Alverton
David Marshall's Blog, March 26
Looking ahead to Carlisle, Newbury and Sedgefield
It’s not rocket science, race planning, or is it? Up north we have a dearth of fixtures at times yet today we have Carlisle and Sedgefield racing on a Friday, a day hardly associated with Sedgefield previously, if you lived midway between the two courses where would you head? Looking at today’s cards I would say 90% would travel west. I love Sedgefield but today the County Durham track is a victim of avoidable circumstances, surely lessons must be learnt. A winner is a winner, and having followed Polobury over a cliff this season mixing hurdling and chasing, today’s slog will suit her, so why not, another chance to redeem herself.
At Carlisle I am not sure Harry Flashman should be the outsider of the field, he definitely has the ability to take a hand in the finish provided the ground does not ride bottomless. I have been keeping an eye on Claude Carter in novice events, can hardly said to be thrown in on his handicap debut though. Jimmy Bond did me a favour at a decent price last time, sadly the price reflects his chance today.
Apart from the hunters chase Newbury’s card has a real competitive look to it. The lightly raced Wee Robbie has obviously had training problems, but the ten year old retains ability and trainer Nick Gifford has his horses in rude health. The nineteen runner handicap hurdle is extremely difficult, I can forgive any horse not performing at Chepstow this season and for that reason I am going to side with Outlaw Tom at a price, he was a promising novice last season. In the finale I shall be keeping an eye on the once well regarded County Zen, perhaps a pipe opener to a visit to Aintree in a fortnight’s time.
Today’s Tip
14:20 Newbury – Wee Robbie
