I’ll be mucking out this Christmas but I have some festive crackers to run
CHRISTMAS DAY is just a another day in the office for me and mine.
I’d love to tell you I have grand plans for Santa’s arrival, but I will be busy on the gallops and mucking out!
Racing is a 363-day-a-year sport — no action tomorrow or Christmas Day, of course — so there really is no peace for the wicked.
This period is probably the busiest of the year — I promise I’m not a Grinch!
The only present I want is a winner over the next few days and I reckon I have some excellent chances to do so.
It is not quite Christmas yet, but it could come early at Ascot today with the amount of chances I have.
The big race is the Long Walk (2.25) and although BOTOX HAS is my main chance, do not discount the ever-quirky GOSHEN.
Botox Has has run plenty of times but still seems to be improving and will relish the ground.
Goshen is a bit like a Christmas cracker, you never know what you are going to get, but he has been working well at home.
It is a big if, but should he bring his a-game, I would be confident he can nick a place.
I hope HANSARD (3.35) is Graded class and despite carrying topweight, he has a great chance in the Betfair Exchange Trophy.
This run will tell us even more about him, but he is tough and a truly run race on that ground should play to all his strengths.
That said, I do think the bookies have slept on TEDDY BLUE a bit too much for the same race.
His recent form has not been great, but he will get his ground, will love the strong pace and is on a dangerous mark.
As for LARRY (3.00), he loves Ascot and I was really pleased with his prep run ahead of the Silver Cup.
You can never discount him at a venue where he has won twice at and, whisper it, he could be our best chance of a winner today.
Do not forget to pick up your Boxing Day copy of The Favourite too, as I have a potential Grand National horse and a Triumph contender running at Chepstow.
Merry Christmas however you are celebrating — and, most importantly, remember to gamble safely!
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- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chases their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
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