Tanya Stevenson
Tanya' s Blog, October 20
Did I just wake up in Alaska this morning? The temperature seemed to plummet ten degrees and not even the de-icer was of any use. However, it does bring a warm smile to my face as these temperatures indicate jump racing, the sooner the flat disappears the better for me.
I was very fortunate to be part of the crowd visiting Nigel Twiston-Davies’ stable on Monday and Imperial Commander looked tremendous, as did Paddy Brennan. There were so many familiar names to jog the memory of what is to come, Razor Royale, Pigeon Island, Irish Raptor, Little Josh and Hello Bud to name a few. It was all in aid of Haydock’s Betfair Chase day and the launch of their National Hunt season.
Yesterday I was editing all the pictures I’d taken at the yard and also collating the footage needed for this weekend’s programme – mainly focusing on the flat. However, Monet’s Garden will be the highlight for me if he does go to Aintree for the Old Roan Chase, the whole meeting live on Racing UK.
The better half was with Andy Stewart and various kind hearted racing luminaries raising money at Moorcroft Charity Day at Plumpton on Monday. Goodness knows how Andy Stewart felt when Celestial Halo took a crashing fall four out at Exeter yesterday. But too many to mention have fluffed their lines on their debut and all was going well up to that point.
Scanning through the form of today’s meeting and the 3.15 at Worcester looks a tricky event. I would go with THE GIANT BOLSTER as he showed up well in some quality contests last season. Ballydub one of his rivals is prone to making errors at crucial times and he would be a lay. PLUNKETT can upset Fruity O’Rooney in Fontwell’s 4pm. Back to cricket now for me India v Australia are live on Sky.
POINTERS
Barry Hills has had four winners from his last six runners
Daryl Jacob has had four winners from his last 12 rides
Nick Williams has been landing some good wins recently and he has had three wins from his last seven
Five of Paul Nicholls last 11 runners have finished second – how frustrating!!
Richard Johnson has had seven winners and seven seconds from his last 26 rides
Ruby Walsh has had eight winners and five seconds from his last 22 rides
