Review of the day

Never let it be said that there is a dull day with TVB :)

As the guys who have been on the the service for many years, already know - the outrageous swings of fortune, seem to take particular pleasure, from giving TVB subscribers a ride to remember !

However, even by those standards, todays events bordered on the unbelievable…

The drama happened in the 2 mile chase at Ascot.

Diego du Charmil cruised through the contest - taking full advantage of the frenetic early pace (as I thought he would).
As the race leader faltered, on the approach to the second last, he strode on - but was then immediately challenged by stablemate, Capeland.

Coming down to the last it was nip and tuck between the two - but then Diego veered to his left in an attempt to run out.

In an incredible demonstration of good fortune, he was prevented from doing so, by Capeland - who less luckily, was forced round the fence.

Diego couldn't quite manage to do that himself - so had to jumped through the edge of it !

Somehow, not only did he manage that - his jockey stayed in the saddle- and then galvanised him back into the lead, just before the line !

There then followed the longest stewards enquiry, I can ever recall - and I can only imagine how the stewards decided on an appropriate course of action.

I suspect it all boiled down to whether Diego had actually jumped the final fence - and thankfully, they came to the conclusion that he had - just about !

As a consequence, the TVB season got under way with a winner: an incredibly lucky one - who would have been an incredibly unlucky, if he had lost !

Now, try and make head or tail of that !!

The season had nearly got off to a perfect start, in the previous race at Ascot.

Cervaro Mix lost his chance with a bad early mistake - but On the Slopes appeared the most likely race winner, on the run to the second last (he traded odds on in running).

However, Doctor Dex then appeared on the scene - and he quickened away from him, after jumping the penultimate fence.

It was a good run from On the Slopes - but not quite good enough…

Adjali also put in a good run in the 2 mile handicap chase - but he was no match for the re-invigorated Gumball.

As is so often the case, the winner was backed as if someone knew - and whilst he was tiring close home, he never looked like losing.

Adjali meanwhile, plugged on for a fair sixth place.

In absolute terms it wasn’t a bad run, for a seasonal debut - but I was a bit disappointed he couldn’t do better…

Relentless Dreamer was the final tip to run at Ascot - but a significant early mistake cost him his chance and he was pulled up (which is why I tend not to tip them EW !).

The race was won by one of the nominated dangers: Vindication - though whether anyone not in the know, would have been prepared to back him at 2/1, in such a competitive race, is a different matter.

Flashjack was the only other tip on the day - and he ran an honest race at Ayr.

He was a late market drifter - but I felt he still had every chance, turning in.

However, Justatenner went past him on the run to the second last - and while he briefly threaten to rally, he couldn’t get back at the winner.

With a couple of pounds off his mark - he’s one to be on in heavy ground, next time…

As for the Mentions:

Indefatigable was no match for the classy Lady Buttons, at Wetherby - with the winner looking as good as ever.
Ballyandy didn’t handle the step up in trip in the stayers hurdle, allowing the The Worlds End to make all (I had expected him to struggle in the soft ground).
And whilst Molly the Dolly was still going very nicely when she crashed out at the sixth last, I don't honestly think she would have beaten Ballyoptic.
The race turned into a war - and he had fitness and stamina on his side.

Finally, over at Down Royal, Road to Respect won the grade 1 contest for the second year in the succession, getting the better of Clan des Obeaux.
The runner up performed very well however, and is unlikely to relinquish his King George crown without a fight.

All in all, an interesting first day of the new season !

TVB.