The final Saturday before Cheltenham, was unsurprisingly quiet…
There were only a couple of races on the Sandown card, that I ever considered getting involved with - and rain/travel issues, made a mess of one of those !
As a consequence, I ended up issuing a Best bet in just one race - or rather, issuing 2 Best bets in just one race !
I think there has only been one previous race this season, in which I’ve issued multiple Best bets - instead I’ve opted to use the Matrix to provide cover.
In this particular race however, I couldn’t choose between the 2 horses I fancied - and felt sure that if I’d plumped for just one of them, it would have been the wrong one.
Both Farinet and Up the Straight opened up at 10/1 last night.
They were also roughly that price on the exchanges at the off.
Yet at 9:00 this morning, they were both 7/1 - and that is the price I will be recording for the official P&L.
It does neatly show the issue I face every week.
I have to tip profitably, at prices which are around 20% lower than the best prices available (both early and late).
It’s effectively the bookmakers margin on mature markets - and it’s not easy to overcome (believe me !).
Anyway, the race itself, panned out like a dream.
Strategem made a shocking mistake at the first fence - and whilst he nearly interfered with Up the Straight, he didn’t !
For whatever reason - and despite being very well backed - Admiral Barratry decided that he just didn’t fancy it today and was soon tailed off.
No Getaway charged off like a scolded cat - and in deep ground, it always seemed unlikely that he would get home.
Annsam made a race ending mistake at the 11th fence: and favourite Belargus fell at the very next fence.
Meanwhile, Farinet and Up the Straight were both cruising through the race - and jumping the third last, it was apparent that they had the race between them.
Running down to the last, they were 20 lengths clear of the third horse - and it looked to be a case of whoever jumped the fence best, would win.
Up the Straight pinged it and went a couple of lengths clear - but then he started to tire and Farinet kicked in the overdrive.
At the line he was 6 lengths clear of a weary runner up - with nearly 30 lengths back to the third.
I can honestly say that it was probably the least stressful winner I’ve ever tipped !
Whilst I didn’t suggest it, I know that a few of you also had the forecast.
It paid £71 to a pound stake - so well done all of you who took the plunge.
The only other bets on the day, were for the Matrix.
I had hoped to make Highway one o Two a Best bet in the Lanzarote - but he was a non runner.
I therefore suggested 3 small bets for the Matrix - but one of those also didn’t run !
Of the 2 remaining bets, Mack the Man ran well to finish third - but was no match for Langer Dan, who absolutely bolted up.
The other Matrix bet was Malaya - but she was beaten early in the straight and was pulled up.
As for the rest of the card, then there wasn’t a lot to report !
At no point did I consider suggesting any further bets - and I certainly hadn’t considered getting involved with any of the other winners !
Still, the important thing is that one of the Best bets I did suggest, came home in front.
And that’s always a nice way to start Cheltenham week
TVB.
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