Review of the day

Only half the intended runners ended up going to post for the main race at Doncaster, this afternoon.

The quick ground, resulted in a raft of non runners throughout the day - and the abandonment of the final race on the card.

The smaller field should have helped Greybougg (as it increased his chance of an uncontested lead) - and I have to admit, that I though he was a pretty good good bet at an SP of 5/1, to beat just 3 rivals.

I’d still maintain that after the race - even though he ultimately only beat one home!

He settled well enough in the lead - and when he kicked on, half a mile from home, I thought he was going to take a bit of catching.

However, he then crashed through the open ditch - losing half a dozen lengths and momentum.

Despite that, he still looked to have half a chance jumping the third last - but his petrol gauge was flickering ‘empty’ and he was soon beaten.

With 2 or 3 more pounds off his rating, I’m sure he will win a similar race very soon…

The racing at Newbury provided the spectacle I was hoping for - with a number of very good performances (not all of which were predictable !).

Bang on Frankie ran well enough in the opener - but still only managed to finish fifth, in what was almost certainly, a high class novice event.

Knockanuss put up arguable the performance of the day, to romp home in the handicap chase.

It looked a tough race to call before hand - but he jumped from fence to fence and won as he liked.

I suspect he’ll get about a stone rise in the weights for his troubles !

It was all too much for al Shahir, who was outpaced from a very early stage.

Kateson won the second novice hurdle on the cad.

Non of the bumper horses stepped up significantly, on their hurdling debuts - and Kateson ran to the expected level.

Le Bague au Roi was an impressive winner of the novice chase.
Talkischeap slightly closed the gap on her compared to their previous meeting, but he never looked likely to beat her.

With the 7lb mares allowance she will always be hard to beat, granted optimum conditions.

Touch Kick ran a fair race in the handicap chase - but was no match for the revitalised Aso.

I didn’t feel the winner had much in hand of his mark - and maybe he didn’t (the race probably lacked depth) – but he still had sufficient to win very nicely.

Unowhatimeanharry won the stayers hurdle - though the race fell apart, a little.

Momella crashed out at the third last, when about to challenge, bringing down Sam Spinner.

In truth, the latter already looked beaten and he will need to massively improve on this run (which he may well do) if he’s going to feature at Cheltenham next March.

Finally, Vive le Roi won the last under an enterprising front running ride.
I could certainly have given him a chance - but I expected the Newbury ground to be riding a fair bit softer than was the case, and the quicker ground suited him.

Dragon D’estruval ran as if needing it and will be of more interest next time…

TVB.