Betting, like comedy, can all be in the timing. Often it can feel like a version of the classic Two Ronnies Mastermind sketch, where we pick horses only to see them fail now but win their next race.

We have many characters in our equine rogues gallery, and whilst often the source of frustration, at least we should learn something about their timing. And so it proved yesterday with one of the most roguish of them all, Bless Him.

The mercurial fast finisher had signalled he was in good form with a fine effort in what may well have been a very strong Hunt Cup at Ascot, but whilst the big field and strong pace there is exactly what this old boy needs, the stiff mile and the quality of opposition was just too much.

The Bunbury Cup at Newmarket looked a weaker affair and the stiff 7f looked tailor-made these days. We gave him the nap pick at 25/1 and blog followers will have doubtless enjoyed seeing a classic last-to-first Jamie Spencer masterclass.

Some decent priced place efforts elsewhere made each way backers happy on the day’s yankee too.

Nice to pick up a decent win as July builds towards the Galway-Goodwood crescendo.

Stay tuned.