Yesterday’s Review

1pt e/way L’eagle Aid (95) – The gamble of the race from 8/1 the night before into 5/4 favourite. The selection underperformed by three lengths compared to his effort at Lingfield probably due to the fact that it was his third race in twenty two days. What is more concerning for punters is jockey Jack Mitchell easing off L’Eagle Aid inside the final furlong when trying to coast home, realising his mistake, and becoming more animated in the saddle before being caught on the line for third place by a horse having it’s racecourse debut. This is not good enough for the protection of punters, and the fact that the BHA Stewards report reads “Nothing To Report” tells us where we are with the standard of racecourse stewardship in the UK today.

1.5pts win Advantage (92) – Another gamble from 10/30 into 7/4 favourite that didn’t go according to plan. On this occasion there wasn’t enough pace in the race for the selection to relax, who then had to make his own running while racing too keen. A performance to put a line through.

1pt e/way Snooze Lane (102) – Exactly the same performance on the clock at the weights from Snooze Lane as his most recent. This race was the fastest on the day, and connections will be best served by looking for a weaker race going forward. It would be best not to hit the front too soon as the selection wandered around in the home straight and lost fourth place near the finish.

1pt e/way Gustav Graves (101) – Just rewards for Gustav Graves thanks to a no nonsense ride from jockey Joanna Mason. A decent break from the stalls and a clear run through to the line was all that was needed to get back into the winner’s enclosure. Result 1st 7/1, 13/2, 6/1 adv…7/2 SP.

Today’s Advice

Phoenix Beach (6f Hcap) – A return to the C&D which saw this 4yo successful last month could be just what the doctor ordered. On that occasion he bounced back to form when finishing 3/4 length ahead of Bella Kopella whilst racing in touch with the leaders. He has won off a handicap mark of 72 in the past so there is still room for improvement off his new mark of 69 following his recent effort at Southwell. Obviously the strong favourite The Caltonian is going to be difficult to overcome, but I am happy to have an each way interest and see how the race pans out.

Buddy One (2m 7f 80y Grade 1) – It is good to see this recent Cheltenham winner stepping back up in trip for today’s (1.50) Leopardstown following his effort in an unsuitable race last time over too short a distance. His winning performance at Cheltenham highlighted the conditions he needs to be seen at his best, a decent pace over three miles with some cut in the ground. He should get those conditions today providing they go a strong enough pace for him to travel into the race. He looks overpriced in the market providing he can reproduce that winning effort, and with the shape of the race I would advise punters to seek out the extra place where possible, but for this account it will be for two places.

0.5pt e/way Buddy One (12/1 Betvictor/Coral, 11/1 Betfred) 1.50 Leopardstown

1pt e/way Phoenix Beach (8/1 Paddy Power, 7/1 General 4 places) 7.00 Wolverhampton