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My notebook runners

Back home again so able to pick up the threads.

2:37 Kelso Matata - went close in this last year and it’s an easier contest than the Shloer which is what I was looking for. Sean Bowen is up today which is hardly a disadvantage. 14/11 Matata ran a fine race in the Shloer and although he wouldn’t have troubled the winner he would likely have held onto second place but for very nearly unseating at the last. If he goes for an easier contest he’ll be hard to beat.
 
Bloody Hell. As if I’m not in enough trouble, I’ve just bitten into a slice of toast and broken one of my front teeth clean off.

Anyway, jumping wasn’t up to it for Matata, but better jumping would only have only got him a bit closer in third. Nothing today.
 
12:35 Hereford: Rock Sensation makes her hurdle debut having caught the eye in a Listed bumper at Cheltenham - 15/11 raced second last until push came to shove when she found herself stuck behind the pack with nowhere to go. She eventually found a route with little over a furlong left and finished strongly then, but couldn’t do better than fourth. - Assuming she jumps well enough, she should at least give the Henderson odds-on favourite something to think about.
 
Rock Sensation jumped sharply right at the second hurdle on Wednesday and unseated, so we’ll never know.

1:15 Cheltenham: Fortune De Mer has run some nice races in good company and showed he can handle his handicap mark last time - 21/11 on handicap debut raced at the back until two out when made a strong challenge through the field polishing off all but the winner. Jumped very nicely as well. - This race has a few sharks lurking in the waters, though.

1:50 Cheltenham: The Doyen Chief was a notebook horse after his Bangor run - 12/11 2nd. He had moved through to lead before the last, but made a clumsy jump and took a bit to get going again, which probably made the difference. He was 7/4 favourite. - Next came the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury where the farcical start put paid to his chances, so this one is something of a recovery mission. He’s drifted like a barge, though, so I doubt I’ll play.

12:15 Doncaster: Top Target ran a decent race last time on his chase debut - 1/11: led over the last until last fifty when ran out of puff. Should have tuned him up for next time. - He tackles 3m for the first time under rules today, so should be just a watch really.
 
Fortune De Mer won very nicely under a super ride from Harry Skelton. The market called it for The Doyen Chief who conked out on the run in.Top Target was less than a length down and still going ok when he fell at the last, so will be worth another go.

12:25 Doncaster: Jordan’s Cross was put up four pounds after falling at the last - 16/11 he was favourite waiting for room around the final bend and he came to join leader just before the last where he fell. His jumping had been pretty good until then and his strong challenge would have likely taken him to the win. - which always leaves a bit of a sour taste. On the other hand it’s less that he would have got if he’d won, so you could say he’s a bit well-in.

12:40 Cheltenham: Zertakt looked to have it in the bag coming to the last - 9/11 he had moved three lengths clear and still going strong when he was dreadfully slow over the last losing his momentum and all advantage. It’s difficult not to think that he’d have won if he’d clambered over the fence just a tad quicker.- If he’d been on his last gasp it’s a bit shorter this time.

1:50 Cheltenham: Martator ran an encouraging race last time - 22/11 was seventh and a good bit behind two out, fifth but close at the last and then finished very strongly to snatch second on the line. Good run and should be ready now. - and the extra distance today should suit. It’s a hot race, though.

3:35 Cheltenham: Jubilee Alpha ran a strong race last time, but was undone by the second last - 8/11 raced at back, cruised into contention before two out where he made a mistake and had to be snatched up. Lost momentum and couldn’t get back to winner in time. Unlucky. - He looks to have the legs of these today and should make amends.
 

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