Yes, it's Saturday and an opportunity to watch some proper horses in some proper races.
This does mean that, as usual, we are presented with a raft of imponderables to consider. I have to say that any winners today will be seen as a bonus; you've been warned. The main point will be watch and learn. Cheltenham's round the corner and we'll need to bear in mind who is running a trial and those that have the heat turned on for today. So, a successful day for me will be any winners plus those that may be worthy of a notebook entry.
Two short-priced favs to start.
Apple Away - 1.05 Asc - 15/8 Win
This one is high up in my chasers folio, will go the distance, jumps very well; looks a natural. Outdone over 3m lto against another really smart one, the mare will have a great chance here and is in receipt of the 7Lbs mare's allowance, which must help.
L'Homme Presse 3.36 Asc 5/4 Win
Check out the time of this one's last win on soft going: 2 secs faster than average; that is a seriously decent time which was helped by the front-running Protektorat. I should think pace will not be a problem here with more than one in the field having made all before. Given that, I'm hoping that L'Homme Presse can win again.
2 x win singles
Win double
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A couple of long priced ew's next:
Full back - Hay 3.15 20/1 Ew
An odd one this. Came down lto in L'Homme Presse's race but I thought he seemed to be going quite well at the time. It's a shame that he didn't stay on his feet on that run since it would have benefitted him after more than a a year off. Still, they're up to 3.5m today, a trip that will suit and I am heartened by the booking of Coilin Quinn, my current favourite claiming jockey. Although I tend to ignore allowances when studying form, his 3Lb claim is a real bonus, given the boy's ability.
Hurricane Harvey - Ascot 4.10 22/1 Ew
I took note of lovely late headway in HH's last race and was very surprised when I saw his price for this. Top weight, I know but I can't resist including him today.
2 x Ew singles
Ew double
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A couple more 'fancies':
Shan Blue - Ascot 3.00 4/1 Ew
I do remember Shan Blue going 20L clear and cruising before falling three out in the 21 running of the Charlie Hall at Wetherby (ouch!). It's been a long way back for this fellow but there is hope that this last run gave notice of some sort of return to form. At his peak, he'd pick these up and carry them so I'm tempted to have a go.
Individualiste - Winc 3.07 7/1 Ew
I'm probably wrong but I don't think this race will take much winning and fancy Individualiste to go close on his chase debut.
2 x Ew Singles
Ew double.
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Lastly, in a trappy h/cap chase at Wincanton, I'll have a sporting bet on:
Samuel Jackson - 4.17 Winc Ew 21/2 for 5 places.
Good luck, my friends.
This does mean that, as usual, we are presented with a raft of imponderables to consider. I have to say that any winners today will be seen as a bonus; you've been warned. The main point will be watch and learn. Cheltenham's round the corner and we'll need to bear in mind who is running a trial and those that have the heat turned on for today. So, a successful day for me will be any winners plus those that may be worthy of a notebook entry.
Two short-priced favs to start.
Apple Away - 1.05 Asc - 15/8 Win
This one is high up in my chasers folio, will go the distance, jumps very well; looks a natural. Outdone over 3m lto against another really smart one, the mare will have a great chance here and is in receipt of the 7Lbs mare's allowance, which must help.
L'Homme Presse 3.36 Asc 5/4 Win
Check out the time of this one's last win on soft going: 2 secs faster than average; that is a seriously decent time which was helped by the front-running Protektorat. I should think pace will not be a problem here with more than one in the field having made all before. Given that, I'm hoping that L'Homme Presse can win again.
2 x win singles
Win double
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A couple of long priced ew's next:
Full back - Hay 3.15 20/1 Ew
An odd one this. Came down lto in L'Homme Presse's race but I thought he seemed to be going quite well at the time. It's a shame that he didn't stay on his feet on that run since it would have benefitted him after more than a a year off. Still, they're up to 3.5m today, a trip that will suit and I am heartened by the booking of Coilin Quinn, my current favourite claiming jockey. Although I tend to ignore allowances when studying form, his 3Lb claim is a real bonus, given the boy's ability.
Hurricane Harvey - Ascot 4.10 22/1 Ew
I took note of lovely late headway in HH's last race and was very surprised when I saw his price for this. Top weight, I know but I can't resist including him today.
2 x Ew singles
Ew double
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A couple more 'fancies':
Shan Blue - Ascot 3.00 4/1 Ew
I do remember Shan Blue going 20L clear and cruising before falling three out in the 21 running of the Charlie Hall at Wetherby (ouch!). It's been a long way back for this fellow but there is hope that this last run gave notice of some sort of return to form. At his peak, he'd pick these up and carry them so I'm tempted to have a go.
Individualiste - Winc 3.07 7/1 Ew
I'm probably wrong but I don't think this race will take much winning and fancy Individualiste to go close on his chase debut.
2 x Ew Singles
Ew double.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lastly, in a trappy h/cap chase at Wincanton, I'll have a sporting bet on:
Samuel Jackson - 4.17 Winc Ew 21/2 for 5 places.
Good luck, my friends.