Friday 18th October 2014

Battle Born highlighted on yesterdays post won very easily and looks a nice type, unfortunately the odds were very skinny but he’s one to keep with and should go on to better things.

We have some good racing this afternoon but I’m struggling to find a selection. I have no interest betting on the flat at Newmarket, Haydock & Redcar that all race on soft ground.

It’s the first Cheltenham meeting of the season but it’s still very early days for national hunt racing and I’m not sure how far forward each yard is.

Until the wet weather hit earlier this week we had a prolonged dry spell, this results in the jumpers unlikely to have done proper grass work and all prep carried out on the AW weather gallops. A lot of today’s runners will improve for the outing as there’s nothing like working on grass.

I’m a big fan of Un Ace in the 2:40 and think he could be very smart over a fence, however the trip of two miles looks on the sharp side for him. The horse was outpaced in the Supreme Hurdle at the Festival before staying on well then bled next time at Aintree.

It would be no surprise to see the Kim Bailey runner get caught flat footed but finish strongly when it’s all too late. Keep an eye out for Un Ace once stepped up in trip, he will be a smart middle distance chaser in the making.

Looking at the rest of the races nothing takes the eye so I’m holding fire until tomorrow.