Plum Pudding (18/1) may have been a topical winner of today's 2.20 at Warwick but he must rank as the luckiest winner of the year as first fence faller Tafika was still loose some six minutes after his tumble and hampered leading horse and 5/1 favourite Glens Boy in the shadow of the post to gift the race to the outsider. It certainly didn't make for the best of viewing, being described as 'carnage' by one commentator.
With that occurence in mind, here are some tentative suggestions for New Year's Day 2012 in this 800th blog post...
Cheltenham 1.05: Invictus (11/4 Ladbrokes) appeals as a play against likely favourtie Sonofvic. Sonofvic didn't look the most fluent of jumpers when going down to Grand Crus at Newbury on his first try over the larger obstacles.
Musselburgh 1.15: Bourne has to give 15 pounds to Eagle Rock but could offer value.
Musselburgh 2.25: I'm a fan of Marsh Warbler (fifth in the Ladbroke Hurdle at Ascot last time) but I'm not convinced the going or this track will see him to best advantage. Desert Cry, part-owned by Everton manager David Moyes, looked a very tricky ride in that same Ascot race.
Exeter 12.40: Theatrical Star has been quite highly tried and is an each-way wager if the tissue price of 12/1 becomes available on the day.
Exeter 2.55: I'd chance Penny Max against Golden Chieftain.
Exeter 4.00: Two to monitor in the bumper - Philip Hobbs' Billesley Road and Xaarcet, described in the autumn by Colin Tizzard as 'probably our best unraced horse for the season'.
Let me take this opportunity to wish all readers a happy and prosperous new year.
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A very mixed bag for New Year's Day...
The Dipper went to the horse who put in the best round of jumping - Champion Court (6/1) took the honours. Invictus (100/30) didn't help his cause by racing keenly in the early stages and came home third; I guess connections will look to build on this effort. 6/5 favourite Sonofvic put in a shoddy round and was struggling when slipping up four out; Walsh performed miracles to keep the partnership intact but any chance was lost in the process.
At Musselburgh Bourne (7/4) couldn't give the weight away finishing third behind Kaolak (11/1).
At Exeter Theatrical Star (8/1) was in with every chance three from home but a blunder two out took its toll- nonetheless he made a place in third while favourite Penny Max obliged at odds of 13/8.
A disappointing effort from both bumper horses who raced handily but fell away four from home, finishing tailed off in sixth and seventh.
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