Review of the day

It was pleasing to watch Elixir de Nutz come home in front, this afternoon.

His victory meant that the first 3 weekends of the season have all produced a profit.

It’s been slow, steady stuff - with non of the fireworks of last season - but I think some of you prefer that - and ultimately, if the races/horses aren’t there for the big priced ones, there’s not a great deal I can do about it…

In truth, I think Elixir was possibly a touch fortunate this afternoon.

Not that he was a lucky winner - but more in the way the race unfolded.

He got an uncontested lead in a slowly run race - and his jockey got the fractions spot on.

There is a chance he was also the best horse in the race - but to an extent, that was immaterial.

He was given the best ride - and that won the day…

In fairness, I think it was a similar story in the Greatwood hurdle - and we didn’t fare so well in that lottery !

Some what ironically, I tipped Nietzsche in the corresponding race 12 months ago and he never featured.

Today, he was ridden close to the pace - and in a slowly run race, with hurdles missing, that was crucial.

All 3 of the tips in the race, were held up - and therefore had little chance.

Deyrann de Carjac fell, when pressure was applied to his jumping at the second last: Whilst Midnight Shadow wasn’t quick enough - and Nube Negra not good enough.

There are likely to be other days for them all.

The Holy One was the only other tip on the day - and he was another for whom jockey tactics didn’t work.

Again, he was held up - but this time the issue was with traffic.

He was still going nicely enough jumping the third last - but then ran into a wall of horses as the pace was quickening.

He had to be snatched up - and that was effectively his race over…

The really disappointing aspect was that he had been extremely well backed (in to 10/3 at the off) - and the money does tend to tell, in those kind of races.

As for the Mentions:

Then Palmers Hill won the opener in a manner which made me wonder why I hadn’t tipped him !

I didn’t, because I felt the race was a lottery - he was just lucky enough to have his number called !
Dynamite Dollars travelled and jumped beautifully in the novice chase - suggesting that Lalor put up some performance, to beat him.

It’ll be interesting to see just how good the winner is (my feeling is that he could be very good).
Forest Bihan ran the kind of race I expected, behind Sceau Royal.
He performed with credit - but I’m not sure how we could have profited from him.

In the finale, Unwin VC showed that his wayward tendencies have been curbed a little - but not enough for him to be competitive at a higher level.

He’s work in progress - and in about 4 years time, will doubtless win a very nice chase or two (remember you read that here first !).

Finally, Samcro skipped the gig in Ireland - and Faugheen was no match for stablemate Sharjah - as I feared might be the case…

TVB.