David Massey

Good morning all,

No sooner had I posted yesterday than Lingfield pulled stumps on their fixture as a result of their frozen ground, and it's the same story at Ludlow today, with temperatures not likely to rise in time for their fixture this afternoon.

I'm getting a bit of cabin fever down here in the South – the dog had the longest walk he's ever had yesterday, poor thing's still knackered – and there's a temptation to go to Hove this afternoon for their greyhound fixture. Only ever been once but really enjoyed myself there. If I get tomorrow's cards done in time, I may pay a visit.

With so many odds-on jollies at Wetherby, the e/w thieves could be having a field day, but there's a couple I'm interested in – one in particular that's on my 10-to-follow list this year. Read on….Read More »Wetherby To The Rescue!

Good morning all,

We revert back to the midweek fayre we’ve become rather more used to than the superb racing that’s been dished up over the last few days, and we need to cheat a couple of inspections at both jumps venues too.

As much as I enjoyed watching Thistlecrack on Monday, Native River’s win under top weight in the Welsh Grand National yesterday really was a joy to watch. Any worries I had about the race coming too quick for him were dispelled and although he took a bit of time to warm up, once he turned for home and put them to the sword the race was over in 200 yards. I have no doubt he is Gold Cup class, and will give his more illustrious stablemate something to think about come March.

And no sooner do I mute the idea of Cue Card possibly being aimed at the Ryanair rather than Gold Cup, out comes Joe Tizzard to say that that is indeed being considered a possibility. (Perhaps he reads the Punt? ;-)) The 6-1 on offer with Coral is only a fair price, given there’s plenty of time for things to happen between now and March but if he did show up there, he goes off a short priced favourite (assuming Douvan goes Champion Chase route, which he surely does).

Sadly yesterday’s selection, Onenightinvienna, was pulled up early in the Welsh National, and was sadly euthanised later. A sad loss as he looked like being a very useful staying chaser this year. Thoughts are with connections, as ever.

 Today’s selection comes from Leicester, where I’ll be working today, along with a look at two other races. Read More »A Frosty Start

Good morning all,

Running a little late today as I fully intended getting to Cheltenham about an hour ago, but the traffic has sadly beaten me. It's very quiet here, the weather looks set fair, and John McCririck is sat next to me. So without further ado, my selections for today at Cheltenham….

Read More »International Day 1

Good morning all,

Most enjoyable day at Leicester yesterday, and a profitable one too. Pleased that London Prize won the first (well backed near the off) and then almost had heart attack as Royal Etiquette, who regular readers will know I had a share in for most of this year (but no longer) almost snatched the seller at 33-1! I was delighted for Rod and Collette Carmichael, who own the majority of him now, as they've had to be patient with him and both had made the effort to travel up from London to see him, despite it being only a seller. Hopefully he can win a handicap soon, if they can keep him in the same form.

There's times when 4-7 looks value, and if you'd seen Thankyou Very Much's opponents in the paddock, you'd have seen why. One looked unfit and the other half asleep, so to my eyes you were taking the odds-on he'd jump round. He proved 11l too good for Nefyn Bay with a country mile back to the other. Paid for the teas and the beef rolls, anyway.

I'll be keen to take She's Late on next time, as he's won a race that's absolutely fallen apart (3.10) and will get a few lb for it. Captain McGinley was still on the bridle and going well when unseating, and he's probably the one to give another chance to.

Anyway, on to today, where one from the Ten To Follow goes, and there's my fancies for Sandown too.

Read More »Sandown Thoughts