Review of the day

As I said this morning, when a graded horse runs in a handicap, it usually finds a way to win - and despite a couple of sticky jumps up the straight - and on ground possibly a touch softer than ideal - Invitation Only’s class got him home in front in todays Thyestes chase.

He was given a masterful ride by Ruby: who always had him in the perfect position,  jumping from fence to fence.

It did looked briefly as if he might struggle to overhaul Alpha des Obeaux - but that one had given his all from the from and had nothing left to withstand the late challenge of Invitation Only.

The only issue was the winners price - but as we all know, trying to find big priced winners nowadays, is often the quickest route to the poor house…

Mr Diablo was a bigger price this morning - but he is only a handicapper (although I did hope he was a well handicapped, handicapper !).

He ran a fair race - and was still in with half a chance turning in. However, the rain softened ground probably made it more of a stamina test than he cares for and he didn’t get home.

There will be other days for him…

As for the Mentions:

Then the pre-race drift on Coquin Mans almost certainly told a story (he needed the run): so with Darasso disappointing - and Bapaume and Limini doubtful stayers, Presenting Percy probably had little to beat.
That said, he won very well - and it’s clearly going to take a good one to stop him from claiming the ultimate prize at Cheltenham in March (cue Shattered Love :) ).

Flat to the Max was just that for the first 2 miles of the handicap hurdle - before weakening out of things.
Put the Kettle On ran much better and finished an honourable third.
However, it wasn’t a race that set my pulse racing…

Finally, Arctic Fire didn't jump very well in the Beginners chase and Cilaos Emery jumped just fine.
It was therefore unsurprising to see the Grade 1 winning hurdler come home in front.
It will be interesting to see just how far he can progress, over the bigger obstacles…

TVB.