Review of the day

I really don’t know what happened with Court By Surprise this afternoon – and I can only apologise for his lamentable performance…

I had a word with all of the ‘guys’ last Saturday evening – and told them how important this final week was.

The message was simple – if I put you up, I expect you to win.

They’ve had 5 months to mess about – with their close shaves and hard luck stories. Sure, it all adds to the excitement and makes it more of a ‘journey’ – but this week was just about results – and each of them knew that.

Consequently, I really can’t tell you how disappointed I was with Court By Surprise – rest assured, he will be dealt with appropriately.

(Let’s put it this way, if there wasn’t already a ‘G’ next to his name – there would be after today ;) ).

Fortunately, in the previous race on the Stratford card, Vulcanite had executed precisely as expected…

The fact that the commentator mixed him up with the other JP owned horse, added to the entertainment a little – but apart from a moments concern when the leaders briefly threatened to quicken away from him after the third last, all was as per the script…

He quickly found his stride again, powered into the lead approaching the last - and held on comfortably…

Nerves got the better of Havingotascoobydo and he ‘self certified’ himself out of the Uttoxeter race.

Obviously that was also a little disappointing – but it was still far preferable to the route taken by Court by Surprise…

Anyway, enough of that.

With regard to the mentions, then Bog Warrior did indeed get the better of Baily Green at Navan.

Now that doesn’t mean that Bog Warrior is the better animal - far from it. However, todays conditions suited Bog Warrior much better – and under a very nice Carberry ride, he tackled and passed Baily Green jumping the final fence.

I think that if Mark Enright had ridden with a little more restraint – or spent a little less time looking over his shoulder, then the result might have been different - but that’s racing…

Also at Navan, Rich Revival ran really well in the handicap hurdle but just lacked that change of gear over the last couple of hurdles…

I would expect him to come on plenty for the run and he would have to merit serious consideration in one of the big chases at the Fairyhouse and Punchestown festivals…

Riddleofthesands was the only other mention to run (Royaltor was taken out) and after leading for the first 2 miles of the race, he just didn’t get home. He needs dropping back to the minimum trip…

And so on to the final day of the season, safe in the knowledge that the month will end in profit – and the P&L for the season is at a peak.

If that doesn’t put me in a good frame of mind to tackle the Ascot card, then nothing will J

TVB.