Racing Report Card: A horse on the up, a big gamble landed and a horse for your tracker

LET’S not beat around the bush, Tuesday’s racing was nothing to write home about. But, it’s the grassroots action that normally throws up the best value and we’ll keep you in the loop with our all important racing report card. Horse on the up ???? Clonmel 2.20 – Annamix At odds of 4-6 he was […]

LET’S not beat around the bush, Tuesday’s racing was nothing to write home about.

But, it’s the grassroots action that normally throws up the best value and we’ll keep you in the loop with our all important racing report card.

Horse on the up

Clonmel 2.20 – Annamix

At odds of 4-6 he was expected to win. And the not once, but twice antepost favourite for the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham should be winning a race such as this.

But he’s had plenty go wrong in recent times and it was a huge relief for Willie Mullins and connections to finally get his head in front over hurdles.

The second, Raya Time ran a stormer and is a solid yardstick, but the pair pulled miles clear. Interestingly he keeps his novice status up until the Hatton’s Grace meeting in the depths of winter and this should be a platform for him to finally live up to his potential.

A proper Irish punt lands

Hexham 3.10 – Well Joey (3-1 into 13-8f)

There were no hiding places for bookies up at Hexham. After Irish raider Captain Cj, backed into 4-5f, landed the first at a jog the bookmakers feared the worst just an hour later.

Fellow raider Well Joey was all the rage, also ridden by Robbie Dunne. The result was never in doubt as he jumped like a good thing and had punters queuing up half way round.

Off a lowly mark of 90, despite a recent C&D second in unfavoured conditions, he looks miles clear of the handicapper and Paul Stafford made the most of this weak race to take the £5k race back to County Dublin.

One for your tracker

Hereford 2.30 – Tiffin Top

The penny dropped with Alan King’s youngster here. He had some decent form behind Vlannon and Friend Or Foe, but really stepped up on those efforts here.

He was steady enough on the flat for John Gosden, but jumped well here and with a bit more work should be a decent horse in time.

He pulled well clear of the second – a 120 rated horse from Harry Whittington – and now looks ripe for a handicap or two before the season is up.

King did state after he’s much better right handed and that could be the key to him for now.