Leaderboard

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.

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.

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for Aintree Thursday 11th to Saturday 13th April. 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.

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

Madam Ambassador 1 30 New/ 1/40th of a pt ew 33/1 - Won Ropey Guest 3 35 Asc/ 1/40th of a pt ew 44/1 Designer 1 50 Asc/ 1/40th of a pt ew 12/1 Happy Romance 3 00 Asc/ 1/40th of a pt ew 16/1 Commander Crouch 2 05 Asc/ 1/40th of a pt ew 36/1 - 2nd Love Billy Boy 2 45 Red/ 1/40th of a pt ew 36/1 Vultan 2 20 Cra/ 1/40th of a pt ew 38/1 Bosh 7 30 Wol/ 1/40th of a pt win 12/1 P/L + 171.95 pts

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

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

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.

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

A bumper afternoon’s racing on Sunday with ten races on ITV’s schedule. The ground in Ireland at The Curragh will be soft and pretty testing whilst in Yorkshire the ground will be on the slow side with the current going description reading good to soft (soft in places) which with showers forecast can only worsen. Good luck everyone finding a winner or two and here’s my thoughts - Doncaster 1.35 Only eight go to post for the Flying Childers, a group 2 contest for two year olds run over 5F. The front two in the market have the best form although neither have raced on softish ground. The Platinum Queen looked all speed with victories at York and Goodwood prior to an even better effort when runner up in the Nunthorpe at York behind sprinting sensation Highfield Princess. All three of those runs though were on rattling fast ground and how she will cope with easy ground no one knows. The same applies to Richard Hannon’s Trillium who took the group 3 Molecomb Stakes at their big meeting in good style from Rocket Rodney (beaten since). The former has the better form credentials but I am worried of the ground for her. I’ll take a chance with Jessie Harrington’s Funny Money Honey who will need to improve to take this but won’t mind the soft ground and looked all about speed last week at Salisbury where he led the field for 5F before weakening quickly. Hollie Doyle retains the ride and she’s worth a small each way bet. FUNNY MONEY HONEY 1/2 point each way @ 22/1 William Hill 1/5 123 Curragh 1.50 The Group 2 Blandford Stakes will be run over 10F and is for three year old and older fillies and mares. Paddy Twomey’s La Petite Coco is the highest rated of the thirteen strong field and will be hard to beat on ground that should be in her favour. Penalised 3lb for her Group one victory in the Pretty Polly over course and distance in June, her first since winning this very race a year ago by a short head from Love she will be ridden, as per normal, by Billy Lee. Nine three year olds take her on here with the best of them the Ryan Moore ridden Above The Curve who we haven’t seen since May when winning the Group one Prix Saint Alary at Longchamp. Joseph O’Brien’s filly has to shoulder, like La Petite Coco, a 3lb penalty but looks the biggest threat to the selection. LA PETITE COCO 3 points win @ 15/8 William Hill Doncaster 2.10 A maximum field of twenty two go to post for this year’s renewal of the 5F 143 yards Portland Handicap. Favourite Whenthedealisdone won with his head in his chest a week ago at Ascot and although a 10lb rise was high enough he should run well on ground that should suit Roger Teal’s four year old. Teal also saddles Chipstead but he may not be as well suited by soft ground as his stable mate. Tim Easterby’s bottom weight Count D’Orsay was third in this last year and off of a handicap mark 8lb lower can run well along with Karl Burke’s Significantly who’s effort last time at York can be forgotten as he was given a nasty bump a couple of furlongs out which put paid to any chance he had at the time. The handicapper kindly dropped him 4lb to 96 which is the same mark as he last won off of (Ascot last Summer) and as a Royal Ascot winner last year on heavy ground won’t mind the softening conditions. At a big price he’s worth backing each way along with Count D’Orsay. SIGNIFICANTLY 1 point each way @ 33/1 bet365 1/5th 123456 COUNT D’ORSAY 1 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 123456 Curragh 2.25 Highfield Princess did us a nice turn when winning the Nunthorpe at York 23 days ago and looks the one they all have to beat in the Group one Flying Five Stakes for the Yorkshire stable of John Quinn who does well with his forays over the Irish Channel. She appears to handle any ground and must go well although at round the 7/4 mark has been well found in the market. She is worth a small stakes saver against Adrian McGuinness’s A Case Of You who is officially rated only 3lb behind the favourite but can be backed at around the 9/1 mark currently. She was a 33/1 chance when runner up in the contest a year ago when going down by a half a length to the re-appearing Romantic Proposal and followed that excellent effort up by winning the Prix de L’Abbaye on Arc day on bottomless ground. Following a successful stint at the Meydan Dubai Carnival where he won the group one Al Quoz Sprint he’s yet to hit top form but the drop to the minimum trip and soft ground should bring about the requisite improvement needed and he can be played each way. A CASE OF YOU 1 point each way @ 9/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 HIGHFIELD PRINCESS 1 point win @ 7/4 bet365 Doncaster 2.45 It’s hard to oppose favourite Trueshan in this 2m 2F Doncaster Cup where the more rain that falls the better for Alan King’s mudlark. He’s head and shoulders above his opponents here and with his likely optimum conditions impossible to oppose. Andrew Balding’s Coltrane maybe the one to chase him home but I fully expect Trueshan to win comfortably. At the odds I don’t see a bet unless you want to play the winning distance markets. Curragh 3.00 The 7F Moyglare Stakes is a group one contest for two year old fillies and features the smart Aidan O’Brien trained Mediate who’s bidding to keep her unbeaten run in tact having won all four of her starts including Group 3’s at Naas and Royal Ascot and a Group 2 over course and distance in August. She looks smart and will be hard to beat but if there is one horse who might be top class then surely it’s Dermot Weld’s Tahiyra. She looked useful when winning on her debut in a 7F Galway maiden when pushed out to put 5 1/2L between herself and the subsequent winner Dower House on rain softened ground. She’s owned by the Aga Khan and is a half sister to the great Tarnawa, one of my all time faves (though don’t talk to me about last year’s Arc!). Mediate will probably win but I can’t resist a small each way play on Tahiyra to prove she’s useful. TAHIYRA 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Doncaster 3.20 Nine go to post for the 7F Group 2 Park Stakes for three year olds and older. Kinross will appreciate the rain softened ground having won a similar contest at York last time although does have to shoulder a 3lb penalty today. These are his optimum conditions mind so he looks sure to run a big race. The soft ground appears to have gone against the likes of Sacred, Double Or Bubble and Jumby and the best each way value against the favourite who looks skinny enough at around 7/4 may well be Charlie Hills’ Garrus. This will be only his second attempt at 7F but was staying on again when an excellent third in the 6 1/F Group one Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville last time behind two subsequent Group one winners in Highfield Princess and Minzaal. A reproduction of that effort would put him right in the mix so let’s go each way with him in the hope the extra half a furlong brings out more improvement. GARRUS 1 point each way @ 11/2 Betfred 1/5th 123 Curragh 3.35 A small but select field of six go to post for the Group one National Stakes run over 7F for two year olds. The Futurity Stakes run over course and distance three weeks ago is the go to form line with Aidan O’Brien’s Aesop’s Fables coming home 2 1/4L ahead of stable companion Hans Anderson and there appears no reason why the latter should turn the form around. Just behind in third that day was Joseph O’Brien’s Proud And Regal and once again will need to improve to turn the form around. English challenger Marbaan was last seen winning a weak Group 2 at Goodwood and will likely have to step up again on ground he’s never run on as yet. I wouldn’t be shocked if Johnny Murtagh’s Shartash out runs his odds now he’s stepping up a furlong on ground he’s proven on and is worth a small saver. AESOPS FABLES 3 points win @ 5/6 William Hill SHARTASH 1 point win @ 14/1 BetVictor Doncaster 3.55 This year’s St Leger has a bit of a sub standard look to it with just the nine going to post. A warm favourite is the Charlie Appleby trained New London who steps up to 1m 6F for the first time but won’t get beat through lack of stamina having finished strongly when winning the Gordon Stakes at Goodwood last time. That form had worked out remarkably well with the runner up Deauville Legend winning the Group 3 Great Voltigeur since, the 3rd and re-opposing here Hoo Ya Mal landing the odds at Goodwood in a Group 3, the 4th Jack Darcy finishing runner up in a Deauville listed contest, the 5th Cresta winning a listed race at Windsor by 6 1/2L and the 6th West Wind Blows winning a Group 3 at Longchamp. Red hot form and New London will be hard to beat. Current second favourite is Roger Varian’s Eldar Eldarov who won the Queens Vase at Royal Ascot but flopped in France last time. The supplemented Haskoy looks a a smart filly but lacks experience having won a Wolverhampton novice stakes and a listed contest at York, this represents a big step up in class. I think New London will probably win but would prefer an each way bet on Hoo Ya Mal who was runner up in the Derby this year and although has 2L to make up with New London on Goodwood form did push him all the way and his new owner (soon to be trainer) Gai Waterhouse was very bullish about his chances on a recent Nick Luck podcast stating she expects him to win ! He’s off to Australia after this race to be trained for the Melbourne Cup and looks an each way bet to nothing to my eyes though whether he can topple the favourite is another matter. HOO YA MAL 1 point each way 7/1 BetVictor 1/5th 123 Curragh 4.10 Kyprios is a warm order for Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore to take the Irish St Leger run over 1m 6F for three year olds and upwards. He’s unbeaten this season in four starts at Navan (listed), Leopardstown (group 3), Ascot (Gold Cup) and Goodwood (Goodwood Cup) with all four of those success’s coming on good fast ground. His three worst RPR’s in his career have come on soft ground although he did win a weak maiden on his debut at Galway on heavy and it might just be that he’s a better horse on decent ground. Certainly at around the 4/7 mark I don’t want to pay to find out and I’m happy to take him on each way with the English raider Hamish. Trained at Newmarket by master handler William Haggas he has undoubted talent especially when the mud is flying with his form figures on ground with the word soft in the title reading 112441. He’s seemingly quite a hard horse to train as we don’t see much of him nowadays but you can be sure Haggas has him ready for this and he can overcome a 129 day absence and run a big race under Richard Kingscote. Search For A Song has to be mentioned also as she won the 2019 and 2020 runnings of this and her stable is in buoyant form. HAMISH 1 point each way @ 10/1 bet365 1/5th 123

Beverley 1.30 A 7F 96 yard class 4 handicap starts proceedings for the ITV cameras today with the ground riding just on the slow side. The track is a turning one with those drawn low having an advantage. The most unexposed is the top weight Majestic who makes his handicap debut here for Mick Channon who has booked Ben Curtis for the ride. He’s drawn nicely in four and is the one I like. From stall two Mark Walford’s It Just Takes Time may be the biggest danger. He won a brace of handicap this summer at Thirsk and York and wasn’t disgraced at Doncaster last time when runner up to Giogiobbo. He does take a bit of a hold and it maybe best to let him roll along the fence making his own fractions. Gemma Tutty’s Tangled is on a winning mark but I don’t like his wide draw. Outrun The Storm is another with a chance at the head of the market for owners Middleham Park and trainer Richard Fahey. He’s in good form and should be thereabouts. Not a very inspiring handicap but in the hope that Majestic is better than his initial mark of 82 I’ll take him to lead home It Just Takes Time. MAJESTIC 2 points win @ 9/2 William Hill Goodwood 1.50 Nine go to post for this 7F group 3 Prestige fillies stakes for two year olds. With the ground riding on the slow side the only horse in the field who has actually raced on soft ground is Richard Hannon’s June course winner Bet Here. He subsequently finished 6 1/4L behind the re-opposing Godolphin filly Fairy Cross in listed company at Sandown so is hard to fancy too much unless she’s a filly that is ground dependent. The aforementioned Fairy Cross probably bumped into a smart one at Sandown when runner up to the Johnstone’s Dance In The Grass (pair pulled clear) and if handling conditions today has to be a major player. Karl Burke has some nice two year olds this season and his Bright Diamond was very impressive when putting 9L between herself and her rivals in a 6 runner Newmarket maiden on her debut three weeks ago. Visually she looked smart that day and like Fairy Cross if she handles conditions should be thereabouts. David Loughnane’s, Amo Racing owned Queen Olly is the other filly at the head of the market. She’s shown decent form at Royal Ascot and Newmarket’s July meeting in group races and also holds claims. It’s a tough call as none of the principals have encountered slow ground so I’ll keep stakes small and back the impressive debut winner Bright Diamond. BRIGHT DIAMOND 1 point win @ 9/2 bet365 Beverley 2.05 The day’s nap runs here in this 1m 2F class 2 handicap. Roger Varian saddles his King Power owned three year old gelding by Holy Roman Emperor who has won two of his five starts this season. His best effort however came last time out when chasing home Ajero in a decent Goodwood handicap where he came from the back finding plenty of trouble. He can be marked up from that effort and with Kevin Stott replacing Ray Dawson can take the spoils today. The James Tate trained Wait To Excel is chasing a hat trick having won his maiden at Hamilton and a class 4 handicap at Ripon. The form of his handicap win has however not really worked out and I’m happy to oppose him. William Haggas saddles Post Impressionist who looked a horse to follow earlier in the season when he chased home the current St Leger second favourite Eldar Eldarov on the all weather at Newcastle. He’s flopped in his two subsequent starts though and with the handicapper only dropping him a pound and wearing a first time tongue tie has questions to answer. For me Kitsune Power should be favourite and he’s worth a bet. KITSUNE POWER 3 points win @ 7/2 bet365 Goodwood 2.25 Eleven go to post for this 7F class 2 handicap where like the Golden Mile at the Festival here it pays to be drawn low on the fence as they’re always on the turn till turning into the home straight. Likely favourite Orbaan arrives in excellent form having won the aforementioned Golden Mile Handicap and followed up over today’s trip at Ascot before finishing 4th in the Clipper Logistics Handicap at York where he got no sort of run and that 4th can be marked up. He’s in stall one and should be thereabouts for trainer David O’Meara and jockey Jason Watson. O’Meara also runs Rhoscolyn and he has track form and is drawn alongside his stablemate today. He has finished behind Orbaan in his last two starts mind and it maybe the same scenario here. Richard Hannon’s Tacarib Bay is one of just two three years old in the race and will love the soggy underfoot conditions. I’m put off him mind by his stall of 11. The best outsider for me is the John Quinn trained veteran Safe Voyage who adores cut in the ground, is well berthed in four for one that likes to go forward and is below his last winning mark. I’ll play Orbaan here but can’t resist a small stakes saver on the nine year old Safe Voyage. ORBAAN 2 points win @ 4/1 William Hill SAFE VOYAGE 1/2 point win each way @ 20/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Beverley 2.40 The feature race at the day at the Yorkshire track is the 5F Beverley Bullet where a low draw on the far side against the rail has always been seen as an advantage. The best in at the weights today is the Clive Cox trained Tis Marvellous who’s only two starts at this track have come in the last two runnings of this race when an unlucky 5th in 2020 and when winning well in this last year, taking it up with a furlong to go and pushed out to win by 3 3/4L. He started from stall 6 last season and has drawn stall 7 this time around. You always need luck on the sharp 5F here but if he gets the breaks he looks sure to be thereabouts. 5lb behind on ratings is Ainsdale who’s drawn on the rail, Existent drawn alongside with this being a drop in class and three year old Korker. They all have claims but for me this all about last year’s winner Tis Marvellous under Paul Hanagan and with many bookmakers paying 4 places is worth backing each way. TIS MARVELLOUS 2 points each way @ 7/2 Betfred 1/5th 1234 Goodwood 3.00 A very disappointing turnout of just four here for the group 3 1m 6F March Stakes. George Boughey’s smart three year old Hoo Ya Mal is officially 18lb, 32lb and 52lb better than his three rivals and it will be a major surprise were he not to win this with his head in his chest. Runner up in this year’s Epsom Derby when in the care of Andrew Balding at 150/1 he’s since joined Boughey en route to a career in Australia and ran well when third to St Leger favourite New London in Goodwood’s Gordon Stakes. There’s no real punting angle here although William Haggas’s Perfect Alibi looks sure to finish runner up. Newmarket 3.15 With 31mm of rain Wednesday night and a further 9mm on Thursday morning the ground is likely to ride on the soft side which has hardly been seen this flat season so it’s worth searching around for the soft ground performers in this 6f listed race. Charlie Fellowes’ Vadream was a group 3 winner at Ascot on soft ground last October as well as a very credible 5th beaten 3L in the group one Champions Sprint there a fortnight later. She’s not fired this season but back on her favoured ground can be competitive. I’m not sure what to make of favourite Great Ambassador, trained by the in form Ed Walker. His wily trainer is in print in this week’s Weekender stating that he wouldn’t run on good to firm but the horse has been withdrawn twice before due to the ground being too soft. Maybe he ideally needs good ground? One things for sure win or lose he’s poor value at around the 7/2 mark to these eyes even though he is the highest rated in the field following an eye catching run last time in the Stewards Cup. Last weekends winner Summerghand won this contest last season by 2 1/2L and has claims now he’s found the winning way again. Simon and Ed Crisford train the promising three year old Daneh but we haven’t seen him since this weekend last year so there has to be a question mark over her. An outside I think can run well and out run his odds is the Adrian Nicholls trained Mo Celita. The mare started out last season by winning three soft ground sprint sellers and progressed through the handicap ranks to win in listed company at Deauville in August as well as finishing 4th in the Prix de l’Abbaye on Arc weekend. She’s not shown much in two starts this season but this is her ground (form figures on good to soft or worse 111151437) and the booking of Frankie Dettori very much takes the eye. An open sprint but I’ll chance Mo Celita each way with the enhanced 4th place. MO CELITA 1 point each way @ 20/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Goodwood 3.35 The Celebration Mile is a group 2 event which has attracted just the five runners. Warm favourite is the Charlie Hills trained Mutasaabeq who is the highest rated here. He’s won twice on soft/heavy ground so conditions will hold no fears. He’s run well all four starts this season placing in group company on his last three starts having started his campaign with a win at Thirsk. He’ll be hard to beat. Escobar is 0 from 8 here but has run well in defeat here and is officially just 3lb inferior to Mutasaabeq having run a stormer 9 days ago when beaten a head in a competitive York handicap. Simon and Ed Crisford saddle a brace of runners in Finest Sound and Jadoomi with slight preference for the latter who was last seen winning a listed race at Claiefontaine in France in July. I think the favourite will win but wouldn’t be surprised if Ed Walker’s veteran Stormy Antarctic gives him the most to do. He’s officially only 4lb inferior to the selection with his form figures on soft or heavy reading 4174112811, a decent strike rate of 5 wins from 10 starts. It maybe worth a small straight forecast the favourite to beat him as well as backing Mutasaabeq. MUTASAABEQ 2 points win @ 11/10 bet365 MUTASAABEQ to beat STORMY ANTARCTIC 1 point straight forecast

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

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.

Fantastic run ...and the essence of value betting ....def need more of the that ...keep the ratings up all ....?....think that's around +65.00

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

Ascot 2.30 We start Royal Ascot with the group one Queen Anne Stakes where William Haggas’s superstar Baaeed has an easy task to take his unbeaten run to eight from eight. He really does look the real deal and I can see him going off a 1/6 chance or even shorter. His recent win at Newbury in the Lockinge has him way ahead of Real World (beaten 3 1/4L), Chindit (5L) and Sir Busker (6 1/4L) and he should have a comfortable victory here under regular rider Jim Crowley. Sit back and enjoy. Ascot 3.05 Seventeen colts go to post for this year’s renewal of the group 2 Coventry Stakes and with the 11th hour defection of Noble Style has the Adrian O’Brien unbeaten Blackbeard and Richard Hannon’s similarly unbeaten Persian Force battling it out for favouritism. Preference of the pair is the latter who has looked a smart prospect winning the Brocklesby at Doncaster and a small field at Newbury. His trainer Richard Hannon has gone in print saying he is comparable to the smart Canford Cliffs whom he trained. He’s the main bet here although one horse who impressed me immensely on his racecourse debut was the Archie Watson trained Bradsell who bolted up at Yorkmon his debut under PJ McDonald who’s replaced today by Hollie Doyle. He is by all accounts held in very high esteem by his trainer and I’ll be backing him each way along with Persian Force. PERSIAN FORCE 2 points win 3/1 William Hill BRADSELL 1 point each way 8/1 bet365 1/5th 12345 Ascot 3.40 A decent sized field of 18 go to post for the group 1 Kings Stand Stakes which has a very international look about it this year with Australian, American, Irish and even a Czech runner alongside the usual British contingent. The top rated here is Australian superstar Nature Strip who has plenty of experience as a seven year old in his native country having won eight group ones. This will be his first run outside of Australia although his work according to his trainer Chris Waller has all gone well having been housed at Charlie Hills’ stable in Lambourn. Drawn 10 gives him options and is a fascinating runner. The market suggests that the American trained Golden Pal will be a big threat. A very fast horse who his trainer Wesley Ward has been talking up in the last week has actually been beaten twice in his ventures to this country and I would favour Aussie Nature Strip who is the main bet. Obviously with the travel involved there is the possibility that both the front two could bomb out and at around 8/11 the pair I will all also be playing one of the others small each way. Tim Easterby’s Winter Power totally blew out on his re-appearance at Haydock behind two of today’s rivals in Kings Lynn and Twilight Calls. He was very easy to back that day and let’s not forget he was a group one winner last season and has to be better than that last run so looks each way value with the extra place. NATURE STRIP 2 points win 5/2 bet365 WINTER POWER 1/2 point each way 20/1 Coral/Ladbroke 1/5th 1234 Ascot 4.20 The group 1 St James Palace Stakes is next up. Run over a mile it’s for three year old colts and has attracted a field of 13. Warm favourite is the Charlie Appleby trained Coroebus who had plenty of these behind him when winning the 2000 Guineas. He’s yet to race around a bend although his trainer feels that may actually suit him and he’s fared well with the draw in stall 2. He’s hard to oppose with William Buick in the saddle. William Haggas saddles a brace in his German 2000 Guineas winner Maljoom and Heron Stakes winner My Prospero with preference for the latter. It will be a shock to me if Coroebus can’t win again. Ascot 5.00 A true stamina test with the 2m 4F Ascot Stakes Handicap featuring twenty potential stayers. The two favourites are trained by trainers more associated with Cheltenham than Royal Ascot with Willie Mullin’s Bring On The Night and Gordon Elliott’s Pied Piper. Preference is for the latter who has turned into a smart hurdler since joint Elliott from John Gosden. He’s rated 145 over sticks but only 96 today so may have a bit in hand although like Bring On The Night has to truly prove he stays this stamina sapping trip and with the pair around the 7/4 mark coupled it’s maybe worth looking elsewhere for some each way value especially with the extra places. Another hurdler at a much bigger price who looks well handicapped is Paul Nicholls’ Scaramanga the mount of Hollie Doyle. He has claims but it’s yet another hurdler that catches my eye in the John Queally trained eight year old gelding Arcadian Sunrise. He will stay this trip and there were excuses for his latest credible 4th in the Chester Cup (took a keen hold on his first start for 187 days and may not have been at home on the tight track). At the prices I’ll play him each way with the icing on the cake being the booking of useful 5lb claimer Harry Davies. ARCADIAN SUNRISE 1 point each way 17/2 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Ascot 5.35 A competitive renewal of the listed Wolverton Stakes run over 10F for four year olds and upwards. Last years winner Juan Elcano is back to defend his crown and has definite claims. Bar outsiders Moving Time and Palavechino there is actually only four pound between the other fourteen runners. Plenty hold chances but the one I like is the Andrew Balding trained Foxes Tales although I must admit the widest draw in 16 is a bit of a concern. A Group 3 winner last season at Haydock he misses a penalty for this contest by a couple of week. He’s run well on both outings this season in group 3 company including last time out when 4th to Ilaraab at Newbury with the horse that finished just ahead of him Without A Fight winning well at the weekend. It’s a tough race with bets best kept to a minimum. FOXES TALES 1 point each way 11/1 BetVictor 1/5th 1234 Ascot 6.10 A maximum field of sixteen go to post for this 1m 6F Copper Horse Handicap, a class 2 handicap for four year olds and upwards. Red hot favourite and sure to be thereabouts at the finish is the Aiden O’Brien trained Cleveland who will be ridden by Ryan Moore. He came from the back to take the half mile further Chester Cup last time and has been raised 5lb for that victory. He’s yet to encounter ground this fast but is the one to beat. The ground may well ride too fast for the likes of Not So Sleepy and Get Shirty. The Gosden’s run an interesting runner here in Stowell who is making his handicap debut under Frankie Dettori and can be competitive. Charlie Appleby saddles Bandinelli in first time blinkers but he ran so bad last time it’s hard to be too confident about him. A tough handicap but they all have to beat Cleveland who has a touch of class about him and a 5lb rise may not be enough to stop him winning again despite his cramped odds. CLEVELAND 2 points win 3/1 bet365

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

Sandown 1.50 Sandown brings down the curtain to the 2021/22 NH season with the meeting kicking off with a competitive two mile novices’ handicap hurdle. Knappers Hill bounced back to form in a weak Newton Abbot novice hurdle last week after getting bogged down in the mud at the last Sandown meeting but looks skinny enough under top weight at around the 3/1 mark. Jonjo O’Neill’s Head Law is very progressive and is chasing a four timer today. He’s been shunted up 10lb mind for his latest easy victory in a much lesser contest at Southwell. He has to be on the short list mind. Dr Richard Newland is a particular favourite trainer of mine and he saddles Whizz Kid under Sam Twiston-Davies. He made his handicap debut in a highly competitive handicap hurdle at the National meeting at Aintree and ran with credit when 4th beaten under 3L to Hacker Des Places. He made plenty of the running that day and having won his two previous starts from the front expect Twiston-Davies to ride him positively again today. He’s my idea of the winner. WHIZZ KID 2 points each way @ 6/1 William Hill 1/5 1234 Haydock 2.05 A dozen handicappers go to battle here for this class 2 7F handicap. Alrehb has yet to race on the turf but is a useful all weather performer who’s won three of his six starts in that discipline. John Butler has his small string in excellent shape currently and has taken over the training of today’s top weight Sir Dancealot. He’ll probably need this, his first run for 634 days but is worth keeping an eye on (especially if backed). Andrew Balding saddles Oo De Lally who won has won when fresh and has been gelded since last seen. He has claims along with Boardman, who is the main play here. He’s fallen down to his last winning handicap mark of 90 and showed up really well on his re-appearance in a Redcar handicap that has already thrown up a winner. He could ideally do with a shower or two although genuine good ground shouldn’t be an Issue and this Tim Easterby trained six year old should be competitive. An outsider I can’t resist a small ew saver on is the veteran Oh This Is Us who is tumbling down the handicap and can actually race today off of his lowest ever handicap mark. Rated as high as 113 in his pomp he now races off of 93 and showed enough in a better contest than this last time to suggest there may still be another race in the nine year old. BOARDMAN 1 point each way @ 4/1 William Hill 1/5 1234 OH THIS IS US 1/4 point each way @ 20/1 bet365 1/5 1234 Sandown 2.25 Only four go to post for the 2m 6F 164yds Grade 2 bet365 Oaksey Chase. The best in on official ratings at these weights is the Paul Nicholls runner Saint Calvados who is a smart chaser who’s yet to really show it for Nicholls in his three starts for the Ditcheat trainer since joining from Harry Whittington at the start of the season. I feel this trip will be ideal for him and he is my idea of the most likely winner. 6lb behind on official ratings is the Henderson runner Mister Fisher who was runner up in this contest last year. He’s more than capable as he shows when winning a four runner Grade 2 contest at Kempton in January but has been well beaten twice since and is extremely inconsistent. Scottish raider Nuts Well will be ridden by champion jockey elect Brian Hughes and is not out of it whilst Erne River was very disappointing at Aintree and has the best part of a stone to find with Saint Calvados on official ratings. SAINT CALVADOS 2 points win @ 9/4 bet365 Leicester 2.45 A disappointing turnout of only three (Edraak was pulled out on Thursday afternoon)go to post for this 7F listed EBF Stallions King Richard lll Stakes. With the Charlie Appleby Godolphin operation in full swing it’s hard not to like their Path Of Thunder who is back from Dubai having run with credit on all three starts over there. Andrew Balding’s Happy Power is officially rated a pound better horse but he’s hard to win with although did run well in a listed contest on the all weather behind Tinker Toy last time out last month. The third member of the field is Clive Cox’s Aratus who was a progressive animal last season winning all three of his starts culminating in a valuable Goodwood handicap in August. He’s been gelded since last seen and looks the biggest threat to Path Of Thunder. PATH OF THUNDER 2 points win @ 5/4 bet365 Sandown 3.00 Five have declared for the 1m 7F 119yds Grade 1 bet365 Celebration Chase and it’s hard to split Greaneteen and Nube Negra at the top of the market. There’s only 2lb between them on official ratings in favour of the latter who’s trained by Dan Skelton. He’s had a 140 day break since finishing 12L behind Greaneteen in the Tingle Creek here in December and will come here a fresh horse. Having won the Tingle Creek Paul Nicholl’s Greaneteen chased home Shishkin at Kempton over Christmas before bombing out at Leopardstown over Christmas. There were excuses for him that day (he came back with a grazed stifle and Bryony Frost raced on what appeared to be the worst of the ground). He beat Altior in this race last year (Sceau Royal well beaten in third) and looks the one to beat today. It’d hard to give the two outsiders Sky Pirate (17lb to find) and Rouge Vif (14lb) chances but Alan King’s Sceau Royal has claims on ground that will suit and only 5lb to find with top rated Nube Negra. Greaneteen comprehensively beat Nube Negra in the Tingle Creek, won this last year in good fashion and must have a winning chance. GREANETEEN 3 points win @ 13/8 William Hill Sandown 3.32 This years bet365 Gold Cup (the Whitbread for us oldies!) is run over 3m 4F 166yds and has attracted a decent sized field of fifteen. Last years race looks the key piece of collateral form with the first three plus the fifth all re-opposing on similar terms. Paul Nicholl’s Enrilo was first past the post that day but was thrown out and the race awarded to Alan King’s Potterman whom he crossed on the run in. Enrilo is a pound better off now and although he appears to have been trained for this race seems short enough in the market at around 7/2. On the other hand Potterman looks overpriced when you consider the conditions will suit and he comes here on the back of a Kelso win. He too has been trained for this and at three times the price of Enrilo is the main selection here. Staying handicap maestro Christian Williams saddles three including last years 3rd and 5th Kitty’s Light and Cap Du Nord and Scottish National winner Win My Wings. The latter was ultra impressive last time but it’s hard to do the double and he’s been raised a stone for that victory. There’s a stamina doubt about Dan Skelton’s Flegmatik who arrives chasing a hat trick whilst the best handicapped horse in the field is probably Philip Hobb’s Musical Slave who has no penalty to carry for his Haydock win so is 7lb well in here. The problem with him is the drying ground and he’s unproven at the longer trip. The best outsider may well be the John Joseph Hanlon raider Hewick. He sounded quite bullish on RacingTV in the week when discussing his chances stating that the faster the ground the better (forget his last run in the Midlands National where he didn’t go a tap on soft ground). From a point of value it’s Potterman for me with a small each way saver on Hewick. POTTERMAN 1 point each way 12/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 HEWICK 1/4 point each way @ 25/1 bet365 1/5 1234

Sandown 1.20 Ten runners go to post for this class 2 5F handicap for three year olds. A close eye on the market is recommended with seven of the ten making their seasonal re-appearances. Top weight Korker has been gelded since we last saw him when runner up in a soft ground York nursery in October. Martyn Meade’s Auditor is making his handicap debut having bolted up in a Windsor maiden last July. Off since, he’s a player if straight enough today. Shanko is making his turf debut but arrives in good form having finished a close second at Kempton in February. This is wide open and slight preference is for the Stuart Williams trained Shanko who has fitness on his side. SHANKO 1 point each way @ 9/2 William Hill 1/5th 1234 Sandown 1.50 The Esher Cup, a handicap run over a mile, has thrown up some smart winners over the years and has attracted ten runners this season. The way the Charlie Appleby Godolphin three year olds have been performing this season you have to have a very close look at their representative Blue Trail here. A Dante entry he’s making his handicap debut here although he was disappointing last time out when only 4th at Chelmsford with one of todays rivals, the John and Thady Gosden trained Find 4 1/4L ahead of him and only a pound better off now. Top weight is the Richard Hughes trained Ring Of Beara who’s also making his handicap debut having last been seen running 5th of 6 in a Group 3 last Autumn. Wanees is another making his handicap debut having won at Ascot and Salisbury last September over 7F. He’s an interesting runner for the in form Charlie Hills team. With half of the field making their seasonal re-appearance a close eye on the market exchanges is recommended and in a tight contest the selection is the all conquering Appleby runner Blue Trail. BLUE TRAIL 2 points win @ 7/2 Coral Perth 2.05 Only 5 go to post (possibly 4 if Malangen who ran at Perth on Thursday doesn’t go) for this class 3 two mile handicap hurdle where the hot favourite Platinumcard looks a solid bet especially at evens or bigger. A smart flat horse for Keith Dagleish who won four times last season and is currently rated 99 was subsequently sold to Gordon Elliott who exploited his low handicap mark over hurdles when winning cosily at Ayr in April when Elliott’s horses were out of form. He’s been raised 7lb for that victory to 111 but if he’s to mirror his flat ratings he could be miles ahead still of the handicapper and is the days best bet with Sean Bowen, who rode a double for Elliott on day one of the Perth Festival on board. Elliott also saddles top weight Eclair De Beaufeu who although keeping good company hasn’t shown anything of note since last August. Parisencore is in good form and can chase the selection home but this is all about Platinumcard and he’s a strong fancy. PLATINUMCARD 4 points win @ 10/11 Coral Sandown 2.25 A disappointing turnout for the bet365 group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes with last October’s Group 3 Darley Stakes winner Mostahdaf the one to beat. He has won five of his six career starts including first time out for the past two seasons so fitness shouldn’t really be an issue here. It has to be said though that the Gosden bandwagon is not in full swing as yet but they have been having winners and he’ll be hard to beat although has been priced accordingly. On official ratings mind there’s only a pound between the three runners with Kevin Ryan’s Juan Elcano the highest rated at today’s weights. He has a head second in a Group 2 to his name at York last July and like his two rivals has an absence to overcome. The third member of the field is Andrew Balding’s Foxes Tales who was a Group 3 winner last August missing out on a penalty here by a few weeks. It may not be the cakewalk that the market suggests but I do expect Mostahdaf to oblige with Jim Crowley riding for the Shadwell Stud. Perth 2.40 The William Hill Highland National Handicap Chase is run over 3m 6 1/2F with stamina obviously at the premium. Many hold chances in this fifteen strong field. Top weight Poppa Poutine is the youngest in the field at six and Nigel Twiston-Davies’s geldings form ties in closely with Tom George’s Oscar Robertson and Seamus Mullins’s I See You Will. Ireland send over a trio of challengers with the most interesting being the Paul Stafford trained eleven year old Dubai Devils who will have no problem with today’s trip having won at Hexham last time out over four miles from a subsequent winner. The one that takes my eye though is the Tjade Collier trained Ladronne who is trying this long trip for the first time. He certainly wasn’t stopping when a comfortable winner at Newcastle over three miles last time and has had a his wind tinkered with since and wears a first time tongue tie today. Sean Quinlan rides again and in a race that looks wide open he’s worth a small each way interest. LADRONNE 1 point each way @ 9/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Sandown 3.00 The one mile bet365 Mile is a Group 2 contest and features a short priced favourite in the Andrew Balding filly Alcohol Free who is making her seasonal re-appearance here. She has won first time out the last two seasons so hopefully fitness won’t be an excuse and as a dual Group 1 winner last Summer is officially 12lb and upwards ahead of her rivals today. As her Group success’s were earlier in last season’s campaign she escapes any penalty here and it’s hard to look beyond her here if she’s straight enough. Lincoln winner Johan and recent Thirsk winner Mutasaabeq (Rhoscolyn held) have fitness on their side but hardly look good enough whilst the Gosden runner Sunray Major is taking a hike up in class to tackle these today. She’s no sort of price but I fully expect Alcohol Free to win and from a punting view is worth doubling up with Platinumcard in the 2.05 Perth contest. ALCOHOL FREE & PLATINUMCARD 2 points win double 5/6 & 4/5 William Hill Sandown 3.35 Six go to post for this year’s renewal of the bet365 Classic Trial, a Group 3 contest run over 10F and a race which can thrown up a classic winner. Warm favourite, not surprisingly, is the Charlie Appleby trained Goldpur who is the form horse here on his third in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud last October on very soft ground. Conditions will be very different today but with Appleby winning all the 3 year old trials so far ( bar the Greenham) must go well although he is priced accordingly. John and Thady Gosden saddle an interesting pair in Crackman’s full brother Frantaatic, a winner of a Newcastle novice stakes contest last October that hasn’t worked out and Franz Strauss, owned by Godolphin and winner of a similar contest which has worked out much better than his stablemate and was run in a faster time. Preference of the pair is for the latter. David Simcock’s Cash looked a decent prospect when winning a Newmarket maiden last October and is another with a chance. The most interesting runner however is maybe the Aidan O’Brien runner River Thames, a winner of a Punchestown maiden last September and who was spoken highly of in a recent Racing Post trainer file. He missed the Ballysax with a bruised foot and should be competitive here today. A tough race where the market will be very informative. I want to take on the favourite and with Betfred and Skybet paying three places will go with Franz Strauss each way. FRANZ STRAUSS 1 point each way @ 11/1 Betfred 1/5th 123

Speed figures for today 132 muss value theory 7/1 225 newb symphony perfect 16/1 300 newb perfect power 7/4 520 newb Valsad 11/1 last month i highlighted a horse that ran at maydan in a race in which was won by Manobo in an incredible time, the horse in question was 6l back in forth at 66/1 stepped up in trip, after the race i highlighted it on here and recomended it be backed if not at meydan but when it returns to these shores. the horse runs today 314 Musselburgh at a nice price of 10/1 ENEMY wins easily, nothing is better than watching and noting races