Yesterday we heard about the tragic air crash in Columbia where 71 people died and only 6 managed to survive. On board were the Brazilian football team Chapecoense who were to compete in the final of the Intercontinental South American Cup.
Our hearts and condolences go out to the families of those that lost their lives.This was to be a fairy tale ending to the clubs season having risen from the 4th tier of Brazilian football to the top division and now to play in a major final.
Chapecoense were a Cinderella story very much in the mould of our own Leicester City. Hopefully they can rebuild and carry on in the memory of those who have perished very much as Manchester Utd did after the Munich crash of 1958.
I’m old enough to remember that tragic day and how in my opinion the greatest English player of all time would have been Duncan Edwards who sadly passed away 12 days after being pulled from the wreckage. Bobby Moore was a wonderful player but Duncan Edwards would have been even better.
History tells us that manager Matt Busby recovered from his injuries and along with the amazing Bobby Charlton they went on to conquer Europe lets all hope the Brazilians can do something similar.
Lots of people ask me how I keep finding massive priced winners well I have to say it’s not as hard as you might think. Let me give you an example in Pearl Spectre who won for me at 33/1. The horse was a classy individual for Ian Balding and as a juvenile beat the top class Canock Chase who is now rated 119.
Pearl Spectres form went off the boil a bit and he was sent for an unsuccessful stint to America. Back here in the UK they started running him over longer trips which didn’t suit the gelding. His rating dropped below 80 and once new connections had him fit he was primed to hit the target which he did at Chelmsford.
The funny thing is he won twice last week firstly at 33/1 when my members were on and then again later the same week at 7/2 when all the so called experts came out of the woodwork to advise him as a bet. You see the art is to be able to find the big prices as with respect to other so called tipsters any fool can find 7/2 winners from time to time.
There is a super card at Lingfield today on the polytrack with an 11 grand conditions race and I’m going to play Howies Hottie at the meeting in their 3.40 the lucky last over the 2 mile trip.
The selection is Topolski who is pushing 11 years of age. This gelding had some cracking form in his younger days and at one time was even considered a potential Champion hurdle contender.
It’s just a shame he has had so many niggles he never reached those heights in his heyday however he still has ability and this amateur riders event won’t take a lot of winning especially with top lady rider Sarah Brotherton doing the steering. I admit it’s a boom or bust bet but he should be good odds plus always remember if you don’t buy a ticket you can’t win the raffle.
HOT HANDICAPPERS
ARTIFICIAL SURFACES
Crimean Tatar trainer H.Palmer – Nice winner at Kempton and could be a top stayer.
King Cole trainer R.Cowell – I have put this one up on my Eye-Catchers service after he finished in mid division behind Pearl Spectre. The yard think he is better than a handicapper and he could well be listed class.
Sharjah trainer A.Slattery – Starting to find his feet after a lean spell and could be on a decent mark in Ireland.
JUMPERS
Red Spinner trainer K.Bailey – Ran well on ground softer than ideal at Newbury and can win on a better surface.
Blaklion trainer N.Twiston-Davies – Travelled like the winner in the Hennessy until finding little 2 out. The trainer will look at his wind to see if there is a problem and once sorted out there are races to be won with him.
Back next Wednesday be lucky.
Howard Davis-Shaw.
CLICK HERE For Howard’s Eye-Catchers!
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