Not just Cheltenham today..

So, day one of Cheltenham in the books. What a story Hunt Ball is, absolutely fabulous. Some great action throughout and plenty more to look forward to tomorrow. Most of our attention from an investing perspective was arrowed towards Sedgefield today, and we came out nicely up because of that.

Let's start our latest round up from yesterday, where we had:

TIME COURSE SELECTION 0.5pt1pt/2pt win Bookmaker(s) / Price(s)

2.10 Stratford Early Applause 0.5pt 7/1+generally inc. 8/1 Boylesports/Betfred
5.00 Plumpton Ballyvoneen 1pt 8/1+generally inc. 9/1 Lads&others 10/1 Bet365/Totesport&others

Early Applause went off at 13/2, and was quite warmly supported. Held up at the back, he pulled too hard for his own good, but was making good progress until a bad mistake three out which really knocked his momentum. He tried to come again, and did stay on to not actually be beaten that far in the end and may just be one to keep an eye out for.

Ballyvoneen went off a well backed 5/1 and traded quite low in running for much of the contest, going odds on at stages, but was infuriatingly a bit outpaced as they turned for home, only for him to stay on again at the end going down in second by a couple of lengths. Two other principles in the betting market had earlier fallen and it looked a good opportunity, but wasn't quite to be.

On to today, and we had:

TIME COURSE SELECTION 0.5pt/1pt/2pt win Bookmaker(s) / Price(s)

2.55 Sedgefield Dr Flynn 1pt 5/1+generally inc. 11/2 Bet365/Totesport/BetVictor&others 6/1 SportingBet
4.00 Cheltenham Dancing Tornado 0.5pt 14/1+generally inc. 16/1 Bet365/Boylesports
4.15 Sedgefield Teerie Express 1pt 11/2+generally inc. 6/1 Lads 13/2 Bluesq 7/1 SportingBet

Dr Flynn was nicely supported down to 10/3 at the off, and was given a superbly positive ride, to lead from pillar to post. Great stuff.

At Cheltenham, Dancing Tornado was held up out the back in a very patient ride in the cross country, but unseated his rider some way from home. We were sad to hear of the deaths of Scotsirish and Garde Champetre in the race, and our condolences are with connections.

Back at Sedgefield, and Teerie Express ran in snatches a little, but was still there two out with a chance, before fading late on.

Summary of results with prices (advised --- SP):

Monday March 12th 2012:

Early Applause, 6th/10, 7/1 --- 6/1
Ballyvoneen, 2nd/8, 8/1 --- 5/1

Tuesday March 13th 2012:

Dr Flynn, 1st/7, 11/2 --- 100/30

Dancing Tornado, UR/16, 16/1 --- 11/1

Teerie Expres, 5th/8, 6/1 --- 5/1

So it's Champion Chase day tomorrow and plenty to look forward to. Quite an interesting card at Huntingdon too, and we'll be looking closely to see if the layers have taken their eye off the ball anywhere and being taken advantage of!