Thermals Are On

Good morning all,

Heading back up North for a few days, and it struck me yesterday that I could squeak an afternoon's entertainment in at Towcester on the way back.

I do enjoy a visit to the Northamptonshire venue when I can, it's just a one-of-a-kind and you always look for a different type of horse there. My views on the card and a quick look at the track itself on the main piece. 

The main piece is titled “Thermals Are Out” today and there's a reason for that, as anyone that's been to Towcester will testify. The whole place is sat on top of a hill, and it can get windy. Couple that with today's temperature and you'll need a few layers on.

That's one of the beauties of Towcester – in winter, you can stand on top of the hill and be freezing cold, yet in summer you can stand on top of the hill and be freezing cold. It never changes from meeting to meeting. I was there for one meeting last year when the rain came heavily before racing, along with the wind and the cold. Plenty of the bookmakers packed up and went home before the first, declaring it wasn't safe to work. I've also been there for a Ladies Day in May when it started sleeting. True story.

The track itself places demands on stamina, due to the long, uphill finish, and it can be a plodders track, especially on days like today when it's going to be soft. Plenty of classy types get beat in the Novices here, only to bounce back on more conventional tracks. Similarly, course form is important when looking at the low-grade handicaps. In much the same was as, say , Fakenham form is important at Fakenham, despite the two tracks being like chalk and cheese, Towcester form is important at Towcester. It's not the be-all and end-all, but it's a big factor.

It's not until you've stood at the top of the hill and looked down at that punishing final climb that you realise how steep it is. Watching it on TV doesn't do it justice. It's very comparable to Beverley's final climb, as you swing off the bend and you're climbing straight away. Many a horse has gone from cantering to stopping in strides and races can change very quickly.

As for today, the ones I have an (early) eye on – well, I really liked Petronella Manners in the paddock at Newbury last time but sadly she was brought down at halfway. She needs plenty of improvement to get involved but this track might suit her and the yard (Henry Daly) are in great form. Pity there's not 8 runners for the e/w. There's a cracking chase at 2.50, a 0-100 handicap, just the sort I like, and Snowball caught the eye. His record left-handed is dreadful, so a couple of recent efforts have ready excuses, but it's much better right-handed, and he's now down to a winning mark again. I would't be surprised if he ran better today. Dr Des will be looking to give one of my Supreme fancies, Claimantakinforgan, a boost by winning the 3.25 – he finished second to him last time out at Ascot, and Skipping On might be worth a look in the 4.00. He's made for chasing and this track will suit, having not run disastrously at Leicester last time, staying on late. He's been put in as the rank outsider but this is winnable and I've had a small go at the 20-1 that's around this morning. Here's hoping to get February off to a good start….

Today's selection – Snowball 2.50 Towcester

Good luck with all your bets today,

David.