With the risk of sounding like another grumpy old man I must agree with the Don’s recent comments regarding the new Channel 4 racing team but I will go even further and say they are less than useless.
The new dream team of Claire Balding and Nick Luck to me lack charisma and personality and they lack a good sense of humour. Graham Cunningham is a disaster, he might have a knowledge of racing but as a presenter he has about as much going for him as a politician on Question Time.
How can they can axe John Francome, Mike Cattermole, Alistair Down and Tommo is beyond belief. As for John McCririck well he is like Marmite you either love him or hate him but I wish him well in his court case for wrongful dismissal.
The powers at Channel 4 say they wanted a younger vibrant look to attract younger viewers, well in that case why didn’t they get the guys from Attheraces Luke Harvey and Jason Weaver. The Mere Cat and Shark are great fun on their friday show and also what about mouthy Matt Chapman who is personality plus and has a better sun tan than David Dickinson. The orange one would eat Nick Luck for breakfast.
I see Harry Redknapp is spending big to try and fend off relegation at Q.P.R. lets hope he is not in the process of turning them into another down and out like Portsmouth.
Money talks and bullshit walks in football and never a truer word as when I was chatting to a soccer stats man this week, I was told that without Robin Van Persie’s Goals this season Man Utd would be 10th and if he had stayed at Arsenal they would be top. So who is the clever one Fergie or Wenger? I think I have just answered that one myself.
Yesterday’s jump racing was dire and the jocks at FFos Las said it was the worse ground they have ever ridden on. A horse can win on that heavy turf but it can take its toll on any horse and they might not be able to produce the form for months as it takes the guts out of many animals. So do not take National Hunt form for granted as it is no guide to winner finding at the moment.
As for Howies Hottie today no surprise I’m sticking to the poly track at Kempton in the 6.15. This is a competitive 2 mile handicap and the selection is Gary Moores grey Woolfall Treasure. A winner last time out at Wolverhampton over slightly further he should have no trouble with the trip.
He is a front runner and might well get his own way at the head of affairs and if George Baker can conserve a little energy for the final furlong he should go close.
I did consider top weight First Avenue one of my recent eycatchers (winner of this race last year) but instead of Ian Mongan his usual pilot taking the ride they have put up a 7lb claimer to reduce the burden. He could shake up my selection but I will stick with my grey gelding.
EYECATCHERS
Climaxfortackle trainer D.Shaw – One of my selections yesterday he made up lots of late ground but the post came to soon. A step up in trip is a must and then the gold medal awaits.
El Libertador trainer E.Wheeler – Apprentice ridden when in the frame at Lingfield. I believe with a stronger ride next time he will go very close.
New Decade trainer M.Bradley – Ran a race full of promise after a long absence. He will be a lot fitter next time. Owned by the same guy who owned The Tattling this decent gelding could be a big improver.
Hanoverian Baron trainer T.Newcombe – Stayed on late in a slow 10 furlong race at Lingfield. It is plain to see a step up to 12 furlongs can see this classy handicapper win again.
Asaid trainer J.Ferguson – I am keeping jumping eyecatchers to the minimum for reasons mentioned above but this gelding ran very well in a novice chase last week and when the ground dries out a little he should be winning.
Back next Wednesday have a great week and be lucky.
Howard Davis.
Bankers Bonus
http://go.betfan.com/1000/15
Leave a Reply