Review of the day

I was thinking earlier in the week, that we’ve not really had any ‘bad luck’ so far this season….

Prior to today, the 4 horses who had got themselves into a position to win, had duly obliged.

Very nice.

Ofcourse, we know that can never last - particularly in NH racing, with all it’s hazards - and today it was the turn of the ‘what might have beens’ !

Spider’s Bite and Merry Milan were the first tips to run.
Both were well backed early - but not so popular in the minutes prior to the race.

Despite that, they both ran big races.

Merry Milan still had half a chance, when he crumpled on landing after jumping the third last.
He’s probably one for another day.

Spider’s Bite however, looked like one for today.

He’s a massive horse - and all he appears to do, is gallop.

Ultimately, that was his downfall, as whilst he galloped on relentlessly up the straight, King of Realms was just that bit sharper.

Softer ground or a longer trip, I’ve little doubt that Spider’s Bite would have won.
But on todays ground, over todays trip, he had to settle for an honourable second.

Frustrating…

The next 2 tips to run, didn’t do quite so well.

Admiral Berratry tried to make all at Haydock - but wasn’t quick enough.

He set up the race for closers - and Black Mischief closed fastest of all (running down Chti Balko, virtually on the line).

Gardefort attempted to follow a very strong pace at Ascot - but he wasn’t up to the job either.

There were no excuses for him, he simply wasn’t good enough…

Takingrisks was the final tip to run - and like Spider’s Bite, he could have done with softer ground or a bit further.

He was one of three in with a chance turning in - but looked booked for third place when the other two went on, jumping the fourth last.

He still looked likely to finish third jumping the last, but Danny McMenamin conjured an amazing finish out of him.

Ultimately, he was beaten just half a length - and with another 5 yards would undoubtedly have won.

The margins can be very fine in this game…

As for the Mentions

Then Paisley Park was on the right side of them, running down eye catcher Shades of Midnight, in the shadow of the post.

It was almost exactly the same finish as with Takingrisks - but Paisley Park just got there !

It was hard not to feel for Shades of Midnight, who had the race won everywhere apart from the line.
With a bit of rain, he would have been a certainty (and I would have tipped him !).

Malindi Bay travelled with purpose in the mares race at Ascot - but didn’t get home.
She will be of interest over a shorter trip; Whilst Charbel just couldn’t make fitness count against Politologue.

In fairness, it was a very good performance by the winner, who must have a real chance in the King Gorge.

That’s in part, because there is a cloud hanging over Might Bite, following a very disappointing run at Haydock.

I’ve no idea what happened with him - but he clearly had an issue of some sort.

Kalondra was the final Mention running on the day - but a pre-race drift out to 8/1 on BF, told the story with him.
I really don’t like it when that happens (even if I’ve not tipped them !).

As for the eye catchers:

Then Shades of Midnight obviously ran a blinder: as did Mr Antolini, who was a close second to Black Mischief.
I’m sure both would have won if the ground had been just a touch softer.

Benatar was a little disappointing at Ascot - but as least his handicap mark should be unaffected.
Whilst Captain Redbeard got got the worst of the battle with Vintage Clouds, before being run out of second by Takingrisks.

He ran really well - though he does now look to be handicapped close to his max…

TVB.