16th October 2012

It is impossible to start this post without commenting on the immense achievements of Richard Hughes yesterday. His 7 timer was truly something to behold, and I sat watching his final race in disbelief as he seemed to find more from the horse to secure the win. It's almost as if the adrenalin was running through him into Mamma Quilla and there aren't many in the racing world who deserve something as prestigious as yesterday as Richard Hughes. It was fitting as well to occur at Windsor, just 8 miles from Ascot where Frankie secured his 7 timer, and with the 7 races on the card on Saturday for Champions Day, who knows what could happen! Let's hope that we can be on the receiving end of 7 winners there. We already have one lined up in Frankel. Saturday continues to creep ever closer, with both Ascot and Cheltenham providing tremendous action. Until then however there's still some value to be found, and although yesterday's two selections didn't perform as hoped, here's today's picks to try to make up for it.

15.50 Huntingdon (will go off at 15.55)

This looks a desperately difficult race to decipher, but there is a good chance that one or two of these maidens could go on to land a couple of races this season, so it's a race for us to keep an eye on. Tour D'Argent is likely to head up the market, representing the Henderson yard and ridden by McCoy. Although he is the one to beat on hurdling form, what was evident last year is that Henderson has long term objectives for his horses, especially when you take into account this horse is owned by Michael Buckley, a true racing fanatic who looks to the future rather than focusing just on the here and now. So although Tour D'Argent may represent the standard, I wouldn't be so shocked if he came up short here to reverse form later. Vino Griego is the experienced horse in the field having raced 12 times already over fences, including several placed efforts and an 8th and 4th at the last two Festivals. Although racing against some truly good horses in that time, such as Hunt Ball, Grands Crus and to a lesser extent Divers and Triolo D'Alene, the fact he is still a maiden is a worry. As a result he may be susceptible to one of the new chasers, with Well Regarded and FORGOTTEN  GOLD the two more likely to figure as they seem the type to take to chasing. Preference is for the latter who has already won in the point-to-point field which inspires confidence and seeing as he raced up to 3 miles last year, the extra exertions that come with jumping fences are also less of a concern. (price unavailable, currently 7.6 on Betfair/ UPDATE 13/2 with several bookmakers, 9.2 Betfair)

16.50 Huntingdon (will go off at 16.55)

Another contest that doesn't stand out on paper as a sound betting proposition; Tick Tocker is likely to go off favourite again representing big connections and using a trusted route. He also comes from a winning point-to-point background, but at likely short odds there's certainly value to be found elsewhere in this bumper. Of the others STANDINTHEBAND is intriguing representing the Twiston-Davies team. Not only trained by father Nigel and ridden by son Sam, he is owned by his trainer, and with horses of a similar type he is usually careful to run them. Although further is thought to suit Standintheband, that will stand him in good stead for this opening run under rules and as an each way bet he appeals. Pure Style is the form pick having already won a bumper, and although carrying a penalty he can't be easily discarded. (7.8 Betfair/UPDATE 5/1 several bookmakers 8 Betfair)

15.40 Leicester

With the Hughes factor likely to take hold, MY QUEENIE could well go off a much shorter price than currently available. At today's weights and on ratings she has some in hand here, and although not performing well last time at Ascot, she is forgiven that run and given another chance. The return to 1 mile should suit as she runs better around that trip and has developed a good relationship with Hughes on board. If racing to her form she will be tough to beat. (9/4 Paddy Power, 3.6 Betfair)

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer