Tuesday 8th January 2013

Yesterday's selection Piccolo Express was an example of a bet which was lost at the start of the race, stall 9 proving too difficult to overcome for Adam Carter who tried to get an early position but wasn't quite aggressive enough. I wouldn't be critical of any apprentice in that position and he done ok overall.

One selection for today.

3.25 Wolverhampton Sewn Up 2pts each-way AND 1pt win @ 18/1 (www.betbyrne.com 1/4 odds,Stan James, www.betpack.com, all guaranteed, 16/1 1/4 odds with brucebetting.com)

Again this looks a bet which could be won or lost at the start of the race and I'm a bit worried in that regard because Chris Catlin hasn't been riding well lately. The betting opportunity outweighs the jockey booking in this case and the price is right too. Sewn Up is being dropped back from an extended mile, having failed to see out his races over that trip last twice, despite showing some decent form in the process. He also has a fair bit of speed and travels very well, and I am inclined to think he might just take after his Dad Compton Place - he is well worth a try at sprinting. He is a smashing looking horse and certainly has the size of a sprinter as well as the ability to carry 9-6 on his back no problem. The caveat is that he will obviously stay this trip well - the last thing I want to see is Catlin settle him in rear and bring him five wide around the home turn, losing ground and getting outpaced. I'd like to see the selection sit very handy or lead, there isn't that much early pace on and from stall 5 it should be easy enough to get a good position. If Catlin can do that (he rode the horse last time so should know he'll stay well), then I think he might be the best horse in this line up. The price is far too big and the opposition aren't all that.

Profit & loss: day: -5.00 / month: -24.29 / year: -24.29