I would love to tell you how I have returned refreshed from my two week holiday, but sadly it was a disaster from start to finish and a terrible waste of my ill-gotten gains – all I can say is if you ever go to Egypt enjoy the amazing history, but don’t expect to savour a single meal or one of their meths style drinks!
Whoever thought a return to work would be therapeutic, but that is how things are, and we soldier on looking forward to the new Flat season and a bit of sunny weather – hopefully.
I will freely admit to being a bit behind with the racing news, despite keeping a close eye on the results over Cheltenham with the victories of Constitution Hill and Honeysuckle the obvious highlights, though I am still smarting over the late falls of both Thyme White and Ahoy Senor, big priced each way chances who looked as if a place was a possibility at the time of their mishaps, but that’s water under the bridge and all part and parcel of the winter game.
Away from that everyone is still talking about the implications of betting restrictions but much as I am involved in that at a high level, it is hard to argue too strongly one way or the other until they actually release the white paper and the rules that go with it, though the sooner they do that the better so we know what we are all up against. One unforeseen effect did show up this week as an unknown punter ran in to troubles after withdrawing his Cheltenham winnings – then struggling to put some of it back into his account without providing photos of bank statements etc – yet if he had left the money in there, he could have carried on punting without issue. That may be an anomaly, but it also shows how ridiculous these invasions of privacy are, and that the bookies aren’t so much worried about problem gamblers losing money – and are all about being seen to do what they think is right (or will avoid huge fines).
Anyway, on to the racing…
Plenty of variety this Saturday, starting at Newbury where I have been hearing good things about Gary Moore’s Angel’s Dream ahead of his British debut in the 3.15pm. Once raced in France and an easy 10 length winner on the Flat at Moulins last October, the son of Martillo changed hands for 45,000 Euros at the Arqana Sales in November ahead of a new career over hurdles. As mentioned he is reported to have been schooling well of late and it is noticeable that stable companion Love Is Golden is the highest rated runner in this field, yet Jamie Moore rides my selection which I am hoping is more than just a subtle hint.
Over the sea to Ireland for our next selection when Aiden O’Brien tests the waters with the once raced Broadhurst in the seven-furlong maiden at 4.32pm. The son of No Nay Never gained valuable experience when second to Harry Time at Navan last May, and hasn’t been seen since. The third that day has won both races since to frank the form, and although it may be wishful thinking to have left him in the Irish 2000 Guineas, he is expected to make up into a better three-year-old, and if he handles the going, he won’t be far away here.
To end things with, I have given Dubai a miss this year but they go ahead without me (who would have thought?), and there are plenty of questions that will be answered by the end of the card. Can Subjectivist bounce back to form in the Gold Cup, is Al Dasim really improving fast enough to take the sprint, and will the Japanese conquer Meydan are my top three, but I only have space for one selection, and that honour falls to Westover in the Classic at 4.00pm with the on-fire Ryan Moore in the saddle. Considered an unlucky loser in the English Derby at Epsom, he made amends for that with a runaway success at The Curragh in the Irish equivalent before pulling way too hard at Ascot and failing to handle the rain sodden ground in the Arc at Longchamp. Back from a break and on quicker ground which suits him better, there is the risk of him over racing once again, but if anyone can switch him off for a late charge, Ryan can.
Elsewhere on the card we have plenty of competitive racing but the only other bet I will be having will be on Joao Moreira as he rides in his last Dubai World Cup on board Japanese raider Café Pharoah. He does have a little to find if he wants to win here, but he has been working very well since arriving in Dubai and his big-race jockey seems happy enough with his chances. Drawn in the 10 stall in a race where I can see an upset (all the so called big guns have had no luck with the draw), he could surprise them all, though at 14/1 I am happy enough to play each way on this occasion.
Sean’s Suggestions
Westover 4.00pm Meydan (each way).
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