mattyrobinson

2.00 Nottingham - Bletchley @ 20/1 EW    Bet365

2.25 Newmarket - Usherette (7/1) B365

Finally saved by the law of averages and 2 winners on the board!
There were some interesting tactics on show at Sandown today. Chief Whip ran a creditable 3rd in the first race of the day, hitting the front a little too early before tiring and getting pegged back in the final furlong. The eventual winner came from off the pace up the stand side, where there appeared to be better ground.
It was a similar story in the following race, where Western Hymn turned in a bit of a workman-like performance to be beaten by My Dream Boat under a fantastic ride by Adam Kirby. I had reservations about the well being and race fitness of the former prior to the race, and so had plumped for the seemingly very consistent Tullius. My chap ran his race (with typically unnerving high head carriage) but finished well beaten in the end. Again, the eventual winner came from a long way off the pace on the stand side. I don't think there's much question that Western Hymn will come on for the run and I'm sure he'll be back to winning soon enough.
The classic trial looked a proper race and the first two home looked like definite ones to watch this season. Midterm is beautifully bred, and duly proved the hype surrounding him to be well placed. It was a confident ride from Ryan Moore, and although the runner up looked like giving him some serious problems on the run in, I get the feeling that he was fairly in control throughout. Algometer ran an absolute blinder in second, with the front two streets ahead of the others. I had him in my notebook following his maiden win, so it was pleasing to see that he's trained on well over the winter. They both hold Dante and Derby entries so we can look forward to the rematch in due course.
The bet365 Mile was a bizarre race. The pace-setter for Belardo went off at a right clip and had the field really well spread from the off. Ultimately, the majority of the field ended up way too far back turning for home (including Adaay) and the race was fought out by those who raced prominently. Toormore out-battled Dutch Connection to win, with Belardo and Gabriel finishing off well, while never in danger of catching the leaders. Both of the Godolphin runners will probably now go to the Lockinge at Newbury, where I'd expect Belardo to reverse the form (unless the ground comes up quick).
They went very fast in the 5f handicap, where Handytalk was a little out-paced in mid division. He was asked to close the gap a long way from home and ultimately tired much too early. It was a pretty quick time, and I was impressed with the way that Willytheconqueror put the race to bed. 
Finally, Ryan Moore came to the rescue in the final race of the day above Stargazer. The Sir Michael Stoute trained colt was a little unlucky on occasion last year, but clearly enjoyed the extra 2 furlongs he was given today. He managed to reverse the form with Paris Protocol (receiving weight) and won a shade cosily in the end. SMS looks to have his string in good condition at this early stage of the season.
 
Staked: 15
Returned: 12.80
P/L: -2.20
ROI: -14.67%
I should have a bit more time to go through tomorrow's action so I'll be back with some (un)wise words later.