Its been the Craven at Newmarket and you’ve had two viewpoints on it already on Thursday and Saturday and for once I agree with Messrs Holden and Bell which sounds like a firm of solicitors. Although if one of those two was defending you over a parking ticket you would probably end up serving five years!
The source of agreement which has really rattled the Don was the ride given by Paul Hannagan on the massively fancied Aljaamaaheer on Thursday. The very shrewd Kevin Ryan had entered Hamza who is no slouch but no group 1 performer either and was always going to blast off as that was his only chance.
The ground by now was seriously quick which can mean somewhat obviously that horses don’t stop. This fact didn’t worry Hannagan as he allowed Hamza a six length lead. He then showed no urgency at all and realised way too late Hamza had left something in the tank and was beaten two heads in the lead five years after the line, full of running. We had max betted the horse at 13/8 in the morning. It was a kick where it hurts and had not needed to happen which was what is so upsetting.
As one gambling guru said no matter how much you moan and how many valid points you make about why it was a bad ride and should of won it’s highly unlikely they will agree to run the race again! So we move on but we remember.
We are moving in to some very big weeks with the Guineas, Chester and York on the horizon and this week at Newmarket has been vital in meeting contacts and getting a feel for the condition of the top yards. Despite some reverses that were largely jockey error the Varian horses all looked in rude health as did Roger Charltons which is unusual for him this early. By contrast the Stoute horses looked to be carrying a lot of condition. Which brings me to jibes about my weight, if I look heavier since Cheltenham it’s probably based on my wallet Andrew…. thanks again! Although I must say it’s easy to take jibes off him than it is off Mr Holden who is hardly jockey material. I’ve seen less bloated looking people pulled out of rivers.
For our Sunday special we go to Musselburgh and the 3.35 and we are going with the fave here King of the Picts who has been a real whisper horse. This horse has been off so long the Beatles were still together when he last ran but he is very fit I’m told and on a very nice handicap mark. These guys are shrewd so lets go win bet King of the Picts @ 9/4 with Ladbrokes.
Have a great week despite some reverses we are still massively up on the month and we are looking up not down. Trust in the Don.
Back next Sunday.
The Gambling Don
http://go.betfan.com/1000/119
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