Review of the day

At the start of the day, I felt that todays tips could be broken into 2 groups: the ‘probables’ and the ‘possibles’…

I thought it was 'probable' that one of Calipto, Warne, Arnaud or Uxizandre would win – and 'possibly' that one of the more speculative tips might win…

As it turned out, 2 of the probables came home first – which was quite nice - and saw the day end in profit…

In truth, it could have been even better, as I was toying this morning on whether to put up Calipto or Guitar Pete in the opener – and I opted for the former…

It was therefore a little miffed to watch the latter come sailing past him on the run from the final flight.

That said, if the two met again, I’m not sure I would back Guitar Pete to uphold the form, as once again I felt Calipto was a bit unlucky…

This time it was with the way the race unfolded – as he was just a bit too keen of an unexpectedly slow pace.

That cost him dear in the closing stages, as he was passed by two horses who had settled better.

My guess is that he will ultimately turn out to be the best horse in the race…

Fortunately, the next tip to run, Warne, made up for that disappointment, with a resounding success in the hunter chase, over the National obstacles…

I’ve got to be honest, I thought Sam Waley Cohen had ridden him bit too aggressively – and as Mossey Joe closed on the run to the second last, I felt the writing was on the wall.

However, Sam had clearly saved a bit and when he asked, Warne just quickened away from his toiling rivals for an easy success.

Tarten Snow stayed on to claim the runners up spot with Mossey Joe tiring into third.

Cool Friend finished out the back and never really threatened to get involved.
Seeing as he had run Tarten Snow close in the corresponding race last year, it was a disappointing effort.

I was also disappointed with the efforts of Arnaud and Anquetta in the following race.
The former raced close to the pace but didn’t jump with his customary zest and was beaten turning in.
The latter showed very little indeed – and was pulled up before the last.

The race was won at 16/1 by Parsnip Pete, who was on the list of TVB tips from earlier in the season.

This ‘system’ almost defies belief – but it keeps on churning out big priced winners at the spring festivals…

The final ‘probable’ to run was Uxizandre - and under a determined McCoy drive, he came home in front.

He travelled nicely through the race, with AP happy to share the lead with Western Warhorse.

The two seemed to have it between them turning in – and when Western Warhorse cried enough jumping the second last it looked all over.

But then Oscar Whisky began to bear down on Uxizandre and I have to admit to being a little concerned.

However, the Champ had left a little up his sleeve and was able to drive Uxizandre to a well deserved victory.

Riverside Theatre and Big Easy were the final two tips to run, in the last race on the card.

And whilst neither troubled the judge, they both ran with a degree of promise, for next time…

Big Easy in particular, will take some beating in his next engagement; whilst Riverside Theatre ran on late, having made numerous mistakes and been under pressure for a large part of the race.

Earlier in the afternoon, Silviniaco Conti had shown a lot of guts to win the Betfair Bowl.

I’m sure the race he ran at Cheltenham would have bottomed most horses - but he came back for more this afternoon and was a very worthy winner.

He emerged from todays race with his reputation enhanced, in my eyes.

Finally, The New One cantered all over the field in the Aintree hurdle – winning, hard held from Rock on Ruby.

OK, that’s not quite how it panned out – but that was the result, so I hope a few of you had the forecast J

I suspect The New One had a hard race at Cheltenham, he quickened well today – but looked a tired horse on the run in.

Hopefully a long summer out at grass will see him return at the peak of his powers and claim the ultimate prize next March.

TVB.