I have spoke about Tell Dad several times on this site and I will be taking an each-way chance with the Hannon trained two-year-old at Newbury this afternoon. He hasn’t turned out to be quite top class but has every chance in the Group Three Worthington's Highfield Social Club Stakes – the Horris Hill stakes to you and me – at 2.15. Saigon will be a short priced favourite but the Intikhab colt should give him a run for his money.
Ballydoyle have a hotpot at Doncaster in the shape of Camelot for the Group One Racing Post Trophy due off at 3.00. A winner at Leopardstown back in July the Montjeu colt must be pretty decent and given the stables record in this race is fancied to win.
Be lucky
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Friday, 21 October 2011
Whip Debate - A Victory For Common Sense
The British Horseracing Association has announced that as of this morning – Friday – 21st - the controversial whip rules have been changed.
In a nutshell the five strikes rule in the final furlong on the flat or after the last obstacle over the sticks has been dropped. The original limit on the number of strikes allowed remains as before seven times in a flat race and eight over jumps.
A further change is that jockeys will no longer lose their riding fee if falling foul of the regulations and will only forfeit the percentage of any prize money due if copping for a suspension of seven days or more - therefore a jockey who uses one more strike than allowed will not lose their prize money percentage. Any ban incurred since the start of the new ruling system will now fall under the new revised rules making Christophe Soumillon a very happy man no doubt as he will now get his £52,000 share of the prize money for his Champion Stakes victory and we will also see Richard Hughes returning to the saddle.
For once common sense wins out.
In a nutshell the five strikes rule in the final furlong on the flat or after the last obstacle over the sticks has been dropped. The original limit on the number of strikes allowed remains as before seven times in a flat race and eight over jumps.
A further change is that jockeys will no longer lose their riding fee if falling foul of the regulations and will only forfeit the percentage of any prize money due if copping for a suspension of seven days or more - therefore a jockey who uses one more strike than allowed will not lose their prize money percentage. Any ban incurred since the start of the new ruling system will now fall under the new revised rules making Christophe Soumillon a very happy man no doubt as he will now get his £52,000 share of the prize money for his Champion Stakes victory and we will also see Richard Hughes returning to the saddle.
For once common sense wins out.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Whip Debate - PJA Proposal
The Professional Jockeys Association on Wednesday evening released their own proposals for the reform of whip use in races.
In the PJA proposal, as I understand it, the total number of permissible strikes with the whip would remain at seven in Flat races with the final furlong five strike rule being deleted. Should a jockey strike his/her mount eight times with the whip it would result in a two day ban, nine would equate to four days, ten would equal a ten day ban and then two days for each additional strike thereafter. The penalties over the sticks would be as per Flat races and the five strikes after the last fence rule abolished.
In determining the number of times a jockey has struck their mount the JPA proposal suggests stewards must disregard any strikes on the shoulder when the riders’ hands remain on the reins and any ‘correctional’ strikes. PJA's proposal also states that there would be no forfeit of prize-money for any jockey breaking the rules.
All of this makes much more sense to my eyes and appears fair and reasonable but unfortunately I am not the guy making the decision!
In the PJA proposal, as I understand it, the total number of permissible strikes with the whip would remain at seven in Flat races with the final furlong five strike rule being deleted. Should a jockey strike his/her mount eight times with the whip it would result in a two day ban, nine would equate to four days, ten would equal a ten day ban and then two days for each additional strike thereafter. The penalties over the sticks would be as per Flat races and the five strikes after the last fence rule abolished.
In determining the number of times a jockey has struck their mount the JPA proposal suggests stewards must disregard any strikes on the shoulder when the riders’ hands remain on the reins and any ‘correctional’ strikes. PJA's proposal also states that there would be no forfeit of prize-money for any jockey breaking the rules.
All of this makes much more sense to my eyes and appears fair and reasonable but unfortunately I am not the guy making the decision!
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Another Day Another Gaggle Of Bans
Following the likes of Richard Hughes and William Buick, Kieren Fox is the latest jockey to fall foul of the new whip rules picking up a 10 day whip ban at Windsor on Monday night (17th); he had already copped for a 15 day suspension last week when riding at Salisbury. He may now very well follow Richard Hughes and hand-in his licence.
The stewards were also busy little bees over at Pontefract yesterday with Mickey Fenton copping for 7 days and Joe Fanning and Adrian Nicholls 5 days each. All riders have of course forfeited their riding fees and the share of any prize-money due. The aforementioned may not be feeling as sick Christophe Soumillon who of course got a 5 day ban at Champions Day on Saturday and lost his £52,000 share of the prize money for his winning ride in the Champion Stakes on Cirrus Des Aigles.
Pretty soon we won’t have to worry about a jockey strike as they will be no jockeys free to race ride. The Government must also be in a bit of a panic as hundreds of jockeys join the growing dole queue having had to give the game up unable to pay the household bills!
The stewards were also busy little bees over at Pontefract yesterday with Mickey Fenton copping for 7 days and Joe Fanning and Adrian Nicholls 5 days each. All riders have of course forfeited their riding fees and the share of any prize-money due. The aforementioned may not be feeling as sick Christophe Soumillon who of course got a 5 day ban at Champions Day on Saturday and lost his £52,000 share of the prize money for his winning ride in the Champion Stakes on Cirrus Des Aigles.
Pretty soon we won’t have to worry about a jockey strike as they will be no jockeys free to race ride. The Government must also be in a bit of a panic as hundreds of jockeys join the growing dole queue having had to give the game up unable to pay the household bills!
Saturday, 15 October 2011
Friday, 14 October 2011
Whipping Up A Storm
I guess it was always going to cause controversy but to have a jockey of the standing of Richard Hughes handing in his riding licence midway through the card at Kempton on Thursday evening shows what a shambles the new whip rules are.
Hughes copped for an escalated ten day ban following what was judged to be his second offence in the last 12 months, actually four days, and is the first rider to have fallen foul of the new whip rules for the second time since their implementation. The ban means jockey would have missed the lucrative Breeders Cup meeting next month.
The rules limit jockeys to seven whip strikes during a race - five in the last furlong - on the Flat and Hughes has stated ‘the rule is seven and I've struck my horse six times on both occasions and I've been given 15 days for it.’
Whilst watching the racing this afternoon try and count the times each horse is hit - the Stewards have a thankless task and Jockeys an almost impossible one.
Nobody wants to see horses hit excessively but if one of the best jockeys in the world is struggling with the rules and feels he has to hand in his licence there is obviously a massive problem that must be dealt with as soon as possible.
Hughes copped for an escalated ten day ban following what was judged to be his second offence in the last 12 months, actually four days, and is the first rider to have fallen foul of the new whip rules for the second time since their implementation. The ban means jockey would have missed the lucrative Breeders Cup meeting next month.
The rules limit jockeys to seven whip strikes during a race - five in the last furlong - on the Flat and Hughes has stated ‘the rule is seven and I've struck my horse six times on both occasions and I've been given 15 days for it.’
Whilst watching the racing this afternoon try and count the times each horse is hit - the Stewards have a thankless task and Jockeys an almost impossible one.
Nobody wants to see horses hit excessively but if one of the best jockeys in the world is struggling with the rules and feels he has to hand in his licence there is obviously a massive problem that must be dealt with as soon as possible.
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Champions Day Countdown
The countdown to the first ‘Champions Day’ at Ascot is well and truly underway.
Many things have be said and written in regard to the meeting and the ‘Champions Series’ itself, some good some bad, but whether you are a fan of the idea, or whether you are a traditionalist who would prefer things had stayed the same and see Newmarket as the home of The Champion Stakes, there is no denying we have a terrific day of racing to look forward to.
For me the jury is still out and I worry the whole thing may just turn into another RFC initiative that brings nothing to the table in regard to improving our sport – I know of not one single new racing fan due to the ‘Series’. But I am a racing fan and I am looking forward to a cracking day of sport.
Frankel will of course be the headline act as the unbeaten colt looks to add the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes to his impressive list of victories thus far. Other familiar equine stars due to appear on the day all being well include So You Think, Nathaniel, Midday, Twice Over, Snow Fairy, quality stayers Opinion Poll and Fame and Glory and of course speedster Deacon Blues to name but a few.
Many things have be said and written in regard to the meeting and the ‘Champions Series’ itself, some good some bad, but whether you are a fan of the idea, or whether you are a traditionalist who would prefer things had stayed the same and see Newmarket as the home of The Champion Stakes, there is no denying we have a terrific day of racing to look forward to.
For me the jury is still out and I worry the whole thing may just turn into another RFC initiative that brings nothing to the table in regard to improving our sport – I know of not one single new racing fan due to the ‘Series’. But I am a racing fan and I am looking forward to a cracking day of sport.
Frankel will of course be the headline act as the unbeaten colt looks to add the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes to his impressive list of victories thus far. Other familiar equine stars due to appear on the day all being well include So You Think, Nathaniel, Midday, Twice Over, Snow Fairy, quality stayers Opinion Poll and Fame and Glory and of course speedster Deacon Blues to name but a few.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Little Lingfield Theory
I have a little theory about one mile handicaps at Lingfield on the sand that is slowly building into a system; L’Atre De Choisir ticks most of the boxes today in the 4.40. The gelding won at Windsor over a mile last time and despite carrying the 6lb penalty today remains relatively unexposed and might just be good enough to win this prize. I have taken 7-2 early.
Be lucky
Be lucky
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Lord Help Me!
I have tipped up and talked about My Lord on this site on a few occasions before since he was a two-year-old and as yet have never got him right, always being on when he has put up a good run in defeat! The three-year-old is fancied to make a successful return after an absence today though in the 2.40 at Leicester and I am on at 9-2; after the start to the month I have had a little divine intervention for up high wouldn’t hurt!
Be lucky
Be lucky
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Strong Family Power Beyond
'Future Champions' day to coin a phrase at Newmarket today.
My admiration for Strong Suit is well known to anyone who has visited this site before and I will be on the Hannon three-year-old again today at 13-8 when the colt lines up for the Group Two Burj Khalifa Challenge Stakes at 2.05.
The Group One Middle Park Stakes at 2.55 looks difficult but I fancy the French Raider. Family One has seen plenty of action this season having won four of his six starts and looks a bit of a speedster to me. Second last time out in the Group One Prix Morny at Deauville I am on at 5-1.
At 3.10 we have the Group One Dewhurst Stakes with some nice youngsters lining up. Bronterre must be respected along with Ektihaam but the Aidan O'Brien trained Power looks to be the best two-year-old in the British Isles thus far with his National Stakes win looking the best form on offer. I will be taking 100-30 early.
The Cesarewitch at 3.50 is as tricky as ever this year and I will be having a little each way punt. Unusually for a race of two and a quarter miles the draw can be an advantage and low is usually the way to go. A lot of the interesting horses are drawn high but the David Pipe trained Beyond has go three and William Buick in the saddle. He won at Sandown in July and this stamina test could be ideal for the four-year-old and at 14-1 he is my each way pick.
Be lucky
My admiration for Strong Suit is well known to anyone who has visited this site before and I will be on the Hannon three-year-old again today at 13-8 when the colt lines up for the Group Two Burj Khalifa Challenge Stakes at 2.05.
The Group One Middle Park Stakes at 2.55 looks difficult but I fancy the French Raider. Family One has seen plenty of action this season having won four of his six starts and looks a bit of a speedster to me. Second last time out in the Group One Prix Morny at Deauville I am on at 5-1.
At 3.10 we have the Group One Dewhurst Stakes with some nice youngsters lining up. Bronterre must be respected along with Ektihaam but the Aidan O'Brien trained Power looks to be the best two-year-old in the British Isles thus far with his National Stakes win looking the best form on offer. I will be taking 100-30 early.
The Cesarewitch at 3.50 is as tricky as ever this year and I will be having a little each way punt. Unusually for a race of two and a quarter miles the draw can be an advantage and low is usually the way to go. A lot of the interesting horses are drawn high but the David Pipe trained Beyond has go three and William Buick in the saddle. He won at Sandown in July and this stamina test could be ideal for the four-year-old and at 14-1 he is my each way pick.
Be lucky
Friday, 7 October 2011
Wait For It
I am resisting the urge to get involved at York today and holding off for a bet in the 8.15 at Wolverhampton hoping that good things come to those who wait.
Come On Blue Chip impressed here last month when showing he’s rivals a clean pair of heels to win by five lengths. The extra furlong tonight shouldn’t be a problem and as the colt is due to rise 6lb in the weights it looks to me that connections are hoping to make hay whilst the sun shines and notch another victory tonight. I have grabbed a bit of the 6-5 early doors.
Be lucky
Come On Blue Chip impressed here last month when showing he’s rivals a clean pair of heels to win by five lengths. The extra furlong tonight shouldn’t be a problem and as the colt is due to rise 6lb in the weights it looks to me that connections are hoping to make hay whilst the sun shines and notch another victory tonight. I have grabbed a bit of the 6-5 early doors.
Be lucky
Thursday, 6 October 2011
Hanagan Leads As We Enter Final Stretch
The race for the Jockeys Title is hotting up as we enter the last weeks of the flat season. My tip Kieren Fallon - tipped at 7-2 back in March on my Flat Dirty Dozen Trainers and Jockeys page - lies in second place nine winners behind leader and reigning champ Paul Hanagan. Silvestre De Sousa is in third place but copped for a four day ban at Nottingham on Wednesday (5th) which will almost certainly end his challenge.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
I Fancy A French Filly
Bonjour, all eyes toward France this afternoon for the big meeting at Longchamp and the Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe.
The big one is a real cracker of a race and I could back three or four of them but will be going with Sarafina to gain revenge for her defeat here last year when finding all sorts of trouble in running. The draw could have been kinder but hopefully Lemaire can get her over and settled before coming with a devastating run to take the spoils in the run-in.
Earlier on the card Goldikova will be looking to sign off her career with a victory in the Group One Prix De La Foret and I expect her to do so in some style.
Be lucky
The big one is a real cracker of a race and I could back three or four of them but will be going with Sarafina to gain revenge for her defeat here last year when finding all sorts of trouble in running. The draw could have been kinder but hopefully Lemaire can get her over and settled before coming with a devastating run to take the spoils in the run-in.
Earlier on the card Goldikova will be looking to sign off her career with a victory in the Group One Prix De La Foret and I expect her to do so in some style.
Be lucky
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Cosmos Diamond Could Make You A Packett!
Beautiful morning for it and some lovely racing to get the teeth into today.
Last years St Leger winner Arctic Cosmos makes his belated return to the track today in the Group Three Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot 2.40. John Gosden kept his charge in the Arc until this week so it is assumed he he has done plenty at home and if anywhere fit should be capable of wining this.
I have talked about Dinkum Diamond on this site on numerous occasions since his debut win last season and the colt lines up in the Group Three John Guest Bengough Stakes at 3.15. You can expect a big run at 6-1 today and my money will be on.
There are some very competitive races at Ascot this afternoon none more so than the totescoop6 Challenge Cup (Heritage Handicap) at 3.50. You can make a case for most of the runners but I am going to have an each-way investment on Joe Packett at 12-1. The geldings third place finish last time out looks solid form and as he is due to rise 8lb in the weights after today I expect a big run this afternoon.
Over at Newmarket it will be well worth keeping an eye on the two big two-year-old heats as some possible future stars line up in the Tattersalls Millions heats. I was planning on having a little flutter later on the card in the Listed TRM Severals Stakes on Principal Role but at 4-6 this morning the price is a little to skinny for my liking.
Be lucky
Last years St Leger winner Arctic Cosmos makes his belated return to the track today in the Group Three Cumberland Lodge Stakes at Ascot 2.40. John Gosden kept his charge in the Arc until this week so it is assumed he he has done plenty at home and if anywhere fit should be capable of wining this.
I have talked about Dinkum Diamond on this site on numerous occasions since his debut win last season and the colt lines up in the Group Three John Guest Bengough Stakes at 3.15. You can expect a big run at 6-1 today and my money will be on.
There are some very competitive races at Ascot this afternoon none more so than the totescoop6 Challenge Cup (Heritage Handicap) at 3.50. You can make a case for most of the runners but I am going to have an each-way investment on Joe Packett at 12-1. The geldings third place finish last time out looks solid form and as he is due to rise 8lb in the weights after today I expect a big run this afternoon.
Over at Newmarket it will be well worth keeping an eye on the two big two-year-old heats as some possible future stars line up in the Tattersalls Millions heats. I was planning on having a little flutter later on the card in the Listed TRM Severals Stakes on Principal Role but at 4-6 this morning the price is a little to skinny for my liking.
Be lucky
Friday, 30 September 2011
September Review - In Profit Again
It feels a little ‘after the Lord Mayors show’ following such a cracking August but GGG’s finishes September +1.22 profit to level stakes. That’s eight winning months out of nine in 2011.
Tuesday, 27 September 2011
Arc Declarations
The big race in France on Sunday draws ever closer and as of this morning nineteen charges remain engaged in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Market principals Sarafina, So You Think, Workforce and Galikova all stand their ground, Ed Dunlop's filly Snow Fairy and Godolphin's Casamento are also still in the race as well as St Nicholas Abbey.
Sarafina currently heads the betting at 7-2, So You Think 9-2 and Workforce is available at 6-1 best.
Sarafina currently heads the betting at 7-2, So You Think 9-2 and Workforce is available at 6-1 best.
Saturday, 24 September 2011
Cambridgeshire Day
Late update today as I am suffering from a terrible hangover and having watched the rugby at silly o'clock I fell back asleep!
Cambridgeshire day at Newmarket but as with most years I will be leaving the big handicap alone as I can make a case for eleven of the 35 runners.
I will be investing in a couple of two-year-olds in the shape of Farhaan in the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes at 2.05 and Best Terms in the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes at 2.35.
The Group One Sun Chariot Stakes is a classy little affair and I fancy that John Oxx might have the winner with the improving Alanza.
Be lucky
Cambridgeshire day at Newmarket but as with most years I will be leaving the big handicap alone as I can make a case for eleven of the 35 runners.
I will be investing in a couple of two-year-olds in the shape of Farhaan in the Group Two Royal Lodge Stakes at 2.05 and Best Terms in the Group One Cheveley Park Stakes at 2.35.
The Group One Sun Chariot Stakes is a classy little affair and I fancy that John Oxx might have the winner with the improving Alanza.
Be lucky
Friday, 23 September 2011
A Little Poetry At My Place Later
Another day of top class stuff at Newmarket today and I will be having a little flutter.
We have two decent two-year-old filly heats at 1.15 and 3.00 but I will not be getting involved as I feel they are both better watched for future pointers rather than taking a risk on one this afternoon.
I tipped Poets Voice on his seasonal bow over in Dubai back in March when he finished second beaten a neck and then left the colt alone when favourite in favour of backing Dubai Gold who duly beat him in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood. Although far from his best there if at his peak today he should be too good for his opponents in the Group Two Nayef Joel Stakes at 2.25 and is worth a little investment at 4-1.
In the 4.10 Ted Spread and Dangerous Midge are now non-runners leaving the race at the mercy of Myplacelater to my eyes. The Elsworth trained filly has been running well in Group Company and a drop to listed class, and with William Buick back in the saddle she is fancied this afternoon at a best-priced 9-4
Be lucky
We have two decent two-year-old filly heats at 1.15 and 3.00 but I will not be getting involved as I feel they are both better watched for future pointers rather than taking a risk on one this afternoon.
I tipped Poets Voice on his seasonal bow over in Dubai back in March when he finished second beaten a neck and then left the colt alone when favourite in favour of backing Dubai Gold who duly beat him in the Celebration Mile at Goodwood. Although far from his best there if at his peak today he should be too good for his opponents in the Group Two Nayef Joel Stakes at 2.25 and is worth a little investment at 4-1.
In the 4.10 Ted Spread and Dangerous Midge are now non-runners leaving the race at the mercy of Myplacelater to my eyes. The Elsworth trained filly has been running well in Group Company and a drop to listed class, and with William Buick back in the saddle she is fancied this afternoon at a best-priced 9-4
Be lucky
Thursday, 22 September 2011
Newmarket Two
Some nice fair over at Newmarket this afternoon and I will be getting stuck in to a couple.
The Group Three Somerville Tattersall Stakes at 3.55 is an interesting race with with the Roger Varian trained Farraaj looking like the one to be on. The colt appears to be going from strength to strength and ran a good race here last week when defeating Tell Dad the form has been franked since by the runner-up winning on Saturday just gone.
Straight after at 4.30 Times Up has a chance in the Listed Jockey Club Rose Bowl. Having run with distinction in Group company on his last two outings the gelding will appreciate the slight drop in class, the penalty will not be much of a hindrance, and the distance should suit.
Be lucky
The Group Three Somerville Tattersall Stakes at 3.55 is an interesting race with with the Roger Varian trained Farraaj looking like the one to be on. The colt appears to be going from strength to strength and ran a good race here last week when defeating Tell Dad the form has been franked since by the runner-up winning on Saturday just gone.
Straight after at 4.30 Times Up has a chance in the Listed Jockey Club Rose Bowl. Having run with distinction in Group company on his last two outings the gelding will appreciate the slight drop in class, the penalty will not be much of a hindrance, and the distance should suit.
Be lucky
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Good'un At Goodwood
The John Dunlop trained Tameen won like a very good horse over course and distance earlier this month and despite a 6lb penalty for that win looks like the one to be on in the 4.55 at Goodwood this afternoon. The going will suit, O’Shea is on board again, Dunlop has a respectable strike rate on the Sussex Downs and the stable has been in the winners this month; I will be having a bit of the 2-1.
be lucky
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
