Over at Newmarket Elas Diamond catches the eye in the 3.10 and it is impossible to ignore Picture Editor in the 3.45.
Over at Wetherby another old favourite returns in the shape of Tidal Bay in the John Smiths Hurdle. I believe he is a far better horse over hurdles and is more than good enough to take this Grade Two hurdle to kick off what will no doubt be another season going for top races across the country. Howard Johnson will have him spot on today and he has gone well fresh in the past.
Be lucky
Saturday, 30 October 2010
Thursday, 28 October 2010
Paddy Mullins
Paddy Mullins has passed away aged 91 years. Probably most famous fro his association with the great Dawn Run, the only horse ever to win both the Champion Hurdle and Gold Cup, tributes from some of the biggest names in the racing game have been reported throughout the day. Father of trainers Willie, Tom and Tony a minute's silence is expected to take place at Thursday afternoon Clonmel meeting where a number of runners trained by the family have been withdrawn.
The Thursday Titter VI
Lester Piggot is in the parade ring discussing race tactics with the horses trainer.
The trainer tells Lester 'This is the worst horse I have in training, the beast has had 23 races and finished last in all of them, if it doesn't win today the milkman will be using it for deliveries in the morning.'
Lester mounts up and takes the horse down to the start.
The race begins and Lester is thirty lengths last after half a furlong, he gives the horse an almighty backhander on the behind, nothing, he then gives him a series of sharp slaps down the shoulder, nothing, exasperated he gives the colt two wallops right on the bollocks.
The horse comes to a sudden stop, turns round to Lester and says 'For the love of God will you turn it in with that whip, I have to be up at half four in the morning to deliver the milk! '
The trainer tells Lester 'This is the worst horse I have in training, the beast has had 23 races and finished last in all of them, if it doesn't win today the milkman will be using it for deliveries in the morning.'
Lester mounts up and takes the horse down to the start.
The race begins and Lester is thirty lengths last after half a furlong, he gives the horse an almighty backhander on the behind, nothing, he then gives him a series of sharp slaps down the shoulder, nothing, exasperated he gives the colt two wallops right on the bollocks.
The horse comes to a sudden stop, turns round to Lester and says 'For the love of God will you turn it in with that whip, I have to be up at half four in the morning to deliver the milk! '
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
Breeders Cup Update II
Sad to read that Starspangledbanner and Gitano Hernando are both going to miss the Breeders Cup.
Winner of the Golden Jubilee Stakes and Darley July Cup Starspangledbanner will not be making the trip, Aidan O'Brien is simply quoted as saying 'Master Of Hounds is in the Juvenile Turf but Starspangledbanner will not go to the Breeders' Cup.'
The Gitano Hernando team decided the supplement fee was too high and didn't fancy racing against Workforce in the Turf.
Winner of the Golden Jubilee Stakes and Darley July Cup Starspangledbanner will not be making the trip, Aidan O'Brien is simply quoted as saying 'Master Of Hounds is in the Juvenile Turf but Starspangledbanner will not go to the Breeders' Cup.'
The Gitano Hernando team decided the supplement fee was too high and didn't fancy racing against Workforce in the Turf.
Monday, 25 October 2010
Hear Hear
Interesting to read the comments of Mark Johnston at the weekend commenting on the bumper crowds at Newmarket and Cheltenham the weekend before last. The trainer reportedly said ‘This is what racing is all about. A big attendance to see top horses – not waiting for some pop concert afterwards or everybody walking about with pints of beer in their hands. Why are we changing all this?’
It is a question the RFC guys would do well to consider.
It is a question the RFC guys would do well to consider.
Saturday, 23 October 2010
Jump To It
My first Jumps bet of the season this afternoon.
Old friend Monets Garden returns to action in the Old Roan Chase. The grey has a wonderful first time out record and has in fact won on his seasonal debit seven out of eight times including this race in 2007 and 2009. Those sort of stats, and the positive reports from trainer Nicky Richards, give me the impression (see what I did there?) that he can continue the trend on Saturday.
Be lucky
Old friend Monets Garden returns to action in the Old Roan Chase. The grey has a wonderful first time out record and has in fact won on his seasonal debit seven out of eight times including this race in 2007 and 2009. Those sort of stats, and the positive reports from trainer Nicky Richards, give me the impression (see what I did there?) that he can continue the trend on Saturday.
Be lucky
Friday, 22 October 2010
All Change!
Jump racing is to drop the Order of Merit system and will have a British Jumps Championship – similar to the new British Champions Series for the flat - in the future.
The British Jumps Championship will build during the season with what has been described as an emphasis on a ‘Road to Cheltenham’. The actual framework of the championship is planned to be drawn up before next summer and reportedly the points and prize-money system that formed the basis of the Order of Merit will probably form the basis of the new ‘Championship’.
Rod Street, chief executive of Racing Enterprises Limited an arm of the nuisance that is Racing For Change reportedly said ‘We think the Order of Merit has run its course. It did the job of attracting the best horses in the key races, but we now need to engage with a bigger audience and in bringing in new race goers.’
I would point out to Mr Street that ‘attracting the best horses in the key races’ is the best way to attract an audience plain and simple. And, if the basis of the new Championship is to be the points and prize-money system that formed the basis of the Order of Merit, what is the point of the change?
We constantly have the same line for the RFC mob that they are trying to broaden racings appeal to a wider audience but will another new ‘Championship’ have non race goers flocking to racetracks the length and breadth of the country or just be another case of change for changes sake?
Is someone who goes racing once or twice a year really likely to have even the slightest grasp of a British Jumps Championship let alone know who is leading in the standings?
Will the girls organising a Hen Party care if one of the races at Aintree is part of the season long Championship?
Will the lads of the the local rugby club on their annual day out be aware that two of the horses racing in the 3.20 at Sandown are leading in the British Jumps Championship?
I would suggest it is highly unlikely and the time, and more importantly money, being spent on these initiatives would be better spent on the facilities at the racetracks, to use a marketing term 'improving the customer experience', rather than creating league tables that no-one outside of the game is going to care about anyway.
The British Jumps Championship will build during the season with what has been described as an emphasis on a ‘Road to Cheltenham’. The actual framework of the championship is planned to be drawn up before next summer and reportedly the points and prize-money system that formed the basis of the Order of Merit will probably form the basis of the new ‘Championship’.
Rod Street, chief executive of Racing Enterprises Limited an arm of the nuisance that is Racing For Change reportedly said ‘We think the Order of Merit has run its course. It did the job of attracting the best horses in the key races, but we now need to engage with a bigger audience and in bringing in new race goers.’
I would point out to Mr Street that ‘attracting the best horses in the key races’ is the best way to attract an audience plain and simple. And, if the basis of the new Championship is to be the points and prize-money system that formed the basis of the Order of Merit, what is the point of the change?
We constantly have the same line for the RFC mob that they are trying to broaden racings appeal to a wider audience but will another new ‘Championship’ have non race goers flocking to racetracks the length and breadth of the country or just be another case of change for changes sake?
Is someone who goes racing once or twice a year really likely to have even the slightest grasp of a British Jumps Championship let alone know who is leading in the standings?
Will the girls organising a Hen Party care if one of the races at Aintree is part of the season long Championship?
Will the lads of the the local rugby club on their annual day out be aware that two of the horses racing in the 3.20 at Sandown are leading in the British Jumps Championship?
I would suggest it is highly unlikely and the time, and more importantly money, being spent on these initiatives would be better spent on the facilities at the racetracks, to use a marketing term 'improving the customer experience', rather than creating league tables that no-one outside of the game is going to care about anyway.
Thursday, 21 October 2010
The Thursday Titter V
A young jockey and his stable lass girlfriend make the decision to get married.
Everything is planned and the couple intend to honeymoon in Italy for a week.
The marriage goes without a hitch, beautiful ceremony, lovely reception and the couple set off on their honeymoon.
Whilst checking in at the hotel the lady behind the desk asks ‘'We have two suites available for you, would you like the bridal?'
'No thanks’ says the jockey, ‘I'll just hold her ears till she gets the hang of it!'
Everything is planned and the couple intend to honeymoon in Italy for a week.
The marriage goes without a hitch, beautiful ceremony, lovely reception and the couple set off on their honeymoon.
Whilst checking in at the hotel the lady behind the desk asks ‘'We have two suites available for you, would you like the bridal?'
'No thanks’ says the jockey, ‘I'll just hold her ears till she gets the hang of it!'
Rip Van Winkle Retired
Rip Van Winkle, four-year-old winner of three Group Ones, has been retired it was announced last night (Wednesday) and will stand at Coolmore Stud.
The colt was victorious in this years Juddmonte International Stakes at York and was a major fancy of many for the Breeders Cup Mile. As a three-year-old he won the Sussex Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes but like all others in 2009 his chance of further glory was spoilt by the amazing Sea The Stars in the Guineas, Derby and Eclipse Stakes.
He will no doubt prove popular in his new career and it is hoped it is a long and fruitful one.
The colt was victorious in this years Juddmonte International Stakes at York and was a major fancy of many for the Breeders Cup Mile. As a three-year-old he won the Sussex Stakes and Queen Elizabeth II Stakes but like all others in 2009 his chance of further glory was spoilt by the amazing Sea The Stars in the Guineas, Derby and Eclipse Stakes.
He will no doubt prove popular in his new career and it is hoped it is a long and fruitful one.
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Breeders Cup Update I
With the major meeting in the States just over a couple of weeks away the big guns are starting to finalise plans for one of the best meetings of the year.
Current 2-1 favourite for the Breeders Cup Turf Workforce is not guaranteed to be making the trip across the pond for the big one on 6th November. Teddy Grimthorpe, Khalid Abdullah's racing manager, has stated that ‘there's no decision yet.’
Aidan O'Brien has also warned that Fame And Glory ‘might be finished for the season’ and as such his participation in the Breeders Cup Turf is also doubtful.
The Khalid Abdullah operation should be represented by Midday in the Filly & Mare Turf and Henry Cecil posted an upbeat report on his website ‘Midday is on track for her attempt at back-to-back wins in the Breeders' Cup. I am very pleased with her and she is a real joy to have. I owe her so much towards the stable's revival and upsurge.’ The four-year-old filly has been in tremendous form winning three Group Ones in the Nassau Stakes, Yorkshire Oaks and Prix Vermeille in her last three outings and is generally a shade odds-on to repeat her victory of last year.
Unbeaten star mare Zenyatta will defend her Breeders Cup Classic crown with trainer John Shirreffs reportedly telling the gathered press corps at Keeneland recently that ‘she is as good or better than she was last year.’ The mare will be attempting to stretch her unbeaten run to twenty races. A possible fly in the ointment for the mare is the fact that the Classic will be run on dirt at Churchill Downs, all but two of her victories have come on synthetic tracks.
Current 2-1 favourite for the Breeders Cup Turf Workforce is not guaranteed to be making the trip across the pond for the big one on 6th November. Teddy Grimthorpe, Khalid Abdullah's racing manager, has stated that ‘there's no decision yet.’
Aidan O'Brien has also warned that Fame And Glory ‘might be finished for the season’ and as such his participation in the Breeders Cup Turf is also doubtful.
The Khalid Abdullah operation should be represented by Midday in the Filly & Mare Turf and Henry Cecil posted an upbeat report on his website ‘Midday is on track for her attempt at back-to-back wins in the Breeders' Cup. I am very pleased with her and she is a real joy to have. I owe her so much towards the stable's revival and upsurge.’ The four-year-old filly has been in tremendous form winning three Group Ones in the Nassau Stakes, Yorkshire Oaks and Prix Vermeille in her last three outings and is generally a shade odds-on to repeat her victory of last year.
Unbeaten star mare Zenyatta will defend her Breeders Cup Classic crown with trainer John Shirreffs reportedly telling the gathered press corps at Keeneland recently that ‘she is as good or better than she was last year.’ The mare will be attempting to stretch her unbeaten run to twenty races. A possible fly in the ointment for the mare is the fact that the Classic will be run on dirt at Churchill Downs, all but two of her victories have come on synthetic tracks.
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Frankel Rise, Racing Post Trophy, Canford Campaign
Looking back to last weekend red hot 2000 Guineas favourite Frankel has been given a rating of 124 following his Dewhurst victory, a rise of 1lb. The poor showing by Saamidd and Dream Ahead given as reasons for it being impossible to rate the victory any higher according to the BHA handicapper. Looking forward to this weekend, Ed Dunlop has stated that unbeaten colt Native Khan is ‘ready to run’ in Saturday's Group One Racing Post Trophy providing the ground at Doncaster does not turn any softer. Casamento is the 2-1 jolly for the big two-year-old heat and is reported to have pleased connections on Monday with a nice workout. The Ballydoyle team will be represented by Tipperary soft ground winner Seville.
Looking even further ahead to next year Richard Hannon is looking forward to a campaign in 2011 for Canford Cliffs having ruled out a trip to Japan ion November for the Kyoto Mile Championship. Following a well deserved break over the winter, all being well, it looks as though the likely campaign will take in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May, the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.
Looking even further ahead to next year Richard Hannon is looking forward to a campaign in 2011 for Canford Cliffs having ruled out a trip to Japan ion November for the Kyoto Mile Championship. Following a well deserved break over the winter, all being well, it looks as though the likely campaign will take in the Lockinge Stakes at Newbury in May, the Queen Anne at Royal Ascot and the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Champions Day Review
Got that wrong then!
Frankel looks like good horse and could sweep all before him next season. I will be trying to find one to beat him as he is no price now for the Classics but it might turn into a search for each-way value as he did look very good yesterday.
Frankel looks like good horse and could sweep all before him next season. I will be trying to find one to beat him as he is no price now for the Classics but it might turn into a search for each-way value as he did look very good yesterday.
Saturday, 16 October 2010
Champions Day
Cracking day of racing and I am glad to say a cracking day for it. Nice little result yesterday with Modeyra winning well and swelling the bank for a punt or two today.
I am basically standing by my ante post picks today as listed last week. Delegator in the first, Dream Ahead for the Dewhurst, Vision D'Etat in the Champion and Red Cadeaux for the Cesarewitch.
Godolphin and Frankie are back amongst the winners and Delegator looks a good bet in the Victor Chandler Stakes.
So many column inches have been written about the The Dewhurst there is little I can add other than my opinion that Dream Ahead has looked top class so far and I think might be the better horse over the trip compared to the other main contenders.
In the Champion Vision D'Etat has an outstanding chance. One of the best mile and a quarter horses in the world and a four time Group One winner who has been lightly campaigned this season. Clearly did not like the track at Meydan in Dubai and I expect him to run a massive race today.
The Cesarewitch is one of those crazy races that you shouldn't get involved with but every year you do. Red Cadeaux is as tough as old boots, game and consistent and will certainly not be beat for lack of effort. A strongly run test of stamina might just find him out but the same can be said for several of the other runnners and if he was guaranteed to get the trip I think he would be even shorter than the 14-1 on offer at Stan James.
Be Lucky
I am basically standing by my ante post picks today as listed last week. Delegator in the first, Dream Ahead for the Dewhurst, Vision D'Etat in the Champion and Red Cadeaux for the Cesarewitch.
Godolphin and Frankie are back amongst the winners and Delegator looks a good bet in the Victor Chandler Stakes.
So many column inches have been written about the The Dewhurst there is little I can add other than my opinion that Dream Ahead has looked top class so far and I think might be the better horse over the trip compared to the other main contenders.
In the Champion Vision D'Etat has an outstanding chance. One of the best mile and a quarter horses in the world and a four time Group One winner who has been lightly campaigned this season. Clearly did not like the track at Meydan in Dubai and I expect him to run a massive race today.
The Cesarewitch is one of those crazy races that you shouldn't get involved with but every year you do. Red Cadeaux is as tough as old boots, game and consistent and will certainly not be beat for lack of effort. A strongly run test of stamina might just find him out but the same can be said for several of the other runnners and if he was guaranteed to get the trip I think he would be even shorter than the 14-1 on offer at Stan James.
Be Lucky
Friday, 15 October 2010
Newmarket Friday
Some nice racing today at Newmarket and one horse in particular stands out for me.
The Godolphin trained Modeyra has only raced once but the form of that maiden win as a two-year-old has worked out very well with the horses finishing second-sixth having all been winners since. Saeed Bin Suroor has been amongst the winners again lately and although Timepiece is obviously a good horse and more than capable at this level but the Shamardal filly could be anything and it is unlikely she has been kept in training for nearly a year without running for no reason.
Be lucky
The Godolphin trained Modeyra has only raced once but the form of that maiden win as a two-year-old has worked out very well with the horses finishing second-sixth having all been winners since. Saeed Bin Suroor has been amongst the winners again lately and although Timepiece is obviously a good horse and more than capable at this level but the Shamardal filly could be anything and it is unlikely she has been kept in training for nearly a year without running for no reason.
Be lucky
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Champions Day Ante Post
Like a child on Christmas Eve I just couldn't wait, a little Ante Post Yankee has been placed.
I have gone with:
Be lucky
I have gone with:
Delegator
Dream Ahead
Vision D'Etat
Red Cadeaux
I will of course be keeping an eye open over the next forty-eight hours and will no doubt press up on the four named above if conditions stay favourable.Be lucky
The Thursday Titter IV
George and Fred are in the pub.
'I put £20 on a horse last week and he came in at twenty five to one.' Remarks George.
'Wow! You must be loaded', replies Fred.
'Not really' said George, ‘the rest of the field came in at twelve thirty.'
Boom Boom!
'I put £20 on a horse last week and he came in at twenty five to one.' Remarks George.
'Wow! You must be loaded', replies Fred.
'Not really' said George, ‘the rest of the field came in at twelve thirty.'
Boom Boom!
Looking Ahead – Champion Stakes
A day at the races which includes races of the quality of The Cesarewitch and The Dewhurst is always going to be a day of delights for a racing fan but we of course also have the small matter of the Champion Stakes to consider as well come Saturday afternoon.
Current 7-2 favourite and defending Champ Twice Over is reported to be in rude health ahead of the Newmarket race and will face ten rivals with Snow Fairy having been withdrawn to concentrate on a crack at the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup at Kyoto in November.
Vision D'Etat and Fuisse who are being sent over from France will prove tough nuts to crack and Godolphins Poet’s Voice will be popular with many following his Queen Elizabeth II Stakes win tackling the distance for the first time. Gitano Hernando is likely to offer stiff opposition back on English soil as well, whilst John Gosden is sending his Arlington Million winner Debussy. Aidan O’Brien will be represented by Leopardstown winner Await the Dawn.
Current 7-2 favourite and defending Champ Twice Over is reported to be in rude health ahead of the Newmarket race and will face ten rivals with Snow Fairy having been withdrawn to concentrate on a crack at the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup at Kyoto in November.
Vision D'Etat and Fuisse who are being sent over from France will prove tough nuts to crack and Godolphins Poet’s Voice will be popular with many following his Queen Elizabeth II Stakes win tackling the distance for the first time. Gitano Hernando is likely to offer stiff opposition back on English soil as well, whilst John Gosden is sending his Arlington Million winner Debussy. Aidan O’Brien will be represented by Leopardstown winner Await the Dawn.
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Looking Ahead - Cesarewitch & Dewhurst
We have some great racing to look forward to this weekend, with some real puzzler races to get the teeth into. The Cesarewitch is one of those races that in truth you should never have a punt in, a two and a quarter mile slog with a massive field in which anything can happen and often does, but you know come Saturday you will be have a couple of bob on some beast in the hope that you have solved the conundrum. Trainers talk confidently about their charge getting the trip – Eoin Griffin on Admiral Barry - and nervously watch the skies for rain leading to a change in going – Mark Tompkins and Theola. Personally I like the look of Red Cadeaux at this stage. The Dunlop trained four-year-old looks like a battler and you certainly need a tough horse in this race. According to reports the trainer is likely to try blinkers on the colt in the big race just to help him concentrate on the job in hand and he has a massive each-way chance.
As I wrote yesterday the Dewhurst should be a cracker and in its own way is a puzzler of a race with Frankel at odds-on but Dream Ahead officially rated the better horse and Dettori talking up the attributes of supplemented Saamidd. I am still undecided at this stage but I am starting to lean toward Dream Ahead based on the form of his two Group 1 victories in the Darley Prix Morny and Shadwell Middle Park Stakes. I think Frankel is bred to become a leading middle distance horse come next season (very closely related to Bullet Train) and Dream Ahead may just have the advantage over seven furlongs with his breeding suggesting that a mile will probably be his best trip come next spring. It is certainly going to be fascinating to watch and whichever of the 12 runners triumphs is guaranteed to go straight to the top of the betting for next seasons classics.
As I wrote yesterday the Dewhurst should be a cracker and in its own way is a puzzler of a race with Frankel at odds-on but Dream Ahead officially rated the better horse and Dettori talking up the attributes of supplemented Saamidd. I am still undecided at this stage but I am starting to lean toward Dream Ahead based on the form of his two Group 1 victories in the Darley Prix Morny and Shadwell Middle Park Stakes. I think Frankel is bred to become a leading middle distance horse come next season (very closely related to Bullet Train) and Dream Ahead may just have the advantage over seven furlongs with his breeding suggesting that a mile will probably be his best trip come next spring. It is certainly going to be fascinating to watch and whichever of the 12 runners triumphs is guaranteed to go straight to the top of the betting for next seasons classics.
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
Dewhurst Update
The Dewhurst Stakes, one of the most anticipated races of the flat season, is set to be a cracker with the three main attractions Frankel, Dream Ahead and Saamidd confirmed amongst the acceptors. Frankel is currently odds-on favourite with Dream Ahead available at 3-1 and Saamidd at 5’s, it is 16-1 bar the big three. The ground on the Rowley Mile is described as good in the run-up to the big meeting starting Friday.
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Feet Up & A Glass Of Wine
Not quite the lovely day we were promised by the weather girls, but the sun is always shining in my world and we have some nice racing to have a look at. I will be having a little each-way Yankee for a bit of fun on a lazy Saturday afternoon; feet up and a glass of wine.
I am taking a bit of a punt in the 2.45 at York with Sphinx. The twelve-year-old is no hen born in March and hasn't been seen since on a racecourse since April but the old stager has winning form on soft and heavy, flat and hurdles, and the distance of two mile two furlongs is not a problem. The gelding might just give the young'uns a bit of a scare at a big price.
Anyone who knows me will know my bet in the 2.30 at Ascot and it will be Dinkum Diamond. The going is a concern as the colt has never run on anything worse than good but the Flying Childers form is fair to say the least and he can be a major player in this.
Later at Ascot I like the look of The Betchworth Kid in the 3.40. He looked to be coming back to form at Haydock last time and the going is ideal.
In the big sprint at York I am siding with Hawkeyethenoo, he is consistent and has a course and distance win to his name, the dangers are too many to list but Poets Place and Knot In Wood are amongst them.
Be lucky
I am taking a bit of a punt in the 2.45 at York with Sphinx. The twelve-year-old is no hen born in March and hasn't been seen since on a racecourse since April but the old stager has winning form on soft and heavy, flat and hurdles, and the distance of two mile two furlongs is not a problem. The gelding might just give the young'uns a bit of a scare at a big price.
Anyone who knows me will know my bet in the 2.30 at Ascot and it will be Dinkum Diamond. The going is a concern as the colt has never run on anything worse than good but the Flying Childers form is fair to say the least and he can be a major player in this.
Later at Ascot I like the look of The Betchworth Kid in the 3.40. He looked to be coming back to form at Haydock last time and the going is ideal.
In the big sprint at York I am siding with Hawkeyethenoo, he is consistent and has a course and distance win to his name, the dangers are too many to list but Poets Place and Knot In Wood are amongst them.
Be lucky
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