I’ll only be covering the racing for 1 day, on the blog, this week…
It’s been pretty uninspiring week, so far (plus I've had a few things on) - and with the weekend effectively starting at Cheltenham on Friday, it only leaves tomorrow for me to preview…
There are 4 meetings taking place: at Warwick, Taunton and Newcastle in the UK - plus Tamore in Ireland.
The best racing takes place at Taunton, where the likely decent ground, has resulted in some very competitive fields.
In truth, I can’t see any stand out bets - but there are certainly a few horses of interest running - and maybe one of those can find a way of coming home in front..!
Taunton
2:10
Christmas in April is probably the most interesting runner in the race, on his chasing debut - but he makes scant appeal at the 7/2 on offer this evening, in a race where few can be safely dismissed…
It maybe a mistake (!) - but I’ll probably give Hugos Horse another chance.
I supported him last time at Ludlow, when he made his chasing debut.
He was incredibly weak in the betting that day - and ultimately finished well beaten.
He was incredibly weak in the betting that day - and ultimately finished well beaten.
However, he travelled powerfully through the race and traded close to even money, in running.
He’s clearly got plenty of talent: and Paul Nicholl applies cheek pieces for the first time tomorrow. He has also booked a 7lb claimer - and the horse has been dropped a pound.
He definitely has the ability to win a race of this nature - I just don’t know whether it will be tomorrow !
I’ll back him pre-race (he’s 12/1 this evening) - and lay him off in running.
If he wins - great: if he doesn’t get home - I’ll hopefully not lose on him !
Most of the other runners can be given a chance of some sort, so it really isn’t a race over which you could feel confident.
Selection: Hugos Horse
2:45
This is another open looking race - though Majestic Touch looks the form pick, based on his latest run.
That was at Newbury, is a better race than tomorrows, when he finished second to French Crusader.
That was at Newbury, is a better race than tomorrows, when he finished second to French Crusader.
Our Merlin was a couple of lengths back in third, that day - and he went on to frank the form, with a good win, last week.
Majestic Touch is stepped up in trip tomorrow- and I think that will suit: he has also been dropped a pound in the handicap (and that always helps !).
The issue, is a price of 5/1 in a competitive 13 runner handicap.
It’s maybe about right - but there isn’t much of a margin.
Don’t Ask is the other one of some interest - but he’s already been backed this evening and again, the current 8/1 looks about right.
Selection: Majestic Touch
3:15
The third competitive handicap in a row - at least this one offers a moderately attractive bet (at tonight's prices).
I thought Western Miller ran a nice race on his seasonal debut at Wetherby, 3 weeks ago.
He tried to make all that day - and jumped well - but was swallowed up after jumping the third last and ultimately finished well beaten.
I would expect him to improve for the run - and he’s been dropped 3lb. Paul O’Brien also replaces Johnny Burke in the saddle - meaning he’s effectively 6lb lower.
I would expect him to improve for the run - and he’s been dropped 3lb. Paul O’Brien also replaces Johnny Burke in the saddle - meaning he’s effectively 6lb lower.
There are plenty of potential dangers - but I will be surprised if Western Miller doesn’t run well - and a price of 12/1, even lends itself to an EW play.
Otter Moons is probably the most interesting of his rivals - but again, it’s a race where few can be ruled out with confidence.
Selection: Western Miller at 12/1
Warwick
3:05
I was really impressed by Hard Station, when he won at Market Rasen 3 weeks ago, as he beat a couple of bang in form horses.
He was also backed to do so, suggesting connections knew they had a well handicapped horse.
He’s 8lb higher tomorrow - and running over a shorter trip.
However, Dickie takes over in the saddle and I suspect he is the one to beat.
Hoke Colburn is second favourite - but I’m more interested in Keep Moving…
He’s a horse who I’ve watched closely on every run, since he made his UK debut at Newbury over 2 years ago.
He’s got loads of ability - and is definitely much better than his current mark - but things just won’t seem to click for him.
If they do tomorrow, he will win - it’s just a question of whether they do !
He’s a 5/1 shot this evening, which is about right.
Maybe back him and save stakes on Hard Station…
Maybe back him and save stakes on Hard Station…
Selection: Keep Moving at 5/1
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