Review of the day

After my performance at Down Royal yesterday (2 winning Mentions – plus a third Mention, that ran really well) - and the win of Out Sam at Cork today, there’s an argument for saying I should just focus on the Irish racing !

Certainly, I think it is often easier to read - it’s just that the bookmakers tend to be even more defensive when they price up Irish races, than they are with the UK ones (and that’s saying something !) 

Fortunately, there are quite a few big race handicaps run throughout the year in Ireland, which do have relatively strong markets - and today's Cork National was such a race…

As you probably picked up from the write-up, I was pretty keen on Out Sam.

In truth, I was keener on him than the days others 2 tips (though it’s always easier to say that, after they’ve won !)

He was always travelling nicely in the race - and when Davy delivered him 2 out, I knew he only had to jump, to win.

Fortunately, he was slick enough over the final 2 fences - and I think that ultimately, he won more easily than the winning margin suggests.

Certainly, a follow up, in the Troytown, can’t be out of the question…

The other thing worth mentioning about the race, was the run of Velocity Boy…

He had a BSP of 24 - and I backed him at 40 in running, early in the race, when he was settled in last place.

He moved into second on the home turn, still seemingly full of running - and touched 2.9 at that point.

However, I suspect he was close to empty, when he crumpled after jumping the second last.

Still, those of you who took the advice to back pre-race and lay in running, should have made a nice profit on him.
Remember, there are multiple ways to skin a cat

As for the days other 2 tips:

Then both ran fair races, without ever looking likely to win.

Valadom led - as expected - but his jumping wasn’t as slick as it can be.
I suspect he will come on for the run – and he could be one for next time…

Blunder Bus also looked as if he might improve for the run (or at least, the experience).

The 2 horses I nominated in the race as dangers, ended up finishing first and second (thereby confirming they were indeed dangerous !).

Aspen Colorado was the obvious pick - I just felt there were a few too many potential improvers to get involved with him, at a relatively short price…

As for the days 2 Mentions:

Al Shahir was backed in to a scarcely believable 2/1 for the novice handicap chase - but could only finish fourth - and with no obvious excuse.

Whilst Saint Leo finished last in his race - but that wasn't a huge surprise and I felt he showed more than enough to suggest he will be a horse to follow this season…

TVB.