‘Never have a bad day’ was impregnated on my mind in the early days of an elongated racing journalistic/punting career; and yet but for another Manchester United ‘hiccup’ against Leeds United, I’d have been totally flat after all selections failed Sunday, within 24 hours of ‘Super-Saturday’ which yielded 5/1 ‘beaut’ winning nap, Anghaam; no greater leveller in life than the ‘Sport Of Kings!’
In an article decades ago one remembers mentioning ‘I learned a little bit at school but the rest from life’ and it’s true; the characterisation of ‘living’ on racecourses, with a camper van for the most part, taught me to cope and deal with all eventualities. Learning to live indeed but I hate losing.
My reference to Manchester United stems from the best system ever known to ‘JR’ which is laying all odds-one favourites in the English Premier League; anyone with a modicum of nous needs only to join Betfair betting exchange and play to within comfortable limits.
No need to be concerned about ‘Gambling responsibly’ as the bookmakers’ adverts glaringly state; there is no credit on Betfair and if you follow this column profit is consistent and enjoyable every month. April has been superb.
Getting back to my opening lament winning everyday is impossible, even playing ‘toss-up’ against a stranger with a double-headed penny, and one learned long ago patience is the supreme virtue, until we run out of time!
In the meantime, while my pacemaker continues at a steady sixty per minute, I’m buoyed by news Mutaasabeq is an intended runner in our English 2000 Guineas over the famous Newmarket Rowley Mile, Saturday, when he attempts to keep an unbeaten record with a third career victory.
I’ve never given ex-trainer Barry Hills any peace since he scored in good time over seven at HQ earlier this month; as ever, the legendary grumbling octogenarian listened to someone who plotted more than TWELVE-HUNDRED WINNERS for his yard between 1999/2011. We’re a great team, even now ten years since he retired and gave reins to son Charles who he now concedes ‘is getting better!’
Tonight ex-champion jockey Silvestre de Souza becomes the fourth different jockey in as many outings to partner Seagulls Nest when Mick Channon’s charge is fancied to go one better in the Novice Stakes over twelve furlongs of Lingfield polytrack.
Seagulls Nest shaped well under Nicola Currie on her seasonal at the Surrey venue three weeks ago when staying on well for the runner-up spot behind our strong selection, Lost Eden, with a 2/5 chance, third. This Camelot filly is advantaged by all allowances which amount to 12lbs from two previous winners. That equates to at least six lengths.
Selections, Nottingham, 1.15 Amber Dew (e.w); Lingfield, 7.25 Seagulls Nest (e.w); Ayr, 8.15 Turandot (e.w).
Jeffrey Ross, horse-racing correspondent for WMN since 1983 when winning the most prestigious racing journalist award, Sporting Life Naps Table, before winning it a record number of six times collectively in the Racing Post, the current ‘trade’ paper, including 2019