No Thursday winners reported. If I've left anyone out, I apologise; please leave a message on this thread and I'll update.
I posted this on twitter Thursday morning, the satire obvious, I thought. But 2 or 3 responded saying either I'd got it wrong or that it was a bad move by the PJA
Whip Rules
I'm told the PJA is preparing a demand for the Festival saying they want each jockey to be able to 'play a joker' once a day: example: 'I will surrender my 7 strokes in The Supreme for 14 in The Arkle'. A stroke credit scheme (like carbon credits) is also in train.
The Ludlow bumper is a race full of well bred types. There are debutants from the Henderson and Fry yards, whose bumper horses are always fit to go well firs time, and Venetia Williams, who has launched two really nice debutant winners in bumpers recently. But among the others, Flying Fortune has been backed at big prices and is now as short as 7/2. Peter Bowen is a bumper specialist and his 4yo filly is by Soldier Of Fortune, who has a good record as a bumper sire as his progeny have speed and stay well. But the dam is particularly interesting: many will remember Turbo Linn, one of the best horses handled by the late lamented Alan Swinbank, who loved to prepare a bumper horse to win first time and backed them accordingly. Alan sent Turbo Linn out to win no fewer than five bumpers, an almost unique achievement, as well as good races on the flat including the Gp 2 Lancashire Oaks, run that year at Newmarket. She has produced only two foals to have reached the racecourse, neither of which won, so itremains to be seen whether she hands her genes on to her babies. We'll see, but Bowen doesn't entertain angels unaware so this one needs a close look today.
Apologies
Lud 1500 Ree Okka
my only bet last night when I chose youth over experience.......
and no, I'm not a woman
Charlie Deutsch is a class jockey and there are few better at presenting a horse at a fence, but sometimes he lacks a racing brain. Yesterday at Ffos Las was a case in point on Dentley De Mee when he was 2L clear over the last and took several looks at himself on the big screen instead of riding the horse out, allowing the tenacious Sean Bowen the chance to get up at the death. I know he would be under instruction not to bottom the horse - it was officially heavy ground but it wasn't desperate and neither horse was legless, so it was simple complacency on Charlie's part. You can see why Sean Bowen rides so many winners, many of them that no one else could win on. He never gives up.
Joe, I'm interested in your strike-credit scheme. Extrapolating from your 7 strokes for the Supreme and 14 for the Arkle, I suggest 28 for the National Hunt Chase might be fair. Some of those amateur riders get a bit tasty with the old persuader.
Bradford Lady 16:00 Ludlow EW
Sorry Jake! I'm with you on Didero Vallis 3.00L nap
5.30 Dundalk - Elzaamsan (each way)
Very good Joe. They could play a wrangle card oo, where they get to punch the opposing jockey. I'm not sure I'd do it at Cheltenham but today's racing at Ludlow would be livened up if Ben Hur rules applied.
I'll take a punt on Good lord there ew in the 2.30. Its a long shot type day.
Barney’s Bay - 18.45 Southwell
Kincardine 3.30L.
For Langy - 14.00
Didero Vallis 3.00 Ludlow is the nap,.
Innternationalangel, is the ew nap.
Meydan 4.55.
Zig Zag Zyggy. 15.50. Dundalk.
Lives up to his name as he is now on his 8th change of Stable.