Review of the day

There was no joy this afternoon, which was a little disappointing considering the odds we were playing at.

That said, 3 of the 4 tips ran really well – just lacking that bit of luck which you always need…

The first to run was Ziga Boy – and despite the fact he only finished 4^th of 6, I would still maintain he was the best horse in the race !

He certainly travelled through the race like the best horse – however, he was initially caught for a change of foot when the pace quickened round the home turn – and then found himself a little short of room.

In a tight race, those sort of things count – and whilst he was closing on the run to the line, he was never getting there and was ultimately beaten just over 2 lengths.

On a different day, at a different course, I think he would have won – but not today, at Sandown !!

Next it was Some Buckle – and he again was a little unlucky, not to place at least…

The race turned into a war of attrition – and he was still in with a chance turning for home.

In truth, it never looked like he was quite going to get there, but he too was staying on well from the last when the door was closed on him near to the line.

It didn’t make the difference between winning and losing – but it did stop him from getting placed.

The only bad fortune that Water Garden suffered at Ayr, was to bump into a resurgent King of the Wolds !

That one was well weighted on his old form – but had been out of sorts lately (like a lot from the stable of Malcolm Jefferson).

Well, he returned to form with a bang this afternoon – and was too much for Water Garden.

That was a shame, as Water Garden ran really well and was a clear second best on the day…

Stonebrook was the only tip on the day not to perform.

In a way, I think it was foretold by the market, as I fully expected him to be well backed, if he was going to run a big race.
Well, he was weak in the market – and showed little in the race.

Maybe he didn’t appreciate the soft ground – or maybe he just isn’t the horse he threatened to be…

One positive from the day, was the success of Top Pick, Traffic Fluide…

He never looked in the slightest danger – and whilst an SP of 11/8 was noting to write home about, if they all won like that, I don’t suppose there would be many complaints !

There were no wins for the mentions, though Kudu Country was probably a bit unlucky not to record one. He was challenging jumping the last, when he took a false step, stumbled and lost his jockey.

I suspect he would have won without that mishap…

TVB.