NoseAhead

WITHOUT any PREJUDICE

2012-02-03T13:01:00.004Z

WOLVERHAMPTON 3.15 ... WITHOUT PREJUDICE E/W @ 19's & 5's Betfair around 12/1 Industry SP

Currently trading around the 19's mark on Bretfair I reckon this will drop in price to more around the industry SP of 10/1 - 12/1 before the off giving us a free wager, and also the chance of a nice priced winner.

Won 3 stronger handicaps on turf off higher marks, albeit over 7fl, before missing 2010, but his last couple of races are working out well already.

Penultimate run saw the 3rd Ezra Church come out and win by 8 length yesterday over 7fl (App h/cap), and the 4th Faithful Ruler win a seller over this trip before a 2nd again over 9fl in another seller.

Without Prejudice's latest run 2nd behind Tislam, he finished 3/4 length in front of the hat trick seeking Perfect Cracker, with yesterday's winner Viva Ronaldo, beating some 85 rated horses in a Class4 handicap here over this trip, another length behind in 4th.

Legal Legacy another 3/4 length back in 5th has since ran within 1 length 2nd place to Prince Of Burma, who beat today's rival (9/2 Shot) Master Of Dance 2.5 length last week.

The 6.5 length 8th place runner Avonrose, since won a Class5 over 7fl at Southwell, but did run 2nd over 9fl last February here to Star Links who (now rated 83) went off joint/favourite and was 4th to Viva Renaldo in that Class4 here yesterday.

If the break has done him well, I feel Without Prejudice will outperform his odds, or he could completely bomb out .......

but at the price @ 19's mark to win and 5's to place on Bretfair, worth the 1Pt E/W gamble IMO.......

4th ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

Ironic

2012-01-13T11:53:00.002Z

My wife and kids are leaving because of my obsession with Horse Racing ...

They're all at the gates now ... and They're Off!!

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T16:29:00.002Z

Happpy New Year

5 Star Kauto 5 Star Ruby

2011-12-26T16:52:00.001Z

Ruby walsh 5 from 5 on Kauto Star in the King George!

Kauto Star at 11Yrs Old takes his 6th running of the King George to 5 winning runs.

Tony McCoy was up for the ride to finish 3rd when contesting last season's contest when the race was actually run in January this Year.
Ruby Walsh holds a 100% record in the race in December on board the Clive Smith owned runner, winning 5 of the last 6 seasons from 2006.

Kauto jumps the last.
Winning the King George 2011

Ruby strolls back to the winners enclosure.
Kauto Star King George winner 2011

Connections & staff Greet the winner.
Kauto Star King George winner 2011

Connections walk in the winner.
Kauto Star King George winner 2011

Smaller race but Bigger Bucks!

2011-12-17T14:52:00.000Z

ASCOT 3.05 ... DUC DE REGNIERE @ 33/1

Only 5 times out the places from 20 outings winning 8 starts with a 40% overall winning strike rate.
Last 3 hurdles runs behind (174 rated Big Bucks) in Group races and finished a 3 length 2nd to that rival in the 2010 Long Distance Hurdle at Newbury.
Reverts to Chasing in this Listed event off only 5lb higher than last win at Cheltenham in spring of 2010 when winning his last 3 runs over the larger obstacles.
Has won over hurdles @ 3 miles so this step up in trip over fences not an insurmountable task and is 4 from 6 Chasing.
Given his overall profile I think the 33/1 on offer is too big to ignore and worthy of a E/W investment at least.
Well capable of landing this off this mark if recent run over hurdles, again behind Big Bucks in Newbury's Long Distance Hurdle on 1st run for Tom Symonds has blown away the cobwebs "

P/U ... Full Result>>

Have a Fling

2011-11-05T16:11:00.001Z

Doncaster 4.10 ... Northern Fling @ 14/1

Northern Fling's only other run here at 7fl was for Dandy Nicholls back in 2009 when running in a Class2 h/cap off 15lb higher than today.

Has won here off 23lb higher, (albeit in a class2 sprint for horses rated 86 to 96) from 4 runs at Doncaster, but has been running well for Jim Goldie since joining the yard after being stepped up from sprint distances.

He drops into this grade 5 for the first ever time, yet with his jockey's 5lb claim is only 2lb off bottom weight today and off his lowest mark since handicapping.

Jason Hart has won 2 from 11 in the last fortnight (18% win strike rate) and with either winning/placed on around 30% of all rides this season should be losing a couple more pounds of his claim sooner, rather than later.

Off his reduced mark, Northern Fling should be capable of winning this final flat turf handicap of the season.

Lost ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

4 Timer on the Cards????

2011-10-30T13:25:00.000Z

Carlisle 2.40 ... Etxalar @ 9/1 Lads

Minster Shadow has failed to complete in all 3 runs since finishing just behind in 2nd in this event behind Extelar last Year yet runs off the same mark today.

Lucinda Russell is going for a 4 timer in this contest, and Etxalar is only 2lb higher than winning this last season.
He was still last at the 4th last fence having chased a strong pace throughout. Fair enough the leaders tired close home but the way he made up ground suggests he is probably best early in the Year as he came here fresh to win this.

Etxalar has won 1st time up for the last 3 seasons so the absence since April no great concern and this years contest doesn't look any stronger.
All best runs with soft in the going description and a lot in his favour for another winning return.

Sue Smith's runner Lackamon (thrown into the deep end so to speak) is unexposed over the larger obstacles, yet the trainer obviously holds him in high enough regard to take his chance here, and he did win his 1st chase well enough to warrant respect in this. Shane Byrne rides this track well and has around a 25% winning strike rate here for the stable and is worthy of a saver @ 11/1 on offer and is my selection for a r/f/c.

Lost ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

A Win for Rose

2011-10-28T12:38:00.000+01:00

Uttoxeter 2.35 ... Rosewin @ 100/30 Lads, Stan James, Bet365.

Ollie Pears has acquired the assistance of Noel Fehily for the ride on Rosewin who has won 6 and placed 10 times from only 27 outings (on the flat).
Noel Fehily has a decent record round here and is currently riding just around the 20% win strike rate.

This course should suit her style of running as Rosewin seemingly has a liking for left handed tracks having won last 2 at Catterick (a track she has always ran well at).
Last win there she beat Los Nadis, a subsequent winner of 2 Class3 Perth Hurdles before reverting to the flat taking the 2 Mile Scottish Cup Handicap (For The Willie Park Trophy) on Wednesday gone.

Rosewin is said to have schooled well, and if translating her flat form to this discipline, she should be the one they all have to aspire to.

U/R @ 2nd :( ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

Wolverhampton 8.40 ... Without Prejudice @ 8/1 Lads, PaddyPower, Stan James.

Won his only run at Kempton ( one of 3 runs on different A/W tracks) and tumbled 19lb down the ratings since last run on Lingfield's A/W track back in 2009 for Jeremy Noseda.
Beat today's 4/1 shot Violent Velocity at York that same Year by 3 and 1/4 length giving him 3lb, yet is running off the same mark as him today and is trading at twice the price?
Needs a return to the A/W to bring about improvement from recent turf runs, but won well enough early last month at Leicester and most of his wins have come at this time of Year.

Worthy of a wager @ the 8/1 on offer

A double on today's selection's will pay 38/1

On The Nose or E/W value???

2011-10-27T15:02:00.002+01:00

Lingfield 3.10 ... Judd Street @ 30+ Betfair

Saeed bin Suroor won this last season with another 3Yr Old (Quick Wit) with Frankie in the plate when beating Mr Willis and Seek The Fair Land, (2nd & 3rd respectively last year) who should go close off their revised marks yet still have to concede weight to the selection.

Mr Willis, although slightly worse in at the weights (3lb) with Seek The Fair Land ran the better race last year and I have him to uphold the form.

Judd Street is having his first run over 7fl after running for the first time over 8fl on turf last time out.

His record of 10 wins and 18 placed efforts from 59 runs is nothing to be ashamed of, yet his record on Lingfield's A/W track reads 4,1,1,1,8,3,8,2,2 here from 12 A/W outings in total.

Judd Street is having his first run over 7fl at this Surrey venue, yet conceding 7lb, ran (105 rated) Anciem Regime close after meeting interference in running in a Class2 6fl stakes contest when running off a mark of 102 on his last visit here in 2009.
He was doing his best work late on in that event and today he runs off 19lb lower in this Class3 handicap contest.

Has both the tongue tie and visor on today, and with quite a few hold up horses the pace could suit and although Fallon not my favourite jockey, this one time Listed/Group performer more importantly runs off bottom weight today.

Priced for some E/W value if getting the race run to suit but On The Nose for Moi

6th ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

4 X 4

2011-10-26T14:31:00.002+01:00

Musselburgh 2.40 ... Mission Impossible @ 13/2

Although seemingly better with cut in the ground he does handle most going and has won 3 and placed 5 times from 15 at the trip on a variety of ground so not an overall bad record.
Second stint with Tracy Waggott and he wasn't beaten far latest taking on horses rated 15lb higher than today and this is more in line with this Grey's level of ability.

5th ... Full Result>>                    Race Replay>>

Nottingham 3.40 ... Desert Romance @ 12/1

Won 1st start for David O'meara at Newcastle under a positive front running ride and been running in better class since.
Ran well from the front here latest over 10fl and returns to this grade over a more suitable trip.
Off last winning mark with jockey claiming another 5lb to lighten the burden he should find this task much easier today.

4th ... Full Result>>                    Race Replay>>

Musselburgh 3.50 ... Bowdler's Magic @ 7/1

Best form on faster going but does handle some cut and finished 2nd in this last season (Gd/Sft ...Sft in places) off this rating as a 3Yr Old and should have matured sufficiently for a winning return.
Today's better ground also a positive given he has top weight and this represents a good drop in class.
The one to beat.

Lost ... Full Result>>                    Race Replay>>

Haydock 4.00 ... Morning Moment @ 10/1

Tried in a better class contest last time out on soft when apprentice ridden (fell) but has won both starts under today's pilot on similar going as today.
Up 9lb from his penultimate run/win but his only success' so far on good to firm going and with a 40% strike rate from only 5 times under rules surely there is more to come.

Won ... Full Result>>                    Race Replay>>

Lethal Weapon

2011-10-09T15:14:00.000+01:00

Curragh 3:15 ... Lethal Weapon @ 14/1

Lethal Weapon returned in better class races in March 2010 & May 2010 in (0-100 events) and dropped into this grade back to his last winning mark of 78 last run of 2010. He went in to my alerts as ....... "He was held held up towards rear, ridden and still in 12th 2f out, went 10th 1f out, kept on final furlong too much to do but stayed on yet was beaten just under 2 length".

Has won a grade 1 over hurdles as a 3Yr Old so not devoid of ability and today runs off 4lb lower than the last of his turf flat runs last season.
With the assistance of a 7lb claimer in this apprentice contests runs off his lowest mark since winning here in 2008.
I would like to see a more prominent position as he appears to need stoking along, and if ridden more handy should be bang there at the line!"

The drift is slightly alarming but if running to his 3Yr Old form should be capable of landing this.

5th ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

KEYS

2011-10-08T15:33:00.004+01:00

Newmarket 3.50 .... KEYS @ 14/1

Roger Charlton never rushes his horses in my opinion, so Keys must hold a strong chance of following up his last 2 success' off 10lb higher than last time out after not getting the best of runs.
Having been drawn wide today he will have a similar run as last time to overcome, but he appeared to win that comfortably having been held up and came home late to beat Colour Vision.

Trainer has around 20% win strike rate, and around 40% of runners this season have either won/placed.
Interesting he books Richard hughes (35% strike rate this season)

14/1 looks a standout price either win or E/W but on the Nose for me!!

Colour Vision and Rainforest Magic the dangers on recent runnings/improved efforts, and would be my selections for the F/C

Lost ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

Happy Holidays

2011-09-04T17:32:00.002+01:00

Was hoping to leave the Blog on a winning note but it wasn't to be as Joseph Henry never got into it and was well stuffed.Decided to have a good holiday whilst I have the funds from the last 3 weeks and will return in a couple of weeks.Until then ....... Be Lucky ; )

Henry Joseph

2011-09-04T15:27:00.000+01:00

YORK 3.30 ... JOSEPH HENRY @ 20/1

Joseph Henry returns from a 5 week break but won 1st time up this season. He ran 2 good races here last September/October off similar marks to today.

Made most the running over 6fl before Hitchens (Now a group performer) took over close home.
Tried similar tactics here over 7fl when Thirsk Hunt Cup winner Justonefortheroad outbattled him over the extra distance, with Eton Rifles also coming from that contest.

I expect to see him go out in front again but this oposition not so strong looking and hopefully he's still in front when the line comes

Lost ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

It's Time

2011-09-03T13:26:00.000+01:00

HAYDOCK 3.00 ... MEDICI TIME @ 16/1 ... ZERO MONEY R/F/C

Medici Time is a bit overlooked by the layers @ 16/1.
His run in June at York is working out extremely well with the 2nd, 3rd and 4th all winning decent races since. Even the runner who finished last, beaten 12.5 length was Mayoman who won the class4 handicap for us here yesterday.

The 4th Captain Carey, took the Rockingham Handicap at the Curragh, and the 3rd Ancient Cross won the Gosforth Park Cup Class2 before his 4.5 length defeat to Hoof it in the Stewards Cup. The 2nd place runner, Magical Macey had also beaten yesterdays 1,2 Mayoman and Invincible Lad 3.5 length and 7.25 length respectively.

Medici Time was squeezed out on his penultimate run in the Ritz Club Handicap when going for the hat trick and though perhaps may not have won, lost at least 3rd, a race in which Cheveton was another 6 length behind.

His last run was against conqueror Hoof It, lately going on to a respectable 4.5 length to Margot Did versus some of the top sprinters rated high 100's in the Nunthorpe Stakes Group1.

A line through Lujeanie who finished 2nd to Medici Time 3 runs back, gives Zero Money the edge on form and is a worthy favourite and I reckon these 2 will be fighting out the finish and perhaps warrant a r/f/c.

From a value perspective Medici Time gets the win vote.

Lost ... Zero Money ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

HAYDOCK 2.30 ... DEAUVILLE FLYER @ 10/1

Strangely enough another Easterby runner under the same jockey.

Anyhow this horse been running in the staying handicaps all seaon and deserves to win this with luck in running.
Went well in the John Smith's Silver Cup at York then ran in the Northumberland Plate where he has a good 8lb pull with Tominator from that encounter, and was 5th there last year.

He ran well here when twice hampered behind Activate in May, only beaten 2 length and has a 3lb pull on revised terms.

Although won here on heavy he handles most ground and only ever out the placings in 8 from 22 starts.

No sort of run for Deauville Flyer :(

Lost ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

Would it be bold to assume another double today ?? At the prices an E/W wager could pay dividends!

Updating.......

A quiet day???

2011-09-02T13:07:00.001+01:00

HAYDOCK 1.40 ... MAYOMAN @ 9/1

Mayoman 's was giving Nomoreblondes a Stone last time they met and has got a 19lb pull (including jockeys claim) from their last encounter @ York so sits below him in the handicap and receives weight from all the other runners too.
He also has a 9lb pull with OldJoeSaid from their Thirsk encounter for a couple of length deficit on good/soft going.
Mayoman had excuses last 2 efforts, rider lost stirrup iron, hampered behind Pelmanism, soft going possibly didn't suit before those runs.
Back on a more sound surface and back at 5fl, where he has 4 wins and 2 placed runs from 15, we should see a better show especially as he carries no weight here (8Stone 4lb)
With the exception of Beauty Pageant (concedes 3lb to Nomoreblondes) he has possibly the best strike rate at the distance too.

Won @ 6/1 ... Full Result>>                   Race Replay>>

HAYDOCK 2.10 ... PELMANISM @ 3/1

Pelmanism finished in front of Mayoman last run here at Haydock so a good run from Mayoman would boost the form of Pelmanism in the 2.10 contest on todays card and i reckon these 2 should also be paired in a small double.

Won @ 2/1 ... Full Result>>                    Race Replay>>

Double also landed @ 40/1

BRIGHTON 5.20 ... YURTUNI @ 9/2

Yurituni's run behind (the 89 rated) Drawnfromthepast in a class3 contest at Bath in July was ran in a much faster time than the class6 Interact and the class5 Delira both ran in there the same month.
OK she has to give these rivals weight dropping in grade, but surely is the classiest Filly in this field!

Won @ 7/2 ... Full Result>>                    Race Replay>>

One for the Treble???

Treble Also Landed @ 220/1

Jackpot Joy

2011-09-01T10:49:00.003+01:00

REDCAR 3.40 ... SOCCER JACKPOT @ 12/1

Soccer Jackpot isn't over-raced for a 7Yr Old, but has a 20% winning strike rate overall with 4 wins and 5 placed efforts having only seen action on track 21 times.

His turf record not so hot with only 1 win from his11 turf outings but was running off 94 at his peak (in the Royal Hunt Cup) and has placed both occasions he has ran here at Redcar.
In the John Smith's Redcar Straight-mile Championship Final H'cap series in 2007, firstly he was beaten under a length off 77 in the Class3, then later that season around 1.5 length off 88 in the Class2 event. Today he runs off 75 in a Class4 off his lowest rating since winning his maiden by 5 length..

Is also having his first run for the Paul Midgley yard today, but has a history of going well after a break having won on 2 occasions for Clive Cox when reappearing fresh.

As a trainer Paul Midgley is a bit overlooked at the moment, as he's had 8 winners and 7 placed runners in the last 3 weeks with 7 of those winners in the last 14 days.
Russ Kenemore not exactly banging in the winners himself this month, but from only 3 runs for this yard all in the past week he has ridden a winner and a placed runner, and this is his only mount today.

Soccer Jackpot returns from claiming company when last seen which was on good/soft going, and was his only flat run this season yet he and the winner Song To The Moon were 5 length clear. Having given Song To The Moon 8lb in that event, for him to go on to beat some rivals rating high 80's and 90's next time out makes me think Soccer Jackpot could be well in here off 13lb lower.

Although priced for some E/W value, off his lowest mark for 4 Yrs at the foot of the Handicap back in 0-85 company from what looks a decent draw in stall 9, Soccer Jackpot has plenty in his favour for a return to the winners enclosure.

3rd @ 16/1 ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

Bets Be Careful

2011-08-31T14:18:00.001+01:00

Today's racing doesn't inspire much I and will be keeping most stakes to a minimum just for a bit of interest whilst watching......
Bets Be Careful would be my best idea of a winning selection and will be my main bet today!

Bath 4.30 ... Best Be Careful @ 13/2

I had a long look at this race and came down to the following 3 runners.
LooK Whos Kool, Best Be Careful and Catalinas Diamond.

Look Whos Kool could figure on his effort when 2.5 length behind the 86 rated Fol Hollow in a claimer his penultimate run. He looks held by the selection on a line through Desert Strike who Comptonspirit accounted for before beating Best Be Careful last time out under a penalty. The 2nd from that event, Picabo had previously beaten the 80 rated Tyfos who was going for a hatrick.

Best Be Careful gets the vote on her effort last time out when behind those 2 recent winners (both rated 76).

Won @ 8/1 ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

Bath 2.30 ... Lord Theo @ 25/1

Lord Theo ran up 3 wins in August at Nmkt 2 seasons ago finishing in a class3 h/cap off 16lb higher than today.
Won a few on the A/W over the winter before resuming in June with his 3 runs back on turf this season not amounting to much albeit in better grade contests.
Trainer really struggling for winners (none I think this season) and Jockey only had 3 winners 5 places earlier this month.
Horses is becoming well handicapped and he now drops into this class6 off a stone lower than June, so if the drop in class benefits a return to form perhaps a few quid at todays odds will pay for a night out.

Lost ... Full Result>>

Bath 4.00 ... Levantera @ 9/1

Again a bit of a speculative choice but didn't run too badly at Windsor on penultimate run over just short of 12 furlongs.
Can front run so this drop back to 10fl could see her in a better light as long as she doesn't go off too fast where the stiff finish will be the crucial factor.
She could be the one for an upset should the favourite, Dubawi Dancer, fail to run to expectations under another 9lb penalty.

3rd ... Full Result>>

Bath 5.00 ... Johnstown Lad @ 10/1

Andrea Atzeni only been up once before on this gelding and finished 2nd in a class4 Lingfield h/cap back in November 2009 off 9lb higher than today.
Johnstown Lad been running consistently on the A/W in Ireland (in 0-80 contests) off marks in the mid/high 70's, but 3 of his 4 wins been on turf and did win here that same season off 4lb higher so weighted to go in again if things go his way.
Apprentice ridden latest, but by a capable pilot so no real excuses there but he was giving the other runners weight all round, and had ran in 2 much stronger handicaps than this earlier.
Handles cut in the ground and this looks his easiest task for some time and priced with value to be had.

Lost ... Full Result>>

Folkestone 3.50 ... Osiris Way @ 13/2 Nb

Osiris Way runs off his lowest mark for the last 4 Yrs yet has a near 20% winning strike rate.
Handles most going and drops into this 0-80 grade for the first in along time.
Style And Panache could follow him home.

Lost ... Full result>>

A claim by Ponty

2011-08-30T12:14:00.001+01:00

RIPON 3.35 ... PONTY ACCLAIM @ 7/2

Ponty Acclaim's 3lb rise to 85 seems fair for her latest run at York in the Yearling Stakes.
It was franked in no uncertain terms by the 3rd from that event, Gerfalcon, winning the Ripon Champion 2Yr Old Trophy (Listed) yesterday, running to a mark of 95.

Ponty Acclaim's run in Weatherbys Super Sprint previously she fared quite well in 7th of 20 considering she was hampered early on yet still finished just over 3 length off the winning Colt, Charles The Great who went on to a respectable 3rd in the Molecomb Stakes (Group 3) on his last outing.

Risky Art who finished 9 length behind Ponty at Thirsk would bring Kool Henry, (a winner on soft) into the equation as he had Risky Art over 4 length in arrears at York in July.

Signifer, also hampered early in the Super Sprint has a bit to find with the selection but should be thereabouts.

Ponty Acclaim gets the win vote as her form looks strongest to date.

Won ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

Update: 13.40 pm ....... RIPON 4.10 ...

After backing Mirrored last time i thought he was better handicapped than stablemate Crackenthorp who eventually won the York race they contested.
Since reading the saddle slipped on Mirrored on that occasion i would be prepared to give the Easterby runner another chance here dropping another grade and still running off his last winning mark.
Mirrored finished a 5 length 8th to Ailsa Craig in this last season being out the back most the race after breaking from the 1 stall.
He meets Edwin Tuer's runner on 7lb better today. He is better drawn this time around so I would like to see Duran Fentiman take a more prominent position at this track, and if running to his Doncaster form 3 runs back should be right there at the line.

Alistair Whillans also has an interesting runner in Scrapper Smith. Only had 2 outings this term looking likely that the step up in trip would suit both times. He takes this stronger looking engagement rather than the Straight-Mile Championship Handicap (Qualifier) Class4 @ Redcar on Thursday.
Gary Whillans takes off 5lb keeping his weight down to near the foot of the handicap and he is proven with cut in the ground and not badly drawn in 8.
With both runners trading around 12/1 it may warrant a split stakes wager.

Won @ 20/1 & 2nd @ 16/1 ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

Forecast 295/1

Busy Bank Holiday

2011-08-29T15:01:00.000+01:00

Epsom Downs 3.05 ... Fathom Five @ 7/1

Dandy Nicholls runs 4 here and Crimea was interesting at 1st glance but is yet to win on soft going. Sure to be plenty pace on here with confirmed front runners in oposition but the prevailing conditions should suit Fathom Five who was 4th (Edit: 5th) in this last season and comes out best at the weights with the rivals from last Years event.
La Fortunata would be the danger on my ratings.

4th ... Full Result>>                    Race Replay>>

Ripon 3.35 ... Lord Aeryn @ 11/1

I have it closely rated on the revised weights with Lord Aeryn, Dubai Dynamo and Snow Bay from their encounter here in May.
Lord Aeryn comes out 10lb in front of Dubai Dynamo for the 2.5 length deficit beaten in that event, but only 1lb with front runner Snow Bay so will need things to drop right to get his head in front.
Dream Lodge is becoming very well handicapped on past performances and IF handling the going could reward at tasty odds as he meats Dubai Dynamo 17lb better than here in a Class2 event in May.

5th ... Full Result>>                     Race Replay>>

Newcastle 4.35 ... Sharp Shoes @ 11/4 Nap

Ran behind one of my latest selections, Here Now And Why, when making much of the running at Hamilton last time out.
Wicked Wilma in 4th and Ingleby Star in 3rd have both gone on to win off marks higher than the ceiling for this contest so the form looks decent.
Should be the one they all have to beat and the 11/4 on offer worth taking as likely to shorten before the off IMO.

Lost ... Full Result>>                    Race Replay>>

Epsom Downs 4.50 ... Dont Call Me @ 7/1

Dont Call Me ran well on 1st run for the yard in June when chasing home 2 of Ruth Carr's runners in a hot looking 7fl Newcastle handicap. He looked to be wanting further on his last 3 runs over a mile in similar grades to today. His penultimate run had First Post (a winner either side of that contest) back in 5th, and a decent run from the 4th, Dolphin Rock in the 3.35 at Ripon today would boost the form somewhat.

Licence To Till rates the danger.

Never In It ... Full Result>>              Race Replay>>

Hezmah @ 13/2

2011-08-27T13:40:00.000+01:00

GOODWOOD 5.00 ... HEZMAH @ 13/2

Favourite Girl being the only 5Yr Old in the contest back against her own sex should hold every chance, and her front runing style should suit at this course but she has a bit to prove giving upward of 9lb or more in weight against these 3Yr olds.

Hezmah is the one i am interested in today. Only raced 5 times yet a line through Whozthecat should give her the edge over the top weight today. Finished a length behind Whozthecat in July at Newmarket and although now only 1lb lower gets 13lb from Tim Easterby's mare who has gone up 3lb since finishing over a length behind Whozthecat earlier the same month.

Hezmah's 4th to Emmas Gift/Flood Plain in April at Ascot gives optomism for her chances today, given the proximity of their subsequent efforts to the 108 rated Theyskens' Theory at York. She has won over 7fl so this drop to 6fl on today's slower ground not so much a concern as the fact she has been slowly away the last twice at Newmarket.

Tadhg O'shea back in the plate having been aboard when she came from an uncompromising position from last on her penultimate run to finish a clear 3rd, so her abilty to stay with the ground riding soft in the last 4fl should help her cause taking on rivals more within her rating.

2nd ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

Worth the Watch?

2011-08-23T12:22:00.001+01:00

LEICESTER 3.00 ... WATCH CHAIN @ 10/1

With the weather dry overnight and the early forecast rain this morning not arriving, and the remainder of the day being forecast to be mainly dry with the chance of an odd light shower. I'm willing to give Watch Chain the upper hand here.
He has been over 7fl latest when going well finishing 3rd (first 3 clear by 4 length) until the last furlong in a race which yesterday's 2 length (Class6) winner Ryedane was over 5 length behind him and today's contender Sairaam further adrift after racing alone.
Watch Chain ran over 5fl here early this month finding the trip on the sharp side, after just failing previously at Yarmouth over 6fl. Only 1lb higher here and got the box draw, but Robert Winston in the plate who is currently riding at over 30% win strike rate.

Mount Hollow I have closely rated with Gracies Games, Mata Hari Blue and Belinsky, but the fact Sairaam finished over 7 length in front of Mount Hollow here in May when front running leads me back to Watch Chain.

If electing to take a prominent position again from the off, i can see the mare Sairaam being competitive at a decent price and worthy of a E/W wager, but on adjusted handicap ratings Watch Chain gets the win nod.

LEICESTER 3.00 .... SAIRAAM E/W @ 40/1

Usually a front runner who has gone well up to today's distance here when trying 7 furlongs.
This drop in trip could be ideal if she can get away smartly.
Had today's 12/1 shot Mount Hollow over 7 length behind here in May giving him 1lb.

Has to concede 7lb here but for the distance deficit Mount Hollow has to make up and @ 40/1 Sairaam looks the better value of the two runners.

Sairaam 2nd Mount Hollow Won ...

Full Result>> Race Replay>>

Hay Eck Here Now and Why!

2011-08-22T13:07:00.001+01:00

HAMILTON 2.30 ... HAYEK @ 8/1 Lads

Hayek went in the notebook for running back at a stiff course over today's distance and looks to have many things in his favour for a return to the winners enclosure today.
Hayek has finished 3,1,2 on the only 3 occasions he 's ran at 6fl this season and been in the money 4 from 9 runs since joining Tim Easterby. He won here in June when Rachael Richardson gave him a superb looking ride to win her, and Hayek's 1st contest. That race is working out well where the 7th, 9th and 11th have all won since taking 6 contests between them.
Hayek finished 2nd his next start here over 6fl, 2 weeks later that month when the first 3 home were around 3 length clear, to the improving Blues Jazz who was on the 1st win of a 4 timer, having beat a few of today's opposition along the way.
Hayek has ran at longer trips since, and wasn't disgraced his penultimate run from a wide draw over 7fl at Carlisle, having been caught out the back until the last 2 furlongs when just over 1 length behind Boy The Bell (who also holds a few of these on previous runnings), before again running wide at Beverley over a mile latest on ground possibly softer than ideal.
Should be granted a decent pace as Avoncreek and his stablemate Rydane can take them along.
The drop back to 6fl here should suit as will his stamina for further which should also help on the uphill climb for home in the last 2-3 furlongs.

5th ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

HAMILTON 4.30 ... HERE NOW AND WHY @ 10/1

Many here are taking each other on again. Blown It, Wicked Wilma, Sharp Shoes, Sharp Bullet, Saxonette and Ingleby Star are all closely matched on revised ratings.

The 3 that stand out for me are Here Now And Why and Arriva La Diva and Sharp Shoes.
Front runner Arriva La Diva has a 15lb pull in the weights for a 1/2 length 3rd to Blown It when that one finished 2nd at Musselburgh in July with Ingleby Star further behind. She is however just above her last winning mark and was beaten by Sharp Shoes here in May and is slightly worse in today.
Ingleby Star has a course record of 2,1,8,2,2,6 but has been beaten by these in the past and there's so many front runners in opposition.
Sharp Shoes one of them who had Ingleby Star, Wicked Wilma and Sharp Bullet behind here in May on similar terms in another contest.
Ann Duffields gelding looks the more resolute in a battle and would be the main danger to the selection with the assistance of 3lb claimer Dale Swift.

With middle/higher drawn runners normally holding a advantage with cut in the going, I am swayed toward Here Now And Why who also has a good pull in the weights. For a 2.5 length deficit with Wicked Wilma on his only previous run here in July, Here Now And Why looks favourably treated meeting that rival on 14lb better terms at the foot of the handicap getting weight from all the other runners.

Given their respective recent records, Trainer and jockey Duran Fentiman the negatives, but the horse looks so well handicapped in this I feel @ 10/1 he can't be passed over.

Won ... Full Result>> Race Replay>>

York

2011-08-20T13:37:00.000+01:00

York 2.30 ... Parlour Games @ 12/1 Waltz Darling E/W @ 40/1

Parlour Games best efforts having come with soft in the going description so todays good ground should suit.

Although Ahmed Ajtebi has 2 wins and a decent 2nd place effort from 6 rides on this Colt, Frankie Dettori up for the 1st time today, who has ridden 7 winners with around a 50% strike rate for the yard in the last 3 weeks alone.

Parlour Games steps up in class and distance off 3lb higher than his last time out win, but is progressing the right way and has a few of these held on form from latest win. Frankie has the chance of a double for the yard with his ride on Opinion Pole, who himself bids to emulate his win in the 3.05.

Waltz Darling off a low weight of 8 stone could defy his tasty odds. He ran 3rd to the 8 length Great Voltigeur Group2 Stakes winner Sea Moon on his run here in June over 4fl shorter. The step up in trip could suit the Fahey runner under Paul Hanagan who shouldn't be readily dismissed @ 40/1

Won ... Full Result>>

York 3.05 ... Opinion Pole @ 7/2

Opinion Pole has won 6 and placed 4 times from his 13 runs, with over 45% winning strike rate.Frankie who has ridden 7 winners with around a 50% strike rate for the yard in the last 3 weeks alone, takes his 7th ride on Opinion Pole having won on 4 of the 6 previous occasions he's ridden this horse, and bids to emulate his win in the 3.05 having won the event last season for Michael Jarvis.

Won ... Full Result>>

Double also landed @ 57.5

2011-08-20T12:18:00.001+01:00

Today I'm Listening to.......

2 for YORK

2011-08-19T13:08:00.001+01:00

YORK 2.00 ... Mirrored

Mirrored was highly tried with Michael Stoute before a brief spell, (again in 3 decent handicaps) with Dandy Nicholls. Tim Easterby likes to get one ready for the Knavesmire even though his strike rate not so good over recent seasons.
Mirrored opened his account on first start this season for this yard off the same mark as today before his next run in the Zetland Gold Cup where I thought he wanted stepping up to today's sort of trip. Been getting going late on in recent contests, again giving the impression of wanting further than the 10 furlongs he's been running over for most of the season.
Providing he handles the softer going today, at the right end of the handicap, I think this distance should bring about more improvement back on his last winning mark.

Lost ... Full Result>>

YORK 3.05 ... Green Destiny
With 4 turf wins from only 7 outings (6 on turf) Green Destiny has an already admirable strike rate of over 55%. Although Kieren Fallon not my favourite jockey booking, William Haggas must hold faith.
His last run when favourite in the Totesport Mile got no sort of run and was eased down but had won here impressively in the John Smith's Cup his penultimate and only previous start here.
Appears to handle any going and worthy of his 1st try here in this Group3 company.

Won ... Full Result>>

EELS

2011-08-19T12:09:00.000+01:00

Today I'm listening to.......

Hole In The Wall

2011-07-21T15:33:00.001+01:00

SANDOWN 3.55 ... CASHPOINT @ 25/1 Ladbrokes, Exchanges

Chris catlin back up having won on him his only previous ride when aboard at Lingfield off this mark, beating rivals rated low 90's.
His form ties in with some decent runners tried in some of the better handicaps lately ( Foxhunt: Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap winner and John Smith's Silver Cup 2nd, Rock A Doodle Doo and Blissful Moment)

Unraced until 4Yrs Old and only 5th turf outing today I feel hasn't shown his best.
Handles a bit of cut and the drop in trip looks a positive move.

At 26's to win and 6's to place on betfair worthy of an split stakes E/W wager IMO

In Good Spirit

2011-07-17T15:52:00.007+01:00

REDCAR 4.15 ... SOLAR SPIRIT @ 12/1

A back to form Dickie Le Davoir would be competitive dropping back into this class4, but in 2 previous runs here has finished near last and last.
Not My Choice normally front runs so could take them along which may suit the selection Solar Spirit who has course form of 3,3,7,2 all over 6fl in class4 contests. The 3rd placed efforts were as a 3Yr Old off marks 3 and 4lb higher than today. His best effort here when 2nd to the 84 rated Doctor Parkes in April when beaten a neck looks decent in the context of this race, as Doctor Parkes won next time out off 5lb higher (89) in a class2 .
Solar Spirit has gone well with cheekpieces on, on soft going before and both his wins also came on Gd/Sft ground giving encouragement for his chances today on what looks his prefered going.

Lost ... Full Result>>

Edit: Wins next time out :(

Check The Name

2011-07-16T14:14:00.003+01:00

NEWMARKET 3.10 ... NAMECHECK

Namecheck ran a decent enough run here his only outing in 2010 over 10fl when 2.5 length behind John Smith's Cup winner Wigmore Hall.

Wigmore Hall has since won back here before going on to finish 5th to Twice Over in the Champion Stakes (group 1) before success off 117 in a turf Group2 at Meydan.
Though Namecheck has done nothing this season which warrants such great respect, he may have needed 1st run back here over 9fl before encountering soft going latest run at 7fl.

This Colt returns from a 5 week break with Ahmed Ajtebi taking the ride for the 3rd time today, and he has 4 wins and 2 placed efforts from only 9 rides for the yard in the last 3 weeks.

Namecheck ran ok to Gallic Star in a 2Yr Old Pontefract Listed on good/firm going over a mile, and back over today's distance on similar going we may see a much better showing from Namecheck as he meets these handicappers on similar terms. With possibly the exception of Circumvent there is nothing of the calibre of those earlier rivals today and though value for an E/W wager @ 16/1 many firms, I feel either a win or nothing wager!

Won @ 20/1 ... Full Result>>

2011-07-15T18:58:00.007+01:00

HAMILTON 7.45 ... ROKER PARK 2 Pts @ 8/1

Colonel Mak had both Lowther, (2nd in the 2009 Ayr Silver Cup off 8lb lower) and Irish Heartbeat behind in the 2010 Silver Cup and though possibly better drawn of the 3 runners that day, looks more a 6fl perfomer than those rivals and has won both outings here, albiet as a 2 Yr Old.His run at the Curragh latest he meets Tajneed on similar terms.But Roker Park is the one I am steering toward for this Year's Scottish Stewards Cup. He was 2nd in this very event in 2009 when beaten 3/4 length giving 4lb to Quest For Success who now resides on a 7lb higher mark.
Tajneed was beaten just over 3 length in that contest and is now 6lb higher in the handicap.
Roker Park however, even accounting for 2 wins in his last 4 outings since joining David O'Meara from Kevin Ryan, is now 3lb lower than 2009 so meets the Fahey runner 10lb better off tonight and Dandy Nicholls' Tajneed 9lb better, so if running to the form of late he should be bang there on the line.
Enderby Spirit was well beaten in this last Year off 3lb higher and can be an unlucky runner at 6fl as he gets going late, but has only ran 5 times since then and if the cards drop right he will be finishing fast.
Ginger Ted and We Have A Dream (who have possible the best wins per runs ratio at the distance) all met at Newcastle last time out when Everymanforhimself, had led in the last furlong finishing 2nd, when Ginger Ted (blocked in running) and Roker Park (Blocked in Running, Rider lost Irons) were both held up and were unlucky in running.
ROKER PARK already tried at this level has less to prove than his rivals IMO, and still being handicapped to win again gets the vote!
Ginger Ted & Irish Heartbeat the dangers.

3rd ... Full Result>>

AMBROSE PRINCESS

2011-07-13T12:03:00.002+01:00

LINGFIELD 2.30 ... AMBROSE PRINCESS 2 pts @ 11/2 Ladbrokes

Ambrose Princess has won 4 from 8 starts in the month of July during her carreer.
Won 2 from 4 starts at this 2 mile trip, both times here at Lingfield from her only visits to the course.

Only other flat run over a trip exceeding this, Ambrose Princess was beaten in the Pontefract Cup 18fl, by Markington, who failed to conceed 24lb to the improving 3 Yr Old Mojilika (rated only 5lb lower) at Beverley yesterday, in the (Class 4) race he won the previous season.

Michael Scudamore has had Ambrose Princess fit and ready to win returning to the flat from jumping in the past, so if suffering no ill effects from her fall last time out when going well she should be right in contention, and the 11/2 Ladbrokes offer looks worth a punt.

Withdrawn

NightRacing

2011-07-07T19:26:00.003+01:00

Epsom Downs 8:00 ... Shes A Character @ 5/1

Drops in class where she should be capable in this lesser race after having gone close the last twice in better races than this after winning in this grade at Doncaster by 4 length in April.
Lee Topliss takes off another 5lb to lessen the burden and is proven on this slower ground.

Doncaster 8.45 ... Ugalla @ 12/1

Bit of a speculative punt on this one as it was an intended E/W selection, but with the withdrawal of 5 runners only 2 places now up for grabs so it's on the Nose.
Been going well over further (saddle slipped latest) without truly seeing out the 14fl so the drop to 12fl looks in her favour.
Sandown conqueror Colloquial went on to win again off 4lb higher at Ascot before running well there again off a mark of 92 in the Shergar Cup Stayers Handicap.
Although the trainer not having the best strike rate in recent weeks, I strongly fancy this one to outrun her 12/1 odds.

Epsom Downs 9:05 .... Clear Praise @ 13/2

Limited chances on grass yet highly tried latest effort when in front of Baldemar at Newmarket. Seb Sandes an excellent profit spinner here for the yard. Has ran 2 promising runs on the All Weather at Kempton latest making it 2 from 5 there (2 from 4 at 6fl) suggesting going right handed suits but with Clear Praise holding an entry in the James Taylor Group Handicap (Class 3) at Ascot tommorrow, should find this asignment the easier option.

Doncaster 9:15 ... Milton Of Campsie @ 9/1

Milton Of Campsie last ran here around this time last season off this mark, finishing a head second to the 78 rated Favourite Girl of Tim Easterby's yard in a fillies Handicap.
Has 4 wins and 4 place from only 20 turf outings in her career with all but one of those on good/firm going.
Two of those wins and all 4 places have been over this 5fl trip on similar going, so has plenty going for her tonight on this straight run 5fl from a middle draw.

York

2011-06-11T13:28:00.010+01:00

York 2.40 ... Classic Punch EW @ 40/1

Has the class to win this if ready to go 1st time back, yet a worthy E/W investment at the price.

Lost ... Full Result>>

5:30 York ... Orpsie Boy NAP @ 9/1

Only beaten half a length latest when returning from a break.
Has won under similar circumstances in the past off higher and todays going and trip should suit.
Not badly drawn on the far side and only previous visit to the Knavesmire, in the William Hill Trophy (Class2) as a 4Yr Old, he was beaten under 2 length off a 4lb higher mark than today.
Should come on a bit for latest effort and a value selection IMO at the current 9/1 on offer.

Lost ... Full Result>>

Wins next 2 starts!

Advance to the Dance

2011-05-14T14:48:00.008+01:00

Thirsk 3:50 ... Advanced @ 11/1

"Runs off his lowest mark and now a stone lower than when contesting last seasons Victoria Cup. Also ran in some of the top sprints last season and was only beaten 2 length when last seen at this venue in a Stakes contest to Markab (a 104 rated rival) on good/firm ground last April. Today's going should suit better and not out of this from a decent enough draw."

2nd ... Full Result>>

Newmarket 5:10 ... Boogie Diva @ 12/1

"Only 2lb higher than beating her elders first time up last year when having first run for Jane Chapple-Hyam. Again returns fresh on first run for another yard in a easier contest than late runs last season. Only previous effort here she finished 2nd to a subsequent (fillies) group winner now rated 105. None of the oposition come here in blinding form and with proven ability to go well after an absence, this 0-80 contest could be hers for the taking if George Margason has her ready."

Lost ... Full Result>>

REDCAR RACES

2011-05-09T13:42:00.014+01:00

Redcar 2.50 ... William Wainwright @ 14/1 WillHill, Lads, Bet365

Only had 4 previous runs on grass so room for improvement and went well latest effort here over 6fl.
This is his 1st time on the turf over this 5fl trip and Paul Hanagan one of the top jockeys here.
The 6th (Dolly Parton) and 8th (No Quarter) from latest event both won since.
Would possibly be better in a lowly handicap off this mark but the latest conqueror/winner last time was a 72 rated rival yet he was only beaten 1 length which was his first run with firm in the description.
I feel he could outrun his odds back at the minimum trip with first time tongue tie, and though only 7 runners and 2 places looks big @ 14/1

Lost ... Full Result>>

Redcar 3.50 ... Rasselas @ 12/1 WillHill, Lads, StanJames

Won only previous start here by 2.25 length over 8fl last season in the Straight mile Handicap Championship qualifier after taking a 6fl event on first run for Dandy Nicholls.
Has a history of some decent runs on fast ground and just failed by 1/2 length at Newcastle off top weight last time he ran on Good/Firm before running in some better grade races over 8fl since then.
Returns from a break after racing wide at Kempton in the London Mile Qualifier (January), but finished 2nd first time up around this time last year (albeit beaten 8 length) after making the running up to 7fl on fast going over 9fl, the furthest he had encountered.
With a few front runners here this drop in trip could suit as a strong pace looks on the cards and another I think overpriced in the betting.

Non Runner ... Full Result>>
Would suggest a win bet on the first runner and a small Win double.
Only bet the second runner should the first fail to deliver for the double!!

BANK HOLIDAY

2011-05-02T13:02:00.009+01:00

BEVERLEY 3.50 ... DOCTOR ZHIVAGO 2 Pts @ 13/2

Doctor Zhivago won both starts over this trip (albeit on Southwell's All Weather track, and one of those a 2 runner affair) when with previous trainer Mark Johnson yet was keeping better company thereafter in Class2 handicaps.
Drops back in trip having been over 10fl since those wins, but was running well latest start in a Class3 before hampered close home.
This represents another drop in grade, his first in this class handicap and showed he handles the going in earlier outings.
Worth taking the early 10's Betfair IMO as around 13/2 Bookmakers.

Doctor Zhivago 2 Pt win @ 13/2

2nd ... Full Result>>

KEMPTON 4.00 ... BIG NOISE 1 Pt E/W @ 28/1

Big Noise unraced as a 2Yr Old, has won twice first time out in the last 4 seasons so can go well fresh, and has finished second both all weather starts to date.
First A/W outing against Royal Rock (subsequent group winning sprinter off 105) over 6fl here as a 3Yr Old was outpaced over the shorter trip but stayed on well into 2nd.
Second A/W outing behind Riggins, gave him 7lb at Great Leighs off this mark in a similar grade3 H/cap.
Given that Riggins is much improved since then and unbeaten all outings on the A/W, (the latest success last November when dead heating (off 108) in the Hyde Stakes (listed) with Fanunalter, rated 105), suggest that Big Noise's defeat was somewhat warranted.

The booking of Jim Crowley (decent strike rate here) would suggest to me that Jon Scargill is hopeful of a good run, and with Big Noise having a strike rate of 4 wins, 4 places from 21 outings.

Big Noise @ 28/1 seems value for a 1 Pt E/W wager.

Last until final bend, finished around 6th
Lost ... Full Result>>

CHELTENHAM

2011-03-17T13:24:00.001Z

CHELTENHAM 1.30 ... MR GARDENER 2 Pts @ 13/2

Really liked Mr Gardener's 1st run over the larger fences when readily accounting for the opposition.
Fortunate to stay on his feet last time out, when on his knees 2 out behind eventual winner Merdermit and Captain Chris (Reve de Sivola well behind). They both franked the form with with the later winning the Arkle and Medermit finishing in 4th.

The booking of Geraghty for Mr gardner suugests he is the stables best chance but Hendersons other runner, Radium, is better than he showed when jumping errors here in December cost him when eventually brought down in the race where Reve de Sivola also beat Wishful Thinking, (who also made mistakes). He could be chasing home stablemate for the minors.

Bougler is an outsider I think will run better than than a 16/1 chance. He won 1st two starts for the yard over hurdles before a promising run in a Grade 1 Novice event 3rd start behind Cousin Vinny and Mikael D'haguenet.
His 4th in the Cleeve Hurdle here over 3 mile last January behind Tidal Bay off a mark of 150 when fading 2 out suggests he isn't out of this off 143. He burst blood vessels last time and mistakes cost him previously, so his jumping will have to stand up and on this better going he could find things a bit too quick for the win purpose.

Mr Gardener is very lightly raced for a 8 Yr Old but is 1/3 over Hurdles and 1/2 Chasing and surely more to come!

Mr Gardener 2 Pt win

P/U ... Full Result>>

CompaZero?

2011-02-26T16:08:00.002Z

After bigging up the chances of QUWS LAW on thursday under Peter Buchanan, saying the form looked decent in relation to his run against COMPANERO, What Do I Do, or should I say NOT DO!

On todays heavy going over a trip he hasn't previously ran at, and in first time blinkers (which obviously helped to some degree) ridden no less by Peter Buchanan, I discard the winning chances of Companero in the Eider Chase today, only to watch him win by 30 lengths.

Nice result for connections, but here, a big fat Complete Zero!!

Carrasco versus Montano’s

2011-02-24T13:35:00.006Z

When cheating can be unbelievable, or just unbelievably funny!

This was brought to my attention and I just felt compelled to share it.

Carrasco was caught hitting himself in the face with Montano's hand.......

EDIT: Video disabled by Utube but available Here>>

Read more>>

Go double figure!

2011-02-24T13:03:00.004Z

AYR 4.30 ... QUWS LAW 2 Pts @ 16/1 WillHill, 14/1 Others.

Trainer reportedly was struggling to get work into her horses over the bad winter but proved her ability to get one fit afterward with 5 winners and 12 placed runners last month, including the win of Silver By Nature in the Grand National Trial at Haydock over the weekend.

Quws Law is re-united with regular jockey Peter Buchanan today, having been partnered by Campbell Gillies his 2 outings this season.
Has nearly as many P's as birdseye but has only had 9 chase outings, yet has won 1 and placed 1 of his 3 chase runs at this track which were both at today's distance.
He also has both a win and place in both National Hunt Flat and over Hurdles here so clearly takes to this venue.

Handles most going and takes a drop in the handicap again, having been 20lb higher after finishing 2nd to (140 rated) Companero, his only other Chase run here at todays distance before going to Cheltenham 2 seasons back.

Twelve length in arrears from Companero's race was 120 rated Great Approach, (and there is certainly nothing of that calibre in this) who was also behind Quws Law when he won his Novice event.
Great Approach, has since gone well to win over hurdles and finish 2nd behind last years William Hill Trophy Handicap Chase (grade 3)winner Chief Dan George so the form looks decent.
Aghill is the one who is unexposed but, IF, Quws Law is ready to do himself justice he should win this, and the others should be playing for places only.

Quws Law 2 Pts win @ 16/1 William Hill

Option to trade back stakes in running, exchanges...

Blundered & P/U Full Result>>

SHOCK IN TRADE

2011-02-20T13:34:00.005Z

NAAS 4.40 ... Sweet Shock
I thought the form of Sweet Shock behind Oscars Well is decent but his previous run beating 137 rated Dancing Tornado is the one which caught my attention.
Dancing Tornado's 2nd place in the Paddy Power Gold Cup when he had the likes of King George VI chase winner, Long Run (rated 160 ish) behind, ties in with yesterdays 10 length Ascot Chase winner, Riverside Theatre, making it look better than 1st glance.

Although the jock not the best winning strike rate here, he has won on 25% of rides for trainer Michael O'Hare last month, who himself has one of the highest strike rates at Naas in current seasons.
The step up in trip the negative for me, but is twice a winner here from 3 runs.
At the generally available 10/1 on offer, I think he will go off shorter in the betting with the option to trade out before the off and lock in some free profit!

Full Result>>

Hot Prospect?

2011-02-17T13:39:00.005Z

KELSO 1.40 ... THE GALLOPING SHOE E/W

The Galloping Shoe could be excused his comeback run when breaking a blood vessle (Nose Bled) last month but on his final run at the end of last flat season his form was looking decent.

The Galloping Shoe ran within 2 length to Michael Jarvis's 103 rated Hot Prospect (thought good enough to contest the Derby) in a 10 furlong Heritage handicap contesting horses rated mid 80's upward.

Had a decent recruit in behind from that race, in Pires from Tony Martin's stable which has since won over hurdles off a mark of 116 and finished 3rd in the Cambridgeshire afterward.

Appears to handle most going and trainer has 3 winners & 4 placed runers from only 19 starts in the last month so worthy of an E/W wager IMO at the 85's on Betfair.

4th ... Full Result>>

Wayne Rooney Contract up in Smoke!

2010-11-05T16:01:00.000Z

Wayne Rooney contract to be set alight and sent up in flames!

An effigy of Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, complete with green Shrek-style ears, will go up in flames at an annual bonfire event in Kent.

Read More>>

2 POINTS

2010-10-24T13:30:00.003+01:00

AINTREE 3.20 ... SOLWAY SAM 2 Pts @ 15/2 S.James, 7/1 P.Power, BlueSq, VC.

Richie MGrath 2 from 4 on the gelding for a trainer with a 16% strike rate here showing a +36 Pt profit to level stakes over the last 5 seasons.

Solway Sam has a decent strike rate for one so lightly raced, he won here when fresh last October in a National Hunt flat event before sent over obstacles early this Year.
This step up in trip should suit the way he has stayed on late over 20 furlongs, where with some decent rounds of jumping he has scored 3 from 5 since going over hurdles.
His penultimate run he had the field spread out with some 120 plus rated rivals in arrears and last time out, he and Lambro Lad were 30 plus length clear of Nodform Violet, who on his previous outing, was beaten around 17 length by Henry Daly's 143 rated hurdler Possol, which makes Solway Sam's hurdle mark worthy of the 133 he is allotted for this.

Lost ... Full Result>>

TUESDAY'S SELECTION'S

2010-10-19T14:56:00.001+01:00

LINGFIELD 3.30 ... EXCELLING @ 8/1

Won her maiden here by 5 length over 5fl.
Since been tried in a couple of strong contests (a Listed event and the Watership Down Stud Sales Race at Ascot) split with last run here where she was taking on rivals rated high 70's low 80's when struggled to go the early pace over the minimum 5fl.
This drop back to Class6 claiming company a bit disconcerting, but I feel the step up in trip will help and this is a whole lot easier than those contests and a small stake interest at the 8/1 on offer

LINGFIELD 4.00 ... SHERJAWY @ 16/1 Vic Chandler, bigger exchanges

Macs Sister beat rivals rated 59 at best last time out and though clearly in form has a bit to do from a handicap perspective in this higher grade and is worth taking on at the current restrictive odds.

Sherjawy dropped a few pounds since returning 2 runs back from a break having been busy in the spring where he would have needed the 1st run back. Last time he met Titus Gent at the top of his game and the 2nd horse, Dear Maurice had dropped 10lb to a rating of 75 so was likely to be against it.
Is now back on his last winning mark, when he got an enterprising ride from Sam Hitchcott to win here in a stronger (0-83) contest and today's jockey takes off another 5lb, so theoretically well in against rivals 14lb lower in the ratings.
Has won 5 from 26 starts over this distance on the All Weather albeit those coming at Kempton, but also has decent form here winning 1 over 5fl and placing 4 times at 6fl from 12 runs.
Many of this field are better at the minimum, so his consistency and proven ability over further should see him competitive today.

EXETER 4.40 ... MUD MONKEY @ 50/1 Vic Chandler ... S.James

Will have to have brushed up his jumping in his abscence as been off for some time (March 2009) but if putting in a clear round here he has decent course form as when electing to take up his customary front running role on previous visits.
Beaten 1/2 length into 2nd on going softer/heavier than the declared good last time here, and on this better going he could be hard to peg back if given too much distance early on and attractively priced if electing to do so!

As all fields currently hold the minmum 8 runners for E/W places, will play 3 singles
2 X E/W doubles
1 X E/W treble

CATTERICK RACES

2010-10-16T14:38:00.002+01:00

CARLISLE 2.50 ... CHRISTMAS LIGHT @ 7/1 Bet365, Corals and best price 13/2, 6/1 others.

David O'meara's filly has dropped 6lb in the handicap from her August 4 length 7th placed finish at York in a 1 mile Class2 handicap. Having competed the running she was well there going for home and wasn't hard pushed by Hayley Turner when beaten in the final furlong by rivals rated up to 17lb higher than this contest allows (OR 92).
Again had rivals rated low 90's just in front her penultimate outing in a Class3 at Thirsk when well there until the 8th furlong found her out.
Always at the rear latest when drawn wide over a trip looking beyond her at this stage of her career.
Again this represents another drop in Class being 3 grades below the York outing and back to a more suitable distance at which she won her maiden off a 4lb higher rating. Her only other handicap run at this trip at Beverley she wasn't disgraced going down less then 3 length to Don't Call Me, who was on the first run of a hat trick with the final leg off 84 winning the Dubai Duty Free Handicap.
John Fahy takes off another valuable 5lb and the 7/1 on offer worthy of a 2 Pt wager.

Lost ... Full Result>>

CARLISLE 5.45 ... CAPTAIN MACARRY 1 Pt @ 6/1 Lads

Latest form figures 000040 not inspiring but is another taking a drop in trip and class who's best form coming with 6 of his 7 wins from 16 runs over this 7 furlongs distance.
Now 17lb lower than last run at this trip in June having been contesting Class2 handicaps since his Kempton All Weather success off 85 this time last season.
Normal visor retained and Ian Brennan having ridden a handful of placed runners for the Yard this month up for the 3rd time, who although not the best strike rate this month tempering confidence somewhat, gave him a decent ride at Sandown 2 outings back.

2nd ... Full Result>>

Possible outsider!

2010-09-29T14:06:00.001+01:00

Nottingham 2.20 ... Flash Forward

Chris Wall stable in decent form yet his record here with 1st time out runners not so good, and he runs 2 here with his filly Alspritza seemingly having the better draw near the stands rail.

Flash Forward however, was an expensive purchase and appears the better bred runner.

Will possible find further in time being sired by 2000 guineas winner, but this Class5 6fl contest looks a good starting point and brother won 7fl Group2 so being drawn the other side his class could help him overcome the draw and @ 25/1 worthy of an E/W wager or possibly place only on the exchanges @ 7.2.

Brea Hill

2010-09-25T15:10:00.000+01:00

Haydock 3.10 ... Brae Hill was a selection on 1st August.

Ran well but pipped at the line off stablemate Kyllachy Star.

Think this drop in trip could be what he needs today and proved himself on soft going lately where his stamina for 7fl could help on this slower going.

Not too far behind Gold Cup Winner Redford penultimate run or behind Irish Cambidgeshire winner Hujaylea who just got the better of Kyllachy Star in that event

20/1 looks big and worthy of a few quid E/W IMO.

Diamond in the rough!

2010-09-18T19:08:00.002+01:00

Wolverhampton 19.50 ... Shaws Diamond 2 Pts @ 10/1 Lads

Last race working out with the 2nd and 3rd both winning next starts off marks in the mid 70's.

Yet to win on the all weather, but now 5lb lower than her last run here in a class4 handicap and with course figures at this trip reading 4,3,2,2,2 she should hold a decent chance of being in the places at least.

Drops 2 grades for her first time in a Class6 h/cap off this her lowest career mark and 2 Points the call as a win off this mark well within her capabilities.

Shaws Diamond 2 Pts @ 10/1

Lost ... Full Result>>

NMKT

2010-09-18T17:47:00.003+01:00

Newmarket 5.50 ... Decent Fella 2 Pt win @ 8/1

Decent runs for Edward Lynam in Ireland before a nice introduction for this stable at Newmarket when interupted in his challenge yet stayed on again when in the clear.
That form working out well with St Moritz running welll in the Royal Hunt Cup before winning the Bunbury Cup against rivals rated mid/low 100's with plenty other winners/placed runners coming from that Newmarket event.
Tried in 2 competitive events the last twice, and this drop on class in first time visor with a more senior jockey up could see him back in the winners enclosure today.

2nd ... Full Result>>

NEWCASTLE RACES

2010-09-12T14:48:00.002+01:00

NEWCASTLE 3.00 ... BONNIE PRINCE BLUE 2 Pts @ 7/1 P.Power

Bonnie Prince Blue's last run here over 6fl was a decent effort under this pilot when fading in the final furlong.
Also ran well penultimate outing behind recent Class2 Haydock winner Confessional.
Confessional wasn't disgraced in the Portland (Class2) yesterday off 5lb higher beaten around 4.5 length.
This Class6 claimer looks easier than either those contests and at least is proven on today's softer going.
Drawn 4 on the far side so well berthed and will need a good pace which he should get.
On a line through Lesley's Choice, is closely mached at the weights with Northern Bolt but the 5lb claim of Dale Swift swings it in favour of Bonnie Prince Blue.

Bonnie Prince Blue 2 Pts @ 7/1

slowly away ... 3rd ... Full Result>>

Northern Bolt wins it! :0

SEPTEMBER 11

2010-09-11T13:49:00.004+01:00

A memorable day in the American calender and hopefully one we can remember as being memorable for very different reasons.

SANDOWN 2.15 ... PISCEAN 1 Pt @ 14/1 S James, BlueSq

Piscean already 3 runs here this season and was extremely unlucky in June having lost 4 length out the gates to finish with a storming late run to be beaten just over a length before returning in July to win with a late finish having again been away slowly as seems his trait these days.
Appears to hold at least 4 of these on previous encounters, and with his better form coming in these 8-12 runner fields is reasonably treated if all falls right off only 2lb higher than July success.
Royston French 1 from 2 on him and should get a decent pace with Cape Royal likely to take them along.
Could hit a lot higher in running as he is normally produced late but the 14/1 on offer worthy of a 1 Pt wager

3rd ... Full Result>>

DONCASTER 2.45 ... ARGANIL 1 Pt E/W @ 65 Exchanges ... 50/1 S.James, Boylesport ... 40/1 others

Only contested a handful of turf handicaps having been trying his chances in Group/Listed events on the grass and looks the outsider of 1 of 4 runners for Kevin Ryan yet has been running better than his form figures suggest.
Meets stablemate Bajan Tryst on 17lb better terms for a 6 length deficit at Dundalk last time out and returns to turf off 7lb lower than beaten 4 length running the 'wrongside' in last season' 6fl Ayr Gold Cup when fading close home.
Had just failed previously over 5fl at Haydock that season giving 9lb to the eventual winner so holds every chance off this 4lb lower mark at this intermediate trip.

6th ... Full Result>>

DONCASTER 5.00 ... SWOP 1 Pt @ 10/1 Ladbrokes

Returns from Meydan on a similar mark as last season when he ran here in the Lincoln.
Had won his 1st turf handicap at this venue and his other run at this straight mile here this time last Year was beaten around 2 length having had no sort of run in the final furlong and followed that with a credible run in the Cambridgeshire racing off 3lb higher than today.
Luca Cumani certainly adept at having one ready returning fresh and around 20% winning strike rate this season, 17% last 2 weeks
Fallon had 6 winners teaming up with the yard the last month and riding over 30% winners himself in the last 2 weeks and 17% overall this season.

Hopeless ... Full Result>>

HERO

2010-09-05T13:53:00.003+01:00

YORK 2.00 ... SASKIA'S DREAM 1 Pt @ 6/1

Was thrown in the deep end first outing over a trip too short on breeding in the Queen Mary (Group2) behind Maqaasid, who's form ties in with Lowther/Sirenia Stakes impressive winner Hooray from Sir Mark Prescott's stable, and some of the best fillies contests in recent weeks.

She met a couple of decent contenders her 2nd start when interference in running cost her momentum behind Sweet Solero winner White Moonstone and Florestans Match, who's 2nd place to Brevity is working out given her subsequent Listed win over the 108 rated Margot Did.

Bred for around this trip and an interesting jockey booking for this filly who made much of the running on good/soft going latest run. The 2nd from that race "Darajat" is another to have franked the form having won her next start and holds entries for the Fillies' Mile and the Cheveley Park Stakes (both group 1 events)
Although taking on the boys here this better going will hopefully bring about more improvement and many rivals form lines include horses rated mid to high 90's and in the low 100's so could turn out better than a 74 rated handicapper she showed her on latest outing.

Missed the break ... Lost ... Full Result>>

What a Liberty!

2010-09-04T19:08:00.001+01:00

Wolverhampton 6.20 ... Liberty Trail 1 Pt @ 14/1 Lads

This looks a real tight handicap with only 5lb between the field, Liberty Trail, who has the assistance of Louis-philippe Beuzeli and every pound of his 3lb claim will help the selection.

Jockey's confidence will have been boosted with a winner on both Wednesday and Thursday and his mount has dropped 10lb since last running here for his final 2 runs for Ian Semple which were in a better grade than tonight.

Not badly drawn if electing to make the running as he has done in the past and a nice price for his return to all weather in this lower class contest.

Liberty Trail 1 Pt @ 14/1

3rd ... Full Result>>

MY TURN OR WIGRAMS

2010-09-03T17:36:00.004+01:00

KEMPTON 5.45 ... WIGRAMS TURN 2 Pts @ 11/2 P.Power ... 5/1 S.James

James Sullivan one of the better apprentice' in this contest, and Wigrams Turn dropped 9lb since beaten less than 2 length in a Class3 London Mile Qualifier handicap here in April, from which the 2nd and 3rd have won since.
Has plenty previous course form when trained by Andrew Balding when he last won when running in this grade off 5lb higher than today.

Wasn't that far behind last nights Class3 winner "Hajoum" in the Buckingham Palace, and 3 of last 4 runs been on going softer than ideal since.

A return to this course should see him in a better light and his class should prevail against this oposition.

Made the running, faded finish... Lost ... Full Result>>

Blogging on the Go

2010-09-02T20:17:00.010+01:00

Hajoum 8.20 ... Wolverhampton

Hajoum's only 2 runs previous on A/W at Kempton when over 6fl.
Step up in trip within his range having won 1st try at the trip at Catterick before running a good 4th in the Buckingham Palace H/cap and ran in some much better turf races since.

I fancy that Dance And Dance and Seek The Fair Land (5 from 20 at 7fl A/W) will give him most to do.

Won ... Full Result>>

Updated:

Golden Shaheen 8.50 ... Wolvs
Also holds an entry for the Ayr Gold Cup 2 weeks on saturday so will be hoping for a good run here for another Saeed bin Saroor cast off.
Won well at Kempton lasst October from only 2 A/W runs and met a good one from John Gosdens yard in Fallen Idol his other run.

Could be better than a mark of 88

3rd ... Full Result>>

Triple Aspect

2010-08-29T14:42:00.009+01:00

CURRAGH 3.45 ... TRIPLE ASPECT 2 Pts @ 6/1

Versatile as far as the trip and going concerned and handles most ground, and already 5 wins and 3 second places from 11 runs to date.

Two of 3 losses down to interference when going well can be construed unlucky efforts, as can be losing chance last time out when out going well when saddle came adrift and unseated the rider.

Not badly drawn in stall4, and this in form Group/Listed winning Colt should get a strong pace here and looks to have a lot in his favour for a return to the winners enclosure under regular pilot Liam Jones.

Triple Aspect 2 Pts @ 6/1

Last until final furlong, stayed on strong ... 5th ... Full Result>>

Update: .......

BEVERLEY 3.30 ... BALLINARGH GIRL 2 Pts @ 4/1

Finished within 3 length to Dingle View (won the Tower Stakes (group 3) at the Curragh 2.45 today.

Is up against other up and coming sprinters, but if running to that form should be hard to beat here in this class4 H/cap off a 2lb lower mark.

Ballinargh Girl 2 Pts @ 4/1

Lost ... Full Result>>

SPANISH BOUNTY

2010-08-28T16:25:00.002+01:00

NEWMARKET 4.30 ... SPANISH BOUNTY 1 Pt @ 18/1 S.James

Decent record winning twice at this course. Likes to front run and could outstay these on this slower going having led for a long way here in July before fading close home over 6fl.
Handicapper finally relenting as now 8lb lower than last winning here on good/soft going as a 3Yr Old ans 14lb lower than his peak.
Should find this easier than the Class2 - Class3 contests he's been in for the most of last 2 seasons and this the first time dropped into a Class4 H/cap.

Worthy of a 1Pt wager at the 18/1 on offer

Lost ... Full Result>>

WINDSOR TONIGHT

2010-08-16T17:44:00.003+01:00

WINDSOR 5.40 ... MANSHOOR 1 Pt E/W @ 16/1

Lucy Wadham's charge not stood much racing for a 5Yr Old, and could be excused some unlucky runs in better class contests to date.
Resumed racing on the flat after some uninspiring efforts over Hurdles as a 3-4 Yr old, with 2 wins on the All Weather before going down a length that surface tried over 13 furlongs.
Carried wide 1st flat/turf run at Epsom in the Investec Challenge Heritage Handicap with rivals in front rated low/mid 90's, and again got took wide at Newmarket after sweating up badly before the start when running one of his best to date on grass (good to soft) with Henry Candy's higher rated runner Wiggy Smith behind.
Candy runs current favourite Beauchamp Xiara, rated 9lb lower than stablemate Wiggy Smith and has never gone well with soft in the going description so could have a lot to prove against the selection.

In 3 runs this season Manshoor raced wide at Yarmouth (0-90 Class3) and again on penultimate start at Chester off a strong pace over 12fl and never got into it.
Reportedly didn't face the kickback last run out when back on the sand at Kempton, when again got caught 3 deep all the way round.
Dropped 3lb since which entitles him to compete in this lower grade (0-75 Class5), and has at least won 3 from 12 over the distance or further and is proven on the going.
This longer run in should help jockey get a better position and if good enough, with a clear run, should have no excuses this time.

Of the 3Yr Old's getting the weight allowance, Richard Hannon's Higgy's Ragazzo may prove more forward than Akula who is taking on his elders for the 1st time, and would be the choice for a R/F/C getting weight from his lower rated rival.

Manshoor 1 Pt E/W @ 16/1
Higgy's Ragazzo R/F/C

Higgy's wins it :(
Full Result>>

COLONEL FLAY

2010-08-12T12:19:00.002+01:00

SALISBURY 5.20 ... COLONEL FLAY 1 Pt E/W @ 18/1

Looks an open contest given the early morning prices and only 13lb between the field.
Current favourite Lombok looks held on form by Arab League from their encounter in June and Spencer beaten all runs to date on him.

The one catches my attention is Colonel Flay.
Negatives are that two runs this season has finished last of 5, last of 8, and that trainer not had a winner from 22 runners this season so a lot to be taken on faith.
Positive is Colonel Flay normally hits form around this time of year, and having ran here 10 times in total with 1 win, 4 places from 7 runs at this trip, and also a place here at 12fl, this galloping track clearly suits this runner.
Beaten between 1.5 and 2.5 length his 3 placed runs here at the end of last season off around 6lb higher in the ratings on good, gd/firm going he would rate an E/W chance at least on that form.

Last 2 of those were off top weight and at least gets weight from nearly half the field here. The penultimate was in this very race when 2 length off the winner, a neck 3rd behind 2nd place Arab League, yet off 6lb lower this time around, meets that rival on 20lb better terms and at 3 times the price looks the value selection of the two.

Last 3 runs, and his 2 this year been in Class4 events so down in Class which should help. Normally held up and will need things to drop right but a return to this lower grade off 6lb below last winning mark has a chance off the handicapper to go in again.

Colonel Flay 1 pt E/W @ 18/1 Coral, Bet365. ... 16/1 Others

Couldn't hit a Barn Door with a Tractor... Full Result>>

2 SELECTIONS FOR TODAY

2010-08-11T10:49:00.012+01:00

SANDOWN 7.45 ... PAINTBALL @ 10/1 Lads, WillHill

Willie Muir's Colt returns on softer ground which has seen this colt run his best races as his success at Doncaster bears testament.
The 2nd from that race, Miss Starlight, won her next start before placing in 2 Listed events.
The 4.5 length 3rd home who was going for the 4 timer, Rock A Doodle Doo (rated 77), finished a 1/2 length 2nd next time out here over this trip to Sir Michael Stoute's Verdant (rated 80). Verdant then won again here, off 10lb higher beating older rivals rated mid 90's before success again off another 8lb higher (98) his latest run.
Green Lightning from Mark Johnson's stable was the 4th home, just under 7 length behind yet is another to have won since, albeit stepped up to 12fl when taking the scalp of 12fl Edinburgh Cup winner and Bahrain Trophy (group 3) second, Harris Tweed, so the form is already stacking up.
Paintball had higher rated rivals/previous winners behind last 3 outings yet looked unsuited by the faster going all on a downhill finish, so this stiffer track may help in that respect and the 10/1 looks worth taking.

Paintball 1 Pt @ 10/1

3rd ... Full Result>>

YARMOUTH 3.55 ... GRAND VIZIER @ 6/1 Bet365, Exchanges

Grand Vizier has a commendable 28% winning strike rate and reverts to turf on 20lb lower than his All Weather rating (where he has won 5 from 12 over/just over today's distance, 20% of all sand outings).

Is now 2lb lower than his only turf success, over 7fl here at Yarmouth (Class5 0-68 h/cap) on good going, but has won as far as 9fl and this being his first run in as low as Class6 back on a straight track, has much in his favour in a winnable contest.

Grand Vizier 2 Pts @ 6/1

5th ... Full Result>>

NO SELECTION TODAY

2010-08-08T12:35:00.002+01:00

Six selections this month finishing 2, 2, 2, 9, 7 and 5th is close to the mark but with 9 Pts played and only 5 returned for a 20/1 E/W what drifted to 28's is not close enough so having a complete break again today.

Good Luck today if you're getting involved!

Geo Jimali

2010-08-07T18:18:00.004+01:00

AYR 7.40 ... GEOJIMALI 2 Pts @ 5/1 Lads
Having been slowly away in recent times has dropped a long way down the ratings (25lb) when much better than these in his prime .
I thought his last few runs a step up in distance looked warranted and thought he was worthy of a wager @ 10/1 in a 7furlong, Class 5 (0-80) last time at Newcastle on Wednesday>>.

Ridden by apprentice Paul Norton (up the last twice) he would have been much closer had he been given a stronger ride after interference at the start, and wasn't put into the race until the later stages when staying on best late on...
Should handle the going and though cheekpieces dispensed with this time, he is replaced with senior jockey Paul Hanagan in the plate tonight, and the 5/1 Ladbrokes looks a stand out price down into this (0-65) Class6.

Edit 7.20 p.m. Now ridden by James Sullivan claiming 3lb

Lost ... Full result>>

4 Points @ Haydock.

2010-08-05T12:48:00.001+01:00

HAYDOCK PARK

3.40 Right Grand @ 3/1
Ran well on Southwell's slower surface winning by 6 length and followed that effort staying on over 7fl at Newmarket and the extra furlong here looks to be what he needs and should handle the going today. Paul Hanagan rides for William Haggas who has one of the better strike rates at the course.

Lost

4.10 Layla's Dancer @ 3/1
Takes on slightly lesser rated rivals, and previous runs he contested before August have thrown up numerous winners.
Another ridden by Paul Hanagan this time for main stable R.Fahey and having ran well at Ayr and Doncaster, this longer/straighter run to the line should suit better than last time out on going he is proven to handle.

3rd

4.40 King Zeal@ 7/2
Raced only 4 times in 2007 and returned this season where he won well here latest on good / soft going when given a positive ride from this jockey in an apprentice contest versus rivals rated mid 70's.
Has won 3 of last 4 since stepped up to this distance, 2 on similar going.
James Rogers been up 5 times with 3 wins, 1 place since moved from Michael Wigham and more improvement likely from this lightly raced gelding.

2nd

Playing 3 X 1Pt doubles and 1/2 Pt E/W treble

Shocking...

WEDNESDAY'S SELECTION'S

2010-08-04T14:31:00.004+01:00

NEWCASTLE 3.50 ... GEOJIMALI 1 Pt @ 10/1 Boyles, Betfred Totesport ... 9's others

Jim Goldie appears to have rejuvenated his gelding with the fitting of cheekpieces since tried in them here last October for the first time when staying on over 6fl. That was off a mark a Stone higher than today when racing far side (1st two home stands side) and is now running off an all time low in the last 4 Yrs off 60.
His last success came here in a Class2 handicap over 6fl off 20lb higher so really well treated at present.
4 of his 6 turf wins have been carrying 8St 9lb or less and gets in here off bottom weight with the help of Paul Norton's 7lb claim putting him in off 8St 6lb.
Norton won 1 over jumps and placed on 4 flat rides for Goldie from 13 outings in total for the yard this month.
He was up last time when dropped in from an outer draw, coming from the back at Carlisle which not many do, and made up ground from the final bend from last to 5th beaten under 4 length.
He also made up ground over 6fl at Ayr his penultimate run suggesting the step up to 7fl would suit.
He ran well here in June, again far side when 7 length clear of those behind when stands side were victorious. Previous meetings this season have favoured stands side, so drawn in the middle with the stall centre he has the option this time to come over.
A return to this straight track should help as he needs plenty stoking along in the early stages and providing his run is uninterrupted he should be there at the finish.
Given his running style coming from behind he may touch bigger on the exchanges, but he should get a strong pace which should suit and though always a difficult ride is handicapped to win if all goes right.

Goejimali 1 Pt @ 10/1

Hampered out the gates, never in it after... Full Result>>

PONTEFRACT 4.10 TIMELESS ELEGANCE 1 Pt @ 25/1 Bet365 ... 20/1 Others

King Of Swords was the selection last season in this and off a pound lower in the weights is again favourably treated. Has won here off higher and comes out best from previous encounters with Mr Wolf, Darcy's Pride and Not My Choice.
K.O.S. also has 8lb over Caranbola (drawn wide today) from his Beverley success.
He loses out to Ingleby Star (who is also favourably drawn) by 1lb for a 2.25 length beating from their Beverley encounter so could struggle to make up the deficit on the revised terms.

What is certain is there is plenty pace on here with many front runners in opposition and that may well suit Timeless Elegance who drops in class here and has stamina for further.
Last 2 efforts were when drawn wide on soft at Newcastle and wasn't beaten far at Ayr again from a wide berth.
She herself is normally prominent from the off and 3 runs back she set a real strong pace over 7fl at Carlisle when the going was actually on the soft side, and was only passed in the 6th furlong having led from 3-4 out.
Her 2 wins and best runs have been on good/firm going and though drawn in stall 8, with those drawn inside sure to cut each others throats for the lead, she could get this run to suit.

Some E/W value @ 25/1 but overpriced in my opinion and 1Pt win the call.

Timeless Elegance 1 Pt @ 25/1
Timeless Elegance / Ingleby Star / King Of Swords small stakes R/F/C

Lost ... Full Result>>

Geojimali & Timeless Elegance E/W double @ 260/1

Catterick King

2010-08-03T14:58:00.002+01:00

CATTERICK 3.00 ... MANDALAY KING 2 Pts @ 11/2

No doubt this race been on the agenda for Mandalay King who looks well poised for a winning run at a course he goes well at. Six previous visits with 1 win, 3 places, all off marks between 65-71.
Trainer has 3 winner and 8 places from only 26 flat runners this season and Jockey on a similar 12% Win strike rate.

Mandalay King runs off 68 back into Class5 today, only 1lb higher than last visit in June over 7 furlongs (Class4 0-79 H/cap) and 3 of the runners behind him in that event have gone in since.
His run in May when beaten a length off 2lb higher looks all the better with the subsequent success' of Gap Princess who followed up here in a Class4 off 73, before latest win yesterday in a Class3 Ripon H/cap off 82.
Green Park who was a length in front, ran off the same mark when finishing over 4 length in front of current favourite Dancing Red Devil some 5 start later.
This mark is only 1lb more than he won a 0-80 York handicap off last season before finishing a 1/2 length 2nd in this very event giving the winner 22lb.
This no stronger looking than last year and looks a fair price at the odds.

Mandalay King 2 Pts @ 11/2

Ran on too late 2nd ... Full Result>>

Indian Days

2010-08-02T13:42:00.006+01:00

RIPON 3.45 ... SIOUX RISING @ 20/1 P.Power, V.C. ... 40's exchanges

Kellys Eye has 3 wins from 3 here and though has to be respected back here looks to have it to do off top weight against his elders.

Midnight Martini ran up a hat trick last season but only won once at the trip, in the St Leger Yearling Stakes (for 2Yr Olds) and ran a decent 2nd here 3 runs back but the winner was only rated 80 and off her weight against the elders and opposite sex is another I reckon has it to prove.

Baldemar has course form of 1, 2, 1, 11 when with Karl Burke but any runner from Richard Fahey has to be considered at the moment. The last effort here when finished 11th behind Ruth Carr's Excusez Moi was off equal weights so could struggle giving that opponent 2lb today.

Mastership has normally needed a few runs when returning to racing and looks to hold Red Cape from their encounter in the Ayr Silver Cup but hasn't ran for 7 months.

Excusez Moi is 2 from 6 here and won under this jockey from a similar wide draw last May. He also appears to hold the upper hand with Baldemar from their respective runs behind Johnny Mudball even accounting for the fact Excusez Moi ran up the favoured stands rail.

Red Cape bids to repeat his win in this last year when making all the running off a 2lb higher mark, but James Sullivan takes off 3lb so in theory is 1lb lower today. His only other run here was in a Class2 beaten by R.Fahey's (89 rated) Johannes 3 weeks later off 88, and has the rails draw if electing to make the running again.

Go Nani Go is closely rated with Red Cape on their run in July at this venue but only meets him on 1lb better and struggled with the stiff finish at Pontefract so may find the incline here against him.

Jarrow is a bit difficult to assess as he meets Red Cape on 7lb better terms yet Kellys Eye on 3lb better but is yet to show much on turf and has to be passed over.

Gap Princess a previous Fahey inmate, was beaten over 5fl last time yet was just pipped at the post over 6fl at york with Red Cape 3 length behind. He ran (87 rated) Turnkey close here on soft going in a claimer before joining this stable and appears to have his preferred ground today but not best drawn in 11.

Sioux Rising has the best runs per win ratio with 2 from 4 at the distance, and does go well fresh having won 1st time up last season at Pontefract where she beat rivals rated mid 80's her final success. Her Ascot run was taking on horses who were more adept at running over 7fl to a mile so was always going to find it difficult against stouter stayers. Those in front were Invisible Man who won his next 2 before winning the Royal Hunt Cup and taking the ToteSport mile 2nd.
Khor Dubai (rated low 100's) and Suruor who won his next start beating yesterday Chester 1,2 Kyllachy Star & Brae Hill at Goodwood last season.
Sioux Rising's final start at Newmarket she raced away from the action as the far side runners came out victorious and she wasn't pushed hard by Jimmy Quinn in the final furlong when her chance gone.

Tony Hamilton (de'ja veux) bettered stable Jockey Hanagan yesterday and actually has a better strike rate for Richard Fahey here, and from a slightly better draw in stall5 and at 4 times the price looks good value near the foot of the handicap.

Only one below her, Rievaulx World who can front run could give her a good tow into the contest. He is yet to race beyond 5fl but won his maiden here eased down by 4.5 length yet has occasionally struggled to stay that trip since, albeit in some strong contests, so may leave the door open and drop away closing stages.

With proven ability to go well fresh and if running to her Pontefract form, Sioux Rising could easily win this and looks decent value for an E/W wager with the possibility to trade back stakes in running!

Sioux Rising 1 Pt E/W @ 20/1 Indusry SP ... 40's exchanges

2nd ... Full Result>>

Sunday' Sinner's

2010-08-01T15:11:00.001+01:00

CHESTER 4.05 ... BRAE HILL 1 Pt @ 12/1 Generally availably

Strangely for a course with a low draw bias, it isn't so prominent over this distance and more luck in running and ability to handle the track will play a part in the outcome.

I had Glen Molly down as an Alert after her run in the Victoria International Stakes when she led the centre group until the last furlong found her out. This filly will have to improve a great deal on that effort with the further step up in distance but being in foal, not impossible she will do so.
A line through Suruor from that contest who finished a good 2 length in front of her brings me to Brae Hill.

Brae Hill has a course record of 1, 2, 4, 1. from his 4 runs here. The 4th place was his 1st run for the yard here where he proved himself to handle the soft going , and was his 1st try at today's distance when suffering severe interference and was squeezed up on the false rail which had been dolled out, and lost both his position and distance at the cutaway coming for home.
Prior to that incident he travelled extremely well and looked the winner turning in to the final bend.
The winner came round the outside missing the skirmish along with the 2nd, Academy Blues and Suruor who got the 3rd spot.
The 5th horse who was another 4.5 length in arrears, was Stewards' Sprint winner Joseph Henry.
Tote-Sport Mile 3rd, Webbow, was another to have been caught in that skirmish who never recovered from the incident.

Having been off since that May run, Academy Blues, who clear of the trouble from that unlucky encounter here and got 1st run down the outside is 2lb worse off and returns off his highest mark.

Brae Hill proved himself next time out here dropped back to 7fl when beating his conqueror (who had a meagre 4lb penalty), Autumn Blades by a good 2 length.
Tried in the Buckingham Palace and the Bunbury Cup last 2 outings I feel were courses not to his advantage, and a return to this turning track where he has proven himself at before should suit.

Paul Hanagan back on board, and hopefully he will keep him in a better position for a winning run this time, and given a clear passage the 12/1 could look generous!

Brae Hill 1 Pt @ 12/1
Academy Blues F/C

Nose 2nd ... Full Result>>

GOODWOOOD RACES

2010-07-31T14:38:00.003+01:00

GOODWOOD 3.40 ... JIMMY STYLES / IVER BRIDGE LAD

Iver Bridge Lad was highly tried as a 2Yr Old and has been running in decent contests this season. His run at York in June giving 11lb when behind Victoire de Lyphar is working out extremely well with that one coming second to yesterdays winner Joseph Henry in the consolation race for this event. Another from that contest, Astrophysical Jet who was another 5 length behind, has won since before finishing a credible 3rd to Borderlescott (rated 112) albeit over 5fl in the King George Stakes (group 2) on Thursday.

Alan Munro been up for last 6 outings where he was drawn low in the SkyBet dash and was hampered his penultimate run. Gave Parisian Pyramid and Prohibit 5lb each their last encounter and meets them on 5lb & 2lb better terms here for 2 length and 1 length deficits respectively. Another form that contest brings Edge Closer into the equation but he always seems to find trouble in running and looks held by a few of these from his Wokingham encounter.

Palace Moon comes out best at the weights for me from the Wokingham runners and of those drawn far side under Keiren Fallon will no doubt be thereabouts.
Jimmy Styles meets Palace Moon on 6lb better than last season in a Listed contest with John Fahy taking off 5lb for the half length margin beaten which from a handicap perspective should reverse the positions.
Last season the draw here was a mix from the stalls positions and where the pace was, so from Stall 6 he should get a good tow into the contest from Parisian Pyramid who is drawn on the fence and normally likes to race prominent.
Jimmy Styles wears 1st time blinkers, having been running in cheekpieces since winning the Ayr Gold Cup, and at the revised weights holds a hatful of these on the form he showed there and should come home in front granted an equally clear passage.

Jimmy Styles 1 Pt @ 28/1 Generally
Iver Bridge Lad 1 Pt E/W @ 50/1 S.James ... 40's others

Lost ... Full Result>>

GOODWOOD

2010-07-30T14:26:00.004+01:00

GOODWOOD 3.25 ... ROYAL DESTINATION / WEBBOW

Stable and Jockey each have around a 25% strike rate here and the likely strong pace should help keep this ones stamina in play. He ran here last season over 10 furlongs leading much of the way until the 107 rated Drumfire took it up to win, where he lost the 2nd spot close home for a 1/2 length defeat.
Drumfire then ran a 3 length 4th place to (Yesterdays Goodwood Cup & Sagaro Stakes winner) Illustrious Blue in the first race on this card, the Coutts Glorious Stakes (group 3) where, without an interrupted passage would have seen him closer to the winner making the form look strong.
This drop to 8fl shouldn't be too much of a problem for Royal Destination having 2 of previous 3 wins at the distance.
Ryan Moore one of the leading Jockey's at the course and though a high draw normally preferable his pitch in stall 10 not insurmountable, given that last years winner and 2 others from single figure stalls filled 3 of the first 6 places.
Spectait holds the course record winning this in 2006, and comes out slightly better at the weights with Webbow for his 2nd place last year, but Webbow, the 4th home last season didn't get the best of runs switching his position's from the first bend, yet ran on strongly after checking between the 2fl and 1fl marks, and with a better run would have finished in front of Spectait IMO and off bottom weight is worth a saver.

Royal Destination 1.5 Pts @ 20/1
Webbow 0.5 Pt @ 14/1

Royal Destinaton Lost
Webbow 3rd ... Full Result>>

GOODWOOD 2.45 ... JOSEPH HENRY / HAMOODY

Real tight at the weights this, and Sprint King Dandy Nicholls holds 5 entries and Joseph Henry has an admirable course record over this 6fl trip with a 3rd and 2nd place in the 2007-2008 runnings where Pearly Way ran up the double.
Only 1lb lower in the handicap for the former effort but 4lb lower than the later and been running well lately.
Won his race up the middle at Newcastle when the field split and found 7fl too far penultimate run. His run here in the Totesport Mile last season he was well there at the 6fl pole off a strong pace and is 12lb lower here and granted luck in running should be bang there at the line.

Hamoody, who won here over 5fl in the last yesterday bids to emulate Zuhair, who got the double up for the yard 11 Years ago taking this event after the preceding days win.
He missed the break in yesterdays race and ran on well to win by the narrowest of margins, but his track form of 2 wins and a 2nd place he has to be respected.
He ran here over 6fl last August with Aye Aye Digby another 2.25 length behind getting 4lb yet gets 8lb from him today. Pearly Way, the 2007 and 2008 winner of this was further in arrears so is not without a chance off this 6lb lower mark.

Of the 3Yr Old's, Pastoral Player comes out near the top on my ratings.

Hamoody 1.5 Pts @ 20/1
Joseph Henry 0.5 Pt @ 33/1

Hamoody Lost
Joseph Henry Won ... Full Result>>

MARVELLOUS VALUE

2010-07-24T14:15:00.005+01:00

NEWCASTLE 5.15 ... MARVELLOUS VALUE 2 Pts @ 14/1 S.James, P.Power 12/1 Gen

Marvellous Value could be aptly named here should he run to his best form. A course/distance winner off a higher rating in a better contest than today (Class 3).
Was stepped up in class thereafter finally running in the 6fl (Class2) Ayr Silver Cup on his final run of 2008.

His last run at this 5 fl trip was at York that year when 3rd to Hamish McGonagall and Lesson In Humility who now both run off marks of 105. (20lb higher than this contest allows).

Today's stalls in the centre of the track and Marvellous Value drawn 1 on the stands side of the field which normally favours the low drawn runners when ground on the soft side.

Slight negative that the trainer not had a winner for 4 weeks but his last winner did come at this track and Tom Eaves normally rides Newcastle well.

Should have come on for reappearance outing returning from a 2Yr absence when eased down closing stages, and priced for some E/W value, but suggest 2 Points split 80% win 20% place as he is attractively handicapped and if running to his best form he should win this!

Marvellous Value 2 Pts @ 14/1 ... 80% win ... 20% place

Lost ... Full Result>>

Summary of Results

2010-07-22T17:35:00.003+01:00

Persistent rain came mid afternoon but the going was still riding good/firm according to track reports etc.
The drift to 18's on Betfair before the race looked ominous but no excuses really as Mandhooma appeared beaten fair and square?? !

Mandhooma

2010-07-22T13:29:00.007+01:00

BATH 5.10 ... MANDHOOMA 1 Pt @ 5/1 S.James 9/2 Gen

Not usually one for backing favourites, but given the way this filly has won her last 3 she will probably head the market and looks a fair price.
She's well capable of taking this dropping back down a grade as is only 1lb higher than her win last time given she was running under a 6lb penalty.

The 2nd from that event, Piazza San Pietro (rated 72), franked the form next outing beating The Name Is Frank who heads the dangers, and the D/H 3rd, Dashing Beauty also franked the form running a decent 2nd place yesterday off 68 in a Class5 Lingfield H/cap.

Her outside draw shouldnt hinder too much as she normally comes from behind and she should get a decent pace to follow. With this course having a similar configuration to Brighton and this 0-65 looking easier than last time, she looks the one to beat...

Mandhooma 1 Pt @ 5/1

Persistent rain mid afternoon :(

Lost ... Full Result>>

CATTERICK RACES

2010-07-21T13:15:00.009+01:00

CATTERICK 3.40 ... EQUULEUS PICTOR 1 Pt @ 6/1 Gen

John Spearing not exactly firing in the winners but this dual purpose trainers horses have been coming a lot closer in recent weeks.
Equuleus Pictor's only previous run here was last August in the 'Dash' off a 9lb higher mark when giving Tim Easterby's (82 rated) The Nifty Fox 5lb, (The Nifty Fox had won this last season off 73), so must stand a great chance in this grade lower event off 78.
All his wins/places have been in mid or later summer months and looked to be hitting form last run when, although 8th, was only 3 length off the winner.
Going has come in his favour now with the recent rain and Jack Dean who claims 3lb has rode him to success on 5 of 6 wins and all placed runs.

2008 winner Hypnosis ran a decent enough race behind Easterby's improved filly Favourite Girl but has 2lb to find with the selection, and 2008 runner up Nomoreblondes could fight out the minor's.

Equuleus Pictor 1 Pt @ 6/1

4th ... Full Result>>

CATTERICK 4.10 ... CHARLES PARNELL 1 Pt @ 10/1 Coral, Bet365, VC

Charles Parnell is another for whom the going seems to have come right.
Has had 4 previous runs here, 2 on firm going which come to nothing, but came 2nd and won this race on good/soft in 2007 off top weight for Michael Dodds off 8lb higher, and best runs when getting his toe in.
Dropped 2lb from last run on grass where he meets Bermondsey Bob on 10lb better terms from their last encounter for a 1/2 length deficit.

Redwater River, 3rd last season in this (beaten 1 length), now returns for another crack off 4lb lower and is ridden for the 1st time by PJ McDonald. He rode a winner for Ruth Carr on Monday and appeals from the bottom of the handicap if he can get him out on terms as he has a tendency to miss the break, but does handle softer going and has a nice weight.

Charles Parnell 1 Pt @ 10/1

Lost ... Full Result>>

TUESDAY'S SELECTION'S

2010-07-20T12:31:00.010+01:00

YARMOUTH 3.45 ... IPTKAAR 1 Pt @ 12/1

Clive Brittain's filly has met some decent opposition so far having ran in the Timeform Millions Sprint and the Timeform Fillies' 800 where she went off big prices for both. She didn't look a sprinter in the former yet was outclassed in the later. Prior to those efforts had bumped into Godolphin's Siyaadah, who went on to win the Uae 1000 Guineas (AW Fillies event)

Iptkaar returned fresh to the track at Wolverhampton in March on the All Weather, when one of 4 fillies against the Colts/Geldings in 1st time blinkers (retained today) finished a decent 2nd place behind Beneath.

Beneath wasn't disgraced his next outing behind the Edinburgh Cup winner and subsequent Bahrain Trophy (group 3) second place Harris Tweed, with David Simcock's Into Wain, seeking a 4 timer finishing a place behind him.

The 4th from the AW contest, Mark Johnson's Lady Eclair, who was a further 4 length in arrears has since stepped up in trip and gone on to win 6 of her next 9 starts and finished 2nd, 3rd and 4th in the others earning her a mark of 89.

Iptkaar herself was tried over 11 furlongs her final spring outing at Kempton yet ran well up to the 8 to 10 furlongs but didn't appear to truly stay the longer distance.
Neil Callan around 30% strike rate when teaming up with the trainer here and down in class back to 8 furlongs against her own sex off 5lb lower, and with the proven ability to go well after a break she could have been overlooked by the layer's IMO.

Small value for an E/W wager but given her profile, I feel an all or nothing win bet!

Iptikaar 1 Pt @ 12/1

Lost ... Full Result>>

Update other selections.......

EARLY BIRD

2010-07-19T10:41:00.008+01:00

YARMOUTH 2.15 ... KNOTGARDEN 2 Pts @ 5/1

The newcomer from William Haggas, Herculean, may prove better than those to have raced as he is bred for this trip and is well related.

However, James Fanshawe's filly Knotgarden took my attention for this contest having come from the same race as recent eased down winner Sea Of Galilee who was 2.5 length behind Knotgarden last time out receiving 12lb.
Also the winner from that Doncaster race was my E/W selection yesterday, Miss Jean Brodie, who took 2nd in the Darley Irish Oaks (fillies' Group 1).
This Class6 auction maiden is a far cry from that class of contest and Knotgarden could be potentially well in here, even accounting for the fact she will be better with time and a step up in distance, this galloping track may suit her.
With the form already franked by an eased down winner and an Oaks 2nd, Knotgarden is the selection for what looks her winning opportunity!

Knotgarden 2 Pts

Won ... Full Result>>

YARMOUTH 3.45 ... HELLENIO 1 Pt @ 10/1

Having 1st run for Mick Quinnlan today and fitted in 1st time blinkers (as is his other runner Haafhd Sharp).
Hellenio seemed to improve on his final 2 starts for previous stable last season when taking a prominent front running role over 7 furlongs where he held every chance at the 6fl mark. Those runs were in Class5 0-73 and 0-80 contests respectively, and although on joint top weight here has been dropped 5lb in the handicap making him eligble to run in this Class6 (0-55) contest.
With only 9lb between the field this Colt should have a good chance of winning this or at least being in the money.
Not badly drawn and Andrea Atzeni riding well at the moment with plenty winners/places in the past month.

Hellenio 1 Pt @ 10/1

Lost ... Full Result>>

Any later selection's to follow.......

Sunday Selection's

2010-07-18T12:55:00.013+01:00

CURRAGH 3.40 ... MISS JEAN BRODIE 1 Pt E/W @ 33/1 Generally ... 40's Exchanges

Miss Jean Brodie caught the eye on her debut at Kempton having been out the back early, and ran widest of all from the 2 furlong mark/final bend and cut through the field to grab third with a strong finish.
Showed that was no fluke with an impressive win last time out in a Doncaster Stakes beating Marywell when 5 length clear of the field.
Marywell's previous 2nd to Michael Stoutes Nouriya (entered in the Lyric Stakes Class1 at York on Friday) could be better than 1st glance.
The 10.5 length 6th from that Doncaster contest, Sea Of Galilee, won impressively eased down at Nottingham on Friday with the 3 length 2nd around 8 length clear of the 3rd runner.
Miss Jean Brodie is still to show her true potential and if improving as she has done on her 2 previous runs could turn out much better than her maiden success gives her credit.
Handling softer going here but not often you get 33/1 or more for a Godolphin runner and worthy of a E/W wager at the 40/1 odds on the exchanges.

Miss Jean Brodie 1 Pt E/W @ 33/1

2nd ... Full Result>>

CURRAGH 4.45 ... MASTA PLASTA @ 7/1

Masta Plasta won this event 2 seasons back under this jockey off a 3lb higher rating and has been running some good races lately in quick times.
Last time out at Epsom his 1 length 5th place was run faster than course average which was a more credible effort given he was drawn 2, giving weight to all his rivals, with all but one (drawn 9) of the 1st Eight home in double figure stalls.
Although arguably better with good/firm in the going description does handle this ground, though what he does need is a strong pace and should get that today.
Last Year's winner Just For Mary would be my selection for the runner up spot as he is proven on softer going whereas Airspace appears to want good or better ground on evidence to date. He is also weighted to better his position with Airspace on 8lb better terms than their latest encounter.

Masta Plasta 1 Pt win
Just For Mary 1/2 Pt F/C

Lost ... Full Result>>

GET CARTER

2010-07-17T17:38:00.002+01:00

RIPON 5.40 ... CARTER @ 7/1

Looked in need of a drop in trip having been mostly over further since winning a 10 furlong Class5 Chester h/cap last season.
Ran a promising race last time in a Class4, again at Chester in a contest already working out, in which a line through Snow Dancer/Granny Mcphee had todays Class4 winner at this trip, Johnny Lesters Hair on this card.
Drops into this Class6 off the same mark as his last success and Paul Mulrennan a win and a place from 4 rides on his mount.

Eased when beaten...

Wolvs 8.50 ... Spectait

2010-07-12T20:31:00.004+01:00

Spectait

Once looked a promising sort for mark Prescott running up to marks in the mid 100's.
Entered in the Tote Sport Mile worth £150,000 at the end of the month (a race he won in 2006 and was 2nd in last season) so clearly still thought capable at that level.
Could be this is a prep run for that contest but this should be easier than that.

Six of his 8 wins on the All Weather from a total of 11 runs on the surface reads well in the context for this and has earlier form at this trip with a win at both Kempton and Lingfield with 3 wins and a 2nd from his 7 attempts at 7furlongs.
Did win 3 on the trot here last season, albeit over 9fl bringing his total to 4 wins from 6 at Wolvs, and been running mostly in better races than this since then.

Goerge Baker up for the 4th time, and came closest to winning on him last spring in the Dubai Duty Free where he led until collared in the 8th furlong.
12/1 Generally available so value for trading around 16's exchanges

Missed break, Lost ... Full Result>>

HAYDOCK

2010-07-01T14:49:00.004+01:00

HAYDOCK 3.00 ... NORTHERN DARE 1 Pt @ 8/1 ... PEARLY WAY @ 25/1 E/W or Place Only

Northern Dare won over the minimum at Wolverhampton last season in Class4 1st time out, yet two previous runs in this grade on turf at this trip he had won at York, then just failed under a 6lb penalty here next outing off top weight when a 3Yr Old.
Has been running in higher grades since off marks in the low 90's with decent efforts last season in the Portland and Stewards Cup (Both Class2)
Now down to a mark of 80 is eligible to run at this level and is tried in 1st time blinkers today dropping into a Class4 on grass for only the 3rd time, and only 3rd run for Richard Fahey.
Won't mind any rain should it materialise and taking on opposition a Stone lower in the handicap than last few efforts this season.

Pearly Way would be a big threat to all if recapturing his form of previous years with Clive Cox, as he is now 19lb lower than winning the Stewards Sprint at Goodwood, his last success in 2008.
Has 6lb in hand of Legal Eagle from their last encounter in May, and at 3 times the price could be a value Win/Place bet on the exchanges.

Lost ... Full Result>>

DUELLIST

2010-06-18T19:55:00.005+01:00

NEWMARKET 8.10 ... DUELLIST 1 Pt @ 11/1 Generally Available

Duellist didn't appear to handle the track at Epsom latest and finished 6.5 length behind the winner. The 2nd from that contest was Treadwell who, having been raised to 4lb higher than that Epsom race, won today's Buckingham Palace off a mark of 98 beating rivals rated up to 103.

With the form of his run behind Treadwell being franked I am willing to take the chance Epsom didnt suit and give him the chance to prove it.
His previous 2 efforts over a mile looked too far and returning to this 7fl looks a good move with best efforts at the distance.

A line through Kajima & Quick Wit would bring him closer to Man Of Action and a Reverse F/C to smaller stakes could pay dividends if that one lives up to favouritism.

Duellist 1 Pt @ 11/1

3rd N 1st... Full Result>>

BUCKINGHAM PALACE

2010-06-18T13:40:00.004+01:00

ASCOT 5.35 ... AL KHALEEJ @ 20/1 ... PRIME EXHIBIT E/W @ 33/1

There is much deliberation about the draw but 2008 winner Regal Parade came up the stands side, and 7 of the first 8 home last year also came up the stands rail.
Al Khaleej's form here reads 3rd & 2nd in two big field handicaps to date and drawn 8 of the 29 runners is likely to stay on the stands side.
Had little racing with only 2 runs in each of the last 2 years but can go well fresh so the break since February not so much a concern as the going being too fast.
I believe he will handle it, and is only 2lb higher than a good 2nd in the 2008 Victoria Cup when on good/firm going he had Giganticus (OR 101), (last Years winner of this event off 91) another 14 length in arrears.
Ted Durcan rode him twice in Dubai so should be familiar with his mount, and the only negative for me is the early price took a hit with Pricewise putting him up as one of two selections for the race early this morning.

The other runner I find worthy of a E/W wager is Paul Hanagan's mount, Prime Exhibit.
Got no sort of run here in this year's Victoria Cup but his 2nd place to Penitent, (who went off favourite to contest the Investec Stakes) in the Lincoln on soft going is decent form.
His run last October behind Prince Of Dance is also working out with form-lines to Bushman, winner of both the Royal Windsor, and Investec Diomed Stakes (group 3).
Drawn more in the middle he has the option to go either side where he has a stablemate both sides of the track.
His 3rd last September when with Roger Charlton, to now stablemate Harrison George looks decent given the subsequent success of Harrison George off 108 when beating rivals rated up to 115, and who is another to have ran in the Investec Diomed Stakes.

Al Khaleej 1 Pt @ 20/1
Prime Exhibit 1 Pt E/W @ 33/1

Lost ... Full Result>>

Late Afternoon

2010-06-12T15:33:00.010+01:00

YORK 5.25 ... FROGNAL @ 9/1

Frognal ran to a mark of 95 in Redcar's 2 Yr Old Trophy and the handicapper has slowly relented after a final run for Brian Meehan off 87 he was a good 3rd to Esoterica (himself 3rd off 5lb higher mark of 92 here in May, Class2 H/cap).
Switched stables to Ruth Carr and improved from his earlier efforts when not getting the best of runs on occasions, to finish 3rd to yesterdays Class3 second, Favourite Girl.
Now off 76 in this 0-80 contest, he should uphold the form with the 4 runners behind in that event at the revised terms given a clear passage, and with PJ.McDonald riding around a 20% strike rate in the last fortnight with 11 wins to his credit, we should get plenty help from the pilot and middle to low drawn horses appear to have a slight advantage.

Frognal 1 Pt @ 9/1

Shocking ... Full Result>>

LEICESTER 5.00 ... NAMIR @ 9/1

Cornus looks the one to beat on recent form but he is now 11lb higher in the ratings than when beating the 57 rated Soto a length back in April.

Namir was a selection last time out where Graham Gibbons was nearly stood up in his irons from just outside the furlong pole, when from the final bend 2 furlongs from home after coming wide round the field he was just starting to pick up and not getting the best of runs.
Arguably better at the minimum trip but won one from 7 attempts on grass over this 6fls and goes well on top of the ground.
His penultimate run behind Ryedane he stayed on after getting behind early and had the 57 rated Soto, the conqueror of Divertimenti another 3.75 length in arrears.

Sophie's Beau, having beaten Pizza San Pietro here in May has now dropped 12lb and would rate a bigger threat than Rough Rock who was behind Pizza San Pietro last time.

Namir 1 Pt @ 9/1

5th ... Full Result>>

QUEUE THIS WAY>>

Kipchak

2010-06-10T14:28:00.003+01:00

NOTTINGHAM 2.50 ... KIPCHAK 1 Pt @ 10/1 Lads, Bet365

With the stalls on the stands side high numbers normally hold advantage on the sprint course especially when on the soft side.
Kipchak has been running over further and set a strong pace last time out over 7.5fl until the 6fl mark when the field closed and collared him in the last furlong.
Normally hits the gates running so ideally drawn in 17 against the stands rail for his customary front running role.
On this slower ground his stamina should help him last out over this shorter trip dropped into this lower grade than contesting lately and Hayley Turner rode the last winner for the yard.
Secret City and Fortezza got a strong pace to chase last time here in May in a race ran in a quicker time than the one Fuzzy Cat contested last week and would be my selections to chase him home on recent form.

Kipchak 1 Pt @ 10/1 Gen available

Full Result>>

REDCAR RACES

2010-06-08T14:44:00.003+01:00

REDCAR 3.35 ... LUCKY DANCE 1 Pt E/W @ 25/1

Only 1 win and 3 places in 24 outings since joining this stable but ran mostly in some competitive Class2 handicaps the last 2 seasons.
Lucky Dance ran against rivals rated in the mid 100's last time out, and was hampered his penultimate run in the Spring Cup at Newbury.

Is now 2lb higher than a 3/4 length 3rd place in the Spring Mile at Doncaster when returning from a 3 month spell on the sidelines, and possibly lack of race fitness cost him.
Had Kiwi Bay another 2 length back in 5th place who re-opposes on 4lb better terms but this trip looks his uppermost on evidence to date.
Lee Newman (a previous leading apprentice) rode Sandwith into a credible 2nd place for this yard when himself returning to the saddle after a spell on the sidelines having suffering weight problems over previous seasons, and will be keen to get a winner on the scoresheet so we should get plenty assistance from the saddle.

Capable of landing this if all falls right yet priced for an E/W wager @ 25/1 S.James

Full Result>>

PONTEFRACT RACES

2010-06-07T21:04:00.006+01:00

PONTEFRACT 9.15 ... NAMIR 1 pt @ 14/1 Lads

Namir was a neck 2nd behind King Of Swords last August and meets that rival on 15lb better terms tonight (Mr Wolf further behind and 2lb worse off).
Has won 3 and placed 2nd on four other runs here from 14 attempts so clearly handles the track.
Will need a clear run in the home straight as can get behind early but given some luck in running should be staying on strongly as the stiff finish suits.

Namir 1 Pt win

No run last fl ... Full Result>>

SANDOWN RACES

2010-06-03T17:37:00.003+01:00

SANDOWN 6.45 ... EFISTORM @ 14/1 Gen, 16/1 VC

Course record 3,1,2 over this trip the 3 runs he's had here from similar mid draws.
Beaten just over a length in this event in 2007 off 3lb lower then won his next outing here a week later.
Also won at Pontefract off higher than today, so shows he handles a stiff finish.
Beaten his last visit at the course around this time last season by a well handicapped Irish runner who had dropped 26lb down the rating (Royal Intruder, an ex Richard Hannon inmate) and meets Noodles boy Blue 4lb better for 1.5 length deficit from their encounter at Chester where he was out the back early and bled, and twice the price of him with a slightly better berth.
Handles most going but better turf efforts on similar going as tonight so a strong run looks imminent off a mark well within his capabilities.

Efistorm ... 1 Pt win

Full Result>>

SANDOWN 7.50 ... RAFIQA E/W Fancy @ 16/1 Gen

Chris Wall's filly won her maiden by 3 length on similar going and had excuses a few of latest runs (hampered, trip too far, no run through etc)
Her run behind Elliptical last season looks well for the context of this given the subsequent runs of that rival (2nd to Zetland Gold Cup winner Forte Dei Marmi) this season.
Could forfeit her position early from the draw in stall 2 but usually held up and will need the gaps to appear but Jack Mitchell placed both starts on her and riding around 18% strike rate.

Priced for an E/W wager

Full Result>>

REDCAR 3.30 ... VISIONS OF JOHANNA @ 9/2

2010-06-01T15:20:00.006+01:00

Vision Of Johanna was running in higher grades for Jeremy Noseda (OR83) at his best and dropped gradually in the ratings with some close efforts off that mark for Richard Fahey until last time out on 3rd run for this stable when winning in a slightly stronger contest than this.
Been raised 5lb for that success, but beat rivals rated a few 1b higher than this contest allows and the 1st two were 6 length clear.
This only his 6th run in a class5 and has won 2 and placed 2nd the other 3 in this grade.
At the 5/1 on offer I feel an all or nothing wager as could just be on the right side of the handicap to take this !

Avitus ran a 75 rated Mark Johnson runner 1.75 length 2nd here last season off 4lb higher with Justonefortheroad (winner of a class5 Ayr h/cap last Thurday off 75) just behind in 3rd so could be the one to give the selection most to do back on this course and would be my selection for a small stake f/c.

Vision Of Johanna 1 Pt @ 9/2

3rd N 2nd ... Full Result>>

GOODWOOD 4.55 ... KILBURN @ 16/1

2010-05-31T12:37:00.007+01:00

Goodwood 4.55 ... Kilburn @ 16/1

Kilburn was given a mark of 88 for his success winning his maiden here (7fl) for Clive Cox and was running in some competitive class2 handicaps thereafter. (Esher Cup & Brittania Stakes)

Missed 2008 and returned dropped to this grade (Class6) for this stable with a 2nd place effort then a win under this jockey, both on the all weather.

Given a 5lb rise in the ratings for later win he ran respectably back in class4 behind Taqdeyr (given that ones subsequent success' to a rating of 99, and his 3rd in the Guisborough Stakes Listed contest).

Ran another couple of decent races after in class4 contests at the end of last year in races working out well, before a re-appearance effort in a Lady amateur race (which has also thrown up numerous winners) saw his mark drop another 2lb making him eligible to run in this grade (class6).

Not badly drawn and should get more assistance from the saddle with (a senior jockey) Steve Drowne back on board where off his last winning mark (OR 65) is weighted to win this given no trouble in running.

Kilburn 1 Pt @ 16/1 Bet365, PP, S.James, VC, W.Hill

Won ... Full Result>>

Update 2.40 p.m.

CARLISLE 4.40 ... RED RIVER BOY @ 14/1

Ran a good race here penultimate outing at the end of last season when led from around the 3fl mark and had the measure of Hansomis (who is 1lb worse here and looks to need every yard of 6fl) until tiring in the 6th furlong.

Kelly Harrison ridden on numerous occasions so familiar with her mount and this drop back to 5fl in his favour having won his only race on previous visit at this trip here at this venue.

No great record fresh however but could reward at the price for small stakes if ready to go 1st time back.

4th ... Full Result>>

GOODWOOD 4.20 ... CYFLYMDER @ 23 WIN 6.8 PLACE Betfair

Majority of his best efforts have been on top of the ground so can be excused his last 3 when on the all weather latest in January from a wide draw, and on soft the previous 2 runs when hampered/unseating once late last season.

Last time on gd/fm he met the 109 rated Djeer from the Godolphin stable last September when missing the break slightly over a mile at Chester, but lived up to his name and made rapid headway going for home.

Ryan Moore takes the ride over stablemate Get Carter (who he wont do the weight on) but this gelding looks to have a bit more class and at least is proven over trip and on the ground.

Nicely priced for a E/W wager should he fail to get to the head of affairs early (as he won 3 on the bounce leading from the start last summer), so hopefully a change to front running tactics back on better ground can pay dividends if Ryan takes it up early, and with stamina for further could hold them off at the finish.

7th ... Full Result>>

Taking a Break

2010-05-08T20:52:00.006+01:00

Off to sunnier climes on Holiday for the next couple of weeks and will resume full time near the end of the month.

Bets of Luck everyone!

Sorry to see you go!

2010-05-03T13:23:00.008+01:00

Gambling, or Investing in sport betting as some prefer to describe it, always comes with the obvious risks attached as JP's Betting Blog testifies.

He has declared his blog post Friday 30th April will be his last!

If your starting out or haven't read his Blog, do take a look and read through the back issues also, as the insight and his decision to record his results (warts and all) has been welcomed by many in the blogosphere, and the world of gamblers/traders alike have appreciated the honest and frank approach he brought to his readers.

Last season started in a similar vein as this with early losses, until coming good around March/April. Being in profit around £50,000 at one point he finished I believe around £30,000 in front at the end of the year after subscription costs. Not a bad years wage following the advice of others.

On a different note it's a hard pill to swallow for anyone when the funds are depleting and early losses have however went on a lot longer this year from many/most of the services he follows and eating into his bankroll it has brought him to the decision to take a step back and evaluate the situation he has found himself in.

I have had contact with JP in the past and I'm sure I will not be the only reader to miss his musings or to wish him well for a recovery of fortunes.

It does show how hard and cruel this game can be at times, so Good Luck to him and hopefully he can find a solution to the predicament he finds himself in as he does come across as honest a guy as his blog portays him.

CORNUS

2010-04-21T18:04:00.001+01:00

Having backed CORNUS back in March on his first run back for his former trainer, and stating he could run up a sequence returned to Alan McCabe, it seems I was on a bit too early for the All Weather contest and it proved the case as he wins his second outing on the trot returned to turf.
Shame he wasn't 20/1 as for the Lingfield contest, but he just upheld the form with Mr Wolf to get up in the final yards, so being it wasn't really a difficult F/C to find, which paid £17.34 to £1 stakes, the earlier losses were recouped with a similar profitable return :)
Some issues have arose lately which means I've been concentrating on other things for a while and I will also be taking a Holiday break soon as last season I found it tiring working stupid Hours trying to keep ahead of the game and it took it's toll early.
I'm in no hurry this Year as there is racing every day from now until Christmas and a few winners/losers along the way shouldn't make too much difference long term.
Being more patient is how I used to play the game previously and I should be back into full swing around the middle to end of May to resume full time so updating the Blog will be less frequent until then.

One I am interested in tonight is at Kempton 9.20 ... Prince Namid 1Pt @ 12/1

Previous two All Weather runs were back in 2006-7 when with Ann Duffield when rated 17lb-20lb higher in Class4 Wolverhampton and Class3 Kempton handicap. Was 5 length behind the winner in the Class3 h/cap which was his only previous visit here in that 0-90 contest so not handicapped out of this 0-70 off a 20lb lower mark.
All but two outing for David Nicholls were at 5fl and had been tried at higher level in better grade contests earlier in his career, but the return to 6fl appeared to suit on his first two runs for this stable who have him in form and on a winnable mark.
Missed the break last time removing the blinds late and losing his chance from a wide draw, but won first race for this yard in a lingfield claimer on only 3rd All Weather outing beating Total Impact (rated 76) and meets the 3rd, Riflessione (comfortable winner last time at a lower level) on 10lb better terms.
Handles most going and having won/placed the majority of races with a bit of give underfoot this surface should suit his style.
At 12/1 generally available (exchanges 16's) is worth the 1Pt wager.

Full Result>>

Until next time Be Lucky!

Active Asset

2010-04-14T15:40:00.002+01:00

Beverley 3.45 ... Active Asset E/W @ 25/1

Can't touch Blue Spinnaker @ 2/1 especially considering he finished behind Active Asset in October last Year and meets that rival 13lb worse in at the weights so a possible Lay @ the 2/1.
Active Asset won a Lady riders race here 2 seasons back by 7 length and hasn't won since.
No great record fresh so not going all in, but now races off 6lb lower than that success so theoretically weighted to win again so worthy of a small E/W at least @ the odds.

GRAND NATIONAL

2010-04-10T16:16:00.001+01:00

My 3 for the National ... Good Luck whatever your on!

AINTREE 4.15 ... ROYAL ROSA E/W .... FLINTOFF E/W ... STATE OF PLAY Win

Flintoff missed the Irish National on Monday and gets in here on joint bottom weight. Having ran in previous staying events (Midlands and Scottish Nationals) the trip shouldn't be an issue, and had stablemate Mon Mome well in arrears in the later in 2008.
Comes out 16lb better with Mon Mome from that race and Mon Mome @ 14/1 and Flintoff @ 66/1 doesn't reflect their true chances IMO and @ 66/1 E/W on Flintoff the better option.

P/U

Royal Rosa squeezed into this last minute and ran a good race in the Becher Chase here in November on soft going when making late headway when the race was all but over.
Has won on soft but this better ground could be more to his liking having ran well in the Scottish national 2 seasons back the last time he had good going when 18lb out the handicap. A race where Flintoff was in front getting 2lb off Royal Rosa and 7lb out the weights. Off their correct marks here I would have Royal Rosa slightly the better.
This longer trip should suit more than the Becher as he was staying on in the Eider behind Comply Or Die (on Soft) also in 2008 and has been lightly raced since.
Off this weight I could see him winning this but as ever in this competitive event an E/W the option @ 66/1.

U/R

State Of Play, normally a sound jumper comes out 12lb better than last season behind Mon Mome and barring one small mistake before hampered in this last year, looks another stayer worth a wager on the better ground.
Win @ 16/1

3rd

2 POINTS

2010-04-08T14:39:00.009+01:00

LEICESTER 5.10 ... JORDAURA 2 Pts @ 15/2 Bet365, 7/1 Gen

Guilded Warrior finished 2nd in this off 1lb higher in 2008 but was beaten 2 length and had the benefit of a 7lb claimer aboard.
He has gone well fresh every season to date so may be dangerous to discount under stronger handling but has to give Jordaura 3lb.

Jordaura's has also gone well fresh winning 1st time up last season, and he finished on a high stepped up to this trip on final 2 outings both over a straight 7fl so this course should suit.

He's having 1st run for the trainer today, so hopefully he's in the same form as the end of October (correction November) where he had 3 of todays runners behind, and at the revised weights for distance beaten should come out in front again.
Just failed on penultimate run at Newmarket in October, where Emeebee meets the selection on 3lb better for a head defeat into 3rd, but Jordaura was staying on the better and should uphold the form.
His last race is working out where the 2nd Kiwi Bay, won the race (well clear of the runners) his side in the Spring Mile.
The 5th Happy Anniversary, finished 2nd in the Redcar Straight-mile Championship Stakes on Monday so the form is standing up well already.

Sakhee's Pearl ran a decent race last summer on soft but was behind Happy Aniversary in that event and may go close off this 3lb lower mark without winning.

Jockey, Jerry O'Dwyer is a bit underestimated in my opinion and he's ridden 2 winners and placed 4 times from only 14 rides in the last 3 weeks alone, and this one can make it his 3rd winner in as many weeks.

Jordaura 2 Pts @ 15/2

Full Result>>

Field split and won the race farside runners, but may as well have been last as 1st four home all raced stands side.

Anything Doing?

2010-04-07T14:21:00.008+01:00

Nott 2.50 Moorhouse Lad @ 8/1
Group1 contender in the past who's last run on soft was 2nd in the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp (Group 1) after winning Dubai Duty Free (Group3) on soft at Newbury.
Return to this going could suit.

Nott 3.50 Shipmaster @ 20/1
Won the Sagaro Stakes (Group 3) before pulled up final run in the Chester Vase 2 Yrs back.
Since retired, but has reportedly been showing up well on the gallops and interesting chucked into a £22,000 contest 1st time back for a trainer who can get one ready. Won his maiden here at the distance/going and was 2nd in a Listed event only other try here at this trip, also on soft.
If fit enough for his return 20/1 looks too big!

Nott 4.50 High Holborn @ 20/1
Another at a big price who gets in here off a decent mark for 2nd h/cap dropped in class.
Much to like about his 5th last season at (Ascot class3) where the 2nd (has entries in both the 1000 Guineas and Dante) ,3rd and 4th have all won since.
Trainer brought another runner out stepped up in trip on soft going (Golden Prospect who runs in the 5.20 today) to win @ 33/1 under this jockey and another who could be worth trading at the price!

Nott 5.20 Big Whitfield @ 11/1
Golden Prospect as mentioned earlier takes his chance in this slightly better grade off 6lb higher, but trading between 4/1 and 5/1 it could be worth a trade on the selection at better odds.
Though Jockey/Trainer combo much respected haven't hit top gear yet this season.
Form of Big Whitfield's last race is working out with winner going in again off 85, and the 2nd Aspro Marvo winning off 78 next time out and where the 4th was running off 74.
Drops into this (0-65) class6 off a lenient looking 62 so given a chance in 1st handicap if this softer going brings any improvement.

Sphinx @ 14/1

2010-04-04T15:38:00.006+01:00

MUSSELBURGH 3.50 ... SPHINX 1 Pt @ 14/1

Gordonsville won his final start last year here off 3lb lower and a run over hurdles in February should have brought him forward for a repeat in this event, when he won this after a winter break last season off 6lb lower than today.
That follows a similar path to 2008 when his final run here off a mark of 80, he was 2nd to Nemo Spirit with Sphinx (OR 81) 3 length behind in 4th.
Sphinx is only having his 2nd outing here but is now 7lb lower and having a 12lb pull he should be capable of turning that 3 length round with Gordonsville in his favour with a bit to spare.

Highland Legacy is another to have beaten the selection when he last won at Ripon (OR 88) in 2008 and is now 5lb lower, with Bogside Theatre 2 length behind in 2nd (or 86) now 11lb lower, and Sphinx another 3 length in 3rd (OR 88) now 14lb lower and comes out best.
Highland had also beaten Sphinx at Newbury when 1st making progress as a 3Yr Old but is now meeting him on 27lb higher than him since that contest.
Sphinx is also returning from a spell over the jumps so should be fit, and though now 12 Yr Old finished last season staying on strongly to take the scalp of Puys d' Arnac at Ayr and should uphold the form with that one at the revised weights also.

Of the lightly raced runners Outrageous Request and Veloso come from some decent efforts on the All Weather, and Veloso has only once been out the placings in 9 starts so could be more dangerous to dismiss than the Eddery runner.

A small stake reverse F/C with Veloso should the Glover inmate improve for the return to turf could pay dividends but with Sphinx being proven with 6 wins over the distance or more, and will handle any more give in the going should any further rain arrive gets the win vote.

Unplaced ... Full Result>>

Small Play For Today

2010-04-01T14:36:00.009+01:00

No Account bets today but will play small stakes for a bit of interest on today's dire going.

FOLKESTONE 2.40 ... GINOBILI
Ginobili was 2nd to Daddy's Gift here (who runs in the 3.40) back in 2008 off a mark 26lb higher than today. Won 1st time up as a 2Yr Old so can go well fresh.
Dropped a long way in the H/cap for this return to soft going whch he is proven on so now may be the time to catch him.

Pockets Pick, the selection for a small F/C

2nd N 3rd ... Full Result>>

FOLKESTONE 3.40 ... KINGSWINFORD
Kingswinford twice a winner as a 2Yr old on soft going where he had new stablemate Timeteam just behind on the later of those getting 2lb.
Gives him 2lb today but jockey takes 7lb off the selection so should uphold the form at the revised weights.
Both should handle the going on that evidence and will take Timeteam for a small F/C.

Unplaced ... Full Result>>

FOLKESTONE 4.10 ... CHORAL FESTIVAL
Last race working out well with winner Turjuman following up winning off 7lb higher next time out and the 2nd, Drizzi also winning his next outing.
She was staying on there with 1st time cheek pieces, which are removed here, but handled heavy going in her younger days and won at Southwell so cleary doesn't want it too fast and gets in here off bottom weight.

I'm In The Pink, the selection for the F/C

Unplaced ... Full Result>>

Will push my luck and play the f/c doubles and trebles :)

Dubai Dynamo

2010-03-28T13:54:00.003+01:00

DONCASTER 3.00 ... DUBAI DYNAMO 2 Pts @ 11/1

Ruth Carr looks to have a decently handicapped horse here returning to the flat off 12lb lower than last season.
In decent form on the All Weather winning off 5lb higher at this trip on his penultimate outing with 2 running on efforts either side of that over 6fl.

Drops into this Class4 for the 1st time since his win here as a 2yr Old over this trip in a Class3, which he followed winning Redcars 2 Yr Old Trophy where he had last years winner of this event Mr Hardy in arrears.
Raised 15lb for that wasn't disgraced in a Group3 at Newbury and has been contesting mostly Class2 h/caps since he left Stan Moore.
Still looked high in the handicap for Paul Cole as a 3Yr Old where he last ran at 7fl on soft going where he didn't get the clearest of runs against rivals rated in the mid/high 90's but stayed on once clear.
Given a bit leniency returned last season off 8lb lower to 86 and won the london Mile Qualifier at Kempton over a mile so stamina shouldn't be an issue here.
Last time out had yesterday's Lincoln 2nd Prime Exhibit behind when running off 95, and with Andew Elliot regular pilot since joining the yard and dropping 2 grades in class is looking much better treated off 11lb lower here.

Dubai Dynamo 2 Pts @ 11/1 V.C. WillHill. 10/1 Lads

3rd ... Full Result>>