For a number of reasons, you are getting a Sunday post. Firstly I had a note from a Mrs Trellis of North Wales, who thought I was dismissive in my racing notes yesterday, of what will be surely seen as one of the 21st century’s greatest races between brave and redoubtable SHISHKIN and the so-nearly ENERGUMENE.
Secondly, we had a not-bad day yesterday, and a bit of swanking always helps a fragile ego, Thirdly – and possibly more importantly – we had a very jolly dinner with Tom Jones’ son, which ended closer to 3 than 12, where mention was made en passant about some decent racing today, with the third day of Lingfield’s Winter whatsit and Allaho meeting Fakir D’Oudaries at Thurles.
So firstly Mrs Trellis, please don’t confuse my dislike of hyperbole before an important race, for disinterest. If anything goes wrong, or as I suggested, the result perhaps doesn’t go the way of the hype, the impact on reputation and the loss of credibility can often produce a logarithmically worse downside, than the positive upside. None of that happened, and indeed the race was a great one, memorable on so many levels and all was well. I couldn’t have guaranteed that before – hence my reticence and (I thought) honourable suggestion that you did not bet, but instead watched, savoured and enjoyed. I hope that helps Mrs Trellis, and thank you for the Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Soup, which sadly leaked in the post.
As regards yesterday’s tipping, we showed a 20½ pt profit and the bank now stands at 1049.52 – a near 5% return for the month to date.
Then finally we move onto today’s selections – which are brief as they are constrained by time, recovering Bloody Marys and lunch:
1:20 LINGFIELD Winter Million Nov.s’ Hdl Cl2 (5yo+) 2m7f ITV4 7 run
CROSSING LINES 1 pt e/w
1:50 LINGFIELD Cazoo Nov.s’ Chs Cl2 (5yo+) 2m ITV4 4 run
IL REDOTO 2pts Win
2:25 LINGFIELD Weatherbys Cheltenham Festival Betting Guide Hdl Cl2 (5yo+) 2m3½f ITV4 3 run
GOSHEN 2pts win
2:40 THURLES Coolmore N.H. Sires Mogul Irish EBF Mares Nov. Chs (G2) (5yo+) 2m4½f ITV4 7 run
3pt stake Dutch BALLYSHANNON ROSE and MINELLA MELODY
at around 9/2 and 5/1 to get around 7/4 the pair.
3:00 LINGFIELD Fleur De Lys Chs Cl2 (5yo+) 2m6f ITV4 6 run
DASHEL DRASHER and BRISTOL DE MAI are both having to give ITCHY FEET 6lbs, which I think is too much.
ITCHY FEET 2 pts win
3:15 THURLES Horse & Jockey Hotel Chs (G2) (6yo+) 2m4½f ITV4 4 run
ALLAHO 4 pts win
3:35 LINGFIELD racehorselotto.com Surrey National Hcap Chs Cl3 (5yo+ 0-135) 3m5f ITV4 15 run
PEMBERLEY 1 pt e/w
Not Televised: 1:30 at Thurles – The 2m7f BetVictor W.T. O’Grady Memorial Irish EBF Novice Hurdle
GERRI COLOMB should absolutely ping this – given the absence of HI HO PHOENIX who dropped out overnight. The 1-2 could be on as well for Gordon with THE GOFFER.
GERRI COLOMBE 2 pts win -1pts SFC with THE GOFFER
20 pts Stake
