There is just a couple of days to go, before the TVB season formally gets under-way – and the tension is really starting to mount !
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Today’s meetings in Ireland didn’t disappoint: with a series of interesting races – and doubtless various pointers for the upcoming season.
Unfortunately, Rathlin didn’t manage to get the better of either Hidden Cyclone or Foildubh, at Naas. He ran a reasonable enough race – the other two simply had more toe than him, up the home straight.
I won’t be giving up on him just yet though. It took him a few runs to reach peak form last season – and 2m4f in deep ground is likely to be his forte.
The other mention from last night, Finemerello, ran a sound race to finish third at Bangor.
She did ease in the betting from last night’s opening show of 7/2, eventually being sent off 11/2 co favourite.
Approaching the second last hurdle, she looked the most likely winner of the race. However she didn’t quite get home and had to settle for a placing.
There could well be other days for her…
The card at Taunton tomorrow, is similar to the one from Bangor today: potentially interesting – but hardly spectacular !
That said, there are a couple of races in which I would be prepared to take a view…
The first of these is the novice chase, which is due off at 2:30.
In all probability, Molotof will start a very short priced favourite for this – but I’m not sure it will be a penalty kick for him…
First off, he will be making his chasing and seasonal debut; and secondly, he will be faced by some reasonable opposition…
Changing Times and Bally Legend will both have the advantage of being race fit – though the distance is a little on the short side for both. However, I can see Changing Time getting an aggressive ride from Sam Twiston Davies, in which case, Molotof is likely to be subjected to a fair test.
The other one that really catches my eye, is Ballygarvey. He has his first start for Philip Hobbs tomorrow, having previously been in the care of Henrietta Knight.
As with Changing Times and Bally Legend, the trip is likely to be a little on the short side for him tomorrow - but I will be keeping a close eye on him, with regard to the future…
4:00
The other race of real interest tomorrow, is the handicap chase which is due off at 4:00.
There are 11 runners, but I’m struggling to give too many of them much of a chance.
The 2 market principals look quite strong – and victory for either would not be a big surprise.
However, at 3/1 the pair, they take out 50% of the book, which seems about right to me…
Of the other 9, I am most interested in Quobilai – and he looks over-priced to me, at 10/1.
He has only run 3 times in this country: finishing runner up on his British debut, before wining a 5 runner chase at Wetherby.
His handicap mark was hiked up 16lb for that victory and yet despite that, he was sent off a very strong 9/4 favourite in a class 2 race next time out.
That suggests to me, that somebody thinks the horse has serious ability…
He set off too quickly that day and didn’t get home – but I’m prepared to ignore that run.
He has been eased back 3lb in the ratings and runs in a class 3 contest tomorrow.
With a summer on his back, I think there is a distinct possibility that tomorrow, he could pick up from where he left off at Wetherby.
Selection: Quobiai 10/1
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