Friday, February 19, 2016

Rendlesham wranglings

The Rendlesham Hurdle at Haydock (2.05) has me in something of a quandry and, looking at the prices marked up, the bookmakers too; at the time of writing the best price book is underround betting to 98%.

I'm a Reve De Sivola fan and connections appear fairly bullish about his chance tomorrow but the gelding looked to have a hard enough race here four weeks ago in the Peter Marsh Chase where he finished fifth - he practically came to a standstill jumping one up the home straight.

The horse's preference for the smaller obstacles has been well-documented and we know how difficult he is to pass out in front but he has to concede eight pounds to all; at his best you could be confident but...

This evening his price is 11/4 in places (William Hill and Betway) which suggests some layers think they can get him turned over. He may be the oldest horse in the race but that still represents a value play.

On official ratings At Fishers Cross wins but connections have said the course doesn't suit and Rebecca Curtis' yard has been quiet of late.

Silsol (9/2 generally, 13/2 with Paddy Power) reverts to hurdling after struggling over fences and Foxcub (50/1) has plenty to find which leaves One Track Mind (5/2 Stan James, 100/30 bet365) and Deputy Dan (9/2 William Hill, 6/1 Boylesports).

The former steps up from handicap company while the latter has some twelve lengths to find with Reve De Sivola on Long Walk form in receipt of eight pounds.

Both One Track Mind and Deputy Dan come to this fresher than their rivals; the former has not won beyond two and a half miles so Deputy Dan gets the nod with Reve De Sivola feared.                        

1 comment:

GeeDee said...

What a tough horse Reve De Sivola is!

As they entered the home straight for the final time, selection Deputy Dan (9/2) was the first to challenge and the first to fall by the wayside. Thereafter, one by one, the 11-year-old leader, giving weight to all, saw off the remainder of the field, passing the post threequarters of a length in front of 5/2 favourite One Track Mind.

There was a sad postscript to the race; Deputy Dan collapsed and died from a heart attack after finishing fifth.