Daily write-up - Feb 22nd

There are 3 NH meetings today: Fontwell and Southwell in the UK – plus Naas in Ireland.

The best meeting of the 3 is at Naas, and I did consider issuing a tip there.

The horse I was interested in was Down Ace, who contests the novice handicap chase at 2:50.

I think she could be a bit over-priced – though I’m concerned about the big field (she is quite a small mare).

If she was a 16/1 shot – and there were guaranteed to be 16 runners, I might have been tempted to put her up EW.

But she is a best price of 14/1 – and I’ll be amazed if there isn’t a NR to spoil the place terms.

The handicap chase at 4:20, contains a few familiar faces…

I tipped Jupiter last time he ran – and both More Madness and On the Shannon have had positives mentions in the past.
Victory for any of the 3 would come as no great surprise - but its that kind of race…

If forced to play, I would probably opt for Thelobstercatcher and hope that he could bounce back from a disappointing run in the Thystes last time out…

Finally, whilst she would never be a tip, Good as Gold is worthy of a mention as a back to lay in running opportunity.

She tends to travel through her races like Champion the Wonder horse - but then finds very little off the bridle.

I will be backing her pre-race – and then looking to lay off as she canters into the lead, rounding the home turn.
That’s the theory, anyway !

The 2 UK meetings are big disappointments…

I actually feel quite sorry for the Fontwell executive who have put up some decent prize money and been rewarded by pathetic fields.

I’m sure the state of the ground didn’t help – but all the same, they must be bitterly disappointed that their big day of the season has fallen so flat.

Days like today are likely to bring into question the very existence of the course…

And in truth, Southwell isn’t much better…

In fairness, it has no pretensions to be putting on a quality meeting – and it has attracted bigger fields – but it is basement level stuff.

It says something when the most interesting grace on the card, is probably the seller !
I wondered last week what Gordon Elliot was doing sending Mr Lando over to compete in a seller at Fakenham, only for the horse never to be given a chance in the race.

Some light is shed on things today as he’s back in the UK – and now running off a 3lb lower mark.

More than that, he has AP in the saddle.

I bet he gets put in the race this afternoon !

In the opener on the card, I could see Line Daois running a fair race – and 7/1 is probably a fair price.

Whilst in the handicap hurdle at 4:00, Global Dream caught my eye making his handicap debut.

His opening mark looks quite harsh for what he’s achieved – and in all probability, connections will be working on it today.

However, he is one of few in the race with any scope for improvement – and therefore might be worth a tiny (really tiny !) interest at 40/1 with Ladbrokes.

Good luck if you do choose to get involved today.

TVB.