Friday, December 30, 2016

Brief notes at New Year

Following today's abandonment at Haydock, Nicky Henderson adds some spice to a run-of-the-mill card at Warwick on New Year's Eve by declaring Buveur D'Air in the adroitly-named Local Parking Security Novices' Chase (1.00).

On the same card trainer Robin Dickin has a couple of interesting runners at his local track.

Routine Procedure looks the pick of his trio in the opener; this one is on the comeback trail after missing eighteen months or so through injury.

Beaten over 17 lengths by Mrs Burbidge in a similar event at Uttoxeter last time, he was in with a shout before fading after the last eventually finishing fifth. The winner has since been beaten into third by Sober Sailor at Fontwell but both Miss Mash (third) and Dalkadam (fourth) have recorded subsequent victories so the form reads well enough (the second, Flobury, goes in tomorrow's 12.05 at Uttoxeter). Connections have opted to fit a visor for the first time so I'd be hopeful of some improvement and at around 10/1 he rates an each-way chance.

Dontminddboys, a big striking grey, runs in the handicap chase at 1.35 and is another on the comeback trail after injury.

The last day he looked outpaced half a mile from home in a Towcester novices' handicap chase before staying on stoutly to claim second without ever threatening the winner. The step up to three miles should suit but this race looks more competitive so I'll maintain a watching brief - in that same Towcester chase stablemate Oneida Tribe raced prominently and was unlucky to be brought down by Paddocks Lounge at the twelfth on his first run for the yard.

On New Year's Day all eyes will be on ITV's inaugural broadcast from Cheltenham. Rather bizarrely, the 2017 ITV Sport Racing Diary that Santa brought me last week doesn't record all the meetings ITV will actually cover during the year.

Dickin has declared Thomas Crapper in the BetBright Best For Festival Betting Handicap Chase (Cheltenham 2.00).

Wearing a tongue-tie for the first time, Thomas Crapper put up a personal best performance on ground softer than ideal to finish sixth behind Taquin Du Seuil in the BetVictor Gold Cup seven weeks ago.

He will meet second Village Vic four pounds better off for fourteen lengths. With Charlie Poste booked to ride at ten stone, I'll look to strike an each-way wager at around 16/1 or bigger.

Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all readers a very happy and prosperous new year.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I’ve not looked at the Warick card so no real observations other than a concern that the Dicken’s yard might be a bit out of form? I’ll be studying the New Year’s day cards this afternoon.

Over a Newbury I’ve taken a small interest in My Wigwam Or Yours (33/1), he’s not really shown enough since a return from in injury in two runs over hurdles but I’m – perhaps foolishly – optimistic that back over fences today off a favourable mark might just see a turnaround in fortunes. I’ve taken a larger interest in John Constable later on the card. JC has been performing well in better class races without winning and the handicapper has been kind enough to drop him a few lbs. He steps up to 2 ½ miles for the first time and as a full brother to Ascot gold Cup winner Leading Light I’m hopeful he may improve further at this trip. Williams also runs Court Minstrel with Paul Moloney (presumably got the choice) on board so perhaps a forecast is in order!

All the best for a happy, healthy & profitable 2017

TW

Anonymous said...

Routine Procedure ran well and on another day would have produced a return on investment.

Another two poor selections on my part which pretty much sums up my 2016 betting.....roll on 2017!

Good luck with Thomas Crapper

TW

GeeDee said...

Hi TW,

I've been struggling since the season started in earnest in October. Like you, I'm hoping for a chance of fortune in the new year... ;)

Good luck!

PG.

GeeDee said...

At Warwick Routine Procedure (7/1) couldn't go with the leading pair, jumped the last in third and could then only stay on at the one pace to be denied a place on the flat by favourite Minella Gathering.

Another day and another year at Cheltenham but I'm afraid it was much the same story for Thomas Crapper(14/1).

Putting up one pound overweight, Charlie Poste held TC up on the first circuit but took much closer order as the race progressed. When Henri Pari Morgan came to grief three out, I dared to dream with the selection a close enough second behind Village Vic (11/4f). In the event, he was outpaced from two out to eventually finish fifth behind Shantou Flyer (20/1), coming home just under ten lengths behind the favourite which at the weights is more or less a replica of their BetVictor Gold Cup running seven weeks ago.

ITV's coverage made a decidedly shaky start with the persistent rain appearing to cause all sorts of problems to both presenters and cameramen alike. I'm not a particular fan of the stentorian Matt Chapman and I certainly didn't see anything that was likely to make me change my mind. For me, Ed Chamberlin didn't quite convince but it's very early days - without doubt, we're watching a work in progress.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm. ITV racing's debut today was not really very convincing. One would almost think they didn't know what they were doing. Have they never ever heard that it rains at race meetings? The weather lady could only tell the weather when she was holding on to her hat! All she needs to do is look it up online, like we did! Matt Chapman - hmmm, not working for me! The whole thing did not come across as being very professional and having heard about Ed Chamberlain's passion for the sport I was expecting more than someone constantly gripping his microphone telling me how awful the weather was. Tony McCoy looked uncomfortable at times. There was frequently a feeling I was looking in on three blokes in a pub, having a chat and a laugh but not conveying anything to me. Thank goodness for Alice, Mick and Tony McCoy!

Anonymous said...

Oh and thank goodness for the runners and riders!