Equinties - Altior critical

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Gm Equinauts

In a week of slow news owed to the freezing temperatures, today's headlines focus on affordability checks and their apparent ability to compromise the long term health of racing. Even John Gosden has wade in with his two cents and as a result dominates the front page of the Racing Post.

Gosdens stance is that 'by the law of unintended consequences...these affordability checks are going to damage racing that's for sure'.

Okay, so the premise of his argument is basically affordability checks mean people won't gamble as much and as a consequence less money will go to the levy, in turn meaning less money for the sport.

Fine, makes sense but f me let's not scapegoat affordability checks as the main risk to racing so industry players can bury their heads in the sand to greater problems.

Affordability checks are needed and morally right. In any other form of the public's relationship with financial risk, be it short/long term lending, share dealing or levered spread betting (I can make the list longer) there are thorough KYC and credit checks. Why should it be any different for gambling where, bar a speccy punt on rug pulling shit coin scam, the risk to zero is basically unparalleled?

Don't get me wrong, I think bookmakers need more regulation (and taxing!) especially when it comes to treating customers fairly, but affordability checks shouldnt be your gripe. If it is, perhaps you shouldnt be betting in the first place?

I could talk about this for a long time but in short, this affordability check chat is bs. People need to wake up and smell the coffee... if they can afford to buy it.

Now, let's dive in.

Headline Roundup

Altior in critical condition

Yesterday Sevenbarrows announced that their retired superstar ALTIOR had suffered an incredibly bad bout of colic and had undergone emergency surgery.

Colic is the most common cause of death in horses, but what is it?

Well, a horse's internal digestive system is extremely complex and their gastrointestinal tract is long and delicate in nature. Horses are grazing animals and therefore, typically, constantly eating meaning their digestive system needs to remain healthy at all times. Any forms of obstruction, gas build up or inflammation can cause great discomfort for a horse and if not treated early, can be fatal.

Our @Equinties twitter page posted a video of colic surgery yesterday to show you exactly how 'major' colic surgery is. It's fascinating if you can handle it, as it shows you the 'inside' of a horse providing great context as to the sheer complexity and enormity of their gut!

Please pull through, ALTIOR.

Sir Gerhard makes chase debut

He hasn't been seen since last spring but Mullins' star Ballymore winner SIR GERHARD makes his long awaited season and chase debut today at 15.25.

His long odds on suggests big things are to come for this lad but something tells me his price isn't being kind to the efforts the yard have to extend to get him to this point.

Cotswold Chase provides Gold Cup test

Several of the big guns prominent in the Gold Cup betting market will face each other in the Cotswold Chase stamina test providing early pointers for the big race in March.

Whomst wins and can they win the Gold Cup?

Foaling corner

A new feature for the newsletter to give shoutouts to the racing world's new mums!

Last night Lynn Lodge Stud saw the arrival of their NO NAY NEVER colt out of the talented mare PROSPEROUS VOYAGE. Powerful combo!

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This newsletter is powered by UK Meds.

Today's best stats

NASIM 13.00 goes for big Mick Appleby and his gambling owners The Horsewatchers. He's done f all since moving from Baldings so you'll have to just trust Mick's record in this race - he's 2 from 7 in it, with 3 3rd's as near misses in other years. Watch the market with this one, the owners know what they're doing.

TIGER CRUSADE 14.10 goes for Simcock with Muscutt in the plate. Trainer has a very itm sr at this course in these types of races and this stat is boosted with Muscutt taking the reins... theyre 2 from 2 together this season.

MIDNIGHTATTHEOASIS 14.45 goes for Hills who is 2 from 3 in maidens at Southwell. Shoemark 5 from 9 for Hills here too.

WALKING ON CLOUDS 15.20 goes again for Tuer having won only Sunday. Tuer lands nearly 1 in 3 when running them again this quickly.

Varian has been quiet so far this year but sends FOX MASTER 17.30 to Newcastle where he maintains a near 40% sr (3 from 8) in these types of races at the northern course.

Risk on

Bets will be posted on twitter