York

A cracking few cards on offer today at York and Haydock! This time next week we will be gearing up for the Derby, lets hope the weather picks up. Hoping for a few winners today to keep topping up the profit on the blog. Here are my selections for today :

 

ROYAL RASCAL 1430 CHESTER (nap) – (2nd – 3-1 = £1.87) ran in some top races last year following on from a very successful season before that beating Odooj and running Rodshu Queen close. This is more her level and should run a very big race from stall 1 off a very appealing mark.

 

SIRIUS PROSPECT 1350 YORK (nb) – (2nd – 3-1 = £1.87) has 3 wins here and the latest off this current mark in a class 1 listed event. Has two wins to his name on soft and 4 on good so the ground should suit. I think he is the best horse in the race and will hopefully show his true colours.

 

BODY AND SOUL 1450 YORK (treble) – (2nd – 17-2 = £5.31) this boy is due! He has won a this level beating Moviesta here and he also boasts the defeat of Hototo is his youth. The Duke of York Stakes was a step too far last time and this is more realisitc. Big chance

 

CLEVER COOKIE 1420 YORK – (WON – DEAD HEAT – 3-1 = £5.62) I'm chancing this one to improve again. He was very impressive last time beating Tres Coronas. This is another step up and he is raised 8lbs but with form on this softer ground he has another great chance.

 

My Dad's selection are :

GARSWOOD 1440 YORK (-£5.00)

YORK GLORY 1515 HAYDOCK (-£5.00)

MIGHTY YAR 1535 NEWMARKET (-£5.00)

SHAMSHON 1550 HAYDOCK (-£5.00)

 

Current standings : FATHER 7-11 SON

PROFIT – SON = £155.93 FATHER £48.81

 

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Brigadier Gerard and Sandown



I thought I would do a little mid week blog for a few I fancy at Haydock and Sandown. The Sandown meeting is always a good one with the annual running of the Brigadier Gerard Stakes. The bloody weather is playing havoc with the horses and the going at the moment. Lets hope the next week is dry ready for the Derby.

BONNIE GREY 1840 SANDOWN (NAP) – this is a cracking race! My selection was very impressive at Warwick in testing conditions. She hardly even broke sweat and the jockey never had to move a muscle, she could be very smart and this race will certainly be an indicator of that. Cock of the North ran very well in the Brocklesby and a repeat of that would see him go close. Via Via caught the eye when going away at Ripon and the form of ROUDEE was franked by MIDTERM BREAK on Saturday. An intriguing race!

BROWN PANTHER 1915 SANDOWN (NB) – I love this horse, he has got better and better over the last few years and he could be a high class Cup horse to follow. I think he will have too much for these today and his defeat of HILLSTAR at Chester was a good one. This trip will suit him and I think he’ll take this quite easily. I’m intrigued to see how MENORAH gets on!!!!

ANDERIEGO 1550 HAYDOCK (TREBLE) – this horse hasn’t won for a while now but he is on a very appealing mark. He has some form on soft ground and I just think there were signs of some sort of a revival the first run out this season and this softer ground may eek something out of him. If he puts his best foot forward this is a winning mark for him for sure!

RACE TO GLORY 1420 HAYDOCK – has run reasonably well in a couple a maiden races over 1m2f and this step up in trip should help and I think the ground will suit him more too. This trip takes some getting here especially on soft ground and I’m hopeful of a solid run.

Haydock and The Temple of Doom

Here we go again with a monster scoop 6! Lets hope it goes today, and I hope it goes to a £2 line or a small syndicate of 'normal' people and not the rich guys who have put thousands on to bet. Not had chance to do a Saturday blog for a while. My selections are below and I've got my daughter to select a scoop 6 too!

 

POWERFUL PRESENCE 1525 CATTERICK (nap) – (2nd – 12-1 = £7.50) this horse ran well at Ripon. On his first start and I fully expected him to win next time out but he disappointed. He returns here in a lower class race and his record is impressive here 1211.

 

BIG BREAK 1555 CURRAGH (nb) – (unplaced = -£5.00) she has a few decent runs on softer ground and the stable are in good fettle at the moment. She could be a horse to follow this year and I'm hopeful of a big run!

 

MIDTERM BREAK 1540 BEVERLEY (treble) – (WON – 11-4 = £8.59) followed up a good second to ROUDEE at Roipon with a good win at Southwell. Comes here in good form and really fancy his chances

 

SHORE STEP 1405 HAYDOCK – (2nd – 12-1 = £7.50) I always try to find a decent priced handicap horse and I think I've found it for today. This horse has won on better ground than this but also has run on good ground. Im hopeful the softer ground won't be an issue. He ran CAPO ROSSO close last year at Warwick and then followed that up with a success. CAPO ROSSO won again last weekend and this horse could have more in the tank!

 

My daughter's scoop6!

Leg 1 – BEAR BEHIND WON!

Leg 2 – SHOWBOATING

Leg 3 – LADY FRANCES

Leg 4 – MARCH

Leg 5 – SOLAR SPIRIT

Leg 6 – RED STARGAZER

 

Here are my Dad's selections

GO FAR 1405 HAYDOCK (unplaced = -£5.00)

HOT STREAK 1440 HAYDOCK (WON 9-4 = £7.03)

JOYEUSE 1510 HAYDOCK (WON 3-1 = £9.37)

FIRST FLIGHT 1545 HAYDOCK (unplaced = -£5.00)

 

Current standings : FATHER 7-10 SON

PROFIT – SON = £141.26 FATHER £68.81

 

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York Day 3

The blog chucked up another winner on Thursday with Mr Fallon riding NAVAJO CHIEF (15-2) to perfection. My other runners were nowhere and really disappointed me! Oh well, on to another day.

 

MIDNITE ANGEL 1515 YORK (nap) – this horse has a very strong form line with J Wonder. They both caught my eye when romping clear of the field at Newmarket last year. We all saw what J Wonder did the other week and this horse I feel is just as good and for me is a crazy price.

 

AHZEEMAH 1445 YORK (nb) – another horse with smart form, but over slightly further. This is always feel is a good thing as you can be more assertive with them. He's only a pound higher than when defeating SIMENON here and he ran BROWN PANTHER close last year too. TAC DE BOISTRON has been so impressive but this may be one too many!

 

CHANCERY 1415 YORK (treble) – this horse has been a little disappointing but for me he's primed to run a big race tomorrow!he has won here twice and his latest run was much better and he's been kept on the same mark for this!

 

DON'T TELL ANNIE 1345 YORK – this is a cracking race and there are loads with chances. This horse won well last time and a few who were in behind have come out again and ran creditably. I think she's the value in the race!

 

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York Day 2

Not a bad first day at York with MADAME CHIANG (8-1) winning and ASTAIRE (5-1) coming second. The ground seems to be drying up but I reckon it will still be sticky and slow. I'm leaving the Dante alone as I think the favourite has it in the bag.

 

MAN OF PLENTY 1700 YORK (nap) – (unplaced) finished a creditable third at Doncaster on his reappearance and he got no room in the run in and got hampered. On the back of that I really think he'll stretch out and win tomorrow. He is only rated a pound higher now than a decent second at Ascot in October.

 

JUDGE N JURY 1345 YORK (nb) – (unplaced) this horse has dropped to a very appealing mark and is now a pound lower than his last winning mark here at York. The ground will suit and Mr Dettori on his back who rides so well at York. Positive chance.

 

GIFTED GIRL 1415 YORK (treble) – (unplaced) she ran a pretty decent race behind at Esoterique at HQ on her first run back. She has some of the best form on offer in the race and the softer surface I think will help.

 

NAVAJO CHIEF 1445 YORK – (WON – 15-2) has won here three times on good or softer. He won this race last year off three pounds more than his current mark. Keiren Fallon has won on him twice and his riding style of winding a horse up to deliver at the right time is perfect for this horse. Great chance.

 

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York Day One

Well the heavens have opened and York is soft. This has surely had a negative impact on the calibre of some of the races. However, we've got what we've got. The Dante gives us the next Derby clue, and to be honest I've not been impressed with anything so far! Enjoy the first day and be lucky.

 

ASTAIRE 1515 YORK (nap) – was a horse that really impressed me last year and just kept on improving. The Greenham was obviously too far and he drops back to sprinting now. Three year olds dont have a good record in this, but the horse is 2 from 2 here, including a soft ground Gimcrack success. I think he's top class and could bounce back big time here!

 

ROYAL RASCAL 1445 YORK (nb) – this horse has two wins over 6 furlongs here on soft and I was really impressed by his victory over Odooj here a couple of years ago. He ran awfully last year, but the ground was a determining factor in that. He should run a big race! I also like the chances of BLAINE who seemed to run better last time and is on a good mark judged on his Gimcrack success here. VALBCHEK also can't be discounted off top weight as he is a smart sprinter.

 

PASAKA BOY 1345 YORK (treble) – the horse could improve further as a 4 year old. He caught my eye when winning over this trip at Epsom last year. His comeback run wasnt great and he is now only 2lbs higher than that

Epsom victory. He should offer more this season and on his second run

 

MADAME CHIANG 1415 EPSOM – I'm taking a chance on this horse and she could be something special. If you judge her the way she won her debut then you can see potential and that was on soft ground too. She's worth a chance here with questions about a few.

 

Hope we get a few good runs. Please retweet my post on twitter if you liked this and give me a follow too.

 

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Chester Day One



Cracking day on the blog on Sunday with Mighty Yar (5-1) and GOLDREAM (25-1) going in. If Ihtimal had won the Guineas I would have had a very nice payday.

This was a photo of ROUDEE I took bounding away to win on his racecourse debut at Ripon the other week. The form of theta race is working out well with the second and fifth going on to success and I fancy him to win today despite his high draw. He looked a decent prospect at Ripon and I was taken by the way he went away from the field in the closing stages. On to this cracking meeting that I always wish I could attend but it always falls in term time!

MAWAQEET 1445 CHESTER (NAP) – this horse has changed hands and runs for the McCain stable who have won this twice in recent years. He his a smart prospect and showed decent staying form behind BROXBOURNE at York last year, he was also narrowly defeated by EAGLE ROCK at the same track. He’s only three pounds higher than his BROXBOURNE defeat and is capable in my opinion of winning a race like this this year.

ROUDEE 1345 CHESTER (NB) – read why I like this one’s chances above!

PSYCHOMETRY 1415 CHESTER (TREBLE) – three solid runs last year leads to this one getting a mark of 81 for her debut this year. She finally got her head in front after two defeats at Kempton last time. There should be much more to come from her this year.

CASPIAN PRINCE 1515 CHESTER – this guy brought some cash home for me when he made all from the front at Epsom. Elusivity didn’t help the form much at the weekend although this guy has now got trap one at a course, like Epsom, where the draw is so important. He needs to fly out of the stalls and they won’t catch him, any rain overnight will help his chances too.

Good luck everyone if you’re having a flutter and enjoy the next three days from the Roudee.

The 1000 Guineas



Not a great day yesterday to do honest! Although good old KINGSGATE NATIVE nearly got there! On to the second classic and the girls get their chance! Should be another cracking day and we’ve got Chester to look forward to in the week too. Result! Be lucky!

IHTIMAL 1550 NEWMARKET (NAP) – (3rd 7-1) was quite impressive last year when winning over 7f at Newmarket and then over the mile at Doncaster and has since followed that up with two successes at Meydan. Really liked the way she stretched away last time over 10furlongs and I think the undulations will suit her style and this extra stamina will come in to play.

GOLDREAM 1510 NEWMARKET (NB) – (WON 25-1) this fella has some very good handicap form on offer including a narrow second to BOGART over 5f at York. He has form over 6f too including a win here. Is dropped a couple of pounds and now races off the same mark that saw a narrow defeat to ANCIENT CROSS at Doncaster. He has a good chance in my opinion at a very big price. Others to take my eye in the race are SECRETINTHEPARK, who has course and distance form here and I have always liked. ZANETTO was campaigned at the top level last year to no avail and drops back in class here after being gelded – he’s dangerous!

GIFTED GIRL 1440 NEWMARKET (TREBLE) – (3rd – 7-1) she ran some cracking races last year starting with a comfy success at Ascot and then a narrow defeat by THISTLE BIRD on softer ground despite being raise 12lbs. A win at Ponte followed be fore being the closet to Dank at Arlington in the Beverly D Stakes. This drop to Group 3 class is a good start for her and she should run a big race!

MIGHTY YAR 1405 NEWMARKET – (WON 5-1) is relatively unexposed and there should be more to come. Ignore the first outing this year as that was poor run but he had a lot to do that day on poor terms and for me the ground was unsuitable. Hoping for a better show today!

The First Classic of 2014



Photo by Getty Images

It is here the first classic of the flat season. This is why I love British racing, within a few weeks of it beginning we have two classics, then we’re often for the dante and Chester, awesome stuff! Today is a fantastic renewal and we also have the monstrous Scoop6 hovering above us, I have joined up with the #teamchoochoo team for a combined perm to see if we can win the big prize! Lets hope so! My dad bounced back last week on the blog with an impressive 9-1 selection in MY KINGDOM. Other than that it was a pretty drab affair, lets hope today brings some winners. Whatever happens it will certainly be a day to remember I reckon. I can’t remember a classic like this for a good few years with so much strength in depth and it should be a race to remember, and I think KINGMAN will take all the beating today. There will be no blog next Saturday as I’m at Warwick for the weekend and going to their evening meeting, can;t wait! Be lucky today everyone!

Here are my selections for the blog :

BURANO 1405 NEWMARKET (NAP) – (unplaced = -£5.00) I never really like napping short priced favourites for the blog as I try and find a bit of value! This horse really caught my eye when running behind GABRIEL’S KAKA at Newbury the other week. He came into the race coasting and never got the run he needed and was then eased to the line and finished a 4 and 3/4 length 8th. On the vast open ground at Newmarket if he approaches the last furlong or two with the same gusto he may burst through and score. He is we overdue a win and today could be his day.

KINGMAN 1550 NEWMARKET (NB) – (2nd – 6-4 = £0.93) This fella has to be on the blog. He has been so impressive in everything he has down so far and his victory at Newbury oozed class. I know there are concerns over the ground, but for me it can’t be that quick ands there were concerns from local trainers about them watering earlier in the week as it was good enough ground, especially at the bushes. They are just worried because of his chipped bone injury, but for me its still good ground and he will bound away in those famous silks! I cannot ignore OUTSTRIP who comes here on the back of a Breeders Cup win and is crazily priced at 25-1, he has to have an excellent each way chance.

KINGSGATE NATIVE 1440 NEWMARKET (TREBLE) – (2nd 12-1 = £7.50) this old stalwart returns again in a race I backed him in last year at 25-1. He renews his rvialry with his conqueror that day SOLE POWER and comes here rated a better horse than last year, credit to his trainer Robert Cowell for eking out improvement. He is superb when fresh, and when the ground rides faster, he unlike Kingman, could do with the ground a little faster. However the undulations and the up hill climb really suit his late bursts and he come where with another solid chance.

MAGIC CITY 1455 GOODWOOD – (unplaced = -£5.00) is back on his last winning mark and is unbeaten here at Goodwood and he is also unbeaten on downhill tracks. The style of course is obviously suited to his style and he has another cracking chance here at extending that unbeaten course record.

My Dad’s selections are

MOVIESTA 1440 NEWMARKET (unplaced = -£5.00)

OUR BOY JACK 1500 THIRSK (unplaced = -£5.00)

ABSOLUTELY SO 1455 GOODWOOD (WON = £9.37)

PAL OF THE CAT 1530 GOODWOOD (unplaced = -£5.00)

Current Standings

Father 7-9 Son

Profit

Father £62.41 Son £122.67

Sandown, Ripon and a Monster Scoop6



The curtain comes down on another fantastic jumps season. My favourite part of the season has to be HOLYWELL winning again at the Cheltenham festival. Love that horse! Probably every man and his dog are having a go at the Scoop6 today with the forecast jackpot, to pick 6 winners in itself is a miracle, never mind with 90 odd runners covering the races, more chance of winning there lottery, but someone has to, I hope its me, my family or one of you twitter friends! Good luck!

I went to Ripon racecourse in the Easter break for the first time, its a beautiful little course and the photo above is of ROUDEE winning the first at that meeting. I’m opting for a few selections again there this afternoon. The weather is key today and there has been a lot of rain, as I type the blog, Ripon reports as being on the slow side of good, Sandown – good to soft, good in places and Haydock good to firm! A right mixed bag! Looking forward to two weeks today as I will be in Warwick for my annual jaunt there!

Here are my selections for today, with my dad’s too, I’m currently whooping his ass! Whatever you select today good luck!

PEARL ICE 1450 RIPON (NAP) – (unplaced -£5.00) Looked a decent horse a few years ago and has disappointed a little bit to be fair. However he is a course and distance winner here on good to soft beating BECKERMET off 90. He also won at Doncaster over this distance on good to soft also off 90. Has raced off a high mark of 98 and has now dropped to an appealing mark of 92. He is well drawn and the visor may sharpen him up. I think he has a cracking chance here! I watched BARKSTON ASH win here the other week and he did it well and he is a danger despite his low draw.

POLLY PEACHUM 1625 SANDOWN (NB) – (2nd – 100/30 = £2.08)this mare ran a cracker again last week at Cheltenham and she has won me a good bit of money from here last two runs. The ground is key to her success so I’m slightly concerned on that front and advise caution here. However, a mare in form is always worth following and she has been raised 15lbs for her win at Cheltenham. I still think she has more to offer to be honest and Barry Geragty was very positive about her chances too in his blog.

CAESAR MILAN 1730 SANDOWN – (TREBLE) (3rd – 4-1 = £2.50) this is a cracking little race and some good horses running. L’UNIQUE may well have had his form boosted if POLLY PEACHUM goes in again and is a worthy top weight. However, my selection has been given some sharp rises by the handicapper and I think rightly so as he is a decent prospect. Two wins on heavy were impressive and the tongues tie really sorted him out. He ran really well back in a Grade 3 at here behind BRAVE VIC. Both DOCTOR HARPER and BROTHER BRIAN have gone on to win again from this race and my selection has been raised another 3 lbs to 134, the same mark BROTHER BRIAMN now has. He has to have a chance although I would have preferred the ground a bit softer.

STIFF UPPER LIP 1405 SANDOWN – (unplaced = -£5.00) won very easily in a novice event at Towcester on Sunday and interestingly is chucked back in here off the same mark. He also won very well at Newbury earlier in the year destroying the field on heavy ground. A versatile horse that could be on the up. Worth a punt at a good price seen as some of the more favoured horses have question marks against them.

As for the BET365 Gold cup I think ROALCO DES FARGES has a great chance, he was second in this to TIDAL BAY two years again off a pound lower and the Scottish National was too far for him. That said I have to chance my arm with my old favourite OPENING BATSMAN, he has ran like a pig all year and the trainer doesn’t know why as he shows all his ability at home. He has been given blinkers to day to hopefully sharpen him up and the increased distance will also help too. This guy has bags of class but hasn’t fancied it, interestingly Nick Scholfield rung up wanting the ride when Fehily got off! IF, and its a big IF he runs to his form when he beat ROLLING ACES last year he has a cracking chance. Co-incidently he is back down to the mark he won that race off!!

My Scoop6 selections are :

Leg 1 – STIFF UPPER LIP

Leg 2 – SIR REGINALD

Leg 3 – PEARL ICE

Leg 4 – YOURARTISONFIRE

Leg 5 – MOIDORE

Leg 6 – OPENING BATSMAN



My Dad’s selections today are :

KELTUS 1405 SANDOWN (unplaced = -£5.00)

ARKDIILY WITNESS 1550 SANDOWN (unplaced = -£5.00)

CAESAR MILAN 1730 SANDOWN (3rd 4-1 = £2.50)

MY KINGDOM 1655 DONCASTER (WON 9-1 = £28.12)

Current standings – FATHER 7-8 SON

Profit – FATHER £68.04 SON £124.24