We popped into The Tent to see chums and to apologise for The Hon’s picture appearing in the Daily Mail. The place was awash with Not Old People including Young Lochinvar who spent 20 minutes complaining about [a] my tipping [b] my lack of winners compared to his six by end of day 2 [c] the lack of verbiage not in his eyes excused by alcohol poisoning, fatigue or ennui. I greeted Young George, who had not been in The Tent before. To be honest, the last time I saw him, I thought he was a tall sixteen, so to see him quaffing with the rest of the NOPs was something of a culture shock. I left LaLa Tent refreshed by a brace of large BMs but feeling very old and heave-hoed over to Chum’s Box. There we had a truly wonderful buffet full of delicious tuck, served by my host’s regular team of great staff, serving proper builder’s tea in proper mugs, and pints of Guinness and decent red and all endlessly. We had a 20/1 winner and a couple of places; plus the Hon pulled the 33/1 winner out of some hat based on a dim memory of a decent prior run in this race two years ago…. yes took my breath away too. I had a splendid view of the racing from the balcony and a seat in front of the telly, and we gave a toast in memory of frequent box-visitor Motty. The eminent surgeon won £7½k for his 50p Placepot, having refused a cash offer of £250 before the sixth from the host and myself. Kingy dropped in, and we caught up with gossip and, as is polite, never discussed his horses, chances, or highlights. The box was full of good eggs and jolly people, many of whom left after the sixth and at some speed. We stayed and watched the last, lost a couple of bob, made our truly grateful thanks and leisurely headed for the exit and the car. Oh, how I wish we had also left after the sixth. What felt like two days later, we arrived back home having had – literally at every step – our passage impeded by the new Jockey Club Customer Experience – Planned and Thoughtless Pointlessness.
Traffic, Dress Codes, Crossing the horse walk at almost any time; even the last three races of one of the greatest racing Festivals in the world are a Hunter Chase (where the sponsor was allowed to change the name because they were afraid of the word foxhunters – lucky they don’t run the MCC), a Mares Chase and a Conditional Jockeys handicap. Still, at least you can leave early to avoid the orchestrated traffic jam with concomitant pollution and increased fuel consumption and costs.
Talking of being unable to recognise incompetence on the grand scale – and worse, defending it – here are tomorrow’s tips
The Donald Runsfeld Raceweb Statistics on PDF with today’s possible contenders can be found by CLICKING HERE
13:30 JCB TRIUMPH HDL (G1) 2m abt 1f
Everyone suggests this is between unlucky LOSSIEMOUTH (who shouldn’t have been beaten at The DRF) and BLOODY DESTINY who some say has looked equally, if not more, impressive. Townend has elected for Lossie, I could make a case for ZENTA on trends. I simply can’t any money in this
NO BET
14:10 MCCOY CONTRACTORS COUNTY HCAP HDL RACE (G3) 2m abt 1f
I had hoped for a better run in the Betfair Hurdle – but nonetheless, I’m sticking with FAIVOIR as a small stake e/w suggestion, plus the actual winner. The favourite for exotics
FAIVOIR 2 pts e/w – AUCUNRISQUE 3 pts e/w – both with HUNTERS YARN 2 x ½ pt RFC
14:50 ALBERT BARTLETT NOV’ HDL RACE (G1) abt 3m
Probably the most competitive race of the novice hurdle section. Paul Nicholls rates
THREE CARD BRAG 5 pts Win – LETSBECLEARABOUTIT 2 pt e/w – STAY AWAY FAY 3 pts e/w All with FAVORI DE CHAMPDOU 12 x ¼ pt CFC
15:30 BOODLES CHELTENHAM GOLD CUP CHS (G1) 3m abt 2½ f
GALOPIN DES CHAMPS Wins – no value. So two proven track and ground performers against the field…
STATTLER 2 pts e/w – SOUNDS RUSSIAN 1 pt e/w (5 places with Skybet)
16:10 ST. JAMES’S PLACE FESTIVAL CHALLENGE CUP OPEN HUNTERS’ CHS 3m abt 2½ f
These two just changed stables – BOB AND CO and BRAIN POWER. I also fancy BLACK OP. Don’t forget the Jamie Codd Stat
THE STORYTELLER 4 pts Win – BOB AND CO – BLACK OP 2 pts e/w each
16:50 MRS PADDY POWER MARES’ CHS (G2) 2m abt ½f
I don’t think ALLEGORIE DE VASSY can run left-handed. She is 4/4 going right and rubbish left.
Leave her alone NO BET
17:30 MARTIN PIPE CONDITIONAL JOCKEYS’ HCAP HDL (0-145) 2m abt 4½ f
MIGHT I 3 pts e/w – NO ORDINARY JOE 2 pts e/w – FIRM FOOTINGS 2 pts e/w