Daily write-up - Nov 1st

Neither of today’s domestic NH cards at Hereford and Stratford respectively, really set the pulse racing.

That said, at this time of year, there is always the possibility that something will surprise with a better than expected performance, so they remain of interest…

I did try to fathom a handicap on each of the cards:

At Hereford, the hurdle race at 2:30 looked the most likely for me to be able to unpick. But having spent a little time on it, I decided to move on as I could neither see a compelling case for any of the runners – or any outstanding value.

Pericoloso seems to have least question marks against him – but he is also the early favourite – and his case doesn’t look water tight.

It was easy enough to pass on the race.

Over at Stratford, I was quite interested in Be Definite, in the chase at 2:10.

However, he has a slightly worrying knack of being placed – and again, the price on offer is not overly generous…

By far the most interesting race of the day (in the UK, at least), is the novice chase on the Stratford card.

There are quite literally, half a dozen potentially decent animals competing in the race – and it will be well worth watching, with a view to the rest of the season.

Thanks for Coming is the obvious starting point – and whilst it is easy to see him  placing – he does look vulnerable to anything with star potential.

The most obvious candidate for subsequent lofty heights, is Safron De Cotte. He looked a horse who might go places last year – and if he improves for the switch to fences – and is fit enough to do himself justice first time -  he is likely to take the beating.

Of the others, Godsmejudge looks very solid and like Thanks for Coming, it will be no surprise if he is placed. Whilst Secret Tune was a ‘pre-season friendly’ selection over hurdles - and ran well to a point. However, the overnight rain will not be in his favour.

There are 3 or 4 others, who I could also see running very well, which simply demonstrates the depth of the race.

However, I am particularly interested in Caulfields Venture, at a huge price.

He ran very well over hurdle last season off a mark of 109 – and I always felt he had the ability to take higher rank – probably over fences.

He was disappointing on his seasonal debut, but I would hope that was a just pipe-opener, over the smaller obstacles.

On official ratings over hurdles, he has about a stone to make up on the best of his rivals. But he has the potential and scope to do that - particularly if he takes to fencing.

In such a trappy race, he could never be a confident selection .However, I do think he is significantly over-priced at 66/1 (in my tissue, he was 20/1 – and I was hoping for 33/1 this morning). He therefore warrants the smallest of plays – and at 13/1 to be placed, EW has to be the call.

0.25pt EW Caulfields Venture 66/1