Review of the day

My concerns with the jumping of Bertie Boru, proved well founded this afternoon.

As was the case when I tipped him at Wincanton earlier in the season, he managed to get round – but his jumping was once again, dreadful.

He was ponderous over his fences – clouting quite a few of them, for good measure.

In the circumstances, he did remarkably well to finish fifth – not far behind the third placed horse.

If, by some miracle, he ever does put in a clean round of jumping, he will likely hack up…

Things weren’t much better with the days mentions, either…

In the opening race on the card, Fingers Crossed moved nicely in to the straight – but was soon a spent force.

He’s quite an enthusiastic traveller, and appeared not to get home, in what looked like pretty heavy ground.

That said, the ground didn’t look anywhere near as heavy on the chase course (initially at least), and our old friend, Fairy Rath took full advantage of that.

We were on him earlier in the season – and there was little doubt that he was a well handicapped horse today.

However, I expected him to struggle with the ground – particularly running over a trip shorter than normal.

However that wasn’t the case, and he jumped and travelled beautifully throughout.

He’ll get a fair rise for his efforts - but that is needed in order to get him into the Topham at Aintree.

He will take a bit of beating round the Aintree track.

The Royal Artillery Gold cup was won by Jennies Surprise – but that seemed highly unlikely for most of the race.
In fact, Cowards Close and Clonbanan Lad appeared to have every chance, as they headed towards the Pond fence for the final time.

However, the leaders had clearly gone too fast – and first Clonbanan Lad backed out, followed a shortly after, by Cowards Close.

That seemed to leave the race in the keeping of Newton Thistle - but he stalled up the run in, allowing Jennies Surprise to sail on by…

There was almost as much drama at Fakenham.

In the handicap chase, both Marden Court and Kazlian fell: whilst Rock N Rhythm unseated his jockey whilst still going reasonably well.

It looked like The Italian Yob had the race won – but as with Newton Thistle, he hung on the run in and was collared close home.

Kings Cross had no apparent excuses – and could only plug on for a distant and disappointing, third place…

Finally, just to cap a poor day, Victoria Pendleton managed to fall off the 8/13 favourite Pacha Du Polder.

The masses won’t be happy…

Just a quick reminder that as it’s a Friday, I will open the tipping window at 6:00 this evening, in case there is anything I can tip in tomorrows big races.

TVB.