Review of the day

I wasn’t entirely convinced that there was ever much intention for Smart Money to win this afternoon…

He was ridden with little conviction – taking a wide route throughout. He also ballooned quite a few of his fences.

Consequently, he was never seen in the race with much of a chance.

I guess that is always a risk, when you latch on to a drifter…

Presumably the plan is to get him really well handicapped, before making some significant change (I would guess tongue tie, hurdles and a drop back to 2 miles).

In fairness, even if he’d been at his peak, I think he might have struggled to cope with It’s a Deal – which in a way, made me feel a bit better about things…

He travelled sweetly throughout the race and ran away with it after the last.

He’ll doubtless get quite a rise as a result – which he may struggle with, as I honestly don’t think he beat anything today…

The days 2 Top Picks suffered contrasting fortunes…

Top Gamble was weak in the betting (drifting to 11/4 – a price at which I would have been prepared to tip him); but that didn’t stop him bolting up.

I would guess he’ll likely get 8-10lbs for today win – but that might not stop him going in again…

The money continued to come for Mr Cardle – and he was sent off a 15/8 shot.

However, he was under pressure with a circuit to go – and ultimately finished tailed off.

The money was clearly talking in riddles…

It was also a mixed day for the mentions.

Un Bleu a Laam got things off to a good start by winning at Taunton.
I thought his jockey had given him too much to do – so he is clearly a fair sort. He might well be capable of defying a rise in the handicap (provided he doesn’t get more than 6-7 lbs).

It was all down hill for the mentions from there though.

The Skyfarmer did seem to get stuck in the mud at Taunton.

His race was won by Black River, who in doing so, showed massive improvement from his seasonal debut at Market Rasen.

I’m not completely convinced about the value of the form however…

Ruapehu ran a shocker at Warwick – never really travelling and ultimately pulling up.

I was a similar story with Come on Annie at Taunton – though she was pulled up much earlier in the race. She clearly has a problem with fences (she gets quite low at them) and I suspect today was the last time we’ll see her over the bigger obstacles…

On to tomorrow then...

TVB.