The Romford Essex Vase moves to the semi-final stage...

...with three good races featuring Ninja Blue in the 1st semi, Westmaid Aoifa in the 2nd semi and Eye Onthe Veto with a good chance in the third semi.

I made a list of the 18 runners based on earlier races and the times in the first heats then and allotted my prices depending where the dogs ranked on my list. Each dog was given a number from 1 to 18.

I used the list to sort out the best value in order to increase my portfolio which only had Ninja Blue remaining (see last blog).

From the list I then selected one more dog to run with in the Final.

It was Side Leg at 66/1 with Betfred 1/4 odds a place 1,2.3; which I bet 1 point ew.

I was only looking for a dog that could, perhaps, make it through to the Final and then get placed (16 1/2 points 1,2,3) .

I then set out the 3 semi-finals, with six dogs in each, and then using the NUMBERS on the master list as a guide - depending on where they came on the list- used them to allocate prices in the 3 semis.

In each semi the 3 lowest numbers were called A. B, C .

Like this:-

18 Blonde Ozzy
13 Shelbourne Ryan
9 Westfield Max (B) 2/1 my price; 7/1 Coral's odds.
10 Blissful Classic (C) 3/1; Coral 7/4; no value.
1 Ninja Blue (A) 1/1; Coral 13/8; slight value.

The other 2 semis were done in the same way and these are the value bets from those races : Side Leg my price 2/1; Coral 14/1.
In the last semi: Bubbly Tojo my price 1/1; Coral 5/2; slight value.

I've bet Side Leg 1 point ew at 14/1 in the 2nd semi; and 2 points win Ninja Blue at 13/8 in the 1st semi.

Did my heart rule my head ? We'll see, after tonight!

Come racing !!