Three racecourses have had to abandon races in the last week because of unsafe ground, which is either a terribly unfortunate coincidence or evidence that track maintenance in this country is a long way short of what it should be -- and yet, the Jockey Club is looking to cut back on the number of clerks of the course it employs at its clutch of high-profile venues. Truly, our sport cannot be beat when it comes to shooting itself in the foot.
Here's hoping they make it to the fourth at Redcar today, because I feel strongly about the chances of Hunting Country (3.40). An expensive purchase, he was clearly green when fourth of nine on his debut at Hamilton last time but, in common with most from Mark Johnston's yard, he is likely to have benefited enormously for that outing. He steps up in trip by a quarter-mile to a distance suggested by his pedigree.
His two most obvious rivals, Military Power and Fly With The Stars, come from yards with no great record of success with three-year-old maidens.
Mick Channon's juveniles made a slow start to the season but they're operating at a 40% strike-rate this month, which leads me to think that speedily bred debutant Royal Muwasim (2.10) should not be as big as 5-2 in the opener.
Bold Bobby Be (4.00) is the pick at Leicester. John Dunlop's charge was an unlucky third on his handicap debut at Nottingham and is just 1lb higher.
2.15pm Murphy's Law
Royal Muwasim struggled to hold her position at Redcar and finished well beaten. Meanwhile, her trainer Mick Channon has just had an 11-4 winner with another two-year-old debutant, Please Sing, at Leicester.
3.35pm Hunting Country a drifter on Betfair, 4s out to 8-1
Hard not to get that sinking feeling when this happens . . .
3.45pm Hunting Country second at 9-1
Not a bad effort, considering he chased a strong pace set by a rank outsider, whereas the eventual winner (Military Power) was settled in behind and swept past up the straight.
4.10pm Bobby socked
Bold Bobby Be only third after looking uncomfortable in the straight. Possibly, he found the going on the fast side.
So it's three and out for Talking Horses and all I can say is I'm glad you got something out of it, Fetlocks!
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