Selection At Taunton

Loose Chip was very disappointing on Sunday. Cruising 3 out he stopped very quickly and although there was a doubt about the getting the trip I think there was probably another problem. No excuses for the other selection Maringo Bay who put to a good performance but was beaten by a classier horse. He remains of interest to me probably in staying handicaps later in the season although he does hold an entry in the 4 mile National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham. Two meetings today at Wetherby and Taunton and there is one selection at Taunton.

P&L at advised prices since 24/8 = +20.52 2012 = +1.14 Unplcd(8/1)

Taunton 2.00 Giordano Bruno 1/2PT E/W @7/1 Various

Giordano Bruno made an interesting debut at Taunton 6 weeks ago after almost 3 years off the course. Jumped out in front he caught my eye as he travelled smoothly throughout the race until lack of peak fitness caught up with him turning for home where he was passed by Darlan and Jump City. Once headed Richard Johnson gave him an easy time. I got the impression from this run that there is much more to come and although today is no easy task with natural progression I would not expect him to be out of the first three, although odds on favourite Urbain De Sivola may be a tough nut to crack I have a doubt that this tight track may not suit him. Held up in last never put in the race at any stage, clearly looking to get a handicap mark for later in the season? Reported finished lame.

Two For Today

A very quiet week on the betting front with just with just the one selection since last Saturday who was heavily backed from 11/1 into 9/2 Fav but then disappointed during the race not jumping as fluently as he had in previous races. There are two meetings today at Market Rasen and Ffos Las and there are selections at both meetings.

P&L at advised prices since 24/8 = +22.08 2012 = +2.70

Ffos Las 2.00 Loose Chips 1PT WIN @11/4 Various Unplcd (10/3)

Loose Chip was a winning selection for the blog at Towcester about a month ago over two miles when winning at 7/1. He won very comfortably that day and  trainer Charlie Longsdon has the final of this EBF series as his long term objective. The stable also have a line to the favourite who they trained to win a NH Bumper earlier in the season, so at the price he represents good value to follow up.Poor effort weakened dramatically from home turn clearly something amiss.

Market Rasen  3.15 Maringo Bay 1/2PT E/W and 1/2PT WIN @7/2 various (2nd 5/2)

Maringo Bay was a selection last time in December when running 2^nd to Alfie Spinner at Chepstow. At the time I said it was money lent and today is the day to recoup the loses. His form in all this novice chases is solid with his third behind Invictus at Plumpton in December looking very impressive given the way Invictus won the grade 2  Reynoldstown chase yesterday at Ascot yesterday. Today he receives weight from his two market rivals and with the Charlie Mann stable in much better form than December I expect him to go very close although I have a lot of respect for favourite Mics Delight hence the strange staking recommendation. Well backed again and jumped exceptionally but just beaten by a classier horse. Has an entry in 4 mile National Hunt Chase at Cheltenham and the 33/1 with William Hill looks tempting.