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Hi all, I have been messaged by @MCLARKE to state he's currently in hospital but is hopeful he will be out and back to his normal routine in a couple of days so there will be a small delay to the NAP table being updated this week. We wish Michael all the best with what he hopes is a swift recovery and if he needs more time for recovery then we will look to get the tables updated for him. Understandably, this is Michael's labour of love and he's keen to continue to update it himself if possible for continuity purposes. Thank you! Steve

Well done to regular contributor @LEE-GRAYS who only selected 200/1 winner Milldean Felix in yesterday naps table - superb stuff ??

Just a quick message on this for 2022/23 season. I intended to get going for Prem league start this week but haven't had chance to get it sorted so rather than rush and potentially catch people out we'll look to start weekend of 13th. This also coincides with the Spanish La Liga restart so we should have the full complement of matches for then. I'm intending to hold just 3 seasons this time so we can do the full 10 week run with a week off in between. We'll also need to take a break mid-season when the World Cup break starts. Everyone who completed season 4 last year will be allocated a place and new players are also invited to join in. I will put up a new thread as soon as possible with confirmation of the Divisions and for new players to show their interest. In the meantime, study the form!

Players through to the next GW are below. Please do me a favour and LIKE this post if you're ready to get straight into the weekends matches. If I get more than 20 likes then I will know that the majority are ready to go on. I don't want lots of people going out because they spent Christmas away from the forum. Many thanks

240 kemp Cemhaan has a fairly big rating 8.7 for the class .....he has a tricky race to contend with but at 16/1 I'm prepared to go Ew as he looks very overpriced 5pts Ew 16/1 willh 4 places

Sam Brown 3 35 War/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1 - won J J Riley 2 42 Kem/ 1/40th of a pt ew 50/1 - won Volcano 3 00 War/ 1/40th of a pt ew 25/1 Mark of Gold 2 42 Kem/ 1/40th of a pt ew 40/1 P/L + 174.10 pts

Different eyes see different things 1:20 Cheltenham. watching Edwardstones previous race i can't help but think that Editeur du Gite may well have won anyway, if watched again it travelled strongly and even powered away so i am not sure Edwardstone would have reeled him in. Energumene is just one horse, never fear one horse. i have watched it closely and i am not sure this beast is anywhere near value because it does not look a natural jumper to these eyes so 12/1 Editeur Du Gite looks cracking price even for the EW backers. 2 places 1:50 Cheltenham I quite like Precious Eleanor in this race at the price of 25/1 has no weight to carry, i also wouldn't put anyone off the twisters gg Guy at around 14/1. 3:00 Cheltenham Gold Tweet has got to be considered good value at 28/1 against horses that we already know everything about, one negative is the distance so this might be a sighter from the frenchman Leenders with a view to options at the festival. 2:00 Donc TWIG must have a good squeak in what looks an open novice hurdle I always expect mistakes in these races and we will see a few in this, Twig has Hunter chase and point form so i expect less mistakes from this 12/1 shot. 315 Donc Coopers Cross hasn't done much wrong 20/1 covers the stamina doubt.

As a mark of respect there will be no Naps competition on Friday.

A decent day with winners at 14/1, 10/3 and 13/8 plus places at 12/1 and 7/1 all for a profit today of 24.14 points. Tomorrows thoughts are already uploaded.

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for Cheltenham, Tuesday 12th to Friday 15th 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.

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

Merry Christmas to you all and here's hoping for a healthy and wealthy New Year Just the five races that ITV are throwing our way today but it starts a run of six days out of the following seven that Ed and the gang are coming live into our living rooms. Four races today from Kempton with the feature race the King George VI Chase and the valuable handicap chase the Rowland Meyrick from Wetherby joining the quartet from Kempton. The grounds going to ride soft at both tracks and here’s my thoughts and selections on them. Kempton 12.45 Five go to post for the re-arranged Ladbrokes Long Walk Hurdle, a grade one contest run over 3m 121 yards. There was very little between the winner Champ and the runner up Paisley Park at Newbury in November in the Long Distance Hurdle with just a neck separating them. I’m not entirely sure a speed track like this suits Champ and at the prices it may pay to take Emma Lavelle’s Paisley Park to turn the tables. Both are turning eleven next week mind and we have a brace of youngsters ready to have a go at the pair. Miranda is a seven year old mare who showed she stays well when beating her two rivals easily over course and distance last month and will relish the soft ground. It’s just a case with her of whether she’s good enough. The six year old Goshen and Not So Sleepy are stepping up in trip and have stamina to prove. I’ll take Paisley Park to reverse Newbury form with Champ. PAISLEY PARK 1 point win @7/2 Betfred Kempton 1.20 A small but select field of five go to post for this three mile grade one contest the Ladbrokes Kauto Star Novices’ Chase. A warm favourite, and quite rightly so, is Paul Nicholl’s McFabulous who looked very good when winning over this trip at Newbury at the Coral Gold Cup meeting. He had two of today’s rivals behind him that day in Thyme Hill (beaten 6 1/2L) and Mortlach (8 1/2L) and I would be surprised if either were able to reverse the form even with the former wearing first time cheek pieces. Nicholls’ second string (ridden by Bryony Frost) is Gelino Bello who in winning two novice chases this season has only beaten three opponents. The biggest danger to McFabulous is Dan Skelton’s mare Galia Des Liteaux who looked good when a very easy winner at Bangor-On-Dee in November. She looks a bit over priced at the moment and should go off as second favourite but it’s winners we’re looking for and McFabulous will be hard to beat. McFABULOUS 2 points win @ 5/4 BetVictor Wetherby 1.35 Twelve staying handicap chasers line up for a decent renewal of the William Hill Rowland Meyrick Handicap Chase run over three miles of the Yorkshire track. Shan Blue could be very well handicapped if his fall over course and distance in last season’s Charlie Hall Chase can be taken at face value but the same was said when a well beaten second on a handicap at Aintree in the Spring off of the same mark. He could blow these away but in a competitive race at around the 9/4 mark is opposable to me. Chantry House is an interesting runner who unseated on his seasonal re-appearance at Aintree and has claims for Nicky Henderson and owner JP McManus whilst easy Newbury winner Zanza shouldn’t be totally dismissed although he maybe better at the Berkshire track and has been raised 10lb. My fancy is bottom weight Into Overdrive who ran into one of the best chasers in the UK in L’Homme Presse last time out in the Rehearsal Handicap Chase at Newcastle. There was certainly no disgrace in Mark Walford’s seven year old going down by a length despite receiving 26lb and although he’s been upped 4lb for that run can run well off of bottom weight. If you like him then surely it’s worth a small each way saver on Windsor Avenue who was only 5 1/4L behind Into Overdrive that day and is now 5lb better off. Brian Ellison’s ten year old has a bit of a patchy record over the last year but won the Skybet Handicap Chase last January off of a handicap mark of a pound higher than todays and at five times the price of Into Overdrive is worth a small stakes saver. INTO OVERDRIVE 1 points each way @ 11/2 Betfred 1/5th 1234 WINDSOR AVENUE 1/2 point each way @ 25/1 Betfred 1/5th 1234 Kempton 1.55 Only five go to post for the Ladbrokes Christmas Hurdle run over two miles and I’m afraid it’s a no bet race with Nicky Henderson’s freakishly good hurdler Constitution Hill likely to be very hard to beat. Unbeaten in all four starts over hurdles he really does look the real deal and dispatched his field in no uncertain manner on his re-appearance in the Fighting Fifth Hurdle at Newcastle coming home 12L ahead of his female stable companion Epatante. She may finish second again here in a race she’s won on two of the last three years. The Favourite is officially rated 17lb and upwards better than these and let’s hope he puts yet another exhibition round of jumping in and wins with his head in his chest. He’s impossible to oppose. Kempton 2.30 An excellent renewal of the King George VI Chase. Run over three miles the race has been won by some smart sorts over the years with champion trainer Paul Nicholls winning it a dozen times. He saddles three here with stable jockey Harry Cobden picking Bravemansgame ahead of Hitman who has stamina to prove stepping up in trip. Bravemansgame impresses with his slick jumping and having won the Kauto Star Novice Chase over course and distance at last years meeting may be the one to be with although this is his sternest task to date. L’Homme Presse will love the recent rain and is a big danger. Venetia Williams’ seven year old is officially rated 6lb superior to Bravemansgame and if handling this sharp track can run well. The Irish are represented by Henry De Bromhead’s Envoi Allen who bounced back to winning form at Down Royal in November and is another with a decent shout. A tough call but it’s the Nicholls’s Bravemansgame to give his trainer yet another winner in this famous race for me. BRAVEMANSGAME 2 points win @ 9/4 Betfred

As in previous years the Naps competition will be taking a break in line with that taken by the BHA. There is no UK or Irish racing on Friday, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy new year.

Get in. Won very easily Beer o'clock Keeps the stout drinkers in the snug happy!

Filled my Fookin boots only Zilzalian gives you monster 216/1 forecasts

Sandown 1.40 The day’s ITV racing starts with a three year old only 9F handicap which has attracted ten runners. It looks a wide open affair so stakes should be kept small. In fact I would go as far to say as all bar rank outsider Youthful King (watch him bolt up now!)have a fair chance of sorts. The only runner in the field that has yet to run in handicaps and may be better than his allotted mark is the Ralph Beckett trained Vee Sight. He’s was down to run at Pontefract in a weaker race than this only 5 days ago but was pulled out on the morning of the race with a vets certificate. He was heavily backed that day so although this is a stronger contest you get the impression that connections feel he may be better than his initial mark now stepping up a couple of furlongs. I’ll take a chance on him but have every respect for the Godolphin pair of Maplewood and Night Of Luxury. VEE SIGHT 1 point each way @ 6/1 Paddy Power 1/5th 123 York 2.00 The 1m 4F Queens Mother’s Cup is a handicap run annually for female amateur jockeys where the winning jockey not only wins her cut of the prize money but also her weight in champagne. Topanticipation is chasing a hat trick following wins at Leicester and over course and distance this season rising 11lb in the handicap. He should be competitive under the useful Becky Smith. I’m going to play two here against the field each way in top weight Throne Hall who was a smart handicapper when trained by Kevin Ryan last season and is now in the care of Archie Watson. He’s shown little in three starts for Watson but has dropped 10lb for those efforts and has the assistance of the experienced Brodie Hampson. Now 6lb lower than when an excellent neck second to Sam Cooke in a better handicap than this at last years Ebor meeting he can be competitive here if re finding his form in this lower grade today. The other horse I like is the Martin Todhunter trained Arctic Fox who won this in 2019 for Carol Bartley and was runner up last season for Becky Smith. Fergal O’Brien’s daughter Fern is on board this time around and has fallen down to a winning mark. THRONE HALL 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 ARCTIC FOX 1 point each way @ 15/2 William Hill 1/5th 1234 Sandown 2.15 Ten go to post for this class 2 one mile handicap. Top weight Ouzo bounced back to form here last time when just touched off in a similar contest but has been raised 4lb for that. James Fanshawe saddles Encouraged who’s chasing a hat trick following a brace of wins on the all weather but he too has been shunted up 5lb. I’ll take the pair of them on with the only three year old in the field in the Eve Johnson Houghton trained Iffraaj colt Sheer Rocks. Unbeaten in two starts as a juvenile at Chepstow and Bath he started the season in the Epsom Blue Riband Derby trial where he raced too keenly and finished last of eight that day. With that run under his belt and receiving weight from his elders he’s worth taking a punt on here with David Egan doing the steering. SHEER ROCKS 1 point each way @ 8/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 York 2.35 A disappointing turnout of nine assemble for this 7F class 2 handicap where the likely favourite Boardman looks the one to beat. He’s chasing a hat trick following wins at Thirsk and Chester this season and despite a 4lb rise for his latest victory I thought he won quite cosily and should go close today. He’s the selection although I do feel course and distance winner Maywake can run him close along with Challet who has a good course record with 2 wins from 4 rides. BOARDMAN 2 points win @ 5/2 bet365 Sandown 2.50 A disappointing turnout of just six for the listed Coral Scurry Stakes run over 5F 10 yards. The warm favourite Caturra has to shoulder a 5lb penalty for his group 2 Flying Childers Stakes victory at Doncaster last September but still comes out as the best horse in the race and this represents a drop in class for him having finishing a credible 5th beaten 3L by El Caballo last time out in the group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes at Haydock. Clive Cox’s Mehmas gelding is basically a group horse in a listed contest and he’s the one to be with here. Adam West’s Live In The Dream has already shown his liking for this track with an easy handicap victory back in April but this represents a step up in class for him whilst the Roger Varian trained Mitbaahy looks the biggest threat to the selection having won at Hamilton last time out. CATURRA 2 points win @ 11/10 bet365 York 3.05 Only six go to post for this 14F listed contest where the winner gets a free entry into the sponsor Skybet’s Ebor Handicap back here in August. The best in at the weights here are Euchen Glen who’s shown little in two starts this season and Kemari who we haven’t seen since he ran at Meydan in January and would hold a chance if fancied for the boys in blue. Bar outsider Onesmoothoperator there’s actually only four pounds officially between these and the likeliest winner to my eyes is the Brain Meehan trained Mandoob who’s lightly raced and showed plenty on his re-appearance when a two length second to Al Aasy in a 12F listed race at Ascot with subsequent easy Goodwood listed winner Third Realm 2 1/4L back in third. The extra quarter of a mile will no doubt suit the Farhh gelding and he can take this with Sean Levey doing the steering. MANDOOB 2 points win @ 5/2 William Hill Chester 3.20 The day’s best bet runs here in this 7F 127 yards class 2 handicap. Top weight Outgate has shown smart form on his three starts this season including when winning at the May meeting over todays distance. He wasn’t disgraced despite a slow start when third in the Haydock Silver Bowl behind two potential group horses (the runner up Mighty Ulysses runs in the St James Palace Stakes next week) and with a nice draw in two and last week’s winning Derby rider Richard Kingscote in the saddle Daniel and Clare Kubler’s three year old will be hard to keep out of the money. William Haggas saddles the danger in the well drawn front running Thunder Legend whilst local trainer Hugo Palmer has Roman Dragon here. Irish trainer Jessie Harrington sends over Cowboy Justice but hasn’t fared well in the draw and has to break from stall 10. OUTGATE 3 points each way @ 7/1 Paddy Power 1/5th 1234 York 3.40 The feature handicap of the day is the 6F Pavers Foundation Catherine Memorial Sprint Handicap which has attracted a field of 19. Mick Channon saddles the favourite in Ingra Tor who won a similar handicap well at Newmarket 6 weeks ago and appears to have been put aside for this valuable prize. He looks sure to go well despite a 9lb rise. Showtime Mahomes won a lesser handicap over course and distance three weeks ago and has been raised only 5lb for that win which may turn out to be on the lenient side as the runner up, 3rd, 5th, 9th and 13th have all won since. At a better price than Ingra Tor Grant Tuer’s improving gelding is the selection although I can’t resist a small each way saver on Keith Dagleish’s Edward Cornelius who looks on a good mark having run in non handicap company on his last two outings and may outrun his odds today. SHOWTIMES MAHOMES 1 point each way @ 17/2 William Hill 1/5th 12345 EDWARD CORNELIUS 1/2 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 12345

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for ROYAL ASCOT, Tuesday 14th June to Saturday 18th June. 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 £60 cash (via PayPal) Runner Up wins £25 and the third place wins £15, all prizes via your PayPal account In addition 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 everyday 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 any prizes All welcome, good luck.

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 😁

255 Newmarket Bopedro. 8.8 10/1 Dutch decoy. 8.8 16/1 Hafeet Alain. 8.5 14/1 Tricky race this one ....I'm not a huge fan of backing older horses and all these are of the older generation but computer is saying to back these even though they haven't got brill form .....gonna be an interesting one ....5pt Ew top 2 .....forecasts all 3

445 Newmarket Bolsena... has shown enough to suggest he could take a weakish looking race like this ....interesting that Ryan Moore takes the ride ....I'll try 5pts Ew 5/1 b365 (generally 7/2)

230 ain't Cruz control. 8.9 8/1 Sam brown. 8.7 18/1 Crebilly. 8.3 Erne river. 8.1 5pt Ew top 2

Aintree 1.45 Day two of a rain sodden Aintree Grand National meeting kicks off with the Grade 1 Mildmay Novices’ Chase run over 3M 1F. Gavin Cromwell’s Inotherwayurthinkin is one of six runners declared and he made an absolute mockery of his handicap mark at the Cheltenham Festival 29 days ago when ridden with upmost confidence by Derek O’Connor in sauntering to a eight length victory in the Kim Muir Handicap Chase and although this is a step up in grade is the highest rated in the field by 4lb. He can take this with both trip and ground conditions to suit from anther Cheltenham Festival winner in the Kim Bailey trained Chianti Classico who took the Ultima Handicap in good style. Both Iroko and Heart Wood have stamina to prove whilst the first time cheek pieced Broadway Boy also has claims. INOTHEWAYUTHINKIN 1 point win @ 11-4 William Hill Aintree 2.20 A maximum sized field of twenty two face the starter for this William Hill sponsored Premier Handicap Hurdle run over a trip of 2M 4F. It has a wide open look about with Dan Skelton throwing five into the race so with stable jockey Harry Skelton apparently choosing Kateira, she should be on anyone’s short list. One who catches my eye is the bottom weight Making Headway, trained by Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero. A lightly raced 3M Irish point to point winner he should relish stepping up to 2M 4F for the first time and with his two victories at Carlisle and Newbury both coming in heavy ground today’s boggy terrain will be of no concern to his connections. His fourth to Go Dante at Sandown in a similar handicap last time was decent form especially as he was staying on up the run in looking to all that a step up in trip will suit. He sports first time cheek pieces as well and looks a good each way bet. MAKING HEADWAY 1 point each way @ 8/1 bet365 1/5th 123456 Aintree 2.55 A field of eight line up for this Grade 1 Trustatrader Top Novices’ Hurdle run over 2M 103 yards. A strong fancy is the Willie Mullins trained, J P McManus owned Mystical Power who had both Firefox and stable mate Mistergif 3 1/2L and 6L respectively behind in the Supreme Novice Hurdle at Cheltenham and there seems no real reason why either should turn the tables on the pick. I worry about the very testing ground for Fergal O’Brien’s smart mare Dysart Enos, who missed Cheltenham through injury and a bigger danger may well be Jeremy Scott’s mare Golden Ace who took the mares novice hurdle at Cheltenham four weeks ago. This looks one for Mullins and J P McManus though with Mystical Power. MYSTICAL POWER 2 points win @ 2/1 William Hill Aintree 3.30 A small but select field of seven go to post for the 2M 4F My Pension Expert Melling Chase. The highest rated is the Nicky Henderson trained Jonbon who will be the pick but only if there are signs on day one that all is well with his stable following his nightmare Cheltenham. Henderson has run nothing of real note since and with Jonbon missing Cheltenham will hopefully come here a fresh horse. He’s stepping up to 2M 4F for the first time but was a 15L Irish point to point winner over 3M so I don’t really see that as being an excuse. He will also have to jump better than he did when last seen at Cheltenham but he is a class performer who’s won 12 of his 15 starts having been runner up in his three defeats. Ryanair one - two Protektorat and Envoi Allen will have their supporters along with last years winner Pic D’Orhy but a fit and healthy Jonbon can score and put a smile back on the master of Seven Barrows. JONBON 1 point win @ 5/2 bet365 Aintree 4.05 The day’s race over the Grand National fences is the 2M 5F Topham Handicap Chase in which we have a strong field of twenty five lining up. Last year’s winner Bill Baxter, from the in form (a double on Tuesday) stable of Warren Greatrex can run well although he’s shown very little this season, including last time when well backed on his favoured ground and is scant value at around the 9-2 mark. Harry Redknapp’s Shakem Up’arry won the Plate at Cheltenham and even with a 6lb rise can also be competitive for Ben Pauling and Ben Jones. Buckinghamshire trainer Stuart Edmunds has had his string in excellent form for a while now and his runner here Arizona Cardinal is an interesting runner. An easy winner at Leicester and Ludlow on soft ground this year (rising 14lb) this race was mooted after the victory at the latter track by his owners and he could be some each way value in a wide open contest. ARIZONA CARDINAL 1 point each way @ 12-1 William Hill 1/5th 123456 Aintree 4.40 Nine staying novice hurdlers face the judge for this Grade 1 Sefton Novices’ Hurdle. The best form is brought to the table by Ben Pauling’s The Jukebox Man who ran a stormer in the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham when runner up, having been run down on the run in, by the 33/1 outsider Stellar Story. He had the Willie Mullins pair Dancing City 7L behind in third and the favourite Reading Tommy Wrong (pulled up) behind that day and can confirm that form under Kielan Woods. The interesting runner, especially if Nicky Henderson’s runners have run well coming into the race, is the Mrs J Donnelly owned Shanagh Bob who we haven’t seen since he won a Grade 2 at Cheltenham over today’s distance back in December. He missed, like all of Henderson’s stars, the Cheltenham Festival and will come here a fresh unbeaten stayer who’s won twice on soft ground. He’s worth a saver. THE JUKEBOX MAN 1 point win @ 7/2 Betfred SHANAGH BOB 1 point win @ 9/2 Betfred Aintree 5.15 Day two of the Grand National concludes with a nineteen runner 2M 103 yard conditional jockeys’ and amateur riders’ handicap hurdle. Plenty can be given a chance including Olly Murphy’s Go Dante who will love the heavy ground although he will have to overcome a career high handicap mark of 134. The horse which attracts me is the Ben Pauling trained Densworth who appeared to show much improved form for a wind operation when running away with a handicap hurdle on heavy ground at Doncaster on his re-appearance. It was a race where only four hurdles were actually jumped but you couldn’t be anything but impressed by his 16L victory especially as the horse back in second, his stable mate Getaway Drumlee, ran out a easy 17L winner himself later in the month at Fontwell. Densworth ran in this race last year as a 20-1 chance when pulling up, coming back with a dirty trachea wash according to his handler in a recent Aintree preview. A 10lb rise may not be enough to stop him from running well each way in a highly competitive handicap especially as his jockey Beau Morgan takes off 5lb thus halving the additional weight. Charlie Byrnes is a trainer to be feared and his runner here Maidenstreetprince was alongside, although not going as well, as Sir Gerhard when falling two out at Cork 12 days ago and when you consider that one is rated 155 it is possible that he could be very well treated off of just 128 today. He is worth saving on. DENSWORTH 1 point each way @ 10-1 bet365 1/5th 12345 MAIDENSTREETPRINCE 1/2 point each way @ 6-1 William HIll 1/5th 12345

I had an extra fiver Ew after a read a great write up this morning .....I was hoping for the place but 25/1 is good enough .....get in you beauty 🤩

Forest Of Dean 3 20 Stwl/ 1/40th of a pt ew 33/1 Alaphilippe 3 08Chp/ 1/40th of a pt ew 20/1 Howth 4 30 Sth/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1 First Emperor 5 05 Sth/ 1/40th of a pt ew 28/1 - 3rd

A bumper eleven races being covered on Saturday afternoon by ITV coming from Ascot, Haydock and Newmarket and here's my thoughts on all eleven - Ascot 1.35 ITV’s Shergar Cup coverage starts with the second on the card at Ascot - the 7F classified stakes where on official ratings there’s only 4lb between the field. Orbaan was impressive in winning the Golden Mile at Goodwood last week but was well drawn and this will be a totally different test with just eight runner under a 7lb penalty. At the likely odds I’ll take him on. One horse who I feel is overpriced is Katie Scott’s Gweedore. The five year old gelding actually beat Orbaan at Ayr only a month ago by a cosy 2 1/4L receiving 4lb and actually receives 5lb from David O’Meara’s charge today. He’s currently five times the price and hopefully if all eight stand their ground will be worth backing each way. Crack Canadian jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson who’s won the Golden Saddle here before takes the ride which is no negative at all. GWEEDORE 1 point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Ascot 2.10 The Shergar Cup Dash is up next, a 5F handicap. A case can be made for plenty with my main fancy being Robert Cowell’s Arecibo who will be ridden today by Danny Tudhope who has actually ridden the seven year old gelding fourteen times in his career. The last time he was seen in a handicap was eleven runs ago back in May 2021 when winning at Newmarket off of a mark of 99, 4lb lower than today’s mark. He’s kept very good company since running in group races this season. He’s still got plenty of zip and looks the one to beat. Mick Appleby’s King Of Stars arrives in good form having run well here last month and has claims along with the only three year old in the field Manaccan who may have more improvement to come. He looks the danger to Arecibo. ARECIBO 2 points win @ 4/1 William Hill Haydock 2.25 A small field of only seven assemble for this class 2 one mile handicap. Saeed Bin Suroor’s Electrical Storm is the favourite and holds a good chance on the back of a York victory and 3rd in a decent Sandown handicap where the horse just behind him Protaganist has won since. Off of the same mark he should go close. Top weight Young Fire is 3 from 6 at the track and is another with claims whilst the Charlie and Mark Johnstone trained Dutch Decoy may be the best current value having won at Newmarket on the July course last month prior to a credible 2L 4th in a decent Goodwood handicap last week over a furlong further. Back to a mile should suit and he’s my selection. Skybet, William Hill and Betfred are paying three places in this even runner contest and that looks the way to go. DUTCH DECOY 1 point each way @ 13/2 William Hill 1/5th 123 Ascot 2.45 The Shergar Cup Stayers is a handicap run over two miles and looks destined to go to Goodwood runner up Super Superjack trained by Milton Harris. He was unlucky not to have won that day as he didn’t get the breaks when he needed them and the drop back half a mile today will hopefully suit him. Nicola Currie who was in top form with a treble a Carlisle earlier in the week has been drawn to ride him. Ralph Beckett’s top weight Rock Eagle went down by half a length to Reshoun at Newbury last month and looks the biggest danger to the selection. SUPER SUPERJACK 2 points win @ 9/4 William Hill Haydock 3.00 William Haggas’s Grocer Jack was highly impressive on his British/stable debut and will be hard to beat in this group 3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes run over 1m 2F 100yds for three year olds and upwards. He’s a skinny enough price mind for one that who’s win can be crabbed as I’m not sure what he beat that day. I can remember saying at the time what a weak listed contest it was. At the likely prices I’m against him. Saeed Bin Suroor’s Passion And Glory is interesting having won a listed contest at Sandown last time whilst the most interesting form line may well turn out to be the first and third from the John Smiths Cup at York a month ago. Owen Burrows’ Anmaat won that on his seasonal re-appearance with Intellogent 3/4L back in third at the line having come from some way back. On 2lb better terms I’ll take Jane Chapple-Hyam’s Intellogent to turn the tables especially as he is proven with cut in the ground unlike Anmaat. INTELLOGENT 1 point each way @ 11/2 bet365 1/5th 123 Ascot 3.20 The Shergar Cup Challenge is a handicap run over a mile and a half for four year olds and upwards. Newmarket trainer William Haggas has some interesting entries today none more so than his lightly raced four year old gelded son of Pivotal, Pride Of Priory. He’s chasing a hat trick of victories having won all weather handicaps at around this trip at Kempton and Newcastle this summer. He’s risen 10lb for those two success’s but may still be ahead of his mark especially now getting back on turf which he won twice on last Autumn. Kieran Shoemark has been drawn to ride and that’s certainly not a negative. The Whipmaster comes here in good shape having won four of his last five starts but I would be very worried of the form of his trainer Gary Moore who has gone 15 days and 19 runners since his last winner. Southern Voyage is another interesting runner from the Archie Watson stable who was well backed last time when apparently breaking a blood vessel. PRIDE OF PRIORY 2 points win @ 7/2 Paddy Power Newmarket 3.40 Nine two year old fillies go to post for the group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes run over 7F of the July course. Likely favourite is the Charlie and Mark Johnstone trained Lakota Sioux who was last seen seven weeks ago when third in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. That form hasn’t worked out that well and I think he’s worth taking on today. Richard Spencer’s Ivory Madonna failed to win his maiden last time and is another I can be against. I’m keen on the once raced Karl Burke trained Novakai, a daughter of Lope De Vega who bolted up on her debut at Doncaster at 12/1 and could be useful and the similarly once raced Ismail Mohammed trained Alseyoob who won a Newmarket maiden on her debut in a race where the third won at the weekend. I’ll dutch the pair. ALSEYOOB 1 point win @ 6/1 bet365 NOVAKAI point win @ 4/1 bet365 Ascot 3.55 The Shergar Cup Mile is a handicap that is open to four year olds and upwards and features, to my eyes, the best bet on the card. William Haggas trains the lightly raced four year old chestnut son of Exceed And Excel Montassib who’s won three of his five career starts and hasn’t been been beaten far in two big field handicaps on his last two starts. Off of the same handicap mark and with Danny Tudhope in the plate he looks a worthy favourite and can take this. Isla Kai has been a bit disappointing so far this season but his time is near and he should be thereabouts whilst David O’Meara’s ex Irish import Bopedro who ran well on his English debut when fourth of ten here can also be thereabouts but for me this is all about Montassib who’s stepping up to a mile today for the first time. MONTASSIB 3 points win @ 5/2 bet365 Curragh 4.15 A small but select field of six go to post for this years renewal of the group one Phoenix Stakes run over 6F. Aidan O’Brien saddles a brace of decent two year olds in Blackbeard and Little Big Bear. Ryan Moore appears to have chosen the latter and following a demolition job in a group 3 here last time should be thereabouts but may not be good enough to beat the English raider Bradsell who could be very good. A visually impressive winner at York on his debut in May he followed up a month later when a cosy winner of the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot from subsequent group winners Persian Force, Royal Scotsman and Blackbeard. Trainer Archie Watson was stating earlier in the week that he hasn’t got anything fast enough at home to lead him on the gallops including group one winner Glen Shiel. Hollie Doyle’s over to ride and although this is a step up from Ascot he could be very good and worth a good bet. BRADSELL 3 points win @ 7/4 bet365 Ascot 4.30 1m 4f is the distance of the Shergar Cup Classic a handicap for three year olds only. William Haggas is maybe in for a good day and his Hamaki is my fancy here. He’s been raised 5lb for his victory at Haydock last time out on soft ground but has done enough on faster ground previously to suggest that he handles any types of ground. Jamie Spencer rides and although not my favourite jockey can certainly get the job done when needed. Andrew Balding’s Berkshire Breeze is still maiden after six starts but has been knocking on the door on his last two starts and his time is near. The Gosden’s Franz Strauss got turned over in a three runner handicap last time and may have little in hand of his mark. HAMAKI 2 points each way @ 5/1 Paddy Power 1/5th 1234 Ascot 5.05 The Shergar Cup concludes with the Sprint, a handicap run over 6F for three year olds only. That man William Haggas has another fancied runner here in the shape of the Jose-Luis Martinez ridden Razeyna, a winner at Carlisle last time which is already starting to work out. He should run well but I want to with the Richard Fahey trained Admiral D who’s run well in defeat in two of the best three year old sprint handicaps of the season so far. Runner up to Lethal Levi (winner since) at Newmarket last time he will ridden by the capable Joanna Mason and should be bang there at the finish. Reserve Conflict is making his handicap debut for Andrew Balding and would be a player if getting a run. ADMIRAL D 2 points win @ 7/2 Coral On a footnote Unibet are currently promoting a great offer of their 15 to Go Offer on all of the ITV races (in Sunday as well) where if you place a bet with them in the 15 minutes before the scheduled start time and back the winner they will match your stake with a free bet up to £20. That’s a great offer I think and if you want to get involved click on this link Unibet 15 to Go Offer

Goodwood 1.50 Day two of the Goodwood Festival kicks off with a class 2 12F three year old handicap. I don’t like tipping favourites but sometimes they just stand out and although only one favourite has obliged in the last ten years in this race I can’t get away from Charlie Appleby’s top weight Secret State. A winner of his last three starts having started his career with a second spot in the Wood Ditton behind the smart Francesco Clemente with his latest victory coming in the King George V Stakes Handicap at Royal Ascot from the subsequent group 3 winner Deauville Legend. 2 1/2L back in 6th that day was Andrew Balding’s Teumessias Fox whilst George Baker’s Surrey Mist was just behind and the Haggas runner Mandobi was a further 5 1/2L further back. That trio re-oppose on 4lb, 7lb and 8lb better terms respectively but I fully expect William Buick’s mount to confirm the form and enhance his St Leger claims for which he’s currently only a 14/1 chance. Surrey Mist may actually come out the best of the three behind him that day and chase him home. SECRET STATE 3 points win @ 9/4 bet365 Goodwood 2.25 A bumper field of seventeen assemble for the group 3 Oak Tree Stakes and it does have an open look about it this year. Pushing for favouritism currently is the Saeed Bin Suroor trained Soft Whisper who had four of these in Bounce The Blues, Improvised, She Do and Internationalagent behind when winning at Chelmsford last time. She should confirm the form with that quartet but I don’t like his wide draw in 16 of 17 and I can pass her over. The other top rated on official ratings here is the Richard Hannon trained Heredia, a good winner of the Sandringham at Royal Ascot but a bit disappointing when very well supported in a Sandown listed contest last time. She drops a furlong today and has claims but I like Oscula who actually finished a length ahead of Heredia at Sandown and is 3lb better off at the weights today. I’m surprised she’s twice the price of the Hannon filly especially after a good effort at Ascot last Saturday behind Jumbly. The other runner I like is Ed Walker’s Primo Bacio who has ideal conditions today and wasn’t disgraced in a group one last time. I’ll dutch the pair of Oscula and Primo Bacio here who both have favourable low draws and just hope they don’t find too much trouble in running. OSCULA 1 point win @ 11/1 William Hill PRIMO BACIO 1 point win @ 17/2 William Hill Goodwood 3.00 Eight go to post for the group 3 Molecomb Stakes and I really can’t see past the favourite Rocket Rodney who will be very hard to beat. George Scott’s flag bearer has the best form and has shown his liking for this switchback course having won a novices stakes race over course and distance here in April prior to an excellent neck runner up in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot to Little Big Bear (impressive winner since) with Eddies Boy (winner of valuable sales race since) back in third. He stands out here and is the days best bet. David Loughnane’s Walbank looks his chief danger having finished runner up in the group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot to The Ridler. Eddies Boy is held on Ascot form by the selection and this should be a point and shoot job for Daniel Muscott. ROCKET RODNEY 4 points win @ 5/4 William Hill Goodwood 3.35 Only seven go to post for the group one Sussex Stakes following the eleventh hour defection of 2000 Guineas winner Coroebus and it looks a penalty kick for the smart Baaeed. William Haggas’s Shadwell Stud owned four year old is now unbeaten in eight starts and as he already holds most of these on earlier form should be winning. Last years winner Alcohol Free comes here on the back of a July Cup victory over 6F but is held by the favourite on earlier form. He’s at prohibitive odds but should be a banker for any acca bet. Goodwood 4.10 A class 2 nine runner fillies handicap run over just short of ten furlongs is up next. William Haggas’s Sea Speedwell is making her handicap debut and under Tom Marquand appears to hold claims. Also on the short list has to be the John and Thady Gosden trained Natasha who wasn’t disgraced in a similar contest at Newmarket twelve days ago. Hughie Morrison’s Lyrical Lady ran a smashing race in listed company last time when only 6L behind the useful Grande Dame. She has paid the penalty for that mind with a rise of 11lb. A tough race but in the hope that the Gosden runner has come forward for her recent re-appearance I’m with Natasha. NATASHA 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 Goodwood 4.45 The ITV terrestrial coverage finishes with a ten runner two year old fillies’ conditions stakes. A warm favourite here is the Richard Fahey trained The Platinum Queen who on official ratings has plenty in hand here. A winner at Ripon on her debut in June she may have found the Queen Mary all too much a fortnight later when finishing down the field as a 66/1 shot. She bounced back however three weeks later when dominating from the gate to take a nine runner field apart at York from odds on favourite Yahsat. Oisin Orr has ridden the Cotai Glory juvenile in all three of her racecourse starts and keeps the partnership intact today and will be hard to beat. All The Time was ultra impressive on her debut when an impressive 5L winner at Nottingham but blew out in the Queen Mary (some 7L behind The Platinum Queen) finishing plum last. She’s no doubt better than that but has questions to answer now and this can go to the The Platinum Queen THE PLATINUM QUEEN 3 points win 11/8 William Hill THE PLATINUM QUEEN / ROCKET RODNEY 2 point win double. 11/8 & 5/4 William Hill

well well still life in the old dog yet { that goes for the trainer as well as the horse } tudor city wins the prize

Newbury 1.50 Just five declared for this 10F listed Steventon Stakes. It’s certainly not the strongest of listed contests with just two pounds covering the quintet of runners on official ratings. Favourite Cadillac was sold on the eve of Royal Ascot for a cool half a million pounds and rewarded new connections with second place in the listed Wolferton Stakes. That form however hasn’t worked out that well with seven individual runners from the race beaten since. At odds of around 6/4 I’m more than happy to take him on. Desert Encounter has a 259 day absence to overcome whilst Finest Sound ran a shocker on his re-appearance (reportedly didn’t like the track). Grocer Jack is interesting, a German import that’s shown some promise in two starts abroad for top trainer William Haggas and has claims but the one I want to be with to small stakes is the Mark Todd trained Tasman Bay. He was some 12l behind Cadillac at Ascot but that was his re-appearance and is reflected in his price. He ran placed behind some smart sorts last season in Hurricane Lane, Alenquer and Baaeed and surely he’s better than his Ascot run. At the prices I’ll pay to find out with David Probert back on board (was ridden by Jack Mitchell at Ascot). TASMAN BAY 1 point win @ 10/1 bet365 Market Rasen 2.06 Seven runners here for this class 2 2m 7F handicap hurdle. There’s shouldn’t be much between Galileo Silver and Jersey Wonder. There was a length between them in favour of the former and on 2lb worse terms may just confirm the form. Jonjo O’Neill has his team of jumpers in fine shape and Apache Creek bounced back to form at 14/1 at Warwick last time and despite a 4lb rise can too be competitive. David Pipe is having an excellent summer and his Roman De Senam reverts to hurdles from a 7lb lower mark and shouldn’t be dismissed. Top weight Ask Paddington is chasing a four timer having risen 17lb for those victories but is unproven at three miles. A tough handicap with no stand out bet but maybe a small wager on Sam Thomas’s improver Galileo Silver in a first time visor to confirm recent placings with Jersey Wonder. GALILEO SILVER 1 point win @ 11/4 William Hill Newbury 2.21 Just eight go to post for the two mile class 2 handicap. There’s certainly no stand out bet here as claims can reasonably be made for all. Three of these ran in the 2m 5F handicap at Royal Ascot with Going Gone coming out a length too good from Reshoun with Rock Eagle three and a half lengths further behind. Going Gone is a couple of pounds better off today but wouldn’t be certain to confirm the form with Ian William’s Reshoun. Others with chances include Tom Ward’s Diamond Bay, a runner up at Salisbury last time out and bottom weight Auriferous. I’ll take a chance though on the nine year old and top weight here Withhold trained by Harry and Roger Charlton and owned by shrewd gambler Tony Bloom. His best days are no doubt behind him (he won the 2017 Cesarewitch at Newmarket and 2018 Northumberland Plate at Newcastle) but showed enough following a 245 day absence when 6th of 7 at Chester behind subsequent winner Soapy Stevens to suggest there’s another payday in him and in a race where nothing stands out can be competitive. He’s won this actual event before and was a good third in it last year and as always expect him to be ridden prominently from the front which as there appears to be no other pacesetter may allow him to get an easy lead. WITHHOLD 1 point each way @ 15/2 888sport 1/5th 123 Market Rasen 2.41 A fair turnout considering the likely lightning fast conditions with eleven going to post for this class 2 handicap hurdle over the minimum trip of two miles. The two improvers are at the head of the market in the shape of Dr Newland’s Galata Bridge and Gerald Stephen Quinn’s Cirque Royal. The former comes here on the back of a very impressive win at Huntingdon back in May for which he’s been pushed up 12lb whilst Cirque Royal is making his handicap debut having won novice hurdles at Perth and Kelso in May. He easily dismissed Ted Hastings on the latter course and that one has easily won at Cartmel giving the form a boost. He’ll do for me. Bottom weight Caramelised also comes into the reckoning for Alan King but it’s Cirque Royal for me who started his career with the Godolphin operation at Charlie Appleby’s and looks one of the day’s better bets. CIRQUE ROYAL 3 points win @ 4/1 bet365 Newbury 2.56 A competitive contest next up for the group 3 Hackwood Stakes run over 6F with a decent field of fourteen going to post. Last years winner Happy Romance looks likely to run well having kept group one company on both his starts this season. The best in at the weights today is David Evans’ Wokingham winner Rohaan who’s yet another with claims. Man Of Promise should appreciate stepping up in trip and although he carries a 3lb penalty is another who can be competitive. Owen Burrows won one of the feature races last Saturday and his Minzaal looks likely to be thereabouts and is the tentative selection in a race that look open enough. MINZAAL 1 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Market Rasen 3.14 The Summer Plate Handicap Chase is run over 2m 5F 89yds and this year has attracted a competitive field of fourteen chasers. Fergal O’Brian’s Mortlach is unbeaten in three starts over fences and has obvious claims whilst last year’s easy winner Francis Du Berlais is only 2lb higher this time around and should be thereabouts. It’s a wide open contest mind and I’ll play a couple of recent winners small each way against the field. Texard jumped well when bolting up at Uttoxeter in the week coasting home by some 28L and if in the same form can go well under Philip Armson for David Pipe. He’ll be my main play here whilst I’ll also have a small each way wager on bottom weight Rostello trained by Dr Richard Newland at Claines in Worcestershire. He too was an easy wide margin week earlier in the week and like Texard has to carry a 5lb penalty but such was the ease of the success that he (like Texard) will be going up more than that when re-assessed next week. TEXARD 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 ROSTELLO 1/2 point each way @ 12/1 Ladbrokes 1/5th 1234 Newbury 3.30 The usual 5F cavalry charge for the two year old’s is up next with twenty one juveniles spread across the course for the Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes with £200k guaranteed in prize money that goes right down to tenth place. 7lb clear on official ratings is the David O’Meara trained Maria Bramwell who brings easily the best form to the table and represents the best bet of the day. She followed up wins at Thirsk and Sandown (listed National Stakes) with an excellent third in the Queen Mary at Royal Ascot behind the smart Dramatised. As a 22,000 guineas purchase as a yearling she gets a reasonable weight here and with a fair draw in stall 11 will be hard to beat. On the subject of the draw it pays to be in the higher numbers with the last ten winners all berthed in double figure stalls. Rogue Spirit looks speedy and from stall 18 can give Tom Clover and Jack Mitchell a good spin. Richard Hannon has an excellent record in this race and saddles five runners today. The best of which may well be Miami Girl who’s berthed in stall 16 but is actually held by the selection on Royal Ascot running. With luck in running ( I was very keen on Chipotle in this race last year but his chance was undone by a poor ride) I fully expect Maria Bramwell to go very close and she’s the bet. MARIA BRAMWELL 3 points win @ 11/4 bet365 Curragh 3.45 Eight go to post for the Irish Oaks run over a mile and a half and we have a warm favourite here in the John and Thady Gosden trained Emily Upjohn. She was arguably unlucky when fluffing the start in the Epsom version but finished well to go down by the shortest of short heads to Tuesday. That form is far superior to any of her rivals, the best of whom may well be the Ribblesdale winner Magical Lagoon trained by Jessie Harrington. Aiden O’Brien saddles three here with the best being Toy who is the pick of Ryan Moore. She would need to significantly step up on what she’s shown this season mind and this first prize should be making its way to Clarehaven Stables at Newmarket. She’s at prohibitive odds mind so there’s no betting angle for me. Late news - Emily Upjohn misses the race due to travel complications

Hi all, its TK here deputising for The Brigadier who is off on hols this week. Hopefully a few winners coming our way as the week progresses. Tuesday's selections below ahead of posting onsite later. 2-30 Brighton (NAP) Silver Bubble recorded a first ever career success last time out and more importantly it came over this course and distance. The four-year-old son of Mayson ran out a comfortable victor here when scoring under Saffie Osborne just three weeks ago. Gay Kelleway has her team in great shape and actually has a fifty percent record with her runners at this track (winning 3 from 6). Saffie is back in the saddle this afternoon and ought to know a little more about her partner today. The front two pulled some ten lengths clear in that previous race and if similar tactics are deployed today, they have to have every chance of following up. 3-00 Brighton Treble (TREBLE) Shut Up And Dance comes here in search of a hat-trick for team Osborne. He has improved markedly since being upped to this middle distance trip and has scored readily on recent starts at Windsor and Chepstow. Turned out quickly for a potential third win in seven days, he is clearly taking his racing well and now Saffie Osborne comes into ride him for the first time. The good to firm ground shall certainly be of benefit to him and with all other rivals seemingly struggling for form, he has to be high on any shortlist. 5-25 Chepstow (TREBLE) Crosstitch is improving with each run and he went closest when beaten just over a length at Lingfield last time. This will be his fourth career start and Michael Bell now applies a visor for the first time. Running in the colours of Her Majesty the Queen, the three-year-old son of Recorder is reunited with David Egan. The pair combined when finishing third to Blatant at Leicester last month and the young jockey should know a bit more about his mount this afternoon as a consequence. Dresden Green looks the biggest threat for a very much in-form William Haggas team. 7-00 Chepstow (TREBLE) Infiniti has showed that he has improved beyond all recognition this season following two wins having reverted back to the flat. He moved yards at the end of last year and embarked on a hurdling campaign for Kevin Frost. He won at the fourth attempt over two-and-a-half miles at Market Rasen and then disappointed when attempting to follow up at Worcester on his next start. Frost made an inspired decision to take advantage of his relatively low handicap mark on the flat and it has reaped dividends. Aiden Brooks is a talented seven-pound claimer and he has a 100% record when riding the nine-year-old. No surprise to see the pair go close again back over two miles. 2-15 Hamilton Frisky remains lightly raced but has improved with each start so far this season. The three-year-old daughter of Bated Breath was not beaten far when third at Bath on her most recent appearance. She brings the most experience to the table here and now has the added assistance of Will Buick in the saddle for the first time. The combination command respect in a race where she will be fully race fit and the jockey is riding with utmost confidence. 2-45 Hamilton Ghaly has been off the track for well over eighteen months, but Saeed Bin Suroor has obviously deemed the fires to still be burning brightly. To send him on a 700-mile round trip just for the sake of it seems pretty ludicrous and this looks a sensible starting point for the son of Dubawi. He is well bred to get this one-mile trip and the last time that he encountered ground as decent as this was when he won on his local track at Newmarket back in 2020. He is extremely lightly raced compared to quite a few of these and there may well be more to come from him. Kevin Stott has won on Godolphin horses in the past and he looks to be a sensible jockey booking. 3-50 Hamilton Judy’s Park makes only her third appearance on the turf here this afternoon and from her two previous tries on it, she seems to handle it rather well. She is vastly experienced from running on the all-weather and even picked up a win at Newcastle over this trip back in March. George Boughey has a perfect 100% strike rate at Hamilton this season will all three of his previous runners having won on their visits. Will Buick rides Judy’s Spark for the second time today and he too has a 25% strike rate when teaming up with the trainer. A lot in their favour off bottom weight and warrants closer consideration than most. 6-50 Stratford Texard makes a quick reappearance having just won a little over 48 hours ago. He was a three-time winner in his native France and now encounters identical conditions to those he faced on Sunday at Uttoxeter. Tom Scudamore is back on board and the Pipe team are clearly hoping to strike again whilst the iron is hot despite a seven-pound penalty. Being the youngest in the line-up and possibly the least exposed means there is certainly further room for improvement. He showed a gutsy and determined attitude in that last race and will be a force to be reckoned with if in the same mood here. 7-20 Stratford Mr Yeats was on the scoresheet at Ludlow back in May before finishing a good second in an extended three-mile handicap hurdle at Huntingdon 25 days ago. He was only just edged out after mistakes at last two flights cost him dear. This drop back to two-and-three-quarter miles will be very much in his favour as will the re-association with jockey Mitchell Bastyan. Bastyan has won twice before on this gelded son of Yeats and he also has a 50% strike rate when riding at Stratford this season. There should still be plenty more to come from this five-year-old and he if ironing out that odd error, he is likely to go extremely close here. 8-20 Stratford The Plumber made a reasonable enough debut over hurdles at Southwell just a little over three weeks ago. He is expected to come on in leaps and bounds for the experience. Whilst no match at all for the winner on that occasion, he shaped with a degree of promise and Amy Murphy is likely to find suitable alternatives for him. Jack Quinlan has partnered this five-year-old son of Shirocco three times in the past (including in bumpers) and if progressing, he is worthy of a second look here.

Wow ....photo between hafeet Alain and Dutch decoy ...gutted I didn't get the winner but forecast and Ew ....I'm actually shocked how the computer found that .....forecast has paid 182.88 ....plus around 20 from Dutch that's 202.88 ....making a total of +437.00 on last three weeks ...jeez

Aintree 1.45 Five line up for this Grade 1 Manifesto Novices’ Chase run over 2M 4F with the first and second from the Turners Novices’ Chase at Cheltenham back to renew rivalry. Dan Skelton’s Grey Dawning out stayed Paul Nicholls’s Ginny’s Destiny to the tune of 2L at the line and can confirm that form although it may be close between the pair. Willie Mullins saddles his Arkle third Il Etait Temps who is stepping up in trip today. It’s hard to fancy either Blow Your Wad and Colonel Harry who are safely held by Ginny’s Destiny so the selection here is Skelton’s exciting grey Grey Dawning who can confirm Cheltenham form and start the meeting off well for the Skelton camp who are keen to keep ahead of his old boss Paul NIcholls and Willie Mullins in the jumps trainers championship. GREY DAWNING 2 points win @ Evens bet365 Aintree 2.20 Just six have declared for the Grade 1 2M 1F Anniversary 4-Y-O Juvenile Hurdle including Nicky Henderson’s highly promising Sir Gino. Obviously we don’t know for certain what sort of form the stable are in as they’ve only had a handful of runners since Cheltenham and none of them where of much interest. If the stable was in top form Sir Gino would be a very strong fancy and he’s still has to be the pick here although it would of been nice to know for sure what form the Seven Barrows team are in. Willie Mullins saddles Kargese who was runner up in the Triumph Hurdle whilst Paul Nicholls runs his exciting unbeaten ex French gelding Kalif Du Berlais. He looks a proper horse having impressed twice at Kempton and may be the one to chase Sir Gino home. SIR GINO 2 points win @ 10/11 Coral Aintree 2.55 The 3m 1F Grade 1 Aintree Bowl Chase has attracted a field of seven. Cheltenham Gold Cup runner up Gerri Colombe is the form horse as he had Bravemansgame (5th) and Gentlemansgame (pulled up) behind that day and looks sure to run well at a track that he won at last season as a novice and may have most to fear from Nicky Henderson’s Shishkin. A good run from Sir Gino in the previous race would obviously be a major boost for him and likewise a poor run would see Shishkin’s odds lengthen. He won this last year from the re-appearing Ahoy Senor, who doesn’t look the same horse this year, and on his best form he’s a big player here. Corbetts Cross impressed at Cheltenham but this will be much tougher and the selection is Gordon Elliott’s Gerri Colombe who brings the best recent form to the table. GERRI COLOMBE 1 point win @ 13/8 William Hill Aintree 3.30 The Grade 1 2M 4F William Hill Aintree Hurdle sees eight runners line up with the top two rated both coming from Ireland. Henry De Bromhead’s Bob Olinger who’s looked back to his best this season, winning Grade 2 contests over 2M 4F at Navan and Cheltenham prior to a creditable 5 1/2L second in the Irish Champion Hurdle to State Man. He looks sure to run well but may struggle to fight off the Willie Mullins trained Impaire Et Passe who like Bob Olinger missed Cheltenham. A smart novice last season winning the Ballymore at Cheltenham and has placed behind Teahupoo and State Man this season. Today’s trip and ground look ideal and he can out stay Bob Olinger. Champion Hurdle third Luccia may have been flattered last time whilst Coral Cup winner Langer Dan has plenty more on his plate here. IMPAIRE ET PASSE 1 point win @ 15/8 bet365 Aintree 4.05 A bumper field of twenty two will line up for the first race of the meeting over the Grand National fences the Randox Foxhunters’ Open Hunters’ Chase over 2M 5F. Cheltenham Foxhunters runner up Its On The Line will love the testing ground but didn’t really travel that well at Cheltenham and they may go a bit faster here so I’ll pass over him. Ante post gamble Spyglass Hill looks too short now despite winning one of the bigger hunter chases of the early part of the season at Haydock in the Walrus Hunters Chase. Hannah Roach’s Time Leader ran a blinder at 50-1 at Cheltenham finishing 5 1/2L behind Its On The Line and is also a player with the drop in trip a positive but the value may well be last years runner up Bennys King who’s looked in great form this season including when bolting up at Leicester last time when making all under today’s jockey Sean O’Connor for trainer Dan Skelton on ground that he’ll love. BENNYS KING 1 point each way @ 17/2 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Aintree 4.40 Fifteen face the starter for the 2M Close Brothers Red Rum Handicap Chase and has a very competitive look about it. The Grand Annual winner from Cheltenham, Unexpected Party, trained by Dan Skelton re-appears off of a 8lb higher mark with the third Path D’Oroux, sixth Saint Roi and eighth Triple Trade all taking him on again. One horse who catches my eye towards the bottom of the field is the Paul Nicholls trained Sans Bruit, an ex French performer who has plenty of smart form on heavy ground so should love the conditions. He’s had just the three runs for Nicholls, twice down the field in competitive handicap hurdles and a fine 3/4L second at Chepstow to an improver in Prince Quali. He’s 2lb out of the handicap here but as he actually goes up 3lb for that latest run in future handicaps is a pound well in here and has the assistance of Bryony Frost (presuming that Harry Cobden can’t do the weight of 10-2). In a wide open race the six year old mudlark could be the value play each way with additional places. SANS BRUIT 1 point each way @ 12/1 1/5th 1234 Coral Aintree 5.15 The final race on day one of the Grand National meeting is the 2M 1F Goffs Nickel Coin Mares’ National Hunt Flat Race with several promising mares here. Willie Mullins saddles Baby Kate who’s not been seen since November when winning a listed bumper at Cheltenham and has to be on the short list. Dan Skelton will be desperate to secure more prize money at the meeting as he attempts to keep clear of the chasing Paul Nicholls and Willie Mullins and saddles Honky Tonk Highway who’s unbeaten in a 3M maiden point to point and a listed bumper at Sandown when making his rules debut which takes some doing. There are many other potentially nice mares in the race but it’s the Skelton’s Honky Tonk Highway the one for me. HONKY TONK HIGHWAY 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 1234

Well exactly one year to the day after joining the Punters Lounge forum I finally win a Nap of the day monthly competition - not for lots of trying! Many thanks to @MCLARKE for running the comp and also thanks to all the other moderators/admins for their no doubt daily effort as well 👍 Also, many thanks to all involved at TAG Media for all of this. Here's looking forward to the next 12 months.

Kempton 1.15 ITV’s eight race coverage starts with a competitive fifteen runner 2M 5F class 3 handicap hurdle. It has an open look about it and it may pay to be with last year’s winner Mark Of Gold. Gary Moore’s seven year old ran out a comfortable 14L winner from a mark 7lb lower than he races off of today. That victory was gained on good ground but he does also have winning form on soft so the underfoot conditions shouldn’t hinder him. He fell in the Lanzarote Handicap Hurdle prior to last year’s win and the same fate befell him last month in prep for this contest. At a decent price he’s worth an each way play with additional places in a a wide open handicap under Caoilin Quinn who continues to impress and can still claim 3lb.Bottom weight Sea Invasion is the one I fear most against the selection. MARK OF GOLD 1 point each way @ 16/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Kempton 1.50 The first Grade race of the day is the Grade 2 Coral Adonis Juvenile Hurdle run over 2M with six juvenile hurdlers facing the judge. The race is likely to be run at a blistering pace wit impressive front running last time out winners Captain Marvellous and Givemefive sure to set searching fractions. Both may be playing for place money mind as the Paul Nicholls trained Kalif Du Berlais is a confident selection. He has to shoulder a 5lb penalty here for his victory at Compiegne in France last October, which seems harsh considering that was a newcomers race. He made a scintillating British debut when running away with a class 2 juvenile hurdle over course and distance last month. The 3rd and 5th have won since to give the form a solid look and although chasing will no doubt be his game as his part owner John Hales is in print stating that he was bought to win a Gold Cup he can retain his unbeaten record today. KALIF DU BERLAIS 2 points win @ 10/11 bet365 Newcastle 2.08 A stamina sapping contest is in store here with the 4M 1F 56 yard Betting.Bet Eider Handicap Chase run on heavy ground which has attracted a field of thirteen. We’re going to need a thorough stayer here and with the likes of improvers Anglers Crag and Fenland Tiger yet to race beyond 3M 2F it may be worth taking a chance on Sandy Thomson’s grey mare Flower Of Scotland. Shes proved her ability to stay and handle very testing ground when winning the Borders National at Kelso back in December 2022 in easy style off of a handicap mark 6lb lower than today’s. Lightly raced since and with the trainer in excellent form, winning with four of his last 13 runners, at time of writing, she could represent each way value with Sean Quinlan taking over for the first time. FLOWER OF SCOTLAND 1 point each way @ 6/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Kempton 2.27 A small but select field of six novice chasers line up for this Grade 2 Coral Pendil Novices’ Chase run over 2M 4F 110 yards.Bar outsider Soul Icon there’s only 4lb between the remaining quintet and it may pay to be with the five year old mare Arclight who receives a earthy 11lb allowance for age and sex. She’s unbeaten in three starts over fences here, Exeter and Wincanton. It’s the victory at the latter that gives her a big chance here. She beat Thursday’s Irish listed winner Marsh Wren by a coupe of lengths that day and with plenty in her favour can beat the likes of Tahmuras, who looks the biggest danger as his trainer Paul Nicholls has an excellent record in the race. ARCLIGHT 1 point win @ 5/1 bet365 Southwell 2.45 A field of eleven turn up for this 5F listed BetUK Hever Sprint Stakes. There is a stand out bet in the race in the shape of the Robert Cowell trained Clarendon House who is officially 7lb and upwards the best here. He seems to have stepped his game up since being gelded last August, winning at Wolverhampton and over course and distance when he broke the 5F track record. Not disgraced in fourth in a Group 2 in Dubai last month he stands out here with his main danger Diligent Harry possibly better at 6F. CLARENDON COURT 2 points win @ 11/10 bet365 Kempton 3.00 We have eight novice hurdles lining up here for the Grade 2 Coral Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle, run over 2M. Sam Thomas’s Lump Sun came from some way back to push the favourite Jeriko Du Reponet in the Grade 2 Rossington Main Novices’ Hurdle at Doncaster last month with one of today’s rivals Fiercely Proud just 3/4L behind at the line when finishing runner up and giving a real scare to favourite backers. Dai Walters’s six year old had previously won in maiden/novice company at Ffos Las and Wincanton and looks the one they all have to beat today under Sam Twiston-Davies. LUMP SUN 1 point win @ 15/8 William Hill Southwell 3.20 The track host their first running of the BetUK Winter Derby having been transferred from Lingfield. The race features six runners for this £56,710 first prize and is run over 1M 3F which is a a furlong further than last year. That extra furlong may well be against last years one - two Lord North and Tyrrhenian Sea and with the former being aimed at a remarkable fourth win of the Dubai Turf next month may have to play second fiddle to Charlie Appleby’s Military Order who was only just denied in the Winter Derby trial here 30 days ago over course and distance. Appleby is running at 50% wins to runs at present and he can out stay his rivals here under Danny Tudhope who was on board last time when going down by a neck to Enemy. MILITARY ORDER 1 point win @ 9/4 Betfred Kempton 3.37 The feature handicap on the Kempton card is the 3M Coral Trophy Handicap Chase which has a field of twelve. The race has an open look about it with last year’s runner up Flegmatik likely to be high on anyones list. Dan Skelton’s chestnut only went down by neck to Our Power last year and although he is 5lb higher today comes into the race on the back of a cosy 2L win over course and distance last month from Cheltenham hopeful Chianti Classico bringing his course record to three wins from 6 runs. Another horse who appears to like this track is the Nicky Henderson trained Tweed Skirt who is two from three here and can also run well although very soft ground may be a bit of an issue. FLEGMATIK 1 point each way @ 5/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234

Dr Karanga 1 30 Hyd/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1 Larry 3 00 Asc/ 1/40th of a pt ew 20/1 Goshen 2 25Asc/ 1/40th of a pt ew 40/1 Teddy Blue 3 35 Asc 1/40th of a pt ew 28/1 happy christmas to all forum members 🐎 🍻 and all your wives and lovers { may they never meet 😃😁} P/L +173.70

Oh wow .....I wished and it came true !!.....well done all those who backed him above too .....I'm amazed ...thought he had no chance from draw and 36.0!!... that's +330.00 ....unicorn win...I'm blown away

Ascot and York are the day’s feature meetings with the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes run at 15.40 the day’s feature race, and what a cracker we have this year. A real race to savour. The ground is soft at both tracks so we’ll be looking for horses that love to get their hooves into the turf. Here’s my thoughts on the day’s seven races with selections to help beat the bookies. Ascot 13:50 We start the days terrestrial coverage off with an eleven runner 6F Group 3 Princess Margaret Stakes for two year old fillies only. There’s very little soft ground form here with the Amo Racing owned Komat the only horse to comprehensively prove his effectiveness on soft ground having won at Redcar in April on soft. I’m not quite sure she’ll be good enough to win this mind. George Boughey’s Soprano is the current favourite but he ran to at Sandown on Thursday so has to be deemed doubtful one would think. Clive Cox saddles an interesting runner here in the once raced Symbology who beat the more experienced Nighteyes 3/4L at York on her debut a fortnight ago on good ground looking a nice prospect in the process and can run well along with Charlie Johnston’s Sacred Angel who impressed when winning at Newmarket a fortnight ago on fast ground. The Godolphin runner Dazzling Star doesn’t look anything too special having won a modest (by Newmarket standards) 6F maiden a month ago which hasn’t worked out that well. There’s no stand out filly here especially with question marks over the ground for most but I’ll take a chance on the Cox runner Symbology each way to small stakes who, although winning on good ground, may appreciate some cut in the ground like his sire and dam who both won on soft ground. SYMBOLOGY 1 point win @ 7/2 bet365 York 14:05 York’s ITV coverage kicks off with a nineteen runner class 4 5F ‘Jump Jockeys’ Nunthorpe’ Handicap, a unique race where national hunt jockeys get the chance to ride the sprint track on the Knavesmire. It has a very open look about it with local sprint specialist Paul Midgley saddling six runners, the best of whom may well be the Sam Twiston Davies ridden Glory Fighter. 2021 winner Soul Seeker, trained by David O’Meara has plummeted in the handicap since and races here off of a handicap mark some 17lb lower than that victory. He has little form on a soft surface however so is overlooked for that reason alone. In a race where stakes are most definitely kept small the pick may well be the David O’Meara trained Speedacus who is ridden by the current leader of the national hunt jockeys championship Sean Bowen, who actually won on the flat at Pontefract for his father Peter last week with Supposedtobe. Relatively lightly raced for his age, this Slade Power chestnut gelding proved his liking for soft ground when winning at Doncaster a week ago for which he’s been raised 4lb for. In an open contest he’s worth a small each way bet. SPEEDACUS 1/2 point each way @ 9/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Ascot 14:25 Ten fillies or mares line up for this 1M Group 3 Longines Valiant Stakes. The Irish challenger Cadeau Belle, trained by Johnny Murtagh, is unbeaten in two starts having won a Gowran Park maiden on soft ground and a listed race at Navan. This is a further step up in class but shes done nothing wrong and could play a hand in the finish with Jamie Spencer in the saddle. Also over from the Emerald Isle is the Joseph O’Brien trained Thornbrook, a listed winner in France last time out who is could also be in the mix here. Roger Varian saddles an interesting runner in the four year old Ameynah who we haven’t seen since finishing 6th in last season’s 1000 Guineas and is also untested on easy ground so is overlooked for those reasons alone. Six of the 10 runners are three year olds including Cadeau Belle with the Andrew Balding trained Vetiver stepping up in grade but only 10lb behind the top rated and has won three times on soft ground so has her under foot conditions here. The one I feel they all have to beat though is the Ed Walker trained, Saffie Osborne ridden Random Harvest. The five year old mare has won twice on soft ground and was probably out of her depth last time out when 6th of 8 in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket. She had previously gone down by short margins in group 3 and 2 company at Epsom and Ascot and as the highest rated of the ten looks the bet here. RANDOM HARVEST 1 point win @ 10/3 bet365 York 14:40 A competitive fifteen runner 6F class 2 handicap is up next and has a typical York sprint look about it. Karl Burke’s Lethal Levi heads the weights here and ran well on the all-weather at Newcastle last time when 3rd to Batal Dubai. He has claims along with a whole host of others including the only three year old in the field in the shape of Richard Fahey’s Barefoot Angel who makes her first start in a handicap having had her wind operated on since last seen when down the field in the Group 3 Nell Gwyn at Newmarket in April. This represents a drop in grade for the Dark Angel filly and she can run well. Kevin Ryan’s Hambleton Racing owned seven year old Magical Spirit is an interesting runner who won in the mud at Doncaster in April prior to an excellent third of 21 over course and distance 18 days later to Bielsa. His latest run on the all-weather can be forgiven and with conditions to suit looks the pick here to small stakes and an additional place. MAGICAL SPIRIT 1/2 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Ascot 15:00 A wide open renewal with 27 spread across the 7F straight track. Biggles comes here in fine form, likes soft ground and has to make the short list with Ryan Moore on board. Last year’s winner Fresh is another who can be competitive as long as the ground doesn’t get too testing whilst that wont worry Baradar who can’t have it soft enough. One of only two three year olds in the race, the Richard Fahey trained Ramazan can also be competitive from what may turn out to be a favourable high draw. At a monster price don’t be surprised if Fools Rush In outruns his odds and could hit the frame at a very big price. A wide open race with Biggles the most likely winner with just a 3lb penalty for his cosy Bunbury Cup victory and with Ryan Moore on top. The only negative is his stall 6 which in the past has been a negative so for that reason the vote goes to the mud lark Baradar berthed in stall 24 and the three year old Ramazan in stall 21. BARADAR 1 point each way @ 7/1 BetVictor 1/5th 12345 RAMAZAN 1 point each way @ 14/1 Boyles 1/5th 12345 FOOLS RUSH IN 1/2 point each way 66/1 Coral 1/5th 12345 York 15:15 Just the five go to post for this 1M 2F 56 yards Group 2 Sky Bet York Stakes. The warm favourite and easily the most likely winner is the William Haggas trained My Prospero who is taking a drop in grade here having run in Group 1 company on his last three starts. His best effort to date was at last season’s Champions Day in the Qipco Champions Stakes when finishing third (beaten 1/2L) by Bay Bridge and Adayar with the great Baaeed behind in fourth. He found the mile of the Lockinge at Newbury on his re-appearance too short for him in May and was not disgraced when fourth of 6 in the Prince Of Wales’s Stakes at the Royal meeting at Ascot in June (beaten 6 1/2L). A reproduction of any of those three runs should see him take this contest on ground that he’s proven on. Roger Varian’s Royal Champion took the Wolverton at Royal Ascot but this is a step up in class for him whilst Owen Burrow’s Alflaila has a 294 day layoff to overcome as well as question marks over his ability to handle soft ground. Johnny Murtagh sends over Mashoor from his County Kildare base in Ireland and is chasing a four timer with his best effort coming at Curragh last time out in the Group 3 International Stakes when running out an impressive 4 3/4L winner from Al Riffa. He looks the danger to the favourite if coping with the soft ground on the Knavesmire. MY PROSPERO 2 points win @ 5/4 William Hill Ascot 15:40 The feature race of the day is the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes, a Group One race run over 1M 4F and has attracted an excellent field of eleven this year and looks like being one of the best renewals for many a year. The two three year olds taking on the nine elders are Aiden O’Brien’s Epsom and Irish Derby winner Auguste Rodin and the Roger Varian trained Derby runner up and Royal Ascot winner King Of Steel. There was only 1 1/2L between them at Epsom and as that was the latter’s first run of the season I would expect there to be little between them here despite Auguste Rodin’s trainer expressing concerns about very soft ground lets not forget he ran out a comfortable winner of the Vertem Futurity on heavy ground as a juvenile. The soft ground has come in favour of the Owen Burrows runner Hukum whose form figures on ground with the description soft in reads 1131. Last seen beating Desert Crown at Sandown in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes in May he looks a major player now stepping back up in trip. Last year’s winner Pyledriver is back to defend his title having prepped with a victory in the Hardwicke at Royal Ascot but this year’s renewal looks a lot classier than last years. The Gosden’s Emily Upjohn was a major disappointment in this race last year when pulling too hard but has bounced back to form this season with two solid efforts although soft ground may be her downfall. An interesting outsider is one of the Aiden O’Brien quartet in Point Lonsdale who’s unbeaten in five starts on soft ground and could hit the frame at a monster price. A race to savour but with plenty in his favour its Hukum for me. HUKUM 1 point win @ 9/2 William Hill POINT LONSDALE 1/4 point each way @ 80/1 bet365 1/5th 1234

RESULTS UPDATE At long last I am in a YTD profit. One of my L15's and accas won with three winning selections and a non-runner. This produced a profit of 189.53 points + a small return on an ew bet meant a profit for the day of 190.23. After deducting my YTD loss of -133.92 I am now in YTD profit of 56.31

Having finally managed to win a PL prize I feel a little embarassed taking the winnings so I have decided to donate them to the player who shows the highest annual profit this calendar year. This is currently @kenisbusywith £122 followed by @internetmailswith £112. Attached is a list of all those who have commendably achieved a profit so far this year. Personally I think this is a truer test of ability than the monthly competitions.

This Saturday sees the running of the Great Yorkshire Chase at Doncaster, 1st ran in 1948. This premier handicap is run over 3 miles and is open to horses aged 5 years or older. Just 12 go to post this year and the off time is 3.15. Most bookmakers offer each-way terms of 4 places which makes the race a good betting proposition. Whilst this is a class 1 race it is not a good pointer for Cheltenham. In the last 9 years no Cheltenham winners have come from this race. NOT FOR THE YOUNGSTERS I have looked at the statistics for this race and these are my key conclusions. 1. Young horses do not have a good record in this race. Horses aged less than 10 years have won 4 times from 84 attempts with a level stakes loss of 50 points. Their older competitors have won 5 times from 39 attempts and produced a profit of 88 points. 2. It is best to avoid those horses at the top of the markets. Those horses in the 1st 4 in the betting have won 2 times from 42 runs with a loss of 24 points. The remainder have a record of 7 wins from 69 runs with a profit of 74 points. 3. It is best to sidestep those horses with obvious form. Horses that have had more than 1 win in their last 6 runs have produced just 1 win from 44 attempts with a loss of 34 points. Those with 0 or 1 win have produced 8 wins from 79 attempts with a profit of £72. 4. Claiming jockeys have a poor record. They have not won any races from 28 efforts. All the winners have been ridden by experienced jockeys, generating a profit of 63 points. There are 2 horses that match these criteria. CLOTH CAP – available at 10/1 with BET365 WINDSOR AVENUE – available at 20/1 with several bookmakers. Windsor Avenue won this last year, although he has been pulled up in 4 of his 5 attempts since then. I recommend backing both of these each way 4 places · All odds accurate at the time of writing, 11.59 am 27th Jan

The 2022 World Cup starts on November 20th and concludes with the Final on the 18th December The Punters Lounge will award cash prizes totalling £200 via Paypal. First £80 Second £60 Third £40 Fourth £20 * Deadline for any entries therefore is 4pm on November 20th * ** If any multiple registrations are found to try and manipulate the competition, they will not receive any prizes ** Format 1) Entrants will be required to predict the Correct Score of the 48 group matches 2) Players will also nominate four teams from the competition in order of their main fancy being the No 1 choice Scoring In the group matches, by predicting a correct score you are in effect forecasting 3 main outcomes : : - the actual result, whether or not both teams will score and if the game has under or over 2.5 goals Points will be awarded as follows for all the 48 group matches : 3pts for the correct result of the game (1, X, 2) 1pt for correctly predicting if both teams score (or not) 1pt for correctly predicting under or over 2.5 goals 1pt BONUS for every correct score predicted E.G, Prediction 2-1 - actual result 3-0 = score 4pts (3pts for home win, 1pt for over 2.5) Prediction 0-0 - actual result 0-1 = score 2pts (1pt for under 2.5, 1pt for both teams to score? No!) Prediction 3-1 - actual result 4-2 = score 5pts (3pts for home win, 1pt over 2.5, 1pt both teams to score? Yes!) Prediction 1-3 - actual result 1-3 = score 6pts (3pts for away win, 1pt over 2.5. 1pts both teams to score? Yes!, 1pt correct score) Knock Out Phase 5pts if any of your nominated teams win their group 5pts if any of your nominated teams win a Last 16 match 5pts if any of your nominated teams win a Last 8 match 5pts if any of your nominated teams win a Semi Final match 5pts if any of your nominated teams wins the World Cup BONUS 5pts if your number 1 team nominated team wins the World Cup Any ties will be decided by how many correct scores predicted, then how many top 4 teams nominated correctly Rules Please post the matches in the order given in the selection thread, easy just to copy and paste. If games are out of order they may be miscalculated. Please use the format given All predictions must be in the same post (before deadline) Only 1 entry accepted per member, any duplicate entries will not count towards prizes. No editing of posts, once you have posted your predictions they will be transferred to the master sheet so I will NOT see any edits. Any mistakes contact me by PM or post on the forum (i.e, if you have missed a game out) Latest table will be published on a regular basis through the tournament ENTER HERE -

An excellent day with 5 winners from 8 races at odds of 4/1 (25p R4), 10/1, 4/1, 2/1 and 8/1 with also a couple of places. A profit of 28.4 points on the day. Tomorrows thoughts/selections were uploaded as per usual just before 9 AM this morning.

Newmarket 1.50 The days racing at Newmarket kicks of with the Group 3 10F Zetalnd Stakes for two year olds. My initial thoughts were that I wanted to take on the short favourite Flying Honours trained by Charlie Appleby and ridden by William Buick but the more I delved into the race nothing really appealed against him. The favourite should relish the step up from a mile to ten furlongs and looked a top performer when an easy winner at Sandown and Salisbury (from subsequent winner Stormbuster) in the Summer. He went off a well backed 2/7 shot in the Royal Lodge last time when flopping in coming home only 3rd of the 4 runners beaten half a length. But for that defeat he would be an odds on chance here so if we can forgive him that effort then anything above evens is probably worth taking. The closest to the favourite on ratings is the Charlie and Mark Johnstone trained Dear My Friend who ran his best race to date last time when third in a listed contest in France. Maiden winners Galactic Jack, Tenerife Sunshine (also trained by the Johnstones) and Blanchland will all need to step up so let’s go with the favourite but to smallish stakes as he did bomb out last time. FLYING HONOURS 2 points win @ 5/4 BetVictor York 2.05 Nine assemble for the listed Rockingham Stakes run over 6F of the Knavesmire. William Haggas’s Alpha Capture appeared to improve for cheek pieces when just touched off on the line by Cold Case in a in sales race at Doncaster 30 days ago and with Tom Marquand riding looks likely to go close. Cold Case has gone on to win the big Redcar sales contest from Holguin who was back in third in the Doncaster race and the 4th that day Galeron has gone over to The Curragh and plundered the Goffs Million so the form has a very solid look about it and he’ll be hard to beat. His main danger appears to Roger Varian’s Bolt Action who followed up a credible runner up spot in a listed contest at Ayr to beat the well thought of Wallop at Salisbury a fortnight later. He’s officially rated the same as Alpha Capture and can make him fight all the way. Richard Fahey saddles Rousing Encore who was runner up to the useful Sakheer last time but there was only one winner that day and if there is a horse who could step forward massively for his debut run then surely it’s Johnny Murtagh’s Bay Of Plenty who was very green when winning on his debut at Naas 23 days ago and it must be significant that Murtagh brings him over from his County Kildare base. ALPHA CAPTURE 2 points win @ 15/8 Coral BAY OF PLENTY 1/2 point each way @ 14/1 1/5th 123 Newmarket 2.25 Another two year old contest, this time the Group 3 Autumn Stakes run over a mile. Charlie Appleby’s Silver Knott let us down last time and has to shoulder a 3lb penalty here. The excuse for the lack lustre effort was the soft ground so he can be given another chance but I prefer Karl Burke’s Holloway Boy who can give Dewhurst favourite Nostrum a boost ahead of his race later on the card. He went down by a length and a quarter to Sir Michael Stoute’s smart juvenile over seven furlongs here a fortnight ago with the strongly fancied Victory Dance 3L away in third. That was a strong piece of form and the extra furlong should suit him. Epictetus is a very interesting runner who seemingly won unfancied in a maiden at the July course on his debut 92 days ago. That form has worked out well with four winners coming out of the race and he could easily be a player here but I’m sticking with the best form line of Holloway Boy. HOLLOWAY BAY 2 points win @ 16/5 Paddy Power York 2.40 A disappointing turnout for the time of the year for this 1m 2 1/2F class 2 handicap with just six entered including one (What’s The Story ) who also has an entry on Friday. Stay Well looks held by rival Marching Army and top weight Algiers has plenty on here on the back of a long absence for The Crisford’s. Saga has become a disappointing horse though does try a new trip today and this may be fought out by Saeed Bin Suroor’s Marching Army who’s chasing a hat trick of wins and William Haggas’s Protagonist who was badly drawn last time out in the Cambridgeshire. It’s hard to split the pair with slight preference for the latter who ended up finishing second of eight on his far side group last time and on his previous two victories at Doncaster and Sandown looks sure to be thereabouts. PROTAGONIST 1 point win @ 11/4 Betfred Newmarket 3.00 Next up is the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes for two year olds run over 7F of the Rowley mile. Unfortunately Sakheer who was supplemented on Monday was taken out of the race at the eleventh hour with a dirty scope which must have been infuriating for his connections. The warm favourite here is Sir Michael Stoute’s Nostrum who looked so good when winning over course and distance 16 days ago from Holloway Boy who runs in the previous race and could well give him a late form boost. As smart as he looked that day he represents scant value to my eyes at around the 6/4 mark and it’s the owners other runner trained by Andrew Balding Chaldean who I want to be with. He’s beaten the same horse (Indestructible) on his last two outings and there will no doubt be people asking what he’s actually beaten but his trainer was very complimentary after his latest win saying he’s a ‘high class horse in the making’ and with some firms paying three places here in this seven runner contest can be played each way. Charlie Appleby saddles his Naval Power who’s stepping up in grade having won two listed contests but didn’t blow me away with his performance last time and looks short enough in the market at around 10/3. I wouldn’t discount Brian Meehan’s Isaac Shelby who’s had a break since winning the Group 2 Superlative Stakes back in July. He looks over priced at double figure odds. CHALDEAN 1 1/2 points each way @ 4/1 bet365 1/5 123 York 3.15 A widely competitive twenty two runner 6F class 2 sprint completes the televised York coverage. Interestingly 8 of the last 10 winners of this race were drawn in a single figure stall so it may pay to concentrate on those drawn low. That would rule our Gulliver who’s won two of the last three renewals of this event off of higher handicap marks (drawn in 22) and last year’s runner up Laugh A Minute from stall 21. Course specialist (5 wins from 11 starts) Dakota Gold looks interesting from stall 2 and likewise from box 1 Roger Varian’s Dusky Lord who took his field apart in the Ayr Silver Cup last time for which he’s been given a 9lb rise in the weights. I’ll take him to back that win up although I wouldn’t discount last year’s winner Volatile Analyst at big price to bounce back to form. DUSKY LORD 1 point each way @ 8/1 William Hill 1/5th 123456 Newmarket 3.40 For the first time this century we have less than thirty runners contesting this years renewal of the Cesarewitch Handicap with a mere 23 runners going to post for the 2m 2F contest. Following the sad news of the Pipe’s Adagio dropping down dead following a a heart attack on the gallops on Friday morning ( who incidentally would of been a very strong fancy of mine) the market is now headed by two NH trainers in Nicky Henderson’s Ahorsewithnoname and Charles Byrne’s Run For Oscar. Both have solid chances with my slight preference for the former who’s been trained for this just like last years winner Buzz by the Seven Barrows maestro. She won two two mile handicaps in the Spring in facile fashion and despite a 10lb rise for her latest win at York could still be ahead of her mark. Ryan Moore has been booked and she’s the main bet in the race. Others that can run well include Frankie Dettori’s mount Zoffee who didn’t get the clearest of runs when last seen at York in August whilst Gibraltar is one of three left in by Irish trainer Willie Mullins who has a good record in the race having won three of the lat four renewals. His other two runners are Scaramanga (first run for the Closutton trainer) and Baby Zeus (now the mount of William Buick) and have to be given respect. She may not be much of a price for such a big field handicap but Ahorsewithnoname can take this for Henderson who’s won this race three times before. AHORSEWITHNONAME 2 points each way @ 4/1 William Hill 1/5th 123456

No change to the top 4 on the last day. Congratulation to the winner @Gary66 Well done to the 2nd @BBBC, 3rd @kenisbusyand 4th @Johnrobertson

Thanks very much for running these comps Mclarke great job? Well done the winner.

Goodwood 1.50 The 2022 Glorious Goodwood meeting kicks off with a highly competitive 10F class 2 handicap which has attracted a maximum field of 18. There’s sure to be hard luck stories here in such a size field but let’s try and find the most likely winner and hope it’s not us finding the trouble! A key piece of form is the John Smiths Cup run at York 17 days ago won by Anmaat. That form was doubly franked at the weekend by success’s for the runner up Achelois and 4th Spirit Dancer so the 5th and 6th from that race Brilliant Light and Just Fine have to be given maximum respect. Saeed Bun Suroor’s Brilliant Light finished a length ahead of Sir Michael Stoute’s Just Fine but is 2lb worse off. There shouldn’t be much between them and both hold major each way claims. Roger Varain’s Legend Of Dubai was backed down to 7/2 favouritism at Royal Ascot but ran a stinker and although he’ll appreciate this longer trip has questions to answer now and represents scant value at his current odds. I do like the look of the William Knight trained, Harry Redknapp owned Moktasaab who won at Newbury and here over course and distance (from Caradoc who re-opposes on 7lb better terms for 1 1/4L and should run well though is hard to win with) earlier in the season before not handling Epsom and then failing to see out the 1m 4F trip at Ascot. He looks each way value and I’ll be backing him each way as well as Brilliant Light who I just favour over Just Fine. MOKTASAAB 1 point each way @ 12/1 Coral 12/1 1/5th 12345 BRILLIANT LIGHT 1 point each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 Goodwood 2.25 A field of nine assemble for the group 2 Vintage Stakes with the warm favourite Karl Burke’s Holloway Boy who made a winning racecourse debut in the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot. Not many horses have made a winning racecourse debut in the juvenile races there over the years and he’s a worthy favourite. The only issue I have is that the form hasn’t really worked out. Six horses have run from that race since all have been turned over. Maybe he just won a bad renewal of the Chesham? At around 2/1 I don’t want to pay to find out and I’m happy enough to take him on. I have respect for Charlie Hills’ Galeron who’s course win last time out was boosted by the runner up winning well at Newbury last week. Charlie and Mark Johnstone’s Dear My Friend is stepping up in grade following victories at Carlisle and Beverley and with the stable winning this with Dark Vision in 2018 is another interesting runner. I’m going to stick with the boys in blue though with the Charlie Appleby trained Mysterious Night who followed up his Newbury win in June with a high,y credible 3 1/4L 3rd in the group 2 July Stakes behind smart sorts Persian Force and Show Respect. That form may be good enough for him to take this. MYSTERIOUS KNIGHT 2 points win @ 4/1 William Hill Goodwood 3.00 The 7F Lennox Stakes is up next with a decent enough field of eleven heading to post. The favourite is the William Haggas trained filly Sacred who will take plenty of beating. She ran a stormer in the group one 6F Platinum Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot to finish a length 5th behind Naval Crown having not had the clearest of passages close home. She’s two from two over this trip and should be hard to beat on her favoured fast terrain. I can’t have last year’s winner Kinross as he prefers to get his toe into the ground whilst Pogo, who comes here chasing a hat trick, is nought from three here in the past. Lusail brings some good classic form to the table for the Richard Hannon stable and should be thereabouts but I can’t resist a tiny each way saver on outsider Sir Dancealot. When trained by David Elsworth he won this very contest in 2018 and 2019 and although he’s now in the care of the more than capable John Butler at Newmarket showed last time out in a handicap off of a mark of 103 that he retains plenty of ability. This really though is Sacred’s to lose with Tom Marquand doing the steering. SACRED 3 points win 2/1 William Hill SIR DANCEALOT 1/2 point each way @ 50/1 bet365 1/5th 123 Goodwood 3.35 A quality turnout of nine stayers assemble for this year’s renewal of the Goodwood Cup run over two miles. Last year’s winner Trueshan has been declared but surely won’t run unless there’s rain. If the heavens did open he would be a strong fancy and a clear favourite but that’s highly unlikely and it’s odds on that he’s pulled out on the morning of the race unfortunately. The story of the race (meeting?) is the John and Thady Gosden trained Stradivarius who’s won four Goodwood Cups (he was pulled out last year due to the wet ground). This will be his final run and it would be great to see him go out on a winning note with or without Frankie Dettori who’s been jocked off the grand eight year old by his owner Bjorn Neilsen following a couple of poor rides in the last two Ascot Gold Cups. He does have a major chance today but just may struggle to beat the four year younger Aiden O’Brien trained Kyprios who is a progressive lightly raced stayer who looks all set to win plenty more staying races. He won the Ascot Gold Cup last time and the drop back half a mile shouldn’t worry him too much as he does have plenty of speed as well as stamina. The others all have plenty to find with the big three (two if Trueshan comes out) although Coltrane seems to be rapidly improving for some reason at five years of age and shouldn’t be totally dismissed. KYPRIOS 3 points win @ 13/8 William Hill Goodwood 4.10 Fifteen speedsters go to post for this class 2 5F handicap. Celsius has won at this specialist track and although up 5lb for a recent win at Newmarket (Dusky Lord 1 1/2L back in 4th and now 5lb better off and Night On Earth a further place and 3/4L back and now 7lb better off) can run well here as I thought he did it quite cosily that day and conditions will be ideal. He should run well (as should the pair that were just behind him that day) but I’ve a fancy for John Quinn’s seven year old Lord Riddiford who’s the each way bet here. He was a comfortable winner of this race last year on soft ground, coming home two lengths to the good from stable mate El Astronaute off of a pound higher mark. He lost his way a bit since but showed some promise last time at Doncaster to suggest his time is near. I am a bit concerned by the fast terrain as it was soft last year but he does have winning form on good to firm and at a double figure price he’s worth a go. LORD RIDDIFORD point each way @ 14/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Goodwood 4.45 ITV surprisingly include this fifteen runner two year old maiden in their coverage. Charlie Appleby has a decent bunch of juveniles including another smart looking pair winning at Ascot and Newmarket last weekend and saddles Mischief Magic here. He has course experience having run over course and distance on his debut in May when third beaten 6 1/4L to the smart Royal Scotsman who’s run third in the Coventry since. The runner up that day has also won since as has the 4th Show Respect who’s also run a fine second in the group 2 July Stakes at Newmarket. Even the 5th Galeron and 7th Alif Power have won making the form of that race very strong. With William Buick on board he looks the one they all have to beat. There are dangers mind you with the William Knight runner Chartwell House just touched off at Windsor last time the pick of them. With the Appleby two years old in such fine form though and his form working out so well it’s hard to look past their runner here. MISCHIEF MAGIC 2 points win @ 10/3 bet365

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for GLORIOUS GOODWOOD, Tuesday 26th July to Saturday 30th July. 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 £60 cash (via PayPal) Runner Up wins £25 and the third place wins £15, all prizes via your PayPal account In addition 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 everyday 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 any prizes All welcome, good luck.

I think point is you will have losing days ....sometimes I get my ass kicked its part of the game but if your making sensible selections you'll gain some further down the line and slowly it comes back .....most important thing is to have a betting bank so you can ride the waves ....I can't overstate that ..... If you like to bet say 4 or 5 pts each weekend then your bank shoukd be around 80 pts which gives you 4 monthes uninterrupted betting and takes the pressure off .....if you lose .....just come back next week but I say don't be tempted to chase losses that can be a bank buster you have to be strong and disciplined .... Then at the at the end of each month I'll put in my betting "pocket money " this strengthens the bank and if you have the odd winner here and there you'll soon see your bank growing ..before long you can withstand 6 monthes ..8 monthes .... and it makes the whole thing just much more enjoyable ....more like a savings account rather than a betting account ...... You shrug off the bad times ...oh well ....and come back and try next week .....then when the good times come you watch it grow again .....its really important to have that in place though Me personally .....I have a main bank and an emergency bank in case I ever got wiped out but I've never had to access that in all the time I've been betting ....so I put my 30 40 50 whatever you can afford each month .....then let's say you win 200 over 2 to 3 monthes....your 1000 pt bank can now stand at 1600 ...in that situation.....I'll strengthen both banks by 50pts so the 1000pt becomes 1050pt etc ....then take the extra 500 and go put a deposit on a holiday ?.... that way racing never seems upsetting ....I never get hassle from the missus because I just hand her money every so often and say let's go on a hol ....and the whole thing just goes round and round ....all it takes is a bit of discipline

Inver Park does the business ....+82.00

Makanah 2 25 york 1/5 pt win 22/1 2ND Dakoda gold 2 25 york 1/5 pt win 25/1 WON Highfield princess 3 00 york 1/4 pt win 16/1 WON P/L + 123.25 pts