Morning everyone, its getting to that time of year when you wake up and check the calendar for how long is left until the Cheltenham roar goes up on the opening Tuesday. But there is still racing to get through and even some having their prep races for the festival including today at Kempton. We also race from Newcastle who host the yearly stamina sapping slog that is the Eider Chase over 4 miles and a furlong. Firstly a review of last week as always.
Usually if we only had one winner in a week, id be sitting here typing how poor the week was and that we need to recover this week. We only had the one winner on Saturday, however that one winner was Kuilsriver who returned at 33/1 and may I say jumped fantastically on the whole. He saved our bacon last week so hopefully a more consistent blog today with regular winners again.
Kempton host's a very good card with the highlight being the Racing Plus chase won last year by Nacarat who lines up again this year. This could well be his swansong so it would be lovely to see the brave grey give a bold showing again. Newcastle also hold a seven race card which as previously mentioned stages the Eider which will see the progressive Chac Du Cadran be the likely favourite. But enough about what is going on, lets dive into the action of the week.
1:30 Kempton - Milarrow
Colin Tizzard's Gelding is ultra consistent, second the last two times and not out of the first four since December 2011 registering two wins on the way. But its the last two runs that interest me, two outings ago he was beaten out of sight by Radjhani Express, but not much would have beaten him on that day. He was also one of only 3 to finish and was 7 lengths in front of the 3rd horse Coole River who in turn is a very useful sort. Most recently however he was second to Politeo when the winner was backed heavily during the day winning by 8 lengths. The point I am making is that the last two times he has been unlucky when running into a well handicapped horse, fortunately there doesn't look anything of that kind here today. Milarrow to land a Deserved victory. (9/2)
1:45 Newcastle - Fill The Power
Sue Smith's gelding is a ready made chaser who like Milarrow has been nothing but consistent recently. He won his chasing debut at Sedgefield beating the useful yardstick in Flinty Bay with Dica back in third. He was then a well beaten third before catching the horrible seconditis. This lasted for 3 runs before unseating last time out when probably in a race too good for him anyway, there is some top form in there though. He was second to Wyck Hill (favourite for the Racing Plus chase) by half a length before doing everything but win at Doncaster, again beaten half a length. His best novice form came when 15 lengths behind the classy Rocky Creek at Warwick and a reproduction of that will surely have him go close if not win. (4/1)
2:05 Kempton - Irish Saint
This was a tough choice for me between Irish Saint and Vasco Du Ronceray. But we shall side with the former who has the much stronger form to his name to date. He was seen here on debut for Paul Nicholls when absoluting cantering home in a Juvenile Hurdle beating the more than useful Mcvicar by 18 lengths. He wasn't particularly fancied by Paul Nicholls that day but did the job in a very professional and taking style. Irish Saint then stepped up in class when taking on the Nicky Henderson inmate Rolling Star, who is now the Triumph Hurdle favourite. Beaten 2 1/4 lengths that day after the bottomless ground got to him on the run in and climb up the Cheltenham hill. Even in defeat he was 30 lengths clear of the closest rival in Roc D'apsis and could just be a cut about them today. (13/8)
2:40 Kempton - Molotof
I have to come clean, at the start of the year I was wondering why Molotof was being sent over fences as I didn't feel he had the right frame for chasing, how wrong I was. He has proved himself to be a very smart novice and more importantly a slick jumper. He was an impressive winner at Warwick two weeks ago after finishing fourth to Dynaste here over 3 miles in the Feltham. With Barry Geraghty on board and the Henderson string in fine form we will take Molotof to oblige in what looks to be a fairly weak race. A very strong selection. (11/8)
2:55 Newcastle - Our Island
I have never been a big fan of Tim Vaughan's gelding but today he seemingly jumped off the page at his respected odds. There are a few stamina doubts about many of the field today but Our Island has ran well over marathon trips before, most notable 3rd over 4 miles at Exeter on very testing ground. He was also a decent fifth in the Welsh National behind Monbeg dude, beaten 18 lengths that day but it would seem that today is the one they have been waiting for. He struggled last year when in high class novice company but since going handicapping has been much more at home. With no stamina doubts and 3 pounds below his last winning mark he could take some beating here. (10/1)
3:15 Kempton - Forgotten Voice
This could well be a second part of a Henderson and Geraghty double in the Dovecote, this once top class flat performer has equipped himself nicely since switching to hurdles. Winning his first two races very nicely at Bangor and Market Rasen he came here in a handicap hurdle and finished fourth under top weight. He was giving a lot of weight away that day which isn't ideal for a novice in a handicap, but that will have put him straight and he will be much more fit today. with Geraghty getting the leg up we will take him to land a quick fire double.
I will have to apologise for the Racing Plus chase as I cant even force myself to fancy anything, nothing jumps off the page but if I were to have a bet for interest id take Mister Hyde each way at 33s.
4:25 Kempton - Quaddick Lake
If you have watched Quaddick Lake's last two runs and haven't entered him in your notebook then you need to check yourself into the local loony bin. Two runs ago he was 3rd at Cheltenham behind the very progressive Mr Watson, he was very tentatively handled that day and was never closer than he was at the line. I don't even think Nick Scholfield went for the whip on board him that day. Naturally you would think next time out would be a breeze for him, alas that was not the case. Everything was going fine at Huntingdon before he had a rival fall directly in front of him, resulting in him losing 10 lengths off the back of the field. From that point he had no chance but incredibly he stayed on again to come 3rd once more and only 3 1/4 lengths off the winner Art Professor. If there is any justice in the world he will be winning today and with only a two pound rise in the handicap he is taken to win again, with some luck of course. (6/1)
4:40 Newcastle - Papa Caruso
Hopefully by this point we will all be so rich we wont even need a winner, but just in case we will take a chance with Papa Caruso from the Sue Smith yard. Since winning a race at Newcastle when a very heavy backed favourite in 2011 he hasn't won, saying that he has only had four runs since. Last time looked as if there was a bit of a revival coming however when a close up third to Kandari at Catterick. He jumped much better on the whole that day and if continuing his upward curve off a 1 pound lower rating should be very competitive here. (11/2)
That's all for the action today folks, but one more word in that my interview with Shirley Teasdale is still coming at some point next week. I will be posting it on my twitter account when I finally upload it, you can find me on @lukeyboy1325
UPDATE: On the news that Newcastle is off im throwing Picansort into the blog in the last at Lingfield, he is returning to some form and could go well. Being backed in so get on quick. (5/1)
NAP - Molotof
NB - Irish Saint
Happy Punting guys!
Showing posts with label horse racing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label horse racing. Show all posts
Friday, 22 February 2013
Friday, 15 February 2013
Saturday 16th February
Good morning everyone, I hope you enjoyed the Siobhan Miller post earlier this week and are ready for battle today. A real feast to sink our teeth into with top class racing from Ascot, Haydock and Wincanton, featuring the Kingwell Hurdle. Grandouet is a notable absentee from the field, but after a scare on Monday he is we on track for Cheltenham still.
Normal service was resumed last week with 4 winners and two seconds, lets hope to carry that form forward to this week. It was nice to see Wishfull Thinking get more black type to his name after living in the shadows for so long. That was probably his highlight this year unless going for the Ryanair at Cheltenham, it was also good to see Philip Hobbs with a big Saturday winner.
Marching on to this week and a pretty tough day of betting to go with it, the Kingwell is the feature at Wincanton. Christmas Hurdle runner up Raya Star opposes leading Champion hurdle hope Zarkandar, the latter is a warm order to oblige. The main action however comes from Ascot with the Ascot Chase catching the eye. King George runner up Captain Chris is the favourite today with Cue Card, Finian's Rainbow and Somersby all worthy opponents. As we lead up to Cheltenham expect more bubbles to be burst and some enhanced.
Lets begin with this weeks selections:
1:20 Wincanton - Workbench
The first runner in a busy day for Paul Nicholls and its one I have been following since debut. Ruby mentioned after his first bumper that he'd be winning over two miles. However he has taken a while to come into himself but has been improving all the time, notably by results. Last time at Plumpton he was 2nd to Pendra who himself has proved to be a very promising novice. A run of that standard should suffice this afternoon. (5/4)
2:20 Haydock - Kentford Grey Lady
Comes here today off of a top class performance when second in the Cleeve Hurdle behind Oscar Whisky and Reve De Sivola. Before then she was below par when third to Une Artist at Sandown after winning a handicap at the same course. A run like her last will be more than enough today and with her mares allowance she should notch up number 2 for the season. Leighton Aspell takes the ride today. (2/1)
2:40 Ascot - Tatenen
Richard Rowe's gelding is somewhat of an Ascot specialist these days winning here for the past two seasons. He has only run at Cheltenham in the Paddypower this year where he was sixth and well beaten. He will be much straighter for the run and back here should give a bold showing from the front. One of the nagging doubts is whether he stays the 3 miles, but of he gets into a rhythm he could be running them ragged today. (8/1)
2:55 Haydock - Triggerman
A gruelling task here in the National Trial won last year by Giles Cross, preference this year is for Triggerman though. With James Best claiming 3 he carries 9-12 which is a featherweight for this kind of race. Its also a stone less than Monbeg Dude and almost two stones less than Teaforthree. In receipt of this much weight and his stamina in no doubt he could well prove value here. He was a running on third in the Welsh National and was a close up fourth in the Bet365 Gold Cup. As long as his jumping holds up this afternoon he will prove more than good enough to win. (12/1)
3:05 Wincanton - Swincombe Stone
Anthony Honeyball's first time hurdler is todays NAP, and you may think somewhat of a weird one. He entered my notebook after I saw him win his bumper at Fontwell in very taking style. He was then off for a while before reappearing at Huntingdon when staying on under a softer ride. He is stepped up markedly in trip here which looks ideal for him and with race fitness on his side he will take all the beating. Very strong preference this afternoon. (9/2)
3:15 Ascot - The Bear Trap + Kuilsriver
In truth this was a hard race to make a selection, it would be nice for General Miller to win on his return. But we will take a chance with The Bear Trap for Rebecca Curtis and Tony McCoy. Two reasons for good confidence in this one in that the Champ does 10-4 here which is rare for him. He was doing a pound lower when he won on Mr Watson at Cheltenham on trials day. The second reason being that he is only one of two rides for McCoy today which is even more rare for a Saturday. The horse himself though is very progressive after an easy win at Ffos Las first up this season. He was then narrowly denied at the track last time, he heads to Ascot from Wales with full confidence today. (10/3) one more quick each way mention is Kuilsriver who I am very fond of, he is ultra consistent and off a fly weight here could go well at a price. (28/1)
3:25 Haydock - Creepy
Martin Keighley's gelding really impressed me when behind Coneygree at Cheltenham travelling well for a long way. Horses alot better than todays opposition quickened away from him but he stuck to his task. Before then he had finished a promising fourth in a competitive bumper also at Cheltenham. On his only other run he beat some useful types in a Fontwell bumper and is very progressive. It would appear connections have found a nice opening for him today and should break his maiden tag over hurdles. (7/2)
3:50 Ascot - Somersby
The second Ascot specialist in the blog this week in Somersby who reappeared at Trials Day. He proved no match for Sprinter Sacre that day and lack of race fitness Lost him 2nd place to Mad Moose. This time he will be spot on for the run and this trip round Ascot is perfect for him. Lst year he outbattled todays Rival Finian's Rainbow in the Victor Chandler, again today he should have his number. Though its an ultra competitive race Somersby has proven time and time again he is top class. Definitely one for the placepot and will definitely give you a run for your money. (5/1)
4:25 Ascot - River Maigue
In truth this race is a match, who else could it be between other than Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls. The youngster Far West represents the champion trainer and River Maigue for Nicky Henderson. The latter gives 9 pounds to his rival today but is very progressive and looks a lot stronger than Far West. In my mind he simply has too much speed for his rival today as well which should put him well on top. It should be noted that River Maigue is very prominent in the Supreme betting, but Far West this week has drifted in the Triumph betting. River Maigue to end our day on a high. (11/8)
NAP - Swincombe Stone
NB - Creepy
One last note that there should be another interview up this week as Shirley Teasdale has kindly agreed to talk with me.
Happy Punting this week guys, good luck
Normal service was resumed last week with 4 winners and two seconds, lets hope to carry that form forward to this week. It was nice to see Wishfull Thinking get more black type to his name after living in the shadows for so long. That was probably his highlight this year unless going for the Ryanair at Cheltenham, it was also good to see Philip Hobbs with a big Saturday winner.
Marching on to this week and a pretty tough day of betting to go with it, the Kingwell is the feature at Wincanton. Christmas Hurdle runner up Raya Star opposes leading Champion hurdle hope Zarkandar, the latter is a warm order to oblige. The main action however comes from Ascot with the Ascot Chase catching the eye. King George runner up Captain Chris is the favourite today with Cue Card, Finian's Rainbow and Somersby all worthy opponents. As we lead up to Cheltenham expect more bubbles to be burst and some enhanced.
Lets begin with this weeks selections:
1:20 Wincanton - Workbench
The first runner in a busy day for Paul Nicholls and its one I have been following since debut. Ruby mentioned after his first bumper that he'd be winning over two miles. However he has taken a while to come into himself but has been improving all the time, notably by results. Last time at Plumpton he was 2nd to Pendra who himself has proved to be a very promising novice. A run of that standard should suffice this afternoon. (5/4)
2:20 Haydock - Kentford Grey Lady
Comes here today off of a top class performance when second in the Cleeve Hurdle behind Oscar Whisky and Reve De Sivola. Before then she was below par when third to Une Artist at Sandown after winning a handicap at the same course. A run like her last will be more than enough today and with her mares allowance she should notch up number 2 for the season. Leighton Aspell takes the ride today. (2/1)
2:40 Ascot - Tatenen
Richard Rowe's gelding is somewhat of an Ascot specialist these days winning here for the past two seasons. He has only run at Cheltenham in the Paddypower this year where he was sixth and well beaten. He will be much straighter for the run and back here should give a bold showing from the front. One of the nagging doubts is whether he stays the 3 miles, but of he gets into a rhythm he could be running them ragged today. (8/1)
2:55 Haydock - Triggerman
A gruelling task here in the National Trial won last year by Giles Cross, preference this year is for Triggerman though. With James Best claiming 3 he carries 9-12 which is a featherweight for this kind of race. Its also a stone less than Monbeg Dude and almost two stones less than Teaforthree. In receipt of this much weight and his stamina in no doubt he could well prove value here. He was a running on third in the Welsh National and was a close up fourth in the Bet365 Gold Cup. As long as his jumping holds up this afternoon he will prove more than good enough to win. (12/1)
3:05 Wincanton - Swincombe Stone
Anthony Honeyball's first time hurdler is todays NAP, and you may think somewhat of a weird one. He entered my notebook after I saw him win his bumper at Fontwell in very taking style. He was then off for a while before reappearing at Huntingdon when staying on under a softer ride. He is stepped up markedly in trip here which looks ideal for him and with race fitness on his side he will take all the beating. Very strong preference this afternoon. (9/2)
3:15 Ascot - The Bear Trap + Kuilsriver
In truth this was a hard race to make a selection, it would be nice for General Miller to win on his return. But we will take a chance with The Bear Trap for Rebecca Curtis and Tony McCoy. Two reasons for good confidence in this one in that the Champ does 10-4 here which is rare for him. He was doing a pound lower when he won on Mr Watson at Cheltenham on trials day. The second reason being that he is only one of two rides for McCoy today which is even more rare for a Saturday. The horse himself though is very progressive after an easy win at Ffos Las first up this season. He was then narrowly denied at the track last time, he heads to Ascot from Wales with full confidence today. (10/3) one more quick each way mention is Kuilsriver who I am very fond of, he is ultra consistent and off a fly weight here could go well at a price. (28/1)
3:25 Haydock - Creepy
Martin Keighley's gelding really impressed me when behind Coneygree at Cheltenham travelling well for a long way. Horses alot better than todays opposition quickened away from him but he stuck to his task. Before then he had finished a promising fourth in a competitive bumper also at Cheltenham. On his only other run he beat some useful types in a Fontwell bumper and is very progressive. It would appear connections have found a nice opening for him today and should break his maiden tag over hurdles. (7/2)
3:50 Ascot - Somersby
The second Ascot specialist in the blog this week in Somersby who reappeared at Trials Day. He proved no match for Sprinter Sacre that day and lack of race fitness Lost him 2nd place to Mad Moose. This time he will be spot on for the run and this trip round Ascot is perfect for him. Lst year he outbattled todays Rival Finian's Rainbow in the Victor Chandler, again today he should have his number. Though its an ultra competitive race Somersby has proven time and time again he is top class. Definitely one for the placepot and will definitely give you a run for your money. (5/1)
4:25 Ascot - River Maigue
In truth this race is a match, who else could it be between other than Nicky Henderson and Paul Nicholls. The youngster Far West represents the champion trainer and River Maigue for Nicky Henderson. The latter gives 9 pounds to his rival today but is very progressive and looks a lot stronger than Far West. In my mind he simply has too much speed for his rival today as well which should put him well on top. It should be noted that River Maigue is very prominent in the Supreme betting, but Far West this week has drifted in the Triumph betting. River Maigue to end our day on a high. (11/8)
NAP - Swincombe Stone
NB - Creepy
One last note that there should be another interview up this week as Shirley Teasdale has kindly agreed to talk with me.
Happy Punting this week guys, good luck
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Siobhan Miller - A Northen Dream
Siobhan Miller, maybe not yet a household name like Frankie Dettori or AP McCoy, but is definitely a young jockey going places. In only a handful of rides she has impressed with her horsemanship and strength, during that time showing herself no slouch when taking on the boys. But who is Siobhan Miller? Hopefully after this article you will be able to answer that for yourself, as we look over how she got to here and what the future holds.
Miller grew up over the border in Scotland, in a town called Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire. As a girl she dreamt of working in fashion, a hobby she continues to this day, but as she grew older her interest in horse racing grew.
Before she turned her attention to racing she competed in Show Jumping at an affiliated level through ponies. This lasted for a year in which she competed in the pony club games still when only a child. It was after all this her focus changed to the real love of her life and what will one day become a career for her.
This is where it all began, like many jockeys in the sport today her roots are from pony racing. It was after this she found her inspiration within the sport, a certain Hayley Turner who herself was just catching the public's eye. Things were then taken to the next level and the real start of Miller's career.
This leads to the next chapter of her life when attending the Northern Racing College in Doncaster, the dream was in action. Things were about to pick up in a big way when she earned her first job in racing at Park House Stables, home of 2003 Oaks winning trainer Andrew Balding. During her time at the yard Miller was rewarded with her first ride, not for Andrew Balding but for Jamie Poulton.
On August 19th 2011 at Salisbury the public were introduced to Siobhan Miller in an Amateur Ladies race. Her mount that day was a grey 4 year old mare by the name of Push Me who at the time had two wins to her name. Miller was prominent early and as others around her fell away she made her move and hit the front 3 furlongs out. She led until just over a furlong out when tiring and edging left, eventually fading to finish fifth in a strung out field. That was her only ride aboard the mare. After a year with Andrew Balding she moved over to her current stable of David Simcock in Newmarket where she became an apprentice.
Watch her first ever ride here - http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/results/19-08-2011/salisbury/result/453521/savills-lady-riders-handicap-for-lady-amateur-riders/video
It was there at Simcock's yard Miller found the man of her dreams, he came in the form of the classy grey Glass Office. Since then she has looked after and become inseparable with him without riding him on the track yet. In September he won the Sirenia Stakes at Kempton under Jim Crowley leaving Miller overjoyed. But it is her riding that has caught my eye.
Since joining the Simcock yard Siobhan Miller has earned two regular rides the first of which being Dixie Gwalia. Partnering him a total of 8 times to date, coming placed on 3 occasions and finishing worse than 6th just once. It is her more recent partnership with the yard's Hierarch whom she has ridden only 4 times but to good effect. The last two times they have seen the track together (at Kempton and Lingfield) they have been touched off and settled for second. Most recently denied by a neck, beaten by Jack My Boy at Lingfield when up in the box seat most of the race.
Watch her most recent ride -http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/results/31-01-2013/lingfield-park/result/545875/follow-us-on-twitter-at-lingfieldpark-apprentice-handicap/video
Hierarch again ran today (5th February) at Wolverhampton in which he managed third, this run is best forgotten though. On the turn for home Miller was poised to strike before being broadsided leaving Hierarch unbalanced. She managed to get him running on again and he stayed on for a place late in the day. Its debatable but in my mind Hierarch looks more of a Lingfield styled horse and is definitely one to follow.
This leads us to the current day, what does the future hold for a 22 year old Siobhan Miller? Well unfortunately I cant see into the future, but I can predict that if she keeps working as hard as she has been to get here, Hayley Turner has a real rival on her hands. I asked Miss Miller what her ambitions and dreams are for her career, nobody says it better than herself. 'To become a successful jockey, internationally too. I would love to be the inspiration for young girls like Hayley Turner was for me coming Into the game.'
At this time I would like to take the chance to thank the lovely Siobhan Miller for helping me write this. I would 100% recommend following her on twitter, you can find her at @Shiv_Miller, if you have enjoyed this article drop by my page and say hi, @Lukeyboy1325. I will leave you with a question and answer session I shared with Siobhan and once again thank her.
> Favourite Racecourse? Ascot, but I'm sure wherever I have my first winner will be my new fav!
> Favourite Racehorse of all time? Sea the stars, as I watched him win the Guineas and had a Tenner on him (I wasn't a jockey then!)
> Favourite Racehorse running now? Glass office, I rode and looked after him since day one, he's my main man!
> Funniest guy/girl in the jockey room? Shirley Teasdale , always cracks a joke !
> Racing idol? Hayley Turner!
> Flat or Jumps? Flat of course! Although always love watching the big jump meetings!
> Royal Ascot or Cheltenham Festival? Have to be royal ascot!
> Do you have a party trick you are willing to share? Not a trick as such, but I'm very well known for falling over, can not walk in heels, even when sober!
> If I were to be generous and give you a tenner for one horse at Cheltenham, who would it go on? Long run! For some reason I love that horse.
> If you had the chance to ride any horse in all its races next season who would it be and why? Definitely via glory. He means a lot to the yard, and would be great to have plenty of opportunities to snatch up a win on him!
> Racing UK or Attheraces? Oh I can't choose, I'm forever flicking between the two!
> If you weren't a jockey what would you be? Fashion designer. Addicted to fashion, and was planning to go study it at college before I got into racing.
> Matt Chapman or Nick Luck? Matt chapman yeehaaaaaa
> Strictly or X Factor? Xfactor. Went on a few dates with a contestant.0, but he who shall not be named!! Haha
> Ryan Moore or Frankie Dettori? Ryan moore's riding is inspirational but Frankie is such a part in racing , and the only person who gets me star struck in the weighing room!
> Favourite sport other than Horse Racing? American bull riding, love watching it!
> First Car? Fiat punto!
> Favourite Band? Mumford and sons.
> Favourite Song? Empire State of mind, love it !
> Would you rather ride a winner at Royal Ascot, the Breeders Cup or the Dubai Carnival? Breeders cup as it is much more international fields, but I'd settle for a winner at any!
> Preferred drink on a night out? Disaronno & coke!
> And finally, as always, who is the longest in the shower? Have to be myself, oops! And I love to have a good sing a long in there too!!
> Nominate a jockey who I should next focus on? Shirley Teasdale!
Thank you very much for reading, hopefully this is the first of many like this, next on the list Shirley Teasdale, hopefully.
Thank you for reading
Miller grew up over the border in Scotland, in a town called Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire. As a girl she dreamt of working in fashion, a hobby she continues to this day, but as she grew older her interest in horse racing grew.
Before she turned her attention to racing she competed in Show Jumping at an affiliated level through ponies. This lasted for a year in which she competed in the pony club games still when only a child. It was after all this her focus changed to the real love of her life and what will one day become a career for her.
This is where it all began, like many jockeys in the sport today her roots are from pony racing. It was after this she found her inspiration within the sport, a certain Hayley Turner who herself was just catching the public's eye. Things were then taken to the next level and the real start of Miller's career.
This leads to the next chapter of her life when attending the Northern Racing College in Doncaster, the dream was in action. Things were about to pick up in a big way when she earned her first job in racing at Park House Stables, home of 2003 Oaks winning trainer Andrew Balding. During her time at the yard Miller was rewarded with her first ride, not for Andrew Balding but for Jamie Poulton.
On August 19th 2011 at Salisbury the public were introduced to Siobhan Miller in an Amateur Ladies race. Her mount that day was a grey 4 year old mare by the name of Push Me who at the time had two wins to her name. Miller was prominent early and as others around her fell away she made her move and hit the front 3 furlongs out. She led until just over a furlong out when tiring and edging left, eventually fading to finish fifth in a strung out field. That was her only ride aboard the mare. After a year with Andrew Balding she moved over to her current stable of David Simcock in Newmarket where she became an apprentice.
Watch her first ever ride here - http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/results/19-08-2011/salisbury/result/453521/savills-lady-riders-handicap-for-lady-amateur-riders/video
It was there at Simcock's yard Miller found the man of her dreams, he came in the form of the classy grey Glass Office. Since then she has looked after and become inseparable with him without riding him on the track yet. In September he won the Sirenia Stakes at Kempton under Jim Crowley leaving Miller overjoyed. But it is her riding that has caught my eye.
Since joining the Simcock yard Siobhan Miller has earned two regular rides the first of which being Dixie Gwalia. Partnering him a total of 8 times to date, coming placed on 3 occasions and finishing worse than 6th just once. It is her more recent partnership with the yard's Hierarch whom she has ridden only 4 times but to good effect. The last two times they have seen the track together (at Kempton and Lingfield) they have been touched off and settled for second. Most recently denied by a neck, beaten by Jack My Boy at Lingfield when up in the box seat most of the race.
Watch her most recent ride -http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/results/31-01-2013/lingfield-park/result/545875/follow-us-on-twitter-at-lingfieldpark-apprentice-handicap/video
Hierarch again ran today (5th February) at Wolverhampton in which he managed third, this run is best forgotten though. On the turn for home Miller was poised to strike before being broadsided leaving Hierarch unbalanced. She managed to get him running on again and he stayed on for a place late in the day. Its debatable but in my mind Hierarch looks more of a Lingfield styled horse and is definitely one to follow.
This leads us to the current day, what does the future hold for a 22 year old Siobhan Miller? Well unfortunately I cant see into the future, but I can predict that if she keeps working as hard as she has been to get here, Hayley Turner has a real rival on her hands. I asked Miss Miller what her ambitions and dreams are for her career, nobody says it better than herself. 'To become a successful jockey, internationally too. I would love to be the inspiration for young girls like Hayley Turner was for me coming Into the game.'
At this time I would like to take the chance to thank the lovely Siobhan Miller for helping me write this. I would 100% recommend following her on twitter, you can find her at @Shiv_Miller, if you have enjoyed this article drop by my page and say hi, @Lukeyboy1325. I will leave you with a question and answer session I shared with Siobhan and once again thank her.
> Favourite Racecourse? Ascot, but I'm sure wherever I have my first winner will be my new fav!
> Favourite Racehorse of all time? Sea the stars, as I watched him win the Guineas and had a Tenner on him (I wasn't a jockey then!)
> Favourite Racehorse running now? Glass office, I rode and looked after him since day one, he's my main man!
> Funniest guy/girl in the jockey room? Shirley Teasdale , always cracks a joke !
> Racing idol? Hayley Turner!
> Flat or Jumps? Flat of course! Although always love watching the big jump meetings!
> Royal Ascot or Cheltenham Festival? Have to be royal ascot!
> Do you have a party trick you are willing to share? Not a trick as such, but I'm very well known for falling over, can not walk in heels, even when sober!
> If I were to be generous and give you a tenner for one horse at Cheltenham, who would it go on? Long run! For some reason I love that horse.
> If you had the chance to ride any horse in all its races next season who would it be and why? Definitely via glory. He means a lot to the yard, and would be great to have plenty of opportunities to snatch up a win on him!
> Racing UK or Attheraces? Oh I can't choose, I'm forever flicking between the two!
> If you weren't a jockey what would you be? Fashion designer. Addicted to fashion, and was planning to go study it at college before I got into racing.
> Matt Chapman or Nick Luck? Matt chapman yeehaaaaaa
> Strictly or X Factor? Xfactor. Went on a few dates with a contestant.0, but he who shall not be named!! Haha
> Ryan Moore or Frankie Dettori? Ryan moore's riding is inspirational but Frankie is such a part in racing , and the only person who gets me star struck in the weighing room!
> Favourite sport other than Horse Racing? American bull riding, love watching it!
> First Car? Fiat punto!
> Favourite Band? Mumford and sons.
> Favourite Song? Empire State of mind, love it !
> Would you rather ride a winner at Royal Ascot, the Breeders Cup or the Dubai Carnival? Breeders cup as it is much more international fields, but I'd settle for a winner at any!
> Preferred drink on a night out? Disaronno & coke!
> And finally, as always, who is the longest in the shower? Have to be myself, oops! And I love to have a good sing a long in there too!!
> Nominate a jockey who I should next focus on? Shirley Teasdale!
Thank you very much for reading, hopefully this is the first of many like this, next on the list Shirley Teasdale, hopefully.
Thank you for reading
Friday, 8 February 2013
Betfair Hurdle Day
Morning Racing fans, A huge day of racing ahead of us with the betfair hurdle being the highlight. Leopardstown also host a top class card with Flemenstar and Sir Des Champs clashing horns once again. Stamina doubts surround Peter Casey's gelding whereas the latter must jump better to win. There is also a Gold Cup trial at Newbury with Silviniaco Conti a hot favourite for the Denman Chase. One thing is for certain, after today a few Cheltenham Festival credentials will be tarnished and some boosted. Firstly a review of last week.
It wasnt the best of blogs last week, however it would have been a completely different story if Third Intention hadn't idled to be caught in the final strides. We stilled managed to get the reverse forecast with Captain Conan which paid just over 5/1 though. Third Intention remains a good hope for the Jewson in March, you would think he would have some kind of headgear on at Cheltenham which would help no end. That was all there was to write home about last week.
Onto some more exciting news, I have recently conducted an interview with an jockey to put on here for you guys. It should be up next week and hopefully it will be the first in a series.
On Monday the racing world was put in shock when a routine prep for the Champion hurdle resulted in Darlan losing his life. A last hurdle fall upsides Rock on Ruby when coming to win ended in tragedy as he and McCoy hit the deck. Heart breakingly only one returned to their feet, the champ was fine but stood himself down for the day. The only other thing I have to say on the matter is shame on anyone who blamed Tony McCoy for the accident. It was in no way his fault and im afraid they are just talking through their pockets. Things like this really separate the Gamblers from the real racing people in life.
But on that sad note we must continue with this weeks racing.
12:55 Warwick - Open Day
McCoy only has two rides at Warwick before getting in his helicopter and flying off to Newbury. Open Day is the first of these two, he went off the boil since winning a novice hurdle in 2010 at Sandown but has recently found form again. He recorded his first win since then at Leicester back in November when beating some useful types. Last time out however he was put well in his place by Dark Lover who is highly thought of by Paul Nicholls. He himself runs in the Betfair hurdle later on and the Nicholls yard was firing at the time. Open Day was comfortably ahead of Dan Breen and this looks a weaker race. (9/2) an each way selection for the race is the useful Red Inca for Brian Ellison's yard (11/1) and we will take the reverse forecast once again.
1:30 Warwick - Ma Filleule
The Champ's second mount at Warwick comes in the shape of Nicky Henderson's Ma Filleule, who is improving with every run. She has only had 3 runs in England winning one and finishing second in the other two, she also has two wins to her name in France. One of the big advantages in this race however is that she receives 5 pounds from most of her main rivals today. With the Henderson team in great form we will take Ma Filleule to complete the double for Tony McCoy. (7/2)
1:40 Uttoxeter - Stow
When I first saw this race my jaw dropped to see Stow running in a selling race. It is one of the better sellers you will see but with Patrick Corbett's claim Stow gets 12 pounds from his two main rivals. He has been running against much better opposition over the past few years and dips his toe in this class for the first time. He simply cant be ignored and looks a really good bet today considering the circumstances. (No Price yet)
1:50 Newbury - Captain Sunshine
I think im the only person in the country who has kept faith with Captain Sunshine this year. But last time he was staying on very strongly when coming down at the last in the Lanzarote. He was certainly booked for a place that day and its not out of the equation that he would have won the race. He 'refused' to race at Exeter which I blamed the starter for that as he didnt show any reluctance. However last time he looked to have his quirks at the start with a handler down with him. He is well worth a chance on his step up to 3 miles today as realistically it was always going to be his trip. (9/1)
2:25 Newbury - Mail De Bievre
Tom George hasnt been discreet with what he thinks about Mail De Bievre outlining him as a Gold Cup contender. Back in 2008/09 he was with Alan King winning a hurdle race at Exeter, in France it is Chasing in which he has earned his reputation. Along with that he earned a rating of 160 and with the weight received from Silviniaco Conti he is 2 pounds behind him. If fully wound up for this race which I suspect he will be as he was entered for a couple of other races. He is too good of a price to ignore with others having chinks in their armour, a solid each way bet. (8/1)
3:00 Newbury - Wishfull Thinking
This years Game Spirit fell apart at the seams when Simonsig was declared as a non runner. But at the same time it gives Wishfull thinking a fantastic chance to land another valuable 2 mile chase. There are many potential improvers, mostly Shooters Wood who is the choice of Ruby Walsh. But Wishfull Thinking looks clear of those and is guaranteed to go on the ground. This could be a big race win for Phillip Hobbs and Richard Johnson. (10/3)
3:15 Warwick - Dream Again Boys
Back to Warwick now for Maurice Linehan's mount Dream Again Boys. Without Linehan's claim he would be top weight, instead he carries 11-7 which makes his task one heck of a lot easier. It also means he isnt giving much weight away all throughout the field. He won at this time of year in 2012, which was also the only time Linehan has ridden him. But he won most recently last time out at Ffos Las under AP very easily, the money was down for him that day and he should carry it forward here. An added bonus is that Linehan rides Warwick particularly well which is a bonus in a race of this type. (6/1)
3:35 Newbury - Punjabi
The 2009 Champion Hurdle winner turns up here after a good comeback run in the Christmas hurdle. His Reappearance was the typical run after a long lay off, travels well for a long way and then faded quickly. Sensibly Barry Geraghty looked after him and let him come home in his own time. He will be much straighter for that run and off a rating of 145 he looks a steal, physically however he runs off of 140 with Jeremiah McGrath's claim. Rewind to 2009 before his injury and he is rated 166 meaning he is thrown in today off an easy rating. On Attheraces Barry Geraghty said 'there was still plenty of spark about him' which is good enough for me and he gets the nod today. (22/1)
4:10 Newbury - Hadrian's Approach
The appeal of this race will be around Unioniste stepping up to 3 miles for the first time, but preference is for Hadrian's Approach. Nicky Henderson's charge was second to Dynaste, but at Kempton in the Feltham. Newbury should be much more to his liking as he is a big lump of a horse that wouldnt have liked the speed of Kempton. The wide Galloping track of Newbury will be much more up his street and his proven stamina could be put into effect. His one visit to Newbury ended in a fall when well in contention and going well. That was one of the strongest Novice chases of this year so the form of it must be taken strongly. It helps that the stable really fancy this one tomorrow also, he takes the choice. (7/2)
4:25 Warwick - Chiberta King
The last choice of the day is also the NAP of the day with Andrew Balding's ex top class flat horse Chiberta King. He goes left handed again after winning nicely at Newbury last time out, there was plenty to like about that victory, especially his improved jumping. His first two starts at Ascot resulted in him jumping severely out to his left and throwing races away. If he had been started out left handed, he could well be unbeaten. Paddy Brennan comes over from Newbury for the one ride and it should be a winning one.
NAP - Chiberta King
NB - Stow
Aaaaaaaaand breathe! Hope you enjoyed todays read, good luck to everyone if you have a bet. Enjoy your weekend guys.
Happy Punting!
It wasnt the best of blogs last week, however it would have been a completely different story if Third Intention hadn't idled to be caught in the final strides. We stilled managed to get the reverse forecast with Captain Conan which paid just over 5/1 though. Third Intention remains a good hope for the Jewson in March, you would think he would have some kind of headgear on at Cheltenham which would help no end. That was all there was to write home about last week.
Onto some more exciting news, I have recently conducted an interview with an jockey to put on here for you guys. It should be up next week and hopefully it will be the first in a series.
On Monday the racing world was put in shock when a routine prep for the Champion hurdle resulted in Darlan losing his life. A last hurdle fall upsides Rock on Ruby when coming to win ended in tragedy as he and McCoy hit the deck. Heart breakingly only one returned to their feet, the champ was fine but stood himself down for the day. The only other thing I have to say on the matter is shame on anyone who blamed Tony McCoy for the accident. It was in no way his fault and im afraid they are just talking through their pockets. Things like this really separate the Gamblers from the real racing people in life.
But on that sad note we must continue with this weeks racing.
12:55 Warwick - Open Day
McCoy only has two rides at Warwick before getting in his helicopter and flying off to Newbury. Open Day is the first of these two, he went off the boil since winning a novice hurdle in 2010 at Sandown but has recently found form again. He recorded his first win since then at Leicester back in November when beating some useful types. Last time out however he was put well in his place by Dark Lover who is highly thought of by Paul Nicholls. He himself runs in the Betfair hurdle later on and the Nicholls yard was firing at the time. Open Day was comfortably ahead of Dan Breen and this looks a weaker race. (9/2) an each way selection for the race is the useful Red Inca for Brian Ellison's yard (11/1) and we will take the reverse forecast once again.
1:30 Warwick - Ma Filleule
The Champ's second mount at Warwick comes in the shape of Nicky Henderson's Ma Filleule, who is improving with every run. She has only had 3 runs in England winning one and finishing second in the other two, she also has two wins to her name in France. One of the big advantages in this race however is that she receives 5 pounds from most of her main rivals today. With the Henderson team in great form we will take Ma Filleule to complete the double for Tony McCoy. (7/2)
1:40 Uttoxeter - Stow
When I first saw this race my jaw dropped to see Stow running in a selling race. It is one of the better sellers you will see but with Patrick Corbett's claim Stow gets 12 pounds from his two main rivals. He has been running against much better opposition over the past few years and dips his toe in this class for the first time. He simply cant be ignored and looks a really good bet today considering the circumstances. (No Price yet)
1:50 Newbury - Captain Sunshine
I think im the only person in the country who has kept faith with Captain Sunshine this year. But last time he was staying on very strongly when coming down at the last in the Lanzarote. He was certainly booked for a place that day and its not out of the equation that he would have won the race. He 'refused' to race at Exeter which I blamed the starter for that as he didnt show any reluctance. However last time he looked to have his quirks at the start with a handler down with him. He is well worth a chance on his step up to 3 miles today as realistically it was always going to be his trip. (9/1)
2:25 Newbury - Mail De Bievre
Tom George hasnt been discreet with what he thinks about Mail De Bievre outlining him as a Gold Cup contender. Back in 2008/09 he was with Alan King winning a hurdle race at Exeter, in France it is Chasing in which he has earned his reputation. Along with that he earned a rating of 160 and with the weight received from Silviniaco Conti he is 2 pounds behind him. If fully wound up for this race which I suspect he will be as he was entered for a couple of other races. He is too good of a price to ignore with others having chinks in their armour, a solid each way bet. (8/1)
3:00 Newbury - Wishfull Thinking
This years Game Spirit fell apart at the seams when Simonsig was declared as a non runner. But at the same time it gives Wishfull thinking a fantastic chance to land another valuable 2 mile chase. There are many potential improvers, mostly Shooters Wood who is the choice of Ruby Walsh. But Wishfull Thinking looks clear of those and is guaranteed to go on the ground. This could be a big race win for Phillip Hobbs and Richard Johnson. (10/3)
3:15 Warwick - Dream Again Boys
Back to Warwick now for Maurice Linehan's mount Dream Again Boys. Without Linehan's claim he would be top weight, instead he carries 11-7 which makes his task one heck of a lot easier. It also means he isnt giving much weight away all throughout the field. He won at this time of year in 2012, which was also the only time Linehan has ridden him. But he won most recently last time out at Ffos Las under AP very easily, the money was down for him that day and he should carry it forward here. An added bonus is that Linehan rides Warwick particularly well which is a bonus in a race of this type. (6/1)
3:35 Newbury - Punjabi
The 2009 Champion Hurdle winner turns up here after a good comeback run in the Christmas hurdle. His Reappearance was the typical run after a long lay off, travels well for a long way and then faded quickly. Sensibly Barry Geraghty looked after him and let him come home in his own time. He will be much straighter for that run and off a rating of 145 he looks a steal, physically however he runs off of 140 with Jeremiah McGrath's claim. Rewind to 2009 before his injury and he is rated 166 meaning he is thrown in today off an easy rating. On Attheraces Barry Geraghty said 'there was still plenty of spark about him' which is good enough for me and he gets the nod today. (22/1)
4:10 Newbury - Hadrian's Approach
The appeal of this race will be around Unioniste stepping up to 3 miles for the first time, but preference is for Hadrian's Approach. Nicky Henderson's charge was second to Dynaste, but at Kempton in the Feltham. Newbury should be much more to his liking as he is a big lump of a horse that wouldnt have liked the speed of Kempton. The wide Galloping track of Newbury will be much more up his street and his proven stamina could be put into effect. His one visit to Newbury ended in a fall when well in contention and going well. That was one of the strongest Novice chases of this year so the form of it must be taken strongly. It helps that the stable really fancy this one tomorrow also, he takes the choice. (7/2)
4:25 Warwick - Chiberta King
The last choice of the day is also the NAP of the day with Andrew Balding's ex top class flat horse Chiberta King. He goes left handed again after winning nicely at Newbury last time out, there was plenty to like about that victory, especially his improved jumping. His first two starts at Ascot resulted in him jumping severely out to his left and throwing races away. If he had been started out left handed, he could well be unbeaten. Paddy Brennan comes over from Newbury for the one ride and it should be a winning one.
NAP - Chiberta King
NB - Stow
Aaaaaaaaand breathe! Hope you enjoyed todays read, good luck to everyone if you have a bet. Enjoy your weekend guys.
Happy Punting!
Friday, 25 January 2013
Festival Trials Day
Good Morning everybody, I trust you all slept well and werent too excited by the prospect of jumps racing returning. We have already lost the meeting at Doncaster, which is particularly annoying to me as Grandouet misses out on his prep for March. I suspect he will now go to the Morebattle hurdle up at Kelso won last year by Simonsig for the same stable.
But there are more trials at Prestbury Park today with the Cleeve Hurdle, featuring Oscar Whisky returning to three miles. He takes on long walk winner Reve De Sivola and Paul Nicholls' Kauto Stone. More importantly the 2010 Gold Cup winner returns in the Argento, of course I speak of Imperial Commander. If he were to get his head in front today there will be the biggest cheer at Cheltenham until March.
One last thing is an apology, there was no blog last week, this was a mix of two reasons, firstly that the racing was awful. Only the all weather in action due to the snow and frost, but the main reason was because I was camping. I l know, who goes camping in the winter time? Canadians apparently, but despite a little burn mark on my hand from the campfire im back in one piece.
But if it is ok with you guys, we will leave my drunken exploits behind us and focus on some racing. Here we go!
12:10 Cheltenham - Irish Saint
The first race can go to the Champion trainer who saddles the very impressive Kempton winner Irish Saint. He could hardly have been more taking that day, dealing out an 18 length victory to Mcvicar. Nicholls reported him to not be fully wound up for that race, if he has improved for the run we could be in for a real treat. He faces worthy opponents however in Nicky Henderson's 'Rolling Star' and Jonjo's 'Last Shadow'. We will take Irish Saint to make it 2 from 2 in England for our opener on trials day though. (6/4)
12:40 Cheltenham - Vino Griego
Gary Moore's runners always have to be respected here, and Vino Griego was fourth at the festival two years ago behind Divers. He has a tendency to be a bit hit and miss, but if you catch him on a going day then he can make his price look silly. today could well be one of those ocassions, at Ascot his race ended before it got going when he departed at the 2nd fence. But since he has run a great race at Plumpton behind Salden Licht and ahead of Vulcanite. That run throws him in with a real chance here and is a more than interesting each way proposition. (16/1)
1:15 Cheltenham - Katenko
Katenko is actually my Dark horse for the Gold Cup come March, he is around 50/1 for that race. Today is an easier task, he entered my reckonings when winning very well at Sandown. He looked that day as if he has bags of room for improvement, putting Johns Spirit and the reopposing Fruity O'Rooney well in their place. This is only his 3rd chase and fourth start in England, his only other chase he was runner up to Wyck Hill (another Gold Cup entrant). But off a mark of 147 this exciting young strapping chaser simply cant be ignored. Landing him the burden of being today's NAP. (5/1)
1:50 Cheltenham - Somersby
Somersby has his first run for Mick Channon today and while he is unlikely to ruffle the feathers of Sprinter Sacre, he is a tasty each way price. He is also 7/4 in the betting without Sprinter Sacre behind only Sanctuaire whom he aims to reverse Sandown form. I will quietly be cheering Sanctuaire on today but will wait for Cheltenham and Better ground to back him. Somersby won this race last year when at its usual track of Ascot, obviously that was abandoned, hence our predicament today. His stamina may just help him out in todays ground and id be surprised were he to be out of the placings. (12/1)
2:25 Cheltenham - Imperial Commander
News is beginning to come that Tidal Bay is a non runner today, if there is any truth to that then the race loses some of its gloss. But there are questions over most of the other runners today, so we take a chance on Imperial Commander. If he is fit enough and retains his ability then he should take some beating on his belated return from injury. Paddy Brennan retains the ride of course which is nothing but a positive, he knows the horse inside out and you will do well to find a better jockey riding. A tentative vote goes towards the 2010 Gold Cup hero today. (6/1)
3:00 Cheltenham - Coneygree
Mark Bradstock's gelding is one of the Cheltenham hot pots right now after his 2 wins here, one of which all but over course and distance. He is being aimed for the 3 mile Albert Bartlett however, today is only two and a half miles. He probably lacks a few gears but he will never stop running and today that could be just what the doctor ordered. Also The New One in my mind is a bit overrated, no disrespect meant to him but today will be his biggest test to date and is well worth opposing. Coneygree the selection though. (5/2)
3:35 Cheltenham - Kauto Stone
A very intriguing runner here for the Champion trainer in that Kauto Stone steps down to hurdles today. This could prove to be an inspired move as Kauto Stone has been prone to make a few mistakes. There is a Paul Nicholls horse that went from Chasing to Hurdling a few years back, but the name escapes me.... Nope cant remember, Big something? Of course I jest. But Kauto stone could prove a nice priced winner getting 8 pounds from the top two here, he is almost an each way price. Could well just have slipped under the radar here. (15/2)
4:10 Cheltenham - Mr Watson
If you are anywhere near the course today and you hear something that sounds like an earthquake, dont be alarmed, it will be Tony McCoy's Stomach. He has fasted himself down to 10-3 for this ride here today, which I am informed is his lowest weight for 12 months. The champ rarely gets himself down to a weight this low, but when he does they rarely disappoint. Mr Watson was bought for £215,000 at the Cheltenham sales and settled much better in the hood at Plumpton last time when winning. Looks a real solid bet. (5/1)
NAP - Katenko
NB - Mr Watson
Lets hope for a good day and line our pockets on the build up to the Festival in March. Personally I have booked my flights back for the 5th March, feel free to greet me at the airport.
Happy Punting guys!
But there are more trials at Prestbury Park today with the Cleeve Hurdle, featuring Oscar Whisky returning to three miles. He takes on long walk winner Reve De Sivola and Paul Nicholls' Kauto Stone. More importantly the 2010 Gold Cup winner returns in the Argento, of course I speak of Imperial Commander. If he were to get his head in front today there will be the biggest cheer at Cheltenham until March.
One last thing is an apology, there was no blog last week, this was a mix of two reasons, firstly that the racing was awful. Only the all weather in action due to the snow and frost, but the main reason was because I was camping. I l know, who goes camping in the winter time? Canadians apparently, but despite a little burn mark on my hand from the campfire im back in one piece.
But if it is ok with you guys, we will leave my drunken exploits behind us and focus on some racing. Here we go!
12:10 Cheltenham - Irish Saint
The first race can go to the Champion trainer who saddles the very impressive Kempton winner Irish Saint. He could hardly have been more taking that day, dealing out an 18 length victory to Mcvicar. Nicholls reported him to not be fully wound up for that race, if he has improved for the run we could be in for a real treat. He faces worthy opponents however in Nicky Henderson's 'Rolling Star' and Jonjo's 'Last Shadow'. We will take Irish Saint to make it 2 from 2 in England for our opener on trials day though. (6/4)
12:40 Cheltenham - Vino Griego
Gary Moore's runners always have to be respected here, and Vino Griego was fourth at the festival two years ago behind Divers. He has a tendency to be a bit hit and miss, but if you catch him on a going day then he can make his price look silly. today could well be one of those ocassions, at Ascot his race ended before it got going when he departed at the 2nd fence. But since he has run a great race at Plumpton behind Salden Licht and ahead of Vulcanite. That run throws him in with a real chance here and is a more than interesting each way proposition. (16/1)
1:15 Cheltenham - Katenko
Katenko is actually my Dark horse for the Gold Cup come March, he is around 50/1 for that race. Today is an easier task, he entered my reckonings when winning very well at Sandown. He looked that day as if he has bags of room for improvement, putting Johns Spirit and the reopposing Fruity O'Rooney well in their place. This is only his 3rd chase and fourth start in England, his only other chase he was runner up to Wyck Hill (another Gold Cup entrant). But off a mark of 147 this exciting young strapping chaser simply cant be ignored. Landing him the burden of being today's NAP. (5/1)
1:50 Cheltenham - Somersby
Somersby has his first run for Mick Channon today and while he is unlikely to ruffle the feathers of Sprinter Sacre, he is a tasty each way price. He is also 7/4 in the betting without Sprinter Sacre behind only Sanctuaire whom he aims to reverse Sandown form. I will quietly be cheering Sanctuaire on today but will wait for Cheltenham and Better ground to back him. Somersby won this race last year when at its usual track of Ascot, obviously that was abandoned, hence our predicament today. His stamina may just help him out in todays ground and id be surprised were he to be out of the placings. (12/1)
2:25 Cheltenham - Imperial Commander
News is beginning to come that Tidal Bay is a non runner today, if there is any truth to that then the race loses some of its gloss. But there are questions over most of the other runners today, so we take a chance on Imperial Commander. If he is fit enough and retains his ability then he should take some beating on his belated return from injury. Paddy Brennan retains the ride of course which is nothing but a positive, he knows the horse inside out and you will do well to find a better jockey riding. A tentative vote goes towards the 2010 Gold Cup hero today. (6/1)
3:00 Cheltenham - Coneygree
Mark Bradstock's gelding is one of the Cheltenham hot pots right now after his 2 wins here, one of which all but over course and distance. He is being aimed for the 3 mile Albert Bartlett however, today is only two and a half miles. He probably lacks a few gears but he will never stop running and today that could be just what the doctor ordered. Also The New One in my mind is a bit overrated, no disrespect meant to him but today will be his biggest test to date and is well worth opposing. Coneygree the selection though. (5/2)
3:35 Cheltenham - Kauto Stone
A very intriguing runner here for the Champion trainer in that Kauto Stone steps down to hurdles today. This could prove to be an inspired move as Kauto Stone has been prone to make a few mistakes. There is a Paul Nicholls horse that went from Chasing to Hurdling a few years back, but the name escapes me.... Nope cant remember, Big something? Of course I jest. But Kauto stone could prove a nice priced winner getting 8 pounds from the top two here, he is almost an each way price. Could well just have slipped under the radar here. (15/2)
4:10 Cheltenham - Mr Watson
If you are anywhere near the course today and you hear something that sounds like an earthquake, dont be alarmed, it will be Tony McCoy's Stomach. He has fasted himself down to 10-3 for this ride here today, which I am informed is his lowest weight for 12 months. The champ rarely gets himself down to a weight this low, but when he does they rarely disappoint. Mr Watson was bought for £215,000 at the Cheltenham sales and settled much better in the hood at Plumpton last time when winning. Looks a real solid bet. (5/1)
NAP - Katenko
NB - Mr Watson
Lets hope for a good day and line our pockets on the build up to the Festival in March. Personally I have booked my flights back for the 5th March, feel free to greet me at the airport.
Happy Punting guys!
Monday, 21 January 2013
Champion Hurdle 2013 Preview
Stan James Champion Hurdle - Grandouet
The Champion Hurdle this year has some odd factors to it, yet promises to be the best race of the festival potentially. The first odd factor is Cotton Mill's gamble after being made Pricewise today, he is now best price 25/1. Personally 100/1 wouldnt interest me but opinions are there to be made wrong.
The other main factor is that Darlan is 7/2. Im not disrespecting his chance but after his Christmas hurdle romp he shortened significantly. Obviously to the eye he was very impressive that day, however re-watch the race and they went an absolute crawl throughout, ending in a sprint finish. Now take a look at the horses he beat, Cinders and Ashes, Raya Star, Dodging Bullets, countrywide flame and the returning Punjabi. Now, all of them will get further without a doubt, maybe with the exception of Punjabi who is back from injury. But on that day it was just a case of, who is the fastest horse? Without a doubt that is Darlan. Rock on Ruby probably isnt a 2 miler round Kempton, he was second in that race last season. He then won the Champion, mainly because 2 miles round Cheltenham takes more stamina than speed, especially late on. That brings the others well into the mix.
Hurricane Fly is also 7/2 after his 2 wins in Ireland, one of which he was left all alone at the last when the late Go Native fell when challenging. Last time out however was the Hurricane Fly we know and love, yet again though, how many Champion Hurdle class horses did he beat? The answer is a resounding, none. Not taking anything from the style of his win, he will probably need more come Cheltenham time, and could easily take the race like in 2011.
The strongest form of the race comes from the International hurdle, Zarkandar was getting 4 pounds from Rock on Ruby and Grandouet. The former being the returning reigning Champion Hurdler, and the latter making his long awaited reappearance. Even though the result went Zarkandars way, the other two looked to need it badly. Grandouet came out of the race well after a fantastic effort going down by two lengths. Obviously in the Champion they will both be 4 pounds better off and Nicky Henderson's inmate should reverse the placings.
Grandouet is the Ante Post Selection, i'm praying he stays fit this year after last year picking up an annoying niggle just before Cheltenham. That meant he couldnt take part in the race, it could well be a blessing in disguise however meaning he is fresh and had another year to mature. That last point could be vital as he was a very slow maturing horse that only really came into himself last year. (7/1)
The Champion Hurdle this year has some odd factors to it, yet promises to be the best race of the festival potentially. The first odd factor is Cotton Mill's gamble after being made Pricewise today, he is now best price 25/1. Personally 100/1 wouldnt interest me but opinions are there to be made wrong.
The other main factor is that Darlan is 7/2. Im not disrespecting his chance but after his Christmas hurdle romp he shortened significantly. Obviously to the eye he was very impressive that day, however re-watch the race and they went an absolute crawl throughout, ending in a sprint finish. Now take a look at the horses he beat, Cinders and Ashes, Raya Star, Dodging Bullets, countrywide flame and the returning Punjabi. Now, all of them will get further without a doubt, maybe with the exception of Punjabi who is back from injury. But on that day it was just a case of, who is the fastest horse? Without a doubt that is Darlan. Rock on Ruby probably isnt a 2 miler round Kempton, he was second in that race last season. He then won the Champion, mainly because 2 miles round Cheltenham takes more stamina than speed, especially late on. That brings the others well into the mix.
Hurricane Fly is also 7/2 after his 2 wins in Ireland, one of which he was left all alone at the last when the late Go Native fell when challenging. Last time out however was the Hurricane Fly we know and love, yet again though, how many Champion Hurdle class horses did he beat? The answer is a resounding, none. Not taking anything from the style of his win, he will probably need more come Cheltenham time, and could easily take the race like in 2011.
The strongest form of the race comes from the International hurdle, Zarkandar was getting 4 pounds from Rock on Ruby and Grandouet. The former being the returning reigning Champion Hurdler, and the latter making his long awaited reappearance. Even though the result went Zarkandars way, the other two looked to need it badly. Grandouet came out of the race well after a fantastic effort going down by two lengths. Obviously in the Champion they will both be 4 pounds better off and Nicky Henderson's inmate should reverse the placings.
Grandouet is the Ante Post Selection, i'm praying he stays fit this year after last year picking up an annoying niggle just before Cheltenham. That meant he couldnt take part in the race, it could well be a blessing in disguise however meaning he is fresh and had another year to mature. That last point could be vital as he was a very slow maturing horse that only really came into himself last year. (7/1)
Friday, 28 December 2012
Saturday 29th December - Challow Hurdle Day
I write the start of today's blog on the Skytrain, venturing across Vancouver. Friends back home often ask what a Skytrain is, their logic and common sense escapes me sometimes. Fortunately the racing is better than their questions.
Newbury host the card with the Challow hurdle on, won last year by the unlucky Fingal Bay. Whereas Hurricane Fly is out to boost his Champion hurdle credentials at Leopardstown, who are hosting their winter festival. Some Irish Cheltenham bubbles were somewhat burst yesterday, and others strongly boosted.
Yesterday we saw Monksland steered to victory by the awesome Paul Carberry, after the ride i quoted it as ride of the year. This earned him quotes of 7/1 for the World Hurdle in March, which he may go straight to. He was then outdone later in the afternoon, firstly on the novice Back In Focus who chinned Aupcharlie on the line. Lifted to victory by Ruby Walsh, he wasnt satisfied with that, he then one upped himself on the enigma that is Tidal Bay. He would have been one of the competitors you would have ruled out down the back straight. But Mr Walsh called on his mounts seemingly endless supply of stamina and got up again on the line. Even 50 yards from home it looked unlikely, stuck behind Flemenstar and with First Lieutenant and Sir Des Champs on either side. Ruby thread the eye of a needle and managed to keep momentum on his side through the finish.
There are a few Cheltenham profiles on show today, none as strong as yesterday however. As I reach the end of my journey we shall kick start our Saturday and begin the action. Enjoy.
1:15 Doncaster - Pere Blanc
This one may seem an odd choice to kick things off with seeing that he has been off the track for 648 days. When last seen on the track however he was a rapidly progressing hurdler for David Arbuthnot winning three races easily. He now tries his hand at Chasing for the yard of John Ferguson ridden by Denis O'Regan. The yard has been flying as of late with their latest winner being Chat Room yesterday at Catterick. He has shown on more than one occasion this year he is capable of getting them out first time, even after this long break. In bumpers he was 18 lengths behind Oscar Whisky and 13 3/4 lengths behind Rock on Ruby. It is also worth noting that he has been entered before this season and withdrawn, which could mean he is ready to run not just looking for a pipeopener.
1:35 Newbury - Bury Parade
The ex northern based horse, now with Paul Nicholls carries a 7 pound penalty for his 2 length beating of Super Duty. Who has since gone on to land a valuable novice chase at Cheltenham, the 3rd placed horse, Yurok, has also won since when beating Aland Islands. Merry King was fourth in that race and franked the form further with his second in the Tommy Whittle, beaten a short head by Cannington Brook. The form of that race is rock solid and chasing has always been the look he has given over hurdles. Despite the strong but select field he looks the pick and should defy his penalty. I have followed this horse since he defeated one of my horses to follow in Pinerolo easily at Hexham, he looks to be going places over fences. (7/2)
2:10 Newbury - Rey Nacarado
Rey Nacarado is 1 pound higher than when landing this race a year ago and hails from a stable in fine form. The most eye catching factor however is that Charlie Longsdon books Tony McCoy for the ride today. He is rarely used by this stable but when he is it must be noted and taken down. He was a decent fourth over course and distance last time in an amateur riders race but the booking of the champ could well see him over the line in front here today. (7/2)
2:35 Leopardstown - Zuzka
Zuzkan is tough as old boots and took on the boys last time passing with flying colours, she was beaten 2 1/2 lengths by the top class Jezki and was only a length behind Champagne Fever. She steps down in class here into a mares race and could just have one eye on the mares hurdle at Cheltenham. Paddy Mullins takes the ride today as Ruby is on Glens Melody, but Willie has been trying desperately to get his son one more winner before the year end. He needs one more winner to ride the most winners as an Amateur in one season. Zuzka looks to be the horse to do that for him and is a very strong bet today. (6/4)
2:45 Newbury - Taquin Du Seuil
Taquin Du Seuil is held in very high regard by Jonjo and AP and improved alot last time to give a pounding to the expensive Le Bec. He won very cosily that day and is expected to improve again for today. He was defeated by My Tent Or Yours first time over hurdles, but was then upped in trip resulting in a smooth success at Sandown. He is 16/1 for the Neptune right now, and a win here would see that price tighten some more. I fully expect him to follow Zuzka in visiting the winners enclosure and could make it a good 10 minutes for us. (15/8)
2:55 Doncaster - Fill The Power
Sue Smith's Gelding has only ran in 3 chases but was 2nd on handicap debut last time to Wyck Hill. The winner has boosted that form by following up at Ascot beating Roberto Goldback comprehensively. He will most probably be ridden agressively today to take advantage of his strong staying power. jumping is also not a problem as he practically steps over his fences due to his size. Sue Smith has been in pretty good form lately and now is around the time of year she starts firing in a few winners. Fill The Power could well be one of them here today. (5/1)
3:50 Newbury - Chatterbox
Chatterbox has been all the rage on the gallops at Seven Barrows with reports of how good he has been schooling. He won his only start to date when winning a bumper at Huntingdon in good style. Nicky Henderson won this last year with All The Aces, he looks set to win this again as he saddles My Tent Or Yours and of course Chatterbox. Due to The former being owned by JP McManus, Tony McCoy rides him, meaning Barry Geraghty is free to ride the selection. Granted it will be a tough race to win but he could well be an each way price and should be at least placed. (No Price Yet)
A few short priced ones and it could be a day for multiples, but lets hope for a few winners to refund the hole in our wallets Christmas left.
NAP - Taquin Du Seuil
NB - Zuzka
Happy Punting guys
Newbury host the card with the Challow hurdle on, won last year by the unlucky Fingal Bay. Whereas Hurricane Fly is out to boost his Champion hurdle credentials at Leopardstown, who are hosting their winter festival. Some Irish Cheltenham bubbles were somewhat burst yesterday, and others strongly boosted.
Yesterday we saw Monksland steered to victory by the awesome Paul Carberry, after the ride i quoted it as ride of the year. This earned him quotes of 7/1 for the World Hurdle in March, which he may go straight to. He was then outdone later in the afternoon, firstly on the novice Back In Focus who chinned Aupcharlie on the line. Lifted to victory by Ruby Walsh, he wasnt satisfied with that, he then one upped himself on the enigma that is Tidal Bay. He would have been one of the competitors you would have ruled out down the back straight. But Mr Walsh called on his mounts seemingly endless supply of stamina and got up again on the line. Even 50 yards from home it looked unlikely, stuck behind Flemenstar and with First Lieutenant and Sir Des Champs on either side. Ruby thread the eye of a needle and managed to keep momentum on his side through the finish.
There are a few Cheltenham profiles on show today, none as strong as yesterday however. As I reach the end of my journey we shall kick start our Saturday and begin the action. Enjoy.
1:15 Doncaster - Pere Blanc
This one may seem an odd choice to kick things off with seeing that he has been off the track for 648 days. When last seen on the track however he was a rapidly progressing hurdler for David Arbuthnot winning three races easily. He now tries his hand at Chasing for the yard of John Ferguson ridden by Denis O'Regan. The yard has been flying as of late with their latest winner being Chat Room yesterday at Catterick. He has shown on more than one occasion this year he is capable of getting them out first time, even after this long break. In bumpers he was 18 lengths behind Oscar Whisky and 13 3/4 lengths behind Rock on Ruby. It is also worth noting that he has been entered before this season and withdrawn, which could mean he is ready to run not just looking for a pipeopener.
1:35 Newbury - Bury Parade
The ex northern based horse, now with Paul Nicholls carries a 7 pound penalty for his 2 length beating of Super Duty. Who has since gone on to land a valuable novice chase at Cheltenham, the 3rd placed horse, Yurok, has also won since when beating Aland Islands. Merry King was fourth in that race and franked the form further with his second in the Tommy Whittle, beaten a short head by Cannington Brook. The form of that race is rock solid and chasing has always been the look he has given over hurdles. Despite the strong but select field he looks the pick and should defy his penalty. I have followed this horse since he defeated one of my horses to follow in Pinerolo easily at Hexham, he looks to be going places over fences. (7/2)
2:10 Newbury - Rey Nacarado
Rey Nacarado is 1 pound higher than when landing this race a year ago and hails from a stable in fine form. The most eye catching factor however is that Charlie Longsdon books Tony McCoy for the ride today. He is rarely used by this stable but when he is it must be noted and taken down. He was a decent fourth over course and distance last time in an amateur riders race but the booking of the champ could well see him over the line in front here today. (7/2)
2:35 Leopardstown - Zuzka
Zuzkan is tough as old boots and took on the boys last time passing with flying colours, she was beaten 2 1/2 lengths by the top class Jezki and was only a length behind Champagne Fever. She steps down in class here into a mares race and could just have one eye on the mares hurdle at Cheltenham. Paddy Mullins takes the ride today as Ruby is on Glens Melody, but Willie has been trying desperately to get his son one more winner before the year end. He needs one more winner to ride the most winners as an Amateur in one season. Zuzka looks to be the horse to do that for him and is a very strong bet today. (6/4)
2:45 Newbury - Taquin Du Seuil
Taquin Du Seuil is held in very high regard by Jonjo and AP and improved alot last time to give a pounding to the expensive Le Bec. He won very cosily that day and is expected to improve again for today. He was defeated by My Tent Or Yours first time over hurdles, but was then upped in trip resulting in a smooth success at Sandown. He is 16/1 for the Neptune right now, and a win here would see that price tighten some more. I fully expect him to follow Zuzka in visiting the winners enclosure and could make it a good 10 minutes for us. (15/8)
2:55 Doncaster - Fill The Power
Sue Smith's Gelding has only ran in 3 chases but was 2nd on handicap debut last time to Wyck Hill. The winner has boosted that form by following up at Ascot beating Roberto Goldback comprehensively. He will most probably be ridden agressively today to take advantage of his strong staying power. jumping is also not a problem as he practically steps over his fences due to his size. Sue Smith has been in pretty good form lately and now is around the time of year she starts firing in a few winners. Fill The Power could well be one of them here today. (5/1)
3:50 Newbury - Chatterbox
Chatterbox has been all the rage on the gallops at Seven Barrows with reports of how good he has been schooling. He won his only start to date when winning a bumper at Huntingdon in good style. Nicky Henderson won this last year with All The Aces, he looks set to win this again as he saddles My Tent Or Yours and of course Chatterbox. Due to The former being owned by JP McManus, Tony McCoy rides him, meaning Barry Geraghty is free to ride the selection. Granted it will be a tough race to win but he could well be an each way price and should be at least placed. (No Price Yet)
A few short priced ones and it could be a day for multiples, but lets hope for a few winners to refund the hole in our wallets Christmas left.
NAP - Taquin Du Seuil
NB - Zuzka
Happy Punting guys
Saturday, 22 December 2012
Long Walk and Tommy Whittle Day
I write this after returning from our yearly staff party, in the raffle the top prize was a 42 inch flat screen TV. Of course I won bath soaps (passion fruit) some cheese and wine. Please form an orderly queue to take a bath with smelly cheese and white wine with yours truly.
Onto more pressing matters and a cracking day of racing at Ascot and hopefully Haydock. Lets start shall we?
1:30 Ascot - Cedre Bleu
Paul Nicholls is without Big Bucks this week, but Cedre Bleu can claim some slight compensation here. The soft ground wont hinder him in the slightest and is still relatively unexposed over fences. He had a nice pipe opener at Newbury last time when a very close fourth under top weight. Today he should build on that with Ruby back on board and everything seemingly in his favour, including 7 pounds from rival Solix. Ian Williams' Gelding is useful in his own right, but cant be trusted in the jumping department. Therefore a very confident vote goes to Cedre Bleu. (6/4)
1:45 Haydock - Bakbenscher
Choc Thornton is at Ascot to ride Balder Succes today, Wayne Hutchinson fills in for today however and is more than capable. Bakbenscher was beaten a long way last time, but there is more to it than meets the eye. He was almost bought down on 3 occasions and recovered each time, he was bang in contention turning for home, but tired. Previously he had run well at Chepstow and a line can be put through his Newbury run. So long as the meeting is on today he will enjoy the ground and must have a good chance. The presence of Hollow Tree means he runs off of lower than 11 stone which could be vital in this ground. (8/1)
2:00 Ascot - Master Of The Hall
Barry Geraghty shuns Master Of The Hall here for stable mate Cucumber run. AP is far from a stranger to this horse though after riding on debut and over fences at Kelso. He reverts back to hurdles today and with no Big Buck's lining up, its a wide open contest. 2010 was his last run over hurdles but in truth he looks like more of the hurdling type and should show well. The ground isn't a worry either with multiple wins on soft ground and has proved himself over the distance, Including a chase win at This track. On seasonal reappearance he was well put in his place by Silviniaco Conti, but he should strip fitter for that run and the form is red hot from the race. On that form he could prove the one to be with and is fantastic each way value. (8/1)
2:15 Haydock - Douglas Julian
Sue Smith has planned this race for Douglas Julian since his Kelso win a fortnight ago. The heavy ground has come that she wanted and there is alot in his favour, staying power being one of them. The mix of staying power and a low weight could be lethal here, Jonathan England takes a further 7 pounds off his back and is better than your average claimer. There are alot of dangers in the race but Douglas Julian could well be good enough to land the Tommy Whittle. (7/1)
2:35 Ascot - Hey Big Spender
Colin Tizzard's charge was fancied in the Peterborough which has been abandoned twice this season. He has always been a sound jumper but one mistake seems to hold him back here and then, a clear round will see him round in front today. His trainer went on record as saying he is a stone better in heavy ground, which would make it seem as if he needs this ground. Others may struggle in it here. The only negative is that he is second top weight and must give alot away to the others. He still represents good value however and should take some beating on seasonal debut. (4/1)
3:10 Ascot - Olofi
Olofi was a pretty impressive winner last time out at Cheltenham on testing ground. Paddy Brennan once again takes the ride and an 8 pound rise in the weights shouldnt be enough hold him back. Tom George gave a positive write up in the Racing Post about Olofi this week and early money is key to him. Though there are a number of unexposed types in the field, yet he could still have a shade more improvement in him. Olofi is taken to land the odds today in the Ladbroke. (9/1)
Bothy - He was behind Olofi at Cheltenham and has since gone on to run well for a long way in the Fighting Fifth behind Countrywide Flame. That is top form but he was well beat in truth. The most interesting part about his run here today is regular jockey Danny Cook is at Haydock. Seven pound claimer Patrick Corbett takes the ride instead, putting him on a more than winable mark. Bothy is always a horse to follow on testing ground, which is why he is an each way selection today at glamorous odds. (28/1)
As im writing this Haydock has been given the green light, so lets look forward to a big day and many winners.
Happy Punting
Onto more pressing matters and a cracking day of racing at Ascot and hopefully Haydock. Lets start shall we?
1:30 Ascot - Cedre Bleu
Paul Nicholls is without Big Bucks this week, but Cedre Bleu can claim some slight compensation here. The soft ground wont hinder him in the slightest and is still relatively unexposed over fences. He had a nice pipe opener at Newbury last time when a very close fourth under top weight. Today he should build on that with Ruby back on board and everything seemingly in his favour, including 7 pounds from rival Solix. Ian Williams' Gelding is useful in his own right, but cant be trusted in the jumping department. Therefore a very confident vote goes to Cedre Bleu. (6/4)
1:45 Haydock - Bakbenscher
Choc Thornton is at Ascot to ride Balder Succes today, Wayne Hutchinson fills in for today however and is more than capable. Bakbenscher was beaten a long way last time, but there is more to it than meets the eye. He was almost bought down on 3 occasions and recovered each time, he was bang in contention turning for home, but tired. Previously he had run well at Chepstow and a line can be put through his Newbury run. So long as the meeting is on today he will enjoy the ground and must have a good chance. The presence of Hollow Tree means he runs off of lower than 11 stone which could be vital in this ground. (8/1)
2:00 Ascot - Master Of The Hall
Barry Geraghty shuns Master Of The Hall here for stable mate Cucumber run. AP is far from a stranger to this horse though after riding on debut and over fences at Kelso. He reverts back to hurdles today and with no Big Buck's lining up, its a wide open contest. 2010 was his last run over hurdles but in truth he looks like more of the hurdling type and should show well. The ground isn't a worry either with multiple wins on soft ground and has proved himself over the distance, Including a chase win at This track. On seasonal reappearance he was well put in his place by Silviniaco Conti, but he should strip fitter for that run and the form is red hot from the race. On that form he could prove the one to be with and is fantastic each way value. (8/1)
2:15 Haydock - Douglas Julian
Sue Smith has planned this race for Douglas Julian since his Kelso win a fortnight ago. The heavy ground has come that she wanted and there is alot in his favour, staying power being one of them. The mix of staying power and a low weight could be lethal here, Jonathan England takes a further 7 pounds off his back and is better than your average claimer. There are alot of dangers in the race but Douglas Julian could well be good enough to land the Tommy Whittle. (7/1)
2:35 Ascot - Hey Big Spender
Colin Tizzard's charge was fancied in the Peterborough which has been abandoned twice this season. He has always been a sound jumper but one mistake seems to hold him back here and then, a clear round will see him round in front today. His trainer went on record as saying he is a stone better in heavy ground, which would make it seem as if he needs this ground. Others may struggle in it here. The only negative is that he is second top weight and must give alot away to the others. He still represents good value however and should take some beating on seasonal debut. (4/1)
3:10 Ascot - Olofi
Olofi was a pretty impressive winner last time out at Cheltenham on testing ground. Paddy Brennan once again takes the ride and an 8 pound rise in the weights shouldnt be enough hold him back. Tom George gave a positive write up in the Racing Post about Olofi this week and early money is key to him. Though there are a number of unexposed types in the field, yet he could still have a shade more improvement in him. Olofi is taken to land the odds today in the Ladbroke. (9/1)
Bothy - He was behind Olofi at Cheltenham and has since gone on to run well for a long way in the Fighting Fifth behind Countrywide Flame. That is top form but he was well beat in truth. The most interesting part about his run here today is regular jockey Danny Cook is at Haydock. Seven pound claimer Patrick Corbett takes the ride instead, putting him on a more than winable mark. Bothy is always a horse to follow on testing ground, which is why he is an each way selection today at glamorous odds. (28/1)
As im writing this Haydock has been given the green light, so lets look forward to a big day and many winners.
Happy Punting
Friday, 14 December 2012
Saturday 15th December
Today we start on a horrible note that nobody wishes to talk about. As im sure you all know, yesterday 20 Children under the age of 10, and 9 adults were shot dead in Connecticut. Now I know this is in no way horse racing related, but I wanted to pay respects to those who will be spending Christmas this year without a family member at the dinner table. You cant imagine what the families are going through, and it is important they are shown how much the world cares.
But with heavy hearts we go on to today's racing after a very successful week on the last blog.
12:45 Cheltenham or 1:45 Lingfield - Court In Motion
Lingfield is the preferred choice for Emma Lavelle's gelding, but in case of abandonment he is left in at Cheltenham. To be quite honest, he should win either race he goes for today he should take all the beating. He was last seen behind leading 3 mile novice Dynaste at Newbury, he was the only one to make a race of it that day. Eventually he went down by 4 1/2 lengths but emerged as a top novice candidate. Our Father was getting alot of weight last time when winning here at Cheltenham, this time he concedes alot. Timmy Murphy also said he wasnt totally in love with the ground, which suggests he'll struggle today. Court in Motion wont mind the ground at either tracks and should take some beating. Cheltenham 11/4 Lingfield 6/4
1:20 Cheltenham - Oh Crick
A couple of weeks ago Oh Crick landed us an each way winning at Newbury to save us. He goes again today and is one of the only runners who is a confirmed mudlark for Alan King. He keeps Josh Newman on board to take off 7 pounds which in this ground could not be more important. This means he carries 10-4 and with a more than capable jockey should make it count. He wasn't straight when losing to Shooters Wood, id be surprised were he not to reverse that form. Really strong claims for the ex festival winner. (6/1)
1:55 Cheltenham - Coneygree
Im only writing a couple of lines on Coneygree as he is a short priced favourite and should duly oblige. He was put up on this blog when winning here impressively last time, and so far is the leading staying novice hurdler. (11/10)
2:20 Lingfield - Lamps
It will be very soft at Lingfield today (if on) and Lamps excels when puddles are visible. He is effectively raised 10 pounds today for his Sandown demolition job when heavily eased to win, thanks to Tom Cannon claiming 3. There isnt really much left to say about Lamps today other than the fact in he should win and could improve further. (3/1)
2:30 Cheltenham - Tartak
Tim Vaughan's gelding is not one id usually follow, but I have heard some pretty encouraging things from the gallops this week. On that front im willing to take a chance on Tartak. Nobody could deny his talent being a former Peterborough Chase winner (rescheduled to Newbury). He was fifth
Last year at the festival behind Salut Flo and sixth here on reappearance. He is dropped two pounds for that effort and will be much better for it, that also gives me confidence he will go in the ground. With that and stable confidence behind him, Tartak is the selection. (20/1)
2:45 Doncaster - Counsel
Counsel was a horse I followed on the flat with mixed results, he is now with Donald McCain over jumps. He started off life over hurdles in a hot contest at Aintree (Handazan won, runs in Cheltenham opener). Though in truth he probably got stuck in the mud that day and has since won nicely at Bangor on better ground. Reversing placings with Moidore in doing so. Jason Maguire comes to ride him today and his odds are a bit on the generous side right now. Useful flat performer will go well on the better ground once again. (7/1)
3:05 Cheltenham - Grandouet
Nicky Henderson's inmate is my selection right now for the Champion Hurdle in March. This is his comeback run from injury, and he must concede 4 pounds to a racefit Zarkandar which is no easy task. Last year he improved no end however and he should be straight for today, with no ground worries he should make a bold showing and solidify his Festival claims. (5/2)
3:20 Doncaster - Mr Moonshine
His eight length defeat to Bold Sir Brian isnt looking too bad now after the winner's recent Sandown win. A return to 3 miles over fences is just what the doctor ordered here though. Last time he finished very tired on very soft ground at Haydock over hurdles, he was ridden very aggresively then however. On this better ground he is an out and out galloper and wont be stopping on the front end under top weight. As mentioned previously he was one of the top staying novices of last year with a 7th in the RSA. With early market support behind him and better ground, Sue Smith could well win the finale here. (6/1)
5 winners last week so lets hope for more of the same this week!
NAP - Oh Crick and Court in Motion (nice double)
NB - Lamps
Happy punting this week guys
But with heavy hearts we go on to today's racing after a very successful week on the last blog.
12:45 Cheltenham or 1:45 Lingfield - Court In Motion
Lingfield is the preferred choice for Emma Lavelle's gelding, but in case of abandonment he is left in at Cheltenham. To be quite honest, he should win either race he goes for today he should take all the beating. He was last seen behind leading 3 mile novice Dynaste at Newbury, he was the only one to make a race of it that day. Eventually he went down by 4 1/2 lengths but emerged as a top novice candidate. Our Father was getting alot of weight last time when winning here at Cheltenham, this time he concedes alot. Timmy Murphy also said he wasnt totally in love with the ground, which suggests he'll struggle today. Court in Motion wont mind the ground at either tracks and should take some beating. Cheltenham 11/4 Lingfield 6/4
1:20 Cheltenham - Oh Crick
A couple of weeks ago Oh Crick landed us an each way winning at Newbury to save us. He goes again today and is one of the only runners who is a confirmed mudlark for Alan King. He keeps Josh Newman on board to take off 7 pounds which in this ground could not be more important. This means he carries 10-4 and with a more than capable jockey should make it count. He wasn't straight when losing to Shooters Wood, id be surprised were he not to reverse that form. Really strong claims for the ex festival winner. (6/1)
1:55 Cheltenham - Coneygree
Im only writing a couple of lines on Coneygree as he is a short priced favourite and should duly oblige. He was put up on this blog when winning here impressively last time, and so far is the leading staying novice hurdler. (11/10)
2:20 Lingfield - Lamps
It will be very soft at Lingfield today (if on) and Lamps excels when puddles are visible. He is effectively raised 10 pounds today for his Sandown demolition job when heavily eased to win, thanks to Tom Cannon claiming 3. There isnt really much left to say about Lamps today other than the fact in he should win and could improve further. (3/1)
2:30 Cheltenham - Tartak
Tim Vaughan's gelding is not one id usually follow, but I have heard some pretty encouraging things from the gallops this week. On that front im willing to take a chance on Tartak. Nobody could deny his talent being a former Peterborough Chase winner (rescheduled to Newbury). He was fifth
Last year at the festival behind Salut Flo and sixth here on reappearance. He is dropped two pounds for that effort and will be much better for it, that also gives me confidence he will go in the ground. With that and stable confidence behind him, Tartak is the selection. (20/1)
2:45 Doncaster - Counsel
Counsel was a horse I followed on the flat with mixed results, he is now with Donald McCain over jumps. He started off life over hurdles in a hot contest at Aintree (Handazan won, runs in Cheltenham opener). Though in truth he probably got stuck in the mud that day and has since won nicely at Bangor on better ground. Reversing placings with Moidore in doing so. Jason Maguire comes to ride him today and his odds are a bit on the generous side right now. Useful flat performer will go well on the better ground once again. (7/1)
3:05 Cheltenham - Grandouet
Nicky Henderson's inmate is my selection right now for the Champion Hurdle in March. This is his comeback run from injury, and he must concede 4 pounds to a racefit Zarkandar which is no easy task. Last year he improved no end however and he should be straight for today, with no ground worries he should make a bold showing and solidify his Festival claims. (5/2)
3:20 Doncaster - Mr Moonshine
His eight length defeat to Bold Sir Brian isnt looking too bad now after the winner's recent Sandown win. A return to 3 miles over fences is just what the doctor ordered here though. Last time he finished very tired on very soft ground at Haydock over hurdles, he was ridden very aggresively then however. On this better ground he is an out and out galloper and wont be stopping on the front end under top weight. As mentioned previously he was one of the top staying novices of last year with a 7th in the RSA. With early market support behind him and better ground, Sue Smith could well win the finale here. (6/1)
5 winners last week so lets hope for more of the same this week!
NAP - Oh Crick and Court in Motion (nice double)
NB - Lamps
Happy punting this week guys
Friday, 30 November 2012
Newbury Hennessy Day
Well last week was just one of those days, all each way bets came a place out of where they needed and win bets were a runners up. All we can do is dust ourselves of and soldier on for this week. What a week it is as well with the return of Big Buck's and last years RSA winner Bobs Worth! Lets all pray that Newcastle passes it's 8am inspection.
12:05 Newcastle - No Planning
Sue Smith won pretty much everything on this card last year, including with race with Lackamon. This year No Planning represents her after being touched off at Sedgefield last time by Buck Mulligan. If he were in the race today he would be a warm order to oblige after the drop in class. The most eye catching piece of form for No Planning is the win at Hexham on Heavy ground. We all know just how heavy Hexham can get on a bad day as well. No Planning is taken to oblige in the first race of the day. (4/1)
12:15 Newbury - Rey Nacarado
Charlie Longsdon's yard have been in fantastic form early on this year, especially in softer ground. Rey Nacarado is one that will relish the more testing ground, as well as being a course and distance winner in good style. He should be able to pick off the leaders in the home straight late on after running well in the Durham National for a long way. One last thing in that a recent third at Wincanton should have set him straight, and is theoretically running 9 pounds lower today. (7/2)
12:35 Newcastle - Twice Lucky
A frantic start to today and we hopefully round off a Sue Smith double with the consistent Twice Lucky. He has been in fantastic form this year so far, and looked like adding another win to his resume last time when coming down in front. The only things to hinder him today are his competitors as the ground and distance will be ideal. He hasn't been given any more weight from the handicapper, and as long as he is none the worse for his fall, should take all the beating here. (9/2)
12:50 Newbury - Call Me A Star
A frantic hour to start the day but we end the hour with my NAP of the day with Call Me A Star. She has already beaten Eleven Fifty Nine twice (lost once) this includes a win over hurdles last time. Their strongest form came in a big Bumper at Sandown when Umadachar separated them. She has already won over hurdles too. The Alan King yard looked as if a return to form was imminent with a couple of good performances yesterday. She is the one all have to beat. (7/4)
2:35 Newbury - Princely Player
Phillip Hobbs had a big winner last week with Captain Chris and could well have another here. Princely Player was ultra consistent last year and picked up where he left off, when just denied by Hawkhill at Kempton. Granted, today is a stronger race than last time out, he wouldn't need to improve a great deal to win this. Last year he claimed the notable scalp of Jump City before being beat two lengths by Black Thunder. Should not be the price that he is and could be some value in the race. (6/1)
3:10 Newbury - Lion Na Bearnai
Everyone seems to be getting excited about this renewal of the Hennessy, when in truth it is a very poor race. You usually get a few gold cup contenders come from it, but the only one that could be considered for that is Bobs Worth. He saves his best for Cheltenham however. For this reason I am willing to take a chance on one of the rank outsiders from Ireland. Lion Na Bearnai is from a stable with only 4 or 5 horses, but that didn't stop him from winning the Irish National last year. He battled in determined fashion to win that day and had previously beat the likes of Four Commanders. The softer ground and distance wont hinder him at all today, and it would be no surprise at all to see him run a big race. One final thing is that a stable this small would not bring him over to England if he wasn't fully wound up. (50/1)
3:40 Newbury - Oh Crick
The last race of the day could round off a nice double for Alan king at Newbury with the ex Festival winner. He ran a blinder first time out, which he usually needs badly. If he can progress for that then he should be a tough nut to crack, after refinding his form by winning at Chepstow last season. He runs off two pounds lower and the useful 7 pound claimer Josh Newman keeps the ride. This should be enough to see him be in the mix right at the end. (12/1)
NAP - Call Me A Star
Nb - Oh Crick
No Planning
Twice Lucky
Call me a Star
Princely Player
Oh Crick
Cinders and Ashes should take all the beating in the Fighting Fifth today, hopefully you were aware and got your bets on before Darlan and Rock on Ruby came out. Odds on now.
These five should give us a bit of fun in a Lucky 31 throughout the afternoon.
Happy Punting, lets hope for a better performance that last weeks dismal display.
12:05 Newcastle - No Planning
Sue Smith won pretty much everything on this card last year, including with race with Lackamon. This year No Planning represents her after being touched off at Sedgefield last time by Buck Mulligan. If he were in the race today he would be a warm order to oblige after the drop in class. The most eye catching piece of form for No Planning is the win at Hexham on Heavy ground. We all know just how heavy Hexham can get on a bad day as well. No Planning is taken to oblige in the first race of the day. (4/1)
12:15 Newbury - Rey Nacarado
Charlie Longsdon's yard have been in fantastic form early on this year, especially in softer ground. Rey Nacarado is one that will relish the more testing ground, as well as being a course and distance winner in good style. He should be able to pick off the leaders in the home straight late on after running well in the Durham National for a long way. One last thing in that a recent third at Wincanton should have set him straight, and is theoretically running 9 pounds lower today. (7/2)
12:35 Newcastle - Twice Lucky
A frantic start to today and we hopefully round off a Sue Smith double with the consistent Twice Lucky. He has been in fantastic form this year so far, and looked like adding another win to his resume last time when coming down in front. The only things to hinder him today are his competitors as the ground and distance will be ideal. He hasn't been given any more weight from the handicapper, and as long as he is none the worse for his fall, should take all the beating here. (9/2)
12:50 Newbury - Call Me A Star
A frantic hour to start the day but we end the hour with my NAP of the day with Call Me A Star. She has already beaten Eleven Fifty Nine twice (lost once) this includes a win over hurdles last time. Their strongest form came in a big Bumper at Sandown when Umadachar separated them. She has already won over hurdles too. The Alan King yard looked as if a return to form was imminent with a couple of good performances yesterday. She is the one all have to beat. (7/4)
2:35 Newbury - Princely Player
Phillip Hobbs had a big winner last week with Captain Chris and could well have another here. Princely Player was ultra consistent last year and picked up where he left off, when just denied by Hawkhill at Kempton. Granted, today is a stronger race than last time out, he wouldn't need to improve a great deal to win this. Last year he claimed the notable scalp of Jump City before being beat two lengths by Black Thunder. Should not be the price that he is and could be some value in the race. (6/1)
3:10 Newbury - Lion Na Bearnai
Everyone seems to be getting excited about this renewal of the Hennessy, when in truth it is a very poor race. You usually get a few gold cup contenders come from it, but the only one that could be considered for that is Bobs Worth. He saves his best for Cheltenham however. For this reason I am willing to take a chance on one of the rank outsiders from Ireland. Lion Na Bearnai is from a stable with only 4 or 5 horses, but that didn't stop him from winning the Irish National last year. He battled in determined fashion to win that day and had previously beat the likes of Four Commanders. The softer ground and distance wont hinder him at all today, and it would be no surprise at all to see him run a big race. One final thing is that a stable this small would not bring him over to England if he wasn't fully wound up. (50/1)
3:40 Newbury - Oh Crick
The last race of the day could round off a nice double for Alan king at Newbury with the ex Festival winner. He ran a blinder first time out, which he usually needs badly. If he can progress for that then he should be a tough nut to crack, after refinding his form by winning at Chepstow last season. He runs off two pounds lower and the useful 7 pound claimer Josh Newman keeps the ride. This should be enough to see him be in the mix right at the end. (12/1)
NAP - Call Me A Star
Nb - Oh Crick
No Planning
Twice Lucky
Call me a Star
Princely Player
Oh Crick
Cinders and Ashes should take all the beating in the Fighting Fifth today, hopefully you were aware and got your bets on before Darlan and Rock on Ruby came out. Odds on now.
These five should give us a bit of fun in a Lucky 31 throughout the afternoon.
Happy Punting, lets hope for a better performance that last weeks dismal display.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Epsom Oaks Day 2012
Last Saturday wasnt a bad day by any stretch of the imagination with Cay Verde and Grandeur going in for us. Unfortunately it went downhill from then on but Fiorente and Qahriman finished second with only Shahzan being unplaced on the day.
I must stress that it is a very disappointing turn out for the Derby this year with my fancy Imperial Monarch opting to go for the French Derby on Sunday. It would seem that Camelot has scared away most of the worthwhile competitors. Bonfire and Main Sequence remain in the mix up. Onto today.
1:40 - Epsom - Barefoot Lady - She bounced right back to form with a good fourth behind Izzi Top at York. This is a much weaker race than her last outing and I fully expect her to take all the beating today. Tony Hamilton has been riding out of his skin since being given the chance to fill in Paul Hanagan's shoes as Richard Fahey's number one. The stable has just started to hit some form in the last few days. This fast ground should bring out even more improvement in Barefoot Lady who had some very strong 3 year old form. That includes a victory in the Nell Gwyn and a good fifth in the 1000 Guineas, a return to that will see her win this and she looks the value here.
2:15 - Epsom - Ramona Chase - I like to call this horse Mr consistent as he never fails to run a bad race. A return to faster ground last time ended up in a win at Windsor, before that he ran a good fifth in very testing ground at this course. He effectively runs off a one pound higher mark today with Mark Coumbe taking 5 pounds off his back, that all but cancels out his 6 pound penalty. He is a course and distance winner which is crucial at a course like Epsom, at 16/1 he is a fantastic each way bet who will be rattling down the outside late on.
2:50 - Epsom - Side Glance - Won a listed race at Ascot 2 years ago and looked to be a horse very much on the up. Since then he has disappointed a little. Worthadd admittedly will be a very tough rival to beat but upped slightly in trip if he handles the course then he could upset the favourite. Jimmy Fortune gets on particularly well with the horse and he could just steal it coming out of Tattenham Corner today. Tentative selection.
3:25 - Epsom - Highland Knight - Lowered two pounds since his last run when he failed to land a blow, excuses can be made for that, the most important one being that he doesn't enjoy softer ground. He also couldn't get to the front end of the field which is where he enjoys to run. This return to faster ground will see him improve no end. He has been tried at the top level, most notably when being beat 5 3/4 lengths by Dick Turpin. He should be able to boss the race tomorrow and they may not be able to pass him, a very strong each way bet.
4:05 - Epsom - Vow - She was oddly impressive whilst being very green when winning the Oaks trial at Lingfield. She showed a devastating turn of foot at the top of the straight and despite hanging towards the stand side rail still won well. There is little chance of her hanging today as to be quite frank no horses hang up the hill at Epsom. She should be able to show her turn of foot turning out of Tattenham Corner and it would take a very good horse to catch her.
4:05 - Epsom - BetterBetterBetter - An outside chance here today after getting bogged down at Chester, She was caught on the line last time when kicking on early doors. She should have no problem in getting home on this ground at this course and there would be no surprises were she to run into a place. Generally being backed in (night before) as first shows of 16/1 are coming through. She is now a best priced 20/1.
I hope that this brings some winners to everyone today and that we can do over the bookies on day one of Epsom. As always Happy Punting.
I must stress that it is a very disappointing turn out for the Derby this year with my fancy Imperial Monarch opting to go for the French Derby on Sunday. It would seem that Camelot has scared away most of the worthwhile competitors. Bonfire and Main Sequence remain in the mix up. Onto today.
1:40 - Epsom - Barefoot Lady - She bounced right back to form with a good fourth behind Izzi Top at York. This is a much weaker race than her last outing and I fully expect her to take all the beating today. Tony Hamilton has been riding out of his skin since being given the chance to fill in Paul Hanagan's shoes as Richard Fahey's number one. The stable has just started to hit some form in the last few days. This fast ground should bring out even more improvement in Barefoot Lady who had some very strong 3 year old form. That includes a victory in the Nell Gwyn and a good fifth in the 1000 Guineas, a return to that will see her win this and she looks the value here.
2:15 - Epsom - Ramona Chase - I like to call this horse Mr consistent as he never fails to run a bad race. A return to faster ground last time ended up in a win at Windsor, before that he ran a good fifth in very testing ground at this course. He effectively runs off a one pound higher mark today with Mark Coumbe taking 5 pounds off his back, that all but cancels out his 6 pound penalty. He is a course and distance winner which is crucial at a course like Epsom, at 16/1 he is a fantastic each way bet who will be rattling down the outside late on.
2:50 - Epsom - Side Glance - Won a listed race at Ascot 2 years ago and looked to be a horse very much on the up. Since then he has disappointed a little. Worthadd admittedly will be a very tough rival to beat but upped slightly in trip if he handles the course then he could upset the favourite. Jimmy Fortune gets on particularly well with the horse and he could just steal it coming out of Tattenham Corner today. Tentative selection.
3:25 - Epsom - Highland Knight - Lowered two pounds since his last run when he failed to land a blow, excuses can be made for that, the most important one being that he doesn't enjoy softer ground. He also couldn't get to the front end of the field which is where he enjoys to run. This return to faster ground will see him improve no end. He has been tried at the top level, most notably when being beat 5 3/4 lengths by Dick Turpin. He should be able to boss the race tomorrow and they may not be able to pass him, a very strong each way bet.
4:05 - Epsom - Vow - She was oddly impressive whilst being very green when winning the Oaks trial at Lingfield. She showed a devastating turn of foot at the top of the straight and despite hanging towards the stand side rail still won well. There is little chance of her hanging today as to be quite frank no horses hang up the hill at Epsom. She should be able to show her turn of foot turning out of Tattenham Corner and it would take a very good horse to catch her.
4:05 - Epsom - BetterBetterBetter - An outside chance here today after getting bogged down at Chester, She was caught on the line last time when kicking on early doors. She should have no problem in getting home on this ground at this course and there would be no surprises were she to run into a place. Generally being backed in (night before) as first shows of 16/1 are coming through. She is now a best priced 20/1.
I hope that this brings some winners to everyone today and that we can do over the bookies on day one of Epsom. As always Happy Punting.
Friday, 18 May 2012
The Return Of Frankel
Well William Buick appreciation didn't go to plan with Arctic Cosmos getting beat miles out of sight. We did however get one winner with Laugh Out Loud who was 3/1 when I put the blog up, but went off at an SP of 15/8. Daneking almost gave us a nice double but just being outstayed and beaten a neck on the line. If i'm perfectly honest about today, there isn't alot that I fancy in today's racing so it will be a shorter one and also a bit different today.
If you aren't excited about the return of Frankel then you have something wrong with you, but today may be where he is most vulnerable on his return from injury. It's nice to see that he hasn't scared the class acts away with his old friend Excelebration taking him on again but now of course for Ballydoyle. For some reason Sir Henry Cecil still believes Frankel needs a Pacemaker which is why Bullet Train is there even though Ransom Note will probably be more than happy to lead. Excelebration has his own pacemaker in the race and has already left Joseph O'Brien red faced once this year, when leaving it too late on St. Nicholas Abbey. But for me Strong Suit could well be the one to chase home Frankel, he was a much improved horse last year and his Breeders Cup attempt was never going well. Lets hope Frankel can show us another fantastic performance and show us why he is the best horse in the world.
The race before that is a wide open handicap and this spells the return of a horse I have been very keen on seeing this year. He entered my notebook last year at Sandown when 7th behind Martin Chuzzlewit, he was running well when inexperience kicked in, and he threw away a place in the last 50 yards. It wasnt that, that caught my eye though. Before hand in the parade ring is where he caught my eye, his frame was alot bigger than any other horse in the field. He went on to score twice in two races on the turf at Lingfield and then at Goodwood before running into Main Sequence at Newmarket. He was beaten 5 lengths that day and gave the winner heaps of weight, since then Main Sequence has won a Derby trial and is now one of the main protagonists in the betting for the Derby. As long as Poetic Lord is racefit he will take all the beating today and is a fantastic bet at 14/1 (as tonight's prices are).
That really is my only fancy of the day but the only other horse I would consider backing with confidence is Thought Worthy. He gets 5 pounds from Frankel's brother Noble Mission and that should be enough to see him beaten today.
Sorry about the lack of selections today but hopefully Poetic Lord can land us a nice win at 14/1.
Happy Punting as always guys
If you aren't excited about the return of Frankel then you have something wrong with you, but today may be where he is most vulnerable on his return from injury. It's nice to see that he hasn't scared the class acts away with his old friend Excelebration taking him on again but now of course for Ballydoyle. For some reason Sir Henry Cecil still believes Frankel needs a Pacemaker which is why Bullet Train is there even though Ransom Note will probably be more than happy to lead. Excelebration has his own pacemaker in the race and has already left Joseph O'Brien red faced once this year, when leaving it too late on St. Nicholas Abbey. But for me Strong Suit could well be the one to chase home Frankel, he was a much improved horse last year and his Breeders Cup attempt was never going well. Lets hope Frankel can show us another fantastic performance and show us why he is the best horse in the world.
The race before that is a wide open handicap and this spells the return of a horse I have been very keen on seeing this year. He entered my notebook last year at Sandown when 7th behind Martin Chuzzlewit, he was running well when inexperience kicked in, and he threw away a place in the last 50 yards. It wasnt that, that caught my eye though. Before hand in the parade ring is where he caught my eye, his frame was alot bigger than any other horse in the field. He went on to score twice in two races on the turf at Lingfield and then at Goodwood before running into Main Sequence at Newmarket. He was beaten 5 lengths that day and gave the winner heaps of weight, since then Main Sequence has won a Derby trial and is now one of the main protagonists in the betting for the Derby. As long as Poetic Lord is racefit he will take all the beating today and is a fantastic bet at 14/1 (as tonight's prices are).
That really is my only fancy of the day but the only other horse I would consider backing with confidence is Thought Worthy. He gets 5 pounds from Frankel's brother Noble Mission and that should be enough to see him beaten today.
Sorry about the lack of selections today but hopefully Poetic Lord can land us a nice win at 14/1.
Happy Punting as always guys
Thursday, 17 May 2012
William Buick Appreciation Day
A fantastic day for the blog yesterday with a 5/1 advised price winner in Burke's Rock and a 16/1 winner in Coronea Lilly this evening. Personally for me I got a 55/1 double and thanks to some feedback quite a few of you guys also had them in a double. Also one more thing before we move onto today's selections, Burke's Rock was outpaced for the majority of the race today but finished very strongly over a mile. In my eyes this makes her a prime candidate for the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot over 1 mile and 4 furlongs. Now onto today with the money we won yesterday.
I have named today's blog 'William Buick Appreciation Day'. Last time I did an appreciation day was for Sue Smith that came up with multiple winners and i expect today to be no different.
CAUCUS (NB) - Buick's first ride of the day and one that ran a fantastic race on his reappearance in a good handicap at HQ. He will strip much fitter for that run off of the same mark and is a relatively lightly raced five year old with a group one entry. That entry is for the Ascot Gold Cup over 2 miles and 4 furlongs. For the moment today's trip is his ideal one and should take all the beating to get us off to a flyer on the afternoon. Wont be out of the places.
ARCTIC COSMOS (NAP) - Today's NAP and the 2010 St. Leger winner. Last time out was a disaster for him on bottomless ground when becoming completely bogged down at Newbury. That run is best forgotten and a return to faster ground couldn't be more welcome. He has only run over this distance once and that was his Leger win, it seems the further he goes the better and for a short while he was going to be aimed at the Neptune over hurdles at Cheltenham. He is a huge price for a horse of his quality today and is the one to beat in this field. He has had his problems but they now seem behind him and he is taken to land this on his way to bigger and better things.
LAUGH OUT LOUD - Ran well enough in the 1000 guineas to suggest she is a very good improving horse. She was a short head behind Lily's Angel on that occasion and meets her on 3 pounds better terms today, before that she had 3 good wins on the all weather. She proved in the Guineas that she can handle the turf just as well as anything and should take all the beating in a hot contest today. Mr Buick is one from one on this filly, that win came in her highest profile victory, she is also taken to win today with her name down in a group 1 entry at Royal Ascot.
DANEKING - Ran very well on his comeback run and looks set to improve for that experience. His last two runs have been on Heavy ground which isn't his preferred going by a long way yet has still turned in good efforts. This means he has maintained a mark of 77 and looks set to blow that out of the water today with a Derby Entry still on the cards. He looks to be thrown in off this mark today and could well win this doing handstands. There really isn't much else to say about him that i haven't said already.
The bets that I have put on already are as follows:
Arctic Cosmos (single)
Win Lucky 15 with all the above horses
Caucus, Arctic Cosmos and Daneking (Win Treble)
hopefully we can follow up with another big one today
as always happy punting.
one more thing, a few of you have taken time to email me to let me know if and how you got on my selections. I love hearing from people that have read my blog and taken the tips. Let me know of any winners you get on lukethebest@btopenworld.com (ignore the immaturity)
Thanks guys, good luck
I have named today's blog 'William Buick Appreciation Day'. Last time I did an appreciation day was for Sue Smith that came up with multiple winners and i expect today to be no different.
CAUCUS (NB) - Buick's first ride of the day and one that ran a fantastic race on his reappearance in a good handicap at HQ. He will strip much fitter for that run off of the same mark and is a relatively lightly raced five year old with a group one entry. That entry is for the Ascot Gold Cup over 2 miles and 4 furlongs. For the moment today's trip is his ideal one and should take all the beating to get us off to a flyer on the afternoon. Wont be out of the places.
ARCTIC COSMOS (NAP) - Today's NAP and the 2010 St. Leger winner. Last time out was a disaster for him on bottomless ground when becoming completely bogged down at Newbury. That run is best forgotten and a return to faster ground couldn't be more welcome. He has only run over this distance once and that was his Leger win, it seems the further he goes the better and for a short while he was going to be aimed at the Neptune over hurdles at Cheltenham. He is a huge price for a horse of his quality today and is the one to beat in this field. He has had his problems but they now seem behind him and he is taken to land this on his way to bigger and better things.
LAUGH OUT LOUD - Ran well enough in the 1000 guineas to suggest she is a very good improving horse. She was a short head behind Lily's Angel on that occasion and meets her on 3 pounds better terms today, before that she had 3 good wins on the all weather. She proved in the Guineas that she can handle the turf just as well as anything and should take all the beating in a hot contest today. Mr Buick is one from one on this filly, that win came in her highest profile victory, she is also taken to win today with her name down in a group 1 entry at Royal Ascot.
DANEKING - Ran very well on his comeback run and looks set to improve for that experience. His last two runs have been on Heavy ground which isn't his preferred going by a long way yet has still turned in good efforts. This means he has maintained a mark of 77 and looks set to blow that out of the water today with a Derby Entry still on the cards. He looks to be thrown in off this mark today and could well win this doing handstands. There really isn't much else to say about him that i haven't said already.
The bets that I have put on already are as follows:
Arctic Cosmos (single)
Win Lucky 15 with all the above horses
Caucus, Arctic Cosmos and Daneking (Win Treble)
hopefully we can follow up with another big one today
as always happy punting.
one more thing, a few of you have taken time to email me to let me know if and how you got on my selections. I love hearing from people that have read my blog and taken the tips. Let me know of any winners you get on lukethebest@btopenworld.com (ignore the immaturity)
Thanks guys, good luck
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
ATR Tracker updates
I have just received a notification email about two horses running from my ATR Tracker today and I will throw in the Dante for good measure. The first day of York saw The Fugue make his step in trip a very successful one when laughing at her opponents in the Musidora and is now a leading light for the Oaks at Epsom. Hoof It was possibly the highest profile running on the first day of the Dante meeting but he looked outpaced the whole way in the 6 furlong group 2 event. There is talk of a step up to a mile for him in time but for the moment a clash with Black Caviar looks on the cards at Ascot.
York - 2:30 - Betfred Dante Stakes
We saw one horse from a Guineas win yesterday in The Fugue, FENCING takes a step up in trip today after staying on well in the 2000 Guineas behind Camelot. Only one win on his CV but he has been very highly tried including some very smart 2 year old form, he is improving the whole time and is one of five in the race with a Derby entry. BONFIRE is the choice of poor tipster Matthew Wynn and he won a very smart maiden before being unlucky at Saint Cloud in France when finishing third behind French Fifteen in the Criterium. He has been the favourite for this race for a while and should be thereabouts. EKTIHAAM has won 3 out of his 4 starts but in his only loss he was the last of 9 to finish, that was his only step up to a Group 1 but this is a lower grade today. He may just be outclassed a little today with 4 of his opponents expected to make it at the top level. MANADEAN is having his first run for Godolphin and must overcome a 187 day break as well as proving his love for faster ground at the top level after winning his last run on testing going. That said he won very easily that day and looks to be going in the right direction and looks a very promising young horse. I'm siding with Aidan O'Brien's classy maiden winner ERNEST HEMINGWAY who hardly broke sweat when winning at Dundalk by 10 lengths. He is thrown in at the deep end today but Ballydoyle have been making some good noises about him and is a very strong understudy to Camelot for the Derby. He will have to prove he is as effective on turf but that really shouldnt be any problem for him and a confident vote goes his way.
5:55 - Newmarket
BURKE'S ROCK has been a winner for the blog already but more is expected of her and she wont be running off a mark of 73 for much longer. She had a very unlucky debut when getting murdered on the turn for home at Lingfield when making progress. Hayley Turner rode hands and heels for the remainder of the race and she picked up again in good fashion to get fourth. Since that She has won on a saturday at Lingfield when seemingly having much more left in the tank at the line. Ryan Moore gets the leg up today and that is in no way a negative thing. She also has an entry in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, that is over further and it would be expected that she will stay very well over the trip today and should be very hard to beat.
8:15 - Ludlow
CORONEA LILLY won at the first time of asking under rules at the Galway Festival in a flat race. She then wasnt seen for 607 days before returning at Hereford for Neil Mulholland when getting a very tender ride from Dougie Costello. She stayed on very takingly in third and should build on that hurdling debut today. The form isnt the strongest from the race but there have been a few placed efforts from the others. She will strip all the fitter for that run and could turn out to be a useful performer over hurdles. It would be no surprise were she to win today and is open to a lot of improvement on this occasion.
NAP - Burke's Rock
NB - Ernest Hemingway
I would be surprised if at least one of them didnt win and for one I will be putting all three in a treble.
Happy Punting
York - 2:30 - Betfred Dante Stakes
We saw one horse from a Guineas win yesterday in The Fugue, FENCING takes a step up in trip today after staying on well in the 2000 Guineas behind Camelot. Only one win on his CV but he has been very highly tried including some very smart 2 year old form, he is improving the whole time and is one of five in the race with a Derby entry. BONFIRE is the choice of poor tipster Matthew Wynn and he won a very smart maiden before being unlucky at Saint Cloud in France when finishing third behind French Fifteen in the Criterium. He has been the favourite for this race for a while and should be thereabouts. EKTIHAAM has won 3 out of his 4 starts but in his only loss he was the last of 9 to finish, that was his only step up to a Group 1 but this is a lower grade today. He may just be outclassed a little today with 4 of his opponents expected to make it at the top level. MANADEAN is having his first run for Godolphin and must overcome a 187 day break as well as proving his love for faster ground at the top level after winning his last run on testing going. That said he won very easily that day and looks to be going in the right direction and looks a very promising young horse. I'm siding with Aidan O'Brien's classy maiden winner ERNEST HEMINGWAY who hardly broke sweat when winning at Dundalk by 10 lengths. He is thrown in at the deep end today but Ballydoyle have been making some good noises about him and is a very strong understudy to Camelot for the Derby. He will have to prove he is as effective on turf but that really shouldnt be any problem for him and a confident vote goes his way.
5:55 - Newmarket
BURKE'S ROCK has been a winner for the blog already but more is expected of her and she wont be running off a mark of 73 for much longer. She had a very unlucky debut when getting murdered on the turn for home at Lingfield when making progress. Hayley Turner rode hands and heels for the remainder of the race and she picked up again in good fashion to get fourth. Since that She has won on a saturday at Lingfield when seemingly having much more left in the tank at the line. Ryan Moore gets the leg up today and that is in no way a negative thing. She also has an entry in the Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, that is over further and it would be expected that she will stay very well over the trip today and should be very hard to beat.
8:15 - Ludlow
CORONEA LILLY won at the first time of asking under rules at the Galway Festival in a flat race. She then wasnt seen for 607 days before returning at Hereford for Neil Mulholland when getting a very tender ride from Dougie Costello. She stayed on very takingly in third and should build on that hurdling debut today. The form isnt the strongest from the race but there have been a few placed efforts from the others. She will strip all the fitter for that run and could turn out to be a useful performer over hurdles. It would be no surprise were she to win today and is open to a lot of improvement on this occasion.
NAP - Burke's Rock
NB - Ernest Hemingway
I would be surprised if at least one of them didnt win and for one I will be putting all three in a treble.
Happy Punting
Friday, 4 May 2012
2000 Guineas day
Well the day is finally here, the first classic of the year, to think that this time last year we were having doubts about how good Frankel was. This year the hype is about Aiden O'Brien's Camelot. A great support card and supporting meetings at Goodwood and Thirsk to look forward to. Also a big well done to Graham Lee who rode two winners this week, his first since switching to the flat. Without further ado onto today's racing.
2:35 - Qatar Bloodstock Jockey Club Stakes
MASKED MARVEL attracts the eye first up here after breaking the course record when winning the St. Leger last year at Doncaster. He went on to disappoint in the Arc when it was most likely too short for him in distance. His participation today relies heavily on the ground drying out which it shouldn't do over night. AL KAZEEM is a bit of a bridesmaid at the top level, however the only time he has encountered soft ground he was disappointing. But that was in his first run and can be forgiven. His best hope looks to be for a place today though. BLUE BAJAN won at Sandown last year but this will be much to short for him and he will have a bigger target down the line. FIORENTE is another that looks a bit short in the top class category and today looks tougher than he has experienced before. He is open to improvement and will need to show it if he is going to land the spoils today. MEANDRE ventures outside of France for the first time today and is good enough if he handles the ground but 2/1 is plenty short enough for a horse who isnt proven on going like this. If he handles it then he could win easily though. QUEST FOR PEACE beat Arctic Cosmos last year but all his best form is on faster ground than today and is easily opposed as is SADEEK'S SONG who is yet to encounter ground like this. That leaves us with confirmed mudlark DUNADEN who won the Melbourne cup back in November and went on to win the Hong Kong Vase the next month. His early form in France is all on soft and heavy but is in very useful races which is why he is fancied to make his first visit to England a winning one.
3:10 - Qipco 2000 Guineas
BORN TO SEA is closely related to Sea The Stars through Urban Sea, and his half brother needs no introduction at all. He lost his second race by one and a half lengths but it was revealed after the race that he had tore a muscle and did well to finish so close to Nephrite. BRONTERRE is a very buzzy sort and the preliminaries wont help him tomorrow and neither will the step up in distance. If he can remain calm before the race and throughout he will have a huge chance, but its more likely that the ground will be good to firm. POWER wont have any worries with the ground and the distance should be no problem at all, Ryan Moore gets on well with him and has to be one of the leading chances today. His stable mate is the hot favourite for this race and has been for some time. Of course I talk about CAMELOT who won the Racing Post trophy easily, compared to some others in the field he is relatively inexperienced and there are major doubts about the ground for him. FRENCH FIFTEEN beat ABTAAL last time out by a neck but in all you have to question how strong the French form is. The most I can say Olivier Peslier's mount is that he ticks the ground box. CASPAR NETSCHER was a top two year old last year but there are major doubts about him staying the mile here, especially in testing ground, even though he has won in similar conditions. FENCING is inexperienced but is probably better than he has shown thus far, if he handles the ground he could well be the surprise package in the race this year. TOP OFFER has only had his single run but was very impressive when winning it, if he can handle everything today he shouldn't be too far away from the principles. TRUMPET MAJOR comes here race fit after destroying the Craven field here last month when giving weight all round. There is a doubt that he will handle really testing ground but last time out he looked a very much improved horse. If he progresses again then he could well be the winner. TALWAR won a Listed race well at Lingfield first time out so is another that comes here race fit, he has won on soft ground at Sandown so the going shouldnt really be too much of a problem. Connections supplemented him into the race for £30,000 and its clear that you dont do that for a day out. He could well come up with a shock today and is today's selection at a juicy price.
4:55 - Qatar Racing Newmarket Stakes
Frankel will have a racecourse gallop today at 12:30 and his full brother races later in this race. NOBLE MISSION won nicely on very testing ground at Newbury last time out, the time before that he lost on his debut at Yarmouth to a very smart horse in SWEDISH SAILOR who unfortunately wont be going to post today. STENCIVE looks a bit outclassed today unless he improves markedly on his debut. PRINCE ALZAIN is experienced but has pretty much all his form on the fibresand, if he transfers his form to the turf then he could go close but looks one to avoid today and MISTER MUSIC looks exposed now. MICHELANGELO is thrown in here and the son of Galileo may be better good enough to win first time up but looks very much up against it. MARINERS CROSS won the Wood Ditton here last month and looks like the step up in trip will be ideal. The ground also shouldn't be a problem which is why he is today's selection.
Nap - Mariners cross
NB - Dunaden
I shall try and put more races up later, but as for now i'm off to bed, I hope everyone has a successful day and you find a winner or two through my guidance. Happy Punting
2:35 - Qatar Bloodstock Jockey Club Stakes
MASKED MARVEL attracts the eye first up here after breaking the course record when winning the St. Leger last year at Doncaster. He went on to disappoint in the Arc when it was most likely too short for him in distance. His participation today relies heavily on the ground drying out which it shouldn't do over night. AL KAZEEM is a bit of a bridesmaid at the top level, however the only time he has encountered soft ground he was disappointing. But that was in his first run and can be forgiven. His best hope looks to be for a place today though. BLUE BAJAN won at Sandown last year but this will be much to short for him and he will have a bigger target down the line. FIORENTE is another that looks a bit short in the top class category and today looks tougher than he has experienced before. He is open to improvement and will need to show it if he is going to land the spoils today. MEANDRE ventures outside of France for the first time today and is good enough if he handles the ground but 2/1 is plenty short enough for a horse who isnt proven on going like this. If he handles it then he could win easily though. QUEST FOR PEACE beat Arctic Cosmos last year but all his best form is on faster ground than today and is easily opposed as is SADEEK'S SONG who is yet to encounter ground like this. That leaves us with confirmed mudlark DUNADEN who won the Melbourne cup back in November and went on to win the Hong Kong Vase the next month. His early form in France is all on soft and heavy but is in very useful races which is why he is fancied to make his first visit to England a winning one.
3:10 - Qipco 2000 Guineas
BORN TO SEA is closely related to Sea The Stars through Urban Sea, and his half brother needs no introduction at all. He lost his second race by one and a half lengths but it was revealed after the race that he had tore a muscle and did well to finish so close to Nephrite. BRONTERRE is a very buzzy sort and the preliminaries wont help him tomorrow and neither will the step up in distance. If he can remain calm before the race and throughout he will have a huge chance, but its more likely that the ground will be good to firm. POWER wont have any worries with the ground and the distance should be no problem at all, Ryan Moore gets on well with him and has to be one of the leading chances today. His stable mate is the hot favourite for this race and has been for some time. Of course I talk about CAMELOT who won the Racing Post trophy easily, compared to some others in the field he is relatively inexperienced and there are major doubts about the ground for him. FRENCH FIFTEEN beat ABTAAL last time out by a neck but in all you have to question how strong the French form is. The most I can say Olivier Peslier's mount is that he ticks the ground box. CASPAR NETSCHER was a top two year old last year but there are major doubts about him staying the mile here, especially in testing ground, even though he has won in similar conditions. FENCING is inexperienced but is probably better than he has shown thus far, if he handles the ground he could well be the surprise package in the race this year. TOP OFFER has only had his single run but was very impressive when winning it, if he can handle everything today he shouldn't be too far away from the principles. TRUMPET MAJOR comes here race fit after destroying the Craven field here last month when giving weight all round. There is a doubt that he will handle really testing ground but last time out he looked a very much improved horse. If he progresses again then he could well be the winner. TALWAR won a Listed race well at Lingfield first time out so is another that comes here race fit, he has won on soft ground at Sandown so the going shouldnt really be too much of a problem. Connections supplemented him into the race for £30,000 and its clear that you dont do that for a day out. He could well come up with a shock today and is today's selection at a juicy price.
4:55 - Qatar Racing Newmarket Stakes
Frankel will have a racecourse gallop today at 12:30 and his full brother races later in this race. NOBLE MISSION won nicely on very testing ground at Newbury last time out, the time before that he lost on his debut at Yarmouth to a very smart horse in SWEDISH SAILOR who unfortunately wont be going to post today. STENCIVE looks a bit outclassed today unless he improves markedly on his debut. PRINCE ALZAIN is experienced but has pretty much all his form on the fibresand, if he transfers his form to the turf then he could go close but looks one to avoid today and MISTER MUSIC looks exposed now. MICHELANGELO is thrown in here and the son of Galileo may be better good enough to win first time up but looks very much up against it. MARINERS CROSS won the Wood Ditton here last month and looks like the step up in trip will be ideal. The ground also shouldn't be a problem which is why he is today's selection.
Nap - Mariners cross
NB - Dunaden
I shall try and put more races up later, but as for now i'm off to bed, I hope everyone has a successful day and you find a winner or two through my guidance. Happy Punting
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)