I think it would be very fair to say that tomorrow is not really a punting day. A 6 race card made up of 4 handicaps a 4 runner novice chase and a cross country race may get some punters licking their lips but not me I’m afraid. However sometimes life gives you lemons, and instead of saying “F*ck the lemons” and bailing, we can try and make lemonade…it may be sour but at least we tried…I have no idea what I’m talking about but I’m just going to let it slide.
Here we go!
13:05 Opus Energy Amateur Riders’ Handicap Chase – Current 6/4 favouritism lies with the ultra progressive Standing Ovation who in the last month has had four wins from four runs and connections have seen this lads mark skyrocket from 92 to 127 (7lb penalty) for this. Having won a mere 6 days ago connections are obviously confident that this horse can find more. Pipes are pretty hot at the minute but I am willing to take this fella on at 6/4 and do not view him as value in the slightest bit. I’d be fairly happy to take 6/1 about Victrix Gale trained by Tony Martin and ridden by top Points jock Jamie Codd. This mare got the up the hill to win at Galway…if she can get up there she’ll be well able to have a stab at the Cheltenham hill. 10-12 shouldn’t be an issue for her.
13:35 Paddy Power Handicap Chase – This race is a bit of a head scratcher. I simply cannot understand how Renard is favourite…. Each way play here for me. I’m going for Sew on Target who was a 5 length 3rd to PP Gold Cup Fav Johns spirit at Cheltenham most recently (a race that Renard was 7th in). He gets weight off of most of these and acts on the track which entices me at 11/1. Steps back in trip for this.
14:05 Steel Plate And Sections Novices’ Chase – No bet here. However if I was betting I’d fancy my 9/4 chance that Taquin Du Seuil would get the better of a “first-time-out” Oscar Whiskey through race fitness. However, Oscar Whiskey is the class horse and by merit should win….just thought 9/4 was ok-ish.
14:40 David Johnson Memorial Intermediate Handicap Hurdle – The market would suggest that the connections and the punting public think that the relatively unexposed 100/30 fav Top Gamble is a fair bit better than these. I have no great opinion on this race but I’ll be taking on the Pipe charge if I do have a bet. Atlantic Roller has been off the track for just over a year but was very highly thought of at the Nicholls’ yard and carried the favourite tag in all of his 3 career starts. Having watched two very sharp looking Nicholls’ winners at Taunton today the string are on song and you could find worse places to put your each way money at 11/1 than on this fella. Keep an eye on this race form going forward as there are a couple of potential improvers me thinks!!
15:15 Glenfarclas Cross Country Chase – Looks like it could be a penalty kick for Balthazar King who should be able to put this to bed with superior speed on the quickish ground tomorrow. Each way bet on Quiscover Fontaine not the worst plan value wise.
15:50 Countryside Raceday Novices’ Handicap Hurdle – Edmaaj is the one to take on the favourite with here and has potential for improvement. An each way angle at a price is the consistent Deep Trouble who in his last 6 runs has not been out of the top 2. 20/1 for a small bet.
So thats it for day 1! If I’m honest I’m more hopeful than confident to find a nice winner tomorrow but it’s worth a shot!! Beir bua!!
Slán tamaillín,
T
Turf Talk 