Kings Palace, even in receipt of weight, will need to jump well first time out round here against this lot, who all looked naturals on their own debuts. I was really impressed with Knock House at Fakenham. Think he should be shorter.
Knock House 12pts win at 8/1
Favourite very impressive. Knock House jumped too high, but looked like he didn't stay. There's a nice race in him somewhere along the line. Happy with the bet.
Cheltenham 1:50
Wouldn't put anybody off the two at the bottom. I don't feel like I've really got to grips with the race - but it will turn into a right war of attrition if the ground is the same as yesterday. Playing for the sake of it really.
Golden Chieftain 5pts win at 12/1
The Druid's Nephew 3pts at 9/2
Cape Tribulation 2pts win at 14/1
Not happy with this bet. Terrible play. That said, I wouldn't have bet Sam Winner off topweight here at twice his SP. I knew I should have sat the race out though - Cheltenham always tempts me in with its big-eyed competitive handicaps.
Cheltenham 2:30
Not hard to make a case for Persian Snow, even before adding in the obvious observation that Hobbs's chasers are in amazing form. Thought he'd be Pricewise to be honest. So I'll save on his actual selection off bottom weight and on the inconsistent but potentially well handicapped Cantlow.
Persian Snow 6pts ew at 16/1 (first 5 if you can get it)
Cantlow 2pts win at 25/1
King Massini 2pts win at 25/1
Before I became swept up in Hobbs fever it had been my intention to back John's Spirit. Some horses just love this trip round Cheltenham and weight seems to make little difference. Not sure whether to curse or be relieved I'm not sitting here heartbroken!
1pt win double Knock House/Persian Snow at around 150/1
1pt win treble Knock House/Golden Chieftain/Persian Snow at around 1800/1+
40pts bet and I'm away for the weekend, so will be spared ill discipline and chasing Sunday when all these have lost!
Well, bad day. What can I say? It started badly when my weekend trip away was cancelled due to illness and didn't get any better until a glut of second half goals in the England game salvaged me some money and pride. Also means I'm back on for Sunday. Not sure I should be.
Running Totals:
Out 395pts
In 398pts