The Flat starts in earnest

[NoChanceToDance]

Not been a great Craven meeting for me. I had my biggest bet in a long time on Twice Over in the Earl Of Sefton today. I know some will say serves me right for betting and odds on shot in a "money buying" stab in the dark, however this was not the case.

I often find horses much better than this grade make this seasonal debuts in this. Notnowcato, Manduro and Phoenix Tower for example (all three have been large bets for me).

Twice Over was miles clear on form in this, he obviously loves the track and the distance looked ideal. Henry Cecil has started this flat season well and is always keen to make his mark at this meeting.

My one concern last night was the ground, I was concerned it might be a little too quick for him. The very next moment I heard a thunder storm outside, drenching the ground with a nice drop of rain (remember, I'm only 5miles from the track). I assumed they got the rain, too. Agaian this morning we had some heavy showers. Surely the ground would be no faster than good?

I went to work, expecting a big pay day after snapping up evens and 5/6 about a horse I thought should have been around 4/7.

However, none of the previous rain hit the track and the ground was arguably quicker than the descripted good to firm. The horse hated it and didn't pick up as expected.

I felt sick.