I’m down in Devon again enjoying the sunshine and visiting the family so it’s a quick post until I get back home tomorrow. I’ve got 3 horses I’m backing this afternoon. So expect the usual just out of the frame each way bets and seconds from…….
2.45 Ascot
It seems quite amazing that this day last year Ashkazar was winning the Kingwell Hurdle from Whiteoak and Punjabi when here he is today rated just 138 for this handicap. What a difference 12 months make! He started this season as a novice chaser but after a win and a heavy defeat at Cheltenham he has gone back hurdling. 5 poor runs have seen his rating plummet from 155 to that mark of 138 and as he always seems to find his form at around this time of year I’ll be having a small each way bet at Betfreds 25/1.
3.15 Ascot
An interesting 6 horse race with little between 5 of the runners according to official ratings. I think it would be fair to say that Herecomesthetruth has his own ideas about the game and his jumping is still suspect so I’ll pass him over in favour of Planet of Sound who hasn’t been seen since losing to Alberta’s Run last November. A 3 length defeat to that rival when giving 6lb should make it quite interesting today off level weights and as he has a good record fresh I’ll be taking the 9/4 on this one.
1.55 Haydock
Should Haydock pass the inspection my best bet of the day runs in the first. She’s a horse I’ve been following since running 4th to my big Triumph Hurde hope Westlin Winds and looks an improving hurdler. Diktalina has won her last two starts on testing ground and the conditions today should hold no fear for her. The form of her easy defeat of Open Day took another boost yesterday when that one slammed a decent looking field of juveniles to follow up his Market Rasen win and make it two from two since running into the selection. Obviously the favourite Me Voici is the one to beat having won a Grade 1 race last time out by 10 lengths from Sang Bleu but I’m not sure that’s the strongest juvenile form around and I’m happy to take him on. It looks unlikely I’ll be able to get the 7/1 that was in the Racing Post tissue prices but the 5/1 at William Hill’s is ok.
Don’t forget to feel free to back, lay or ignore them!
Good luck whatever you decide to do,
Gavin.