Tony Martin may be a genius with handicappers, but can anyone tell me how he has managed to get Made In Taipan into the 3.25 at Galway today with a rating of 138? As far as I can tell he has been rated 145 over hurdles for the last few years.
I've had a feeling in my water all day, and it has nothing to do with a need of antibiotics. I didn't know what it was until I logged on. It was Aintree. I don't know how it happens, but Aintree brings out the best in me. Something to do with National Velvet I think. I won't explain how I came by these selections, but a gold medal to anyone who tumbles. 14:25. RUMBLE THUNDER. 14:55. BALLYHOLLAND. 15:30. MASTER MINDED. 16:05. DIDDLEY DEE. 16:40. SCOTER FONTAINE. 17:15. CATEGORICAL. 17:45. CINDERS AND ASHES. Bring a satchel, you'll need it, and two strong arms to carry the cash home.
Morning all 5.20 Aintree- BLACK QUARTZ 20-1 E.W (BOG) This is a warm maiden hurdle and therefore it will not be easy to win but I couldn't get away from Black Quartz at the prices. He was a horse I really liked at 2 when trained by Aidan O'Brien. He looked very promsing with wins at the Curragh and Galway before finishing 5th in a Group 3 on heavy ground on his final start for O'Brien. The fact he was able to achieve a rating in the 100s during his 2yo career would suggest he has plenty of ability. He has had one start over hurdles in France finishing last of 4 which is slightly off putting but he has joined the Rebecca Curtis yard and I really do rate her as a quality trainer. I do think this horse would have leading claims if retaining his ability and putting it all in over hurdles on his first start for his new trainer. 2.45 Newbury â FRENCH NAVY (13-2 BOG) A good renewal of the St Simon stakes and I am confident of a massive run from French Navy. A smart performer in France he has shown himself as a horse with a touch of class this season with wins at Newmarket and Goodwood over some decent fields. He was very disappointing in Group 2 company at Longchamp last time out but I canât have that as his true running and if bouncing back to his best he has to have leading claims today. The step up to 1m4f should suit and he certainly looks the value at 13-2 2.00 Doncaster â EXCEL BOLT E.W 28-1 (BOG) This will be no easy task off top weight for Excel Bolt especially after such a disappointing effort on his seasonal reappearance at Hamilton back in May. However this reflects in his price and as a 2yo he looked to have a bright future with 2 wins and a fine third in the Norfolk stakes at Ascot. He has been off since May so I am thinking he may not have been right at Hamilton and as I am willing to forgive this effort I think he is massively overpriced this afternoon. leaving for footy in 5 mins so not got time for any more write ups but will be backing these also Join Together 2.35 Chepstow Robinson Collognes 4.15 Chepstow E.W Tataniano 4.50 Chepstow Hebridean 3.25 Galway good luck all
MEDICI TIME 33/1 (2.00 Doncaster) is a very good sprinter but there is always a concern he will miss the break badly. However, despite uninspiring form figures of late, he has made relatively good headway from impossible positions, shaping as though he might be able to run a new career best off a mark of 87. Ted Durcan seemingly gets on well with him, with form figures of 1441 in 4 rides. Tim Easterby has thrown a few in this race so he looks serious about trying to win it. The drying ground has been very much in Medici Time's favour. E/w dabble for me.
In the Racing Post Trophy, I am in the Ballydoyle camp, but will be having a litle bet on Learn. Camelot looked visually impressive on debut, and has a big reputation, but I can't play at that price on the weakness of that debut form. Learn, on the other hand, absolutely dotted up on his 3rd start, looked much more clued up and slammed the field by 5 lengths, a field which included the highly-touted John Oxx trained AKEED MOFEED (very unlucky 2nd in Beresford) and AKEED WAFI (impressive winner since). Learn was beaten by stablemate David Livingston on debut but DL had already had the benefit of one run. Learn then ran a cracking race in defeat when one of Dermot Weld's (now runs in Group Company) chinned him late on, but I think Learn has got rid of the greenness and will get the run of the race up on the pace in what is now a very small field.
Taken Dan's advice and backed Rumble Of Thunder who would be a poignant winner. Also a little e/w saver on Jubail who wasn't bad last season and didn't run too badly on debut for Don McCain on debut. The very capable Henry Brooke takes off 5 and he could be in the mix. Should be a good race.
Nice for Kate Walton to get the win there - it will be scant consolation after tragically losing her husband but very well done to her.
Not a bad debut that from Duke of Lucca - the winner did it very easily though. On the Roger Charlton horse here - yard in top form
Mount Benbulben fell on the flat Might be a few punters wanting a word with the clerk of the course there
Backed Jim Bolger's colt Zip Top in the Racing Post trophy - will definitely appreciate the step up in trip
Let the hyperbole begin - no doubt we'll see some silly prices for the classics. All I will say is "Impressive, but so was St Nicholas Abbey when he won it"
