Race reviews

A bit of a mixed bag of a day, results wise – but we got a winner on the board and came out of the afternoon, in profit, so no real complaints from this end…

First into battle for us, was Spring Heeled.

He jumped very well in the opening novice chase at Thurles, but seemed to lack a bit of sharpness and could only plug on into fifth place.

He will be sharper with the run under his belt –and doubtless more effective over an extra half mile.

Next up, it was Benbane Head, who was involved in what was probably the finish of the day in the handicap hurdle at Towcester.

Despite some generally sticky hurdling (doubtless the legacy of jumping fences on  his recent runs) and never really looking likely to win, Robert Thorton somehow managed to force his in front, precisely where it mattered.

It was a real gutsy effort from the both horse and jockey.

Back at Towcester, Middlebrook took his career outings to 17 without success – so much for my plot theory !

In truth, he just looked to be a very limited animal and it was of little surprise to see him pulled up five fences from home.

I don’t think we will be on him when he next looks to break his maiden status !

Finally, The Big Freeze managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, over at Mussleburgh. He was clearly the best horse in the race, but his inability to corner at he sharp Scottish track, ultimately cost him dear.

He must literally have given away a dozen lengths as Richard Johnson had to tug him round almost every corner –and yet he was only beaten a length at the line.

On a more conventional track, he will take some beating in a similar race.

Earlier on the Mussleburgh card, Dovils Date ensured that Richard Johnson and Tim Vaughan got something out of the day: whilst over at Towcester, Highland Lodge did indeed prove too good for his rivals and in the process looked like a horse to follow…

So there we have it: 2 points profit on the day (I will settle the winner at 8/1 as that was the best easily available price at the time I issued the tip) – which is a fair return.

Better than that though, a TVB winner by the narrowest of margins – I never thought I would see the day ;)

TVB