Tatty's Nags to Notice - Thursday 12th January 2012

Jumping at Catterick and Fontwell and all-weather flat fixtures at Southwell and Kempton are the order of the day.

Over the timber at Fontwell, we have an interesting runner in the 3.05 Off the track since March 2010, HONOUR HIGH has shown some decent form in far higher grade events than this and also at this track. Lady Herries doesn’t have too many runners at Fontwell, but she has a reasonably good record when coming here. I’m not saying he will win, but is well worth a look. 

Fontwell Park - Notice the figure of 8 chase course

The stable also has EASTER FAYRE running in the bumper at 4.05 I think she may need the run, but don’t discount her chances totally as she has found the frame in similar events last summer.

The Grandstand at Catterick

Brian Ellison has a decent strike rate when taking National Hunt runners to Catterick and HAKUNA MATATA has his debut run over the timber in the 1.45 When running on the level, he showed some signs of talent, especially when winning in desperate ground at Newcastle. On offer at time of writing at 8’s, it may be worth keeping an eye on the market.

                      Nags to Notice

• HAKUNA MATATA Catterick 1.45
• HONOUR HIGH Fontwell 3.05
• EASTER FAYRE Fontwell 4.05

Things Can Only Get Better!

Good morning my friends

Yesterday will be best forgotten about, 1 that didn't run well and a faller. OK, moving swiftly on.....

Today's Doncaster card goes ahead after not requiring its early morning inspection, although I do believe Wolverhampton are inspecting soon concerning their twilight card. Makes a mockery of "all-weather" racing doesn't it? Should be any weather when it isn't too cold, foggy, snowy or wet maybe?

On to some suggestions for today then.

At Lingfield in the Maiden at 4.30, I like the look of MANIFESTATION. John Gosden's 3 year old ran here 3 weeks ago and was a few lengths down. Today, up against not such intense opposition shall we say, the previous experience will serve him well and I think he can prevail.

Some good novice action at Doncaster and interesting handicaps at Fontwell make up the cards on this side of the Irish sea. David Pipe's LAUSTRA BAD may be the answer in a tricky 3.50 at Fontwell. He has won at a far better level than this albeit the best part of 4 years ago. Remember, form is temporary - class is permanent and I think he can put in a big performance here.

In case Wolves gets the go ahead, Mark Johnston's EXEMPLARY looks interesting in the 2 mile 5.40 He has never run this far before and has never really been too impressive on the all-weather in truth, but he has won at a beter level and today may be the making of him. We shall cross our fingers and hope.

Gowran Park's Thyestes Handicap Chase card finally goes ahead at, is it, the third time of asking now? Many in with a chance in the feature at 2.55 One I will be watching is Dessie Hughes' SIEGEMASTER. Top weighted here and has been running reasonably towards the end of last year. He may find his way into the frame, but this is very competitive.

SIEGEMASTER Gowran Park 2.55           Won @ 16/1

LAUSTRA BAD Fontwell 3.50              Unplaced

MANIFESTATION Lingfield Park 4.30 Unplaced

EXEMPLARY Wolverhampton 5.40          Won @ 13/8

Good luck. Just heard that Wolverhampton is all systems go! Yippee!

Tatty is leaving the laptop!