Just got back from a trip to Barcelona so this will be a short update as I am knackered!
Our old friend the expensive to follow Fistral Beach looks like starting odds on favourite in the Chepstow 1.55 tomorrow. He should win but following Paul Nicholls trained odds on shots this season would have set you on the road to penury. Ffos Las Diamond, himself a beaten favourite last time out, might be a viable alternative.
Mark The Book’s form figures at Chepstow reads 122 and he should again be on the premises in the novice chase at 3.35.
After falling at the first at Wincanton Kingscape but up a promising effort at Stratford last time out but I see he has gone up a couple of pounds for finishing 4th which seems a bit harsh. He has an each way squeak in the 4.10.
Gauvain was pulled up on his most recent run at Aintree but his form in beating Cornas a couple of runs before that impressed me. He looks the one to beat in the Plumpton 4.15.
On the flat at Redcar I was interested to see that High Office runs in a maiden at 4.20. This horse showed some promise last season and I expected to see him in handicaps this term as he looks to have potential to improve over 10 – 12 furlongs. High Officer is owned by the trainer who I am sure has mapped out a campaign for this horse carefully. Any market support should perhaps be noted.
Staying with Richard Fahey Pedregal runs in the 5.30. He is certainly no world beater but has slipped right down the weights and acts on the ground. 20/1 in the racing post looks value.
My each way fancy in the Warwick 5.50 is John Quinn’s Surprise Pension although the form of the stable tempers my enthusiasm a little.
In the opener at Yarmouth (2.15) the once raced pair of Dream Win and Tiger Flash make most appeal, while my 2 against the field in the 3.25 are Maverin and Putra One.
Holyrood showed promise in his runs last season and can make a winning start to the new campaign in the 2.10.
If Wichita Lineman and Drumconvis have recovered from their Cheltenham exertions they would be my main fancies in the Irish National while at a really big price Niche Market could go well.
Earlier on the card at Fairyhouse Psycho can land the 2.40 with Big Zeb the danger. River Liane has a big chance in the 3.10 if he can recover the form he showed when 3rd to Brave Inca at Leopardstown in January.
Just quickly looking back at the races since I have been away there were wins for some horses that I have been going on about all season, notably Pterodactyl, Max Bygraves, Shirley Casper and the unpronounceable Uimhiraceathair. Max Bygraves is by Midnight Legend out of Smokey Diva so is quite aptly named I suppose.
Today’s pictures are by courtesy of the artist Katy Sodeau (see links).
See you tomorrow.
ahorse 