Huntingdon Colossus

Good morning all,

Couple of quiet days coming up before the weekend, not a lot to say so I'll put a Huntingdon Colossus or two up to keep us interested today. My thoughts on the card on the main piece.

This is very, very weak, and it would hardly be a surprise if newcomer See The Sea was good enough. Useful enough on the Flat and this test should suit. With Toodlepip not finishing her races off as yet, and So Lonely not improving (and worryingly, now tried in a hood today) then Conchita might be the back up. She's performed with credit in bumpers and if she can put a clear round in, should have her chance.

2.10 – Mares Hurdle

Second division of the mares hurdle, and again, probably no more than a few to concentrate on. I really liked Bossiney Bay in the paddock on her debut here and she wasn't beaten far. Another step forward on that and she should be involved. With Jane Lamb looking to have had a few issues (another absence to overcome) and Sparkling Dawn in need of a confidence booster, I'll take Saumur as the backup. Two solid efforts over hurdles so far, and a repeat of either is probably good enough for the frame, at worst.

2.45 – Novice Hurdle

Coole Well has stamina to prove for this, and if he doesn't stay, could be out of the frame. So, despite the fact he's not really improving, Skandiburg has less to prove than a few here and looks a bit of a banker for the frame. If there's one at a price it could be Eclair Des Sablons, who will stay every yard of this and although his form needs improving upon, he's only had the two starts, so that's entirely possible.

3.15 – Handicap Chase

This is a trappy little race. I have no doubt that a clear round would see Paddy's Poem, a horse that's on this years “to follow” list would be good enough but he's still a bit guessy at a few of his fences. We need another one, possible even two, given the open nature of the race. I cannot have All Is Good, anything from Dickin's gets the elbow, Doubly Clever is yet to try his luck over fences so I suppose it has to be Cracking Destiny, who is probably handicapped to the hilt but jumps well enough and should be suited by this track/trip.

3.50 – Handicap Hurdle

Will Ravenous run after his outing at Nottingham yesterday? He may do, but I'm happy to leave him out, with that doubt hanging over his head.

Lucky Lover Boy has to go in as he's improving and the form of his last two races is working out pretty well. The quicker ground won't be any issue. Third Estate will appreciate the drop back to 2m as well and goes in, and I think I'm happy to leave it at that.

4.20 – Handicap Chase

Can we get the odds-on Pique Rock beaten? Maybe, as the handicapper probably has him about right, but he does bring solid credentials to the table.

Vocaliser has races in him but as another Dickin inmate, has to be left out. Barton Rose isn't the easiest to win with but is 2lb lower than his last win, so has chances, and the ever-consistent Pembroke House should run his race too, although a bit further might ideally suit.

Today's selection – hoping Paddy's Poem puts a good round in as I think there's more to come from him when he does.

Good luck with all your bets today,

David.