Hedgehoppers Afternoon

Good morning all,

Yesterday's blog has certainly sparked some lively debate both on here and on the rest of social media, which was the idea behind it, so from that point of view I'm glad it worked. When I have a bit more time tomorrow morning I'll reply to those of you who left comments personally, and I'd like to think one or two people who may well be in a position to do something about our current situation with on-course drinking might have read it and given them food for thought.

This year, as last year, I'll be doing some community radio for Cheltenham (along with my good friend and colleague Cathryn Fry) when the racing is on, and as part of our remit we get to interview the course execs. We will both be pushing them again on this issue and keep pushing until we feel real progress is made. We need to get a real change in the way courses deal with this issue, and I don't intend letting it lie at a blog.

Anyway, the reason I'm short on time this morning is a last-minute change of plan, and rather than going to Southwell today I've had an invite to join my friend Becky, who is part of the EPDS syndicate, as she has a couple of runners at Sedgefield today. I've been lured in with the promise of a three course meal, I think, but in truth Sedgefield is a long way to go on your own so I'm merely keeping her company. That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.

With Ayr off, it's all about the hedgehoppers this afternoon and whilst it's poor fayre in the main (Southwell kick off with a 0-87 Handicap Chase – I'm trying to think of a time when the topweight in a race was rated so low) there could be a couple of bets to be had.

In Southwell's Mares Novice Hurdle at 4.05 I've had a lay of the favourite, Miss Mobot, at a shade over even money this morning. It's basically a trust thing – she's shown wayward tendencies on more than one occasion this season, veering at hurdles and jumping awkwardly – and I wouldn't trust her to put in all in again, despite an easy victory at Newton Abbot last time. I'm not any rain will help her cause either, and with two solid chances in Lady Robyn (one paced, but will appreciate the rain) and Ballydague Lady running for you, she's worth a small lay at the price.

Patience is starting to run a bit thin with Arcamente now (5.10 Southwell) but in such a weak race, he's worth one last chance. After his run at Stratford two starts back I did wonder if he was worth a go at a shorter trip, as despite the fact he seems a bit one-paced he simply doesn't seem to stay extended trips, and a solid run 2 1/2 miles might bring out a bit of improvement. Hi Tide would have been the selection here if this was 2m and not further as he was unlucky to bump into a well handicapped Sandgate last time, but I'm not convinced he really wants this trip.

Over at Sedgefield, the only one that interests me is Oh So Gigolo in the handicap hurdle at 4.15. It's the Ken Slack first time out angle that makes him interesting, as Ken is 3 wins and 3 places from 14 starts over the past year with newcomers to his yard. This one showed little for Nicky Henderson, so it'll be a real feather in Ken's cap if he can get something out of it, but the money that's come suggests better is expected today. If that's the case he could be thrown in off a plater's mark, and despite some mediocre form figures, could be the one to beat.

Good luck with all your bets today,

David.