Season's End

The NH season culminates today with the Bet 365 Gold Cup at Sandown. It is certainly not the race it was, but nevertheless highly competitive. It is perhaps prudent to avoid the top of the market and seek some value among the veteran campaigners. Tamarinbleu, Alderburn and Lacdoudal all look interesting but going to stick with another, Lothian Falcon, who did not get far at Ayr last week while appearing to travel well. A point of note, is that he has headed the Racing Post's Marketwatch most bets struck list all week without contracting significantly in the market. I had a good day here last season and will be curious to see if Alsadaa and Twist Magic repeat their wins on similar going.

Punchestown has hogged the headlines all week, with high quality and competitive fields. As per last year, star of the show was the Willie Mullins' yard. Hurricane Fly (under a very cool Paul Townend) was the highlight and hopefully he will stay sound and we get to see more of him. It's seems a pity that such good fields compete for excellent prize money at this stage of the season!

The meeting ends today with rather lesser fare, although noteworthy to see that Choc Thornton has remained for one ride, Gilded Age in the 4yo Hurdle while eschewing the fancied Oh Crick at Sandown.

While the curtain draws on one sphere, things are beginning to heat up in another. I am very interested to see how Border Patrol runs in the Sandown Mile, with a view to his tilt at the Lockinge. On this going, he should not be good enough to beat Paco Boy but worth keeping a close eye on.

good luck....