BBOTD - Sun 18 December

[Haystacks]

Emma's Gift - Kem 2.10 (1pt win 4-1 PP BOG) Failed to progress after winning a conditions race at Ascot back in April, after which she was rated 95. Has been dropped 17lbs since then but seems to be coming back to form as a result of the application of blinkers for her last two runs. Was runner-up in both those events, and given that 'not a deep thinker' Jimmy Quinn was on board both times, you have to imagine that she should be capable of running a few lbs better with a different jockey.

[switzerland]

Re: BBOTD - Sun 18 December Mount Benbulben 1.05 Navan 1pt Win 5/6 PP This horse is the real deal, pure and simple. I've already backed him for the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham and reckon his price will be much shorter late tomorrow afternoon. He won a much more competitive race over course and distance a few weeks back. That was probably the best novice hurdle race run in Ireland this year and the form has already been franked by Make a Track (12 lenghts behind) winning on Thursday. He will definitely be a better chaser in time but he proved the last day he has the speed and stamina to win over hurdles. I'll be extremely disappointed if he doesn't win.