Tanya Stevenson
Tanya’s Blog - Happy New Year
Happy New Year from a packed Cheltenham press room. Just had David Williams, Ladbrokes, pull up by my desk give me a peck on the cheek and say “first one is free!” how corny is that!!!! He has grown a beard while supervising the guests at Ally Pally for the World Darts and I feel it doesn’t suit. All I can hear at present is John McCririck’s booming voice and cheeky laugh, I peer over my shoulder and he is talking to Cheltenham, Managing Director, Edward Gillespie. I did well this morning in remember to put on the new press badge. The beef stew is going down well with all the press and photographers, a bit too well as I feel I may miss out. A fair crowd is expected today over 25,000 maybe, atmosphere in the betting ring is bound to be splendid.
I chose not to see in the New Year, this Festive period has been a busy time with only Christmas Day itself being my day off, I crave tomorrow as it will be a rare day of rest before heading to the office on Tuesday – put those violins away! So what will the new year bring, well I’m hoping better luck and happier times plus an abundance of live sport.
Today I actually don’t fancy anything other than the press room beef stew and new potatoes however, I have weighed in on RUNSHAN in the Cheltenham 1.35 as I feel the shorter trip will suit and a positive front-running ride from Brendan Powell may catch the others out. Then there is MARSH WARBLER in the 2.25 at Musselburgh who ran well behind Grandouet before his excellent fifth in the Ladbroke. The five pound allowance of Lucy Alexander will be crucial. Otherwise I have heard positive words about Duke Of Lucca and Hector’s Choice in the Cheltenham 2.10 but that race slots in the too hard category. Oscargo should win the 2.45 but I can’t back him at odds-on and will have an interest on Houblon des Obeaux.
Chris McGrath, Independent has just pitched up alongside me, and photographer Hugh Rutledge flanks me on my right so I have a superb draw. The only sound in the press room at present is cutlery tapping on crockery, and a few keyboards being tapped. Not long now before going on air. Fingers crossed that Graham Lee has a good return to the saddle. And of course you all back plenty of winners.
It is darts and NFL tonight for me the final week where crucial playoff places are decided. Giants or Cowboys? Can’t pick as I don’t think either could measure up against the Saints or Packers.
POINTERS
Sybarite has been beaten in all five starts at Cheltenham
The last nine favourites have been beaten in Cheltenham’s 2.45, which may change with Get Me Out Of Here a non-runner and Oscargo now odds-on
Paul Nicholls has had four winners, a second and a third from his last six runners
Barry Geraghty and Nicky Henderson have had four winners from their last eight runners
The Sawyer has won six of his ten races in January
Tidal Bay has run 11 times at Cheltenham for four wins, three seconds and a third
