Monday was one of those days where the track felt like it was playing hide and seek with us. We sifted through 45 selections across six different meetings, and while the board was painted in plenty of colors, the return wasn't quite what we were banking on. It is part of the game. We take the chin-rubbers and the celebrations as they come. From the flat turf of Brighton to the jump tracks at Newton Abbot, here is how the day unfolded.
Newton Abbot
Newton Abbot provided a couple of bright sparks for our portfolio today. Kittys Glance stepped up in the Paul Ferguson's Jumpers To Follow Handicap Hurdle and justified the support. She has been a picture of consistency lately, and that 7/2 quote looked fairly generous considering her recent form line. Then we had Scott's Legacy in the Novices' Hurdle. The yard is firing at the moment, and with Sam Twiston-Davies in the saddle, he had far too much class for the field at 10/3.
Kittys Glance
@ 7/2Scott's Legacy
@ 10/3Brighton
Brighton gave us a bit of a mixed bag. Roman Spring did the business in the Matchbook Signup handicap, rewarding those who stuck with him at 7/2. He is a tough customer who understands how to win. Unfortunately, we also had to deal with the frustrations of close calls elsewhere on the card.
Roman Spring
@ 7/2Love You Back
@ 4/1Hamilton
Hamilton was the site of a very professional performance from City Captain. In a busy 10-runner field, he was backed at 19/10 and delivered a clean round of racing. He is clearly a horse heading in the right direction for Harriet Bethell, and his tactical versatility makes him a nightmare for the handicapper.
City Captain
@ 19/10Roscommon
Telegram Sam was the star of the show at Roscommon, obliging at 6/5. It is always a relief when the odds-on shots actually come in, especially in a large field. The breeding was spot on for the conditions, and the stable is clearly in a good place right now.
Telegram Sam
@ 6/5Jolie Jewel
@ 2/1Down Royal
Things were a bit tougher at Down Royal. Orellana was one we really fancied, and while a 9/1 placement is decent for the each-way backers, it was frustrating not to get the nose in front. The field was competitive, and the winner just had a bit more speed in the final furlong.
Orellana
@ 9/1The Ones That Got Away
Every day has its share of head-scratchers. Some horses just don't fire when we expect them to. It is the nature of the beast, and it is vital to keep an objective eye on these results rather than getting emotional about them.
Rakki
@ 2/1Ones to Watch
Looking ahead, keep an eye on the progression of the younger hurdlers coming out of the Twiston-Davies yard. They seem to have their string in exceptional form. Additionally, watch the handicappers coming out of the Brighton meetings; sometimes those small, tight tracks produce horses that are significantly better than their current marks suggest when they move to more galloping venues.
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