AT THE RACES, ALL WEATHER & JUMPS ACTION: I was pleased to start on At The Races on Tuesday and it was a nice day to start with just the one meeting on at Southwell. It was nice and relaxed in the studio and gave us plenty of time to talk about each of the races.
One of the horses that I made note of Tuesday as one to watch was Abi Scarlett and she runs again today at Southwell. She never runs too well fresh and Tuesday’s run was her first since May. Although there’s a very quick turnaround between the runs, it shouldn’t do her any hard and I’d expect her to go very close today. She had a nice pipe opener on Tuesday and I think she’ll be right for today’s race. She runs at 2.45.
Another for the All Weather tomorrow at Lingfield in the Quebec Stakes is Man Of Harlech. He won well last time over course and distance in November following a break and I think he could improve again for that run. Andrew Balding’s horses are always very consistent and I think this one could turn into a possible Winter Derby horse.
Also at Lingfield tomorrow, Good Trip runs for Charlie Appleby, although I think he’ll be a very short price. He’s won nicely on his first two runs so far and this could be an easy task for him with only three runners. They do say you should always back the outsider of a three horse race though so you never know!
One for the notebook, that won this week, is Putemintheboot. She won at Southwell ridden by Cathy Gannon who gave her a really good ride. She had been slow away a couple of times previously but Cathy got her out quickly and won well. She could be still well handicapped for her next run and is well worth keeping an eye on this afternoon. She runs at 1.35.
ONTO THE JUMPS AT ASCOT
I was pleased to get the winner of the International Hurdle last weekend at Cheltenham when putting up Old Guard on here last Friday.
Taking a look at the Long Walk Hurdle, I fancy Thistlecrack quite a lot. He won a really good race last time at Newbury on Hennessy weekend and that’s a race that’s been won by some really good sorts over the years. That was his first run since April and was ridden out to an impressive win. Tom Scudamore has been cleared to hold to the ride after winning his appeal yesterday so that’s another positive.
This is a really nice race though with Saphir Du Rheu coming back over Hurdles following a run over fences last time. Another coming back to Hurdles is Dynaste but I think it looks set up for Thistlecrack who is a really good hurdler and that’s who I’m sticking with.
MOVING AWAY FROM RACING
It’s time for the World Darts Championship and it’s sure to get really interesting over the next couple of days. I enjoy watching the Darts especially as the rounds go on and there are better matches.
I really like Mikal Van Gerwan but I think backing him is a little boring so I’ve had a go with Phil ‘The Power’ and I’ve also had a small bet on James Wade. He always plays well but sometimes the occasion gets the better of him so I’m hoping that he’s getting used to it now as he’s quite a big price!
On Sunday, I’m travelling to Belfast for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards. There should be a
good racing contingent there as AP McCoy is, very deservedly, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award so it should be a really good night and I’m looking forward to it.
For the main award, I’m quietly hoping that Tyson Fury wins it! He’s a great character and I think most of what he says is put on to be honest! I don’t think he’s as bad as he’s made out to be.
I’ll be back on early next week with a look ahead to the Christmas Racing. Last year I had to do 8st on Boxing Day at Wolverhampton so thankfully I won’t be doing that this year and can enjoy a good Christmas dinner!
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