top-priced 4-1 to retain his crown at Cheltenham, while his conqueror here, Brighterdaysahead, ranges between 4-1 and 8-1. In the winner's case, you can see why there is uncertainty over her odds. She did a lot wrong in this race, not jumping brilliantly, and going out to her left repeatedly.

Oct 7, 2024 | racingpost.com | Nick Watts

What a magical weekend it was for Juddmonte as Bluestocking's sensational victory in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe gave the operation their first win in the race since the death of founder Khalid Abdullah. After a winless 2023, when she was beaten three times at Group 1 level, Bluestocking has redressed the balance by winning three Group 1s in 2024, the latest being a comfortable win that clearly had no fluke about it. That said, bookmakers have perhaps overreacted in the ante-post markets.