King George VI Stakes, Monday, 26th December (14:30): Without further ado, it is L'Homme Presse for me, a top-class Chaser, ridden by a talented young NH jockey, Charlie Deutsch, and trained by the successful stable of Venetia Williams. More rain would improve the gelding's chances considerably, but I am unsure he'll get that. Light rain showers expected for Sunday, but Boxing Day Monday will probably be sunny. However, won't change my mind because of the weather. Enjoy the racing folks, and I wish you all every success with your wagers.
Tote place (assuming pays out on 2nd) Highway One O Two 66/1 Edit. Hoping ground doesn't have "soft" in description. Now 100/1
I just noticed High Definition makes his hurdles debut for Joseph in the opener at Leopardstown. He must be the highest rated flat horse (peak of 119) to go hurdling for quite some time? Sir Barney will be pleased
Changed hands a couple of months ago for a cool 350,000 gns. Fascinating recruit to the old NH sphere and can't wait to see how the old boy gets on. High Definition remains a full horse. Another 'first' on St Stephen's Day, incidentally, is that old boy Harry Derham has his first runner as a trainer - Seelotmorebusiness at Huntingdon.
I hope young Joseph has schooled him well then as you wouldnt your knackers caught in the brush. Eye watering.
At first glance, Kempton 12,45 Goshen 4/1 bet365 and sky, others 7/2 14,30 Envoi Allen 7/1 e/w WH three places, others 13/2 15,40 Whatsupwithyou 14/1 e/w bet365, Lads and Coral four places, 12/1 sky five places Wetherby 13,35 Sounds Russian 7/1 bet365, 6/1 others
Lossiemouth 5/6 for the Juvenile Hurdle and should win this without any trouble if her place at the head of the Triumph Hurdle is merited. But there is some interesting opposition so could be interesting. Might be better taking the 11/4 for the Triumph in case she wins easily?
Market Rasen 14,50 Cash To Ash 28/1 e/w bet365 five places, 25/1 sky six places Wetherby 12,27 Espoir Moriviere 9/1 e/w sky five places, four others Kempton 15,05 Arizona Cardinal 14/1 e/w sky four places, three others
I have decided to do 5 patents tomorrow. All Ventia Williams, Emma Lavelle and Lucinda Russell horses, plus the ITV 7, and I might use one of my free bets on Frodon, just for old time's sake. Good luck all.
Martha Divine 22/1 (4 places) - Limerick 2.08 Rates a decent price in this open contest, could be still feasibly treated now over hurdles still. Time will tell.
Guten Morgen, Sprachen Meister! Come on Oddy, less of High Definition, give me a winning tip for today. Here I am, rough with COVID, I need a pick me up!
Sorry to hear that Tam - gute Besserung as the Germans would say. Here’s a sporting pick for you in the race after High Definition’s - the Maiden Hurdle at 1.10 - Dermot Weld’s Coeur D’Or is battle hardened from the flat and even managed to win on the beach at Laytown. Might surprise a few here and outrun his odds of 20/1 Look after yourself
