Tatty's Nags to Notice - Friday 13th January 2012

For Friday, we have a meeting at my local (and possible favourite NH) course, namely Huntingdon. I previously wrote an article extolling the virtues of racing at Huntingdon, please click on the following link to read:

Go Racing at Huntingdon Racecourse

With my fascination for the interesting runner shall we say, I notice that trainer Jeremy Scott, based at Brompton Regis in Somerset, brings just one mare to the course and she runs in the 3.20 event. DREAMBROOK LADY has been running quite well over the last couple of months, just missing the frame at both Hereford and Taunton. Moving up into handicap company for the first time, I believe she has been allocated a fair mark of 87. The yielding ground should not cause her any problems and the stable is in decent form to boot. In my opinion, she is well worth consideration. 

• DREAMBROOK LADY Huntingdon 3.20
  

 Lastly, BEWARE – today is Friday 13^th – BET AT YOUR PERIL!!!

From Huntingdon, Back to Reality.

Good morning

I had a lovely day at Huntingdon races yesterday - shame about the constant rain. Typical that the sun is shining this morning, as it was earlier in the week, but the day I go racing the heaven's open.

I must praise Huntingdon Racecourse and especially their staff. From the man on the gate when I collected my ticket, to the guys behind the counter serving food and drinks in the Lenton's bar and the young lady on the hog roast stand, everyone was polite, friendly and made it a pleasure to be there. WELL DONE HUNTINGDON - You have definitely got something right.

As for my suggestions, MTPOCKETS was well behind, it seemed, with half a circuit to go, but managed to run on whilst others struggled to only get headed for 3rd in a photo. PANTXOA ran well, but came across one far too good in A Media Luz who really looked the business to me.

Being somewhat of a form junkie, I really went against the grain in the 2nd race at 2.10 Looking at the horses in the paddock, I was really taken in by Alan King's 6 year old gelding Midnight Appeal. He had a series of duck eggs in his form when hurdling, but something just suggested to me that fences may be his making. With Robert "Choc" Thornton on board, he was always going well and took over at the last, winning with a bit in hand. Went off at 6's, but I managed to get a couple of points better than that.

OK, before I go on to today, if you kept an eye on my Tweets yesterday evening, you would have got a 7/2 winner in Spinning Bailiwick and a couple of placed animals at 11/2 and 9/2 at Kempton (yes, Kempton again - something strange going on here). 

http://twitter.com/uncletatty

Right then, today. Flat at Southwell and twilight at Wolves. Jumping at Kempton and Musselburgh. The best race of the day is the class 2 chase at Kempton 3.45, but with only 4 participants I think we will steer well clear of it. Nothing inspires me (as yet) north of the border and I haven't even looked at Wolverhampton, so it's off to the fabulous Fibresand at Southwell and the 1st 2 races on the card at that.

The opener at 1.15 brings a few capable of getting there, but I have a liking for NEVADA DESERT who come here on an all time low rating of 54. He's never won on the Fibresand, but has been runner up on a couple of occasions. If the old boy can deal with an 80 day lay off, he can get into the frame in this.

Half an hour later, we have an 8 runner, 3 year old, 6 furlong handicap. I like both Rylee Mooch (who I seem to remember writing about a week or so ago) and WINNING DRAW. My choice for Paul Midgley's filly is based on a pleasing run here a week back, when she was less than a length away from Fifth In Line. I fancy her to come on from that.

NEVADA DESERT Southwell 1.15 (e/w)

WINNING DRAW Southwell 1.45

That's all folks, remember to join me later on Twitter.

The Chairman

Can't Beat a Little Nibble in the Afternoon!

Hello boys and girls,

I can't imagine I'm going to hear too many grumbles about yesterday's choices. 2 winners from 3, not at the greatest prices, but remember - A WINNER IS A WINNER!

A bit short of time today, so a rather brief posting and only 1 suggestion. Jumps at Musselburgh, Huntingdon (my local course and I can't go - Grr!) and Limerick. AW flat at Lingfield and Kempton.

The 2.45 at Huntingdon is the best class race of the day, bringing 15 together for a stayers handicap hurdle. Lots of chances and horses with previous winning form. I just have an inkling for top weight CROSS KENNON. Brought down last time, but previously running and winning in Listed company, he could go well after a break of 40 odd days. Currently trading at 6/1, so maybe a little each way nibble is the order of the day.

CROSS KENNON Huntingdon 2.45 (each way) 2nd @ 11/2

A link to a Racing Post article you may wish to read, about Kauto Star's first canter after the King George.

Nicholls Pleased After Kauto Star Canters

Just one last comment, not about racing, but Rugby Union this time. I see London Wasps are playing Harlequins in an LV cup game in Dubai (or some damn silly place that way). So what is that all about then? A big "up yours" to the fans who watch as many games as they can at home in London it seems. I know it's live on sky, but why should fans be denied seeing a live game so that, presumably, big money can be earned in the Gulf. Not everyone can afford to jet off for the weekend to catch a game of rugby. Get a grip, RFU, Wasps (and Quins come to that - never did like them much).

Bye for now

The Tattenator