Newcastle was abandoned earlier in the week, leaving
Taunton as the sole NH meeting today…
And
it’s not a bad meeting either, with a couple of decent handicaps the features on
the 7 race card.
I
did think I would be able to find a tip in one of them – and if pushed, I guess
I could have done.
But
I don’t see a particular need to push things at the moment – so you’ll have to
settle for some ‘mentions’ instead…
The
main race of the day, is the handicap chase at 2:40.
Top
Wood looks the right favourite in this but he doesn’t look unbeatable - in fact,
his record suggests he is one to take on.
The
trouble is, there are 3 or 4 that I could have taken him on with…
Despite the trip appearing too far, I would be very
fearful of Easter Day, if he is well backed.
Simply, he could be different class to his rivals - and if that is the case, his stamina is unlikely to be fully tested.
Simply, he could be different class to his rivals - and if that is the case, his stamina is unlikely to be fully tested.
However, he does have some big questions marks hanging
over him – so he’s not one I could ever have tipped.
I
did actually consider tipping Wychwood Brook. He was 8/1 first thing – and if
his price had drifted to 10/1 (which I thought it might), we would have been on
him.
He
has ticks in a lot of boxes - and I would certainly expect him to run his
race.
I would just be a little fearful he might find one or two, too good.
I would just be a little fearful he might find one or two, too good.
In
addition to the 3 mentioned, I could also make half a case for all of the
others, bar Paddy the Oscar.
Consequently, any bet in the race would have to be
‘value’ based – and I felt that there was never quite enough value in Wychwoods
price…
The
following race on the card (3:10), is less competitive - but the market has the
right horses at its head…
Pull
the Chord won the equivalent race 12 months ago and must have a decent chance of
repeating the trick today – even off a 15lb higher mark…
He
beat Sirop De Menthe on his seasonal debut and that one has subsequently franked
the form, in no uncertain manner.
I
suspect that Pull the Chord is still improving – and he probably sets the
standard today.
Winning Spark is the solid option in the race.
He
was unlucky over course and distance, 2 runs ago – and was still in with every
chance when falling last time out, at Exeter.
He
remains handicapped to go well today – and I’ll be surprised if he finishes out
of the frame.
The
potential fly in the ointment is The Brock Again. He’s been off the track for
over 12 months – but the early betting is suggesting that he is fit enough to do
himself justice today.
If he remains strong in the market, I would be fearful of him.
If he remains strong in the market, I would be fearful of him.
The
other one worth a mention, is Venetias, Adelar.
He’s
been off the track for nearly 3 years – and as an 11 year old, it is a bit
surprising that connections are persisting with him.
I
suspect today won’t be his day – but he is likely one to bear in mind, in a
month or twos time…
There is a cracking Hunter chase off at 3:40.
It
will be great to watch a number of old favourites in action – many having their
first runs for new yards…
The
betting suggests it is between 4 of them: Pearlysteps, Join Together, Chance de
Roy and Dark Lover – and it probably knows best.
However, I might be tempted by a small EW play on
Ballyalia Man.
He’s
been pulled up in two recent Points – but at least he’s had recent
runs.
On
his old form, he would have a squeak – and he should handle todays
trip/ground.
There is a ridiculous amount of guesswork – but at 33/1
he could be worth a tiny, speculative play…
Best
of luck if you do choose to get involved today.
TVB.
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