Never put anyone off having a bet, whatever their reasoning. It's a golden rule that people involved professionally in the tipping of horses should stick to. I usually heed that sage piece of advice but last Sunday at Longchamp I did question the wisdom of my son investing euros (have you seen the sterling exchange rate?) on Proportional in the big fillies' race. What I said to his mother, to be exact, was: "What is he wasting good money on that one for?"
I have been reminded of the fact that Proportional won at 30-1 at regular intervals all week and have certainly not dissuaded the lad from reinvesting some of the profits on the French filly at 7-1 for next May's 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket. There is a persuasive piece in the Racing Post today suggesting a punt for the first Classic and it wouldn't be the worst ante-post investment this year.
There's some interesting action around the tracks today but it's a pity we won't be able to see the bonkers Velka Pardubicka from the Czech Republic, a race that makes the Grand National look like a stroll in the park. The Guardian nap which runs at Bath is Norman The Great 3.20pm who hails from the yard of Alan King which could not be in better form.
