Meydan 14 February - Ron Wood's Betting Market Wrap

RON WOOD’S LIVE MARKET VIEW

2.05 (GMT): The first thoroughbred race of the day is pretty open. No surprise to see Sense Of Wisdom favourite, as he might have won with a clear run last time - but that’s not the most robust form so I don’t fully buy into him and he’s shorter than I make him (5-1). I’m happy with the original selection, Cosmic Desert - he’s a big price compared to the 12-1 I have him at.

2.40 (GMT): I make Awab odds-on (4-7) in this. He does have one blemish on his record from three starts, so he’s not bombproof, but anything around evens/odds against is fair enough in a weak field.

3.15 (GMT): An open sprint handicap with loads of possible outcomes. The market seems about right.

3.50 (GMT): The more I think about this race, the more I like Cupid’s Dream. I have him at 9-2 and think his morning prices are generous enough. I have also had a bit on Excel Power at a big price.

4.25 (GMT): I made Creative Story odds-on (8-11). I thought that’s the way the market would go. So there’s a case for saying the morning odds against is generous. He has a handier draw than when winning last time and he has a decent change of pace, and there’s obvious potential with him being a well-bred runner from a top yard. But he is up in the weights in a better race today, so I’m going to leave him alone. I don’t love any of his rivals, but there are some useful ones in there.

5.00 (GMT): Candidate for worst race of the season. Probably a case of the less said on this, the better, but I have to have a bit of Fall Of Rome given I have him at 6-1 and he’s way bigger this morning. He’s a doubtful stayer but he ran a big race for second over 9.5f here earlier in the season. He has speed, unlike most of his rivals, and if the track plays fast he might just last it out against some moderate opposition. Original selection Desert Snake seems about the right price.

5.35pm (GMT): The money has come for No Retreat, again - the drop in trip should suit him, but he has a tougher draw to overcome than last time. There are loads of interesting alternatives. Deep Hope and Iles Et Ailes look particularly big prices to me.