Darran

I shall start with Huntingdon and a good result with Saffron Wells winning. Some might say he was a lucky winner and I do think Bletchley Castle would have probably one but for the awful mistake 3 out, but as I pointed out in the preview his jumping was always going to be an issue so it was no surprise he threw in a howler. As we all know jumping is the name of the game and no doubt his supporters will have wished the race was run whilst the sun was still out. Given he went into the open ditch first time around going as fast as Black Caviar it was some effort for him to finish as close as he has. I wonder if trying him over hurdles might work for him. Blackwood Rover came looked the winner, but he just didn't stay and jumped the last a tired horse. Basically the race fell into Saffron Wells' lap, but it had the look of that sort of race beforehand so whilst I didn't want to back him at odds on I was happy to take the chance at odds against and this time it worked out. Sand Blast ran OK, but didn't really see out the trip and the market move for Knockedoutloaded was strange given he was never going to get an easy lead.
Decent prize on offer as always for the Crudwell Cup and its an interesting race. Marcle Ridge is favourite on the back of his dominant Cheltenham win. He only knows one way of running so will be attempting to make all. He is clearly progressive and he jumped really well at Cheltenham, but as I said in my review of the card it was a bad race and beating Kit Barry is nothing special.
Killaro Boy is making his UK debut and his first run for 251 days. He was 3rd at the Punchestown Festival last year in a handicap hurdle off 114 and he is rated higher over fences. I'm not sure he is going to stay and he will need to given the favourite will be going off at a good gallop. Given it is his first run for so long as well that is also going to be a concern. He could win, but I just wonder if its a case of giving him a run ahead of a summer campaign.
Garde Ville won this race last year and then went on to win the John Corbett Cup the week after. He was impressive in this last year and at his best he would have a very good chance. The problem is I just don't think he's been quite as good this time around. He has won twice, but finishing 2nd has become  a habit. He looked the winner at Bangor back in March only for Optimised and Unioniste to overtake him. That was good form, but it has what he's done since which is a concern. He won next time in a 3 runner race at 2/5, but has finished 2nd in his next 4 starts including Tabley on Sunday. I think he is at his best on softer ground this will be his 7th race in the last 2 months so surely he wont be at his best.
Chase Me has won 3 on the bounce after taking a while to break his maiden tag, but hard to see how he can take the leap to win a race like this. A handicap mark of 80 could look attractive though if they decided to exploit that. Master Sunrise ran better than the bare result suggests at Cheltenham and he does look a big price again as it was certainly a step up from his first two efforts where he sulked. Back down in trip I think he can run well again, but surely they will be looking to exploit a falling handicap mark in a summer handicap. Crazy he is the same price as After Aspen as I type as I know which one I wouldn't be wanting to back in a match bet especially as Master Sunrise ran much better than he did at Cheltenham.
As much as I don't think he beat much at Cheltenham there are questions about his main rivals here and if he puts in the same sort of performance I think he could be hard to catch so I make him the bet.
Marcle Ridge 2pts @ 5/4 with William Hill
 

Before I get into the Huntingdon race just a quick look back on the Aintree bumper on Friday. First of all the selection You Too Bonny Lass ran way below her debut run at Hereford and was a big disappointment. The turn of foot she showed that day wasn't there on Friday and connections might be wishing they had sent her to the sales instead. Maybe she will turn out to be a one race wonder, but it will be interesting to see what she does next and if she can bounce back. 
The winner paid a small bit of his price tag back and I thought it was a good effort from Garry Clermont considering a 2m1f bumper isn't going to suit him. He will be interesting to follow next season under rules. Dino Boy made him work very hard for the win and it was a good effort from him as well as Granny's Secret in 3rd and Roseisaroseisarose in 4th. Those 4 pulled well clear of the rest who were headed by Merchant House who as I thought was not suited by this test. The form of these point-to-point bumpers have been very hit and miss going forwards, but this one could be worth following the form of in future.
I'm pretty certain this Huntingdon race used to be restricted to horses from the local pointing areas, but this year horses from all over the country have been allowed and it is two of those who head the market. Saffron Wells is odds on as I type. Ahead of the Cheltenham race I thought he would cope with the drop down in trip to 2m, but he didn't and all he did was stay on behind Sam Cavallaro. The 2nd to Herbert Park is good form as well which came the weekend before the Cheltenham effort. For me they are the best two pieces of form in the race and he is the right favourite.
Bletchley Castle has two ones next to his name and he won those races by 18L and 30L. The problem for me though is he didn't beat very good horses with Fair Exchange badly out of form this season and Mirs Choice just not very good. He ran in Hunter Chases at Taunton, where he achieved little in coming a distant 2nd to Master Baker, and at Stratford where he pulled up. His jumping over rules fences isn't the best and that could be an issue round here. I'm not sure he truly stays 3m but he might get away with it round here.
Bletchley Castle is a front runner, but so is Knockedoutloaded and they could take each other on. He loves Peper Harow as he won for the 3rd time and the value 10 days ago, but the odds on favourite who had beaten him by 12L at Northaw fell at the 5th so it might have been a lucky win. He does have Gina on top which is a big plus, but his form is nothing special. 
The fact Blackwood Rover is rated 72 shows how poor his form was the last time he was seen under rules. He has won his last two points so does have that going for him. He was all out to win them though one over 2m4f and one over 3m. I'm not sure he's desperate for this trip and I would be more interested in him in a weak handicap over the summer than in this.
I sort of think Sand Blast is overpriced, but at the same time I don't really think he can win. He found winning hard under rules and he is 0-12 in points, but he has run well this season when ridden by Antonia Peck. The pick of the efforts was when they were beaten a short head at High Easter in March. He hasn't been at that level the last twice though and was last at Garthorpe last time out. The other concern was he was awful in two hunter chases last season. He might be worth a small bet in the betting without markets in the morning though depending on price.
Torran Na Dtonn looked like he might be progressive in 2017, but he went missing for nearly two years. He returned with a promising effort in December when falling at Cottenham and then fell at the same track later that month when getting into contention. I was at Charing when he was 3rd and I thought he went off way too hard and then paid for that effort late on. He did though make it further at Stratford than Bletchley Castle although they both pulled up. His last run he was well beaten by The Gunner Brady, but he at least has won since. Again he might not win, but I'm not sure he should be as big as 40/1 in this field.
I think Safron Wells is the most likely winner, but I don't want to back him at odds on so I will wait to see if we get a drift before having a bet on him. I don't think Sand Blast and Torran Na Dtonn should be so big in the betting, but at the same time I'm not sure either can win the race. Again I will wait and see what the morning brings as regards to their prices in the betting without markets. So at this stage there is no bet.

Before I get into the Huntingdon race just a quick look back on the Aintree bumper on Friday. First of all the selection You Too Bonny Lass ran way below her debut run at Hereford and was a big disappointment. The turn of foot she showed that day wasn't there on Friday and connections might be wishing they had sent her to the sales instead. Maybe she will turn out to be a one race wonder, but it will be interesting to see what she does next and if she can bounce back. 
The winner paid a small bit of his price tag back and I thought it was a good effort from Garry Clermont considering a 2m1f bumper isn't going to suit him. He will be interesting to follow next season under rules. Dino Boy made him work very hard for the win and it was a good effort from him as well as Granny's Secret in 3rd and Roseisaroseisarose in 4th. Those 4 pulled well clear of the rest who were headed by Merchant House who as I thought was not suited by this test. The form of these point-to-point bumpers have been very hit and miss going forwards, but this one could be worth following the form of in future.
I'm pretty certain this Huntingdon race used to be restricted to horses from the local pointing areas, but this year horses from all over the country have been allowed and it is two of those who head the market. Saffron Wells is odds on as I type. Ahead of the Cheltenham race I thought he would cope with the drop down in trip to 2m, but he didn't and all he did was stay on behind Sam Cavallaro. The 2nd to Herbert Park is good form as well which came the weekend before the Cheltenham effort. For me they are the best two pieces of form in the race and he is the right favourite.
Bletchley Castle has two ones next to his name and he won those races by 18L and 30L. The problem for me though is he didn't beat very good horses with Fair Exchange badly out of form this season and Mirs Choice just not very good. He ran in Hunter Chases at Taunton, where he achieved little in coming a distant 2nd to Master Baker, and at Stratford where he pulled up. His jumping over rules fences isn't the best and that could be an issue round here. I'm not sure he truly stays 3m but he might get away with it round here.
Bletchley Castle is a front runner, but so is Knockedoutloaded and they could take each other on. He loves Peper Harow as he won for the 3rd time and the value 10 days ago, but the odds on favourite who had beaten him by 12L at Northaw fell at the 5th so it might have been a lucky win. He does have Gina on top which is a big plus, but his form is nothing special. 
The fact Blackwood Rover is rated 72 shows how poor his form was the last time he was seen under rules. He has won his last two points so does have that going for him. He was all out to win them though one over 2m4f and one over 3m. I'm not sure he's desperate for this trip and I would be more interested in him in a weak handicap over the summer than in this.
I sort of think Sand Blast is overpriced, but at the same time I don't really think he can win. He found winning hard under rules and he is 0-12 in points, but he has run well this season when ridden by Antonia Peck. The pick of the efforts was when they were beaten a short head at High Easter in March. He hasn't been at that level the last twice though and was last at Garthorpe last time out. The other concern was he was awful in two hunter chases last season. He might be worth a small bet in the betting without markets in the morning though depending on price.
Torran Na Dtonn looked like he might be progressive in 2017, but he went missing for nearly two years. He returned with a promising effort in December when falling at Cottenham and then fell at the same track later that month when getting into contention. I was at Charing when he was 3rd and I thought he went off way too hard and then paid for that effort late on. He did though make it further at Stratford than Bletchley Castle although they both pulled up. His last run he was well beaten by The Gunner Brady, but he at least has won since. Again he might not win, but I'm not sure he should be as big as 40/1 in this field.
I think Safron Wells is the most likely winner, but I don't want to back him at odds on so I will wait to see if we get a drift before having a bet on him. I don't think Sand Blast and Torran Na Dtonn should be so big in the betting, but at the same time I'm not sure either can win the race. Again I will wait and see what the morning brings as regards to their prices in the betting without markets. So at this stage there is no bet.

Thought Saffron Wells would go odds against and he did this morning. I have waited to see if the drift would continue but it hasn't budged, but the 5/4 with Marathon is a fair price and any odds against that you can get is worth taking for me. Having said that my son wants number 2 to win so maybe I should just listen to him!
Sand Blast has been nibbled at in the betting so clearly others have the same idea I have. My suggestion is backing him and Torran Na Dtonn in the betting without the front two with Bet365 at 3/1 and 7/1.
Saffron Wells 2pts @ 5/4 with Marathon
Sand Blast betting without the front 2 1pt @ 3/1 with Bet365
Torran Na Dtonn betting without the front 2 0.5pts @ 7/1 with Bet365

Before I get into the Huntingdon race just a quick look back on the Aintree bumper on Friday. First of all the selection You Too Bonny Lass ran way below her debut run at Hereford and was a big disappointment. The turn of foot she showed that day wasn't there on Friday and connections might be wishing they had sent her to the sales instead. Maybe she will turn out to be a one race wonder, but it will be interesting to see what she does next and if she can bounce back. 
The winner paid a small bit of his price tag back and I thought it was a good effort from Garry Clermont considering a 2m1f bumper isn't going to suit him. He will be interesting to follow next season under rules. Dino Boy made him work very hard for the win and it was a good effort from him as well as Granny's Secret in 3rd and Roseisaroseisarose in 4th. Those 4 pulled well clear of the rest who were headed by Merchant House who as I thought was not suited by this test. The form of these point-to-point bumpers have been very hit and miss going forwards, but this one could be worth following the form of in future.
I'm pretty certain this Huntingdon race used to be restricted to horses from the local pointing areas, but this year horses from all over the country have been allowed and it is two of those who head the market. Saffron Wells is odds on as I type. Ahead of the Cheltenham race I thought he would cope with the drop down in trip to 2m, but he didn't and all he did was stay on behind Sam Cavallaro. The 2nd to Herbert Park is good form as well which came the weekend before the Cheltenham effort. For me they are the best two pieces of form in the race and he is the right favourite.
Bletchley Castle has two ones next to his name and he won those races by 18L and 30L. The problem for me though is he didn't beat very good horses with Fair Exchange badly out of form this season and Mirs Choice just not very good. He ran in Hunter Chases at Taunton, where he achieved little in coming a distant 2nd to Master Baker, and at Stratford where he pulled up. His jumping over rules fences isn't the best and that could be an issue round here. I'm not sure he truly stays 3m but he might get away with it round here.
Bletchley Castle is a front runner, but so is Knockedoutloaded and they could take each other on. He loves Peper Harow as he won for the 3rd time and the value 10 days ago, but the odds on favourite who had beaten him by 12L at Northaw fell at the 5th so it might have been a lucky win. He does have Gina on top which is a big plus, but his form is nothing special. 
The fact Blackwood Rover is rated 72 shows how poor his form was the last time he was seen under rules. He has won his last two points so does have that going for him. He was all out to win them though one over 2m4f and one over 3m. I'm not sure he's desperate for this trip and I would be more interested in him in a weak handicap over the summer than in this.
I sort of think Sand Blast is overpriced, but at the same time I don't really think he can win. He found winning hard under rules and he is 0-12 in points, but he has run well this season when ridden by Antonia Peck. The pick of the efforts was when they were beaten a short head at High Easter in March. He hasn't been at that level the last twice though and was last at Garthorpe last time out. The other concern was he was awful in two hunter chases last season. He might be worth a small bet in the betting without markets in the morning though depending on price.
Torran Na Dtonn looked like he might be progressive in 2017, but he went missing for nearly two years. He returned with a promising effort in December when falling at Cottenham and then fell at the same track later that month when getting into contention. I was at Charing when he was 3rd and I thought he went off way too hard and then paid for that effort late on. He did though make it further at Stratford than Bletchley Castle although they both pulled up. His last run he was well beaten by The Gunner Brady, but he at least has won since. Again he might not win, but I'm not sure he should be as big as 40/1 in this field.
I think Safron Wells is the most likely winner, but I don't want to back him at odds on so I will wait to see if we get a drift before having a bet on him. I don't think Sand Blast and Torran Na Dtonn should be so big in the betting, but at the same time I'm not sure either can win the race. Again I will wait and see what the morning brings as regards to their prices in the betting without markets. So at this stage there is no bet.

Dino Bay won the race at Woodford last month that he was 2nd in on debut last year. His jumping isn't the best so no jumps will be a help here.   Durouyn is in the sales next week so a bold showing here will help the price. Won well on debut in a bumper at Hereford and was a second quicker than You Too Bonny Lass carrying 13lbs more so he is clearly useful.   Eden Collonges isn't the best of jumpers and did win his maiden over 2m4f. Most exposed of these though and others should improve past him.   Merchant House won the Exeter version of these and he clearly enjoys the lack of fences given he won a bumper at Barbury in December, but failed to win over fences in points. Stayed on strongly that day and I just wonder if this flat track will pay to his strengths as much. I also have the suspicion this is a stronger race, but you certainly have to respect his claims.   Bird On The Wire went for £50k at the sales, but his winning time at Brafield was nothing special given he was getting 18lbs in allowances. Only just beat Mount Nelly on debut in a bumper at Barbury and that suggest he will have to find more improvement to land this.   Garry Clermont went for a huge £150k at the sales and he was an impressive winner at Bangor over 3m on debut. Was getting 21lbs that day though and the 2nd who was beaten 15L was 3rd in the Heart Of All England at Hexham so the form is OK. This obviously a very different test, but he clearly has to be respected.   Quinta Do Mar won in a time 4 seconds quicker than the other division of the bumper on the card, but it doesn't look the strongest heat he won. Respect connections though, but I prefer the chances of others.   Tom O'Roughley was left alone to win last time and even then he refused at the last. He shouldn't be winning this.   Granny's Secret won on debut at Bangor and in a 5 second quicker time than the other division of the bumper which was won by Whenhellbrokeloose. Went unsold at the sales and if we use Whenhellbrokeloose as a guide it suggests she has a bit to find. Gave her jockey his first winner in that victory.   Mount Nelly was solid enough at Exeter, but hard to see her turning tables on the winner let alone winning this.   Roseisaroseisarose made a good debut at Barbury when a mistake 2 out cost her the race. The winner was a fairly exposed one though so the form doesn't look anything special.   Ever since You Too Bonny Lass won on her debut at Hereford I have been hoping she would get entered in this. As I mentioned above she did win in a slightly slower time than Duroyn, but for me she was way more impressive. First of all she won by a massive 28L hard held and the way she quickened clear of the rest about 2 furlongs out was really eye-catching. Two more key things. First of all I know connections of the 2nd home think a lot about their horse and I think they were expecting to win that day. He has won since. Secondly connections of this one suspected they had a very good horse on their hands. She gets all the allowances here plus Bryan Carver gets to take 5 more pounds off her back.   Garry Clermont is certainly respected and no doubt Merchant House will give it a good go to follow up the Exeter win, but I have to be with You Too Bonny Lass after her really impressive display at Hereford. She proved that day she has a turn of foot and I really like her for this. It is worth having a saver on the other Hereford winner Durouyn as well given he did clock a quicker time and is clearly decent as well.   You Too Bonny Lass 2pts e/w @ 10/1 with Betfair and Paddy Power Durouyn 0.5pts e/w @ 12/1 with Bet365, Betfair and Paddy Power

Granted if I had made loads of money I might have viewed it differently, but what a waste of time that card was.
Follow The Paint didn't jump well but she got the job done in the end. Allie Beag who had actually jumped much better than at Fakenham gave it a good go, but needless to say the form isn't worth anything. Surely someone with a half decent mare will go for this race next year.
Steeles Terrace never really went a yard sadly which is what the jockey told the stewards.The trainer blamed the ground saying it was softer than the official description, but I find that hard to believe. Play The Ace was poor as well and stopped quickly. Wells De Lune did the same on this card last year and then had an amazing summer so I wouldn't write him off just yet as the Bowens might be able to turn him around. Witness In Court was gutsy in the finish, but given he only had For 'N' Against to beat the form is poor.
Sadly This Breac couldn't quite hold off Kit Barry, but you can see why I wanted to take him on at such short odds. To be fair Kit Barry deserves his day in the sun, but he surely isn't going to find such a bad race again.
Monsieur Gibraltar won with ease as expected. For some reason the Sky pundit thought he would be a short price favourite for the big one at Stratford, but he wouldn't have a hope in hell of staying 3m4f. He also disappointed at that meeting last season and I think they would be better calling it quits for the season. Dont Do Mondays lost his chance of finishing 2nd when he was shortened up at the 4th last.
Was right about Adrenalin Flight being capable of finishing 2nd and Southfield Vic clearly was feeling the effects of running yesterday, but had nothing to beat really so he won very easily in the end. Newton Abbot and Stratford were mentioned as possibles after the race.
I thought Earth Leader was the most impressive winner on the card. I know Dandan and Legal Ok helped set it up by going such a fast pace and Dandan ruined Legal Ok's chances, but I don't think it would have changed the result if he had got an easier lead. Bryan gave the winner a very sensible ride as he sat of the fast pace. He is clearly a progressive horse and he is the only one, bar the previous two winners, who is worth taking from the meeting. Having said that if Legal Ok was able to get an easier lead in a summer handicap he would be worth backing.
Some training feat to get Tusa Eire to win after so long off. The trainer seems a bit of a character as well judged on the interview after the race. He wasn't unbacked either so clearly some people knew. It was a bad race though which certainly helped. The fav looks well worth taking on should it ever run in a hunter chase again. Sadly Exclusive Rights ran just as she did at Sedgefield. She might well just have had enough of racing.
Last year Fontwell was a great night and Cheltenham and Stratford didn't go so well, so hopefully it is a reverse this season and Stratford can be a great end to the season. It will certainly be a better card to watch than the dire stuff served up tonight.

Dino Bay won the race at Woodford last month that he was 2nd in on debut last year. His jumping isn't the best so no jumps will be a help here.   Durouyn is in the sales next week so a bold showing here will help the price. Won well on debut in a bumper at Hereford and was a second quicker than You Too Bonny Lass carrying 13lbs more so he is clearly useful.   Eden Collonges isn't the best of jumpers and did win his maiden over 2m4f. Most exposed of these though and others should improve past him.   Merchant House won the Exeter version of these and he clearly enjoys the lack of fences given he won a bumper at Barbury in December, but failed to win over fences in points. Stayed on strongly that day and I just wonder if this flat track will pay to his strengths as much. I also have the suspicion this is a stronger race, but you certainly have to respect his claims.   Bird On The Wire went for £50k at the sales, but his winning time at Brafield was nothing special given he was getting 18lbs in allowances. Only just beat Mount Nelly on debut in a bumper at Barbury and that suggest he will have to find more improvement to land this.   Garry Clermont went for a huge £150k at the sales and he was an impressive winner at Bangor over 3m on debut. Was getting 21lbs that day though and the 2nd who was beaten 15L was 3rd in the Heart Of All England at Hexham so the form is OK. This obviously a very different test, but he clearly has to be respected.   Quinta Do Mar won in a time 4 seconds quicker than the other division of the bumper on the card, but it doesn't look the strongest heat he won. Respect connections though, but I prefer the chances of others.   Tom O'Roughley was left alone to win last time and even then he refused at the last. He shouldn't be winning this.   Granny's Secret won on debut at Bangor and in a 5 second quicker time than the other division of the bumper which was won by Whenhellbrokeloose. Went unsold at the sales and if we use Whenhellbrokeloose as a guide it suggests she has a bit to find. Gave her jockey his first winner in that victory.   Mount Nelly was solid enough at Exeter, but hard to see her turning tables on the winner let alone winning this.   Roseisaroseisarose made a good debut at Barbury when a mistake 2 out cost her the race. The winner was a fairly exposed one though so the form doesn't look anything special.   Ever since You Too Bonny Lass won on her debut at Hereford I have been hoping she would get entered in this. As I mentioned above she did win in a slightly slower time than Duroyn, but for me she was way more impressive. First of all she won by a massive 28L hard held and the way she quickened clear of the rest about 2 furlongs out was really eye-catching. Two more key things. First of all I know connections of the 2nd home think a lot about their horse and I think they were expecting to win that day. He has won since. Secondly connections of this one suspected they had a very good horse on their hands. She gets all the allowances here plus Bryan Carver gets to take 5 more pounds off her back.   Garry Clermont is certainly respected and no doubt Merchant House will give it a good go to follow up the Exeter win, but I have to be with You Too Bonny Lass after her really impressive display at Hereford. She proved that day she has a turn of foot and I really like her for this. It is worth having a saver on the other Hereford winner Durouyn as well given he did clock a quicker time and is clearly decent as well.   You Too Bonny Lass 2pts e/w @ 10/1 with Betfair and Paddy Power Durouyn 0.5pts e/w @ 12/1 with Bet365, Betfair and Paddy Power

Dino Bay won the race at Woodford last month that he was 2nd in on debut last year. His jumping isn't the best so no jumps will be a help here.   Durouyn is in the sales next week so a bold showing here will help the price. Won well on debut in a bumper at Hereford and was a second quicker than You Too Bonny Lass carrying 13lbs more so he is clearly useful.   Eden Collonges isn't the best of jumpers and did win his maiden over 2m4f. Most exposed of these though and others should improve past him.   Merchant House won the Exeter version of these and he clearly enjoys the lack of fences given he won a bumper at Barbury in December, but failed to win over fences in points. Stayed on strongly that day and I just wonder if this flat track will pay to his strengths as much. I also have the suspicion this is a stronger race, but you certainly have to respect his claims.   Bird On The Wire went for £50k at the sales, but his winning time at Brafield was nothing special given he was getting 18lbs in allowances. Only just beat Mount Nelly on debut in a bumper at Barbury and that suggest he will have to find more improvement to land this.   Garry Clermont went for a huge £150k at the sales and he was an impressive winner at Bangor over 3m on debut. Was getting 21lbs that day though and the 2nd who was beaten 15L was 3rd in the Heart Of All England at Hexham so the form is OK. This obviously a very different test, but he clearly has to be respected.   Quinta Do Mar won in a time 4 seconds quicker than the other division of the bumper on the card, but it doesn't look the strongest heat he won. Respect connections though, but I prefer the chances of others.   Tom O'Roughley was left alone to win last time and even then he refused at the last. He shouldn't be winning this.   Granny's Secret won on debut at Bangor and in a 5 second quicker time than the other division of the bumper which was won by Whenhellbrokeloose. Went unsold at the sales and if we use Whenhellbrokeloose as a guide it suggests she has a bit to find. Gave her jockey his first winner in that victory.   Mount Nelly was solid enough at Exeter, but hard to see her turning tables on the winner let alone winning this.   Roseisaroseisarose made a good debut at Barbury when a mistake 2 out cost her the race. The winner was a fairly exposed one though so the form doesn't look anything special.   Ever since You Too Bonny Lass won on her debut at Hereford I have been hoping she would get entered in this. As I mentioned above she did win in a slightly slower time than Duroyn, but for me she was way more impressive. First of all she won by a massive 28L hard held and the way she quickened clear of the rest about 2 furlongs out was really eye-catching. Two more key things. First of all I know connections of the 2nd home think a lot about their horse and I think they were expecting to win that day. He has won since. Secondly connections of this one suspected they had a very good horse on their hands. She gets all the allowances here plus Bryan Carver gets to take 5 more pounds off her back.   Garry Clermont is certainly respected and no doubt Merchant House will give it a good go to follow up the Exeter win, but I have to be with You Too Bonny Lass after her really impressive display at Hereford. She proved that day she has a turn of foot and I really like her for this. It is worth having a saver on the other Hereford winner Durouyn as well given he did clock a quicker time and is clearly decent as well.   You Too Bonny Lass 2pts e/w @ 10/1 with Betfair and Paddy Power Durouyn 0.5pts e/w @ 12/1 with Bet365, Betfair and Paddy Power

I am going to add a saver to the first race. I see there is a bit of cash for Sweet Lady Jane and she is now 3/1. I think that's interesting especially if it carries on.
Sweet Lady Jane 0.5pts @ 3/1 with Bet365 and most others

Quick look back at Wednesday's action. Southfield Vic was very strong in the market and had little issue in getting the better of Road To Riches. He's got better as the season has gone on and I guess they might decide to go to Stratford with him although there is another Hunter Chase at Newton Abbot in the same week. I know Road To Riches has won a Hunter Chase this season, but it was a bad race and the 3rd at Aintree sticks out like a sore thumb in his form. This might well be the last we see of him as hard to think he is going to be up too much as a 13yo. Surely this is the last time we have seen Dineur who looks a shadow of the horse who won at Aintree. I guess there might become a time he gets so low in the handicap though that they might try him in one over the summer first.
There were a couple of strange gambles at Perth. During the day Greyed A was backed and then closer to the race Wicked Spice was really well backed into single figures. God knows what form book people were looking at to want to back either of them. Greyed A didn't run too badly to be fair although Wicked Spice ran as badly as his form suggested he would.
It was all very easy for Mr Mercurial though and he more than proved why he was such a good bet even at odds on. He even ran all the way too the line and Will seems to have finally got to grips with how to ride him. He looks set to go to Kelso for the final of this series although that is over 3m2f which I am not sure he really stays, but his class might see him home anyway depending on what he is up against. He's 7 from 20 under rules now and has been some hunter chaser over the years. Black River tried, but not surprisingly was found wanting. He wont always bump into a Mr Mercurial though.

The 2nd of the 3 Hunter Chase nights and quality wise always the weakest of the 3 however this year's meeting is especially low on quality as well as being low on runners. Hopefully though there is money to be made and I think I have spotted some value throughout the card.
5.00 Allie Beag - I thought she wouldn't be without a chance at Fakenham on Easter Monday, but she jumped terribly that day. Amazingly given how weak that race was this is even weaker. Was beaten 16L when 3rd behind Legal Ok at Northaw which wasn't the worst effort in the context of this race. Jumping has to be a concern though given how bad she was at Fakenham and Fontwell is a tough jumping test.   Follow The Paint - Her form is nothing special yet she still has the best form in the race. She did win a race two starts back, but it was a very weak affair. Was also 3rd at Northaw like Allie Beag although I think she put in a better effort. She was running a decent enough race when falling at Kingston Blount in March which was possibly looking like her best run of the season. I do think her form from last season was better than what she has done this time around, but this is a dreadful contest and she won't find an easier opportunity to win under rules.   Here Comes Molly - Can't even win a maiden and would be a shock winner here.   Italian Symphony - Another who can't win a maiden and surely wont be winning this.   Sweet Lady Jane - Won a back end maiden last June where the 2nd was a long term maiden so that shows you how strong the form was. I am slightly wary though because of connections and she hasn't been since so impossible to know how much she has improved if at all. Percentage call is too oppose though.   Summary - This is a desperately bad race, but Follow The Paint's form easily makes her the one to beat. Allie Beag is the main danger, but she will need to jump much better than she did at Fakenham. Sweet Lady Jane needs to improve a hell of a lot to win, but at least she has won a race unlike the other 2 and there is obviously a bit of scope for improvement.   Follow The Paint 2pts @5/4 with William Hill and BetVictor   5.30   Steeles Terrace - I didn't think he was without a chance in the Fakenham Hunter Chase last week, but he was a non-runner in the end. That could be a blessing in disguise though as this looks an easier race to me. He proved last year he handles course and distance when he bolted up and then ran a cracker at Stratford behind Caryto Des Brosses. He was behind that rival again 2 starts back, but that was a good effort given how good that horse is.   For 'N' Against - Struggling to get his head in front this season and that form leaves him with plenty to find in this.   Play The Ace - Never really thought he stays 3m and it looked that way again at Perth on his first start back in a Hunter Chase. Having said that he was well beaten in the end and he would need to come on for it which he could well be capable of doing given his previous form.   Witness In Court - No surprise he was well beaten by Monsieur Gibraltar at Kempton on his first start since October 2017. He had nothing to beat in behind so I don't think he achieved a great deal. Being sent a long way though and Gina has been booked so certainly wouldn't rule him out.   Summary - I'm going to go with youth here and back Steeles Terrace. He has come up against some good rivals this season and run with credit and as we know these conditions really suit him. I think Play The Ace is the main danger as he will prefer this shorter trip and it was only 3 starts back he ran 2nd off 134 at Market Rasen. Witness In Court wouldn't be a surprise winner either.   Steeles Terrace 2pts @ 7/4 with Bet365 and most others   6.05 Desert Retreat - N/R   Kit Barry - I never thought I would see the day when Kit Barry was favourite to win a Hunter Chase and not only that, but he is long odds on as well. Look he is a solid enough horse and consistent enough, but I can't say I fancy backing him to actually win at such short odds. The 2nd at Cheltenham was another solid enough effort and it is certainly the best form in the race, but he usually finds something to beat him.   This Breac - Should be 2nd favourite for me and although he was well beaten at Dingly a couple of weeks ago, he ran really well before not staying 4m. It was a return to form having pulled up on his two previous starts after winning at Ampton in March. He was a good 3rd    West Lake - Was well beaten the last time he was seen in a weak race at Fakenham and was pulled up in this on his only other Hunter Chase start in 2017. The key to those efforts though is they both came on soft ground and he will prefer this quicker surface for sure. Been off for 15 months so that is a concern, but could hardly have found a weaker race and if he is fit he wouldn't be out of this.   Summary - Kit Barry could easily win this, but I just can't back him at odds on especially if that Cheltenham effort has left a mark so I am going to back the two outsiders This Breac and West Lake both of whose form isn't that far away from Kit Barry's and This Breac was 3rd in a stronger renewal of this last year.   This Breac 1.5pts @ 6/1 with Bet365 and most others West Lake 0.5pts @ 20/1 with Betfair and Paddy Power   6.40  Obviously Monsieur Gibraltar should win this very easily. Granted he only just won last year, but he was much the best horse in the race and was just given a poor ride on the night. Dont Do Mondays was 2nd to him that night and he should fill the same spot again as he has done well again this season. He ran a superb race in the Foxhunter to finish 7th behind Hazel Hill and he has won both points since. He was 40L behind Hazel Hill that day and Kelvingrove was the exact same distance behind Hazel Hill at Cheltenham a couple of weeks ago. He never really travelled that night though and although he ran OK at Chepstow on March, I think Dont Do Mondays has achieved more this season.   Monsieur Gibraltar to beat Dont Do Mondays 2pts f/c   7.15 Wonderful Charm is now a non-runner after being found lame this morning. I just wonder if Southfield Vic might run now given how bad the race is. It is a case of waiting and seeing. Sam Red ran well to finish 3rd at Cheltenham, but that was a really tough race which will surely have left a mark. Adrenalin Flight was a well beaten 3rd in this last year and isn't the most consistent horse although he has won a couple of times this season. In theory Sam Red should finish 2nd, but if that Cheltenham race has left its mark then Adrenalin Flight might be up to finishing 2nd but we shall wait and see what happens to Southfield Vic.     7.50 Ballycash - Has a double squiggle in the pointing form book and isn't even rated which tells you all you need to know.   Carrig Dubh - An easy winner last time although he didn't beat an awful lot. The 2nd to Timmie Roe at Siddington in March is for me his best piece of form this season.    Dandan - Won a match at Larkhill, but the 2nd seems to have injured himself during the race. Other race he won this year was a 3 runner race at the same venue in March where the 2nd bled. Some of his placed form isn't bad although last season he finished a few lengths behind Carrig Dubh. Last run in a Hunter Chase was 3 years ago when he was 5th behind Sam Cavallaro at Cheltenham which wasn't a bad effort. At least we know he handles quick ground.   Earth Leader - Clocked the quickest time of the day when winning at Stafford Cross last time where Ballycash was 1 and a half fences behind in 3rd. His two previous wins both came over 2m4f . He bolted up when winning his maiden at Ston Easton in March when winning by 30L and he clocked a faster time than the other race over 2m4f on the card. Didn't show a great deal for Paul Nicholls in 3 starts last year, but has progressed nicely this year and looks primed to run a big race on his return to rules.   Legal Ok - Was 2nd to Dark Mahler on his penultimate run under rules back in 2017 and pulled up either side of that. He seems to stay better now as he usually pulls hard and makes the running. Has won 2 of his 3 points this season and his handicap mark of 90 looks on the low side based on what he has done. He returned in April at Barbury and basically had a solo because of how clear he was at all stages of the race and he won by 30L. The 2nd home won his next start. He then dropped back to 2m4f but bumped into a good one from the Tom Ellis yard and he couldn't get an easy lead. On Bank Holiday Monday he went to Northaw and hacked up in the quickest time of the day. We know he handles quick ground and I suspect he will play catch me if you can.   Poyntzpass - Struggled in 3 points this season and was poor under rules last year.   Steel The China - Won a really bad Restricted at Charing on Easter Saturday and likely to struggle here.   Un Huit Huit - Trainer won this last year, but it would be a massive shock if he were good enough. Maiden he won was a match on Easter Saturday and then he was well beaten at Northaw. On times it suggests he has a lot to find with Legal Ok.   Summary - Carrig Dubh and Dandan have place claims, but the winner should either be Earth Leader or Legal Ok. I certainly respect the formers chances, but at the prices Legal Ok has to be the play as this track suits front runners and if he gets into a nice rythem out in front then he could be hard to catch.   Legal Ok 2pts @ 3/1 with Bet365, William Hill and BetVictor   8.25 O Maonlai - Strangely doesn't seem to be seeing out the 3m trip in points this season and it has be disappointing that he hasn't won one yet. Was 2nd in a couple of Hunter Chases at Exeter and Newton Abbot last season and in the context of this race they are strong pieces of form. Two concerns here are if he is in the same sort of form this season and Tamby Welch is very inexperienced. The other issue is the price as he is very short in my opinion as much as he is the horse I would have as favourite.   Red Inca - Very lucky winner last time as he was the only finisher and he wasn't going to win. As much as this is weaker than the 2 Hunter Chases he has run in before at Cheltenham he has struggled in both. The Maismore and Bitterley efforts prior to the Paxford win weren't bad efforts, but even so I don't really fancy him for this.   Scorpion Star - Had no chance at Kempton 3 weeks ago and although this is weaker I still don't think he acheived a great deal in that. His last win was in a selling hurdle at Newton Abbot in October off 79 which shows the sort of level he is at.   Tusa Eire - Ran in the Cheltenham Bumper in 2011 but has only run 8 times since. Went missing at the end of 2012 until running in 3 Irish points 4 years ago. Needless to say he would be a very surprise winner.   Exclusive Rights - Just denied in this by Numbercruncher last year and she really does deserve to win a race under rules given how well she has run on occasions including in a couple of handicaps last summer off 93. Granted she ran terribly at Sedgefield last time, but something was clearly not right that day and you can always forgive a horse a bad run. She is more than capable of winning this.   Summary - Has to be Exclusive Rights for me in this. If she can bounce back from the Sedgefield effort then she is more than capable of landing the spoils. O Maonlai is the only realy danger in my view, but he is odds on at the moment and that is too short for me. At the current prices I think she can be backed e/w.   Exclusive Rights 1.5pts e/w @ 6/1 with William Hill

The 2nd of the 3 Hunter Chase nights and quality wise always the weakest of the 3 however this year's meeting is especially low on quality as well as being low on runners. Hopefully though there is money to be made and I think I have spotted some value throughout the card.
5.00 Allie Beag - I thought she wouldn't be without a chance at Fakenham on Easter Monday, but she jumped terribly that day. Amazingly given how weak that race was this is even weaker. Was beaten 16L when 3rd behind Legal Ok at Northaw which wasn't the worst effort in the context of this race. Jumping has to be a concern though given how bad she was at Fakenham and Fontwell is a tough jumping test.   Follow The Paint - Her form is nothing special yet she still has the best form in the race. She did win a race two starts back, but it was a very weak affair. Was also 3rd at Northaw like Allie Beag although I think she put in a better effort. She was running a decent enough race when falling at Kingston Blount in March which was possibly looking like her best run of the season. I do think her form from last season was better than what she has done this time around, but this is a dreadful contest and she won't find an easier opportunity to win under rules.   Here Comes Molly - Can't even win a maiden and would be a shock winner here.   Italian Symphony - Another who can't win a maiden and surely wont be winning this.   Sweet Lady Jane - Won a back end maiden last June where the 2nd was a long term maiden so that shows you how strong the form was. I am slightly wary though because of connections and she hasn't been since so impossible to know how much she has improved if at all. Percentage call is too oppose though.   Summary - This is a desperately bad race, but Follow The Paint's form easily makes her the one to beat. Allie Beag is the main danger, but she will need to jump much better than she did at Fakenham. Sweet Lady Jane needs to improve a hell of a lot to win, but at least she has won a race unlike the other 2 and there is obviously a bit of scope for improvement.   Follow The Paint 2pts @5/4 with William Hill and BetVictor   5.30   Steeles Terrace - I didn't think he was without a chance in the Fakenham Hunter Chase last week, but he was a non-runner in the end. That could be a blessing in disguise though as this looks an easier race to me. He proved last year he handles course and distance when he bolted up and then ran a cracker at Stratford behind Caryto Des Brosses. He was behind that rival again 2 starts back, but that was a good effort given how good that horse is.   For 'N' Against - Struggling to get his head in front this season and that form leaves him with plenty to find in this.   Play The Ace - Never really thought he stays 3m and it looked that way again at Perth on his first start back in a Hunter Chase. Having said that he was well beaten in the end and he would need to come on for it which he could well be capable of doing given his previous form.   Witness In Court - No surprise he was well beaten by Monsieur Gibraltar at Kempton on his first start since October 2017. He had nothing to beat in behind so I don't think he achieved a great deal. Being sent a long way though and Gina has been booked so certainly wouldn't rule him out.   Summary - I'm going to go with youth here and back Steeles Terrace. He has come up against some good rivals this season and run with credit and as we know these conditions really suit him. I think Play The Ace is the main danger as he will prefer this shorter trip and it was only 3 starts back he ran 2nd off 134 at Market Rasen. Witness In Court wouldn't be a surprise winner either.   Steeles Terrace 2pts @ 7/4 with Bet365 and most others   6.05 Desert Retreat - N/R   Kit Barry - I never thought I would see the day when Kit Barry was favourite to win a Hunter Chase and not only that, but he is long odds on as well. Look he is a solid enough horse and consistent enough, but I can't say I fancy backing him to actually win at such short odds. The 2nd at Cheltenham was another solid enough effort and it is certainly the best form in the race, but he usually finds something to beat him.   This Breac - Should be 2nd favourite for me and although he was well beaten at Dingly a couple of weeks ago, he ran really well before not staying 4m. It was a return to form having pulled up on his two previous starts after winning at Ampton in March. He was a good 3rd    West Lake - Was well beaten the last time he was seen in a weak race at Fakenham and was pulled up in this on his only other Hunter Chase start in 2017. The key to those efforts though is they both came on soft ground and he will prefer this quicker surface for sure. Been off for 15 months so that is a concern, but could hardly have found a weaker race and if he is fit he wouldn't be out of this.   Summary - Kit Barry could easily win this, but I just can't back him at odds on especially if that Cheltenham effort has left a mark so I am going to back the two outsiders This Breac and West Lake both of whose form isn't that far away from Kit Barry's and This Breac was 3rd in a stronger renewal of this last year.   This Breac 1.5pts @ 6/1 with Bet365 and most others West Lake 0.5pts @ 20/1 with Betfair and Paddy Power   6.40  Obviously Monsieur Gibraltar should win this very easily. Granted he only just won last year, but he was much the best horse in the race and was just given a poor ride on the night. Dont Do Mondays was 2nd to him that night and he should fill the same spot again as he has done well again this season. He ran a superb race in the Foxhunter to finish 7th behind Hazel Hill and he has won both points since. He was 40L behind Hazel Hill that day and Kelvingrove was the exact same distance behind Hazel Hill at Cheltenham a couple of weeks ago. He never really travelled that night though and although he ran OK at Chepstow on March, I think Dont Do Mondays has achieved more this season.   Monsieur Gibraltar to beat Dont Do Mondays 2pts f/c   7.15 Wonderful Charm is now a non-runner after being found lame this morning. I just wonder if Southfield Vic might run now given how bad the race is. It is a case of waiting and seeing. Sam Red ran well to finish 3rd at Cheltenham, but that was a really tough race which will surely have left a mark. Adrenalin Flight was a well beaten 3rd in this last year and isn't the most consistent horse although he has won a couple of times this season. In theory Sam Red should finish 2nd, but if that Cheltenham race has left its mark then Adrenalin Flight might be up to finishing 2nd but we shall wait and see what happens to Southfield Vic.     7.50 Ballycash - Has a double squiggle in the pointing form book and isn't even rated which tells you all you need to know.   Carrig Dubh - An easy winner last time although he didn't beat an awful lot. The 2nd to Timmie Roe at Siddington in March is for me his best piece of form this season.    Dandan - Won a match at Larkhill, but the 2nd seems to have injured himself during the race. Other race he won this year was a 3 runner race at the same venue in March where the 2nd bled. Some of his placed form isn't bad although last season he finished a few lengths behind Carrig Dubh. Last run in a Hunter Chase was 3 years ago when he was 5th behind Sam Cavallaro at Cheltenham which wasn't a bad effort. At least we know he handles quick ground.   Earth Leader - Clocked the quickest time of the day when winning at Stafford Cross last time where Ballycash was 1 and a half fences behind in 3rd. His two previous wins both came over 2m4f . He bolted up when winning his maiden at Ston Easton in March when winning by 30L and he clocked a faster time than the other race over 2m4f on the card. Didn't show a great deal for Paul Nicholls in 3 starts last year, but has progressed nicely this year and looks primed to run a big race on his return to rules.   Legal Ok - Was 2nd to Dark Mahler on his penultimate run under rules back in 2017 and pulled up either side of that. He seems to stay better now as he usually pulls hard and makes the running. Has won 2 of his 3 points this season and his handicap mark of 90 looks on the low side based on what he has done. He returned in April at Barbury and basically had a solo because of how clear he was at all stages of the race and he won by 30L. The 2nd home won his next start. He then dropped back to 2m4f but bumped into a good one from the Tom Ellis yard and he couldn't get an easy lead. On Bank Holiday Monday he went to Northaw and hacked up in the quickest time of the day. We know he handles quick ground and I suspect he will play catch me if you can.   Poyntzpass - Struggled in 3 points this season and was poor under rules last year.   Steel The China - Won a really bad Restricted at Charing on Easter Saturday and likely to struggle here.   Un Huit Huit - Trainer won this last year, but it would be a massive shock if he were good enough. Maiden he won was a match on Easter Saturday and then he was well beaten at Northaw. On times it suggests he has a lot to find with Legal Ok.   Summary - Carrig Dubh and Dandan have place claims, but the winner should either be Earth Leader or Legal Ok. I certainly respect the formers chances, but at the prices Legal Ok has to be the play as this track suits front runners and if he gets into a nice rythem out in front then he could be hard to catch.   Legal Ok 2pts @ 3/1 with Bet365, William Hill and BetVictor   8.25 O Maonlai - Strangely doesn't seem to be seeing out the 3m trip in points this season and it has be disappointing that he hasn't won one yet. Was 2nd in a couple of Hunter Chases at Exeter and Newton Abbot last season and in the context of this race they are strong pieces of form. Two concerns here are if he is in the same sort of form this season and Tamby Welch is very inexperienced. The other issue is the price as he is very short in my opinion as much as he is the horse I would have as favourite.   Red Inca - Very lucky winner last time as he was the only finisher and he wasn't going to win. As much as this is weaker than the 2 Hunter Chases he has run in before at Cheltenham he has struggled in both. The Maismore and Bitterley efforts prior to the Paxford win weren't bad efforts, but even so I don't really fancy him for this.   Scorpion Star - Had no chance at Kempton 3 weeks ago and although this is weaker I still don't think he acheived a great deal in that. His last win was in a selling hurdle at Newton Abbot in October off 79 which shows the sort of level he is at.   Tusa Eire - Ran in the Cheltenham Bumper in 2011 but has only run 8 times since. Went missing at the end of 2012 until running in 3 Irish points 4 years ago. Needless to say he would be a very surprise winner.   Exclusive Rights - Just denied in this by Numbercruncher last year and she really does deserve to win a race under rules given how well she has run on occasions including in a couple of handicaps last summer off 93. Granted she ran terribly at Sedgefield last time, but something was clearly not right that day and you can always forgive a horse a bad run. She is more than capable of winning this.   Summary - Has to be Exclusive Rights for me in this. If she can bounce back from the Sedgefield effort then she is more than capable of landing the spoils. O Maonlai is the only realy danger in my view, but he is odds on at the moment and that is too short for me. At the current prices I think she can be backed e/w.   Exclusive Rights 1.5pts e/w @ 6/1 with William Hill

I am going to start at Perth because to me that race is simple. Mr Mercurial should be about 1/2 for this contest. On form he has loads in hand over this lot with the only real concern is his jockey timing it right, but I find it hard to see how he will throw it away against this lot. This race is weaker than the one he won over course and distance last month and he looks a good thing. Black River is close to him in the betting, but his even though he has lots of 1s and 2s in his form this season it isn't anywhere near as strong as Mr Mercurial's. He beat Snow Castle last time and that one was 2nd at Hexham in the Heart Of All England which wasn't a strong race. He was beaten a head by Dark Mahler and we saw at Southwell on Tuesday that he isn't up to the sort of standard Mr Mercurial can run to. The beating of Ravished in February does look good as that has run well in 2 Hunter Chases since, but he has improved a lot since that run so again I don't think it is strong form. 
Killer Crow seems to be going backwards and even so his form isn't good enough to win. Greyed A didn't run too badly on his first start for new connections on Bank Holiday Monday when 3rd at Witton Castle. His rules form prior to that was useful in the context of this race if you take out the fav although I just wonder if he might prefer softer ground. The other two are hard to fancy at all. 
It all points towards Mr Mercurial winning another Hunter Chase here. Black River should be good enough to follow him home and Greyed A could well be best of the rest.
Mr Mercurial 4pts @ 5/6 with Bet365 and William Hill
The Newton Abbot race is a bit trickier. Dineur would have to really bounce back to form to play a part and it is hard to see happening based on what he has done so far this season. Im All Set shouldn't be good enough and the outsider wouldn't win if he started now!
Herbert Park is an even trickier ride than Mr Mercurial as he showed at Exeter last month. He beat Saffron Wells last time back in a point which is a useful enough effort. Ultimately he probably needs the front two in the market to disappoint to beat them, but on a line through Master Baker he is closely matched with Southfield Vic. Having said that though he disappointed at Fontwell on quick ground after that and surely the ground will be riding on the fast side of good which would be a concern for me. It seems some people are taking a chance on him as he is blue on Oddschecker as I write this, but I am happy to pass over him.
Road To Riches would win this if he repeated his 3rd at Aintree which was a superb effort. The problem is he went to Fairyhouse and was a massive disappointment and pulled up. Even though that was a better race than this one if he put in the same sort of effort he certainly won't be winning this. I also wonder if he needs softer ground nowadays. His market rival Southfield Vic made hard work of winning at Wincanton although he wasn't entirely helped by the fact he was hampered by Woodfleet and nearly came to grief. In the end he was a fairly comfortable winner and the Newbury run when just beaten by Master Baker was good. 
I think this is a hard race. Road To Riches might win, but there seems enough doubts to take him on. I can see why people are taking a chance with Herbert Park, but he doesn't make things easy for himself and I wonder if he might need softer ground as well. Southfield Vic is a course and distance winner who has no ground concerns so that tips the balance in his favour for me.
Southfield Vic 1pt @ 6/4 with Bet365 and BetVictor
 

I am going to start at Perth because to me that race is simple. Mr Mercurial should be about 1/2 for this contest. On form he has loads in hand over this lot with the only real concern is his jockey timing it right, but I find it hard to see how he will throw it away against this lot. This race is weaker than the one he won over course and distance last month and he looks a good thing. Black River is close to him in the betting, but his even though he has lots of 1s and 2s in his form this season it isn't anywhere near as strong as Mr Mercurial's. He beat Snow Castle last time and that one was 2nd at Hexham in the Heart Of All England which wasn't a strong race. He was beaten a head by Dark Mahler and we saw at Southwell on Tuesday that he isn't up to the sort of standard Mr Mercurial can run to. The beating of Ravished in February does look good as that has run well in 2 Hunter Chases since, but he has improved a lot since that run so again I don't think it is strong form. 
Killer Crow seems to be going backwards and even so his form isn't good enough to win. Greyed A didn't run too badly on his first start for new connections on Bank Holiday Monday when 3rd at Witton Castle. His rules form prior to that was useful in the context of this race if you take out the fav although I just wonder if he might prefer softer ground. The other two are hard to fancy at all. 
It all points towards Mr Mercurial winning another Hunter Chase here. Black River should be good enough to follow him home and Greyed A could well be best of the rest.
Mr Mercurial 4pts @ 5/6 with Bet365 and William Hill
The Newton Abbot race is a bit trickier. Dineur would have to really bounce back to form to play a part and it is hard to see happening based on what he has done so far this season. Im All Set shouldn't be good enough and the outsider wouldn't win if he started now!
Herbert Park is an even trickier ride than Mr Mercurial as he showed at Exeter last month. He beat Saffron Wells last time back in a point which is a useful enough effort. Ultimately he probably needs the front two in the market to disappoint to beat them, but on a line through Master Baker he is closely matched with Southfield Vic. Having said that though he disappointed at Fontwell on quick ground after that and surely the ground will be riding on the fast side of good which would be a concern for me. It seems some people are taking a chance on him as he is blue on Oddschecker as I write this, but I am happy to pass over him.
Road To Riches would win this if he repeated his 3rd at Aintree which was a superb effort. The problem is he went to Fairyhouse and was a massive disappointment and pulled up. Even though that was a better race than this one if he put in the same sort of effort he certainly won't be winning this. I also wonder if he needs softer ground nowadays. His market rival Southfield Vic made hard work of winning at Wincanton although he wasn't entirely helped by the fact he was hampered by Woodfleet and nearly came to grief. In the end he was a fairly comfortable winner and the Newbury run when just beaten by Master Baker was good. 
I think this is a hard race. Road To Riches might win, but there seems enough doubts to take him on. I can see why people are taking a chance with Herbert Park, but he doesn't make things easy for himself and I wonder if he might need softer ground as well. Southfield Vic is a course and distance winner who has no ground concerns so that tips the balance in his favour for me.
Southfield Vic 1pt @ 6/4 with Bet365 and BetVictor
 

I am going to start at Perth because to me that race is simple. Mr Mercurial should be about 1/2 for this contest. On form he has loads in hand over this lot with the only real concern is his jockey timing it right, but I find it hard to see how he will throw it away against this lot. This race is weaker than the one he won over course and distance last month and he looks a good thing. Black River is close to him in the betting, but his even though he has lots of 1s and 2s in his form this season it isn't anywhere near as strong as Mr Mercurial's. He beat Snow Castle last time and that one was 2nd at Hexham in the Heart Of All England which wasn't a strong race. He was beaten a head by Dark Mahler and we saw at Southwell on Tuesday that he isn't up to the sort of standard Mr Mercurial can run to. The beating of Ravished in February does look good as that has run well in 2 Hunter Chases since, but he has improved a lot since that run so again I don't think it is strong form. 
Killer Crow seems to be going backwards and even so his form isn't good enough to win. Greyed A didn't run too badly on his first start for new connections on Bank Holiday Monday when 3rd at Witton Castle. His rules form prior to that was useful in the context of this race if you take out the fav although I just wonder if he might prefer softer ground. The other two are hard to fancy at all. 
It all points towards Mr Mercurial winning another Hunter Chase here. Black River should be good enough to follow him home and Greyed A could well be best of the rest.
Mr Mercurial 4pts @ 5/6 with Bet365 and William Hill
The Newton Abbot race is a bit trickier. Dineur would have to really bounce back to form to play a part and it is hard to see happening based on what he has done so far this season. Im All Set shouldn't be good enough and the outsider wouldn't win if he started now!
Herbert Park is an even trickier ride than Mr Mercurial as he showed at Exeter last month. He beat Saffron Wells last time back in a point which is a useful enough effort. Ultimately he probably needs the front two in the market to disappoint to beat them, but on a line through Master Baker he is closely matched with Southfield Vic. Having said that though he disappointed at Fontwell on quick ground after that and surely the ground will be riding on the fast side of good which would be a concern for me. It seems some people are taking a chance on him as he is blue on Oddschecker as I write this, but I am happy to pass over him.
Road To Riches would win this if he repeated his 3rd at Aintree which was a superb effort. The problem is he went to Fairyhouse and was a massive disappointment and pulled up. Even though that was a better race than this one if he put in the same sort of effort he certainly won't be winning this. I also wonder if he needs softer ground nowadays. His market rival Southfield Vic made hard work of winning at Wincanton although he wasn't entirely helped by the fact he was hampered by Woodfleet and nearly came to grief. In the end he was a fairly comfortable winner and the Newbury run when just beaten by Master Baker was good. 
I think this is a hard race. Road To Riches might win, but there seems enough doubts to take him on. I can see why people are taking a chance with Herbert Park, but he doesn't make things easy for himself and I wonder if he might need softer ground as well. Southfield Vic is a course and distance winner who has no ground concerns so that tips the balance in his favour for me.
Southfield Vic 1pt @ 6/4 with Bet365 and BetVictor
 

If I had known Ballotin was going to go off 11/10 I certainly wouldn't have worried about looking for a forecast in the race. It was a crazy price as he should have been at least the 4/7 he was the night before and given the way he won even that would have been value. He never looked in any danger and he clearly still has a high level of ability. Not sure there is too much left for him this season now. Shimla Dawn jumped to his right and as Ballotin was going the better he took up the running much earlier than I thought he would and it meant Shimla Dawn downed tools and had no chance of finishing 2nd after that. At the right level if he can get an easy lead then he will win again. Dark Mahler was really well backed, but he wasn't in the same league as the winner. It is hard to think he achieved a great deal really. I think Martha's Benefit is getting fit for a summer handicap campaign as well as running to get her handicap mark down. She should dip below 100 after this and I suggest keeping a close eye on her over the summer.

I am going to start at Perth because to me that race is simple. Mr Mercurial should be about 1/2 for this contest. On form he has loads in hand over this lot with the only real concern is his jockey timing it right, but I find it hard to see how he will throw it away against this lot. This race is weaker than the one he won over course and distance last month and he looks a good thing. Black River is close to him in the betting, but his even though he has lots of 1s and 2s in his form this season it isn't anywhere near as strong as Mr Mercurial's. He beat Snow Castle last time and that one was 2nd at Hexham in the Heart Of All England which wasn't a strong race. He was beaten a head by Dark Mahler and we saw at Southwell on Tuesday that he isn't up to the sort of standard Mr Mercurial can run to. The beating of Ravished in February does look good as that has run well in 2 Hunter Chases since, but he has improved a lot since that run so again I don't think it is strong form. 
Killer Crow seems to be going backwards and even so his form isn't good enough to win. Greyed A didn't run too badly on his first start for new connections on Bank Holiday Monday when 3rd at Witton Castle. His rules form prior to that was useful in the context of this race if you take out the fav although I just wonder if he might prefer softer ground. The other two are hard to fancy at all. 
It all points towards Mr Mercurial winning another Hunter Chase here. Black River should be good enough to follow him home and Greyed A could well be best of the rest.
Mr Mercurial 4pts @ 5/6 with Bet365 and William Hill
The Newton Abbot race is a bit trickier. Dineur would have to really bounce back to form to play a part and it is hard to see happening based on what he has done so far this season. Im All Set shouldn't be good enough and the outsider wouldn't win if he started now!
Herbert Park is an even trickier ride than Mr Mercurial as he showed at Exeter last month. He beat Saffron Wells last time back in a point which is a useful enough effort. Ultimately he probably needs the front two in the market to disappoint to beat them, but on a line through Master Baker he is closely matched with Southfield Vic. Having said that though he disappointed at Fontwell on quick ground after that and surely the ground will be riding on the fast side of good which would be a concern for me. It seems some people are taking a chance on him as he is blue on Oddschecker as I write this, but I am happy to pass over him.
Road To Riches would win this if he repeated his 3rd at Aintree which was a superb effort. The problem is he went to Fairyhouse and was a massive disappointment and pulled up. Even though that was a better race than this one if he put in the same sort of effort he certainly won't be winning this. I also wonder if he needs softer ground nowadays. His market rival Southfield Vic made hard work of winning at Wincanton although he wasn't entirely helped by the fact he was hampered by Woodfleet and nearly came to grief. In the end he was a fairly comfortable winner and the Newbury run when just beaten by Master Baker was good. 
I think this is a hard race. Road To Riches might win, but there seems enough doubts to take him on. I can see why people are taking a chance with Herbert Park, but he doesn't make things easy for himself and I wonder if he might need softer ground as well. Southfield Vic is a course and distance winner who has no ground concerns so that tips the balance in his favour for me.
Southfield Vic 1pt @ 6/4 with Bet365 and BetVictor
 

I know bet365 offer a forecast price and I think it’s bog as well. Not sure if other bookies do that. If not then you either take the csf dividend or stick it on with the tote. Hard to recommend one over the other as wouldn’t say either one has the upper hand when paying more than the other. What I would say though is at the front end of the market there is unlikely to be too much difference between the two. You could always split your stakes between them if you want both bases covered.

First Hunter Chase of the week comes up at Southwell and David Maxwell will be looking to increase his lead in the leading Hunter Chase jockey title. This time he rides Ballotin who looks the most likely winner. He was the only horse to give Road To Rome a race in the Walrus at Haydock and paid for that when ending up finishing 4th. He then went to Leicester over a trip that was a bit short of the ideal, but it didn't matter and he won easily over 2m. He beat Double Ross that day who then went and won at Chepstow. After that he was trying to give Arthur's Secret a race at Ludlow but came down at the 4th last. It was a pretty nasty fall and he was lame afterwards which is probably why he has been missing since. I know some people actually thought he was still in with a chance of winning and although I disagree with them it was still a top effort especially in the context of this race.
  Shimla Dawn somehow went off favourite for this race last year, but could only finish 5th to Galway Jack. I didn't fancy him at all that day because he wasn't going to get an easy lead and he could never get to the front. Compare that to Musselburgh when I did put him up and he got an easy lead and never saw another rival and won by 15L. He ruined any chance at Aintree when making a mistake at the first and then slithered on landing. He should get an easy lead here although I imagine Maxwell will keep him very close.   Hurricane Vic and Martha's Benefit don't make much appeal so Dark Mahler is the only other possible winner. Dark Mahler and Shimla Dawn made their reappearances in the same race at Sheriff Hutton in January and the former finished a well beaten 5th with the latter pulling up. I wouldn't read too much that though as they have both improved for that run with Dark Mahler landing a hat-trick. The problem is I am not sure the form is overly strong. Granted he won by 25L earlier in the month and the horse he beat won on Sunday, but that one won in a very slow time and was 1/2. The drop in trip shouldn't be a concern and it should be a truly run race to help on that front.   Ballotin should win this and he is the right price for me. I think Shimla Dawn is the most likely to finish 2nd as I can see him making a bold bid from the front before Maxwell picks him up in the straight. It seems sensible to cover on Dark Mahler to come 2nd as well though given he is the only other one with a chance for me to finish 2nd.   Ballotin to beat Shimla Dawn 1.5pts f/c Ballotin to beat Dark Mahler 0.5pts f/c

First Hunter Chase of the week comes up at Southwell and David Maxwell will be looking to increase his lead in the leading Hunter Chase jockey title. This time he rides Ballotin who looks the most likely winner. He was the only horse to give Road To Rome a race in the Walrus at Haydock and paid for that when ending up finishing 4th. He then went to Leicester over a trip that was a bit short of the ideal, but it didn't matter and he won easily over 2m. He beat Double Ross that day who then went and won at Chepstow. After that he was trying to give Arthur's Secret a race at Ludlow but came down at the 4th last. It was a pretty nasty fall and he was lame afterwards which is probably why he has been missing since. I know some people actually thought he was still in with a chance of winning and although I disagree with them it was still a top effort especially in the context of this race.
  Shimla Dawn somehow went off favourite for this race last year, but could only finish 5th to Galway Jack. I didn't fancy him at all that day because he wasn't going to get an easy lead and he could never get to the front. Compare that to Musselburgh when I did put him up and he got an easy lead and never saw another rival and won by 15L. He ruined any chance at Aintree when making a mistake at the first and then slithered on landing. He should get an easy lead here although I imagine Maxwell will keep him very close.   Hurricane Vic and Martha's Benefit don't make much appeal so Dark Mahler is the only other possible winner. Dark Mahler and Shimla Dawn made their reappearances in the same race at Sheriff Hutton in January and the former finished a well beaten 5th with the latter pulling up. I wouldn't read too much that though as they have both improved for that run with Dark Mahler landing a hat-trick. The problem is I am not sure the form is overly strong. Granted he won by 25L earlier in the month and the horse he beat won on Sunday, but that one won in a very slow time and was 1/2. The drop in trip shouldn't be a concern and it should be a truly run race to help on that front.   Ballotin should win this and he is the right price for me. I think Shimla Dawn is the most likely to finish 2nd as I can see him making a bold bid from the front before Maxwell picks him up in the straight. It seems sensible to cover on Dark Mahler to come 2nd as well though given he is the only other one with a chance for me to finish 2nd.   Ballotin to beat Shimla Dawn 1.5pts f/c Ballotin to beat Dark Mahler 0.5pts f/c

First Hunter Chase of the week comes up at Southwell and David Maxwell will be looking to increase his lead in the leading Hunter Chase jockey title. This time he rides Ballotin who looks the most likely winner. He was the only horse to give Road To Rome a race in the Walrus at Haydock and paid for that when ending up finishing 4th. He then went to Leicester over a trip that was a bit short of the ideal, but it didn't matter and he won easily over 2m. He beat Double Ross that day who then went and won at Chepstow. After that he was trying to give Arthur's Secret a race at Ludlow but came down at the 4th last. It was a pretty nasty fall and he was lame afterwards which is probably why he has been missing since. I know some people actually thought he was still in with a chance of winning and although I disagree with them it was still a top effort especially in the context of this race.
  Shimla Dawn somehow went off favourite for this race last year, but could only finish 5th to Galway Jack. I didn't fancy him at all that day because he wasn't going to get an easy lead and he could never get to the front. Compare that to Musselburgh when I did put him up and he got an easy lead and never saw another rival and won by 15L. He ruined any chance at Aintree when making a mistake at the first and then slithered on landing. He should get an easy lead here although I imagine Maxwell will keep him very close.   Hurricane Vic and Martha's Benefit don't make much appeal so Dark Mahler is the only other possible winner. Dark Mahler and Shimla Dawn made their reappearances in the same race at Sheriff Hutton in January and the former finished a well beaten 5th with the latter pulling up. I wouldn't read too much that though as they have both improved for that run with Dark Mahler landing a hat-trick. The problem is I am not sure the form is overly strong. Granted he won by 25L earlier in the month and the horse he beat won on Sunday, but that one won in a very slow time and was 1/2. The drop in trip shouldn't be a concern and it should be a truly run race to help on that front.   Ballotin should win this and he is the right price for me. I think Shimla Dawn is the most likely to finish 2nd as I can see him making a bold bid from the front before Maxwell picks him up in the straight. It seems sensible to cover on Dark Mahler to come 2nd as well though given he is the only other one with a chance for me to finish 2nd.   Ballotin to beat Shimla Dawn 1.5pts f/c Ballotin to beat Dark Mahler 0.5pts f/c

5.05
Not sure I have ever seen a drift as big as Gustave Mahler's ahead of this race. I know some wanted to take him on anyway because of the track and the ground, but I don't think either of those things got him beat. In my view he just wasn't fit and I would suggest that people knew that and thus the huge drift. At the top of the hill he looks the winner and was travelling the best. Then at 3 out he stops pretty quickly and ends up finishing last of the 5 to complete. That is why I think it was fitness rather than anything else. Still it was great to see Sam Cavallaro win the race for the 3rd time and as Martin said in commentary surely the race should be named after him now. His trainer mentioned to me on Twitter that if he is in good health next year then there is every chance we will see him bid for a 4th win at the age of 14. Saffron Wells ran on well, but found the trip on the short side in the end. Overall though it was a weak contest.
5.40
Great to get this one right and was very close to landing the first 3 out of the 4 horses I put up. I mentioned in the preview that there looked to be very little between Latenightpass and Salvatore on form so the difference in prices made no sense. He looked like he was going to win very easily, but tired at the last and ended up only winning by 1/2L in the end although he did pick up again once the 2nd came to him so I think he was idling a bit as well. He is only 6 so there could be plenty more to come from him and he looks progressive. Captain Mcginley ran really well in 2nd and amazingly drifted out to 14/1 in the end. He looks like he could stay even further than this. How on earth Salvatore was sent off at 13/8 I will never know. He was backed in on track from 100/30 and it was some gamble, but as much as he had a chance I'm not even sure any horse deserved to be 100/30 let alone 13/8. He never looked like winning although to be fair did plug on for 3rd in the end. It sounds like the trainer considered headgear and the changed his mind, but I suspect we will see him in head gear at some point. He reminds me of Optimised from the same yard and it wouldn't surprise me if he ended up in the 4miler next year. Sixteen Letters was held up but traveled really nicely into the race and looked a possible winner only to tire badly on the run-in. He was well backed and he can pick up a Hunter Chase when stamina is less of an issue. Coco Live ran better than I thought he would, but that suggests he really ought to have won at Taunton. Of the two Pennock horses Laser Beam came in for strong support, but he jumped really poorly. If he turns up at Fontwell or Stratford though I wouldn't be wanting to write him off as clearly the yard think he is capable. Tricky Silence was disappointing and never got involved.
6.15
Connections of Marcle Ridge wanted to see if he was a possible Foxhunter horse and at least he proves he handles the track. For all that he bolted up though it was a very weak contest and you know if Kit Barry has finished 2nd that you haven't beaten much. He is clearly progressive though, but I would be surprised if he wins a Foxhunter. Moscow Prices didn't jump great and might not have liked the ground. Alfstar was a surprisingly big price as the rain should have helped his chances, but he bled so had to be pulled up.
6.50
I would have been very annoyed if Caryto Des Brosses had won this given how highly I rated him. As I said in the preview though I just couldn't see how he could beat Hazel Hill, but he was so close to doing so. Hazel Hill clearly wasn't at his best and he jumped out to his right on occasions and the Foxhunter win must have left a mark. Even so it was a really gusty effort to get the better of a fantastic duel which was certainly the highlight of the night. I think this will be it for the season as I don't think he will enjoy Stratford and if he did go there I would take him on. I really hope the 2nd goes to Stratford though as the race looks right up his street. We already know he handles the track and we know now he stays. As long as he recovers from this OK he will have a huge chance should he turn up. I know we are a long way from the race, but if you asked me right now for the 2020 Foxhunter winner I would say Caryto Des Brosses. Virak was a bit disappointing in 3rd, but it seems he is better bossing lesser rivals now. Master Baker never got close and they should have run him in the opener although given the way he went he might well have lost that as well.
7.20
The on regret I have is is not putting up Kalabaloo as a bet in the outright market as Theatre Territory wasn't overly impressive at Exeter and despite travelling really well into the race she duly found little for pressure again. The winner bolted up and looks progressive herself and although probably didn't have to do much to beat in the end she is clearly useful. God knows what they are going to do with the 2nd now, but I think they may as well retire her now. Absainte ran well given she hadn't achieved such a high level as the two in front of her.
7.50
Wonderful Charm was not surprisingly withdrawn here, but the other two picks finished 1st and 2nd as Southfield Theatre held off Optimised. Both were always up near the pace although the winner dropped back a little and looked beaten at one stage. Then of a sudden coming down the hill he picked up again and took full advantage of a gap up the rail on the turn for home. He stayed on gamely to hold off the 2nd who has run really well in defeat. Sam Red put in a better effort than last time to finish 3rd and he clearly likes Cheltenham. Haymount looked a favourite to take on prior to the race and although he was always close to the pace at the same time he never really looked like winning. Teeton Kato travelled really well into the race having been held up and looked like he might win only for him to empty quickly once getting into 2nd at 3 out. He would be interesting over a shorter trip though. I thought Changeofluck was given a poor ride. I thought she would be riding him to stay on past beaten horses, but instead she decided to have on the pace and out very wide. A more sensible ride might have seen him finish the race in the top 8 at the very least. Mendip Express showed nothing and ought to be retired although Master Sunrise showed more than his first two starts of the season. He was traveled much more kindly than in either of those two races and only dropped out once his stamina gave out. He comes back onto my radar after this though.
8.20
It was very dark for this race and conditions would have been barely raceable. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I bet connections of Risk A Fine wished they hadn't have run him in this in the end. I think they thought they might get away with is and to be honest he did beat all bar the winner easily just the winner had way too much. I think a combination of the track, trip and ground didn't suit Risk A Fine in the end and he bumped into a winner who had thrived in his new yard. He clearly was back to somewhere near his best and given he stays well he was able to outstay the rest in style. I would have said that he could have been a Stratford Foxhunters contender, but for some reason connections decided to run him in a point at Mollington on Monday where he didn't show much zest before departing at the 7th. It was a strange move to run him so soon. As for the 2nd I would be tempted to run him in the handicap Hunter Chase at Stratford as I think he would outclass them despite the big weight he would have to carry. The rest didn't really show much at all.
Punchestown
What a performance from Caid Du Berlais. He never looked in any danger and loved it out in front jumping for fun. We have seen some great performances so far this season, but this could well have topped them all, because he beat out of sight some useful horses. Clearly Cheltenham wasn't his running and no doubt he will be back as an 11yo bidding for the hat-trick. Stand Up And Fight was well backed, but ended up being pulled up. I did love Jonathon Neesom's dig at Burning Ambition on RacingTV as yet again he didn't find an awful lot off the bridle although he was best of the rest. What it did prove is that the British Hunter Chaser's certainly have the upper hand on the Irish this season which is great to see.
Total staked 26.50
Total back 40.35
Profit 13.85
(NB I settled Southfield Theatre at SP which was 7/2)

5.05
Not sure I have ever seen a drift as big as Gustave Mahler's ahead of this race. I know some wanted to take him on anyway because of the track and the ground, but I don't think either of those things got him beat. In my view he just wasn't fit and I would suggest that people knew that and thus the huge drift. At the top of the hill he looks the winner and was travelling the best. Then at 3 out he stops pretty quickly and ends up finishing last of the 5 to complete. That is why I think it was fitness rather than anything else. Still it was great to see Sam Cavallaro win the race for the 3rd time and as Martin said in commentary surely the race should be named after him now. His trainer mentioned to me on Twitter that if he is in good health next year then there is every chance we will see him bid for a 4th win at the age of 14. Saffron Wells ran on well, but found the trip on the short side in the end. Overall though it was a weak contest.
5.40
Great to get this one right and was very close to landing the first 3 out of the 4 horses I put up. I mentioned in the preview that there looked to be very little between Latenightpass and Salvatore on form so the difference in prices made no sense. He looked like he was going to win very easily, but tired at the last and ended up only winning by 1/2L in the end although he did pick up again once the 2nd came to him so I think he was idling a bit as well. He is only 6 so there could be plenty more to come from him and he looks progressive. Captain Mcginley ran really well in 2nd and amazingly drifted out to 14/1 in the end. He looks like he could stay even further than this. How on earth Salvatore was sent off at 13/8 I will never know. He was backed in on track from 100/30 and it was some gamble, but as much as he had a chance I'm not even sure any horse deserved to be 100/30 let alone 13/8. He never looked like winning although to be fair did plug on for 3rd in the end. It sounds like the trainer considered headgear and the changed his mind, but I suspect we will see him in head gear at some point. He reminds me of Optimised from the same yard and it wouldn't surprise me if he ended up in the 4miler next year. Sixteen Letters was held up but traveled really nicely into the race and looked a possible winner only to tire badly on the run-in. He was well backed and he can pick up a Hunter Chase when stamina is less of an issue. Coco Live ran better than I thought he would, but that suggests he really ought to have won at Taunton. Of the two Pennock horses Laser Beam came in for strong support, but he jumped really poorly. If he turns up at Fontwell or Stratford though I wouldn't be wanting to write him off as clearly the yard think he is capable. Tricky Silence was disappointing and never got involved.
6.15
Connections of Marcle Ridge wanted to see if he was a possible Foxhunter horse and at least he proves he handles the track. For all that he bolted up though it was a very weak contest and you know if Kit Barry has finished 2nd that you haven't beaten much. He is clearly progressive though, but I would be surprised if he wins a Foxhunter. Moscow Prices didn't jump great and might not have liked the ground. Alfstar was a surprisingly big price as the rain should have helped his chances, but he bled so had to be pulled up.
6.50
I would have been very annoyed if Caryto Des Brosses had won this given how highly I rated him. As I said in the preview though I just couldn't see how he could beat Hazel Hill, but he was so close to doing so. Hazel Hill clearly wasn't at his best and he jumped out to his right on occasions and the Foxhunter win must have left a mark. Even so it was a really gusty effort to get the better of a fantastic duel which was certainly the highlight of the night. I think this will be it for the season as I don't think he will enjoy Stratford and if he did go there I would take him on. I really hope the 2nd goes to Stratford though as the race looks right up his street. We already know he handles the track and we know now he stays. As long as he recovers from this OK he will have a huge chance should he turn up. I know we are a long way from the race, but if you asked me right now for the 2020 Foxhunter winner I would say Caryto Des Brosses. Virak was a bit disappointing in 3rd, but it seems he is better bossing lesser rivals now. Master Baker never got close and they should have run him in the opener although given the way he went he might well have lost that as well.
7.20
The on regret I have is is not putting up Kalabaloo as a bet in the outright market as Theatre Territory wasn't overly impressive at Exeter and despite travelling really well into the race she duly found little for pressure again. The winner bolted up and looks progressive herself and although probably didn't have to do much to beat in the end she is clearly useful. God knows what they are going to do with the 2nd now, but I think they may as well retire her now. Absainte ran well given she hadn't achieved such a high level as the two in front of her.
7.50
Wonderful Charm was not surprisingly withdrawn here, but the other two picks finished 1st and 2nd as Southfield Theatre held off Optimised. Both were always up near the pace although the winner dropped back a little and looked beaten at one stage. Then of a sudden coming down the hill he picked up again and took full advantage of a gap up the rail on the turn for home. He stayed on gamely to hold off the 2nd who has run really well in defeat. Sam Red put in a better effort than last time to finish 3rd and he clearly likes Cheltenham. Haymount looked a favourite to take on prior to the race and although he was always close to the pace at the same time he never really looked like winning. Teeton Kato travelled really well into the race having been held up and looked like he might win only for him to empty quickly once getting into 2nd at 3 out. He would be interesting over a shorter trip though. I thought Changeofluck was given a poor ride. I thought she would be riding him to stay on past beaten horses, but instead she decided to have on the pace and out very wide. A more sensible ride might have seen him finish the race in the top 8 at the very least. Mendip Express showed nothing and ought to be retired although Master Sunrise showed more than his first two starts of the season. He was traveled much more kindly than in either of those two races and only dropped out once his stamina gave out. He comes back onto my radar after this though.
8.20
It was very dark for this race and conditions would have been barely raceable. Hindsight is a wonderful thing, but I bet connections of Risk A Fine wished they hadn't have run him in this in the end. I think they thought they might get away with is and to be honest he did beat all bar the winner easily just the winner had way too much. I think a combination of the track, trip and ground didn't suit Risk A Fine in the end and he bumped into a winner who had thrived in his new yard. He clearly was back to somewhere near his best and given he stays well he was able to outstay the rest in style. I would have said that he could have been a Stratford Foxhunters contender, but for some reason connections decided to run him in a point at Mollington on Monday where he didn't show much zest before departing at the 7th. It was a strange move to run him so soon. As for the 2nd I would be tempted to run him in the handicap Hunter Chase at Stratford as I think he would outclass them despite the big weight he would have to carry. The rest didn't really show much at all.
Punchestown
What a performance from Caid Du Berlais. He never looked in any danger and loved it out in front jumping for fun. We have seen some great performances so far this season, but this could well have topped them all, because he beat out of sight some useful horses. Clearly Cheltenham wasn't his running and no doubt he will be back as an 11yo bidding for the hat-trick. Stand Up And Fight was well backed, but ended up being pulled up. I did love Jonathon Neesom's dig at Burning Ambition on RacingTV as yet again he didn't find an awful lot off the bridle although he was best of the rest. What it did prove is that the British Hunter Chaser's certainly have the upper hand on the Irish this season which is great to see.
Total staked 26.50
Total back 40.35
Profit 13.85
(NB I settled Southfield Theatre at SP which was 7/2)

It was a shame that we had a couple of non-runners leading to a R4 which should have been 20-30p depending on what prices the individual bookmaker had at the time on the two that came out. I say its a shame because I don't think either horse would have won and we had one of them covered anyway. Still it was a cracking result as Asockastar proved the market was totally wrong. I still can't believe Mr Mix actually went off favourite given the form was out there for all to see that he was going to struggle to beat him. I have been right about that Warwick race being a poor one to follow form wise and just because the race was won by Hazel Hill doesn't make it a strong race. He was given a bit of an odd ride really but was beaten when the jockey dropped his whip. I thought Matt Chapman on Sky Sports Racing was really rude about Asockastar before the race given he said it would be a shame if he won because it means the other two weren't as good as they were. Why on earth is that a shame? If he could have been bothered to have done any research then he would have noticed that Asockastar had the form to beat him this season and that he is a good horse in his own right. I didn't hear what he said after the race, but it wouldn't surprise me if he was pretty rude again. I suspect the winner will go to Stratford and he deserves his place in the line-up for me.
To get another short price fav beaten in the same day was probably too much to hope for and In Arrears ran out a comfortable winner at Exeter. She didn't really handle the ground, but was able to see off the other two with ease. I'm guessing she will head to Stratford where if they over water the ground again she would have a good chance in the Restricted race.
The Kelso Hunter Chase really does look like the perfect chance for Greensalt to finally get a Hunter Chase win. He finished 3rd in last year's Aintree Foxhunters' and then was badly interfered with when unseating in the Heart Of All England. This season he finished a good 2nd to Path To Freedom and then ran really well at Aintree again before fading to finish 7th. His form is way above what the others have achieved and he really ought to be winning this.
The race Llancillo Lord won at Fakenham on Easter Monday was really weak and as I wrote at the time the Maisemore win wasn't especially strong either. If he could have finished 7th or better at Aintree I would be amazed so I am happy to take him on. Hardrock Davis is the only other one to consider and yes he was unlucky here last time, but that was a weak contest and Beyond Gold hardly did anything for the form on Saturday. He did win his maiden over 2m4f, but I am not sure this trip is the ideal for him as he does seem to stay well. I fancy him more than Llancillo Lord, but Greensalt ought to be good enough to beat the pair of them.
Greensalt 2ps @ 5/4 with William Hill and BetVictor