Racing on Wednesday from Bath, Naas and York on the flat with Fontwell, Perth and Uttoxeter over the sticks. 5.45 Uttoxeter - Shuil Gealach. No prices up yet but I think Paul Webber's mare could go well at a nice price in an open looking bumper at Uttoxeter. Sired by Flemensfirth, his dam has bred a couple of NH winners and Webber has a decent strike rate in bumpers over the last couple of seasons.
2.15 York Farlow 10/1 I was very tempted to back Mass Rally in this but he might just be handicapped out of it. It was watching Mass Rallys race at Doncaster that brought my attention to Farlow. Mass Rally travelled well but some way off the pace, keeping on nicely at the end. However at the line something came steaming at Mass Rally and chinned him for 8th or 9th position. When I looked it was in fact Farlow. I think he looks a real player at 6f off this sort of mark (87) and he looks very fairly handicapped in a field where little else stands out as well treated.
Naas 6.20 Gathering Power 8/1 I wanted to see her dropped back to 5f but she is still about a stone ahead of what she should finish the season rated. Very rarely back e/w at this short a price but its a competitive race and I just cant see her being out of the 4 and if im right about her she should be going close to winning this provided she gets a bit of luck in running.
2.45 Woodland Aria 9/2 Liber Nauticus is the talking horse and her maiden win was visually impressive at Goodwood, as was her physique! However, the fact that it was none other than CUSHION that she flew past- a keen running nutcase from the Gosden yard who has been beaten in a handicap off 81, tempers my enthusiasm. Woodland Aria, on the other hand, was mighty green out of the stalls when making a debut at an unfashionable Wolverhampton, but don't be deceived here. Sent off 4/1, she was in 5th for the majority of the race, initially looking like there would be difficulty hanging on to the coat tails of two Godolphin runners and the Stoute favourite, ELIK. However, by the time they reached the 3f pole, she was travelling very strongly and as they hit the 2f pole, she had cruised up to them on the bridle. Not only did she then make headway on the inside of the bend turning for home, she was switched out by Buick to win hands and heels cosily from Elik. The ELIK form is important here. It was a cosy victory that was far more value than the margin suggests, and Elik was an extremely unucky 4th in the Cheshire Oaks last week, failing to find gaps at the right times and finishing never nearer 4L behind the well regarded Banoffee. I think at 9/2 Woodland Aria warrants serious consideration, especially as this is 10f on a flat track- she has the speed to do a job on the favourite here. Liber Nauticus is the better Oaks chance as the trip is longer and Epsom more testing, but for today? I'll go with Gosden.
I'll be backing this if the rain arrives in time as well. Make sure you have a few quid on Maarek if it's soft and enjoy your day!
ROTO Will be backing Tickled Pink in that but will defs have a saver on Maarek. Has been raining near the course and more forecast for tmz.
All over Maarek tomorrow definatly. First Mohican..that was the one PN had as one to follow, is he in with a good shout tomorrow? Have only looked at Maarek race really.
Maarek is interesting tomorrow and I hope he wins for everyone. I'll back him if it continues to rain all night. If they've also watered the ground will be dreadful. David Pipe's record with bumpers this year is obscene and he takes Bad Girls to Uttoxeter as his only runner on the card. I'll want to see a little market support and will decide if I back it when the market forms but the signs are there and I'm keen.
Morning lads. I've been in York this morning with a customer and it rained whilst I was there. It's not heavy though. If the ground isn't soft by 3.15 I'd be surprised.
What ho, pilgrims! Hope everyone well. It’s all about Liber Nauticus for me today and hope that she romps home in the Musidora (2.45 York) for Sir Michael and old boy Ryan. In fact the latter may need a telescope to see the runner-up in the ever expanding distance. Am still full of hope that this ‘team’ can scoop both Epsom classics and am looking for a huge performance from Liber Nauticus today. However, at odds of 4/6 I won’t be putting on my punting pants and marching purposefully into the betting jungle. Re this First Mohican I would have thought that connections would be of the opinion that a perch of 100 was extremely exploitable this term. Otherwise you can bet your last hundred that his owner, old boy Henry Ponsonby, would have sent him to his good pal, Mr Henderson, with whom he has several including the Ascot Stakes bound Lieutenant Miller, slapped him on the rump (First Mohican that is not Mr Henderson) and had him schooled over half a dozen flights of hurdles. Good luck to all.
The Pipe horse has opened at 8/1. I'm not sure if that's good or bad news. At that price though i'm backing it each way and hoping for the best.
My Webber horse in the same race is 11s Bob - backed him e/w blind last night but only small stakes so feck it
