Review of the day

It was a bit of a nothing day, today – so far as the tips were concerned.

All 3 performed OK – without ever really looking to win their respective races…

First up were Hidden Justice and Shades of Midnight, who contested the opener at Haydock.

The former travelled really sweetly to the home turn – but then found nothing when the pressure was applied: whilst the latter, was under pressure rounding the home turn – but stayed on well to finished a never nearer third.

If they could have combined the best bits, they might just have won ! – but individually, they were no match for Island Heights, who set off in front and made every post a winning one.

The days other tips was Fairy Rath – and I suspect he was still a little under done for todays contest.

If he’d been cherry ripe, I think he would have gone out and tried to make all (as Garrahalish did) – but instead he took a lead from that one.

In fairness, he travelled very nicely through the race – and briefly looked like he might have a chance, when he took up the running jumping the third last.

However, Tenor Nivernais was travelling even better in behind him – and when Aiden Coleman gave him a crack, he shot clear to win by 20 lengths unchallenged.

He’ll get the best part of a stone for that – and I suspect that he won’t be winning again until this time next year !

As for Fairy Rath, he remains one very much on the radar – in the right conditions…

So far as the mentions are concerned: then at Haydock, Kings Lad couldn’t cope with a seemingly much improve Doctor Phoenix.

Certainly the Doctor left his previous form well behind but an SP of 10/11 (from 7/2 last night) suggests it wasn’t a complete surprise to everyone.

I was a little disappointed by Minella Rocco in the novice chase – but he very much looked like he needed the run.
I certainly wouldn’t be giving up on him just yet, as the way he stayed on after the last, was quite taking.

Finally at Haydock, I Just Know wasn’t in the same class as his stablemate Vintage Clouds.

Once again, the betting suggested that would be the case - and once again the betting was right.

Over at Ascot, Loose Chips somehow snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.

I don’t know for certain but I would imagine he traded at 1.01 in running.

Thankfully however, those who kept the faith were rewarded with winner in the last, courtesy of Winner Massegot.

He was 9/4 last night (I think) but unbelievably returned with an SP of 7/1 !

Clearly the expectation was that the ground would be too soft - but it didn’t look overly soft to me.

He was certainly worth a risk at that kind of price – and did indeed prove himself to be a very well handicapped horse…

Finally, just a reminder that as it’s a Friday, I will open the tipping window at 6:00 – in case there is anything I am able to tip this evening in tomorrows big races..

TVB