BBOTD Friday 8th February

[Blazing Bailey]

Kempton 4.00 - Alvarado 10/1 Bet365 BOG I would be lying if I said was very confident on this one but I was almost certain Wings of Smoke would hose up today and that didnt happen so I will pay my money and take my chance. Truth be told, I am a big fan of Pete The Feat and he could quite simply be too classy for these tomorrow but he has risen significantly in the weights on the back of his recent performances and its less than 30 days since his grueling test in the Classic Chase so at 2-1 I am happy enough to pass. My selection absolutely hosed up 2 starts back over 21f where he picked up significantly after the final flight to win going away looking well ahead of the handicapper. That form is very solid (top 5 have all ran well off marks between 125-135 since and the way he beat them that day suggests he has more in his locker. Based on that run, he was a little disappointing NTO at Newbury and while the form hasnt turned out to be that great, it certainly isnt bad form (Rigadin De Beauchene only just ahead) and I suspect it will look better 6 months down the line when a lot of the horses have run again, especially on a sounder surface. Overall I think this horse has a decent chance if it can pick up that progressive thread and the return to the better ground forecast for tomorrow may help as well as the return to a longer trip. 10/1 is a good price and underestimates his chances IMO. Time will tell if he is good enough.

[Smarty72]

Re: BBOTD Friday 8th February 16.10 Newcastle - Prince Tam - WIN @ 7\1 PP BOG With question marks over so many runners in the race, it may be worth siding with Prince Tam who has won 4 times (class 4 handicap chase twice and class 5 handicap Chase twice) at this distance here at Newcastle on ground varying from heavy to good. Last 4 races have been at Class 4 level and today's drop in grade to class 5 will suit. Usual jockey on board 5lb claimer Gary Rutherford who has won on board Prince Tam around here.