Review of the day

Today had a bit of a strange feel about it.

For a Saturday, there were precious few opportunities, which arguably forced (or at least encouraged !) me to tackle a couple of races which I might otherwise have left alone.

As a consequence, it was maybe no great surprise that it ended up a losing day…

One horse who I would have sided with regardless, was Chef D’Equipe – but he ran no kind of a race at Ascot.

I’m at a loss to explain his effort – as at no point did he ever threaten to even get into the race.

Maybe it was a race pace, issue.

He needs to be held up – and possibly the pace of the race quickened as he was looking to make his move.

I really don’t know – all I do know is that he was very disappointing…

Caid du Lin was also pretty disappointing.
Admittedly he was a more speculative play – and he had a few question marks over him – but after racing prominently, he was beaten once the race began in earnest.

I had completely mis-read Jenkins: he did plenty wrong – but still had sufficient in reserve to hold off late challengers.
Evidently he is as good as his stable reputation suggested…

The final tip on the day was Tintern Theatre – and I suspect I was right about him.
In slightly better conditions, I think he would have won – or at least gone very close.

He made a big move coming out of the back straight – and at that point, went odds on in running.

However, he didn’t get home and was a beaten horse when unseating at the final fence.

Hopefully there will be other days for him…

As for the Mentions:

Then Le Bague au Roi won as I expected.

I did briefly toy with tipping her at a very short price – but decided against it.
If I had, I wouldn’t have experienced many moments of concern, as she dotted up…

Acting Lass didn’t win as easily – but he did win.

His case was aided by Guitar Pete unshipping his rider – though he may well have won regardless.

Over at Haydock, McGowans Pass was too free in the novice hurdle and never gave himself a chance of lasting home in the brutal conditions.

Whilst Dan Skleton looked to have timed his challenge to perfection on Ch’Tbello.

He took over from The New One jumping the last – but as I said this morning, The New One is not a horse you want to get into a battle with.

Once passed, he simply put his head down and fought back to win, in a pulsating race.

Finally, things didn’t really work out for Brain Power at Ascot.

Speredek provided a lead for him, but he settle particularly well – and got into a few of the fences.

Un de Sceaux appeared to have his measure approaching the second last – though he would likely have finished second.

However, he got that one wrong as well – and paid the price.

It’s difficult to know what will be best for him.
He clearly has bundles of ability – but we’ve not seen the best of it over fences yet.

Hopefully Nicky Henderson will get him sorted out and he will still be targeted at the Arkle – though there is the chance that after successive falls, he will opt for an easier path.

Time will tell…

TVB.