Chester Day Three

Shocking day yesterday with just one winner and that was odds-on! It aint over till it's over as they say and I am looking to nick a couple of quid today.
The first looks highly competitive and is probably best left alone, the 4.05 looks like a race best watched with the notebook close to hand and the last is one of those races that will give you sleepless nights with ten in with a chance of winning.
The second race is a tricky heat but I like the look of the Barry Hills trained Maqaraat. The form of the colts reappearance is strong with the winner and third having already won since and he should improve for the run.
In the 2.55 we have Aidan O'Brien's former champion two-year-old and Derby favourite St Nicholas Abbey. The colt was very disappointing on his return to action at the Curragh but it must be significant that connections are persevering with the son of Montjeu and if recapturing his old form he would win this hard held.
The 3.30 is a nice little sprint and I will be putting a couple of bob on Ahtoug. I would expect to see Frankie have the Godolphin colt toward the pointed end from the start and to take advantage of the fact that he is nicely weighted here, due to go up 3lb next time out.
Fahey and Hanagan are absolutely flying again at the moment and they have a nice one in the 4.40. Sioux Rising is on a losing run but has been running with some credit, is drawn  nicely, will like the going and is due to rise 6lb in the weights next time. I am expecting a big run.
Be lucky

Chester Day Two

All eyes to the Roodee again today and I like the look of a few.
In the opener the Barry Hills trained Captain Bertie looks well in, due to raise 8lb in the weights next time out, the chestnut colt ran a big race at Sandown on his reappearance and should win today.
Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore look to have a good thing in the shape of Await The Dawn in the 2.30 who if repeating the form shown when winning his Group Three at Leopardstown will be too good for his opponents today.
In the Chester Vase I fancy another Hills colt namely Slumber. Impressive when winning at Epsom on his seasonal debut this Derby entry is nicely bred and even though there are some nice horses in the race he is the one most open to improvement and is worth a punt.
Later on the card I fancy a couple of horses I have put up before. In the 4.05 Thin Red Line was a course and distance winner at this meeting last year first time up and has finally slipped back to a suitable kind of weight.
In the 5.10 Jane Chapple-Hyam runs Norman Orpen who I put up in December when he won on the all weather at Lingfield and as an each-way chance in the Spring Mile at Doncaster at the start of the season when he was a staying on fifth. If he stays the extra two furlong today he could take all the beating.
Be lucky

Chester Day One

Another second place yesterday - three already this month - but hopefully I can find some winners today up at one of my favourite meetings of the year on the Roodee at Chester.
In the first I can't see passed Lily's Angel who has done nothing wrong in her two starts to date, has a good draw and of course is trained by Fahey and ridden by Hanagan who are having a great season again thus far.
The Cheshire Oaks might not be the strongest renewal on paper but should be a good race and I fancy Midnight Caller to come out on top. If you ignore her poor run in the May Hill she was beaten only half a lentgh by subsequent 1000 Guineas winner Blue Bunting on her debut, rest of the field eleven lentghs away, and won her maiden at Leicester in some style. On breeding the trip should suit and John Gosden should have her ready for today.
The Chester Cup is quite an open affair with the usual mix of stayer, hurdlers having a day on the flat and middle distance horses taking a step up to Cup distances for the first time. I though fancy a return to form for a proven flat staying horse in Darley Sun. He was poor last season for Godolphin but put up some great performances in 2009 and it is interesting that the boys in blue have stuck with him. The good-firm ground will suit and if back to his best he is a Group horse in a handicap and would take all the beating.
The 3.30 looks a competitive sprint but Blue Jack was running against some very good horses last back end and will appreciate the drop back to Handicap class. The gelding will love the going and has a decent enough draw in six that should allow him to track the leaders and take over in the final furlong.
Be lucky

My Choice

I got a couple of winners to get the nose back in front yesterday which is nice.
I like the look of a two-year-old up at Newcastle today in the 2.10. Choisan, by that great sprinter Choisir, ran a decent enough debut at Doncaster running on nicely when working out what was required and should be a lot better today for the experience.
Be lucky

Bounce Back Bank Holiday

What can I say about yesterday Memory sat down in the stalls and gave herself no chance in the Guineas and Tell Dad and Barbican both finished second; not a good day. I am looking to bounce back this afternoon with a couple of beasts that I am sure can do the job.
Up at Warwick Irish Boy runs in the 2.40. The gelding has put up two cracking runs this season winning at Catterick and coming second at Redcar last time. He is due to go up another 3lb next time out and I think he is on the upgrade and can take this sprint.
I like the look of Quality Art in the 3.00 at Kempton. The gelding got turned over at odds-on at Bath in April but appears much happier on the sand and can gain some compensation today.
The 3.55 at Windsor is arguably the best race of the day quality wise and is a bit of a head scratcher with a six runners in with a chance. I like the look of The Tichborne who has put in two good runs in victory at Lingfield and if as effective on the turf might make a very nice handicapper indeed.
Be lucky

1000 Guineas Day

A beautiful spring morning and the lovely fillies take centre stage at Newmarket today.
I of course have been waiting for Memory to take her chance in the 1000 Guineas since backing he in August of last year. I still feel she is the best filly in the race, you can forget the run at the Curragh, and she should prove it this afternoon.
I put Tell Dad on the Flat Notebook page after his debut run at the Craven meeting and a big run is expected from the two-year-old today in the 4.25. Considerable improvement can be expected on that first outing and I would assume that all being well after a victory here today a trip to Royal Ascot awaits.
In the lucky last at 5.35 we have Barbican. The gelding won his Maiden at Wolverhampton on the sand and won on his handicap debut at Doncaster before being given a chance at Group level were he finished fourth in the Group Three classic trial at Sandown. Back in handicap company today, and ahead of the handicapper as he is due o rise 8lb in the weights, he is worth an investment.
Be lucky

April Review - In The Money Again

A poor final day with all three tips getting beat but GirdysGeeGees still finishes the month in the money with the site tips showing a +4.04 profit to level stakes making it three winning months out of four this year.
Hopefully we can find a few more winners in May starting of course with Memory in the 1000 Guineas.

2000 Guineas Day

The first of the Classics today at Newmarket with Frankel red hot favourite for the 2000 Guineas. I can't be backing him at such short odds, especially when you consider only two of the thirteen Champion two-year-olds who have run at Newmarket since the WTR began in 1986 have actually won the race - Zafonic and George Washingon. The Cecil colt does look unbeatable on all known form but I will be having a couple of bob each way on Fury. The William Haggas trained colt is unbeaten in his two starts, has the assistance of J P Murtagh in the saddle and looks likely to be a nice three-year-old.
Earlier in the 2.30 I like the look of Laaheb. Trained by Roger Varian who has made a cracking start to his training career the five-year-old ran a big race in the Sheema Classic in Dubai and should be capable of winning this Group Two.
Later on the card at 3.45 I fancy another who was running well in Dubai earlier this season in the shape of Iver Bridge Lad. The colt finished second to the great J J The Jet Plane back in March and has put in some good runs since returning to the UK. Tough and reliable he has to have a chance in the Group Three.
Be lucky

Grey Day

Nice little meetings today in the run-up to the big weekend at Newmarket and I will be investing a shilling or two in the New Jaguar XJ From 0 Finance Handicap at Bath, 2.10.
The Tony Carroll trained Grey Boy has been in good form on the all-weather over the last few months and has made the frame in five of his last six starts. He is back on the turf now on a lower mark and George Downing takes off a further handy 7lb. Take the 4-1 this morning.
Be lucky

Agent Ascot

Frankie didn't quite get the job done yesterday with an odds on winner and a second place on Paradise Place - the sixth second place I have tipped this month! I am still four points in front for the month though and there is some cracking racing at Ascot today.
I fancy one in the totepool Sagaro Stakes at 3.40. Four of the runners met at Nottingham earlier this month with The Betchworth Kid short heading Free Agent in the shadow of the post. Free Agent put in some creditable runs last term, including wins at York and Salisbury, and the Queens - gawd bless her - five-year-old can reverse the form with The Betchworth Kid and register his first win of the season today.
Be lucky

Lets Be Frank Again

He got the job done yesterday on Batgirl and I fancy Frankie to have another happy day at the seaside over at Yarmouth this afternoon.
First up we have Song To The Moon in the 3.10. Down in class today the George Baker trained filly should be too good for her opponents, she will be short odds but must be fancied.
In the 4.10 he gets the leg up on Asraab for usual employers Godolphin. The colt has only run twice but looked a decent enough animal winning on his debut at Newmarket back in 2009 before finishing a close second at Sandown last August. The Godolphin team must think he is worth hanging on to and he is fancied to win today.
In the 4.40 he will be piloting Paradise Place for Robert Cowell. The booking would suggest connections are optimistic that the filly can win again despite a rise in the weights following her Wolverhampton and she might just be one step ahead of the handicapper at this time.
Be lucky

Lets Be Frank

Plenty of racing today as ever on a Bank Holiday Monday but I think I might have been able to find a couple of winners all being well. Mr Dettori is off the the seaside today and has a couple of rides at Yarmouth that might just pay to follow.
But Beautiful has some decent from on the sand and if she goes on turf, which has to be taken on trust, the filly will be there or thereabouts in the 3.05.
Frankie then gets the leg up on Batgirl in the 3.40. He will need to be at his best as the filly is very much a hold-up horse and will need to be delivered at just the right time but she might just be good enough to give weight away to all her rivals.
Be lucky

Thank You For The Music - Mines A Double

Bet365 Gold Cup day at Sandown today and one of the mixed cards with jumps and flat races.
I will be sticking to the flat toady and in the first of the flat races at 3.45 we have some good milers. The Girdy coppers will be going on a filly I put up more than once last season in the shape of Music Show. To my eye she was the best filly over a mile last year and was simply beaten by the draw in major races until getting a fair crack of the whip and duly winning the Falmouth Stakes. She gets a slight weight advantage and should go well.
All the way up at Musselburgh I fancy a couple of short ones and a quickfire Fahey and Hanagan double.
In the 2.30 Alejandro must have a big chance to go one better than on his debut when beaten only a head - third and fourth in that race have since come out and finished first and second on their subsequent starts respectively so the form looks good.
Straight afterwards in the 3.05 the same trainer and jockey have Glens Diamond who looked a fair two-year-old and having watched the video of his last run last season, when coming home well to win, the trip shouldn't be a problem today and with the stable in such good form he/she can be expected to make a winning debut.
Be lucky

Guineas Acceptors

Frankel, generally now 1-2, appears to have scared off more than a few with only 19 runners left in the 2000 Guineas at the latest acceptance stage. The main withdrawals were Wootton Bassett, Dubai Prince, Zoffany and my ante-post punt Strong Suit.
The 1000 Guineas has 30 left in with Havant 5-1 favourite followed by Moonlight Crowd, my ante post bet Memory, Misty For Me and White Moonstone in the betting.
My two other ante-post bets, Helleborine for the 1000 and Janood for the 2000, are both non-runners.

Epsom In The Sun - I Wished

Unfortunately I am stuck in the office rather than enjoying the sunshine today but that won't stop me having a little flutter. The 3.10 at Epsom today is the rather grandly titled Investec Derby Trial but in all truth it is unlikely any of the runners will be troubling the judges come June. That said Musawama, trained by John Gosden, looks to be going the right way having won a couple of minor races this season already and it is hoped the Azamour colt will continue to progress today.
Be lucky

Strong And Dandy

So here we are then and it is the first outing of the season for red hot Guineas favourite Frankel at Newbury today in the Greenham. At around about 1-3 he is no betting proposition but it will be a fascinating race to watch to see if he has progressed as reported; it should be remembered that Midsummer Sun got turned over for the Cecil yard at Newmarket when well fancied earlier this week. I am of course a fan of Strong Suit, I backed him ante-post for the Guineas after his Coventry Stakes win, and Richard Hannon has a habit of winning the trials so I will be having a little investment at 4-1 in the hope that the Rahy colt might be a bit further forward and sharper than the odds-on favourite.
Over at Leiceser shrewd Yorkshireman Dandy Nicholls has a nice type in Lovelace who ran a fair race in defeat on his seasonal debut at Doncaster. That should have blown away any cobwebs and the seven-year-old should run a big race in the Listed 3.15. Up at Doncaster this evening the trainer will be looking to recoup a bit more of the 105,000gns he paid for St Moritz, the gelding won nicely first time out for the stable at Ripon, and a big run from the five-year-old can be expected in the Doncaster Mile at 6.15.
World Domination makes his racecourse debut in the 4.15 at Newbury and is another Cecil inmate that has be getting rave reports from the gallop watchers. That said we must again remember what happened to Midsummer Sun and the colt is a bit skinny price wise at 7-4 but nothing ventured nothing gained and all that and he might be vey good.
Be lucky

Newbury Friday

There is some nice racing at Newbury this afternoon in the build up to the big races tomorrow afternoon. At 4.25 we have the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup Conditions Stakes in which the betting mainly revolves around Thimaar and Al Kazeem. I though quite like the look of Failasoof. The colt was beaten on his only start at two by Splash Point who won the UAE 2000 Guineas earlier this year in Dubai and he looked a nice prospect when winning at Lingfield last month. Having fetched the not insignificant sum of $650,000 in the sales ring as a yearling, big things must be expected of him and if he is to justify that price tag a race such as this should be well within his grasp.
Be lucky

Craven Meeting Day Two

Another second place yesterday (fifth this month) with Sing Softly getting beat a neck; Midsummer Sun was a little disappointing and his run might have a few backers of Frankel wondering if Henry Cecil’s horses might be a week or two behind in their preparations. Onwards and upwards as they say and there is more great racing at Newmarket today.
I am still holding a 20-1 ante post voucher about Janood for the 2000 Guineas (see The Classics 2011 page) which obviously is not worth the paper it is written on at this time as the colt failed to progress last year. I am convinced he is still at least a half decent horse though and has an each-way chance at 16-1in the 3.00 at Newmarket today.
In the 3.35 we have another horse I talked about on several occasions last year in the shape of Dinkum Diamond. He won the National Stakes at Sandown last year and was second in the Flying Childers. The Aussie Rules colt should make a nice three-year-old and todays six furlongs should suit. I will be surprised if he doesn't finish in the money and I will be have an each way punt on him also.
Bullet Train is yet another horse I was backing last year and he also, like Jannood, disappointed ultimately last season following his impressive Lingfield Derby Trial victory. He may have progressed over the winter though and shouldn’t be written off just yet and has a definite each way chance at 12-1 in the Earl of Sefton Stakes at 4.45.
Be lucky

Craven Meeting Day One

The flat season really gets into gear today with the start of the Craven meeting at Newmarket and I fancy a couple over in Suffolk.
Sing Softly, a recent Listed level winner at the Curragh, the filly has the benefit of being race sharp, and it would appear in good heart, and she should also go well in the Nell Gwyn Stakes at 4.10.
The 5.20 sees the much anticipated debut of Midsummer Sun for Henry Cecil. A half-brother to the stables top class Midday many column inches have been dedicated to the three-year-old before the colt has even seen a racetrack and if gallop reports are to be believed he should take this Maiden Stakes on the way to better things.
Be lucky

Grand National

See the special dedicated page or your Newham/Stratford/Ilford/Woodford/Loughton & Buckhurst Hill/Brentwood/Romford Recorder Newspaper for a rundown of the main players and GGG's tip.
Be lucky

Eyes North

Day two at Aintree today but my eyes are even further north up at Newcastle. John Gosden has started the season well, has a good strike rate at the track, and has two nice sorts lining up today in the shape of Trumpington Street and Raajih.
Trumpington Street looked a nice prospect in his only start last year and looks to have a fairly straight forward task in the 2.55.
Raajih is a nicely bred colt who should do well as a three-year-old over middle distances and the trainer looks to have found this one a nice maiden Stakes in the 3.30.
Roger Varian has made a decent start to his training career having taken over from Michael Jarvis and his Ittirad looks a strong bet in the 4.05 Maiden Stakes.
Richard Fahey and Paul Hanagan look to have another likely winner in the 5.15 with Las Verglas Star. The three-year-old won at Musselburgh last week and carries a 6lb penalty for that victory but is still ahead of the handicapper as he is due to go up another 3lb next time. A bold bid for a quick double is expected today.
Be lucky

Aintree Day One

The sun is shining for the first day of the big Aintree meeting. There is some really good racing today but I shall be leaving the first three races alone as although Big Bucks, Zarkandar and Denman should on all known form win, all three may well go off odds-on and this meeting is notorious for a few of the favourites getting turned over.
I will be sticking with a couple of horses I backed at Cheltenham later on the card today.
Baby Run is the bet Hunter-Chaser about at the moment and although prone to the odd error, as at Cheltenham, he is the best horse in the Fox Hunters at 3.40 and is fancied to gain some compensation for his Cheltenham defeat.
Medermit is a horse I have been backing all season and back up to two mile four furlongs today, following a slightly disappointing showing in the Arkle, Alan Kings’ charge is expected to win the 4.50.
My main fancy of the day is actually over at Ripon in the 3.20. Monitor Closely is a Group performer and run against some very good horses during an injury interrupted season last year. Reportedly fully recovered now if the five-year-old has retained his old ability (won a Group Two in 2009) he will be far too good for his opponents in the Ripon silver Bowl Conditions Stakes.

Horse For Courses - Rowan Again At Beverley

Ollie Pears has a cracking strike rate at Beverley with Rowan Lodge being one of the many horses who have done the business for him at the track. The nine-year-old won the 2.10 in 2008 and 2009 and was fourth last season. With a record like that the gelding has to be worth a look and is tipped to take the race for the third time this afternoon.
Be lucky

Aintree Update

At least someone is happy to see the rain; Andrew Tulloch, clerk of the course at Aintree, is reportedly ‘very pleased’ with the condition of the track.

The going on the Grand National course remains good to soft, good in places, while the Mildmay and hurdle tracks are described as good, good to soft in places.

The meeting begins on Thursday and all being well the rain should have passed by then leaving us with good racing ground and a little spring sunshine to enjoy.

Lincoln Day - Feeling Dandy

Beautiful day for the Lincoln. Dandy Nicholls has four runners in the big one and I like the look of Docofthebay. The hold up type seven-year-old is on a nice mark, due to go up 6lb, and has been running well on the All Weather. Drawn bang in the middle Ian Mongan will have the chance to judge what side the pace is on and settle in behind. He might need a little luck in running due to his running style but he is a solid each-way punt at 16-1.
In the Spring Mile Jane Chapple-Hyam runs Norman Orpen who has put in a few decent performances over the winter and is another due to go up 6lb so is nicely weighted. Ably assisted  by Ryan Moore today the four-year-old is another solid each way punt at 11-1.
Be lucky

March Review - Another Winning Month

Happy to report that GirdysGeeGees did it again in March with the sites tips showing a + 3.40 points profit to level stakes (Cheltenham and Dubai results can be found on their specialist pages). That's two winning months out of three so far this year.
The ‘Super 7’ system finished the month -0.59 points to level stakes.
Here’s mud in your eye and looking forward to another winning month in April with the Flat back in full swing.
The new 'Flat Notebook' page is up and running, the 'Classics 2011' page will be constantly updated as the season progresses and the 'Flat Dirty Dozen Trainers and Jockeys' page for 2011 is also now live.

Scottish Diamond

Eyes up to Musselburgh today for a bet in the BDO LLP Classified Selling Stakes at 2.50. The Jim Goldie trained gelding Grand Diamond has a bit of good hurdles form on the card and is fancied to take this little seller.
Be lucky

Quick On The Draw – Frankel Just Plain Quick

Today sees the start of the new Stall Numbering system in Britain. Previously stalls were numbered ascending from the left (looking from behind the stalls) meaning on left-handed tracks a low draw was on the inside but on right-handed tracks a low draw was on the outside. From today the stalls will be numbered from the inside-outside meaning that at all tracks stall 1 will be on the inside.
Had to smile at the news in the Racing Post this morning concerning red hot Guineas favourite Frankel out running the 7.15 from Newmarket to Cambridge! The colt did look impressive by all accounts finishing fully 20 lengths ahead of his half-brother, and last years Lingfield Derby trial winner (disappointing in the Derby itself) Bullet Train. He has been cut by all firms in the Derby ante-post markets.

Flat Is Back - Winner!

It doesn't get much better than that with the first bet of the Flat season, Kiama Bay, winning at 11-4. Here's hoping it is a good omen for the coming months.

The Flat Is Back!

It is the first day of the Flat season today not that many people have probably noticed. Being a bit of a traditionalist I still can’t get used to the slightly low key affair that heralds the start of the new turf season these days rather than the big Doncaster meeting that used to kick-off the season.
With the greatest respect to the racecourse, the first recorded meeting was held there in 1783 so they know a thing or two about the game, a card of mediocre handicaps at Catterick is hardly going to get the juices running of many but the truest of racing fans.
Surely this is one of the things the people at RFC should be looking at if, as they never tire of telling us, they want to attract new race goers to the game. You can't escape the build-up to the start of the Football season and of course the traditional season opener of the Community Shield match. Rugby has the 'London Double Header' at Twickenham, Cricket the traditional MCC versus the reigning County Champions game. I am convinced that RFC are missing a trick here.
Anyway, I am a lover of the game and a massive fan of the Flat so I shall be having a little punt to greet the new season. John Quinn is apparently expecting a good run from Kiama Bay today and with question marks about many of the other runners the five-year-old gelding is the bet to get the Flat season off to a winning start in the 3.20 at Catterick.
Be lucky

Six At Southwell

All a bit quiet today but I do fancy one up at Southwell in the lucky last by the name of Six Of Clubs. The gelding has been running well all winter and won in impressive style last time at Wolverhampton. Jake Payne takes a handy 7lb off again and the partnership is expected to score again.
Be lucky

World Cup & Winter Derby

All the news and views for Dubai on the specialist World Cup page.
The Winter Derby at Lingfield has slowly grown over the years and is now a decent Group Three contest. A number of proven runners line-up such as Nideeb, Pachattack and Dansili Dancer but I like the look of one at a bigger price. Suits Me is a decent front running type who should be allowed to dictate things today. The eight-year-old might just set the race up for one of the shorter priced fancies but should at the very least place up and I will be backing the gelding at 14-1 each way in the hope he can hold off the late challengers.
Be lucky

A Major Bet

We have a big priced Super 7 bet today in the Great Offers At wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk Handicap at 7.45. After you do the sums taking off the extras etc the selection is Major Eradicator who looks likely to go off at around 40-1.
Be lucky

Lunar River

Old friend Lunar River is back in action today in the Turftv.co.uk Handicap, class 6, 7.10 at Kempton. The eight-year-old has been in fine form and looks sure to make a bold bid for a hat-trick here tonight.

Be lucky

Kempton Super 7

Back to the sand today with a Super 7 bet in the 9.20 at Kempton the Book Kempton Tickets On 0844 579 3008 Handicap. We have 4 qualifiers for the heat, Fools Gold (14-1), Grand Honour (12-1), Teen Ager (25-1) and Hi Spec (25-1). I shall be splitting the level stake four ways between them.

Time For A Winner

The lovely Rebecca Curtis has a nice one at Ffos Las in the shape of Made In Time today. The six-year-old was a little disappointing last time but forgiven that run he has looked a nice prospect and can win the 3.45 today. I will be taking the 9-2 this morning.
Be lucky

Cheltenham Review

Another winning day on Friday with Long Run (5-1) and Bobs Worth (3-1) doing the business. It was an impressive performance by the new chasing king and I for one can't wait to see him and Diamond Harry lock horns - it may become a rivalry to match that of the great Kauto and Denman.
Winning days on Tuesday (+3) and Friday (+3) but overall I finish 5 points down (level stakes) for the 27 races during the meeting.

Winners

Quevega

Sizing Australia

Big Bucks

Long Run

Bobs Worth

All in all a bloody good four days - as ever- and I can't wait for next year.

Cheltenham Week

See the Cheltenham page for latest news, views etc.....

The Old Restoration - Cheltenham Recommendation

The Old Restoration is situated at the top end of Cheltenham High Street, a little out of the way for many day trippers to the track but worth the little walk. Friendly staff, good beer, good food, good pub. If you are in Cheltenham this week take my advice and pop your head around the door.

Cheltenham Week

See the Cheltenham page for latest news, views etc.....

Binocular Out - Henderson PR Disaster

Gutted by the news breaking this morning that Binocular will miss the Champion Hurdle next week. It is also yet another major PR disaster for the Henderson stable that of course has had the Moonlit Path banned substance disgrace of 2009 back in the news this year with the inquiry leading to vet James Main being struck off.
It has come to light today that last year's Champion had been treated for an allergy two weeks ago and subsequently tested positive for a banned substance. Henderson then followed BHA advice to withdraw the horse from the Festival when advised by the BHA that the horse would test positive come race day. In a statement Henderson said 'He had an allergy two weeks ago that did not respond to initial medication and, on veterinary advice and well within normal parameters, he required a further treatment the following day. As we were getting close to the most important race of the year, and also because since that administration to Binocular, another horse had tested positive for the same substance, I thought it prudent to take a precautionary test which not only surprisingly, let alone devastatingly, has also shown to be positive.'
The big question for me is why the racing public were not informed that one of the major players of the biggest jumps meet of the year had suffered an allergy, undergone treatment, not responded to the initial medication and received further treatment the following day and that there may have been a problem?
In this weeks 'Weekender' (9th March) Henderson says of Binocular in his 'Straight From The Stable' interview 'He is being prepared for one day only - Tuesday - and I couldn't be happier with him..... He is in very good order and will take some beating again.' Really Nicky?
Yes I was on ante-post but my money was down with Stan Jame and as such has been refunded so this is not a punter talking from his pocket. The question though is how many punters have had a bet in the last fortnight oblivious to this development, maybe even on the back of the quotes above published only four days ago?

Clowning Around With Angels

Nice winner last night at 12-1 courtesy of Time Travel.
Some very competitive racing today and although tempted I will not be getting over involved at the risk of damaging the Cheltenham kitty. That said it is Saturday and I have a couple to place a bob or two on.
I tipped Angels Pursuit previously and I think with the step back up to seven furlongs today he can reverse the form with Duff and take the opener at Wolverhampton.
I also like the look of Circus Clown up at Ayr in the 4.30. Jim Goldie sends the six-year-old here in search of a hat-trick and I see no reason why it can't be achieved, the step up in trip may even be in his favour.
Be lucky

Time Travel - Same As Last Year

The Super 7 system found a nice little winner in the shape of Running Mate last night adding a few coppers to the Cheltenham fund.
No system bet today but I will be taking a chance with one at Wolverhampton in the 8.50. Time Travel has only one win to his name but that was over a mile and a half on the sand at Dundalk on his seasonal reappearance last year. I shall be having a little each way punt at 12-1 in the hope history repeats itself.
Be lucky

Super 7

Holyfield Warrior was a gallant second for the Super 7 system again yesterday caught in the shadow of the post and beat half a length; is there a horse in training that deserves a win more than the seven-year-old at this time?

We have two races tonight at Kempton. In the 7.00 we have three qualifiers Galiotto, Filun and State General and two qualifiers in the 8.00 Running Mate and Diddums.

Three At Kempton

We have a Super 7 bet at Kempton this evening with three qualifiers in the 8.30. Our old mate Holyfield Warrior is out again (must get his nose in front soon) along with On The Cusp and Set To Go. I shall be splitting the level stake between the three.

Cheltenham Countdown

Solwhit and Riverside Theatre will both unfortunately miss the Festival but David Pipe is reportedly delighted with the condition of Grand Crus as he prepares to take on Big Bucks in the World Hurdle.
Despite a bit of a cold snap the current going at Cheltenham is described as good to soft on the chase and hurdle course and good to soft, soft in places on the cross-country course. The long range forecasts for next week are predicting the possibility of sun with some cloud for the first three days of the festival, with rain a distinct possibility for the Gold Cup on Friday.

Cheltenham Countdown

Somewhat a case of the quiet before the storm this week with the Festival looming large on the horizon; eight days and three hours to the off not that I am counting.
I shall be putting together the last couple of ante-post bets this week and they will of course be posted on the Cheltenham page. Diamond Harry is now a non-runner for the Gold Cup having sustained a suspensory ligament injury on his near-fore which is a terrible shame as I was looking forward to seeing him take on the established big guns, but the rest of the ante-post bets are still standing.
The official going is currently good-soft with the possibility of some rain later this week; hopefully the severe frosts and possible snow forecast for Saturday will stay away and all will be well come Tuesday 15th.

Three For Saturday

Plenty of racing to get the teeth into today and I shall be having a couple of bets to try and enhance the Cheltenham kitty.
Firstly at Newbury I like the look of Erics Charm in the Blue Square Supporting Greatwood Veterans Handicap Chase at 2.25. The thirteen-year-old bay gelding won this race last year, won nicely last time out and has a big chance at around 6-1.
The 3.35 sees the handicap bow of Made In Time. The six-year-old looks to be on a far mark and has the assistance of A P McCoy and I shall be taking a little of the 4-1.
Up at Doncaster at 3.15 we have the Win More With The coral.co.uk Green Tick Grimthorpe Chase and I am going to take a chance with Ogee. The chestnut was not at his best on his only start this season but he was a favourite on mine last year when winning three nice races and is worth a small punt at 15-2 as if returning to form he can take this.
Be lucky

Feeling Supa Lucky

Good day again yesterday with Stoneacre Gareth getting the job done for the Super 7 system and Mendip winning out in Dubai; just missed out on the hat-trick with Poets Voice beaten a neck into second place in the Emirates Airline Jebel Hatta Stakes at 3-1.
We have a Super 7 bet today with two qualifiers in the 8.15 at Wolverhampton. Supatov and Lucky Diva are the qualifiers and are available at 7-1 and 10-1 respectively early.
Be lucky

Stone Me It's Super Thursday

Nice little win yesterday with Grey Boy getting his well deserved victory at 11-4.
Back to the Super 7 system today in the shape of the Wolverhampton Hospitality - A Pleasure Handicap at 8.40; Stoneacre Gareth is the qualifier. Due to go up 6lb in the OR after today’s race, and having roared in after a long absence last week, Grey Boy in second franking the form yesterday, he would be a strong fancy even without being the system qualifier.
It is Super Thursday out in Dubai this afternoon with some big name animals on show.
One of the beasts I am most looking forward to seeing is Mendip. Having won round one of the Al Maktoum Challenge in January the colt is fancied to complete the double today taking the Group 3 Emirates Airline Burj Nahaar at 4.55.
In the 6.45 we have the muck anticipated seasonal bow of Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II winner Poet's Voice. It was always the plan to start at this meeting with the colt by all accounts and you can expect the Godolphin team to have him as near to peak fitness as possible; if he is I think he wins.
The 6.05 is probably best watched with UAE Derby and 2000 Guineas winner Musir likely to head the market and a number of the main protagonists such as Gitano Hernando, Twice Over, Prince Bishop and Debussy taking in this race as part of their preparation for the big World Cup meeting at the end of the month.
Be lucky

Grey Day?

Grey Boy was second twice in February for the Super 7 system, getting beat a neck by Lunar River and by the well backed Stoneacre Gareth the next day. Due to go up 2lb for future races the grey is fancied to make a big run back up in class in the Class 6 All Weather Hands And Heels Apprentice Series Handicap, 2.30 at Wolverhampton today and get a well deserved victory on the board.
Be lucky

February Review - A Tale Of Near Misses

What can only be described as a close but no cigar month in February with GirdysGeeGees tips showing a - 3.5 points loss and the Super 7 system showing a deficit of - 6.6 points.
The Super 7 system found three winners (with the second place horse as well on two occasions) as well as four separate second place finishers at the prices 9-2, 13-2, 25-1 and 40-1 with all four being beaten less than a length.
Here’s looking forward to a winning March and a few nice winners at Cheltenham!

Lifes A Beach

Wet and windy morning for it but some very nice  racing at Kempton and Lingfield.
In the Racing Post Chase I am going to place a bob or two on Fistral Beach. He made a mess of this race last year unseating at the second, but his Wincanton reappearance win looked pretty good to my eyes and with the old Nicholls/McCoy combination in his corner the eight-year-old is fancied to take this Grade Three.
The Listed 3.10 at Lingfield is a nice little race and the Girdy coppers shall be placed on Angels Pursuit. The chestnut colt won a nice Listed event at Newbury in May last year, is still possibly open to improvement on the sand, and looks the best horse in the race to me.
Be lucky

Premier League Winner?

Yet another second place yesterday for the Super 7 system, making 6 this month!
We have two races today and a total of four qualifiers. In the 5.25 Premier League is the system, and weights, pick due to Attrition carrying 6lb extra.
In the 5.55 the selections are Steel City Boy, second for the system earlier this month, My Meteor and Mythical Blue.
Be lucky

Grey And Grand

Nicked a tiny profit last night with the Super 7 system supplying the 1, 2, 3 with good old Lunar River being first passed the post.
We have two qualifiers in the 5.40 at Kempton tonight being Grey Boy (2nd last night beaten only a neck) and Grand Honour. Available at 13-2 and 4-1 respectively this morning I shall be splitting the level stakes between the two.
The main danger will possibly come from St. Ignatius, a qualifier earlier this month when finishing 2nd at 40-1, the beast is due to rise 7lb in the handicap after todays run.
Be lucky

Naming Names

The British Horseracing Authority has reportedly released its latest list of banned naughty horse names, some of the better reported efforts include:

Arfur Foulkesaycke

Anna Reksik

Anita Bath

Betty Swallocks

Drew Peacock

Far Kinnel

Hoof Hearted

Ivanna Tinkle

Noble Ox

Oil Beef Hooked

Passing Wind

Wear the Fox Hat

Five At Kempton

A real puzzler for the Super 7 today with 5 qualifiers in the 8.35 at Kempton - Kenswick, Grey Boy, Holyfield Warrior, Okaly Dokley and Lunar River (winner for the system last week). The only thing to do is split the level stakes five ways and hope for a big price winner.
Be lucky

Pride Of Dulcote

Terrible news concerning Pride Of Dulcote at the weekend.

Pride Of Dulcotes trainer Paul Nicholls is quoted as saying "He was a very good horse and, for us, he was the next generation. You hate to see that sort of thing happening. The owner was here as well, but what can you say in circumstances like that?"

I was obviously a fan of the horse, having him on my Dirty Dozen list. It is a shame when we lose any horse in this way and it is even more tragic that we will now never get to see just how good the horse might have been.

Moonshine And Pride

Horrible wet, damp, cold, miserable morning but there is some good racing today and hopefully I can find a winner or two to warm the cockles.
Up at Haydock in the 2.45 I like the look of Mr Moonshine. Available at around 6-1 this morning the seven-year-old looks certain to stay, having won over further and on similar going, and can be considered the 'dark horse' of the race with most people concentrating on Bensalem and Any Given Day.
Closer to Girdy Towers we have a nice meeting at Ascot and in the 3.00 Dirty Dozen member Pride Of Dulcote takes his chance. The drop in trip might not be ideal but as I said at the start of the season the unexposed eight-year-old could be anything and a win here would have to make him a serious contender for next months Cheltenham Gold Cup. I will be having a bit of the 5-2 early.
Be lucky

Better Luck Tonight? - Super 7

Too close to mention again yesterday with St. Ignatius getting caught close home and going down by a mere three-quarters of a length at 40-1.
We have two qualifiers again today in the7.05 at Wolverhampton so I shall be splitting the stakes between the two. The grey mare Our Kes has a case on paper without being the system pick and the gelding Le Corvee may have been disappointing last time but I am not about to leave out a big price animal having been so close with Steel City Boy (13-2), St. Ignatius (40-1)  and Colamandis (25-1) all being beaten less than a length.
Be lucky.

Bag A Saint

The Super 7 system found a nice winner yesterday and we have another race today at Wolverhampton. Once you have done the maths and allowed for the penalties we have two qualifiers in the 6.00, Aggbag and St. Ignatius.
The later named hasn't much form to shout about of late, but the same could have been said of Colamandis last week and the beast came second at 25-1 caught in the last 100 yards. Aggbag has notched up three wins at the track and is a more obvious punt. I will be splitting the level stakes between the two.
Be lucky

Super 7 Is Back

The Super 7 system is back with a bang today Lunar River getting the job done at 5-1 with the other qualifier Holyfield Warrior duly following home in second - shame didn't have the forecast!

Kempton Super 7

Very quiet thus far this week but we do have a Super 7 qualifier at Kempton today. In the 5.10 Lunar River at 11.2 generally and Holyfield Warrior (a previous qualifier) at around 6-1 are the bets, I will be splitting the level stakes between the two.
Be lucky

Newbury Drama

Horrific scenes from Newbury yesterday as two horses, Fenix Two and Marching Song, unfortunately died in the paddock prior to the opening race. Speculation has it that they may have suffered an electric shock, an underground cable has reportedly been found, though investigations are on-going. A third horse, Kid Cassidy, collapsed but thankfully recovered. The horses were being mounted in the parade ring when they fell to the ground and died. Thoughts are naturally with connections at this terribly sad time.
BHA Chief Exec Nic Coward is quoted as saying 'This was a tragic incident and our thoughts have to be with the connections. Once the incident had taken place racecourse officials got together with trainers, jockeys and owners and I think in difficult and freakish circumstances, they had some difficult decisions to make and made the right ones. Obviously Newbury are still in close contact with investigators they have there carrying out inspections, trying to work out what really happened. It is premature to describe in detail what happened because that would be speculation, but fingers are being pointed at some kind of electrical fault. Post-mortems are also being carried out. I think we should stress that racecourses have a very strong track record of dealing with all of these issues at the track in the interest of welfare - the horse, the jockey, trainers, owners and the customer. Racecourses are doing all they can and at the moment I think we should look at this as a bizarre moment that people who have been around racing for decades and decades have never seen the like. Courses are very vigilant and owners and trainers are very vigilant always. People across the country have seen this happen and their feelings will be for the connections of the horses."

Need A Friend

Morning dear reader. Some nice racing today at Newbury and I shall be investing a couple of bob on What A Friend in the AON Chase at 2.25.
In the Emerald Isle Dirty Dozen member Zaidpour is out in the Novice Hurdle at 2.45 as is expected to get back to winning ways.
Be lucky

Be Brave

The Super 7 tip Avonvalley was a non-runner yesterday unfortunately but we have two qualifiers today in the very last race of the day the 8.10 at Wolverhampton.
On The Cusp is a non-runner so the level stakes money now gets split between Brave Decision and Colamandis. The latter named filly hasn't shown much form to get excited about but I must stick with the system. On the plus side the grey gelding Brave Decision shaped well enough on his return race at Lingfield after a lay-off to suggest he is capable of taking a race such as this.
Be lucky

Happy Valley?

Not much luck yesterday with the Super 7 system, Steel City Boy got within half a length for us in the 5.10 and Ocean Of Peace appeared to be going well in the 6.10 before fading in the final furlong.
We have another qualifier today in the shape of Avonvalley in the 5.10 at Kempton; the filly hasn't been flying of late but at 14-1 here's hoping she will have us singing in the valleys later.
Be lucky

Super 7 At Kempton

The Class 7 system has several qualifiers today at Kempton. In the 5.10 we have Thoughtsofstardom, Mythical Blue and Steel City Boy so I will be splitting the level stakes three ways. In the 6.10 we have one qualifier, carrying the 6lb penalty for his win here 10 days ago, Ocean Of Peace.
Be lucky

Fontwell Fancy

Another winning day on Saturday and I have a little fancy today at Fontwell. Ilewin Tom put in an impressive performance at Folkestone last time out and despite having to carry the 7lb penalty today is expected to follow up; the gelding is due to get a 16lb rise in his OR for future races.
Be lucky

Two At Sandown

A winning day yesterday which is always nice.
We won't learn too much we don't already know about Binocular and Oscar Whisky today and both are expected to take easy wins at ridiculously long odds-on.
I do fancy two at Sandown and the first is Dirty Dozen list member Medermit. Two and a half miles is possibly stretching his stamina, I am convinced he is an Arkle horse, but he might be able to take this Novice Chase at 2.25.
My other fancy is Mister Hyde in the 3.00. The six-year-old is in fine form of late and I can see the beast progressing again today, and with the assistance of A P McCoy, he should take the Totesport6 Handicap Hurdle.
Be lucky

Handsome Squirrel

No joy with the Class 7 system yesterday and no races today. We do though at Wolverhampton tonight have the Bet On Winning Distances At bluesq.com Apprentice Handicap at 5.00 and Cyril The Squirrel is worth a small investment. I don’t usually get to involved with Apprentice Handicaps but the gelding seems to like it round her with two wins to his credit and a couple of good efforts so is given a tentative nod.
In the Stay At The Wolverhampton Holiday Inn Handicap at 6.30 Justcallmehandsome looks to have a chance back over the extended mile with the usually reliable George Baker booked for the ride and is also worth an investment.
Be lucky

UAE 1000 Guineas Goes To Mahbooba

Mahbooba, a daughter of Galileo, has won the UAE 1000 Guineas in some style for trainer Mike de Kock. Pulling away from her rivals in the final furlong to justify odd-on favouritism she won more than a shade cosily to give the great South African trainer his first win in the race, one of the few major Carnival races he hadn't won previously.

Mary Helen, Grace And Virtue

The title sounds like the start of a Priests speech but no I haven't found religion it's todays tip!
No luck yesterday with Farmers Dream turning into a bit of a nightmare looking like he might challenge before fading out of contention and Valentino Swing having a bumpy ride and finishing a staying on third beaten a neck and a neck.
We have another Class 7 race today, this time at Wolverhampton, in the shape of the one mile one furlong Great Offers Online At Wolverhampton-racecourse.co.uk Handicap at 7.30.
Two of the beasts qualify for the Super 7 system so I shall be splitting the level stake between Mary Helen and Grace And Virtue.
Be lucky

Dreaming Of Valentino - Super 7

A couple of recent Super 7 qualifiers are out again today at Kempton but they do not qualify to be backed this evening.
The two runners that should be backed are Farmers Dream in the 5.50 and Valentino Swing in the 7.50. Neither beast has been setting the world alight, in fact on paper their form is average at best even at this level, but a system is a system so I will be sticking with the level stakes bet on both as the system showed a nice 9.33 point profit for me in December.
Be lucky

January Review - Another Winning Month

Not a bad start to the year – following on from a winning December – GirdysGeeGees hit the high notes again in January. I showed a + 2.68 points profit to level stakes on all bets in January.
If we look at the ‘Super 7’ system alone it is showing a handsome + 9.33 points profit for the month to level stakes.
Here’s mud in your eye and to another winning month in February.

Shakalak Christmas

Some good racing at Cheltenham today but most of it might be better watched with the big meeting in March getting ever closer - 45 days to go.
I do like the look of one in the shape of Shakalakaboomboom in the 1.30. The seven-year-old will doubtless be popular coming from the bang-in-form Henderson team and I think he is worth a bob or two.
Over at Lingfield on the All Weather in the 2.25 Christmas Coming has a chance to notch up his first win. The colt is reappearing after a summer break and is officially rated 13lb higher than his rivals, I think the four-year-old will appreciate this step back up in trip and the return to polytrack.
Be lucky

It Would Be Folly To Ignore It

Nice little 3-1 Super 7 winner in the shape of Johnny Ebeneezer yesterday, unfortunately the second bet went down but at level stakes we finished two points up on the day again.
Today at Wolverhampton we have another qualifier and it’s one we backed last week. Kielty's Folly carries a 6lb penalty in the 4.40 for his Kempton success last week but the grey gelding looks to have a chance to rack up a quick double.
Be lucky

Super 7 At Kempton

Gone down with a touch of the ‘Placeitus’ this week with The Happy Hammer and Thumbs Up both finishing second to add to Dvinsky coming third on Sunday and the two seconds and third from the five tips on Saturday; at least the other two were winners.
We have two Class 7 races at Kempton today with three qualifiers for the Super 7 system. In the 4.50 Johnny Ebeneezer sets the standard on recent form and even at twelve years of age looks sure to go well. In the 5.20 we have two horses in the shape of Holyfield Warrior, who finished runner-up over a mile here last week in our bet that Kieltys Folly won for us, and the filly Mororless who hasn’t looked to impressive in her two starts this month but a system is a system and I am not about to change the rules.
Be lucky

Happy Hammer?

No Class 7 races today so the Super 7 system is on the back burner again. I do like the look of one at Lingfield in the shape of The Happy Hammer. Winner over course and distance 18 days ago, the 2lb rise doesn't appear to harsh and the gelding has a big chance in the 2.55.
Here's hoping it's an omen for later tonight with the Hammers taking on Birmingham in the second leg of the Carling Cup semi-final - Up the Hammers!
Be lucky

Thumbs Up At Leicester

Over at Leicester today I am going to take on the odds-on shot in the Dick Christian Novices' Chase, 3.10. Likely jolly Giorgio Quercus took a heavy fall on his chasing debut at Plumpton, he was going well at the time, but as they say jumping is the name of the game.
Thumbs Up was the highest rated of the four runners over hurdles, and duly won first time over fences at Cartmel last season. The form of that race isn’t exactly sensational stuff but Donald McCain is likely to have the grey ready for his seasonal reappearance and if there is a chink in the armour of Giorgio Quercus he looks the most likely to take advantage.
Be lucky

Attendances Up In 2010

Good to read the figures released by The Racecourse Association showing that attendances at racecourses increased in 2010 by a reported 3.4% on 2009 with over 5,769,000 reported visitors - the second consecutive year attendances have increased. The number would surely have topped the six million mark if it wasn’t for the huge number of meetings lost to the worst winter since records began.
I’ve said it before and I will no doubt say it again; you can have all the gimmicks and offers you like but supply a quality product and quality service and the punters will come through the door. It is no coincidence that one of the best tracks in the country for facilities and service, namely York, increased their average gate by a reported 11% with Bath posting an impressive increase of over 16%.
Stephen Atkin, Chief Executive of the Racecourse Association commented, ‘I am delighted to see these figures, it is a vindication of the hard work being done behind the scenes on Britain’s racecourses to attract customers, especially those new to the sport. It is a shame that the bad weather in December stopped us from beating the previous high of 2004, but it lays down the marker for the Racecourses in 2011 to maintain these high standards’.

Dvinsky Code

Close but no cigar yesterday with two winners, two seconds and a third.
No Class 7 races on the All Weather today but I like the look of one at Kempton in the shape of Dvinsky. The Jane Chapple-Hyam trained ten-year-old isn't getting any younger but ran a nice race when finishing second over course and distance last time out and has a big chance in the 2.40. The stable is ticking over nicely in 2011 having notched up four winners thus far and placed up eight times out of twenty-seven runs; three of the winners and four places have come at this track out of ten starts. At 3-1 early the gelding is worth an investment of a couple of quid.
Be lucky

Five For Ascot

The Class 7 system failed yesterday but such is the way of things and I am not giving up on it yet as it is still showing a nice profit in January thus far.
Some cracking racing at Ascot today and there is a very big chance of a Nicky Henderson treble and Paul Nicholls double on the card.
Osric should get the ball rolling for Henderson in the opener. Grandouet won nicely at Newbury last time and is fancied to take the 1.15. The quickfire treble should be completed by Caroles Legacy in the 1.50. Always there or thereabouts the seven-year-old mare should be good enough to win this.
As for Mr Nicholls the great Master Minded is turned out in the 2.25 and is expected to take this on the way to the big one in March. Unbeaten on this track, he won this race in 2009, and I can't oppose him today. Breedsbreeze runs in the 3.30, back from injury after nearly two years off with a credible second at Newbury in December, the gelding should prove a class above his rivals today.
Be lucky

Orpens Again And The Duke

Hardly the most inspiring of racing today and most of it is best left well alone. We do have two qualifiers for the Super 7 system today; Orpens Peach won easily for us yesterday and is the top rated officially in the 4.35 at Wolverhampton with the 6lb penalty. The filly is best priced 100-30 for a quick double. In the lucky last at 7.35 Duke Of Rainford is the qualifier being OR rated 55 and is available at around 5-2.

Be lucky

Super 7 Strikes Again

The Super 7 system strikes again with Orpens Peach bolting in at a returned price of 12-1 in the Bet On Winning Distances At Bluesq.com Handicap at Wolverhampton by three and three-quarter lengths; Guildenstern finishes fourth.

It might not be the best racing you will ever see but that's three from three now this month and it's always nice to visit the payout counter.

Super 7 Qualifiers And A Dabble In Dubai

We have two qualifiers for the Class 7 system (currently being refered to as the Super 7 system at Girdy Towers) today in the 4.20 at Wolverhampton. Guildenstern and Orpens Peach are both rated at 49 so, as the system is two for two thus far this month, I shall be taking a little of the 4-1 and 8-1 available respectively on both and hopefully one of the beasts will get its nose in front.
At the other end of the racing spectrum out in Dubai we have the Cape Verdi Stakes Sponsored by Bal Al Shams a Group 2 on the turf. Mike De Kock has been making all the right noises about River Jetez in interviews and by all accounts he expects the filly to do well in the coming months. With his record in mind if De Kock thinks he has a good’un it must be worth a second look and she has won a Grade One in South Africa. A couple of quid will be invested on the eight-year-old to make a winning debut for her new connections.
Be lucky

Class 7 System Strikes Again

Well the little All Weather system worked again as Kieltys Folly duly obliged in the Class 7 heat at Kempton with joint top rated Holyfield Warrior coming home second - should have had the cast!

The other top rated horse Queenies Star disappointed but having invested wisely on all three a couple of bob has been trousered on the result and it is always better in my pocket than the bookies!

One Out Of Three Will Do

Bit of a dilemma today at Kempton as we have multiple qualifiers for the Class 7 All Weather system I touched upon earlier this month when Barodine duly obliged.
The simple rule is to back the top rated horse in All Weather Class 7 races but in the 4.30 at Kempton today we have three horses all rated at 50: Kieltys Folly, Queenies Star and Holyfield Warrior.
Available at 13-2, 16-1 and 14-1 respectively I suppose the only thing to do is have a small investment on all three, worse case scenario if one of them wins we are four and a half points in front.
Be lucky

Eclipse Awards

Hot on the heels of the WTR we have the Eclipse Awards in the USA with Zenyatta named US Horse of the Year at a ceremony in Miami on Monday night, the mare beating her Breeders Cup Classic conqueror Blame in the ballet by 26 votes. She had of course finished runner-up at the Awards in 2009 to Rachel Alexandra and Curlin in 2008.

ECLIPSE AWARD WINNERS 2010

Horse of the year: Zenyatta

Older male: Blame

Older female: Zenyatta

3-y-o male: Lookin At Lucky

3-y-o female: Blind Luck

2-y-o male: Uncle Mo

2-y-o female: Awesome Feather

Male turf: Gio Ponti

Female turf: Goldikova

Male sprinter: Big Drama

Female sprinter: Dubai Majesty

Steeplechase horse: Slip Away

Owner: WinStar Farm

Breeder: Adena Springs

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Jockey: Ramon Dominguez

Apprentice: Omar Moreno

The Eclipse Awards are decided by votes cast from members of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the National Turf Writers Association and the Daily Racing Form.

Ballydoyle For The Cup?

It has been six years since the O’Brien stable sent any runners out to Dubai but it appears they may be popping on the plane come 26th March with four horses reportedly entered for World Cup night. Irish Derby and Irish Champion Stakes hero Cape Blanco heads the list and is in-line for a crack at the $10 million Dubai World Cup if reports are to be believed.
The Ballydoyle team haven’t sent a horse to the meeting since the reported fall-out between Sheikh Mohammed and Coolmore boss John Magnier in 2005.
Whether the entries are a sign of a possible reconciliation between the two camps or not will no doubt stay confidential, Sheikh Mohammed described the original fallout as a "private matter". It is though good news for racing fans with more top class horses at the meeting and for Sheikh Mohammed, whose desire to increase the status of the Dubai Carnival had been severely affected by a lack of runners from a major player such as the Ballydoyle stable.

Five Star Kauto?

Seven horses tipped in January so far with a return of four winners (Medermit and Gold Story were both second with Sam Winner being the big disappointment.) so ticking over nicely at the moment.
If Kauto Star can win his fifth King George VI Chase today he will have beaten the record set by the great Desert Orchid. A few of the usual suspects line-up against him but if the eleven-year-old is at his best a place in the record books await. The jumping of Long Run is a little to suspect but The Nightingale may just upset the apple cart. It will be a great race to watch but as Dessie was one of my first favourite horses, who I fell in love with as a wet behind the ears teenager when he won this for the first time in 1986, I shall be suffering from mixed emotions should Kauto eclipse his great record in this race. That said records are there to be broken and I shall be investing on Kauto to be the King of Kempton yet again.
In an attempt to keep the cash coming in I shall also be having a couple of quid on Angelic Upstart in the 2.20 at Lingfield. The colt can rack up a hat-trick today following two nice wins at the back end of last year and I shall take a little of the 3-1 on offer.
We also have the re-arranged Christmas Hurdle with Binocular, Starluck and Khyber Kim locking horns once more. Binocular is of course one of my Dirty Dozen but I think he is better at Cheltenham, where Starluck doesn't appear to be at home, so this is a race to watch rather than bet on for me.
Be lucky

Class 7 Cash

There is a system doing the rounds which simply states back the top rated horse in Class 7 races on the All Weather; I have kept an eye on it for a few weeks and if you had been following it you would be winning money.
With that in mind I shall be investing a few shillings on Barodine in the lucky last at Wolverhampton tonight, 7.40. The gelding won at Lingfield last week and though that was a seller this little handicap looks no tougher and he won nicely enough, out staying the odds-on favourite, and he should follow up before going up in the weights.
Be lucky

The Thursday Titter XV

A joke recently told to me credited to Joe Palmer, the late racing expert and Racing Editor of the New York Herald Tribune:
A man from Idaho breezes into Kentucky with a six-year-old horse that had never raced before, but which he entered for a race.
The horse won easily and paid a whopping price. The racing stewards did not like the look of the thing and questioned the owner.
‘Is this horse unsound?’ they asked.
‘Not a bit.’ said the owner.
‘In that case,’ asked the stewards, ‘why have you never raced him before?’
‘Mister,’ said the man from Idaho, ‘we couldn't even catch the critter until he was five years old.’

Gold From The Sand?

Hardly classic stuff on offer today but over at Southwell in the Play Megajackpots Cleopatra At bluesq.com Handicap the Brian Ellison trained Gold Story has a decent chance. Finished second here last twice and I think the drop to six furlongs today may help. The gelding is not one to lump on but a couple of quid at 7-2 is worth a risk.
Be lucky

World Thoroughbred Rankings for 2010

The World Thoroughbred Rankings for 2010 are out and as ever the debate as to the ratings and whether correct or not is up and running in pubs the length and breadth of this green and pleasant land. It is one of my favourite times of the year, remembering some of the best performances of last season and telling anyone who cares to listen that so and so is rated too low and thingymabob too high. The rankings of course are a 'peak performance' system and not a 'handicapping' system showing the best figure obtained by a horse in the season and not a reflection of consistency or a measure of what may have been achieved in different circumstances.
There can be little argument concerning the rating of Harbinger with his King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes win earning the colt one of the highest ratings in recent years. A rating of 135 puts him 1lb behind the rating allocated to the great Sea The Stars in 2009 and 6lb off of the all time top rating of 141 gained by Dancing Brave. This of course is a case in point of a 'one off' wonderful performance as due to injury the colt never had the chance to prove he could do it again. Other notable Older Horses include Dirt performers from the US Blame on 129 and Quality Road on 128 followed by Japanese trained Nakayama Festa on 127 and Rip Van Winkle rated 126. The previously unbeaten mare Zenyatta, defeated by Blame in the Breeders Cup Classic in 2010, gets 125 the same rating as Goldikova to lead the way for the fairer sex. Aussie sprinter Black Caviar topped the sprint figures on 123 with J J The Jet Plane getting 122.
The Three-Year-Old ratings are likely to get a few heated debates going with Makfi and Workforce both being rated at 128 and Canford Cliffs on 127. Personally I would have had the Arc and Derby winning colt ahead of the 2000 Guineas winner. The Stoute trained colt is the fourth successive Derby winner to top the ratings which shows the Epsom showpiece to be in rude health. Although biased with the colt being arguably my favourite of the year I would have had Canford Cliffs a pound higher than the 127 he has been awarded but what do I know when it comes to ratings? The way in which Canford Cliffs runs/has to been ridden makes him a hard horse to rate as he is never likely to beat a field by ten lengths so is a colt that can only be judged on what he has done and not what he might be able to do if he had to. Cape Blanco gets 126 and Dick Turpin 124. As for the fillies Snow Fairy gets a rating of 120 1lb behind Lily Of The Valley and and Sarafina. Top Three-Year-old sprinter was my favourite Starspangledbanner on 121.
The Two-Year-Olds appear to have most people scratching their heads and commenting on websites with Frankel and Dream Ahead both getting a rating of 126. Dream Ahead had been the highest rated of the two until Frankel gave him a seven length beating in the Dewhurst Stakes. Opinion appears to be divided between punters who think this is fair and that Dream Ahead simply did not run any sort of race in the Dewhurst but deserves the rating for his Middle Park run and those who feel Frankel is being hard done by not being rated Champion Two-Year-Old. We are unlikely to get an answer in their Three-Year-old campaigns as Dream Ahead appears destined for sprint distances.
Like I said at the start the debate rages……..

Pot Of Gold At The End Of The Rainbow?

A late update today but hopefully there will be a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow in the 2.20 at Southwell. Finns Rainbow had proved a little frustrating for connections but appears to have got the hang of things now with a couple of good second places over course and distance last month and getting a win on the board last week. The 6lb penalty should not bother the chestnut colt too much and he is expected to win the Bluesq.com On Your Iphone Handicap 

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Johnson Charged

I am a little shocked by the news that Howard Johnson has been charged by the BHA with running a horse that had undergone a neurectomy and also administering anabolic steroids to three other horses in his care. The trainer has reportedly admitted to running Striking Article in eight races after the horse had undergone the neurectomy procedure, known as being ‘de-nerved’ and described as ‘the severing of nervous connection to the lower leg to cause numbness’. The neurectomy procedure is banned on welfare grounds as in the simplest of terms, as I understand it, it allows horses to continue running through pain which they would normally feel due to the severing of the nerves.
Johnson could face a variety of bans and fines if found guilty of the charges reportedly up to £3,000 and a year ban for "neglect and very poor husbandry". If the trainer is found guilty of the more serious‘wilful neglect’ the maximum ban could be imposed of up to ten years. A provisional date of 10th February has been scheduled for the BHA disciplinary panel to hear the case.
This is a story that will run and run for the next few weeks and will no doubt have the anti-racing brigade up in arms. Hopefully the case will be dealt with swiftly and fairly with justice being seen to be done and minimising the bad publicity for the sport.

A Winner, Bit Of Class And The Chief

Some fine racing today at Sandown and Chepstow.
Sam Winner looks to continue on his winning run leading to a tilt at the Triumph Hurdle come March, the gelding will be short priced but should be good enough to win the 1.10 at Chepstow without to much fuss.
Over at Sandown I like the look of Minella Class in the 2.40. It was a nice win at Newbury in December, Red Merlin easily held, and the Henderson trained gelding should handle this step up in class; Toubab is the obvious danger.
I was a fan of Mille Chief last season and the Alan King five-year-old looked to be back to somewhere near last years form at Ascot in November. The gelding has to give weight to all his rivals but I am hopeful of a big run and will be taking a bit of the 9-4 on offer.
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Lets Be Frank

Having recovered from a particularly severe, nasty and horrid bout of swine/bird/bovine/fish/man flu I am back – hurrah you cry!
Hopefully I can get straight into the winners and with that intention I am investing a couple of bob on Yourelikemefrank in the 2.10 at Lingfield. The gelding is hopefully still on the upgrade, nice win last week over course and distance, and he should be able to take this handicap.
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Take A Dip

Some nice racing at Cheltenham today and Dirty Dozen list member Medermit lines up in the Dipper Novices Chase at 2.00. The grey is up in trip and hopefully will stay the two mile five furlongs. I shall be investing a couple of bob  at the 11-2 available this morning.
Be lucky