White carpet covers UK

A magnificent white carpet of snow was laid over most of the UK yesterday; three meetings were abandoned. But there are hopes that today twice-raced Red Soles will be able to take advantage of an outstanding opportunity in the six-runner Maiden Stakes over 12 furlongs of Wolverhampton polytrack which, incidentally, was deemed unfit after four races on Saturday due to heavy snowfall. It’s an extremely moderate race and, following a long absence, Red Soles was sixth of eight under Robert Winston, beaten 12 lengths, over ten furlongs of this course a fortnight ago; amazingly even that form puts Charles Hills’ charge “on the premises” and, of course, there’s every reason to believe this Barathea filly will improve, quite considerably. 

 

That can’t be said about any of the others and so, by process of elimination, Red Soles should carry the colours of Penny and Barry Hills to success and become a much more valuable breeding proposition. William Carson rides Winston now serving a twenty-two days suspension after failing to win an appeal against a Southwell riding offence last month. Robert has taken off to USA where he’ll be riding work, thus keeping himself in good shape. He deserves a break, as do so many other jockeys who continually complain about the whip-riding rules which have been changed unnecessarily.

 

Realistically, because the BHA simply refuses to exercise discretion and common sense, it would be best to ban the whip; let’s hope that wont need to happen. “Heavy” ground will prevail at Ayr where a five-runner Mares’ Novices’ Hurdle kicks off a seven-race programme; apparently there are “no problems” even though the course was “frozen” last Friday and so we’ll be able to have a bet on Lucinda Russell-trained Lucia Bay, unchallenged Newcastle winner last month. We’re all praying for a quick resumption because this is definitely the very best time of year for punting with Hunter Chases, novice hurdles and a load of all-weather maiden races set for decision during the next ten weeks.

 

For a lot more go to www.dailyearner.co.uk and get regular updates via twitter.com/dailyearnertips