My best day ever at the Festival today. Gambling is like Golf though and even after a brilliant day there is always one that got away.
1.30
I will finish the Festival some way in front but it will be huge if GRUMETTI wins the Triumph. I backed him at 16-1 to win this and the Cheltenham trial when he got the race in the stewards room. My luck is in and my hopes stay with him.
They will go one hell of a gallop with a number of front runners in the field. If they don’t cut each others throats I can see one of them, Urbain de Sivola going really well. The Irish are well represented and best of theirs could be Shadow Catcher.
2.05
Taking two against the field is sensible I think. REDERA is my first pick. I think he has plenty of improvement in him. He will need luck in running but I am sure he will go well. If Urbain de Sivola goes well in the Triumph then it pays a big compliment to IFYOULETMEFINISH. Thet dead heated at Taunton and both look pretty useful. Ifyouletmefinish may have come out on top that day had he hurdled better.
2.40
The Lavelle yard wont mind me telling you that they are sweet on the chances of Fox Appeal. Rocky Creek is one I like a lot, he thumped a very good sort from the Lavelle yard this season and he will surely run well. They are almost certainly playing for places though as BOSTON BOB looks a banker to me. His thumping of Mount Benbulben shocked me and the form is first class.
3.20
Edward Gillespie said on Tuesday that we have often referred to horses as the best since Arkle, he went on to say that a win for KAUTO STAR will remove the “best since” prefix!
I hope he wins and then I hope he is retired. Tears due at 3.30.
4.00
I have arranged a box, oxygen and refreshments at the bottom of Prestbury Hill for Barbers Shop and Chapoturgeon. Having backed Salsify ante post I am happy to have another play in the form of MERCHANT ROYAL (16-1). Looked very impressive at Thurles on his latest start and looks to have plenty of scope.
4.40
My biggest bet tomorrow is on BOURNE (6-1) who could hardly have had a better compliment paid than that by Smad Place today. The form looks good and the yard are certainly bang in form. My only bet in this race although I was slightly tempted to have a saver on Street Entertainer who had a fairly “considerate” ride last time out!
5.15
The finale. I am putting my faith in what I think will be a good old fashioned Arthur Moore touch in the form of FREE WORLD (16-1). I thnk he has been laid out for this and I fully expect a good old fashioned punt. Nicky Henderson loves to win this race and Eradicate and Tanks For That should both go well. Slieveardagh should also go well.