Tuesday November 14th

Review 

Beni Light looked like a horse that would improve for the run, at Lingfield.

His jumping was a little ponderous – and everything seemed to be happening a stride to fast for him.

He was eventually pulled up - but I suspect he’ll leave this form behind, in the fullness of time and he is one to remain interested in…

In the 2:50 race, Un Prophet ran in snatches – and didn’t really build on his reappearance (which was a bit concerning, from Venetias perspective).

De Faoithesdream is of more immediate interest, going forward…

He was well backed late – and whilst the race wasn’t run to suit him, he still ran with credit.

He’ll be dropped a few pounds for the run – and if he finds the right race, he is likely to take it apart…

The early money for Sirop De Menthe had dried up by the off, and he was sent off at 8/1 (10/1 on BF).

He ran a reasonable race – and if he can build on it, he should be back in the winners enclosure before too long…

At Huntingdon, I was a bit aggrieved that I couldn’t find anything to take on Call me Lord – and my uncertainty regarding him, proved well founded.

He was relatively weak in the market and never looked to be travelling particularly well.

The race was ultimately won by the rank outsider, Unison, which maybe explained why I struggled to find one to oppose him with…

I as a little surprised that Cyrname has been backed in to 3/1 at lunchtime – and even more so that he was sent off at 15/8.

However, I was far less surprised that he subsequently came home unchallenged !

When horses are consistently strong in the market, they invariably run very big races (it’s almost as if somebody knows !).

Finally, the Lunchtime Nap, Cheltenham de Vaige was arguably a little unlucky not to win the 3:10 race.

That said, with 14 opponents and 10 hurdles to navigate, you are always going to require a bit of luck.

He managed to avoid a few early fallers – and was slick over most of his obstacles.

However, put under pressure approaching the last, he completely fluffed it – and that cost him the race.

I think his performance shows why it is always dangerous to chase down the price of a horse in NH racing.

There are so many variables (quite a few of them out of your control), you always need something in the odds, to compensate for the element of lottery…

Lunchtime Update

At Lingfield, there has been little movement in the price of Beni Light, who remains an 8/1 shot (best).

I wouldn’t put anyone off a small play on him at that price…

Un Prophet has contracted slightly in price – but I think this is more a watching race (though if he travels as he did on his debut, there should be little damage done by, backing him pre-race with a view to laying in-running).

Sirop de Menthe is the really interesting one on the Lingfield card !

I didn’t expect him to be backed – but 14/1 last night has now become 6/1.

He is potentially well handicapped, so it could be tipster driven money – but if the support is maintained to the off, I would be inclined to take notice…

Call me Lord has remained very strong in the market at Huntington – but as I said last night, that’s probably because options to take him on with, are limited…

Cyrname is another who I’m surprised to see has been backed this morning.

He was 9/2 last night – but you’ll struggle to get 3/1 now.

I’m less attracted to him at the shorter price…

Finally, Cheltenham de Vaige remains very solid in the market for the 3:10.

It appears that he’s only got 2 serious rivals – and neither of those is strong in the market.

Having thought a little more about the Lunchtime Nap, I think my objective should primarily be to find a winner (as opposed to a value bet).

Beni Light and Sirop de Menthe are both worthy of consideration today –

however the honour of Lunchtime Nap, goes to: Cheltenham de Vaige 3:10 Huntingdon (Fair price 6/4)

Evening Preview 

There are 3 NH meetings tomorrow – at Lingfield, Huntingdon and Worcester.

Needless to say, there are plenty of races – but most of them are quite mundane (particularly at Worcester) – and I can’t see many betting opportunities, either…

The best card takes place at Lingfield, and whilst he is speculative, I do like the look of Beni Light in the novice handicap chase at 1:50.

He is making his fencing debut tomorrow, but looks as if he may be a typical Tom George improver…

He ran a couple of decent races in bumpers; 3 low key runs over hurdles to get a mark: and now makes his chasing debut in a handicap…

He’ll be winning sooner rather than later – and George is capable of getting them ready to win first time out…

I’ll be very interested to see how Un Prophet gets on in the handicap chase at 2:50.

Most of Venetias seasonal debutantes have appeared to need the run – and that seems to be the case with Un Prophet at Fakenham.

It will be interesting to see how much that run has brought him on…

In truth, it’s a race where I could make a case for most of the runners – but the other one of particular interest, is De Faoithesdream.

He is handicapped to win – and whilst he may not do so tomorrow – if he were to get an uncontested lead (unlikely with Get Rhythm in the field), he is likely to prove difficult to pass…

Sirop de Menthe is the one I’ll be keeping an eye on in the 3:20 contest.

I was a fan of the horse 2 seasons ago – though my love of him waned a little last season, when he beat a horse I’d tipped, on his seasonal debut !

He runs from a mark 4lb lower tomorrow - so if he returns in the same form, he should go very close.

That said, there are a few unexposed horses up against him, so it’s not a race you could feel confident about…

At Huntingdon, the most valuable race of the day, is run at 2:10.

I’d like to offer something to take on Call me Lord, as he looks very short at 8/11 (particularly as he’s only a 4 year old).

However, the race doesn’t have great strength in depth, so there’s a fair chance he will prove good enough to win.
Certainly the form of his UK debut win at Sandown last spring, is strong – so if he’s improved for that (which you would expect to be the case), he’s likely to be tough to beat…

I could be half tempted to take a risk on Cyrname in the novice handicap chase at 2:40.

I’m sure he has sufficient ability to defy his current mark – though getting him to show it, is proving a bit tricky,

The horse is very keen (which is why he wears a hood) and really doesn’t give himself a chance.

Maybe fences and Sean Bowen will do the trick – 9/2 to find out, is moderately tempting…

Finally, I’ll be surprised if Cheltenham de Vaige is beaten in the 3:10 race.

He travelled supremely well on his debut for Fergal O’Brien last time, but maybe just needed the run.
I suspect he’ll be straighter tomorrow –and the extra half mile will also help.

He’s a best price of 6/4 – which seems crazy in a 15 runner handicap – but I struggle to see him getting beaten.