In recent seasons I don’t mind admitting my interest in punting horses at this time of the year has waned. I enter the National Hunt season with a great deal of false optimism, I’ve usually had a good Flat campaign and I get a little over excited seeing some of last year’s novices entered up. But what I seem to forget is the horses I back have to jump the obstacles in front of them.
Last month you may recall I had a bit of a stinking time with horses falling when going well, a patch of form which I seem to endure every season. There is no rhyme or reason to it, it just happens.
So after looking at my stats I decided I was going to hold back a bit and wait for the New Year/Spring where statistically my profit improves.
I began the month getting mugged of a victory in the Fixed Brush Hurdle at Haydock. I was on Third Wind (£10 e/w at 11-2) and young Jonjo O’Neill Jr had given it a peach of a ride until about two out when nothing else could tow him into the race and he had no choice but to kick on.
It’s a long way home at Haydock and the strong staying Main Fact was coming home at a fair rate of knots and it was pretty clear what was going to happen. Third Wind got mugged in the final 100 yards and I was left collecting 2nd place returns.
I had long been waiting for Henry Oliver’s Generous Day (£15 e/w at 16-1) to reappear and he eventually did in the same race he won at Kempton last year. He absolutely hosed up last year beating a good field, a better field than he was facing this year. Off a 1lb lower mark, I made him a certainty to run well.
He did just that...until they turned in and he went out like a light. He was last off the bridle but first beat. Answers on a postcard please.
Esta historia es de la edición January 2021 de Racing Ahead.
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Esta historia es de la edición January 2021 de Racing Ahead.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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CAL'S UP TO TOP SPEED
John Anthony keeps close watch on the top ranking track fliers
ACTION REPLAY
Graham Buddry recalls the exploits of legendary hurdler Large Action
SHADOW IN THE LIMELIGHT
lan Heitman follows the fortunes of next year’s leading Classic prospects
GONE WILDE
Rolf Johnson fears the effects of a thoroughbred market bubble’
DIGGING OUT THE JUMPERS
The former Sky Racing frontman is all geared up for the change of codes and clothing
MORE AMO FOR RALPH
Dave Youngman shares the joy and gossip from the Newmarket gallops
GO COSMIC NEXT YEAR
Andy Ayres shares his pick of punting prospects from the autumn action
NICO'S CAREER LEAP TO GLORY
Nick Townsend talks to Nico de Boinville about his life-changing choices
ALL SET FOR FRESH START
Karl Hedley is on the spot for the new season action across Ireland
DAN'S GRAND BID DAWNING
Paul Ferguson tracks a route for Skeltons from Carlisle to Aintree