Afternoon
While the Girlies are getting all excited about X Factor/Strictly and IACGMOOH, time to slip in the back door and make my last recommend of the year here.
On my travels I was told the stable were very keen on the chances of Highland Lodge for the Beecher Chase on Saturday.
It has always seemed to me a horse that promises a lot and threatens to have a big one in him, but has almost regressed over the last couple of seasons. However, he ran well LTO when not fully wound up for a race at Chepstow(hmm, I think I may have tipped the 16-1 winner of that.
). It was also his first time with the visor on which they feel helped him maintain concentration.
On Saturday, I am hoping the fences will play into his strengths as a generally good jumper. He should have very little weight, and he is rated a few pounds lower than his last win. At 8 he can still have improvement left in him, and he appears to go on any ground. Hopefully the visor will continue to help.
Whilst Aspell is riding these big races superbly atm, I would prefer to see Aiden on him, as he seems to have a better rapport with the horse. I don't see what else he would ride, based on recent performances, but Venitia may have something to say about that. We shall see nearer the time.
With several of the prominent names on the betting list likely to miss the race after recent exertions, I am liking the 20-1 on offer e/w, and have had as much as I dare on at this stage. Have a good week and GL.
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