Trainer Gary Moore must be kicking himself that today's scheduled meeting at Plumpton was washed away as he looked to have found a perfect opportunity for Celtic Spirit to open his account in the first race. Keep an eye out for this one at a similar level when the mud is flying -- he has form on soft on the Flat and looked all over a winner waiting to happen at Newbury last time.
Before we turn to today's remaining action, I would recommend a thorough read of today's Cheltenham Gold Cup ante-post preview in the Racing Post. The greater emphasis on articles in the paper appealing to punters since the change of editorship has been most welcome and this sort of detailed analysis of big betting races with comments from form, speed rating and betting experts is what the sport's daily trade paper should have more of.
I agree with ratings guru Steve Mason that it's very hard to see the winner of the Gold Cup coming outside the leading trio of Kauto Star, Denman and Exotic Dancer and I am confident, barring injuries, that those who took the previous advice here to back Denman to win at 5-2 and take the 12's each-way about Exotic Dancer will be sitting pretty come the big day.
Turning to this afternoon, there are a number of interesting horses out at Fakenham, including newcomer Gold Award in the last. I am loath to back newcomers, though, and the suggested bet at the East Anglia course is Sainte Kadette (1.50) in the minimum-trip novice hurdle. The selection was fancied to run a big race in a valuable event at Cheltenham last time but ran too freely and came home a disappointing eighth. Her stable was going through a quiet patch at the time and a much better run is confidently expected this time, with the demands of this tight track set to play to her strengths.
The other recommended wager today comes on the all-weather at Southwell where Clear Reef (3.40) looks a decent bet to win the last. He looked to have enough in hand last time to defy his new ratings rise and he won't mind the drop in distance.
1.20 Fakenham - Denis O'Regan rides a finish a circuit early
Unbelievable. When will these jockeys learn? I know it's only a mile round at Fakenham, meaning you have to do an unusual number of laps in a 3m race like this, but surely O'Regan can count up to three? Harringay backers will be understandably disgusted.
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