The New 'HWJB' Betting Dairy

[NoChanceToDance]

Well done Harry, we've had to go without food for these months you've been away.

Good luck in the skybet.

[Hwjb]

An enjoyable result, cracking jump at the last when he needed it.

Can't believe the money for An Accordion, it's half tempting to do a huge u-turn and side with Opera Mundi as he could well represent value now. But I won't.

What did you make of that Gold Cup trial in name only? Our Vic didn't seem to dog it for once, and actually kept on gamely enough, but just not as well as the winner up the hill. I remain convinced that Our Vic would be worth a crack at the Grand National, if they didn't run him between now and then. By and large he's a safe jumper nowadays, the flatter track would suit, and he'd be able to hunt around for the first circuit, and it probably wouldn't represent any greater test of stamina than 25f on soft ground at Cheltenham. I guess David Johnson would have reservations about running him in it though.

[brockguy]

nice one harry, was on an accordian and had juv place only... our vic ran well enough today..4 weeks is still too little rest for him.. Im still hopeful for Neptune. I think he is a cracking horse and will come on plenty from today.

[Hwjb]

I think you're right, he clearly is best fresh, and that means having to restrict him to two or max three runs a season. He ran about 4lb below his King George today. I thought Neptune Collonges ran a blinder and should prove better this season than last year. He's just unfortunate to hail from a yard that has such depth in the division.



Edmo Yewkay WON (15/2)
An Accordion WON (11/2)
Aztec Warrior PULLED UP (25/1)

[Hwjb]

I've only looked at one race today, the two-mile mares handicap hurdle at Ludlow. Not the best quality of races, but it is a Monday, and there looks to be a fair bet on in Femme d'Avril. The negatives are the doubtful form of the yard and that we're lumbered with Andrew Thornton, however, the return to a sharp 2m should prove in her favour and, tongue tied, she is worth a small bet at 16/1. Rich Nomad is also probably worth a speculative few quid at 40/1 (60 on Betfair), as she is potentially well handicapped on what she seemed to show on her penultimate outing (though was probably flattered), and the better ground may just suit. Littlemissdynamite is very short for what she's done and rates a fair place lay, although her attitude is probably better than several of those she's up against here.

Femme d'Avril 1pt e/w 16/1
Rich Nomad 0.5pt e/w 40/1

[Hwjb]

Femme d'Avril UNPLACED. Made no impact, not knocked about once held.
Rich Nomad UNPLACED. Caught the eye and isn't one to give up on, given plenty to do and leaving the firm impression she wasn't seen to best effect, not given anything like a hard time.


At Exeter today Nemetan looks to hold pretty solid each-way claims in the handicap chase at 3:50. Whilst the yard haven't had a winner since New Year's Day it's not as if they are running much below form and this one has been unfortunate in he has been ridden exclusively by Andrew Thornton and Robert Walford, both grossly deficient jockeys. Christian Williams isn't much better, it must be said, but he should come on for his reappearance (though it is a slight worry that he's been off 9 weeks since) and I don't think he is the second string (Jacob always rides Silver Inngot). Ladbrokes were going 10/1 earlier which I've missed, but I'm still prepared to take the 13/2 on offer at Betfred as Betfair seems to be down at the moment.

In the handicap hurdle that follows Idian Mix looks pretty well handicapped on his return from 22 months off and 7/2 looks a fair price.


Nemetan 1pt e/w 13/2
Idian Mix 1pt win 7/2

[Hwjb]

Edmo Yewkay, 1pt e/w, WON 15/2.
An Accordion, 2pts win, WON 11/2.
Aztec Warrior, 0.5pt e/w, LOST 25/1.
Femme d'Avril, 1pt e/w, LOST 14/1.
Rich Nomad, 0.5pt e/w, LOST 33/1.
Nemetan, 1pt e/w, WON 5/1.
Idian Mix, 1pt win, LOST 7/2.


Had a look at three of the handicaps at Wincanton so far, and think there is a bit of value knocking about, particularly in the 2:10 with Topless, something we're all very fond of as it is! She ran well in a novice at Plumpton on her chasing debut before shaping as if her stamina was stretched in a race that has worked out at Warwick last time. She remains lightly raced and probably has a bit more improvement in her, and Felix de Giles is a jockey I have a bit of time for, so no qualms about him taking over. 13/2 is a very solid each way bet, especially with Never So Blue having questions to answer at this trip. It could also be worth chucking a few quid at Even More at a big price as he is plummeting down the weights, and goes well at this course, for all he is a bit of a hound these days.

In the next, the market is correct in that Chapoturgeon has the best chance, but 11/8 is a bit short given that he looks quirky, altohugh his idling at Lingfield last time at least means he hasn't been hit as harshly as he might by the handicapper. However, Lester Leaps In appeals more as he's available at 16/1. Unfortunately there are only 7 runners, but it's worth having a bit on to win andd taking the chance, as he looked sure to come on for his reappearance when too keen for his own good and Henderson's are going really well.

Contrarily I think the market is wrong in the 3:10 as Predateur looks a rogue to me, and a hype horse to boot, his odds of 2/1 making no appeal whatsoever. I'll be laying him, whilst also backing Our Jasper (10/1), as he has the form in the book and strikes as a particularly sound jumper, and Gentle John (5/1) who has also appealed as the type to make a better chaser and finally seems to be getting his act together, possibly better than the bare result at Ascot last time, when managing to keep on despite setting a strong pace.


2:10 Topless 2pts e/w
2:40 Lester Leaps In 0.5pt win
3:10 Our Jasper 1pt win
Gentle John 1pt win