Tanya Stevenson
Captains Blog November 6
There is nothing wrong with the Churchill Downs track and if Workforce runs tonight he will have every chance, no excuses! Midday ran well in defeat last night but she was not beaten by the track, she was beaten by a better horse. All talk of the track being too firm is clearly nonsense and smacks of us Europeans making up ready made excuses before the races are even run. Punters have more pressing things to consider at Churchill Downs, most notably the bias that is in existence on the dirt track. The inside that has proved so good in the past at this track is not the place to be, indeed three or four horses wide in the straight looks to be much better than the inside. This will suit the loop and swoop style of Zenyatta in the Classic tonight. In saying this we must remember that a track bias is a moveable feast and everything could change tonight. The other observation I have is a somewhat obvious one and I may well be teaching you to suck eggs, but polytrack horses do not go as well on dirt, the style of racing is completely different as is the kick back. Informed Decision is a top class poly horse but last night despite being strongly fancied by many she just did not act on the track. Thus beware those polytrack horses tonight, although the remarkable Zenyatta may be the exception that proves the rule, she acts on anything and is quite simply a monster. Along with the rest of the crowd at Churchill Downs tonight I hope she wins, and I have a feeling she will.
We had a winner here on the Blog albeit at a very short price. Nonetheless a winner is a winner and with the old fashioned concept of value being totally outmoded due tot he accuracy of the markets we should welcome any winner. I did not welcome the fate of my other selection which finished fifth at Southwell, but you cannot win them all I suppose. There is plenty of good racing to go at today with some excellent jumping on Racing UK. We will be at Sandown and Wincanton and will also be keeping an eye on what happens at Doncaster in the Jockeys championship. Surely Hanagan has it in the bag as he goes into today two winners ahead, butt he way Hughes is riding it will not be over until it is over.
It promises to be a day of Sport for me today. I will be channel hoping all day trying to watch Rugby, Racing and Football and then this evening it will be the Breeders Cup all the way. Blimey I could do my proverbials today if I am not careful. I need to start well ! Famous last words. This evening I will be treating Mrs McNae to a mini firework display in the garden, yes I have pushed the boat out and bought a packet of sparklers, what a day it promises to be.
Have a profitable weekend
Today’s Selections
2.00 Doncaster – Damien (each way 9/1 Ladbrokes)
3.10 Doncaster – Palomar (each way 18/1 Ladbrokes)
2.10 Wincanton – Australia Day (each way 4/1 Ladbrokes)
