Haydock is off, which is a real blow as we lose a few really nice races. Ascot goes ahead.
Binocular runs in the first against Metaphoric – he’s is rumoured to be Henderson’s Triumph horse. He would be the best of these on the flat on the soft/heavy ground that we have today and he’s been well backed this morning. He wasn’t a stayer (looks like a 10f horse in the main) and however good he’s likely to be in the long run I think it’s a big ask to win first time over hurdles on testing ground – I can’t be backing him today. Metaphoric has had a run and a lot more time – it may be on the soft side for him but he should at least go close. Nothing else looks classy enough so I’ll side with Metaphoric.
There isn’t a lot else I want to bet on. Twist Magic I’m looking forward to but I can’t back him at such short odds. Nick has an excellent chance later with Wee Robbie who is working well, but the trip is on the short side and he could need it so again I’ll be watching. In the 3:30 I wish Rodger well with Tikram but I won’t be backing him. I’ve heard positives about a few in the 2.25 at Lingfield – if I was going to do anything I’d lay the favourite Boomtown as he may be in a hot race, but I probably won’t bother.
Steve (my NH man) is a big fan of Refinement in the 2:55 and thinks the price should be shorter. I may follow him in on that.