Tanya Stevenson
Tanya's Blog, January 17
Colin Firth claimed his Best Actor Golden Globe last night, proving short-priced odds-ons do still win and The Social Network made it a domination for the favourites as we enter into awards season. Can’t say I have seen The Kings Speech yet but I will eventually – probably on DVD, days off are very rare.
Kempton was very surreal on Saturday, fantastic for Nicky Henderson but the crowd couldn’t sprint to the exit gates quick enough as soon as Kauto Star was defeated. Does make you think though what would have happened had Imperial Commander been allowed to take his chance.
It did rain heavily all through the night in Sussex and it is still raining now, my sympathies go out to Plumpton for their plight. I haven’t included Plumpton in my scan of the early movers, most of them seem to be at Wolverhampton anyway. The only one at Fakenham is Silicium who has hardened into 8-11 at the time of writing. Who would oppose any Nicky Henderson runner at present? Looking at Fakenham, I’m not keen on Mamlook going over fences, a top handicap hurdler and a capable flat horse over the staying trip, it’s an ideal opening because Tullamore Dew has to concede ten pounds but even so I wouldn’t be rushing to take a short price Mamlook round such a tight sharp track where the horse’s qualities is stamina.
Now MR BIG has got back on a winning thread and not being asked to run round Cheltenham’s Cross Country course he may be worth following at 3.30.
Wolverhampton movers start in the very first race where Avon River and Samarinda are being opposed in the 2.20. 2.50 and Crazy In Love is a big drifter, Kames Park is also friendless at 3.20 while Rhythm Stick is only 11-8. MAHER though looks to be the one to follow all day at Wolverhampton as his price contracts
Those who follow the NFL, like me, must have thought New England looked in a trance last night, either that or they were too complacent. Heading into the semis though I would love Green Bay to reach the Superbowl and win. The cricket gets better and better and there is only 32 days to the World Cup, how good is that.
POINTERS
Nicky Henderson has had ten winners, three seconds and two thirds from his last 22 runners
At Fakenham Nicky Henderson had 8 winners from 12 runners in 2009-2010 season, yet so far this season all four of his runners have been beaten, I can’t imagine that run will last for long
Nicky Henderson has won the Fakenham 3.00 at all four attempts
Sam Thomas has a strong record at Fakenham over five seasons but beware he has been beaten on his last five rides at the course
A P McCoy has won on five of his last 12 rides at Fakenham
Barry McHugh has had three wins, two seconds and a third from his last seven rides at Wolverhampton
If Plumpton is on, watch out for Ede’s at 2.10 he has won four of his five races at the Sussex course
