Sole Power takes the Nunthorpe

In today’s blog:
Review of yesterday’s racing
Today’s Racing Selections
2010-11 Chasers & Hurdlers Alert List

Review of yesterday’s racing
The big story from yesterday is the 3yo SOLE POWER winning the Nunthorpe at 100/1 (and 263.0 on Betfair). Let’s be honest, the horse was not a 100/1 chance given he entered the race having a better chance in the formbook than the other 3yo’s, Rose Blossom at 20/1 and Mister Hughie at 28/1. Even so, he was probably no better than a 25/1 chance (I reckon local trainer Fahey had hoped his “blitz” tactics would earn a placing and that confidence had affected his odds). For me, I reckon the incredible early pace took runners by surprise, but I also think that the going may have been an important factor as the winner seemed to cruise into contention on a “favoured” strip of ground about a 3rd of-the-way out from the stand side rail. Watch the race and you’ll see the ground on the middle to far side was cutting up badly, it looks very loose. It may well be good-to-firm on the going stick, but it seems to be crumbling under the hoof, and false. I rate SOLE POWER at 110. My selection, Kingsgate Native, ran poorly (again) and now looks in need of some sort of refresher. He is impotent (that’s why he returned to racing) so he’ll remain in training, but I think perhaps a change of stable is what he needs now.
My other selection, Desert Recluse, never got into the race at all.

Today’s Racing Selections
There is an enormous amount of racing today. Why we have such a glut of racing on a Saturday I have no idea. The weather forecast is bleak, and there is a full football programme of matches to compete with; lots of people will be on holiday with their kids - and we all know just how child-friendly race-courses are (not!). It seems to me another own-goal by the race-planners.

Sir Michael Stoute is starting to get his stable back on track again after a run of poor form, and he sends 3 to Chester today including JEDI. This horse is a course-winner, and has been crying out for a trip beyond 12f. He’s 9/2 as I write, and that looks fair value.
Mick Jarvis has his horses in unbeatable form this week and top-weight in the handicap at Sandown, Kings Destiny may be 20/1 but he’ll be in the mix no doubt.

Selections:
Chester 2:50 JEDI, 1pt win @ 9/2

2010-11 Chasers & Hurdlers Alert List
No new entry for the list today, but will be back with a couple on Monday.

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