It wasn't to be for Rizzel on Thursday with both selections running considerably under par.
I was surprised to see Come On John finish outside the placings in his race given how he has hit the crossbar on endless occasions this last month or so. That horse was a losing selection for me recently, and I guess if the horse were going to lose you would rather it get smoked than finish second for the 50th time in two months, which would further add to the frustrations. Come On John is probably worth leaving alone going forward, but knowing our luck he will win next time out!
There is only flat racing tomorrow due to the continued weather abruptions. I had some success on the flat a couple of days ago, so I'm not totally annoyed. Fingers crossed tomorrow's selection can get the job done for us.
Cairnzy's Tips
The Thames Boatman 9/4 – Lingfield 2.20
The Thames Boatman, trained by Richard Hughes and ridden by his regular companion in Finley Marsh, was the only horse that I thought was worth a bet in tomorrows racing.
I'm a big believer in course form, and it's always something I look at when it comes to ticking boxes for certain selections. My selection certainly has form when it comes to Lingfield, and only recently lost his unbeaten record at the track on New Years Eve, when finishing three and a quarter lengths back in sixth place. Notably, that particular contest was a considerable rise in class for The Thames Boatman ( Class 2 0-105 ) and he ran with credit to finish close enough to the winner in a more quality-filled field. Furthermore, my selection was making his return to the track on the back of a 87 day break so he is more than entitled to have needed the run and should come on for it.
My selection drops down into calmer waters this time around ( Class 4 contest ) and he should find this a fair bit easier. The Thames Boatman is one of those horses that needs things to fall correctly, which comes with its obvious risks as this is racing and nothing is ever guaranteed.
My selection is a holdup performer and tends to need a fair gallop to aim at before making his charge down the straight. There is some forecast pace on offer in this contest, McLoven being the most obvious one at first glance. If the race plans out as I expect it to, then I think The Thames Boatman has every chance of picking up the pieces late on.
