Review of the day

There was no joy with either of todays tips, on a day when tactics and ground seemed more important than ability and the formbook…

That certainly looked to be the case in the first race of interest at Haydock, where given an uncontested lead, Top Ville Ben ran his rivals ragged.

The eventual winning margin was 29 lengths – but it could easily have been double that.

It was a little frustrating to see Fingerontheswitch run on into second place.

He clearly had no chance of ever beating an enterprisingly ridden winner, who clearly relished the ground – it was just a little irritating to see him prove himself best of the rest…

That wasn’t an irritation felt with Dynamic Dollar !

The pre-race drift on him was quite concerning – particularly as I thought a case could be argued for him being favourite.

Instead, he went off a weak 8/1 shot – and was quickly available at much bigger in running.

To an extent that was because Thelingy threatened to do at Newbury, what Top Ville Ben had done at Haydock, and lead from start to finish.

However, he was collared after the last by a fast finishing winner, who had looked beaten at the second last…

It wasn’t a particularly good day for the Mentions either…

At Haydock, Whiskey Chaser wasn’t up to the rise in class – and could only plod on into fifth behind Emperors Choice.

It was easy enough to argue a case for the winner - though you needed quite a forgiving nature to support him.

I was a little surprised by the victory of Clan Legend in the other chase at Haydock.

I had the race down as a 3 cornered affair: but Federici was a little disappointing: Granville Island didn’t last home – and Crievehill wasn’t quite good enough.

I suspect the winner simply handled the very heavy ground better than his rivals…

Back at Newbury, Daklondike put in a dogged performance to get the better of the Grand Vision.

The runner up jumped like a cat – but the winner had more stamina…

Finally, I think it could be argued that Mulcahys Hill should have created a shock in the Challow hurdle.

Always travelling sweetly, Adrian Heskin kicked for home over half a mile out and was soon 10 lengths clear.

You have to think it was a case of too much, too soon, however – and Poetic Rhythm gradually wore away his lead, collaring him jumping the last.

To his credit, Mulcahys Hill fought back – but Poetic Rhythm proved just a little too strong for him in the finish…

TVB.