Name dropping is never clever. I was reminded of this on Sunday at Plumpton when I was stood in the collect queue after the victory of Like Sully, behind the very clever and splendidly red-trousered Lord Baker (former Education Minister, 'star' of Spitting Image and inspiration behind modern Technology Colleges). To see he had only secured 9/4 for his wager, made my successful punt at 5/2 just that little bit more satisfying (he wrote smugly.)
The run has continued, with a recognition that the bookies had over-reacted to England's comeback against Germany, with their odds for the Holland game. A Dutch team inspired by the death of the truly great Johan Cruyff, and England's frailties in front of the home crowd at Wembley, duly delivered the goods for those who followed the advice on twitter. Gratifying, if a tad over the top, feedback as well, 'shrewd as a shrew from Shrewsbury.'
The cricket is going well, with wins for England and West Indies in the men's 20/20 cricket. I even ventured into the women's game, convinced that Australia's 'ladies' (as the commentators call them) were much better than England's. It was closer than I expected, and the standard of the cricket was in truth not that great, but Australia prevailed in the end. Mark Robinson (new England coach) criticised his team for being unfit, apparently the reason they could not run 2's. Not good enough I am afraid for cricketers on full time and pretty lucrative contracts considering the crowds the game attracts. From what I hear there is considerable justification for the observation of some of those close to the set-up, that it is all a bit too friendly - so much so that that is very hard to get dropped from the team, and difficult for those outside to get picked.
The only setback was a near-miss in the Placepot at Lingfield on Wednesday. It was looking good until the maiden. There was good money for the unraced Bargain Buy, trained by William Haggas. I though had heard a 'whisper' for Dream Voice, also based in Newmarket with the less high profile James Tate.
The favourite was Aldair, one of the prolific Richard Hannon's, and 4th in a maiden at Chepstow in his only race. I surmised that this form was not all that, and that if the murmurings for those making their first appearances were correct then the favourite could even miss out on a place. I therefore chose Dream Voice in the Placepot and stuck him in an exacta with Bargain Buy.
At this point the betting gods struck. Dream Voice reared in the stalls, threw off champion all-weather jockey Luke Morris, and had to be withdrawn. I knew the rules on non-runners in a Placepot so was aware my money went onto the SP favourite, Aldair. No problem as surely Aldair was good enough to finish at least 3rd with Dream Voice now out?
Adair led all the way until the final furlong (touching 1.37 on the changes in running*) before fading into (you've probably guessed by now) 4th, with Bargain Buy running away an impressive winner. My compensation for missing out on what would have been a fairly impressive Placepot dividend, was the return of my £5 exacta stake (one non-runner on an exit does not go on the favourite).
Will the good run continue on April Fool's Day at Fontwell? Probably not but it should be a good day's racing if there is not too much emphasis on the family fun day elements. My eyes will be on the 2.35 at Lingfield. Gay Kellaway's What A Party will be upped in trip (racing talk for running over longer distance) which my intelligence from 'earwig corner' suggests is just what the horse needs. I expect him to out run his price and at least be placed.
*Basically the observers/arbers on the computers thought he was going to win and bet accordingly
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