Tuesday's Meetings Catterick................ Flat................. 8 Races...12:50-4:20p.m. Windsor.................. Flat................. 8 Races.....1:00-4:30p.m. Ffos Las.................. National Hunt.. 7 Races....1:10-4:10p.m. Wolverhampton (E) All-Weather..... 7 Races....4:40-7:40p.m. At The Races Cards Racing Post Cards Sporting Life Cards Good Luck
That's an interesting selection Stick as I remember seeing his last win at Leicester in which I think he won with a bit in hand in a race that was definitely strong for the grade. Smokethethunders was always rated by James Toller and was backed quite heavily on occasion without ever producing, suggesting that the ability was there but the key to harnessing it in a race was just proving elusive. When I saw the Leicester race my thought was ' I wonder if the new trainer has done it'. After making that observation and seeing you put it up tonight I have backed the horse because the price is certainly generous based on that recent Leicester performance. If I have one reservation however it is the turn around in weight with Dominium. It all depends on how competently they are ridden as the weight difference is due to riding arrangements. When they last met Smokethethunders was ridden by a 5lb claimer whilst Dominium by Dane O'Neil, tomorrow Dominum is ridden by a 7lb Claimer whilst Smokie is ridden by Stevie Donohoe. These riding arrangements alone result in Smokie needing to turn around a short head defeat on 12lb worse terms, although he gets 3lb back for the handicappers reassessment. He also has to contend with stall 13. I am on Smokie with you but just thought I would share my reservations.
Windsor 2.00 Geordan Murphy 5-2 This horse won going away by 5 lengths in a maiden a couple of weeks back and I feel 75 leans towards the lenient. Tomorrow over course and distance this selection should take all the beating, not a penalty kick by any stretch but not a bad price based on the visually impressive victory last time and that it's clearly the most unexposed horse in the race. 3.30 Art Scholar 6-1 This horse is at his best with lots of cut in the ground and ran very well in a better race than this last time in which the runner up has scooted in since. He will need a strong pace over 10f but if he gets it I think he will win.
Old boy Montaff marks his 50th racecourse appearance tomorrow in the Class 5, Div2, 2 mile handicap at Catterick. This fella has seen a few good uns in his time. He finished tailed off in Sea the Star's Derby but did managed to get within 6 lengths of Harbinger in Bing's first group race success. In his time he's been highly tried with a few trips to Dubai and a pop at the Pitmans Derby (twice), Gold Cup, Cesarewitch and Chester Cup. He was once rated 106 but now languishes at an all time low 66. The trainer obviously feels that's still too much so has given the leg up to a 3lb claimer to further reduce the burden. The odds compilers give him no chance at all but I do like a trier. A little ew go at 25s. Good luck all but in particular good luck Montaff.
Very nice looking maiden hurdle to kick off the day at Ffos Las as Fletchers Flyer makes his seasonal reappearance alongside Shantou Bob and the potentially exciting Padge whom I had put up as one of my 5 to follow last season, he only made one appearance in December on heavy going and was beaten not far into 3rd on his first visit to the track. He has previously beaten Albert Bartlett winner Very Wood(won again today) in a p2p and was subsequently bought by the Rucker family to be trained with Evan Williams and I am sure he is one to keep onside for the future regardless of what happens tomorrow. The step up to 20f will suit Padge but it's hard to find fault with Fletchers Flyer form thus far and Shantou Bob hasn't put a foot wrong either, whatever happens tomorrow I'd say these 3 will be winning a fair few races over the coming years and from a betting perspective I wouldn't put anyone off Padge at 6/1 e/w but tomorrow's race is probably more a watching brief than a betting one for me.
One of my faves returns to the track today after over 3 years off (won a couple of P2P's in between but not seen since April 2013) and at 33/1 with Ladcrooks, I will be having a dabble eway... 2:40 Ffos Las - Squadron I've also seen worse bets than Humble Ben 14/1 in the 2:10 so I'm throwing some eway at that one too. Question as it's a quiet day... What has been your favourite year/season for racing? For me personally, the 2007/2008 NH season stands head and shoulders above anything. The whole season building up to the Denman vs KS showdown and also the amazing Inglis Drever powering up the hill to claim a third World Hurdle crown!! That Cheltenham week was the first time I had booked all four days - I remember the disappointment of hearing the news that the Wednesday had been 'blown away' but we were certainly spoilt on the Thursday and Friday!!
4:00 Windsor - Vaguely Spanish 5/1 4:20 Catterick - Rylee Mooch 9/2 4:30 Windsor - Crouching Harry 11/1
Great shout Badger, sorry the scholar could not make up the forecast. Never going fast enough for him over 10f.
Great call again Badger. The forum is on seriously good form today lots of winners and big prices. Well done all.
