Leaderboard

225 Ayr champion hurdle Favour and fortune. 9.0 11/2 First street. 8.9 12.0 Betfair These two are a bit clear clear of rest ...I'll try 5pt wins both 😁

As im working ...just having a n early look at the weekend racing .....big race of weekend is bet365 gold cup Kinindo kwetu. 9.0 16/1 Amirite. 8.9. 10/1 Sam brown 8.4 33/1 Le Milos. 8.3 8/1 Does he know. 8.0 28/1 A very difficult race to rate tbh as a lot of these have only ran on soft since Xmas and now the ground has changed dramatically it's difficult to know where they will be on the tree ........so I've changed tack slightly... with this race .....I've rated as normal .....then historically it's been very difficult for horses over say 11-5 in this race so that cuts out the bottom 3 .....leaving the top 2 again so that's good enough for me .....I'm not saying the others can't win .....in fact I think Sam brown and does he know look overpriced on select form and I could see them placing at big prices but for me I'm looking for value and the top 2 tick the boxes 5pt Ew top 2

Good Morning. Off to Newbury to see the Lockinge today. Can't wait! Looking forward to seeing DESERT HERO in the first. Enjoy your punting. Justin. X. 🏇.

Ascot 1.30 Ascot kicks off the eight races on ITV today with a 1M 4F class 3 handicap with a field of fourteen. Gary & Josh Moore saddle their five year old Kotai who comes here chasing a hat trick following victories at Windsor and Salisbury on varying different ground conditions. His latest win at the latter course came only six days ago when he pulled 10L clear of his field. He has to shoulder a 5lb penalty today but he looks sure to go up more than that when re-assessed so is worth backing to get the hat trick up under Jason Watson who was in the saddle at Salisbury. Richard Hannon’s Great Bedwyn was a progressive sort when last seen back in June and if straight enough could be the most likely threat to the selection. KOTARI 1 point win each way @ 4/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Lingfield 1.50 The first of four races covered by the ITV cameras at the Surrey track is this 1M 3 1/2F class 2 handicap. Roger Varian’s Aimeric looks the one to beat having won twice last season including first time out and although he’s up 6lb for his latest victory can be highly competitive. Ralph Beckett is getting going now and saddles his promising If Not Now who actually ran a 8 1/4L fifth in the Group 1 Germany Derby last Summer. He’s been gelded since last seen, when disappointing on soft ground at Doncaster and if tuned up can push Aimeric all the way but the pick today has to be Sheik Mohammed Obaid Al Maktoum owned Frankel gelding. AIMERIC 1 point win @ 5/2 William Hill Ascot 2.05 Ten go to post for this 1M class 2 handicap run on the straight course. Cases can be made for plenty in a race in which the early show was 5/1 the field. Drying ground will be very much in favour of the Harry Charlton trained Zouzanna who found soft ground against on his last run which came at Newmarket last October. Charlton has his string in fine form winning with four of his last 12 runners at time of writing and he looks the pick. One to keep a close eye on is the Andrew Balding runner Topanga who is making his handicap debut on only her fourth ever start having finished fifth in the Group 3 Fred Draling Stakes at Newbury last time. As a three year old she receives a healthy 13lb age allowance and is worth a small stakes saver. ZOUZANNA 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 123 TOPANGA 1/2 point each way @ 9/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Lingfield 2.25 Seven three year old fillies line up for this 1M 3 1/2F listed William Hill Oaks Trial which has a rather open look about it despite John & Thady Gosden having a warm favourite in the shape of Danielle. She bolted up at 4/7 in an ordinary 1M 2F novices stakes at Wetherby last time on soft ground. Today’s ground will be markedly drier and her previous form when runner up to Godolphin filly Winter Snowfall was let down when that one flopped in the Pretty Polly at Newmarket last weekend. She may well win but looks poor value to me and I’m against her. Ralph Beckett, who took the Oaks trial at Chester in the week, saddles a brace of promising fillies in Treasure and You Got Me and I’ll chance the latter who may have found the heavy ground against her when flopping in a listed race at Newmarket last November. Hector Crouch retains the ride and looks each way value with the firms paying three places against the warm favourite. YOU GOT TO ME 1 point each way @ 11/2 Betfred 1/5th 123 Ascot 2.40 A bumper field of twenty three run in this 7F class 2 Victoria Cup. The stalls will be positioned in the centre of the straight course and it’s hard to evaluate where the best place to be (last year the winner came from low numbers on the far side but more times than not its the stand side and high numbers that have the call). As you would expect there are plenty in with a chance here but my shortlist includes The Wizard Of Eye who has been gelded since last seen and has joined Charlie Fellowes from Stan Moore. He has spent the majority of his career with Moore running in pattern company and has only raced in handicap company twice in his life when sixth in the Golden Mile at Goodwood last summer and fifth (of 10) in the Shergar Cup Mile a week later. He’s 4lb lower now. My main fancy though is the David O’Meara trained Pearle D’or who won here and at Newbury last season and teed up for the season with a tenth of 15 in a warm Newmarket handicap won by Poet Master at the Craven meeting when not knocked about. Sure to have befitted from that outing he can run well today for O’Meara who was mentioned this race as an early season target in a stable tour in the Racing Post three weeks ago. PEARLE d’OR 1 point each way @ 10/1 Coral 1/5th 12345 THE WIZARD OF EYE 1/2 point each way @ 12/1 Coral 1/5th 12345 Lingfield 3.00 Nine three year old colts have declared for the listed 1M 3 1/2F William Hill Lingfield Derby Trial. Aidan O’Brien sends over a brace of runners in the shape of Illinois, the mount of Ryan Moore and The Euphrates (Declan McDonagh). Both ran in the Ballysax Stakes at Leopardstown a month ago on heavy ground with the latter finishing 2 1/4L ahead of his stablemate despite Illinois going off a very well backed 8/11 favourite. It will be no shock if the tables were tuned today on better ground and he should go very close. I prefer the Roger Varian trained Defiance however who showed he was a horse going the right way when he finished runner up in the Epsom Derby trial last month to Bellum Justum (the re-opposing Arabic Legend 2L behind). Sure to have benefited from that run he can take this and put himself in with a shout for the big race next month. DEFIANCE 1 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Haydock 3.15 The day’s big jumps race is the 1M 7F 144 yard Pertemps Network Swinton Handicap Hurdle which has attracted a maximum field of seventeen runners. A very warm favourite is the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle winner Lark In The Mornin who has to deal with a 8lb rise in the weights and significantly drier conditions. He may well be better on this type of surface but I’m not keen to take under 2/1 to find out and I’ll be looking to get him beat with an each way play. Sheena West’s Mr Freedom is a a decent outsider in my book but I like the look of the Cheltenham form from last month when Tintintin beat Rare Middleton a neck on similar ground as today’s. The latter is one pound better off and there shouldn’t be much between them with professional jockeys taking over on both from the conditionals that rode them that day. Last year’s runner up Teddy Blue isn’t running well but has fallen down to an interesting mark and is a good outsider. I’ll take the regal O’Brien horse Tintintin to confirm form with rare Middleton and back him each way. TINTINTIN 1 point each way @ 12/1 Betfred 1/5th 12345 Lingfield 3.35 Nine fillies run in this 7F Group 3 William Hill Chartwell Fillies’ Stakes with a hot favourite in the shape of Ralph Beckett’s Remarquee who brings the best form to the table. A winner first time up last season in the Fred Darling at Newbury she went on to run the great Tahiyra to a length in the Group 1 Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and backed that up with two other good runs in Group 1’s the following month. She’s been off since and had her wind tinkered with but she will be hard to beat and is the selection under James Doyle. The biggest threat to her may come from the three year old Great Generation trained at Newmarket by Marco Botti who’s re-appearance fourth in a Group 3 at Deauville has been doubly boosted since by the runner up and third from that day finishing 2nd and 3rd in the 1000 Guineas last weekend. REMARQUEE 2 points win @ 6/5 William Hill

WON ! ....... I'll have to put up more selections from my system ! the fact she's beaten a field of well regarded colts, most of which have already won a race, suggests she's pretty useful

We’ll done all prize winners make the most of win mr faint 😂 got new system for may 🍺 on you Saturday 😂💰👍

Newbury 1.50 The first of four races shown by the ITV cameras is this 1M 4F Group 3 Sky Sports Racing Aston Park Stakes which features nine runners. The favourite is William Haggas’s Desert Hero who gave owners the King & Queen a royal winner at Royal Ascot last year in the King George V Handicap. He made a pleasing re-appearance when runner up to Okeechobee in the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown over a trip short of his best and looks the one they all have to beat under Tom Marquand, his regular pilot. John & Thady Gosden’s Middle Earth is rated officially 5lb inferior to the selection but may well be the one to chase home Desert Hero. DESERT HERO 1 point win @ 13/8 bet365 Newmarket 2.05 Just seven have declared for this 7F class 3 handicap for three year olds only. Bar the rag Venture Capital a case can be made for the other six runners. Love Billy Boy is up 4lb for his second at Newmarket at the Guineas meeting and can run well along with Ed Bethell’s handicap debutant Gressington who may have a nice mark here. The one that catches my eye however is the Roger Varian trained Dashing Darcey. He’s run well in two good handicaps this season especially last time when slowly away at Chester but running on to great effect to finish 2 1/4L third to the handicap snip Never So Brave. Off of the same mark he looks the one to be with under Aidan Keeley who claims a valuable 3lb and can be backed each way with an additional place. DASHING DARCEY 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 123 Newbury 2.25 A decent sized field of fourteen go to post for this listed Highclere Castle Gin Carnarvon Stakes run over a distance of 6F. Clive Cox’s James Delight steps up in grade having won handicaps at Pontefract and Newmarket but is only rated 3lb behind the top rated which is the William Haggas trained Relief Rally. She can go well but it’s the latter that looks the one they all have to beat. She’s always looked speed and patently failed to stay 7F when fourth in the Fred Darling Stakes at Newbury four weeks ago. That form has been boosted by the third Elmalka winning the 1000 Guineas since. The drop in trip looks ideal for Tom Marquand’s mount who won four of her five starts as a juvenile including the Group 2 6F Lowther Stakes in August and can give the Haggas & Marquand combo a double with Desert Hero in the previous race. RELIEF RALLY 1 point win @ 4/1 BetVictor Newmarket 2.40 A good sized field of fifteen run in this class 2 7F 0-105 handicap. Last year’s handicap sensation Quinault who rose a staggering 43lb in the weights during his seven victories is not out of this if straight enough having not been seen since Ascot last October. One horse who does look particularly well handicapped at the moment is the David O’Meara trained Darkness. A winner at the July course here last summer he can now race off of a mark 4lb lower. He weakened at the furlong pole in a decent handicap at the Guineas meeting here over a mile and the drop to 7F looks an excellent move. Jason Watson takes the mount and he appeals as a decent each way bet. DARKNESS 1 point each way @ 16/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 Newbury 3.00 A race always worth following over the next couple of months or so is the Trade Nation London Gold Cup Handicap which has produced many smart performers over the years. Aidan O’Brien won it last year and saddles Chantilly who won a handicap at Leopardstown in good style by 4 1/4L on his re-appearance. He has entries in the Irish Derby, the Eclipse and King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. The only other runner who has a future group entry is the John & Thady Gosden trained Fighter Command who is also entered in the King Edward VII Stakes. He’s an interesting runner making his handicap debut having won a Windsor maiden last month. One horse who looks particularly well handicapped is the Harry Charlton trained King’s Gambit. Harry’s father Roger has an excellent record in the race having won it four times in the last dozen years with smart sorts Al Kazeem, Time Test, Imperial Aviator and Headman. King’s Gambit had three runs as a juvenile and hasn’t been seen since a head runner up to Brackens Laugh in the Haynes, Hanson & Clark Novices’ Stakes here last September. He gave the winner 6lb that day who has won again since and was runner up in the Dee Stakes at Chester earlier tis month. He’s now rated 108 so an initial mark for King’s Gambit of 93 looks quite lenient. William Buick has been booked and he looks the one to be with. KING’S GAMBIT 1 point win @ 9/2 bet365 Newmarket 3.15 A 1M class 3 handicap is up next featuring eleven runners. Andrew Balding’s Hopeful ran a blinder at Redcar last time when going down by 1/2L to Baryshnikov and a 2lb rise in the weights may not stop him from being competitive. Last year’s winner Repertoire is now 3lb higher but having teed up for this with a fourth at Ascot seventeen days ago can also be a player but the one to beat may turn out to be Ian Williams’s Aalto. An ex French performer he ran well to push Crack Shot to a length in a good handicap over course and distance at the Guineas meeting and with just a 2lb rise to contend with can go close. He is double engaged mind as he also has an entry at Newbury this afternoon. In his absence Hopeful would be the pick. AALTO 1 point each way @ 13/2 Betfred 1/5th 1234 Newbury 3.35 The feature race of the day is the Group 1 Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes run over the straight mile. The two principals are French challenger Big Rock and the five year old mare Inspiral. The latter had her rival back 1 1/4L back in second when winning the Prix Jacques Le Marois at Deauville last August and has won first time out before. She’s an obvious player if fully tuned up whilst the former Big Rock is a classy performer who has left his previous trainer Christopher Head to join Maurizio Guarnieri who’s failed to have a winner from his last twelve runners. He too hasn’t been seen this season but was scintillating when giving out a 6L beating to his rivals in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes on Champions Day at Ascot last October. He wouldn’t want the ground to dry out and with some question marks against the top two it maybe worth opposing the pair with a race fit horse who’s in terrific form. Roger Varian’s Charyn has won both starts this season at Doncaster and Sandown in the style of a smart performer and although on ratings he has 11lb and 7lb to find with the two principals looks decent each way value under Silvestre De Sousa. CHARYN 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 123

240 Newmarket Gorak. 8.9 8/1 wh Saint Lawrence. 8.7 25/1 willh 5pt Ew both

York 245 Aberrama gold 8.9 14.0 Makanah. 8.8 18.5 Chairman Of Board. 8.6 12/1 ,epicly difficult handicap ....good odds so I'll try 5pts all 3 ....plus forecasts

1.30 Chester The first of five races from Chester covered by the ITV cameras is this 6F class 3 three year old handicap in which as we all well know it pays to be draw low on this turning track. The last seven winners have been drawn 1,2,6,4,5 1, 5 and it’s easy to dismiss those drawn 7 or upwards on that account only. Tom Dascombe’s Old Chums is interesting from stall 2 as he arrives fit from a decent all-weather winter campaign but it’s the horse in the plum draw of 1, Beyond Borders that stands out as a good each way bet here. Karl Burke’s sprinter won four of his seven starts as a juvenile and although his recent run may have looked a tad disappointing at the time when you delve deeper into the form we can see it was a fair effort. He finished 6 1/2L runner up to Clive Cox’s improver Jame’s Delight who has gone on to win a class 2 handicap at Newmarket via a tilt at the Greenham Stakes. He’s now rated 9lb higher although that will increase when his latest success is taken into account. The third Bellarchi has won and placed 2nd since and is now 5lb higher whilst the fifth has also won since and is now 5lb higher. The selection has been dropped a pound for that run which came on heavy ground and he looks likely to be better served by better ground here and can run a blinder from the plum draw. BEYOND BORDERS 1 point each way @ 10/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 BEYOND BORDERS & DUE FOR LUCK (2.35) 1/4 point each way double 10/1 & 17/2 William Hill 1/5th 1234 both races. Chester 2.05 Eleven juvenile fillies line up for the 5F Lily Agnes Conditions Stakes. George Boughey’s Night In Paris can run well but drawn nine of 9 is not a positive and a close eye must be kept on the two newcomers from local trainer Hugo Palmer in Arabian Cobar and Herecomesthebear who cost 60,000 guineas and 65,000 guineas respectively. In a tricky contest the pick however is Tom Dascombe’s Seraphim Angel who showed promise on her racecourse debut when fourth in a Newmarket fillies maiden at the Craven meeting. That form is yet to really be tested although the seventh (2L behind the selection) has finished runner up at Kempton since. Stall 6 should be ok and she can run well under Pierre-Louis Jamin. SERAPHIM ANGEL 1 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Chester 2.35 Like the opener this is a tricky three year old handicap run over 5F which has attracted a maximum field of twelve. One that doesn’t appeal is the Tim Easterby trained Vince L’Amour who comes here chasing a hat trick but both those victories were gained in very soft ground and in lesser grade handicaps. Ed Bethell’s Kings Merchant is on the short list having bagged stall 1 and coming here in good form off of the all-weather winning his maiden at Wolverhampton in March from a dual winner since. This is his handicap debut and he can go well but the one I like is drawn alongside in stall 2 in John & Sean Quinn’s Due For Luck. He’s not been seen since October although was pulled out of a race at Thirsk 18 days ago due to soft ground but he did win first time out as a two year old by 2 1/2L. He should of won over course and distance last September when failing to get a run in going down by a head to Bazball. The Quinn’s were on the mark with the winner of the Thirsk Hunt Cup at the weekend and he appeals here each way from a tasty draw. DUE FOR LUCK 1 point each way @ 17/2 William Hill 1/5th 1234 Chester 3.05 A field of nine line up for the listed Weatherbys E-Passport Cheshire Oaks, a trial for the Epsom Oaks. Aidan O’Brien has won five of the last eight renewals and saddles a brace here in Rubies Are Red and Port Fairy with Ryan Moore presumably picking the latter. She won a Dundalk maiden last time out and is hard to assess but is given plenty of respect. Ralph Beckett has yet to rally get going this season but did have an across the card double on Saturday so maybe he’s ready to spring into action now. He also saddles a brace of runners here in the shape of Seaward and Forest Fairy with the latter the one that appeals the most. She ran out an impressive 6L winner at Wolverhampton back in February against the colts (which included a pair of very well bred expensive Godolphin colts) and with an Epsom Oaks and Ribblesdale entry could be anything. Rossa Ryan was on board that night in February and she’s the bet. FOREST FAIRY 1 point win @ 11/4 BetVictor Chester 3.40 The 1M 4 1/2F Group 3 Boodles Chester Vase has attracted a small field of just six but is an intriguing contest nonetheless. Aidan O’Brien has farmed this race over the last decade winning it seven times and is represented by the top rated Grosvenor Square and Agenda. The former looks the pick as he is ridden by Ryan Moore and he looks sure to go close although he has to prove himself on good ground as all three of his career starts have come on soft ground. Andrew Balding’s Cadogan Place beat the Charlie Appleby trained Hidden Law at Southwell 41 days ago by a short head with Hidden Law going on and impressively taking a novices stakes contest at Newbury. Preference would be for the Godolphin runner and at the prices is the selection here to turn the tables on Cadogan Place and upset the favourite Grosvenor Square. HIDDEN LAW 1 point win @ 3/1 bet365

Forza Orta 7 05 Ths/ 1/40th of a pt ew 20/1 Expressionless 5 00 Neb/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1 We'llhavewan 3 35 Ayr/ 1/40th of a pt ew 44/1 Iron Bridge 3 35 Ayr/ 1/40th of a pt ew 33/1 Racingbreak Ryder 3 15 Gw/ 1/40th of a pt ew 36/1 First Street 2 25 Ayr/ 1/40 th of a pt ew 14/1 Fast Tara 2 45 Cur/ 1/40th of a pt ew 22/1 P/L + 177.35pts

Navagio 2 45 Yrk/ 1/40th of a pt ew 20/1 - N/R One Night Stand 2 15 Yrk/ 1/40th of a pt ew 40/1 - N/R Good Earth 2 15 Yrk/ 1/40th of a pt ew 33/1 Catch The Paddy 2 45 Yrk/ 1/40th of a pt ew 33/1

215 York JM jungle. 8.8 7/1 7places Arecibo. 8.8 14/1 will h 6 places Joint top. So I'll go 5pt Ew both

315 York Millstream. 9.0 8/1 Spycatcher. 8.9 15/2 5pt ew both

Victoria cup Fantastic. Fox 8.6 12/1 Hickory. 8.5 14/1 Caragio. 8.3 22/1 Incredibly hard cavalry charge as you can imagine .....bit weird that the computer has put these 3 a bit ahead of rest given the quality of the field but I'll roll with it for a bit if fun .....3x 5pt wins 6x rev forecasts

I've covered every horse running at Cheltenham and the leading contenders in the big race at Punchestown. The going is now soft at Cheltenham after they watered and then it rained. All prices are from around 9am this morning 4.35 Caryto Des Brosses 1pt @ 9/4 with most bookies (take up to 7/4) Missed Tee 0.5pts e/w @ 10/1 with Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair, BetVictor, Coral and Ladbrokes (take up to 6/1) 5.10 Iskandar Pecos 3pts @ 9/4 with most bookies (take up to 5/4) 5.45 What A Glance 1pt e/w @ 14/1 with most bookies (Paddy Power and Betfair are 16/1 and take up to 8/1) Yippee Ki Yay 0.5pts @ 3/1 with most bookies (10/3 with 365 and Hills and take up to 5/2) Haven't Time 0.5pts @ 7/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor, Betfred, Coral and Ladbrokes (365 are 8/1 and take up to 5/1) 6.20 Deise Aba 2pts @ 11/2 with most bookies (6/1 with Hills and take up to 7/2) Fairly Famous 1.5pts @ 5/1 with Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair, BetVictor, Coral and Ladbrokes (take up to 7/2) Quintin's Man 0.5pts @ 13/2 with most bookies (7s with 365 and Hills and take up to 5/1) 6.55 No bet 7.30 Master Templar 1pt @ 6/1 with most bookies (13/2 with William Hill and take up to 4/1) Gaboriot 1.5pts @ 100/30 with William Hill (7/2 with BetVictor and Betfred and take up to 5/2) D'Jango 0.5pts e/w @ 9/1 with Bet365 to 4 places (take up to 6/1) 8.05 Rebel Dawn Rising 3pts @ 7/4 with Skybet and BetVictor (15/8 with Hills and take up to 5/4) Punchestown Its On The Line 2.5pts @ 7/4 with Bet365 (take up to 5/4) Ferns Lock 0.5pts @ 9/1 with Bet365 and William Hill (take up to 6/1 4.35 Caryto Des Brosses - Probably not quite as good as he once was which is no surprise given he is now 12. Was a solid 2nd in this race last year to Fier Jaguen and on these terms he could reverse that form. Ran against him on his seasonal debut at Garthorpe when he was 11L behind him this time, but he always needs his first run of the season. Was 2nd again over 2m4f at Kimble to Lift Me Up who had also beaten him at Newbury last season. That was another solid performance and he was back to winning ways at Garthorpe 2 weeks ago. Nearly always runs his race and should go close. Fier Jaguen - You may remember that I was a huge fan of this horse last season and put him up as a strong bet at Aintree, but his right handed jumping got in the way and he unseated Bradley. He then went to this race and I put him up as a max bet and whilst things are never going to be easy because of his right handed jumping he was always holding Caryto Des Brosses to have a fairly comfortable success. He won his first two races this season, but I was not impressed with him at all at Didmarton and I didn't think he was in as good form as he was last year. I was going to oppose him if he went to Aintree, but he was taken out at the 6 day stage and instead he went to High Easter where he was sent off 2/5 to beat Law Of Gold. He made the running as usual and jumped out to his right as usual, but looked the winner for most of the way and it was only in the closing stages that Law Of Gold got the better of him. There is no real disgrace by that though because he is a top class pointer/hunter chaser himself and it was probably his best run of the season. Still not sure he's quite in the same form as last year and obviously he is going to jump out to his right, but he still could win. A Jet Of Our Own - Ridden by the owners son who has only had two rides under rules before both over hurdles. It took the horse a while to get his head in front, but once he won at Maisemore last March and then went onto land a hat-trick. He won those 3 races by 25L, 40L and 50L. He's had a solid season this time around winning 2 of his 6 races including at Chaddesley Corbett a couple of weeks ago. That was a decent effort and saw his point rating go up 6lbs. He has been a beaten favourite twice this season though. He has led, as he did last time, but he has also been held up so hard to know what to expect on that front. The jockey's inexperience is going to be an issue and his form isn't yet at the level of Fier Jaguen or Caryto Des Brosses, but he might be capable of a top 3 finish. Bigforyourboots - Must admit I can't quite understand why he's running in this. He ran in a bumper at Doncaster in January and was always well behind. He then ran in 2 points finishing 6th and then he pulled up on Easter Monday. He is trained by former jockey Luca Morgan and he's been ridden by good jockeys in both point starts and did go off 3/1 fav in the first of them. He hasn't looked to stay 2m4f in the two point runs so 2m out to suit, but I don't see how he can get anywhere near the best horses in this. Fine Investment - Was 2nd to Exeter bumper winner Prophesea at Flete Park a couple of weeks ago who was following up the Exeter win at Flete Park. Fine Investment was in front until the final 50 yards so it was a decent effort. The 3rd at Leicester behind Iskandar Pecos the time before hinted at a little promise as well, but 2m on better ground didn't look to be what he needs. Funky Sensation - I thought he ran a really good race in the final race on this card a year ago when he led and ended up being only beaten 12.5L by Paloma Blue. That was a strong race and he clearly has ability. His 2 hunter chase runs this season weren't bad either although he was a strange gamble at Exeter last time given he's never looked like he stays 3m and again he failed to stay when finishing 4th. 2m round here should be ideal for him although if they want to front run on him he is going to be doing well to be in front of Fier Jaguen, but given the run he put in on this card last year I wouldn't be surprised if he outran his odds. Rewritetherules - Has sometimes run well in hunter chases, but the jockey switch didn't help him at all at Kempton last time and he pulled up in this race last year so hard to see him getting involved. Whatchagotder - Luca Morgan also trains this one and again its hard to give him much of a chance as he is still a maiden after 7 starts here and in Ireland. Missed Tee - Was well backed ahead of her hunter chase debut, but was very keen and didn't see it out in testing ground over 2m5f at Stratford. 10 days later she went to Ludlow and she was really keen again although it probably didn't help her that she was taken on for the lead as it probably made her go even quicker. There was the odd mistake, but nothing as bad as at Stratford or her last start for the Skelton's at Ludlow and I certainly saw more promise here than I did at Stratford. I actually thought she might have dropped out when the 2nd tried to go on leaving the back, but she didn't and it was only after the last where she really weakened. 2m round here on good ground could be exactly what she needs, but the presence of Fier Jaguen might not help her. Verdict - This race was very easy for me last year as I couldn't see Fier Jaguen getting beat, but I just don't think he's in quite the same form as last season. The yard have been much quieter this season compared to last season which might have something to do with it. Yes he has been winning, but he hasn't been as impressive and whereas he got away with some massively right-handed jumping last year I'm not sure he will this time around. Maybe after the race I will regret not sticking with him at odds against, but we shall see. It will be interesting what happens up front as well and the race could set up nicely for Caryto Des Brosses to close from behind and pick up the pieces of the strong pace. Missed Tee looks like dropping back to this trip is what she needs and she gets 15lbs from Fier Jaguen and she is worth backing e/w with 3 places on offer. I'd love to include Funky Sensation somehow because this trip is what he needs as well, but even so he's still going to find it hard to win. Caryto Des Brosses 1pt @ 9/4 with most bookies (take up to 7/4) Missed Tee 0.5pts e/w @ 10/1 with Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair, BetVictor, Coral and Ladbrokes (take up to 6/1) 5.10 Another Furlough - He has looked very progressive this season as he has won 3 out of his 4 starts. The one time he got beat he was a 4L 3rd to Yippee Ki Yay which does give us a hunter chase reference to work on. The form comment said that he was given too much to do and having watched the race I would agree with that. He is always held up in his races, but his jockey overdid the tactics that day and as it turns out he was trying to catch a decent horse. The other issue is that is a right handed track and he jumps to his left so he was forfeiting a fair bit of ground at each fence. He has jumped left handed at left handed tracks as well although of course it is more helpful at those venues. He clocked a decent time when he won in February and then he beat Duc De Bourbon the following month and was value for more than the 4L margin as he was eased down. He looks promising. Coolagh Park - Was only a length 2nd to Iskandar Pecos at Horseheath on New Years Eve which would give him a chance, but fair to say that one has improved massively since and he's been beaten twice and then won at 4/11 in between. So overall he has a bit too find. Iskandar Pecos - Has improved massively over the season as often happens with horses from this yard and went very close to winning the Walrus at Haydock in February. 10 days later he had a very easy task at Leicester and then should have had a fairly easy task at Ludlow. However it didn't turn out like that as it needed the ride of the season from Huw to get him home and beat Before Midnight on the run-in. He raced very lazily and didn't jump that well either. Before Midnight set quite a decent pace and I think he was just struggling to keep up over that trip. 3m2f round Cheltenham is obviously a new test, but he sets a clear standard on form. Latenightrumble - 2019 the winner was Latenightpass, 2022 the winner was Latenightfumble so will we see the hat-trick of relations win this race? Well he certainly has a chance. He was set to win on his seasonal return when he unseated at the last. He then won easily the following month although he beat Red Opium who was only 4th at Kelso last month so it isn't strong form. He then ran way below par when 4th at 4/5 before winning on Easter Monday at 1/4. Fair to say he hasn't achieved as strong form as a few of these, but it would be daft to write him off. Minella Job - Been stuffed twice by Another Furlough so that along with his 3rd at Exeter a couple of weeks ago suggest he will struggle here. Olly Norse - 2nd to Deise Aba on his return on New Years Eve wasn't a bad effort and then he was 2nd again 11L behind Paper Mill at Garthorpe. That suggests he is going to struggle here. Padjoes Legacy - I wouldn't read anything into the fact that Gina rides him and not their horse as Jack always rides Latenightrumble. Was struggling earlier in the season, but things clicked at Kimble on Easter Saturday when winning in a decent time. He won again a couple of weeks later although it was only a match. I'd be a bit surprised if he was good enough. Paper Mill - Easily beat Olly Norse at Garthorpe on his last start in February and he still looked green after he went clear suggesting there is more to come. His jumping wasn't always foot perfect which would be a small concern here. That was his 2nd win of the season after he won his only other start in January. I certainly wouldn't under estimate his chances, but I just wonder if he's going to be streetwise enough to win this. Wolf Walker - Didn't really show a great deal in 3 Irish starts last year, but he has looked a really promising horse since coming over to Britain to be trained by Chris Barber. Given the 1st win on New Yeas Eve came just over a month after the last Irish start it really has been a swift transformation. He still looked a bit green when winning his maiden by 20L, but he looked very streetwise in his other two wins. He beat Douglas Longbottom by 4L in the first of them and whilst I know that horse disappointed at Chepstow on Friday he is much better than he showed that night. He also beat another horse who ran in the Dunraven Bowl last week in the shape of Red Nika and he hammered him by 18L For a 5yo he is a superb jumper and if he brings the jumping ability he has shown in points to Cheltenham then that is going to be a very useful tool. All 3 runs have been at Larkhill so this is a bit of a different test and he has 2 furlongs further to go, but he looks very promising. Verdict - A smaller field than usual, but still an interesting race. My initial thinking was that Iskandar Pecos would be a short price favourite and there might be some value in taking him on especially with Wolf Walker who has really impressed. The early market moves though has meant that Wolf Walker is shorter than he ought to be and Iskandar Pecos bigger than he ought to be so he has to be the bet. Confidence is high and this has been the long term target for him. The 5/4 mark he was put in was the right sort of price for me so he has to be the bet at the current prices. Wolf Walker could be very good, but he has to prove it under rules and whilst at the initial 4/1 that was factored into the price I can't say it is anymore so happy to leave him alone now. I respect Latenightrumble and Paper Mill can outrun his odds, but Another Furlough was the other one that interested me and he is a danger as well. Iskandar Pecos 3pts @ 9/4 with most bookies (take up to 5/4) 5.45 Cooler Than Me - Won a match last April and did finish 2nd in the Exeter point to point bumper prior to that. This looks a big ask though. Earl Of Desmond - On his 2nd to Its On The Line at Cork in April 22 he would have a massive chance, but on his pulled up effort on stable debut at Exeter behind Yippee Ki Yay he would have no chance. What is interesting was he was being very well backed at big prices prior to being a non runner at Stratford a couple of weeks ago. Henry Oliver has previous in landing a gamble in this sphere so he's one to be wary of. Fil d'Ariane - Ran a couple of cracking races in the Military races at Sandown where he didn't really seem to quite stay. I thought the drop down in trip would suit at Stratford, but whilst he was able to get a fairly easy lead, he couldn't get well clear of the field and he dropped out quite easily in the end. He clearly has ability, but this is even further than the Sandown races and whilst the ground wont be quite as testing I find it hard to see him staying. Haven't Time - Was running a very promising race on hunter chase debut at Ludlow in January 22 until falling at the last. He wasn't seen again for a year and he ran in 3 hurdle races with little promise. He then returned to hunter chases and ran a perfectly respectable race when 5th at Taunton and he followed that up by beating Polish at Southwell a couple of weeks later. He then went to Exeter and he looked to be in with a good chance of at least finishing 2nd until he faded quite badly on the run-in and he ended up 3rd with Yippee Ki Yay getting up for 2nd. I guess the issue is if he is going to stay this trip given how badly he tired at Exeter, but at least the ground will be much better than it was that day. Jetaway Joey - Another horse who the Eillis' have got from Olly Murphy's yard and after being beaten on his first start for them last year he then went onto win his other 2. The form is solid enough as well because he beat Kaproyale in the first of them at Charing. This year he has only had one start and it was a match where he beat another good horse in Clara Sorrento, although the stables horses always come on for their first run so the form might be a little suspect. Stable won this race last year though and he has to be respected. Jeux d'Eau - Has progressed massively as the season has progressed. He started off the year with a couple of 3rds, but then he landed 3 on the bounce. The middle win at Thorpe Lodge on Easter Monday was in a decent time, but what was especially eye-catching was his win last time which came in the Lady Dudley Cup at Chaddesley Corbett which is over 3m2f. It was a good performance as he travelled well throughout the race and kept going when asked for his effort down the home straight. It was a huge personal best and my thinking is it all depends on if he can repeat that performance 2 weeks later on his first start under rules. Looksnowtlikebrian was a 2L 2nd and he was 3rd in the Dunraven Bowl at Chepstow last Friday, but this is a better race than that. Polish - Ran no sort of race on his hunter chase debut at Wincanton, but a month later he ran a much better race when finishing a close 2nd to Haven't Time at Southwell. He helped make the running that day which was a change of tactics and that clearly suited him better than being held up at Wincanton. He's a solid horse, but he does find winning hard and whilst he has a chance I am happy enough to look elsewhere. Terrierman - Pulled up at Stratford in March and has been well beaten in all 3 points this season. What A Glance - Finished 2nd on all 3 starts this season, but the last two have been behind Deise Aba at Lockinge and then at Stratford and I think both of those efforts were very good. At Stratford he looked like he would appreciate stepping back up in trip as he got outpaced that day and he looks to be one of the leading contenders. Yippee Ki Yay - Was a winner back in January in a point which was a good effort and then ran terribly on his next start finishing last of 4 at odds on. To go from that to 9 days later hammering his rivals at Exeter was some feat especially as the 2nd had shown very good form this season. It could be argued he was the only one to run his race, but in some ways he put in an even better effort 6 days later at the same venue. He didn't win, but he made a really bad mistake at the 9th and stumbled badly on landing. It helped that there was a long gap between that and the next fence helped, but he crept back into the race. Whilst he had no chance catching the winner I thought he did very well to even finish 2nd in the circumstances. Another with claims of winning this. Verdict - This is usually a pretty poor race, but this year's renewal looks pretty strong with only a couple that you could completely rule out. The early moves were for Jetaway Joey and Jeux d'Eau, but they look short enough to me now. I think What A Glance is a huge price at double figure odds. Given I think Deise Aba has a big chance in the following race I think he has a really good chance of hitting the frame at least with this longer trip set to suit. I'm also going to cover Yippee Ki Yay as those two Exeter efforts look very good and Haven't Time who hopefully can see it out better on this better ground. What A Glance 1pt e/w @ 14/1 with most bookies (Paddy Power and Betfair are 16/1 and take up to 8/1) Yippee Ki Yay 0.5pts @ 3/1 with most bookies (10/3 with 365 and Hills and take up to 5/2) Haven't Time 0.5pts @ 7/1 with Paddy Power, Betfair, BetVictor, Betfred, Coral and Ladbrokes (365 are 8/1 and take up to 5/1) 6.20 Captain Tommy - Bizarrely struggled in 2 points this season and yet has won 2 hunter chases at Ludlow. Not sure he achieved a great deal in the first when only having to beat Shang Tang, but I thought he achieved more when beating Espior De Guye over 2m4f. His run at Aintree was decent enough as well finishing 9th 38L behind the winner. Connections have been waiting for better ground so will be hoping the rain stays away. Not sure he's going to be quite up to winning this, but should run well. Deise Aba - Has beaten What A Glance in his last two runs at Lockinge and Stratford so if he wins in the previous race that will be a big form boost. I thought he jumped really well at Stratford and he had more in hand than the winning margin suggests. The fact he won round there over just under 3m shows he still has a touch of class because that shouldn't be his ideal circumstances as he was a strong stayer under rules and his last good run was over the cross country course last January when just being beaten. I'd have been tempted to have run him in the 4m contest, but this test should really suit as well and crucially he wont care what the weather does. Premier Magic - Bolted up in this race last year having of course won at The Festival the time before. That race was pretty weak last year though and Rebel Dawn Rising is a non stayer at this trip so I don't think he achieved a great deal. This season I had concerns about how good he still was as his two pointing wins told us nothing and he duly ended up pulling up at The Festival. He ran OK until he weakened after 3 out, but I think it adds to my theory that he isn't as good as he was last season. Clearly though that win last March is the best form in the race so a win wouldn't be a shock, but I'm happy to take him on. Quintin's Man - Won the Intermediate Final on this card last year with ease and that plus his win at Wincanton and 3rd in the Walrus made me think he had an outside squeak at The Festival. That didn't go well though as he ran no sort of race. I was surprised that Darren said the testing ground was to blame as he looked like a horse who needed testing ground to be at his best. I could forgive him that, but a couple of weeks ago he disappointed again at Flete Park when finishing 4th over 4m. The biggest concern though is he flashed his tail when he started to be ridden after 3 out. He did bounce back from a couple of lesser runs at the start of the season to win at Wincanton and that was only 10 days after the latter of those efforts. If he does bounce back then he has a chance. Encounter A Giant - Was a well beaten 5th in this last year and can't see him doing any better in a stronger renewal. Fairly Famous - Won the previous race on this card last year which is usually the weakest race on the card, but he clocked a good time in doing so and connections were talking him up as a Festival contender. The 2nd at Horseheath on his return was a decent enough effort as he ran like he needed it, the big problem though was the Wetherby effort where he looked to hate the testing conditions and barely travelled at all. To be fair given Sine Nomine won even if had been better ground I doubt he would have beaten her. A month later he went back pointing and had a very easy task, but he won with ease. That was on soft ground and he clearly handles soft ground so if it does rain it shouldn't matter as it isn't going to be anything like Wetherby. This should be the race we find out how good he is. Life Me Up - No doubt at least one of his owners will be watching from Miami where this weekend's F1 GP is taking place, but Mrs Horner might be at Cheltenham to watch her horse. He looked very promising last season when he won on hunter chase debut at Newbury, but he then ran poorly in the Intermediate Final when pulling up. This season he was a fair 2nd on his return, but the Kimble effort where he beat Caryto Des Brosses was much more impressive albeit over 2m4f. This is the best race he's been in, but surely that ran here a year ago was too bad to be true and he is a player. Definite Dilemma - Has no chance. Ripper Roo - Another who should be outclassed. Verdict - Really good race this and much more strength than last year. Premier Magic can win, but he is priced up purely on last seasons form and if you were basing it just on this seasons form then I'm not even sure you would make him favourite let alone the short price he is. Lift Me Up was put in at double figure odds which was too big, but even though last year's run was probably too bad to be true it still has to be factored in and he's the right price now. I'm going to have a tiny bet on Quitin's Man as I want him covered just in case he returns to form, but the two for me are Deise Aba and Fairly Famous. Deise Aba will hopefully get a form boost in the race prior and he looks to retain plenty of his old ability based on what he's been doing this season. Fairly Famous was so good last year that I want him onside as well as connections have been waiting for better ground with him and they finally get it. Deise Aba 2pts @ 11/2 with most bookies (6/1 with Hills and take up to 7/2) Fairly Famous 1.5pts @ 5/1 with Paddy Power, William Hill, Betfair, BetVictor, Coral and Ladbrokes (take up to 7/2) Quintin's Man 0.5pts @ 13/2 with most bookies (7s with 365 and Hills and take up to 5/1) 6.55 Regatta De Blanc - A perfect record in points having won 4/4 which includes a dead heat with Grace A Vous Enki in the Coronation Gold Cup at Larkhill in February. That was the run after he won the first hunter chase of the season at Taunton in a race which worked out very well with D'Jango and Bennys King 2nd and 3rd. I thought she would be good enough to win at Newbury, but Secret Investor was back to form and finishing 2nd to him is no disgrace. Her jumping let her down a bit and the form in behind has not worked out, but it could just be case of two good horses beaten some average ones. There is certainly no Secret Investor in this and she should be very hard to beat. Chenery - Only has a rating of 103 under rules and hasn't looked in good points this season as she did last season where she won 3 on the bounce. Daisy Yeats - Only one win in 15 starts in points and that was partly because she was the only finisher. Dul Ar Aghaidh - Wasn't a strong hunter chase she was 2nd in at Cork on her last start before going to join Bradley, but that form is still better than most of these so is a contender for 2nd. Glancing Glory - N/R Grenadine Save - Has struggled in hunter chases and points this season and likely to be the same here. Harbour Queen - N/R Wheres My Wonder - Another Luca Morgan runner who is still a maiden and has no chance. Verdict - If Regatta De Blanc doesn't win this then it will be the biggest shock of the hunter chase season. She should win this with ease because the rest are a very moderate bunch. 2 of the possible rivals are out now as well so Dul Ar Aghaidh really does look the only possible horse who looks capable of even coming 2nd. 7.30 D'Jango - Had a hell of a season since joining current connections having finished a superb 2nd in the opening hunter chase of the season to Regatta De Blanc and then beating Tea Clipper at Warwick. I think he got bogged down in the mud at Warwick when 4th in the Walrus. The 4th at The Festival was of course much better and was a fantastic effort. The problem is his start a month later at Cotley where he was only 6th of 7 behind Master Templar and Shantou Flyer who reversed Cheltenham and Taunton form. He wouldn't be the first horse to disappoint after running a big race at the Festival and given he stays really well this race has looked the ideal race for him all season so it might be worth forgiving him that poor effort. Gaboriot - Interesting that they chose this race over the other options he had today including Punchestown where I think he would have had a chance. He was running very well when he unseated at Canal Turn in the Aintree Foxhunters where he was one of my bets of course. I thought he looked really good when winning at Catterick back in March and whilst he is unproven over 4m if his bang in form trainers think he will stay then that is good enough to me. He is a leading contender. Law Of Gold - Been one of the best hunter chases in Britain in recent years including winning this race really impressive last year. The year before he jumped terribly and it was amazing that he even got as close to beating Coup De Pinceau as he did. Last year was very different and he travelled superbly well, jumped well and came home to a very easy 16L success. He then went to Stratford and ran terribly in the big race. This season he had his usual slow start when finishing 2nd at Horseheath in January and he then won his next two including beating Fier Jaguen as mentioned earlier where he didn't look like winning until staying past him on the run-in. Nearly always runs his race and every chance he will hold onto his crown. Young Buck - Ex Paul Nicholls and won a hunter chase at Newton Abbot over 3m2f a year ago. Didn't always jump well but won as easily as his form suggested he would. He's struggled a little bit for new connections in points this season. He was well beaten on his return and was then a 12L 3rd to Another Furlough. He won his next start, but was then only 5th in the same race D'Jango was 6th in and Master Templer won. He looks like he's regressed to me. Ange Des Malberaux - Not been seen for over a year and was out of form then so impossible to fancy. Cheltenham De Vaige - Seems to always run well at this meeting and nothing wrong with his 3rd in this race last year. That does mean he has 22L to make up on Law Of Gold though and on his first start since October I can't see him doing that. Coup De Pinceau - Caused a huge shock when winning this at 100/1 in 2022, but he didn't win again until winning a point in March which was his 3rd of 4 starts this season. The win was over 3m4f so again proving his stamina, but last time back over 3m he looked like he was going to win until just before the last and he found nothing for pressure. As a former winner and proven stayer you have to respect him, but if Law Of Gold had jumped as well as he did last year he wouldn't have won so I'm happy enough to oppose. Finding Freedom - Luca must be running the whole stable and like the others looks to have no chance. Master Templar - Has been very prolific in points after moving to this yard a couple of years ago having won 10 of his 15 starts. He's a proven stayer having won over 3m6f last season and 3m4f in January in a good performance on his seasonal return. He was beaten in a match on his next start but by a decent horse and only by a short head right on the line. As highlighted above he had Young Buck and D'Jango behind him when winning last time and to stay on and beat Shantou Flyer highlights what a top effort that was. This race has been the target and he looks to having a leading chance. Mitchouka - Did win on New Years Eve at Horseheath, but has struggled a bit otherwise. That said his best effort was when just failing to win over 3m6f in March so at least the trip wont be an issue. Myth Buster - Was 3rd behind Premier Magic on this card last year when getting outpaced so going for this race seems a better option especially as he won over 4m last year by 30L. The problem for me though is he seems to have lost his way a little bit this season and didn't jump well on his only hunter chase run at Wincanton in February. Perfect Pirate - Another one from the Luca Morgan yard who returned pointing after 1180 days off the track. Unlike his stablemates he has actually shown reasonable form this season and won last time at Paxford. He's still hard to fancy though in a race like this. Pym - No doubt a name many will remember when he was running under rules mainly for Nicky Henderson a few years ago. He gave his jockey a first win when winning on his debut for current connections and actually clocked a faster time than Law Of Gold on the same card. That is probably a bit misleading though as they went a slow pace in that race and Law Of Gold's final circuit time was quicker. He followed up last month when again putting in a nice performance and he had Mitchouka in behind in 4th. Stamina for the trip is an unknown, but if he stays he could well be capable of running a decent race. Dreaming Diamond - Pulled up at Stratford a couple of weeks ago and also impossible to fancy. Verdict - This market was very different last night as Master Templar had been the one for money and had almost been backed into favourite, but he has been a big drifter this morning and is available at just as big a price as he opened up at. I am going to make him a bet now as he has won on softer conditions before. When Law Of Gold had drifted he was going to be the bet, but I think the rain is against him. He did win on soft 2 back, but he usually needs decent spring ground and whilst he could still win I don't think he is value anymore so I can't put him up as a bet. If Gaboriot stays then I think he will go very close to winning and I will cover D'Jango small as well because this has been the race I have had in mind for him all season. Hopefully he can bounce back from his run last time and if he does he will be a big player. Master Templar 1pt @ 6/1 with most bookies (13/2 with William Hill and take up to 4/1) Gaboriot 1.5pts @ 100/30 with William Hill (7/2 with BetVictor and Betfred and take up to 5/2) D'Jango 0.5pts e/w @ 9/1 with Bet365 to 4 places (take up to 6/1) 8.05 Slievegar - Ran well in the Intermediate Final last year when finishing 2nd and just didn't seem to stay. He then went to Kelso and won a weak hunter chase in easy style. This year has not been so good as he has been put in his place in all 3 points he has run in. A return to this track over a shorter trip might help him find the form he showed last year, but going to struggle if it doesn't. Espoir De Guye - Thought there was some promise on his hunter chase debut when he didn't stay behind D'Jango at Warwick and he backed that up by beating Famous Clermont at Wincanton. I thought he won on merit that day, but fair to say he disappointed when 1/2F to win at Ludlow a month later. Captain Tommy beat him that day and all 3 of those pieces of form could be boosted prior to this race. He wasn't great at Aintree though and I just wonder if this stiffer track might catch him out even at this trip. Go On Chez - Non-Runner Rebel Dawn Rising - Better than just 2 hunter chase wins suggest and to be fair he would have won a 3rd at Fakenham last Easter if he hadn't thrown Dale Peters over the last. He had issues at the last at Fakenham again on Gold Cup day, but at least he got over it this time and quickened up to win. I thought he ran a really good race on this card last year until his stamina gave out and if he can repeat that effort I think he's capable of going close. Key could be how he has come out of the run at Aintree where he was up there for a fair way before finishing last of the 10 to get round. He won't mind if they get a bit of rain. Cat Tiger - Looks to have gone backwards based on his 3 runs this year. He ran out on his owner at Hereford and then was a well beaten 3rd to Bennys King at Leicester. At Aintree he unseated at the 7th which is obviously too early to know how he would have got on. If he did find his best form then he's got every chance of going close, but the evidence to me suggests he won't be good enough. Cooldine Bog - He certainly won't be good enough. Dalahast - Has got a plenty to find with Espoir De Guye on his Ludlow 4th and he's never looked like winning a hunter chase yet. Game Of War - Pulled up behind Espoir De Guye at Wincanton and even the jockey change to Darren Andrews shouldn't bring about enough improvement for him to get competitive in this. Imperial Esprit - 15L 4th to Yccs Portocervo at Kempton last week and would have to improve on that to do any better here. Mix Of Clover - Failed to complete in his first 3 points where he unseated twice and ran out the 3rd time. Did manage to finish at Kimble last time, but he was 36L behind Lift Me Up and that along with hos old rules form suggest he will struggle here. Royal Act - Rated just 69 and was well beaten in a point a couple of weeks ago. Solomon Grey - Won a hot renewal of this race in 2022 and was also a very good 3rd in it last year. That win in 2022 was the last time he got his head in front, but he's run some very creditable races since then. He's just had the 2 runs this season and although he was 4/7 at Larkhill on his return he always needs his first run of the season so the 3rd there wasn't a terrible effort. He was well backed ahead of the Stratford run la couple of weeks ago and was 3rd again not beaten that far by Deise Aba. With the first 2 home running earlier on in the card he could get a form boost ahead of this. I would also imagine he will improve for the run again which is what happened in this race last year when he ran a few days before this contest. Tekap - Showed a bit of ability in points the last couple of seasons and was in the lead for a long way in the Intermediate Final last year before not staying and pulling up. This year he has pulled up in all 3 starts including at Wincanton behind Espoir De Guye on his last start. The Composeur - Time wasn't anything special, but he was a visually impressive winner on his seasonal return at Cocklebarrow in January. Was backed into 2/1 at Garthorpe the following month, but dropped away to finish a well beaten 5th. A BHA mark of 99 sums up how much he has to find with the leading contenders. Verdict - This race often ends up being the most competitive race on the card, but not this year as very few have realistic claims of winning. As soon as I saw the going I knew Go On Chez was going to come out and so he has. I was going to take him on anyway with Rebel Dawn Rising. This is the race on the card for him as he didn't stay over 3m2f last year and as long as he is over the Aintree effort which was good for a long way, then he is the one to beat. I was going to add Solomon Grey, but he needs good ground and I fear the rain has done for him. He should come on for the run at Stratford though and the form might well have been boosted earlier in the evening, but for the moment I will leave him alone after the rain. Rebel Dawn Rising 3pts @ 7/4 with Skybet and BetVictor (15/8 with Hills and take up to 5/4) 5.25 Punchestown I think Its On The Line will win again this year. He's clearly the best hunter chaser in Ireland and obviously he wasn't beaten far by Sine Nomine at Cheltenham. Over this longer trip he should be able to sit closer to the pace than he could at Aintree and whilst he no doubt will race lazily he just keeps finding for Derek's urgings. He's so tough that I'm not too worried about him doing all 3 Festivals and he does remind me a lot of On The Fringe. There has been money for Lifetime Ambition and he had a rating of 158 in last year's Grand National. He's not up to that sort of level now, but clearly can still run to a decent mark and he bolted up over 2m4f at Cork on Easter Monday in what was a fairly weak race. He is a danger, but needs Its On The Line to run below par for me. I can't have Famous Clermont on what he has done this season although James King being able to claim 3lbs in Ireland is a little plus for him although given he is a hard ride maybe the fact Will, who knows him so well, isn't ideal. He missed Aintree because of the ground so does come here fresh, but he needs to get back to last year's form to have any sort of chance. Ferns Lock is interesting because I do think he will stay 3m round here so I don't think the trip is the problem it was at Cheltenham. He went nuts there though. He looked on edge coming down the walkway to the track and then as soon as the hood came off he lost the plot and any chance of him winning disappeared. Running him at Fairyhouse was crazy although to be fair I was shocked he was beaten by Boss Robin. He's had a month off since and if he can keep a lid on things he does have the ability to win this. I don't know too much about his jockey, but he performed a hell of a recovery in the La Touche Cup yesterday and he looks more than capable. Billaway will no doubt run his usual solid race although he only got to the 4th last year when he unseated. He was 5th at Cheltenham though and it was a sign that he isn't quite at the level he was. Vaucelet has been 2nd in this for the last 2 years and maybe some spring ground will see an improvement, but he looks to have gone based on his form earlier in the season. We also know that he isn't as good as Ferns Lock if that one has is mind on the job, let alone being able to reverse form with Its On The Line. I suspect Boss Robin was flattered by his win over Ferns Lock at Fairyhouse and Samcro is the big price he should be. So all in all Its On The Line rates a fairly strong bet, but I will also cover Ferns Lock because the ability is there and the price is big enough. Its On The Line 2.5pts @ 7/4 with Bet365 and BetVictor (take up to 5/4) Ferns Lock 0.5pts @ 9/1 with Bet365 and William Hill (take up to 6/1

Goodwood 1.30 The first of three races shown today by ITV at Goodwood is the 1M conditions stakes which disappointingly has only attracted three runners. David Menuisier’s Devils Point stands out on form and can give his locally based handler another winner. His best form came at the back end of last season when runner up in the Group 1 Kameko Futurity Stakes to Ancient Wisdom and has already had a run this year at Deauville last month when third. The William Haggas runner Grey Charger won a modest Chelmsford maiden back in November (4th won since) whilst Change For Good has switched yards from David Simcock to Ollie Sangster and has 17lb on official ratings to find with Devil’s Point. Newmarket 2.25 Just five have declared for this 1M 2F listed William Hill Newmarket Stakes. There is nothing between the pair of Whip Cracker and Caviar Heights on 9F form here a fortnight ago when only a short head separated the pair when 2nd and 3rd in the Feilden Stakes and it maybe worth opposing the pair with the favourite here in Endless Victory. Charlie Appleby’s three year colt remains unbeaten following victories at Wolverhampton in February and over course and distance at the Craven meeting a fortnight ago. He’s probably better than that short head win from Salamanca as there was no pace in the contest and it turned into a bit of a sprint. The third that day High Order has bolted up since at odds of 2/9 and this can be another winner for team Godolphin who look set to have a fruitful three days. ENDLESS VICTORY 2 points win @ 11/10 William Hill Goodwood 2.40 A eight runner EBF novice stakes for two year olds is up next with only four of the field having run before. The best of that quartet may turn out to be the Richard Hughes trained Ellomate who is 7lb better off for a debut 2L beating by the penalised Lady Lightning here. The other notable runner with form is the Irish runner Brosay who was third last time out at Dundalk. It wouldn’t take much to better those pieces of form so it may be worth taking a chance with the Eve Johnson-Houghton trained Gold Medalist who cost 30,000 euros as a yearling and is a half brother to two winners. Johnson-Houghton, like last year, has her juveniles in good early nick winning with four of her first eleven runners. GOLD MEDALIST 1 point each way @ 7/1 William Hill 1/5th 123 Newmarket 3.00 A field of thirteen head to post for this class 2 7F handicap. On fast ground the in form Ed Walker’s English Oak would be the pick but he’s been pulled out in the past on rain softened ground so I’ll look elsewhere for the winner. Charlie Appleby could well be in for a bumper meeting and is represented here by his lightly raced six year old Noble Dynasty who could be the answer. He may well have needed his latest run which came following a 469 day absence at Meydan in March when only fifth of 16 in a Group 3 and with course figures (at both Newmarket tracks) of 22711 may be able to get himself back in the winners enclosure under William Buick in a handicap that may actually not take as much winning as the numbers suggest. NOBLE DYNASTY 1 point win @ 7/2 Boylesports Newmarket 3.35 Another small but select field of six go to post for this 7F listed William Hill King Charles II Stakes. There shouldn’t be much between Charlie Appleby’s Bold Style and Roger Varian’s Boiling Point on course and distance running a fortnight ago at the Craven meeting when only a neck separated the pair despite initially racing far apart. The Group 1 St James Palace entry Indian Run, trained by the in form Eve Johnson-Houghton shouldn’t be dismissed although he wouldn’t want the ground too soft as he bombed out on his last run last season on his first start on an easy surface. I’ll take Boiling Point to confirm the form with Bold Style and give the Varian and James Doyle a welcome winner. BOILING POINT 1 point win @ 9/4 BetVictor Goodwood 3.50 Only five go to post for this 5F class 2 handicap in which one of the best bets of the day runs. The standout bet is the James Evans trained Dream Composer who appeared to have a legitimate excuse for his moderate run last time at Newmarket as he took a hefty bump when leaving the stalls. The handicapper has kindly dropped him 2lb for that run which puts him on mark 5lb lower than when winning this race (against 5 rivals) last year bringing his Goodwood record to 2102130. Any further rain will be in his favour and against the likes of Clarendon House and Harry Brown who have both been declared non-runners in the past on similar conditions. With King’s Lynn an infrequent winner this looks Dream Composer’s to lose under 5lb apprentice Joe Leavy. DREAM COMPOSER 2 points win @ 5/2 bet365 Newmarket 4.10 They feature race on day one of the Guineas meeting is the Group 2 William Hill Jockey Club Stakes and has attracted a small but select field of six. Charlie Appleby saddles a brace in the William Buick ridden Castle Way who is two from two at the track but is unproven on ground with any give and the James Doyle ridden King Of Conquest. Baaeed’s half brother Naqeeb, trained by William Haggas for Shadwell Stud is another with claims but this can go to the in form Harry Charlton trained Time Lock, the only mare in the race. Charlton has in team in fine shape and this Frankel five year old improved throughout the season in 2023 winning a listed race at Craon in France and a Group 3 over course and distance in September under today’s rider Ryan Moore. Any ground appears to come alike to the bay mare and she can score on her seasonal re-appearance. TIME CHASER 1 point win @ 5/2 bet365

Sandown 1.50 A bumper field to start the day’s ITV action with a maximum twenty runners going to post for this class 2 2M Novices’ Championship Handicap Hurdle. Many are making their handicap debuts so have the potential to be better than their mark although the one I like has already had a run in a handicap. Sam Thomas’s Steel Ally followed up his cosy Wincanton win by pushing subsequent Cheltenham winner Doyen Quest to a neck at Newbury last month with the third, some 9 3/4L back in third, Imperial Saint also winning since to further boost the form. He has been shunted up 7lb for that fine effort and can run well each way. Also on the shortlist is John O’Shea’s Maasai Mara who looks well treated in his first handicap in first time cheek pieces. I can see him running well also. STEEL ALLY 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 MAASAI MARA 1 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5t 12345 Leicester 2.05 The feature race of the day at Leicester, and covered by the team at ITV is the 1M class 2 King Richard III Cup Handicap. Last year’s ready 4 1/4L winner Al Mubhir has his ground again and although 7lb higher than that win is most definitely the one they all have to beat. Trained by the in form William Haggas that was his only victory last season and he has been gelded since last seen. He did however come into last year’s race having had a run when 5th in the Lincoln and although the most likely winner is no value at his current odds of around 9/4. I’ll take him on with Tony Coyle & Keane Wood’s mud loving Thunder Roar. A dual winner in the mud last Autumn at York and Doncaster he went down by just half a length to the re-opposing Look Back Smiling (also declared at Haydock) and is a pound better off today. He looks sure to be thereabouts today under Cam Hardie and can be backed each way. THUNDER ROAR 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Sandown 2.25 Just the seven face the starter for this Grade 2 bet365 Oaksey Chase run over 2M 6 1/2F. The best in at the weights by a pound is Patrick Neville’s The Real Whacker who drops in trip and, according to his trainer in the trade press earlier in the week, will relish the drier ground. He looks the most likely winner to me. Paul Nicholl’s Hitman sports blinkers for the first time and at the weights is the likely danger with the Willie Mullins representative Easy Game having to carry a 6lb penalty and also sporting first time cheek pieces. Not a very inspiring race with all bar Fantastic Lady sporting some form of headgear but the pick is The Real Whacker to small stakes. THE REAL WHACKER 1 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Haydock 2.45 A ten runner 7F class 2 handicap which is covered by the ITV cameras today and it really does have an open look about it. With the ground riding very soft all bar last year’s winner Rainbow Fire should be in their element. Katie Scott’s Gweedore was runner up last season and has won first time out for the last two seasons and has to be on the shortlist with the selection being the Richard Hannon trained Tacarib Bay. His last five starts have all been on the all-weather which include a 6F listed win last November at Newcastle but he’s equally as effective on the turf as he proved when running some good races in defeat in big handicaps last summer. He obviously likes this track as he’s won two of his three visits here and is currently on the same handicap mark as when scoring over course and distance in July 2022. He looks good each way value for a trainer who’s been amongst the winners recently especially if able to find a firm paying four places. TACARIB BAY 1 point each way @ 9/1 Betfred 1/5 1234 Sandown 3.00 The 1m 7 1/2f Grade 1 Celebration Chase looks a match between Willie Mullins’s Cheltenham flop El Fabiolo and Nicky Henderson’s impressive Aintree winner Jonbon with officially just 5lb between the pair in favour of the former. That pair are rated 6lb (Edwardstone next best) and more better than the other five and in what is a race to saviour can be won by Nicky Henderson’s Jonbon who is unbeaten at the Esher track in three starts here including in this race last year. He looked good over further last time but also has speed and may actually cope with the drying ground better than the Mullins runner who has raced exclusively on soft ground and of course has the poor run at Cheltenham to put behind him. It’s hard to split the pair so at the prices the pick will be J P McManus’s Jonbon who will be ridden by Nico De Boinville. JONBON 1 point win @ 9/4 bet365 Sandown 3.35 A bumper maximum field of twenty line up for the 3M 4 1/2F bet365 Gold Cup (hands up if you’re old enough to remember the race as the Whitbread Gold Cup). Current favourite is last year’s winner Kitty’s Light who has to be part of the staking plan having run so well when leading over the last in the Grand National a fortnight ago. The quick turnaround doesn’t worry me as he won the Scottish Grand National and this contest with a week between them last year. He’s 5lb higher than last season but the ground appears to have come right for him and Christian Williams’s eight year old looks sure to be thereabouts. An outsider who I feel is overpriced is Anthony Honeyball’s Sam Brown who is arguably the best handicapped horse in the field as he goes up 4lb in future handicaps for his highly creditable run at Aintree a fortnight ago when runner up to Cruz Control under today’s pilot Freddie Gingell. He’s the oldest horse in the race by two years plus and maybe that’s why he’s been neglected in the betting but he had one of today’s rivals in Kinondo Kwetu just under 7L behind that day and on the same terms is a bigger price. Many others have chances but it’s Kitty’s Light and Sam Brown for me. KITTY’S LIGHT 1 point each way @ 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 SAM BROWN 1/2 point each way @ 33/1 bet365 1/5th 12345

210 epsom Looking for Lynda 8.5 9/1 Mountain peak. 8.5 10/1 Clearpoint. 8.2 Tricky race with lots of questions marks but I'll try 2pt Ew on top 2 as they look a bit of value

245 York Al mubhir. 8.7 10/1 Dutch decoy.8.7 17/2 Navagio. 8.5. 20/1 Classy and tricky race .....navagio blew the start last time so hard to know how good he could be and Ryan Moore is up ...overpriced .... I'll try 4pt wins top 2 ....2pts navagio

Chester 1.30 The day’s terrestrial action kicks off with a 7 1/2F class 2 handicap with a field of thirteen. There are plenty of course specialists on show with last year’s comfortable 3L winner Revich back to defend his title off of a mark 3lb higher now. He’s shown very little in two starts this season but more can be expected here. Another course specialist is Boardman who like Revich has won three of his 9 starts here but is drawn out wide today which is hardly ideal. William Buick’s mount Dancing Magic is another with claims although he remains a maiden after twelve starts. There may be an outsider who looks value here in the Ruth Carr trained Fools Rush In. He was having his first run for Carr, having joined from Jim Goldie and also since a wind operation when finishing a tailed last of thirteen on very heavy ground at Ripon over 6F on his re-appearance. If we can forget that run, for which he’s been dropped 2lb we have a horse who’s won three of his 9 starts here , is well drawn in box 4 and can race off the lowest handicap mark of his career some 16lb, 18lb and 9lb lower than his three victories at the Roodee. At a big price he can be backed each way with an additional place. FOOLS RUSH IN 1 point each way @ 16/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Ascot 1.50 ITV show the opener from Ascot which is a competitive 7F three year old handicap with six going to post, all of whom have chances. Anyone watching the bottom weight American Bay’s last run at Newbury will want to be with Harry Charlton’s chestnut who was in a pocket and flew when extricated to finish a 2L fourth to Teraabb. Off of the same mark he can run a big race whilst the Andrew Balding handicap debutant Arctic Thunder is also worth a saver. His latest run which came at Kempton in February has been subsequently boosted by the winner and runner up Notable Speech and Cuban Tiger winning in good company since. That pair are now rated 121 and 98 respectively so the initial mark for Balding’s runner of 87 could be on the light side. AMERICAN BAY 1 point win @ 5/1 bet365 ARCTIC THUNDER 1 point win @ 7/1 bet365 Chester 2.05 Seven line up for this 1M 4 1/2F three year old maiden. Aidan O’Brien saddles his Ephesus, a King Edward VII Stakes entry at Royal Ascot who showed up well when third at Dundalk (beaten 2 3/4L) on his debut when the O’Brien second string. I’m not really sure that he deserves to be favourite here with the Roger Varian trained Mr Hampstead having shown more in his two starts including at Newbury in April when fourth of ten in a Newbury novice stakes (fifth Sam Hawkins has won since) beaten 2 1/4L. This Amo Racing owned colt also has some fancy entries including the English and Irish Derby and he can open his account at the third time of asking under David Egan. MR HAMPSTEAD 1 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Chester 2.35 A 1M 2 1/2f class 2 handicap is next up with a field of nine. The two Sheikh Obaid runners Bolster, trained by Karl Burke and Botanical, trained by Roger Varian are handicappers very much on the upgrade but both may prefer more juice in the ground and for that reason I’m siding with the William Buick ridden Box To Box. Hugo Palmer’s five year old has an excellent record here which reads 116121 and comes here fit from a winter campaign in Bahrain in which he was placed in three valuable handicaps. Drawn in stall 2 he can be prominent throughout and score. BOX TO BOX 1 point each way @ 8/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Chester 3.05 Nine declarations run in the 1M 2 1/2F Group 2 Huxley Stakes. The highest rated in the field is the John & Thady Gosden trained Israr who will strip fitter for his third in the Gordon Richards Stakes at Sandown a fortnight ago and has to be a player here. The ground is surely too fast for the Karl Burke runner Royal Rhyme who was pulled out on a similar surface at Newmarket Craven meeting and he is easily dismissed. The most interesting runner is surely the Sir Michael Stoute trained Passenger who could be in for a fruitful season. A winner first time out last season in the Wood Ditton, he was an eye catcher in the Dante before flopping in the Epsom Derby. Maybe that was a race too soon in his development and following a break he looked good again when winning the Group 3 Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor last August. Stoute has a great knack with his class older horses and it would be no shock to see this Flaxman Stables owned colt take this under Richard Kingscote. PASSENGER 1 point win @ 11/4 BetVictor Chester 3.40 A maximum field of seventeen line up for the 2M 2 1/2F Chester Cup, the feature race of the day. As one would expect it’s a wide open renewal with luck and track position playing a major part. Andrew Balding saddles two interesting runners who can both play a part in the finish. Bottom weight Grand Providence is the usual mount for Hayley Turner and she again takes the ride breaking from stall 12. He’ll certainly strip fitter for his recant re-appearance third at Newbury. Balding’s other runner and the mount of Oisin Murphy is Aztec Empire who exits from stall 4 and has been gelded since last seen back in September. He was a leading fancy for this race a year ago but was pulled out on account of the soft ground that time and with conditions very much in his favour he’s my idea of the winner. If you fancy him then it makes sense to have a small stakes saver on Kevin Ryan’s Forza Orta who beat Aztec Empire by a neck in a 2M handicap on fast ground at the Ebor meeting and there is now a one pound swing in favour of the latter. Cases can be made for plenty of others but it’s Aztec Empire with a saver on Forza Orta for me. AZTEC EMPIRE 1 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 FORZA ORTA 1/2 point each way @ 16/1 bet365 1/5th12345

Newmarket 1.45 Sixteen speedy animals go to post for the 6F class 2 handicap. It looks open but my shortlist comprises of the unexposed Charlie Hills runner Rabaah who’s been gelded since a decent fifth at York last June. His trainer still thinks he can make up into a pattern performer so has to be given plenty of respect. The veteran Summerghand was a massive eye catcher last time when running on to finish in a similar handicap over course and distance at the Craven meeting to finish fifth. Will he back that run up though? I’m not sure. Also there with claims is the Jack Channon runner Chairmanoftheboard who was runner up in this last year from a one pound lower mark and showed he retains all of his ability when runner up in a similar contest at Newbury last month won by Wiltshire. He’s the main pick although I can’t resist a small each way saver on Rabaah. CHAIRMANOFTHEBOARD 1 point each way @ 9/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 RABAAH 1/2 point each way @ 9/1 Coral 1/5th 12345 Goodwood 2.05 Eight fillies or mares have declared for this 1M listed William Hill Conqueror Fillies’ Stakes run over a mile. Most of these are proven on soft ground so the underfoot conditions shouldn’t be too much of an issue. Simon & Ed Crisford’s Choisya won at the big meeting here last August from the re-opposing Novus on soft ground and should strip fitter than most having run well when going down by a head in a listed race on the all-weather at Kempton last month. She should be thereabouts but it’s the lightly raced William Haggas trained Orchid Bloom that may be the answer to this puzzle. She has soft or heavy ground form figures of 112 with the latter second coming in a listed race at Saint-Cloud last September going down by the shortest of margins. She’s run well fresh in the past and can take the first prize under Cieran Fallon. ORCHID BLOOM 1 point win @ 7/2 Betfred Newmarket 2.20 Another class 2 sixteen runner handicap with this one being run over 1M 1F. Again the race has a wide open look about it with the most interesting runner being the John & Thady Gosden entry Torito who was last seen running fourth at Royal Ascot in the Group 3 Hampton Court Stakes. He is 10lb higher now but if straight enough can feature at the business end. Plenty of these would prefer softer conditions and they include the likes of Liberty Lane, Mr Professor, Lattam and Theoryofeverything. One horse who won’t mind what the underfoot conditions are is Charlie Johnston’s Dutch Decoy who ran the re-opposing Hafeet Alain to a nose here at the Craven meeting and meets his rival on 4lb better terms which should be enough to turn the tables on him. The other Charlie Johnston runner here is Lion Of War who has the services of Oisin Murphy and returns to the Johnston stable having raced (just the once) for Brendan Walsh in America. He had previously ben a useful sort in handicaps notably when runner up at Royal Ascot in the Golden Gates Handicap off a mark 5lb lower than today’s. He can also be competitive but in a race where it may pay to keep stakes small the pick is the Dutch Decoy. DUTCH DECOY 1 point each way @ 8/1 Coral 1/5th 12345 Thirsk 2.40 A maximum field of sixteen head to post for Thirsk’s big race of the day in the Vickers.bet Thirsk Hunt Cup run over a mile. Last year’s one - two Northern Express and Pisanello are back to challenge for the valuable prize and it maybe last year’s runner up Pisanello that can turn the table’s on his old rival on 5lb better terms for that 3/4L defeat. That was his first run of the season so we know that he can go well fresh and he went on from that fine effort to strike twice later in the season at Hamilton. He’s back on his last winning mark and an inside draw of stall one is always favourable on the turning track at Thirsk. Mark Winn has got on well with David O’Meara’s seven year old in the past, including in this race last year and looks good each way value in an open contest in which he could easily have been targeted at. PISANELLO 1 point each way @ 8/1 bet365 1/5th12345 Newmarket 2.55 A rather disappointing renewal of the 5F Group 3 William Hill Palace House Stakes with eight going to post. The best in at the weights is the Charlie Hills trained Mitbaahy who ran well at the last meeting on his first run for Hills when fourth of 14 in the Group 3 Abernant Stakes won by Washington Heights. A reproduction of that run should see him go close and he’s the pick ahead of the only three year old in the field, the Karl Burke trained filly Beautiful Diamond who was last seen winning a listed race at Ayr at the Western meeting. MITBAAHY 1 point win @ 7/2 Unibet Newmarket 3.35 The first classic of the season is the Qipco 2000 Guineas run over a mile and this Group One contest has attracted eleven runners. At the top of the betting is the potential superstar City Of Troy. Aidan O’Brien’s unbeaten Justify colt has looked a bit special in winning his three races as a juvenile culminating in success here over 7F in the Dewhurst. The extra furlong will not be a problem nor will any further easing of the ground. He’ll be very hard to beat and has the potential to be the best we’ve seen for a very long time. Second favourite Rosallion will be no pushover though as he was a very useful two year old who took the Group 1 Prix Jean-Lagardere at Longchamp on Arc weekend. His only disappointing run last year came on very soft ground so he wouldn’t want the ground to get too soft. Two interesting runners are the unbeaten pair of the Charlie Appleby trained Notable Speech who showed a sparkling turn of foot to win on the all weather a month ago at Kempton and the Karl Burke trained Night Raider who’s looked good in winning two all-weather races and again impressed in a racecourse gallop at the Craven meeting. Both have to prove themselves on turf mind and the selection has to be City Of Troy who could be very special. If he wins this he will be a very short price for the Derby so maybe back him in the special price 2000/Derby double rather than at today’s cramped odds. CITY OF TROY 2 points win double (to win 2000 Gns & Derby) 2/1 Ladbrokes

Does the business ....beating the short price fav ....making a nice profit on the day

Rainbow Fire 2 45 Hay/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1 - 3rd An Brandan Frasa 1 50 San/ 1/40th of a pt ew 22/1 Rapper 3 35 San/ 1/40th of a pt ew 40/1 Will Carver 5 20 San/ 1/40th of a pt ew 22/1 P/L + 177 Pts

505 epsom Mr baloo likes it here at epsom ...has a fitness edge having won at kemp and has the services of Alec voikhanksky who's good for his claim of 3lb ....should run well 5pt win 100/30

2.15 Clarendon House. 10/1 2.45 Mirsky. 10/1 Bopedro 16/1 E/W

Current P/L = +7.2pts One selection for tomorrow. 1.5pt win 4/1 double...

700 newc Tacarib bay 8.5 8/1 Batal Dubai. 8.5 13/2 Joint top and both are clear of rest so I'll try 5pt wins both and rev forecasts

Chester 1.30 The first of five races covered by ITV on day two of Chester’s May meeting starts with a competitive 5F class 2 handicap. Local handler Hugo Palmer saddles his five year old Roman Dragon who has been running well in Bahrain this year and with the plum draw in stall one looks the one to be with especially with the eye catching jockey booking of Oisin Murphy. He loves this track having won five of his 15 starts here and may have most to fear from top weight Democracy Dilemma who is drawn alongside the pick in stall 2. ROMAN DRAGON 1 point each way @ 9/2 bet365 1/5th 1234 Huntingdon 1.50 The ITV team are showing a race from Huntingdon in this 2M 3 1/2F class 4 handicap hurdle where the ground is a drying good. Top weight King Of The Road looks likely to be involved in the finish having won his last two starts on good to soft ground. He can go well but I’ll take a chance with the Emma Lavelle trained Mistral Molly who made a promising handicap debut under twelve stone at Hereford last month when going down by 1 3/4L to Politacus with the third Spring Gale going on to win a maiden hurdle at Chepstow twelve days later. A rise of 3lb may not enough to stop the lightly raced chestnut mare from going one better today. MISTRAL MILLY 1 point each way @ 15/2 bet365 1/5th 1234 Chester 2.05 A field of ten line up for this 6F two year old maiden where there is a standout bet in the shape of the Brian Meehan trained Rashabar. He made a highly promising racecourse debut when third (beaten 2 1/4L) in the Newbury maiden won by Richard Hannon’s Hawaiian. That form has worked out superbly with the runner up Star Anthem winning easily since likewise the 4th Running Queen with the fifth Tropical Storm running a neck second at Newmarket last weekend. Red hot form and he’s easily the best of the seven that have already seen a racecourse. The problem though is that he is berthed in stall ten of 10 but he’s worth backing to overcome the draw bias as he may just be too good for these. There are three interesting newcomers also in the race, a brace from local trainer Hugo Palmer and an expensive one from David Loughnane. They are obviously worth monitoring in the market but this looks all about Meehan’s Holy Roman Emperor juvenile. RASHABAR 1 point win @ 7/2 bet365 Chester 2.35 Nine have declared for this 7F 127 yard class 2 handicap in which we have a warm favourite in the shape of Sir Michael Stoute’s Never So Brave who could be chucked in here if his two runs as a juvenile are anything to go by and will be very hard to beat. He was runner up to Ancient Wisdom and Vandeek, beaten 1 3/4L and 3/4L respectively and as they are now rated 115 and 119 you can understand why he looks so well treated off of 94 on his handicap debut. Ryan Moore takes the ride and he’s well drawn in stall 3. He could just blow this field apart and although he’s been well found in the market is hard to oppose. Hugo Palmer’s Grey Cuban is the ride of William Buick and can chase him home. NEVER SO BRAVE 2 points win @ 13/8 bet365 Chester 3.05 A small but select field of five line up for the 1M 2 1/2F listed Dee Stakes. Aidan O’Brien has an excellent record in the race having won five of the last six renewals and his representative here is Capulet who was last seen running at Chelmsford on the all-weather at the beginning of last month when despite being very well backed could only stay on to finish 3 1/4L third to Richard Hughes’s improver Bracken’s Laugh who re-opposes today. Bracken’s Laugh looked smart that day and he’s the pick with the extra 2f likely to suit him. The Gosden’s saddle God’s Window who’s third in the Group 1 Kameko Futurity at Doncaster last backend is the best piece of form on show. He’s had a winning re-appearance all be it at odds of 1/14 but he’s yet to run on good or faster ground. Brian Meehan’s Jayarebe has to shoulder a 3lb penalty but is another with a chance. In an open race I’m going with Bracken’s Laugh who could be quite good. BRACKENS LAUGH 1 point win @ 10/3 bet365 Chester 3.40 The 1m 5 1/2F Group 3 Ormonde Stakes has attracted seven stayers with Aidan O’Brien’s Port Lonsdale the highest rated at the weights. He is one from one at the track which came in the Huxley Stakes at this meeting a year ago and he looks the one they all have to beat despite two defeats earlier this year in the Middle East. Arrest was a mightily impressive winner at this meeting last year in the Chester Vase but that came on very soft ground and I can’t entertain him today on ground that may be too fast for him. The blinkered first time Deauville Legend has some smart back form and if straight after 257 days could be the biggest danger to Port Lonsdale who’s the selection. POINT LONSDALE 1 point win @ 9/4 bet365

As expected the money is piling on the lower draws .....it might be a lesson that it's pointless to look outside the bottom 5 draws but I'm constantly getting my ass kicked by ignoring the computer ratings outside the favoured draws then they "find " a way through .....it's really annoying especially at like 20/1 .....so I have to go with it now .....auric is a speculative bet ....I think he needs fast side of good which he has .....he's only had 3 runs so is open to improvement and the connections usually target this meeting as they like to come and have fun here ....so the rest is just down to the racing gods .....but good luck all who are playing ....the sun's out ...it's a fab days racing 😎😎

I just finished rating that 230 race and computer said .....DUE FOR LUCK was the value bet Ew so that's good enough for me ......5pt Ew 17/2 4 places .....good luck 🤞

1st-- Elmalka. Returns £130.

Tamfana 3 40 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 66/1 - 4th Porta Fortuna 3 40 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 20/1 - 2nd Pride of Napal 4 30 Sby/ 1/40th of a pt wn 18/1 - N/R Lunar Eclipse 1 50 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1 Vaguely Royal 3 00New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1 -2nd

As the bets have been discussed a rediscussed and are all over the place ..today's are 145 aberrama gold and rohaan Ew Guineas I've got haatem Ew (win part 66/1) and ghostwriter Ew .....I just keep looking at haatems craven win and he just seemed to be enjoying himself and was never really pushed ...it was c/d ...that looks a lovely piece of form to me ....and he's had a run ......I'm hoping the bookies have made a big mistake with this horse

Abate 1 45 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 28/1 Pisanello 2 40 Thk/ 1/40th of a pt ew 12/1 Expressionless 4 55 Thk/ 1/40th of a pt ew 14/1 Captain Wierzba 4 30 Gwd/ 1/40th of a pt ew 25/1 Comfort Zone 5 25 Pun/ 1/40th of a pt ew 33/1 Mustazeed 2 20 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 25/1 - N/R

So I don't clog up this thread I am going to post my Cheltenham/Punchestown preview on a separate one.

I gotta system ! ......... for early season 2 year old 5 furlong races where there's not much form and lots of runners making debuts (the system is based around sires and damsires progeny average winning trips) So today we have a nice little Class 2 race at Ascot 1.10 which often throws up Royal Ascot types and my selection is Enchanting Empress EW at 9/1 bet365 (2 places). Outsider of the field and the only filly (which admittedly is a worry). She won on debut and the 2nd has won next time out. She also beat some colts in that race.

Well done top 3 , some decent LSP's there & also @bymatrix most winners & 4th in monthly 👏

Only other race I could find a potential bet was 7.00 wolv .......computer was saying if the full 8 run and I could get 11/2 or better then ...SO OBSESSED is a value bet Ew .....bet 365 have just priced up first at 6/1 ....so I'm happy to take that and play ....5pt Ew 🙂

Won @ 7-1

Wow...the fun lasted long 😂

Newb 315 Lattam 8.9 10/1 Navagio. 8.9 10/1 Real gain. 8.9 14/1 3 wAy tie ....prices are bet365 are great currently compared to others ...so posted early ......and forecasts all 3

Ayr 1.15 The first of five races covered by ITV is the 2M 1/2F Scotty Brand Premier Handicap Chase with just six runners going to post. Paul Nicholls’s Sans Bruit did us a favour at Aintree when given a peach of a ride from the front by Bryony Frost who came home 4L to the good and despite a 10lb rise in the weights he may still be well handicapped on his back form in France. Expect Frost to employ the same tactics and if getting into a good rhythm will be tough to pass. Willie Mullins sends a formidable team to the West Scotland track and his Uncle Phil maybe the one to chase the selection home. SANS BRUIT 1 point win @ 3/1 BetVictor Newbury 1.30 It’s Greenham Stakes day at Newbury and proceedings kick off with the 1M 4F Group 3 John Porter Stakes which has attracted ten runners. Ground on the easy side are very much in the favour of the front two in the betting, William Haggas’s Hamish who has to shoulder a 3lb penalty for his group 3 victories last year and John & Thady Gosden’s Arrest who was last seen when finishing runner up in the St Leger at Doncaster. The Gosden runners have all been seen to be needing a run this week but the vibes are strong for this Frankel four year old and he’s the pick. ARREST 1 point win @ 11/8 William Hill Ayr 1.50 Thirteen face the judge for the class 2 3M Novices’ Champion Handicap Chase. Willie Mullins’s Sharjah heads the weights in his first handicap chase and shouldn’t be dismissed despite the big weight. Richard Bandey has his string in good form and he can take this with his MacLaine who looks favourably weighted towards the bottom of the weights. Formerly trained by Oliver Sherwood he’s shown promise for his new trainer with his latest victory at Newbury coming over the furthest trip he’s tried in his career over 2M 6 1/2F where he was strongest at the finish passing the line an eased down 3 1/2L ahead of his field. A rise of 8lb will make things tougher for him but with his stamina drawn out further he looks a good value each way bet in a competitive contest. MACLAINE 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Newbury 2.05 Just six three year old fillies go to post for the Group 3 Fred Darling Stakes with the highest rated being the William Haggas trained Relief Rally who isn’t certain to stay this trip of 7F mind and is opposable. John & Thady Gosden could be in for a good day with Arrest in the John Porter and can take this with their Frankel filly Regal Jubilee who will certainly enjoy any ease in the ground having won the listed Montrose Stakes on heavy ground at Newmarket last backend. Marco Botti has taken charge of a decent unbeaten Italian filly in the shape of Folgaria and she’s very hard to assess having won five times in her native country last year including in Group 3 and 2 company. REGAL JUBILEE 1/2 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Ayr 2.25 We have a good turnout of fifteen runners for the Coral Scottish Champion Hurdle which is a handicap run over a distance of two miles. Last year’s winner Rubaud heads the weights but is 13lb higher now than last year’s victory and has it to do. Willie Mullins has three stabs at the race with Paul Townend presumably choosing Bialystok over Westport Cove and Alvainy although he was 19L behind L’Eau Du Sud in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham last time and I can’t see any reason why he would turn the form around despite a pull of just 3lb. Dan Skelton trains L’Eau Du Sud and he’s put up two excellent efforts in defeat in the Betfair Hurdle (2nd to Iberico Lord) and in the aforementioned County Hurdle (2nd to Absurde). A 3lb rise in the weights is unlikely to stop him from being highly competitive again and he is the one they all have to beat. Nicky Henderson has his string in great shape now and his First Street is worth a small each way saver. 8th in this last year he has a 20lb pull for 18L with the winner Rubaud and looked back to form when third to Lossiemouth in the Unibet Hurdle at Cheltenham when last seen in January. He’s also had a wind operation since last seen and can run well. A tough race but L’Eau du Sud is the selection. L’EAU DU SUD 1 point win @ 4/1 Coral FLEET STREET 1/2 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Newbury 2.40 The trial for the 2000 Guineas is the Greenham Stakes run over 7F and we have a field of eleven. Ralph Beckett’s unbeaten Zoum Zoum heads the market but looks far too short in my eyes for a horse that on official ratings is only third joint best and joint seventh best on Timeform ratings. Even though he is very promising I can’t be going near him at his current odds of around even money (big drifter since published.) The value bet may be Adrian Keatley’s Ballymount Boy who showed good progressive form as a juvenile finishing runner up in group races won by Vandeek and Indian Run and ended the season with a listed win at the final Doncaster meeting on heavy ground. James Doyle takes the ride for his new employers Wathan Racing and can be backed each way. BALLYMOUNT BOY 1 point each way @ 8/1 William Hill 1/5th 123 Ayr 3.00 Next up is a class 2 3M 70 yard mares’ handicap hurdle which has attracted a field of eleven. Willie Mullins saddles three here in his quest to maintain the advantage in the British jockeys championship and with A Penny A Hundred the pick of stable jockey Paul Townend she looks the one to be with. The lightly raced five year old is asking her handicap debut but has looked useful in winning a bumper and a novice hurdle before being placed in listed and grade three mares company. She was a 66-1 chance when not being disgraced in fourth (beaten 20L) in a grade one mares race won by the smart Jade De Grugy three weeks ago and a mark of 133 seems fair enough. The Dan Skelton runner Coco Mademoiselle (Chepstow novice hurdle winner last time) and Paul Nicholls’s Larchmont Lass look dangers but this can be one for the Irish maestro Willie Mullins. A PENNY A HUNDRED 1 point win @ 10/3 bet365 Newbury 3.15 The big handicap of the day at Newbury is the 1M OLBG Spring Cup with a big field of 21 spread across the straight track. As you would expect it has a wide open look about it. Lincoln Handicap runner up Lattam looked a tad unlucky to me and can confirm that form with the third Navarro, fourth Alpha Crucis and seventh Thunder Ball and run well. Julie Camacho is not really firing at the present and for only that reason the selection is the Richard Hughes trained Real Gain. Hughes has been in unstoppable form recently winning with 7 of his 20 runners at time of writing and he took a handicap at Newmarket apart last September off of a mark 11lb lower than today’s on fast ground. He’s been gelded since last seen and he has to prove his effectiveness on softer ground but he wasn’t disgraced on soft group in a Group 3 when last seen and can reward an each way wager in a wide open mile handicap with a small each way saver on Lattam. REAL GAIN 1 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 LATTAM 1/2 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 Ayr 3.35 A near maximum field of 26 line up for this year’s renewal of the 4M Coral Scottish Grand National. There’s plenty here who will struggle at the trip with five of the six Willie Mullins having stamina to prove with Mr Incredible the exception although he’s hardly had the best prep for this having unseated at the chair in last weekend’s Grand National. My short list include Sara Bradstock’s Mr Vango who stays so well having won the Devon National by a staggering 60L prior to a creditable third in the NH Chase at Cheltenham won by subsequent Grade 1 winner Corbetts Cross. He holds decent each way claims despite a 3lb rise. Out and out stayer My Silver Lining ran a stormer in the Midlands Grand National finishing third to the re-opposing pair of Beauport and Mr Incredible and can come out best of those who finished ahead of him over this 2F less distance. My main fancy though has to be the Jamie Snowden trained Git Maker who is stepping up in trip here but has always looked an out and out stayer throughout his career. He’s only gone up a pound for finishing runner up to the handicap blot that was Inotherwayurthinkin in the Kim Muir with 18L back to the third , the re-opposing Whacker Clan. The winner has gone on to win a grade 1 at Aintree to frank the form and had he not been in the race at Cheltenham we would be looking at a 18L winner of that race who would have gone up an awful lot more than 1lb. As long as he stays he looks easily the best handicapped horse in the field. I’ve managed to tip/back the Irish National and Grand National winners this year in Intense Raffles and I Am Maximus and my main pick for the Scottish version is Git Maker with each way savers on My Silver Lining and Mr Vango. GIT MAKER 2 points each way @ 8/1 bet365 1/5th 123456 MR VANGO 1/2 point each way @ 16/1 Betfred 1/5th 123456 MY SILVER LINING 1/2 point each way @ 16/1 bet365 1/5th 123456

Saint Lawrence 2 40 Nmk/ 1/40th of a pt ew 25/1 Royal Scothsman 3 35 Nby/ 1/40th of a pt ew 14/1 Persica 3 00 Nby/ 1/40th of a pt ew 20/1 - 4th Talis Evolvere 4 45 Nby/ 1/40th of a ptew 14/1 -3rd Brioni 3 00 Nby/ 1/40th of a pt ew 15/1

Won that nicely!

Info 1415 Beverley Moving Force 6/1 (was sent to me at 8/1 but I missed it 😭) 1pt e/w P/L - 0

"earr Mate -how many laps are there in this next race?"-"scuse me Mister-how many more races are there before we can Part-A?" These were some of the many questions i was asked this evening,(interrupting my intense paddock analysis in the process)-because yes -it was Abba Night at Uttoxeter,with many of the packed crowd not seemingly all that bothered about watching our four legged heroes, but have simply attended for the Abba Tribute band afterwards. I understand it is now 50 years Since Abba won the Eurovision song contest with Waterloo-and this evening there was a competition for those who dressed up in their favourite Abba Gear. Unfortunately i was around to remember Waterloo all those years ago,and i'm pretty sure that the Abba i saw back then didn't have Men whose belly's stuck out from under their shirts,or had more chins than a Chinese Telephone Directory,or ladies who had voices more attuned to "wandering Sty" than "Dancing Queen",but it all added to the good natured fun on the night. What interested me more than our teenage yesterdays though was an organisation on course today called "Home Run Hounds" who are a homing centre who specialise in finding homes for retired Racing greyhounds. Now please accept my apologies if i am not allowed to advertise on here,but i am sure we all agree what a fantastic cause this non profit organisation is.Owners buy Greyhounds to race,but then don't want them when they become injured or just too old to to be of use-so what happens to them then?. Thankfully organisations like this help save our canine friends from being put down,but they have far too many dogs on the waiting list to come in,than they can move on.These volunteers are passionate about their cause but need all the help they can get,hence why i am mentioning it here.Apparently you can pay thousands for a puppy nowadays,but for just £200 you can adopt a pedigree ex-racer who would make a fantastic pet. Greyhounds have a relaxed nature and their short coats need minimal grooming and have no odour. They are generally seen as friendly with other canines and are one of the most healthiest breeds of Dog.Two 30 minute walks a day is all the exercise they need. So if you could give a loving home for one of these dogs,or even have just a mild interest,please check out their website www.homerunhounds.co.uk, they would love to hear from you. As our fleet footed friends would undoubtedly say (if they could talk)- "Honey i'm still free- "Take a Chance On Me"

830 kemp Cajetan. 8.2 2/1 Inv.speed 8.0 Want want 8.0 18/1 Bit of a risky one this ......cajetan could be anything trying kempton first time ....some horses just don't take to it ...invincible speed won well last time but hcapper hammered him 10lb so much more on plate today ... Computer said WANT WANT would be Ew value bet at 8/1 and he was around that last night but has drifted to 18/1 !!!!.. now that sounds negative but if it was value bet at 8 then 18 looks a gift .... I'll try small 3pts Ew in case there's a reason it's drifted

4.15 Doncaster-Turner Girl Coming back trip will suit her Each Way @ 13-2 with Bet Victor

Exchanges ? Bookies shop with fake wig & muzzie in case they recognise you ? 3.10 Yarmouth - LUCENTIO 9/2 William Hill .👎 4.55 Yarmouth - SHE IS A KEEPER 9/2 Coral .👎 both ran poorly despite Kellawasy's being backed into favourite & finished last .