22/11

4th for Safari Run -should have left heavy ground alone - discipline! Tralanza lost in another dodgy 2 year old maiden and Altos REalos unplaced which was a surpiise although mention was made that there was no real positivity from Spotlight. BAcking the 3 against Ouzbeck paid off with 9/1 winner Prince Taime. Well Crouch and LAmpard scored for my goalscorer bets, BEcks was 10/1 because he started from the bench, which added gloss to a dismal racing day. I hope the lay of England was chosen rather than the under 2.5 goals bet - what with Willie Carson in goal ! In the Irish game why didn't I select unders if I thought it would be close - Spain scored early and the odds went down to 1.14 which was not what I wanted but a 1-0 scoreline always allowed Northern ireland a chance but they couldn't take it
150 HEREFORD
BETTING FORECAST: 8/13 Pace Shot, 5/1 Soviet Sceptre, 6/1 Arthurs Dream, 10/1 Mondo, 11/1 Coup D´Etat, 22/1 Rhetorical, 25/1 Star Berry, 33/1 Breeder´s Folly, Silver Island, 50/1 Lake Suprima, Tamworth, 66/1 Lucky Shame .
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: A race that revolves around PACE SHOT, who was much better class than these rivals when last seen out in April 2006. It is a touch disconcerting to see him reintroduced at this level but, on the other hand, the stable have adopted a similar strategy on occasion in the past with long-absent horses and, if a significant proportion of his former ability remains, he will be very hard to beat A 500+ day absence in a seller is not what I want to see - yes "if a significant proportion of his former ability remains, he will be very hard to beat"but that's a bit "if" and although Pace Shot may be able to over come the absebce in this class drop, I won't entertain an odds on shot in a race of this type.
230 WINCANTON
BETTING FORECAST: 7/4 Shanxi Girl, 3/1 Hugo Wolf, 11/2 Saint Godegrand, 6/1 Maori Legend, 8/1 M´Lord, 10/1 Farmer Brent, 25/1 Festival Flyer, 33/1 See More Jock .
SPOTLIGHT VERDICT: At first glance the handicapper hasn't done SHANXI GIRL any obvious favours but she shapes as though she'll improve plenty for this longer trip and, if she takes after her dam, who was a prolific winner for the stable, this course and ground will pose no problems for heIt's been a long time coming - an 8 runner field - short price fav and 2 outsiders, leaving us with 5 possible each way contenders. I will opt for Saint Godegrand

Another poor day - patience is needed - hope the above selection places at least