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STEVE DENNIS |
Weblog: Desperate measures for desperate times
Breaking the rules because it's fun
I don't bet. Well, I hardly ever bet. I might have five bets a year. Which, when you work in racing, is a little like saying you don't bet. I used to bet a lot. But I don't bet any more.
But it is the Cheltenham Festival, and although the urge to punt is stagnant in my veins, it's a shiny blue morning and Cheltenham starts tomorrow and, I dunno, it must be spring. It feels like spring. So.
I'mtaking an imaginary #200 out of my oh-so-real overdraft and spreading it around on a few festival bets. If I feel particularly intoxicated by proceedings, or possibly intoxicated by the usual intoxicants, I might do it for real . . .
Cousin Vinny looks readily opposable in the Supreme Novices', but the Irish do well in the race and they have a strong crop of novices this season. The Noel Meade-trained Go Native won well at Naas last time and his form before that bears the closest scrutiny. £40.
In the last, Quevega can't miss now that Whiteoak goes for the Champion Hurdle. £50. And to pass the time between them, a speculative £5 each-way Nenuphar Collonges in the William Hill Trophy. He'll love the ground and has precious festival form.
Half the bank, then, on the first day. That seems relatively professional, so I'll have to do something about that. I'd like to change my life, or certainly parts of it, so I'll have a life-changing Lucky 15. £2 combo on Go Native, Niche Market, Three Mirrors and Ebadiyan.
The ground will be testing on the first day, and may not improve that much during the week. If you fancy a fast-ground horse, change your mind now. Poor old Harchibald, I say.
Mann Watch 52. Bang on schedule. And wouldn't it be good if he could get off the mark at the festival too.
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