Review of the day

The victory of Acting Lass this afternoon, meant that from a P&L perspective, today was a bit of a non event…

Obviously that’s a little disappointing when you put in as much effort in, as I did - but equally, it’s a lot better than coming out of the day with a loss !

And in truth, that was a real possibility.
Most of the tips ran poorly - without any obvious reason - so it’s a bit ironic, that the ‘enigmatic’ Acting Lass, was the one who saved things…

I’m sure that those of you who are familiar with the write-up will have realised that I was particularly keen on his chances.

In truth, he probably should have been a 2pt tip - but it was hard enough tipping him early, with just 1pt on - bearing in mind the strength of the market.

The issue was that the race in which he ran, took place away from the 2 main venues - though in my defence it was a class 2 contest - so comparable with the Grand Sefton at Aintree, and the London National at Sandown.

It’s often a dilemma, deciding whether I can tip in a race or not - but I do limit myself to class 3 or above - and the reality is, trying to get everything right on a day like today, is very hard…

Anyway, in the race itself, Acting Lass was always travelling nicely - so much so, that even when he made a shocking blunder at the third last, I was still optimistic that he would be able to recover and win.
And that’s exactly what happened !

As I suspected this morning, he’s a fair bit better than the opponents he faced today…

Alas, things didn’t go so well with the days other tips.

Mount Mews gave away the outside to no one, at Aintree.
He took up the running approaching the second last - but was soon challenged and I wasn’t surprised that he had nothing left to give.
It wasn’t a great effort.

Malaya was similarly disappointing at Sandown.
She had virtually the same conditions as when winning last seasons Imperial cup - but she found nothing when put under pressure.
There was no obvious reason for such a poor run (accepting that she had to carry more weight today).

Down the Highway was very well backed at Chepstow - and strong in the market right up to the off - but he was also disappointing, with no obvious reason.

Didero Vallis and Federici were my 2 stabs at the Grand Sefton - and they at least ran fair races.

The latter led until tiring, after jumping the third last; whilst the former was always close to the pace - though never seemingly going quite as well as those around him.
Ultimately,  Didero finished fifth - whilst Federici was pulled up.
Get on the Yager was the final tip on the day - and he actually ran really well.
However, there was a horrible incident with Houblon des Obeaux on the final bend of the first circuit - and the stewards attempted to stop the race, when the runners came back round.

Unfortunately, the jockeys who were still in with a chance, didn’t respond to the yellow flag and raced on, jumping the last 2 fences.

A void race and a 10 day suspension for all of them, was kind of inevitable…

As for the days Mentions:
Then Grand Sancy ran a fair race in the Henry VIII novice chase - but was no match for shock winner, Espirit du Large.
Defi de Seul on the other hand, just managed to get the better of Un De Sceux, in a Tingle Creek which lived up to its billing - and more !
Vintage Clouds clearly has an issue with the Aintree fences.
I was prepared to forgive him a first fence fall in the National - but it was obvious today, that he just doesn’t like the place (some horses don’t).
That’s not the case with Walk in the Mill and he was very game in recording  back-to-back wins in the Becher chase.
Mianna never featured in the mares juvenile hurdle: and Might Bite didn’t feature for long in the Many Clouds chase !
He decanted Nico de Boinville at the fourth fence, allowing Native River to saunter home without ever seeing a rival.

Finally, just a quick word of congratulations, for Neil.

He puts up his ‘Trend bets for the summer’ (sic !) in the forum every Saturday - and whilst he’s had success in the past, I don’t think he’s ever matched todays performance.
He effectively had selections in 5 races - and managed to nominate a 16/1 winner; a 13/2 winner - and a third placed 50/1 shot, EW !
Almost TVB-esque !!

Take a bow, Neil :)

TVB.