Morning folks
As with last week, a case of close but no cigar/no damage done in the grand scheme of things and still in front for the month.
It is never going to be a good day overall for us (unless we hit a big winner) with so MANY short priced well backed favourites winning as that is simply my not style of betting or my way of approaching race analysis.
The Lanzarote hurdle winner was near impossible to find but I must say I spent a good bit of time on him due to his course form and was nearly tempted (damn) but having watched his chase races, coming back to hurdles I thought he may find these too quick. He didn’t and bolted up. Our horse to follow Nemean Lion ran a stormer given his weight and looks ideal for the Coral Cup at the Festival but his jumping still remains a big concern.
Serious Operator was given a seriously poor ride IMO by his claimer! He was travelling as well as anything but you cannot win these big competitive handicaps from the rear and that far back! He made smooth ground and I thought he may have a chance but he was given a ridiculous amount to do and the prominent horses held sway. Do jockey’s never learn/watch racing? He ran a cracker in the circumstances (also lost a shoe) to land the place spoils and nigh on cover our outlay on the day.
Same with Word Has It. All day you had to be up there at Warwick, a fast track. He too made smooth headway and I thought he would go on to win as he was travelling best of the other 3 but as with Plantadream last week, I couldn’t believe he ended up not placing at least and cannot fathom out why?
Rapper simply couldn’t cope with the fast track. He never looked happy and the drift to 33’s was ominous. I hope he turns up for something at Cheltenham. Those who have followed me for a long time know I am mustard at picking out horses that go onto win in their next 3 runs (a system you could follow if so be it) as I pick them out for a very good reason. Just sometimes the day of selection is not THE day as so much has to go right and out of my control with so many unknown factors!
On the plus side, if he does rock up at Cheltenham, he will be a monster price so we shall see and he may require a leap of faith.
Le Ligerien couldn’t cope with a massively well handicapped horse. I thought we had him in trouble on the home turn but he had a ton in hand. He ran well and beat the others easy.
This week I feel will be bleak given the weather forecast for very cold weather. We could be in trouble for Saturday as well but we will see nearer the time.
I will be back next, as normal, Friday throughout the day for hopefully Saturday’s action.