20th November 2012

An interesting run from Broadbackbob yesterday who justified his short price with the ease of his victory, but  his jumping made me chuckle. Obviously he is a novice and improved technique will come with time, but he certainly took a while to settle and it will be interesting to see how he comes out again next time. Our other runner unfortunately fell at the second fence and had to be put down. A sad way to end the day and especially so if what we read on Twitter is true; that the horse never schooled a fence last year and was only purchased a week ago before being put in the race. It makes you wonder whether he was ready for today and puts a sour taste in the mouth. Onto today's racing and here are the best selections.

13.40 Folkestone

Another unoriginal likely short priced favourite, but it's hard to see past SHUTTHEFRONTDOOR if he can convert his bumper form to hurdles. In three bumpers he's managed to beat Village Vic, Gevrey Chambertin, Coneygree and Claret Cloak as well as horses who have been fancied such as Horatio Hornblower and Decimus. He handles the likely soft ground and it seems that only a poor hurdling technique will let him down here. However he has AP on board to guide him through the experience and a win is expected. Explained rates the main threat but should have plenty to find with the selection if O'Neill's horse is a decent enough hurdler. 2/11 Ladbrokes, Sportingbet, Stan James, Sky Bet

14.40 Folkestone

A competitive enough handicap, there are a few who stand out more than the rest of the field here. Local Present props up the racecard but can't go unnoticed as he appears to be finding his form again which is ominous considering he won off a mark of 102 a year ago. He took a steady decline down the ratings but his recent performances have indicated he has improved and this 8 pound rise isn't beyond him. Conversely Mission Complete is at the head of affairs and shares top weight with Pete The Feat. On a line through Venetian Lad the former should have enough for Local Present, but that's based on old form and it may ultimately be closer today. Pete The Feat arrives seeking a hattrick and has a course and distance win to boot, but he may prefer more cut in the ground and as a result it is another course and distance winner who is preferred, namely JUST JOSIE. Lightly raced and still only 6 years old, there could be any amount of improvement from the mare and her great record fresh is enough to tip this race into her favour. 10/1 William Hill, Betfred, Totesport

13.30 Fakenham

A couple of these arrive in good form which should ensure it's a decent enough race. Escardo was a winner 29 days ago in a pleasing enough manner, and his 5 pound claimer helps to negate his subsequent rise in the ratings. However he doesn't look as well handicapped as Benny The Swinger, who won really well last time out and may still be out the handicapper's grip. The only concern is how he will deal with Fakenham's unusual character and as a result preference is for ROC DE GUYE, winner of the race last year. He won last time out, and although not the most reliable sort, this venue appears to bring out the best in him and he can win today off a 5 pound lower mark than last year. 5/2 Paddy Power

14.00 Fakenham

The highest class race of the day, this looks likely to go to the favourite as well in the shape of FIRST FANDANGO. He's shown an ability to handle tough circuits in his career and his switch to fences has been smooth seeing him run Forgotten Gold and There's No Panic close, who would themselves be good enough to land this. He also receives a good claimer and can take advantage here. Brady looks set to be the main worry representing the McCain yard (who interestingly virtually bypassed Cheltenham with only one runner last weekend) but his best performances are on genuinely good ground and that won't necessarily be available to him. Mavalenta and Saingeland make their chasing debuts so ultimately may lack the experience to trouble the favourite here. 10/11 Coral

Good luck!

The Horse Whisperer