I’m writing this on Thursday evening, having successfully swerved any visits from the nonsense that is “trick or treat”. Unfortunately, the tricks I have in mind would probably attract a visit from PC Plod.
So, on to a fascinating day’s racing on Friday. It’s not a betting day (for the most part), but should be very interesting and here are the ones that I’m looking forward to. A notebook day. OK, there’s a bit of betting involved!
Down Royal
12:40 Fury Road (4/5)
13:10 Daylight Katie (4/11)
13:45 Coeur Sublime (6/4 selection) and stablemate Coko Beach (5/2)
14:55 Samcro (chase debut – 1/7)
16:05 Pencilfulloflead (11/8) and Powerful Ted (15/8)
Wetherby
13:55 Sam Spinner (4/5). A good betting option after his winning debut over fences.
14:30 Nordano (11/2) to beat favourite Crealion (4/5)
15:05 A forecast. Guitar Pete (3/1) to beat Demi Sang (16/1)
Uttoxeter
12:55 Battleofthesomme (11/10 nap)
13:30 France De Reve (Nicky Henderson/JP/Geraghty). Opened at 11/8, now 4/7
14:40 Thomas Darby chase debut (6/4). Also of note: Summerville Boy and Western Ryder
15:15 Heavenly Promise (super hot Fergal O’Brien – opened 11/10, now 8/11)
Newcastle
Britain’s first all weather Group 1 is the Vertem Futurity 2-y-o 1m, relocated at 18:00. My selection is Innisfree at a current 13/2
Santa Anita
It’s a big deal that Santa Anita has retained the Breeders’ Cup after its torrid season. However, it’s taking place notwithstanding the opposition and day one sometimes provides betting options, but not obvious ones this time round. Therefore I’ll just choose the ones of interest without any intention of betting:
17:45 Campaign (4/6)
20:12 A’Ali (5/1 Dettori and even though drawn 10)
20:52 Arizona (2/1 O’Brien/Ryan Moore and drawn 12)
As ever, good luck, although bear in mind that, unless you’re very bold, this is overall a watching and noting rather than betting day.