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It seems crazy to think that a whole year has gone since our beloved admin BillyHills aka Graham Sarson tragically passed away. Graham is still remembered very fondly here. Even now we still hear positive things about him either through personal memories members have shared or members expressing the influence he had on their own lives or this forum itself. On a personal note, I know that Punters Lounge isn't the same without Graham but I think he'd be proud of the legacy he has left. 12 months may have passed but Graham still remains in our hearts and the influence he had on the place you see now is still very much clear. We thought it was only appropriate that we posted some words up one year on so that people can take time to remember Graham and so that his wife Suzy and his family know that we are all still thinking of them during this difficult time. BillyHills may no longer be with us but he is still very much in our memories and in our thoughts. ❤️

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 Thursday, Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. May I take this opportunity to wish you all a happy Christmas and a prosperous and healthy new year.

What a lovely post to see. Graham would be proud to know he is remembered. He loved Punters Lounge passionately, and would want everything to carry on and move forward. There is no better legacy than leaving behind work that is built on and taken forward by others for the future. Thank you all for your support and kindness, it is invaluable.

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.

No prizes for this but out of interest a summary of 2021. Some stellar performers, especially @mick33who produced a fantastic 247 points profit with only 2 months showing a loss. 6 players produced profits of over 100 points. Over a third of players made a profit.

A bumper day’s racing with 11 terrestrial TV races to salivate over. To be honest I like many others feel there’s too much racing on this particular Saturday and it seemed to work better last year when the meetings were split over two days. Anyway here’s my thought on the days fare :- York 145 Yet another big field handicap, this one over a mile and the ground at York is likely to be on the slow side with the odd shower forecast. Only two three year olds take on their elders here and at this time of year they receive a healthy 9lb allowance which may swing the favour of Tim Easterby’s Wobwobwob who will appreciate the cut in the ground and looks good each way value. A ready winner here over 7F in May here he was a tad disappointing on very bad ground in the Silver Bowl handicap at Haydock in May when attempting to make all and maybe failing to get home in those conditions. He’s relatively lightly raced against some pretty exposed handicappers and can run well at an each way price. WOBWOBWOB 1 point each way @ 12/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Newmarket 205 A valuable 3 year old 7F handicap can go the the proven handicap form horse of Sir Michael Stoute’s in Samoot. She ran a screamer at Royal Ascot when chasing him the easy Irish winner Create Belief in the Sandringham Handicap and despite a 3lb rise in the weights looks sure to go close here with William Buick taking over from Jim Crowley who’s at York to ride Hukum for his retained owners. Chris Wall’s Kingmania is on a hat trick of victories and maybe the biggest danger to the daughter of Dubawi. SAMOOT 2 points win @ 3/1 Bet365 York 220 The Group 3 John Smith’s Silver Cup Stakes is run over the Ebor distance of just short of 1m 6F. Best in at today’s weights is the Roger Varian trained Ebor winner Fujaira Prince but we haven’t seen him this season and preference is for the Owen Burrows trained Hukum who is stepping up to this distance for the first time since last season’s St Leger when he finished 5th to Galileo Chrome. He followed a listed Goodwood win with a decent 3rd beaten 3L by Wonderful Tonight in the Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot and sports a first time tongue tie today. Jim Crowley had options to ride at three meetings today and it looks highly significant that he travels to Yorkshire to ride Burrows’ flagship horse. Ilaraab was 4 3/4L behind Hukum at Ascot and needs to find some improvement to trouble the selection. Quickthorn is an interesting runner who’s stepping out of top quality handicaps into pattern company and also stepping up in distance. He’s worth a small each way saver. HUKUM 2 points win @ 5/2 Bet365 QUICKTHORN ½ point each way @ 12/1 1/5th 123 Newmarket 240 Charlie Appleby’s lightly raced Dubawi colt Royal Fleet looks a potential group horse in a handicap here and can make his initial mark of 93 laughable by winning this. A winner at Kempton on the polytrack and at Yarmouth when heavily backed on fast ground he should be hard to beat with William Buick in the saddle. Latest Generation is respected following his second place at Sandown last time with Kaheall who’s chasing a four timer worth an honourable mention but fir me this is all about Royal Fleet. ROYAL FLEET 3 points win @ 13/8 BetVictor Ascot 300 The Group 2 Summer Mile will be run on officially soft (good to soft in places) ground as at time of writing with the odd shower forecast. The race has an open look about it with only officially 9lb between the whole field. I think the key piece of form for this race comes from the Listed Midsummer Stakes at Windsor a fortnight ago when Century Dream beat Top Rank by 1 1/2L with the latter now 5lb better off which should bring them closer together. Sir Busker has his ground here and ran well at the Royal meeting to place behind Palace Pier. He looks sure to run well. Softish ground maybe against Haqeeqy and Tilsit but the vote goes to Charlie Appleby’s Al Suhail who hasn’t been seen since flopping in the Dubai Turf at Meydan last March. Gelded since the reports are that he’s working very well and his trainer also sounded fairly bullish when asked about him on RacingTV on Friday afternoon. AL SUHAIL 2 points each way @ 8/1 Bet365 1/5th 123 Newmarket 315 The Group 2 Superlative Stakes is run over 7F and is for 2 year olds only. John And Thady Gosden saddle the likely favourite in Dhabab who brings the best form to the race with his slightly unlucky 6th in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. He’ll appreciate the step up to 7F here and looks the one to beat even though the Coventry form was hardly enhanced by the 2nd and 5th being beaten on Day one of the July meeting all be it not disgraced. As a form man I would normally take substance over promise but sometimes you see a horse win and want to back him or her wherever they run next and Native Trail is very much the case here. Trained by Charlie Appleby he was backed off the boards when winning a Sandown maiden on his debut by 4L (3rd and 4th beaten since) and although this is a big step up this Oasis Dream colt could be anything and I’ll take my chance with him and William Buick. NATIVE TRAIL 2 points win @ 7/2 BetVictor Ascot 335 A very competitive 5F handicap to be run over the straight course on good to soft ground where if the Royal meeting was to be believed there maybe an advantage to be drawn on this near side (high numbers). I do like one of the 5 three year old’s in the field in the shape of Tim Easterby’s Showalong who needs to get his toe in so any further showers would be appreciated but he is drawn on the far side in 4 so will keep stakes small on him. I’ll take one on this side as well with the in form Boundless Power trained by Mick Appleby who comes here having won two of his four starts this season since joining from John James Feane in Ireland on soft ground and is berthed in stall 18 which could be a good draw (especially with the stalls placed on the stands side here). Significantly is the likely favourite having won the 5F 3 year old only handicap at the Royal meeting and looks a threat to all for the Karl Burke team. BOUNDLESS POWER 1 point each way @ 12/1 1William Hill 1/5th 12345 Newmarket 350 A maximum field of 20 go to post for this year’s renewal of the Banbury Cup run over the straight 7F of the July course and as always it looks wide open. William Haggas’s Ametist is a horse who just seems to do enough and just got up last time but a 6lb penalty for that win means he’s 3lb wrong at today’s weights and he’s overlooked for that reason alone. Perotto on the other hand is 5lb well in here carrying just a 5lb penalty for winning the Britannia Handicap at the Royal meeting and despite dropping back a furlong is on my shortlist. Also on that list is the John and Thady Gosden trained Fundamental who is even better in here than Perotto being 6lb well in. There are plenty of others with chances including last year’s winner Motakhayyel who’s back to defend his title off of a 4lb higher mark but I’ll be splitting my bets between Perotto and Fundamental, the only two three years in the field who surprisingly haven’t won this valuable handicap since 1998 (though not a lot have tried). FUNDAMENTAL 1 point each way @ 17/2 Paddy Power 1/5th 12345 PEROTTO 1 point each way @ 5/1 BetVictor 1/5th 12345 York 405 The John Smiths Cup looks as competitive as ever being run over just over 10F with a maximum field of 22 going to post. Favourite is Sir Michael Stoute’s Astro King who ran a stormer when winning his side at Ascot in the Royal Hunt Cup finishing 2nd overall to Real World. I’m not entirely sure a step up to 10F is what he needs and at the prices is opposable. Joseph Tuite’s Surrey Pride is a horse I have a lot of time for and is the selection despite his draw of 24 which is not ideal but has been overcome in the past. Best in a today’s weights is Dawaam although he may have been flattered by his 8th last time in the listed Wolferton Stakes at Ascot. Saeed Bin Suroor’s Bright Start is 2lb well in and is a horse who could go well here. But it’s a small each way bet on Surrey Pride for me with enhanced place terms. SURREY PRIDE 1 point each way @ 8/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 Newmarket 425 This year’s July Cup run over 6F of the July course is a cracker with 19 quality sprinters going to post. Last year’s victor Oxted is back to defend his title that hasn’t been won back to back since Lester Piggott on Right Boy back in 1958/59. He was behind Ed Walker’s Starman first time out at York who’s my main selection here. He literally could be anything having won 4 of his 5 starts with his only defeat coming on very soft ground at Ascot last Champions Day. Fast ground is important to him and he can show his class here today under Tom Marquand having missed Ascot because of the soft ground. Three year olds have a good record in the race winning 4 of the last 6 renewals and tieing 38 a piece with their elders since 1945 and are well represented here by the likes of the supplemented Rohaan, Dragon Symbol and Creative Force (who apparently did a very good piece of work in the week shooting 6L clear of decent workhorse On The Warpath). All three have claims and at a bigger price so does Clive Cox’s Supremacy who had an excuse when bombing out at Ascot in April on his re-appearance (came back with some bad blood results) and his trainer speaks in the same breath of him as his two previous winners Harry Angel and Lethal Attack. So it’s Starman for me with a small each way saver at a big price on Supremacy. STARMAN 2 points win @ 9/2 William Hill SUPREMACY ½ point each way @ 18/1 1/5th 12345 York 440 Winter Power The listed 5F John Smith’s City Walls Stakes completes the day’s action and has a warm favourite in the Tim Easterby trained Winter Power who is best in here at these weights and was very impressive when taking the field apart over course and distance in May in the Weston Listed Stakes storming home 3L clear of his field headed by subsequent Sandown Listed winner Atalis Bay. He raced a bit too freely when only 9th in the Group 1 Kings Stand Stakes at the Royal Meeting and has a major chance today. Que Amoro’s form figures here read 21132 including a runner up in the Nunthorpe last August. On Fast ground she would be a big player but easy ground may not suit and with showers forecast I’ve got to stick with Winter Power. WINTER POWER 3 points win @ 15/8 William Hill

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.

Here we are with the final tables. Not too many winners this week but nonetheless some movement at the top of the Divisions partly also due to bet sizing. Bet of the week goes to @avongirl (yay!) with a 9.5/1 double, followed by @Astleavista with a 5/1 double. Our overall leader for the last few weeks @Hotspur88 holds on to the top spot with yet another winner, making it 6 successful weeks out of 9. Second place @Bagzi climbed the table with a half bank winner, both the top 2 achieving over £400 bank and both being from the same Division. Overall our lower Divisions have done very well although there will be a few players from Div 1 keeping their place in the top echelon next season. Not too many drop outs this time, thank you to all who have played and completed the season. We do have a few spots vacated for new or returning players to join - see the separate thread to apply. I am intending to start Season 3 immediately this week. Winners, I will tag you all later with instructions for claiming your prizes.

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

Inver Park does the business ....+82.00

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

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

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

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

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

Kempton 1.15 Only 8 go to post for this 2m 4 1/2F handicap chase. It has an open feel about it with Dan Skelton’s Flegmatik heading the weights. He’s up 7lb for he is recent win and also dropping half a mile which doesn’t look ideal. Also at the head of the market is the Nicky Henderson trained Patroclus who came good last time on his second start over fences and a 3lb rise looks lenient enough. James Bowen rides with stable jockey Nico De Boinville on Neil The Legend. In an open race it’s the Alan King runner Deyraan De Carjac that appeals the most to me. The drier the ground the better for this nine year old who has dropped the best part of a stone for his last six starts and this represents a drop in class. Tom Cannon is in the saddle. DEYRANN DE CARJAC 1 point win @ 9/2 William Hill Lingfield 1.30 Only six assemble for this 5F listed contest, the Hever Sprint Stakes. Best in at these weights is Exlated Angel by 2lb from Lord Riddiford , Mondammej and Tone The Barone. All four have claims but I’m going to take a chance with a horse that on figures shouldn’t have any chance. Alice Haynes has done amazing work with Strong Power in turning his form right around and winning three handicaps over course and distance in January in the space of 9 days. He actually broke the 5F track record here on the second of those wins and may have more to come. It goes against the grain to be honest to back a horse that has 17lb to find with the highest rated here but with his usual partner Kieran O’Neill in the saddle can prove the weights and measures followers wrong! STRONG POWER 1 point win @ 9/1 Bet365 Kempton 1.50 A decent enough turnout of eleven for this years renewal of the Adonis Juvenile Hurdle with maybe the last chance that someone can throw their hat into the ring for the Triumph Hurdle in three weeks time. Tritonic was impressive in the race last year before going off to the Triumph as the third favourite. Pleasant Man is the one who could cause some ripples in the Triumph betting if taking to the winter game. Owned by Tritonic’s owners, the McNeill family, he’s in the capable hands of Paul Nicholls, who’s had joy in the race before. A 95 rated flat performer when trained by Roger Charlton he was sold at the horses in training sales for 175,000 guineas. Nicholls also saddles another newcomer in Rubaud, an ex French flat performer who will be ridden here by Bryony Frost who rides plenty for his owner Chris Giles. Penalised 5lb for recent wins are Nicky Henderson’s Impulsive One and Milton Harris’s Knight Salute. It’s the latter that make the most appeal here. Unbeaten in four starts over hurdles including two grade two’s his trainer was talking him up in the trade press on Friday and his form looks rock solid having beaten subsequent impressive winner Porticello at Doncaster when last seen in December. Given a small break since and aimed at this contest he should appreciate the drying ground and looks a decent bet. KNIGHT SALUTE 3 points win @ 2/1 Bet365 Lingfield 2.05 Eight go to post for this year’s Winter Derby run over 10F. Lord North is a 123 rated flat horse who we haven’t seen since winning the Dubai Turf at Meydan last March. Without a doubt he’s the class horse and if bringing his A game should win but I’m not prepared to take around Even money about a horse we haven’t seen for a year who’s being prepared for bigger targets later in the year. Second favourite Alenquer is rated only 8lb inferior to Lord North and was last seen when 9th in the Arc De Triomphe in October. A genuine Group one horse he should be thereabouts although there is a nagging doubt that he may well be better over 12F. Fancy Man won the Derby Trial over course and distance earlier in the month from King Of The South (with Al Zaraqaan back in 4th). He should confirm that form with that pair but needs to step up again to worry the front two. With the dead eight currently I’m going to take a chance on the favourites stable mate Forest Of Dean who won this race last year and will be ridden by Kieran O’Neill. The vibes are that the Clarehaven stable expect him to run well and I’ll play him each way and a forecast Lord North to beat his stable mate for a Gosden 1-2. FOREST OF DEAN 1 point each way 12/1 1/5 123 Bet365 LORD NORTH to beat FOREST OF DEAN 1 point straight forecast Kempton 2.25 A small but select field of five go to post for the Pendil Novices’ Chase, a grade two contest run over 2m 4 1/2F. All bar rank outsider Goa Lil have some sort of chance. I’m happy to take on the penalised pair of Minella Drama who’s come down from Donald McCain’s stable having won a grade 2 last time out at Haydock and Paul Nicholl’s Pic D’Orhy who flopped last time out in the Scilly Isles Novice Chase at Sandown (although the trainer’s horses were running well below par at the time). Nicky Henderson saddles Fantastic Lady who as the only mare in the race receives a valuable 7lb sex allowance and although she will need to step up, having only won handicaps on her last two starts, can well here. But the one I like is the Alex Hales trained Millers Bank. A decent hurdler who finished third in a grade one at Aintree last Spring, he’s had the misfortune to unseat his rider Harry Bannister on both of his last two starts. He’s worth another chance with Kieran Woods taking over and is maybe a bit of value in a tricky contest. MILLERS BANK 1 point win @ 9/2 William Hill Kempton 3.00 The dead eight hopefully go to post for the Dovecote Novices’ Hurdle, a grade 2 contest run over 2 miles. Gary Moore’s Shallwehaveonemore has been well supported throughout the week having being as big as 5/1 at one point. He’s now around the Even money mark and although he’s a progressive type who could easily win this represents scant value at his current odds so with hopefully all 8 running I’ll be looking to take him on with Paul Nicholls’ Iceo. He impressed in a fast time on his British/Nicholls debut over course and distance at Christmas when coasting home to win by 17L but was major disappointment next time out at Cheltenham when racing too freely. Whether that poor run was down to the track or even that the yard were badly out if form I’m not sure but if he came here straight from his British debut win he would near enough be pushing for favouritism. Yes he does have questions to answer now but if Harry Cobden can get him to settle he could be good each way value. ICEO 1 1/2 points each way @ 6/1 1/5 123 888Sport Newcastle 3.15 A bumper turnout of seventeen for this years renewal of the Vertem Eider Handicap Chase which is run over 4M 1 1/2F. With conditions on the easy side this will, as always be a test of stamina. Eclair Surf is top of my short list having bolted up in the Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick last month. The further he went the further he went away and despite a 10lb rise should appreciate the extra half a mile today for the in form Emma Lavelle stable. Irish traveller History Of Fashion has to be taken seriously for trainer Peter Fahy but has yet to race beyond three miles so stamina is not guaranteed. The same can be said about the lightly raced Danilo D’Airy from the Robert Bevis yard. Lake View Lad is on a nice mark and with a decent course record shouldn’t be dismissed over a trip which suits. ECLAIR SURF 1 point each way @ 7/1 1/5th 12345 Bet365 LAKE VIEW LAD 1/2 point each way @ 20/1 1/5 123456 Paddy Power Kempton 3.37 The three mile handicap chase has been run under many different guises over the years but Coral have ploughed money into the race and this years renewal looks a competitive affair. A case can be made for many with Christian Williams throwing three at the race. Cap Du Nord carry’s bottom weight and has tumbled down the handicap to such an extent that the nine year old can race here off of a mark 15lb lower than when 5th last year. Jack Tudor takes a further 3lb off and he’s on my short list. Williams’ other runners aren’t without chances in Five Star Getaway, a course and distance winner here over Christmas under Nick Schofield (who retains the ride today) and Kitty’s Light who’s coming down the handicap also. Current favourite is Annsam who beat the subsequent winner Phoenix Way by 4 1/4L at Ascot when last seen in December and the second re-opposes here on identical terms having won at Ascot himself since. A case can literally be made for all the fourteen runners but I’ll take a chance on Cap Du Nord who looks to be on a winning mark. CAP DU NORD 1 point each way @ 7/1 Betfred 1/5th 12345

A decent day, finding a couple of winners at 9/2 and 16/1 (20/1 SP) with a tidy daily profit of 19 points. I'll be back next Tuesday late afternoon for my thoughts on the TV races at York although all my daily selections are available between 5 and 6 o'clock on the 'racing tips' tab.

Time restricted again today and will be having some sherry later and cooking fillet steak for my wife. It is our 41st Wedding Anniversary 1.35 Worc Pencreek 1 pt win at 5/1 and 0.5 saver bet on Texard at 3/1 Back later, hopefully

Well done to @Cash Out Kevand @LeMalewho found 40/1 winner Holloway Boy. It was still not enough to take the daily prize, this goes to @Tipsterixwho selected 33/1 and 10/1 winners to take the prize and finish overall 3rd. Congratulations to @RUGwho had another profitable day to take the overall competition. Well done to @Offrampwho finishes 2nd. Could the prize winners please PM pay-pal details. See you at Goodwood !

just wanted to say, whether the bets are winners or losers, thank you to each and every one of you for your ratings, opinions, predictions, more important effort and time. I'm sure not only me but other people appreciate it too. Good luck, everyone and have a great weekend ahead!x

I totally agree. I have increased my stake gradually from £2 up to £100 over the last 7 years or so but only increase my stakes when my cumulative profits have increased. Meticulous record keeping is essential. There are bad periods, I made a loss in the 7 months to February. When I have made a certain amount I give 40% of it to my children, 40% to charity and 20% to treat myself. That way I don't feel so guilty about spending so much time on gambling.

Two winners and two places today. The winners at 6/1 (10p R4) and 7/1 (5p R4) - a healthy profit of just over 20 points. Roll on Royal Ascot.

Cheltenham 1.30 One of two races shown by ITV from Cheltenham this afternoon is this 2m 4F 56yds handicap hurdle which has attracted 9 runners. The drying ground is not certain to suit Evan Williams’ Bold Plan who’s chasing a hat trick and he’s opposable. Nicky Henderson’s horse’s remain in excellent form and his contender Captain Morgs is maybe the one to be with here. He’s been given a 100 day break presumably to avoid the boggy winter ground and if able to reproduce his Ascot win from November on good ground off of a 6lb lower mark should go close today. Forget his last run as he was bogged down in the Kempton mud over Christmas. Ben Pauling’s bottom weight Whatsupwithyou had his form boosted at the weekend by the success of Neon Moon whom he beat at Fontwell last time and along with Romeo Brown who also won last time in a similar grade of race on good ground look the dangers in an open looking contest. CAPTAIN MORGS 1 1/2 point each way @ 13/2 Bet365 1/5 123 Newmarket 1.50 Thirteen sprinters go to post for this three year old 6F handicap, a race that is always worth following going forwards. The likely favourite is the easy Pontefract winner from last week Pocket The Profit who will be ridden by Ryan Moore. That was soft ground though and he will have to prove his effectiveness on this sounder surface but he looks a sprinter going places and his trainer George Boughey was talking him up in a Attheraces stable file earlier this week. Six of the thirteen are making their handicap debuts amongst them the Gosden runner Tolstoy and the gelded Dig Two who has been gelded and had a wind operation since we last saw him. Martyn Meade trains Object who was heavily backed when winning at Kempton last November on his handicap debut. He’s been raised 6lb for that win and looks a possible danger to my selection. POCKET THE PROFIT 2 points win @ 7/2 Boylesports Cheltenham 2.05 A 2m 4 1/2F grade 2 handicap chase is next up with eight declared to run. A case can be made for all eight with course specialist (4 wins from 13 starts) Coole Cody arguably the one they all have to beat following on from his victory at the big meeting in the Plate Handicap. He is however 7lb higher here which gives rival Stolen Silver who was beaten 8 1/4L in that race and now 8lb better off a definite chance of exacting revenge. Both have solid chances but the one I like is the Emma Lavelle trained Manofthemoment who relishes a good ground surface as he showed when winning this contest by 4 1/2L a year ago off of a 5lb lower mark. He may have just needed his latest run when well beaten and he can give Lavelle something to smile about after losing Eclair Surf in the Grand National at the weekend. MANOFTHEMOMENT 2 points each way @ 11/2 William Hill 1/5 123 Newmarket 2.25 Thirteen unraced three year olds go to post for this year’s Wood Ditton maiden stakes run over a mile - a race that is worth watching over and over as there will be no doubt be countless winners to come out of this contest. The market will no doubt be very informative with the likes of the well bred Gosden Dubawi colt Francesco Clemente and Charlie Appleby Dubawi colt Secret State (dam was first past the post in the 1000 Guineas) top of the list. Appleby also saddles State Event a well bred Shamardal colt ridden by James Doyle. The vibes seem pretty strong on the Gosden runner and I’ll take him to small stakes to win. FRANCESCO CLEMENTE 1 point win @ 9/2 Bet365 Newmarket 3.00 This year’s 6F Group 3 Abernant Stakes features a smart three year old for a change. Ebro River is the highest rated of the eight runners having won three times as a juvenile including the group 1 Phoenix Stakes at The Curragh in August. He escapes a penalty for this by a few weeks and is without doubt the one to beat for Hugo Palmer and Jamie Spencer. He has been well found in the market however at around the 7/4 mark and if all eight run I’m happy to look elsewhere for some each way value. Garrus will no doubt be straighter for his recent Doncaster spin for the in form Charlie Hills team whilst Jumby is two from three at the track and has the assistance of William Buick. Bellosa is dropping in trip and is another possible but it’s the Chris Wall trained five year old Double Or Bubble that catches my eye. The mare has won first time out the last two seasons including when taking the 7F handicap apart at this very meeting last season. She’s dropping in trip here but showed at Pontefract in a listed contest last August over 6F that she has the pace for this and represents each way value with regular pilot Jack Mitchell doing the steering. DOUBLE OR BUBBLE 1 1/2 points each way @ 7/1 Bet365 1/5 123 Newmarket 3.35 This is all about the re-appearance of champion two year old Native Trail, trained at Moultons Paddocks in Newmarket by Charlie Appleby for their Godolphin operation. Unbeaten as a juvenile in four starts in maiden, group 2 and two group ones - the National Stakes at The Curragh and Dewhurst over 7F of this course. He arrives with no penalties for those wins and the vibes are that he’s trained on well and will be very hard to beat in this the Craven Stakes run over a mile. His six opponents have shown nowhere near his two year old form with the likes of Al Mubhir, Star Of India and Claymore all having won maidens last season on their sole starts. A race to watch and enjoy which should be going to Native Trail.

Winner has been in top 2 rated in every race ....184pts returned ...114pts profit day 1 ....cmon

Wokingham ROHAAN 12/1 e/w won nicely last year a few lbs lower this time should go really well again with Moore booked Very decent e/w for me. APOLLO ONE 40/1 e/w is for me the most interesting runner in the field and looks massively overpriced to me. was just beat in a decent 3yo race at Newmarket last year by Blackrod who has beaten my horse again since then but is back on firmer ground now has dropped a few lbs has an apprentice on top who is in red hot form 7 winners from just 18 rides in the last week or so i really fancy this horse to go very well today 40's 7places bog will do for me. So its two strong bets for me in this race today. A small e/w on CEPHALUS 14/1 3.52 NM had been running and winning on the AW not so good on turf but interesting jockey booking today worth a small e/w play for me. Some cracking winners on ATR this week lets keep it going . Good Luck All

the ridler 2.30 ew

Rising star ..bbooom ...!!!!...+60.00 edit modabra non runner so around +66.00

What a fantastic run so chuffed with that rating and royal Scotsmen was 3rd ...Bradsell wins ...+80.00....

Fun lucky 15 40p (£6.00) which i will post every day through June with a bank of £100 if the bank halves so will the stakes if the bank doubles so will the stake lets see how it goes given the good quality racing in June. 230 Nott Beggarman 13/8 lost (dissapointing 3rd of 7) 555 Kemp Alpine Girl 5/1 lost 830 Kemp Graphite (nap) 16/1 3rd (ran well) 900 Kemp Murau 7/4 won 2/1 (bog) prices bet365 at time of posting Stake £6.00 Return £2.00 Loss of £4.00 bank £96.00

4 winners (11/1, 9/2, 5/2 & 5/2) from 8 races for a profit of just over 20 points. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

I'm at work hence slowxreply ....I think the total return is 421 .00 .....absolutely over the moon with that rating ...???

4 winners found from the 6 races (including 25/1 Hewick) for a profit of just over 15 points.

Musselburgh 1.32 An open looking class 3 three year old handicap over a mile with 10 runners going to post. With half the field marking their handicap debuts a very close watch on the market is essential here. Mark and Charlie Johnstone saddles three in top weight Value Theory (Andrew Breslin), Spirit Catcher (Joe Fanning) and Qipao (Ben Curtis). The best of which may well be Spirit Catcher but it’s hard to assess to be accurate. Dirty old town is interesting having his first run for Grant Tuer having been sold out of George Boughey’s stable for £100k and making his handicap debut but the one I like is the Karl Burke trained Bullet Force. Owned by Amo Racing and ridden by their retained jockey Rossa Ryan he showed some good handicap form a s a two year last Autumn in class 2 nurseries and was last seen when out of his depth (went off 100/1) in the group 1 Vertem Futurity Trophy Stakes at Doncaster. He’s already shown his liking for this track by winning his maiden here over 7F last August and he may be the each way value in the race. BULLET FORCE 1 point each way @ 7/1 Bet365 1/5th 123 Newbury 1.50 Only 7 go to post for the Group 3 John Porter Stakes run over 1m 4F. The drying ground may not suit the likes of the penalised William Haggas runner Ilaraab and the horse he beat when last seen over course and distance in the Ralph Beckett trained Max Vega. My two against the field are the impressive Doncaster winner Raymond Tusk who has conditions to suit and the Mark and Charlie Johnstone raider Thunderous. Preference is just for the latter who is the highest rated runner in the field and has an interesting jockey booking in Christophe Soumillon on board. Gelded since we last saw him this five year old gelding is still relatively lightly raced (this being his 10th career start) for his age and if straight enough (he has won first time out) could be the one they all have to beat. THUNDEROUS 2 points win @ 7/2 Coral/Ladbrokes Musselburgh 2.04 Another class 2 handicap but this one’s over 7F and for four year old’s and upwards. It has an open look about it with the in form David and Nicola Barron’s Another Batt holding claims following on from a mid division effort in his re-appearance in the Lincoln. Gometra Ginty has a good strike rate at the Scottish track but it’s last years runner up Marshal Dan that catches my eye. Trained by the under rated Oxfordshire based handler Heather Main he ran a screamer last year when going down by under a length to Elton College and can race today off of a 2lb lower mark. Ben Curtis gets the leg up for the first time on this Lawman 7 year old and in a trappy handicap he looks each way value. MARSHAL DAN 1 point each way @ 9/1 Bet365 1/5th 123 Newbury 2.25 A dozen three year old fillies assemble for this years renewal of the Dubai Duty Free Stakes (known still as the Fred Darling Stakes), a Group 3 contest run over 7F and a reminisced 1000 Guineas trial. Charlie Appleby had had a terrific week with his runners since Monday finishing 15114251131 including taking the Craven with Native Trail and unleashing a serious Derby contender in New London at Newmarket. His filly Wild Beauty returns here and was a top two year old winning three times including a grade one contest in North America at Woodbine in September. Beaten 3 1/2L twice by champion two year old filly Inspiral she brings the best form to the table and if she’s trained on will be hard to beat for the deadly combo of Appleby and Buick who himself has won on 7 of his last 11 rides. Jumbly is a lovely type who won three of her four starts as a juvenile with her best effort coming over course and distance in the listed Radley Stakes on soft ground. I wonder whether a drying surface will suit her. The best alternative to the favourite and worth a small ew saver bet is the Andrew Balding trained Majestic Glory who although 5L behind the selection on her final start has actually beaten her a length in the Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes in August. There are other promising fillies but this is Wild Beauty’s to lose I believe. WILD BEAUTY 2 points win @ 11/4 Paddy Power MAJESTIC GLORY 1/2 point each way @ 9/1 Bet365 1/5th 123 Musselburgh 2.39 Next up is a £50k guaranteed 5F class 2 handicap with 11 runners declared. There’s some old names taking part here with the likes of Copper Knight and Dakota Gold making their seasonal re-appearance. The Barron’s Zarzyni comes here in fine form off of the all weather and wears cheek pieces for the first time, he looks likely to be in the shake up. If there is one horse here who may be better than his current mark then surely it’s the Horse Watcher’s Raasel trained by Mick Appleby. He ran up a five timer in 5F handicaps last Autumn rising 21lb in the process and although he most certainly wouldn’t want the ground to dry up (his wins came on good or soft ground) he may just be better than a handicapper. With no knowledge of his fitness he’s worth a small investment. RAASEL 2 points win @ 7/2 William Hill Newbury 3.00 A small field of six go to post for this years renewal of the 7F Group 3 Greenham Stakes. Joint top rated is the Ralph Beckett trained Angel Bleu who turned into a smart juvenile winning his last three starts in Group 2 and 1 company on soft ground. He does have form earlier in the season on better ground but really found his way in the mud and with the ground drying he’s opposable today. I’ll take him on with Richard Fahey’s Perfect Power who will be ridden today by Frenchman Christophe Soumillon. He has to prove his stamina mind as he hasn’t raced beyond 6F as a juvenile when winning 4 of his 6 starts including the Group 1 Middle Park stakes at Newmarket in September. His dam was a 10F turf winner and so there’s enough hope on the breeding side to suggest he’ll see out the seventh furlong. Lusail has only 2lb on official ratings to find here and could be more of a threat on ground that will suit. PERFECT POWER 2 points win @ 2/1 Bet365 Musselburgh 3.14 The feature race at the Scottish track today is the Betway Queen’s Cup, a 1m 6F heritage handicap that has filled with a maximum field of 14. Mark Johnstone has won the last two renewals and (with his son Charlie) saddles three here today. Last years winner Themaxwecan is amongst the trio and with Ben Curtis who rode him last year on board off of the same mark could easily be a player here. State Of Bliss and Soapy Stevens are the other two Johnstone runners with preference for the latter who will be ridden by Franny Norton, his regular rider and if in the form of his Haydock win last June could run well. Top weight Zero Ten is a very interesting runner for Grand National winning trainer Emmet Mullins. Last seen when 5th in the Group 1 Prix Royal-Oak in France last October this represents a drop in class on his flat handicap debut and Mullins has booked useful 7lb apprentice Benoit De La Sayette to ride. Also taking a drop in class is the Ian Williams trained Enemy who was last seen running fourth to Manobo in a Group 3 in Dubai in February with one of today’s rivals Island Brave only a neck behind. The latter looks over priced here at four times the price of Enemy on that run. The selection though is Sir Rumi owned by Amo Racing and trained by Richard Hannon. His season re-appearance (his first since being gelded) suggests that he’s well handicapped off of 94 as he was sandwiched that day by horses rated 104 and 105. He does have to prove his stamina today stepping up in trip but if he stays he can go very well. SIR RUMI 1 point each way @ 6/1 Betfred 1/5th 12345 Newbury 3.35 Seventeen go to post for the Spring Cup, a handicap run over the straight mile of the Berkshire course. The key form race for this is the Lincoln from Doncaster last month. The Crisford’s Saleymm finished runner up that day and must have decent claims here but it was the horse that finished half a length behind that one that is my strong fancy today. Rogue Bear missed the kick and was plum last after a furlong but ran on to such an extent on the wrong side to where all the action was that it’s not far wrong to say he was an unlucky loser that day. Off of the same handicap mark he looks sure to be competitive with David Egan riding for Tom Clover. Just behind him in the Lincoln was the William Haggas horse Irish Admiral and further back was the disappointing Charlie Appleby runner Modern News. I’ll be surprised if either are good enough to turn the form around with the selection. Top weight Migration hails from the David Menuisier stable who had a double at Chantilly on Wednesday. Ryan Moore rides and he is a lovely type but might just find the ground too fast for him. An outsider that interests me is the Richard Hannon trained Etonian who is lightly raced but has a touch of class about him and the fact he still holds an entry in the Group one Lockinge stakes is a tip in itself. For me though this is all about Rogue Bear. ROGUE BEAR 3 points win 7/2 Bet365 ETONIAN 1/4 point each way @ 20/1 BetVictor 1/5th 12345

As in previous years we will be running a tipsters competition for Aintree, Thursday 7th April to Saturday 9th 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 £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.

Well after a hectic four days it’s back to some sort of normality (unfortunately!) with a weekend of terrestrial TV racing from Uttoxeter for the Midlands Grand National and Kempton. The ground is drying at Kempton and on the slow side of good whilst it’s deeper at soft at Uttoxeter. Here’s my thoughts on the eight races. Kempton 1.30 A modest class 4 handicap to start the afternoon’s proceedings run over three miles and only six going to post. All six can be given a chance of sorts with preference for Fergal O’Briens Cap St Vincent who’s fallen back to his last winning mark and will be ridden by Conor Brace. O’Brien has had a frustrating week with runners up in two of the bigger handicap at Cheltenham and his luck can change here. CAP ST VINCENT 1 point win @ 9/2 Paddy Power Uttoxeter 1.50 Run over just short of three miles this class 3 handicap hurdle has attracted 13 runners. Serious Charges looks the one to beat as an unexposed five year old trained by Anthony Honeyball. She’s made all to win maiden/novice hurdles on slow ground at Exeter and Fontwell and this will be her first start in a handicap off of what may well be a workable mark. He’s the one to beat. Grace A Vous Enki represents Paul Nicholls and Bryony Frost but he won a weak novice hurdle last time in which the odds on favourite pulled up. Pulling Stamps also makes his handicap debut and is interesting for Philip Hobbs but it’s Serious Charges for me. SERIOUS CHARGES 2 points won @ 4/1 Bet365 Kempton 2.05 Another small field of just six assemble for this two mile novices’ handicap chase. Rockstar Ronnie is chasing a hat trick for Dan Skelton although hasn’t been seen since a lucky winner of a novice chase over course and distance back in November of last year. One of today’s rivals Sebastopol was three lengths clear when falling at the last that day and re-opposes on 10lb worse terms. There shouldn’t be a great deal between them on that run alone and although Sebastopol has flopped since back here the ground may have been too soft for him that day. At todays prices I’ll have to favour Tom Lacey’s Sebastopol who’s visored for the first time and will be ridden by Stan Sheppard. Drying ground may not suit Gary Moore’s Golden Boy Grey who’s been raised 5lb for his latest victory at Huntingdon. Sirocco Jo also has claims for Paul Nicholls but the value may well lie with Sebastopol. SEBASTOPOL 2 points win @ 6/1 Ladbrokes Uttoxeter 2.25 All seven of these novices have a chance of sorts in this three miles novices’ handicap chase. Harry Whittington’s Docpickedme is two from two at the track but his latest victory hasn’t worked out and it’s a bit concerning that he sports a visor here. Venetia William’s Fuji Flight is also on a hat trick of wins and is up another 5lb for his latest victory at Newbury. The one I like is top weight Saint Palais who ran up a hat trick of handicap chase victories earlier in the season including the prestigious mandarin Handicap Chase at Newbury from the progressive Gericault Roque who’s gone on to finish runner up in the Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick and the Ultima Handicap Chase at Cheltenham last Tuesday. Saint Palais was backed to beat Ahoy Senor last time at Wetherby but made a couple of mistakes which put paid to any chance he had. He’ll need to improve his fencing but may just be too good for these and his rookie trainer Richard Bandey. SAINT PALAIS 2 points win 7/2 Bet365 Kempton 2.40 A competitive seventeen runner 2m 5F handicap hurdle with many having chances. Jay Jay Reilly represents Dan Skelton and bolted up last time winning by 15L at Doncaster with the runner up Inishbiggle winning since by 25L! To counteract that the handicapper has stumped him up 15lb but still has claims here. Fergal O’Brien’s Art Approval is also on my short list having possibly found the ground too soft on his last two starts. There’s quite a few here that are coming back to hurdles having been jumping fences recently including Zanza, Falco Blitz, Solo, Annsam, Jay Bee Why and Paddy’s Motorbike. A very hard handicap to solve and I’ll be keeping my stakes small and backing Art Approval each way with the additional places. ART APPROVAL 1 point each way @ 12/1 Coral 1/5th 12345 Uttoxeter 3.00 A valuable £50k guaranteed handicap hurdle is up next run over 2m 4F and has attracted a dozen runners. Nigel Twiston-Davies brings his Beauport with arguably the best recent form having finished runner up at Newbury and Sandown (twice) this season. Paul Nicholl’s Red Risk is up 11lb for his latest course and distance victory and the runner up that day has been well beaten since. He’s opposable. David Pipe has had some recent success in this race having won it twice in the last three years and runs Panic Attack here off of bottom weight. He’s interesting especially if solid in the market. My fancy though is the Harry Fry trained Boothill who’s has had excuses for his three defeats this season. Always held in high regard by his Dorset based handler he needed his first run of the season and didn’t appear to take to fencing on his next start. Tongue tied for the first time he took too keen a hold in the Betfair hurdle at Newbury last time when weakening approaching the last to finish 8th beaten 8L. That form looks solid enough now with the winner Glory And Fortune running a highly credible 5th in the Champion Hurdle on Tuesday. Today could be his day if he doesn’t pull his chance away. BOOTHILL 2 points each way @ 5/1 1/5th 1234 Bet365 Kempton 3.15 Ten go to post for this class 2 2m 4 1/2F handicap chase. The drying ground may well be against Venetia William’s Espoir De Guye in this competitive race. There’s plenty with chances but it’s the rank outsider that will be carrying my hard earned. Nick Gifford has had a very quiet season but his Paddy’s Poet will appreciate the drying ground at the Sunbury-On-Thames track and will be straighter now following his latest run at Newbury where the morning rain may have scuppered his chances. He can race off of a mark of 128 today which is 5lb lower than his comfortable win at Wincanton last season. He looks each way value to me especially if you can get the extra place with Hills or Skybet. PADDYS POEM 1 point each way @ 14/1 1/5th 1234 Skybet Uttoxeter 3.35 The feature race of the day is the 4m 2F Midlands Grand National with a bumper field of nineteen going to post. On soft ground this will be a real slog with last years winner, 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th all back to resume a re-match. Time To Get Up was never stronger than at the finish to win by a length then and returns to defend his title for Jonjo O’Neill and his son Jonjo Junior. He’s only 4lb higher than then and can confirm form with Final Nudge (3rd and 1lb worse off with Time To Get Up), Screaming Colours (4th & 5lb worse off), Achille (6th & 13lb better off for a 6 3/4L beating) and Truckers Lodge (7th & 8lb better off). The latter also won this very race the previous year. Achille is the one of those behind the winner that is weighted to get closer and Venetia Williams’ veteran sports first time blinkers and is worth a small ew saver. Irish raider Hewick and Oliver Sherwood’s Jersey Bean could of done without the downpour on Wednesday whilst there are stamina doubts for the likes of De Young Warrior, Momella, Hear No Evil, Romain De Senam and even Wholestone. I’m sticking with last years victor Time To Get Up who ran better than her finishing position suggests last time out at Haydock. TIME TO GET UP 2 points each way @ 9/2 1/5th 123456 William Hills ACHILLE 1/2 point each way @ 18/1 1/5 12345 Bet365

Interesting observation after Cheltenham, I made a lot of money backing big prices EW ( i only had 3 singles win all week) in comparatively small stakes multiples due to BET365 extra places. So credit where credit is due. Plus they gave out £25 quids worth of free bets on the week. i compared with a few other sites william hill for example i wouldnt have even won 5% of what i did win due to this observation my 66/1 x2 40/1 33/1 places would not have been paid out with other bookies. Even the gold cup paid first 4 unfortunately for me Royale Pagaille got done for 4th which would have netted me £2,500 in place money for 8 quid. Overall a really good Cheltenham for me due to not sticking to my usual method and diversifying so a few lessons learnt especially for next years festivals.

1st and 2nd in the Imperial and 2nd in 1 50 also beers wine and a curry i think

Lively Citizen 1/4 pt win 25/1 sand 2 25 Surprise Package 1/4 pt win 16/1 sand 2 25 marble sands 1 50 san 1/4 pt win 25/1 dance fever 2 04 san 1/4 pt win 16/1 P/L + 119 pt

More quality than quantity among the eight ITV races Saturday coming from Warwick and Newbury with the ground a drying good to soft at both fixtures. Newbury 1.15 It’s great to see a grade one horse in Bravemansgame lining up here in a handicap under top weight of 11-8. This 2m 7F 86yds novices’ limited handicap has attracted only six runners, not surprisingly with the aforementioned Bravemansgame keeping half the field out of the handicap. He’s looked a very smart chaser winning all three of his races in some style and even with his welter weight will be very hard to beat with his neat effortless jumping. The only negative for him is the form, or lack of it, of his stable. Paul Nicholls is running at a win ratio of 3% with only one winner (Dolos) in the past fortnight from 37 runners. Included in that poor sequence are six beaten favourite (all finished 2nd). It is a major worry and would surely stop the big odds on punters getting stuck into him. Gallyhill and I K Brunel have it to do from 7lb and 10lb out of the weights whilst Fern Hill is held by Grumpy Charley. The two main dangers to the favourite are the latter, a winner here in December and Pats Fancy who’s chasing a hat trick following two victories at Chepstow in December. Bravemansgame should win this but with the stable form worrying I’ll sit the race out from a punting perspective. Warwick 1.35 Only four assemble here for the Mares’ Hurdle run over 2m 5F. Paul Weber’s smart mare Indefatigable won this last year and despite a 6lb penalty today will be hard to beat again. There was plenty to like about her neck second at Cheltenham last time behind the progressive Martello Sky and with Daryl Jacob still out injured Rex Dingle comes in for the ride. The danger may well be the Nicky Henderson trained Marie’s Rock who on official ratings is only a pound inferior to the selection at todays weights. She was badly hampered by a faller last time out in the Lanzarote Hurdle eventually pulling up and is better than that run would suggest. She looks a value bet against the favourite. Both the remaining runners have a bit to find and I’ll take Marie’s Rock to beat Indefatigable. MARIES ROCK 1 point win @ 11/4 Coral/Ladbroke Newbury 1.50 Eight go to post for this 3 mile handicap hurdle following the late defection of Skandiburg. Top weight The Big Breakaway is a very interesting runner as he was held in some regard by the Tizzard’s as a chaser but was ultimately disappointing in that sphere and returns hurdling now following a wind operation. His last effort over timber was when 4th in the 2020 Ballymore won by Envoi Allen and a mark of 144 today may not be that bad. Risk And Roll bolted up in a Pertemps qualifier at Huntingdon last month but has been clobbered by the handicapper since with a ten pound rise. Coeur De Lion has been well backed throughout the week and is no doubt a well handicapped horse although he has stamina to prove though he should relish the trip asa former 2m 4F winner on the level. Last year’s winner Polish looks the likeliest winner to my eyes. Fergal O’Brien’s 7 year old gelding beat fifteen rivals last year off of the same handicap mark as today and could quite easily have been trained for this race. With stable jockey Paddy Brennan on board he looks sure to run well and is the bet here with a saver on Coeur De Lion. POLISH 2 points win @ 4/1 William Hill COEUR DELION 1 point win @ 7/1 Bet365 Warwick 2.05 Four quality chasers assemble here for the Kingmaker Novices’ Chase run over 2m 54yds. Best in at the weights is the Alan King trained Edwardstone who’s done little wrong this season over fences and remains Britain’s main hope of upsetting the Irish in next months Arkle Chase at Cheltenham. He’s looked impressive in all three of his completed chase wins and is the one to beat here. 6lb behind on official ratings is the Skelton runner Third Time Lucki who bounced back to form at Doncaster a fortnight ago when cantering all over For Pleasure who fell at the last. It’s very hard to fancy For Plaesure on that run. Third Time Lucki has already met Edwardstone this season at Sandown back in December and was firmly put in his place by the King runner that day. Don’t dismiss the Venetia Williams runner Brave Seasca here mind. He’s looked very good winning twice over course and distance and at Ascot in handicap company this season and although he has 9lb to find with Edwardstone can give him a race. Edwardstone will however be a tough nut to crack and he’s the bet here. EDWARDSTONE 2 points win @ Evens William Hill Newbury 2.25 The Denman Chase is run over 2m 7F 86yds and has attracted only 5 runners this season which isn’t unusual for this grade 2 contest. Likely favourite Clan Des Obeaux is using this as a prep for the Gold Cup as he did last year when he went off a similarly short favourite at 6/5 when finishing runner up to Secret Investor. A good second in the King George over Christmas he looks sure to run well but although officially 6lb better than these is poor value with his stable under a cloud currently. De Rasher Counter, a winner of the 2019 Ladbroke Trophy has a long absence to overcome whilst Eldorado Allen is stepping up to three miles for the first time and has plenty on here. Imperial Aura appears to have lost his form so the obvious one to beat the favourite is the Venetia Williams trained Royal Pagaille. He had to battle hard to give weight to fellow mudlark Sam Brown in the Pater Marsh Handicap Chase at Haydock three weeks ago and is only 6lb inferior to the favourite on official ratings. The negative for him is that he really needs the ground much softer but I want to take the favourite on so he’ll do for me to small stakes with the ground issues. ROYAL PAGAILLE 1 point win @ 5/2 Bet365 Newbury 3.00 Another small turnout here of four following the late defection of Editeur De Gite for this year’s renewal of the Game Spirit Chase, a grade 2 contest run over 2 miles and 92 yards. Each of the quartet has claims although if you fancy Paul Nicholl’s Hitman you’re best waiting to see how his runners earlier in the afternoon have performed. Venetia William’s Funambule Sivola arrives in good form (as his stable very much is) and has claims as does Sky Pirate who bumped into the well handicapped Brave Seasca at Warwick last time. One would think that he’s been trained for another tilt at the Grand Annual Handicap at Cheltenham next month, a race he won last year. That just leaves last years winner Sceau Royal who’s reverting to the bigger obstacles today having run with credit over hurdles this season, although he was a bit flat last time. Alan King will have him primed for this and he’s the one I like. SCEAU ROYAL 1 point win @ 2/1 Bet365 Warwick 3.15 A good betting heat run over 2m 4F for chasers with a decent pot of £26k to the winner. Likely market leaders Cheddleton who arrives in decent form and Falco Blitz, a winner at Kempton last month and only 3lb higher have obvious claims. Our Power trained by Sam Thomas got his head in front again at Huntingdon last time out and a ruse of only 2lb puts him also in the shake up here whilst Philip Hobbs’ Celebre D’Allen is reverting back to the larger obstacles having won twice over hurdles since joining Hobbs from France. His best form however appears to have come in very soft ground which he’s unlikely to get here. Outsider Lieutenant Rocco is an interesting runner who was a smart novice when in the care of Nick Mitchell in season 2020/21. He’s since joined the capable Harriet Brown and although pulling up on his debut for her maybe capable of better. The selection however is the Irish challenger Dinny Lacey trained in County Cork by J Motherway. He ran his best race for a while last time out in a decent handicap chase at Limerick in first time blinkers and it looks highly significant that Robbie Power is over for just the one ride - surely a tip in itself. DINNY LACEY 1 point each way @ 9/1 Coral 1/5th 1234 Newbury 3.35 A disappointing turnout of only 14 go to post for the Betfair Hurdle run over 2m 69yds. It’s an open race mind with several holding claims. In fact bar the three rank outsiders a positive case can be made for the other eleven. Among the market leaders are Colin Tizzard’s Jpr One, a novice who’s won 2 of his 3 starts and fellow novice Knappers Hill who hails from the Paul Nicholls stable who are currently under a cloud so unless he dramatically bounces back to form earlier today must be left. Nicky Henderson and JP McManus are represented by Broomfield Burg who’s been aimed at this race for awhile now. He too is a novice and can make his presence felt. The race was won last year in excellent fashion by today’s top weight Soaring Glory and he too has claims despite a mark a stone higher than last year. Back in second a year ago was the Gary Moore trained Fifty Ball and despite a disappointing season over fences drops back hurdling a full stone better off with Soaring Glory for the beating last year. He’s on my short list. Jetoile is a very interesting runner from the Ryan Potter stable. Following two facile victories in novice hurdles at Chepstow and Leicester over 2m 4F he ran arguably his best race of his career when a 12L runner up to the smart Constitution Hill in the grade 1 Tolworth Hurdle at Sandown last month. The winner won comfortably that day but Jetoile had some nice types behind including Shallwehaveonemore who has bolted up since. I’ll play him each way with additional places and a small each way saver on Fifty Ball in a wide open handicap. JETOILE 1 point each way @ 11/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345 FIFTY BALL 1/2 point each way @ 12/1 William Hill 1/5th 12345

The English and Scottish League matches are (currently) scheduled for this weekend but there are no European matches. Additionally there's a second batch of matches scheduled for 28th/29th/30th which includes some Portuguese Liga ones. As it seems likely that more games will fall to postponements I'd like to give as much choice as possible so I'm going to give the option of both sets of matches and the Portuguese ones for this game week. I will need you to indicate clearly which game you are picking as many teams will appear twice. Preferably use Team A v Team B format and quote the odds to make it completely clear. If you only show one team name and no distinguishing odds I will default the bet to the first game that team plays. You are allowed to pick the same team for both its matches in your combination if you wish. For this week there will be no penalty for a 'no show'. If you prefer not to play this week, for instance if you normally pick from the European matches and would rather not risk your bank with unfamiliar matches, you are under no risk of elimination from the competition. Deadline is Sunday even if you are picking from the second batch of games. Hope this is OK for you all. I'm keen to get a week in whilst it is feasible in case we end up with a firebreak week. Wish me luck settling the bets! Happy Christmas to everyone! ? ? ?

One of the most frustrating bets I have put up this year was Royal Chant at Worcester 3 weeks ago. I thought he had potential to be well handicapped based on his pointing and hunter chase form and that a wind op could be just what he needed as he had finished weakly in his last two hunter chase at Southwell and Cartmel. He went off 16/1 and was cruising into contention entering the home straight when he was hampered at 4 out and came down. Not only was it frustrating for that bet, but we also didn't find out if the wind op had worked or not. He could just as easily found nothing for pressure as he could have ended up winning the race. I have to back him again in the Worcester opener and although it is a larger field and he is a shorter price, it is still a terrible race he is capable of winning if the op has worked. Given only 2 of these have won over fences before that does sum up what we are dealing with here. Write It Down is one of those and he ran OK when 3rd last time, but he is hardly one to trust. Freddie Darling makes his debut for Peter Bowen. It is also his chasing debut, but he didn't show much in three handicap hurdles for Harry Fry last season. I'd be wary of him, but at the same time you have to take a bit of a leap of faith to back him. Train Hill is making his chasing debut and ran well enough last time over hurdles which was his best effort in 5 starts over hurdles. Yaazaain ran well enough on his chasing debut 3 weeks ago and that was his first run since April so he would be a danger. The biggest danger could be Ardbruce though. He ran really well at Stratford last time given he made a terrible mistake at 3 out. He fell the time before that, but had been a close 2nd 3 starts back. If he can avoid any costly errors he would be my idea of the winner if Royal Chant didn't do it. Ultimately though I have to give Royal Chant another chance to prove the wind op has worked and if it has then he will go very close to winning this. Royal Chant e/w @ 8/1 with Bet365 (15/2 with them to 4 places other bookies going 4 and 5 places as well) In the 4.35 Go On Chez is back out after his win last week and it looks a superb bit of placing. First of all its a hurdle race so he doesn't have to carry a penalty. Secondly it is an amateur riders race so if he wins he won't have to carry a penalty next time either. He is well in as his hurdle mark has gone up 6lbs and his chasing mark went up 11lbs for that win last week. This is a shockingly weak contest and although his hurdle form was poor last season, he clearly is a much improved horse now. Also the brush hurdles here are like mini point-to-point fences anyway so I don't see that being an issue. Toby Wynne is a decent amateur and he takes off 7lbs so he will only have 9-13 to carry. Obviously he's a much shorter price than last week, but if he is in the same form then he ought to win again. Go On Chez @ 6/4 with everyone except Bet365

Coral Eclipse Day at Sandown plus the Old Newton Cup at Haydock makes for an interesting 7 race terrestrial TV programme and here’s my weekly look at them. Sandown 1.50 The Coral Charge is run over 5F of the straight track and as always ( it maybe not as prevalent as it once was) the far rail is the preferred draw. Lazuli has to shoulder a 3lb penalty for his win at Newbury over Came From The Dark and drying conditions will suit the former. Arecibo is officially the best horse in the race and comes here on the back of an excellent 2nd in the Kings Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot to Oxted. Keep Busy is also a player although I’m not sure stall 1 will be in his favour as she tends to be a bit slow out if the gate. The value bet for me here is the 3 year old (who incidentally have won three of the last four runnings) Atalis Bay who will have to improve to beat these but looks the pace angle and from stall 4 can get over to the far rail and lead them all a merry dance under Andrea Atzeni who rode him to victory over course and distance in the Scurry Stakes last month. ATALIS BAY 1 point each way @ 8/1 William Hill 1/5 123 Haydock 205 A competitive renewal of the three year old only 1m 6F handicap. Mark Johnstone has won two of the four runnings and saddles three here, all of whom have chances of sorts. Bottom weight and one of my 20 to follow for the season Summers Knight has crept into the handicap and trained by handicap maestro Sir Mark Prescott is another one to keep an eye on going for a hat trick of victories although I did feel he didn’t over excite last time when winning at Bath in a much weaker contest. Likely favourite is Dhushan who’s stepping up a quarter of a mile following his success at Musselburgh last time. He must go well but looks scant value at around 3/1 in such an open race. The horse I like here is the Brian Ellison trained Tashkhan, who has done well since joining his current trainer from Emmet Mullins in April, winning here over 10F on soft ground in May then staying on well to finish 9th in the King George V Stakes at Royal Ascot with a couple of today’s rivals Soapy Stevens and Kondo Isami behind him. He looked as though this longer trip was what he needed and at a double figure price appeals as value with apprentice Harry Russell back in the saddle having won on him here in May. TASHKHAN 1 point each way @ 9/1 ¼ 123 Sandown 225 The Coral Challenge is a competitive one mile handicap which sees last years victor Montatham back to defend his title off of a 9lb higher mark. He’s well berthed in stall 4 but his young jockey Adam Farragher has yet to ride a winner in public from 18 starts and is overlooked for that reason alone. Hugo Palmer’s Acquitted is on my short list and from a favourable low draw under James Doyle should be in the mix. My bet here though is the John & Thady Gosden trained Magical Morning who will be ridden by the wily Italian Frankie Dettori. He made his re-appearance in the Royal Hunt Cup under Dettori when finishing 8th of the 30 runners where he could be spotted going as well as anything on the near side (the race was won by Real World on the far side) two furlongs from home only for match fitness to take its toll and for him to weaken. Stall 11 is not surmountable for this gelded son of Muhaarar as he likes to race prominently and no doubt Dettori will have a plan o; how to get over and race prominently. MAGICAL MORNING 2 points each way @ 13/2 1/5th 1234 Haydock 240 Sometimes you don’t want to be tipping favourites and my first impression was that I wanted to take on the Sir Mark Prescott trained Alpinista but the more I studied the opposition I keep coming back to the favourite who I feel will be hard to beat in the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks run over 1m 4F. She’s the best in here at the weights and has been very consistent over the last twelve months and gamely won at Goodwood on her re-appearance. Three three year olds take her on here with Oaks runner up Mystery Angel the best of that trio and may be the one to chase the favourite home. ALPINISTA 3 points win @ 7/4 Bet365 Sandown 3.00 The Coral Distaff is a listed race run over 1m for 3 year old fillies only. The standout filly here is Statement who will take plenty of beating. Martyn Meade must still be on cloud nine following Lone Eagle’s close second at The Curragh last Saturday in the Irish Derby and his filly here who has shown plenty of form this season in finishing a short head second to Alcohol Free in the Fred Darling, 8th in the 1000 Guineas and 3rd last time out in the Group 3 Princess Elizabeth Stakes at Epsom. This represents a drop in class for this daughter of Lawman and she warrants a good bet. The opposition are all a much of a muchness to be honest with possibly Auria having a each way chance. STATEMENT 3 points win @ 9/4 Bet365 Haydock 315 The Old Newton Cup looks as open as ever and a maximum field of 17 will go to post for this £100,000 guaranteed handicap. Longsider has crept into the bottom of the handicap and looks interesting for the Sir Mark Prescott team who have some interesting runners at the Lancashire track today. He’s making his handicap debut but I don’t like his very wide draw of 17 which is never good here over this trip. My short list comprises of Alan King’s Midnights Legacy who is two from three at the track and arrives in fine form having seen off Soto Sizzler who re-opposes today at Epsom last time and Aaddeey who is a lightly raced 4 year old trained by Simon and Ed Crisford at Newmarket. An easy winner at his local track in May he got bogged down in the heavy ground at Royal Ascot and is worth given another chance with useful apprentice Mark Crehan taking over from James Doyle who has a full book of rides at Sandown this afternoon. It’s an open contest but I have a slight preference for Aaddeey and he’s the each way bet here (don’t forget to shop around for those extra places). AADDEEY 2 points each way @ 7/1 1/5th 12345 Boyles Sandown 3.35 This years Coral Eclipse is run over 10F of the Esher track and has attracted a disappointing turnout of only 4 horses. It’s hard to fancy the outsider of the four in El Drama who was miles behind St Marks Basilica in the French Derby last time. The ground is the important factor here as both Addeyb and St Marks Basilica would prefer softer ground. The latter comes here having won three Group 1’s including the French 2000 and Derby but all three of those were gained on soft/heavy ground and he has to prove himself at this level on a sounder surface against his elders for th Emirates time. Addeyb is a terrific horse who has not been out of the first two in his last 11 starts. He is officially the best horse in the race but it is well touted that he needs soft ground. John and Thady Gosden’s Mishriff is proven on all sorts of ground and comes here having won the Saudi Cup and Dubai Sheema Classic amassing the best part of ten million pounds for the two wins! It’s going to be an intriguing race but I just feel that unless the ground were to go very soft that Mishriff who’s been trained for this since Dubai and his trainer has won twice in the last three runnings with Roaring Lion and Enable may win. MISHRIFF 3 points win @ 6/4 Bet365

A little extravagant but: 1.30 Sou The Vollan 2/1 1.45 Pont Bavardages 9/4 6.45 Win Jewel In My crown 11/4 9.00 Muss Award Dancer 9/4 6 x 0.4 win doubles = poss 26.26, 4 x 0.4 trebles poss 57.75 and 1 0.4 fourfold = poss 47.53 Total stakes = 4.4 so far Back later

305 ascot the coventry stakes my top 4 speed ratings are- rousing encore harry time paddys day scholarship no point putting numbers to them they all come out within 1point of each other. factors you may need to consider done Distance +1 ran once -1 so rousing encore is probably the best option.

The calm before the storm! Still 7 winners to be found on Imperial Cup Day at Sandown where the ground is on the slow side of good but drying. Here’s my thoughts on the 4 at Sandown and 3 at Wolverhampton where its Lincoln Trial Day. Wolverhampton 1.31 Nine sprinters go to post for this class 2 6F handicap with a winners purse of only £10,308 which is to be honest pitiful. Zarzyni arrives in excellent shape and looks a big player for sprint king David Barron whilst the Horse Watcher’s runner here Whittle Le Woods also arrives in excellent form and is another for the short list. I’m going to take a chance on a big priced runner though in Full Authority. He races off of the same mark today as when he won over the course and distance in October 2020 when in the care of Sir Michael Stoute. He spent 2021 in the care of Yorkshire trainer Richard Fahey showing very little in three outings in top sprint handicap grade and now back in calmer waters having been gelded and with Jane Chapple-Hyam who has a very good record when taking over other trainers ‘cast-offs’ he can run a nice race at big odds. He only went for 7k when joining Chapple-Hyam which is a bit of a worry but at double figure odds I’ll take my chances. FULL AUTHORITY 1 point each way @ 18/1 1/5th 1234 Skybet Sandown 1.50 Always a competitive handicap, the EBF Novices’ Handicap Hurdle looks no different this season with a near maximum field of 17 going to post. With 11 of the 17 making their handicap debut it’s worth monitoring the market during the run up to post time. Current favourite is top weight Knappers Hill who looks the one they all have to beat. His trainer Paul Nicholls won this with the gambled on McFabulous two years ago and his representative here was a very credible 6th in the Betfair Hurdle at Newbury last month on his handicap bow. Royaume Uni finished just behind him that day and bolted up at Fontwell earlier in the week to give the form a boost. Off of the same handicap mark he looks sure to be competitive. Nicholls also saddle Complete Unknown ridden by Lorcan Williams. Peejaybee, trained at Newmarket by Richard Spencer is another for the shortlist having already won a handicap over course and distance in February and now 7lb higher having landed the odds at Sedgefield in a poor novice hurdle since. Olly Murphy runs Thunder Rock who stepped into handicap company at Huntingdon last month when defeating Dorking Boy by a length and a quarter. He’s been re-assessed since though and is now 6lb higher. The Skelton’s are always feared in races of this kind and they run three with trainer’s brother Harry presumably choosing Our Jet who looks the pick of the trio. Harry Fry has his string in decent form and his Dubrovnik Harry is making his handicap debut here following on from a slightly disappointing effort at Leicester when turned over at 1/3 by a Pipe horse who’s pulled up in a grade 2 since. A tough race but the selection has to be Knappers Hill off of the same mark as when running a stormer last time and he can give weight all round under Harry Cobden. KNAPPERS HILL 2 points each way @ 5/1 1/4 1234 Ladbrokes / Coral Wolverhampton 2.05 The MansionBet Lincoln Trial Handicap is run over 1m 142 yds and has attracted a dozen runners. Likely warm favourite La Tihaty represents Roger Varian and is obviously a smart type who’s chasing a fifth consecutive victory and is one of five in this race that actually holds an entry in the Lincoln in a fortnights time. He’s up 9lb for his recent win at Kempton with the negative today, in my eyes anyways, being the wide draw. Drawn 12 in the widest stall is a big negative and at around the 2/1 mark I’m happy enough to take him on. There’s little between Baldomero and United Front on recent form and both have chances but I’ll take a chance with the Ed Walker trained Hafeet Alain, a recent winner at Lingfield. He has already met La Tihaty back in January at Kempton going down by a length but now 7lb better off which gives him a proper chance of turning over the favourite. Richard Kingscote has the reigns today. HAFEET ALAIN 1 point each way @ 5/1 1/5 1234 BetVictor Sandown 2.25 A maximum field of 22 assemble for this year’s renewal of the Imperial Cup, a handicap hurdle run over the minimum trip of two miles. The weights are headed by Miranda, one of three runners for Paul Nicholls, who has his team back in decent shape. Samarive is the chosen one of that trio by Nicholls’ stable jockey Harry Cobden and has to be given plenty of respect although he did blow out last time. Neil King runs his exciting handicapper Onemorefortheroad who was last seen when running a stormer at Ascot under Bryony Frost before Christmas when runner up to Tritonic. Only a pound higher now and with Jack Quinlan taking over from Frost he looks likely to be in the shake up if employing his customary front running tactics. Also very much on the short list is Nicky Henderson’s Balco Coastal, a novice stepping into a handicap for the first time off of what appears to be a workable mark. The only downside to his chance has to be the form of the stable who have now gone 23 runners and 19 days since their last win, although to be fair they haven’t run anything of note in that period. If you’re a Constitution Hill/Jonbon/Shishkin fan you’ll be looking for a big run from either him or Lucia in the 3.00 today that’s for sure. Hystery Bere is also worth mentioning as his latest form has been boosted since by the win of Cormier who beat him at Cheltenham. The selection though has to be Onemorefortheroad with a small saver on the favourite Balco Coastal. ONEMOREFORTHEROAD 2 points each way @ 8/1 Betfred 1/5th 123456 BALCO COASTAL 1 point win @ 7/2 William Hill Wolverhampton 2.40 The listed Wulfruna Stakes is run over 7F and has attracted a field of ten today. On official ratings Happy Power comes out best and although he has never run on the all-weather has a definite chance for the in form Andrew Balding team. Internationalangel is an interesting contender who’s chasing her seventh consecutive victory at this trip although they have all been in handicaps and Jane Chapple-Hyam’s five year old takes a step up in grade today. The most interesting runner to me is the Tom Dascombe trained Misty Grey. He’s unbeaten in four outings at the Midlands track and chased home the progressive La Tihaty (runs in 2.05) at Kempton last time out over a mile. Dropping back a furlong should suit and he would have as good a chance as any at his favourite track. The best outsider maybe Rae Guest’s mare Fauvette who beat one of todays rivals Highfield Princess at Chelmsford last time fair and square by 3/4L and although 3lb worse off today shouldn’t be four times the price of that one. The form has subsequently been boosted by the horse that was sandwiched between that pair, Arousing, winning well earlier in the week. MISTY GREY 1 point win 10/3 Bet365 FAUVETTE 1/2 point each way @ 28/1 1/5 1234 William Hill Sandown 3.00 A dozen mares assemble for this listed mares only bumper with a warm favourite in the Milton Harris trained Mullenbeg who was very impressive when bolting up at Cheltenham in a similar contest in January. She runs here in preference to taking on the boys in the Cheltenham Champion bumper next week and must have a major chance. At the prices though I’ll take her on with the Nicky Henderson trained Luccia who made a promising racecourse bow when running away from Blow Your Wad (runner up earlier in the week at Exeter) at Warwick. As a four year old she gets the 10lb age allowance and that may make the difference here with Nico De Boinville taking over from Ben Ffrench Davis who rode her at Warwick. With some firms paying four places she can be backed each way. Flirtatious Girl won this last year and is back to defend her title but this looks a stronger heat than a year ago. LUCCIA 2 points each way @ 13/2 1/5 1234 Bet365 Sandown 3.35 Only six go to post for this novices’ handicap chase with all of the competitors having a chance of sorts. With the ground noticeably drying it may be worth sticking with Charlie Longsdon’s top weight who appears to need good ground. Impressive in winning all three of his starts over fences under Jonathan Burke he looks sure to be competitive here. Paul Nicholls saddles a brace of runners in Flic Ou Voyou and Danny Kirwan with preference with the latter who impressed at Wincanton in a novice chase last time. The drying conditions look likely to be against the Venetia Williams trained Frenchy Du Large who has been pulled out before due to good ground. Killer Kane drops in trip and has claims along with Dorking Lad who’s chasing a hat trick but is creeping up the handicap. A tough race but it’s Scene Not Herd for me. SCENE NOT HERD 2 points win @ 7/2 Bet365

As per last year there will be a Christmas Tipsters competition. There is racing on terrestrial TV for 3 days from Boxing day onwards so I suggest we use these for the competition. At the moment this gives us 21 races. 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 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) Leader-board posted each evening A minimum of 14 bets is required to qualify for any prizes Only bets on that day's thread will be included, bets posted eleswhere will not be included All welcome, good luck.

It’s not for everyone but it’s Shergar Cup day on Saturday at Ascot after a years absence. Once again I’m spending the day looking as much at weather forecasts as form books! It’s already good to soft at Haydock with more rain to come so I’m looking at the two ITV races there as soft ground whilst Ascot as on the slow side of good. If you are playing at Ascot today make sure that you bet with the few firms that are paying 4 places. Anyway here’s my thoughts on the 9 ITV races on Saturday - Ascot 1250 The 5F Dash starts the Shergar meeting and a typically tough race it is. A case can be made for plenty here and stakes should be kept to a minimum. The last two winners of this contest are back in Tis Marvelous (2018) and Stone Of Destiny (2019). The former is arguably the form horse coming here on the back of a good third at the track a fortnight ago. He ideally though would prefer a better surface. Stone Of Destiny tops the weights and hails from the very much in form yard of Andrew Balding’s. He’s been plying his trade in group races recently and a drop back into handicap company can see him do well although he too wouldn’t want the ground any worse than good to soft. STONE OF DESTINY 1 point each way @ 6/1 1/5 1234 Paddy Power Ascot 125 The Shergar Cup Stayers is run over just short of two miles and a good bet here is the Jane Chapple-Hyam trained Uber Cool who will be ridden by James Doyle. The 7 year old gelding defied a 959 day absence to win at Chester on good to soft ground back in May and has been given a ten week break since to get over that effort. He’s been shunted up 5lb but that may not stop this improving horse who’s won 7 of his 14 career starts on ground varying between good to firm to heavy. Call My Bluff is on a hat trick here following wins at Nottingham and Chester and any further easing of the ground will be in his favour. East Asia is maybe the biggest danger though stepping back up to 2 miles following a good 5th over 1m 6F at Newmarket last time. UBER COOL 3 points win @ 10/3 Bet365 Ascot 200 The Shergar Cup Challenge is run over 12F and with the ground easing my two against the field are Sam Cooke and Spanish Kiss. Preference is for the latter who had alternative entries this weekend in the Stayers race and also at Newmarket. William Knight’s gelding was very impressive when winning at York (from subsequent smart winner Live Your Dream) and at Newmarket before a slightly disappointing 5th over 14F here when the race didn’t pan out for him. He’s a pound lower now and has the assistance of UAE based jockey Tadhg O’Shea. Group One Power finished ahead of Sam Cooke at Chester last time but isn’t certain to confirm that form. Spanish Kiss is a confident selection. SPANISH KISS 2 points each way @ 6/1 1/5th 1234 William Hill Haydock 225 A good third to Guru at Ascot last time, Roger Varian’s Frankel colt may handle the likely soft conditions better than his opponents and win this 1 mile handicap. Royal Mews is an interesting runner trained by the Gosden’s but has only run on the all weather so it’s anyone’s guess how he’ll cope with today’s boggy terrain. I’ll stick with the proven soft ground form of Fantastic Fox to be ridden by the owners retained jockey Silvestre De Sousa. FANTASTIC FOX 2 points win @ 15/8 William Hill Ascot 235 Bear Force One EW The Shergar Cup Mile has filled with ten runners and once again has an open look about the race. There was some decent money around last week for Roger Teal’s Bear Force One at Doncaster when trying 10F for the first time. He may have not stayed or possibly needed that run (his first for 104 days) and like last year can win on his third start of the season with Shergar Cup veteran Hayley Turner in the saddle. Likely favourite is Dance Fever who’s third last time out here over 7F is good form. He appears to have a preference for fast ground though and has been pulled out twice in his career because of the ground easing. BEAR FORCE ONE 1 point each way @ 14/1 1/5th 1234 Newmarket 250 The Group 3 Sweet Solera Stakes has attracted 11 runners this season and can go to the favourite Wild Beauty trained locally by Charlie Appleby for the Godolphin operation. The best 2 year old filly I’ve seen this year is the Gosden’s Inspiral who won well at Sandown and had Wild Beauty 3 1/2L back in third that day. That piece of form alone gives her a winning chance today. She had the Gosden second string Sunstrike a neck away in third and should confirm the form today. That was on fast ground and she had previously won at Haydock and Newbury on soft ground so if the showers did change the ground it wouldn’t worry this Frankel filly who will be ridden by William Buick. Majestic Crown is a maiden winner trained by the very much in form Andrew Balding here last month and stepping up in trip is an interesting runner along with Value Theory who may be the biggest threat to the selection. WILD BEAUTY 2 points win @ 5/2 Bet365 Ascot 310 The Shergar Cup Classic is next and is run over 1m 4F. The likely favourite is yet again a favourite today who wouldn’t want any easing of the ground. Barn Owl is a progressive handicapper trained by Roger Charlton but was pulled out because of the softening ground at Goodwood and with doubts about the ground is worth taking on here. Contact maybe the one to be with to small stakes. He probably didn’t truly get home over 1m 6F last time and the drop in trip here looks ideal. CONTACT 1 points each way @ 6/1 1/5 1234 William Hill Ascot 345 The final race on 2021 Shergar Cup day is the Sprint for three year olds and once again the likely favourite looks ground dependent. Royal Scimitar is the form horse following a good 4th in a hot sprint handicap at the Newmarket July meeting but has twice this season been pulled out because of soft ground and with showers forecast is overlooked here. Ed Walkers’s Popmaster was actually a short head ahead of Royal Scimitar at Newmarket and although worse off at the weights may handle the conditions better and has gone on from that run to win at Doncaster on good to soft ground a week ago. Adam Kirby is in the saddle and he’s the selection here. POPMASTER 2 points win @ 9/2 Bet365 Haydock 410 Warm favourite here is the Saeed Bin Suroor trained Real World who did us a favour at Royal Ascot when winning the Royal Hunt Cup in scintillating fashion and has followed up since in the listed Steventon Stakes at Newbury. He’s smart and will be hard to beat but has only run on a fast surface and with showers forecast and with ground conditions at Haydock always likely to turn quickly I’m happy to look elsewhere although it would not surprise me were he to win this. Euchen Glen won’t mind if the ground softens and is a definite player here despite a 3lb penalty but the one I like here is one of the two three year olds in the race in Andrew Balding’s Foxes Tales who’s stepping up from handicap company to today’s Group 3 Rose Of Lancaster Stakes. Impressive when winning at this trip at Royal Ascot in the Golden Gates Handicap he only went down a head in a very competitive handicap at the Newmarket July meeting and won’t mind the ground as his Ascot win was gained on soft ground. I also think Stormy Antarctic can run well on his favoured ground and is worth a saver bet. FOXES TALES 2 points win @ 9/2 Bet365 STORMY ANTARCTIC 1 point win @ 10/1 Paddy Power

Back to form today !! Two returns from the five selections including a 12/1 (30p R4) winner. A profit of 17.6 points on the day. Wednesdays selections will be up very shortly.

More Buck's ran an absolute stinker on Sunday although if you did back Babytaggle without the front two in the betting you did have a winner and he remains one to keep an eye on. The 2.30 at Uttoxeter is a really weak contest where hardly any of them have any credentials which suggests they can win a race. There are two horses here who both come off the back of a maiden point win. I was at Chaddesley Corbett to see That's Me win and it was a very weak contest (the 2nd pulled up next time) which suggests to me that a mark of 92 is too high. To be fair under rules he has been running over shorter and over hurdles so maybe he will improve for 3m and fences as he did when he won last time, but to me he needs to come down the weights even in a weak race like this. The other horse Go On Chez makes much more interest. Again he is going over rules fences for the first time having shown very little over hurdles and shorter trips last year. His 3 runs in points have been good though and although his win was over 2m4f last time I actually think his best run was when he was 2nd at Garthorpe on quick ground in April. The horse who beat him was making his debut and made £45k at the sales and was also giving him 10lbs so I think it was a very good effort. All 3 runs suggest a mark of 78 is one he can win off and in my view they were stronger races than the one That's Me won. He is only 5 so could be finally showing his potential which he wasn't able to do last year. Sometimes in these races something comes from nowhere to win, but outside of Lawtop Legend and Pakie's Dream I couldn't see any dangers to Go On Chez. All bookies apart from Bet365 (who are also shortest price anyway at the time of writing) and BetVictor are going 5 places and it would be disappointing if he wasn't at the very least able to do that. Go On Chez e/w @ 7/1 with William Hill, Betfair, Betfred (5 places)