Racing on Sunday sees the concluding day of the Open Meeting at Cheltenham, top class action from Punchestown and they also go over the sticks at Fontwell and Cork. I have already taken the 20/1 each way on Bothy in the 2.50 race at Cheltenham. Ran a fantastic race on his reappearance and loves cut in the ground.
Can't believe I'm 2nd Ardent, had a shocking day, felt like I kept hitting the post. Never had so many 2nd placed horses (most of them backed to win ) ................... Had my eye on Bothy all week for this, very nice horse who I had in my 10 to follow last season until it became apparent he wasn't going to return from injury. Very impressed by his comeback run at Wetherby and his run 2 years ago at Newbury on soft was most impressive.
I really like Cause Of Causes tomorrow in the big race, he seems to have the right profile and is still relatively unexposed. In the intermediate I have gone for the Venetia Williams trained Hada Men who I think is one to follow now he has had a run this season. Tough day tomorrow, I shall aim to keep as much of the weekends profit as possible.
Westward Point @ 9/1 (GP) 16:00 NATIONAL HUNT FLAT 2m 110y According To Trev @ 8/1 (GP) 15:25 NOVICES HURDLE 2m 5f Bothy @ 18/1 (GP) 14:50 RACING POST HANDICAP HURDLE 2m 110y Hada Men @ 16/1 (GP) 13:45 HANDICAP HURDLE 2m 5f EW accy and Lucky 15 stay frosty
Main fancy of the day is Village Vic at cheltenham. The form of his good second behind The New One is the best on offer and i think with normal improvement he can be good enough to take this. Over in ireland its not much of a price but i expect Staying Article to take the 1.15 Cork and Back In Focus 1.40 Punchestown looks a very exciting prospect and even though he is against some promising types i fancy him to win this one
Cheltenham and F1- a good Sunday. Each way bet of the day: JENSON BUTTON 50/1 E.W Starts 12th in Texas because of a loss of power denying him a run but the McClaren has had brilliant pace on the hard tyre all weekend and that is crucial at this track. Because it has not really been rubbered in, the difference in pace-usually marginal- will be greatly exaggerated- meaning in the mid section of the race Jenson can be over a second quicker than the likes of Mercedes, Force India, Sauber and possibly even Ferrari. The start will be a lottery with an 18 car wide first turn and if he can avoid contact, he might get bumped up. Remember also he can start in the hard tyre and go for a short stint on the quicker soft tyre at the end of the race on light fuel, so he could be super quick if he can position himself well in the first half of the Grand Prix. Needs that bit of luck though early so lets see.
In the Arkle trial, CAPTAIN CONAN is short but is thr biggest horse I have ever seen. Nicky Henderson has massive hopes for him this season and is reportedly 'delighted' with his schooling. If anyone thinks Simonsig could win a Champion Hurdle, back him before Captain Conan runs today, as CC may force Hendersons hand in terms of Arkle plans. Similarly, Henderson says if Simonsig goes for the Arkle, Captain Conan would go to 2 and a half miles, so see if you can get a big Jewson quote for him. In a stable tour Henderson or Geraghty have said CC has surprised them with how much natural pace he has for a big horse.
F1 Toppy?! Can't watch it myself, like watching paint dry! Each to their own though good luck with your bet. Just 3 for me today playing with Billy Hills money thanks to Al Ferof and Nadiya yesterday in the big race Hada Men 16/1 ew Prospect Wells 8/1 ew & Kazlian 8/1 ew plus reverse f/c Good luck everyone
13:30 Fontwell - Scottish Boogie (Hope this will be another boogie-woogie winner). GL today everyone!
So then, 3 arrows to go alongside Captain Conan: 1.45: Persian Snow 10/1-This is a horse who has been crying for a step up in trip. Whether he has the ability to run beyond his mark of 130? I think he probably does- he ran very well in a soft ground bumper at Ascot behind a horse I hold in seriously high regard Mono Man (one to follow) and has also won a hurdle on heavy ground. That is a big plus in his favour now with the trip and ground both expected to suit. 2:50 :KAZLIAN 8/1 (NB) If this was good ground I'd have Prospect Wells very well weighted with Harry Derham's 7lb claim but I think he might struggle to go through the ground based on his finish at Ascot last year and his troubles at Sandown. Kazlian on the other hand is a French bred who has really good pace- I think Tom Scudamore could well steal this race from the front because he has a horse who should relish conditions and who might kick clear with the others staying on when the party is over. CASH AND GO is fairly handicapped and I expect a big show fresh on first start for Nicky Henderson having shown smart juvenile form in Ireland. Suspicion is that Kazlian might be a touch better handicapped at this stage of the season. 3.25 Village Vic 9/4- Looks a fair price because he ran beautifully on his comeback when worried out of it in the finish by the strong staying THE NEW ONE and he will appreciate the stamina test again today. If he steps up on reappearance, he has to have a good chance. Think he will be one of the brighter lights for Philip Hobbs this season.
I'm having trouble working out why Wishfull Thinking isn't odds on to take the 2.20 at Cheltenham, following the defection of Sprinter Sacre. The market suggests he has DoesLessThanMe to beat, but he'd be giving that one 11lbs in a handicap. Here he is in receipt of 4lbs. I think the evens is a steal, but perhaps I've missed something? The trip may be short of what he really needs, but the ground will blunt the speed of his rivals.
