New Years Day saw a feast of racing, but from the three darts thrown, it was a blank and dull day. The one I fancied like a fancy thing, Pallas Lord, was nutted into 2nd in the closing stages, and I can’t help feel aggrieved at what looked a woefully weak ride in the finish by Sean Kirrane.
The winner was a very well handicapped horse, but Pallas Lord and Sean Kirrane were given the run of the race, totally uncontested, so to be reeled in like they were from out the back, was very frustrating.
The 35T drew a blank too, whilst the rest mentioned in the notes saw a flurry of winners, with Paul Nicholls landing winners at 2/1 and 4/1 at Musselburgh, and the Shannon Rose runner in the Tramore Maiden scooted up at 10/3. All in all, it was just a disappointing day.
Today’s racing…
Poor stuff. An awful lot of really low grade stuff, which I ordinarily do not turn my nose up at, but a lot of these are beyond that. I managed to snuffle out two I wanted on side at the prices, and have gone with both. The latter is the better bet, being a fantastic EW price for all considered.
Different Tone 11/2 | 1pt WIN
13:12 Chelmsford
T: Rebecca Menzies
J: Jason Watson
Result: unplaced – PU/7 -1pt
In touch with leaders, weakened over 3f out, pulled up over 1f out. The Veterinary Officer reported that he finished lame on his left-fore. (SP 9/2)
Sense Of Worth 18/1 | ½pt EW
20:00 Wolverhampton
20:00 WolverhamptonT: Seb Spencer
J: Dale Swift
Result: unplaced – 9/9 -1pt
Unable to keep pace. Weakened from turn in (SP 14/1)
Different Tone looks a knocking bet back over the C&D he run a huge race over prior to switching to Rebecca Menzies. The form of that race has worked out really well, suggesting his ability here can be marked up considerably. This is a far weaker contest than that, in what looks a seriously good opportunity for a shrewd bunch of owners. Early market moves will mean nothing here, but any last minute (or seconds) moves will prove telling.
Sense Of Worth at Wolverhampton is an outstanding bet. Twice a winner at the course during 2025, and he has ran into the places on four further occasions, all of which have come off of higher marks than the 58 he runs off here – The two wins coming off of 64 and 65.
I’m taking on Take The Boat in this against Sense Of Worth, who I backed last time and marked down as one not on a going day. Up in trip here, which I just can’t have. Wait for that one dropping back to a mile or 7f.
Other notes…
I had Whistle Stop Tour (15:30 Ayr) marked down for a must bet next time out over hurdles and one to keep a firm eye on over fences. Back over hurdles today, but to my amazement it’s under the same jockey who cost him the race I took him from.
10lb claimer Gregor Walkingshaw was absolutely woeful in the run-in under him over this C&D in November, somehow getting him beaten 1¼ lengths when he was obviously lobbing, but Danny Mcmenamin gave him a riding lesson in the finish.
I’m astounded he is back on board here and couldn’t possibly back him at the price. A Point-to-Point rider and trainer, he has just 2 winners from 42 rides, both wins coming over fences.
Best of luck with your punting today,
