Race review

I found it desperately frustrating to watch today’s race…

Not because Cootamundra was beaten – I can cope with that – but because he ran with so much credit !

There was no point during the race – bar the last 50 yards – when I thought he was beaten. Even jumping the last, I was hopeful he might be able to quicken up - but alas it was not to be…

The trouble with him running so well against higher rated rivals, is that people will notice him…

There is less and less chance of him being under-estimated, when he runs in these conditions races – and the handicapper is likely to have his say as well….

The frustrating part, is that he could have walked a half decent novice chase – or handicap chase, a couple of moths back – but now, the latter at least, will be more difficult (and connections don’t seem keen on running him in average novice chases).

I guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens. It is clear that the ability is there for him to win a decent race – but whether he was be a betting proposition when the opportunity arises, is a different matter…

Earlier on the Navan card, Jadanli travelled really well in the 2m4f hurdle.

Ultimately, he was found wanting for toe when it mattered – but he is clearly still in very good heart…

Over at Wetherby, it was a case of seconditus !

First Weston Lodge finished second to Marie Des Anges in the novice chase. The winner was 3/1 this morning – but returned at 8/1 ! An incredible drift.

The race was marred by the fatal fall of Shinrock Hill – and how Young Hurricane managed to avoid a similar fate is beyond me. His fall was truly shocking…

Jack the Gent had to settle for the runners up position again – only this time he was more comfortably beaten…

However, I always felt that he would be more effective over 2m4f , so I won’t be giving up on him just yet.

Whilst in the finale, the Mark Johnston trained Willpower also managed to finish runner up.

The race was won in stunning style by Diamond King. I don’t know whether t winner is being aimed at the festival bumper, but based on today’s performance, he looked like a force to be reckoned with - even at that level.

TVB.