Review
I was tossing up between Val De Ferbet and Drumcliffe for todays
Lunchtime Nap – and managed to pick the wrong one, which was a bit irritating
(I blame a lack of time !).
Val de Ferbet finished second at Thurles – and whilst I was
initially disappointed with
his effort, he may just have bumped into a really smart
horse, in the shape of Bachassson.
That was always a possibility – I just hoped that if
Bachasson was strongly fancied, he would be backed accordingly, this morning.
That didn’t really happen, so I took a risk on Val De Ferbet
– but it didn’t work out, as he was no match for a very impressive winner.
The main concern with Drumcliffe, was his jumping (on his
debut over fences).
In truth, it wasn’t flawless – but it was good enough, and
having collared Coeur Tantre on the run to the last, he came away up the run
in.
I’m not sure I’d be rushing to back him at short odds – though
he clearly has plenty of talent…
I thought Fou et Sage also had plenty of talent, but I’m not
quite so sure now…
He ended up being sent off favourite for the 12:50 race –
and had 2 chances to win it.
Firstly, by being the best horse in the race – but secondly,
by taking advantage when the best horse in the race (Springtown Lake) stumbled,
after jumping the last.
The fact that Fou et Sage still wasn’t good enough to win,
causes me to have reservations about his ability/resolution…
With short priced favourite, River Frost a non runner, at
Market Rasen Cake de L’ilse was another who was seemingly presented with an
excellent winning opportunity.
However, I was a little suspicion when the market continued
to ignore him (he was 12/1 last night - but still 10/ with River Frost out of
the race) – and sure enough, he wasn’t up to the job.
There didn’t seem to be much wrong with his attitude, so the
conclusion simply has to be, that he’s not as good as his opening handicap mark
suggests.
He’ll drop a couple of pounds for todays run – time will
tell whether that is sufficient…
Lunchtime Update
Apologies for the delay in posting: I‘ve had a busy morning
and been caught out by the early start…
The options for the Lunchtime Nap are Val de Ferbet and
Drumcliffe – and I’m opting for the former…
Evening Preview
There are again 3 NH meetings taking place tomorrow: at
Market Rasen and Wincanton in the UK, plus Thurles in Ireland – but there is a
definite improvement in the standard of the action…
The best quality race of the day, is the Listed chase which
takes place at Thurles (1:00).
This see the reappearance of former Grade 1 wining chaser,
Apache Stronghold, after nearly 3 years on the sidelines.
He is likely to improve for the run.
The Willie Mullins trained Bachasson is the race favourite –
but I’m more interested in Val der Ferbet.
I suspect that he’ll be the most wound up of the main
protagonists – and that could prove decisive.
He can be backed at 5/1 this evening – and is worth a risk
at that price…
The high light of the Market Rasen card, is the class 2
handicap hurdle at 1:10.
Barry Geraghty is over to ride River Frost – and he’s been
installed the 6/4 favourite.
I can’t argue with him being favourite - but 6/4 is very
short, in a fairly competitive race.
Cake de L’isle is more interesting, at a much bigger price
(12/1).
He was still in with a chance on his seasonal debut at Cheltenham, when he lost Aiden Coleman at the second last.
He was still in with a chance on his seasonal debut at Cheltenham, when he lost Aiden Coleman at the second last.
His form isn’t as strong as that of River Frost – but he’s
still completely unexposed.
Over at Wincanton, Fou et Sage is the one that interests me
most, in the 12:50 race.
He ran reasonably well last time, in a hot race at Ascot –
and his handicap mark continues to slip.
It’s impossible to get a handle on favourite Springtown Lake
– but he’s been installed at a short enough price.
That said, Fou et Sage has also been backed this evening (in
to 4/1) – so there’s not much margin anywhere…
Finally, I like the look of Drumcliffe in the 2:00 race.
He’s another who has been installed favourite – but he does look the right favourite, and 3/1 in a 7 horse race, isn’t too bad.
He’s another who has been installed favourite – but he does look the right favourite, and 3/1 in a 7 horse race, isn’t too bad.
He has some strong hurdling form – and should be better for
his seasonal debut over hurdles at Chepstow.
Jumping round Wincanton is never a formality – but if he can
manage it without significant blemish, he should go close…
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