Saturday’s Recap: Wins and Losses

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece I’m looking back at the first Saturday of Premier Racing.

There was some beautiful winter weather around at the weekend so I decided to get out and enjoy it. It’s the perfect condition to charge the batteries for the coming weeks until spring.

It's that time of the season when it's perfect to take a few days' break. I nearly always take a week off in January. I was expecting to go away to Dorset at the end of the month, but it's been bought forward to this week.  Which means there won't be any columns from me until Saturday.

We had some quality racing to enjoy this Saturday and help get us through the dark of month January.

It was the first Saturday of Premier Racing, and it was a tentative step in the right direction.

That said, issues remain unresolved. Two Grade 2 novice chases, one over 2m 4f at Wetherby and one over 3m at Warwick. One race attracted four runners and the other five. There just aren’t enough horses of that grade for two races on the same day.

We have discussed the issue of a dwindling horse population on numerous occasions in the past. However, nothing is being done to address the problem by those who run the sport.

Embracing Betting's Highs and Lows

After enjoying a successful few weeks' betting, Saturday brought me back to reality with a sudden jolt. The beauty of this game is its ability to balance highs and lows. Yes, I will share details about my wins, but I don't shy away from acknowledging the losses either.  The nearest I got to win was Aye Right’s courageous second-place finish in the Veterans' Chase Final. In the end I was beaten by Sam Brown, another who was on my shortlist for the race.

Successful betting hinges on temperament. It's essential not to become overly elated after wins and, equally, not to become overly disheartened about those that slip away or result in losses. Finding a balanced and steady approach is key.

Banbridge Prevails in Kempton's Silviniaco Conti Chase

There might only have been five runners in Kempton’s Grade 2 Silviniaco Conti Chase but four of them were previous Grade 1 winners. The race lived up to its billing and produced an exciting finish. The last fence proved decisive.  Coming to the last Pic D'Orhy and Banbridge were fighting it out. Banbridge was brave at the last and fortune often favours the brave and it did so here. On the other hand, Pic D'Orhy made a slight mistake at the last and it made all the difference.

Edwardstone trying 2m 4f pulled his race away. Those exertions took their toll, and he had nothing more to give from the three out. It’s back to the drawing board for connections. He can’t compete against the best at 2m, and he won’t stay 2m 4f racing like he did here.

It was an excellent return to action by the Banbridge who is now on track for the Ryanair Chase at the Festival. The drying ground on the chase course suited Banbridge who needs a sound surface. He’s a progressive chaser when he gets his favoured underfoot conditions. The 5/1 NRNB with William Hill for the Ryanair Chase is fair enough if you like him.

On the topic of NRNB only William Hill are offering this concession for the Festival, when normally you would have several doing it. No bet365 for example.  It’s a further sign that the big gaming corporations have little interest in the sport or they would want some new business on jumps flagship meeting.

Grey Dawning Prevails in Warwick’s Hampton Novices' Chase

I enjoy watching Chases at Warwick because the focus is on jumping. Horses need to travel well and establish a good jumping rhythm from the start.

In the Grade 2 Hampton Novices' Chase, Apple Away and Broadway Boy set a stong pace, with the former ultimately winning that battle. However, the strong gallop played into the hands of Grey Dawning. The winner received an efficient ride and jumped well, except for the final two fences when leading. While Grey Dawning is a commendable horse, I remain skeptical about his chances in the Brown Advisory Chase at the Festival. The current odds of 7/1 hold no appeal for me.

Broadway Boy performance was underwhelming, there’s a chance that a couple of tough races on soft ground have had an impact. Trainer Nigel Twiston-Davies will need to freshen up the 5-year-old between now and March if he’s to be a contender for the National Hunt Chase at the Festival.

Classic Chase Triumph: My Silver Lining Shines as a Future Grand National Contender

The importance of holding a prominent position and getting into a good jumping rhythm was evident once again in the Warwick feature race the Classic Chase. Granted it wasn’t the strongest renewal of this 3m 5f handicap chase and I wondered whether My Silver Lining would have the class to win but she did. The mare, thriving on jumping fences and a demanding stamina test, found the perfect conditions on Saturday. Given her exceptional jumping prowess, she appears to have the makings of a future Grand National contender. It was trainer Emma Lavelle’s third success in Warwick’s most valuable race.

It was a race for the mares with Galia Des Liteaux finishing a ¾ length runner-up with Credo back in 4^th. I think the runner-up was slightly flattered by her proximity to the winner at the line, but it was still a game effort in defeat as she was trying to give the winner 20lb. She stayed an evenly run 3m 5f well and could get further on the evidence of this.

Veterans’ Chase Final Drama: Sam Brown Prevails, Aye Right’s Gallant Effort Falls Just Short

In the rescheduled Veterans’ Chase Final, a compelling finish unfolded as Sam Brown mastered Aye Right on the run in. The valiant Aye Right fought gallantly but just came up short. One can't help but wonder if a more advantageous position from the outset might have secured victory for him. Unfortunately, the strong pace and the effort expended to reach a preferred prominent position took its toll close to home. The decision to equip Sam Brown with a first-time visor, replacing the blinkers, proved to be a stroke of genius. He travelled more comfortably than in previous outings this season and, truthfully, received a more efficient ride than the runner-up.

Good luck with your Monday bets.

John