Monday 24th March

Not often I get excited enough to write a blog on a Monday, especially at this horrible time of year in the transition period between the Cheltenham hangover and flat season being just days away. Furthermore it is often advisable that when you fancy plenty of runners, you leave it altogether as you end up backing far too many runners and everything falls apart. However (bear with me!) these are mostly big prices with in my opinion outstanding chances. Lets start on the All-Weather, which has again been in the spotlight recently, mostly amidst allegations of fixed races, horses being stopped, dodgy betting patterns etc leaving punters wondering whether studying the form book is worth their while as only the people on the inside seem to know what's what.

14.40 Climaxfortackle 10/1 - Three times course winner was quietly fancied when last here when finishing a close second off tumbling mark. Was then punted next time at Kempton when arguably unlucky until running no sort of race last time out. Coming back to Wolverhampton in a race likely to be run at a good gallop due to Amosite, which is what she needs and being the only C/D winner in the field, everything looks set for a big big run from 4lb below her last winning mark.

15.10 Sam Spade 12/1 - Still only a 4yo and didn't make the cut at Hannon's so transferred to Derek Shaw. Things not gone to plan so far and only beaten 6 rivals in 5 races, finishing last on three of those occasions. So why will he run better today? Well he is dropped in grade and can race at nearly basement level today and is now 13lb below last winning mark. Ran over a trip he didn't stay last time and dropped 5lb since so can run off 52 today. Is also dropped back significantly in trip to 7f which can prove key and when connections get called into the stewards room for 'apparent improvement in form,' they have the perfect excuse as Sam gets a visor fitted for the first time today. Also backed Piccolo Express as a small ew coverbet as well below lwm and only C/D winner in field.


Moving on to my local track now at Towcester, the most testing track in the country where three runners catch the eye.

14.00 Such A Legend 11/4 - My best bet of the card and best bet of the day probably. The plan is to go chasing next season but he is turned out again quickly after giving odds on shot and highly regarded Kilcooley a scare last time out. I get the impression connections want a win before tucking him away for chasing in winter and this race looks a golden opportunity. The drop back to 2m suited down to the ground last time and he is over that trip again today. He stays further than this, which at Towcester is a massive asset and with man of the moment Tom Scu in the saddle, I'm not having anything getting past him.

15.00 Bull and Bush 3/1 - Found My Miss Lucy too strong in the finish before romping to victory last time putting the race to bed very nicely, beating an odds on Henderson hot-pot in the process. Stepped up in trip today which on breeding suits her and is strongly fancied to be too good for this lot and is very much a horse to follow, whatever happens on her first try at a staying trip today.

15.30 - Bishophill Jack 18/1 - The each way bet of the day is this C/D winner who regularly runs his best races here and looks handicapped to strike after showing some life last time out. Eased in grade and if on a going day could represent mighty value at what looks a generous 18/1. Also 3/5 in Class 5 races and has a change of headgear today too. Small coverbet in the shape of another well handicapped C/D winner, Jolly Boy's Outing who is surely a ticking time bomb despite his advancing years.


Finally off to Taunton where I fancy one runner at a decent price.

15.50 Spanish Optimist 10/1 - A seven runner race which is annoying but this runner intrigues me but to be honest it is a bit chancy. Richard Johnson rides this one instead of the favourite for Phillip Hobbs where Tom O'Brien gets the leg up and can't really work out why. RJ can easily do the weight on Hobbs inmate and has ridden him before. Maybe it is because SO has a better chance? After taking a closer look I saw that Dickie rode Spanish Optimist once before, and won at a similar price to today beating some decent horses in the process. He hasn't taken that well to chasing but is dropped significantly in class today which could be key, and as I say the jockey booking is very interesting. Anyway, worth a small ew bet I thought.


Selections:

14.00 Such A Legend 11/4 -2ND
14.40 Climaxfortackle 10/1 ew
15.00 Bull and Bush 3/1 - WINNER
15.10 Sam Spade 12/1 ew (Piccolo Express 10/1 coverbet - 3rd)
15.30 Bishophill Jack 18/1 ew (Jolly Boy's Outing 18/1 coverbet)
15.50 Spanish Optimist 10/1 ew

If you are feeling lucky then have a small go at this ew L15:

Climaxfortackle, Sam Spade, Spanish Optimist, Bishophill Jack.

25p ew returns £11186 at best prices ;-)


Good Luck if you fancy any of these, and thankyou for reading.


THT