Major Fortune kicked off the day in fantastic style, under a very confident Harry Skelton ride.
Harry oozed confidence on Major Fortune, who clearly relished a return to very soft conditions and a drop in class.
Approaching two from home, the runner-up was finding plenty for pressure and headed Major Fortune. As soon as Harry asked for MF to pick up, he did it in a couple of strides.
Freddie Steady Go was far too keen for Conor Rabbit. He tried to settle him, but couldn't manage it, so he let him go. The horse jumped poorly and got tired. I think there's potential with him, but they've got to teach him to settle.
No Questions Asked 3/1 (1pt) – Windsor 1.50
This could be a very foolish decision by giving No Questions Asked a second chance, but the drop in trip has given me the belief that it will do the trick.
He had a very good record over this trip when racing over hurdles, so maybe he will be better suited over this trip when jumping fences.
I tipped him up last time out in the Grade 2 won by Steel Ally at Ascot. No Questions Askes gained ground very quickly before turning for home, but then his gas tank emptied in a matter of strides. It was such a strange performance.
Maybe he needs a shorter trip, and he can use his speed to travel into the race and be delivered late.
I could be overthinking this massively, and he's just a quirky horse who finds little for pressure, but I'm willing to give him one last chance.
Alfie's Princess 9/4 (1pt) – Windsor 2.25
When horses have been non-runners due to ‘unsuitable ground', and the ground is going to be worse or the same as when that happened, it raises eyebrows. Especially when they have previously won on that surface before.
Alfie's Princess won her sole PTP race many years ago on soft to heavy ground. She has won on soft ground over hurdles, so the ground should not be an issue for her.
I was very taken by her last performance at Wincanton on Boxing Day. I was close to tipping her, but the layoff and carrying twelve stone were the reasons why I dodged her. She proved I was wrong by romping home, and winning much easier than the three lengths says.
Robbie Dunne was in the saddle that day, and he must've got a proper feel from this mare. She cruised through the race, which was some doing considering she was carrying a big weight and was running for the first time in 439 days. That was her second chase start, so there should be more to come.
It's a shame that I was impressed by Alfie's Princess that much, as I really do like Hollygrove Cha Cha as a mare.
Knickerbockerglory 9/1 (1pt EW, 5pl) – Windsor 3.35
I think this race looks weaker than it actually looks. A lot of the horses in this race are on the right handicap mark, give or take a couple of pounds, and that's why I think Knickerbockerglory is a very solid candidate.
Obviously, the eye is drawn to Harry Skelton, who is not in the saddle. Harry has opted for Live Conti, who is the younger, more unexposed horse. In my opinion, there is an obvious possibility that Live Conti is ahead of the handicapper, but his handicap mark looks tough based on what he achieved as a juvenile.
It's a common thing that juveniles get over-inflated handicap marks, and when they race in open company, they tend to struggle. On paper, he finished second in a Grade 1, but has the form really worked out to be anything special?
Knickerbockerglory was third in this race last year and had a very strong performance at Sandown last time out. He took the same route last year; he won the Sandown race before running well at Windsor. He won off 132 at Sandown and then ran well off 139. He gets a talented 7lb claimer in the saddle, making him run off 133, which is a dangerous mark.
The ground looks to be turning in his favour. I think he has a very strong chance.
GambleAware
Arths Gold
9/1
17:00 Wolverhampton – 1m1f Hcap
0.00
Tyson Fury
BOG
@ 12/1
Each Way
Each Way: 1/4 Odds, 2 Places