Review of the day

Both Katkeau and Harry Topper ran fair races this afternoon – but they were no match for all the way winner, Perfect Candidate.

I could certainly have been interested in the winner at his SP of 12/1 – but he was half that price this morning, and the race was far too open looking to consider taking such a short price.

That said Harry Topper was sent off even shorter (5/1) so it was maybe no surprise that he ran so well.

He would have been second in a couple more strides – and would have to be of great interest next time, on softer ground or over slightly further.

There were no real excuses for Katkeau – he had his chance but just wasn’t good enough (or more accurately, wasn’t sufficiently well handicapped).

The Mentions had a good afternoon, with 2 winners from 4.

Impulsive Star was another who was very well backed.

I would have struggled to take the 4/1 this morning – so I couldn’t really have been interested in an SP of 11/4.
It didn’t stop him winning tho…

Bacardys wasn’t so well backed.

The issue with him was his jockey – but in fairness to Patrick, he rode a fine race, cutting down Bunk off Early, close home…

The days other 2 mentions didn’t do quite so well.

As I feared might be the case, the jumping frailties of Bleu et Rouge prevented him from having any chance in the Flogas chase.

Instead it was left to Disko to hold off the late challenge of Our Duke.

Whilst in the Irish Gold Cup, Road to Riches paid for being hassled throughout by Don Poli (though I suspect the ground didn’t help either).

As for the eye catchers, then Lady of Longstone ran pretty much the race I would have expected: though Barney Dwan was a touch disappointing.

Tea for Two and Henri Parry Morgan finished first and second in the Graduation chase – but as they were the only finishers, that wasn’t quite as impressive as it sounds !

Finally, Minella Charmer was again let down by his jumping in the novice chase.

He repeatedly jumped to the left (suggesting he wanted to go the other way round) – but then made a very bad mistake down the back straight, which put pay to any chance he might have had.

I think it is back to the drawing board with him…

TVB.