Tweet

racing news / captain's blog /

Captain's Blog - Tuesday 11th December

The Christmas party looms on the horizon later this week. It is always an enjoyable affair, but I just hope that all the training I have been putting in of late will see me able to sit on the furious pace that is always set by veterans of this event. I had my final tune up at the HWPA awards lunch recently and although I clearly needed the outing I think the cobwebs have now been well and truly blown away. It should be an enjoyable night so let's just hope that I do not recoil after a big effort at the bar last Monday!

I have always been a fan of Jason Maguire as a jockey mainly for two reasons. Firstly he hates giving away ground and usually goes the shortest way round, secondly because he is strong.

Yesterday I believe I witnessed him perform in a new light in a way that shows he is improving all the time and has tactical acumen to back up his already well-founded ability. Let me direct you to his ride on Swift Arrow in the Handicap Chase at Mussleburgh. This was a strongly-run race and Maguire was happy to sit well off the pace, tick number one.

Secondly he wanted to get a good sight of the fences early on and impart some confidence to his horse. He did this by sitting away from the rail and in the clear seeing every fence clearly.

As the race warmed up and his horse did the same he gradually eased his way to the inside allowing his horse to go the shortest way amongst others. When they turned for home and other jockeys became urgent, he sat still, and waited knowing that there was plenty of time to pick up those who kicked too soon. Steadily he made his move, quietly and steadily. Then challenging after the last he got up to win narrowly. A brilliant ride from a jockey who has been good for a long time. Once you see it, you may not agree with me and if not I'd like to know why not in the comments section below. In my opinion you will not see many better rides this National Hunt season.

My selection today is Captain Bellamy in the 1.40 at Fontwell. This horse is a decent Flat performer who goes hurdling for the first time today. He stayed two miles on the flat and is sensibly pitched in over two and a half for his hurdling debut. AP McCoy is riding and the Captain should go well.

Today's Selection:

1.40 Fontwell: Captain Bellamy (3/1 bet365)