A tough day yesterday with some disappointing performances, a faller and one beaten on the line. Magic Of Light was up against Roksana in the first race at Ascot and everything including the price suggested Dan Skeltons mare was the favourite but Magic Of Light ticked more boxes having won this the last two years and with an identical preparation this year, although Robbie Power wasn't onboard this time. Roksana was absolutely cruising like a horse with weight in hand but they both carried 11/6. Brilliant performance from the winner. Next was the sickener of the day at Haydock with Minella Dream beaten on the line by Faivoir in the Supreme Novices Hurdle trial. It's great when you see your pick coming through to steal it but devastating to lose like that. Back at Ascot, War Lord was never in the reckoning despite filling 6 of the criteria, the winner Craigneche only had age and position on his side but won impressively. Performance of the day in my opinion was Yala Enki at Taunton. Bryony had the favourite setting the pace from the start and he jumped beautifully until If The Cap Fits started to apply some pressure on the back straight for the final time. James Bowen took the lead on Harry Fry's horse from about three out but like the good horse he is, Yala Enki came back to win well. One of my favourite horses who often goes up against some of my other favourite horses or a different selection which means I don't get to cheer him on like this. Up at Haydock, Sam's Adventure was well backed but seemed to be flat out most of the way as the favourite Royale Pagaille moved effortlessly over the trip. Sam's Adventure unseated Ryan Mania six out when he could have fought for a place. Nothing was beating Rich Ricci's horse trained by Venetia Williams and ridden by Tom Scudamore. Interesting to see where he goes at Cheltenham. Would it be worth a shot at the Gold Cup this year with no really outstanding horses in that category at the minute? Domaine De L'Isle was another horse defending his crown at Ascot yesterday. He seemed to be going ok with the head gear on but was soon going backwards as the winner, Dashel Drasher made all, pounding all challengers into submission. Buveur D'Air was back at Haydock for his first run in over a year and I did not fancy him at all after such a long lay off. The data suggested Ballyandy would win this having won it last year. Buveur D'Air was predictably rusty but the Twiston-Davies horse also struggled with top weight and finished last in a 3 horse race a long way behind Navajo Pass. Very disappointing from Ballyandy. The final race was the big one, The Clarence House featuring the current best 2 mile chaser Politologue against Defi Du Seuil, the last 2 winners of the Tingle Creek. However, it was First Flow and David Bass, who had just come off that ride on Domaine De L'Isle who duelled with Politologue and Harry Cobden, taking the lead at the 7th, relinquishing it at the eighth before regaining it again and staying on well to win by seven lengths. Just the one winner and two placed on the day. I should list the data of the winners since I started documenting this and see if there are any patterns.
1.15 Ascot - Selection - Magic Of Light - weight, trainer, position, distance, course, month
1.15 Ascot - Winner - Roksana - age, weight, distance, month
1.50 Ascot - Selection - War Lord - age, jockey, position, distance, course, month
1.50 Ascot - Winner - Craigneche - age, position
3.00 Ascot - Selection - Domaine De L'Isle - weight, jockey, trainer, position, distance, month
3.00 Ascot - Winner - Dashel Drasher - weight, position, distance, course, month
3.35 Ascot - Selection - Politologue - age, weight, position, distance, course, month
3.35 Ascot - Winner - First Flow - age, weight, position, distance, month
2.10 Taunton - Selection/Winner - Yala Enki - weight, trainer, position, distance, course, month
1.30 Haydock - Selection - Minella Drama - age, weight, position, distance, month
1.30 Haydock - Winner - Faivoir - age, weight, position, month
2.40 Haydock - Selection - Sam's Adventure - age, weight, distance, course, month
2.40 Haydock - Winner - Royale Pagaille - distance, course, month
3.15 Haydock - Selection - Ballyandy - age, weight, jockey, trainer, position, distance, course, month
3.15 Haydock - Winner - Navajo Pass - weight
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