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.
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
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
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
Saturday, 28 May 2011
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
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
Friday, 27 May 2011
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
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
Thursday, 26 May 2011
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
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
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
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
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
Sunday, 22 May 2011
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
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
Saturday, 21 May 2011
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.
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
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
Thursday, 19 May 2011
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
Be lucky
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
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
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
Sunday, 15 May 2011
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
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
Saturday, 14 May 2011
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
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
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
Thursday, 12 May 2011
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
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
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
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
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
Saturday, 7 May 2011
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
Be lucky
Friday, 6 May 2011
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
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
Thursday, 5 May 2011
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
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
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