Howard Johnson - Hearing Adjourned

The BHA inquiry into Howard Johnson and the running of the gelding Striking Article eight times after the horse had undergone a neurectomy, the severing or removal of leg nerves running to the foot, and also administering the steroid Laurabolin to three other horses in his care was today adjourned. It is hoped the hearing will reconvene in early August but it may have to wait until September according to reports.
On the 10th January this year I wrote on this site '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.' some hope there then. What price a journalist with limited if any knowledge of the sport jumps all over the story and uses the opportunity to take a swipe at horseracing in the press in the next couple of days?
I would hope whoever is guilty, if anyone, is dealt with in the strongest way possible with a lengthy if not lifetime ban from working with horses. I also hope this sorry mess can be dealt with as soon as possible and that the bad publicity for the sport that I and millions of others love is minimal.

Unbelievable

York Glory looked the winner but was caught well inside the final furlong leaving me to tell yet another sob story this month - more seconds than an Oxfam shop as they say. I hope the luck changes for the big meetings coming up.

Glory At Doncaster

Bit of a late one today but I have a fancy up at Doncaster this evening. Winner of two of his last four starts and second in the other two putting in a sequence of 1,2,1,2 the Kevin Ryan trained York Glory is due to go up 5lb after today. The colt looks capable of winning the 7.25 before getting a rise in the weights and I will be taking a bit of the 2-1 available this afternoon.

Be lucky

Irish Oaks

Another case of hitting the crossbar yesterday. Elusive Pimpernel was disappointing with Heavenly Dawn impressive, each-way punt Imperial Pippin finished fourth with late bet Ingleby Exceed third beaten a nose and a neck.
I keep on trying and today all eyes will be on the Curragh for the Irish Oaks. Tactics won the day for Dancing Rain in the Epsom race and the Haggas filly is unlikely to be allowed to repeat that run. The second and fourth at Epsom, Ballydoyles Wonder of Wonders and Godolphins Blue Bunting, look better horses and in a truly run race we should see the Aidan O'Brien trained filly prevail. I shall be having a bit of the 11-8 this morning.
Earlier on the card we have the Group Three Jebel Ali Stables and Racecourse Anglesey Stakes at 2.40. Some nice two-year-olds line up and my preference is for Fire Lilly. Fourth in the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes at the Royal meeting the extra furlong here will suit and she should prove too good for her opponents today.
Be lucky

Late News Saturday

 Another near miss day so far but I have one late that should get a bit of beer money for Saturday night. I liked the way Ingleby Exceed won at Catterick ten days ago and with the step up to a mile unlikely to cause concern she should complete a quick double tonight.
Be lucky

Newbury And Newmarket

I am back fully refreshed and ready to nick a few quid to cover the costs of the short-break at Carmarthen Bay - I actually got a tan in Wales!
We have some nice racing today at Newmarket and Lingfield and I fancy three to get me to the pay-out counter this afternoon. First off at 2.35 we have the Listed Newsells Park Stud Stakes at Newmarket. The John Gosden trained Imperial Pippin looks a likely improver having placed up twice in Listed company and the extra two furlongs today should suit; at 12-1 this morning she is well worth an each-way punt.
Across the country to Newbury for the 2.55 Aon E.B.F. 'Aqlaam' Fillies' Handicap and a filly trained by Sir Michael Stoute. Heavenly Dawn put up a nice effort on her seasonal reappearance three weeks ago and that having blown any cobwebs away she should be up to the task today and I will be taking the 7-4 this morning.
I will be staying at Newbury for my third bet of the day as I like the look of Elusive Pimpernel in the 4.05 Listed Shadwell Beech House Stud Stakes. A class act at two the colt won The Craven stakes as a three-year-old and run with credit in the 2000 Guineas of 2010. The bay has obviously had some problems since then as he has been lightly raced but if he can find that old sparkle he would be too good for the opposition today. I will be nipping to Corals for a bit of the 5-1.
Be lucky

Newmarket Nightmare

Another day of close but no cigar on Saturday - Docofthebay each-way finishing 6th, Delegator 5th and up at York Hamish McGonacall was 3rd beaten a neck and a nose! Following Far Flung, Roman Soldier both finishing 2nd, Shumoos 3rd, Fury disappointing and Memory not taking part all in all a week to forget.
I am off for a few days to recharge the batteries and will be back for next weekend hopefully with a couple of winners.
Until then be safe, be nice and most of all be lucky

July Festival Day Three

Not a good day yesterday with Shumoos finishing third and Memory refusing to race again, sitting down in the stalls and only agreeing to come out when the race was as good as over; she can never be trusted again. Down to business today.
Up at York we have the John Smith's City Walls Stakes a Listed sprint at 2.05. It will be fast and furious stuff and I like the look of the Tim Easterby trained Hamish McGonagall. The tough little sprinter loves it round here and is taken to just prevail, I will be taking the 4-1 early.
Back at Newmarket for day Three of the Festival the Bunbury Cup looks as tricky as ever but I am sticking with a horse I backed at the Royal meeting in the shape of Dandy Nicholls trained Docofthebay. The booking of Olivier Peslier catches the eye and the gelding should run into a place at least so I shall be taking a bit of the 14-1 each-way early.
I backed Delegator ante-post for the Golden Jubilee Stakes which the Godolphin colt missed due to the slow conditions. Todays going should be much more to his liking and the five-year-old should take the world of beating in the Group One July Stakes and I have taken the 4-1 early. The Aussie Star Witness is an obvious danger.
Be lucky

July Festival Day Two

Yet another second yesterday - four from six tips this month to date - and a disappointing run from Fury. Day two of the July Festival and the rain is falling again but hopefully I have a couple of gee gees today to put a smile on the face.
The Cherry Hinton Stakes is a cracking little race for two-year-old fillies and on form Shumoos should take all the beating. Having beaten Frederick Engels on her debut, who subsequently won at the Royal meeting and of course beat Roman Soldier here yesterday, she followed that up with a second place finish in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot beaten only a short head. If she gets the six furlongs she should win and I will be taking the 3-1 this morning.
My liking of Memory is no secret and the filly has a chance to get her career back on track in the Falmouth Stakes today. Reportedly working well at home she returns to the scene of her very impressive Cherry Hinton Stakes win last year and a chance is taken with her to bounce back to form and at 9-1 this morning she is an each-way punt.
Be lucky

July Festival Day One

Another second place yesterday meaning I have so far this month tipped up four horses for one winner and three seconds. There is some nice stuff at Newmarket today for the start of the July Festival and I fancy a couple.
Second in the Coventry Stakes at the Royal Meeting Roman Soldier looks the one to beat in the 1.50 July Stakes, Group Two.
I have put Fury up on both his runs already this season and the colt has a great opportunity to get back to winning ways this afternoon in the 4.05. I tipped him as an each-way chance in the Guineas were he finished fifth and he was then beaten a nose when I put him up in May at Sandown, he should take this little heat is his stride.
Be lucky

Far Away

Jim Best sends Far Flung the 300 odd miles all the way to Catterick this evening from his base in East Sussex for the Racing Again Wednesday 13th July Median Auction Maiden Stakes. With Silvestre De Sousa booked to ride I can only assume the filly isn’t being sent to such far flung places (did you see what I did there) just for a day out and a big run can be expected on her seasonal reappearance. I will be taking a bit of the 9-4 this morning.
Be lucky

Eclipse Stakes

The much anticipated meeting is here and who do you side with? It really is almost to close to call but I will be siding with Workforce to just prevail in what might turn out to be one of the races of the year.
Be lucky

Sandown Appetiser

The appetiser before the big feast today at Sandown and we have a nice couple of Listed events to get out teeth into.
First up at 2.50 is the Bank Of New York Mellon Dragon Stakes for two-year-olds. Several of the main protagonists come here on the back of good runs at the Royal Meeting and of those the form of Kohala, who finished fifth in the Group Two Queen Mary Stakes, looks the best so she is the tentative choice; grab a bit of the 7-4 this morning.
At 4.00 we have the Ambant Gala Stakes and I like the look of Class Is Class. The form of his seasonal reappearance when the gelding finished second looks decent enough, the third placed horse Principal Role won a Listed event at Newcastle last week, and at 11-2 this morning he is the pick.
Be lucky

June Review - Money Money Money

Happy to report that GirdysGeeGees did it again in June with 5 winners from 12 bets and the sites tips showing a +7 points profit to level stakes (Royal Ascot results can be found on the specialist page). That’s five winning months out of six in 2011.
We have some cracking racing to look forward to in July, with the Eclipse Stakes getting the ball rolling at Sandown on Saturday with Workforce, So You Think and Snow Fairy likely to line-up; hopefully the winning streak will continue.

Fairyhouse Fancy

The Group Three Irish Stallion Farms E.B.F. Brownstown Stakes, 7.30 at Fairyhouse is the race of interest today over in the Emerald Isle.
Emulous beat Lolly For Dolly last time out at the Curragh, form which was well and truly franked by the latter's Windsor Forest Stakes victory at Royal Ascot, and the Dermot Weld trained filly looks a good bet to take this at the early price of 5-2.
Let’s hope Irish eyes will be smiling and all that.
Be lucky

Southwell Late

It is hardly top quality stuff at Southwell this evening but I do fancy one. Zarius has a good record at the track having won twice and placed twice having run here five times. The seven furlongs of the Membership Of Southwell Golf Club Handicap at 8.30 is ideal and I will be taking a little bit of the 4-1.
Be lucky

Newmarket, Curragh And Potty Training

I am babysitting the nephew this weekend, or the two and a half year old is looking after me depending on your point of view, so it is very unlikely I will get the chance to spend hours going through the racing form - potty training, swimming, finding bugs and chasing imaginary dragons taking precedence.
 In the world of little Frankie Captain Barnacles Bear, Kwaxii Kitten and the rest of the Octonauts gang are of much more interest than Richard Hughes and Henry Cecil but the little fella does quite enjoy watching the horses so I might get Channel Four Racing on for an hour or two and I will be backing a couple over the weekend.

In the 3.55 at Newmarket on Saturday we have some nice types and my eye has been taken by Siren's Song. The filly ran a big race when seventh in the Oaks and she can make the most of this drop in grade.
On Sunday we of course have the big meeting at the Curragh including the Irish Derby. The Queens Carlton House set to line up and will be sent of favourite for the race. I have made no secret of my liking of the horse, I backed him at Epsom, and I am confident he will be successful this time.
Be lucky

Botham To Bowl 'em Over Again

A winner for me last week Botham is out again today in the 9.00 at Hamilton. The gelding boasts some nice course form having won here on four occasions does not have to carry a penalty today for last weeks win at Ayr. He is nicely treated being due to rise 4lb in the weights after today and though he does need a little luck due to his hold-up style of running I am expecting another bold display today.

Maybe, Just Maybe - 1000 Guineas 2012

Following her win in the Chesham Stakes, putting the colts in there place in doing so, at this time it is impossible to see past Maybe for next years 1000 Guineas.

I know I got stung last year backing Strong Suit and Memory this far in advance but a faint heart never won a fair lady and she looks a lot better than any other filly we have seen thus far and the way in which she won over seven furlongs at Ascot suggests that a mile will be no problem at all in the fuure. If anyone can get her to Newmarket in one piece and at her peek it is Aidan O'Brien and as 8-1 is available in places I will be taking a little bit of that and keeping my fingers crossed over the coming months.

Ascot Review

I end the week -3 points down to level stakes for the thirty races throughout the meeting with six winners and and each-way bet (Docofthebay) having come off; I put up three second placed finishers as well so again a case of close but no cigar at the Royal Meeting.
It has as ever been a great week (baring those idiots getting all handbags - at least learn to fight if you're going to have one) with some of the best horses in the world on show and I am already looking forward to some terrific racing again in 2012.

Get Out Of Trouble Stakes

It's all going wrong again at Ascot today but we have some late news elsewhere.
Up at Ayr in the 6.10 I am told by my Dundee connection (a Scot in the boozer) that Botham is a good bet having been made ready for a run last week but pulled out due to the conditions and a big race is expected tonight.
in the 6.30 at Newmarket I doubt that Pintrada has been sent all the way from Yorkshire by James Bethell just for a day out.
Fingers crossed my luck is better elsewhere than it has been in Berkshire for the last couple of days.
Be lucky

Royal Ascot

See the dedicated Royal Meeting page for all the news views and general waffle.

Diamond And Moon

The big meeting at Ascot is only hours away but there is still some half decent racing today and a couple of bets to be had.
In the 3.30 at Sandown we have a horse I talked about on several occasions last year and already this in the shape of Dinkum Diamond. He won the National Stakes at Sandown last year and was second in the Flying Childers. I always thought the Aussie Rules colt should make a nice three-year-old but he hasn't quite been at his best yet with two third place finishes this season. At his best he would win this and as trainer Henry Candy has sent out a couple of winners this week I am going to invest a couple of bob this afternoon.
Up at York one time Derby hope Sea Moon will be making his seasonal reappearance. Held in high regard at Freemason Lodge the colt should be far too good for his rivals today unless something has gone terribly wrong over the winter and I wouldn't expect to see him in handicap company again after today.
Be lucky

Ascot Countdown

Latest news views and bets can be found on the dedicated Royal Ascot page.

Derby Review

If it could have gone wrong for Carlton House it did in the Derby finding trouble in running and losing a shoe in the run-in; Moore looked distraught at the end but it must be said that the French horse came home like a train and it is very hard to say if the Queens colt would have won with more luck in running or not. Young jockey Mickael Barzalona nearly made a terrible hash of it celebrating before the line but got away with it and Pour Moi looks like a horse to be reckoned with other the coming months. I would expect to see the horse aimed at the Prix Niel followed by the Arc.

Derby Day - Send Her Victorious

A lovely day for it and it is all eyes to the Downs for the Derby.
I have looked over the videos again and again and read the form till my eyes hurt. The Dante looks the best trial again this year and with that in mind Carlton House fully deserves his position as favourite and has to be the pick. I know there was the injury scare but there is now way Sir Michael Stoute and Her Majesty - gawd bless her - would be sending the colt if he wasn't fit and raring to go.
Send her victorious...........
Be lucky

Oaks Day Review

Bit of a rollercoaster again today. I was disappointed with Timepiece, it looked like she was setting a fair gallop to my eye in the early stages and she duly ended up going out like a light when the pressure came.
St Nicholas Abbey on the other hand was quite brilliant. Totally off balance round the turn and then having the door firmly shut in his face by Tom Queally on Midday (fairly it most be said) Ryan Moore got him balanced, pointed him at the line and boy did he run to it and was in fact going away at the finish.
As for Havant, she never really seemed to get going and finished a fair way behind the impressive Dancing Rain, under a good ride from Johnny Murtagh, who kept on gamely to deny Wonder Of Wonders.

Tote Done!

So Betfred have won the Tote and signed a contract with the government to buy the state-owned betting operator for a total of £265 million. Everyone I know in the racing game favoured the Sports Investment Partners bid but Fred’s got it.
Most of the threads on the racing sites are full with unhappy punters and regular race goers all of whom believe this is a bad idea, The Jockey Club of course opposed the sale altogether. Just about every argument against a High Street chain taking over the Tote appears to have been ignored.
I sincerely hope I am wrong but I fear that I and thousands of racing fans across the country will be proved correct and that this deal will ultimately prove to be of no benefit to racing at all.

Oaks Day

The Henry Cecil trained Timepiece is back on track today at Epsom in the Princess Elizabeth Stakes at 1.40. The trainer believes she has come on for her York run when third in the Middleton Stakes behind Midday and though this is a good Group Three the filly faces nothing of the class of Midday today.
Midday is set to take on the colts in the Coronation Cup later on the same card at 2.45. The five-time Group One winning mare is reportedly in fine shape according to Henry Cecil but comes up against St Nicholas Abbey today who looked to be right back to his best last time at Chester in the Ormonde Stakes winning by nine lengths. I have tipped up both horses this season but preference is just for the O’Brien trained colt today with fingers crossed that the four-year-old is having one of his good days – it should be a belter of a contest between the pair.
I have already tipped up Havant for The Oaks in my preview and will be sticking with the Stoute trained filly in the big one at 4.05.
Be lucky

Oaks & Derby Preview

The Oaks looks a competitive affair to me with a number of the runners in with a credible chance of lifting the prize. Ballydoyle have a terrific record in the race over the last fifteen years so Wonder Of Wonders and Misty For Me have to be considered, both also have good form to their name with Wonder Of Wonders having won the Cheshire Oaks and Misty For Me having taken the Irish 1000 Guineas. Why and Eirnin are the other runners for the stable both available at 100-1. Godolphin of course won the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket with Blue Bunting who comes to Epsom as favourite for a race in which the jolly has a good record, five wins in the last ten years, and she is expected to be better over a mile and a half.
Mick Channon sends the unbeaten Zain Al Boldan to take her chance but this is a major step up in class even though her Oaks Trial win at Lingfield was impressive. Dancing Rain trained by William Haggas is another who will need to step up on what she has achieved already but she will have the assistance of Johnny Murtagh in the saddle.
I of course having been saying all season on this site that the Sir Michael Stoute trained Havant might just find middle distances more to her liking than the mile of the Guineas and that she will possibly be a better bet for The Oaks. You could argue that she was doing no more than staying on in the Guineas but I am convinced the mile and a half is the trip for her and at 6-1 is worth a punt.
The Derby market has been thrown into confusion in the run-up to the big race with the French horse Pour Moi coming in for support following his ‘Breakfast with the Stars’ run-out and of course the injury scare for Carlton House. Pour Moi has certainly been the horse in the news of late but it is notoriously difficult to assess the French form and Andre Fabre has a terrible record in the race. On paper he has a fair chance but there are questions to be answered. Vadamar also takes a trip across the channel and the Aga Khan owned colt has an each-way chance having chased home Pour Moi at Saint-Cloud in May.
Of the home team Native Khan, trained by Ed Dunlop, will be ridden by Johnny Murtagh and must have a squeak though I feel a mile and a quarter might be his distance. The two main runners for Ballydoyle are Recital and Seville following the defection of Roderic O’Connor to the French Derby. Both colts certainly have a chance with Recital, ridden by Kieren Fallon, probably the best of the pair.
The Godolphin team have Ocean War as their main representative but even with the irrepressible Frankie on board this looks a little to hot for their charge and we are unlikely to see the Dettori flying dismount this year.
Carlton House (owned by Her Majesty The Queen if you didn’t already know) is the form choice but you are of course taking his fitness on trust after the injury scare at the start of the week. If anyone can get the horse ready for the big race it is Sir Michael Stoute, and you can call me a soppy old romantic, but it would be great to see the Queen finally win the Derby. All being well the colt will arrive at Epsom in tip top shape and if he does he will take all the beating.
I can see it being a Sir Michael Stoute trained double at Epsom and have invested a couple of quid this morning (non-runner no bet) on Havant for the Oaks and Carlton House for the Derby win double.

Derby And Oaks

Latest news and views for the big Epsom races can be found on the Classics 2011 page.

May Review – In Profit Again

It was a long and at times gruelling month - not too mention maddening having tipped up four second placed horses in the last four days - but I finish May in front to the tune of +8.34 profit to level stakes making it four winning months out of five this year; due in no small part to Barcelona getting the job done against Man Utd in the Champions League final.
Here’s hoping the winning run continues as we enter what promises to be a wonderful month of racing with the small matter of The Oaks, The Derby and Royal Ascot to look forward to over the coming weeks.

That Elusive Winner

I finally got my nose back in front having been playing catch up all month courtesy of Show Rainbow at Haydock and the Barcelona boys doing the business against Man Utd at the weekend.
I fancy one today at Leicester in the 3.15. Caught in the closing stages over a mile at Newmarket last time Elusivity has been in good form of late and the gelding should put in another big run today.
Be lucky

Newmarket, Haydock And Barcelona

A winning day yesterday which hopefully sees the start of the fightback and getting my nose back in front before the end of the month.
At Newmarket today we have the Novae Bloodstock Insurance Fairway Listed Stakes in which I like the look of Naqshabban. His Sandown win on his reappearance back in April looks strong form now as second behind him was Joviality who went on to land the Musidora Stakes at York, the same sort of effort today will be good enough to win this heat.
Up at Hyadock we have a couple of nice races starting with the Listed sprint at 2.35. Show Rainbow will be suited by the drop in trip and class today to my eye, this season she has run fourth in the Nell Gwyn and was amongst the also rans in the 1000 Guineas, and can get her head in front.
The Listed Fillies Stakes at 3.10 is quite competitive but I will be going with the unbeaten Vita  Nova. She has progressed nicely and thoroughly deserves her chance to earn some black type today.
The Group Three at 3.35 should go to Regal Parade. His second place to Delegator in the Duke Of York Stakes is the best form on offer and he will take some beating if reproducing that form.
Once in a while I dip into the Football market and I will be doing so for the Champions League Final tonight. Man Utd are a very good side but the current Barcelona team are probably the best club side I have ever seen, it is a pleasure to watch them when they get going. I will be backng them to triumph 3-1 tonight.
Be lucky

Close But No Ciger - We Keep On Trying

I hit the bar in more ways than one last night with Magic City and Holberg both finishing third, Workforce winning (at least I got the 11-8) and Fury coming second caught right on the line beaten a nose. I will keep plodding on and try and get out of this rut I find myself in with a couple of bets at Brighton today.
Wooden King looks to have every chance in the opener at 2.00. The six-year-old gelding has been in fine form this month with a win and two second placed efforts to his name; I expect him to get his nose back in front today.
Pickled Pelican looks to have a similarly good chance in the 2.30. William Haggas has a good strike rate here and this is the only horse he has sent for today, a nice second place effort on debut earlier this month should have put the Dylan Thomas colt in good shape for today.
I will try and get the agony over early today and will also be having a little punt at the other end of the country backing Grand Gold in the 2.10 at Newmarket. The Mick Channon trained colt is another who has been running well lately having finished third on his racecourse debut and second last time out; hopefully he can add a 1 to his form figures this afternoon.
Be lucky

Sandown - Brigadier Gerard Stakes Card

A nice card at Sandown tonight which of course sees the return of Workforce in the 7.40. This could well be the toughest Group 3 run for some time with the Derby and Arc hero looking to concede 7lb all round. He is of course head and shoulders above his rivals on last years form and if the predicted rain today does come it will not hurt his chances. Stoutes colt will be a short price but must be fancied.
The Listed National Stakes at 6.30 is a good two-year-old heat and I fancy Magic City to gain revenge on Bannock who beat him last time at Windsor. The Elusive City colt is 3lb better at the weights today and was given a fair bit to do at Windsor and just couldn’t catch the winner. His previous two runs, winning on debut and second to Miss Work Of Art, were top quality and he should get back to winning ways today.
The Group Two at 7.05 sees some nice stayers taking to the track and Godolphin might have a very nice one in the shape of Holberg. Twice a winner at Goodwood last season he rounded off the season finishing sixth in the Melbourne Cup. Fitness has to be taken on trust but having won on his past two seasonal debuts he should be ready to go.
The Listed heat at 8.15 is a nice little race and I fancy the William Haggas trained Fury to take the honours if he has come out of the 2000 Guineas, where he finished fifth, in good shape.
Be lucky

Angel, Holy And Divine

In the 7.30 up at Beverley tonight the unbeaten Lily's Angel puts her record on the line again. The filly was a most impressive winner of the Lily Agnes at Chester on her most recent start and looks horse with a future over sprint distances. Fahey and Hanagan are of course in cracking form and she should be there or thereabouts.
As mentioned in my Trainers Guide any two-year-old Fahey sends to Scotland is worth a look and he has the unraced Holy Roman Warrior in the 2.10 at Ayr. The colt reportedly cost £70,000 as a yearling and might well be up to winning first time out.
Another with a big chance today has to be Divine Call in the 3.50 at Ayr. William Haggas is another trainer who doesn’t send too many north of the border and when he does they are well worth noting. He ran well in four starts last year finally getting a victory on his last start. Gelded over the winter he could be on a handy mark and might be one to follow in handicaps.
Be lucky

Irish 1000

I am on a pretty poor run at the moment, in fact I probably couldn't tip a wheelbarrow, but I am sticking with one of my Dirty Dozen over in the Emerald Isle today.
Misty For Me looked to improve all season last year culminating in her victory over Helleborine at Longchamp in October. She didn't run a great race at Newmarket when eleventh in the 1000 Guineas but should be fitter today and could be the one to beat the form choice Together.
There is also a big meeting over at Longchamop this afternoon and super mare Goldikova looks a sure thing in the Group One D'Ispahan Stakes, 2.45. Earlier at the meeting at 1.00 we have the De L'avre Listed Stakes and the Mark Johnston trained Hurricane Higgins looks to have every chance.
Be lucky

Fixing Allegations! Racing In The Headlines Again For The Wrong Reasons

Thirteen people, including jockeys Paul Doe, Greg Fairley, Kirsty Milczarek, Jimmy Quinn and former rider Paul Fitzsimons, now a trainer, as well as two owners, have been charged by the BHA with serious breaches of the rules of racing.
Obviously there is not much I can add to the news that hasn't already been written in the newspapers and websites this morning other than to express my dismay that yet again the great sport of horseracing is making the headlines for all the wrong reasons. If only as many column inches could be filled by the great stories we have had in recent times such as the brilliant Sea The Stars and Big Bucks winning a third World Hurdle plus the wonderful Summer we have too look forward to with the likes of Frankel, Canford Cliffs and of course Carlton House favourite for the Derby for the Queen.
Lets hope the BHA get to the bottom of it all very quickly and if anyone is found guilty that they are dealt with swiftly and appropriately.

Irish 2000 Guineas, Softly And The Bullet

I first wrote about Dubawi Gold at the very beginning of April, suggesting that the Jersey Stakes should be a future target. He has since run a cracker in the 2000 Guineas finishing second to Frankel and earns a stab at the Irish equivalent, a similar performance to that he put in at Newmarket would be good enough to win the Irish 2000 Guineas today.
Also at the Curragh we have the Greenland Stakes at 3.10 and Sing Softly, a winner twice here at the start of the year and just pipped in the Nell Gwyn, will appreciate the drop back to six furlongs and can win this Group 3.
Up at Haydock the Budapest Bullet is in town. Overdose has simply blown away the opposition on 15 of his 16 starts abroad. Reportedly having travelled over fine he is a very interesting runner in the Temple Stakes at 3.00 and if he behaves, he has played up at times before racing, he could be anything.
Be lucky

Pennies Punter Picks Up £353,000

I may be out of from at the moment but an out-of-work father of two from Glasgow is well and truly in the money according to reports. The punter won the princely sum of £353,000 after winning a 50p each-way accumulator. The lucky jock put the tiny bet on a seven-horse accumulator on Tuesday (17th May) with bookmaker William Hill and all seven horses duly won.

4:50 - Brighton - Miss Dutee 12/1

5:00 - Nottingham - Abidhabidubai 15/2

6:30 - Kempton - Poyle Punch 11/2

7:10 - Towcester - Bollywood 9/2

8:00 - Kempton - Loves Theme 9/2

8:40 - Towcester - Timoca 13/2

9:00 - Kempton - Kylladdie 10/3

King Of The Castle

Johnny Castle racked up three second places in three runs as a two-year-old running against some decent horses a number of whom have been winners since – Twice Bittten, Dubarshi, Tagansky, Star Surprise, Bawwaab and Jehanbux. Hopefully the colt has trained on and he could prove a decent Handicapper as the season progresses and should be able to take the 3.25 at Haydock today.
Be lucky

Goodwood Good'uns

I am looking to get back to winning ways today having had a bit of a disaster in the French Guineas at the weekend.
Down at Goodwood I like the look of the Gosden filly Imperial Pippin in the 3.10. She had a subsequent winner back in fourth when scoring at the first time of asking at Newbury and with the too be expected improvement for that run she should be able to take this.
In the 4.20 I will be having a couple of bob on the Godolphin colt Badeel. A nice prospect who dealt very easily with his rivals in a Nottingham handicap earlier this month, as with Imperial Pippin if he makes the expected improvement for that run he will win this Listed event.
Be lucky

Poule D'Essai Pouliches, Poule D'Essai Poulains

Bonjour, Bon Appetit, Fax pas, Cest la vie  and all that it's Guineas day in France.
I have been talking of Helleborine for some time on this site and she must have a chance in the Poule D'Essai Pouliches (French 1000 Guineas). She blotted her copy book when getting beat on her seasonal reappearance but Mme C Head-Maarek has a habit of getting her charges right for the big one, she has won this race seven times.
The Poule D'Essai Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) is a nice looking race and I fancy the Godolphin trained Midsummer Fair to prevail. I was taken with his Newmarket win and the colt is open to bags of improvement. Wootton Bassett is the obvious danger.
Au Revoir

Hannon Double

Apologies for anyone who treid to access the site yesterday; due to problems with Blogger all sites where down on Friday.
It will be no surprise to anyone who has read this site before to hear that I am backing Canford Cliffs in the Lockinge. The colt ended last season with a hat-trick of Group One wins and provided Richard Hannon has him fully wound up today I can see no dangers.
Notebook entry Tell Dad is out at Newmarket today in the 4.00. Following a good looking debut run he let us down next time out when second to Commisar at a short price. I am prepared to give him another chance and he should win today.
Be lucky

York Day Three

Some more tough races at York today with some really competitive handicaps; I fancy a couple though and will be investing a shilling or two to try and nick some weekend beer money.
There are a number of promising sorts lining up for the first but it's hard to escape the claims of clear form pick Miss Work of Art. She won on debut and looked a decent type when winning at Ascot last time and the hat-trick is well within her reach.
For the Yorkshire Cup I am going to take a chance on Duncan . By all accounts Jo hn Gosden has been aiming his six-year-old at this race al winter so hopefully he will be fully geared up for today. The gelding has to prove he stays this far but if he does he has a big chance.
Be lucky

York Day Two

A couple of real cracking races up at York today. The Middleton Stakes looks a really good renewal with Midday, Timepiece and Music Show lining up. Midday was was just bettered by Sariska last year (I tipped the winner here on GGG’s) but the mare faces nothing of her calibre today and should take this on her way bigger assignments later in the season for the Henry Cecil yard.
I fancy Henry Cecil to have a very good day and his World Domination puts his huge reputation on the line in what promises to be an enthralling Dante Stakes. Put on the ‘Notebook’ page following his debut win at Newbury I honestly believe the colt could be a real Derby contender and if he is he will win this. Seville and Carlton House are obviously respected.
Be lucky

York Day One

Some very tricky racing at York today, with some fiercely competitive Handicaps and Stakes races.
I am going to take a chance on one in the Musidora Stakes in the shape of Arizona Jewell. Henry Cecil's filly looked like a nice horse when winning at Sandown and subsequently features prominently in the betting for the Oaks. Barefoot Lady must be a danger after running so well in the 1000 Guineas but I fancy the Cecil filly might just be able to shade it.
Be lucky

Lingfield Derby Trial

Some quite tricky races today but I will be having a little punt in the Derby Trial. Measuring Time sets the standard with his two runner up efforts this season and is fancied to go one better with the step up in trip sure to be to his liking.
Be lucky

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

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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