JULIETTE'S WEEKLY FROLIC
An 8 to 1 place with my alternative selection, The Laird, proved almost as profitable at £3, as an outright win on his 6 to 5 conqueror, Into View, and so with my gambling strategy leaning heavily in favour of reasonably- priced, each-way bets, that could, neverthe- less, scoop the pool, 1 shall again sidestep a hot property in the Wills Premier 'Chase Final (Haydock, Saturday). Last year's inaugural contest realised the promoters' aim of providing a launching pad to the top bracket for novice stars, when subsequent Gold Cup winner, L'Escargot, claimed the prize. Saturday's favourite, Leap Frog is another in the same mould: following two easy wins in his native Ireland, he might have pulled off a three-timer against Into View at Ascot, but forfeited his chance through jumping to the left. This and the loss of regular jockey, Pat Taaffe could possibly slow him down enough to give a chance to fellow Irishman, Veuve, and the fairly commendable bunch of home defenders. Amongst the latter I like Huperade, Orient War and Master Eye, but find the most intriguing proposition, Mr Alper's Lucky Streak. However, with the betting 10 to 1 bar the favourite at the four-day stage Leap Frog has a lot of confidence behind him. The accom- panying Wills Hurdle is an entirely different proposition being a straightforward handi- cap whose value and prestige has attracted a large field of seasoned professionals. Persian War had everything going for him at Fairy- house and if he puts in an appearance it will be interesting to see how he fares under less ideal conditions. For my purposes though, Hunter's Treasure who failed miserably on the sticky ground in Ireland, the northerner Scottish Courage and Arthur Stephenson's Interview if are all better value and 1 take the last to further his promising career with an outlay of £3 each way from my huge total of £116 15s, with £1 each way on Lucky, Streak in the 'Chase.
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