Review of the day

There were good runs from 2 of todays 3 tips – but unfortunately, not good enough to get either one home in front…

The best performance was put up by Just Cameron in the 2 mile handicap chase at Doncaster.

He jumped and galloped – and even battled when headed – but alas, was no match for Dandridge, who looked like he had a stone in hand of his handicap mark.

The winner represented the Arthur Moore/Donagh Myler combination and I looked closely at him last night, because of his connections. However, I didn’t feel he had that kind of performance in him…

The other tip to run at Doncaster was Pass the Hat – the second representative on the day, for Moore/Myler.

He also ran a really good race to finish fourth – but clearly wasn’t as well handicapped as his compatriot, as he could never get to Ziga Boy.

We were on Ziga Boy last time out, when he was a very easy winner over course and distance.
However he went up 15lb for that romp and faced much sterner opposition today.
It’s always difficult to know, with those kinds, how they will fare off their new marks – but clearly, despite the apparent severity of the rise, the handicapper hadn’t given him anywhere near enough…

The final tip of the day to run, was Salubrious, at Cheltenham – but he was disappointing…

With Champagne West making a serious mistake – and Irish Cavalier not running his race, Salubrious had every opportunity to win.

He even got the ideal tow into the race from Tenor Nivernais and Annacotty – but rather than stalking and pouncing, he made a couple of mistakes and tamely faded out of contention.

We won’t be on him again in the immediate future…

Earlier on the Cheltenham card, Viva Steve had also faded out of things from the top of the hill.

Fortunately, I did foresee that happening and resisted my initial urge to tip him.

Waldorf Salad ran a mighty race from the front and was possibly a little unlucky not to collect.

If Aiden Coleman had been on board, I would probably have tipped him – so maybe we dodged a bullet there…

Djackadam fell mid race in the Cotswold chase, leaving Smad Place and Many Clouds to fight out the finish.

It was a bit of a shame that Djackadam didn’t complete as I don’t think we learnt much from the race.
I would have expected the first 2 to fight out the finish, in his absence – and remain unconvinced that Smad Place is now a realistic Gold Cup contender.

As for Djackadam, then I think his fall just makes it that bit likelier, that Ruby will be on Vatour in the Gold Cup…

Yanworth was a massively impressive winner of the Neptune hurdle trial – suggesting that he is very much the one to beat in the equivalent race at the festival: whilst Thistlecrack was equally impressive in the Cleeve Hurdle, and he will clearly take all the beating in the World Hurdle.

Camping Ground was a big disappointment in the latter race – as he failed to settle and didn’t get home.

Based on todays run, he would have no chance in the World hurdle - but if the ground were to come up heavy, he could be an interesting rival for Faugheen in the Champion (and there aren’t many of those around at the moment !).

Prairie Town ran a big race in the finale, but was nosed out of third place on the line (I hope not too many of you were on him EW).

Back at Doncaster, Desertmore Hill never really featured in the opener – which was disappointing.

Vaniteux won the novice chase well – and looks the sort who could place in an Arkle (though probably not win one).

Whilst Morning Run just didn’t look particularly good and was well beaten behind Smart Talk and a staying on, Lily Waugh…

TVB.