Review of the day

There was no joy with todays 3 tips.

All 3 of them tried to make ground from the back of the field – but on a day when the leaders weren’t tending to stop, their rewards were slim…

First it was Alacala, who was settled in the rear, travelling nicely - but just had too much to do.

He finished really strongly to take third place close home – and looks handicapped to win – but that wasn’t much good for us this afternoon.

Affair D’Honneur was given a similar ride in the Imperial Cup – and it delivered a similar result.

In fairness, I expected him to be ridden in such a manner – but it gave him next to no chance of winning.

He ran on through beaten horses to finish a distant fourth – and may be of interest if stepped up in trip, next time.

Sirop De Menthe won’t be of interest next time, regardless of the trip !

He looked like a horse that has gone over the top.

He had a very tough race last time, on the back of a long season – and it looked like it had taken a toll.

I think he would benefit from a break, and a return in the autumn…

In terms of the mentions:

Then Bertie Boru did as I feared and belted a few fences – eventually managing to dislodge Richard Johnson (no mean feat !).

I’ve no idea where connections should go with him (hurdles, maybe ?).

Relax ran with credit in the same race, but the ground wasn’t heavy enough for him, as he is woefully one paced.

I wouldn’t be surprised to see Venetia run him a couple more times this season - so he starts the next campaign on a workable mark.

Avellino cruised in the lead in the mares bumper – traded at 1.5 in running – and ended up fifth !

She didn’t get up the Sandown hill – and with hindsight, maybe her jockey should have held on to her for a little longer.

By contrast maybe Sam Twiston Davies should have attacked earlier on Minella Reception. He looked to be swinging all over Morning Reggie, coming to 2 out (traded at 1.1 in running) – but Sam chose not to press on and Morning Reggie kept finding for pressure.

Over at Ayr, Bold Sir Brian managed to record the win that I was hoping for last time.

I wasn’t sure he was still capable of responding to pressure - but he showed a really good attitude to wear down See Double You close home.

He is unlikely to get much of a rise and I could see him following up todays win.

No Planning was well backed in the handicap chase (into 9/4 joint fav) – and made all under a determined Danny Cook.

Following Sue Smith horses when the money is down has been a good ploy, this season.

Western Rules was a big disappointment in the handicap hurdle – but unfortunately, Sa Suffit couldn’t quite take advantage.
He ran a gallant race – but maybe not too surprisingly, his 13 year old legs were no match for those of Shades of Midnight, who is less than half his age !

Finally at Chepstow, despite not being as well backed as I expected, Wood Yer provide an ultra game winner of the handicap chase.

Copper Birch also ran a big race: looking to have every chance approaching the second last - and ultimately finishing a fair third.

TVB.