Good morning all,
Really glad I went to Huntingdon yesterday as I think I learnt quite a lot, and there's definitely two or three I want to be with in the near future.
Sadly the Warwick Colossus went west on the last leg yesterday – the offer wasn't much more than the bet so decided to let it run and paid the price. I shall keep batting away at them and may give Fontwell a go later.
But for today, here's three races from Huntingdon yesterday with a few for trackers for you.
1.30 Juvenile Hurdle
Could not have got this more wrong if I'd tried.
On looks, liked Captain Speaking, trained by Nick Littmoden, although he kept pulling and didn't go down great. The Lincoln Lawyer has some scope and went to post well. He should be up to winning a race on this showing, staying on at one pace after the last for second. Red Miracle is anther with a bit of scope and may be one for handicaps later in the season, and the biggest of the lot was the huge Uncle Vanny, who has yet to beat a horse home now after pulling up here and finishing last at Perth. Sadly he looks absolutely paceless. Maybe soft ground might help, judging by the way he thumped his front legs down on the way to post.
Didn't like winner Percy Prosecco at all, small, moderate looking and got warm but clearly has some ability after taking this. The Lincoln Lawyer stayed on for second from the disappointing Nordican Bleue, who was very fit for this but some scruffy leaps once again proved his undoing. I don't think he's going to get any better than this and it'll be a weak race that he wins, if at all. Next home Roser Moter is absolutely tiny and only ran through beaten horses for a distant fourth. Not sure what to make of this, form wise.
4.40 – 1m5f Junior Bumper
Not a bad lot, in the main. Nicest of them in time will be Keith Daligleish's Beast Of Belstane, who is a half-brother to hurdles winner Italian Riviera, and he already looks in need of obstacles. Well built, good engine at the back and was simply too green to do himself justice here. He'll benefit no end from this and will be winning soon. The other I liked with a more long-term view in mind was Hamilton Island, trained by Gary Moore, who is lengthy and has plenty of scope. He was allowed an educational run at the rear here and it was pleasing to see him pass a few under no pressure in the latter stages. I might be interested in him next time out, especially at a price.
Peloric, from a yard that simply don't win bumpers, was very much in need of this run and I was amazed to see him finish close up in third. He should have a bit of speed about him, on breeding, and is surely up to winning races on this. The well-backed Carry On was undoubtedly the fittest of these on the day and as such, might not find as much improvement as you'd think, but he too looks useful and overall I get the impression this might not be a bad race.
5.15 1m5f Junior Bumper
Market tallied with what your eyes were telling you in the paddock, with the gorgeous Aggressive, who is going to grow into a right tank, proving too good for these. I get the feeling he could be a classy sort and could go a long way. Second home Logan Rocks really wasn't far behind in the paddock, plenty of size and scope and will keep growing into his frame. He travelled well here and on the home turn held every chance before running a bit green and hanging any chance away. Compensation surely awaits next time. San Seb looks to need more time but this was a very nice introduction, and his shrewd trainer will surely get a win out of him over hurdles, probably when getting more of a trip. There was some money around for Duchess Of Bronte but I wasn't keen on her, she needs to fill out at the back and was very green from the word go here, frequently shouting her head off. Back in fourth Lord Roccoco looks more a long-term project but again, was one of the better lookers in the paddock and only backs up the impression that this too, could be a useful race to follow.
Today's pick comes from Ascot where I like the chances of Enzemble in the 2.25. He's been in my tracker ever since his second to Rum Runner at Sandown last year and looked like he might reward me when returning to Sandown last time. He tried to make all the running and looked to have them in trouble when kicking on again in the straight but simply ran out of petrol late on. Given that was over 10f, this drop back to a mile could be ideal, and Gerald Mosse, who has already won on him, is reunited with him today. Has a bit on at the weights but there's surely more to come from him.
Good luck with all your bets today,
David.
Big fan