Saturday, April 23, 2011

Easter Crossover

Turf disciplines match up today at Sandown with the now traditional mixed meeting. The UK National Hunt season concludes with the warm weather ensuring quick going and consequently rather weakish fields. The feature, the Bet 365 Gold Cup, looks wide open and I am happy to stick with Poker de Sivola (unlucky last week) who may benefit from the almost certain fast pace (plethora of front runners). Of the remainder, Aimigayle looks favoured by the going. The other jump contests do not overly appeal but keen to see Tatatiano (surprisingly odd against) on his return from injury.

The summer ground ought to be welcomed by the flat fraternity but the fields also appear quite limited, albeit hopefully informative. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to the reappearance of Dick Turpin, one of Richard Hannon's star milers from last season, particularly with the progressive Cityscape providing a stern test. Afsare entered many notebooks last term and he returns in an interesting contest, taking on a Ballydoyle inmate Viscount Nelson (Eclipse sighter??). The draw is always crucial in handicaps at Sandown and track specialist Dunno (drawn low) is worth a small bet in a tight race.

On this side of the Irish Sea, Inxile continues his tour at Cork and tomorrow sees the start of the Easter Festival at Fairyhouse including the Irish Grand National (further thoughts on Mon) and a cracking renewal of the Power's Gold Cup. However, the ground in my front garden is rock hard (20 mins from track) and it might pay to tread cautiously.

good luck...

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