Since my blog on 16th november , both Dunraven Storm and Clerk's Choice were well beaten at Haydock. The 150 and 162 ratings look even worse now but guess what? the handicapper cannot be wrong so Dunraven is still on 150 and Clerks is dropped only 3 lbs to 159. Toubab is up to 144 for his win in a class 1 Haydock novice easily beating two 125 horses.It looks like the Supreme will have a large number of 145+ horses this year even without Cue Card who was a standout 12/1 nrnb for the Champion Hurdle. Clerk's Choice is of course no longer a novice and will now be difficult to place. he could end up at Kempton on boxing day or at Wincanton for the Kingwell in February.
Meanwhile Recession Proof came out and won well over 2 and a half miles on heavy ground at Lingfield. he gave 7lbs to latin America who was 16l adrift and his main victim the dual bumper winner Brackloon High has been given a rating of 131 after going down by a length.The conditions at lingfield would have suited him more than Recession Proof and it was a relief that the handicappe r left RP on 134. He goes for the Ladbroke next an dit seems safe to assume he will like the faster pace and better ground he should get there. he travels well and jumps quick and low wasting little time in the air.20/1 looks a good each way price getting 6lbs from the favourite Aegean Dawn and 7lbs from the improving Tocca Ferro.