Monday Double...

Hereford 14:30 - I Hear A Symphony
2m 1f, Class 4 Maiden Hurdle - Good

The Analyst wasn’t too enamored with the ride that Richard Johnson gave our selection last time out at Chepstow and reckons with a more careful approach Philip Hobbs charge looks a good bet to get off the mark today. This looks a weak race and I fully expect this gelding out of Accordion to go on to bigger and better things.
2nd 5/4f

Oh boy, does The Analyst not like Mondays! Feeling confident after some good results at the backend of last week our first selection settled just behind the leaders on the inside. With a smooth passageway through to the lead he was sent on by Tom O' Brien around the top bend to go and win the race, or so we thought! But an awkward head carraige and constantly hanging to the left proved to be the undoing of I Hear A Symphony and he failed by 2 1/2 lengths.

Hereford 15:30 - Mickmacmagoole
2m 1f, Class 3 Handicap Hurdle - Good

The Analyst was at Cheltenham on the 26th Jan to see Mickmacmagoole fall when going well in a hot looking handicap. Usually a sound jumper, Evan Williams charge looks to be off a nice racing weight and should gain compensation today over a trip and ground that are ideal.
UP 15/8f

Out the back of the field for most of the race, combined with some sloppy jumping and you can see why the selection finished 6th! However 'magoole' made stealthy headway down the back straight to join the bunch of leaders and appeared to be travelling best, on the bridle as they turned for home. That was as good as it got as he faided tamely down the field. Oh dear!

Valentines Double...

Chepstow 13:50 - I Hear A Symphony
2m, Class 5 Novices' Hurdle - Good to Soft

A good performance in Ireland last year prompted a hefty sum of money to change hands, and this bay gelding by Accordion is now with the Phillip Hobbs stable who won this race last year. The form in Ireland looks solid from both previous contested events and I expect a very bold show first time out in Britain.
FELL 10/11f

Backed off the boards from a monring price of 15/8, Phillips Hobbs charge travelled well for the most part and led after the forth flight, before making a novicey mistake and coming down at the last.

Kelso 15:05 - Caipiroska
2m 6f, Class 3 Amateru Riders Handicap Chase - Soft, Good to Soft in Places

The first thing that catches the eye is the jockey booking of Ninna Carberry! The selection did not appear to see out the 3 1/2 mile trip last time out however this 2 mile 6 furlong contest looks right up his street. Plenty of question marks over the rest of the field with the exception of Jimmy Bond who may give our 9 year old most to think about.
3rd 11/8f

Another well backed horse, Caipiroska went off the 11/8f from an opening show of 13/8. Held up for most of the journey, Nina Carberry and her mount made steady progress to jump the last in 2nd, before being out paced on the long run-in and eventually finishing 3rd.