WINNING'S NO TROUBLE!

Ben Morgan has had some happy moments this winter, starting with a Kim Bailey chaser

Punting in December is a volatile game. The results very much dictate what sort of festive period you will be enduring or enjoying. For the past few years, I have endured difficult Christmas periods before enjoying a fruitful New Year which sounds frustrating but it meant I didn’t have to shell out on expensive presents for loved ones. I’m not daft you know!

The punting month started in fine fashion. A £20 win bet on He’s No Trouble at Huntingdon landed at 4/1. Kim Bailey expressed his satisfaction to me with how this one was working during a pre-season stable tour so I had been waiting for him for a while. He unshipped on chase debut at Chepstow which was frustrating but he made no mistake in Cambridgeshire as he jumped with aplomb to win a shade cosily.

On the same day I endured a terrible time at Ascot as The Last Day (£60 at 7/2) looked badly outpaced before staying on for fourth. Meanwhile, Lord Aparelli (£40 e/w at 10/1) got hustled out of the places in a hot looking bumper but still ran with credit so will remain on my ‘lump next time out’ list.

These losses at Ascot had tarnished what would have been a good day because I was enjoying a fantastic time at Haydock.

A small each-way wager on Stoney Mountain (£5 e/w at 16/1) provided a satisfying outcome and it was good to see Henry Daly pick up a good prize. Being my local trainer, I always look out for his runners and over the years I have managed to get to know him quite well through various stable tours. A vastly experienced trainer who although associated with grand staying chasers (like this one will almost certainly be) is more than capable of training any type of horse. It seems a long time ago since the likes of Mighty Man were in his stable, but perhaps this lad among a few others can take him back to the big days.