Review of the weekend (Feb 12th-13th)

 A lack of decent opportunities, meant it was another relatively low key betting weekend.

With some quality meetings taking place, I had hoped that things might pick up - but a series of small fields stopped that from happening…


Saturday

With 5 of the 8 televised races attracting 5 or less runners, it was particularly hard to find any bets.

I did think that I’d found a good one at Warwick, in the shape of Riders onthe Storm, but he was a declared a NR.

As a consequence, action on the day was limited to the Matrix, for which I suggested 6 bets, spread across 4 races.

Third Time Lucki was the first Matrix bet to run - and I staked 4 units on him (a Matrix record !).
That was in part down to his price (2/1) - but equally, I thought him the most likely race winner.
He travelled well in the race - but was always a couple of lengths off Edwardstone, and when push came to shove, he couldn’t close the gap.
I hate it when I put up short priced losers - but I guess a short price doesn’t guarantee a win !
Eldorado Allen was the second Matrix bet on the day - and he was a more conventional one.
A speculative shot against a couple of potentially vulnerable market leaders.
And after just about leading throughout, he battled on gamely to hold off Royal Pagaille.
It was a good performance and on the back of it, connections could easily justify a shot at the Gold cup.
With Riders inthe Storm absent, I was left with a couple of Matrix bets, which were just supposed to be providing cover.
One of them, Lieutenant Rocco, ran no sort of race - but the other, Celebre D’Allen, repaid a very confident ride, by getting up close home.
It was Celebre D’Allens third win of the season - and his first over fences.
Despite being 10, he is clearly improving fast and wouldn’t be without a chance in one of the Cheltenham handicaps.
The final bets on the day, were in the Betfair hurdle.
I sided with 2 of the least exposed runners, in the shape of JPR One and Jetoile.
The pair of them were prominent early - but I suspect they did too much too soon, and both were beaten early in the straight.

Still, the bottom line was another profitable day for Matrix - which considering the staking on Third Time Lucki, I was quite happy to take !


Sunday

I guess it was always borderline as to whether I should have got involved with Sundays racing…

Whilst there were no really big races, I was optimistic that the markets for main events at both Exeter and Punchestown would be strong enough for me to issue at 10:00 - but that wasn’t the case.

As a consequence, I ended up suggesting a couple of horses whose prices were crashing - and the concept of ‘value’ got thrown out of the window !

Having said that, I was very hopeful that both horses would win - and the first of them, Emmpressive Lady did just that !

She opened up at 7/2 last night - and was available at 3/1 at 8:00 in the morning.
However, by the time I issued, it was a struggle to get 5/2 - and by the off, she had been backed into a scarcely believable, even money !

The shrewd ones amongst you would have waited until the home turn before you backed her, as she was 14/1 at that point !

That was because she was in last place and under pressure !

Even approaching the final flight, she looked an unlikely winner - but then her turbo kicked in.

Having been a couple of lengths down, she jumped the flight upsides and then galloped relentlessly to the line.
I’ve probably never been less excited to tip a winner - but at least she won !

Unfortunately, Elegant Escape couldn’t get up the double.

He too was ridiculously well backed - and was sent off the 3/1 fav having been 3 times that price last night.

However, the market support for him, wasn’t as prophetic and he was beaten turning for home.

With hindsight, I maybe should have left him alone, as I was attracted to him as a ‘value’ bet (and he certainly wasn’t that by the off !).
That said, I did think he had a good chance in a race which I couldn’t fancy many.

I’d read the race wrongly though - and not only was he pulled up, so too was Jerrysback, who I’d covered for the Matrix.

Meanwhile, the only finishers were Run to Milan, Belami des Pictons and Aso - 3 horses that I’d dismissed in the preview !

The only other race of interest on the day, was The Grand National trial at Punchestown.
I sided with Brace Yourself for the Matrix - but he was a fourth fence faller and that was that !

All in all, a weekend that will be quickly forgotten…

TVB.