I drew a blank at Doncaster on Saturday which typified a miserable flat season for me. Things went rather better over the jumps with a treble at Down Royal including a 12/1 winner. Four of today’s selections finished 2nd so I was glad that Sydney Paget won the last at Carlisle to save me from a blank day. There are a few interesting runners tomorrow.
Lingfield
1.10 Florafern ran 3 times in bumpers last season and was runner up on each occasion. Heather Royal also ran in 3 bumpers winning at Bangor but was unplaced on her next two starts although she was 5th in the Aintree Champion Bumper. She is a half sister to the high class Barber’s Shop and clearly has ability. She hasn’t always settled well in her races to date.
2.10 Off the Ground was 4th in an Irish point to point the form of which didn’t work out well but he has reportedly been showing the right signs at home.
Sedgefield
1.30 Hawk Mountain, a decent stayer on the flat makes his hurdles bow and is the sort that could do well in that sphere. He will probably be best on good ground.
2.00 Going Wrong has been off the course for 2 years following a broken pelvis. He was an encouraging 4th to Frascati Park at Carlisle on his return last month.
2.30 Night in Milan won a couple of handicap hurdles last season and should be placed to win a race or two this term.
Nap of the day – Florafern
Dark Horse – Going Wrong
From the archives
Gay Trip won the Paddy Power Gold Cup in 1969 and in 1970 won the Grand National over 2 miles further. Batchelors Hall won the 1977 renewal and went on to take the Hennessy Gold Cup under a 6 lbs penalty. He also won a King George for what I think is a unique treble.
Turf trivia
On 31 May 1976 two lady jockeys dead heated. It was at Fontwell Park in a hunter chase open to both sexes. Mrs Ann Holman on Regal Favour and Mrs Shelagh French riding Royal and Ancient were the jockeys and horses involved. It is probably a record!
ahorse 