Braving the elements

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All set: hillbilly long johns, touchscreen thermal gloves, woolly hat, Betfair scarf (to be collected en-route), oversize hip flask and an overdose of first day optimism.

These are the selections carrying the bulk of my hopes today, the portfolio having been rattled by recent withdrawals:

1.30 - Supreme Novices Hurdle
Dodging Bullets (14-1 ante-post)
Disappointed by Melodic Rendezvous' withdrawal yesterday)

2.05 - Arkle Novices Chase
Arvika Ligeonniere (8-1, WIlliam Hill offer - money back if 2nd)

2.40 - JLT Specialty Handicap Chase
Loch Ba (12-1 e-w, 5 places Bet 365)

3.20 - Champion Hurdle
Zarkandar (13-2 ante-post)

4.00 - Cross Country Chase
Any Currency (to be struck on the Tote on course)

4.40 - Mares Hurdle
She Ranks Me (14-1 e-w & 6-1 place only with Betfair)
Available at a much bigger price now. No-one else seems to share my faith!
Mae's Choice (24-1 place only with Betfair)
A 40 to follow horse who has shown only minimal form this year. Minimum bet here at a big place-only price.

5.15 - Rewards4Racing Novice Handicap Chase
Hazy Tom (16-1 e-w)

And of course a series of horses involved in various impenetrable combinations of accas and Lucky 15s, struck in order to some insurance. Today's legs include: My Tent Or Yours, Un Atout, Overturn and Zarkandar.

Expect plenty of after-timing once the juices start flowing on the track. Blimey, it's more exciting than an episode of Ice Road Truckers!



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