Review of the day

Things really didn’t go according to plan this afternoon – and I was just relieved that I only suggested the one tip on the day…

That was Dream Bolt – and he ran no sort of a race a Sandown.

I would have found that very surprising, if it hadn’t been for the huge pre-race drift…

Pre-race, he looked to be as solid a selection as you could get – and the 5/1 this morning seemed like a fair price, against a potentially well handicapped market leader.

However, in the few minutes before the off, he drifted to 13 on Betfair.
Apparently, the horse was very free going to post – which presumably explains the drift - and why he was never featured in the race with any chance.

I guess they are not machines, but I certainly didn’t foresee that one.

The race was won by Speredek, who rather than getting into a battle for the lead with Cepage, got an uncontested one and duly took full advantage.

It was all a bit frustrating to watch….

It was similar with the days first Mention, Troika Steppes.

I thought he would get an uncontested lead – but instead, he got into a prolonged battle with Renard.

Needless to say, both horses suffered as a consequence, and Troika Steppes was already well beaten, when unseating at the last.

Things didn’t get any better in the other 2 races of interest at Sandown.

Pete the Feat made numerous uncharacteristic mistakes, before running on late to claim a distant fifth place.

Regal Flow was a little way in front of him in fourth: he actually ran pretty well on his return from an absence.

Finally at Sandown, Trans Express ran another disappointing race in the finale.

I would have been prepared to forgive him his most recent run (at the right price) – but I would struggle to forgive him 2 poor runs in a row…

Over at Fakenham, Omessa Has couldn’t win – even when her main rival fell, seemingly presenting her with the race.

There was no obvious excuse – which makes you wonder if she will make the grade over fences.

Finally, Raktiman did run a fair race - and even trade odds on in running – but he never looked to me as if he was going to win.

That said, it did appear for a while as if it might simply be a case of which horse made least mistakes.

However, ultimately the unconsidered Rear Admiral cantered through and won as he liked, with Raktiman finishing a very tired third…

There will be better days !!

TVB.