Matt Chapman’s Good, Bad and Ugly from this week’s world of horse racing
WHAT a weekend of action, with flag-gate at Sandown, a sizzling Tingle Creek and Native River dominant at Aintree.
But who or what has made my latest Good, Bad and Ugly column?
GOOD
Native River deserves far more credit than he gets and is a cracking each-way bet at 25-1 for the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
To win at the Festival, the ground would probably have to be very soft for Colin Tizzard’s star, but the way the climate is at the moment that is very possible, and he would still have a chance on Good to Soft.
Quite simply, Native River can keep up a stronger gallop than most chasers over a trip further than three miles, and whatever goes by him will know they have had a serious race.
At the weekend, Native River destroyed Black Corton after four fences, and while he might not be Gold Cup standard Black Corton is anything but a mug.
With headgear on, Native River jumped well once into his stride and he’s going to be a serious force under a powerful Richard Johnson in March.
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BAD
I’m not happy with Oisin Murphy.
He’s been in Japan for ages now, and while he’s sent the odd message saying he misses me, I was expecting at least a hamper or something similar from abroad by now.
Relationships are two way things, and I have watched Deirdre win at Goodwood almost every day since Oisin has been away.
You need to make a bit more effort pal. Miss you!
UGLY
So let’s get this straight. The BHA admit they made a cock-up of flag-gate at Sandown.
As a result they will introduce new rules over a cup of tea while no punishments will be handed to anyone at the back-slapping organisation.
Meanwhile the jockeys who made a cock-up of flag-gate (deliberately or not) get 10 day bans.
Yes, that is British racing for you. No justice at all.