The Thursday Titter VIII

The trainer was giving last minute instructions to the jockey and appeared to slip something into the horse's mouth just as a steward walked by.
'What was that?' inquired the steward.
'Oh nothing' said the trainer, 'just a polo.'
He offered one to the steward and had one himself.
After the suspicious steward had left the scene and the trainer continued with his instructions
'Just keep on the rail. You are on a certainty. The only thing that could possibly pass you down the home straight is either the steward or me.'

Ballydoyle Vacancy

A lot of talk at the moment regards the job vacancy at Ballydoyle with Christophe Soumillon looking the most likely to be taking over the reigns so too speak. He has been cut on the betting lists to as short as 13-8 but as yet has only commented 'no comment'.
I was considering putting the CV forward but I just can't lose that last six stone to get back to my riding weight!

Plonker Of The Day

Plonker Of The Day Award goes to Chris Timmons over at Bangor in the 3.40 getting beat on Jeanry in the shadow of the post having been clear over the last. Easing his mount on the run-in almost to a walk the pursuing Monsieur under the encouragement of Matt Griffiths was gaining all the time and when Timmons reacted – all too late – to try and get Jeanry up and running again the inevitable happened with Monsieur prevailing by ¾ of a length.
According to reports Timmons was booed in the winners' enclosure and he certainly won’t be on many peoples Christmas Card list with apparently over £55,000 being matched on Betfair at 1.01.

RFC Wins An Award

I see the guys at Racing For Change are in the Awards already this year. Their ‘Free Week’ campaign was judged to be the best Media Relations Campaign of the year at the recent PRCA Awards; good luck to them and I am sure they all had a jolly good night out.
The organisation certainly knows a thing or two about self promotion, a quick glance at their own ‘news’ page on their website testifies to that, and they know how to garner column inches in the press as well. but I am guessing not many of the Trainers quoted in the racing press over the last few months were involved with the judging panel; can’t help but laugh every time Mark Johnston refers to them as Racing For No Change.
No doubt we can look forward to the lovetheraces website winning awards soon. Take a look if you have five minutes spare.
First off you have the ‘Voices of the races’ in which the very attractive Tabitha introduces herself as ‘A presenter and a commercial model from sunny Hull!’ and adds ‘What I know about horse-racing you could write on the back of a postage stamp’ and the intriguing Eliza who tells us she is ‘a Geographer by profession ‘ and that ‘during a year out, I fell into working as an in-house model for Agent Provocateur’ one way of getting teenage boys interested in the horses I suppose - the ‘Scene at the races’ section includes pictures of various people you don’t know and one great photo of the back of some blokes head – the ‘Fashion’ page is there so you are up to date with all the latest news in regard to whether heels or flats are the must have this year – the ‘Star Spotting’ page is the one in which you can find photos of people you may recognise such as ex-footballers and the cast members of a daytime soap opera– then there is the ‘What’s On’ page all about what courses are holding what concerts after racing, and then finally you come to the ‘Course Guide’ and ‘New to Racing’ sections just in case you actually wanted to know something about horseracing!
I am all for bringing new people to the sport but surely we should be using the brilliance of the sport itself and the enjoyment to be had from it as the main selling point not just as another jolly day out in which horses happen to be in the background.
Just this weekend we had the seasonal reappearance of Kauto Star and the wonderful battle for the Flat Jockeys Championship between Paul Hanagan and Richard Hughes going down to the very last day just as in 2007 when Seb Sanders and Jamie Spencer shared the spoils – neither of which were even mentioned on the site.
It is good to see blogs from Amy Weaver and David Crosse on the lovetheraces site to give an insight into the life of a trainer and a jockey and the blog of Hilary Pavitt as a keen racegoer and owner but surely they should take a much higher profile position on a horseracing site? It is also nice to see the not so imaginatively named ‘Girls on Top’ section with short biographies of some of the top lady jockeys in the game today.
In truth though none of this tells us much that we didn’t already know or for that matter holds information that hasn’t been printed elsewhere before and often done better - see sites such as eclipsemagazine.co.uk which has the fashion pages and photos but also a complete racing news and features sections, blogs from jockeys, trainers and others, competitions, guides, reviews and an on-line shop.
Ultimately the questions that need answering are is the RFC actually doing anything that we haven’t seen before? If they are is anybody outside of the game taking any notice?

Weekend Review

The luck didn’t change much for me in the States following up on the three seconds and a non-runner on Friday night with three seconds a third and a non-runner on Saturday – Close but no cigar as they say!!!!! Even allowing for the Girdy coffers being somewhat depleted it was a great meeting yet again and stays firmly amongst my favourites of the flat season.
Back home congratulations to Paul Hanagan on his first British Flat Champions Jockey Title. Having started the final day of the season at Doncaster with 191 winners on the board, two clear of his rival Richard Hughes, the pair failed to get among the winners on Town Moor and Hanagan lifted the trophy. It has been a thrilling battle over the last eight months and credit to both men who have conducted themselves admirably throughout the season and showed true sportsmanship, a lesson many other sports would do well to learn from.

Breeders Cup

Its the day of the big meeting, hoping to be a little more successful than last night having picked three seconds and a non-runner from my six selections.
In the Juvenile Turf I will be siding with Mantoba who could be anything and is worth a punt.
For the Sprint I like the look of Smiling Tiger who looks a good animal and hopefully will go on the surface.
In the Turf Sprint my preference is for Silver Timber who won well last tine and has course and distance form.
For the Juvenile Boys At Tosconova will be hard to beat if getting the trip.
In the  Mile I have decided to go with Gio Ponti who must have a chance of lowering the colours of the great Goldikova having won on his last four starts at the trip.
The Dirt Mile can go the way of Tizway who won his prep race like a good horse.
For the Breeders Cup Turf the Girdy pennies will be going on Workforce; if the horse that won at Epsom and Longchamp shows up it is all over.
In the classic the romantic in me makes me plump for the magnificent Zenyatta to win for the twentieth time and enter the realm of legends.
Be lucky

Breeders Cup Friday

All eyes across the pond for the Breeders Cup.
In the Marathon I am going to stick with a European trained horse. Most of the Yankee horses have no experience over a mile and three quarters and I think Bright Horizon can take advantage. The colt showed improvement in winning the Irish Cesarewitch and if he goes on the dirt he can teach the home team a thing or two about staying.
In the Juvenile Fillies Turf there has been a bit of money for O'Briens Together but she was a little disappointing last time and the home team might have a good thing in the grey Winter Memories. I have watched the Miss Grillo Stakes and the filly won very nicely, a similar performance would be good enough to take the prize.
The Filly and Mare Sprint is a real puzzler. I have decided to go with the front running Rightly So. The filly has never finished out of the first three and I have watched the Ballerina Stakes several times and it is an impressive front running performance. A repeat of that and hopefully she can run the opposition off their feet again today.
In the Juvenile Fillies there is an argument to be made that the Brian Meehan trained Theyskens Theory should improve for the use of Lasix and that she is bred for the dirt being by Bernardini. If she was American trained she would be shorter than 7-1 and she is worth a few bob to nick this.
The Filly & Mare Turf sees Midday defending her crown. The filly has been better this year than last and on all known form she is a worthy favourite. It is hard to see any of her opponents improving enough the beat her.
I like the look of late and fast performer Blind Luck in the Ladies Classic. The filly won the Kentucky Oaks over course and distance and appears to be a fighter going down by a neck to Havre De Grace giving that filly 10lb last time out; off levels expect a different result.
Be lucky 

The Thursday Titter VII

Riding the odds-on favourite at Cheltenham a young conditional jockey is well ahead of the field two out.
Suddenly he’s hit on the head by a turkey and a string of sausages.
He manages to keep control of his mount and the beast pulls back into the lead, only for the jockey to be struck by a box of Christmas crackers and a dozen mince pies as he goes over the last fence.
With great skill the youngster manages to steer the horse to the front of the field once more when, at the start of the run in, he’s struck on the head by a bottle of sherry and a Christmas pudding.
He heaves himself back into the saddle and rouses his mount for one final effort up the hill but he succeeds only in coming second.
Upon dismounting he immediately goes to the stewards to complain that he had been seriously hampered.

Breeders Cup Update VI

Zanyatta is as low as 2-1 with some firms for the Breeders Cup Classic following sustained support for the unbeaten mare. If she can make it twenty wins from twenty runs by taking the big one for the second year running it would truly be one of the great racing stories of all time.
Michael Stoute has arrived in the States and having watched Workforce take a gentle piece of exercise at the track is quoted as saying ‘The track is in wonderful shape and it's got a nice covering of grass. There's been no rain and the ground is a bit faster than we would like.We just have to hope they put a bit more water on.’
American jockeys have been quoted as describing the going at Churchill Downs as ‘soft’ in direct contrast to the descriptions of ‘hard’ and ‘rattling’ used by European trainers and connections earlier in the week.

Breeders Cup Update V

Home is where the heart is; Richard Hughes will not be traveling to the Breeders Cup and will instead stay in Britain and attempt to claw back Paul Hanagans lead in the jockeys' championship. Hughes will of course be giving up the ride on Paco Boy in the Breeders Cup Mile with Ryan Moore taking over on the Richard Hannon trained colt.
Workforce had his first look at the Churchill Downs track and connections expressed concern about the conditions. Ryan Moore described the going as ‘Quicker than ideal’. Traveling head groom for the Stoute stable, Stuart Messenger, described the turf course as ‘Having a lush grass cover, but extremely firm underneath’. The Arc and Derby winner has drifted slightly in the betting.
Henry Cecil is another expressing worry in regard to the going at Churchill and is quoted as saying ‘They have to take the jar out of the ground. You can't expect them to be running on a road.’ but it looks likely that Midday will still take her chance in the Filly & Mare Turf having been drawn in stall seven for the race.
Following the draw on Tuesday afternoon Goldikova has eased in the betting having been allocated stall ten in the Breeders Cup Mile which does leave her on the outside with a short run to the first bend, Paco Boy has got box six. Zenyatta got stall eight in the Breeders Cup Classic and has been cut slightly on most books.
It has also been reported that the majority of the European raiding party including all of the Godolphin runners as well as Aidan O’Briens four runners will be using the anti-bleeding medication Lasix.

Breeders Cup Update IV

Goldikova will have to face Gio Ponti as she attempts an historic hat-trick in the Breeders Cup Mile. Connections of last years Breeders Cup Classic runner-up revealed in the early hours of Tuesday morning UK time that The Christophe Clement trained five-year-old will line up for the mile this year.
Workforce has experienced delays in traveling to the States it is reported. The favourite for the Breeders Cup Turf had to endure 18 hours of traveling before being safely housed in his barn at Churchill Downs. The Arc and Derby winner is said to have coped well with the delays caused by a bomb scare at Louisville International Airport and further delays with the vet checks and paperwork at the track, but it can hardly be considered ideal preparation.
The going at Churchill Downs turf track looks certain to be firm with track superintendent Butch Lehr reportedly saying that there had been no significant rain at the track since June. They have been watering the turf course but he has confirmed that the going will be firm.

Breeders Cup Update III

Richard Hannon has been talking up the chances of Paco Boy for the Breeders Cup Mile. Generally available at 6-1, behind 11-10 favourite Goldikova, Paco Boy is reported to have worked well recently under Richard Hughes and Hannon is quoted as being hopeful that the five-year-old can 'bring home a fistful of dollars.'
Richard Hughes though may not be in the States to get the leg up as it is reported on Monday (1st November) that the jockey said when talking about the big meeting ‘We'll wait and see for a day or two and see how things are then before making a decision about whether to stay here for the weekend.’ Richard Hannon Jnr had also earlier claimed in an interview on BBC Radio 4 that winning the jockeys title was more important to Hughes than riding at the Breeders' Cup.

Don't Swim Against The Tide

Over at Newmarket Elas Diamond catches the eye in the 3.10 and it is impossible to ignore Picture Editor in the 3.45.
Over at Wetherby another old favourite returns in the shape of Tidal Bay in the John Smiths Hurdle. I believe he is a far better horse over hurdles and is more than good enough to take this Grade Two hurdle to kick off what will no doubt be another season going for top races across the country. Howard Johnson will have him spot on today and he has gone well fresh in the past.
Be lucky

Paddy Mullins

Paddy Mullins has passed away aged 91 years. Probably most famous fro his association with the great Dawn Run, the only horse ever to win both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup, tributes from some of the biggest names in the racing game have been reported throughout the day. Father of trainers Willie, Tom and Tony a minute's silence is expected to take place at Thursday afternoon Clonmel meeting where a number of runners trained by the family have been withdrawn.

The Thursday Titter VI

Lester Piggot is in the parade ring discussing race tactics with the horses trainer.
The trainer tells Lester 'This is the worst horse I have in training, the beast has had 23 races and finished last in all of them, if it doesn't win today the milkman will be using it for deliveries in the morning.'
Lester mounts up and takes the horse down to the start.
The race begins and Lester is thirty lengths last after half a furlong, he gives the horse an almighty backhander on the behind, nothing, he then gives him a series of sharp slaps down the shoulder, nothing, exasperated he gives the colt two wallops right on the bollocks.
The horse comes to a sudden stop, turns round to Lester and says 'For the love of God will you turn it in with that whip, I have to be up at half four in the morning to deliver the milk! '

Breeders Cup Update II

Sad to read that Starspangledbanner and Gitano Hernando are both going to miss the Breeders Cup.
Winner of the Golden Jubilee Stakes and Darley July Cup Starspangledbanner will not be making the trip, Aidan O'Brien is simply quoted as saying 'Master Of Hounds is in the Juvenile Turf but Starspangledbanner will not go to the Breeders' Cup.'
The Gitano Hernando team decided the supplement fee was too high and didn't fancy racing against Workforce in the Turf.

Hear Hear

Interesting to read the comments of Mark Johnston at the weekend commenting on the bumper crowds at Newmarket and Cheltenham the weekend before last. The trainer reportedly said ‘This is what racing is all about. A big attendance to see top horses – not waiting for some pop concert afterwards or everybody walking about with pints of beer in their hands. Why are we changing all this?’
It is a question the RFC guys would do well to consider.

Jump To It

My first Jumps bet of the season this afternoon.
Old friend Monets Garden returns to action in the Old Roan Chase. The grey has a wonderful first time out record and has in fact won on his seasonal debit seven out of eight times including this race in 2007 and 2009. Those sort of stats, and the positive reports from trainer Nicky Richards, give me the impression (see what I did there?) that he can continue the trend on Saturday.
Be lucky

All Change!

Jump racing is to drop the Order of Merit system and will have a British Jumps Championship – similar to the new British Champions Series for the flat - in the future.
The British Jumps Championship will build during the season with what has been described as an emphasis on a ‘Road to Cheltenham’. The actual framework of the championship is planned to be drawn up before next summer and reportedly the points and prize-money system that formed the basis of the Order of Merit will probably form the basis of the new ‘Championship’.
Rod Street, chief executive of Racing Enterprises Limited an arm of the nuisance that is Racing For Change reportedly said ‘We think the Order of Merit has run its course. It did the job of attracting the best horses in the key races, but we now need to engage with a bigger audience and in bringing in new race goers.’
I would point out to Mr Street that ‘attracting the best horses in the key races’ is the best way to attract an audience plain and simple. And, if the basis of the new Championship is to be the points and prize-money system that formed the basis of the Order of Merit, what is the point of the change?
We constantly have the same line for the RFC mob that they are trying to broaden racings appeal to a wider audience but will another new ‘Championship’ have non race goers flocking to racetracks the length and breadth of the country or just be another case of change for changes sake?
Is someone who goes racing once or twice a year really likely to have even the slightest grasp of a British Jumps Championship let alone know who is leading in the standings?
Will the girls organising a Hen Party care if one of the races at Aintree is part of the season long Championship?
Will the lads of the the local rugby club on their annual day out be aware that two of the horses racing in the 3.20 at Sandown are leading in the British Jumps Championship?
I would suggest it is highly unlikely and the time, and more importantly money, being spent on these initiatives would be better spent on the facilities at the racetracks, to use a marketing term 'improving the customer experience', rather than creating league tables that no-one outside of the game is going to care about anyway.

The Thursday Titter V

A young jockey and his stable lass girlfriend make the decision to get married.
Everything is planned and the couple intend to honeymoon in Italy for a week.
The marriage goes without a hitch, beautiful ceremony, lovely reception and the couple set off on their honeymoon.
Whilst checking in at the hotel the lady behind the desk asks ‘'We have two suites available for you, would you like the bridal?'
'No thanks’ says the jockey, ‘I'll just hold her ears till she gets the hang of it!'

Rip Van Winkle Retired

Rip Van Winkle, four-year-old winner of three Group Ones, has been retired it was announced last night (Wednesday) and will stand at Coolmore Stud.
The colt was victorious in this years Juddmonte International Stakes at York and was a major fancy of many for the Breeders Cup Mile. As a three-year-old he won the Sussex Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes but like all others in 2009 his chance of further glory was spoilt by the amazing Sea The Stars in the Guineas, Derby and Eclipse Stakes.
He will no doubt prove popular in his new career and it is hoped it is a long and fruitful one.

Breeders Cup Update I

With the major meeting in the States just over a couple of weeks away the big guns are starting to finalise plans for one of the best meetings of the year.
Current 2-1 favourite for the Breeders Cup Turf Workforce is not guaranteed to be making the trip across the pond for the big one on 6th November. Teddy Grimthorpe, Khalid Abdullah's racing manager, has stated that ‘there's no decision yet.’
Aidan O'Brien has also warned that Fame And Glory ‘might be finished for the season’ and as such his participation in the Breeders Cup Turf is also doubtful.
The Khalid Abdullah operation should be represented by Midday in the Filly & Mare Turf and Henry Cecil posted an upbeat report on his website ‘Midday is on track for her attempt at back-to-back wins in the Breeders' Cup. I am very pleased with her and she is a real joy to have. I owe her so much towards the stable's revival and upsurge.’ The four-year-old filly has been in tremendous form winning three Group Ones in the Nassau Stakes, Yorkshire Oaks and Prix Vermeille in her last three outings and is generally a shade odds-on to repeat her victory of last year.
Unbeaten star mare Zenyatta will defend her Breeders Cup Classic crown with trainer John Shirreffs reportedly telling the gathered press corps at Keeneland recently that ‘she is as good or better than she was last year.’ The mare will be attempting to stretch her unbeaten run to twenty races. A possible fly in the ointment for the mare is the fact that the Classic will be run on dirt at Churchill Downs, all but two of her victories have come on synthetic tracks.

Frankel Rise, Racing Post Trophy, Canford Campaign

Looking back to last weekend red hot 2000 Guineas favourite Frankel has been given a rating of 124 following his Dewhurst victory, a rise of 1lb. The poor showing by Saamidd and Dream Ahead given as reasons for it being impossible to rate the victory any higher according to the BHA handicapper. Looking forward to this weekend, Ed Dunlop has stated that unbeaten colt Native Khan is ‘ready to run’ in Saturday's Group One Racing Post Trophy providing the ground at Doncaster does not turn any softer. Casamento is the 2-1 jolly for the big two-year-old heat and is reported to have pleased connections on Monday with a nice workout. The Ballydoyle team will be represented by Tipperary soft ground winner Seville.
Looking even further ahead to next year Richard Hannon is looking forward to a campaign in 2011 for Canford Cliffs having ruled out a trip to Japan ion November for the Kyoto Mile Championship. Following a well deserved break over the winter, all being well, it looks as though the likely campaign will take in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May, the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.

Champions Day Review

Got that wrong then!
Frankel looks like good horse and could sweep all before him next season. I will be trying to find one to beat him as he is no price now for the Classics but it might turn into a search for each-way value as he did look very good yesterday.

Champions Day

Cracking day of racing and I am glad to say a cracking day for it. Nice little result yesterday with Modeyra winning well and swelling the bank for a punt or two today.
I am basically standing by my ante post picks today as listed last week. Delegator in the first, Dream Ahead for the Dewhurst, Vision D'Etat in the Champion and Red Cadeaux for the Cesarewitch.
Godolphin and Frankie are back amongst the winners and Delegator looks a good bet in the Victor Chandler Stakes.
So many column inches have been written about the The Dewhurst there is little I can add other than my opinion that Dream Ahead has looked top class so far and I think might be the better horse over the trip compared to the other main contenders.
In the Champion Vision D'Etat has an outstanding chance. One of the best mile and a quarter horses in the world and a four time Group One winner who has been lightly campaigned this season. Clearly did not like the track at Meydan in Dubai and I expect him  to run a massive race today.
The Cesarewitch is one of those crazy races that you shouldn't get involved with but every year you do. Red Cadeaux is as tough as old boots, game and consistent and will certainly not be beat for lack of effort. A strongly run test of stamina might just find him out but the same can be said for several of the other runnners and if he was guaranteed to get the trip I think he would be even shorter than the 14-1 on offer at Stan James.
Be Lucky 

Newmarket Friday

Some nice racing today at Newmarket and one horse in particular stands out for me.
The Godolphin trained Modeyra has only raced once but the form of that maiden win as a two-year-old has worked out very well with the horses finishing second-sixth having all been winners since. Saeed Bin Suroor has been amongst the winners again lately and although Timepiece is obviously a good horse and more than capable at this level but the Shamardal filly could be anything and it is unlikely she has been kept in training for nearly a year without running for no reason.
Be lucky

Champions Day Ante Post

Like a child on Christmas Eve I just couldn't wait, a little Ante Post Yankee has been placed.
I have gone with:

Delegator

Dream Ahead

Vision D'Etat

Red Cadeaux

I will of course be keeping an eye open over the next forty-eight hours and will no doubt press up on the four named above if conditions stay favourable.
Be lucky

The Thursday Titter IV

George and Fred are in the pub.
'I put £20 on a horse last week and he came in at twenty five to one.' Remarks George.
'Wow! You must be loaded', replies Fred.
'Not really' said George, ‘the rest of the field came in at twelve thirty.'
Boom Boom!

Looking Ahead – Champion Stakes

A day at the races which includes races of the quality of The Cesarewitch and The Dewhurst is always going to be a day of delights for a racing fan but we of course also have the small matter of the Champion Stakes to consider as well come Saturday afternoon.
Current 7-2 favourite and defending Champ Twice Over is reported to be in rude health ahead of the Newmarket race and will face ten rivals with Snow Fairy having been withdrawn to concentrate on a crack at the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup at Kyoto in November.
Vision D'Etat and Fuisse who are being sent over from France will prove tough nuts to crack and Godolphins Poet’s Voice will be popular with many following his Queen Elizabeth II Stakes win tackling the distance for the first time. Gitano Hernando is likely to offer stiff opposition back on English soil as well, whilst John Gosden is sending his Arlington Million winner Debussy. Aidan O’Brien will be represented by Leopardstown winner Await the Dawn.

Looking Ahead - Cesarewitch & Dewhurst

We have some great racing to look forward to this weekend, with some real puzzler races to get the teeth into. The Cesarewitch is one of those races that in truth you should never have a punt in, a two and a quarter mile slog with a massive field in which anything can happen and often does, but you know come Saturday you will be have a couple of bob on some beast in the hope that you have solved the conundrum. Trainers talk confidently about their charge getting the trip – Eoin Griffin on Admiral Barry - and nervously watch the skies for rain leading to a change in going – Mark Tompkins and Theola. Personally I like the look of Red Cadeaux at this stage. The Dunlop trained four-year-old looks like a battler and you certainly need a tough horse in this race. According to reports the trainer is likely to try blinkers on the colt in the big race just to help him concentrate on the job in hand and he has a massive each-way chance.
As I wrote yesterday the Dewhurst should be a cracker and in its own way is a puzzler of a race with Frankel at odds-on but Dream Ahead officially rated the better horse and Dettori talking up the attributes of supplemented Saamidd. I am still undecided at this stage but I am starting to lean toward Dream Ahead based on the form of his two Group 1 victories in the Darley Prix Morny and Shadwell Middle Park Stakes. I think Frankel is bred to become a leading middle distance horse come next season (very closely related to Bullet Train) and Dream Ahead may just have the advantage over seven furlongs with his breeding suggesting that a mile will probably be his best trip come next spring. It is certainly going to be fascinating to watch and whichever of the 12 runners triumphs is guaranteed to go straight to the top of the betting for next seasons classics.

Dewhurst Update

The Dewhurst Stakes, one of the most anticipated races of the flat season, is set to be a cracker with the three main attractions Frankel, Dream Ahead and Saamidd confirmed amongst the acceptors. Frankel is currently odds-on favourite with Dream Ahead available at 3-1 and Saamidd at 5’s, it is 16-1 bar the big three. The ground on the Rowley Mile is described as good in the run-up to the big meeting starting Friday.

Feet Up & A Glass Of Wine

Not quite the lovely day we were promised by the weather girls, but the sun is always shining in my world and we have some nice racing to have a look at. I will be having a little each-way Yankee for a bit of fun on a lazy Saturday afternoon; feet up and a glass of wine.
I am taking a bit of a punt in the 2.45 at York with Sphinx. The twelve-year-old is no hen born in March and hasn't been seen since on a racecourse since April but the old stager has winning form on soft and heavy, flat and hurdles, and the distance of two mile two furlongs is not a problem. The gelding might just give the young'uns a bit of a scare at a big price.
Anyone who knows me will know my bet in the 2.30 at Ascot and it will be Dinkum Diamond. The going is a concern as the colt has never run on anything worse than good but the Flying Childers form is fair to say the least and he can be a major player in this.
Later at Ascot I like the look of The Betchworth Kid in the 3.40. He looked to be coming back to form at Haydock last time and the going is ideal.
In the big sprint at York I am siding with Hawkeyethenoo, he is consistent and has a course and distance win to his name, the dangers are too many to list but Poets Place and Knot In Wood are amongst them.
Be lucky

Fat Lady Clearing Her Throat

Richard Hughes has been unsuccessful in his appeal against the six day ban he received at Wolverhampton for careless riding. Hughes will be sitting on the sidelines for seven consecutive days in total (October 16-22) as he also copped for a one-day whip suspension on the same Wolverhampton card. The ban means he will of course now also miss Champions' Day at Newmarket on 16th October.
Paul Hanagn leads Hughes by ten winners with the title decided on 6th November and with Hughes also set to be sat with his feet up on 12th October for a one-day careless riding suspension he received at Newbury in September the fat lady is clearing her throat and the race for the Jockeys Title appears all but over.

The Thursday Titter III

A wealthy racehorse owner gets very attached to his champion horse. It has a very successful racing career and is then retired to stud duties, where it is again very successful earning a fortune in stud duties.
Sadly one day the champion dies and the owner decides to give it a proper burial.
He approaches the local Anglican minister who tells him that he is only interested in saving human souls.
He then approaches the Catholic priest who tells him the same thing.
As a last resort he asks a Rabbi who gives him the same sermon. As he is about to leave he mentions that he was going to donate £100,000 to the Synagogue.
'Hold on' says the Rabbi, 'you never told me it was a Jewish horse.'

Credit crunch? What credit crunch?

Credit crunch? What credit crunch? Over at Tattersalls a filly by Galileo out of Alluring Park, the half-sister to European Champion two and three-year-old New Approach, was all the rage on the opening day (Tuesday) of Book One of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale, selling for the none to shabby price of 1,200,000 guineas to John Magnier - and there's me scratching around in the coppers jar for my bus fair!

Works Outing?

Interesting to read the comments of Teddy Grimthorpe (Khalid Abdullahs racing manager) yesterday. it would appear that Workforce was fine after his weekend exertions and a tilt at the Breeders Cup Turf is a distinct possibility; Hills have gone as far as introducing the colt as 2-1 favourite for the race.

Tuesday Tit-Bits

Frankel has unsurprisingly been put straight to the head of the betting for the Dewhurst Stakes with Dream Ahead and Saamiid second and third in respectively in what could be a terrific race at Newmarket in a couple of weeks time.
The connections of Canford Cliffs have something to consider with the Japan Racing Association reportedly offering the equivalent of £769,000 should the star miler win the Mile Championship at Kyoto in November. A trip to the Breeders Cup was reportedly being considered but a change of destination may now be on the cards.
I was pleased to read that it looks likely that Sarafina, third in Sundays Arc, will almost certainly stay in training for the 2011 campaign.
Elsewhere the Jumps scene is starting to warm up with a couple of old favourites due to reappear on Wednesday, Golan Way amongst them.

Workforce

Derby winner Workforce came back to form with a bang winning the Arc on Sunday. I wrote on this site after the Derby that I was looking forward to seeing the colt take on the older generation in the King George and the Arc as that is the only way we were going to find out just how good he is, the answer now appears to be pretty damn good.
He disappointed at Ascot but was back to his best to take this race in testing conditions and become only the sixth horse to do the Derby/Arc double.
Sir Michael Stoute of course now finally has the Arc to add to his many achievements in the game and it would be interesting to see the colt campaigned as a four-year-old, a prospect that wasn’t ruled out by connections after the race.

Arc Day

Some very good horses lining up over in France today and of course the main event is the Arc.
Three-year-olds have a great record in the race recently and the jolly today, Behkabad, who will have conditions to suit has a massive chance. Derby winner Workforce would be a danger if returning to the form he showed at Epsom and Fame And Glory is obviously a good horse.
Youmzain has gone close in this three years on the trot and must be worth a small each-way bet. I will also be having a small each-way investment on Lope De Viga the French Guineas and French Derby winner. Andre Fabre is the master of preparing horses for this and the fact connections have stumped up the supplementary fee is taken as a positive.
Be lucky

Cambridgeshire Meeting - Day Three

Not a bad day yesterday with Havant and Hooray very impressive. The sun is back and hopefully will be shining on us again today.
Together has been running against some very good horses and looks the bet in the first.
I have an ante-post voucher for Janood in the 2000 Guineas and will be sticking with the Godolphin colt in the 2.35, the poor run on soft out in Ireland is a worry though so hoping he will bounce back to form today.
I have been backing Music Show all season and will be on her again in the 3.00.
In the Cambridgshire itself I like the look of Ransom Note. Nationalism obviously has a good chance but the low draw might not help and the beast is plenty short enough in a race such as this.
Be lucky

Cambridgeshire Meeting - Day Two

Following on from a successful day yesterday the clouds return for day two at Newmarket but lets see if we can spread a little sunshine with a winner or six.
In the opener Sir Michael Stoute has the nice filly Havant. She looked a good prospect when scoring by  five lengths on her racecourse debut at the July course on soft going in August and could be anything.
in the 1.55 the booking of Johnny Murtagh catches the eye on Penitent. The Haggas trained gelding won a nice Listed race at Sandown last time out and will relish the cut in the ground.
Hooray made quite an impression winning the totepool Sirenia Stakes at Kempton in a two-year-old track record time, following her win in the Jaguar Cars Lowther Stakes at York in August, and is fancied to run a big race in the Cheveley Park Stakes.
I am a fan of Strong Suit, who sports a tongue-tie for the first time today, and already hold an ante-post voucher for next years 2000 Guineas. Todays Middle Park Stakes looks like an opportunity for the Hannon trained colt to regain the winning ways on his way to a crack at next years big races.
In the 4.15 Classic Punch has a chance. The bay gelding has some form on soft, unlike his main rivals, and if Spencer can dictate from the front he might be able to steel this Listed event.
In the lucky last Zenarinda has been knocking on the door of late and unlike the main market fancies she has some form on the going. Today might just be the day she gets her nose in front.
Be lucky

Thursday Review & Late Update

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Ante-Post Bets - Update

2000 Guineas

Strong Suit 5-1

Janood 20-1

1000 Guineas

Memory 8-1

Helleborine 20-1

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.

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.’

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

Mutayaser Money

The money has come for Mutayaser in the 2.10 at Leicester today.
The Stoute trained colt has a middle distance pedigree, by Shamardal (Prix du Jockey Club and St James’s Palace Stakes winner) out of Borgia (ran credibly in the Arc twice as well as the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf) and it could pay to take the hint and back him to make a winning debut - get on quick as the price is going down faster than a Romford birds G-string on a Friday night ;o)
Be lucky

Time For Bed

Regressing back to childhood today and the old Magic Roundabout (what the feck was that all about?) and backing Zebedee in the 3.55 at Newmarket.
Over at Goodwood the much talked about Date With Destiny lines up in the 3.40 and the filly is fancied to take this on the way to bigger things.
Be lucky

Taking A Dip At Bath

It will be very difficult to find winners at Newmarket today with so many unexposed two and three-year-olds and the racing there is best watched rather than punted on.
Over at Bath I like the look of Minikin. The Montjeu filly won well at Folkstone and with further improvement to be expected she is fancied to win the Rajpoot.com Handicap at 5.45 despite having to shoulder a penalty.
Be lucky

Wash-out, Non-runner, King and VIP's Only

Bit of a wash-out today, literally down at Goodwood where by all accounts the jockeys would need a rubber ring and the meeting is cancelled.
I was thinking of having a little investment on Daniel Thomas at Lingfield but the gelding has been declared a non-runner.
Elsewhere Richard Hannon appears to be plotting a trip to France for King Torus, 20-1 for next years 2,000 Guineas, with the Group 1 Prix Jean Luc Lagadere at Longchamp on Arc weekend likely to be the colts target rather than the Racing Post Trophy and the Dewhurst Stakes.
Victor Chandler is shutting their Gibraltar based telephone betting service. The company are now taking ninety-seven per cent of all bets via online or mobile services according to reports and only VIP punters will be able to place bets by phone – I shall have to ask if my regular Saturday 25p Yankee makes me eligible for the ‘Elite’ service?

St. Leger Entries

Sixteen horses remain in the St Leger field at the latest forfeit stage with current 7-4 favourite Rewilding standing his ground. Dual Oaks heroine Snow Fairy is second favourite with Midas Touch, Artic Cosmos and Dandino next in the betting. Cape Blanco is also listed but O’Brien has stated that no decisions have been made yet and the stable are looking at the Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes as a possible alternative for the Irish Derby winner.

Variety Is The Spice Of Life

I had a slightly disappointing York with Sariska refusing to race and Starspangledbanner finishing second sandwiched between two 100-1 shots in the craziest Nunthorpe result for years. There has apparently been only two 100-1 winners of Group One races in Britain the other being a horse called Hittite Glory who won the Flying Childers in 1975. When your luck is out your luck is out!
So I am looking to get back to winning ways today at the Variety Club Day at Sandown.
In the first Long Lashes lines up for Godolphin. I backed the filly at Goodwood and she looked as though she needed the run. the filly had looked a good prospect last year and with cheek pieces for the first time on today I shall be giving her another chance in the Listed event. Seta is the big danger.
Native Khan can put himself into contention for next years Derby by taking the Group Three Solario Stakes at 2.35. The grey won his debut nicely at Newmarket and may well mature into a very nice horse.
Up at Chester one of my favourite handicapers Jedi takes his place in the 2.50. The Stoute trained gelding has been running well this year, the soft going will suit and as is all important with a track like Chester he has course form having won here back in May.
Be lucky

Ebor Festival - Day Four

I was unable to write this morning but no-one who reads this site would have had to ask which horse I was backing in the big sprint, and I can confirm tonight that I am starspangledstunned by the result at York.
Sole Power recorded the biggest upset of the Flat season by a country mile with an amazing win in the Nunthorpe at 100-1. I had of course backed Starspangledbanner and for a while it looked as though he might reel in the Edward Lynam trained colt but it was not to be. Another 100-1 shot, Piccadilly Filly, finished third.
Some days the formbook doesn't just get torn up it is torn into a million pieces, set on fire and the ashes scattered to the four corners of the world.

Ebor Festival - Day Three

I am at the Oval hopefully watching Anderson, Broad and Co. giving the Pakistan team another lesson in swing bowling; the teams batting on the first day having resembled the Recorder Select XI when we played Old Parkonians XI last year and lost by 76 runs.
Beaten in the Yorkshire Oaks at odds-on last year I expect Sariska to make amends for that today. It should be a cracker of a race with Midday an obvious danger but the Breeders’ Cup Fillys & Mares winner hasn’t been able to get the better of Sariska in three attempts. Dual Oaks winner Snow Fairy represents the Classic generation and is also a big threat. This should prove to be one of the highlights of the week if not the season. The dvd recorder is set.
The Lowther Stakes sees some nice two-year-olds lining up. Maqaasid ran a big race at the Royal meeting when winning the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes (beating my tip Meow) and is expected to take this despite having to give three pound to her rivals.
Yours truly from Silly Mid-Off
Be lucky

Ebor Festival - Day Two

A couple of really difficult handicaps again today at York, including the Ebor of course. I was planning on backing Ask in the Lonsdale Cup but he has been declared a non-runner.
In the 4.05 it is difficult to get away from Face The Problem, though at 6-4 Barry Hills' colt is short enough. He has won his last three starts, including a course and distance success, having finished third on his debut and to my mind is open to further improvement still.
Be lucky

Tuesday Review

Close but no cigar!
A great finish to the Juddmonte between Rip Van Winkle, Twice Over and Byword. Unfortunately my selection finished third of the three but the race was yet another advertisement for keeping horses in training.
Rewilding was impressive in the Great Voltigeur giving my selection Midas Touch a four length beating and the Godolphin colt now looks likely to take his chance in the St. Leger.

Ebor Festival - Day One

Some tough Handicap and Nursery races for the first day of the big meeting at York this week, but we are in for a treat with the Juddmonte and Great Voltigeur.
We have some very good horses lining up in the Juddmonte and with the going and distance a slight worry for Rip Van Winkle, Twice Over and Dick Turpin the preference is for Byword. The Fabre colts only defeat in his last four starts came at the hands of Goldikova over 1m 1f at Longchamp. He showed the benefit of an extra furlong when bating Twice Over in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot and has won on softer going.
In the Great Voltigeur I fancy Midas touch to turn around Epsom form with Rewilding. Having reviewed the race several times the O’Brien colt never really looked happy at Epsom and showed how good he could be when chasing home Cape Blanco in the Irish Derby. He has winning form as a two-year-old on softer going and a big run is expected.
Be lucky

Potential Stars - Update

Having mentioned Janood in the ‘Potential Stars’ editorial 11th August the colt maintained his unbeaten record and earned a 20-1 quote for the 2,000 Guineas with victory at Newbury on Saturday in the Listed Matalan Stakes (Registered As The Washington Singer Stakes). As mentioned earlier in the month the Medicean colts dam Alluring Park won as a two-year-old and is a full sister to Japanese Group One sprinter Shinko Forest (Green Desert-Park Express) and half sister to the top class Derby winner New Approach (Galileo-Park Express). Sire Medicean won the Lockinge Stakes and Eclipse Stakes during his racing career for Sir Michael Stoute and this bay colt definitely now looks like one to keep an eye on.

Ante-Post Bets - Update

2000 Guineas

Strong Suit 5-1

Janood 20-1

1000 Guineas

Memory 8-1

Helleborine 20-1

Blue Day At Newbury

I wrote here recently about Godolphin two-year-old Janood and the Medicean - Alluring Park colt has a chance to follow up on his debut win at Newmarket in the 2.00.
Another horse I have talked of is Kite Wood. I lost a few quid on the beast at Ascot when he did not get the 2m 4f but he won this race impressively last year and the rain will help him more than some of the others. Bin Suroor has stated that the Galileo colt has been working nicely leading up to this race.
My lil buddy Frankie picked out Dashing Doc in the 4.50 this morning whilst we were having breakfast. Now I wouldn't advise you to pawn the family silver and have a punt on the advice of a 21-month-old but I mention it as it might prove interesting to see if we have a budding tipster on our hands.
Be lucky

Racing For Change

I recently wrote to The Sunday Times, as one does, in regard to RFC and the decimal odds experiment and how I did not agree with the idea.
The Racing Post today posed the question ‘What do you think has Racing For Change achieved so far?’ upon it’s website and the posted remarks were of interest.
The only positive was from a gentleman who liked ‘the large number cloths’ and that was it. Generally the comments were along the lines of ‘Publicity for itself.’ ‘Makes money for the marketing man’ ‘Not a great deal to be honest’ ‘They are a waste of space’ 'nothing more than a gimmick and have achieved nothing of note so far' and my personal favourite ‘Jockeys wearing ruddy football shirts? They'll have the horses name painted on its backside next!’
I have mentioned previously that the screening of Stewards Inquiries is one of the few RFC ideas that I have been behind from day one and the VisitEngland Quality Assured Racecourse scheme in which courses will be assessed on things such as toilets, catering and retail outlets at least on paper can’t be a bad idea. The Breast Cancer Care Pink Mile at Chester should also be applauded for the money raised, but I would have to agree with the good folk on the RP website that to date I can see little RFC has done for the benefit of the sport.
One of the initiatives, and I am not pulling your leg here, is the encouraging of students to become ‘Horseracing Ambassadors’. According to the RFC website:
‘There are 3.2 million students in the UK who are an important future market for racing, so with the assistance of Capitalize, a specialist consultancy, Racing for Change has commenced a programme to recruit college-based racing fans who can help to promote the sport on campus during the next academic year. The selected students will be given advice on how to set up a university racing society and provided with a toolkit of support materials which will help them to communicate with fellow racing fans in and around their campus. Capitalize is looking for ambitious students who have an interest in horseracing and are keen to gain invaluable experience in sports marketing. Each student will be set a number of projects which will include arranging regular trips to local racecourses, themed educational race nights to help people learn more about horseracing and stable visits to see horses working on the gallops.’
So that is a ‘specialist consultancy’ brought in to advise students on organising a day out.
Down my local, The Cricketers, we have a ‘racing society’ of sorts. My Uncle Bernie puts up a piece of paper on the wall with details of the race meeting of choice on it. If you fancy going racing that day you put your name on the list and your money in the pint pot. My uncle Bernie then books a coach and off we all go.
If the guys at RFC care to drop me a line I will put them in contact with my uncle who will happily, and no doubt at considerably less cost than Capitalize, give them a sheet of paper out of his notebook, a couple of bits of blue-tac and lend them his ballpoint pen!

Potential Stars

As we come towards the final stages of the Flat season as someone venerated for the possession of wisdom, judgment, and of great experience - stop sniggering - it is time to test my sage like abilities and predict some two-year-olds that will be worth backing for the major races in 2011. I have had some success recently holding some nicely priced ante-post vouchers on Sea The Stars and Canford Cliffs in the last two years so here's hoping I can do it again.
I have talked about Strong Suit previously and I am holding a small ante-post voucher about the colt at 5-1 for the 2000 Guineas. His most recent run at the Curragh when defeated by Zoffany is a little worrying as is the fact he is now available at prices as big as 10-1. Fingers crossed it was no more than an off day for the Hannon colt and the trainer has stated that he feels he that he is the best of their 100-plus two-year-olds.
Zoffany will of course be at the top of may peoples list of two-year-olds to follow. Slightly disappointing when behind Strong Suit in the Coventry at the Royal meeting you can’t knock the form of his other five runs, all victories, and of course following the Curragh victory he now has a Group One in the Keeneland Phoenix Stakes to his name. On breeding a step up to a mile next year shouldn’t be a problem.
King Torus won the Group Two Veuve Clicquot Vintage Stakes over seven furlongs on the 28th July at Goodwood to add to his Group Two win in the 32Red.com Superlative Stakes at Newmarket earlier in the Month. Breeding would suggest that a mile would probably be the Oratorio colts limit stamina wise.
Janood was an interesting debutant for Godolphin at Newmarket on the 30th July. The Medicean colts dam Alluring Park won as a two-year-old and is a full sister to Japanese Group One sprinter Shinko Forest (Green Desert-Park Express) and half sister to the top class Derby winner New Approach (Galileo-Park Express). He is entered at Newbury and York later this month and may be one to keep an eye on.
As for the fillies, I have already mentioned Memory as the outstanding two-year-old filly to have run this year and took the 8-1 for the 1000 Guineas at the time. At this stage of the season she still looks to be the best we have seen thus far.
Many a good judge was taken with the run of Helleborine when she won the Listed Prix Six Perfections at Deauville on the 31st July over seven furlongs, following up on her debut win at Maisons-Laffitte in June over six. There is plenty of black type in the Observatory fillys pedigree and a mile looks well within her range, possibly up to a mile and a quarter. She is not guaranteed to cross the channel to race in our 1000 Guineas of course but at 20-1 she is worth a small investment at this stage of the season.

Ante-Post Bets

2000 Guineas

Strong Suit 5-1

1000 Guineas

Memory 8-1

Helleborine 20-1

Football

The new season is upon us and if you care to read them (and why wouldn't you?) my views and opinions in regard to the coming months can be found on the special Football page.

Harbinger Retired

Harbinger has been retired. The four-year-old was the highest-rated Flat horse in the world following his eleven length demolition of the field in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The colt will be remembered as one of the all-time greats. A decision on a potential stud career has yet to be confirmed but no-one can be in doubt that he will prove very popular with breeders if he is able to take up the new career.

Wolverhampton

Michael Bell has a good strike rate up at Wolverhampton and he sends out a likely sort in the shape of Screenprint in the Bet In-play At Ladbrokes.com Nursery Handicap at 3.45. A recent winner at Epsom the chestnut colt looks to be on a fair weight for his Nursery debut and a couple of quid will be invested.
Be lucky

Curragh Report

A mixed day for the O’Brien stable at the big Curragh meeting on Sunday as Fame And Glory returned to action with a comfortable victory in the Group 2 Royal Whip Stakes. Next up it looks likely to be either the Irish Champion Stakes or the Prix Foy on the way to the Arc.
Zoffany was impressive in the Phoenix Stakes overturning the Coventry form in beating the strongly fancied odds on Strong Suit. The Dansili colt is now quoted at 8-1 for the 2000 Guineas with my ante-post ticket on Strong Suit for the Guineas now not looking at little skinny at 5-1.
In the two-year-old fillies heat the Galileo filly Together disappointed for the O’Brien team hanging badly and finishing third behind the Jessica Harrington trained Laughing Lashes.

Harbinger

It has been announced that a decision concerning the racing future of Harbinger will probably be taken on Monday. The highest-rated horse in the world, and recent King George winner, suffered a career-threatening injury on the gallops Saturday morning and is unlikely to race again with John Warren, director of Highclere Thoroughbred Racing, stating that the chances of seeing the colt on the racetrack again was ‘a longshot’. The good news is the horse is reported to have recovered well from surgery and is described as ‘comfortable and in very good condition’.

I Forsee Roses & Gems Leading To Heartbreak

Shergar Cup day at Ascot. I am not a fan of the concept as far as betting is concerned, too many jockeys riding tracks they do not know and horses they have never sat on before. It's a novelty once a year and interesting to see the different jockeys but it doesn't really get me over excited. If you simply must have a bet the European team to win would be my advice but I will not be getting involved.
Up North its is Rose of Lancaster day and I fancy the mare Les Fazzani to take the race. Back on her preferred soft going, she has won here before has Hanagan on board and Kevin Ryan has had four winners already this month - Get on!
Also at Haydock Breakheart has been in great from this year wining twice and being beaten only a neck and a nose on the subsequent two runner up efforts. The soft going today is an unknown for the Balding gelding but I was a massive fan of the sire Sakhee and he certainly liked to get a toe in and a big run is expected.
Over at Newmarket the boys in blue have a couple of likely sorts in the shape of Psychic Ability and White Moonstone. Psychic Ability won on his seasonal reappearance and with the usual expected improvement for that run the Kingmambo colt can win the opener. White Moonstone won her maiden at Ascot nicely going away in the final furlong, the way she did that and her breeding would suggest the extra furlong today will suit.
Be lucky

Newmarket Madness

Suggs and the Madness boys will be giving it plenty at Newmarket tonight; my old mucker Maria will be there in her little 2-tone black and white mini dress no doubt – she’s got the legs and bum for it ;o)
It is as ever competitive racing but there are two that take my eye. Star Surprise has been improving with every run and showed a good attitude to score over 7f at Sandown on his last outing. The Dubawi chestnut colt looks fairly treated at the weights here tonight and with a little further improvement he must have a chance.
Chabal took a bit of a beating in the Dante Stakes at York last time finishing fully twenty lengths behind Cape Blanco. The Galileo colt had previously looked like a decent three-year-old prospect passing the post first on his seasonal reappearance in the Group 3 Classic Trial at Sandown, later disqualified. A return to that sort of form would make him a big player here and Saeed Bin Suroor has a good strike-rate at Newmarket.
Be lucky

Inquiry Into Inquiries

The debate rages in regard to the screening of Stewards Inquiries.
It is one of the few RFC ideas that I have been behind from day one and as far as I am concerned yes I think they definitely should be kept. I do wish though that we could also hear from the Stewards themselves, only hearing the jockeys does seem somewhat to negate the point of televising the proceedings it is a ‘Stewards Inquiry’ after all. Hopefully future screenings will help promote the honesty and integrity of British Racing and let’s face it, at the big televised meetings such as Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood it beats ten minutes of waffle from some limp wristed bloke you have never heard of about some half drunk girl in a big hat!

Old’uns Are Good’uns

Ed Dunlop confirmed on Wednesday morning that dual Oaks winner Snow Fairy will stay in training as a four-year-old which is wonderful news, continuing the recent trend for some of the very best three-year-olds staying in training and giving us racegoers a chance to watch them develop. A tilt at this years St Leger was also mentioned.
Talking of older horses Harbinger, Fame And Glory, Twice Over, Sariska, Rip Van Winkle and Midday to name but a few feature among a star studded list of entrants for the Emirates Airline Champion Stakes at Newmarket on the 16th October. Although it is unlikely they will all show up, especially with the first two named being favourites for the Arc on 2nd October, it is wonderful to see so many good horses still in training at four and five. The latter stages of the Flat season promises some wonderful races to enjoy.

Arena Leisure

Worrying news revealed yesterday from Arena Leisure with their Chairman David Thorpe warning that dozens of race meetings may be scraped with the lack of funding for prize money and meetings coming via the Levy. With William Hill announcing they are to soon relocate their telephone betting organisation to Gibraltar to take advantage of the tax benefits it appears things can only get worse. The system is clearly out of date in today's world of telephone accounts, web accounts and betting exchanges. Something must be done to stop the rot before meetings are lost or in the worse case scenario some of the smaller courses cease trading all together.
Some good news for Arena though as their half-year profits were up 25% and average attendances at their tracks increased by 3%, which bearing in mind this was of course a World Cup year, has to be seen as encouraging. Lingfield and Windsor, owned by Arena, happen to be two of my favourite tracks and I believe it just goes to show that if you offer a good product with good facilities the crowds will come; lets hope the Racing For Change guys are taking note.

Pass The Scotch

Whiskey Junction gets beat at Windsor topping off a terrible couple of days. Where did I leave that bottle.............

A Whsikey At Windsor

With my luck over the last three or four days a stiff whiskey wouldn’t hurt and at Windsor tonight Whiskey Junction might just be the answer to the AC Beck Handicap, 8.10.
Mick Quinn's six-year-old gelding has looked to be regaining some form recently and Seb Sanders is back in the saddle tonight. It was a fair second behind Rough Rock at Yarmouth recently and he is fancied to take this with his front running style, distance, going and a high draw all in the geldings favour - if he doesn't I will be in need of a large one!

Ripon

Hardly the most inspiring of racing today but I like the look of one up north in the shape of the Michael Jarvis trained Sarrsar. The Lingfield maiden winner put up a fair performance at Goodwood last time out when third, runner-up Start Right has won twice since, and the nicely bred gelding is fancied to take the 3.15 at Ripon today.
Be lucky

Who's The Daddy VI

Dansili by Danehill out of Hasili was a top-class miler in his own right as a two time Group Three winner and winner of the Prix du Muguet in 2000 - Group Two.
He has proven to be a decent source of smart two-year-olds thus far in his Stallion career but his progeny also progress extremely well as proved by the ultra impressive Harbinger at the weekend in the King George. Other recent good performers include Strawberrydaiquiri (not so impressive at Goodwood on 31st), Famous Name, the three-year-old filly Bewitched and two-year-old Group Three winner Zoffany.