Cheltenham 4:00 15th March 2012 - interesting runner

[JollyGreen]

I have a bit of spare time on my hands this morning so I can add some information about a couple of today's races.

The Byrne Plate at 4:00 is of interest where I think Divers has been laid out for the race. Before the conspiracy police start contacting me about cheating or racing being crooked let me explain. My idea of a horse being laid out is nothing to do with cheating, it all occurs within the rules of racing. I believe they've had this race in mind and prep races in the build up have been designed to help the horse get ready.

I watched the Chelsea game last night and after Drogba's disgraceful dive and then sneaky look from the floor I almost posted this message then. Anyway, let's explain why I like this horse.

We can ignore the last run as it was a hurdle race on unsuitable ground and I suggest that he needed that run. The time before he ran at Cheltenham and unseated his rider when looking tired; I think the race came too soon after a gallant effort in the Paddy Power Gold Cup at Cheltenham. I think this horse has been difficult to train (just my opinion having heard a few comments) and he needs to be spot on to give of his best. He ran a blinder in the Paddy Power where he was running from 5lb out of the handicap. Admittedly a lot of horses were also out of the handicap because of top weight Pocquelin but that doesn't make it any easier. He ran all the way to the line that day on Good/Soft ground (my times suggest it was closer to Soft) which is not ideal for him. This horse seems to like to hear his feet rattle and so he'll appreciate today's going even more. I backed the winner that day who was well handicapped and ran a great race. The second that day was Quantitative Easing who subsequently won at Cheltenham on 10/12 where Divers unseated. This horse tried to step up in trip this Tuesday but was caught by the handicapper and struggled off such a high mark - no horse has ever won that particular race off that mark!

When Divers finished 3rd in the Paddy Power he was followed home in 4th by Aerial who subsequently won a good Grade 3 race at Newbury in battling style. So the form looks solid and the booking of AP McCoy also catches my eye. I am going to write a post on jockey bookings when I get the chance...may have to wait until Cheltenham is over.

I have an ante post ticket for this horse so if he makes the frame I make a profit and if he wins I collect a nice sum. He's around 8/1 and so he is still showing a bit of value as a clear round should see him make the frame.

Good luck in whatever you do.

JG

[enzabella2009]

This is only an opinion of some1 that have not much aknoledge about horse racing but I would like to say that I quite like the horse, my only concern is the Jockey. People may think I must be crazy. A.P McCoy is the best around no question about that, but lately his riding did not particulary excited me. However on the last week of february he won 5 races out 10 and placed twice 2nd. Lets say I am just slighlty concerned and while I was writing this post I saw McCoy riding almost at his best with Catch me.
I hope he will win anyway.

[enzabella2009]

Started...

[superfrank]

great call JG; 'ran a blinder.

[enzabella2009]

Crucial mistake @ the 3rd last for A.P. McCoy....Unlucky...

[JollyGreen]

He ran a good race cannot complain about that as he just ran out of steam at the end. A profit for me as I had a nice each way ante post ticket.

[enzabella2009]

I hope A.P. McCoy won`t see my post...
I brought him bad luck..