Racing Chat - Saturday 8th February

[The Brigadier]

Unfortunately we won't be seeing Sir Gino tomorrow as he has picked up an injury - let's hope it's not too bad and we get to see him at the Festival.

In his absence the front running MATATA (3.00 Newbury) looks the most likely winner against just four rivals, three of whom have to carry penalties.

The big betting race is the William Hill Handicap Hurdle (former Schweppes, Tote Gold Trophy, Betfair Gold Cup) at Newbury at 3.35 and the pick for me is NAVAJO INDY. He has a great record at the track which reads 121 with the defeat coming at the hands of the smart Be Aware. He ran a strange race last time out at Windsor when getting behind early having not jumped the first well and looked at one point like he was going to be pulled up. He ran on well and was the fastest finisher ending up just 3L behind the eventual winner and favourite for this race Secret Squirrel. With that one shouldering a 5lb penalty I'm confident he can get closer and I presume the first time cheek pieces are on to help him travel better early on the contest.

Tom Symonds's six-year-old has been well supported throughout the week but is beginning to ease out a bit so I suggest a good each way bet at the current best odds of 6-1 with at least 5 places.

 

L'EAU DU SUD (2.05) and GALA MARCEAU (2.40) look bankers at Warwick and are hard to oppose all be it at cramped odds but just the one bet on the day for me in Navajo Indy EW.

 

[black rabbit]

Minella Missle                                                3 35Nby          1/40th of a pt ew     33/1

Our Champ                                                    3 35Nby           1/40th of a pt ew    40/1

Colin Hobbs                                                   4 45Nby           1/40th of a pt ew    28/1

Chase The Dollar                                          8 15Wlv            1/40th of a pt ew    36/1

{ have had ew nibble on "Lossiemouth" 16's   @ Exeter tommorrow} in the 3 33 race      -4th      

 

 

P/L+ 182.10 pts

Edited February 9 by black rabbit