Friday Peview

Hi all,

Inside today’s main piece you can read my Thursday review of the racing action. Plus, there’s a quick look at Sandown’s Grand Military Gold Cup Day.

My partner Janet is having surgery this morning. It’s nothing too major but you’re always a bit nervous. It means I will be writing Saturday’s column at the hospital so it probably won’t be a long one.

Thursday Review

Ain’t That A Shame, Glengouly and Angels Dawn were in a line jumping the last in a thrilling end to the Thyestes Handicap Chase. It was the first named who prevailed in testing conditions. He had to be tough and brave on the run in and he was. The winner has been threatening to win a valuable handicap chase and he finally nabbed one on Thursday.

I went with three but leaving out the Henry De Bromhead pair. Just before the off I saw Ain’t That A Shame was 14/1. It was frustrating knowing you have tipped up three in the morning only to see the value bet in the race staring you in the face but it’s too late to let subscribers know.

It’s not after timing but it was between the winner and Fakir D'alene for my third selection in the race I went with the latter, despite Ain’t That A Shame’s two career wins having come with heavy in the going description. A great race to watch but ultimately a frustrating one.

Monkfish is Back

Monkfish’s win in the Galmoy Hurdle really didn’t make up for missing out in the big handicap chase. That said it was nice to see the 10-year-old return to winning ways. Very promising in terms of fitness and wellbeing but now the challenge is to keep him sound. He jumps fences better than he does hurdles so I would expect to see him back over the larger obstacles for his next start.

It's best to avoid dwelling on yesterday's selection, Steal A March. Once the Huntingdon track conditions shifted to good to soft, any chance he had disappeared. If you had the option to cash out, I hope you took advantage of it. That said I doubt if the ground has been good, he would have done any better. He’s badly out of form at present and I none too impressed with his attitude either.

That'sthe Thursday Review out of the way. Let's move onto Friday's action.

Friday Preview

The Sandown feature is the Grand Military Gold Cup at 3.00, but personally, I lack any betting interest in this race. The card includes two races for military amateur jockeys, providing a commendable opportunity for the participants but not presenting attractive betting prospects. On a positive note, it simplifies my choices as these are two races I can confidently skip in my analysis.

There are three reasonably interesting handicaps on the Sandown card which I have had a look at.

Sandown

2:25 – Keep Running looked well suited to front running tactics when winning at Taunton (soft) 18 days ago. He’s gone up 4lb for that success which looks workable and is open to further improvement over fences. Yard going well.

3:35 – Issam stepped up on his C&D seasonal reappearance when winning a handicap hurdle at Exeter last month. He idled a touch on the run in last time so a 4lb rise slightly underestimates him. Soft ground suits and he looks to have strong claims. Jatiluwih is on a losing run that goes back to November 2019, but he’s well treated on his back form for yard going well at present. The 25/1 available with Bet365 is a very appealing each way option but owner jockey David Maxwell is in the saddle.   

4:10 – Gyllen and Wot You Wearing were separated by 1 ½ lengths when first and second in a Taunton handicap hurdle (3m) 43 days ago. Gyllen is up 7lb but has been an improved performer since joining his present yard and must be in reckoning on his hat trick bid. Wot You Wearing has a 4lb pull in the weights here and is on a winnable mark. This is a better race than last time but the drop back to 2m 4f won’t inconvenience nor will today’s softer ground.

Friday Selection:

It was easy to find today’s selection and its from Sandown.

Sandown

2:25 – Keep Running.

Good luck with your Friday bets.

John