agree with BostonBob that double looks a cert Unatout and Aupcharlie for me Also did an E/W Lucky 31 at Meydan as follows MEYDAN 17:25 Layali Al Andalus @ 14/1 (GP) MEYDAN 16:50 Shabora @ 16/1 (GP) MEYDAN 16:15 Hajoum @ 10/1 (GP) MEYDAN 15:40 Maath Gool @ 10/1 (GP) MEYDAN 15:05 Mark To Market @ 8/1 (GP)
4.20 Naas Nearly Nama'd 15/2 Given that Nearly Nama'd is declared for the Cheltenham Sales next weekend, I am sure connections are desperate to get him a win to increase his value and as such will be going all out to land the finale at Naas. David Harry Kelly's 5 year old is a half brother to the winning hurdlers Filbert and Well Green and he finished placed on both his completed Point to Points although that form is only average enough. He made his rules debut towards the end of December when running out a decent 2nd as he clearly ran into a talented horse in the shape of Robert Tyner's Byerley Babe. After leading for a lot of the contest, Byerley Babe cruised up alongside Nearly Nama'd in the home straight and knowing that his mount could not go with the eventual winner Pa King wasn't overly hard on Nearly Nama'd as he allowed his more experienced counterpart to saunter to success as he didn't unduly knock about Nearly Nama'd to finish over 5L clear of the 3rd. I expect Nearly Nama'd to improve considerably for the bumper experience and I think with natural progression he should definitely run a big race. His trainer David Harry Kelly, whose first runner under rules only came in May 2012, has become a massive force to be reckoned with in Bumpers boasting an extremely impressive 6 wins and 5 places from just 18 runners in this sphere. In addition, I can see the extra 3f helping given that his half brother stays 26f over hurdles. Young 7lb apprentice Pa King again takes the ride and he has been on board all of the trainer's bumper winners to date. With conditions posing no issues, I'm confident of a massive showing from this 5 year old whose value will significantly increase if successful tomorrow and hopefully he can go out with a bang for his rookie trainer before being sold at a nice price next weekend.
Nothing jumps off the page today but I'm going to have a dabble on a couple of outsiders at Naas. Courageous Cry e/w @14/1 in the 3.20 and Wild Salmon e/w @ 12/1 in the 3.50 Both hail from less fashionable yards and have decent form chances of placing at least. GL all.
Oh well, no excuses, but Haftohaf needs a stronger pace than that? Race developed into a 2-furlong sprint in the end. Thought Joe Lively's Light From Mars was home and hosed at one point...............
I've got Fluctuate next up, first time blinkers for John Gosden who I doubt is at this meet for a laugh.
Well we are opposed in the next mate - I have Noble Silk to your Fluctuate. And to be honest I was split between the two but jumped for NS. Maybe a RF might be profitable .... hmmmm