Review of the day

There was no joy with either of todays 2 tips – and in truth, I was disappointed by the performance of them both…

That was particularly the case with Balybolley, whom I expected to go very close, even if he didn’t win.

However, he never seemed to be travelling particularly well – and was soon dropped, when the pace quickened, rounding the home turn.

The race was won by Max Ward – which was also a bit of a surprise.

I tipped him when he ran under near identical conditions over Christmas – and he disappointed that day.

However, he looked like a different horse this afternoon, moving powerfully throughout and pulling away close home…

In fairness to Mad Brian, he wasn’t as disappointing, as my expectation wasn’t as high.

There was always a question mark with regard to him staying the marathon trip – and maybe understandably, Dickie settled him near the back, presumably to help preserve his stamina.

The trouble is, most staying chases are won by horses that race prominently – and he never managed to work himself into contention.

The days only Mention, Johnny Og, ran very poorly in the following novice hurdle.

In truth, he was always a risky one – but I did expect to at least get a run from him.

However, he looks to have gone at the game and showed very little interest.

Neither of the eye catchers running on the Uttoxeter card managed to feature.
Mustmeetlady stayed on late in the novice handicap chase – but couldn’t quite grab third place (which was a shame !); whilst KK Lexion was never sighted – leaving Fortunate George to well and truly turn round the Wincanton form.

At least the days other 2 eye catchers fared a bit better: with Bugsie Malone a gutsy winner at Kempton – and Tidy Zag an easy winner at Limerick.

Interestingly, both horses were also very well backed…

TVB.