- This topic has 5 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 6 years, 3 months ago by
.
- Posts
Yesterday, my son, my mate and I set off for Newbury in hope and anticipation. In the car we spoke of: short priced favourites, all our fancies for the Betfair, how Skeleton could have loads of winners at Warwick, etc.
Race 1: we are not big punters, but as there were three “shorties” we decide to row into the favourite at 4/9. The favourite asserts on the run in and wins well enough. However, if he now turns up in the Supreme he will not carry my money. Others have looked more impressive to my eyes. We cash in with smiles and raised spirits.
Race 2: my son & I back Dolphin Square, but two out we know our fate. My mate is beaming as his fancy strolls to victory, but he is urging the Dolphin on for second for the forecast. One For The Team has beaten the Dolphin before he wisely states. I feel as if I have missed something obvious here. Damn!
Race 3: I can’t play at these odds so one to watch. Jumping the last, Altior is still stalking. My son screams “Altior is going to get beat”. My wiser head tells him that Altior is a very strong finisher, and sure enough Nico gives him two taps on the run in and the response is immediate. For me, this now makes the Champion Chase a race to really look forward to. I was at Ascot to see Defi win, and I was really impressed with how he quickened away from UDS. Mullins’ horse has a big reputation. At this point I am not sure which way to go.
Race 4: As I rowed in at 4/9 in the first race, I felt it would be rude not to go it again here, and with the same bookie. Ha ha. Might Bite was 3/1 second fav, which we couldn’t understand so we all felt the forecast with Secret Investor was a great bet at 5/2. Native River jumped lovely and won nicely enough. The forecast paid out and now we are all feeling a little smug as our judgement had been proved right.
Race 5: we have all picked our horses and are all optimistic we have picked the right ones. My mate reminds me of what I said after I backed Pic D’Orhy at Ascot. “If I even suggest backing this thing again, just slap me”. As my picks drop out of contention, and there are a few horses left scrambling for the line, my mate is screaming for the Mullins horse in a tight finish, it eventually dawns on me that bloody Pic D’Orhy has edged it. My easy going, cool persona just melts away as I turn into a petulant little child stamping my feet, cursing my luck. Other racegoers look at me wondering what is going on. My son and mate just laugh at me. You could have done £1 e/w at 40/1 you muppet they helpfully point our. I am looking for tea and sympathy, but they now taunt me for the rest of the day.
Race 6: Our last race as we need to leave shortly after. We are on the Nicholls horse who gave us a run for our money, but was no match for the winner. He can win again.
So an enjoyable day. A couple of winners, so some money left I my picket. Have we seen any Cheltenham winners ? Not sure.
That is exactly what happened to me and exactly how I reacted
Toys were very much out of the pram hahaha
Seems like you all had an enjoyable day… with the obvious exception of missing out on Pic d’Orhy.
One thing, though: why leave before the bumper? That race has an illustrious roll of honour (plenty of very good horses beaten in it, too) and is well worth staying for.
It’s like people who go to football matches and leave early “to beat the traffic” and end up missing a thrilling finish.
That was unfortunate in that I had to ensure I got home in time for an evening engagement. Like you, I like bumpers in the hope of spotting a nice horse or two for the future. I believe the winner won well.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.