Review of the day

I sometimes think, that if TVB didn’t have bad luck, it would have no luck at all…

I was certainly thinking that when the tapes went up for the final race of the day, and Fayonagh backed away, half turned - and was left a dozen lengths behind the field…

I knew she was a smart mare – but no horse is good enough to do that and win a Championship event – or so I thought…

But I was wrong !

She was still in last place at the top of the hill – but Jamie Codd was is a cool customer.

He made ground coming down the hill – and went for it once she turned into the straight.

In truth, even then a victory looked highly unlikely – but the mare powered up the hill for the most amazing win.

Who needs luck anyway ?!?!?!

That said, I had been bemoaning mine (again ! ) just half an hour earlier, when Flying Tiger won the Fred Winter hurdle.

As I inferred this morning, I was struggling to decide between him and stablemate Diable de Sivola – but the presence of Lizzie Kelly on the latter swayed me towards him (she would have had the pick).

With hindsight, what I should have done, was simply split stakes on the pair of them – but what I did instead, was tip Diable de Sivola each way.
Needless to say, he was a fast finishing fifth…

There wasn’t quite so much drama with the days other tips…

Bredlade travelled really strongly in the opener – and looked certain to at least place turning in – but his stamina gave out when he reached hill and he eventually faded into sixth.

Alpha Des Obeaux tried at match strides with Might Bite and Acapello Burgeois in the RSA – but the former is clearly a serious talent.

He burnt off his 2 pace rivals - and sauntered into a 20 length lead.

He was still well clear jumping the last - but then swerved violently and threatened to throw the race away.
However, Nico de Boinville managed to straighten him up, just in time and he got back ahead of Whisper, literally on the line.

It was dramatic stuff…

As too was the Champion chase.
The next time someone tells you a horse is a certainty, remind them of this contest…

Douvan had previously looked unbeatable – but a mistake at the third fence seemed to unnerve him – and he guessed at every other one.

Meanwhile, Special Tiara was up front, jumping from fence to fence.

I thought he was a fair bet to finish second – but with Douvan not performing, he managed to take the first prize…

There was a bit of a shock in the Coral cup.

The race was very slowly run – and that suited non of the fancied horses, all of whom were held up.

Hawk High had no excuses – he simply wasn’t good enough…

Finally, last weeks money for Cause of Causes proved to be spot on, in the cross country race.

As I said this morning, he had the ability to win – provided he handled the course – and he handled the course and duly won comfortably….

TVB.