5 November 2006 - SATURDAY: Scriptwriter fluffs his lines

I opposed three race favourites today, and managed to see two of them beaten. First, I went after Turko in the novice chase at Wincanton. Stepping up in class, and also jumping a right-handed track, I felt this was a value lay at 4/7. Although I couldn't really see any of his competitors stepping up to the plate, this very short price made it worth a punt, and indeed he jumped very untidily out to the left the whole way around. Although he managed to win for favourite backers, I doubt very much anyone with money on him today felt comfortable until he jumped the last.

I also opposed Scriptwriter for a 4pts stake at Windsor. Also stepping up in class, and with an extra 6lb to carry compared to his last outing, I felt the handicapper had given him just a little too much to do to win, and 2/1 was plenty short enough to convince me to really get stuck in. I am also very wary when a horse is wearing different headgear for the first time, as it suggests the horse is less than straightforward. Scriptwriter finished over 12 lengths behind the winner.

A disappointing day for my back-to-win horses as all four selections lost. At the end of the day this meant the account was down by a point.

Max Redd has been making a living from horse racing for over ten years. He runs the Redd Racing betting advisory service and you can try his service FREE at www.ReddRacing.co.uk