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3 from the weekend

Despite the fact I am still in full National Hunt racing mode I have managed to have a dabble in the Flat action that is now roaring onto our screens.




ETON RIFLES (6-4-12-0-0 (22) / 2.67 / 0.73)

5th in the Lincoln handicap at Doncaster

The Howard Johnson 6yo ran an eye-catching Race in the feature event of the day on Ground that may have been a touch on the lively side for him. He moved sweetly in the far side group until either fading or failing to quicken from the furlong pole. The Pivotal gelding is currently on a career high mark but there was no suggestion on Saturday that he can't defy his current rating. His best form looks to come on ground with at least the minimum amount of juice in it (good to soft or worse) and I have a feeling the 8 furlong trip of the Lincoln may just have stretched his stamina reserves to their limits. I'll be looking to have an interest in him when he gets his preferred ground and a drop back to 6 or 7 furlongs (although 8 furlongs may not be fully out of his grasp).

IRISH HEARTBEAT (7-2-7-0-0 (16) / 3.57 / 1.00)

10th in the Lincoln Handicap at Doncaster

Richard Fahey's gelding started favourite here but in truth never really managed to land a serious blow. The result of both the Spring Mile and the Lincoln suggested that the high numbers were the place to be so looking at the wider picture suggests that Irish Heartbeat didn't run a bad race from his 7 box. He is another that possibly prefers a bit of cut in the ground and despite winning last season's Spring Mile (8 furlong) I have a feeling that 6 and 7 furlongs may prove to be his ideal trip. His current mark of 96 may be right at the ceiling of his abilities so any leniency from the handicapper would not go amiss. One to keep an eye on with cut in ground, possible step back in trip and a little drop in the ratings.

BATED BREATH (6-3-9-0-0 (18) / 3.00 / 0.83)

10th in the Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster

Obviously a very talented beast but I'm starting to have my worries about him. I never like it when a horse starts getting excuses made for its defeats; 1 or 2 every now and again is fine but 3 in a row from only 6 career starts is a bit of a concern. If a horse continually finds trouble in running then something needs to be done. Bated Breath obviously has a race winning turn of foot so why not stick him closer to the pace, therefore lessening the chance of meeting traffic? He is evidently a smooth travelling horse so putting him closer to the pace should pose no significant problem; if he is as good as is being suggested then a small change in tactics should not be hard to implement. He currently sits in my 'talented but starting to concern me' pile.

Happy Punting

Ben (NTF)


This post first appeared on Narrowing The Field The, please read the originial post: here

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3 from the weekend

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