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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for Cheltenham, Tuesday 12th to Friday 15th March. Rules: 1 selection per race throughout the competition Bets settled to £1 level stakes - WIN Only Bets settled at SP Highest accumulative total over the competition wins £100 cash (via PayPal) Runner Up wins £40 and the third place wins £20, all prizes via your PayPal account There will be a £10 prize each day for the highest profit for that day No edits allowed in selection posts Losses incurred for losers. Replacement selections for NRs can be posted but must be before the first race deadline All Bets must be posted prior to the first race each day (no exceptions) Not compulsory to enter every day or every race (so if you miss the first day or two you can still take part) Leader-board posted each evening A minimum of 14 bets is required to qualify for the total prizes Only bets on that day's thread will be included, bets posted elsewhere will not be included All welcome, good luck A separate thread will be created the evening before each day for selections to be posted in.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for ROYAL ASCOT, Tuesday 14th June to Saturday 18th June. Rules: 1 selection per race throughout the competition Bets settled to £1 level stakes - WIN Only Bets settled at SP Highest accumulative total over the competition wins £60 cash (via PayPal) Runner Up wins £25 and the third place wins £15, all prizes via your PayPal account In addition there will be a £10 prize each day for the highest profit for that day No edits allowed in selection posts Losses incurred for losers. Replacement selections for NRs can be posted but must be before the first race deadline All Bets must be posted prior to the first race each day (no exceptions) Not compulsory to enter everyday or every race (so if you miss the first day or two you can still take part) Leader-board posted each evening A minimum of 14 bets is required to qualify for any prizes All welcome, good luck.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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