THE BETTING STRATEGY

Year to date: -2.11 points

Saturday 29 January 2022

I thought we’d bagged another winner when Before Midnight forged into the lead on the run in, but he was collared late on and finished 2^nd.

Another great Saturday of racing with some decent bets for us (five in total) and some great racing to watch.

I’ve put the analysis after each race, rather than after all the selections as I just think it’s a little better, but if you have any views on this then please let me know.

LOSS OF 1.00 POINT

All Selections are settled to Betfair SP

12.25 Doncaster

Grangeclare Glory                    1.5 points ew

Grangeclare Glory is a pretty decent hurdler who ran up to his best when third of 9 in 19f Taunton novice 19 days ago, when a selection for us. He ought to be much more competitive back in a handicap and hopefully can get his head in front here.

1.20 Cheltenham

Beakstown                                  3 points win

This is quite a competitive event but I am hopeful of a bold showing from Beakstown. The Dan Skelton horse was somewhere near back to his best last month when 2^nd at Doncaster and is on a good mark here, especially with Jack Andrews taking a further 5 lb off his back. I’m absolutely certain he’ll be on the premises here and hopefully can get our day off to a nice start.

1.55 Cheltenham

Galahad Quest                           1 point win     

Only 11 runners but another really competitive handicap and cases can be made out for quite a number of the runners. At a big price I have reluctantly passed over the David Pipe Eden Du Houx in favour of the Nick Williams trained Galahad Quest. He won At Haydock at the end of last season and has not disgraced himself  this time around with his 6^th of 16 last time out looking good form. If he jumps well and can keep handy, I think he has every chance.

2.22 Uttoxeter

Cabot Cliffs                                  1 point ew

I’m not totally sure that Cabot Cliffs is suited by this distance as his best form and all three wins have come over the minimum two miles but at a big price I’m loathe to let him run unbacked. Last time out, over a furlong further he struggled to stay the distance at Kempton but the going will be a lot better here.

3.20 Doncaster

Demachine                                  2 points win

Had he not fallen at the first fence in his last race at Doncaster I’m pretty certain that Demachine would be a lot shorter here. He was a smart novice chaser last season and ran better than the result shows when a well-held fifth of 21 in Ladbrokes Trophy on Newbury on his return. He’s worth another chance here and at the odds s the value in the race.