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Captain's Blog - Saturday 22nd December

Despite the deluge of rain countrywide Haydock will go ahead as planned and as confidently predicted by clerk of the course Kirkland Tellwright on Thursday evening live on . It will undoubtedly be a war of attrition there and at Ascot today.

My selection yesterday finished second, which means that my last three selections have finished in that position.

A frustrating turn of events, but hopefully I can turn around my fortune today.

The Ladbroke Hurdle is the race that interests me most today and I am inclined to back a couple of horses at reasonable prices.
Firstly I like Rattan who is trading at 16/1 at the time of writing. He caught my eye at Cheltenham last time where he was moderately placed turning for home but ran on nicely in the closing stages.
He handles soft ground and is most effective in these competitive scenarios. There has been money for him, he was 22/1 on Wednesday, and he looks sure to go well in a race where many horses will not handle conditions.

I also think we should be backing Ranjaan at 10/1. He makes his seasonal reappearance today and has bags of potential. When we last saw him he easily beat the consistent Third Intention and Paul Nicholls has stated that he is very happy with this horse’s preparation for today.

Ruby Walsh is on board which of course is a massive plus and in handicapping terms this horse could be chucked in. He is currently a 10/1 shot.

I will be heading out this morning to finish off my Christmas shopping. It is not going to be a pleasurable experience given the amount of people who will be doing the same but needs must, I suppose. With a fair wind I should make it home in time to watch the 3.10pm.

Stay dry out there, folks, and all the best.

Today's Selections:

3.10 Ascot - Rattan (16/1 bet365)

3.10 Ascot - Ranjaan (10/1 bet365)