26th November - Race reviews

How do you begin to summarise a day like today ?!?
The main purpose of this blog is to ensure that I remain disciplined in the selecting of horses – and the backing of them…
Well, after today, I think few people would disagree that I’m firmly in the zone with regard to the selection process (to be honest, I think I have been since the onset of this project - I‘ve just not had the breaks until today).
Unfortunately, my backing remains a source of irritation. I have improved things a little – but you know what they say about leopards and spots !!
Still, I did make a fair profit – and I know a few of you did too – so I can’t complain too much…

Anyway, on to the performances of ‘the magnificent 7’ (obviously, some performed more magnificently than others !!)

Storymaker ran OK at Bangor.
In truth, he looked a little outpaced all of the way round (he would have preferred softer ground) - but he managed to remain in touch until the final few fences.
He then quickly lost ground and was pulled up having jumped the third last.
I think he remains very much one to keep on the right side of. His last 3 form figures are now ‘PPP’ – which will put a few people off ! However, back on very soft ground, with a few more pounds off his back and in a less competitive race, I reckon he might be able to surprise...

A fine performance from Roalco De Farges to win a really competitive race.
I mentioned last week, how I think that form reading is sometimes more of an art than a science.
Before the race, Steve Mellish (I think) was saying on RUK how he felt that Roalco De Farges had been harshly handicapped. On the face of it, I would agree – but you sometimes have to look a little deeper…
Somebody clearly didn’t think he had been harshly handicapped for him to be backed as he had been in his 2 previous races. Money does tend to talk – you just sometimes have to listen carefully to hear…
As he had never jumped a fence under rules, there was also no guarantee in that department. However, experience in 3 PTPs clearly counted for a fair bit.
Despite a variety of mishaps in the race, few would argue that he was ultimately a convincing and worthy winner.
He is clearly a horse of significant ability and it will be interesting to follow his progression.

Rebel Dancer ran an absolute shocker in the Gerry Fielden.
He literally was never out of last place.
I’ve no idea what to make of the run – but I won’t be rushing to back him again in the immediate future !!
Rock on Ruby put in a tremendous performance to win under top weight, over a trip that looked to be too short.
It will be fascinating to see how he is campaigned but he did look like he could be out of the top drawer.

If Roalco De Farges was an advert for reading between the lines, then the Hennessy provided a similar advert for just sticking to the script !!
My only slight irritation was that I didn’t have the courage of my own convictions and really go for the race.
The winning forecast was £133 – that would have helped the P&L no end !!
Watching the race, I was actually really surprised that Carruthers won. He struggled to get to the front early and everything seemed to be happening a stride to quickly for him.
It just goes to show that there is no substitute for guts – and he has those in abundance.
Planet of Sound cruised through the race and looked the likeliest winner to me from about half way.
Ultimately, he was simply outbattled by Carruthers and lost very little in defeat.
Whether either horse can go on from this, remains to be seen…
Carruthers is likely to find himself rated up in the 150s which will make like tougher: Planet of Sound is more likely to be taking in graded races, so will need to have progressed for the outing – which couldn’t be guaranteed…

Persian Gates again tanked through his race.
Ultimately, he failed to get home – and if you didn’t know better, you would think he needed a drop in trip.
There were one or two eye-catchers in the race, so you budding form students would do well to watch it again – I think there may have been some future winners on show…

And finally, Hey Big Spender….
My biggest bet of the day, so it was particularly pleasing to see him come good.
As I said yesterday, I think he is a bit better than an average handicapper – and he proved that point today.
As is invariably the case with him, his jumping was not foot perfect. However, he has such an engine, it doesn’t seem to bother him.
If he ever cracks the jumping, the opposition really had better watch out !
Again , there were other eye-catchers in the race – non more so than The Hollinwell. Some might think his proximity holds the form down, but I had him as the biggest danger. On song, he is also a very talented animal.
From here, Hey Big Spender goes to Chepstow for the Welsh National, for which he is now a best priced 16/1. Unless of course, you are a TVB follower, in which case the 25/1 is already secured ;)


So all in all, a great day – and one that leaves the P&L looking very healthy.
I know from tweets/texts that a number of you profited from the selections, which is obviously very gratifying.
I’m taking tomorrow off from tipping. The domestic action is of limited quality and I couldn’t see anything I fancied. I do like the look of the 2 Irish cards though, and that’s where I’ll be concentrating my efforts. As I’ve mentioned before, I absolutely love betting on the Irish racing – I probably bet on more Irish races than I do English races ! However, my approach is very different and I’d need another blog to cover that ! Something that I simply don’t have time to even contemplate doing !!

Until tomorrow evening/Monday, then…
TVB !