Turns out The Young Master wasn't even eligible to run in the race, having only previously competed in 2 chases, whereas the race conditions stipulate a horse must have run in 3 chases. Details here: http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/report/648797/bha-investigate-master-victory Be a shame if he were to be stripped of the race on a technicality, having won so well. It begs the question as to why this wasn't spotted before the race
Incentivise in the long distance slog at fontwell tomorrow-no weight -form of his win franked -stable in hot order hope to get 7/2
Top shout Smokey -like you I noticed the stable won it last year with Flicka Williams -who will win next time out -after seeing him at Bangor on Wed -never put in the race, but still finished 3rd!
3.35 Haydock Renard. The handicapper has taken his time to relent on Renard since putting him up to 144 for winning a class 2 handicap chase over 19 furlongs on heavy going at Chepstow last December. He has put in some sound efforts in defeat since then, including a fine 3rd in the Grimthorpe Chase and 9th behind Holywell at the festival. On both occaisions he would have found the ground plenty lively enough and today's conditions will suit him much better. He is dropped to 137 today, just 2lbs above his last winning mark, Venetia's stable is in good form at the moment and he had a nice pipe-opener at Stratford 3 weeks ago to ensure he is cherry ripe for this. 7/1 with most firms, tenner e/w at B.O.G.
I fancied Rocket Rob also but I just have a nagging doubt that he doesn't like Lingfield too much. "Timeform says: Creditable third of 17 in a handicap at Nottingham (6.1f, good) last month. Course winner who looks ready to strike." BUT as far as I can see he has never won at Lingfield on 8 attempts. His best run recently (which was when I noted him down) was his 3rd at Sandown but he does seem to like Sandown (4 wins and 3 seconds and a third in 10 attempts). He has won on the Polytracks at *Wolverhampton and Kempton but Wolverhampton is a LH Galloping track and Kempton is a RH sharp track. Lingfield is a LH sharp track (with 2 tight bends). So I think I'll leave him today and hope he wins for you smokey (at least he hasn't got me weighing him down) * Now Tapeta
