Racing Thread

[Larry David]

I will add Storm Force Ten to this list.  Not a huge price but 2 selections away from a Lucky 15.

[Marky147]

Take it they're trying to get kids involved this year?

[simonnatur]

Here for your delectation/amusement are the horses I've backed today:

Hickster Wolverhampton 16:40
Tizlove Regardless Wolverhampton 16:10
Sleet Wolverhampton 14:05
Vodka n Tonic Taunton 16:20
Hickster Wolverhampton 16:40
The Outlaw Taunton 15:50
Yair Hill Wolverhampton 15:10

Bearing in mind it's a Monday and always seem to run terribly, stakes have been kept to a minimum.

[Larry David]

Sleet 9/4 fav, it never wins.

[Larry David]

Almost won, it did get there but never wants to put his nose in front.

[simonnatur]

A little annoying, backed it last night. Usually back Hugh Taylor's horses, he put winner up at 22-1 - expensive hangover this morning meant i missed the price - had a saver at 12-1 though.

[Larry David]

ATR guy just mentioned this guy, wasn't sure who you were referring to.  Quite a few horses backed down overnight. Mick Dundee was 20/1 into 10/3.  Not sure who was confident of taking 1.01 in-running on Sleet, yes it got a nose ahead just, but that was all.

[simonnatur]

How much does anyone agree that a horse can have confidence issues? Hear it mentioned a lot by trainers/in commentary  eg won dropped down in class and restored his confidence.  Obv can understand confidence could be affected by a fall but not so sure otherwise?

Well, the theme of todays jumps horses was the sire Presenting on good ground, but felt She's Da One wasn't much value. Hopefully the others fare as well.

[Larry David]

Not sure I can agree with the first part, dropped down in class and restored his confidence.  What about, the jockey/trainer decided to let the horse try and win today, restoring confidence    Do horses not go out and just want to run, some just won't put a head in front. (Sleet)

[BigAdz]

Careful Simon, almost 2 clear aftertimes in 2 posts!!


I think the confidence thing is a combination of being back in the right grade, because the handicapper has dropped them, therefore allowing the horse the chance to win, not that the horse would know before hand!

I suspect, from stuff I have seen, horses know something different has happened when they win, to put it basically, everyone wants to pat them afterwards, give them carrots at stables etc, generally made more of a fuss of after winning. If they just coast in, from my experience, the owners chats to the jockey for 2 mins and bugger off, with not a thought, or moment spent with the horse. Must make a bit of difference to the horses general wellbeing, IMHO

[Larry David]

The horse isn't aware of what grade he/she is in, If a horse does have confidence issues and this is healed from winning races what relevance does dropping grades have?  Horse in handicaps win at all sorts of different grade levels.

[BigAdz]

The horse isn't aware of what grade he/she is in, If a horse does have confidence issues and this is healed from winning races what relevance does dropping grades have?  Horse in handicaps win at all sorts of different grade levels.

Not sure I have said the horse IS aware of being dropped in grade, have I?

I said as a result of being in the right grade, the horse has a chance to win, and then when it does, benefits from the perks of winning.

[Larry David]

I wonder if a horse knows it has just won a race? Do you not think you get these horses who just don't hit the front when they get there.  Trying to think of a horse from years ago, it's record was 22232223222, just refused to win.

[doubleup]

I wonder if a horse knows it has just won a race?

Don't see how they can,  unless they understand what the winning post means and where it is.

What I don't understand is why they don't get the serial losing horses to make the running if there is an opportunity?  Wouldn't that overcome the fear of being out on its own, if that is the problem?

[Larry David]

Agree,they don't know what the winning post is,once the winning horse passes the post it is then past by a bunch of horses before it comes to a halt. 

@Simon,your list of bets today.  I notice hickster was put down twice,was that a hint you were ultra confident(nap of the day),very clever.