Diddy’s Saturday Nap

[Diddy]

STRONG LEADER 2.25 Ascot

Stepping this fellow up in trip has worked out extremely well and I think there is much more to come in this sphere. However I would not be in a hurry to take a punt at the Stayers in March as he is 0/4 there and might be better suited to flat tracks.
So in my view this is his day and will have come on from Newbury where although winning clearly needed the run.
Crimbo fresh might be the danger but I rate this a sound wager today.
3pts Win 7/4 Laddies Hills LOST

[Diddy]

Shanagh Bob 3.35 Newbury

Was a disappointing 5/5 on his chasing debut at Uttoxeter last month where testing conditions + weight appeared to have been too much. Stable was also hit and miss back then and this grade 2 hurdle winner should know more about it today. Finished two places behind The Jukebox Man in his final hurdle race at Aintree in April and potentially could be an even better chaser. Worth another chance today with better ground to suit and Stable now going great guns. Positive trainer comments noted from Autumn Stable Tours.

3pts WIN 5/1 Generally. LOST

[Diddy]

1.15 Sandown Doddiethegreat.
Didn’t take to fences but on his best hurdle form (4th in last years Betfair Hurdle) and off 3lbs lower today has been found a good opportunity to revert to winning ways. Indeed this looks an easier assignment than when well supported on Boxing Day at Kempton when hampered at the start and then pulled up. All winning has been Right Handed and this stiffer track ought to also pay to his strengths with stable going well.
3pts WIN 5/2 Hills VOID ABANDONED MEETING

[Diddy]

2.50  Ascot DODDIETHEGREAT
I put this up 2 weeks ago but meeting was abandoned.
Although this looks to be more competitive than that event I think conditions are still much in his favour. Going on that Betfair run he’s on an attractive mark and all winning has been right handed to include winning here as a novice.

2pts WIN 13/2 Hills LOST

[Diddy]

2.05 Donaster JIGS FORGE
Looked quite impressive when boxing on well from the front on his stable debut at Ffos Las back in November. Well entered up in Grade 1s at the Festival and ought to have improvement in him following a nice break.
Doubling up with stables only other meeting runner Bowtogreetness 3.15 might also be a consideration.

2pts WIN 4/1 General LOST

[Diddy]

3.35 Newbury Favour and Fortune

6th in last years Supreme (best of UK) and then followed up with a hard fought victory in the Scottish Champion hurdle. Had useful G1 novice form (2nd to Jango Baie) but very much looked like he needed the run on his reappearance at Ascot. Being lightly raced may have had his mark somewhat protected and might still be progressive.Clearly has been aimed at this rather than going chasing. Large field may be the concern but if coping with that ought to go well.
1pt EW 10/1 Hills. 4th

[Diddy]

1.36 Wincanton GOLDEN ACE
Coming into this season much was expected of this mare following her defeat of the high class Brighterdaysahead at the festival but has proved very disappointing in two runs so far. Given a break and back down in trip and with stable in better form this should be more to her liking. I respect Burdett Road and there could be more to come there from this front runner (drifting in betting this morning) but giving 8lbs to the selection might be a tad too much.
4pts WIN 9/4 Various
Won 6/5

[Steve]

1.36 Wincanton GOLDEN ACE
Coming into this season much was expected of this mare following her defeat of the high class Brighterdaysahead at the festival but has proved very disappointing in two runs so far. Given a break and back down in trip and with stable in better form this should be more to her liking. I respect Burdett Road and there could be more to come there from this front runner (drifting in betting this morning) but giving 8lbs to the selection might be a tad too much.
4pts WIN 9/4 Various

Well done

[Diddy]

HYLAND 3.35 Kempton

Brings a bit of class going on his very good 2nd to the talented The Jukebox Man in the  G1 Kauto Chase on Boxing Day and might be well in, back in a handicap
This fellow goes very well fresh and after 3 runs within 8 weeks to kick off the season has been given a nice break for this. Connections are aiming for the Grand National 7 weeks today so time to get over this for that and although there’s light rain forecast overnight as better on decent ground it shouldn’t get into the ground that much at Kempton.
I expect a bold show. 2nd
3pts WIN 4/1 Hills

One that might out run its odds is ROYSSE 3.00 Kempton. Jumping appears to be his nemesis but talented and best is yet to come IMO. Not sure this is quite his day though for me to put up. Worth following though whatever.

[Diddy]

FAVOUR AND FORTUNE 3.30 Kelso

I put this up three weeks ago where it ran a cracker in the William Hill Hurdle at Newbury finishing 4th off this mark giving the winner 17lb. Should be better suited to this ground today and although this is also ultra competitive I am prepared to give him another chance on his return to Scotland where he was successful in last seasons Ayrs Scottish champion hurdle.
2pts WIN 6/1 Various LOST

[Diddy]

ASTON MARTINI 2.45 Kempton
Balloted out of yesterdays Martin Pipe this mare has been knocking at the door this term and was a fine 2nd to a subsequent winner at Ascot last time in January. The combination of slight up in trip and new headgear could well suit and this consistent type might get her head in front again today.
2pts WIN 7/2 Power WON 10/3

[Dave-T]

Good nap ! Thanks Diddy

[Diddy]

CALIMYSTIC 2.05 Newbury.

Looked quite impressive winning his Novice at Doncaster last time and may have got in to this first time handicap on a fair mark. Sure to improve on that and looked better for the good ground there which he gets again.Similar trip should be fine and could be a nice prospect.
2pts WIN 6/1 Hills

NON RUNNER

[Diddy]

 MARSHMAN 2.25 Doncaster.

Got run down by the smart Montassib in this last year when looking all over the winner. On reflection that was a useful effort as his conqueror took a Group 1 later in the season. His form dropped off somewhat after that and he was put away mid season. Has undergone wind surgery and been gelded since and been going well (2/3on the AW.) this Winter. Lost out over the min distance last time but the return to 6f will be a plus and as it was his seasonal debut in this last season those three runs will have him well primed to go one better today.
2pts WIn 3/1 Various.

[Dave-T]

CALIMYSTIC 2.05 Newbury.

Looked quite impressive winning his Novice at Doncaster last time and may have got in to this first time handicap on a fair mark. Sure to improve on that and looked better for the good ground there which he gets again.Similar trip should be fine and could be a nice prospect.
2pts WIN 6/1 Hills

NON RUNNER

Going to back Calimystic again this Tuesday at 2.22 - kempton ??