My Little Tip represents an each-way ‘steal’ in the eight-runner Novice Stakes over six furlongs of Chelmsford polytrack tonight and this is a real ‘humdinger’ in my book, following on from another intriguing two-year-old race on ‘good to soft’ Beverley earlier; my only worries, regarding a double, will be ‘non-runners!’
Juvenile racing is now in full swing and I’m relishing the prospect of the next three months computing times and relying on my personal handicap based on ‘clock’ information.
Firm emphasis, as ever, will be on ‘trainers-in-form’ and jockeyship which was a mite disappointing on our nap Flaming Lord at Nottingham, Tuesday; his jockey (nameless!) caught the eye of millions and in particular the commentator but instead of pressing on two out and putting the race to bed, always best policy on demanding surfaces, a few strides of ‘showboating’ allowed David Probert the chance to seize an opportunity on Typewriter..
Flaming Lord surrendered an advantage just inside the final furlong but then, vexingly for readers of this column, rallied gamely, however it was much too late.
5/1 winners are difficult to unearth, such prices are the ‘lifeblood’ for serious punters and though we tipped Flaming Lord each-way it’s no consolation; this is a business and I make no apology for continually mentioning the fact.
If the first leg of an each-way double was successful ‘back in the day’, as they say, I was counting hundreds of lucky stars (money!) and all that mattered was for the second leg to be placed as arrangements to ‘lay’ the win were in place with strategically-placed bookmakers who were privy ‘knockout’ plots
Nowadays it’s possible to use Betfair betting exchange as a tool and providing Lotus Rose replicates her Ripon success, three days ago, in the Fillies’ Novice Stakes over five furlongs at the Humberside venue, My Little Tip will become serious business. On my time-handicap they are both a ‘slam dunk’ to make the frames.
Will they both run?
Lotus Rose, drawn very wide, might be scratched as a consequence on a track where stalls positions are so vital and, of course, if there is a withdrawal at the Essex complex, three places become two; I’ll be placing my EWD wager as late as possible!
An eagerly-awaited daily session kicks off with Thebeautifulgame attempting to go one better and making it third time lucky under 3lbs apprentice Laura Pearson in a fourteen-runner Fillies’ Novice Stakes over seven furlongs of ‘good’ Salisbury, where nine ‘decs’ are running for the first time. Historically the Wiltshire course is renowned for ‘non-triers’ in juvenile races!
Thebeautifulgame meets solid criteria requirements and is one to follow whatever happens, part of my modus operandi when nominating selections.
Incidentally Glentaneous is expected to run well in the 7.08 at Lingfield, I’ve got an interest; this is for ‘information purposes’ and an ambitious plan is in place for the Gleneagles colt. Watch this space.
Selections, Salisbury, 1.15 Thebeautifulgame (e.w); Beverley, 2.35 Lotus Rose (e.w); Chelmsford, 6.22 My Little Tip (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