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just found this site, look knowledgeable and my bets are football ( btts & o/u goals) and USA sports ( thru USA work colleague )......so my horse bets are limited like the big 2 days Epsom meeting with top class racing..........soooo my bets are 50pts staked 2.00 The Camden Colt 6/1 betfair 10pt win 2.00 Valour and Swagger 12/1 betfair 4 places 5pt EW 2.35 Hodler 16/1 betfair 4 places 5pt EW 3.45 Savvy Victory 8/1 betfair 3 places 5pt EW 4.30 Heartache Tonight 33/1 betfair 3places 5pt EW Good luck all today racing

The first of two cracking days racing at Epsom with two Group Ones on todays card with the Oaks set to be run at 16:30 (as long as those pesky Animal Rising idiots don’t have a say) and the Coronation Cup at 15:10. The ITV cameras are there for the first five races with the ground likely to ride good although the course has been very well watered in the last week. Epsom 14:00 We start the two day Derby fixture with the 6F Woodcote Stakes for two year olds. With the race on the turning track it’s advantageous to be drawn low although a look back to last year’s race shows you can be competitive from a high draw. Richard Hannon has a solid record in this race and saddles two interesting runners in Haatem who impressed when winning at Bath last time and can be competitive although my preference is for The Camden Colt who will be ridden by Ryan Moore. He made all when winning at Haydock on fast ground eight days ago and if he can get over from stall 7 appears to hold every chance. The form of both Balon D’Or and Bobsleigh has been let down whilst Yorkshire Terrier would have been high on my shortlist but for his draw position of 12 of 12. He’s made all to win two all weather races and with Oisin Murphy on top can run well if overcoming that coffin box. I wouldn’t be shocked if Craig Lidster’s, who is an under rated trainer, Land Lover runs very well from stall 1. He wasn’t disgraced when 4th (beaten 4 1/2L) on his racecourse debut at York in a £15k race and with improvement likely and a nice draw is worth a small each way saver with the main bet being The Camden Colt under Ryan Moore. THE CAMDEN COLT 1 point each way @ 5/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 LAND LOVER 1/2 point each way @ 12/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Epsom 14:35 A competitive 13 runner 1M 113 yard class 2 handicap is up next with the David O’Meara trained Rhoscolyn, owned by The Horse Watchers a very interesting contender. He’s been dropped another couple of pounds putting him 8lb lower than when running third at Royal Ascot last year and showed enough last time out to suggest his time is near. The George Boughey trained All The Kings Men is tried in first time blinkers and going up in trip which may well suit this William Buick ridden five year old. Charlie Johnstone saddles two with claims in Dutch Decoy (ridden by Neil Callan) who’s dropped below his last winning mark and Austrian Theory (Joe Fanning) who’s also dropped to a winning mark and showed enough last time to suggest he can run well. His latest win came at Hamilton a year ago when defeating Ghaly (who’s won both his races since and is now 13lb higher) and can go close. The ground isn’t soft enough for Hodler whilst top weight Revich who comes here following a recent win at Chester was runner up in this race last year but is up 6lb for Chester which puts him on his highest ever handicap mark. He should run well none the less. A tricky race which I’ve narrowed down to Rhoscolyn and Austrian Theory with the latter having the call. AUSTRIAN THEORY 1 point each way @ 9/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Epsom 15:10 A cracking renewal of the Group 1 Coronation Cup run over the Derby distance of 1M 4F and featuring four Group one winners with the odd one out the Aidan O’Brien trained Point Lonsdale who arrives in top,form having won both of his starts since a break including last time out at Chester in the Group 2 Huxley Stakes who can’t be dismissed either. John and Thady Gosden’s smart filly Emily Upjohn makes her re-appearance after apparently coming to hand slowly. She was an unlucky loser of last years Oaks on this day and ended last season winning the Group 1 Champion Fillies & mares at Ascot. She’s smart and can be competitive as long as she doesn’t pull too hard. Last year’s Derby 3rd (and possibly unlucky not to get closer having had a poor run in the race) and Irish Derby winner Westover is the most likely winner to my eyes and certainly wasn’t disgraced when runner up to the very smart Equinox in the Sheema Classic at Meydan in March. Ralph Beckett’s four year old will be ridden by Rob Hornby who will feel he has unfinished business after last year’s unlucky passage in the Derby and can take the spoils. Charlie Appleby’s Hurricane Lane shouldn’t be dismissed as a classic winner (St Leger from 2021) and impressed last time when bouncing back from a poor run at Newbury but I must admit I am a bit concerned with the form of some of the stable who certainly aren’t firing on all cylinders with just the 4 winners from their last 33 runners going into Thursday. The fifth member of the field is the German trained Tunnes who was a very easy winner of the German St Leger and a Group 1 last Autumn by 8L and 10L respectively although both wins came on very soft ground so for that reason alone is passed over here on today’s sounder surface. WESTOVER 2 points win @ 2/1 bet365 Epsom 15:45 A valuable class 2 handicap for four year old and upwards, run over 10F has attracted a field of ten which gives it a good each way feel with some firms paying four places. John & Thady Gosden’s Honiton proved he was better than his seasonal re-appearance (when hating the soft ground) at Goodwood when pushed out to win by 1 1/4L at Newmarket on much better ground a fortnight later under today’s pilot James Doyle though has been raised 4lb for that win and is drawn out wide. He has every chance and has to be on anyone’s short list but back in fourth that day at Newmarket was William Knight’s Dual Identity who was visibly dropped out the back from the start by Jamie Spencer and made up ground to finish 2 1/2L behind Honiton and with a one pound drop is now 5lb better off and with a more positive ride from Neil Callan from an inside berth can make up the deficit on the Gosden horse and looks great each way value. A big outsider who is worth keeping an eye in is the Richard Spencer trained The City’s Phantom who may have needed his seasonal re-appearance when friendless in the market going off at 66/1 and running accordingly. He’s better than that and having been dropped 3lb finds himself on the same mark as when a 6L winner at Yarmouth 14 months ago. Top weight Savvy Victory arrives in good form under Ryan Moore although this will be his highest ever mark whilst Bad Company (5th last year) needs softer conditions. Kevin Ryan’s Marhaba The Champ won a similar handicap on his seasonal re-appearance at York’s Dante meeting (his first since wind surgery) and with only a 2lb rise is another with claims although they did all finish in a bit of a heap that day with one of today’s rivals Majestic only a length behind and 2lb better off. A tight handicap but I feel that Dual Identity is building up to something and should be backed each way with firms paying that fourth place although it has to be noted that Knight is looking for his first winner for 119 days and 36 runs although he has a couple of runner ups in his last five runners so hopefully his turn is near. DUAL IDENTITY 1 point each way @ 8/1 1/5th 1234 Epsom 16:30 This may well revolve around the two fillies at the top of the market in Aiden O’Brien’s Savethelastdance and John and Thady Gosden’s Soul Sister. The former was so impressive at Chester but that did come on soft ground and the big question with her is will she handle this sounder surface (although the course has been well watered this week). I prefer Soul Sister who had a valid excuse on her re-appearance (soggy ground and not taking to a cross noseband) and looked a quality filly for a stable who know how to train the fairer sex. She’s the pick for me. Her stable mate Running Lion isn’t a certain stayer and I’m not quite sure what she beat at Newmarket in the Pretty Polly. David Menuisier’s Heartache Tonight is a half sister to the stable’s Group 1 winning mare Wonderful Tonight and as long as the ground is not riding fast then she can outrun her double figure odds and possibly hit the frame. SOUL SISTER 2 points win @ 5/2 BetVictor All odds accurate at time of writing.

Test trial at Epsom Monopoly money 2.35 Fantastic Fox 5/1 3.45 Marhaba The Champ 8.53 rating Majestic 8.51 rating

This Saturday sees the running of the fastest horse race in the world, the Epsom Dash. The 5-furlong race is all downhill until the last 100 yards. The current world record of 53.69 seconds was set by Stone of Folca in 2012. The race is open to horses aged three years or older. 20 go to post and off time is 15.20. Most bookmakers are offering up to 6 places which makes this an excellent betting proposition. I have looked at the statistics over the last 9 years and these are my key conclusions. It is best to keep clear of those at the top of the betting. Just 2 winners from 64 runners have been in the top 7 in the betting forecast. The remainder have recorded 6 wins from 48 runs with a profit of 98 points. Claiming jockeys have a poor record with no wins from 26 attempts. Horses bred in Ireland have the best record with 5 wins from 62 runs and a profit of 50 points. 3 horses meet these criteria. ZARZYNI 16/1 CAME FROM THE DARK 16/1 SAMPERS SEVEN 11/1 I suggest backing these each way with bookmakers offering 5/6 places.

Patent. 1.20. Chep. Passing Time 10/3 2nd 5.45. Epsm. Clochette 11/2 unpl 8.15. Another Run 11/2 2nd stk. 3.50 rtn 149.50. Good luck all.

@adastra Fritz has been really classy recently, much improved in every respect, but this certainly won't be an easy match for him. I'm backing Fognini to beat Ofner at 1.73 with William Hill, he seems to be the best he's been for quite a while, and this might very well be some sort of a swan song tournament for him as well. On the WTA side of things, I like Avanesyan to beat Tauson at 2.89 with Pinnacle. It's such a huge price, and I've heard nothing but praise for Avanesyan for her two wins in the early rounds. She isn't the favourite, of course, but Tauson tends to have off-days as well, and seems a bit overrated in this particular spot.

1place out £78.40 in £135.21 2days to go

I tend to back previous distance winners in the Oaks & the Derby . In the Oaks I've backed ETERNAL HOPE 14/1 Sky ( 4 places ) only distance winner in the field , way down on ratings . horse hated the course . 👎 ARREST in the Derby for me though will keep eye on prices . Local trainer Jim Boyle has 4 running today , all but 1 previous course or course & distance winners always a plus point here which some horses loathe . 2.35 HODLER 11/1 ( 4 places ) 👎 3.45 BAD COMPANY 11/1 ) 4 places ) 👎 5.45 MARLAY PARK 13/2 ( 4 places ) 3rd 8/1 with Boyle's other horse Secret Strength 4th at 33/1 . will price later , all each way .

Epsom dash Clarendon house 9.0 9/1 Silkie wilkie 8.9 12/1 Mountain peak 8.3 Came from dark 8.3 Vintage clarets 8.2 Very competitive race ....top 2 are a little clear ....no surprise to see any of these 5 in mix up but I'll try 10pt ew top 2 😃 Tricasts all 5

Well done to The Brigadier for 2 nice Friday Epsom winners 👍......not a 1st day racing on here i anticipated, loss of 50pts! soooo hey ho day 2 at Epsom better i hope....60pts stakes 1.30 Passenger 13/2 ( betfair ) 10pts win ( added to friday list on sat morning ) 1.30 Arrest 4/1 ( betfair odds boost offer ) 10 pts win 1.30 White Birch 12/1 ( betfair 4 places) 5 pts EW 1.30 Dubai Mile 16/1 (betfair 4 places) 5pts EW 2.45 Miss Brazen 10/1 (betfair 4 places) 5pts EW 2.45 Zuffolo 12/1 ( betfair 4 places) 5pts EW 3.20 Ancient Times 9/1 ( betfair 5 places) 5pts EW 3.20 Lihou 14/1 (betfair 5 places) 5 pts EW 3.55 Kadovar 12/1 (betfair 4 places) 5pts EW 3.55 Perfect Play 12/1 (betfair 4 places) 5pts EW Good luck to all with todays racing

It should be a good night of action to conclude the 2023 hunter chase season and hopefully it can be a profitable end as well. David Kemp has had a hell of a season with a very high strike rate and I am hopeful that will continue this evening. As for the going they are putting even more water down this morning so it might end up being on the slower side of good. Prices right as of 8.00 5.35/8.40 Magic Saint/Old Guard 1pt double @ 3/1 with Bet365 6.05 Rebel Dawn Rising 2pts @ 5/2 with everyone (take up to 2/1) Normofthenorth 0.5pts @ 10/1 with everyone (14/1 with Bet365 and take up to 7/1) 6.35 Quintin's Man 3pts @ 5/4 with everyone (take up to Evs) 7.05 Law Of Gold 4pts @ 9/4 with everyone (take up to 5/4) Clara Sorrento 0.5pts e/w @ 10/1 with everyone (take up to 8/1) 7.35 Caryto Des Brosses 3pts @ 11/8 with Bet365 (take up to 6/5) Sixteen Letters 0.5pts @ 7/2 with the majority (take up 11/4) 8.05 Captain Biggles 1pt @ 7/4 with everyone (take up to 6/4) Runwiththetide 0.5pts @ 8/1 with everyone (take up to 6/1) 5.35 Capitaine - Passed the post in 1st in this race in 2021 only for Sam Waley-Choen to weigh in light. Won the 2m hunter chase at Leicester last year, but was a well beaten 5th in this. Only run since then was in a Newbury handicap on New Years Eve and he pulled up. This is his trip, but it is a stronger race than 2021 so I'm not sure he will be good enough. Magic Saint - Good 2nd to Bennys King at Hereford and than was value for more than the 13L winning margin over Diligent at Wincanton in March. Bit disappointing in the Aintree Foxhunters when only 13th and was 4th at Cheltenham last time behind Paloma Blue. He travelled into the race really well, but I don't think he quite saw the trip out up the hill in what was a good race. Coped with this sort of trip earlier in his career and a leading chance. Kaproyale - Ground will be ideal for him which it wasn't when he was 2nd to Sine Nomine here in April. Been very good in points having won 8 of 11 and finished 2nd on two occasions including to Famous Clermont on New Years Day, albeit he was well beaten by him. Was impressive at Huntingdon last week although the race did fall to pieces and a maiden ended up finishing 2nd so the form is open to question. Like I say though the ground is ideal for him and this trip should be fine as well so he's one of the possible winners. Avoir De Soins - Hasn't been seeing 3m out in points this season so the drop in trip should help, but his only win came off 91 over 2m4f at Lingfield in November 2020 and I doubt he will be good enough. Due Reward - Had been struggling on ground which wouldn't have suited this season including in a hunter chase at Ludlow where he pulled up behind Fix It All. Finally got quick ground at Mollington a month ago and won over 2m4f having been well backed. The form isn't overly strong as the 2nd is only rated 82 under rules, but he did win on his next start which does boost the form a bit. Wouldn't rule him out for a top trainer and Gina Andrews is on top. Flaminger - Another one who hasn't been staying over 3m in points and was also well beaten over 2m4f at Tabley in April. This trip will suit better, but he looked regressive when last seen under rules and its hard to see him being good enough. Le Correzian - Was very well backed last time at Bitterley where he clearly didn't stay. There was also a bit of support for him on his debut for current connections in a Mixed Open at Buckfastleigh where he was still travelling well until unseating at 5 out. His win in France was over 2m1f so clearly this trip didn't suit. Didn't show too much in a couple of starts for Henry de Bromhead in Ireland, but I suspect that connections have been waiting for this race given his lack of stamina and the fact they must think he's good because of the money for him. A bold showing wouldn't surprise. Rewritetherules - Was 75L behind Magic Saint at Wincanton and hard to give him much of a chance on that let alone what he has done since. Sending Love - Struggled all season and likely to do so here. Verdict - A few of these have need dropping in trip as they haven't been staying in points, but then you have to work out if they are actually good enough to win. Le Correzian is interesting as he is likely to improve for the trip from what he has shown so far. Due Reward has a chance on his favourite going and Capitaine can't be ruled out completely given he 'won' this 2 years ago. I do think though that Magic Saint is the one to beat. He's shown strong form this season and even the 4th at Cheltenham last time is better than what anything else in the race has achieved of late. He didn't stay that night and this trip should be ideal for him and I expect him to be ridden more prominently as he was when winning at Wincanton. Kaproyle is the main danger with the ground in his favour, but this will be tougher than Huntingdon. 6.05 Envious Editor - Ran as well as could have been hoped at Cheltenham behind Fier Jaguen and Caryto Des Brosses and it was an improved performance from Ludlow. Still not sure he's in as good form as he was when winning at Taunton in the first hunter chase of the season for his former trainer though. Bold showing wouldn't surprise, but happy enough to take on. Shantou Flyer - As good as ever at 13 having run a stormer to finish 3rd at Cheltenham behind Premier Magic. He then went on to easily beat Singapore Saga at Exeter. Given he hadn't stayed 4m last season I was surprised that they gave him another go in that race at Cheltenham last month and he's run well enough to finish 2nd behind Law Of Gold. What surprises me here though is they are dropping him down in trip to 2m6f which I'm not sure will suit on quick ground round this sharper track. I'd have chanced my arm by running him in the big race. Clearly has the ability to win though if he gets away with that. Solomon Grey - Didn't stay at all in the big race on this night last year when he finished 5th behind Vaucelet which came on the back of a very good win at Cheltenham. Trainer never has them ready 1st time out so the 6th at Taunton can be ignored. He then injured himself and returned with a decent enough 2nd at Ludlow to Secret Investor. After that he tried to keep hold of his Cheltenham crown, but it probably came a little bit too soon even so it was a very good run to finish 3rd. What surprises me is 8 days later they ran him at Peper Harrow and he was just beaten by Count Simon who he was 23L in front of in that Cheltenham race. I'm not sure why they ran him in that, but he would still rate a contender in this. Dandy Dan - Did really well to beat Caryto Des Brosses at Cheltenham last year and then followed that up with a good 3rd in the big race behind Vaucelet. This season hasn't been so good though. He wasn't fit first time out at Garthorpe when 3rd to Law Of Gold and then the ground went against him at The Festival. What was most disappointing was his run in the race he won last year as he was well beaten in the end when 4th. He did win a point a couple of weeks ago, but he was 1/5 and the time was very slow which shows how much better he was than the opposition. The ground should be ideal and if he was in the same form as last year then he would have a chance, but I do suspect that the trip will be sharp enough anyway. Normofthenorth - Has a superb record in points over here having won 9 of his 14 starts including both starts this season at Kimble and Godstone. Both were small fields, but he did beat a horse at Godstone who has won 5 times this season including on his next start. He had a serious injury so he was lucky to even see a course again and this was the target after he won at Kimble. His trainer also mentioned they had planned to run him in the race last year, but he had a hard race when winning at Fakenham. It is hard to know what he achieved that day because the unexposed 2nd hasn't been seen since and it was a weak race. This is quite a strong renewal, but he is one of the possible winners. Rebel Dawn Rising - A new personal best by someway at Cheltenham last time when 2nd to Premier Magic. He was the only one to give The Festival winner a race and he just didn't stay up the hill. The biggest worry about him could be the last fence because he ran down it at Fakenham the time before when he had the race won and threw Alex Chadwick over the fence as he jumped it. He looked like he just thought about it at Cheltenham as well although it could have been more because he was tired. Alice Stevens is a cracking booking for the horse and this shorter trip should be perfect for him. Has a massive chance for me. Say About It - Won the Restricted race on this card last year when he outstayed the 2nd. Hasn't done too badly this season running against some good horses, but bumps into some good horses here as well and hard to see him winning this. Minella Encore - His jockey Talor Hopkins has little experience, but she has done well on this horse who used to be trained by Dr Newland having won 3 times on him this season. His worst run of the season was when he pulled up behind Shantou Flyer at Chaddesley Corbett over Christmas, but Talor said he hated the sticky ground that day which won't be a problem here. Still got a rating of 128 under rules and whilst he probably isn't up to that anymore this test does look ideal for him so a bold showing wouldn't surprise. Wheesht - Been well beaten in a couple of hunter chases this season and whilst he did win a point over 2m4f at Eyton over Easter I doubt he will be good enough here. Verdict - This is a decent race and I'd only really completely rule out Say About It and Whessht. Having said that I am very keen on Rebel Dawn Rising. He looks an improved horse this season and would have bolted up at Fakenham had he not messed around before the last. He was the only horse to give Premier Magic a race at Cheltenham and this trip should be much more suitable for him. Shantou Flyer clearly has the class, but I think they have him in the wrong race again and he will be tapped for toe round here over this trip. I am going to have a small e/w saver on Normofthenorth as this race has been the target and he has looked a progressive horse. Solomon Grey would be next in line. 6.35 Brave Starlight - Was a pretty weak maiden he won over in Ireland, but the 3rd in a Tipperary hunter chase on his next start wasn't a bad effort. Even so he wouldn't appear to be good enough for this on his first start for David Dennis. Dunworley - Would be some feat if he were to win this as a maiden and I guess given the prize money on offer they may as well have a go as even if he finishes last he gets £306. Was very well backed at Huntingdon last week which seemed bizarre given his form, but he ran well to finish 2nd. I do think that race fell apart a bit though and I'd be surprised if he was up to this. Matthews Hill - Was 2nd in the Bishopscourt Cup at the Punchestown Festival, but given the race conditions for that contest it is one of the worst races of the season. On the back of that though he was sent off favourite for a maiden hunter chase at Downpatrick a couple of weeks ago, but his jumping wasn't great and he came down at 4 out. Hard to say how he would have got on but it wasn't a strong race and it would be a bit disappointing if he was able to beat the best of the British. Precious Bounty - Is a front runner and likely to make the running. Has got ground to make up on Sine Nomine based on their run over 2m6f here in April, but the rain got into the ground which wouldn't have suited him. He then dropped down to 2m and ran as well as could have been expected behind Fier Jaguen. The problem for me is I'm not sure he wants this much of a stamina test. Quintin's Man - Loves a stamina test as he showed when winning the Intermediate Final at Cheltenham last month. He was really impressive that night and although I wondered beforehand if the ground would be too quick, he handled it fine. He had been 2nd at Exeter the time before and that form is working out very well as I pointed out when Workin Out won at Cartmel on Monday. With Slievegar winning at Kelso on Sunday that is two hunter chase winners that he's had behind him in his last two starts. He's the one they have to beat although the one concern I would have is the quick ground as connections seem to think he doesn't want it too fast, but there is no doubt he has the best form coming into the race. Sine Nomine - Jumping had looked a big issue especially when she ran in last year's Intermediate Final when finishing a well beaten 3rd, but she has turned that around in some style this season as she was very good when beating Kaproyale by 12L hard held. Now she was the only one of the fancied horses who wanted the rain softened ground, but even so it she did it in good style. She went to the mares race on Cheltenham hunter chase night and didn't quite see it out as she was beaten 0.5L by Miss Seagreen. For me she almost travels too well. What I mean by that is that you wouldn't call her keen as such, but she looks very enthusiastic and I just wonder if that left her slightly lacking in the finish. Clearly a big player in this though. Verdict - The two horses with the Irish form don't look anything special, Dunworley is still a maiden and Precious Bounty would be a stamina doubt so that leaves the race between Quintin's Man and Sine Nomine. Whilst I do have a slight concern about the ground for the former I do think he is the one they have to beat. He is the strongest stayer in the field and I think he is the best horse in the field. There should be a fair gallop set by Precious Bounty so that should help him as well. 7.05 Cheltenham De Vaige - Ran well on the Cheltenham hunter chase night for the 2nd year running when 3rd to Law Of Gold, but that shows how much ground he has to make up on him and I can't see him reversing the form. Clara Sorrento - Had a great season having won 4 on the bounce in points and he's clocked quick times as well. He might be 12, but he hasn't had much racing and didn't run from November 2018 in a Grade 3 at Cork until last March, a break of 1224 days! I suspect last year was about getting him back and after losing first time out this season he hasn't looked back. He is the yards 2nd string, but I think he can give it a bold show from the front given the form he's been in this season. Fr Humphrey - 15yo but he seems to be in the best form he's ever been in having won 3 of his last 4 races including causing one of the shocks of the Irish pointing season when he beat Rocky's Howya in April. He's won both point starts since although he was well beaten by Annamix in hunter chase inbetween those two victories and he really shouldn't be good enough to win this. Law Of Gold - Loves it at this meeting having won the John Corbet Cup in 2019 and then landed this race in 2021. Last year he had to settle for 2nd behind Vaucelet, but that came on the back of having had a hard race at Cheltenham where he didn't go a yard and jumped terribly. This year he comes into this race having finished 2nd to Premier Magic, winning a point and then having a break before returning in the 4m race at Cheltenham again where he travelled and jumped like a dream the whole way round and always looked like the winner. Apparently the first time cheekpieces were to blame for his run their last year and he looked a different horse this time around. He has a great chance of reversing last year's form with Vaucelet. Not A Role Model - Has won his last two points but both on soft ground and didn't beat Back Bar by anywhere near as much as Clara Sorrento did. Would be surprising if he was good enough. Secret Investor - Won 3 hunter chases this season and its hard to know how much he has achieved in doing so as he hasn't beaten a great deal. Dieu Vivant is a very beatable horse who he beat at Bangor. At Kelso he had a very simple task and then at Ludlow he beat Solomon Grey by 17L, but he would have needed the run. We would have learned more at Cheltenham but sadly he fell at the first. I won't be backing him, but he is clearly one of the possible winners. Steely Addition - Just hasn't been in the same form as he was last season and the Perth form has been shown up big time in recent days. The Kelso win last year he only beat Graasten so I just can't see him being good enough. Vaucelet - Didn't think he was overly impressive when winning at 4/9 last year, but he got the job done in the end beating Law Of Gold by 4L. He was ante-post favourite for Cheltenham on the back of that and was sent off favourite on the day, but he just didn't see it out when finishing 7th beaten 10L. I suspect a lack of a recent run, he hadn't run since wining at Down Royal on Boxing Day, didn't really help, but the trainers horses all seemed to have an issue at the time. He then went to Punchestown where I thought he would win, but fair play to Its On The Line who just kept finding and finding and he couldn't get past. After that it was another match up against Billaway at Downpatrick, but he jumped terribly and I thought his jockey made a strange move to go and take up the running. That just seemed to leave him as a sitting duck for Billaway to go past and score comfortably. I wondered if he would come over after that, but I guess as its the end of the season they may as well take their chance and he is 2/2 here having won the 2021 John Corbet. Wagner - Was outclassed at Aintree and will be the same story here. Singapore Saga - A very likeable mare who has had a good season having won a hunter chase at Exeter when outstaying Viroflay on soft ground. She was put in her place by Shantou Flyer and was then only 3rd in the mares race at Cheltenham and those two efforts suggest that this should be too tough for her. Verdict - I am really confident that Law Of Gold can get his crown back off Vaucelet tonight. He was so good at Cheltenham and that should leave him spot on for this. Crucially he comes here on the back of a better run and he has had fewer runs so should be fresher. I would have him as favourite. Vaucelet just seems to be making heavy weather of things this season although he is a danger. I'm not sure what Secret Investor has achieved in his 3 wins this season, but again I respect his claims. If there is to be one at a bigger price hitting the frame, then the selections stablemate could be it as Clara Sorrento has shown good form in points this season. 7.35 Cat Tiger - Non runner for the 2nd year running. I K Brunel - Had nothing go right at Cheltenham or Aintree where he pecked on landing at Cheltenham and unseated Izzie and then at Aintree he was brought down. Not surprisingly he won a match at 1/8 at a point 4 weeks ago which old us nothing, but the crucial piece of form in regards to this race is the win at Taunton where he beat Not That Fuisse. Now he got the best ride in the race, but even so he was well on top at the line so there was every chance he was the best horse in the race anyway. This test should be ideal for him and he is a leading contender. Caryto Des Brosses - I bet connections were delighted that the handicapper decided to put him down 4lbs for his 2nd at Cheltenham to Fier Jaguen. They had said that this race would be the target after that one and I have to say I think he looks the best handicapped horse in the race. He nearly won the big race here in 2019 when just pipped by Wonderful Charm and the year before he had won over this trip on this night in really good style. As evidenced by his 2nd to Dandy Dan at Cheltenham last year he hasn't been the strongest stayer at further than 3m, but he's a real strong traveling horse whose best trip is probably this one. He won on his return this season at Southwell, but the ground went against him at Newbury. He dotted up at Garthorpe just before the Cheltenham 2nd where he proved the drop down in trip to 2m wasn't a bad thing, he was just beaten by one of the best pointers around right now. If he doesn't go close to winning I will be shocked. Zamparelli - Was 2nd beaten a neck in this 2 years ago and then went one better last year when winning very easily and he has never been out of the first 2 now in 5 runs here. The big problem for him is that he has only managed to have two starts this year and he pulled up both times. A lack of a recent run is a big concern for me and there is no doubt that this race is much stronger than last years so he has a tough task for me. Peacocks Secret - Trained by Dale Peters who rides Caryto Des Brosses which suggests to me he knows who has the better chance. Was 3rd in this last year behind Zamparelli. Was a well beaten 3rd behind Bennys King at Fakenham on Gold Cup day, but has won a point since at Higham although more needed in this for me. Sixteen Letters - I think he has the potential to be well handicapped as well, but I do worry slightly if he is quite as good as he was. To be fair he was never going to beat Famous Clermont first up on New Years Day and then he was a good 2nd to Viroflay who is better than he has been able to show in his hunter chases to date. He then had a simple take to win a point before falling in the Aintree Foxhunters. What concerns me is his attitude in his two runs last month as he has hung both times. He won the first of them, but was 2nd last time beaten 7L. On last season's form he would be thrown in off 110, but I wouldn't be so confident about that on this season's form. Santon - I guess you could argue given how close he got to Time Leader at Leicester that he is well handicapped even allowing for the fact he is 5lbs out of the handicap, but I'm not so sure myself. He never got into the race at Cheltenham as he found it happening a bit too quick for him and the step up in trip will help, but I think Caryto Des Brosses will have the beating of him again at these weights. Verdict - An unique contest on the calendar as it is the only handicap hunter chase of the season. As soon as they mentioned this race for Caryto Des Brosses after he was 2nd at Cheltenham I thought it was the ideal race for him and I can see him making all. I will have a saver on Sixteen Letters as he could well be the next best handicapped horse in the race off a mark of 110. I K Brunel would be next best. 8.05 Raleagh Flora - She had a very simple task in the end at Fakenham last time as I'm not sure any of the others really ran their races in the ground, but even so she won by 49L and you can't knock a winning margin like that. She had disappointed in a handicap at Sedgefield off 95 in February, but that was her first run since June 21 where she had finished a 4L 2nd to Kaproyale. Clearly the move to Andrew Pennock's yard has improved her though because the Restricted win at Godstone hinted that might be the case. The quicker ground shouldn't be an issue based on her efforts in 2021 and she's got a really strong chance in this. Between You And Me - Took 6 goes at trying to win a Restricted and ten only won a slowly run 4 runner race. On his next start he was stuffed 35L in a 4 runner Intermediate. Would be a surprise winner for me. Captain Biggles - Used to be trained by Olly Murphy and back in November 2021 finished a 0.5L 2nd to Time Leader in a novice handicap hurdle when he was rated 118 and the winner just 94. He showed ability over hurdles, but was a bit disappointing on his one chase start to date last year at Uttoxeter. Olly recommended him to the Ellis' to send pointing and it has worked a treat for the horse. Initially connections were a bit disappointed he was beaten on his debut for them at Chaddesley Corbett over Christmas, but he was beaten by a good horse and the 3rd has done well since as well with none of the other 9 runners finishing the course. He duly won his maiden on his next start at Garthorpe by 10L, the following month he won his restricted by 6L at Brafield and then was well on top when winning a conditions race at Fakenham. He looks progressive and has done it all very easily so far. Fortunes Hill - A little bit of a dark horse because he has only run 3 times. He was a close 4th on his debut in an Irish point last May and then he won a 3 runner restricted at Thorpe Lodge on Easter Monday. He won easily, but it was a very weak contest. He then ran in a conditions race at Charm Park and was beaten 7L into 2nd. It wasn't a strong race though and Pillowman who was 7L further back in 4th was stuffed at Cartmel on Monday to give some idea as to what sort of form we are dealing with. Like I say though given he has only run 3 times there might be scope for better, but for me the form he's shown leaves him with a fair bit to find. Marton Abbey - Somehow went off just 7/1 to beat Time Leader over course and distance and was duly stuffed 61L. He's been beaten in two restricted's since and they suggest he shouldn't be good enough to win this. Minella Jab - Pulled up on his only start in Ireland in November 21, but has looked fairly promising in 3 starts so far. He won his maiden with ease over Easter and then won his restricted at the start of last month. Neither races were over strong and I would say his best piece of form was when he was a 3L 2nd to a horse called Ed The Red 3 weeks ago because that horse has had a very good season. A bold showing wouldn't surprise. Mountain Assault - Clearly had his problems as he wasn't seen in 2022 after he won his maiden in May 2021. On his return though he just won his restricted at Garthorpe in February and then took his Hunt Members at Dingley over Easter by 9L. He then went to Fakenham and was beaten 10L by Captain Buggles after getting outpaced and given this race is over shorter round a sharp track as well it is hard to see how he can reverse that form. Ultra Viers - Ran a couple of fair races in two hunter chases in February at Leicester when 4th behind Time Leader and then 2nd behind Santon. Was beaten a head on his next start at Kimble and then finally managed to break his maiden when winning by a neck at Garthorpe. He was beaten 7L in his first restricted at Edgcote 3 weeks ago by a horse who Captain Buggles beat 10L earlier in the season, but he helped set a pretty fast gallop with another horse and they had quite a big lead at one stage. The fact he still managed to keep going for 2nd deserves a bit of credit. He can be keen and I will imagine he will make the running here and could give it a bold showing from the front. Urban Gift - Won a maiden at Didmarton and then a restricted at Edgcote, but neither were very good contests and he was beaten in an intermediate last month. I suspect he wont be good enough. Runwiththetide - Was really struggling under rules for Dan Skelton, but looks a changed horse for Kelly Morgan in her two starts pointing winning both in March over 2m4f and on Easter Monday over 3m. There was nothing overly impressive about those performances, but she clearly has improved. She then went to Cheltenham for the Intermediate Final and briefly threatened to get involved, but in the end pulled up before 2 out. I'd imagine this test will suit better and has a chance here. Verdict - Not a race I want to get as heavily involved in as others on the card. I will have a small bet on Runwiththetide as I think she is capable of better than she was able to show at Cheltenham. Minella Jab could go well and I can see Ultra Viers running well from the front, but I suspect one of the front two in the betting will land the spoils and I just favour Captain Biggles out of the two. He was capable of a fair level of form over hurdles in the past and looks as if he's improved on that this season. Raleagh Flora might have been a bit flattered by the winning margin at Fakenham, but clearly it would be no shock if she won. 8.40 Achtung Baby - Was 3rd in a point bumper at Bangor in March when after being held up in last for half the trip he then moved forward and was 2nd with a couple of furlongs left before finishing 3rd. He was 4L behind Thank You Ma'am who finished 3rd in the Exeter contest. That would suggest to me that he won't be good enough for this and he showed little in a 2m4f maiden over Easter when pulling up. Old Guard - Won a point bumper at Bonvilston 3 weeks ago over 1m6f and still looked a bit green so he should come on again for the experience. Hard to know what he has beaten as they were mainly all newcomers, but has an obvious chance. Supreme Johnson - Was beaten 90L in the Exeter version and pulled up twice back in points as well as 3rd after that. Then went to the Aintree version and he ran much better to finish 4th especially as he got hampered and slipped. If he can run to that level again then he has a chance in this. Did wear a first time tongue-tie which must have helped. Fountainspinklady - Was a well beaten 5th in point bumper last April, but showed the benefit of that experience when winning a point bumper at Milborne St Andrew just under a year later. She showed a nice turn of foot to go on and score from Blazing Litten who was beaten 14L into 4th in the Exeter one of these. The winning time was 4 seconds quicker than the other division and she clearly has a chance. Penniless - Won her first 2 starts over here at Charing and Parham, but don't think either were strong races and the 2nd ran out at 2 out in the latter win and it would have been a good race between the 2. The winning time that day was very slow and she wasn't great at High Easter the next time. She was last turning for home at Aintree, but she did stay on to finish 6th about 4L behind Supreme Johnson. Clearly enjoyed the long straight at Aintree so might struggle here if running in the same style. Musique De Fee - Finished 2nd in a point bumper at the start of April. The winner was unsold at £9k at the sales after that which doesn't say much, but the 3rd who was 7L behind her has run OK in a Fontwell bumper since which helps add a bit of substance to the form. She looked very green in the finish and didn't really seem to know what to do as she had ample chance to go past the winner. The trainer won this race last year, but I suspect this one may need a bit more time. Theweddingcanwait - Got very tired on debut in a 2m4f point at Bonvilston a month ago and ended up being beaten 50L in 3rd. Did travel quite well into the race so this lesser test might suit better, but still hard to see him winning this. Verdict - Paul Nicholls has bred Old Guard and it was he who suggested they go down the pointing bumper route. I would imagine he will be going back to Paul after this and he could have the beating of these

My picks for today

Ok with 2 days to go can Carole and me get another winner 👍

Epsom 14:35 Alrehb 33/1

It’s Derby day and the ITV cameras are showing all eight races from an intriguing card from Epsom where following extensive watering throughout the week the ground should be riding perfect with the official report reading as good. I’ve some strong fancies in the last three handicaps today so here’s my racing tips to beat the bookies. Epsom 12:50 The day kicks off with the Group 3 Betfred Diomed Stakes run over 1M 113 yards. The one to beat has to be the Godolphin horse Highland Avenue. He’s been a talented horse over the years and it’s his latest effort which makes him a stand out here. He appeared to be used as a pacemaker for the re-appearing 2021 Derby winner Adayar at Newmarket in the Group 3 Gordon Richards Stakes last month keeping on well to finish third to his stablemate beaten 3L, just 1/2L behind the runner up Anmaat with Sir Michael Stoute’s Regal Reality some 11L further back in fourth. Anmaat was out last week in France winning a Group 1 and that looks a good piece of form, certainly better than anything his opponents have mustered in recent times. Handicap ratings have David O’Meara’s Escobar only a pound behind the favourite but he’s best in big field handicaps and was soundly beaten in this contest last season. Imperial Fighter is out of form and Marie’s Diamond has a stone to find with Highland Avenue whilst the only three year old in the field Kolsai maybe the one to chase Highland Avenue home. The only negative against the favourite is the stable form of Charlie Appleby who (upto racing on Thursday) had had just 4 winners from his last 32 runners which by his standards is pretty poor. HIGHLAND AVENUE 1 point win @ 5/4 BetVictor Epsom 13:30 This year’s Derby is run earlier than normal due to avoiding a clash with the FA Cup Final and let’s hope there’s no issues with the Animal Rising hooligans who are planning to disrupt the great race. Run over 1M 4F we have a stellar field of 14 for this year’s renewal. Aidan O’Brien struck top form last weekend when winning with Guineas disappointment Little Big Bear and Paddington in the Irish 2000 Guineas and will be hoping that Auguste Rodin can also bounce back from his flop in the 2000 Guineas. He obviously could but at the current prices he’s impossible to put up after his lack lustre effort there for whatever reason. The Dante at York is always the best trial in my opinion and the best of the three that ran that day may well be Sir Michael Stoute’s Passenger. On a day in which Richard Kingscote would like to forget (Astro King anyone!) he constantly ran in to trouble and was flying when finally extracted to finish third to the winner The Foxes beaten only 1 1/2L. Would he have won? It’s hard to tell but that was only his second ever start and improvement is highly likely here stepping up a furlong and a half. He was supplemented for this at the cost of £85,000 and is on the short list for the team that took the race last year. Charlie Appleby’s Military Order, as a full brother to the 2021 winner Adayar, has to be respected. He’s done more coming into the race than his brother did when winning this a couple of years ago with the only negative for me the form of the stable who just aren’t firing on all cylinders. Arrest would be a fairytale result for Frankie Dettori riding in his last Epsom Derby before retirement and that is a distinct possibility although he could have done with easier ground. If you like Arrest then surely it’s worth backing Charlie Johnstone’s Dubai Mile who beat him at Saint Cloud last Autumn over 10F and had an ideal prep for this when running a credible 5th in the 2000 Guineas. It’s baffling that he’s twice the price of Arrest and has to be part of the staking plan along with Passenger. An intriguing race , as always, let the best horse win. PASSENGER 1 point each way @ 6/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 DUBAI MILE 1 point each way @ 16/1 Betfred 1/5th 1234 Epsom 14:10 Just the six go to post for the 1M 113 yards Princess Elizabeth Stakes, a Group 3 contest for fillies and mares only. Sir Michael Stoute’s Potapova ran second in this last year but her latest run and re-appearance was blighted by an irregular heartbeat with Ryan Moore pulling her up at Goodwood. It’s hard to fancy her after that effort. Half a length behind Potapova last year was the Archie Watson trainer Roman Mist who ran out a good winner of the listed contest at Goodwood that Potapova pulled up in a month ago on heavy ground. This looks tougher mind and has 11lb to find with favourite and most likely winner Prosperous Voyage. Ralph Beckett’s four year old Prosperous Voyage, a winner here as a two year old, kept top company last season finishing runner up in the 1000 Guineas and causing an upset in the Group 1 Falmouth Stakes at Newmarket’s July meeting when defeating Inspiral at 16/1. The ground was probably against her on her re-appearance when only 5th of 9 in the Dahlia Stakes at Newmarket on soft ground and back on a sounder surface and dropped in class looks the one they all have to beat. Ed Walker’s Random Harvest has to shoulder a 3lb penalty which will make this tough for her whilst the ground surely isn’t soft enough for Pam Sly’s flag bearer Astral Beau. The Gosden’s Shaara hated the ground last time and has featured promisingly in gallop reports since, she might be the one to outrun her odds and chase the favourite home. PROSPEROUS VOYAGE 2 points win @ 7/4 BetVictor Epsom 14:45 A new race for the card is the class 3 three years only 5F ‘Dash’ handicap with fourteen declared for this inaugural contest. There’s plenty of horses with chances here including Salisbury one-two Estate and Betweenthesticks from a week ago and there shouldn’t be much between that pair at the revised terms although that was a class 5 handicap and this looks tougher especially now they have both been re-assessed. The one I like here is the John Quinn trained Jm Jungle who stepped up his form when tackling fast ground for the first time this season when runner up at York in a competitive class 3 handicap a fortnight ago with Miss Brazen and Tatterstall back in 6th and 7th respectively. He’s been raised 4lb for that fine effort and with his trainer doing so well at this track looks the one to be on here with Jason Hart on board. The interesting one in the field is the Roger Varian trained Russet Gold who we haven’t seen since last October having being gelded since. With Harry Davies, who still claims 3lb, on top booked he’s one to watch carefully in the betting. JM JUNGLE 1 point each way @ 6/1 William Hill 1/5th 1234 Epsom 15:20 The traditional Derby day cavalry charge is up next with twenty speedsters declared for the class 2 Dash Handicap run over 5F with the downhill track on fast ground likely to produce a real spectacle and a very fast time. Last year’s runner up Mountain Peak is one of two Ed Walker runners here (the other being Came From The Dark who would prefer easier ground) and can run well despite his poor effort last time out at York ( a track he’s never run that well at). Clarendon House is another with claims having had excuses for his latest effort when a fine 5th at York losing a shoe during the race. Also there with a chance are the consistent Lihou, trained by sprint specialist David Evans and ridden by Hollie Doyle who can turn the tables on his recent conqueror Angle Land on 4lb better terms for 3/4L. David & Nicola Barron’s Zarzyni is also on my short list having dropped to a mark 5lb lower than his last winning one and wasn’t disgraced at York last week. The draw has seen winners coming from all across the track so I’m not getting bogged down with that and I will look for the best horse. Hopefully that might be Ian Williams’s Mokaatil whose form figures at this specialist track reads 41110 which includes victory in this very race in 2021 and a credible 4th last year. His jockey is the Irish Sean D Bowen (not to be confused with the jump jockey!) who is a new name to me but has won on 13 of his 272 mounts in his native country and gets to claim the full allowance of 7lb here which puts Mokaatil on a mark of 78 which is 4lb less than his win two years ago and 9lb less than last year’s 4th. With the cobwebs blown away with a run at Newmarket 7 weeks ago on unsuitable easy ground he looks sure to run well in a wide open sprint handicap. MOKAATIL 1 point each way @ 12/1 William Hill 1/5th 123456 Epsom 15:55 A maximum field of 14 go to post for this class 2 10F Betfred Lester Piggott Handicap for three year olds only for which I think there’s a decent each way bet. Ralph Beckett’s Balance Play looks thrown in on his handicap debut here off of 81 having finished runner up to the subsequent winner Quddwah at Salisbury a month ago. The winner has won again since and is now rated 95 whilst the third that day Greek Order has also won since and is now rated 85. Nicely drawn in stall 6 this 280,000 guineas yearling by Lope De Vega will be ridden by Andrea Atzeni and looks excellent each way value with firms paying an extra place. As one would expect in a race of this nature there are plenty of dangers lurking including Charlie Hills’ Lose Your Wad who, like the selection, is also making his handicap debut with his form already working out well and with a future Group entry at Royal Ascot further enhancing his claims. John and Thady Gosden saddle a brace of runners with Torito (handicap debut) preferred from soft ground Ascot winner Maasai Mara whilst the Sir Michael Stoute runner Fox Journey is going the right way having won at Newmarket last time but now is 9lb higher in the handicap. Balance Play is a confident each way bet. BALANCE PLAY 1 1/2 points each way @ 7/1 bet365 1/5th 1234 Epsom 16:30 Only 9 have declared for this 1M 4F class 2 handicap. Max Mayhem was a winner on his stable debut for Kevin Philippart De Foy in the valuable Roseberry Handicap at Kempton on the all weather in April and off of just a 4lb higher mark has definite claims today. Scampi was a 16/1 winner for Hayley Turner and Andrew Balding at York last time but is now upped 6lb and has to race off of his highest ever handicap mark. Sir Mark Prescott has his string in excellent form currently and his representative Sea King sporting first time cheek pieces is another with claims but this can go to the David Menuisier trained Caius Chorister who racked up a five timer last summer including two course and distance wins on fast ground bringing her track form figures to 112. She ran well on ground that may not have suited on her re-appearance in the City And Suburban Handicap here over a trip on the short side when runner up to Bad Company and one would think this race has been the target since especially with Ryan Moore booked. Her future entry in the Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot later in the month may not be too much of a pipe dream where she to win here off of 99 and is a strong fancy. CAIUS CHORISTER 2 points win @ 3/1 bet365 Epsom 17:05 The day finishes with a class 2 6F handicap with another maximum field of 14 going to post. Jennie Candlish’s Probe won nicely at Newmarket a month ago with Apollo One back in fourth (7lb better off here for 3 1/2L) and even with a 7lb rise can be competitive from a favourable draw in 4 whilst Hughie Morrison’s Haymaker comes here having won at Windsor 12 days ago and has to race off of a 4lb higher handicap mark today. Robert Eddery has his small string in decent form and saddles his Spring Bloom here who was last seen winning at Newmarket a fortnight ago and a 4lb rise my not stop him being competitive. The horse I’m keen on though is last year’s victor Mr Wagyu who has a remarkable record in June and July of 15 wins from 30 starts for a level £1 stakes profit at SP of £69.35 (with 10 other times hitting the frame as well) as opposed to his record outside of those months which reads 0 from 43. John Quinn’s eight year came out of stall 12 last year when winning so hopefully a wide draw of 11 won’t be too much of a hinderance. His latest run at York when 7th to Bielsa proved he’s on the way back and off of a handicap mark only 2lb higher than last years win can further his fantastic summer record under regular rider Jason Hart. MR WAGYU 1 point each way @ 5/1 Paddy Power 1/5th 1234 All odds accurate at time of writing.

I've backed 2021 winner & 4th last year MOKAATIL 14/1eway sky bet ( 7 places ) via the horses for courses system in the dash . 👎 Lpoked like the claimer on board had a hard time dealing with the course .

@glavintobyis quick out of the stalls with 33/1 Carisle winner Star Start

Going with, Frankley Dettori's rides one for John & Thardy Gosden and Mr Ralph Beckett. Double. 1.30. Arrest 7/2 2.10. Prosperous Voyage 6/4 singles & double stk 6.00 rtn 36.50. Good luck all. ,

In the dash,I’ve backed Clarendon House (2)and a smaller each way on Recon Mission(1) ,,Against public perception that you need a high draw ,,when in fact over the last 10 runnings,when the going’s come up fast ,ie Good -Firm (which has happened 4 times) the winners have been drawn ;;2,1,1,2 ,,, at sp’s of 33/1,25/1,16/1 & 50/1 ,,,,Looks decent value to me 👍

Out £9, In £23.20 yesterday Total out £301.50 In £1,546.07 Profit £1,244.57

" could have done with 3 in the same L15" made me smile that. what about the 15%? well done Micheal.

Epsom. Single 3.10. Westover 9/4 2nd Good luck all.

Ew extra places on offer at Epsom 1435 Repetoire 1545 Bad Conpany 1630 Bright Diamond 1745 Pocket the Profit

5.45 Epsom: Spanish Star @ 10/1 E/W (Bet365)

18.50 Carlisle Star Start @ 33/1 Bet 365

Epsom 235 All the Kings men 8.9 11/2 Rhoscolyn 8.7 6/1 Gona have a bit of fun and back these 2 in ew doubles with Derby top 2 rated... arrest and the Foxes....10pt ew doubles ...would be nice payout if comes off ....

Thanks LeMale , but for anyone thinking i've had an unlucky competition month then read on.......... Know absolutely nothing about Soccer and neither watch , follow or bet on the sport , but felt i should enter as PL are generous enough to run the comp so entered out of courtesy , so Just guessed on a draws treble throughout the competition and fluked a 43/1 treble on the last weekend in one of the lower division , that's entirely a fluke for sure. Worth mentioning that also in the same division was Bluenose who selected a near 33/1 winning treble on the last weekend , so anyone thinking it's just horse racing he excels at think again , ignore him at your peril 😁 Great stuff

I'll just echo what all before have said. Huge pat on the back to @Craig bluenose with some unbelievable tips and a worthy winner, but also you guys/gals in behind have also had a great month and were just unlucky, but well done if you finished in the money. Also well done to the KO Cup winner. And WOW, what an end to the Most Winners Comp! All very exciting right to the end and congrats to @Johnrobertson who i believe had to act quickly to replace a non runner and do the math at the same time, amazing! Got to feel for @bymatrix though, great tipping all month, i have no words for you mate.... And finally to @MCLARKE for all his hard work running the comp, and doing all that while he's having so much fun in his new love of Lucky 15's, where does he find the time, in between picking all those selections and counting all that money 🤑 🤣 But seriously, thanks again for all your effort. Roll on to June!!!

Well done to all prize takers great work , Craig is just smashing them to bits well done mate

Well , what can one say ,incredible dosnt seem enough. Absolutely stellar month again from Craig, last gasp winner from Johnrobinson to secure most winners by just 4p and 30 plus in profit. Brilliant, well done everyone, big thanks to MC for continuing to make all this possible.

We’ll done all winners 💰👍

Well done to all the winners & the 33 showing a profit over the month 👍

Phew!! what a lot to choose from today. My pick of MC's L15's 4.05 Carl Kristal Klear 7/2 5.05 Don Pop World 10/1 8.15 Don Another Run 11/2 8.50 Don Bookmark 2/1 1 x 0.10 L15 197.90 and 0.50 w Acca 485.62 = 680.52 for 2 pts stake

great write ups by you guys for the Derby 👍.........will see how i do with my 50pts on Fridays Epsom bets before committing to Saturday.......... however initially am looking at 2 EW bets ( 4 places betfair) of........ White Burch 12/1 and Dubai Mile 18/1

Kihavah comes in at 4.15; Glendown never hit 10.0 and the other two didn't win. Bank is €1,256 Laying €12.24 to win €12 on the below; 2 Jun 2023 15:45 Epsom Honiton 2 Jun 2023 16:30 Epsom Soul Sister 2 Jun 2023 19:05 Stratford Secret Investor 2 Jun 2023 19:35 Stratford I K Brunel

8.20 tramore ballysheedy 22/1 £10 e/w bet365

Chep 300 Level Up 12/1 skybet £10 ew.

The Oaks is only just over a week away and with all the trials done and dusted it seems a good time to have a look at the historic race afresh. With just two declaration stages remaining we have 24 three year old fillies still left in the race which will e’ll be run at Epsom over 1M 4F on 2nd June. Here’s my horse by horse analysis with an ante post suggested bet. ASHTANGA Trainer: Freddie & Martyn Meade A soft ground Nottingham maiden winner as a two year old she was beaten out of sight by current favourite Savethelastdance at Chester in the Cheshire Oaks and it would be a major surprise were she to figure. Current odds: 100/1 BE HAPPY Trainer: Aiden O’Brien One of nine Aiden O’Brien runners still in the race. Ran well on re-appearance when third in Group 3 in France and ran to same level when runner up to Godolphin’s Eternal Hope in the Lingfield Oaks Trial run on the all weather. Bit to find with the principals. BLUESTOCKING Trainer: Ralph Beckett Looked useful when winning at Salisbury on her debut back in September and wasn’t disgraced on re-appearance when going down by a head to Aiden O’Brien’s Warm Heart in Newbury’s listed Oaks trial last weekend over 10F. This race may come a bit soon and Royal Ascot is probably more likely her target. BOOGIE WOOGIE Trainer: Aiden O’Brien Was 2 1/2L behind her stablemate and current favourite Savethelastdance in a maiden on her re-appearance at Leopardstown and subsequently broke her duck on her next start at Naas. Upped in grade when her limitations were exposed in running 6th of 10 in the 10F Prix Saint-Alary earlier this month. Current odds: 50/1 BRIGHT DIAMOND Trainer: Karl Burke Best run as a juvenile came when third in the Group 1 Fillies Mile at Newmarket, beaten 5 3/4L by Commissioning. Easy to back and a bit disappointing when only 5th in Lingfield Oaks Trial behind Eternal Pearl and Be Happy only run since. Needs to step up from that effort to have a place chance. Current odds: 50/1 CAERNARFON Trainer: Jack Channon Ran well on her re-appearance when 4th (beaten 10 1/2L) to Mawj in the 1000 Guineas. That was over a mile and on breeding there has to be serious doubts as to whether she’ll stay this trip of 1M 4F. Current odds: 50/1 CLOUDBREAKER Trainer: Charlie Fellowes Only rated 83 and was behind Bluestocking at Newbury last week. Would be better off going down the handicap route and is a no hoper. Current odds: 100/1 DANCE IN THE GRASS Trainer: Charlie Johnstone Went off at 200/1 when running a respectable 5th (beaten 11 1/2L) in 1000 Guineas on her re-appearance. Plenty of stamina in her pedigree and she should improve for stepping up in trip. Could outrun her odds with stamina now drawn out. Current odds: 40/1 EMPRESS WU Trainer: David Simcock Lingfield all-weather maiden winner as a juvenile. Was found out when stepping up in grade in the Musidora Stakes at York when finishing last but one of the eight runners, beaten 9 1/2L by Soul Sister. Unlikely to bridge that gap and hard to fancy. Current odds: 100/1 ETERNAL HOPE Trainer: Charlie Appleby A lightly raced improving Teofilo filly who’s yet to race on turf. She improved from a maiden win at Chelmsford to winning the Lingfield Oaks Trial run on the all weather surface by 1 3/4L from Be Happy. Has to be supplemented to run here at a cost of £85,000. HEARTACHE TONIGHT Trainer: David Menuisier A half sister to the stables Group 1 winning mare Wonderful Tonight and has shown plenty of ability of her own in three starts in France. The best effort coming when 4th, beaten 1 1/2L, in Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary earlier this month. The step up in trip will suit but has only raced on soft ground. Her trainer has stated she’s unlikely to run on good fast ground. If getting her conditions she’s no 40/1 chance. Current odds: 40/1 INFINITE COSMOS Trainer: Sir Michael Stoute Was well supported when winning her maiden at the Newmarket Guineas meeting and was well backed once more when stepping up in grade to run in the Musidora Stakes at York when going down by 4 1/2L to Soul Sister. Extra furlong and a half should suit but hard to envisage her turning tables on the winner that day. Current odds: 12/1 JACKIE OH Trainer: Aiden O’Brien Dam was first past the post in 1000 Guineas so classically bred. Only run the twice, winning a 1M Naas maiden on soft ground in March and runner up in listed company at Navan the following month. One of 9 Aiden O’Brien possibles but will need to step her game up to feature here. Current odds: 33/1 MAMAN JOON Trainer: Richard Hannon Owned by Amo Racing and has had just the one career start when running the impressive Gather Ye Rosebuds to 9 1/2L in a Newbury 10F maiden on soft ground in April. The winner was put in her place in the Musidora and that form is hardly good enough. Current odds: 50/1 MEDITATE Trainer: Aiden O’Brien One of the best two year olds around last season winning 5 of her 7 starts including the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf over a mile. Went off second favourite in 1000 Guineas when only 6th to Mawj beaten 11 1/2L. Up half a mile here and unlikely to stay and an unlikely runner. Current odds: 66/1 NEVER ENDING STORY Trainer: Aiden O’Brien Group 3 winner at Leopardstown in April and wasn’t totally disgraced when 5th in French 1000 Guineas last weekend, beaten only 5L. Yet to race beyond a mile though there’s stamina on both sides of her pedigree so may appreciate stepping up in distance now. Each way claims. Current odds: 16/1 POLLY POT Trainer: Ben Pauling Winner of the Group 2 May Hill Stakes as a juvenile for the now retired Harry Dunlop. Has since joined predominantly jumps trainer Ben Pauling in the Cotswolds but shown very little in two starts (1000 Guineas & Newbury Oaks Trial) and may not have trained on. Current odds: 100/1 RED RIDING HOOD Trainer: Aiden O’Brien Another Aiden O’Brien filly who broke her maiden at Dundalk on the sand in April at 2/7. Wore first time blinkers when third, beaten 3/4L in 10F Group 3 at Naas at beginning of month so has plenty to find. Current odds: 66/1 RICH Trainer: Richard Hannon Beaten in Brighton handicap on penultimate outing and has an official rating of only 87. Total no hoper. Current odds: 200/1 RUNNING LION Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Won her last four starts (three on the all weather) and took her form to another level when an easy winner of the listed 10F Pretty Polly Stakes at Newmarket’s Guineas meeting. She came home 4 1/2L to the good that day from Sumo Sam, who’s been beaten since at odds on so it may not have been the strongest renewal of that race. Connections aren’t sure whether she’ll stay 1M 4F and question marks hang over her for that reason. Current odds: 7/1 SAVETHELASTDANCE Trainer: Aiden O’Brien Followed a Leopardstown maiden win on soft ground (form worked out well) with a staggering 22L victory in the Cheshire Oaks on soft ground. Visually very impressive and must go very close here as long as there’s some cut in ground. Interestingly her part owner Paul Smith was saying afterwards they think she will be even better on better ground. No value in the price now but massive chance. Current odds: 11/8 SEA OF ROSES Trainer: Andrew Balding Runner up in a Group 3 in France on re-appearance prior to finishing 7 3/4L 5th of 8 in Musidora behind Soul Sister. Has a bit to find on that run and would only hold a small place chance. Current odds: 50/1 SOUL SISTER Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Obviously hated the soft ground at Newbury on re-appearance (also apparently resented wearing a cross noseband) when finishing plum last of twelve beaten some 22L but turned in a much improved run when winning the Musidora Stakes at York when always travelling well on the better ground on the near side and running out a 4L winner (Infinite Cosmos, Sea Of Roses & Empress Wu all behind and looking held). The extra furlong and a half shouldn’t be an issue and holds a major chance. Current odds: 3/1 UNLESS Trainer: Aiden O’Brien Finally broke her maiden at Naas last week winning by 2 1/2L at their seventh attempt. Only rated 89 and unlikely to be troubling the judge. Current odds: 50/1 WARM HEART Trainer: Aiden O’Brien Galileo filly who stepped up from her Leopardstown maiden victory when winning the listed 10F Newbury Oaks trial by a head from Bluestocking last week. Extra 2F shouldn’t be an issue and holds each way claims as long as this race doesn’t come too soon. Current odds: 14/1 This may well revolve around the two fillies at the top of the market in Aiden O’Brien’s Savethelastdance and John and Thady Gosden’s Soul Sister. The former was so impressive at Chester but that did come on soft ground and if, as looks likely, the ground rides on the better side next weekend she could be vulnerable especially at her current odds. I prefer Soul Sister who had a valid excuse on her re-appearance (soggy ground and not taking to a cross noseband) and looked a quality filly for a stable who know how to train the fairer sex. She’s the pick of the current prices. Her stable mate Running Lion isn’t a certain stayer and I’m not quite sure what she beat at Newmarket in the Pretty Polly whilst Infinite Cosmos looks comfortably held by the selection. Were the ground to turn soft then David Menuisier’s Heartache Tonight a half sister to the stable’s Group 1 winning mare Wonderful Tonight would be worth backing each way at around the 40/1 but she is very ground dependent. SOUL SISTER 2 points win @ 10/3 bet365 My Epsom Derby thoughts can be found here:- https://forum.punterslounge.com/topic/183371-epsom-derby/

Biggest problem with this years Oaks is there is almost no form on the ground, pretty much all the form has been on soft or heavy so this is a no race for me, very small stakes advised. Any horse in this could improve massively for the ground, I see no world beaters in this lot to be honest but here are the figures based on what we know. 1 Running Lion 124 5/1 2 Soul sister 118 9/4 3 Eternal Hope 114 11/1 best outsider- Bright Diamond 103 66/1

Had a small wager on Russell Henley 60/1

The 3rd classic of the year is the Oaks, which is run at Epsom this Friday at 14.30. The race is for 3-year-old fillies and is run over 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 6 yards. It is the 2nd oldest of the classics, after the St Leger. It is named after The Oaks, an estate located to the east of Epsom. I have looked at the statistics over the last 9 years and these are my key conclusions. The key stat is fitness. Those horses that last ran less than 26 days ago have a record of 7 wins from 51 runs, recording a level stakes profit at BSP of 111 points. The remainder have just 1 win from 45 runs with a loss of 39 points. It is helpful to be drawn low. Those drawn in the lowest 4 stalls have 5 wins from 31 runs with a profit of 114 points. Horses that finished 1st last time have a poor record with 4 wins from 41 runs and a loss of 8 points. 2 horses meet these criteria SEA OF ROSES 66/1 BRIGHT DIAMOND 66/1 There is not much each way value so I suggest backing these to win. The only negative is that outsiders have a poor record so I recommend keeping stakes relatively small. Andrew Balding, the trainer of SEA OF ROSES, won this 20 years ago with Casual Look in his 1st year of training, however the last 9 races have been won by either Aidan O’Brien or John Gosden.

Most winners @Johnrobertsonplayed the game skillfully to grab the prize on the last day. Congratulations.

Well done to the winners. An outstanding effort to consistently score high through what is definitely a marathon not a sprint. Big thanks as well to @StevieDay1983 for organising and for his highly entertaining weekly writeups. Hopefully next season I can feature more in the top manager mentions rather than the name of shame for the week for which I featured twice I think lol.

Fully agree with you on the times being quick across the card, and i mentioned the proviso of ground re the derby. Arrest from my perspective is held by Dubai Mile and has never done a decent time. The key line from the Dante meeting is the 5 year old Free wind (a very good horse) v The foxes over the same trip with the same weight. the foxes ran over 4 seconds faster than Free wind. One could argue that what is the likelihood of the 3 best horses running in the same race (Dante) which is a fair point until you consider it is the premier derby trial. Like you say its going to be interesting even though i wont be having a significant singles bet in the derby at those odds my strategy will be all about the forecast. Just a footnote i have arrest down on my short list of St Leger horses along with Dubai Mile.