Review of the day

There was no joy this afternoon – which considering the form I’ve been in lately, was a little disappointing…

The first tip to run, was Laser Hawk – and he was probably my strongest fancy on the day.

However, he raced too keenly, and when he took off early at the fourth fence, landing awkwardly, his race was effectively over. He was pulled up soon after…

The handicapper is unlikely to drop him, on the back of todays run (because he was pulled up before half way) – but I think it can be ignored.
Back on a more galloping track, I could still be interested in him…

Next it was Upsilon Bleu – and he too was disappointing.
However, unlike Laser Hawk, there was no obvious reason for his poor performance.

He didn’t travel or jump as he can – it was just a bad day at the office.

In truth, it probably didn’t make much difference, as Gardefort bounced back to form and won as he liked.

As I suggested this morning, he was a difficult one to be interested in, based on his recent performances. However, plenty were interested in him as he was sent off 7/2 joint favourite - and as is so often the case, the money was spot on.

He will need to go up in grade now – but based on todays run, could well handle it…

Definite Outcome was the next tip to run – and he ran pretty well.

However, pretty well was nowhere near good enough to trouble either of the Willie Mullins runners.

My feeling this morning, was that Mullins was using the race primarily to gauge the strength of the English horses.

Well, the suggestion is, that he has little to worry about.

His 2 runners dominated from the home turn, and whilst Definite Outcome did manage to run on to secure third spot, he was never really in with a chance of winning.

The days final two tips, ran in the Classic chase.

De Kerry Man gave a bold sight, in the leading group – but he always looked to be going a shade too freely and ultimately didn’t get home

He will be of interest, dropped back in trip (to 3 miles, or less).

Foxbridge was a little unlucky.
He raced at the back of the pack but was still in contention and moving OK, when he swerved to avoid a fallen horse and his jockey came out the side door.

That is always a danger when you try to come from behind in these races – and he had already experienced a couple of near misses.

Whether he would have been involved in the finish is anyones guess – but this run can be safely ignored…

As for the mentions…

At Warwick, Black Hercules put up a good performance to win the novice chase.
He is going to be a tough one to beat in the 4 miler at Cheltenham.

Whilst Flintham proved himself a tough one to beat in the Pertemps qualifier, holding off the determined challenge of Pobbles Bay.

Despite the exploits of his illustrious siblings (Coneygree and Carruthers), I doubt we’ll see Flintham over fences again.

At Wetherby, Vendor looked to have the handicap hurdle won, when cruising into the lead as they entered the straight – but he failed to get home.

Ultimately he could only finish third – but he is clearly still very well handicapped, in the right conditions.

It was a similar story with Azert De Coeur, who also looked like winning, jumping the last, but was worried out of things close home by Caraline…

Finally, at Naas, Cest Notre Gris ran a fair race – but didn’t run as well as I hoped and could only finished seventh; whilst Mount Brandon was even more disappointing.

Unbelievably, he was sent off a 5/4 favourite but never really featured and finished well beaten.

TVB.