Review of the day

Thanks to ‘go to Paddy’ the tips turned in a profit today – which was some consolation for events earlier in the week.

He steered Theatre Guide to as easy a win as you’ll see in a big handicap – further franking the form of Smad Place.

I was keen on him yesterday evening – but my enthusiasm had diminished a little by this morning.
I still thought he had a good chance - I could just see lots of potential dangers !

Well, thankfully non of them materialised, and he came home alone.

The saver tip, Viva Steve, ran a good race to finish sixth – but simply lacked the class required to win such a race…

The day didn’t start too well, with Vendor getting well beaten at Newcastle.

In his defence (and mine !) the ground was much quicker there, than I expect (much, much quicker !) – and that definitely didn’t suit him.

He was outpaced from the home turn – and it was to his credit, that he stayed on to finish third.

I’m still not convinced the horse has finished winning this season – but he’ll want 2m4f on ground like he encountered today – or for the heavens to open again…

I don’t think the quick ground did Woodford County any favours either.

He is woefully (or loveably !) one paced. All he will ever do is grind – so when the leaders quickened down the straight, he was left floundering.

The saver in the race, Cork Citizen, was being scrubbed along from an early stage (probably down to the ground again) and he already looked well beaten when interfered with, and unseating.

Back at Kempton, Vicenzo Mio ran a reasonable race in the handicap hurdle - but didn’t settle well enough to give himself a chance of getting home.
He looked like he needs a return to 2 miles (plus maybe a few less pounds on his back).

Conversely, De Kerry Man looks like he needs a step back up in trip (plus possibly softer ground).
He was taken off his feet in the following handicap chase - which was won in good style, by the morning gamble, Ericht.

The final tip to run on the day, was Batavir.

He ran a decent race to finish third - briefly looking like he might win, running to the final flight, but ultimately not having the stamina reserves of the two who beat him.

I can have no complaints over him…

Also at Chepstow, Arthurs Oak maintained the 100% winning record of the eye catchers !

His race panned out exactly as I would have hoped – the only surprise was a winning SP of 11/4.

As for the mentions:

Then Wild Bill didn’t seem to quite get home at Chepstow – he is one to keep on the radar:

At Sandown, Mon Successor was cruising in the Pendil when taking a nasty looking fall 4 out. You have to think he would have gone very close.

Whilst at Newcastle, despite being very strong in the betting, Blakemount ran disappointingly.

Again, I would suggest that was down to the ground.

Finally, Seeyouatmidnight was a workman like winner of the opener. His performance won’t have pleased everyone – but I suspect it served its purpose.
Again, without wishing to sound like a broken record, the good ground would have done him no favours…

TVB.