28th November - Race reivews

Well it was back down to earth with a bump today, with both of the selections running disappointingly.
If I’m honest, I was a bit surprised. I felt comfortable with both horses as selections and was quite happy with their movements in the market pre-race (which is often a good guide for what will happen in a race).


Phardessa was settled in last place – a few lengths off the main group. However, she appeared to be travelling well, not pulling (which was a slight fear) and her jumping was generally sound.
I expected her to make progress on her rivals down the back straight, which she did a little. However, she made a mistake at the last fence in the back straight – and that was that.
Her race was over almost immediately – and she was pulled up soon after.
Maybe the ground was just too soft for her. I expected it to suit but perhaps it didn’t. Maybe the mistake was more significant than it looked…
Whatever, it was ultimately a very disappointing performance – though almost so bad, I could consider forgiving it !
By contrast, the winner As De Fer, was very impressive. Apparently he is being targeted at the Welsh National – though that will be a completely different kettle of fish for him, than today’s contest…

I was a little surprised by the ride given to Get Ready to Go, in so much as I expected him to be close to the pace - or even forcing it. Instead, he was restrained near the back.
However, he travelled sweetly and jumped well and it did look like he might be involved in the finish.
Like Phardessa though, he went from apparently travelling well, to being beaten, in a matter of strides.
In his case, it did look as if he didn’t stay the trip (there was a slight doubt). This would also explain why he was ridden with more restraint than I expected.
I got a sinking feeling in my stomach, when his stablemate, Frameit, came with a strong looking challenge after the last. I wouldn’t have been overly happy to have rejected a 33/1 winner.
However, it had to pass Tony McCoy on a horse that had been backed in from 7/2 last night to odds on at the off ! Passing AP is never easy at the best of times, but in such circumstances, there was only ever likely to be one outcome – and Frameit came up short….

On the plus side, we did save 5pts by me not tipping Azione !
He went off 8/11 – have been put in at 3/1 by Victor Chandler yesterday evening !
However, they were saved having to pay out as after racing prominently and then being passed, Azione couldn’t quite get back up and was eventually held by Mickmacmagoole.