SIMON NOTT BETTING BLOG: Stratford Thursday

The third day, second evening and final meeting of my Midlands opus started with a downpour as I pulled up at Stratford, writes SIMON NOTT.

It didn’t deter my old pal Nigel Hawke from leaning in the window to say hello, but the growing queue behind us didn’t appear to be over enamoured with our off-the-cuff conversation. Star Sports’ team today were Russ and Jess betting on the firm’s recently purchased pitch in Tattersall’s.

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17:35 – Racing TV Club Day Novices’ Hurdle (GBB Race) (Class 4) (4YO plus)

The rain wasn’t persistent but made appearances on the build-up to the opening heat. Sadly, the punters had a match to get stuck into for the first but yes-no prediction markets appear to be in vogue so not the end of the world for those who wanted a bet. The betting had Porcupine Bank the carpet-on jolly with Fine Thing 11/4 at best prices done as the two combatants went to post.

Rather unsurprisingly, there was very little done on the race, £182 to be precise with Fine Thing the loser for £173. In reality, the large crowd here this evening was treated to an exciting finish where the jolly was turned over after looking beaten, then coming with a rare rattle only for the bogie to quicken up again. The book blew £173.

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6:06 – Happy 70th Birthday Helen Handicap Hurdle (Class 4) (4YO plus)

Next up, where they bet 5/2 the field the five runners with Rebel Tribesman the jolly and Notnowlinda the 11/2 ‘rag’ so a tight heat.

The punters came out and bet despite the smattering of rain, there were plenty of fivers, tenners and scores invested, which amounted to £1076 at the off. Rebel Tribesman the 9/4 favourite won the race; the book lost £477, which was a little frustrating as runner up Kitty’s Glance was a good winner. Still, onwards to the third heat.

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6:36 – Brian And Sheila Vaughan Memorial Handicap Chase (GBB Race)

Anyway, on to the next, which was another tight betting heat where the six runners all looked not without a chance, Crebilly and Captain Cool opened carpet each of two market leaders as betting got underway.

‘This is roulette’ was Russ’ summing up business as the rain punctuated proceedings; it was poor trade as bets totalled just £742 despite the decent crowd and depleted number of books.

It was one of those evenings where the word of what appeared to be the only punter in the ring spread rapidly, he’d had two bets so far, four figures each, a loser and the last winner. So far, he’d not bothered Star Sports who had a book which boasted three winners and three losers. Captain Cool, the 9/4 favourite won the race and wasn’t one of the winners, another £102 knocked out.

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7:06 – QuinnBet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase (GBB Race) (Class 3) (4YO plus)

The fourth race was a three horse heat where Dunkerque was the punters’ favourite backed from 11/8 into 11/10 then back to 5/4 but once again to bugger all money, the mystery big punter evidently on the missing list. The small bets in the drizzle amounted to £744 with Dunkerque the only loser for £470 at the off the other two winning around rouf a piece.

The trouble was, Dunkerque won too another favourite and another £470 blown. The novelty of the rain had worn off by now too. Am I sounding grumpy? Not as grumpy as Morley next door, I can promise you ‘we’re due a favourite’ he growled through a grimace.

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7:36 – Happy Birthday Sue Handicap Chase (Class 5) (4YO plus)

I do hope Sue enjoyed her birthday and that she’d seen the weather forecast and either had a nice warm seat inside or at least wore a coat.

It was proper raining for the penultimate where Yes And Yes was the 9/4 favourite to win it, though on paper it looked another competitive race. The first bet in the book was £750 – £100 The King’s Soldier which turned out to be the biggest bet taken in the race hence getting its moment in the spotlight.

At the off the book held £807 and was another ‘roulette’ book. Glenmalure Flyer the 3/1 joint favourite won, Yes And Yes proving friendless, drifting and running accordingly, the book lost £260 and Morley was still muttering ‘We’re due a favourite’ just a little quieter.

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8:06 – Sun Racing Summer Jumps Championship Handicap Hurdle (Class 5) (3YO plus)

There were 11 runners in the lucky last, a spectacular field compared to the rest of the card, the rain had ceased and all looked in place for a frenzied getting out stakes betting heat where it was hoped the £1451 the book was down going into could be at least partially recouped.

Jet Patrol opened 4/1 jolly, the scene was set, Russ and Jess got to work calling in the punters. They didn’t listen, well if they did hear, they weren’t coaxed in to part with their winnings, mostly they just stood back. Yes, it was drizzling again, rattling their change in soggy shorts pockets.

At the off, the book held £621, there was no getting out for the layers, at least not Star’s intrepid duo.

The book has three losers, Jet Patrol for £131, Northern Rose bad for £337 and Clever Relation Red for £248, the rest winning. Reteti the 11/4 favourite given a positive mention by Andrew Lowrie to his clients won the race, the book copped £130, Morley didn’t say a word.

I’m back with Star Sports at Chepstow on bank holiday Monday. Thanks for reading.

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Views of authors do not necessarily represent views of Star Sports Bookmakers.

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Simon Nott is author of: Skint Mob! Tales from the Betting Ring
available on Kindle CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

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