The World of golf is not happy after Lewis Hamilton was crowned BBC sports personality of 2014 beating Rory Mcllroy into 2nd place. When asked even Hamilton admitted he would have voted for Rory who by any standards has had an incredible year.
On the subject of Television Channel 4 racing is in turmoil again with viewing figures down 25%. It has been revealed that Claire Balding will only present the Cheltenham Festival and the Royal Ascot meetings next year.
Claire has refused to front the two biggest races on the calendar the National and the Derby which is a snub to the great sport of racing.
Her reason for not being at the big Aintree meeting is that she prefers to present the boat race on the same day which have the first ever race between two female crews.
I applaud her for supporting women but wouldn’t it be great if we had a female jockey win the National when Claire was getting her feet wet in the Thames. So come on Katie Walsh and Lucy Alexander you can do it.
As for Channel 4 racing I think they should ask Simon Holden if he is available or perhaps their best bet is to get Ant and Dec to front the program as Lord Snooty bores the pants off of me.
While the hotties have been disappointing the eyecatchers continue in fantastic form with Topaling winning this week at 7/1. I have noticed that other Betfan columnists have started putting up horses to follow but they will have to go some to beat the big price winners the Wednesday eyecatchers have given you over time. Mind you they say copying is the greatest form of flattery.
Today the racing has a super blend of allweather and jump racing so something for everyone and for Howies Hottie I’m going jumping in the 2.25 Ludlow. The tip is Opening Batsman from the Harry Fry yard.
The gelding ran an interesting race in the Badger Ales chase at Wincanton where he was in contention until tiring in the closing stages. It was his seasonal debut so he should be straighter and this slightly shorter trip should be perfect.
EYECATCHERS
ARTIFICIAL SURFACES
Club House trainer R.Mills – After a slow start he did well to get into the race and was an unlucky loser behind my winning tip Medling at Lingfield. If getting away on terms next time he will be hard to beat.
Sea Soldier trainer A.Balding – Ran in the same race as Club House finishing way down the field however I could see glimmers of the old fire burning. Now this is the sort of eyecatcher nobody else would ever dream of giving you and this well handicapped horse can well turn up at a massive price.
Rockview Emperor trainer J.Mconnell – A slow start cost him dear at Dundalk last week and it’s possible that an increase in distance can see this strong closer get the gold medal.
JUMPERS
First Mohican trainer A.King – Fell at the last at Doncaster when on the heels of the leaders but his jumping does need improvement. This was the only horse who could keep up with Frankel when trained by Sir Henry Cecil. He is worth keeping an eye out for over jumps but it would not surprise me if they decided to give the artificial surfaces a go in particular the Winter Derby.
Showboating trainer B.Palling – A good 2nd in a bumper behind a well regarded sort he should improve for the outing.
Un Ace trainer K.Bailey – Has been running very well in novice events and will be even better when he gets good ground.
Back next Wednesday have a good week and be lucky.
Howard Davis-Shaw
Betting Opportunity
http://go.betfan.com/1000/317
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