Review of the day

There was no joy with either of todays tips – which was a bit frustrating, as the hot favourites in both races, disappointed badly…

Mwaleshi ran an odd race at Haydock, jumping to his right and loosing a couple of lengths at every fence.

He’s never demonstrated such a trait before – so I’ve no idea why he did so today.
Despite this, only Third Intention managed to get past him down the home straight (though in fairness, he did fly past him), with both Turban and Vako De Touzaine turning in very laboured efforts.

If felt like an opportunity missed…

It was a similar story at Ascot where favourite Sweet Deal, was well beaten – but unfortunately not by Starluck.

Instead it was the Venetia Williams trained Leviathan, who under a good ride from Aidan Coleman, took advantaged of the wayward tendencies of Benbecula. Whilst the rest of the field watched that horse veering around, he grabbed a few lengths advantage, gradually increased the pace, and never looked likely to be caught…

Leviathan was the second leg of a Williams/Coleman double, initiated by Niceonefrankie, who absolutely dotted up in the handicap chase at 2:40.

As I said this morning, I was struggling to see anything that might get close to him –and so it proved in the race.

The other Top Pick of the day, was Tara Road – and he won just as easily at Ffos Las.

Davy Russell probably had a harder ride flying over, than he did on the horse, who won in a hack canter.

That was Davy’s second winner of the day for Rebecca Curtis – so again, in line with expectations.

A good day for the Top Picks then – as I’ve said before I do have high hopes for them this season.

The mentions had a very unlucky day – and yet still managed a slight profit…

In the opener at Haydock, Milan Bound was touched off in a photo finish – fortunately by the other mention in the race, Closing Ceremony.

The rest of the field were 3 lengths+ behind – did anyone have the forecast ?!

Grand Vision was even more unlucky, coming to grief at the fourth last, when the race appeared to be at his mercy.

It was a very novicey fall – as he just met the fence of the wrong stride. The shame of it was, that he’d jumped like a buck to that point.

Thankfully he got up OK (which didn’t look likely, initially).

To complete the days misery for the mentions, Ballinvarrig evidently injured himself at Ascot.
He was going as well as the winner, Granddad’s Horse, when he seemed to get the third last wrong.
He jumped the final 2 obstacles – but was dismounted on crossing the line.

Of the other mentions: then Stephanie Frances didn’t seem able to handle the softening ground at Haydock and finished a well beaten last; it was a similar story for As De Fer at Ffos Las. He travelled fine to the end of the back straight – but then stopped as if he’d been shot.

Killala Quay made a decent enough chasing debut as Ascot but bumped into Puffin Billy on a going day. And when he is going, Puffin Billy can go quite quickly…

So a disappointing day for the main tips – but some positives to take from it, non-the-less.

Just a reminder, as it is Friday, I will open the tipping window at 6:00 this evening – and I intend to issue at least one tip.

Worth delaying the Friday night out then – hopefully..!!

TVB.