Friday 1st May

Musselburgh
3.30
Sirvino 1pt win - WON 5/2

4.05
Cheveton 1pt win - 2nd

4.40
Miss Keck 0.75pt win - 6th
Merrion Tiger 0.25pt win - 2nd 14/1 (adv)

5.15
Opus Maximus 1pt win - WON 9/2 (adv)

Lingfield
5.05
Montbretia 0.5pt win - 4th
Ancient Lights 0.25pt E/W - 3rd 25/1

A pleasing day (+5.5pts), every bet going close or winning.

At Musselburgh, Sirvino needed every inch of the 9f trip in the 3.30 but was a dicisive winner come the finish. A hat-trick looks a real possibility with the liklehood of a return to 10f next time out.

Cheveton (4.05) has progressed into a really decent sprinter and given the ground was quicker than ideal he lost nothing in defeat. The winner Spin Cycle picked up well and won with a bit in hand, he is a useful.

Merrion Tiger ran a game race in the 1m6f handicap, he took up proceedings over 3f out and was only collared in the final half furlong. He was undone by a strong challenge from That'll Do Nicely who could follow up if the handicapper is fair. Miss Keck back in 6th will appreciate a return to 2m.

Opus Maximus had shaped as if coming to hand (an unlucky in-running 7th in the Spring Mile especially encouraging) and with the handicapper easing him 3lb he looked to hold a major chance in the 5.15. He had the race won some way out and was value for more than the winning distance.

One of the most interested races of the day was the 7f maiden at Lingfield (1.40). I didn't play in the race but have the feeling I will be backing a few of the participants over the coming months. The race was won by the Michael Stoute trained 4yo Tryst who hadn't been seen since going down by a short-head in last season's Wood Ditton. He has been gelded since and the fact that Chevely Park and Michael Stoute have kept this horse rather than sending him to the sales should not be ignored. He is sureto pay his way this season. Makaam was runner-up for the 2nd time in two career starts, his debut 2nd has worked out well so far. It was a decent effort considering he was a little keen early and future success looks a formality. Euston Square, 3rd to Infiraad on his previous start, filled the same spot in this after running on well. He came off the bridle earlier than the front two and perhaps will improve over further. Roar Of The King and Satwa Star showed glimpses of ability on debut.

I thought Ancient Lights was a most interesting runner in the 5.05. He was highly regarded by Henry Cecil last season and justified favouritism on his debut last May. He flopped on his 2nd and final start last season and is obviously difficult to train. Connections have kept faith in him and given he was given a more realistic target I thought he was worth chancing at the price. He was weak in the market on the exchanges during the day, and on course, but ran a fine race to finish 3rd. He looks sure to make up for lost time if he can be kept sweet.

I felt there were more races to be won with Benhego on the flat so connections decision to switch him over hurdles this soon should be noted. He made his debut in the 5.40 at Fontwell and despite some jumping errors he won cosily enough. He is an interesting prospect over hurdles although I wouldn't rule out a return to the flat at some point.

Will keep records of N.H. and A/W bets since the blog started, alongside the full Flat (turf) record...

Combined
Bets 113
Winners 43
P/L +40.07pts
ROI 30%

All-Weather
Bets 30
Winners 12
P/L +17.10pts
ROI 50%

Flat (turf) 2009
Bets 74
Winners 26
P/L +13.96pts
ROI 15%

National Hunt
Bets 9
Winners 5
P/L +9.01pts
ROI 90%

All bets proofed to Racing Post