Bank Holiday Selections

What a cracking Bank Holiday it has been in terms of weather, not often we get many like this! The racing world is reeling in the news of the formidable Nicholls/Walsh partnership going their seperate ways this morning. My twitter feed has been going bananas, not sure there will be much difference to be honest, Ruby will still ride some of the top stable stars on a Saturday in my opinion.

Saturday's blog showed a little improvement with good old KINGSGATE NATIVE (14-1) winning and CAPO ROSSO (4-1) second. I had a nice winner yesterday with my only bet of the day when MAOI CHINN TIRE came home at 12-1. Hopefully got a couple here today too.

 

Happy punting, and good luck.

 

GRANDADS HORSE 1715 CARTMEL (nap) – (NR) this horse has slipped back to his last winning mark and you need to put a line through his last two runs. Ground is key to this fella and he has two wins on good and three on good to firm ground at this level and above. He's due to go novice chasing soon and could sign off the smaller obstacles in style.

 

TUSSIE MUSSIE 1550 CARLISLE (nb) – (3rd – 6-1) is unexposed at this trip and just failed to peg back Lilac Lace last time. More to come from this horse and she has solid form through a line with CAPO ROSSO, losing by half a length to him last year. On his form this year that is decent, as is her own form in itself.

 

NEPTUNE EQUESTER 1540 CARTMEL (treble) – (3rd – 7-1) ran no real race in the Scottish National when well fancied. This is much easier, and up until the National he was producing good runs. Has won at this level before, I reckon something was amiss at Ayr last time and am hopeful of better today if the ground is ok for him.

 

TROJAN ROCKET 1555 WINDSOR – (WON – 8-1) this horse has a decent strike rate and is Mikael Barzalona's only ride of the day. He has won twice on him already and he goes well fresh. Has form on quicker ground and is a big price.

 

BASFORD BEN 1645 CARTMEL – (NR) this trainer/jockey combo proved successful yesterday on MAOI CHINN TIRE and they can claim another success today. This horse hasn't really progressed from decent NHF races, however all his disappointing runs have come on soft or worse ground. I think the quicker ground will suit. TRADE FAIR, his stallion has produced a few horses that have won on good and quicker ground. Good each way chance.

 

BLOG STATS :

Naps 39/174 = 22.4%

Wins 161/878 = 18.3%

Placed 233/878 = 26.5%

Win and Placed = 44.9%

@Tweet_Naps overall record. Click the link. All Time Profit/Loss currently +£64.33

Posted with Blogsy

Temple Stakes Day

After last week's poor effort on the blog – I must do better! Looking forward to Haydock's meeting today. I used to go to this meeting every year with my dad, Grandad and a whole coach load from being 16 to 20 years old. I'm hoping I've got a few winners picked out here today.

Enjoy the racing and good luck if you're having a bet.

CAPO ROSSO 1800 HAYDOCK (nap) – (2nd – 4-1) I backed this at Warwick last time where he was very impressive, he lead all the way from the front and won easily. A 6lb raise is fair and I don't think that will stop him. That day I had him at 20-1, doubt he'll be anywhere near that price today. One to follow though.

ANCIENT CROSS 1455 YORK (nb) – (unplaced) This horse ran well last time over course and distance at the Dante meeting. He has only been raised 3lbs for that and has won off this mark of 85 before. The ground is no problem and it pays to follow a sprinter in form. I reckon he has a great chance again today.

KINGSGATE NATIVE 1550 HAYDOCK (treble) – (WON – 14-1) he ran back to his true ability last time in the Palace House. He just didnt get the gap in time to pull in Sole Power. On this faster track today I'm hoping he will weave through near the end and win this race again.

GEORGE VANCOUVER 1520 CURRAGH – (unplaced) I'm going to give this guy another go. He ran no real race in the Guineas and is much better than that. He has the quick ground again and think he will be much closer this time.

ILE DE RE 1420 YORK – (unplaced) with the forecast softer ground he should be able to run to the form he showed a few years ago. He's a class horse but really hasn't show it lately. Ground is key here and I think it will make all the difference.

DECISION BY ONE 1620 HAYDOCK – (unplaced) course form is key at Haydock and this horse has course and distance form here. He is another front runner and may not get pegged back here.

GABRIEL'S KAKA 1515 HAYDOCK – (unplaced) the drop back to a mile here will suit this guy I reckon. He has some decent form and was never in it at Chester last time.

BOLLIN GRETA 1600 YORK – (unplaced) was a fast finishing fourth last time when getting stuck in traffic, that was eye catching and if he gets a clear run today he will have a chance.

 

BLOG STATS :

Naps 39/174 = 22.4%

Wins 160/875 = 18.3%

Placed 231/875 = 26.4%

Win and Placed = 44.7%

@Tweet_Naps overall record. Click the link. All Time Profit/Loss currently +£53.33

Posted with Blogsy

Super Saturday

This is my first blog for over a week, just haven't had the time recently and was in Warwick last weekend at their evening meeting. What a night that was, I had CAPO ROSSO there which won at 8-1, however, when the bookies first put the prices up for that race he was 20-1 in a few places. When I went back with my winning slip and the bookie saw my price his face was a picture! Happy days!

 

Anyway on to today after a belting week at York. There are some fantastic races on around the country today and have spent a good bit of time this morning on them. Got quite a few selections so have put up three Lucky 15's today, including my normal best three. Enjoy the racing and good luck.

 

Lucky 15 Number 1

IMPERIAL DJAY 1710 THIRSK (nap) – (unplaced) this horse hasn't quite hit form yet this season but is now an incredible 10lbs lower than his last win. He has two course and distance successes here, at todays class and class 5, both of those on good ground. The last time he won a class 4 was off a mark of 83 at Chester, today's mark…..83. This sprinters run well in behind and gradually their marks drop, I can see this boy bouncing back to form off this mark today.

 

BEAUTY PARLOUR 1550 NEWBURY – (NR) the doubt with some of these horses is whether they are actually group one class or not. With a Group 1 victory to her name over the distance this girl has that. The master Cecil will have used the winter to work out how to make her tick and her last run should be discounted on that alone. Massive chance today for me.

 

DICK BOS 1525 THIRSK – (unplaced) won well on softer ground last season at Windsor for the Hannon team last year and he caught my eye then. Mr O'Meara usually gets a grasp of new horses early in his yard and he showed a return to form at Ripon last time. He is 4 lb better off with Klynch for a one and a half length defeat and the trainer was bullish about his chances is morning.

 

CRUISETOTHELIMIT 1450 THIRSK – (unplaced) the reappearance second behind CHEWOREE is pretty decent form and he had excuses last time. CHEWOREE didnt exactly boost the form at York this week but threw his chances away at the start despite being very well fancied. With the ground a bit softer he has to have a huge chacnce and money has come already for him.

 

Lucky 15 Number 2

JEHANNEDARC 1405 NEWBURY (treble) – (3rd – 9-2) I was really impressed woth this horse's last run behind KHIONE last time. One the same mark and over slightly further those battling qualities should come in to play today. The booking of Ryan Moore is another huge plus.

 

HODGSON 1540 BANGOR – (WON 7-2) has yet to get off the mark but it is not for trying! After dropping another 3 lbs in the ratings and the application of head gear again may revitalise things. Today has to be the day!

 

RIOT OF COLOUR 1440 NEWBURY – (unplaced) I have backed this horse a few times and there has to be excuses for her latest terrible run. She is able to go on any ground and I reckon this drop back to 6f will suit her, she can use some of her reserves to come late up to the line. Could be a massive price due to that last poor run.

 

KITTEN ON THE RUN 1515 NEWBURY – (unplaced) this horse is the unknown quantity in the race. However, he is unbeaten and won at a mile last time at Listed Class and is bred to stay this trip. The trainer is very good with these middle distance horses and I think that he is pitching him in here for his first run reflects against some highly fancied types reflects his thoughts of the horse. Could muller these at a big price.

 

Lucky 15 Number 3

COMRADE BOND 1345 NEWMARKET – (unplaced) has three 7f successes to his name at Yarmouth. His comeback run there was decent and that could set him up nicely here. He has won at a higer level than this and wasnt far behind last time out.

 

CARAVAN ROLLS ON 1420 NEWMARKET – (unplaced) this horse won well first time out after a lay off last year and was an unlucky fifth last run. He is on the same mark as that performance and likes it running fresh. Lots of possibilities – one negative – Jamie Spencer!!

 

SECRETINTHEPARK 1455 NEWMARKET (nb) – (unplaced) this horse is one of mine to follow since winning well last season. I tipped him to win last time at the Guineas meeting and I thought that was impressive. I reckon there is still more to come and the doubters are out talking about others reversing the form. Not me, he has more to offer and his price may get bigger with the doubters!

 

DUNDONELL 1530 NEWMARKET – (WON 15-8) a class two year old and he put in some good runs. This return to 6f will help and I dont think anything else in this race has the ability to beat him. Simple as.

 

 

BLOG STATS :

Naps 39/173 = 22.5%

Wins 159/867 = 18.3%

Placed 230/867 = 25.4%

Win and Placed = 44.8%

@Tweet_Naps overall record. Click the link. All Time Profit/Loss currently +£60.33

Posted with Blogsy

Chester Day One

This is one of my favourite meetings! I love Chester and love the Roodee, it's such a unique track. Lets hope we have a great few days and a few winners too.

 

INVESTISSEMENT 1445 CHESTER (nap) – is now 2 lbs lower than when running to third place in the 2011 Ebor. Possibly laid out for this after some disappointing runs over the obstacles. This race has been won the last few years by jumps trainers and Mr Pipe won it three years ago with MAMLOOK off a similar mark. Stall one will give him chance to bounce out and get a good posse.

 

LAST SOVEREIGN 1515 CHESTER (nb) – has had two really good runs behind him and with the ground in his favour and stall one he must go well again. Another bonus is he has the king of Chester Frannie Norton on his back.

 

M'SELLE 1345 CHESTER (treble) – ran well to win first time out and even better the second time. Willing to give him another go here where the plum draw can be so important in a sprint, should be damn fit too.

 

HOLLOWINA 1415 CHESTER – will really appreciate this extra distance and he is bred to be a thorough stayer. Hopefully the ground will be ok for him and he should be staying on with a strong run at the end.

 

BLOG STATS :

Naps 39/172 = 22.6%

Wins 157/855 = 18.4%

Placed 229/855 = 26.8%

Win and Placed = 45.1%

@Tweet_Naps overall record. Click the link. All Time Profit/Loss currently +£60.33

Posted with Blogsy

Monday selections

Guineas weekend over! I thoroughly enjoyed it and fair play to Richard Hughes who finally gets a British classic, and how he deserves it. What a glorious day it is today for a change on a Bank Holiday! Enjoy it. Here are my best three plus another for today. Roll on Chester!

 

 

SPIC N SPAN 1745 BATH (nap) – (unplaced) has been knocking on the door recently and will enjoy the firm ground today. He has won over course, distance, class and ground in the past and is also well drawn today. A hell of a chance to take this.

 

MOONSTONE MAGIC 1650 CURRAGH (nb) – (3rd – 5-2) has been off since disappointing in the Guineas last year. She has won over the distance and will appreciate the yielding ground. A long absence to overcome but I think they have been sensible and put her away until the right time/race. Today s the day!

 

ILLUSTRIOUS PRINCE 1430 WINDSOR (treble) – (3rd – 11-2) is 4lbs lower than when taking a 6f race on good at Goodwood last year. The apprentice will help with the weight and he has never run in a class this low. The best horse in the race in my opinion and Declan Carroll has a decent strike rate when he comes down to Windsor. Chance!

 

HIPSTER 1635 WINDSOR – (3rd – 5-2) worth a chance taking this one to beat SEA SHANTY. The 6lb raise for the favourite may tell if my selection bounds out in front and takes them on. As we saw over the weekend a lot of horses went in from the front. They should go for the jugular and lead from the front.

 

BLOG STATS :

Naps 39/172 = 22.6%

Wins 157/855 = 18.4%

Placed 229/855 = 26.8%

Win and Placed = 45.1%

@Tweet_Naps overall record. Click the link. All Time Profit/Loss currently +£60.33

Posted with Blogsy

QIPCO 1000 Guineas Day

Credit where credit is due, Dawn Approach was awesome yesterday. I really didn't think the ground would suit but class is class. It's great for racing too and we have a new unbeaten superstar. Whilst people are saying it's good for Godolphin too after their week, I think it's even better for Jim Bolger. What an incredibe trainer he is and really underrated.

 

So on to today, here are my best three and some at Newmarket

 

DANK 1435 NEWMARKET (nap) – (WON – 4-1) the ground is the key to this filly. She was very progressive last year and ran really well on faster ground. She didn't quite get in the race last time behind CHIGUN and THISTLE BIRD, but the ground was also against her that day. Sir Michael Stoute is in top form at the moment and I expect a big race from her.

MAUREEN 1550 NEWMARKET (nb) – (unplaced) this filly has done nothing wrong and I thought she was very impressive in the Fred Darling. She crept into affairs and stuck on well at the end. I think the step up to a mile will suit further and she will be up with the pace which will be important. Monsieur Peslier is called over to ride her and his quiet style should suit. Her ability to go on all surfaces further aids her cause.

CELESTIAL DAWN 1415 HAMILTON (treble) – (3rd – 10-1) has course and distance success and is back on her last winning mark from here at Hamilton. She is much better with a bit of cut and she should show her true colours under todays conditions.

FENNELL BAY 1405 NEWMARKET – (unplaced) has been raised 3lbs for a cozy success last time when his class told and he got up on the line. This horse has the quality for this if he settles and switches off, I'm hoping the confidence booster last time will have helped.

HITCHENS 1510 NEWMARKET – (unplaced) his run at Doncaster last time caught the eye and these sprinters go through snatches of form. The quicker ground will play to his strengths and he is handicapped as the best horse in the race. I'm hoping today he will win.

SEASIDE SIZZLER 1420 SALISBURY – returned to winning ways at Kempton last time and has decent form at and around this trip. The quicker ground will suit and with the yard in form I'm hopeful this one is progressive and goes on again.

BLOG STATS :

Naps 39/171 = 22.8%

Wins 157/851 = 18.4%

Placed 226/851 = 26.6%

Win and Placed = 45%

@Tweet_Naps overall record. Click the link. All Time Profit/Loss currently +£61.33

Posted with Blogsy

Saturday and the 2000 Guineas

The first classic is upon us all ready! I love it how quickly the flat season bounces in to life. With this weekend, then Chester next week to look forward I'm already as happy as a pig in……

 

How different the ground is going to be this year! A year ago we were engulfed in the rain of biblical proportions that killed alot of meetings and destroyed horses chances. I reckon there could be a record or two smashed this weekend. Oh how I love the 2000 Guineas and think of all the great past winners, a few that stick out for me personally are ROCK OF GIBRALTAR, GEORGE WASHINGTON, HENRYTHENAVIGATOR and of course the best of the lot FRANKEL.

 

Here are my selections for today, enjoy the racing and all the best with your bets.

 

HIPPY HIPPY SHAKE 1605 GOODWOOD (nap) – (unplaced) this horse is one of mine to follow this year. She appears to be very progressive and I liked the way she won last time at Newmarket going away. She got collared by MAVEN earlier on in the season over 1m 2f and this trip of a mile looks optimum today. Big hopes!

 

KINGSGATE NATIVE 1435 NEWMARKET (nb) – (2nd – 25-1) on his day a superstar! Dependent on his mood of course! I'm hoping today is the day. When he makes his seasonal return on good to firm ground and over 5f he has finished 2nd and 1st. The ground is key for him and I'm expecting another big run today with these conditions and trends in mind.

 

GEORGE VANCOUVER 1550 NEWMARKET (treble) – (unplaced) I really think Aiden O'Brien holds the key here, and to me it's breeding that the important element. HENRYTHENAVIGATOR was a fast ground horse as was the mare VERSAILLES TREATY, and with conditions to suit I think this one is O'Brien's best chance. He also has some smart form too, winning the Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita last run. He was also third behind dawn APPROACH in the Dewhurst, for me the ground helped DA bound away that day. Today the ground with help my selection bound away!

 

NOBLE MISSION 1510 NEWMARKET – (unplaced) I love this horse and he most definitely needed the run last time and allowed UNIVERSAL to get the better of him. Today he will creep into it, be played late and won't let anyone pass!

 

LICENCE TO TILL 1405 NEWMARKET – (unplaced) I think the ground will play to this horses' strengths today. I expect him to bolt out and go from the front and with the quicker ground likely to play into his strengths with this approach, as with many Mark Johnston horses he may not get passed.

 

SECRETINTHEPARK 1625 NEWMARKET – (WON – 9-2) won a decent nursery well last year and followed it up quite comfortably at Kempton. The ground is in his favour and a drop back in trip shouldn't pose a problem, it may utilise his speed at bit more.

 

WHOZTHECAT 1745 THIRSK – (unplaced) I always follow Declan Carroll closely, especially early in the season. This horse is a course and distance winner on two occasions and can go well fresh. He is on the same winning mark when defeating CONFESSIONAL here two years ago. A smart chance!

 

NO POPPY 1635 THIRSK – (unplaced) ran no race last time and I'm willing to give her another chance here. She has done most of her winning with a bit of cut, but is a hold up horse to come off the pace. This quicker surface may play to those strengths and se has some decent form in the locker and was fourth behind my nap on her last run last year. Hopeful, but a huge each way price.

 

BLOG STATS :

Naps 38/170 = 22.4%

Wins 156/845 = 18.5%

Placed 225/845 = 26.6%

Win and Placed = 45.1%

@Tweet_Naps overall record. Click the link. All Time Profit/Loss currently +£55.33

 

Posted with Blogsy