Leaderboard

Ten days away from the Cheltenham Festival but there’s still plenty of winners to be found with the ITV team showing nine races from three meetings at Kelso, Newbury and Doncaster. The ground is good at Newbury just slightly softer at Doncaster and softer still at Kelso with good to soft (soft in places) the call at the Borders track. Here’s my thoughts on the nine races. Kelso 1.15 The afternoons bumper ITV schedule kicks off with a seven runner class 3 2m 5F 133 yards novices handicap chase which has attracted seven runners. Dan Skelton takes a strong team of five to the Borders track and saddles the likely favourite here in top weight Sholokjack who was an impressive 12L winner at Lingfield 32 days ago. He should run well but is a short enough price for one that’s been raised 11lb for his latest victory. Warren Greatrex’s Bill Baxter was still in contention when crashing out four from home at Hereford last time and is a possible although my preference is for the Nicky Richards trained Castle Rushen, who’s unseated his rider on two of his three fencing starts but was on the bridle and travelling well when dislodging his pilot at Newcastle 32 days ago. Sean Quinlan rides and he looks the value play against the favourite Sholokjack. CASTLE RUSHEN 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Doncaster 1.30 A valuable six runner 2M class 2 handicap chase is the first of two races shown by ITV at Doncaster. The likely favourite is the Skelton’s Calico who is the horse responsible for giving Arkle Hope Jonbon a scare at Warwick last month. Rushed up by Harry Skelton he looked likely to cause a major upset at one stage and with the handicapper reacting by just putting him up a pound can run well with Bridget Andrews taking over from her other half Harry Skelton who’s riding for the yard at Kelso. Xcitations and Hasankey are closely matched on recent Wetherby form although may just be in the grip of the assessor currently. Top weight Pay The Piper may be the one to give Calico most to do. Trained by Ann Hamilton he stepped his form up when winning at Musselburgh a month ago going up 6lb for that effort. He’ll run well but I’ll stick with Calico who may be a bit better than his current handicap mark of 137. CALICO 1 point win @ 7/4 bet365 Kelso 1.50 A bumper maximum field of sixteen assemble for the bet365 Moorebattle Hurdle, a two mile handicap hurdle with a guaranteed £100k on offer in prize money. The likely favourite and the one they all have to beat is the Irish challenger McTigue trained by the maestro Emmet Mullins. Mullins took this very prize a couple of years ago with The Shunter who went on to win at the Cheltenham Festival a fortnight later winning a £100k bonus in the doing. His raider here, who is making his handicap debut and claims a valuable 10lb age allowance as the only four year old in the race, has four entries at Cheltenham and his trainer will no doubt have his eyes on landing the bonus again. Top weight Colonel Mustard has dallied with fences this season but goes back over timber now and had some solid novice form last season for trainer Lorna Fowler. Last years winner was Brian Ellison’s Cormier and he too has had an unsuccessful stint over fences this season. He’s back on a mark only 2lb higher than last year’s gutsy win and is a player although he could ideally do with some rain. Teddy Blue ran a stormer to finish 3rd beaten 12L in the Betfair Handicap Hurdle at Newbury last month and off of a 3lb lower mark looks sure to be in the shake up for Gary Moore and 5lb conditional jockey Caoilin Quinn who was in the saddle on that occasion. There’s others with claims including an old friend of mine Lebowski who’s going in a first time tongue tie here. A tough race but one thinks that the Mullins runner could have been laid out for this and despite his short price is worth backing. McTIGUE 2 points win @ 9/2 bet365 Newbury 2.10 An open looking class 3 2M 4 1/2F handicap hurdle for horses aged eight years and older with a healthy field of eleven declared. Plenty can be given chances none more so than last year’s winner Bold Plan trained by Evan Williams and ridden by his daughter Isobel Williams who can claim 3lb. He took this under Isobel off of 123 and returns today off of a 3lb higher mark and looks primed for a big run. Top weight Dargiannini is trained by rookie trainer Harry Derham and has claims although a 8lb rise for an emphatic Uttoxeter win will not make things easy for the gelded son of Fame And Glory. Christian Williams was the trainer to follow last weekend and he saddles Pileon who is certainly a very well handicapped horse nowadays some 18lb lower than when in his pomp. He showed fair form last time and it will be no shock were he to take this. In a competitive race I’ll take a chance on one at a big race in the Milton Harris trained Stimulating Song who can race today off of a handicap mark 11lb lower than his last victory which came at Cheltenham in November 2020. Following a long lay off of 713 days he’s not beaten a horse in four starts coming down a stone in the weights. I’m relying on a wind operation getting him back to his old self and at a double figure prize is worth chancing to small stakes each way with enhanced odds. STIMULATING SONG 1 point each way @ 22/1 Betfred 1/5 1234 Kelso 2.25 A decent renewal of the 2m 2F Premier Novices’ Hurdle with a strong field of 11 facing the starter. Emmet Mullins brings his useful bumper horse Feronily over with McTigue and The Shunter and on his smart Irish bumper form should be a player here if able to jump on his hurdling debut. Fergal O’Brien’s Accidental Rebel hasn’t been seen since winning the Persian War Novice Hurdle at Chepstow last October and as well as the lay off is the only runner in the field to carry a penalty (5lb). Sandy Thomson is a trainer to take seriously at this track and he runs Carcari Castle who’s won twice at the track this season. His latest form has been boosted by the subsequent victory of the runner up in his latest win and is an interesting runner. Nemean Lion had the re-opposing Colonel Harry 2 3/4L behind on the same terms as today’s when 3rd and 4th in the grade one Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown in January and can confirm that form and take this valuable contest for Kerry Lee who was among the winners on Thursday. NEMEAN LION 2 points win @ 9/2 bet365 Newbury 2.45 A small but select field of seven assemble for this years renewal of the Greatwood Gold Cup, a handicap chase run over 2M 4F. We have two course specialist here in joint top weights Zanza who’s record at the Berkshire track is five wins from six starts whilst Paint The Dream is three wins from four starts. Zanza kept on well to beat Hitman last time out in the Betfair Denman Chase here over just short of three miles and drops in trip today. He has been clobbered by the handicapper though, who has shot him up some 15lb for that win. Philip Hobbs’ nine year old can run well but may be weighted out of it now. Fergal O’Brien’s Paint The Dream won this race last year by 15L and although he’s 11lb higher won again here in November by 14L from a mark just 4lb lower than today’s. He may be better handicapped than his main rival Zanza and looks the bet here. Paul Nicholls has an amazing record in the race and relies upon the ex Venetia Williams trained Espoir De Guye who’s also had his wind tinkered with since we last saw him 106 days ago. He’s worth monitoring in the market. Gemirande is in good form and at the right end of the handicap and along with bottom weight Lord Baddesley can also play a part in the finish. A tough call with preference for course specialist Paint The Dream. PAINT THE DREAM 2 points win @ 3/1 bet365 Kelso 3.00 A valuable class 2 handicap hurdle run over 2m 5F is up next and has attracted a fair sized field of ten hurdlers. It has a very open look about it with several arriving in good form. None more so than the Harriet Graham & Gary Rutherford trained Dancewiththewind who’s chasing a hat trick following handicap success’s at Wetherby and here this winter rising just 7lb in the handicap. He should be thereabouts today. Also likely to be thereabouts is the Skelton runner Santos Blue who is also chasing a hat trick of wins having won at Wetherby and Chepstow under 7lb conditional jockey Ben Sutton who keeps the ride today. He’s been raised 19lb for those two success’s mind and will need to step up once more. Donny Boy is an interesting outsider whom his trainer Nick Alexander has always rated highly but he’s blown out twice this season over fences and returns to timber having had his wind tinkered with. I can’t resist a saver on him but my main bet has to be Nicky Richards’ Nells Son who won the big novice hurdle on the card last season. He’s two from two at the Borders track and returned to hurdles last time following two goes over fences when 6th at Cheltenham. He’s down 2lb today and has had a wind operation since last seen. He looks sure to be thereabouts and is the selection. NELLS SON 1 point each way 6/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 DONNY BOY 1/2 point each way 14/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 Doncaster 3.15 The Grimthorpe Handicap Chase is run over 3M 2F of Town Moor and we have eight chasers facing the starter this year. Last year’s well backed winner Undersupervision is back to defend his title for trainer and son combo of Nigel and Sam Twiston-Davies off of the same handicap mark and look likely to go close. The one they all have to beat however is the Skybet Chase victor Copper’s Class who appeared to relish the step up to three miles for the first time when ridden out to beat Cap Du Nord (winner since) by a length. The extra two furlongs here shouldn’t be an issue as he certainly didn’t appear to be stopping at the end of that competitive handicap. Stuart Coltherd’s flag bearer was raised 5lb for that success but remains at the right end of the handicap still. Undersupervision unseated his rider two from home when under pressure in the race but re-opposes on 7lb better terms here. Kim Bailey’s top weight Does He Know is the other probable who can take a hand in the finish. He was a winner at Cheltenham on his favoured good ground back in November and off of just a 5lb higher handicap mark can also be thereabouts. A tough call with slight preference for Coopers Call. COOPERS CALL 2 points win @ 5/2 William Hill Kelso 3.35 Only five have declared for the £60k guaranteed bet365 Premier Chase, a listed race run over 2M 7 1/2F. Zanza is also declared at his favourite track Newbury which is his first preference so can be considered doubtful. Joint top rated here is Emmet Mullins’ The Shunter who won the big handicap a hurdle on this card a couple of years ago. He’s been a bit hit and miss since but has to be respected for such a warm combination of Mullins and JP McManus. Wishing And Hoping is thirteen years old now and it’s hard to think he can back up his latest win in a valuable veterans handicap at Sandown. Empire Steel has it to do and surely the one be with is the Dan Skelton trained Le Milos who won at Bangor on his re-appearance prior to taking last year’s Coral Gold Cup (the Hennessy in old money) by 1/2L from Remastered. He’s been off 98 days but has won after a break and can take this for team Skelton. LE MILOS 2 points win @ 2/1 Bet365

Two of my notebook horses running today have punted them some time ago Good Time Jonny 2 10 Ch/ { 33/1 } 1/10 pt ew { now 15/1 } Frero Banbou 4 10 Ch/ { 16/1 } 1/10 pt ew { now 12/1 }

1st and 3rd !!.....I'm so chuffed with that rating ..26 runners down to 2 ....bog camprond do will get paid ew at 20/1 ....so far all 3 races I've rated have been won by top rated !! I think returns ....215.00 🤔 or thereabouts 🤣

It is a quiet Saturday with Cheltenham being just over a week away. The most competitive handicap is the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso but this has only been run as a handicap since 2021 so there isn’t really enough data to base any meaningful conclusions on. We will therefore concentrate on the Greatwood Gold Cup at Newbury. Greatwood is a charity for the welfare of retired racehorses. The race is run over a distance of 2 miles, 3 furlongs and 187 yards. It is open to horses aged 5 years or older. There is a disappointing turnout of just 7 runners. However, some bookmakers offer each-way terms of 3 places which does offer some value. The race has been lost to the weather twice in the last 9 years but we still have 7 years of statistics to analyse. These are my key conclusions. Those horses high in the weights have a good record. Horses carrying more than 11st 2lbs have won 5 times from 34 runs with a level stakes profit of 7 points. Their lighter opposition have a record of 2 wins from 46 runs with a loss of 33 points. Horses that won last time out do not have a good record. They have won just once from 17 attempts. The market is a good guide. Those with forecast odds less than 13/2 have won 4 times from 20 runs with a profit of 4 points. There is only 1 horse that matches these criteria. PAINT THE DREAM – available at 3/1 with BET365 who are paying 3 places. Paint The Dream won this race last year under the same jockey, Conor Brace. Although the price is short it is still worth backing it each-way.

Major wins 🏆......returns around 80 ....been a good week ...think I need to give my fingers a rest now 😴 Total returns this week are 865.00 ....minus 200 to bring my betting bank back to full strength......so donation to holiday fund 2024 is a healthy 665.00 ...my target was 38.00 ( 462 in fund since payed off this years holiday.........to make it 500 for a deposit for next year ..... Total in holiday 2024 fund is currently 1127.00

I managed to make a profit of £233.66 over the 4 days, mostly on the all weather. I will be donating this to Small Steps.

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for Cheltenham, Tuesday 14th to Friday 17th March. Rules: 1 selection per race throughout the competition Bets settled to £1 level stakes - WIN Only Bets settled at SP Highest accumulative total over the competition wins £100 cash (via PayPal) Runner Up wins £40 and the third place wins £20, all prizes via your PayPal account There will be a £10 prize each day for the highest profit for that day No edits allowed in selection posts Losses incurred for losers. Replacement selections for NRs can be posted but must be before the first race deadline All Bets must be posted prior to the first race each day (no exceptions) Not compulsory to enter every day or every race (so if you miss the first day or two you can still take part) Leader-board posted each evening A minimum of 14 bets is required to qualify for the total prizes Only bets on that day's thread will be included, bets posted elsewhere will not be included All welcome, good luck A separate thread will be created the evening before each day for selections to be posted in. You can find these threads in our dedicated Cheltenham Festival 2023 forum. Apologies for the confusion about moving it from the At The Races forum to the Cheltenham Festival 2023 forum!

This year’s Grand National is three weeks away and I thought it would be worthwhile to have an early look at the race. Obviously we’ve no idea what the ground will be although nowadays with the welfare of the horse very much in mind it’s very unlikely to ride too fast unlike when Mr Frisk was breaking the course record back in 1990 on firm ground would you believe. Here’s a synopsis on each of the 57 horses remaining in the contest although obviously only 40 can actually run. ANY SECOND NOW Has been placed in the last two renewals, 3rd in 2021 and runner up last year to Noble Yeats. Prepped, like last year, by winning the Webster Cup at Navan over 2m 4F in March. A pound higher than last year so is 18lb better off for 2 1/4L with last year’s winner Noble Yeats. Carries a big weight but looks sure to be thereabouts for JP McManus. T M Walsh 11-12 NOBLE YEATS Ran out a 50/1 winner of this race last year. Has taken a further step forward since over park fences winning at Wexford and here in the Many Clouds Chase. Not disgraced when 4th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup beaten 15L by Galopin Des Champs last time. Plenty going for him in in his attempt to back up last season’s win although is now 19lb higher in the weights. Emmet Mullins 11-11 GALVIN Touch of class about him who has some decent wins on his CV. Took well to the Cross Country fences at Cheltenham last time when getting the worst of the battle with stable mate Delta Work going down by 2 1/2L. Extra 6F to travel here but appeals as an out and out stayer. Gordon Elliott 11-11 ROYALE PAGAILLE Rich Ricci’s mud lover has plenty of ability and was last seen when running 6th in the Cheltenham Gold Cup. Yet to race beyond 3m 2f although looks likely to stay further. Key to him is the ground, he must have it as soft as possible and could only really be fancied if we have a soft ground Grand National. Venetia Williams 11-8 ENVOI ALLEN Has bounced back to form this season winning the Ladbrokes Champion Chase in November and following a poor run in the King George VI Chase the Ryanair at the Cheltenham Festival. Escapes a penalty for that latest win which was gained over 2m 4 1/2f and has his stamina to prove stepping up a mile and a quarter. Henry De Bromhead 11-8 FURY ROAD Placed in two grade one chases in Ireland this season prior to a credible 6th in the Ryanair under Davy Russell. Has yet to race beyond three miles and is another who has stamina to prove. One of several Gigginstown Stud entries here and has a touch of class about him. Gordon Elliott 11-6 THE BIG DOG Irish raider who took his form up a notch when winning the Munster National at Limerick and Troytown Handicap Chase at Navan at the backend of last year. Was still in there battling when falling two out in the Irish Gold Cup at Leopardstown at the Dublin Racing Festival won by Galopin Des Champs and with his handicap mark unmoved is an interesting outsider. Peter Fahey 11-5 CAPODANNO Lightly raced over fences having only raced six times. Was a decent novice chaser last season winning the big grade one 3M novice chase at the Punchestown Festival in April. Only seen the once since when 3rd of 4 in the Red Mills Chase at Gowran Park in February and untried beyond three miles. One of six runners in race owned by legendary owner/punter J P McManus. W P Mullins 11-5 DELTA WORK Former smart chaser who mostly plies his trade in the Cross Country races at Cheltenham nowadays. Won the last two renewals of the Cross Country race at the Cheltenham Festival over 3M 6F. Was third in this race last season ( beaten 22L by Noble Yeats) and is a pound lower now so twenty pounds better off with the winner. Versatile and can play a hand in the finish. Gordon Elliott 11-4 SAM BROWN Ran out a 15L winner of a handicap chase at the meeting last year over the Mildmay fences but yet to sparkle this season including when reverting to hurdles last time at Uttoxeter. Needs soft ground to be seen at his best and stamina to prove (though does shape like he will stay long distances.) Anthony Honeyball 11-4 LIFETIME AMBITION Smart second season chaser who has yet to race beyond three miles. Was 4th in the Grand Sefton last November over these fences and not totally disgraced in four starts since including when reverting to hurdles at Thurles last time when 3rd of 5 to Summerville Boy. Mrs Jessie Harrington 11-3 CAREFULLY SELECTED Smart novice chaser back in season 2019/2020 and following a lengthy absence of over a thousand days bounced back with a win in the Thyestes Handicap Chase at Gowran Park in January off of a mark of 147. Slightly disappointing when only 4th in the Bobbyjo Chase a month at Fairyhouse. Has stamina to prove. W P Mullins 11-1 COKO BEACH 50/1 chance when 8th (beaten 66L) in last year’s renewal. Jumped well when winning Punchestown’s Gran National Trial in February by 5 1/2L but has been re-assessed and will have to race off of a 3lb higher mark than last year. Bidding to become the fourth grey to win this famous race and first since Neptune Collonges won in 2012. Gordon Elliott 11-0 LONGHOUSE POET A winner over hurdles at Limerick and fences at Down Royal this season. Ran in last year’s race finishing 6th having disputed the lead two from home eventually coming home some 34L behind the winner Noble Yeats. Trainer won this race back in 2006 with Numbertenvalverde. Martin Brassil 11-0 GAILLARD DU MESNIL A possibly fortunate winner of the 3M 6F NH Chase at Cheltenham in March with Mahler Mission falling two out when in command. Goes unpenalised for that win but did have a hard race with his trainer stating afterwards that they would have get him home and see how he comes out of that race. If allowed to run would be a serious player. W P Mullins 11-0 DARASSO Another J P McManus owned contender. Has mixed chasing with hurdling this season winning over the bigger obstacles at Thurles last December. Yet to race beyond three miles so has a definite question mark over his ability to stay this far and his owner appears to have better claims with others here. Joseph O’Brien 10-13 HAPPYGOLUCKY Has won three of his eight career starts over fences with his biggest win coming at this meeting two years ago over the regulation fences in the Betway Handicap Chase. Wasn’t seen again for 595 days and has plenty to prove now following two disappointing efforts in valuable handicaps at Cheltenham. Yet to run beyond 3M 1F and yet another with stamina to prove for trainer who won this race with Mr Frisk way back in 1990. Kim Bailey 10-11 LE MILOS Appears to have improved for a stable switch to Dan Skelton. Winning at Bangor and the valuable Coral Gold Cup at Newbury. Traded at 1.01 when coasting home at Kelso in the listed Premier Chase over just short of 3M only to be caught on the run in by Empire Steel. Stamina could be an issue if the way he stopped there is anything to go by. Dan Skelton 10-11 THE SHUNTER Ten year old who mixes fences and hurdles and has definite stamina doubts having never run beyond 3M. Owned by J P McManus and ran third at Kelso last time behind Le Milos. Has a bit to prove and his best days may be behind him nowadays. Owner has more credible candidates. Emmet Mullins 10-11 QUICK WAVE Stays very well and arrives in good form having won two of his last three starts latterly over 3M 4F in Haydock’s Grand National Trail Handicap Chase by 3/4L from Snow Leopardess. Ten years old now but will be staying on when most have called enough. Suited by soft conditions so any rain will suit. Trainer took this with 100/1 shot Mon Mome in 2009. Venetia Williams 10-11 ESCARIA TEN Went off 25/1 for race last season only to weaken quickly two from home eventually finishing 9th beaten some 75L. Shown little since including when pulling up in Plate Handicap at Cheltenham Festival in March. Hard to fancy much especially the way he weakened last year. Gordon Elliott 10-10 THE BIG BREAKAWAY Has run well on his first two starts this season especially when a 1 1/4L runner up in the Coral Welsh National last December. Trip looks likely to suit so could run well at a price although was very disappointing last time out pulling up in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham. Joe Tizzard 10-10 CAPE GENTLEMAN Lightly raced Irish chaser who’s only run the eight times over fences. Joined current trainer from Emmet Mullins in December 2022 and only run the twice since when not showing that much in handicap hurdle and conditions chase. Yet to race beyond three miles and unlikely to be troubling the judge. John Joseph Hanlon 10-8 ROI MAGE Eleven year old Irish chaser who’s won 9 of his 51 career starts. Came back to form at Down Royal last time when 1 1/4L runner up to Longhouse Poet. Appears to stay well but an outsider who at his advancing age is hard to fancy to play a part in the finish. Patrick Griffin 10-8 DIOL KER Owned by Gigginstown Stud this 9 year old Irish chaser should stay well. Best recent effort came when runner up in the Paddy Power Handicap Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas, only going down by the shortest of heads. Soundly beaten since in the Punchestown Grand National Trial but will be staying on when others have cried enough. Noel Meade 10-8 A WAVE OF THE SEA Yet to race beyond three miles and stamina could be big issue here. More hit than miss this season and was last seen when a 50/1 shot and pulling up at Cheltenham in the two mile Grand Annual. Impossible to fancy so look elsewhere for the winner. Joseph O’Brien 10-6 MINELLA TRUMP Prolific winner in Northern chases winning 8 of his 12 starts over the larger obstacles at up to three miles. Not been seen since last June and has quite an absence to overcome. At the right end of the weights mind and will love good Spring ground. Has beaten some decent chasers in his run of wins and is trained by Red Rum’s trainer Ginger McCain’s son Donald who took this himself with Ballabriggs in 2011. Donald McCain 10-6 VANILLIER A second season novice who’s kept good company this season and looked back to his very best when chasing home the 12lb superior Kemboy in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse in February giving that one 8lb. The handicapper appears to have ignored that run and in his best form holds decent each way claims. Gavin Cromwell 10-6 VELVET ELVIS Relatively lightly raced over fences having taken his form to a new level on his last two starts, winning over 3M at Fairyhouse and running last year’s runner up Any Second Now to 7L at Navan recently. Hard to believe he can turn the tables with that one mind but should stay ok (6th in last season’s Irish National). Thomas Gibney 10-6 AIN’T THAT A SHAME Yet to race beyond three miles in his ten race career though appears to stay that trip well as was runner up in the Munster National at Limerick last October. Dropped in trip when running out a comfortable winner over 2M 4F at Gowran Park recently and arrives here in fine form. Only lightly raced and may have further improvement to come for trainer who won race in 2021. Henry De Bromhead 10-5 CORACH RAMBLER Current favourite following his winning defence of the Ultima Handicap Chase at the Cheltenham Festival. Unpenalised here so is 10lb ahead of his handicap mark and if staying looks sure to be thereabouts. Ran 4th beaten 19L in last season’s Classic Chase over 3m 5F which is the furthest he’s tried. A major player for his Scottish handler who took this in 2017 with One For Arthur. Lucinda Russell 10-5 ENJOY D’ALLEN Another J P McManus owned, Irish trained runner. Only made it as far as the first when unseating his rider in last year’s race when a 20/1 chance. Shown precious little in three chases and two hurdle contests since and is hard to fancy that much. CIaran Murphy 10-5 MR INCREDIBLE A lightly raced seven year old who will be having only his tenth career start if facing the starter. Placed in two valuable handicap chases this season including when third in the Kim Muir at Cheltenham last time. This longer trip may suit though is a very quirky type who if taking to the unique fences could outrun his big odds. W P Mullins 10-4 CLOUDY GLEN Races in the colours of the late Trevor Hemmings who’s won this prestigious contest a record three times. Winner of the 2021 Ladbroke Trophy at Newbury but lightly raced since and hard to fancy on his latest effort when pulling up in the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham won by Corach Rambler. Venetia Williams 10-4 GIN ON LIME One of five entries for Henry De Bromhead who won the 2021 National with Minella Times. A decent novice chaser last season winning five times. Yet to really cut any ice this season in three outings and has stamina to prove (yet to race over further than three miles) Henry De Bromhead 10-4 MISTER COFFEY His esteemed trainer has yet to win a National of any sorts but has each way claims here with his 8 year old who was a good second in handicap at Uttoxeter in February over 3M. Wasn’t disgraced when third in NH Chase at Cheltenham over 6F further and should stay this marathon trip very well. Nicky Henderson 10-4 BATTLEOVERDOYEN A winner of 5 of his 27 starts over fences but it’s been a while since he last won (July 2021 and 15 runs). No evidence that he will stay this far and it’s easy to overlook this rank outsider. Gordon Elliott 10-4 HILL SIXTEEN Trained in Scotland. Last seen when running seventh over these fences to rival Ashtown Lad back in December beaten 14L. Had run better in same race the previous year when going down by a nose and with that track experience is capable of running alright if seeing out the longer trip. Sandy Thomson 10-2 GABBY CROSS Another of the five Henry De Bromhead trained runners this one owned by R S Brookhouse. A winner at the Galway Festival last July he’s kept valuable handicap company this season with no success. Yet to race beyond three miles so has to prove his stamina here. Henry De Bromhead 10-2 RECITE A PRAYER Has experience of these unique fences when running twelfth in the Becher Chase here in December beaten a long way at 20/1 also beaten far in the valuable Paddy Power Chase at Leopardstown over Christmas and despite connections this eight year old is impossible to fancy. W P Mullins 10-1 EVA’S OSKAR An out and out stayer who won at Cheltenham last December over 3 1/4M. Ran a credible 20L 4th in Eider Chase last time over 4M 1 1/2 F. Trained in Wales and a big outsider here though will be plugging on when others have had enough. Tim Vaughan 10-1 OUR POWER 6lb well in here having no penalty for his latest win which came at Kempton in February. A winner of 4 of his 8 chases and is a progressive 8 year old in good hands who if getting a run could be a very lively outsider although another who has his stamina to prove (yet to race beyond 3M). Sam Thomas 10-0 DUNBOYNE Another of the Elliott battalion who steps up to a marathon trip for the first time here. Arrives in decent enough form having been placed in valuable 3M 1F handicaps at Gowran Park and Cheltenham. Best form on soft ground so any rain would be a big help. Very unlikely to give Elliott his third National win Gordon Elliott 10-0 FRANCKY DU BERLAIS 6 wins from 26 starts over fences for this ten year old trained in Wales. Last won at Uttoxeter a year ago. Not shown much this season and refused last in Cheltenham’s Cross Country race at the Festival when a well beaten off third. Hard to fancy this long shot. Peter Bowen 10-0 FORTESCUE A winner of 6 of his 18 chases and appears to stay this trip. Best run this year when 4th in Becher Chase to Ashtown Lad last December. Only 28/1 last year in this race when unseating his rider four from home when looking well beaten. A long shot who is hard to fancy. Henry Daly 9-13 BACK ON THE LASH Has been running predominately over the Cheltenham Cross Country fences for the past two years winning twice in handicap company over 3M 6F. Pulled up in the latest renewal of that race in March where his trainer stated his horse hated the soft ground. Hard to fancy and needs the rain to stay away. Martin Keighley 9-13 DEFI BLEU Another of the Gordon Elliott/ Gigginstown battalion who’s best ever runs have come over the furthest distances he’s run over when runner up in the Cork Grand National last November and third in the Punchestown Grand National Trial in February. Todays trip could well suit and one of the better big outsiders if making the cut. Gordon Elliott 9-12 MILAN NATIVE You have to go back eleven starts and 30 months to find the ten year olds last success. Won the Kim Muir at the Cheltenham Festival in 2020 and well treated here on that run but looks a former shade of that horse nowadays and a no hoper. Gordon Elliott 9-10 PUNITIVE Won the 3M 5F Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse last December looking a true stayer although has run moderately in two starts since, pulling up at Cheltenham in the Kim Muir when a 40/1 chance. May well stay but Gordon Elliot has others with much better chances than this 9 year old. Gordon Elliott 9-10 GEVREY Did well at Cheltenham last time when finishing fourth at 125/1 beaten only 5 1/4L in the Plate Handicap Chase over 2 1/2M. Has raced predominately at that intermediate trip throughout his career and the massive step up to 4M 2 1/2F here is not certain to suit this big outsider. Gordon Elliott 9-10 BORN BY THE SEA Just 2 wins from 19 starts over fences in his career and this Irish trained 9 year old also has stamina to prove. Soundly beaten all four starts this season and impossible to give any chance too. Paul Gilligan 9-10 FAKIERA Lightly raced Irish chaser who’s yet to win over fences in ten starts. Runner up over 3m 5F in Porterstown Handicap Chase at Fairyhouse last December was his best run this season. 50/1 chance when pulling up in NH Chase at Cheltenham Festivalon latest start. Unlikely to break his maiden over fences here. Gordon Elliott 9-8 MORTAL Last won over fences back in August 2020 and has gone 17 races since visiting the winners enclosure. Eleven year old now and unlikely to make the final field. Gordon Elliott 9-8 CAPTAIN KANGAROO Winner of the Cork Grand National last November but this eight year old Irish chaser has lost his form completely since and pulled up in the Midlands Grand National in March. Unseated at 9th on only taste of these unique fences in the Becher Chase last November and is unlikely to make the final field. W P Mullins 9-8 DARRENS HOPE Irish mare who won a grade two chase at Punchestown last November beating Minella Crooner at 20/1. That was over 2M 6F and has yet to try distances beyond 3M so stamina could be an issue here. Looking to become the first mare since Nickel Coin in 1951 to win the Grand National though is highly unlikely. Robert Murphy 9-8 CAPTAIN CATTISTOCK Ten year old gelding who has won 5 of his 20 starts over fences and stays very well. Was runner up in the Edinburgh National at Musselburgh when last seen in February, a race he won the previous year. No doubt he stays well but unlikely to get into the final field. Fergal O’Brien 9-5 SECRET REPRIEVE Former dual winner of the Welsh Grand National. Appears to have lost his form though and was last seen pulling up in the Midlands Grand National at Uttoxeter in March. A doughty stayer trained in Wales who’s best on very soft ground although unlikely to make the final field. Evan Williams 9-5 FANTASTIKAS It’s been a while since he’s shown any real form and although he’s very well handicapped over park fences is likely to be way out of the handicap proper if making the final field which looks slim. Very hard to fancy and a big outsider. Nigel Twiston Davies 9-5 Summary:- Corach Rambler can race off of the same mark that he won the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and is the right favourite as he is 10lb well in here although he does still have to prove his stamina (ran 4th beaten 20L in the 3M 5F Classic Chase last season which is the furthest he’s ever run over). Placed in the last two Nationals Any Second Now looks sure to be thereabouts although will have to shoulder top weight in the absence of Hewick. Last year’s winner Noble Yeats ran well in the Gold Cup and is another possible although he is some 19lb higher this year and I would prefer the Cheltenham Cross Country winner Delta Work who ran third last year beaten 22L and is now 20lb better off with Noble Yeats. Willie Mullins’ second season novice Gaillard Du Mesnil had a tough race in winning the NH Chase at Cheltenham possibly fortuitously and has yet to be confirmed a definite runner. My shortlist comprises of the aforementioned Delta Work, Vanillier who ran well behind Kemboy in the Bobbyjo Chase at Fairyhouse last time and looks well treated and The Big Dog. The latter is a very interesting runner trained in Ireland by Peter Fahey. He’s looked an improved performer this season winning valuable staying chases at Limerick and Navan prior to a credible third in the Welsh Grand National. He was actually mixing it with the Gold Cup winner Galopin Des Champs in the Irish Gold Cup last time when falling two out when bang in contention. He surely wouldn’t have troubled the winner that day but could easily have hit the frame which would of been a hell of a effort. His trainer has reported since that he’s fine after the fall https://www.racingfactors.com/news/article/the-big-dog-impresses-fahey-with-racecourse-school___01gty9caxv66r4wrg29sf0g684 and they will doing extensive schooling from now on in. To be fair he’s usually a sound jumper and had never fallen before in his career under rules. His best form appears to be on soft ground so the more juice in the ground the better. An out and out stayer who’s in top form this season he’s worth backing now each way with the firms who are paying five places at the general 25/1. THE BIG DOG 1 point each way @ 25/1 William Hill, Betfred, bet365 1/5th 12345

A Different View From a Quirky Eye. 130 (4 places bet365) Of the shorter prices I think it would be foolish to assume Facile Vega ran a race last time out so is the obvious winner to these eyes however if connections have sorted its quirks out I think High Definition is a good ew play of the English runners I prefer Strong Leader at the prices. Footnote after I wrote this I notice it has been cut from 50/1 to 25/1. Remember these are novices. 210 (3 places) Again bear in mind that these are novices, Jonbon beat El Fabiolo and I always think that the loser has more to prove than the winner so Jonbon of the shorter prices, at the bigger prices I think Straw Fan Jack is well overpriced at 100/1. 250 (6 places bet365) For me is a pin sticker other than Corach Rambler who's connections were lucky to get away with schooling in public last time out, 2nd fav for the grand national this one stands out to me. Cloudy Glen at 20/1 is a good price for the EW. 330. Even these eyes can see Constitution Hill but we all know what can happen so no bet for me 410. Some people will kick themselves silly if Honeysuckle wins this at the 4/1 on offer at the time of writing. 450 (6 places) I think we are looking for a couple of EW chances in this and I will put up two with an addendum. Shared 50/1 has done little wrong and Ludus 33/1 for shrewdie Elliott, Oddly enough both my selections are ex Roger Charlton Horses, I initially suggested a bet on another ex Charlton horse in Amir Kabir also trained by Elliot but that one is a no show. The addendum is that Jessica Harrington has only brought 4 horses to the festival so Mighty Mo Missouri is also worth a consideration. 520 (3 places) We shouldn't fear one horse but I don't see the fav as particularly strong to be odds on, it loses far more than it wins but we have amateur Jockeys so who knows, Codd (chemical energy) has a great record in this type of race but im going to risk a few small sheckles on Coolvalla 22/1 and Bellatrixsa 100/1 at these prices. Whatever you pick and whatever you bet on I hope you have a good and enjoyable day.

The ITV cameras bring us seven races today with four coming from the feature meeting at Sandown who have to pass a 8 AM inspection with a chilly night forecast and with the ground very much on the soft side and three from Wolverhampton where it’s Lincoln trial day. Here’s my thoughts on the seven. Wolverhampton 1.30 The days action kicks off with a ten runner 6F class handicap. Silkie Wilkie arrives in decent form having made all to win at Kempton last time and although 6lb higher will surely have his followers. Anything Billy ‘The Kid’ Loughnane rides has to be given respect and he’s on board Baldomero for Mick Appleby and The Horse Watchers and also has claims. The one I like however is bottom weight Ingra Tor trained by rookie handler Jack Channon who took over the reigns from his father Mick earlier this year and has already had 3 winners from 20 runners. He’s been gelded since last seen some 197 days ago but was a useful turf sprinter last summer who has already won on the all weather. If he’s ready to go he looks worthy of a bet. INGRA TOR 2 points win @ 6/1 Bet Victor Sandown 1.50 A decent sized field of seventeen turn up for the EBF Betfair NH Novices’ Handicap Hurdle. The race as one would expect has a very open look about it with several holding chances. On my short list is Gary Moore’s Inneston who was last seen winning over course and distance 23 days ago from Twin Powers, one of three Paul Nicholls runners in the race. Dan Skelton’s Etalon is another possible having won well at Wetherby last time and sporting a first time tongue tie here. I’m going to take a chance however on Milton Harris’ Twinjets who is better off at the weights for being beaten by Twin Powers over course and distance in February and has already won twice in soft ground so will certainly enjoy the wet terrain. There’s additional places available here so make sure you search them out. TWINJETS 1 point each way @ 10/1 Bet365 1/5th 12345 Wolverhampton 2.05 The Spreadex Sports Lincoln Trial Handicap is up next. Run over 1M 142 yards it is, as the name suggests, a trial for the big one at Doncaster next month. A field of thirteen have declared with the favourite the one I like best. Trained at Newmarket by John & Thady Gosden Unforgotten runs in the royal blue Godolphin silks and will be ridden today by one of their jockeys in James Doyle. He returned from a 659 day absence to win two handicaps at Lingfield over a mile a tad cosily, coming late and fast to mow down his opponents. The handicapper has had his say by pushing him up 8lb but that may not be enough to stop this lightly raced Exceed And Excel roan from winning again. Last year’s winner Notre Belle Bete is back to defend his title but is now 8lb higher whilst a bigger threat may well be the Mick Appleby trained War In Heaven who’s chasing a course and distance five timer. UNFORGOTTEN 2 points win @ 4/1 bet365 Sandown 2.25 A bumper field of 18 face the starter for the feature race of the day - the Betfair Imperial Cup Handicap Hurdle run over the minimum trip of two miles. Like the EBF Final the contest has a wide open look about it. Gary Moore’s Givega is a decent novice who bounced back to form when winning a novice hurdle over course and distance last time and in his first handicap is high on my short list. Ireland send two over having plundered the race last year with last year’s winning trainer Peter Fahey saddling Zoffany Bay who was a massive drifter last time at Ascot when running really well to finish runner up to the improver Irish Hill. Dan Skelton’s Playful Saint should also be considered having bolted up last time at Leicester whilst cases can be made for top weight Metier who will love the heavy ground and even Venetia William’s charge Djelo. Stakes kept small but it’s Givega for me each way with additional places. GIVEGA 1 point each way @ 8/1 Betfair Sportsbook 1/5th 12345 Wolverhampton 2.40 Eight go to post for the Spreadex Sports Lady Wulfruna Stakes, a listed contest run over 7F. A strong fancy here is the Ralph Beckett trained Angel Bleu, a smart soft ground turf performer who’s making his all weather debut for a trainer who won with 3 of his last 4 runners. Angel Bleu has kept the best company on turf running in group one company on 4 of his last 5 starts winning two of them. With no penalties for those victories he may simply outclass his seven opponents headed by last years winner Tinker Toy, who’s very in and out and Andrew Balding’s Berkshire Shadow who’s been gelded since last seen 212 days ago. From a yard in red hot form Angel Bleu will be very hard to beat if anywhere near fit enough. ANGEL BLEU 3 points win @ 3/1 William Hill Sandown 3.00 Only nine turn up for this listed mares only bumper. At the head of the market we have the easy Hereford winner Casa No Mento trained in the Cotswolds by Nigel Twiston Davies whilst there shouldn’t be much between Harry Fry’s Goodtimecrew and Paul Nicholls’ Larchmont Lass who wears a first time hood here. That may be enough to turn the tables and in a tricky contest is worth a small interest. LARCHMONT LASS 1 point win @ 11/2 bet365 Sandown 3.35 A small field of six face the starter for this 2m 4F 10 yard class 1 handicap chase and features the best bet of the day in the favourite Easy As That trained by Venetia Williams. Soft ground is a must for the improving eight year old who’s won two of his three starts over fences in splendid style rising 16lb for wins at Haydock and Newcastle. Olly Murphy saddles his dual winner this season in No Risk Des Flos and he may be the biggest threat although Brian Ellison’s Baron De Middleton shouldn’t be overlooked as he appeared to improve last time for a wind op. He may not appreciate the soft conditions however. EASY AS THAT 3 points win @ 6/4 BetVictor

2 for me today , good luck guys whatever you back today been a busy few weeks with work be nice to relax and watch the racing/football 😎

3.00 Kelso Santos blue 8.2 7/2 Raffertus return 8.0 8/1 Nells son 7.7 Well educated 7.5 Very competitive race with questions ....can Santos blue improve ?....Will nells son get the dist ?.....Tricky......I'll try 10pt win Santos...5pt ew rafferty 2pt win doubles top 2 in both above races

EL Muchacho 1 50 Kel/ { £25 ew } 33/1 Banjaxed 2 25 Kel/ { £ 25 ew } 33/1 Enemy Coast Ahead 3 00 Kel/ { £ 25 ew } 33/1 New Ross 3 10 Nav/ { £ 25 ew } 16/1

Curragh irish lincoln Current option 8.9 25/1 Cosmic vega 8.7 14/1 Mashoor 8.4 25/1 Very very difficult race ....no degree of certainty here as its,as wide open as you'd imagine ....but good prices so I'll try 5pt ew top 3 and Hope lady luck lends a hand ✋

Done the speed figures for Meydan. Couple of additional thoughts 1) Andre Fabre is a genius, 2) Do not underestimate the Japanese horses they are race fit. but here we go.... 1205 golden goal 132 bathrat leon 129 prince eiji 128 1240 quickthorn 142 (wow). i like enemy but 2m is a big question so will pass subjectivist is a danger if it is back to where it was before injury. Addition- given my perceived weakness (quickthorn excluded now backed into 8/1) of this race i have an update, the German raider Sisfahan is a dark horse to consider, breeding says should stay the trip and at 50/1 must be worth a sheckle or two. and a r/fc with Quickthorn 115 al suhail (never won at the trip) 132. san donato 131 danyah 130 150 too hard to rate 225 switzerland 127 310 lord north 139 nations pride 135 master of the seas 133 400 botanik 134 rebel romance 130 shahryah 127 435 panthalasa 133 (won the saudi cup) 9/1 is an insulting price algiers 130.

0.1 e/w L15 boylesports = 3pts N0 RETURN 2. utt- ASK EARLY 12/1 4places 2.40 kemp-CAPTAIN TOM CAT 22/1 4places 3.00utt-TIME TO GET UP 10/1 5places 3.50 Kemp EDEFFS ELTON 13/2 3places Combi f'/c ,25 3.00 utt = 3pts NO RETURN time to get up-the two amigos -secret reprive-major dundee 1.pt e/w 3.00 utt MAJOR DUNDEE 12/1 5places bet365 won 16.40 1pt e/w 2.25 utt-FLIGHT DECK 22/1 4places bet365 LOST 10pts Played in total Return 18.80pts P/L + 40.82 pts 👍

Wow ! Last day fireworks as @Pankysmoochsomehow finds the 66/1 winner of the Hunter Chase, Premier Magic. To rub salt in the wound he also selects the 33/1 winner of the County Hurdle, Faivoir. He finishes well clear of the 2nd, @daveg, who also selected Faivoir. @Redno2009's excellent 3rd day performance ensures he finishes in 3rd place. Could the prize winners please PM pay-pal details. Allow 21 days for payment. Next stop Aintree !

Coral cup 26 runner cavalry ...jeez Computer has thrown up .......top 2 Langer dan 9.0 12/1 Camprond 8.8 14/1 Neither is in form tbh so a bit weird but camprond is jp mcmanus ....is it coup time ???.🤔 I'll try 10pt ew both

With all attention on Cheltenham sometimes it is easy to miss some real nuggets elsewhere and we have one tomorrow night in the 7:30 at Kempton East Asia ridden by Billy Buick has an outstanding chance, this horse was beaten 5 1/2L into second by Manobo at last years Dubai carnival (G3) in an incredible time. Manobo is the 2nd fastest horse over 1m6f i have ever recorded (Arc winner Alpenista being the fastest). Priced up at 7/2 for tomorrows race i fully expect East Asia to win this and then go on to win the final on AW champions day. My only concern and it is a small concern is that it hasn't won on the AW but the 7/2 price offsets that because in my opinion in this class 3 it should be evens or shorter. Warning since posting- East Asia has taken a walk in the market it is an unbelievable 7/1 as i type, either this horse is "not off" today or it is totally underestimated, I suspect it is the former and cling precariously to the hope that it is the later. It may well be running as "tune up" qualifier for aw finals day. Its best performance was first time up last year so it can run well fresh. It will be very interesting to see how this pans out. Either way it tells you all you need to know about what is wrong with the racing game, the bookies and connections have access to information that the punter does not and that is wrong, if this horse loses today and then wins on finals day it just confirms what we already know and that is we are being treated like mugs.

Top 3 in each Division, please can you Message me on here with your PayPal email address and I will collate and pass on to management who will arrange the payments. Also Overall Top 5 please send me your address so we can post out the PL merchandise (mug and pens) if you'd like it. To Message, either hover over my name and click the Message envelope which comes up bottom left, or click the envelope at the top of the forum page. If you're a previous winner feel free to tag it onto our last messages and just confirm if details are still the same. Give us a couple of weeks to get payments organised. Merchandise is shipped from our suppliers so may take longer - if you aren't in the UK we'll do our best to get them to you, but there are shipping restrictions from our supplier and unfortunately in some cases it might not be possible. Well done everyone. WINNERS DIV 1 @stuboy43 £75. @Xcout £50. @AdriaN92 £30. DIV 2 @Procalc £60. @Cuko £40. @APitt1988 £25. DIV 3 @dj.orange £50. @Bagzi £35. @Redno2009 £20. DIV 4 @Marek76 £40. @1945harry £30. @silver fox £20. DIV 5 @przemek £35. @Nosey-P £25. @Astleavista £15. DIV 6 @Wanderlust £30. @Tiffy £20. @BARNSLEYCHOP £10. DIV 7 @daisychain £20. @Like A Roughie £15. @Gizmo £10. DIV 8 @Budgie 65 £20. @Larkin22 £15. @Gray306 £10. TOP 5 OVERALL @Marek76 @1945harry @Budgie 65 @dj.orange @Procalc PL Mug & Pens.

Nice 13/1 double lands to start the day 😃

150 Kelso Teddy blue 8.1 7/1 Colonel mustard 7.9 7/1 Mctigue 7.5 Collingham 7.5 Classy race...hard to know how good mctigue is but top 2 look value to take him on ....5pt ew top 2

But, to be fair, no less naive than we would be in believing that the month end long shots are necessarily anyone’s best bet of the day rather than a legitimate attempt to win a prize. Bottom line is you can tweak the rules as much as you like and people will adapt their strategy to play to the limit of the rules and others will again feel it’s contrary to the spirit of the competition. I think people have lost sight of the “fun competition” angle as flagged by @Zilzalianalong with keep it simple and if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. I’d say the odds on shot furore is a massive red herring, no one would be thumping that particular tub if it was about winning the naps comp, the issue is with the prize for most winners. Some people like it some don’t. It would make more sense to call for the prize to be scrapped than odds on shots banned if that’s how you feel. Or you’ll just end up complaining about people picking close to evens shots in a blatant attempt to win the prize. With regards to minimum winners I’d leave well alone. As @MCLARKEsays, if someone hits a big winner early they could just play at minimum odds (whatever they end up being) in an attempt to secure the win. Better to leave it as it is so that they’re more likely to carry on posting their actual nap for the rest of the month. You could also end up with the comp being done and dusted before month end if the chasing back can no longer hit the minimum number of winners. Dare I say the competition is fine as it is, resolve the bog issue, stop tinkering and move on. You’ll never please everyone, in life generally and probably more so on here.

Had a bit of a shocker yesterday ....... lost by half a point in the PL Cup Final, my Nap of the Day lost, my selections in the £20 thread lost, all 3 of my football bets lost including a big stake double scuppered by the Welsh injury time equaliser. So it's time for a change Chuck out the short priced favourites, chuck out the all weather speed ratings and time to look for some EW shots in handicaps I'm looking at the 3 decent handicap chases at Carlisle this afternoon hoping they all run so I get 3 places in each race So I'm not even looking at any horse in single figure odds ...... just anything 10/1 and above . Giving them ticks based on Suitability of track/trip/ground - class and hcap mark - yard form - horse's current form Now obviously there's going to be some doubts about all of them or they wouldn't be double figure odds ...... but here's what I think are the most likely of the bigger priced runners to be involved in the finish Carlisle 2.25 - Getaway Luv - EW 12/1 bet365 - main doubt here is track & going but he has won RH and has won over a longer trip on Soft so hopefully he'll get the shorter trip on Heavy 3.35 - Uptown Harry - EW 11/1 bet365 - mostly ticks here apart from Yard Form, but it's not desperately bad 4.45 - Skyhill - EW 14/1 bet365 - bit trickier here because all the double figure priced horses have a couple of doubts over them. With Skyhill he usually runs in worse races than this but the conditions look OK and he's in decent form

The ITV cameras roll on to Newbury (3 races) and Kelso (4 races) with the ground currently good to soft at Kelso (and likely to stay that way) and soft at Newbury with further rain to come so it would be no shock were the Berkshire track to soften more. They also show the final three races from Meydan including the Dubai World Cup at 4.35. Here’s my thoughts on those ten races - Newbury 1.30 A dozen novice hurdlers face the starter in this 2m 3F valuable novices’ handicap hurdle. Likely favourite is the Gary Moore trained Inneston who’s already won in handicap company at Sandown in February and ran a stormer when runner up in the EBF Novices’ Handicap Hurdle Final at the same track a fortnight ago. The handicapper has had his say mind in raising him 7lb but he still looks the one they all have to beat. Kerry Lee’s Atlanta Brave is making his handicap debut having won a couple of small races at Chepstow and Hereford in January and is possibly well treated along with Chris Gordon’s Red Windsor who’s recent second at Fontwell has been boosted by the subsequent victories of the winner and the fourth that day. Michael Bell is better known as a flat trainer but his bottom weight Artistic Choice ran well over the minimum trip here last time in handicap company and is yet another with claims now stepping up 3F in trip. A tough race to start the afternoons terrestrial TV action but I have to stick with Innneston who’s second last time came in a better race than this and under trainer’s son Jamie should go very close with my next best being Red Windsor. INNESTON 2 points win @ 10/3 William Hill Kelso 1.50 Run over 2m 5F next up we have the Bet Victor Go North Cab On Target Handicap Hurdle Final with a good sized field of 15 facing the starter. Another hard race to crack although I do think that the Darragh Bouke trained eight year old Coral Blue has a very solid look about him. He’s on a hat trick of wins having scored at Musselburgh and Ayr in February rising 13lb and with Sean Bowen taking the ride looks sure to be thereabouts. Diane Sayer’s The Navigator is an interesting opponent but he’s down to run on Friday so must be considered doubtful. Sue Smith’s Prairie Wolf could also take a part in the finish having gone down by a short head at Doncaster to Galahad Threepwood earlier this month. He’s been given a 5lb rise for that effort but can be competitive under Ross Chapman. A tough race with preference just for Coral Blue who is still improving. CORAL BLUE 1 point each way @ 6/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 Newbury 2.05 Just ten have declared for this class 2 2m 4f handicap chase and it’s fair to say that all ten have some sort of chance. Dan Skelton’s bottom weight Heltenham is the current favourite and must have a solid chance having been raised 7lb for his cosy 4L win at Ffos Las last month. Henry Oliver’s The Big Bite had Paul Nicholl’s Espoir De Guye 18L behind when winning the Greatwood Gold Cup over course and distance three weeks ago and it’s surprising that on 8lb better terms the latter is shorter in the betting currently. Richard Hobson’s Riders Onthe Storm is back on a winning mark and in a first time visor has to be respected but the one that takes my eye is the Nigel Twiston-Davies’ Super Six. He’s only had four runs over fences and is probably still on the upgrade. He was impressive when a 15L winner at Haydock last time and although he’s up 9lb for that run there may well be more to come with the trainer’s son Sam on top. SUPER SIX 1 point each way @ 13/2William Hill 1/5th 1234 Kelso 2.25 Just the seven here for this class 2 3m 2f handicap hurdle. Cases can be made for all with bottom weight Jet Legs my pick. He came late and fast to pass Shot Boi on the run in over 3M at Wetherby earlier in the month and todays extra 2F look ideal for Martin Todhunter’s six year old. He’s been shunted up 5lb for that victory although with useful 5lb claiming conditional jockey Patrick Wadge taking over from 3lb claiming conditional Theo Gillard thus reducing the rise by a couple of pounds. Top weight Pym will surely need this run his first for 538 days so the biggest threats may well come from the hat trick seeking Nick Alexander trained Theme Tune who’s recent win at Newcastle was boosted by the subsequent win of the runner up Bushypark and Samuel Drinkwater’s Spike Jones who was last seen when winning at his favourite track Fontwell on Danny Burton’s final ride before retiring. JET LEGS 1 point win @ 10/3 bet365 Newbury 2.40 A mares only novices’ handicap hurdle with a maximum field of 18 is up next and as you would expect has a very open look about it. Many have chances including handicap debutant Ruby Island from the Mark Walford stables and the Skelton runner Royale Dancer also making his handicap debut. Top weight Ilovethenightlife’s form ties in with Noel Williams’ Moviddy though have enough weight to my eyes. On my shortlist is the very much in form Nicky Richards runner Aubis Walk, a very easy 23L winner at Sedgefield last time who could be well treated under San Quinlan and Blue Beach who is trained by the under estimated handler Mel Rowley. His form stacks up well having been impressive in his only bumper and running into the Cheltenham mares novice hurdle winner You Wear It Well back in October. She was a comfortable winner at 4/11 last time at Huntingdon and a mark of 108 may well underestimate her ability. With her jockey Alex Andrews claiming 3lb she’s my main bet here but I must have a small stakes each way saver on the Northern raider Aubis Walk. BLUE BEACH 1 point each way @ 12/1 William Hill 1/5th 123456 AUBIS WALK 1/2 point each way @ 9/1 William Hill 1/5th 123456 Kelso 3.00 A field of nine assemble for this class 2 mares’ novices handicap hurdle run over 2m and gives us a good betting opportunity in the shape of the Fergal O’Brien trained Bonttay who has a a touch of class about her even if she can take a bit of a hold. She was a smart bumper horse winning three times including in listed company at Cheltenham and broke her duck over hurdles at the third time of asking when winning well at Exeter in February. No match for the higher rated Hourvari at Market Rasen since she can take this in first time cheek pieces which hopefully will enable her to settle better. Her biggest threat may come from top weight Autumn Return whose latest second has been subsequently boosted by wins for the fourth and fifth that day and has the added bonus of 5lb conditional jockey Patrick Wadge on board. With Paddy Brennan here to ride Bonttay she can out class these. BONTTAY 3 points win @ 9/4 bet365 Meydan 3.10 With a cool £2,500,000 up for grabs for first prize not surprisingly the 9F Dubai Turf has attracted a stellar international field of fifteen now with the late defection of favourite Do Deuce due to lameness. The Japanese still head the market however with the impressive Serifos who holds a decent chance. Ryan Moore who knows the Japanese form well made a point of mentioning another Japenses runner in Danon Beluga as well in his recent Betfair column so maybe he’s one to keep an eye on. To be honest I’ve no idea how good the Far Eastern form is so I’ll be sticking with the European team which includes a Charlie Appleby pair of Nations Pride and Master Of The Seas with Buick presumably picking the former. John and Thady Gosden should never be discounted on their foreign trails and they have Lord North entered who prepped for this race by winning at Lingfield a month ago in the Winter Derby. The one horse who looks a bit overpriced on his form is Saeed Bin Suroor’s Real Word who is actually the top rated horse in the field. A smart gelding who was runner up to Baaeed twice last year (what price would he be in this field?) and apparently badly needed his prep run for this race over course and distance with his trainer stating before hand he was only 80-85% fit. On his best form and surely straighter now he maybe the value bet each way from a favourable gate draw of 7 and with Oisin Murphy on top. REAL WORLD 1 point each way @ 8/1 1/5th 1234 Kelso 3.35 Back at Kelso and it’s a 3M 2F class 2 handicap chase featuring ten runners. An interesting runner is the Irish trained Clonguille Way in the care of John McConnell who brings just the one runner over for this meeting so has to be respected. The horse that is very much in the upgrade unlike many of these is the Anthony Honeyball trained Forward Plan who’s won two of his three starts over fences both at Southwell in class 4 company. This represents a step up in grade but he appears to be improving fast and even a 10lb rise for his latest victory may not be enough to stop this Ben Godfrey ridden seven year old from getting his hat trick up. He’s the bet here but I ask you to keep an eye on Lucinda Russell’s Mighty Thunder who’s now rated 17lb lower than his Scottish National win of 2021. Today may not be the day for him but with that race on the horizon it’ll be interesting to see if he shows any sparkle. FORWARD PLAN 2 points win @ 3/1 bet365 Meydan 4.00 Ten assemble for the Dubai Sheema run over 12F of the turf course. The prize money is something else with the winner taking home a cool £3 million and even the 6th capturing £100k. With the bottom horse rated 113 this is a very classy international renewal as you would expect. The Japanese have 3 entries including the short priced favourite Equinox who’s won two big races in his native country in the Arima Kinem and Tenno Sho and is (apparently!) the pick of that trio although he can take quite a keen hold. Back to Ryan Moore again and his Betfair column and he put in a good word for Win Marilyn at a double figure price. Moore himself rides last year’s Irish Derby winner Westover for Ralph Beckett and should be thereabouts. His Arc De Triomphe run can easily be dismissed as the race was run on ground that was too testing for him. Charlie Appleby’s runner is Rebels Romance who’s won his last five races in England x2, Germany x2 and America - a real tough horse who can also run well. The bet though must be the John and Thady Gosden trained Mostahdaf who looked an improved performer when bolting up in Saudi last month taking a race worth three quarters of a million pounds apart winning by 7L over 1m 2 1/2F. He won’t mind stepping up in trip here and is worth an each way bet under Jim Crowley who knows him so well. MOSTAHDAF 1 point each way @ 13/2 William Hill 1/5th 123 Meydan 4.35 The afternoon’s entertainment concludes with the £10 million guaranteed Dubai World Cup which will be run on the dirt over 10F. Fifteen go to post which includes last year’s winner Country Grammar trained in America by Bob Baffert. Last seen when runner up in the Saudi Cup in February securing a ridiculous £2,917,000 for being beaten!, he’ll be ready to roll this afternoon with Frankie Dettori looking to top up his coffers on board in his final year race riding. He has drawn stall 14 mind which is not ideal.The British interest surrounds around the Simon and Ed Crisford trained Algiers who’s taken his form to another level this year at Meydan winning two grade two’s by 6L. The Newmarket based six year old will be ridden by James Doyle who has been on board for both starts this season. The only negative is the fact he’s been drawn out wide in stall 13 which is not ideal and he’ll be out wide with the favourite Country Grammar looking to get across. The Japanese are a major force nowadays in these big international races and have eight running here. If he wasn’t drawn outside I would suggest a bigger bet on last years winner Country Grammar but with Dettori the master tactician I’m sure he’ll have a plan and I’ll take him to small stakes to win back to back Dubai World Cups. COUNTRY GRAMMAR 1 point win @ 4/1 William Hill

Won't be able to watch the race as I'm at the football but 3 of last year's top 6 are entered again & all on good marks so when bet365 price paying 6 places will back . CASANOVA 25/1 3rd 40/1 👍 STAR HARBOUR 16/1 COMFORT LINE 14/1 Last 5 winning draws / going 2022 ( 12 ) Yielding 2021 ( 5 ) Soft / Heavy 2020 ( 1 ) Good to Firm 2019 ( 3 ) Yielding to Soft 2018 ( 1 ) Soft / Heavy In 2014 stall 18 on soft to heavy won the highest drawn in long while with stall 3 being the most successful . I AM SUPERMAN 20/1 all prices bet365 b.o.g & 6 places . well a high draw won , 1st time in donkeys years .

After a few days looking abit more into racing and some sort of system I've got together ( not sure how it's going to pan out) First day of placing any bets on the selections. 1.50 Uttox - Up for parol 2.25 Uttox - Trelawne 2.40 Kemp - Beakstown 3.00 Uttox- Two amigos I'm trying a E/w lucky 15

After the excitement of Cheltenham, it is back to more mundane racing this week-end with the grandly named Midlands Grand National taking centre stage at Uttoxeter. It is run over 4 miles, 2 furlongs and 8 yards and is open to horses aged 5 years or older. Off time is 3.00. 18 go to post and some bookmakers are offering each-way terms of 6 places which make this an excellent betting proposition. I have looked at the statistics over the last 9 years and these are my key conclusions. Horses should ideally have HAD a reasonable rest. Those that last ran less than 38 days ago have just 2 wins from 97 attempts with a loss of 59 points at SP. The remainder have recorded 7 wins from 62 attempts with a profit of 6 points. It is an advantage to be carrying a light weight. The ideal range is 10st 3lb to 10st 12lb. These horses have produced 8 wins from 62 runs with a profit of 27 points. The remainder have produced just 1 win from 97 attempts with a loss of 80 points. This leaves 3 horses. I would suggest backing these each way. SECRET REPRIEVE 7/1 – 5 places TRUCKERS LODGE 11/1 – 5 places FLOUEUR 66/1 – 5 places

County hurdle Hunters yarn 8.5 6.0 Pembroke 8.3 10.0 Gin coco 8.3 12.5 See if can finish with a bang ....I'll try 10pt wins top 3

120 started, only 102 made it to the final week, 243 winning bets achieved with 89 of us having at least one winner. 36 players completed 10 weeks in profit. As usual in final week we had some massive bets which resulted in a few M A S S I V E wins, lots of losses and only 17 winners overall. The top 4 Divisions came good in the end and made an overall profit with Division 8 joining in too, and creditable efforts by the other 3 means we jointly ended up for the season. Top of the overall after an emormous final week gamble is @Marek76 followed by @1945harry, both jumping up the table with 4 figure final banks . @Procalc and @Budgie 65 keep their places amongst the top 5 having been there for several weeks and @dj.orange leaps up the table in between them with a final week big win. Well done to our top 5 overall, but creditable mention also to @silver fox and @Cuko who finished behind on £500+ banks. @Procalc managed an amazing 8 winning weeks with @Gray306 on 7 and @buga00 on 6. Here's the overall table, Divisions to follow shortly.

Good time jonny { wolf in sheeps clothing } 😀

2.50 CH- .5 e/w THE WOLF 40/1 corals bog 5places- .5 e/w ICEO MADRIK 50/1 Bet 365 bog 6places. 2pts invested P/L 1.22pts The wolf has been running well enough and is on a nice low weight now while the pipe horse having first run since arriving from france could be anything some decent runs in decent races over there the softer gound the better both very big prices and worth e/w bets imho.

Corach lands the double (with marine ) 10pt ew doubles pays 570.00 ....Good start to fest

@PercyP @nawoo @Alastair @Data @Heisenberg68 @runadrum @Gary66 @Joelavfc @skyblues88 @imavillan please either like this post or reply if you would like to join back in

Thank you for all the input, it's been really helpful. I think we all deserve a week's rest so we will restart on weekend of 17/18/19/20 March. We'll have to take a 1 week break the week after due to the unfortunate timing of the International Break, but it looks like we can then run through to end of May and have another 10 week competition. We will lose the Scottish Prem league half way in, but I can put the Championship in for a couple of weeks after that. We'll have 7 weeks of EFL and then presumably a few weekend play off matches at least. I'll add in Portuguese Primeira Liga from May.

Looks favs day at Bangor with Hughes in control all to bsp 123 so elegant 308 jungle jack 343 rock hauley 418 methodtothemadness 453 ballybawn Not that excited about Newbury 205 heltenham / ridersonthe storm ew 425 not available/ family business

0,1pt e/w bet 365 bog = 3pt +P/L 37.82 pts Mogwli @ 10/1 Curragh 17:37 - Winner 5 - 1/ 5 0 Carrytheone @ 16/1 Curragh 15:25 - Winner 6 - 1/ 5 Chilean @ 33/1 Curragh 17:07 - Winner 5 - 1/ 5 0 Destined To Shine @ 6/1 Newbury 16:25 - Winner

RESULTS UPDATE couldn't find this thread earlier. Six winners today and a decent net profit of 23.25 points. Makes up for Cheltenham My MTD is now +29.92 and YTD - 65.35. A good day for me 🙂

After the four hectic days of the Cheltenham Festival it’s back to the more mundane but still competitive racing from Uttoxeter with their flagship race the Midlands Grand National and Kempton. Good to soft at the latter but softer still at the Midlands tack with officially soft ground. Kempton 1.30 We kick things off today with a seven runner class 3 novices’ handicap chase run over 2m 2F in which I feel we have one of the better bets of the afternoon in the Laura Morgan trained Whistleinthedock. Morgan must still be on cloud nine after her Ninetofive ran a stormer to finish runner up in the Turners Novices’ Chase on Thursday. The eight year old looks an improved horse since joining Morgan from Richard Hawker, a definite trainer upgrade. He’s won both his two chases and although it was only a match last time he easily put the 14lb rated superior Since Day One away by 9L. Tom George’s Stormin Crossgales’s form ties in with the top weights Cap Du Mathan and both have claims but it’s the Patrick Crowley ridden eight year old for me. WHISTLEINTHEDARK 2 points win @ 4/1 bet365 Uttoxeter 1.50 A class 3 2m 4F class 3 handicap hurdle with ten facing the starter is next up and features a Dan Skelton handicap debutant, ridden by his brother Harry, in likely favourite Hitching Jacking. He’s won here over course and distance and could easily take this but looks short enough to my eyes and I’ll take him on. A close eye must be kept on the bottom weight Limited Reserve trained by Christian Williams. He’s fallen down the weight to a winning mark so a market watch is essential. He can race off of a handicap mark of 105 today having been rated as high as 134 back in the day. I’ll chance him to small stakes each way but you would really want to see some support for him. Jack Tudor rides. LIMITED RESERVE 1/2 bet each way @ 16/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Kempton 2.05 A decent class 2 2m 5f handicap hurdle is up next with a dozen runners. Like many of the handicaps on ITV today it has a very open look about it. I’m prepared to give Harry Fry’s Lady Adare another chance following a disappointing effort on her re-appearance on soft ground having had her wind done since but my main bet here is the Gary Moore trained Yorksea who’s shown progressive form this season culminating in his latest effort when a credible 4th in the Betfair Hurdle beaten 13L. He remains on that mark and under his regular rider Niall Houlihan can take this competitive handicap. There are many others that can be fancied including Paul Nicholls’ Outlaw Peter and Nicky Henderson’s The Bomber Liston who’s surely better than his latest effort. An open race but Yorksea has arguably the best recent form and is worth backing each way. YORKSEA 1 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Uttoxeter 2.25 Another competitive handicap hurdle this time over 2m 7F 70 yards with a decent sized field of 14 declared. The more likelier lightly raced types are towards the bottom of the weights here with Kim Bailey’s Trelawne and Jonjo O’Neill’s Collectors Item making their handicap debuts and are a pair of possible players. Bottom weight Lord Snootie from Christian William’s’ stable falls into the same bracket and also holds claims. I’m going two handed into the race with Dan Skelton’s Wilde About Oscar my number one hope. He’s two from two here and appeared to be on his way back when 6th in the Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle at Kempton last time. He won on this card a couple of years ago and is now 10lb lower than that mark. The other one I think could run well is the top weight Sam Brown for the in form Anthony Honeyball camp. He’s been chasing for his last dozen starts but reverts to hurdles and a 12lb lower handicap mark than his chase one so could be well treated with Aidan Coleman booked to ride. He can race today off of 147 which is the chase mark he was on when winning at Aintree over fences last season by 15L. He’ll love the muddy conditions. WILDE ABOUT OSCAR 1 point each way @ 17/2 William Hill 1/5th 1234 SAM BROWN 1/2 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Kempton 2.40 Thirteen face the starter for this class 2 2m 4 1/2F handicap chase. Yet again it’s a wide open handicap where many can be given chances. Paul Nicholls’ Complete Unknown is a lightly raced gelding who’s shown enough in just two starts over fences to suggest he’ll go close whilst Jane Williams’ Galahad Quest appeared to improve for first time cheek pieces when beating a fair type in Iron Bridge at Warwick last month. A 7lb rise may not stop him being competitive here. Harry Derham’s Fidello Vallis is two from three at track and ran well on his first start for Derham having joined from Paul Nicholls and is another for the short list. The best value here though maybe the Harry Whittington trained 9 year old Rouge Vif who has tumbled down the weights racing off of 137 here having been rated as high as 164 in his pomp. Whittington had trained him for the Grand Annual at the Festival earlier this week but unfortunate he missed the cut. His trainer was bullish about his chances in that contest in a recent interview and is worth chancing here each way with additional places. Bet365 actually priced him at 33/1 when giving out prices on Thursday which I’m afraid will be long gone by the time you’re reading this. ROUGE VIF 1 point each way @ 12/1 bet354 1/5th 1234 3.00 Uttoxeter Today’s feature race is the £150,000 Midlands Grand National run over a stamina sapping 4M 2F in soft ground with a good field of 18 runners. Top weight Iwilldoit trained by Sam Thomas comes here having won the Welsh Grand National and the Classic Chase at Warwick rising some 15lb. He’s an out and out stayer who despite his big weight has to be considered. There’s plenty of threats mind including Oliver Signy’s French Paradoxe who would be on a five timer had he not crashed out at the last with the race at his mercy at Ffos Las in December. He’s impressed me and although he’s yet to race beyond three miles shapes like an out and out stayer who loves the mud and is my selection here with Gavin Sheehan on board, who’s been on top for his last five starts. Charlie Longsdon’s JP McManus owned Guetapan Collonges looked good winning here over 3M last time and has claims although is actually held by Iwilldoit on Warwick Classic Chase form. A tough race that will be all about the strongest stayer and the unexposed stayer French Paradoxe maybe the one. FRENCH PARADOXE 1 point each way @ 9/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 3.35 Uttoxeter A decent £40,000 3M class 2 novices’ handicap chase featuring eleven young chasers. The race has a very open look about it with a case to be made for literally every runner. Top weight Iron Bridge missed a few opportunities at Cheltenham this week to run here and despite top weight Jonjo O’Neill’s seven year old is on my short list. Anthony Honeyball’s Gustavian bolted up last time but may struggle to turn the form around with his previous conqueror Super Survivor, trained by Jamie Snowden, who was a good winner from Mister Coffey at Chepstow back in December with Gustavian 31L back in third and only 5lb better off. He’s a progressive chaser who is the pick here having only been shunted up 7lb for that victory. SUPER SURVIVOR 2 points win @ 11/2 William Hill

Wow indeed, what a day!, many thanks for running this competition it must be an absolute nightmare to do.

Truckers Tavern Utx/ 1/40th of a pt ew 20/1 Move it Like Minnie 2 05 Km 1/40pt of a pt ew 16/1 Dolphin Square 2 25 Km 1/40th of a pt ew 28/1 P/L + 160.45 pts

Going early tonight as will not have time tomorrow, off early to witness hopefully a wonderful days racing at the home of Jumps racing. Lucky 15 this one with Sky 2.10 Pinkerton 8 places 25/1 2.40 Seabank Bistro 6 places 16/1 3.30 Stattler 5 places 12/1 5.30 Saylavee 6 places 25/1

Some top class selections today with a total profit of a massive 143 points. Well done to the 6 of you who picked 33/1 Sire Du Berlais and the 10 that picked 20/1 Seddon . Special Kudos to @Redno2009who picked both and deservedly takes the daily price. He also takes the overall lead.

Pertemps final An taillur 8.7 12/1 Captain Morgs 8.4 18/1 Hector javilex 8.4 16/1; Ground might be quite soft so I'll try 5pt ew all 3 to be on safe side 🙂

Little lucky 31

4 day ACCA cheltenham

2nd and 1st ....nearly a double ....and ew 4th raffertys .....overall 70pt return ...outlay 48v....22pt profit .....I'll take that 😃

Couple of doubles, although putting ona few more later after footy. 1445 new paint the dream 1515 don coopers Cross And 1350 kel sholokjack 1410 new dargiannini Good luck all

Lucky 15. 2.45. Newb. Paint the Dream 5/2 4.35. Newb. Flash Collonges 7/2 2.05. Donc. Sergeant Wilson 2/1 5.10. Newb. May Hill 4/1 stk. 7.50. rtn. 296.50. Good luck all.

Kelso. Single. 3.00. Mahons Glory 13/2 3rd stk.5.00. rtn. 37.00. Lingfield. Double. 4.51. Jersey Gift 12/1 unpl 4.16. Fair and Square 8/1 unpl singles & double. stk. 6.00. rtn 147.33. Good luck all.