Today’s best bets, by Chris Cook
Today’s Racing Post contains an interesting comment piece by Sam Walker, which, unusually, the paper has taken the trouble to post online, so you can read it here. His argument is that Channel 4 Racing should be responding to poor ratings by finding room for Matt Chapman, At The Races’ popular, provocative presenter.
I’ve been on a handful of shows with Matt and it’s not always an enjoyable experience because every so often he’ll throw you a question you weren’t expecting. If you say something daft, then, before you’ve even had a chance to think, “That was a daft thing to say,” Matt will be pointing out exactly how daft it was.
So you have to be on your toes at all times, which is taxing. But, from the viewer’s perspective, I should think this is probably the ideal state of affairs and I notice that, whenever I’m working at my laptop with ATR on in the background and Matt happens to be presenting, there’s a constant awareness that he may be about to say something interesting.
There’s already plenty of high-quality presenting talent on C4 Racing and I certainly wouldn’t suggest that the viewing figures are affected by any deficiency in that area. But Chapman is really good at getting your attention, holding it and directing it at something interesting that’s just happened. I agree with the Post piece. He could improve Channel 4’s situation if used in the right way.
But you all watch plenty of racing, I’m sure, and it would be great to read your comments on the subject. Do you want more Matt on the box? Let’s have a heated debate.
John Spearing has had a productive year so far and his Miss Dusky Diva (3.45) catches the eye in a three-year-old handicap at Beverley. She didn’t show much in her maiden races but ran on strongly from the back to be second when stepped up in trip for her handicap debut on Lingfield’s grass.
She should know a bit more this time and I notice also that her jockey, Cathy Gannon, not long returned to action, has worked herself into a bit of form, riding winners on each of her last three days in action. They’re 4-1.
I like 11-4 about Duke Of Yorkshire (4.15) in the following race, stepping up in trip after a couple of staying-on efforts to be placed behind Tin Pan Alley, who will try to extend his winning run earlier on the card. Duke Of Yorkshire’s main rival in the betting is Simon Crisford’s Gang Warfare. Perhaps I’m deceived but I thought that one raced pretty awkwardly at Sandown last time.
At Brighton, Blistering Dancer (4.30) is an interesting 20-1 shot from the Ralph Smith yard that does well at this track (five wins from 25 runners in recent seasons). An ex-Irish horse who won at Sligo from a higher mark in August, he showed up well before fading on his first run for six months a fortnight ago, over an inadequate trip. He should be a live runner this time.
Tipping competition, day two
Our winners so far:
Monday
Gold Club 9-2
Mullionheir 11-4
Harwoods Volante 5-2
And our leaders are ...
Ellandback +9.75
wilkesb +9.75
... who both had perfect opening days. Ken Woodward (+6) pursues.
Today, we’d like your tips, please, for these races: 4.30 Brighton, 4.45 Beverley, 7.30 Newton Abbot.
This week’s prize is a copy of Sean Magee’s new book, The Irish Derby, published to coincide with Saturday’s renewal, which will be the 150th running. I haven’t seen the book yet but the press release describes it as “superbly illustrated throughout” and “a fitting tribute to Ireland’s flagship race”, won in years past by Ballymoss, Nijinsky, Shergar and Galileo.
As ever, our champion will be the tipster who returns the best profit to notional level stakes of £1 at starting price on our nominated races, of which there will be three each day up until Friday. Non-runners count as losers. If you have not joined in so far this week, you are welcome to do so today, but you will start on -3.
In the event of a tie at the end of the week, the winner will be the tipster who, from among those tied on the highest score, posted their tips earliest on the final day.
For terms and conditions click here.
Good luck!
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