Marten Julian’s Weekly Roundup 16 December 2024

I have written before about the decline in interest in ante-post betting, which is a great shame, but looking at the Gold Cup market there is nothing that entices me to advise an early investment.

Fact To File, who beat Spillane’s Tower and Galopin Des Champs in the John Durkan, is 5/2 with 7/2 available on Galopin Des Champs and 14/1 on Spillane’s Tower.

Gerri Colombe, runner up in last year’s Gold Cup and third to Envoi Allen on his return at Down Royal, is 16/1 with Grey Dawning also at 16s.

Obviously we don’t yet know the underfoot conditions, but I can imagine Galopin Des Champs starting fractionally shorter than 7/2 given his record in the race, while Gerri Colombe could attract interest at 16/1 having twice run second at the meeting.

The King George VI Chase, of more immediate interest, will be the subject of discussion in the Weekend Card but the current market does not offer much scope for trading.

As for the Champion Hurdle, if the front four take part – Lossiemouth, Constitution Hill, State Man and Sir Gino – then I can’t see how the current prices will differ much on the day.

When bookmakers cut the price of an impressive winner for the festival I doubt they attract a great deal of punting interest. It is more about getting their firm’s name out in the media.

Mike Dillon of Ladbrokes used to offer something close to a bespoke service to certain members of the press, laying them favourable prices in return for their information.

Richard Baerlein, the Observer’s legendary racing correspondent, famously had 8/1 about Shergar for the 1981 Derby, advising his readers that “now is the time to bet like men”, while those close to Dick Hern’s yard stepped in to get fancy odds about Nashwan for the 1989 2000 Guineas and Derby following a sensational piece of work.

There was something akin to an inner sanctum in the press community with very few members. Peter O’Sullevan, on occasions, used to dictate his copy from a public telephone box away from the ears of the press room if he had an exclusive scoop.

Then there were those who had links to certain yards. Charles Benson, through his Daily Express column, became a spokesman for Robert Sangster and his bloodstock interests. Michael Seely, of the Times, was one of the few people in whom Major Dick Hern would confide, while Peter O’Sullevan was on good terms with leading French trainers.

These days there is far greater transparency. Trainers appreciate that racing is less of a private club and more part of the entertainment industry. There have been a few from the old school – Martin Pipe was not always forthcoming while Sir Michael Stoute would go out of his way to avoid an approaching microphone – but there is a lot of data out in the public domain and closely guarded information is more likely to be linked to a 0-50 on Saturday evening at Wolverhampton than a high-profile meeting.

I still seek out horses that may escape the gaze of the media – Raja Raja was a good one at Southwell on Saturday evening – but there are not many around.

Looking ahead to the forthcoming Christmas and New Year programme, we have tried to find some low-profile opportunities away from the main action. These will appear in this week’s festive edition of the Weekend Card, together with previews of the King George VI Chase, the Welsh Grand National and the Challow Hurdle. Ronan Groome looks at the top-class action at Leopardstown and Limerick and we have some intriguing new additions to the Dark Horses section. Jodie and Ian are also sharing their thoughts.

Contact Rebecca with any questions about our services or what may suit your needs. Her email is rebecca@martenjulian.com or you can call the office on Wednesday 01539741007.

I’ll be back next week with some more reflections.

Bye for now

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