Friday 15 April 2016

Review of the day

Despite some serious pre-race rain, and a 4 and a quarter mile trip, the Grand National didn’t provide enough of a stamina test for Goonyella – and he could only run on to take a distant fifth place.

If they ever introduce 8 mile races, then I reckon he could be unbeatable – but I somehow doubt that will happen !

As for the other tips in the race, then Holywell didn’t take to the place – and decanted his jockey at the second fence.
Gallant Oscar did a little better – but got rid of his at the 18th.
Boston Bob gave up the ghost, after Bechers Brook, second time round: and whilst Unioniste managed to complete – it was very much in his own time…

Still, with virtually all bookmakers playing at least 5 places, it was just about a profitable race – so not a disaster…

Earlier in the afternoon, Prince of Scars was caught out by the lack of a strong gallop – and some shoddy jumping.
He managed to finish third behind impressive winner Thistlecrack – but we needed second for a place return.

The big tip of the day, was Roc D’Apsis – but he was disappointing.
The rain appeared to turn the race into a bit of a lottery – and his mid field position seemed to be just where you didn’t want to be.
He started making mistakes on the second circuit - and Paddy Brennan gave up on him rounding the home turn.
I’d be inclined to disregard the run.

In the opener on the card, the green and gold of JP McManus managed to fill 4 of the first 7 places – though second was as good as it got.
The winner, Ubak, took advantage of a pedestrian pace and quickened away from the field approaching the last.
If in Doubt was running him down close home – but he had too much to do.

Yorkhill and Douvan won their respective contests - but things weren’t as straightforward as they should have been for the former…

He pulled like a train and made some shocking jumping errors – so the fact he was able to repel the late challenge of Le Prezien, suggests he has a serious engine.
If he were mine, I’d put him over fences next season and target the Arkle. I think it would take a good one to beat him.

Douvan is not just a good one - he’s an exceptional one.
It will be fascinating to see what he blossoms into next season (my guess would be a Champion Chaser).

The final race on the card was won by Ivan Grozny, ridden by David Mullins.
Just half an hour after winning the Grand National, he was probably pinching himself, in the unsaddling enclosure…

And so that’s the end of another TVB season – and this time it really is the end.

No more write-ups or reviews; advance notices or tips - your inboxes and going to wonder what’s happened !

Ofcourse I’ve still got the end of season report to issue – and that should be with you in the next few days.
I will also be around on the forum – monitoring the eye catchers – and possibly looking at the odd race (though not in too much detail !).

It’s generally been fun (if a little stressful at times !) – and hopefully you’ve found it profitable as well.

I’ll be back in touch with you all in the autumn, with hopefully news on a slightly improved service (you know I never like to stand still).

I hope you all have a great summer – and that your team wins the Euros (provided it’s England, ofcourse !).

TVB

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