There are 4 NH meetings today, at Exeter, Wetherby, Down
Royal and Wexford – but it’s a real case of quantity over quality.
Unlike yesterday, there was never much chance of me
putting up a tip today – and even a conventional ‘mention’, wasn’t that easy to
find.
I
guess the closest to a tip, was probably at Exeter in the 3:20 race where I
could have been very interested in Judge Davis.
He
disappointed last time out, but prior to that had run very well in a couple of
decent contests.
If
he bounces back to form today after a break, I would expect him to go close –
but I’ll be a little surprised in he can cope with Jay Are.
He
was a hugely impressive winner on his handicap debut just over a week ago – and
gets to run today under a 7lb penalty.
He
will likely go up much more than that when the official handicapper has his say,
so provided that run hasn’t left its mark, I would expect him to go in again
this afternoon.
In
the 4:30 race, Midnight Requests looks the most likely winner - but 3/1 is not a
price that holds any appeal.
In
fact I would be more inclined to take a risk on the first time blinkered Matrows
Lady at 10/1 – though based on her performances this season, it would be quite a
risk !
Over
at Wetherby, one of my favourite horses, Luddsdenene, has its first run for one
of my favourite trainers, Alex Dunne.
I do
hope that Alex realises what she has acquired - and isn’t judging the old boy
purely on his seemingly promising run last time out, behind Astre de La
Cour.
He
looked a winner waiting to happen at Stratford last Monday, but I suspect it
won’t be quite that simple.
He’s
always been a horse with tremendous natural ability (far more than you would
expect from a 115 rated animal) - but he has breathing issues and therefore
tends to stop, when asked for an effort.
I’ve
no doubt he will cruise around Wetherby this afternoon, as normal – but when
push comes to shove, I won’t be expecting him to turn on the after-burners
!
The
other horse that catches my eye at Wetherby, is Teddys Reflection in the 5:15
race.
He
is having his first run under rules for Harriet Bethell and has been put in the
16/1 outsider of the field.
That may well prove to be right – but he has a tremendous record fresh – and is definitely handicapped to go close.
That may well prove to be right – but he has a tremendous record fresh – and is definitely handicapped to go close.
He’s
certainly worth keeping an eye on.
Over
at Wexford, there is another old favourite running in the veterans chase at
5:00…
Cootmundra was my ‘cliff’ horse a couple of seasons back
– prior to him wining the Troytown, last season.
He’s
12 now – and he needs more of a test that todays 2m3f.
It’s
also a bit strange seeing Ruby Walsh on his back instead of regular pilot,
Robbie Moran.
I’ve
no idea what’s going on there - unless Ruby has asked for the leg up on a living
legend, before he is finally put out to grass
Rubi
Light is a worthy favourite for the race – and should take the
beating.
However, I could also be interested in Orpheus Valley,
who should have no issue with conditions and doesn’t deserve to be the 25/1
outsider of the field.
In
the conditions hurdle at 3:50, Tidy Zag is the same price - but again, I think
that understates his chance.
There is possibility that he won’t run his race (he’s a
very fragile horse) – but if he does, he has the ability to go much closer than
those odds imply.
Finally, at Down Royal, just the one horse worthy of a
mention.
Yes
Tom did us a big favour when winning at Ayr, last month – and I could see him
following up today.
The
trouble is, it’s a 3 horse race, so you’re never going to get a
price.
I’ll
be cheering him on tho – along with all the other old favourites that are
running this afternoon !
Good
luck if you do decide to get involved.
TVB.
No comments:
Post a Comment