racing news/

Miss Mitch Hits a Snitch
01/03/10

This weekend the dangers of ante-post betting could not have been more clearly demonstrated than in the case of the unfortunate Miss Mitch, well supported at fancy prices for the Racing Post Chase, only to be declared a non-runner the day before after knocking a joint, writes Elliot Slater.

Sally Alner's mare had been all the rage as momentum gathered in the build-up to the valuable three mile Grade 3 event, and doubtless punters across the nation let out a collective grown when the news came through on Friday lunchtime that the daughter of King's Theatre would not recover in time to take her chance.

These things happen in sport, and nothing is for certain until it's all done and dusted. The big advantage of playing the ante-post markets is, of course, that if you latch onto a horse before the race you can avail yourself of a price which is often far bigger than the SP on the day. The risk you take however is that the horse will not be fit to run, suffer a defeat that causes connections to look elsewhere, or a potential myriad of other reasons that might preclude the participation of your nominated selection.

I think Miss Mitch would have acquitted herself well at Kempton, although I doubt she would have proved good enough to take the spoils. There's no doubt that she appears to be in the form of her life having chased home both Our Vic and The Sawyer, two very useful types, on her last two outings.

Those prepared to stand by Alner's mare should be aware that she holds an entry in the William Hill Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival in a couple of weeks' time, a chance possibly for those with ante-post burned fingers to attempt to recover losses.

However, it is likely most people looking to place a Cheltenham free bet will focus on the Gold Cup, with the rivalry between Kauto Star and Denman dominating the build up to the Festival.