Best Bet Of The Day - Thu 15/1/09

[WoodyTHFC]

Nad Al Sheba 6.05 Royal Vintage 1 pt win A bit of a gamble here as current fitness isnt totally known and he blew up a touch when last seen racing over here. However for me he is the class act of this race (offical figures point that out too) and if he is anywhere near his best I think could well be hard to beat. De Kock has many in this race but with stable jockey shea on board, this looks the main pick and not surprisingly. He appeared to my attention at last years carnival where he ran some top class races and at times with some of these behind. His two second placed efforts behind honour devil look good as does his win in front of honour devil. He came over to the uk and didnt run that well, once on turf and once on a/w but Im prepared to excuse that to some extent, quite simply for some horses it doesnt work out whereas for others it does, the mere fact he was over here and at one stage with group 1 entries speaks volumes as to the level of ability connections feel he has. Todays conditions look far more suitable on the dirt which he is proven over and he looks the class act to me. Biggest threat for me could come from last years winner of this race, happy boy, who whilst doing nothing since may find these conditions more suitable but if Royal vintage is fit enough and De Kock's good ones have won fto over here in recent years no problem at times and sometimes over inadequate trips, then I think it will take a good one to beat him.

[palaceman]

Re: Best Bet Of The Day - Thu 15/1/09 Taunton 3:20 Night Cru 1 point LAY This horse was decent on the flat but has yet to win over hurdles. Last time out the connections clearly felt he's been showing the necessary progress at home and piled on to him. It nearly paid off and he was beaten close home. Due to that performance, and with McCoy on board, he's bound to start favourite. But I think he's worth opposing at the relatively low price likely to be on offer. I'm not convinced about him yet over jumps, and he seems the sort who might often find one to beat him. Furthermore, due to that improved performance last time, the handicapper has bumped him a further 6lb in the weights. That might well be crucial to a horse who is still looking for his first win.