With all the Trainer Track Stats hoohah going on at the moment I didn’t get to post my regular 5 things from the weekend segment yesterday so here it is a day late.
5 things I learnt this weekend….
1) Draw biases (is that the correct plural for bias?) still exist but not as we know them….
This season we’ve seen many long standing, perceived draw biases turned on their head at courses up and down the country. Folkestone, Ascot, York, Goodwood have all seen races won by the ‘wrong’ side and now, to that list, we can add Ayr. Obviously these tracks were aware of the bias in certain races but in trying to even things out all they have done is tip the balance the other way. It’s annoying and it sure aint funny…
In fact the only people who can possibly be laughing are the bookies and they’re doing it all the way to the bank.
2) Royal Ascot is a hard place to win at….
That might sound like an obvious statement but the number of well fancied horses that ran appallingly at Royal Ascot this year and have since shown that form to be all wrong is amazing. Doctor Freemantle is the latest horse to do it. Sent off 5/2 second favourite for the Hardwicke he ran no race at all to finish 7thof 9, some 10 lengths behind Campanologist. In two subsequent starts he has won both times and had Campanologist in rear on both occasions. Monsieur Chevallier 5th as the 6/4f at Ascot, won his next two. Jimmy Styles was 5/1f for the Wokingham where he finished 12th, won the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday. Lady of the Desert 11/2 and 6th in the Queen Mary then went on to win a Group 3 and Group 2 on her next two starts. Brief Encounter 6/1fav for the Britannia won a 24k handicap on his next run. Debussy went off a well fancied 15/2 for the King Edward VII but was tailed off in 10th, he won a Group 2 at Maison Laffitte next time out. I’m sure there’s lots more to this list but these ones stick in my mind because I backed them all!
Beware Ascot this weekend.
3) Jockey’s are slow to catch on….
I mentioned it on Sunday but I have to say it again because my blood is still boiling. Not for the first time this season jockeys just do not seem to be aware of any draw bias that is happening at a track. How else can you explain the decision of 7 jockeys to come stands side in the Firth Of Clyde Stakes. Everybody in the country knew by that time the place to be was on the far side yet still they stick to the nearside rail and give up all hope of winning. Having made Beyond Desire the bet of the day I was really annoyed to have her chance ruined by the incompetence of her jockey. The best horse most certainly did not win that race.
4) Kieren Fallon’s autobiography is a cracking good read…
The missus bought me a surprise pressie the other day (still not sure why, I don’t think it was our anniversary or at least I hope it wasn’t!), Mr Fallon’s autobiography and although I’ve only just started it, I am enjoying it far more than Patrick Vietch’s life story. It’s a really good book and hopefully I’ll get some free time next week to finish it off.
5) Cinema’s make their money from the food….
I always knew that it was best to take your own food to the cinema as they really sting you on their prices but I just didn’t know how bad it really was. I do now! Having taken my son and his friend to see Night at the Museum 2 at the local multi-plex for just £1 each I was feeling pretty good about the day. I’d stashed the juice, popcorn and sweeties in my jacket and things were really looking good. But on leaving the boys decided they wanted a hotdog and foolishly I agreed. I won’t be making that mistake again! 1 hotdog for £4.55. Now that’s just ridiculous and, coincidentally, was about the same time that my day started to go downhill….
Good luck,
Gavin.