Review of the day

The official P&L will say that today was a nothing day - but I think it’s fair to say, that it won’t be telling the full story !

A win from Defi du Seuil, offset losses in 4 other races - but things could have been very different indeed…

That said, the day started poorly, with lamentable performances from the first 2 tips: Comm D’Office and Come to Me.

Both ran as if something was amiss: the former lugging to his left throughout and the latter stopping as if shot.
Neither managed to complete their race.

Defi Du Seuil was the third tip to run - and thankfully he ensured that, at very least, it wouldn’t be a losing day.

It was extremely pleasing to see the race pan out precisely as I expected: with Defi tracking Lostintransaltion - and then pouncing after the last, to secure snug win.

The only baffling part was an SP of 7/2 (bigger on BF) - coupled with the fact that I managed to secure 7/1 in running, after just a fence !

Sometimes you do wonder...

However, after that point, the afternoon seemed to take a bit of a sinister turn ! 

It started with Lord Napier.
I didn’t tip him, for a variety of reasons - but was left ruing that decision after he powered to an impressive 9 length victory (having received late market support).

I could have been philosophical about that result - but the very next race on the Sandown card saw an agonising defeat for Amis Desbois.

I did tip him - and in truth, he should have won.
However, a couple of sloppy jumps at the final 2 fences cost him momentum - and probably far more distance than the neck, by which he was ultimately beaten…

It was a tough one to take - particularly as the other tip in the race, Belami des Pictons, also traded odds on in running, when tanking along with half a mile to run.

In truth, he almost certainly did too much too soon and will be of more interest next time…

Minds Eye was the final tip on the day - but he just didn’t possess enough tactical speed to give himself a chance of winning.

On different ground - or even a different track, I think he would have gone very close: but at todays track, on todays ground - he wasn’t quite quick enough…

As for the days other Mentions:

Then Melon couldn’t lay a glove on an imperious Apples Jade. If she does go for the Champion hurdle, she will take a bit of beating.
Wonder Laish continued to drift in price, in the handicap hurdle - and finished out with the washing.
Whilst Charles Byrnes other runner, Off you Go, was quietly supported - and repeated last years victory.
Coincidence ? I very much doubt it !
Finally, Us and Them ran a big race to finish runner up to Le Richebourg.
There were 2 NRs in the race - but his second placing still meant that those who backed him EW, collected.
Some consolation, I guess…

TVB.