Review of the day

It’s difficult to know what to say about a day like today (whilst remaining completely balanced !).

I felt it was a day when we could have done with a bit of luck – but it was a day when we probably didn’t get any…

I say ‘probably’, because the whole days racing turned into a bit of a farce, with fog spoiling most of the races – and completely ruining at least a couple.

I’ve never before watched a race where nobody knew the result at the end – but that’s what happened in the finale at Haydock.

Apparently Clyne beat La Rocher (my nap in the forum competition !) – but I want Dave to hold an enquiry, because I’m sure I spotted Le Rochers yellow cap crossing the line in front !

More seriously, it was such a shame to see (or rather not see) what should have been an excellent days racing, spoilt by the weather.

Still, that’s the way it was…

What we did see through the fog at Ascot, was Minella Daddy getting nailed in the shadow on the post, by a horse who had been pulled up on 5 of its last 6 outings.

You simply can’t legislate for that kind of result – though my concern is that they are becoming more common (or I am becoming more cynical !).

Minella Daddy appeared to do everything right – and it was a tough one to take…

In the following race on the card, Fergall appeared out the gloom of the back straight, 6 lengths clear – and still cantering.
He was still 3 lengths clear and going quite nicely, jumping the second last – though Brain Power was stalking him and looking ominous.

Sure enough, when we got to see the finish, Brain Power was clear - and Fergal was trying to hang on for second.
It was still a mighty run – and I think he could have bettered it, if Sternrubin had been able to give him a lead for a bit longer…

The days other tips didn’t run quite so well (probably !).

Orabasa never really featured in the 2m2f chase.
Poker School was actually the first horse I wrote down last night – but having examined his form over fences, I decided he would do well to get round !
Wrong !

In fairness, if he did get round, he was handicapped to win – and it would appear that he got round just fine…

Le Mercurey looked likely to get involved in the finish of Minella Daddys race – but then seemed to not quite get home; whilst over at Haydock, I don’t think it would have mattered how well he had run, Top Wood wouldn’t have beaten Yala Enki - even with a furlong start !

As for the eye catchers, then Splash of Ginge produced a performance out of nowhere to win on his return to hurdles.

That was almost as irritating as Regal Encores win !

The eye catchers didn’t quite manage to win the 2 mile at Haydock  - but they peppered the places…

Ut Majeur Aulmes did indeed to best of them in finishing second – but was no match for Gino Trail.

In the same race, Ubaltique finished fourth and the very well backed Foxtail Hill, fifth (I expected better from him, considering his strength in the market).

Morning Royalty was third – so maybe I should have made him an eye catcher, to complete the placed set !

Lil Rockerfeller ran his usual game race at Ascot – but couldn’t get to Unowhatiemanharry.

The winner was probably impressive (Ballyoptic fell at the last, when still in with a chance) – but I remain happy enough with Lil Rockerfeller EW, for the World Hurdle.

Whilst Final Assault made a shocking blunder at Newcastle – but I doubt he would have beaten easy winner, Bun Doran, regardless…

TVB.