Recap Saturday's action including the Betfair Chase
Blog replay
1545: And with that, I'm going to sign off. It's been a fine day's racing, particular if you're Simon Munir or Isaac Souede, who have two little gems in Bristol De Mai and Top Notch, and perhaps a good one for the future thanks to the opening winner at Haydock.
Thanks for your company and while you digest all that has happened, a reminder that you can watch every race we've spoken about again via our free video form service.
Speak to you again soon.
1543: Turns out we don't know what happens... Chase The Spud finds plenty and Robinsfirth, who made a bad mistake three out, will have to make do with second. Dare I say... good. One for another day.
1542: Value Bet selection second, my unbacked-because-I-forgot horse third as they go for home. We know what happens here.
1537: No Pick 7 jackpot winner, folks. I'm sorry to celebrate that fact. I did mean to tell you I fancy one here at Haydock but it's too late. Robinsfirth is the horse - I think he'll win a good pot this year. Absolute giant. Midway through this he's held up and going fine.
Linfoot's selection, Catamaran Du Seuil, is up there helping force the pace.
1529: We'll shut the blog down shortly to make sure you've got all the news, reports and reaction you need elsewhere, plus previews of a decent Sunday of course.
First, there's one more Value Bet selection to go in just a few minutes. Click here for more.
1523: Still catching my breath after that, and a narrow second for Ben Linfoot's Value Bet selection, Cepage, at Ascot.
Daryl Jacob on Bristol De Mai: "He's a phenomenal horse, he's a beautiful horse.
"He's a fabulous horse and we've always thought the world of him."
Shakespearean! Well done, Daryl.
1508: BRISTOL DE MAI WINS THE BETFAIR CHASE
And he doesn't just win it - that was a breathtaking display. He has destroyed some very good horses. Yes, under his conditions. Yes, on his track. But that's a sensational effort whichever way you dress it. They're measured it at 57 lengths. Wow.
1507: Mistake two out but he's extending further clear, maybe 20 lengths now, Tea For Two a distant second. One more... and he's over it. Superb stuff this, whatever we make of the others. Cue Card, the game old boy, rallying for second.
1507: Outlander beaten, Bristol pouring it on. Cue Card and Tea For Two maybe eight lengths behind four out.
1506: Six out, the front four - completed by Tea For Two - are all excellent over it. Cue Card then clouts five out as Bristol extends away again under Jacob and suddenly goes six clear.
1505: The lead is down to two lengths, Cue Card and Outlander closing right in on the leader who just out-jumps both a shade down the back.
1504: Circuit to go, largely unchanged but Cue Card has been coaxed along more than once, noticeably so as they pass the post just to hold his position.
1503: Decent gallop here, set by Bristol who doesn't jump the ditch too well. Better from Cue Card, who had taken the previous fence slowly. He's now second, five lengths off the leader and alongside Outlander.
1500: Off. I know that sounds off, being off on-time for a Grade One race, but they are indeed off. Bristol De Mai is allowed an uncontested lead as all six clear the first.
1459: Late money for Bristol De Mai, who will start favourite.
1456: Could be each-of-two any minute. Bristol De Mai 13/8, Cue Card 7/4, Outlander 9/2, 10/1 bar.
Here's Man On The Spot...
"BRISTOL DE MAI has enough factors in his favour to make him the one to beat in this prestigious prize. He has assured fitness on his side after making an impressive winning reappearance in the Charlie Hall at Wetherby and as the youngest member of the field remains open to most improvement. He also has an excellent record here and relishes the forecast heavy ground - all of which makes him the logical choice.
"Elsewhere, the appointment of Harry Cobden as Cue Card's new partner adds a new dimension to the 11-year-old's attempt to land a remarkable fourth win in this contest. He has fallen on two of his last three starts but was still travelling well enough last time in the Charlie Hall before departing and a clear round must see him go close.
"Outlander is far from easy to catch right as his form figures demonstrate but on his day he remains a staunch opponent, having landed two Grade 1s in his last five starts. He will be competitive if on a going day. The remaining trio need to improve although the height of Tea For Two's form reads well and he looks next best."
1450: Right, it's almost time for the big one. Get the thoughts of our racing team in this must-see video...
1447: Tough as old boots. "L'Ami Serge gaining with every stride," says the commentator. Was he heck. Lil Rockerfeller wins at 9/4, L'Ami Serge just second ahead of Wakea, who has run an almighty race. Defi a huge disappointment, jumping left throughout on his first try clockwise.
1446: Rockerfeller in front approaching the last, Defi well beaten.
1445: Rockerfeller poor over the third last but still second and a little way ahead of his market rivals. Defi is spotting him four or five lengths turning in. Brave.
1444: Outsiders setting the pace here as Defi makes a mistake, jumping to his left at the sixth. Lil Rockerfeller jostled along fairly persistently, as we might've expected. He's in third, just behind the front two, and there's a gap to the others.
1438: Not long until the off for the Coral Hurdle. Defi Du Seuil looks like starting around the 10/11 mark. No-bet race for me, but it'll be fascinating to see whether the Triumph Hurdle winner can take this next step up the ladder. He seems sure to be asked a stiff question by Lil Rockerfeller, who was second in the Stayers' Hurdle last season having also been second in this race.
Then there's L'Ami Serge, the quirky, talented horse who seems to have started putting more in of late, winning the French Champion Hurdle last time. Can't wait.
1435: Huge win for an excellent yard as Jedd O'Keeffe's Sam Spinner wins doing handsprings under Joe Colliver, galloping and galloping as others cried enough.
The five-year-old was rated 139 coming into the race and will be rated a good stone or so higher coming out of it. It's another boost to the form of Chepstow's Silver Trophy, too, in which this horse was just beaten by a slightly faster horse over a shorter trip. Where his potential ends, who can say?
While all this was happening, Min beat two rivals at Gowran Park at odds of 1/9.
1433: Sam Spinner in a completely different class to his rivals here, wins by miles to The Dutchman, Theo's Charm and No Hassle Hoff.
1427: False start. Bring back the Fixed Brush, I say. They're away at the second attempt thanks to one of these lovely standing starts which never go wrong. Never.
1425: Here we go. Le Rocher each-way for me. I wish you well with yours.
1422: Back to Haydock for the old Fixed Brush, which is no longer the Fixed Brush because they've decided to dispense with the Fixed Brush hurdles.
Champers On Ice and The Worlds End are battling for favouritism along with plunge horse Sam Spinner, but Ben Linfoot likes the formerly top-class Zarkandar, who might have another big payday in him yet.
You've read Value Bet by now, and if you haven't THERE'S JUST NO TIME. His other selection is The Dutchman. Perhaps you want to dutch them.
Click here if you do, where you'll discover that Sky Bet are offering six places.
1415: Sky Bet go 8/1 from 14/1 for the Ryanair Chase - that's third favourite - and 16s from 25s for the King George. He's beaten handicappers here, Smad Place not having shown up, but neither price appears particularly stingy if you ask me. I can't quite see him winning a King George, but a Ryanair? Yes, why not? He was arguably unfortunate not to beat Yorkhill back in March - or at least get even closer - and that has to be his race.
1412: Top Notch (5/2 jf) wins the 1965 Chase as he likes, leading by 10 as he wings the last. Double Shuffle second, Frodon third, but this is all about the winner who is in a league of his own. Smad Place disappointing.
1411: Top Notch upsides Royal Regatta turning in, the pair clear, Smad Place cooked.
1410: Royal Regatta taking on Smad Place now, all "this is my turf". Not sure I'd want to be on Top Gamble and it's Top Notch who catches the eye as he stalks Smad. Josses Hill sulking in rear.
1408: Smad Place out in front where he likes to be with a circuit to go, Top Notch not far away in fourth or fifth - they're well-bunched.
1403: Side note: Monday's fixture at Ayr has been abandoned due to a waterlogged track. When they're looking on Saturday, they're not racing on Monday.
1402: A wee Pick 7 update - we've over 100,000 players today, and over 10,000 are still standing after leg one. Updates can be followed here on Twitter or via the website but I'll stay on top of it within this blog, too.
1400: I suppose he'll be vulnerable to a young improver next time, too, but Clyne can win a race off this mark judged on that effort. Off to Ascot next where Top Notch gets the vote from Murt Khan. He's 9/4 currently, a strong favourite from 3/1 chance Smad Place. It's 8/1 bar and that seems a fair reflection of the race to me. I expect one of the top two to win, probably the younger horse and favourite, Top Notch.
Here's Murt...
"His chase career progressed beautifully last year and he only found one too good in Yorkhill in the JLT at the Cheltenham Festival. He didn't end the season too badly, finishing third to Flying Angel at Aintree, and I think he will reverse form with that rival back on a stiffer track with some juice in the ground."
Click here for the full preview, here for the racecard and here to bet.
1355: Limited Reserve has plenty in reserve as he stays on strongly to score. Man Of Plenty second and, gladly, Clyne third despite that bad mistake at just the wrong time. That was hard work for James Bowen, the 16-year-old whose 5lb claim won't last long.
1354: Limited Reserve cruising alongside Chti Balko but Man Of Plenty going just as well in third...
1353: A mile out, Chti Balko is clear but making mistakes. Clyne is back in the pack after a very bad mistake. Both vulnerable I reckon as Verni closes in on the leader.
1351: Chti Balko leads Clyne early, setting a good gallop. STOP THE CONTEST. Not especially fluent, the leader.
1347: Man On The Spot meanwhile sides with Clyne and if you've not seen, our form expert goes through the Pick 7 races one by one in this preview.
There's also the small matter of Sky Bet's latest first-race special, which you can take advantage of by clicking on the below image. With the offer in mind it'd be the favourite for me as he seems sure to finish in the frame if running to form, but for Pick 7 purposes I've stolen the Value Bet selection, Chti Balko.
1343: So, Value Bet. Ben Linfoot - who had a winner last week at Cheltenham and is on his way to another good year - is sweet on Chti Balko for Donald McCain.
Our man wrote: "While horses like Clyne, Value At Risk, Verni, Diamond Fort and El Terremoto have somewhat shown the handicapper their hand in this sphere, Chti Balko looks like he might have a little more up his sleeve, especially now he tackles a longer trip.
"A promising novice when winning by wide margins in testing ground at Catterick and Haydock earlier in the year, he couldn’t quite cut it when thrown in at the deep end in the Grade One Top Novices’ Hurdle at Aintree in April.
"However, that tells you the high regard he’s held in and he ran a race full of promise on his handicap debut at Newbury on November 9, running on again for third after being outpaced over two miles.
"That’s not the first time he’s shaped as though a step up in trip beyond two miles would suit and this 2m3f distance could well unlock some serious improvement. His yard are in really good form as well."
Click here for the full preview, which includes four further selections.
1338: The first Value Bet selection runs in the next at Haydock. The Pick 7 begins. There's Money Back with Sky Bet.
Business Time.
1336: Midnight Glory fourth after a mistake at the last, never got to the leaders under a patient ride as Graceful Legend finds plenty in first-time cheekpieces, winning at 11/1 despite drifting towards the stands. Max Kendrick, who knows this mare very well having ridden her to victory a couple of times before, is understandably delighted.
1327: Ascot next and a good mares' handicap hurdle in which Sherwood goes for a quickfire double with Hitherjacques Lady, whose mark looks very fair. Plenty of potential improvers in here though, including Whatsthatallabout who has been off the track for 423 days.
Both are respected but the one for me is Midnight Glory, whose Newbury third in the spring looks like decent form with the winner having progressed to the tune of 40lb since.
Philip Hobbs' mare gets weight from the rest and while the run at Exeter last time is a concern, she could bounce back in this. Not that I've had a bet - quite the opposite.
1322: Clan Des Obeaux wins very nicely under Harry Cobden, for whom that's a timely winner. Vintage Clouds a doughty second from Born Survivor, who made a mistake when he couldn't afford to and might've been second but for it. We shall never know.
I did think Vintage would win three out, as Cook stoked him up, even with Clan swinging away. However, the winner found plenty and put the race to bed between the last two; the runner-up needed a few furlongs more.
1319: Race hotting up at Haydock, Clan Des Obeaux moving well. Vintage Clouds is needing some encouragement but he does stay...
1313: Sky Bet have quoted 25/1 about Count Meribel, the easy Ascot winner, for the Albert Bartlett. Not sure I'd be in a rush to back him but he is just the sort Nigel Twiston-Davies keeps getting more from as the season progresses and he could get to Cheltenham with an each-way chance.
1306: Time to breathe out with a small break until the next at Haydock, where one-time HE'S GOING TO WIN THE LOT Clan Des Obeaux is just about favourite ahead of the well-backed Vintage Clouds.
Paul Nicholls' Politologue won this last year at the expense of Vintage Clouds, but I'd be less convinced Clan Des Obeaux wants a slog in the mud whereas it won't bother Vintage Clouds, whose trainer Sue Smith saddled the winner of the previous race. Token vote alert.
Click here for the racecard or here to have a bet.
1302: Clondaw Cian a good second, beaten by Toviere. Thought he'd come to win the race but Oliver Sherwood's horse found more when challenged to win at 12/1. Mine went 1.16 on Betfair. One of those days I suspect.
1259: Lough Derg Farmer pulled up. Toviere goes well and mine isn't quite out of it.
1258: Favourite Lough Derg Farmer jumping left and well out the back as they approach the ninth.
1257: Clouted the second, rousted along... what time does the golf start?
1253: Small bet for me on Clondaw Cian, who is well-treated off 130 given that he won a good handicap hurdle off the same mark and was rated 137 when running at the Festival. He'll need to improve on his return run, also his chase debut, but cheekpieces go back on and he's a former point winner.
1251: Hainan sluices through the mud for Sue Smith and Danny Cook, Courtown Oscar galloping on resolutely for second but never looking like he'd get close to the winner. Carter McKay meanwhile is off to a fine start over hurdles as we focus next on the 12.55 Ascot, where Will O'The West was the one for morning support but favourite is Lough Derg Farmer.
1246: Russe Blanc down. Richard Johnson appears to be OK and I believe the horse is too.
1243: This will take ages, obviously, in the conditions. Russe Blanc out the back and hasn't exactly had a cut at them to my untrained eye, while he has also been hampered slightly by a faller.
Here's a great photo from the first at Haydock, where three jumped the last as one.
1237: At Haydock, it looks like Courtown Oscar will just about start favourite from Russe Blanc, who will absolutely love the ground. Sky Bet have a Price Boost if you fancy the former to win well, which you can take a look at here.
Russe Blanc was available at 14/1 earlier this week and has been supported today. Gorgeous horse. Hope he lands the punt.
Meanwhile, Casablanca Mix wins to pay a handsome compliment to Willoughby Court. As easy a winner as you'll see all day I suspect as the 8/11 favourite jumps well and dots up at Huntingdon.
1235: Good race, potentially, at Gowran Park coming up. One-time Champion Bumper favourite Carter McKay (I think he was briefly favourite, anyway) is around evens to make a winning debut over timber, but he'll have to be sharp to see off Minellafordollars in this latest Mullins v Elliott battle. Joseph O'Brien has the third favourite for good measure and all three should be winning races.
1227: Count Meribel (7/2) makes just about every yard, having had them all in trouble turning in. Palmers Hill found next to nothing having moved well and in the end it's Bob Mahler and Perfect Harmony battling out a distant second, not sure in what order. The winner has now had eight starts over hurdles but still seems to be improving and has won this impressively. Nice winner for jockey Mark Grant. I'm no horseman but when I used to play G1 Jockey, the front-running wins always felt the most exciting for some reason.
1225: Count Meribel is giving weight to most here but will be hard to pass out in front. Like how Palmers Hill has jumped. Meanwhile Huntingdon go soon after where the favourite will bid to boost Willoughby Court's form. Poor turn of phrase there but you get it.
1220: Gulliver is indeed beaten at Lingfield but I have made no money so far today. About to go at Ascot where Palmers Hill, who was entered for the Neptune trial at Cheltenham last week but skipped it for this, has been a market drifter. Polydora the morning gamble will go off around the 8/1 mark.
1216: Sorry, I meant well done to our columnist, what a fine start to a big day as the 12/1 chance goes in.
1215: Delire D'Estruval wins, and that's me in a foul mood for the rest of the weekend.
1213: Wonder whether odds-on favourite Gulliver might be vulnerable in a small field from stall seven at Lingfield, but can't find one to beat him. Perhaps one of the more progressive sorts around this winter will go in again after all.
At Haydock, Daryl is out in front and Delire seems to be enjoying himself as they turn in. Half a chance but the favourite goes well.
1207: A cracking race, and it's won by the one they fancied as Silver Kayf defies a bad mistake two out to edge out Clondaw Native. Off now to Haydock where I'm interested to see how Delire D'Estruval goes in the opening novices' hurdle.
Our columnist Daryl Jacob gave this one a very favourable mention at Aintree last time where he was punted but weakened into fourth.
He's very easy to back here, which is a worry, and I'm not sure the drop to two miles is ideal, so it is a watching brief. Favourite Dynamite Dollars is strong at 6/4.
1156: Huntingdon's card begins shortly with a novices' hurdle for which many had expected Clondaw Native to start favourite. He ran well enough at Uttoxeter last time but the money has been for Silver Kayf, who was fourth at Exeter in what might just have been a stronger contest. Not much between them in the ring now.
1152: After a 33/1 skinner to close Newcastle's card last night, the day begins with a gamble landed at Lingfield. Richard Hannon's Carp Kid was punted for the seller and scraped home by a neck, with seven lengths back to the third.
All today's fast results can be found here while if you click on the full result, you'll be able to log in and watch the video replay for a charge of zero.
1143: Now, as discussed the proper racing team have all somehow managed to be at home on Betfair Chase day. No comment guv. However, the joys of the modern world are such that we can still look at them, perched naturally atop some stools which were once found only in bars but now dress many a modern office, discussing the big one at Haydock.
Enjoy close to four minutes of analysis and watch out for the moment Linfoot looks directly into your soul.
1135: Just noticed the pen behind the ear. Textbook. I guarantee you this man is part of a group, and he's the de facto expert because he once watched a race that isn't the Grand National. He's nabbed a scarf on the way in, he's told them all about Cue Card, and he is ready for battle. May fortune be with you, Sir.
1130: If you're getting on at 11, like this chap, you must be keen on one. Wonder what he's backing. The first at Haydock, where the sun is out as you can see, is 40 minutes away and the hat-trick seeking Dynamite Dollars has been easy-to-back today.
1125: Quieter, if not in turnover then in obvious gambles, at today's feature meetings.
Sky Bet tell us that Polydora is 15/2 from 12/1 for the 12.20 at Ascot, where there's also been money for Will O'The West (9/1 into 11/1) in the 12.55 and two in the bumper at 3.50: Tea Time On Mars (8/1 from 16s) and Wallace Spirit (10/1 from 16s).
At Haydock, Champers On Ice is now sharing favouritism with The Worlds End in the 2.25 having been supported along with 6/1 shot Minella Awards.
Vintage Clouds is 9/2 from 6/1 for the 1.15, the loveable Russe Blanc is 100/30 favourite from an opening 11/2 for the 12.40, while 6/1 chances Lessons In Milan and Ballymalin have both been backed for the final race on the card at 3.35.
And just one from Ireland, because it's a significant one. Roja Dova is 6/4 from 9/2 for the handicap hurdle at 1.45. This horse won nicely last time, beating a well-handicapped rival, and can defy a rise in the weights at Gowran.
1115: Time for some movers, with the first race at Lingfield half an hour away. Winter is here, folks. We'll split them up, starting with Lingfield and Huntingdon before we head back to Ascot and Haydock shortly.
The biggest springer at Lingfield, subjective a statement though that may be, is Jack Blane in the 2.35. He was 10/1 in places last night but is now 4/1 favourite with Sky Bet, taking over at the head of the market from Loveatfirstsight, who landed an almighty punt last time out but is drifting for the follow-up bid.
Jack Blane is well-treated (sole win off 1lb higher; placed off higher still) and has his conditions, plus a nice draw in three, and he caught the eye when getting no kind of run behind Fire Diamond last time. That horse went on to win again and granted better luck on his first run at Lingfield, Keith Dalgleish's gelding is bound to go close I reckon.
Sky Bet also report money for Luduamf (13/2 from 18/1) in the 2.35, Cape To Cuba (3/1 from 9/2) in the 2.00 and Hit The Beat (15/8 from 11/4) in the 12.50.
At Huntingdon, Theatre Terrority has halved in price to 2/1 to carry those famous Long Run colours to victory in the 12.30, while A Good Skin and Fort Smith are being backed ahead of all others in the 2.15.
Fort Smith was available at much bigger prices than the 5/2 now offered by Sky Bet when prices went up last night and has the profile of a horse who could be chucked in and ready to show it, whereas the case for A Good Skin is based more around his obviously good form in slightly better company - he's 11/4.
Murt Khan has decided to back both, with Fort Smith his main selection, as you can read here.
1058: Don't forget, there's another £50,000 up for grabs in today's free-to-play Pick 7. With the rest of the racing team anywhere but here, I shall be rooting against the lot of you in the hope I don't have to do more work, but that should only enhance your desire to have a crack which you can do by clicking on this link.
1053: Some news breaking (ish) - Bryan Cooper won't be riding at Ascot today following a fall at the track on Friday.
The leading Irish rider was partnering the Colin Tizzard-trained 5/4 favourite Sizing Tennessee in the Tindle Newspapers Beginners' Chase in the colours of the late Alan and Ann Potts when he was unseated at the second fence.
Cooper gave up his one remaining ride and went for precautionary X-rays, which Dr Adrian McGoldrick, senior medical officer for the Irish Turf Club, reports to have come back clear.
However, Cooper will be now be sidelined for a couple of days before seeking further medical advice next week.
McGoldrick said: "He has been stood down until he sees Dr (Paddy) Kenny (consultant orthopaedic surgeon) on Tuesday. The initial X-rays came back clear, but he will likely have a CT scan to make sure.
"He's sore, hopefully it is just bruising, but we will know more once he's seen Dr Kenny."
Robert Dunne now takes over from Cooper aboard the Tizzard-trained Sizing Granite in the aforementioned Christy 1965 Chase.
1050: Just to round off my take on the graded action at Ascot, the Christy 1965 Chase is a fascinating contest and I've come to the conclusion that there are worse ideas than backing the top two in the market combined for an even-money good thing.
Smad Place sets the standard, goes well enough here and looked as good as ever when beating a promising, younger rival at Aintree a month ago. There are very few negatives. Top Notch wasn't beaten far on his return, also likes Ascot and his one-length second to Yorkhill back in March is the piece of recent form on offer. Nico de Boinville does take the ride for the first time but that's not likely to be an issue - his mount is tough, honest, straightforward, and he's a worthy favourite in receipt of weight.
Crucially, there are real doubts around the rest. Flying Angel ran a stinker at Newton Abbot last time, as he had when signing off for the season in April; Top Gamble probably wants it deeper and makes his reappearance; Royal Regatta loves it here but will be taken on up front and probably run an honest race for third; Josses Hill might be best caught fresh but still doesn't convince as a chaser and might want things all his own way... and so on.
Yes, even-money, not having to choose... it'll do for me. I know I promised to do a Linfoot impression, but I might just copy and paste some chunks of Value Bet for those looking for something a little juicier.
1040: Enjoyed Dave Nevison describing Bristol De Mai as the 'forgotten horse' of the Betfair Chase just now. If you're forgetting the favourite in a six-runner Grade One, you're not paying attention, are you?
1038: Fascinating to see whether Defi Du Seuil, absent from last weekend's Greatwood Hurdle, can make a winning return to action over a trip just shy of two-and-a-half miles in the Coral Hurdle at Ascot.
He was seven from seven last year, jumping like a Champion Hurdle winner of the future as he took the Triumph and followed up, less impressively it must be said, at Aintree.
Today, though, is a new challenge. He's facing his elders and, in Lil Rockerfeller, is asked to concede 3lb to a higher-rated, match fit rival who stays further and is sure to try to make this a real test. A year ago, Neil King's stable star gave Yanworth a fright in this having prepared in similar fashion and he should help us to establish just how good Defi might be, and what route he might take.
In the here and now I think I'll be watching this one without a financial interest, although I did wonder whether the revitalised L'Ami Serge might enjoy playing stalker. He's without regular pilot Jacob and combined with the penalty he carries that's enough for me to resist but in a race which, like the Betfair, should concern three, it's again the biggest priced of the trio who appeals most.
Key quotes
Frank Berry, racing manager for owner of Defi Du Seuil: "We'll know more about if the trip was suitable after Saturday, but it shouldn't be a problem. We'll see how it goes. We're hoping to a good run and for everything to go well. The ground should be fine."
Anthony Bromley, racing manager for the owners of L'Ami Serge: "We're hopeful of a nice run, but he's got a lot on his plate against Defi Du Seuil. We're just pleased to get him out and we'll have to see how he goes."
Neil King, trainer of Lil Rockerfeller: "He's in great order. He worked nicely on Saturday and I'm sure his first run at Wetherby will have just woken him up for the season. He was second in the race last year and we're looking forward to going back to Ascot."
1025: Two instructions, to be followed in order. 1) MUTE YOUR DEVICE! 2) Watch this video...
1020: It seems the movers can wait and we'll crack on with the big one - the Betfair Chase.
Sky Bet go 6/4 Bristol De Mai, 2/1 Cue Card, 5/1 Outlander, 11/1 bar, and while the sequencing makes sense to me, Outlander might be the value. The pick of his form over three miles - that win at Down Royal last time, last year's Lexus Chase - isn't far off what Cue Card has achieved and puts him ahead of the admittedly younger, progressive, suited-by-conditions Bristol De Mai.
I'd rather back Cue Card than the favourite, despite Daryl Jacob's fairly bullish report, but 2/1 seems about right about an 11-year-old who has been beaten on his last three starts, falling twice, and has a new man in the plate today. This is his patch and I hope he wins but there were fewer question marks a year ago when he won at 15/8; at the same sort of price he can be left alone.
As for the favourite, he just has too much to do on the figures to be a fairly warm order against these, even with the obvious caveats. If all three of the main protagonists run to within a few of pounds of their best - even if we measure just the last 12 months rather than their careers - Bristol De Mai finishes third. He may be six, but he's had 22 runs (nine-year-old Outlander has only had 24) and I'm not convinced there's a big leap forward coming. Might not stop him winning but it does stop him appealing.
1000: Good morning. Fourth Reserve Coley here, blogging today's racing as Ord recovers from his latest TV appearance (ongoing, ITV4), Linfoot begins work on an apple compote and Brocklebank plucks up the courage to ask for a little less filling in this year's mince pies.
Not that we needed The A-Team for this low-key day where Cue Card bids to prove there is life in the old dog, where Defi Du Seuil makes his return in a race which may help us figure out whether he will be running over three miles or two next spring, where The Worlds End takes his first step outside of novice company, where Min has a school round on an otherwise informative Gowran Park card... thank goodness the Hong Kong Open is done for the day and we can focus fully on the job at hand.
So, apologies if this doesn't follow the flow of the proper racing folk but we'll do our best. I should make clear that while I'm no Ordfootbank, I am totally in love with horse racing and know enough to be somewhat useful, I reckon. It would still be nice if you steered me towards a winner which you can do by contacting me via the above methods as I round up some market movers and what have you.