Review of the day

There was no joy with either of today tips - on what ended up a bit of a frustrating afternoon…

Chic Name was the first of them to run - and whilst he finished third, I was still a little disappointed.

The trouble was, at no point in the race, did he look like winning - in fact, it was only after jumping the last that he even looked like placing !

If 3m6f on heavy ground is insufficient stamina test, you do wonder where he’ll end up (the Eider, maybe..?!)

The frustrating aspect, was that the race was won by the French raider Diesel D’allier.
He was virtually impossible to fancy, as he had little recent form - and appeared to be the stable second string (filling the horsebox).

However, that theory was put into question when he was backed from an early 16/1 in to 13/2 at the off (whilst his stablemate drifted from 5/2 to 5/1).
Somebody clearly knew the market had them the wrong way round.

Ultimately, they finished first and second, so Chic Name wasn’t winning whatever - it was still a bit annoying though !

Saint Calvados was the other tip on the afternoon - and the irritation there, was far more obvious…

The big attraction with him was race fitness, ideal conditions - and the potential to control the race from the front.

However, for some inexplicable reason, Gavin Sheehan decided it would be a better idea to hold the horse up - and try to beat his rivals, with a turn of foot (which he doesn’t really possess !).

They were just stupid tactics - and in a slowly run race, the finishing kick of Defi du Seuil just got the better of the enterprisingly ridden Politologue.

Sometimes you are just left scratching your head…

As for the Mentions:
Then Mc Alpine never really featured in the opener - a race won by Duc de Beauchene, who put in a much improved performance (who would have guessed it ?!)
Rouge Vif didn’t seem to relish the soft ground in the novice chase - but Put the Kettle On, seemed quite happy on it !
As expected, she led from flag fall - and had plenty left in the tank, for the climb to the winning post.
Harambe rubbed some salt into the wounds by winning the Greatwood hurdle.
I can’t say that I was massively keen on his chance - but I did think he could have been under-estimated.
He just got home in a 4 way driving finish.
The bumper was also a tactical race - and again, it was the horse who led early, that came home in front.
This time it was Israel Champ, who under an enterprising ride from Tom Scudamore, managed to hold off the favourite.
Dusty’s Choice never featured…

Over at Fontwell, Our Merlin ran a fair race - but could only finish fourth (does that count as placing ?!).
Interestingly, he didn’t make the running - suggesting to me that connections realise he is currently a bit too high in the handicap.
Finally, Captain Cattistock got within a neck of winning the Southern National - but ultimately couldn’t concede 23lb to One of Us.
You had to feel a little sorry for him, as it was a huge effort under a welter burden…

TVB.