It may have turned into a bit of a PR exercise for the
sport – but the Grand National still makes absolutely compelling
viewing…
From the moment that Battle Group refused to race, to
when Pineau De Re crossed the line in splendid isolation, there was tension and
excitement: thrills and spills of every shape and size…
If you have told me in advance that both Long Run and
Teaforthree would fall, I wouldn’t have believed you; Tidal Bay and The Rainbow
Hunter were both so unlucky to be taken out of the race – and as for the
incident involving Across the Bay…!
As far as the tips were concerned – then all bar one, ran
with enormous credit…
That one was Big Shu, who seemed think that the third
fence was a bank and tried to run up in rather than jumping over it. His cross
country background perhaps betraying him…
The other 5 tips (including Monbeg Dude) were still all
well in contention approaching the third last and I have to admit that for a
split second, I started to think about which one of them I most wanted to win
!
For most of the race, I thought it was likely to be
Prince De Beauchene, who was given a peach of a ride by Paul Townend up the
inside.
However, he faded after the third last – at which point I
thought Rocky Creek was the one.
Unfortunately the same fate befell him, a few hundred
yards later – and I was left vainly hoping that either Monbeg Dude or Alvarado
could stay on and claim an unlikely victory.
Alas it was not to be and whilst the latter did stay on
to tremendous effect to finish fourth, ultimately that was as close as we
got…
For what it’s worth, Rocky Creek finally finished 5th (so
anyone who backed him EW with B365 will get paid); Monbeg Dude 7th;
Vesper Bell 13th and Prince de Beauchene 16th.
It was a fine effort from them all…
Earlier in the day, Un Ace and Kilcooley both ran
deplorably in the opener…
Apparently Un Ace bled from the nose, which presumably
explains his poor showing.
Fortunately, the following race went almost exactly to
script, with Balder Succes proving himself far too good for his
rivals.
It was a very impressive performance. Based on the
finishing position of Trifolium, the suggestion has to be that Balder Succes is
just about the best 2 mile novice seen out this season.
It will be interesting to see if he can take the next
step and challenge for the Champion chase in 12 months time…
In the stayers hurdle, a prolonged battle for the lead
between Zarkandar and At Fishers Cross probably did for the chances of them
both.
I was hoping that it might play into the hands of Salubrious - and whilst he looked set to mount a serious challenge at the second last, ultimately he didn’t get home.
I was hoping that it might play into the hands of Salubrious - and whilst he looked set to mount a serious challenge at the second last, ultimately he didn’t get home.
Instead it was Whisper who ground out victory – and to
think we were on him earlier in the season when he was beaten in handicap off a
mark of 137 L
I strongly fancied two in the next race – so it was a
little perplexing to see them both effectively beaten after 3 fences
!
I guess they both came with risks, but I would still have
expected much better.
As it turned out, it was left to two of our old friends
to fight out the finish, with Duke of Lucca just getting the better of Vino
Griego.
I was a bit disappointed with the run of Drumlee in the
penultimate race on the card – particularly as the two horses that he had form
with, were still in with every chance jumping the second last.
However neither of them were any match for the class
horse in the race, Court Minstrel. This is his time of the year, and he won
well, despite top weight.
Finally, Modus didn’t run his race in the bumper - and
consequently finished unplaced.
I’m glad I swerved him !
I’ll put together some stats and numbers for the meeting
over the next day or so and send them on to you.
I know that the meeting has been moderately profitable –
with small profits recorded on each day.
As you are aware, I was a little apprehensive about how
it would go – so I’ll happily take that result !
Anyway, more of that, when I’ve gathered together the
details…
TVB.
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