Yarmouth Races

I enjoyed a day at the races last week. We do tend to go to Yarmouth race track from time to time, as it's not so far away from us, and of course there's the casino nearby too (and of course the beach too!).

Funnily enough I didn't even have a bet at the track this time around. I did get to witness the impressive performance by 2 year old Mandarin Princess in the 13:40 though (27th June) and the delight of Charlie McBride directly after. Only of course though, there was a mix up and it was actually his other horse Millie’s Kiss that won the race. What a rare sporting mess up to witness in person. There's a William Hill bookie on course and credit to them they decided to pay out to those who bet on the odds on favourite - which came second (and was really the rightful winner, even though the result stands). I'm sure a lot of people will have binned their ticket by the time this error as discussed though, so a gutting day for some.

The above picture was taken by myself as I stood near the parade ring. Someone had scrawled 'fidling twats' on there. Juvenile I know but I couldn't help but smile. All in a day at the races!

4.00 Wolverhampton, Thursday, March 23

In the 32Red.com Handicap (4.00) at Wolverhampton on Thursday, Lord Cooper is unbeaten over 6 furlongs on the all-weather – including over course and distance – since being gelded in November and looks to have been found another decent opportunity. The son of Sir Percy steps up in grade off a 3lb higher mark than when edging out Jet Setter over course and distance last month and, while the placed horses on that occasion have done little to advertise the form, he is clearly going the right way. He’s already been raised 15lb since December, but may be progressive enough to complete a hat-trick. Jockey Renato Souza is 4-16 for the yard on the all-weather in recent seasons.

Selection: Wolverhampton 4.00 Lord Cooper to win

4.00 Musselburgh, Wednesday, March 1

Spiculas, an 8-year-old gelding by top-class jumps sire Beneficial, made a highly promising debut for Malcolm Jefferson at Sedgefield in December and may have suffered the dreaded ‘bounce’ when only fourth of 10, beaten 28 lengths, over the same course and distance last month. Twice a winner for previous trainer Keith Reveley, Spiculas had been off the course for over two years prior to his debut effort, where he was only caught close home after taking a three-length lead jumping the last. He’s been raised 4lb but, having been restricted to just eight career starts, could be open to further improvement even at this late stage and doesn’t look overburdened in any case. He looks the one to be on in the Totepool Betting at Betfred.com Handicap Hurdle (4.00) at Musselburgh on Wednesday.

Selection: Musselburgh 4.00 Spiculas to win

‘Pastoral’ Patent, Wednesday, February 22

In the 4.10 at Ludlow on Wednesday, Canadian Diamond has been in rude health on the all-weather in recent months, completing a hat-trick at Kempton three weeks ago and may be able to keep up the good work back over hurdles. Richard Rowe’s 10-year-old ran respectably, off today’s mark, on his last two starts in this sphere and, with proven fitness, may be able to find further improvement.

In the 4.45 at Ludlow, Mendip Express won his first two starts for Philip Hobbs before running creditably in defeat in all three major hunter chases last spring and sets a high standard. The King’s Theatre gelding acts on any going and goes well fresh, so cannot sensibly be opposed.

In the 5.20 at Ludlow, Theatrebar won convincingly on his debut for Harry Skelton at Sedgefield in November and, although failing to cope with the step up to Class 2 company at Uttoxeter last month, performed creditably off his revised mark. He drops back down in class and, having won over course and distance in the past, must have every chance of making it 2-3 for his new yard.

Selections: Ludlow 4.10 Canadian Diamond, Ludlow 4.45 Mendip Express, Ludlow 5.20 Theatrebar, 1-point Win Patent