Not a bad day with three out of four getting placed up on my search for each-way value - Poplin and Midnight Martini so nearly nicking wins.
I have a late fancy at Kempton in the 9.00, Primaeval. He hasn't done much of note this year following his impressive seasonal reappearance course and distance win but in first time visor tonight and dropping back down to a much more favourable weight a big run can be expected.
Be lucky
Thursday, 30 September 2010
Cambridgeshire Meeting - Day One
It's day one of the Cambridgeshire meeting and the Arc is on Sunday - lovely stuff. I am on the search for a little each-way value today and one that could run a big race against a short priced favourite is Ships Biscuit in the 3.10. Harris Tweed will be a short priced favourite but the Stoute trained Ships Biscuit will appreciate the drop to Listed class having put in a solid if not spectacular effort in the Group Two Park Hill Stakes and is one of the few with any sort of form at the distance.
I liked the way Poplin went about her business at Goodwood and a repeat performance would see the Cumani trained filly go close in the 2.35. Bred to get further next season I think the chestnut might be one to keep an eye on and she is worth an each-way investment today.
The 4.55 is a competitive handicap with several in with a chance but Midnight Martini has been running well this year in some decent races without getting her nose in front. The soft going shouldn't be a problem for the Tim Easterby filly and I fancy a big run today and she has every chance of finishing in the places; Angus Newz would be a danger if putting her best foot forward but she is not one to trust.
In the lucky last Kindest is in good heart, has form on the going and a recent course and distance win so is a tentative choice to finish in the first three.
Be lucky
I liked the way Poplin went about her business at Goodwood and a repeat performance would see the Cumani trained filly go close in the 2.35. Bred to get further next season I think the chestnut might be one to keep an eye on and she is worth an each-way investment today.
The 4.55 is a competitive handicap with several in with a chance but Midnight Martini has been running well this year in some decent races without getting her nose in front. The soft going shouldn't be a problem for the Tim Easterby filly and I fancy a big run today and she has every chance of finishing in the places; Angus Newz would be a danger if putting her best foot forward but she is not one to trust.
In the lucky last Kindest is in good heart, has form on the going and a recent course and distance win so is a tentative choice to finish in the first three.
Be lucky
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Lightning To Strike And A Game Of Charades
Chain Lightning has been beaten narrowly on his last two starts at Epsom and Newbury and the Hannon trained colt looks sure to mount another bold bid under the steering of Richard Hughes in the 2.00 at Salisbury
Up at Newcastle the Godolphin trained Parlour Games looks to have a good chance to open his account in the first. The chestnut colt looked a decent prospect on his debut at Yarmouth in the soft and should be good enough to take this Maiden Stakes.
Be lucky
Up at Newcastle the Godolphin trained Parlour Games looks to have a good chance to open his account in the first. The chestnut colt looked a decent prospect on his debut at Yarmouth in the soft and should be good enough to take this Maiden Stakes.
Be lucky
Wednesday News Round-Up
Christophe Lemaire will ride favourite Behkabad in the Arc Sunday with Gerald Mosse taking the mount on Sarafina. All the major runners are still in at this stage including Fame And Glory, Planteur and Workforce leaving twenty-six runners in at this stage. The going is likely to stay soft with more rain expected over the next couple of days.
Elsewhere disappointing news as it has been announced that Memory will miss Fridays Adnams Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket after scoping badly on Wednesday morning and won't been seen again now until next season.
Two-year-old star colt Zebedee has been sold to stand at stud. Winner of the Group Two Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster and the Group Three Molecomb at Goodwood has been retired and will stand in Ireland next year; it is a shame we won't get to see how he developed but no doubt a lot of cash was on offer and the colt was an out and out sprinter and unlikely to contend for the Classics.
Over in the States the great Rachel Alexandra has been retired after a disappointing season following on from her horse of the year campaign as a three-year-old.
Some good news; there is still the chance we might get to see Canford Cliffs again this season with a possible tilt at the Breeders Cup Mile being considered by connections.
Elsewhere disappointing news as it has been announced that Memory will miss Fridays Adnams Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket after scoping badly on Wednesday morning and won't been seen again now until next season.
Two-year-old star colt Zebedee has been sold to stand at stud. Winner of the Group Two Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster and the Group Three Molecomb at Goodwood has been retired and will stand in Ireland next year; it is a shame we won't get to see how he developed but no doubt a lot of cash was on offer and the colt was an out and out sprinter and unlikely to contend for the Classics.
Over in the States the great Rachel Alexandra has been retired after a disappointing season following on from her horse of the year campaign as a three-year-old.
Some good news; there is still the chance we might get to see Canford Cliffs again this season with a possible tilt at the Breeders Cup Mile being considered by connections.
Monday, 27 September 2010
Ascot Review
I didn't have as good a day at Ascot as Mr Dettori did with his four winners, at his best on Poets Voice in the QEII, but award for the most eye catching display of the day had to go to the other Frank - Frankel in the Royal Lodge Stakes. At lot has been made of the run already and the colt is now as short as 2-1 for next years 2000 Guineas. A ten length win is always impressive but it was the way in which the colt did it that really caught the eye, he eased away from his rivals incredibly easily and Tom Queally will never have an easier ride in a Group race.
White Moonstone had to work considerably harder to keep her unbeaten record but she held off the challengers to take the Meon Valley Stud Fillies Mile.
White Moonstone had to work considerably harder to keep her unbeaten record but she held off the challengers to take the Meon Valley Stud Fillies Mile.
Saturday, 25 September 2010
QEII Stakes Day
A beautiful if slightly chilly morning for it and some great horses are out to play today.
At Ascot we have three odds-on shots and I personally can't see them getting beat - Frankel and White Moonstone both look top class prospects and can be expected to win today on their way to bigger things. Makfi is top class, as is Rip Van Winkle, and in the absence of the great Canford Cliffs I fancy the Delzangles trained colt can take the big one in a ding dong battle with the Coolmore colt. A treble will be invested. In the 5.25 I like the look of Atlantic Tiger the Johnston trained colt is pretty consistent and I think the step up to two miles is going to suit.
Godolphin have sent Powerful Melody up to Chester for the 5.45 one mile six furlong handicap. The colt has obviously had some problems but is unbeaten in two starts and is expected to make that a hat-trick today.
Be lucky
At Ascot we have three odds-on shots and I personally can't see them getting beat - Frankel and White Moonstone both look top class prospects and can be expected to win today on their way to bigger things. Makfi is top class, as is Rip Van Winkle, and in the absence of the great Canford Cliffs I fancy the Delzangles trained colt can take the big one in a ding dong battle with the Coolmore colt. A treble will be invested. In the 5.25 I like the look of Atlantic Tiger the Johnston trained colt is pretty consistent and I think the step up to two miles is going to suit.
Godolphin have sent Powerful Melody up to Chester for the 5.45 one mile six furlong handicap. The colt has obviously had some problems but is unbeaten in two starts and is expected to make that a hat-trick today.
Be lucky
Friday, 24 September 2010
Ascot
I spoke of my admiration for Dyna Waltz back in May following the Lingfield Oaks Trials and backed her on her reappearance in the Park Hill Stakes at Doncaster where she disappointed weakening over two furlongs out on her return from injury. Back in distance to a mile and a half and racing in Listed company today the filly has an each way chance at 14-1 if back to her best now.
Be lucky
Be lucky
2011 Fixtures Announced - British Champions Series
Next year's racing fixture list is set to include the richest meeting in British history it was announced on Friday, but is it good news?
Over three million pound in prize money will be up for grabs on a card that will feature the Champion Stakes, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Diadem Stakes, Jockey Club Cup, Pride Stakes and an as yet unnamed high-profile handicap. The fixture will be the culmination of the new ‘British Champions Series’ running from the 2000 Guineas meeting in April to the Ascot meeting in September with five different ‘Championships’ – Sprint, Mile, Middle Distance, Long Distance and Fillies & Mares.
The new Series has required some races to switch tracks with the Champion Stakes moving from Newmarket to Ascot being the most controversial.
There is no doubt that the facilities at Ascot are some of the best in the world and the meeting will supply some wonderful sport but Sir Peter O’Sullevan is one of many racing luminaries accusing the racing authorities of change for the sake of change and it remains to be seen just how popular the new British Champions' Series, and the moving of the Champion Stakes, will be.
A recent poll on the Racing Post website resulted in 85% of respondents coming down against the idea of moving the Champion Stakes from Newmarket. It does appear that we are seeing another Racing For Change idea being pushed through regardless of what the racing public, trainers and owners want.
Karl Oliver Chief Executive of the newly formed British Champions' Series Limited (BCS Ltd), formed to run the new series, is reported to have said "British racing is the best in the world, but we need to give our sport a major new platform to compete for the public's attention. Britain's richest-ever day of racing is the opportunity to attract the very best British and overseas horses to compete at our top international racecourse. It can be the autumn climax that British racing deserves."
Fair enough, but with the Champion Stakes still two weeks after the Arc weekend and only three or four weeks before the Breeders Cup meeting in the States, are we likely to see more top class thoroughbreds at Ascot or less as trainers and owners in Britain and abroad are forced to decide which one of the big meetings they will aim their charge at? Surely a tilt at the Arc and the Champion Stakes for example is still as unlikely now as it ever was.
It seems to me we may very well be seeing one of the great races of the season being devalued for the sake of a marketing exercise. Is a ‘Champions Series’ likely to encourage the non-racing public to attend more meetings? I personally doubt it as there is every chance they will feel even less involved in the sport than the occasional visitor does now. It is highly unlikely that the general public will be aware of which horse is ‘leading’ in any given Championship category if they are even aware of the Championship at all.
I fear the new British Champions' Day may well turn into a mini Royal Ascot with as many people attending just to be seen at the event as to enjoy the sport on display. It may earn a few more quid for the marketing people but I fear ultimately it will not improve horseracing in anyway and surely that should always be the reason for change - improvement.
Over three million pound in prize money will be up for grabs on a card that will feature the Champion Stakes, the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Diadem Stakes, Jockey Club Cup, Pride Stakes and an as yet unnamed high-profile handicap. The fixture will be the culmination of the new ‘British Champions Series’ running from the 2000 Guineas meeting in April to the Ascot meeting in September with five different ‘Championships’ – Sprint, Mile, Middle Distance, Long Distance and Fillies & Mares.
The new Series has required some races to switch tracks with the Champion Stakes moving from Newmarket to Ascot being the most controversial.
There is no doubt that the facilities at Ascot are some of the best in the world and the meeting will supply some wonderful sport but Sir Peter O’Sullevan is one of many racing luminaries accusing the racing authorities of change for the sake of change and it remains to be seen just how popular the new British Champions' Series, and the moving of the Champion Stakes, will be.
A recent poll on the Racing Post website resulted in 85% of respondents coming down against the idea of moving the Champion Stakes from Newmarket. It does appear that we are seeing another Racing For Change idea being pushed through regardless of what the racing public, trainers and owners want.
Karl Oliver Chief Executive of the newly formed British Champions' Series Limited (BCS Ltd), formed to run the new series, is reported to have said "British racing is the best in the world, but we need to give our sport a major new platform to compete for the public's attention. Britain's richest-ever day of racing is the opportunity to attract the very best British and overseas horses to compete at our top international racecourse. It can be the autumn climax that British racing deserves."
Fair enough, but with the Champion Stakes still two weeks after the Arc weekend and only three or four weeks before the Breeders Cup meeting in the States, are we likely to see more top class thoroughbreds at Ascot or less as trainers and owners in Britain and abroad are forced to decide which one of the big meetings they will aim their charge at? Surely a tilt at the Arc and the Champion Stakes for example is still as unlikely now as it ever was.
It seems to me we may very well be seeing one of the great races of the season being devalued for the sake of a marketing exercise. Is a ‘Champions Series’ likely to encourage the non-racing public to attend more meetings? I personally doubt it as there is every chance they will feel even less involved in the sport than the occasional visitor does now. It is highly unlikely that the general public will be aware of which horse is ‘leading’ in any given Championship category if they are even aware of the Championship at all.
I fear the new British Champions' Day may well turn into a mini Royal Ascot with as many people attending just to be seen at the event as to enjoy the sport on display. It may earn a few more quid for the marketing people but I fear ultimately it will not improve horseracing in anyway and surely that should always be the reason for change - improvement.
Potential Stars – Update
Helleborine took her third victory in as many starts over at Longchamp on the 9th September in the Group 3 Prix d’Aumale and is now as short as 8-1 for next years 1000 Guineas.
As for my other ante-post punts, Memory is now as big as 12-1 after her defeat in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh. Strong Suit has been a drifter in the 2000 Guineas market and is generally 10-1 following defeat in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, with Janood following the trend of my ante-post bets getting beat in the Emerald Isle, being available as big as 25-1 in places following his poor run at the Curragh earlier this month.
With some big meetings coming up, not least Ascot on Saturday, we shall know more about the possible future Classic winners over the next few weeks.
As for my other ante-post punts, Memory is now as big as 12-1 after her defeat in the Moyglare Stud Stakes at the Curragh. Strong Suit has been a drifter in the 2000 Guineas market and is generally 10-1 following defeat in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh, with Janood following the trend of my ante-post bets getting beat in the Emerald Isle, being available as big as 25-1 in places following his poor run at the Curragh earlier this month.
With some big meetings coming up, not least Ascot on Saturday, we shall know more about the possible future Classic winners over the next few weeks.
Ante-Post Bets - Update
2000 Guineas
Strong Suit 5-1
Janood 20-1
1000 Guineas
Memory 8-1
Helleborine 20-1
Thursday, 23 September 2010
Ascot News Round-Up
Terrible news that Canford Cliffs scoped badly this morning (Thursday) and will now miss the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Saturday as it promised to be a great race with Makfi and Rip Van Winkle in opposition; Poets Voice has been supplemented by Godolphin.
In other news it looks as though Henry Cecil's nice two-year-old Frankel (half brother to Bullet Train) will face just the five rivals in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes at Ascot on the same card as the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Also on Saturday, on what promises to be a great days racing, White Moonstone and Theysken's Theory, two of the jollys for next years 1000 Guineas, are due to go to post for the Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile.
In other news it looks as though Henry Cecil's nice two-year-old Frankel (half brother to Bullet Train) will face just the five rivals in the Juddmonte Royal Lodge Stakes at Ascot on the same card as the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes. Also on Saturday, on what promises to be a great days racing, White Moonstone and Theysken's Theory, two of the jollys for next years 1000 Guineas, are due to go to post for the Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile.
The Thursday Titter II
This Newmarket horse breeder had a two-year-old filly that won every race in which she was entered, but as she got older she became very temperamental.
By the time she was five he found that when he raced her in the evening, she would win handily, but when she raced during the day she would come in dead last. He consulted the top veterinarians and horse psychologists all to no avail. He finally had turned to a horse whisperer.
The whisperer spent days with the beast, going on long walks everyday and sleeping in the stable every night.
After a week the breeder asked ‘What is it with her, what’s the problem?’
The horse whisperer looked him in the eye and replied ‘What can I tell you, she has turned into a real night mare.’
By the time she was five he found that when he raced her in the evening, she would win handily, but when she raced during the day she would come in dead last. He consulted the top veterinarians and horse psychologists all to no avail. He finally had turned to a horse whisperer.
The whisperer spent days with the beast, going on long walks everyday and sleeping in the stable every night.
After a week the breeder asked ‘What is it with her, what’s the problem?’
The horse whisperer looked him in the eye and replied ‘What can I tell you, she has turned into a real night mare.’
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Train Gets Derailed
Not a good day down at Goodwood. Bullet Train ran poorly with the alarm bells starting to ring fully three furlongs out. The colt was carrying his head awkwardly and weakened badly in the final furlong; he does not look one to place much trust in anymore I fear. To top off a poor day Sea Change was third beaten about a length and three quarters.
I am off for a beer.
I am off for a beer.
Let The Train Take The Strain
Another beautiful day breaks over Englands green and pleasant land and we have some decent racing to get involved with down a Goodwood today.
The big question of the day for me is can I give Bullet Train another chance. The Sadlers Wells colt lines up in the 3.45 and if returning to the form that saw him win the Lingfield Derby Trial he should be good enough to take this Listed contest but he has been disappointing since. There has been a little bit of money for him this morning and I will be having a small investment myself.
Sea Change was an easy winner at Lingfield last week and can follow up in the 4.20 despite the 6lb penalty.
The two two-year-old heats are best watched for possible future pointers with Sud Pacifique being odds-on in the 2.35. The three other handicaps on card are best left alone now that the promising Dhaamer has been withdrawn from the 4.55 as a case can be made for four or five in each heat.
Be lucky
The big question of the day for me is can I give Bullet Train another chance. The Sadlers Wells colt lines up in the 3.45 and if returning to the form that saw him win the Lingfield Derby Trial he should be good enough to take this Listed contest but he has been disappointing since. There has been a little bit of money for him this morning and I will be having a small investment myself.
Sea Change was an easy winner at Lingfield last week and can follow up in the 4.20 despite the 6lb penalty.
The two two-year-old heats are best watched for possible future pointers with Sud Pacifique being odds-on in the 2.35. The three other handicaps on card are best left alone now that the promising Dhaamer has been withdrawn from the 4.55 as a case can be made for four or five in each heat.
Be lucky
Tuesday, 21 September 2010
Who's The Daddy VII
My little Who’s The Daddy feature hasn’t been seen since early August but the exploits of the filly Hooray in winning the totepool Sirenia Stakes at Kempton earlier in the month in a two-year-old track record time, following her win in the Jaguar Cars Lowther Stakes at York in August, had me reaching for the pedigree records to take a look at her sire Invincible Spirit.
Standing at the Irish National Stud the stallion has sired 17 Group winners and 23 Listed winners to date with Group One winners Fleeting Spirit, Lawman and Vale Of York being arguably his best progeny. He has a good record with two-year-olds often training on well, Allied powers and Glamorous Spirit being two older winners this season. As well as the filly Hooray Invincible Spirit of course also has the much touted two-year-old colt Zebedee showcasing his talents as a sire in the juvenile ranks.
Standing at the Irish National Stud the stallion has sired 17 Group winners and 23 Listed winners to date with Group One winners Fleeting Spirit, Lawman and Vale Of York being arguably his best progeny. He has a good record with two-year-olds often training on well, Allied powers and Glamorous Spirit being two older winners this season. As well as the filly Hooray Invincible Spirit of course also has the much touted two-year-old colt Zebedee showcasing his talents as a sire in the juvenile ranks.
Monday, 20 September 2010
A Quiet Start
A quiet start to the week with not very much to get the teeth in to unless of course you happen to know a friendly bookmaker with a direct line to the Pakistan dressing room - how crazy is this tour becoming?
Some half decent stuff and Goodwood midweek and of course we have Ascot on Friday so I will be keeping the powder dry for a couple of days.
Some half decent stuff and Goodwood midweek and of course we have Ascot on Friday so I will be keeping the powder dry for a couple of days.
Saturday, 18 September 2010
Dubai Duty Free Day
Another lovely morning dawns over Girdy Towers with some terrific racing to look forward to.
I am leaving the Ayr Gold Cup alone as I ca make a case for about ten of the beasts lining up. At Newbury we have the Dubai Duty Free Stakes and I think Thin Red Line has a big each way chance and is weighted to reverse the Doncaster form with Senate.
Up at Ayr I do like the look of one and it is Barefoot Lady in the Firth Of Clyde Stakes. I liked the way she went about her business at Doncaster last time and the Fahey - Hanagan combination are on fire at the moment.
Be lucky
I am leaving the Ayr Gold Cup alone as I ca make a case for about ten of the beasts lining up. At Newbury we have the Dubai Duty Free Stakes and I think Thin Red Line has a big each way chance and is weighted to reverse the Doncaster form with Senate.
Up at Ayr I do like the look of one and it is Barefoot Lady in the Firth Of Clyde Stakes. I liked the way she went about her business at Doncaster last time and the Fahey - Hanagan combination are on fire at the moment.
Be lucky
Friday, 17 September 2010
Friday Review
Always traveling well Delegator made the perfect return to these shores by taking the victory in the Dubai Duty Free Cup at Newbury. Awzaan and Sir Gerry made a battle of it but in the hands of Ted Durcan the Godolphin colt prevailed at 3-1.
Rainbow Peak followed Dangerous Midge home in the Dubai Duty Free Arc Trial to finish second but truth be told never looked like troubling the winner who had kicked for home a the furlong pole and won comfortably.
Up at Ayr I had another second when Krypton Factor was beaten a neck in a tight finish with Arctic Feeling, with Paul Hanagan inspired in the saddle aboard the winner.
A winning day is a winning day - time for a pint
Rainbow Peak followed Dangerous Midge home in the Dubai Duty Free Arc Trial to finish second but truth be told never looked like troubling the winner who had kicked for home a the furlong pole and won comfortably.
Up at Ayr I had another second when Krypton Factor was beaten a neck in a tight finish with Arctic Feeling, with Paul Hanagan inspired in the saddle aboard the winner.
A winning day is a winning day - time for a pint
Newbury, Newmarket & Ayr
Beautiful morning and some nice racing at Newbury, Newmarket and Ayr this afternoon. In the Dubai Duty Free Arc Trial, Group Three, Rainbow Peak has a good chance to strengthen his reputation. The gelding is in many ways unlucky not to be unbeaten in all his six starts to date and he gets a handy 7lb from Campanologist with the Godolphin colt having the burden a Group One penalty for his exploits in Germany. A bet on Rainbow Peak with a little saver forecast will be the way to go.
In the Dubai Duty Free Cup, Listed, we have one of the leading three-year-olds of 2009 the returning Delegator. In chasing home the likes of Sea The Stars and Mastercraftsman the Godolphin colt was second in last years 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes. The 314 day absence is a bit of a worry but the 3-1 on offer with Ladbrokes this morning is a big price if the boys in blue have him anywhere near peak fitness for his seasonal reappearance.
Up at Ayr we have the Zenith Ltd Refurbishment Specialists Harry Rosebery Stakes (For The South Ayrshire Cup), Listed – don’t you just love these catchy race names. It is a tricky little heat for two-year-olds but Sir Mark Prescott appears to have been working his magic again with Krypton Factor and I wouldn’t bet against Seb Sanders steering the gelding home for his fourth consecutive victory.
Elsewhere it is a day to have the notebook on hand at Newmarket with eight two-year-old races to take a look at.
Be lucky
In the Dubai Duty Free Cup, Listed, we have one of the leading three-year-olds of 2009 the returning Delegator. In chasing home the likes of Sea The Stars and Mastercraftsman the Godolphin colt was second in last years 2000 Guineas and St James’s Palace Stakes. The 314 day absence is a bit of a worry but the 3-1 on offer with Ladbrokes this morning is a big price if the boys in blue have him anywhere near peak fitness for his seasonal reappearance.
Up at Ayr we have the Zenith Ltd Refurbishment Specialists Harry Rosebery Stakes (For The South Ayrshire Cup), Listed – don’t you just love these catchy race names. It is a tricky little heat for two-year-olds but Sir Mark Prescott appears to have been working his magic again with Krypton Factor and I wouldn’t bet against Seb Sanders steering the gelding home for his fourth consecutive victory.
Elsewhere it is a day to have the notebook on hand at Newmarket with eight two-year-old races to take a look at.
Be lucky
Thursday, 16 September 2010
Ayr Gold Cup Draw
The draw for The Ayr Gold Cup has been made with most of the trainers opting for high draws where possible. Henry Candy and Dandy Nicholls certainly seem to think high is best with Candy choosing stall 22 for his charge Signor Peltro and Nicholls having chosen high for all his five entrants the lowest being Redford in stall 17.
Richard Fahey is quoted as having said "I was thinking before I wanted to be low really, but everybody seemed to want to go high. It will be interesting to see what happens but there is not a lot in it."
All the major ante-post fancies have stood their ground with current jolly Poets Place coming out of stall 12, Barney McGrew and Kaldoun Kingdom will carry joint-top weight.
Richard Fahey is quoted as having said "I was thinking before I wanted to be low really, but everybody seemed to want to go high. It will be interesting to see what happens but there is not a lot in it."
All the major ante-post fancies have stood their ground with current jolly Poets Place coming out of stall 12, Barney McGrew and Kaldoun Kingdom will carry joint-top weight.
The Thursday Titter
Paddy and his two friends are talking at work. His first friend says: "I think my wife is having an affair with the electrician. The other day I came home and found wire cutters under our bed and they weren't mine."
His second friend says: "I think my wife is having an affair with the plumber the other day I found a wrench under the bed and it wasn't mine."
Paddy says: "I think my wife is having an affair with a horse."
Both his friends look at him with utter disbelief.
"No I'm serious. The other day I came home and found a jockey under our bed."
As you may of gathered from the little joke above it is a fairly quiet day on the racing front with nothing much to get the teeth into but punters have been busy looking at the markets for both the Cambridgeshire on Saturday October 2nd and the Cesarewitch on Champions Day, October 16th, both of course at Newmarket.
Elsewhere Prince Khalid Abdullah has things to consider with the Sir Michael Stoute trained Workforce having a reported workout but as yet no decision having been made on where next for the Derby winner. Henry Cecil's exciting unbeaten juvenile Frankel, under the ownership of the Prince also, appears to have his immediate future more set out with the Juddmonte Royal Lodge and then the Racing Post Trophy being the most likely end to the colts two-year-old campaign.
His second friend says: "I think my wife is having an affair with the plumber the other day I found a wrench under the bed and it wasn't mine."
Paddy says: "I think my wife is having an affair with a horse."
Both his friends look at him with utter disbelief.
"No I'm serious. The other day I came home and found a jockey under our bed."
As you may of gathered from the little joke above it is a fairly quiet day on the racing front with nothing much to get the teeth into but punters have been busy looking at the markets for both the Cambridgeshire on Saturday October 2nd and the Cesarewitch on Champions Day, October 16th, both of course at Newmarket.
Elsewhere Prince Khalid Abdullah has things to consider with the Sir Michael Stoute trained Workforce having a reported workout but as yet no decision having been made on where next for the Derby winner. Henry Cecil's exciting unbeaten juvenile Frankel, under the ownership of the Prince also, appears to have his immediate future more set out with the Juddmonte Royal Lodge and then the Racing Post Trophy being the most likely end to the colts two-year-old campaign.
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
Wednesday News Round-Up
Pentinent kept on gamely in the Fortune Stakes, Listed, at Sandown this afternoon in the manor of a game horse to add to his Lincoln win back in March. He looks one to follow as the ground softens in the autumn at around a mile.
Betting on the Cesarewitch was thrown into confusion with the withdrawal of ante-post favourite Motrice today, Admiral Barry is now the jolly priced at anything between 8-1 (Ladbrokes) and 12-1 (Paddy Power) at the time of writing.
Looking forward to the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday, where it is reported that the ground is softening a little, Ted Durcan takes the ride on Hawkeyethenoo for Jim Goldie and connections of Genki are hoping for a good showing on what is a weight effectively 8lb lower than the colt will be running off on the future.
It is also reported that Ed Dunlop is keeping the options open for the nice two-year-old Native Khan. Winner of the Solario Stakes at Sandown his next race could be one of the Royal Lodge, the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere or the Dewhurst according to reports. Apparently the trainer would not consider running the colt should it come up soft.
Betting on the Cesarewitch was thrown into confusion with the withdrawal of ante-post favourite Motrice today, Admiral Barry is now the jolly priced at anything between 8-1 (Ladbrokes) and 12-1 (Paddy Power) at the time of writing.
Looking forward to the Ayr Gold Cup on Saturday, where it is reported that the ground is softening a little, Ted Durcan takes the ride on Hawkeyethenoo for Jim Goldie and connections of Genki are hoping for a good showing on what is a weight effectively 8lb lower than the colt will be running off on the future.
It is also reported that Ed Dunlop is keeping the options open for the nice two-year-old Native Khan. Winner of the Solario Stakes at Sandown his next race could be one of the Royal Lodge, the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere or the Dewhurst according to reports. Apparently the trainer would not consider running the colt should it come up soft.
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
Weekend Catch Up, Blenheim and Polocrosse
Not a bad day Friday with a couple of winners in Zebedee and White Moonstone with Jedi getting ever closer finishing this time in second place – still convinced he will pick up a handicap at some point this season. Unfortunately I got the two St. Legers wrong with Rewilding and Kite Wood finishing down the field at Doncaster and the Curragh respectively.
As I mentioned on Friday I have spent the weekend in Woodstock, Oxforshire at the Blenheim Horse Trials and was treated to some top class Cross Country and Show Jumping, the overall winner being William Fox-Pitt on Parklane Hawk . Whilst I was there I was introduced to Polocrosse, a wonderful sport with some breathtaking riding skills on show. Deatils can be found on the United Kingdom Polocrosse Association website - it is well worth a watch should you ever get the chance to catch a chukka or two.
As I mentioned on Friday I have spent the weekend in Woodstock, Oxforshire at the Blenheim Horse Trials and was treated to some top class Cross Country and Show Jumping, the overall winner being William Fox-Pitt on Parklane Hawk . Whilst I was there I was introduced to Polocrosse, a wonderful sport with some breathtaking riding skills on show. Deatils can be found on the United Kingdom Polocrosse Association website - it is well worth a watch should you ever get the chance to catch a chukka or two.
Friday, 10 September 2010
Leger Festival - Day Three & Four/Blenheim Horse Trials
Another in and out day at Doncaster but I broke level with Wootton Bassett winning at 2-1. The bay had to battle to continue his unbeaten run having briefly been headed inside the final furlong; he is looking like a very good horse.
Audacious so nearly stole the each way money taking it up two out, but a bold bid ended in defeat as the colt ran out of steam and finished just out of the money in fourth. Dyna Waltz appeared to be going well for a long way but weakened quickly two furlongs out and ultimately finished last.
And so to Friday and a bit of a dilemma. I have tipped Meow, Zebedee and Dinkum Diamond on this site this season and all three line up in the Flying Childers Stakes, Group Two, 1.35. My preference is for Zebedee as the colt is in fine form and has won on good-soft, a small saver will be invested on Meow as the weight allowance for fillys could prove significant. Dinkum Diamond has been tried at the top level and the slight drop in class could see the Diamond shine and Iwouldn't put anyone off backing him each way.
One of my favourite handicapers Jedi takes his place in the 2.05. The Stoute trained gelding has been running well this year and I tipped him at Chester last time out where he finished third. He will win a handicap like this at some stage this year and I am sticking with him today.
White Moonstone puts her unbeaten run on the line in the May Hill Stakes, 3.15. She will be a short price but I strongly believe Godolphin have themselves a nice little filly on their hands.
As for the rest of the weekend the money is already down for Rewilding in the St. Leger on Saturday and I will probably give Kite Wood one last chance in the Irish St. Leger over in the Emerald Isle.
I am at the Blenheim Horse Trials over the weekend enjoying the Show Jumping, Cross Country and hospitality of several of the local watering holes in Woodstock - I am always impressed with the skills of the riders and the bravery and trust displayed by the horses as they tackle the varied challenges of the Cross Country course. As someone once said to me as a younger (and much lighter) lad learning to ride up at Havering-Atte-Bower stables - 'Riding is the art of keeping a horse between you and the ground.'
Be lucky
Audacious so nearly stole the each way money taking it up two out, but a bold bid ended in defeat as the colt ran out of steam and finished just out of the money in fourth. Dyna Waltz appeared to be going well for a long way but weakened quickly two furlongs out and ultimately finished last.
And so to Friday and a bit of a dilemma. I have tipped Meow, Zebedee and Dinkum Diamond on this site this season and all three line up in the Flying Childers Stakes, Group Two, 1.35. My preference is for Zebedee as the colt is in fine form and has won on good-soft, a small saver will be invested on Meow as the weight allowance for fillys could prove significant. Dinkum Diamond has been tried at the top level and the slight drop in class could see the Diamond shine and Iwouldn't put anyone off backing him each way.
One of my favourite handicapers Jedi takes his place in the 2.05. The Stoute trained gelding has been running well this year and I tipped him at Chester last time out where he finished third. He will win a handicap like this at some stage this year and I am sticking with him today.
White Moonstone puts her unbeaten run on the line in the May Hill Stakes, 3.15. She will be a short price but I strongly believe Godolphin have themselves a nice little filly on their hands.
As for the rest of the weekend the money is already down for Rewilding in the St. Leger on Saturday and I will probably give Kite Wood one last chance in the Irish St. Leger over in the Emerald Isle.
I am at the Blenheim Horse Trials over the weekend enjoying the Show Jumping, Cross Country and hospitality of several of the local watering holes in Woodstock - I am always impressed with the skills of the riders and the bravery and trust displayed by the horses as they tackle the varied challenges of the Cross Country course. As someone once said to me as a younger (and much lighter) lad learning to ride up at Havering-Atte-Bower stables - 'Riding is the art of keeping a horse between you and the ground.'
Be lucky
Thursday, 9 September 2010
Leger Festival - Day Two
Mediocre start to the Leger meeting yesterday. Having ploughed a lone furrow on the stands side for the first three furlongs Dubawi Gold stayed on at the same pace inside final furlong and was beat about a length and a half. To my eye it looks as if a little further might be the answer. Enabling duly obliged at odds-on over at Epsom taking it up at the three furlong marker and kicking clear at the two pole to win by a comfortable three and a quarter lengths. Odds-on shots aren’t going to make you a rich man though so here’s hoping I can find a better priced beast this afternoon.
At Doncaster today Audacious has an each way chance in the first race running for the Queen. The Motivator colt showed some promise on his debut though he did run green for most of the race and the slightly longer trip might help.
Unbeaten Wootton Bassett lines up in the 3.10 and should be able to continue his unbeaten run. He will be a short enough price for a sprint but had three of these behind at York and is the one they have to beat.
I spoke of my admiration for Dyna Waltz back in May following the Lingfield Oaks Trials and of my disappointment at her injury. I have been waiting for her return since so she must be the bet in the 3.45. Hopefully the Gosden trained filly will get the extra distance and she is still open to improvement if all is well following her four months on the sidelines.
Be lucky
At Doncaster today Audacious has an each way chance in the first race running for the Queen. The Motivator colt showed some promise on his debut though he did run green for most of the race and the slightly longer trip might help.
Unbeaten Wootton Bassett lines up in the 3.10 and should be able to continue his unbeaten run. He will be a short enough price for a sprint but had three of these behind at York and is the one they have to beat.
I spoke of my admiration for Dyna Waltz back in May following the Lingfield Oaks Trials and of my disappointment at her injury. I have been waiting for her return since so she must be the bet in the 3.45. Hopefully the Gosden trained filly will get the extra distance and she is still open to improvement if all is well following her four months on the sidelines.
Be lucky
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Leger Festival - Day One
Bit of a damp and dreary day for the start of the Leger Festival, hopefully I can find a winner or two and lift the mood.
I tipped Dubawi Gold in the Woodcote Stakes on Derby day where he finished a credible second. He has looked a little out of his depth the last twice in Group Two company, visibly eased by Fallon when his chance had gone over one furling out at York in August. The drop in class for the Conditions Stakes at Doncaster in the 2.35 could see the Dubawi colt back to winning ways today.
Over at Epsom Ryan Moore has a couple of rides and I like the look of Enabling in the 2.45. The High Chaparral colt has posted three promising efforts so far, improving each time, and he should be able to register his first win today.
Be lucky
I tipped Dubawi Gold in the Woodcote Stakes on Derby day where he finished a credible second. He has looked a little out of his depth the last twice in Group Two company, visibly eased by Fallon when his chance had gone over one furling out at York in August. The drop in class for the Conditions Stakes at Doncaster in the 2.35 could see the Dubawi colt back to winning ways today.
Over at Epsom Ryan Moore has a couple of rides and I like the look of Enabling in the 2.45. The High Chaparral colt has posted three promising efforts so far, improving each time, and he should be able to register his first win today.
Be lucky
Monday, 6 September 2010
Weekend Of Near Misses
Close but no cigar at the weekend. So very nearly got the O’Brien treble home Lillie Langtry having got it off to a nice start and even though Cape Blanco beat Rip van Winkle it would have still counted but Starspangledbanner let me down; I can’t really complain about that horse as it owes me nothing.
Elsewhere I had a bit of seconditus with Secrecy and Measuring Time both finding one too good for them in their respective races.
Bit of a slow start to the week building to the big meetings at Doncaster and the Curragh at the weekend where it looks as though there should be a couple of decent bets to be had.
Elsewhere I had a bit of seconditus with Secrecy and Measuring Time both finding one too good for them in their respective races.
Bit of a slow start to the week building to the big meetings at Doncaster and the Curragh at the weekend where it looks as though there should be a couple of decent bets to be had.
Saturday, 4 September 2010
Secretly Waiting On Time
I talked of the O'Brien treble on Thursday and the bet is on, Lillie Langtry, Starspangledbanner and Rip Van Winkle. I have had the small saver on Music Show.
I have also had a little double of Secrecy in the 2.00 at Haydock, I am not convinced Awzaan is the same horse we saw last year and the Godolphin beast looks to be improving, and Measuring Time in the 4.45 at the same track. The Hannon two-year-old went close in a Group Three last time and should be capable of winning this Listed contest.
Be lucky
I have also had a little double of Secrecy in the 2.00 at Haydock, I am not convinced Awzaan is the same horse we saw last year and the Godolphin beast looks to be improving, and Measuring Time in the 4.45 at the same track. The Hannon two-year-old went close in a Group Three last time and should be capable of winning this Listed contest.
Be lucky
Friday, 3 September 2010
Fearless At Lingfield
Bit of a late note today. I have been looking and looking and I can't get away from Fear Nothing in the 2.50 Lingfield. The chestnut gelding has proved expensive to follow and got turned over at odds-on last time but surely he has nothing to fear today.
Be lucky
Be lucky
Thursday, 2 September 2010
O'Brien Saturday Group One Treble
I don't usually get involved with bookmaker 'specials' but I have taken a bit of the 14-1 treble Stan James are offering that Aidan O'Brien makes a clean sweep of all three of Saturday's Group One races.
The trainer has 7-4 shot Starspangledbanner in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock and odds-on jolly Rip Van Winkle as well as Cape Blanco and Beethoven in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. The bet kicks off with the weakest link of the the three at 2.40 with Lillie Langtry taking on Music Show in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown. I personally believe the two are very closely matched and a little saver on Music Show, who I have been following all season, shall be invested just in case.
Here's hoping Irish eyes are smiling come Saturday evening.
Be lucky
The trainer has 7-4 shot Starspangledbanner in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock and odds-on jolly Rip Van Winkle as well as Cape Blanco and Beethoven in the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown. The bet kicks off with the weakest link of the the three at 2.40 with Lillie Langtry taking on Music Show in the Matron Stakes at Leopardstown. I personally believe the two are very closely matched and a little saver on Music Show, who I have been following all season, shall be invested just in case.
Here's hoping Irish eyes are smiling come Saturday evening.
Be lucky
Sprinting, Dieting And A Bit Of An Improver!
Scanning the news today a couple of stories caught the eye.
First of all Golden Jubilee Stakes and July Cup winner Starspangledbanner is expected to line up at Haydock on Saturday for the Betfred Sprint Cup, a final decision on his participation will be made early today (Thursday).
It has been announced that the BHA are looking to implement a rule change limiting overweight to 3lb – that’s my chance of a spare ride ruined then!
The new rule will apply to Flat and Jump racing, and to professional and amateur jockeys alike and will finally bring Britain into line with most of the major racing nations across the globe. Under the new rules a jockey who is more than 3lb overweight at the time of weighing out will be replaced by a rider of similar status. A final decision on when to implement the ruling is expected later this month, with October 1st 2010 looking to be the most likely starting date. Best I get down the sauna.
I also noted that the massive gamble on Am I Blue winner of the Wyvern Ices Handicap Hurdle on Wednesday at Hereford is to be investigated. The beast was backed from 25-1 down to 5-1 during the day and duly romped home by nineteen lengths! It does appear to be quite an improvement in form with the filly having never won in sixteen previous starts and having finished last of twelve beat eighty-eight lengths last time out – the step up to two and a half miles certainly seems to have done the trick.
First of all Golden Jubilee Stakes and July Cup winner Starspangledbanner is expected to line up at Haydock on Saturday for the Betfred Sprint Cup, a final decision on his participation will be made early today (Thursday).
It has been announced that the BHA are looking to implement a rule change limiting overweight to 3lb – that’s my chance of a spare ride ruined then!
The new rule will apply to Flat and Jump racing, and to professional and amateur jockeys alike and will finally bring Britain into line with most of the major racing nations across the globe. Under the new rules a jockey who is more than 3lb overweight at the time of weighing out will be replaced by a rider of similar status. A final decision on when to implement the ruling is expected later this month, with October 1st 2010 looking to be the most likely starting date. Best I get down the sauna.
I also noted that the massive gamble on Am I Blue winner of the Wyvern Ices Handicap Hurdle on Wednesday at Hereford is to be investigated. The beast was backed from 25-1 down to 5-1 during the day and duly romped home by nineteen lengths! It does appear to be quite an improvement in form with the filly having never won in sixteen previous starts and having finished last of twelve beat eighty-eight lengths last time out – the step up to two and a half miles certainly seems to have done the trick.
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