Two ifs mean small stakes fun

Some good racing today, especially at Warwick and Exeter. The Devon National is a real marathon at what is probably the toughest track in the country, now Towcester is no more (except for the dogs).  Indeed today's fare looks more enticing than the rather rather dreary cards for Saturday - too near to Cheltenham syndrome.

After an hour spent studying the 15 runners in the Devon National (3.10 Exeter) I have narrowed it down to 14 and that's only because Head to the Stars has been withdrawn. It's a 'sit back and try to enjoy without having a bet race' for me.

Just 2 small wagers today then. 

In the bumper at Warwick (4.53) I cannot resist a small bet on Alexandra Romanov. She's an unraced Sixties Icon filly and has some relatives that have done ok on the flat. The trainer, Sheena West, does well with her Sixties Icon horses. She buys most of them direct from Mick Channon. This one is owned by the trainer who will presumably be looking for a buyer so hopefully the filly will run well enough to attract some interest. Currently 33/1.

Then at Lingfield (sorry, yes I know low grade all-weather when there are 2 decent jumps cards) in the 3.30 my attention is drawn to Epsom trainer Lee Carter's Maazel. It's won a grand total of 2 of its 40 races so we talking moderate stuff, but up until its last run it had stuck to much shorter trips. First time over 1 mile 2 furlongs at Lingfield on 20 February it came 4th at 80/1. The run smacked of an experiment which they have presumably decided to persist with because of the smidgeon of promise shown. If it runs more prominently and if it stays the 10 furlongs then Maazel has a chance at 11/1. Again small stakes with at least 2 ifs in the analysis!

I am now off to dig my veg patch in the spring like sun.

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