racing news

Tanya's Blog - 9th December 2011

After Gauvain yesterday who can ignore Tom Segal, 8-1 in the morning it only shortened up to a starting price of 15-2. Today the genius tipster puts up Mostly Bob in Cheltenham’s 1.45 which had more multiple entries than me in the Ten-To-Follow competition. So connections are obviously keen to run. Yet after casting my dispersions on Mon Parrain, I now think he is too big at 5-2!
He was a huge negative in the betting in the BetVictor Gold Cup and this step up in trip is an intriguing one after appearing to empty in the Topham. The report after Cheltenham in November must have been to try him over further. He looked a class act at Sandown and was beaten by a course specialist at Aintree in the Topham. If he drifts any further I would have to avail myself.

One of Paul Nicholls runners who isn’t drifting is Oscargo, hardening all the time in the betting at around 5-4 his third at the course last time is really appealing. Yet I like DI KAPRIO of Evan Williams who receives 5lb off the favourite and could be better value.

The cross country race offers a poser which of the Willie Mullins pair of do you go for Garde Champetre who is running round the course for the twelfth time or is it best to pitch in with Tony Martin and Saddlers Storm? It’s a race to swerve and maybe have an each-way interest on Chamirey.

Backed horse this morning is Paintball and I know he has been one of the selections for various Channel 4 Racing pundits on his last two starts so he may be worth keeping an eye on.

Casting an eye on Doncaster a big drifter is Edgefour in the 2.10 it is to such a degree that I wouldn’t be surprised if he is a non-runner. Backed horses to keep on your side are Charlie Wingnut at 1.00 and Blake Dean at 1.35.

Finally, I hope Denman enjoys a long happy and deserved retirement. What a joy he gave to us all and no one will forget his fabulous wins in the Hennessy or his Gold Cup victory. Thank you Denman.

POINTERS

John Wade has had four winners from his last eight runners, he has two runners at Doncaster today

Eight of the last ten winners of Cheltenham’s 1.10 were a single figure starting price

Rory Boy who runs in Cheltenham’s 1.10 has failed to win at the course in five attempts

Eight of the last ten winners of Cheltenham’s 1.45 came from the first three in the betting

Knockara Beau entered in Cheltenham’s 1.45 has failed to win at Cheltenham in seven attempts

Nine of the last ten winners of Cheltenham’s 1.45 were aged 8 or younger

Garde Champetre is having his twelfth start over Cheltenham’s Cross Country Course, to date he has jumped 346 Cross Country fences and run over 42 miles winning five times and finishing second four times

Ferdy Murphy has won the Cross Country Chase three times in the last eight years

Six of the last seven winners of Cheltenham’s 2.55 were aged six or younger